EP2103728A2 - Drum type washing machine - Google Patents
Drum type washing machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2103728A2 EP2103728A2 EP09150362A EP09150362A EP2103728A2 EP 2103728 A2 EP2103728 A2 EP 2103728A2 EP 09150362 A EP09150362 A EP 09150362A EP 09150362 A EP09150362 A EP 09150362A EP 2103728 A2 EP2103728 A2 EP 2103728A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- water
- circulation
- water tank
- rotary drum
- discharge
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 97
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 403
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims description 58
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims description 58
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 36
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 15
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 12
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 11
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000001965 increasing effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000006399 behavior Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000002269 spontaneous effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000007480 spreading Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000003892 spreading Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010009 beating Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000011001 backwashing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007730 finishing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009545 invasion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008237 rinsing water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008400 supply water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
- D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
- D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
- D06F37/04—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a horizontal or inclined axis
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
- D06F37/26—Casings; Tubs
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/12—Casings; Tubs
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
- D06F37/42—Safety arrangements, e.g. for stopping rotation of the receptacle upon opening of the casing door
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a drum type washing machine having a rotary drum formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom installed in a water tank, for washing the laundry contained in the rotary drum by driving the rotary drum.
- Such drum type washing machine having a circulation function for circulating the water in the water tank by a circulation pump has been known.
- one pump is used selectively in two situations. First, it is used as circulation pump in the washing process and rinsing process, and the rinsing water and washing water are circulated, and it is used for agitating the detergent and washing water to dissolve the detergent smoothly in a first half of washing process. Second it is used as discharge pump in dewatering and draining process. A filter case is provided in the middle of the suction side of the circulation pump in the circulation route, and lint and debris in the suction water are captured. Thus, lint does not get into the circulation pump.
- the circulation pump unit combining the circulation pump section and the filtering section for capturing lint and debris is installed on a platform at the bottom of the outer case of the washing machine.
- the circulation pump unit is mounted on the platform by way of an elastic cushion, propagation of vibration of pump motor to the platform is prevented. As a result, noise by resonance of vibration of pump motor and vibration of outer case is prevented.
- the present invention presents a drum type washing machine having a rotary drum formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom installed in a water tank so that the rotary shaft direction may be horizontal or inclined downward from the horizontal direction from the opened front side to the back side at the bottom, and capable of executing at least one of washing process and rinsing process by driving the rotary drum by a motor, and comprising a water circulation mechanism for circulating the water in the water tank by a circulation pump through a circulation route connected to the water tank, in which the water circulation mechanism has a passage for discharging the circulation water in the rotary drum provided between the front end wall reverse side of the water tank and the front end wall surface of the rotary drum.
- the circulation route is linked to the passage formed between the front end walls of the water tank and rotary drum. Accordingly, every time the water circulation mechanism circulates by sucking the water in the water tank and returning to the water tank in the washing process and/or rinsing process by its circulation pump and circulation route, the circulation water is discharged into the rotary drum from an annular outlet formed in the inner circumferences of the both front end walls through this route without requiring any particular piping. The circulation water is discharged from the annular outlet between the inner circumferences of the front end walls through the passage between the front end walls of the water tank and rotary drum.
- the drum type washing machine in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is specifically described below while referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 9C .
- the following explanation is a specific example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional view of outline structure of a drum type washing machine in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the drum type washing machine of the preferred embodiment is similar to the prior art and operates according to the mode setting or control program, and has functions for executing at least the washing process, rinsing process, dewatering process, and drying process by controlling automatically motor 6, water feed mechanism 7, discharge mechanism 8, and drying mechanism 9.
- drying mechanism 9 is not always required.
- the preferred embodiment also has functions for circulating the water in water tank 3 by water circulation mechanism 16 for encouraging dissolving of detergent, preventing uneven dissolving, and enhancing the washing and rinsing functions, as required, in the washing preparation process, washing process, and rinsing process.
- Water feed mechanism 7 is a mechanism disposed from an external water faucet to water tank 3. Water feed mechanism 7 is designed to supply water appropriately when required by opening or closing of a solenoid valve as indicated by solid line arrow. By making use of water supply, the detergent in a detergent container is properly charged into water tank 3.
- Discharge mechanism 8 is disposed from water tank 3 to external drain. Discharge mechanism 8 is designed to discharge water as indicated by single dot chain line arrow when required, at the end of washing process or at the end of rinsing process, by opening or closing discharge valve 19. Drying mechanism 9 is disposed so as to circulate between blower 12 and water tank 3.
- Drying mechanism 9 has a drying circulation route for circulating the air in water tank 3 and rotary drum 4 by blower 12 as indicated by broken line arrow.
- the drying circulation route contains filter 15 for capturing and removing lint and dust in the feed air from water tank 3 and rotary drum 4.
- the drying circulation route also contains dehumidifying part 10 for removing moisture from the filtered air.
- the drying circulation route contains further a heating part 11 for heating the dehumidified air to produce dry hot air. Blower 12 is disposed at the downstream side of heating part 11 so as to avoid effects of moisture.
- Dehumidifying part 10 and heating part 11 are specifically an evaporator and a condenser for exchanging heat with the circulation air by a refrigerant circulated by compressor 17, and thereby air-conditioner 18 is composed.
- drying mechanism 9 is not limited to this structure alone.
- Water circulation mechanism 16 repeats the cycle of operation by sucking the water in water tank 3 by circulation pump 20, and returning into water tank 3.
- Operation courses, modes and functions are selected by input from operation panel 21 provided in the front upper part of washing machine main body 2.
- Control mechanism 22 indicates the input information in the display area of operation panel 21 to inform the user.
- operation start is set by the input setting unit on operation panel 21, data is entered from water level detector for detecting the water level in water tank 3, and driving is started.
- operation of discharge valve, water feed valve and others is controlled, and operations of washing, dewatering, and drying are started.
- angle ⁇ 20 ⁇ 10 degrees from the horizontal direction.
- the opening of water tank 3 and rotary drum 4 is inclined upward, and the user can easily put in or take out the laundry without bowing or changing the body posture.
- the inclination angle of 20 ⁇ 10 is preferred because the laundry can be easily put in or taken out, in spite of the height difference, by children (excluding infants), adults or wheelchair users.
- Water tank 3 is disposed near rotary drum 4 at similar inclination so that the water may be applied efficiently on the laundry in rotary drum 4.
- a door 5 is provided in washing machine main body 2, and opening 13 of water tank 3 may be opened or closed through seal member 14 fitted at its opening edge.
- Rotary drum 4 is driven continuously at a high rotating speed of, for example, 1000 rpm in the dewatering process. Accordingly, the laundry is entangled, twisted or creased in the washing process or rinsing process, and is stuck in this state to the inner surface of rotary drum 4. As a result, it is hard to take out laundry and it takes time in the process. It is also hard to straighten the twisted and creased laundry.
- the washing process, or the washing process and the rinsing process are controlled in two modes as explained below in order to suppress occurrence of entangling or twisting, and suppress creasing while enhancing the mechanical force.
- First is the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode in which quick normal pivot rotation and quick reverse pivot rotation are repeated alternately in an angle range of rotary drum 4 exceeding 90 degrees to less than 180 degrees.
- Second is the normal and reverse continuous rotation drive mode in which rotary drum 4 is rotated continuously, and alternately in normal and reverse direction at a rotating speed allowing the laundry lifted by rotation of rotary drum 4 to fall from a height exceeding its own weight.
- the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode and the normal and reverse continuous rotation drive mode are executed alternately.
- the laundry is lifted above the maximum limit of 90 degrees to less than 180 degrees.
- sudden braking in the final stage of lifting of the laundry the laundry is stopped, and is peeled off from rotary drum 4 by its inertia and own weight, and is securely dropped to the right or left opposite side of the lifting side by the own weight. Therefore, on the laundry swollen by sufficient water and likely to relax and slip, a strong beating action is applied, and mechanical force acts on the laundry, and the cleaning performance is enhanced.
- the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode is also realized by alternately repeating the pivot rotation drive between quick normal pivot rotation in normal direction and quick normal pivot rotation in reverse direction.
- the lifting position and the dropping position of the laundry can be exchanged alternately right and left in every time of pivot rotation drive. Therefore, the bearing action is further enhanced while suppressing entangling of the laundry, and the number of times of applying mechanical force to the laundry is increased, and the cleaning performance is reinforced.
- the strong beating action mutual entangling of the laundry can be suppressed in the repeated washing and rinsing processes.
- the effective beating and washing in the normal and reverse pivot rotation mode can be executed continuously, and the washing effect and the rinsing effect may be enhanced.
- the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode By the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode only, although entangling, twisting and creasing of the laundry may be suppressed, the laundry is hardly exchanged in the upper and lower positions, and the laundry in the bottom of rotary drum 4 is hardly moved, and the washing effect tends to be uneven.
- the laundry By combining together with the normal and reverse continuous rotation drive mode, the laundry is exchanged in the upper and lower positions. That is, in the normal and reverse continuous rotation drive mode, entangling, twisting and creasing of the laundry is lessened, and in the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode, uneven application of mechanical force to the laundry is lessened. Therefore, by the both modes, two different behaviors can be applied to the laundry in the washing and rinsing process.
- the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode is effective to apply a firm hand-rubbing behavior while suppressing entangling, twisting and creasing of the laundry.
- the normal and reverse continuous rotation drive mode is effective to apply uniform and strong cleaning behavior while suppressing creasing by moving the laundry continuously and broadly.
- the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode is effective for straightening the creased laundry after dewatering, and improving the finishing quality, contributing much to saving of labor in the finishing process.
- the laundry in the drying process is light in weight and hardly sticks to the inner surface of rotary drum 4, and hence the rotation angle of rotary drum 4 is preferably set at over 90 degrees to less than 200 degrees.
- the maximum rotating speed of rotary drum 4 in the normal and reverse continuous rotation drive mode may be 45 ⁇ 5 rpm as usual, and the maximum rotating speed of rotary drum 4 in the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode is preferably 40 rpm or higher in the rinsing process, or 50 rpm or higher after dewatering.
- circulation pump 20 for circulating the water in water tank 3 is mounted on bed plate 2a at the bottom of washing machine main body 2, setting of water circulation route for linking circulation pump 20 and water tank 3 is limited. That is, between circulation pump 20 at fixed side fixed to bed plate 2a and water tank 3 at vibration side, the distance between the connection positions and the position deflection are changed. To absorb such changes, it is required to link by using elastic and flexible hoses or the like. As a result, the hose may deteriorate early due to repeated vibrations or vibratory expansion and shrinkage, and water leak may occur.
- circulation pump 20 for circulating the water in water tank 3 through water circulation route 31 is provided on water tank 3.
- Filter 32 for filtering the circulating water is provided in water suction part 33 for sucking water when circulating water in water tank 3, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view of water suction part and water discharge part of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of water suction part and water discharge part of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment.
- circulation pump 20 when circulation pump 20 is installed in water tank 3, water circulation route 31 for connecting and linking between them is installed in water tank 3 together with circulation pump 20. Therefore, in spite of vibration of water tank 3, the distance between connection positions is not changed, or the position deflection does not occur. Hence, flexible or elastic property is not needed in water circulation route 31 between circulation pump 20 and water tank 3. Water circulation route 31 is required only to circulate water between water tank 3 and circulation pump 20 disposed on water tank 3, and the water in water tank 3 can be circulated by a short and durable piping structure. What is more, circulation pump 20 is not source of vibration for increasing the vibration having effects on the water tank when driving accompanied by biasing of the laundry in rotary drum 4, and the vibration control action for the portion of its weight may be applied to water tank 3.
- Filter 32 is exposed and provided, facing the inside of water tank 3 in water suction part 33 from water tank 3 in water circulation route 31. Therefore, lint is prevented from entering the suction side route 31a of water circulation route 31 or circulation pump 20, and it is maintenance-free.
- both circulation pump 20 and water circulation route 31 is disposed on water tank 3, between the connection positions of circulation pump 20 and water circulation route 31, and between the connection positions of water tank 3 and water circulation route 31, changes of distance or position deflection due to vibration of water tank 3 can be avoided.
- water circulation route 31 is short and simple in piping structure, and flexible and elastic property is not needed, and any material excellent in vibration resistance can be used, specifically resin formed member may be used. Therefore, water circulation route 31 may be formed in simple, less bulky, less costly and durable structure, and the water in water tank 3 can be circulated when necessary, and the function of the washing machine may be enhanced.
- circulation pump 20 is not a significant vibration source for water tank 3, and can suppress increase of vibration of water tank 3 by vibration control action by the own weight, and silent operation and long life will be assured. It is hence preferred to be installed in a lower part in peripheral direction and axial line direction, being in favorable weight balance water tank 3.
- filter 32 is positioned at water suction part 33 from water tank 3 of water circulation route 31, and thereby prevents lint from invading not only into circulation pump 20 but also into water suction side route 31a of water circulation route 31. Accordingly, lint is prevented from being hooked, collected or caught in circulation pump 20 in suction side route 31a, and clogging, damage or breakage of water circulation system 16 my be avoided. Therefore, the circulation operation may be assured safely and stably for a long time without requiring any particular maintenance against lint.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of essential configuration of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment.
- FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C are sectional view, side view, and bottom view of circulation pump used in the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment.
- Circulation pump 20 is, as shown in FIG. 4 , fixed to bottom 3b of water tank 3 by fitting bolt 34 from beneath.
- Discharge side route 31b of water circulation route 31 from circulation pump 20 is directed ahead of washing machine main body 2 at the position of opening 13 of water tank 3, and is extended at an upward inclination of 20 degrees or more in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 . More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A to FIG.
- circulation pump 20 has resin-made pump casing 20b containing impeller 20a fitted integrally at bearing barrier wall 20dl at the front end of metal-made motor casing 20d of circulation motor 20c at the opening end side. Impeller 20a is directly coupled to motor shaft 20e, and it is fitted to resin-made fitting seat 35. Fitting seat 35 has C-shaped fitting pieces 35a at three peripheral positions ( FIG. 5C ). These fitting pieces 35a are fitted, from bottom 3b of water tank 3, to boss parts 3c protruding downward as shown in FIG. 4 , and bolts 34 are driven into boss parts 3c.
- circulation pump 20 can be installed from beneath at bottom 3b of water tank 3, and the axial line of circulation pump 20 is in longitudinal direction, and does not disturb if circulation motor 20c is positioned at the upper side of pump casing 20b.
- circulation pump 20 maybe easily detached from beneath water tank 3 at the time of maintenance.
- Discharge side route 31b from circulation pump 20 located at lower level than bottom 3b of water tank 3 at the rear side of washing machine main body 2 is realized in a piping of shortest length along the inclination or cylindrical shape of rotary drum 4 of water tank 3. That is, complicated structure is not needed for extending at an upward inclination of 20 degrees or more from horizontal direction toward the front part of washing machine main body 2.
- Circulation pump 20 sucks the water in water tank 3 through suction side route 31a, sends into discharge side route 31b, and discharges into water tank 3.
- inclined discharge side route 31b makes smooth air ventilation from pump casing 20b into discharge side route 31b.
- circulation pump 20 does not include air into suction water within pump casing 20b, and so-called air inclusion phenomenon is prevented. In the event of accident, maintenance of circulation pump 20 is easy.
- the inclination angle of rotary drum 4 is 20 ⁇ 10 degrees
- discharge side route 31b inclined upward by 20 degrees or more may exceed the condition setting of inclination angle of rotary drum 4.
- a shortest piping not remote from water tank 3 may be realized.
- Circulation pump 20 is inclined according to the slope of water tank 3 as shown in FIG. 2 , but from the lower part of pump casing 20b having the axial line directed longitudinally, specifically from suction port 20f of L-shape integrally formed in the lower part, water is sucked. Then, from the peripheral wall of water tank 3, specifically through discharge port 20g ( FIG. 4 ) formed integrally in the tangential direction, water is discharged. Accordingly, pump casing 20b and lowest part 31c of water circulation route 31 are located at higher positions than discharge valve 19 provided in discharge route 8a of discharge system 8 for discharging the water in water tank 3 to outside as shown in FIG. 2 , and communicate at height position lower than the level of upstream of discharge valve 19 in discharge route 8a.
- pump casing 20b and lowest part 31c of water circulation route 31 are connected to the upstream position of discharge valve 19 in discharge route 8a by extending at the same level or downward. Therefore, when discharge valve 19 opens, the water in pump casing 20b and water circulation route 31 flows spontaneously and smoothly into discharge route 8a from common lowest part 31c, which is very convenient.
- pump casing 20b and lowest part 31c of water circulation route 31 are the locations of spontaneous flow of residual water in circulation pump 20 of discharge route 8a.
- Discharge route 8a communicates at height position lower than the level of the upstream of discharge valve 19. Therefore, when discharge valve 19 opens and water is discharged, the remaining water in water circulation route 8a and circulation pump 20 is discharged spontaneously through discharge route 8a. Therefore, water circulation route 31 allows to discharge remaining water in circulation pump 20 and other inside parts, together with the discharge water from water tank 3, and any particular discharge mechanism or discharge control is not needed.
- Discharge route 8a and water circulation route 31, as shown in FIG. 2 commonly form and possess water receiving case 37 for receiving water from discharge port 36 and water suction part 33 connected to discharge route 8a of water tank 3.
- Water receiving case 37 includes suction piping region 37a to circulation pump 20 side, and discharge piping region 37b to discharge route 8a side. Accordingly, suction from water suction part 33 and discharge from discharge port 36 of water tank 3 are received in suction piping region 37a and discharge piping region 37b formed in one water receiving case 37, and the water receiving structure and seal structure are simplified.
- Suction to be received in suction piping region 37a corresponds to suction to circulation pump 20 through suction route 31.
- Discharge to be received in discharge piping region 37b corresponds to discharge through discharge route 8a.
- water receiving case 37 receives the remaining water from water circulation route 31 and circulation pump 20, and discharges spontaneously into discharge route 8a by way of discharge piping region 37b. That is, suction from water suction part 33 of water tank 3, and discharge from discharge port 36 are executed in suction piping region 37a and discharge piping region 37b formed in one water receiving case 37 formed integrally. Therefore, by the water receiving structure and the seal structure of simple configuration, low cost, and low maintenance, suction to circulation pump 20 through suction piping region 37a and discharge through discharge piping region 37b can be executed. What is more, when discharging, the remaining water in water circulation route 31 and circulation pump 20 can be spontaneously discharged into discharge route 8a by way of discharge piping region 37b, and any particular residual water treatment is not needed.
- suction piping region 37a and discharge piping region 37b communicate with each other through communication hole 37d provided in the position corresponding to lowest part 31e of barrier ribs 37c between them.
- Communication hole 37d is provided with check valve 38 for checking counter-flow from discharge piping region 37b side to suction piping region 37a side.
- the water in water tank 3 can be circulated favorably by circulation pump 20. Moreover, when water is discharged from discharge route 8a through discharge piping 37b by opening discharge valve 19, the residual water in water circulation route 31 and pump casing 20 opens check valve 38 of communication hole 37d, and flows into discharge piping region 37b side, and hence spontaneous discharge is not disturbed. What is more, the check function of check valve 19 from discharge piping region 37b side to suction piping region 37a side does not require any special mechanism.
- water receiving case 37 may have suction piping region 37a and discharge piping region 37b communicating with each other in a specified range of barrier rib 37c, specifically in an area larger than communication hole 37d, and a filter not shown may be disposed at the communicating position, or an integrally formed strainer may be provided.
- the check valve at the communicating position of suction piping region 37a and discharge piping region 37b may be omitted.
- the suction action from circulation pump 20 may be applied not only to suction piping region 37a but also to discharge piping region 37b through the communicating position. Since discharge valve 19 is closed, the water does not flow over the downstream side of discharge valve 19 of discharge route.
- suction through discharge port 36, discharge piping region 37b and filter and strainer at communicating position can be also executed in parallel, and suction resistance can be lowered without allowing invasion of lint.
- suction resistance can be lowered without allowing invasion of lint.
- the residual water in water circulation route 31 and pump casing 20b does not contain lint, and lint is filtered, and are not captured in suction piping region 37a, and spontaneous discharge to discharge piping region 37b side is not disturbed.
- lint will not flow into the discharge, or if contained, the water flows into discharge piping region 37b side in back washing process, and is discharged spontaneously. Accordingly, any particular maintenance is not needed for removing lint contained in residual water or in suction side route 31a or discharge route 8a.
- Water suction part 33 and filer 32 are located, as shown in FIG. 2 , at higher position than discharge port 36 to which discharge route 8a connected in water tank 3, and at a position less the lowest water level in water circulation mode, thereby not disturbing the flow of water of water tank 3 into discharge port 36.
- filter 32 is fitted to water suction part 33 opened immediately above discharge port 36 opened in lowest position 3d at the peripheral wall of water tank 3. That is, a nearly flat top surface is positioned slightly higher than the peripheral wall inside of water tank 3, so as not to block the flow of water into discharge port 36.
- filter 32 may be formed, in a plan view, in a circular shape or elliptical shape, bulging upward like a dome or a hill. However, it is preferred to limit the height of the lowest position, so that the filter surface may receive the washing flow action as mentioned below, by the flow of water at the time of discharge, even by the discharge from the lowest position.
- water suction part 33 and filer 32 are located at higher position than discharge port 36 of water tank 3, and at a lower position than the lowest water level in water circulation mode, thereby not disturbing the flow of water of water tank 3 into discharge port 36. Accordingly, filter 32 is not separated from water tank 3 while filtering. Hence, lint may be sticking to the surface of filter 32, but it may be washed away as being exposed to the discharge flow when reducing the water volume in water tank 3 or by exposure to the water flow toward discharge port 36. As a result, the lint is discharged together with discharge, along with lint sticking to the filter or strainer in discharge piping region 37b, and lint is not collected in the filter part on every occasion of circulation operation. Hence, any particular maintenance is not required for the lint remaining in the residual water or in the suction side route 31a or discharge route 8a.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of filter of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is a front view of filter mounting part of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment.
- Filter 32 of water suction part 33 is, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6 , opened in water suction part 33, and forms larger covering space 41 than suction port 39 connected to suction side route 31a, and covers suction port 39. Accordingly, filter 32 cooperates with covering space 41 of its inside, and assures a wider water passing area than suction port 39, and the entire water passing area communicates with suction port 39 through covering space 41, and the water passing area is large than suction port 39, so that clogging in water passing process is suppressed.
- the total opening area of filter 32 of water suction part 33 larger than the opening area of suction port 39.
- the water passing area larger than suction port 39 of filter 32 a total opening area larger than the opening area of suction port 39 is assured, clogging is prevented, and water passing resistance is further decreased. Therefore, the water passing area larger than suction port 39 of filter 32 is effectively utilized so s to assure a larger total opening area than the opening area of suction port 39, and clogging is prevented, and pressure loss is further decreased.
- filter 32 is provided or exposed in water tank 3, but may be easily detached from outside of water tank 3. Therefore, filter 32 is installed in washing machine main body 2 at a position not touched accidentally. On the other hand, incidentally, it may be detached or attached not in inside covered by rotary drum 4 at the corresponding opening position of washing machine main body 2, that is, outside of water tank 3 without being disturbed from others. Therefore, filer 32 is not usually touched accidentally, but may be detached easily without external intervention in case of maintenance or servicing.
- filter 32 is detached or attached by sliding back and force from the front side of water tank 3 as shown in FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 , or FIG. 6 . Accordingly, filter 32 is fitted to the inner side of water tank 3, and this fitting position is easy for opening washing machine main body 2, and it is not attached or detached from the front side of water tank 3 accessible by hand. That is, by longitudinal sliding easy to handle, it is possible to attach or detach directly in the passing region of forming part of covering space 41 at the rear side of filter 32. Besides, the portion facing the inside of water tank 3 of filter 32 is formed nearly in a flat shape at least in the longitudinal direction as in the preferred embodiment, and the filter is formed in a flat shape as shown in FIG. 6 , and can be attached and detached in a small space.
- Filter 32 can be attached or detached through filter detaching port 42 directed to the front part on the outer circumference of water tank 3.
- water circulation route 31 is formed, or specifically, covering space 41 is formed as filter compartment communicating with suction side route 31a.
- the forming part of covering space 41 as filter compartment has filter detaching port 42 directed to the front part on the outer circumference of water tank 3.
- Filter 32 at fitting position facing the inside of water tank 3, filters the water in water tank 3 by passing to covering space 41 side as filter compartment, and passes into water circulation route 31, specifically, suction side route 31a.
- filter detaching port 42 of the forming part of covering space 41 as the filter compartment as an opening toward the front part on the outer circumference of water tank 3, as shown in the drawing, it is preferred to open by forming a step part 3f toward the front part on the outer circumference of water tank 3. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , water suction part 33 is provided in the bottom of water collecting part 3e sinking downward from bottom 3b on the peripheral wall of water tank 3 together with discharge port 36. Covering space 41 is opened to the bottom of water collecting part 3e. A recess for opening suction port 39 is provided in the bottom of covering space 41.
- Filter fitting part 42 is opened in the portion forming downward step 3f toward the front part of washing machine main body 2 of water collecting part 34 positioned around bottom 3b of water tank 3 ( FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 ).
- detachable cover 43 is fixed by screw 44.
- filter 32 can be detached by loosening screw 44 of detachable cover 43, and the fitting part of filter 32 is exposed beneath the front part of washing machine main body 2. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
- control unit 45 in washing machine main body 2
- slightly loosening screw 46 by loosening so as to prevent tilting
- the wiring of control unit 45 may be drawn and tilted forward, so that filter 32 may be easily detached, and it may be easily cleaned, repaired or replaced, and the maintenance is easy.
- the forming part of covering space 41 as filter compartment includes filter detaching port 42 directed to the front part, opening 41a exposed so that fitted filter 32 may face the inside of water tank 3, and bottom 41b covering other than covering space 41.
- Water circulation route 31 communicates with bottom 41b.
- the forming part of covering space 41 is formed like a simple box, and is easily formed integrally to the peripheral wall of water tank 3 by simple blanking form through filter detaching port 42, and no particular member is needed in forming. Therefore, the detachable installation structure of filter 32 does not add to the cost.
- heater 71 for heating the circulation water for enhancing the washing and rinsing effect is contained in the forming part of covering space 41 as filter compartment.
- Heater 71 shares filter detaching port 42, and may be detached or attached same as filter 32.
- heater 71 may be detached or attached from outside of water tank 3 by forming an exclusive heater detaching port in addition to filter detaching port 42.
- heater 71. may be disposed in recess 32d at the back side of filer 32, and may be detached or attached simultaneously with filter 32. It requires, however, additional measure of forming an electrical connecting part having an insulating structure from the power feed part provided at the outside of water tank 3 at the fitting position of filter 32.
- filter 32 includes, as shown in FIG. 2 , FIG. 6 , FIG. 7 , inserting part 32a for inserting into covering space 41 through detaching port 42, and range part 32b for sealing detaching port 42 upon completion of insertion into covering space 41.
- Flange part 32b has seal member 47 for sealing detaching port 42 by approaching or contacting the opening front part of detaching port 42 when filler 32 is inserted into covering space 42.
- gripping part 32c is formed at the front side of flange part 32b so as to be detached and attached easily.
- filter detaching port 42 is sealed easily and securely by the action of fitting pressure or mounting pressure on seal member 47 without any particular operation with filter 32 to be mounted, and water leak due to filter detaching and attaching structure may be prevented.
- Inserting part 32a has protruding part 32a1 for discharging as specified or exposing as specified in water tank 3, in the fitting state of filter 32 in opening 41a of covering space 41 of water tank 3 in insertion complete state. Inserting part 32a has further positioning flange 32a2 in wedge shape in side view around protruding part 32a1, excluding flange part 32b, lower than protruding part 32a1 and at inserting side, that is, toward the back side of washing machine main body 2.
- Flange part 32a2 is guided by guide groove 41b of wedge shape in side view formed at the lower side of opening edge of opening 41a of covering space 41 of water tank 3. As a result, inserting part 32a is easily and securely inserted into specified insertion complete position, and is fixed in specified protruding state or exposed state.
- FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C are a front view, a lateral sectional view, and a longitudinal sectional view of duct for connecting between water circulation route and discharge side route of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment.
- Discharge side route 31b of water circulation route 31 is connected from outside to injection port 51, provided in the lowest part of front end wall 3h around opening 13 of water tank 3 as shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 4 , FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C .
- circulation water from discharge side route 31b is injected, and is discharged into rotary drum 4 through passage 52 formed between them.
- injection port 51 of water from discharge side route 31b is located at a position not contacting with the laundry in rotary drum 4, and the laundry is not hooked to disturb the behavior in washing, rinsing or drying process, or the laundry is not damaged or torn.
- passage 52 is formed between front end wall 3h of water tank 3 and front end wall 4b of rotary drum 4, any particular component is not needed, and only seal member 56 is used, and risk of water leak is reduced in simple structure and at low cost.
- the injection effect of circulation water is enhanced by combination of behavior of laundry exchanged in upper and lower positions by normal and reverse continuous rotation drive mode, and the behavior of laundry exchanged in right and left positions by normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode.
- injection port 51 is opened toward the direction of center of rotation of rotary drum 4 as shown in FIG. 9C , at the reverse side of front end wall 3h of water tank 3. More specifically, in passage 52 between front end wall 3h of water tank 3 and front end wall 4b of rotary drum 4, annular outlet 53 is opened and formed. Therefore, the circulation water injecting from injection port 51 is discharged efficiently to the rotation center side of rotary drum 4 in passage 52. Specifically, it is discharged efficiently into the inside rotation region in rotary drum 4 in the radial direction toward annular outlet 53. Therefore, regardless of the amount of the laundry, the circulation water can be supplied efficiently.
- Front end wall 3h of water tank 3 has inclined side 3h1 and curved side 3h2.
- Inclined side 3h1 is inclined to the rear side of washing machine main body 2 from the position corresponding to injection port 51 toward closer to the inner circumference.
- Curved side 3h2 is curved from inclined side 3h1 to the inner circumference, toward the side of opening of rotary drum 4.
- front side wall 3h having inclined side 3h1 and curve side 3h2 the circulation water injected into passage 52 is discharged from inclined side 3h1 along curved side 3h2 as indicated by solid line arrow in FIG. 9C . That is, the circulation water injected into passage 52 is discharged to the inner side of rotary drum 4 through opening in rotary drum 4, so that the circulation water may be supplied to the laundry at high efficiency.
- injection port 51 has connection opening 51a formed at front end wall 3h of water tank 3.
- Injection port 51 injects circulation water from connection port 51a connected to discharge side route 31b into passage 52.
- Injection port 51 is opened in a specified range in peripheral direction toward the rotation center side of rotary drum 4 toward passage 52.
- injection port 51 formed by opening toward passage 52.
- the circulation water from discharge side route 31b is smoothly guided to the side of passage 52 through injection port 51 without causing disturbance, and is stably discharged along with lateral spreading in specified direction from specified region corresponding to peripheral region of injection port 51 of annular outlet 53 in rotary drum 4. Therefore, the circulation water can be effectively supplied regardless of the amount of the laundry in rotary drum 4.
- Injection port 51 is designed to guide the circulation water into the opening of passage 52 at connection end part 55d of discharge side route 31b connected to connection port 51a. Therefore, a mutual and simple shape cooperating with connection end part 55d may be combined with injection port 51 provided at connection port 51a connected to discharge side route 31b for guiding the circulation water to the side of passage 52.
- circulation water can be supplied favorably, regardless of the amount of laundry, such as broad discharge flow width in peripheral direction, discharge flow thickness sufficient in longitudinal direction, or discharge flow speed capable of increasing the water arrival distance.
- the piping structure is not particularly complicated, and water leak risk is not raised, and the cost is not increased.
- Injection port 51 opened nearly in the central position of bottom of front end wall 3h of water tank 3 as shown in FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C .
- Injection port 51 and discharge side route 31b are connected by means of resin duct 55 shown in FIG. 4 , FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C .
- Duct 55 is formed in a flat shape back and forth by adhering two front and rear members 55a, 55b.
- Discharge side route 31b is disposed as being deviated to either right or left direction from the opening position of injection port 51, and is extended forward nearly parallel to the axial line of water tank 3 from circulation pump 20.
- Duct 55 connects between the front end of pipe-shaped discharge side route 31b and injection port 51.
- connection pipe 55c formed integrally at one end of rear member 55b connected to discharge side route 31b as its extension.
- Front member 55a is extended almost horizontally nearly to the lower part of injection port 51 from one end of rear member 55b, and is curved to injection port 51, and connection end part 55d is formed.
- connection end part 55d as shown in FIG. 9C , connection port 55e formed integrally in rear member 55a is formed.
- Connection port 55e is connected to connection port 51a opened at front end wall 3h of water tank 3 through seal member 56, and fixed with screw 57.
- duct 55 connected from connection end part 55d with connection port 51a of front end wall 3h of water tank 3 to circulation pump 20 side extending to the outer circumference of water tank 3 is flat back and forth.
- piping can be installed in a small space between front end wall 3h of water tank 3 and the front wall of washing machine main body 2.
- the circulation water can be straightened to stream width or stream thickness suited to the opening of injection port 51.
- the circulation water can be injected from the connection port 51a toward injection port 51 to be injected into passage 52, and thereby the large peripheral direction discharge width from annular outlet 53, discharge thickness sufficient in longitudinal direction, and discharge speed region capable of increasing the water arrival distance can be satisfied without disturbing the flow.
- the washing and rinsing effect may be further enhanced.
- duct 55 is extended from the outer circumference of water tank 3 downward nearly to connection port 51a of injection port 51 in the lower part of front end wall 3h, and is connected to connection port 51a in the rising part curved to the connection part therefrom. Accordingly, the circulation water straightened into flat flow is guided into connection port 51a and injection port 51 matched in flattening direction without disturbing at the curved shape of the rising part, and is injected into specified region in peripheral direction of passage 52. Hence, the water is discharged stably from annular outlet 53 in a wide range, and the action of circulation water on the laundry is enhanced.
- injection port 51 is formed so as to open toward annular outlet 53 between the upper edge of connection port 51a and arresting wall 5c formed integrally along front end wall 4b side of rotary drum 4 at right angle from connection port 51a opened at front end wall 3h of water tank 3.
- throttling wall 55f is provided for throttling the injection passage smoothly from duct 55 side toward injection port 51 by a smooth curvature.
- the circulation water flows like a parabolic curve while spreading laterally by discharging securely in a specified route behind an upward oblique direction into rotary drum 4, and is supplied to the laundry from a wider range in the rotary drum 4 in a long flight passage.
- the throttling passage may be formed anywhere between connection end part 55d and injection port 51 to connection port 51a of duct 55. That is, the circulation water flowing into injection port 51 provided in connection port 51a is guided into passage 52 side.
- connection port 51 of discharge side route 31b with connection end part 55, the working condition may be satisfied regardless of the amount of laundry, such as large discharge flow width in peripheral direction, discharge flow thickness sufficient in longitudinal direction, or discharge flow speed for increasing the water arrival distance.
- the piping structure is not particularly complicated, and water leak risk is not raised, and the cost is not increased.
- annular rib convex part 4c is formed to cross passage 52 in peripheral direction. Throttling gap S is left between rib convex part 4c and slope 3h1. The position of rib convex part 4c is changed in the radial direction like corrugation. Accordingly, when rotary drum 4 rotates, rib convex part 4c dislocates its crossing position across passage 52 near injection port 51, that is, the forming position of throttling gap S in the radial direction as indicated by three specific positions (indicated by solid line and broken line) in FIG. 9C .
- the circulation water flow passing passage 52 toward annular outlet 53 is either throttled by throttling gap S near annular outlet 53, or throttled by throttling gap S at a position remote from annular outlet 53.
- the angle of the circulation water toward rotary drum 4 is deflected up and down, and the circulation water is deflected in a wide range in the axial direction of rotary drum 4, and applied to the laundry.
- Rib convex part 4c is a discharge guide disposed unevenly in the peripheral direction at the side of front end wall 3h of rotary drum 4. Therefore, the discharge direction of circulation water injected into passage 52 and discharged from annular outlet 53 into rotary drum 4 is disturbed back and forth or is changed. Accordingly, the arrival position of discharged circulation water on the laundry in rotary drum 4 is disturbed back and forth or is changed.
- Such discharge guide acts to disturb back and forth or change the discharge direction in at least one of inner circumference corrugating in peripheral direction, wall surface corrugating back and forth in peripheral direction, rib convex part corrugating or intermittent in peripheral direction by protruding to the passage side, or blade, and obstacle changing the passing resistance of circulation water injected through passage, and these changes are combined as far as possible.
- the circulation water is uniformly applied on the laundry also in the longitudinal direction, and the detergent dissolving effect, washing effect, and rinsing effect are reinforced.
- baffle plate 61 is provided as shown in FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 , in order to prevent suction of laundry.
- the present invention provides a drum type washing machine having a rotary drum formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom installed in a water tank so that the rotary shaft direction may be horizontal or inclined downward from the horizontal direction from the opened front side to the back side at the bottom, and capable of executing at least one of washing process and rinsing process by driving the rotary drum by a motor, and comprising a water circulation mechanism for circulating the water in the water tank by a circulation pump through a circulation route connected to the water tank, in which the water circulation mechanism has a passage for discharging the circulation water in the rotary drum provided between the front end wall reverse side of the water tank and the front end wall surface of the rotary drum.
- the circulation route is linked to the passage formed between the front end walls of the water tank and rotary drum. Accordingly, every time the water circulation mechanism circulates by sucking the water in the water tank and returning to the water tank in the washing process and/or rinsing process by its circulation pump and circulation route, the circulation water is discharged into the rotary drum from an annular outlet formed in the inner circumferences of the both front end walls through this route without requiring any particular piping. The circulation water is discharged from the annular outlet between the inner circumferences of the front end walls through the passage between the front end walls of the water tank and rotary drum. Therefore, the laundry in the rotary drum is not interfered by any hooking or special shape or discharge port or other structure.
- the water circulation system has a connection port connected to the discharge side route from the circulation pump, and an injection port for injecting the circulation water from the connection port to the passage.
- This discharge port is opened in the passage in a specified range in peripheral direction toward the center of rotation of the rotary drum.
- the circulation water from the discharge side route can be smoothly guided to the passage side through the injection port without disturbance. Therefore, the water can be discharged stably in a proper lateral spread in specified direction from specified region corresponding to the peripheral region of the injection port of the annular outlet in the rotary drum.
- the injection port guides the circulation water into the opening to the passage between the discharge side route connected to the connection port and the connection end.
- the injection port provided at the connection port connected to the discharge side route guides the circulation water to the passage side, which is realized in a simple structure combined with the connection end to the connection port of the discharge side route.
- the discharge side route has a duct connected to the circulation pump side along the outer circumference of the water tank from the connection end, and this duct is flat in the longitudinal direction, and forms a throttling passage for throttling and injecting the circulation water toward the opening position to the passage of the injection port together with the discharge port.
- the duct is flat in the longitudinal direction, the required piping space for the duct is saved in the discharge side route between the front end wall of the water tank and the front wall of the washing machine main body.
- the circulation water toward the connection port and injection port can be straightened in a flat and broad flow parallel to the spreading direction of the passage between the front end walls. Afterwards, from the connection port and the injection port to the passage, the circulation water is guided so that the flattening direction may be matched in the spreading direction in the peripheral direction, and is discharged into the rotary drum from the annular outlet matched in the flattening direction.
- connection port of the injection port is positioned in a lower part of the front end wall of the water tank, and the duct is extended in lateral direction from the outer circumferential position of the water tank nearly to the lower part of the connection port of the injection port, and then curved upward to the connection port of the injection port, and is connected to the connection port of the injection port through the upward curved portion.
- the circulation water is straightened into a flat flow, and is guided stably in lateral direction, and is further guided into the connection port smoothly without being disturbed along the curved shape of the upward curved portion.
- the water is stably discharged from a broader annular outlet along the injection port matched in the flattening direction and the passage between the front end walls.
- the passage allows the injected circulation water to be discharged obliquely backward and upward into the rotary drum from the annular outlet formed between the water tank and the front end wall of the rotary drum.
- the discharged circulation water from the annular outlet is spread more broadly in the lateral direction along a long route of a parabolic curved directed obliquely backward and upward into the rotary drum.
- the reverse side of the front end wall of the water tank has a curved surface curved in the rotary drum inside direction at the inner circumferential side.
- the circulation water injected from the injection port into the passage is guided toward a specified discharge direction into the rotary drum by the curved surface on the at the inner circumferential side of the reverse side of the front end wall of the water tank.
- the reverse side of the front end wall of the water tank has a slope inclined in the rotary drum direction from the connection port side of the injection port toward the curved surface.
- the circulation water injected from the injection port to the passage is guided, on the reverse side of the front end wall of the water tank, up to the curved surface by inclining the flow along the slope inclined in the rotary drum direction from the connection port side of the injection port toward the curved surface, and is smoothly discharged into the rotary drum in the direction along the curved surface.
- the inner peripheral end of the front end wall of the water tank is protruding to the side of center of rotation from the inner peripheral end of the rotary drum.
- the front end wall of the rotary drum has a discharge guide part not uniform in the peripheral direction, for disturbing in longitudinal direction or changing the discharge direction of circulation direction into the rotary drum through the passage along with rotation.
- the discharge guide disturbs in longitudinal direction or changes the discharge direction of circulation water discharged into the rotary drum from the annular outlet injected into the passage. Therefore, the arrival position of the discharged circulation water on the laundry in the rotary drum is disturbed longitudinally or changed.
- the discharge guide is formed, on the front end wall of the rotary drum, at least one of inner circumference corrugating in peripheral direction, wall surface corrugating back and forth in peripheral direction, rib convex part or blade corrugating and/or intermittent in peripheral direction by protruding to the passage side, and obstacle changing the passing resistance of circulation water injected through the passage.
- the discharge direction of the circulation water can be disturbed in the longitudinal direction or changed while the circulation water is discharged.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine having a rotary drum formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom installed in a water tank, for washing the laundry contained in the rotary drum by driving the rotary drum.
- Such drum type washing machine having a circulation function for circulating the water in the water tank by a circulation pump has been known.
- For example, in Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
11-276791 - In Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
2005-58741 - In Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
2006-223572 - In Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
2006-239142 - However, these technologies about water circulation disclosed in patent documents 1 to 4 are commonly designed to inject the circulation water from the piping end into the rotary drum. As a result, the circulation water is injected only to local parts of the laundry in the rotary drum, and the circulation effect cannot be utilized sufficiently. In the technologies disclosed in
patent documents patent documents - It is hence an object of the present invention to present a drum type washing machine simple in discharge structure for circulation of water in the water tank by a circulation pump into a rotary drum of circulation water by discharge side route from the circulation pump.
- The present invention presents a drum type washing machine having a rotary drum formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom installed in a water tank so that the rotary shaft direction may be horizontal or inclined downward from the horizontal direction from the opened front side to the back side at the bottom, and capable of executing at least one of washing process and rinsing process by driving the rotary drum by a motor, and comprising a water circulation mechanism for circulating the water in the water tank by a circulation pump through a circulation route connected to the water tank, in which the water circulation mechanism has a passage for discharging the circulation water in the rotary drum provided between the front end wall reverse side of the water tank and the front end wall surface of the rotary drum.
- In this configuration, only by connecting the circulation route to the front end wall of the water tank, the circulation route is linked to the passage formed between the front end walls of the water tank and rotary drum. Accordingly, every time the water circulation mechanism circulates by sucking the water in the water tank and returning to the water tank in the washing process and/or rinsing process by its circulation pump and circulation route, the circulation water is discharged into the rotary drum from an annular outlet formed in the inner circumferences of the both front end walls through this route without requiring any particular piping. The circulation water is discharged from the annular outlet between the inner circumferences of the front end walls through the passage between the front end walls of the water tank and rotary drum.
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FIG. 1 is a sectional view of outline structure of a drum type washing machine in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of water suction part and water discharge part of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 3 is a plan view of water suction part and water discharge part of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of essential configuration of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 5A is a sectional view of circulation pump used in the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 5B is a side view of circulation pump used in the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 5C is a bottom view of circulation pump used in the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of filter of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 7 is a front view of filter mounting part of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of front part of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 9A is a front view of duct for connecting between water circulation route and discharge side route of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 9B is a lateral sectional view of duct for connecting between water circulation route and discharge side route of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 9C is a longitudinal sectional view of duct for connecting between water circulation route and discharge side route of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment. - The drum type washing machine in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is specifically described below while referring to
FIG. 1 to FIG. 9C . The following explanation is a specific example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. -
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of outline structure of a drum type washing machine in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 1 , the drum type washing machine of the preferred embodiment is similar to the prior art and operates according to the mode setting or control program, and has functions for executing at least the washing process, rinsing process, dewatering process, and drying process by controlling automatically motor 6,water feed mechanism 7,discharge mechanism 8, anddrying mechanism 9. However,drying mechanism 9 is not always required. - In addition, the preferred embodiment also has functions for circulating the water in
water tank 3 bywater circulation mechanism 16 for encouraging dissolving of detergent, preventing uneven dissolving, and enhancing the washing and rinsing functions, as required, in the washing preparation process, washing process, and rinsing process.Water feed mechanism 7 is a mechanism disposed from an external water faucet towater tank 3.Water feed mechanism 7 is designed to supply water appropriately when required by opening or closing of a solenoid valve as indicated by solid line arrow. By making use of water supply, the detergent in a detergent container is properly charged intowater tank 3. -
Discharge mechanism 8 is disposed fromwater tank 3 to external drain.Discharge mechanism 8 is designed to discharge water as indicated by single dot chain line arrow when required, at the end of washing process or at the end of rinsing process, by opening orclosing discharge valve 19.Drying mechanism 9 is disposed so as to circulate betweenblower 12 andwater tank 3. -
Drying mechanism 9 has a drying circulation route for circulating the air inwater tank 3 androtary drum 4 byblower 12 as indicated by broken line arrow. The drying circulation route containsfilter 15 for capturing and removing lint and dust in the feed air fromwater tank 3 androtary drum 4. The drying circulation route also containsdehumidifying part 10 for removing moisture from the filtered air. The drying circulation route contains further aheating part 11 for heating the dehumidified air to produce dry hot air.Blower 12 is disposed at the downstream side ofheating part 11 so as to avoid effects of moisture. Dehumidifyingpart 10 andheating part 11 are specifically an evaporator and a condenser for exchanging heat with the circulation air by a refrigerant circulated bycompressor 17, and thereby air-conditioner 18 is composed. However,drying mechanism 9 is not limited to this structure alone. -
Water circulation mechanism 16 repeats the cycle of operation by sucking the water inwater tank 3 bycirculation pump 20, and returning intowater tank 3. - Operation courses, modes and functions are selected by input from
operation panel 21 provided in the front upper part of washing machinemain body 2.Control mechanism 22 indicates the input information in the display area ofoperation panel 21 to inform the user. When operation start is set by the input setting unit onoperation panel 21, data is entered from water level detector for detecting the water level inwater tank 3, and driving is started. As a result, operation of discharge valve, water feed valve and others is controlled, and operations of washing, dewatering, and drying are started. - In
rotary drum 4,motor 6 installed inwater tank 3 is directly coupled onrotary shaft 4a, and is installed together withwater tank 3 from the opening side toward the bottom side in the rotary shaft direction at an inclination of angle θ =20±10 degrees from the horizontal direction. As compared with installation in the horizontal direction, ifrotary drum 4 is installed at same height, the opening ofwater tank 3 androtary drum 4 is inclined upward, and the user can easily put in or take out the laundry without bowing or changing the body posture. In particular, according to the experience of the inventors, the inclination angle of 20±10 is preferred because the laundry can be easily put in or taken out, in spite of the height difference, by children (excluding infants), adults or wheelchair users. Besides, if the volume of water collected inrotary drum 4 is not enough to reach the back side, a deep water pool is obtained.Water tank 3 is disposed nearrotary drum 4 at similar inclination so that the water may be applied efficiently on the laundry inrotary drum 4. Adoor 5 is provided in washing machinemain body 2, and opening 13 ofwater tank 3 may be opened or closed throughseal member 14 fitted at its opening edge. -
Rotary drum 4 is driven continuously at a high rotating speed of, for example, 1000 rpm in the dewatering process. Accordingly, the laundry is entangled, twisted or creased in the washing process or rinsing process, and is stuck in this state to the inner surface ofrotary drum 4. As a result, it is hard to take out laundry and it takes time in the process. It is also hard to straighten the twisted and creased laundry. - To solve this problem, in the preferred embodiment, the washing process, or the washing process and the rinsing process are controlled in two modes as explained below in order to suppress occurrence of entangling or twisting, and suppress creasing while enhancing the mechanical force. First is the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode in which quick normal pivot rotation and quick reverse pivot rotation are repeated alternately in an angle range of
rotary drum 4 exceeding 90 degrees to less than 180 degrees. Second is the normal and reverse continuous rotation drive mode in whichrotary drum 4 is rotated continuously, and alternately in normal and reverse direction at a rotating speed allowing the laundry lifted by rotation ofrotary drum 4 to fall from a height exceeding its own weight. In the washing process, or in the washing process and rinsing process, the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode and the normal and reverse continuous rotation drive mode are executed alternately. Thus, by such quick pivot rotation and sudden braking in an angle range ofrotary drum 4 exceeding 90 degrees to less than 180 degrees, the laundry is lifted above the maximum limit of 90 degrees to less than 180 degrees. Further, by sudden braking in the final stage of lifting of the laundry, the laundry is stopped, and is peeled off fromrotary drum 4 by its inertia and own weight, and is securely dropped to the right or left opposite side of the lifting side by the own weight. Therefore, on the laundry swollen by sufficient water and likely to relax and slip, a strong beating action is applied, and mechanical force acts on the laundry, and the cleaning performance is enhanced. The normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode is also realized by alternately repeating the pivot rotation drive between quick normal pivot rotation in normal direction and quick normal pivot rotation in reverse direction. As a result, by normal and reverse alternate quick pivot rotation drive, the lifting position and the dropping position of the laundry can be exchanged alternately right and left in every time of pivot rotation drive. Therefore, the bearing action is further enhanced while suppressing entangling of the laundry, and the number of times of applying mechanical force to the laundry is increased, and the cleaning performance is reinforced. Besides, by the strong beating action, mutual entangling of the laundry can be suppressed in the repeated washing and rinsing processes. Thus, the effective beating and washing in the normal and reverse pivot rotation mode can be executed continuously, and the washing effect and the rinsing effect may be enhanced. - By the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode only, although entangling, twisting and creasing of the laundry may be suppressed, the laundry is hardly exchanged in the upper and lower positions, and the laundry in the bottom of
rotary drum 4 is hardly moved, and the washing effect tends to be uneven. By combining together with the normal and reverse continuous rotation drive mode, the laundry is exchanged in the upper and lower positions. That is, in the normal and reverse continuous rotation drive mode, entangling, twisting and creasing of the laundry is lessened, and in the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode, uneven application of mechanical force to the laundry is lessened. Therefore, by the both modes, two different behaviors can be applied to the laundry in the washing and rinsing process. More specifically, the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode is effective to apply a firm hand-rubbing behavior while suppressing entangling, twisting and creasing of the laundry. The normal and reverse continuous rotation drive mode is effective to apply uniform and strong cleaning behavior while suppressing creasing by moving the laundry continuously and broadly. - In the drying process, in particular, the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode is effective for straightening the creased laundry after dewatering, and improving the finishing quality, contributing much to saving of labor in the finishing process. However, the laundry in the drying process is light in weight and hardly sticks to the inner surface of
rotary drum 4, and hence the rotation angle ofrotary drum 4 is preferably set at over 90 degrees to less than 200 degrees. - The maximum rotating speed of
rotary drum 4 in the normal and reverse continuous rotation drive mode may be 45±5 rpm as usual, and the maximum rotating speed ofrotary drum 4 in the normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode is preferably 40 rpm or higher in the rinsing process, or 50 rpm or higher after dewatering. - Incidentally, as in the prior art, when
circulation pump 20 for circulating the water inwater tank 3 is mounted onbed plate 2a at the bottom of washing machinemain body 2, setting of water circulation route for linkingcirculation pump 20 andwater tank 3 is limited. That is, betweencirculation pump 20 at fixed side fixed tobed plate 2a andwater tank 3 at vibration side, the distance between the connection positions and the position deflection are changed. To absorb such changes, it is required to link by using elastic and flexible hoses or the like. As a result, the hose may deteriorate early due to repeated vibrations or vibratory expansion and shrinkage, and water leak may occur. - In the preferred embodiment, therefore,
circulation pump 20 for circulating the water inwater tank 3 throughwater circulation route 31 is provided onwater tank 3.Filter 32 for filtering the circulating water is provided inwater suction part 33 for sucking water when circulating water inwater tank 3, as shown inFIG. 2 andFIG. 3 .FIG. 2 is a sectional view of water suction part and water discharge part of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment.FIG. 3 is a plan view of water suction part and water discharge part of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment. - Thus, when
circulation pump 20 is installed inwater tank 3,water circulation route 31 for connecting and linking between them is installed inwater tank 3 together withcirculation pump 20. Therefore, in spite of vibration ofwater tank 3, the distance between connection positions is not changed, or the position deflection does not occur. Hence, flexible or elastic property is not needed inwater circulation route 31 betweencirculation pump 20 andwater tank 3.Water circulation route 31 is required only to circulate water betweenwater tank 3 andcirculation pump 20 disposed onwater tank 3, and the water inwater tank 3 can be circulated by a short and durable piping structure. What is more,circulation pump 20 is not source of vibration for increasing the vibration having effects on the water tank when driving accompanied by biasing of the laundry inrotary drum 4, and the vibration control action for the portion of its weight may be applied towater tank 3. -
Filter 32 is exposed and provided, facing the inside ofwater tank 3 inwater suction part 33 fromwater tank 3 inwater circulation route 31. Therefore, lint is prevented from entering thesuction side route 31a ofwater circulation route 31 orcirculation pump 20, and it is maintenance-free. - Thus, since both
circulation pump 20 andwater circulation route 31 is disposed onwater tank 3, between the connection positions ofcirculation pump 20 andwater circulation route 31, and between the connection positions ofwater tank 3 andwater circulation route 31, changes of distance or position deflection due to vibration ofwater tank 3 can be avoided. Moreover, sincewater circulation route 31 is short and simple in piping structure, and flexible and elastic property is not needed, and any material excellent in vibration resistance can be used, specifically resin formed member may be used. Therefore,water circulation route 31 may be formed in simple, less bulky, less costly and durable structure, and the water inwater tank 3 can be circulated when necessary, and the function of the washing machine may be enhanced. Besides,circulation pump 20 is not a significant vibration source forwater tank 3, and can suppress increase of vibration ofwater tank 3 by vibration control action by the own weight, and silent operation and long life will be assured. It is hence preferred to be installed in a lower part in peripheral direction and axial line direction, being in favorable weightbalance water tank 3. Further,filter 32 is positioned atwater suction part 33 fromwater tank 3 ofwater circulation route 31, and thereby prevents lint from invading not only intocirculation pump 20 but also into watersuction side route 31a ofwater circulation route 31. Accordingly, lint is prevented from being hooked, collected or caught incirculation pump 20 insuction side route 31a, and clogging, damage or breakage ofwater circulation system 16 my be avoided. Therefore, the circulation operation may be assured safely and stably for a long time without requiring any particular maintenance against lint. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of essential configuration of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment.FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C are sectional view, side view, and bottom view of circulation pump used in the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment.Circulation pump 20 is, as shown inFIG. 4 , fixed to bottom 3b ofwater tank 3 by fittingbolt 34 from beneath.Discharge side route 31b ofwater circulation route 31 fromcirculation pump 20 is directed ahead of washing machinemain body 2 at the position of opening 13 ofwater tank 3, and is extended at an upward inclination of 20 degrees or more in the horizontal direction as shown inFIG. 1 to FIG. 4 . More specifically, as shown inFIG. 5A to FIG. 5C ,circulation pump 20 has resin-madepump casing 20b containing impeller 20a fitted integrally at bearing barrier wall 20dl at the front end of metal-mademotor casing 20d ofcirculation motor 20c at the opening end side.Impeller 20a is directly coupled tomotor shaft 20e, and it is fitted to resin-madefitting seat 35. Fittingseat 35 has C-shapedfitting pieces 35a at three peripheral positions (FIG. 5C ). Thesefitting pieces 35a are fitted, from bottom 3b ofwater tank 3, toboss parts 3c protruding downward as shown inFIG. 4 , andbolts 34 are driven intoboss parts 3c. Thus,circulation pump 20 can be installed from beneath atbottom 3b ofwater tank 3, and the axial line ofcirculation pump 20 is in longitudinal direction, and does not disturb ifcirculation motor 20c is positioned at the upper side ofpump casing 20b. - Thus,
circulation pump 20 maybe easily detached from beneathwater tank 3 at the time of maintenance.Discharge side route 31b fromcirculation pump 20 located at lower level than bottom 3b ofwater tank 3 at the rear side of washing machinemain body 2 is realized in a piping of shortest length along the inclination or cylindrical shape ofrotary drum 4 ofwater tank 3. That is, complicated structure is not needed for extending at an upward inclination of 20 degrees or more from horizontal direction toward the front part of washing machinemain body 2.Circulation pump 20 sucks the water inwater tank 3 throughsuction side route 31a, sends intodischarge side route 31b, and discharges intowater tank 3. At this time, inclineddischarge side route 31b makes smooth air ventilation frompump casing 20b intodischarge side route 31b. Hence,circulation pump 20 does not include air into suction water withinpump casing 20b, and so-called air inclusion phenomenon is prevented. In the event of accident, maintenance ofcirculation pump 20 is easy. When the inclination angle ofrotary drum 4 is 20±10 degrees,discharge side route 31b inclined upward by 20 degrees or more may exceed the condition setting of inclination angle ofrotary drum 4. However, when the curvature shape of cylindrical surface in peripheral direction ofwater tank 3 is combined and utilized, a shortest piping not remote fromwater tank 3 may be realized. -
Circulation pump 20 is inclined according to the slope ofwater tank 3 as shown inFIG. 2 , but from the lower part ofpump casing 20b having the axial line directed longitudinally, specifically fromsuction port 20f of L-shape integrally formed in the lower part, water is sucked. Then, from the peripheral wall ofwater tank 3, specifically throughdischarge port 20g (FIG. 4 ) formed integrally in the tangential direction, water is discharged. Accordingly,pump casing 20b andlowest part 31c ofwater circulation route 31 are located at higher positions thandischarge valve 19 provided indischarge route 8a ofdischarge system 8 for discharging the water inwater tank 3 to outside as shown inFIG. 2 , and communicate at height position lower than the level of upstream ofdischarge valve 19 indischarge route 8a. That is,pump casing 20b andlowest part 31c ofwater circulation route 31 are connected to the upstream position ofdischarge valve 19 indischarge route 8a by extending at the same level or downward. Therefore, whendischarge valve 19 opens, the water inpump casing 20b andwater circulation route 31 flows spontaneously and smoothly intodischarge route 8a from commonlowest part 31c, which is very convenient. - As a result,
pump casing 20b andlowest part 31c ofwater circulation route 31 are the locations of spontaneous flow of residual water incirculation pump 20 ofdischarge route 8a.Discharge route 8a communicates at height position lower than the level of the upstream ofdischarge valve 19. Therefore, whendischarge valve 19 opens and water is discharged, the remaining water inwater circulation route 8a andcirculation pump 20 is discharged spontaneously throughdischarge route 8a. Therefore,water circulation route 31 allows to discharge remaining water incirculation pump 20 and other inside parts, together with the discharge water fromwater tank 3, and any particular discharge mechanism or discharge control is not needed. -
Discharge route 8a andwater circulation route 31, as shown inFIG. 2 , commonly form and possesswater receiving case 37 for receiving water fromdischarge port 36 andwater suction part 33 connected to dischargeroute 8a ofwater tank 3.Water receiving case 37 includessuction piping region 37a tocirculation pump 20 side, and dischargepiping region 37b to dischargeroute 8a side. Accordingly, suction fromwater suction part 33 and discharge fromdischarge port 36 ofwater tank 3 are received insuction piping region 37a and dischargepiping region 37b formed in onewater receiving case 37, and the water receiving structure and seal structure are simplified. Suction to be received insuction piping region 37a corresponds to suction tocirculation pump 20 throughsuction route 31. Discharge to be received indischarge piping region 37b corresponds to discharge throughdischarge route 8a. In such corresponding relation, when discharging,water receiving case 37 receives the remaining water fromwater circulation route 31 andcirculation pump 20, and discharges spontaneously intodischarge route 8a by way ofdischarge piping region 37b. That is, suction fromwater suction part 33 ofwater tank 3, and discharge fromdischarge port 36 are executed insuction piping region 37a and dischargepiping region 37b formed in onewater receiving case 37 formed integrally. Therefore, by the water receiving structure and the seal structure of simple configuration, low cost, and low maintenance, suction tocirculation pump 20 throughsuction piping region 37a and discharge throughdischarge piping region 37b can be executed. What is more, when discharging, the remaining water inwater circulation route 31 andcirculation pump 20 can be spontaneously discharged intodischarge route 8a by way ofdischarge piping region 37b, and any particular residual water treatment is not needed. - For discharging, in the preferred embodiment, in
water receiving case 37, as shown inFIG. 2 ,suction piping region 37a and dischargepiping region 37b communicate with each other throughcommunication hole 37d provided in the position corresponding to lowest part 31e of barrier ribs 37c between them.Communication hole 37d is provided withcheck valve 38 for checking counter-flow fromdischarge piping region 37b side tosuction piping region 37a side. By the check function ofcheck valve 38 to prevent counter-flow fromdischarge piping region 37b side to suction piping region 87a side, when sucking intocirculation pump 20 fromwater suction part 33 throughfilter 32,suction piping region 37a andsuction side route 31a, water containing lint fromdischarge piping region 37b will not flow intosuction piping region 37a side. Therefore, the water inwater tank 3 can be circulated favorably bycirculation pump 20. Moreover, when water is discharged fromdischarge route 8a through discharge piping 37b by openingdischarge valve 19, the residual water inwater circulation route 31 andpump casing 20 openscheck valve 38 ofcommunication hole 37d, and flows intodischarge piping region 37b side, and hence spontaneous discharge is not disturbed. What is more, the check function ofcheck valve 19 fromdischarge piping region 37b side tosuction piping region 37a side does not require any special mechanism. - Not limited to the preferred embodiment,
water receiving case 37 may havesuction piping region 37a and dischargepiping region 37b communicating with each other in a specified range of barrier rib 37c, specifically in an area larger thancommunication hole 37d, and a filter not shown may be disposed at the communicating position, or an integrally formed strainer may be provided. As a result, the check valve at the communicating position ofsuction piping region 37a and dischargepiping region 37b may be omitted. Hence, the suction action fromcirculation pump 20 may be applied not only to suctionpiping region 37a but also to dischargepiping region 37b through the communicating position. Sincedischarge valve 19 is closed, the water does not flow over the downstream side ofdischarge valve 19 of discharge route. Therefore, in addition to the suction fromwater sucking part 33 throughfilter 32 andsuction piping region 37a, suction throughdischarge port 36,discharge piping region 37b and filter and strainer at communicating position can be also executed in parallel, and suction resistance can be lowered without allowing invasion of lint. Moreover, when water is discharged fromdischarge route 8a throughdischarge piping region 37b by openingdischarge valve 19, the residual water inwater circulation route 31 andpump casing 20 flows intodischarge piping region 37b side through the filter and strainer at the communicating position, and hence spontaneous discharge is not disturbed. What is more, the residual water inwater circulation route 31 andpump casing 20b does not contain lint, and lint is filtered, and are not captured insuction piping region 37a, and spontaneous discharge to dischargepiping region 37b side is not disturbed. To the contrary, at the time of suction to dischargepiping region 37b side of filter or strainer, lint will not flow into the discharge, or if contained, the water flows intodischarge piping region 37b side in back washing process, and is discharged spontaneously. Accordingly, any particular maintenance is not needed for removing lint contained in residual water or insuction side route 31a ordischarge route 8a. -
Water suction part 33 andfiler 32 are located, as shown inFIG. 2 , at higher position thandischarge port 36 to whichdischarge route 8a connected inwater tank 3, and at a position less the lowest water level in water circulation mode, thereby not disturbing the flow of water ofwater tank 3 intodischarge port 36. In the preferred embodiment,filter 32 is fitted towater suction part 33 opened immediately abovedischarge port 36 opened inlowest position 3d at the peripheral wall ofwater tank 3. That is, a nearly flat top surface is positioned slightly higher than the peripheral wall inside ofwater tank 3, so as not to block the flow of water intodischarge port 36. For this purpose, filter 32 may be formed, in a plan view, in a circular shape or elliptical shape, bulging upward like a dome or a hill. However, it is preferred to limit the height of the lowest position, so that the filter surface may receive the washing flow action as mentioned below, by the flow of water at the time of discharge, even by the discharge from the lowest position. - Thus, in the preferred embodiment,
water suction part 33 andfiler 32 are located at higher position thandischarge port 36 ofwater tank 3, and at a lower position than the lowest water level in water circulation mode, thereby not disturbing the flow of water ofwater tank 3 intodischarge port 36. Accordingly, filter 32 is not separated fromwater tank 3 while filtering. Hence, lint may be sticking to the surface offilter 32, but it may be washed away as being exposed to the discharge flow when reducing the water volume inwater tank 3 or by exposure to the water flow towarddischarge port 36. As a result, the lint is discharged together with discharge, along with lint sticking to the filter or strainer indischarge piping region 37b, and lint is not collected in the filter part on every occasion of circulation operation. Hence, any particular maintenance is not required for the lint remaining in the residual water or in thesuction side route 31a ordischarge route 8a. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of filter of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment.FIG. 7 is a front view of filter mounting part of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment.Filter 32 ofwater suction part 33 is, as shown inFIG. 2 andFIG. 6 , opened inwater suction part 33, and formslarger covering space 41 thansuction port 39 connected tosuction side route 31a, and coverssuction port 39. Accordingly, filter 32 cooperates with coveringspace 41 of its inside, and assures a wider water passing area thansuction port 39, and the entire water passing area communicates withsuction port 39 through coveringspace 41, and the water passing area is large thansuction port 39, so that clogging in water passing process is suppressed. At the same time, together with the washing flow caused in the water tank, pressure loss due to clogging is suppressed, and it is easier to assure a specified flow rate in circulation. For this purpose, it is preferred to set the total opening area offilter 32 ofwater suction part 33 larger than the opening area ofsuction port 39. As a result, in the water passing area larger thansuction port 39 offilter 32, a total opening area larger than the opening area ofsuction port 39 is assured, clogging is prevented, and water passing resistance is further decreased. Therefore, the water passing area larger thansuction port 39 offilter 32 is effectively utilized so s to assure a larger total opening area than the opening area ofsuction port 39, and clogging is prevented, and pressure loss is further decreased. - Herein, as disclosed in
patent document 3, if the filter outlet is positioned at the front side of washing machinemain body 2, the filtering mounting part of the washing machine may be accidentally touched by child's play or careless user. In the preferred embodiment, by contrast,filter 32 is provided or exposed inwater tank 3, but may be easily detached from outside ofwater tank 3. Therefore, filter 32 is installed in washing machinemain body 2 at a position not touched accidentally. On the other hand, incidentally, it may be detached or attached not in inside covered byrotary drum 4 at the corresponding opening position of washing machinemain body 2, that is, outside ofwater tank 3 without being disturbed from others. Therefore,filer 32 is not usually touched accidentally, but may be detached easily without external intervention in case of maintenance or servicing. - Accordingly, filter 32 is detached or attached by sliding back and force from the front side of
water tank 3 as shown inFIG. 2 ,FIG. 3 ,FIG. 4 , orFIG. 6 . Accordingly, filter 32 is fitted to the inner side ofwater tank 3, and this fitting position is easy for opening washing machinemain body 2, and it is not attached or detached from the front side ofwater tank 3 accessible by hand. That is, by longitudinal sliding easy to handle, it is possible to attach or detach directly in the passing region of forming part of coveringspace 41 at the rear side offilter 32. Besides, the portion facing the inside ofwater tank 3 offilter 32 is formed nearly in a flat shape at least in the longitudinal direction as in the preferred embodiment, and the filter is formed in a flat shape as shown inFIG. 6 , and can be attached and detached in a small space. -
Filter 32 can be attached or detached throughfilter detaching port 42 directed to the front part on the outer circumference ofwater tank 3. At the reverse side of attachedfilter 32,water circulation route 31 is formed, or specifically, coveringspace 41 is formed as filter compartment communicating withsuction side route 31a. Thus, the forming part of coveringspace 41 as filter compartment hasfilter detaching port 42 directed to the front part on the outer circumference ofwater tank 3. Hence, for slidingfilter 32 back and forth for attaching or detaching, fromfilter detaching port 42 to filter fitting position, a short stroke nearly equal to filtering region is realized.Filter 32, at fitting position facing the inside ofwater tank 3, filters the water inwater tank 3 by passing to coveringspace 41 side as filter compartment, and passes intowater circulation route 31, specifically,suction side route 31a. Incidentally, in order to formfilter detaching port 42 of the forming part of coveringspace 41 as the filter compartment as an opening toward the front part on the outer circumference ofwater tank 3, as shown in the drawing, it is preferred to open by forming astep part 3f toward the front part on the outer circumference ofwater tank 3. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 2 ,FIG. 3 ,water suction part 33 is provided in the bottom ofwater collecting part 3e sinking downward from bottom 3b on the peripheral wall ofwater tank 3 together withdischarge port 36. Coveringspace 41 is opened to the bottom ofwater collecting part 3e. A recess for openingsuction port 39 is provided in the bottom of coveringspace 41.Filter fitting part 42 is opened in the portion formingdownward step 3f toward the front part of washing machinemain body 2 ofwater collecting part 34 positioned aroundbottom 3b of water tank 3 (FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 ). In the front lower part of washing machinemain body 2,detachable cover 43 is fixed byscrew 44. In the event of trouble, as shown inFIG. 8 , filter 32 can be detached by looseningscrew 44 ofdetachable cover 43, and the fitting part offilter 32 is exposed beneath the front part of washing machinemain body 2. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 8 , if there is obstacle such ascontrol unit 45 in washing machinemain body 2, by slightly looseningscrew 46, by loosening so as to prevent tilting, and the wiring ofcontrol unit 45 may be drawn and tilted forward, so thatfilter 32 may be easily detached, and it may be easily cleaned, repaired or replaced, and the maintenance is easy. - Herein, the forming part of covering
space 41 as filter compartment includesfilter detaching port 42 directed to the front part, opening 41a exposed so that fittedfilter 32 may face the inside ofwater tank 3, and bottom 41b covering other than coveringspace 41.Water circulation route 31 communicates withbottom 41b. Thus, the forming part of coveringspace 41 is formed like a simple box, and is easily formed integrally to the peripheral wall ofwater tank 3 by simple blanking form throughfilter detaching port 42, and no particular member is needed in forming. Therefore, the detachable installation structure offilter 32 does not add to the cost. - As shown in
FIG. 2 ,heater 71 for heating the circulation water for enhancing the washing and rinsing effect is contained in the forming part of coveringspace 41 as filter compartment.Heater 71 sharesfilter detaching port 42, and may be detached or attached same asfilter 32. Alternatively,heater 71 may be detached or attached from outside ofwater tank 3 by forming an exclusive heater detaching port in addition tofilter detaching port 42. Or, as shown inFIG. 2 ,heater 71. may be disposed inrecess 32d at the back side offiler 32, and may be detached or attached simultaneously withfilter 32. It requires, however, additional measure of forming an electrical connecting part having an insulating structure from the power feed part provided at the outside ofwater tank 3 at the fitting position offilter 32. - More specifically, in the preferred embodiment,
filter 32 includes, as shown inFIG. 2 ,FIG. 6 ,FIG. 7 , insertingpart 32a for inserting into coveringspace 41 through detachingport 42, and rangepart 32b for sealing detachingport 42 upon completion of insertion into coveringspace 41.Flange part 32b hasseal member 47 for sealing detachingport 42 by approaching or contacting the opening front part of detachingport 42 whenfiller 32 is inserted into coveringspace 42. Further, in insertingpart 32a,filter 32 is drilled and forming by a forming die, andgripping part 32c is formed at the front side offlange part 32b so as to be detached and attached easily. - In this configuration,
filter detaching port 42 is sealed easily and securely by the action of fitting pressure or mounting pressure onseal member 47 without any particular operation withfilter 32 to be mounted, and water leak due to filter detaching and attaching structure may be prevented. - Further, to prevent accidental loosening of insertion or loosening of seal due to vibration of
water tank 3 or the like,flange part 32b is provided at the side ofwater tank 3, and mountinghole 49 is provided for screwing withscrew 48 as shown inFIG. 2 . Insertingpart 32a has protruding part 32a1 for discharging as specified or exposing as specified inwater tank 3, in the fitting state offilter 32 in opening 41a of coveringspace 41 ofwater tank 3 in insertion complete state. Insertingpart 32a has further positioning flange 32a2 in wedge shape in side view around protruding part 32a1, excludingflange part 32b, lower than protruding part 32a1 and at inserting side, that is, toward the back side of washing machinemain body 2. Flange part 32a2 is guided byguide groove 41b of wedge shape in side view formed at the lower side of opening edge of opening 41a of coveringspace 41 ofwater tank 3. As a result, insertingpart 32a is easily and securely inserted into specified insertion complete position, and is fixed in specified protruding state or exposed state. - Herein,
FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C are a front view, a lateral sectional view, and a longitudinal sectional view of duct for connecting between water circulation route and discharge side route of the drum type washing machine in the preferred embodiment.Discharge side route 31b ofwater circulation route 31 is connected from outside toinjection port 51, provided in the lowest part offront end wall 3h around opening 13 ofwater tank 3 as shown inFIG. 1 ,FIG. 4 ,FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C . Hence, between the reverse side offront end wall 3h ofwater tank 3 and the surface offront end wall 4b of correspondingrotary drum 4, circulation water fromdischarge side route 31b is injected, and is discharged intorotary drum 4 throughpassage 52 formed between them. In such configuration,injection port 51 of water fromdischarge side route 31b is located at a position not contacting with the laundry inrotary drum 4, and the laundry is not hooked to disturb the behavior in washing, rinsing or drying process, or the laundry is not damaged or torn. At the same time, sincepassage 52 is formed betweenfront end wall 3h ofwater tank 3 andfront end wall 4b ofrotary drum 4, any particular component is not needed, and only sealmember 56 is used, and risk of water leak is reduced in simple structure and at low cost. The injection effect of circulation water is enhanced by combination of behavior of laundry exchanged in upper and lower positions by normal and reverse continuous rotation drive mode, and the behavior of laundry exchanged in right and left positions by normal and reverse pivot rotation drive mode. - Moreover,
injection port 51 is opened toward the direction of center of rotation ofrotary drum 4 as shown inFIG. 9C , at the reverse side offront end wall 3h ofwater tank 3. More specifically, inpassage 52 betweenfront end wall 3h ofwater tank 3 andfront end wall 4b ofrotary drum 4,annular outlet 53 is opened and formed. Therefore, the circulation water injecting frominjection port 51 is discharged efficiently to the rotation center side ofrotary drum 4 inpassage 52. Specifically, it is discharged efficiently into the inside rotation region inrotary drum 4 in the radial direction towardannular outlet 53. Therefore, regardless of the amount of the laundry, the circulation water can be supplied efficiently.Front end wall 3h ofwater tank 3 has inclined side 3h1 and curved side 3h2. Inclined side 3h1 is inclined to the rear side of washing machinemain body 2 from the position corresponding toinjection port 51 toward closer to the inner circumference. Curved side 3h2 is curved from inclined side 3h1 to the inner circumference, toward the side of opening ofrotary drum 4. Byfront side wall 3h having inclined side 3h1 and curve side 3h2, the circulation water injected intopassage 52 is discharged from inclined side 3h1 along curved side 3h2 as indicated by solid line arrow inFIG. 9C . That is, the circulation water injected intopassage 52 is discharged to the inner side ofrotary drum 4 through opening inrotary drum 4, so that the circulation water may be supplied to the laundry at high efficiency. - As shown in
FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C ,injection port 51 hasconnection opening 51a formed atfront end wall 3h ofwater tank 3.Injection port 51 injects circulation water fromconnection port 51a connected to dischargeside route 31b intopassage 52.Injection port 51 is opened in a specified range in peripheral direction toward the rotation center side ofrotary drum 4 towardpassage 52. Thus, to provideconnection port 51a infront end wall 3h ofwater tank 3,injection port 51 formed by opening towardpassage 52. Thus, the circulation water fromdischarge side route 31b is smoothly guided to the side ofpassage 52 throughinjection port 51 without causing disturbance, and is stably discharged along with lateral spreading in specified direction from specified region corresponding to peripheral region ofinjection port 51 ofannular outlet 53 inrotary drum 4. Therefore, the circulation water can be effectively supplied regardless of the amount of the laundry inrotary drum 4. -
Injection port 51 is designed to guide the circulation water into the opening ofpassage 52 atconnection end part 55d ofdischarge side route 31b connected toconnection port 51a. Therefore, a mutual and simple shape cooperating withconnection end part 55d may be combined withinjection port 51 provided atconnection port 51a connected to dischargeside route 31b for guiding the circulation water to the side ofpassage 52. By such simple configuration, circulation water can be supplied favorably, regardless of the amount of laundry, such as broad discharge flow width in peripheral direction, discharge flow thickness sufficient in longitudinal direction, or discharge flow speed capable of increasing the water arrival distance. Moreover, the piping structure is not particularly complicated, and water leak risk is not raised, and the cost is not increased. -
Injection port 51 opened nearly in the central position of bottom offront end wall 3h ofwater tank 3 as shown inFIG. 9A to FIG. 9C .Injection port 51 anddischarge side route 31b are connected by means ofresin duct 55 shown inFIG. 4 ,FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C .Duct 55 is formed in a flat shape back and forth by adhering two front andrear members Discharge side route 31b is disposed as being deviated to either right or left direction from the opening position ofinjection port 51, and is extended forward nearly parallel to the axial line ofwater tank 3 fromcirculation pump 20.Duct 55 connects between the front end of pipe-shapeddischarge side route 31b andinjection port 51. That is,connection pipe 55c formed integrally at one end ofrear member 55b connected to dischargeside route 31b as its extension.Front member 55a is extended almost horizontally nearly to the lower part ofinjection port 51 from one end ofrear member 55b, and is curved toinjection port 51, and connection endpart 55d is formed. Inconnection end part 55d, as shown inFIG. 9C ,connection port 55e formed integrally inrear member 55a is formed.Connection port 55e is connected toconnection port 51a opened atfront end wall 3h ofwater tank 3 throughseal member 56, and fixed withscrew 57. Thus,duct 55 connected fromconnection end part 55d withconnection port 51a offront end wall 3h ofwater tank 3 tocirculation pump 20 side extending to the outer circumference ofwater tank 3 is flat back and forth. Hence, piping can be installed in a small space betweenfront end wall 3h ofwater tank 3 and the front wall of washing machinemain body 2. Moreover, by the flat shape ofduct 55, the circulation water can be straightened to stream width or stream thickness suited to the opening ofinjection port 51. As a result, the circulation water can be injected from theconnection port 51a towardinjection port 51 to be injected intopassage 52, and thereby the large peripheral direction discharge width fromannular outlet 53, discharge thickness sufficient in longitudinal direction, and discharge speed region capable of increasing the water arrival distance can be satisfied without disturbing the flow. As a result, the washing and rinsing effect may be further enhanced. Further,duct 55 is extended from the outer circumference ofwater tank 3 downward nearly toconnection port 51a ofinjection port 51 in the lower part offront end wall 3h, and is connected toconnection port 51a in the rising part curved to the connection part therefrom. Accordingly, the circulation water straightened into flat flow is guided intoconnection port 51a andinjection port 51 matched in flattening direction without disturbing at the curved shape of the rising part, and is injected into specified region in peripheral direction ofpassage 52. Hence, the water is discharged stably fromannular outlet 53 in a wide range, and the action of circulation water on the laundry is enhanced. - In particular,
injection port 51 is formed so as to open towardannular outlet 53 between the upper edge ofconnection port 51a and arrestingwall 5c formed integrally alongfront end wall 4b side ofrotary drum 4 at right angle fromconnection port 51a opened atfront end wall 3h ofwater tank 3. Betweenconnection end part 55d and arresting wall 5e, throttlingwall 55f is provided for throttling the injection passage smoothly fromduct 55 side towardinjection port 51 by a smooth curvature. As a result, the circulation water fromduct 55 toinjection port 51 is encouraged, and a high speed flow is produced toward sloped side 3h1 and curved side 3h2 offront end wall 3h ofwater tank 3. Accordingly, the circulation water flows like a parabolic curve while spreading laterally by discharging securely in a specified route behind an upward oblique direction intorotary drum 4, and is supplied to the laundry from a wider range in therotary drum 4 in a long flight passage. To achieve a high speed flow, the throttling passage may be formed anywhere between connection endpart 55d andinjection port 51 toconnection port 51a ofduct 55. That is, the circulation water flowing intoinjection port 51 provided inconnection port 51a is guided intopassage 52 side. At this time, by simple shape matching state ofconnection port 51 ofdischarge side route 31b withconnection end part 55, the working condition may be satisfied regardless of the amount of laundry, such as large discharge flow width in peripheral direction, discharge flow thickness sufficient in longitudinal direction, or discharge flow speed for increasing the water arrival distance. Moreover, the piping structure is not particularly complicated, and water leak risk is not raised, and the cost is not increased. - On
front end wall 4b ofrotary drum 4, as shown inFIG. 9C , annular ribconvex part 4c is formed to crosspassage 52 in peripheral direction. Throttling gap S is left between ribconvex part 4c and slope 3h1. The position of ribconvex part 4c is changed in the radial direction like corrugation. Accordingly, whenrotary drum 4 rotates, ribconvex part 4c dislocates its crossing position acrosspassage 52 nearinjection port 51, that is, the forming position of throttling gap S in the radial direction as indicated by three specific positions (indicated by solid line and broken line) inFIG. 9C . As a result, the circulation waterflow passing passage 52 towardannular outlet 53 is either throttled by throttling gap S nearannular outlet 53, or throttled by throttling gap S at a position remote fromannular outlet 53. Hence, the angle of the circulation water towardrotary drum 4 is deflected up and down, and the circulation water is deflected in a wide range in the axial direction ofrotary drum 4, and applied to the laundry. - Rib
convex part 4c is a discharge guide disposed unevenly in the peripheral direction at the side offront end wall 3h ofrotary drum 4. Therefore, the discharge direction of circulation water injected intopassage 52 and discharged fromannular outlet 53 intorotary drum 4 is disturbed back and forth or is changed. Accordingly, the arrival position of discharged circulation water on the laundry inrotary drum 4 is disturbed back and forth or is changed. Such discharge guide acts to disturb back and forth or change the discharge direction in at least one of inner circumference corrugating in peripheral direction, wall surface corrugating back and forth in peripheral direction, rib convex part corrugating or intermittent in peripheral direction by protruding to the passage side, or blade, and obstacle changing the passing resistance of circulation water injected through passage, and these changes are combined as far as possible. - By such parabolic action and longitudinal distribution action, the circulation water is uniformly applied on the laundry also in the longitudinal direction, and the detergent dissolving effect, washing effect, and rinsing effect are reinforced.
- Immediately above
discharge port 36,baffle plate 61 is provided as shown inFIG. 3 ,FIG. 4 , in order to prevent suction of laundry. - As explained herein, the present invention provides a drum type washing machine having a rotary drum formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom installed in a water tank so that the rotary shaft direction may be horizontal or inclined downward from the horizontal direction from the opened front side to the back side at the bottom, and capable of executing at least one of washing process and rinsing process by driving the rotary drum by a motor, and comprising a water circulation mechanism for circulating the water in the water tank by a circulation pump through a circulation route connected to the water tank, in which the water circulation mechanism has a passage for discharging the circulation water in the rotary drum provided between the front end wall reverse side of the water tank and the front end wall surface of the rotary drum.
- In this configuration, only by connecting the circulation route to the front end wall of the water tank, the circulation route is linked to the passage formed between the front end walls of the water tank and rotary drum. Accordingly, every time the water circulation mechanism circulates by sucking the water in the water tank and returning to the water tank in the washing process and/or rinsing process by its circulation pump and circulation route, the circulation water is discharged into the rotary drum from an annular outlet formed in the inner circumferences of the both front end walls through this route without requiring any particular piping. The circulation water is discharged from the annular outlet between the inner circumferences of the front end walls through the passage between the front end walls of the water tank and rotary drum. Therefore, the laundry in the rotary drum is not interfered by any hooking or special shape or discharge port or other structure.
- According to the present invention, the water circulation system has a connection port connected to the discharge side route from the circulation pump, and an injection port for injecting the circulation water from the connection port to the passage. This discharge port is opened in the passage in a specified range in peripheral direction toward the center of rotation of the rotary drum.
- In this configuration, by forming the injection port opened toward the passage, the circulation water from the discharge side route can be smoothly guided to the passage side through the injection port without disturbance. Therefore, the water can be discharged stably in a proper lateral spread in specified direction from specified region corresponding to the peripheral region of the injection port of the annular outlet in the rotary drum.
- Further according to the present invention, the injection port guides the circulation water into the opening to the passage between the discharge side route connected to the connection port and the connection end. In such configuration, moreover, the injection port provided at the connection port connected to the discharge side route guides the circulation water to the passage side, which is realized in a simple structure combined with the connection end to the connection port of the discharge side route.
- Further according to the present invention, the discharge side route has a duct connected to the circulation pump side along the outer circumference of the water tank from the connection end, and this duct is flat in the longitudinal direction, and forms a throttling passage for throttling and injecting the circulation water toward the opening position to the passage of the injection port together with the discharge port.
- In this configuration, since the duct is flat in the longitudinal direction, the required piping space for the duct is saved in the discharge side route between the front end wall of the water tank and the front wall of the washing machine main body. Moreover, the circulation water toward the connection port and injection port can be straightened in a flat and broad flow parallel to the spreading direction of the passage between the front end walls. Afterwards, from the connection port and the injection port to the passage, the circulation water is guided so that the flattening direction may be matched in the spreading direction in the peripheral direction, and is discharged into the rotary drum from the annular outlet matched in the flattening direction.
- Further according to the present invention, the connection port of the injection port is positioned in a lower part of the front end wall of the water tank, and the duct is extended in lateral direction from the outer circumferential position of the water tank nearly to the lower part of the connection port of the injection port, and then curved upward to the connection port of the injection port, and is connected to the connection port of the injection port through the upward curved portion.
- In this configuration, the circulation water is straightened into a flat flow, and is guided stably in lateral direction, and is further guided into the connection port smoothly without being disturbed along the curved shape of the upward curved portion. In this broad and flat flow, the water is stably discharged from a broader annular outlet along the injection port matched in the flattening direction and the passage between the front end walls.
- Further according to the present invention, the passage allows the injected circulation water to be discharged obliquely backward and upward into the rotary drum from the annular outlet formed between the water tank and the front end wall of the rotary drum.
- In this configuration, the discharged circulation water from the annular outlet is spread more broadly in the lateral direction along a long route of a parabolic curved directed obliquely backward and upward into the rotary drum.
- Further according to the present invention, the reverse side of the front end wall of the water tank has a curved surface curved in the rotary drum inside direction at the inner circumferential side.
- In this configuration, the circulation water injected from the injection port into the passage is guided toward a specified discharge direction into the rotary drum by the curved surface on the at the inner circumferential side of the reverse side of the front end wall of the water tank.
- Further according to the present invention, the reverse side of the front end wall of the water tank has a slope inclined in the rotary drum direction from the connection port side of the injection port toward the curved surface.
- In this configuration, the circulation water injected from the injection port to the passage is guided, on the reverse side of the front end wall of the water tank, up to the curved surface by inclining the flow along the slope inclined in the rotary drum direction from the connection port side of the injection port toward the curved surface, and is smoothly discharged into the rotary drum in the direction along the curved surface.
- Further according to the present invention, the inner peripheral end of the front end wall of the water tank is protruding to the side of center of rotation from the inner peripheral end of the rotary drum.
- In this configuration, by a slight protruding amount, the circulation water discharged from the annular outlet flows securely into the rotary drum in specified direction, and is prevented from splashing out of the water tank or rotary drum.
- Further according to the present invention, the front end wall of the rotary drum has a discharge guide part not uniform in the peripheral direction, for disturbing in longitudinal direction or changing the discharge direction of circulation direction into the rotary drum through the passage along with rotation.
- In this configuration, the discharge guide disturbs in longitudinal direction or changes the discharge direction of circulation water discharged into the rotary drum from the annular outlet injected into the passage. Therefore, the arrival position of the discharged circulation water on the laundry in the rotary drum is disturbed longitudinally or changed.
- Further according to the present invention, the discharge guide is formed, on the front end wall of the rotary drum, at least one of inner circumference corrugating in peripheral direction, wall surface corrugating back and forth in peripheral direction, rib convex part or blade corrugating and/or intermittent in peripheral direction by protruding to the passage side, and obstacle changing the passing resistance of circulation water injected through the passage.
- In this configuration, the discharge direction of the circulation water can be disturbed in the longitudinal direction or changed while the circulation water is discharged.
Claims (11)
- A drum type washing machine having a rotary drum formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom installed in a water tank so that the rotary shaft direction may be horizontal or inclined downward from the horizontal direction from the opened front side to the back side at the bottom, and capable of executing at least one of washing process and rinsing process by driving the rotary drum by a motor, comprising:a water circulation mechanism for circulating the water in the water tank by a circulation pump through a circulation route connected to the water tank,wherein the water circulation mechanism has a passage for discharging the circulation water in the rotary drum provided between the front end wall reverse side of the water tank and the front end wall surface of the rotary drum.
- The drum type washing machine of claim 1, wherein the water circulation mechanism has a connection port connected to the discharge side route from the circulation pump, and an injection port for injecting the circulation water from the connection port to the passage, and the injection port is opened in the passage in a specified range in peripheral direction toward the center of rotation of the rotary drum.
- The drum type washing machine of claim 2, wherein the injection port guides the circulation water into the opening to the passage between the discharge side route connected to the connection port and the connection end.
- The drum type washing machine of claim 3, wherein the discharge side route has a duct connected to the circulation pump side along the outer circumference of the water tank from the connection end, and the duct is flat in the longitudinal direction, and forms a throttling passage for throttling and injecting the circulation water toward the opening position to the passage of the injection port together with the discharge port.
- The drum type washing machine of claim 4, wherein the connection port of the injection port is positioned in a lower part of the front end wall of the water tank, and the duct is extended in lateral direction from the outer circumferential position of the water tank nearly to the lower part of the connection port of the injection port, and then curved upward to the connection port of the injection port, and is connected to the connection port of the injection port through the upward curved portion.
- The drum type washing machine of claim 5, wherein the passage allows the injected circulation water to be discharged obliquely backward and upward into the rotary drum from the annular outlet formed between the water tank and the front end wall of the rotary drum.
- The drum type washing machine of claim 1, wherein the reverse side of the front end wall of the water tank has a curved surface curved in the rotary drum inside direction at its inner circumferential side.
- The drum type washing machine of claim 7, wherein the reverse side of the front end wall of the water tank has a slope inclined in the rotary drum direction from the connection port side of the injection port toward the curved surface.
- The drum type washing machine of claim 6, wherein the inner peripheral end of the front end wall of the water tank is protruding to the side of center of rotation from the inner peripheral end of the rotary drum.
- The drum type washing machine of claim 1, wherein the front end wall of the rotary drum has a discharge guide part not uniform in the peripheral direction, for disturbing in longitudinal direction or changing the discharge direction of circulation water into the rotary drum through the passage along with rotation.
- The drum type washing machine of claim 10, wherein the discharge guide is formed, at least one of inner circumference corrugating in peripheral direction of the rotary drum, wall surface corrugating back and forth in peripheral direction, rib convex part or blade corrugating in peripheral direction by protruding to the passage side, rib convex part or blade intermittent in peripheral direction by protruding to the passage side, and obstacle changing the passing resistance of circulation water injected through the passage.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2008063472A JP4331243B1 (en) | 2008-03-13 | 2008-03-13 | Drum washing machine |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2103728A2 true EP2103728A2 (en) | 2009-09-23 |
EP2103728A3 EP2103728A3 (en) | 2011-09-14 |
EP2103728B1 EP2103728B1 (en) | 2013-03-20 |
Family
ID=40673191
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP09150362A Not-in-force EP2103728B1 (en) | 2008-03-13 | 2009-01-12 | Drum type washing machine |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP2103728B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4331243B1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101066282B1 (en) |
CN (2) | CN101532232B (en) |
TW (1) | TWI367978B (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2011078613A2 (en) * | 2009-12-24 | 2011-06-30 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Washing machine |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP5560911B2 (en) * | 2010-06-01 | 2014-07-30 | パナソニック株式会社 | Drum washing machine |
EP2405053B1 (en) | 2010-06-01 | 2014-04-02 | Panasonic Corporation | Washing machine |
JP5447333B2 (en) * | 2010-10-20 | 2014-03-19 | パナソニック株式会社 | Drum washing machine |
JP2012085842A (en) * | 2010-10-20 | 2012-05-10 | Panasonic Corp | Drum type washing and drying machine |
CN102733155B (en) * | 2012-06-02 | 2015-03-11 | 松下家电研究开发(杭州)有限公司 | Washing machine with preposed water inlet drum |
CN107385805A (en) * | 2017-08-04 | 2017-11-24 | 惠州市锦恒工业模具设计合伙企业(普通合伙) | A kind of disabled person's special environment protection washing machine |
CN110273250A (en) * | 2018-03-15 | 2019-09-24 | 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 | Washing machine |
CN109457436B (en) * | 2018-11-08 | 2020-11-10 | 山东大成洗涤机械有限公司 | Drum type washing machine with reactive potential energy backflow device |
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JPH04343887A (en) * | 1991-05-22 | 1992-11-30 | Sharp Corp | Drum type washing-drying machine |
JPH10137488A (en) | 1996-11-15 | 1998-05-26 | Keiyo Clean Life Kk | Washing and spin-drying machine |
FR2818669B1 (en) * | 2000-12-26 | 2003-04-25 | Ciapem | DEVICE FOR REALIZING FLUID RECIRCULATION, IN PARTICULAR FOR A WASHING MACHINE |
JP3920578B2 (en) | 2001-02-07 | 2007-05-30 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Drum washing machine |
US20070107475A1 (en) * | 2005-11-04 | 2007-05-17 | Hill Gregory P | Integrated Washing Machine Pump |
ITTO20070271A1 (en) * | 2007-04-17 | 2008-10-18 | Indesit Co Spa | MACHINE FOR LAUNDRY WASHING |
-
2008
- 2008-03-13 JP JP2008063472A patent/JP4331243B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2009
- 2009-01-12 EP EP09150362A patent/EP2103728B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2009-02-13 KR KR1020090011832A patent/KR101066282B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2009-02-24 TW TW098105768A patent/TWI367978B/en active
- 2009-03-12 CN CN2009101284052A patent/CN101532232B/en active Active
- 2009-03-12 CN CN200920006441U patent/CN201372374Y/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (4)
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JPH11276791A (en) | 1998-03-27 | 1999-10-12 | Sharp Corp | Drainage of washing machine |
JP2005058741A (en) | 2003-08-13 | 2005-03-10 | Lg Electronics Inc | Washing method of washing machine and apparatus thereof |
JP2006223572A (en) | 2005-02-17 | 2006-08-31 | Toshiba Corp | Washing machine |
JP2006239142A (en) | 2005-03-03 | 2006-09-14 | Sharp Corp | Drum type washing machine |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2011078613A2 (en) * | 2009-12-24 | 2011-06-30 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Washing machine |
WO2011078613A3 (en) * | 2009-12-24 | 2011-08-25 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Washing machine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2103728A3 (en) | 2011-09-14 |
CN201372374Y (en) | 2009-12-30 |
EP2103728B1 (en) | 2013-03-20 |
KR101066282B1 (en) | 2011-09-20 |
CN101532232B (en) | 2011-12-21 |
TW201002902A (en) | 2010-01-16 |
JP2009213801A (en) | 2009-09-24 |
CN101532232A (en) | 2009-09-16 |
TWI367978B (en) | 2012-07-11 |
KR20090098673A (en) | 2009-09-17 |
JP4331243B1 (en) | 2009-09-16 |
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