JP2000107482A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To feed bubbles well in a washing machine which performs washing, while the bubbles are fed into a washing vessel by providing a bubble generating means for feeding bubbles to a washing water in the washing vessel and a comminuting means of bubbles fed to the washing water by the bubble generating means. SOLUTION: When a pulsator 6 is rotated at the time of washing operation, water between a bottom of a hydroextracting vessel 5 and a bottom of an outer vessel 2 is sucked through an inserting hole 27 formed on the bottom of the hydroextracting vessel 5 by a pumping action of a back blade 29 formed on a back side of the pulsator 6, thereafter pushed out to an outer periphery of the pulsator 6 and discharged from an upper rim inside the vessel 5 into the vessel 5. At this time, it is fed to a bubble spouting port 24 through a first and a second feeding pipes 21 and 23 by an air bump for generating bubbles, and discharged in the outer vessel 2. At this time, the bubbles are stirred and comminuted by the back blade 29 of the pulsator 6 for discharging from bubble discharging holes 38... in the hydroextracting vessel 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a washing machine provided with a bubble generating device for generating bubbles in a washing tub when washing or rinsing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A washing machine has been known in which washing is performed by sending a large amount of air bubbles into the washing water in addition to a water flow generated in the washing water in a washing tub by rotating a pulsator during washing and rinsing. (See, for example, JP-A-7-47188). In such a washing machine, when the bubbles come into contact with the laundry and burst, an ultrasonic wave is generated, and the minute vibrations of the washing machine promote the separation of the dirt component adhering to the laundry. Higher cleaning performance can be obtained compared to. In addition, the air bubbles enter the gap between the laundry and other laundry and cause a buffering action to prevent excessive friction, so that cloth pain is reduced. Furthermore, since the air bubbles act to lift the laundry, the laundry hardly stays at the bottom of the washing tub, and the effect of preventing the cloth from being damaged by friction between the pulsator and the laundry can be expected.

[0003]

However, a washing machine that performs washing by feeding air bubbles as described above has the following problems. 1. If the size of the air bubble sent into the washing water becomes large to some extent, the air bubble may not burst even if it comes into contact with the laundry, and may fill up under the laundry. In such a case, the problem arises that the washing effect is not improved because the laundry is only lifted by the bubbles. Also, if the bubbles are large,
Compared with small air bubbles, air bubbles are hard to spread to every corner of the laundry, so that the cleaning effect may not be improved in this regard.

2. In a washing machine having a structure in which air sent out by an air pump is discharged as bubbles into a washing / dehydrating tub from a bubble discharge hole provided in the pulsator, when the pulsator rotates, the pulsator moves to the back side. Centrifugal force acts on the accumulated bubbles, and the centrifugal force causes the bubbles to be distributed unevenly on the outer peripheral side of the pulsator. Therefore, the number of bubbles generated from the bubble discharge holes located on the outer peripheral side of the pulsator increases as compared with the number of bubbles generated from the bubble discharge holes located near the center of the pulsator.
The distribution of air bubbles in the washing and dewatering tub is biased, causing a problem that the air bubbles supplied to the laundry become non-uniform. 3. In a so-called fully automatic washing machine in which a rotatable washing and dewatering tub is supported in the outer tub, a structure for supplying air bubbles to the washing and dewatering tub is provided at the bottom of the outer tub (with the outer bottom of the washing and dewatering tub). A bubble outlet is located between the bottom of the outer tub and a passage hole for allowing the bubbles to pass through the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub and the pulsator. A configuration in which the washing and dewatering is supplied through a hole into the washing and dewatering tub is conventionally employed. However, the traveling direction of the bubble supplied from the bubble outlet may be deviated, and may not pass through the passage hole provided in the outer tank well. In this case, the air bubbles supplied from the blow-off port are diverted to the outside of the washing and dewatering tub (the space between the washing and dehydrating tub and the outer tub) along the outer bottom surface of the washing and dewatering tub, and This causes a problem that air bubbles are not supplied into the inside.

[0005] 4. The bubble outlet is provided at a position lower than the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub on a side surface of the outer tub, and is connected to an air pump via a supply pipe outside the outer tub. I have. Therefore, when the air pump is stopped, the washing water and the rinsing water enter the supply pipe, so that the dirt separated from the laundry contained in the washing water (rinsing water) and the remaining dissolved detergent are supplied. There is a problem that it may accumulate or stick in the pipe, thereby causing the supply pipe to be clogged and hindering the generation of bubbles.

5. The air pump is provided at a location remote from the outer tub (for example, in an upper plate located above the outer tub), and one end of the supply pipe is connected to the discharge side of the air pump. The other end of the supply pipe is extended and connected to a bubble outlet located at the bottom of the outer tank. Therefore, the supply pipe is easily bent by the vibration of the outer tub during operation of the equipment, and when the supply pipe is bent extremely, the passage in the supply pipe is crushed, and the air supply from the air pump is reduced or interrupted, and the supply of the washing water is reduced. There was a problem that air supply was not performed well. 6. The air pump is provided in the top plate of the outer box, and the air discharge side of the air pump is connected to the bubble outlet at the bottom of the outer tank via a supply pipe. Therefore, since the supply pipe has reached the bottom of the outer tub, it has not been easy to connect the supply pipe to the bottom of the outer tub after assembling the outer tub in the outer box when manufacturing the equipment. The present invention has been made in order to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that performs a washing operation while supplying air bubbles to a washing tub, and to supply air bubbles satisfactorily. It is to provide a washing machine which can be performed.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine for supplying air bubbles to washing water in a washing tub. It is characterized in that it is provided with means for miniaturizing the bubbles sent into the washing water.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine in which rotating blades are provided inside a washing tub, wherein bubbles are supplied to washing water in the washing tub. The rotary wing is provided with a bubble generating means and a means for converting bubbles sent from the bubble generating means into fine bubbles. A washing machine according to a third aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, wherein the rotor has a radial back blade on a lower surface, and the back blade makes bubbles fine. A washing machine as described.

A washing machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, wherein the back blade has a comb shape or a wave shape.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the micronized bubbles have a diameter of about 0.5 mm. A washing machine as described in Crab.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine having a rotating wing disposed inside a washing tub.
In a washing machine for supplying bubbles sent to washing water by bubble generating means to the inside of a washing tub from a bubble discharge hole provided in the rotating blade, the back surface of the rotating blade is radially divided into a plurality of rooms. In addition, the air bubble ejection holes are provided on the top surface of each room.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine for storing water in an outer tub in which a washing and dewatering tub is disposed, and a rotating and dehydrating tub provided at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub. The blades are rotated, and the bubbles sent to the washing water by the bubble generating means are sent into the washing and dewatering tub from the insertion holes formed in the low wall surface of the washing and dewatering tub, and the water flow by the rotating wings and the air bubbles are generated. In a washing machine that performs washing and rinsing of laundry by a combination of the above, a recess is formed on a bottom surface of the washing tub so as to protrude upward, and is supplied from the bubble generation means in the vicinity of the recess. Opening the bubble outlet for supplying the generated bubbles into the outer tub, and providing the insertion hole for introducing the bubbles supplied from the bubble outlet into the washing tub in a range of the recess. Features. In addition, a washing machine according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, has an outer tub supported in a vibration-proof manner in an outer frame, a washing and dewatering tub arranged in the outer tub, Bubble generating means that is arranged and sends bubbles to the washing water, and a bubble outlet formed on the lower wall surface of the outer tub and supplying bubbles into the outer tub,
In a washing machine comprising a bubble outlet and a bubble supply path connecting the bubble generation means, the bubble supply path is divided into an upper supply path and a lower supply path in the middle of the path, and A connecting portion for connecting the feed path and the lower feed path is provided near the side wall of the outer tub.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine wherein the upper feed path is connected to the lower feed path in a horizontal direction at a connecting portion. Item 8. A washing machine according to item 7.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine according to the tenth aspect, wherein the upper feed path is formed of a soft member. . According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine wherein the inner diameter of the lower feed path is larger than the inner diameter of the upper feed path. 10. The washing machine according to any one of 9 above. According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine in which a rotating blade is disposed inside a washing tub, and bubbles sent to washing water by bubble generating means are provided on the rotating blade. In the washing machine supplying the air from the bubble discharge hole into the washing tub, sealing means for preventing the supplied bubbles from leaking into the washing tub from other than the bubble discharge hole is provided between the rotating blade and the washing tub. A washing machine characterized in that it is provided in a washing machine.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine comprising: a plurality of washing machines provided on one of an outer peripheral portion of the rotor and a bottom wall of the washing tub facing the outer periphery of the rotor; A groove formed by the cylindrical wall of the above, and an annular wall which is loosely fitted in the opening of the groove in a non-contact state in the other side, and the seal is formed by a labyrinth coupling portion formed by the groove and the annular wall. 13. The washing machine according to claim 12, wherein said means comprises means.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine in which a rotating blade is disposed inside a washing tub, and bubbles supplied to the washing water by bubble generating means are supplied to the rotating blade. In the washing machine that supplies the air into the washing tub from the plurality of bubble discharge holes provided in the washing machine, the sum of the opening areas of the bubble discharge holes located in the central region of the rotary wing is located in the outer peripheral region. A washing machine characterized in that the opening area is smaller than the total opening area of the bubble discharge holes.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine comprising: an outer tub supported in a vibration-proof manner in an outer frame; a washing and dewatering tub disposed in the outer tub; An air bubble generating means for supplying air bubbles to the washing water, an air bubble outlet formed on a lower wall surface of the outer tub to supply air bubbles into the outer tub, and connecting the air bubble outlet with the air bubble generating means. A washing machine comprising a bubble supply path, wherein a check valve for preventing washing water in the outer tub from flowing back into the bubble supply path is provided at the bubble outlet. It is.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The washing machine according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided with a means for reducing bubbles supplied to the washing water by the bubble generating means, so that the detergent can be dissolved in the washing water in the washing tub. Waves (ultrasonic waves) generated when the fine bubbles are broken up and burst by contact with the laundry while being promoted
Thereby, the washing effect and the rinsing effect of the laundry are improved.
In the washing machine according to the second aspect of the present invention, the bubbles supplied to the washing water by the bubble generating means are made finer by the rotating blades. Therefore, since the air bubbles are miniaturized using the rotating blades during the washing operation and the rinsing operation, it is not necessary to newly provide a means for miniaturizing the air bubbles. In the washing machine according to the third aspect of the present invention, the bubbles sent to the washing water by the bubble generating means are made finer by the back blades provided on the rotating blades. Therefore, it is possible to easily make the bubbles finer. In the washing machine according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the back blades are comb-shaped or corrugated, the effective area is increased, and the performance of miniaturizing bubbles is improved.

In the washing machine according to the fifth invention, the diameter of the microbubble is set to about 0.5 mm. If the diameter of the micronized air bubbles is too small, the air bubbles pass through the gaps between the fibers of the laundry, so that the air bubbles do not easily burst into contact with the laundry and the cleaning effect is not improved, and the diameter is extremely too large. When the bubbles come into contact with the laundry and do not burst, they accumulate under the laundry and cause the laundry to float, so the diameter of the bubbles is preferably about 0.5 mm.

In the washing machine according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the space inside the pulsator is divided in the radial direction, and bubble discharge holes are provided in each of the divided rooms, and bubbles are discharged from the bubble discharge holes into the washing and dehydrating tub. To be discharged. by this,
The air bubbles sent to the lower part of the pulsator by the air pump are dispersed and accumulated in each of the compartments inside the pulsator. There is no uneven distribution. Therefore, air bubbles are generated almost evenly from all the discharge holes formed in the pulsator, and the air bubbles are not evenly distributed in a part of the washing and dewatering tub, and the air bubbles are distributed all over the laundry. In the washing machine according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, a recess is provided in the outer bottom surface of the washing and dewatering tub, an insertion hole is formed in the range of the recess, and air bubbles generated from the air pump below the recess. Arrange the outlet,
After the bubbles generated from the bubble outlet are housed in the recess, they are sent into the washing and dewatering tub through the insertion holes. As a result, the air bubbles sent out by the air pump and discharged from the air bubble outlet into the outer tank are temporarily stored in the concave portion, so that the air bubbles do not go to the insertion hole and are deviated to the outside of the outer tank. Therefore, it is possible to reliably supply air bubbles into the washing and dewatering tub.

[0021] In the washing machine according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the bubble supply path for connecting the bubble generating means with the bubble supply port for supplying bubbles into the outer tub is formed in the middle of the upper supply path and the lower supply path. And a connecting portion for connecting the upper feed path and the lower feed path is provided near the side wall of the outer tub. Thus, when the washing machine is manufactured, after the outer tub is assembled in the outer box, the upper feed path of the bubble generating means can be easily connected to the lower feed path from the upper opening of the outer frame. Therefore, it is possible to incorporate the outer tub into the outer frame with the lower feed path arranged at the lower part of the outer tub, which is difficult for the manufacturer to work on, connected to the bottom of the outer tub in advance, thereby improving the productivity of equipment. I do.

In the washing machine according to the ninth aspect, the upper feed path is connected to the lower feed path in a horizontal direction at a connecting portion. Here, even if the outer tub vibrates, it is difficult to apply a force (in the horizontal direction) in a direction in which the upper feed path is pulled out at the connection portion at the connection portion. Therefore, the tenth aspect of the present invention can prevent problems such as the upper feed path falling off from the lower feed path, making it impossible to supply air bubbles, and the washing liquid in the washing / dewatering tub leaking out of the connection portion. In the washing machine according to (1), the upper feed path is formed of a soft member. Therefore, even if the outer tub vibrates during operation of the equipment, the vibration is absorbed by the upper feed path, and the feed path is bent, so that the bubbles sent out by the bubble generating means are reduced or cut off. There is no. In the washing machine according to the eleventh aspect, the inner diameter of the lower feed path is larger than the inner diameter of the upper feed path. Thus, even when the washing water enters the lower feeding path when the bubble generating means is stopped, the feeding path is not removed by the trash, lint, and remaining melted detergent contained in the washing water. Is hardly clogged. In the washing machine according to the twelfth invention and the thirteenth invention, a non-contact sealing means for sealing between the rotor and the washing tub is provided. Since bubbles are prevented from leaking into the washing tub from between the washing tub, bubbles are uniformly discharged from the bubble discharge holes. In the washing machine according to the fourteenth aspect, the total opening area of the bubble discharge holes is larger in the outer peripheral region than in the central region of the rotor.
On the back side of the rotor, the flow rate increases toward the outer periphery than at the center, so that the amount of bubbles tends to increase toward the outer periphery.Bubble discharge holes are closer to the outer periphery than to the center. By increasing the total area of the openings, it is possible to supply as many bubbles as possible into the washing tub.

In the washing machine according to the fifteenth aspect, a check valve for preventing the washing water in the outer tub from flowing back into the bubble supply passage is provided at the bubble outlet. As a result, dust and detergent are prevented from entering the bubble supply path, and the supply path is prevented from being clogged and the supply amount of bubbles is prevented from being reduced.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the washing machine according to the first to fifteenth aspects will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the entire configuration of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
Is a partial sectional view of the present embodiment. An outer tub 2 is suspended and supported by a plurality of hanging bars 3 inside the outer box 1 of the washing machine, thereby preventing the vibration of the outer tub 2 from being transmitted to the outer box 1.

Inside the outer tub 2, a washing and dewatering tub 5 having a large number of water passage holes 4 on its peripheral wall is rotatably supported on a rotating shaft provided at the bottom thereof. The washing and dewatering tub 5
A pulsator 6 for stirring the laundry is arranged at the bottom of the outer tub 2. The rotational power of a motor 7 attached to the lower part of the outer tub 2 is supplied by a motor pulley 8, a V-belt 9, a main pulley 10, and a power switching mechanism 11 Is transmitted to the washing and dewatering tub 5 and the pulsator 6 via the

The power switching mechanism 11 switches the connection of the drive shafts so that the washing and dewatering tub 5 and the pulsator 6 rotate integrally during dehydration, and otherwise rotate only the pulsator 6. In the upper part of the outer box 2,
A water supply mechanism (not shown) is provided, and water is injected into the washing and dewatering tub by the water supply mechanism. A drain port 12 is provided at the bottom of the outer tank 2, and a drain valve 13, a drain
Through the drain hose 15. The drain valve 13 is provided with a solenoid (not shown). When the solenoid is excited, the solenoid opens the drain valve 13, and further drives a clutch in the power switching mechanism 11 to drive the washing and dewatering tub 5. And the pulsator 6. Thus, when the drain valve 13 is opened and closed, the power switching mechanism 11 rotates only the pulsator 6, and when the drain valve 13 is opened, the washing and dewatering tub 5 and the pulsator 6 are integrally rotated. The washing and dewatering tub 5
An annular balance ring 16 for preventing vibration is attached to the upper end, and an annular water path 17 extending vertically from the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 5 to directly below the balance ring 16.
Are formed along the inner wall of the washing and dewatering tub 5. A lint filter 18 for collecting dust such as lint mixed into the washing water is detachably provided at an upper end opening of the circulation water channel 17. An air pump 20 for generating air bubbles is provided on the upper surface plate 19, and a first supply pipe 2 is provided on an air discharge side 20 a of the air pump 20.
1 is connected to one end. The first supply pipe 21 is wound around the outside of the outer tub 2 with a margin so as to be along the hanging rod 3 that suspends and supports the outer tub 2. The other end of the first supply pipe 21 is connected to a connecting pipe 22 provided on the side wall of the outer tub 2 in a horizontal direction. Since the connection portion of the first supply pipe 21 is provided on the side wall of the outer tub 2, the first supply pipe is used in a process after the outer tub 2 is incorporated into the outer box 1 when manufacturing equipment. 21 can be connected to the connecting pipe 22, and the manufacturability is improved. A second supply pipe 23 is connected below the connecting pipe 22, and the second supply pipe 23 is connected to the second supply pipe 23.
Reaches the bubble outlet 24 along the bottom of the outer tank 2. The second supply pipe 23 is firmly fixed to the outer tub 2 and connected to the bubble outlet 24 for piping. Accordingly, the second supply pipe 23 vibrates integrally with the outer tub 2 when the outer tub 2 vibrates, so that the passage thereof is not undesirably bent and closed. The first supply pipe 21 has an inner diameter of about 3.5 mm having elasticity such as rubber.
It is formed of a tube of a degree. On the other hand, the second supply pipe 23 is formed of a tube having an inner diameter of about 7.2 mm. The first supply pipe 21 having a small inner diameter has an advantage that it is harder to bend and is less likely to be closed because the passage in the pipe is crushed by the bend as compared with the second supply pipe 23 having a larger inner diameter. There is a drawback that it is easy to be clogged with trash etc. in the pipe. On the other hand, the second supply pipe 23 having a large inner diameter is easily bent and the pipe is easily closed by bending. However, since the inner diameter is large, the second supply pipe 23 is not easily clogged with dust. That is, the outer tank 2
Above the supply pipe, which is easy to be shaken by the vibration of the washing water but hard to enter the washing water, uses a tube that is easily clogged with garbage but hard to bend, and there is no fear of bending due to the vibration of the outer tub, so the vibration of the outer tub is absorbed Although there is no need to make the washing water enter, a tube that is easily bent but hardly clogged with dust is used below the supply pipe, which is likely to be clogged with dust. When the pulsator 6 rotates at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 5 during the washing operation and the rinsing operation, the laundry is stirred in the washing and dewatering tub 5, and the outer tub 1 swings up and down and left and right. At the time of the dehydration operation, a larger swing occurs.
At this time, the lower end of the first supply pipe is connected to the connecting pipe 22 fixed to the side wall of the outer tub 2, and the upper end is connected to the air pump 20 arranged on the upper plate 19. Then, a bending force acts on the first supply pipe 21. However, as described above, the first supply pipe 2
1 is made of a tube having a small inner diameter, so that even if the outer tub 2 vibrates, the tube is not bent at an acute angle and the air passage is not closed. The lower end of the first supply pipe 21 is connected to the connecting pipe 22 in the horizontal direction. By connecting in the horizontal direction in this way, even if the outer tub 2 vibrates during operation of the equipment, the first supply pipe 21 and the connecting pipe 2 are connected.
2, the first supply pipe 21 is connected to a connecting pipe 22.
The force is less likely to be applied in the direction (horizontal direction) of pulling from Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first supply pipe 21 from dropping out of the connecting pipe 22 to make it impossible to supply air or to prevent the washing liquid in the washing and dewatering tub 5 from leaking from the connecting pipe 22 beforehand. . Garbage, lint, and undissolved detergent that have been separated from the laundry may settle on the inner bottom of the outer tub 2. A bubble outlet 24 is provided at the bottom of the outer tank 2, and when the air pump 20 is stopped and air is not sent to the supply pipes 21 and 23 (for example, during a rinsing operation or a dehydration operation). The washing water easily enters the second supply pipe 23 through the bubble outlet 24. When garbage, lint, and remaining dissolved detergent contained in the entered washing water adhere to or accumulate on the inner surface of the second supply pipe 23, the second supply pipe 23 is clogged, and the supply of air is reduced or closed. May be
However, as described above, the second supply pipe 23
The second supply pipe 23 is made of a tube having a large inner diameter, so that even if the washing liquid enters the second supply pipe 23, the second supply pipe 23 is unlikely to be clogged by dust, lint, and remaining detergent in the washing liquid. In the present embodiment, a tube is used for the second supply pipe 23. For example, a duct-like passage is formed by a groove formed integrally with the bottom of the outer tank 2, and the second supply pipe 23 is formed of a tube. It is sufficient that the cross-sectional area is large enough not to be clogged with dust or lint. Further, as in the second embodiment of the bubble outlet shown in FIG. 4, a reverse flow for preventing the washing liquid in the outer tub 2 from flowing back to the air pump 20 through the supply pipe 23 to the bubble outlet 24. When the stop valve 24a is provided, the air from the air pump 20 is supplied into the outer tank 2, but the outer tank 2
The washing liquid inside does not enter the supply pipe 23. Therefore,
It is possible to prevent dust and lint in the washing liquid, detergent that has been left undissolved, and the like from accumulating in the supply pipe 23. Also,
Since the washing liquid does not enter the supply pipe 23, it is possible to prevent a problem that the residual water of the washing liquid that has entered the supply pipe 23 in winter or the like is frozen.

A recess 26 is formed in the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 5 so as to protrude upward in a donut shape so as to surround the rotating shaft 25 of the washing and dewatering tub 5. The water between the washing and dewatering tub 5 and the bottom of the outer tub 2 is passed through the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 5 and the air pump 2
A plurality of insertion holes 27 for passing bubbles from zero are provided in the range of the recess 26. The insertion hole 27 is provided at a position substantially above the bubble outlet 24. The air bubbles sent from the air pump 20 and generated from the air bubble outlet 24 directly enter the washing and dewatering tub 5 through the insertion holes 27 or are once captured in the recesses 26. After that, it is configured to enter the washing and dewatering tub 5 through the insertion hole.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the detailed structure of the pulsator 6, wherein FIG. 3A is a top view, FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along the line AB in FIG. 3A, and FIG. It is a line sectional view.

The pulsator 6 is provided with a stirring blade 28 for generating a water flow in the washing and dewatering tub 5 on the upper surface and a back blade 29 formed radially on the rear surface. The back blades 29 have a pump function of sucking water between the washing and dewatering tub 5 and the bottom surface of the outer tub 2, and also have a crushing function of miniaturizing bubbles generated from the bubble outlet 24. The pulsator 6 is a substantially disk-shaped main body member 3.
0 and a plurality of stirring blades 28 mounted on the main body member 30. The main body member 30 is a substantially disk-shaped member integrally formed of a resin material, and a boss portion 31 for attaching the pulsator 6 to a rotating shaft is formed to bulge upward at the center. On the upper surface of the main body member 30, five stirring blade mounting portions 32 are formed radially around the boss 31 at substantially equal intervals, and the center in the radial direction between the adjacent stirring blade mounting portions is slightly centered. It is a recessed flat portion 33. A drain hole 34 communicating vertically is formed in the flat portion 33, and a fountain hole 35 is formed on the outer peripheral side.
Are formed. On the other hand, on the lower surface of the main body member 30, a circumferential rib 36 hanging down over the entire outer edge is formed, and a plurality of back blades 29 are formed radially from the boss portion 31 to the circumferential rib 36. The stirring blade mounting portion 32 bulges upward from the flat portion 33 in a mountain shape, and the stirring blade member 28 is mounted on the upper portion. The inside of the stirring blade mounting portion 32 is radially separated into three chambers 37a, 37b, and 37c, and the top surface of each of the chambers 37a, 37b, and 37c has a bubble discharge hole 38 for discharging bubbles. Stirring blade member 2
8 and the stirring blade mounting portion 32. Next, the operation will be described. At the time of the washing operation or the rinsing operation, the pulsator 6 is rotated in a state where water is stored up to a predetermined water level in the washing and dewatering tub 5. Pulsator 6
When the is rotated, water between the bottom surface of the washing and dewatering tub 5 and the bottom surface of the outer tub 2 is passed through the insertion hole 27 formed in the bottom surface of the washing and dewatering tub 5 by the pump action of the back blade 29 formed on the back surface. Can be sucked up. The sucked water is pushed out to the outer periphery of the pulsator 6, rises in the circulation channel 17, and is discharged from the upper end opening into the washing and dewatering tub 5 through the lint filter 18. When the air pump 20 is driven, air is sent into the first supply pipe 21. The sent air becomes bubbles from the bubble outlet 24 provided on the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 5 through the connecting pipe 22 and the second supply pipe 23 and is successively discharged into the outer tub 2. The released air bubbles float and are directly sucked into the insertion hole 27 formed in the bottom surface of the washing and dewatering tub 5 by the pumping action of the back blade 29 of the pulsator 6 or the bottom surface of the washing and dewatering tub 5 After being once caught in the recess 26 formed in the washing and dewatering tub 5, it is sucked into the insertion hole 27 and sent into the washing and dewatering tub 5. That is, the bubbles released from the bubble outlet 24 into the outer tank 2 are:
If not directly sucked into the insertion hole 27,
Since the air bubbles are temporarily stored in the recess 26 before being sucked into the outer tub 2, the air bubbles are not deviated to the outside of the outer tub 2 without going to the insertion hole 27, and the air bubbles are reliably supplied into the washing and dewatering tub 5. It is possible to do. Bubbles that have passed through the insertion holes 27 form back blades 29 formed on the back surface of the pulsator 6.
The microbubbles are micronized by being agitated to form fine bubbles (approximately 10 microns to 2 millimeters, average 0.5 millimeters), which further improve the cleaning effect. These fine bubbles are generated in the three chambers 37a, 3a inside the stirring blade mounting portion 32.
Collected at 7b and 37c. These three rooms 37a, 37b, 3
Each of 7c has a plurality of bubble discharge holes 38 penetrating vertically.
Are provided at predetermined locations, and each room 37a, 37b, 3
The fine bubbles accumulated in 7c float up into the washing and dewatering tub 5 from each bubble discharge hole. At this time, the air bubbles made fine by the back blade 29 of the pulsator 6 are mixed with the stirring blade mounting portion 32.
Of the three rooms 37a, 37b, and 37c.
c A substantially equal number of microbubbles are generated from the bubble discharge holes 38 formed respectively. That is, when the pulsator 6 rotates, a centrifugal force acts on the air bubbles stored inside the pulsator 6. At this time, if the inside of the stirring blade mounting portion 32 is not divided in the radial direction, the bubbles are distributed unevenly to the outer peripheral side of the pulsator 6 due to the centrifugal force. Therefore, the number of bubbles generated from the bubble discharge holes located on the outer peripheral side of the stirring blade mounting portion 32 increases as compared with the number of bubbles generated from the bubble discharge holes located near the center of the stirring blade mounting portion 32. Although the problem that the air bubbles supplied to the laundry become non-uniform occurs, as in the present application, the inside of the stirring blade mounting portion 32 is radially separated, so that the separated rooms 37a, 37b, and 37c are separated. Since the bubbles are dispersed and accumulated, it is possible to prevent the bubbles accumulated inside the pulsator 6 from being unevenly distributed toward the outer peripheral side. As a result, air bubbles are generated almost uniformly from all the air bubble discharge holes 38 formed in the pulsator 6, so that the air bubbles are not biased in a part of the laundry, and the air bubbles are distributed evenly throughout the laundry. become. Then, about 50 to 60 million micronized bubbles generated from the bubble discharge holes 38 of the pulsator 6 are generated in one minute, and float and come into contact with the laundry. When air bubbles come into contact with the laundry, ultrasonic waves are generated when the air bubbles burst, and due to the minute vibration, dirt components such as oils and fats entangled with the fibers of the laundry are easily separated from the fibers. Therefore, the cleaning performance and the rinsing performance are improved by the combination of the water flow generated by the pulsator 6 and the air bubbles, as compared with the case where the cleaning or rinsing is performed only by the water flow.
In this embodiment, the bubble outlet 24 is provided at one place. However, as shown in the third embodiment of the bubble outlet shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of bubble outlets 24 are provided. As a result, air bubbles are blown out evenly and evenly into the washing and dewatering tub 5, so that the performance can be improved. Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 shows a partial sectional view of the lower portion of the outer tank. 6, in the present embodiment, a rotating groove 6b constituted by a plurality of cylindrical walls 6a is integrally formed on the outer peripheral portion of the pulsator 6. On the bottom surface of the washing and dewatering tub 5 that faces the outer peripheral portion of the pulsator 6 provided with the rotating groove 6b, an annular wall 5a that is loosely fitted in the rotating groove 6b in a non-contact state is formed to project. The labyrinth seal portion 40 is constituted by the rotating groove 6b and the annular wall 5a. Bubbles supplied to the back surface of the pulsator 6 and miniaturized by the back blade 29 are formed in the bubble discharge holes 3.
8, the bubble discharge hole 38 becomes small and has a resistance. Therefore, the bubble discharge hole 38 may leak from the outer peripheral portion of the pulsator 6 into the wash / dewater tub 5 without passing through the bubble discharge hole 38. May be. However, the air bubbles supplied to the back surface of the pulsator 6 are confined in the space on the back surface of the pulsator 6 by the labyrinth seal portion 40 that seals between the outer periphery of the pulsator 6 and the washing and dewatering tub 5. It is possible to more effectively prevent the dewatering tank 5 from entering. As a result, bubbles are supplied into the washing and dewatering tub 5 only from the bubble discharge holes 38, and the efficiency is improved. Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the back blade 29 is formed of a flat blade, and a configuration in which air bubbles are crushed by the blade is described. For example, as shown in FIGS. It may be shaped. FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the back blade, and FIG. 8 is a side view showing still another embodiment of the back blade. 7 and 8, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. FIG. 7 is a view of the pulsator 6 viewed from above.
Reference numeral 29a denotes a back blade, which is formed in a corrugated shape when viewed from above. By doing so, the surface area of the back blade is increased, so that the back blade works more effectively, and the bubbles supplied to the back side of the pulsator 6 can be more efficiently miniaturized. FIG. 8 is a view of the pulsator viewed from the side.
c shows the back blade. A plurality of slits 29d are formed in the lower edge of the back blade 29c, and are formed in a substantially comb shape.
With such a configuration, the effective surface of the back blade 29c can be increased, so that the performance of miniaturizing bubbles can be further improved. Next, another embodiment of the bubble discharge hole will be described. In the above-described invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the bubble discharge holes 38 provided in the pulsator 6 are used.
Is formed almost uniformly throughout the pulsator 6,
The area of the bubble discharge holes 6 may be partially changed, or the distance between adjacent bubble discharge holes may be changed.
That is, when the pulsator 6 rotates, a flow toward the outer peripheral direction of the pulsator 6 occurs in the washing water on the back side of the pulsator 6. The flow rate of this flow increases from the center to the outer periphery of the pulsator 6, and the amount of bubbles also increases. For this reason, the bubbles supplied from the insertion holes 27 and crushed by the back blades 29 tend to be unevenly distributed on the outer peripheral side of the pulsator 6. If the bubble discharge holes 38 are provided uniformly over the entire area of the pulsator 6 as in the above-described embodiment, the bubbles supplied into the washing and dewatering tub 5 will be closer to the outer periphery of the pulsator 6 than to the vicinity of the center. , The air bubbles concentrate on the air bubble discharge holes 38 in the outer peripheral portion of the pulsator 6, and the flow of the air bubbles is obstructed. Therefore, the air bubbles may not be supplied efficiently. So, for example, as shown in FIG.
As the distance from the center of the pulsator 6 to the outer periphery increases, the density of the bubble ejection holes 38a located in the region of the outer periphery increases by decreasing the distance between the adjacent bubble ejection holes 38a.
That is, since the total opening area of the bubble discharge holes 38a provided on the outer peripheral portion is larger than that of the central portion, the pulsator 6
Even if the bubbles concentrate on the bubble discharge holes 38a on the outer peripheral portion of the pulsator 6 due to the rotational movement of the, the bubbles smoothly pass through the bubble discharge holes 38a. Therefore, air bubbles can be efficiently supplied.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the overall configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a detailed configuration of a rotor according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view showing a second embodiment of a bubble outlet according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view showing a third embodiment of a bubble outlet according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view showing another embodiment of the back blade according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing still another embodiment of the back blade according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the bubble discharge hole according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 6 Rotating blade 20 Bubble generating means 29 Back blade

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Haruo Mamiya 2-5-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shigeki Yoshida 2-5-2 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka No. 5 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tsuyoshi Murao 2-5-5 Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Pref. Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. 2-5-2-5 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Junhisa Funada 2-5-1-5 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takao Kuraseko Moriguchi, Osaka 2-5-5 Keihanhondori Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 3B155 AA01 BB08 CA06 CB06 CB48 CB70 EA03 FD04 FD08 MA01 MA02

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A washing machine comprising: bubble generating means for supplying air bubbles to washing water in a washing tub; and means for miniaturizing air bubbles supplied into the washing water by the air bubble generating means. Machine. 2. A washing machine in which rotating blades are disposed inside a washing tub, wherein a bubble generating means for supplying air bubbles to the washing water in the washing tub, and the air bubbles sent out from the air bubble generating means are miniaturized. The washing machine is provided with means for performing the following. 3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the rotating blades have radial back blades on a lower surface, and the back blades reduce bubbles. 4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the back blade has a comb shape or a wave shape. 5. The microbubble has a diameter of about 0.5 m.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein m is m. 6. A washing machine in which a rotating wing is disposed inside a washing tub and bubbles supplied to the washing water by a bubble generating means are supplied upward from the bubble discharge holes provided in the rotating wing into the washing tub. A washing machine, wherein a back surface of the rotor is divided into a plurality of rooms in a radial direction, and the bubble discharge holes are provided on a top surface of each room. 7. Air bubbles stored in an outer tub in which a washing and dewatering tub is disposed, a rotating blade provided at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub is rotated, and air bubbles are supplied to the washing water by an air bubble generating means. In the washing machine that sends the washing and dewatering tub into the washing and dewatering tub through an insertion hole formed in a low wall surface of the washing and dewatering tub, and performs washing and rinsing of the laundry by a combination of the water flow and the air bubbles by the rotating wings. A recess is formed on the bottom surface of the washing and dewatering tub so as to protrude upward, and a bubble outlet for supplying the bubbles supplied from the bubble generating means into the outer tub is provided near the recess. A washing machine, wherein the insertion hole is provided in an area of the recess, the opening being provided and for introducing bubbles supplied from the bubble outlet into the washing and dewatering tub. 8. An outer tub supported in vibration isolation in an outer frame, a washing and dewatering tub arranged in the outer tub,
An air bubble generating means for supplying air bubbles to the washing water, an air bubble outlet formed on a lower wall surface of the outer tub to supply air bubbles into the outer tub, and connecting the air bubble outlet with the air bubble generating means. In a washing machine including a bubble supply path, the bubble supply path is divided into an upper supply path and a lower supply path in the middle of the path, and the upper supply path and the lower supply path are connected. A washing machine wherein a connecting portion is provided near a side wall of the outer tub. 9. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the upper feed path is connected to the lower feed path in a horizontal direction at a connecting portion. 10. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the upper feed path is formed of a soft member. 11. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein an inner diameter of said lower feed path is larger than an inner diameter of said upper feed path.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 10 to 10. 12. A washing machine in which a rotating wing is disposed inside a washing tub and bubbles supplied to the washing water by bubble generating means are supplied from a bubble discharge hole provided in the rotating wing into the washing tub. A washing machine characterized in that sealing means for preventing the supplied bubbles from leaking into the washing tub from other than the bubble discharge holes is provided between the rotary wing and the washing tub. 13. A groove formed by a plurality of cylindrical walls is provided on one of an outer peripheral portion of the rotary blade and a bottom wall of the washing tub facing the outer peripheral portion of the rotary blade. An annular wall which is loosely fitted in the opening in a non-contact state is provided,
13. The washing machine according to claim 12, wherein said sealing means is constituted by a labyrinth connection portion comprising said groove portion and said annular wall. 14. A washing machine in which a rotating blade is disposed inside a washing tub, and bubbles supplied to the washing water by bubble generating means are supplied from a plurality of bubble discharge holes provided in the rotating blade into the washing tub. Wherein the sum of the opening areas of the bubble discharge holes located in the region of the center portion of the rotary wing is smaller than the sum of the opening areas of the bubble discharge holes located in the region of the outer peripheral portion. Washing machine. 15. An outer tub supported in a vibration-proof manner in an outer frame, a washing and dewatering tub disposed in the outer tub, a bubble generating means for supplying bubbles to the washing water, and a lower part of the outer tub. In a washing machine comprising a bubble outlet formed on a wall surface and supplying bubbles into the outer tub, and a bubble feed path connecting the bubble outlet and the bubble generating means, the washing water in the outer tub is provided. A washing valve, wherein a check valve is provided at the bubble outlet to prevent the air from flowing back into the bubble supply path.