JP2001259292A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem of requiring rotating of a washing and dehydration tub at high speed and necessitating a large quantity of washing water even for small capacity washing because washing water of the washing and dehydration tub is raised by rotating the washing and dehydration tub, sprinkling of water into the washing and dehydration tub and circulated in a washing machine cleaning the washing by rotating a washing and dehydration tub intermittently or with varied revolutions and varying the centrifugal force given to washing water and the washing in the washing and dehydration tub. SOLUTION: By sprinkling water with a pump while rotating a washing and dehydration tub, energy can be saved and water can be economized while retaining the washing capacity without changing the quantity of washing water circulated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing laundry in a washing and dewatering tub.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, laundry is washed by intermittently rotating the washing and dewatering tub 53 or changing the number of revolutions, and changing the centrifugal force applied to the washing water and the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub 53. In the washing machine, a receiving cylinder 52 and a receiving cylinder cover 57 provided on the upper part of the receiving cylinder 52 as shown in FIG.
And a driving means 54 for driving a washing and dewatering tub 53 rotatably disposed in the receiving cylinder 52. The driving means 54 rotates the washing and dewatering tub 53 so that the washing and dewatering tub 53 and the receiving cylinder 52 are rotated. , The washing water is raised, and the washing and dewatering tub 53 is sprinkled with water from between the receiving cylinder cover 57 and the washing and dewatering tub 53 to perform washing.

To this end, the washing and dewatering tub 53 is provided with a large number of holes 56 on the side surface thereof for allowing washing water to pass from the washing and dewatering tub 53 into the receiving cylinder 52. In addition, the hole 56 is provided with a dehydration for passing the washing water from the washing and dewatering tub 53 into the receiving cylinder 52 when the driving means 54 rotates the washing and dehydrating tub 53 at a high speed to perform centrifugal dehydration. It also functions as a hole. Further, some models have a dedicated bath water pump 58 for using bath water for water supply.

[0004]

However, in the conventional washing machine, the washing and dewatering tub is rotated to increase the washing water between the washing and dewatering tub and the receiving cylinder, and the washing and dehydrating tub is rotated. Since water is sprinkled into the washing and dewatering tub between the washing and dewatering tubs for washing, there is a problem that a large amount of washing water is required.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of saving resources, energy and water while maintaining cleaning power.

[0006]

According to the present invention, a washing and dewatering tub is rotatably disposed in a receiving cylinder, and the washing and dewatering tub is driven by a driving means. The driving means is controlled so that the washing and dewatering tub is rotated intermittently or at a different number of rotations to wash the laundry, and is rotated at a high speed to perform centrifugal dehydration. As a result, the washing water can be sprinkled irrespective of the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub, so that the washing water can be effectively passed through the laundry even with a small amount of water for washing, thereby saving water.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a receiving cylinder and a washing and dewatering tub rotatably disposed in the receiving cylinder are driven by driving means, The laundry is washed intermittently or by changing the number of revolutions of the washing and dewatering tub by the control means, and the washing and dewatering tub is rotated at a high speed to perform centrifugal dehydration. In addition, a pump for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub and returning to the washing and dewatering tub is provided, and the drive of the pump is shared with driving means for driving the washing and dewatering tub.

According to this construction, the washing and dewatering tub is rotated during the washing to change the centrifugal force applied to the washing water and the laundry so that the laundry is washed without being damaged and entangled.
With a transmission that adjusts the rotation speed of the pump properly, even if the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub is low, a small amount of water can be sprinkled from the time it is accumulated in the washing and dewatering tub, and time can be saved by starting washing without waiting for water supply Can be shortened. In addition, since water can be sprinkled with a small amount of water, the washing water is sprinkled on a small amount of laundry and the laundry is washed, thereby saving water. Further, it is not necessary to prepare a dedicated driving means as the driving means of the pump, so that the number of parts can be reduced and a low-cost configuration can be achieved.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 of the present invention provides:
This is a washing machine in which the drive of the pump is also used as the drive means for driving the washing and dewatering tub, and has a drive switching means.

According to this structure, in addition to the operation of the first aspect of the present invention, by having the drive switching means, there is no need to suck the water in the washing and dewatering tub and return it to the washing and dewatering tub. In some cases, by disconnecting the pump, there is no power loss and energy can be saved.

Further, the invention according to claim 3 of the present invention provides:
In addition to the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the driving means for driving the washing and dewatering tub and the driving means of the pump for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub and returning to the washing and dewatering tub are used as induction motors. This is a washing machine that uses a common condenser.

According to this configuration, by sharing the capacitor, the number of parts is reduced, the reliability is increased, the assembly is simplified, and the cost is reduced.

[0013] The invention described in claim 4 of the present invention provides:
In addition to the invention described in claim 1 or 2, a driving circuit for driving the washing and dewatering tub and a driving means for a pump that sucks water in the washing and dewatering tub and returns the water to the washing and dewatering tub are an inverter motor, and a drive circuit. It is a washing machine with a common use.

According to this configuration, the number of components is reduced, reliability is increased, assembly is simplified, and cost is reduced by sharing the drive circuit.

The invention according to claim 5 of the present invention provides:
In addition to the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4,
This is a washing machine that drives a pump motor that rotates the washing and dewatering tub, sucks water in the washing and dewatering tub and returns the water to the washing and dewatering tub when the washing and dewatering tub coasts.

According to this structure, the driving means for driving the washing and dewatering tub and the driving means for the pump for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub and returning to the washing and dewatering tub are not used at the same time. Since it can be lowered, the current value flowing to the motor that rotates the washing and dewatering tub can be increased, and more powerful cleaning can be performed.

[0017] The invention according to claim 6 of the present invention provides:
In addition to the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 5,
This is a washing machine in which a pump casing is integrated with a receiving cylinder.

According to this configuration, since the pump casing is integrated with the receiving cylinder, the number of parts is reduced, the assembly is simplified, the number of places for sealing water is reduced, and water leakage hardly occurs.

The invention according to claim 7 of the present invention provides:
In addition to the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 6, a suction port of a pump for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub and returning to the washing and dewatering tub is provided between the washing and dewatering tub and the drain valve. It is a washing machine.

According to this structure, the pump suction port is shared with the drainage path, so that the shape of the bottom of the receiving cylinder may be such that water collects at one outlet. There is no water left. In addition, the structure is simplified, and a single outlet is provided at the bottom of the receiving cylinder, so that it does not take up space and the driving means attached to the bottom of the receiving cylinder can be easily enlarged.

The invention according to claim 8 of the present invention provides:
In addition to the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 7, a washing machine further includes a switching valve provided at a pump suction port, and a control unit that opens and closes the switching valve in conjunction with the pump.

According to this configuration, the switching valve is provided at the suction port of the pump and the switching valve is opened and closed in conjunction with the pump. Therefore, when water is supplied to the washing and dewatering tank, water does not flow into the pump.
It can save water.

[0023] Further, the invention according to claim 9 of the present invention provides:
A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a suction port of the pump is provided near an outer peripheral portion of the bottom of the receiving cylinder.

According to this configuration, by rotating the washing and dewatering tub, the water stored in the washing and dewatering tub is rotated, and the water flows along the inner peripheral surface of the receiving cylinder. The water collects and can be collected at the inlet of the pump. Therefore, even when the amount of water in the receiving cylinder is smaller, water can be supplied to the pump, and the water in the washing and dewatering tub can be sucked and returned to the washing and dewatering tub.

[0025]

(Embodiment 1) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. First, the overall configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
A receiving cylinder 23 suspended by a suspension 22 is provided in the main body 21, and the vibration during dehydration is absorbed by the suspension 22. A washing and dewatering tub 24 is rotatably arranged in the receiving cylinder 23. The washing and dewatering tub 24 has a stirring blade 25 for stirring the laundry at the inner bottom portion rotatably. The drive means 26 includes a speed reduction mechanism 30 (not shown) and a drive motor 33. The speed reduction mechanism 30 is included in the dehydrating shaft 27, and reduces the rotation speed by a gear group. In order to prevent abnormal rotation due to imbalance of the washing and dewatering tub 24 during dehydration, a speed reduction mechanism using planetary gears in which a plurality of gears are arranged symmetrically is preferably used. A washing shaft 29 is connected to the output side of the speed reduction mechanism 30, and a washing-side input shaft 31 (not shown) is connected to the input side. The dehydrating shaft 27 containing the reduction mechanism 30 is contained by a case 38.

The drive motor 33 rotates the spinning shaft 27 and the washing-side input shaft 31 (not shown). A drive switching means 32 (not shown) for transmitting or not transmitting the rotation of the drive motor 33 to the dehydrating shaft 27 is included. The driving means 26 is fixed to the bottom of the receiving cylinder 23. The rotation speed of the driving means 26 is controlled by the control means 28. The pump 34 has a suction port 39 provided before the drain valve 37. The pump outlet 40 is provided above the washing and dewatering tub 24. The driving means 26 also serves to drive the pump 34. (A transmission means such as a belt or a gear may be used as the method also serving as the driving means, or the pump 34 may be arranged on the same straight line as the driving means 26).

In this embodiment, the drive motor 33 may be an inner rotor type, an outer rotor type, or a type in which the stator and the rotor of the motor are vertically opposed to each other. It may be directly driven by the drive motor 33.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
First, in the washing / rinsing process, the washing and dewatering tub 24 is used.
Water supply inside. Next, the control means 28 changes the centrifugal force acting on the washing water and the laundry by driving the driving means 26 to rotate the washing and dewatering tub 24 intermittently or by changing the rotation speed. At this time, the washing and dewatering tub 24
When the rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub 24 becomes equal to or higher than a certain value, the washing water in the receiving cylinder 23 rises and the washing water is supplied from the upper portion of the washing / dehydrating tub 24 to the washing / dehydrating tub 2.
4 Returning to the center, the washing water circulates in the washing / dewatering tub 24. Further, the washing water pumped by the pump 34 is sprinkled from the pump outlet 40. As a result, a larger amount of washing water passes through the laundry to remove dirt from the laundry. Thereby, washing and rinsing proceed.

When the washing and rinsing steps are completed, a dehydration step is started. In the spin-drying step, the water in the washing and spin-drying tub 24 is drained, the rotation of the drive motor 33 is transmitted to the spin-drying shaft 27, and the stirring blade 25 and the spin-drying tub 24 rotate integrally. The water content of the laundry that has been washed and rinsed is centrifugally generated by the rotation of the spin-drying tub 24 and is squeezed out. Thus, the laundry is automatically dehydrated.

The laundry put in the washing and dewatering tub 24 completes the washing, rinsing and dehydrating steps.

With the above configuration, in the washing / rinsing process, the washing and dewatering tub 24 rotates intermittently to allow water to pass through the laundry, to oscillate the laundry, and to wash the washing water pumped by the pump 34 into the pump outlet. Water is sprinkled from 40, and a large amount of washing water passes through the laundry to realize an effect of cleaning the laundry.

Further, by the transmission which makes the rotation speed of the pump 34 appropriate, water can be sprinkled when the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 24 is low, and water can be sprinkled when a small amount of water is accumulated in the washing and dewatering tub 24.・ Washing the laundry with washing water from the beginning of the rinsing process can shorten the washing and rinsing time.

Further, since water can be sprinkled with a small amount of water, the detergency is enhanced and water can be saved. Further, it is not necessary to prepare a dedicated driving unit as a driving unit of the pump 34, the number of parts can be reduced, the reliability can be increased, and an inexpensive configuration can be achieved.

(Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the second embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 1, there is provided a drive switching means 32 for switching between the drive of the pump 34 and the drive of the washing and dewatering tub 24.

With the above-described configuration, the drive switching means 32 allows the pump 34 to be disconnected when there is no need to draw in the water in the washing and dewatering tub 24 and return it to the washing and dewatering tub 24. Can save energy.

(Embodiment 3) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the third embodiment has the same configuration as the first and second embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 1, a drive motor 33 for driving the washing and spin-drying tub 24 and a pump driving motor 35 for driving a pump 34 for sucking water in the washing and spin-drying tub 24 and returning the same to the washing and spin-drying tub 24 are induction motors, respectively. Capacitor 42
(Not shown).

With the above configuration, the driving capacitor 42
Sharing (not shown) reduces the number of parts, increases reliability, simplifies assembly, and results in an inexpensive configuration.

(Embodiment 4) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the first and second embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 1, a drive motor 33 for driving the washing and dewatering tub 24 and a pump driving motor 35 for driving a pump 34 for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub 24 and returning to the washing and dewatering tub 24 are inverter motors, respectively. Circuit 43
(Not shown).

With the above configuration, by sharing the drive circuit 43 (not shown), the number of components is reduced, the reliability is increased, the assembly is simplified, and the configuration is inexpensive.

(Embodiment 5) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, the same components as those in the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 1, a pump 34 that rotates the washing and dewatering tub 24, sucks water in the washing and dewatering tub 24 when the washing and dewatering tub 24 rotates by inertia, and sprinkles water to the washing and dewatering tub 24 to return.
Work.

With the above structure, the drive motor 33 for driving the washing and dewatering tub 24 and the pump driving motor 35 for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub 24 and returning to the washing and dewatering tub 24 are not used at the same time. You can lower the peak.
Therefore, the value of the current flowing through the drive motor 33 that rotates the washing / dewatering tub 24 can be increased, and more powerful cleaning can be performed.

(Embodiment 6) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, the same components as those in the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 1, the pump casing 41 is
3 and integrated.

With the above structure, since the pump casing 41 is integrated with the receiving cylinder 23, the number of parts is reduced, the assembly is simplified, the number of locations for sealing water is reduced, and water leakage hardly occurs.

(Embodiment 7) Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, the same components as those in the first to sixth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

A pump suction port 39 is provided between the washing and dewatering tub 24 and the drain valve 37 for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub 24 and returning the water to the washing and dewatering tub 24.

According to the above configuration, the pump suction port 39 is shared with the drainage path, so that the shape of the bottom of the receiving cylinder 23 may be such that water collects at one outlet.
No water remains in 3 and the pump suction port 39.
In addition, the structure is simplified, and a single outlet is provided at the bottom of the receiving cylinder 23, so that it does not take up space, and the driving means 26 attached to the bottom of the receiving cylinder 23 can be easily enlarged.

Embodiment 8 Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, the same components as those in the first to seventh embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. A switch 45 is provided in the pump suction port 39, and an opening / closing means for the switch valve 45 that is interlocked with the pump 34 is provided.

With the above configuration, by closing the switching valve 45 when the washing liquid is not sprinkled on the laundry by the pump 34, water does not flow into the pump 34, water can be saved, and the water supply time can be shortened. Can be shortened.

(Embodiment 9) Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, the same components as those in the first to eighth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. A pump suction port 39 is provided near the outer peripheral portion of the bottom of the receiving cylinder 23.

According to the above configuration, when the washing and dewatering tub 24 is rotated, the water stored in the washing and dewatering tub 24 is rotated, and the water flows along the inner peripheral surface of the receiving cylinder 23. The water is collected in the section, and the water can be collected in the pump suction port 39. Therefore, even when the amount of water in the receiving cylinder 23 is smaller, water can be supplied to the pump 34, and the water in the washing and dewatering tub 24 can be sucked and returned to the washing and dewatering tub 24. The washing liquid is sprinkled on the laundry, so that the washing time can be shortened and the laundry can be washed with a small amount of water.

[0051]

As apparent from the above embodiment, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the washing and rinsing steps, the washing water pumped by the pump can be sprinkled from the pump discharge port, and the washing water can be washed. , And the function of removing the dirt on the laundry can be realized, and at the same time, the driving of the pump is shared with the driving means for driving the washing and dewatering tub. There is no need, the number of parts can be reduced, and an inexpensive configuration can be achieved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the washing / rinsing step, the drive of the pump is also used as the drive means for driving the washing and dewatering tub, and the drive switching means is provided.
It can be stopped when it is not necessary to rotate the pump during rinsing and spin-drying, and there is no power loss and energy can be saved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the driving means for driving the washing and dewatering tub and the driving means for driving the pump for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub and returning to the washing and dewatering tub are formed as induction motors. The use of a common capacitor reduces the number of parts, and provides a configuration that is inexpensive and easy to assemble.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the driving means for driving the washing and dewatering tub and the driving means for driving the pump for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub and returning to the washing and dewatering tub are provided as inverter motors. By sharing the circuit for use, the number of parts is reduced, and the configuration is inexpensive and easy to assemble.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the pump for rotating the washing and spin-drying tub, sucking water in the washing and spin-drying tub when the washing and spin-drying tub rotates by inertia, and returning water to the washing and spin-drying tub is operated. Therefore, the driving means for driving the washing and dewatering tub and the driving means for the pump for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub and returning to the washing and dewatering tub are not used at the same time, so that the current peak can be reduced. Therefore, the value of the current flowing to the drive motor that rotates the washing / dewatering tub can be increased, and more powerful washing can be performed.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the pump casing is integrated with the receiving cylinder, the number of parts is reduced, the number of locations for sealing water is reduced, and water leakage hardly occurs.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the pump suction port for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub and returning the water to the washing and dewatering tub is provided between the washing and dewatering tub and the drain valve. The shape of the bottom may be such that water collects at one outlet, and no water remains in the receiving cylinder and the pump suction port after draining. In addition, the structure is simplified, and a single outlet is provided at the bottom of the receiving cylinder, so that it does not take up space and the driving means attached to the bottom of the receiving cylinder can be easily enlarged.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the switching valve is provided at the pump suction port and the switching valve opening / closing means is provided in conjunction with the pump, the pump is used when the washing liquid is not sprayed on the laundry by the pump. No water flows into the inside, water can be saved, and the water supply time can be shortened, so that the washing time can be shortened.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the suction port of the pump is provided near the outer peripheral portion of the bottom of the receiving cylinder, the water accumulated in the washing and dewatering tub is rotated by rotating the washing and dewatering tub. As the water rotates and the water flows along the inner circumference of the receiving cylinder, water collects at the outer circumference of the bottom of the receiving cylinder and can be collected at the suction port of the pump. Water can be supplied to the washing and dewatering tank, and the water in the washing and dewatering tank can be sucked and returned to the washing and dewatering tank.

In the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, the washing and dewatering tub has a hole and the receiving cylinder is configured to receive water. A structure that does not allow water to enter may be used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a washing machine which is another embodiment of the first to eighth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a conventional washing machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 20 hole 21 main body 22 suspension 23 receiving cylinder 24 washing and dewatering tank 25 stirring blade 26 driving means 27 dehydrating axis 28 control means 29 washing axis 30 reduction mechanism 31 washing side input shaft 32 drive switching means 33 drive motor 34 pump 35 pump drive motor 36 Receiving cylinder cover 37 Drain valve 38 Case 39 Pump suction port 40 Pump discharge port 41 Pump casing 42 Driving condenser 43 Drive circuit 44 Drain port 45 Switching valve 52 Receiving cylinder 53 Washing and dewatering tub 54 Driving means 56 Hole 57 Receiving cylinder cover 58 Bath water pump

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A receiving cylinder, a washing and dewatering tub rotatably disposed in the receiving cylinder, a driving means for driving the washing and dewatering tub, a means for controlling the driving means, and a washing and dewatering. A pump for sucking water in the tub and returning it to the washing and dewatering tub, wherein the pump for sucking water in the washing and dehydrating tub and returning to the washing and dewatering tub is also used as a driving means for driving the washing and dehydrating tub A washing machine characterized by the following. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising drive switching means for driving a pump for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub and returning it to the washing and dewatering tub, and for driving the washing and dewatering tub. The washing machine as described. 3. A receiving cylinder, a washing and dewatering tub rotatably disposed in the receiving cylinder, a driving means for driving the washing and dewatering tub, a means for controlling the driving means, and a washing and dewatering tub. A pump for sucking water from the inside and returning to the washing and dewatering tub, and a driving means for rotating the inside of the washing and dewatering tub and a driving means for the pump for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub and returning to the washing and dewatering tub are used as induction motors. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a driving capacitor is shared. 4. A receiving cylinder, a washing and dewatering tub rotatably disposed in the receiving cylinder, a driving means for driving the washing and dewatering tub, a means for controlling the driving means, and a washing and dewatering tub. A pump for sucking water from the inside and returning to the washing and dewatering tub, and a driving means for rotating the inside of the washing and dewatering tub and a driving means for the pump for sucking water from the washing and dewatering tub and returning to the washing and dewatering tub are inverter motors. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the driving circuit is shared. 5. A receiving cylinder, a washing and dewatering tub rotatably disposed in the receiving cylinder, a driving means for driving the washing and dewatering tub, a means for controlling the driving means, and a washing and dewatering tub. A pump that draws water from the inside and returns it to the washing and spin-drying tub, rotates the washing and spin-drying tub, and sucks water from the washing and spin-drying tub when the washing and spin-drying tank rotates by inertia. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the washing machine is driven. 6. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a pump casing of a pump that sucks water in the washing and dewatering tub and returns to the washing and dewatering tub is integrated with a receiving cylinder. 7. A suction port for a pump for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub and returning the water to the washing and dewatering tub is provided between the washing and dewatering tub and the drain valve. The washing machine as described. 8. A switching valve is provided at a suction port of a pump for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub and returning to the washing and dehydrating tub, and control means for opening and closing the switching valve in conjunction with the pump is provided. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein 9. The pump according to claim 1, wherein a suction port of a pump for sucking water in the washing and dewatering tub and returning to the washing and dewatering tub is provided near the outermost portion of the bottom of the receiving cylinder. Washing machine.