【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、中央内底部にパルセータを回転自在に配設した洗濯兼脱水槽を内包する外槽を有する洗濯機に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、代表的な洗濯機は、パルセータと呼ばれる撹拌翼を回転させて洗濯するものであり、この種の洗濯機の構成を図１３を参照しながら説明する。
【０００３】
図１３に示すように、外槽１は、底部にパルセ−タ２を回転自在に配設した洗濯兼脱水槽３を内包し、吊り棒４により筐体５に吊り下げている。モータ６は、Ｖベルト７および減速機構兼クラッチ８を介して、パルセ−タ２または洗濯兼脱水槽３を駆動する。排水弁９は外槽１の底面に設けた開口部１０を介して洗濯兼脱水槽３内の洗濯水を排水し、給水弁１１は洗濯兼脱水槽３内に給水するものである。
【０００４】
洗濯兼脱水槽３に脱水時の振動を低減させるための流体バランサー１２を設け、洗濯兼脱水槽３の上部に蓋１３を配設している。制御装置１４は、モータ６、排水弁９、給水弁１１などを制御して、洗濯、すすぎ、脱水の各行程を逐次制御するものである。
【０００５】
上記構成において動作を説明すると、洗濯兼脱水槽３に洗濯物と所定量の洗剤を投入した後、運転を開始すると制御装置１４により給水弁１１を制御して洗濯兼脱水槽３内に所定量の水を給水し、その後制御装置１４により、モータ６を制御してパルセ−タ２を駆動する。パルセ−タ２の回転によって洗濯兼脱水槽３内の洗濯物と水とを撹拌し、この撹拌によって洗剤を徐々に溶解して洗濯水となり、洗濯物の汚れをおとし、所定時間後に排水弁９を動作し開口部１０を介して排水する。すすぎ、脱水時も排水時は、排水弁９の動作し開口部１０を介して排水することとなる（例えば、特許文献１参照）。
【０００６】
【特許文献１】
特開２００２−１０２５８３号公報
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、この構成の洗濯機の場合、洗濯水が入った外槽１からの排水時に、排水弁９と連通する外槽１の開口部１０を設けた底面は平坦面で形成されているため、水頭による圧力が小さくなる排水終了間近では、開口部１０より遠い箇所は表面張力により洗濯水の残水が発生し、外槽１の底面は、この残水による汚れやかびを発生させる問題を有していた。また、この汚れやかびが洗濯時に衣類に再付着する等の問題も有していた。
【０００８】
本発明は上記課題を解決するもので、洗濯兼脱水槽を内包する外槽の残水を低減し、この残水による外槽底面の汚れやかびを防止し、衣類への汚れやかびの再付着を防止することを目的としている。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は上記目的を達成するために、中央内底部にパルセータを回転自在に配設した洗濯兼脱水槽を外槽に内包し、外槽の底面に設けた開口部に排水弁を連通し、外槽は、底面に開口部に向けて下降する傾斜面を形成したものである。
【００１０】
これにより、洗濯兼脱水槽を内包する外槽の残水を低減することができ、この残水による外槽底面の汚れやかびを防止でき、衣類への汚れやかびの再付着を防止することができる。
【００１１】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の請求項１に記載の発明は、中央内底部にパルセータを回転自在に配設した洗濯兼脱水槽と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽を内包する外槽と、前記外槽の底面に設けた開口部に連通する排水弁とを備え、前記外槽は、底面に前記開口部に向けて下降する傾斜面を形成したものであり、排水弁に連通する外槽の開口部を設けた底面は開口部に向けて下降する傾斜面を形成しているため、洗濯水が入った外槽からの排水時に、水頭による圧力が小さくなる排水終了間近であっても、開口部より遠い箇所の表面張力より傾斜面によって発生する重力が勝るため、外槽底面の洗濯水は開口部に流入し、残水の防止ができ、この残水による外槽の底面の汚れ付着やかびの発生を防止することができ、衣類への汚れやかびの再付着を防止することができる。
【００１２】
請求項２に記載の発明は、中央内底部にパルセータを回転自在に配設した洗濯兼脱水槽と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽を内包する外槽と、前記外槽の底面に設けた開口部に連通する排水弁とを備え、前記外槽は、底面に前記開口部に重なる自由曲線を最下面とする傾斜面を形成したものであり、排水弁に連通する外槽の開口部を設けた底面は開口部に重なる自由曲線を最下面とする傾斜面から形成しているため、外槽底面の洗濯水は開口部に流入し、残水の防止ができ、この残水による外槽の底面の汚れ付着やかびの発生を防止することができ、衣類への汚れやかびの再付着を防止することができる。
【００１３】
請求項３に記載の発明は、中央内底部にパルセータを回転自在に配設した洗濯兼脱水槽と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽を内包する外槽と、前記外槽の底面に設けた開口部に連通する排水弁とを備え、前記開口部は、複数箇所に配置可能とし、かつ前記外槽は、底面に前記開口部の複数箇所に共通して重なる自由曲線を最下面とする傾斜面を形成したものであり、排水弁に連通する外槽の開口部を設けた底面は開口部の複数箇所に共通して重なる自由曲線を最下面とする傾斜面から形成しているため、外槽底面の洗濯水は開口部に流入し、残水の防止ができ、この残水による外槽の底面の汚れ付着やかびの発生を防止することができ、衣類への汚れやかびの再付着を防止することができる。
【００１４】
請求項４に記載の発明は、中央内底部にパルセータを回転自在に配設した洗濯兼脱水槽と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽を内包する外槽と、前記外槽の底面に設けた開口部に連通する排水弁とを備え、前記外槽は、底面にシボ加工等の親水性の加工または処理を施したものであり、排水弁に連通する外槽の開口部を設けた底面は撥水性を有しているため、外槽底面の洗濯水は容易に開口部に流入し、残水の防止ができ、この残水による外槽の底面の汚れ付着やかびの発生を防止することができ、衣類への汚れやかびの再付着を防止することができる。
【００１５】
請求項５に記載の発明は、中央内底部にパルセータを回転自在に配設した洗濯兼脱水槽と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽を内包する外槽と、前記外槽の底面に設けた開口部に連通する排水弁とを備え、前記外槽は、底面に前記開口部近傍に連なるリブを設けたものであり、排水弁に連通する外槽の開口部を設けた底面のリブにより開口部近傍まで残水を引き寄せるため、外槽底面の洗濯水は容易に開口部に流入し、残水の防止ができ、この残水による外槽の底面の汚れ付着やかびの発生を防止することができ、衣類への汚れやかびの再付着を防止することができる。
【００１６】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の実施例について、図面を参照しながら説明する。なお、従来例と同じ構成のものは同一符号を付して説明を省略する。
【００１７】
（実施例１）
図１に示すように、外槽１５は、洗濯兼脱水槽３を回転自在に内包し、底面１６に排水弁９に連通する開口部１７を設けるとともに、開口部１７に向かって下降する傾斜面１８を形成している。
【００１８】
制御装置１９は、図２に示すように構成しており、制御手段２０は、マイクロコンピュータで構成し、パワースイッチング手段２１を介してモータ６、排水弁９、給水弁１１などの動作を制御し、洗濯、すすぎ、脱水などの一連の行程を逐次制御する。入力設定手段２２は、運転コース等を設定するもので、制御手段２０は入力設定手段２２からの情報を入力して、その情報を基に表示手段２３で表示して使用者に知らせる。記憶手段２４は、制御手段２０により制御するのに必要なデータを記憶している。なお、２５は商用電源、２６は電源スイッチである。
【００１９】
図３は外槽１５を上からみたもので、開口部１７の中心点ｏに対し、点ａは最長遠隔ポイント、点ｂは最短遠隔ポイントである。外槽１５の傾斜面１８は、図４に示すように、水平線と線ａｏで形成される最小傾斜角αと、水平線と線ｂｏで形成される最大傾斜角βとで表される自由曲面としている。他の構成は従来例と同じである。
【００２０】
上記構成において動作を説明すると、洗濯兼脱水槽３内に洗濯物と洗剤を投入した後、運転を開始すると、制御手段２０は、給水弁１１を作動させて給水を開始し、同時に、洗濯兼脱水槽３が回転を始める。洗濯兼脱水槽３内の水位が設定水位に達するまでの間、洗濯兼脱水槽３は回転する。設定水位に達した時点で給水弁１１の動作を停止し、洗濯兼脱水槽３の内底部に回転自在に配設したパルセ−タ２を設定時間まで回転駆動する。設定時間に到達した後、制御手段２０は、排水弁９を作動させて排水を開始し、外槽１５内の洗濯水を開口部１７を介して排水弁９より排水する。
【００２１】
このとき、外槽１５の底面１６は、水平線と線ａｏで形成される最小傾斜角αと水平線と線ｂｏで形成される最大傾斜角βとで表される自由曲面である傾斜面１８で形成しているため、水頭による圧力が小さくなる排水終了間近であっても、開口部１７より遠い個所の表面張力より傾斜面１８によって発生する重力が勝るため、外槽１５の底面１６の洗濯水は開口部１７に流入し、残水はなくなる。
【００２２】
すすぎ、脱水行程においても同様に、残水の防止ができ、この残水による外槽１５の底面１６の汚れ付着やかびの発生を防止することができ、衣類への汚れやかびの再付着を防止することができる。
【００２３】
（実施例２）
図５および図６に示すように、外槽２７は、洗濯兼脱水槽３を回転自在に内包し、底面２８に排水弁９に連通する開口部２９を設けるとともに、底面２８に開口部２９に重なる自由曲線ｃを最下面とする傾斜面３０を形成している。他の構成は上記実施例１と同じである。
【００２４】
上記構成において動作を説明すると、外槽２７内の洗濯水の排水時、外槽２７は、底面２８に開口部２９に重なる自由曲線ｃを最下面とする傾斜面３０を形成しているため、水頭による圧力が小さくなる排水終了間近であっても、洗濯水は一旦傾斜面３０によって発生する重力により自由曲線ｃ上に集合し、表面張力に勝る水頭分の洗濯水は開口部２９に流入し、排水される。
【００２５】
表面張力により自由曲線ｃ上に残水した洗濯水は、傾斜面３０で形成される最下面にごく僅かしかなく、その表面張力は小さいため、すすぎ、脱水行程での洗濯兼脱水槽３の回転により発生する振動や風圧で、開口部２９に流入し、残水はなくなる。
【００２６】
これにより、外槽２７の底面２８の残水を防止することができ、この残水による外槽２７の底面２８の汚れ付着やかびの発生を防止でき、衣類への汚れやかびの再付着を防止することができる。
【００２７】
（実施例３）
図７および図８に示すように、外槽３１は、洗濯兼脱水槽３を回転自在に内包し、底面３２に排水弁９ａに連通する第１の開口部３３と排水弁９ｂに連通する第２の開口部３４を設け、かつ底面３２に第１の開口部３３と第２の開口部３４に共通して重なる自由曲線ｄを最下面とする傾斜面３５を形成している。他の構成は上記実施例１と同じである。
【００２８】
上記構成において動作を説明すると、外槽３１内の洗濯水の排水時、外槽３１は、底面３２に第１の開口部３３と第２の開口部３４に重なる自由曲線ｄを最下面とする傾斜面３５を形成しているため、水頭による圧力が小さくなる排水終了間近であっても、洗濯水は一旦傾斜面３５によって発生する重力により自由曲線ｄ上に集合し、表面張力に勝る水頭分の洗濯水は第１の開口部３３または第２の開口部３４に流入し、排水される。
【００２９】
表面張力により自由曲線ｄ上に残水した洗濯水は、傾斜面３５で形成される最下面にごく僅かしかなく、その表面張力は小さいため、すすぎ、脱水行程での洗濯兼脱水槽３の回転により発生する振動や風圧で、第１の開口部３３または第２の開口部３４に流入し、残水はなくなる。
【００３０】
これにより、外槽３１の底面３２の残水を防止することができ、この残水による外槽３１の底面３２の汚れ付着やかびの発生を防止でき、衣類への汚れやかびの再付着を防止することができる。
【００３１】
（実施例４）
図９および図１０に示すように、外槽３６は、洗濯兼脱水槽３を回転自在に内包し、底面３７に排水弁９に連通する開口部３８を設けるとともに、底面３７にシボ加工等の親水性の加工ｅを施している。他の構成は上記実施例１と同じである。
【００３２】
上記構成において動作を説明すると、外槽３６内の洗濯水の排水時、外槽３６の底面３７は、全面にシボ加工等の親水性の加工ｅを施してあるため、底面３７は親水性を有しており、水頭による圧力が小さくなる排水終了間近であっても、洗濯水は開口部３８に流入し、排水される。表面張力により残水した洗濯水は、親水性を有している底面３７にごく僅かしかなく、その表面張力は小さいため、すすぎ、脱水行程での洗濯兼脱水槽３の回転により発生する振動や風圧で、開口部３８に流入し、残水はなくなる。
【００３３】
これにより、外槽３６の底面３７の残水を防止することができ、この残水による外槽３６の底面３７の汚れ付着やかびの発生を防止でき、衣類への汚れやかびの再付着を防止することができる。
【００３４】
なお、本実施例は、外槽３６の底面３７は、シボ加工等により親水性を得ているが、親水性処理剤等の塗布によっても同様の効果を得ることができる。
【００３５】
（実施例５）
図１１および図１２に示すように、外槽３９は、洗濯兼脱水槽３を回転自在に内包し、底面４０に排水弁９に連通する開口部４１を設けるとともに、底面４０に開口部４１近傍に連なるリブ４２を複数個設けている。他の構成は上記実施例１と同じである。
【００３６】
上記構成において動作を説明すると、外槽３９内の洗濯水の排水時、外槽３９は、底面４０に開口部４１近傍に連なるリブ４２を設けているため、水頭による圧力が小さくなる排水終了間近であっても、洗濯水はリブ４２により開口部４１近傍まで引き寄せられるため、表面張力に勝る水頭分の洗濯水は開口部４１に流入し、排水される。
【００３７】
表面張力によりリブ４２の側面に残水した洗濯水は、ごく僅かしかなく、その表面張力は小さいため、すすぎ、脱水行程での洗濯兼脱水槽３の回転により発生する振動や風圧で、開口部４１に流入し、残水はなくなる。
【００３８】
これにより、外槽３９の底面４０の残水を防止することができ、この残水による外槽３９の底面４０の汚れ付着やかびの発生を防止でき、衣類への汚れやかびの再付着を防止することができる。
【００３９】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、本発明の請求項１に記載の発明によれば、洗濯兼脱水槽を内包する外槽は、底面に排水弁に連通する開口部に向けて下降する傾斜面を形成しているため、外槽底面の洗濯水は開口部に流入し、残水を防止することができ、この残水による外槽の底面の汚れ付着やかびの発生を防止でき、衣類への汚れやかびの再付着を防止することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施例の洗濯機の縦断面図
【図２】同洗濯機のブロック回路図
【図３】同洗濯機の外槽の上面図
【図４】同洗濯機の外槽の底面に形成した傾斜面の説明図
【図５】本発明の第２の実施例の洗濯機の縦断面図
【図６】同洗濯機の外槽の上面図
【図７】本発明の第３の実施例の洗濯機の縦断面図
【図８】同洗濯機の外槽の上面図
【図９】本発明の第４の実施例の洗濯機の縦断面図
【図１０】同洗濯機の外槽の上面図
【図１１】本発明の第５の実施例の洗濯機の縦断面図
【図１２】同洗濯機の外槽の上面図
【図１３】従来の洗濯機の縦断面図
【符号の説明】
２ パルセ―タ
３ 洗濯兼脱水槽
９ 排水弁
１５ 外槽
１６ 底面
１７ 開口部
１８ 傾斜面[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a washing machine having an outer tub containing a washing and dewatering tub in which a pulsator is rotatably arranged at a central inner bottom.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a typical washing machine has been described in which washing is performed by rotating a stirring blade called a pulsator. The configuration of this type of washing machine will be described with reference to FIG.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 13, the outer tub 1 includes a washing and dewatering tub 3 in which a pulsator 2 is rotatably disposed at the bottom, and is suspended from a housing 5 by a suspension rod 4. The motor 6 drives the pulsator 2 or the washing and spin-drying tub 3 via a V-belt 7 and a speed reduction mechanism / clutch 8. The drain valve 9 drains the washing water in the washing and dewatering tub 3 through an opening 10 provided on the bottom surface of the outer tub 1, and the water supply valve 11 supplies water to the washing and dewatering tub 3.
[0004]
A fluid balancer 12 for reducing vibration during dehydration is provided in the washing and dewatering tub 3, and a lid 13 is provided above the washing and dehydrating tub 3. The control device 14 controls the motor 6, the drain valve 9, the water supply valve 11, and the like to sequentially control the washing, rinsing, and dehydrating processes.
[0005]
The operation will be described in the above configuration. After the laundry and a predetermined amount of detergent are put into the washing and dewatering tub 3, when the operation is started, the water supply valve 11 is controlled by the controller 14 to control the predetermined amount of water in the washing and dewatering tub 3. Then, the controller 6 controls the motor 6 to drive the pulsator 2. The rotation of the pulsator 2 stirs the laundry and the water in the washing and dewatering tub 3, and the stirring gradually dissolves the detergent to form washing water. Is operated to drain the water through the opening 10. During rinsing and dewatering, the drain valve 9 operates to drain water through the opening 10 (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-102583
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the washing machine having this configuration, when the washing water is drained from the outer tub 1, the bottom surface provided with the opening 10 of the outer tub 1 communicating with the drain valve 9 is formed as a flat surface. Near the end of the drainage where the pressure due to the water head becomes small, residual water of the washing water is generated at a location far from the opening 10 due to surface tension, and the bottom surface of the outer tub 1 has a problem of generating dirt and mold due to the residual water. Was. In addition, there is a problem that the dirt and mold re-adhere to the clothes during washing.
[0008]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and reduces residual water in an outer tub containing a washing and dewatering tub, prevents dirt and mold on the bottom of the outer tub due to the residual water, and regenerates dirt and mold on clothes. The purpose is to prevent adhesion.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a washing and spin-drying tub in which a pulsator is rotatably arranged at the center inner bottom in an outer tub, and a drain valve communicates with an opening provided on the bottom of the outer tub, The outer tub has an inclined surface formed on the bottom surface descending toward the opening.
[0010]
As a result, it is possible to reduce residual water in the outer tub containing the washing and dewatering tub, prevent dirt and mold on the bottom of the outer tub due to the residual water, and prevent re-adhesion of dirt and mold to clothes. Can be.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is provided at the bottom of the outer tub, a washing and dewatering tub having a pulsator rotatably disposed at a central inner bottom portion, an outer tub containing the washing and dehydrating tub. A drain valve communicating with the opening, and the outer tub is formed with an inclined surface descending toward the opening on the bottom surface, and the bottom surface provided with the opening of the outer tub communicating with the drain valve is Due to the inclined surface that descends toward the opening, when draining from the outer tub containing washing water, the pressure due to the water head decreases. Since the gravity generated by the inclined surface prevails, the washing water on the bottom of the outer tub flows into the opening, preventing remaining water, and preventing the adhesion of dirt and mold on the bottom of the outer tub due to the remaining water. , And the re-adhesion of dirt and mold to clothing can be prevented.
[0012]
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that a washing and dewatering tub in which a pulsator is rotatably disposed at a central inner bottom portion, an outer tub that includes the washing and dewatering tub, and an opening provided on the bottom surface of the outer tub. A drain valve communicating with the drain valve, wherein the outer tub is formed on the bottom surface with an inclined surface having a free curve as the lowermost surface overlapping the opening, and a bottom surface provided with an opening of the outer tub communicating with the drain valve. Is formed from an inclined surface having a free curve overlapping the opening as the lowermost surface, so that the washing water on the bottom of the outer tub flows into the opening and can prevent remaining water, and the bottom of the outer tub due to the remaining water can be prevented. It is possible to prevent adhesion of dirt and generation of mold, and prevent re-adhesion of dirt and mold to clothing.
[0013]
The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that a washing and dewatering tub in which a pulsator is rotatably arranged at a central inner bottom portion, an outer tub containing the washing and dewatering tub, and an opening provided on the bottom surface of the outer tub are provided. A drain valve communicating therewith, wherein the opening portion can be arranged at a plurality of locations, and the outer tub forms an inclined surface having a free curve as a lowermost surface on a bottom surface which commonly overlaps a plurality of locations of the opening portion. Since the bottom surface provided with the opening of the outer tank communicating with the drain valve is formed from an inclined surface having a free curve as the lowermost surface, which is a common curve overlapping a plurality of locations of the opening, the bottom surface of the outer tank bottom surface The washing water flows into the opening, and can prevent remaining water, prevent the adhesion of dirt and mold on the bottom of the outer tub due to the residual water, and prevent the re-adhesion of dirt and mold to clothes. be able to.
[0014]
The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that a washing and dewatering tub in which a pulsator is rotatably arranged at a central inner bottom portion, an outer tub containing the washing and dewatering tub, and an opening provided on the bottom surface of the outer tub are provided. A drain valve communicating with the drain tank, wherein the outer tub is subjected to hydrophilic processing or treatment such as embossing on the bottom surface, and the bottom surface provided with the opening of the outer tub communicating with the drain valve has water repellency. Because of this, the washing water on the bottom of the outer tub easily flows into the opening, and can prevent remaining water, and can prevent adhesion of dirt and mold on the bottom of the outer tub due to the remaining water, It is possible to prevent dirt and mold from re-adhering to clothing.
[0015]
The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that a washing and dewatering tub in which a pulsator is rotatably disposed at a central inner bottom portion, an outer tub containing the washing and dewatering tub, and an opening provided on the bottom surface of the outer tub are provided. A drain valve communicating with the drainage valve, wherein the outer tub is provided with a rib connected to the vicinity of the opening on the bottom surface, and the vicinity of the opening is provided by a rib on the bottom surface provided with an opening of the outer tub connected to the drainage valve. To attract residual water, the washing water on the bottom of the outer tub easily flows into the opening, preventing residual water, preventing the adhesion of dirt and mold on the bottom of the outer tub due to the residual water, It is possible to prevent dirt and mold from re-adhering to clothing.
[0016]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Components having the same configuration as the conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0017]
(Example 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the outer tub 15 rotatably encloses the washing and dewatering tub 3, provides an opening 17 communicating with the drain valve 9 on the bottom surface 16, and an inclined surface descending toward the opening 17. 18 are formed.
[0018]
The control device 19 is configured as shown in FIG. 2, and the control means 20 is configured by a microcomputer, and controls the operations of the motor 6, the drain valve 9, the water supply valve 11, and the like via the power switching means 21. A series of processes such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration are sequentially controlled. The input setting means 22 sets a driving course and the like, and the control means 20 inputs information from the input setting means 22 and displays it on the display means 23 based on the information to inform the user. The storage means 24 stores data necessary for control by the control means 20. In addition, 25 is a commercial power supply, and 26 is a power switch.
[0019]
FIG. 3 is a view of the outer tub 15 as viewed from above. With respect to the center point o of the opening 17, the point a is the longest remote point and the point b is the shortest remote point. As shown in FIG. 4, the inclined surface 18 of the outer tub 15 is a free-form surface represented by a minimum inclination angle α formed by the horizontal line and the line ao, and a maximum inclination angle β formed by the horizontal line and the line bo. I have. Other configurations are the same as the conventional example.
[0020]
When the operation is started after the laundry and the detergent are put into the washing and dewatering tub 3, the control means 20 activates the water supply valve 11 to start water supply, and at the same time, simultaneously performs the washing and dehydration. The dewatering tank 3 starts rotating. The washing and dewatering tub 3 rotates until the water level in the washing and dewatering tub 3 reaches the set water level. When the set water level is reached, the operation of the water supply valve 11 is stopped, and the pulsator 2 rotatably disposed on the inner bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is driven to rotate for a set time. After reaching the set time, the control means 20 operates the drain valve 9 to start draining, and drains the washing water in the outer tub 15 from the drain valve 9 through the opening 17.
[0021]
At this time, the bottom surface 16 of the outer tank 15 is formed by an inclined surface 18 which is a free-form surface represented by a minimum inclination angle α formed by the horizontal line and the line ao and a maximum inclination angle β formed by the horizontal line and the line bo. Therefore, even when the drainage pressure near the end of the drainage is small, the gravity generated by the inclined surface 18 exceeds the surface tension at a location far from the opening 17, so that the washing water on the bottom surface 16 of the outer tub 15 The water flows into the opening 17 and the residual water disappears.
[0022]
Similarly, in the rinsing and dewatering steps, residual water can be prevented, and the residual water can be prevented from adhering dirt on the bottom surface 16 of the outer tub 15 and generating mold. Can be prevented.
[0023]
(Example 2)
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the outer tub 27 rotatably encloses the washing and dewatering tub 3, provides an opening 29 communicating with the drain valve 9 on the bottom surface 28, and forms an opening 29 on the bottom surface 28. The inclined surface 30 having the overlapping free curve c as the lowermost surface is formed. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0024]
When the operation is described in the above configuration, at the time of drainage of the washing water in the outer tub 27, the outer tub 27 forms the inclined surface 30 with the free curve c overlapping the opening 29 as the lowermost surface on the bottom surface 28, Even near the end of drainage when the pressure due to the water head is small, the washing water once gathers on the free curve c due to the gravity generated by the inclined surface 30, and the washing water for the water head exceeding the surface tension flows into the opening 29. , Drained.
[0025]
The washing water remaining on the free curve c due to the surface tension is very small on the lowermost surface formed by the inclined surface 30, and since the surface tension is small, the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3 during the rinsing and dewatering processes. Due to the vibration and wind pressure generated by the flow, the water flows into the opening 29 and the residual water disappears.
[0026]
Thereby, it is possible to prevent residual water on the bottom surface 28 of the outer tub 27, prevent the adhesion of dirt and mold on the bottom surface 28 of the outer tub 27 due to the residual water, and prevent the dirt and mold from re-adhering to the clothes. Can be prevented.
[0027]
(Example 3)
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the outer tub 31 rotatably includes the washing and dewatering tub 3, and the first opening 33 communicating with the drain valve 9 a on the bottom surface 32 and the second tub 31 communicating with the drain valve 9 b. Two openings 34 are provided, and an inclined surface 35 whose bottom surface is a free curve d that overlaps the first opening 33 and the second opening 34 in common is formed on the bottom surface 32. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0028]
When the operation is described in the above configuration, when the washing water in the outer tub 31 is drained, the outer tub 31 has a lowermost surface with a free curve d overlapping the first opening 33 and the second opening 34 on the bottom surface 32. Since the inclined surface 35 is formed, the washing water once gathers on the free curve d due to the gravity generated by the inclined surface 35 even when the drainage nearing the end of the drainage when the pressure due to the water head becomes small, and the water head that exceeds the surface tension Wash water flows into the first opening 33 or the second opening 34 and is drained.
[0029]
The washing water remaining on the free curve d due to the surface tension is very small on the lowermost surface formed by the inclined surface 35, and since the surface tension is small, the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3 during the rinsing and dewatering processes. Flows into the first opening 33 or the second opening 34 due to the vibration or wind pressure generated by the above, and the residual water is eliminated.
[0030]
As a result, residual water on the bottom surface 32 of the outer tub 31 can be prevented, and the adhesion of dirt and mold on the bottom surface 32 of the outer tub 31 due to the residual water can be prevented. Can be prevented.
[0031]
(Example 4)
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the outer tub 36 rotatably encloses the washing and dewatering tub 3, provides an opening 38 communicating with the drain valve 9 on the bottom surface 37, and forms a textured surface or the like on the bottom surface 37. Hydrophilic processing e is applied. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0032]
The operation will be described in the above configuration. When the washing water in the outer tub 36 is drained, the bottom surface 37 of the outer tub 36 has been subjected to hydrophilic processing e such as graining, so that the bottom surface 37 has hydrophilicity. The washing water flows into the opening 38 and is drained even when the drainage pressure near the end of the drainage is small, when the pressure due to the water head is small. The washing water remaining due to the surface tension is very little on the bottom surface 37 having hydrophilicity, and the surface tension is small. Due to the wind pressure, the water flows into the opening 38, and the residual water disappears.
[0033]
Thereby, it is possible to prevent residual water on the bottom surface 37 of the outer tub 36, prevent the adhesion of dirt and mold on the bottom surface 37 of the outer tub 36 due to the residual water, and prevent the dirt and mold from re-adhering to the clothes. Can be prevented.
[0034]
In this embodiment, the bottom surface 37 of the outer tub 36 is made hydrophilic by graining or the like, but the same effect can be obtained by applying a hydrophilic treatment agent or the like.
[0035]
(Example 5)
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the outer tub 39 rotatably encloses the washing and dewatering tub 3, provides an opening 41 communicating with the drain valve 9 on the bottom surface 40, and the vicinity of the opening 41 on the bottom surface 40. Are provided in a plurality. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0036]
The operation in the above configuration will be described. When the washing water in the outer tub 39 is drained, the outer tub 39 is provided with the ribs 42 connected to the vicinity of the opening 41 on the bottom surface 40, so that the pressure due to the water head is reduced and the drain tub is almost completed. Even in this case, the washing water is drawn to the vicinity of the opening 41 by the ribs 42, so that the washing water for the water head exceeding the surface tension flows into the opening 41 and is drained.
[0037]
The amount of washing water remaining on the side surfaces of the ribs 42 due to surface tension is very small, and the surface tension is small. It flows into 41 and the residual water runs out.
[0038]
As a result, residual water on the bottom surface 40 of the outer tub 39 can be prevented, and adhesion of dirt and mold on the bottom surface 40 of the outer tub 39 due to the residual water can be prevented. Can be prevented.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention, the outer tub including the washing and dewatering tub has an inclined surface that descends toward the opening communicating with the drain valve on the bottom surface. As a result, the washing water on the bottom of the outer tub flows into the opening and can prevent remaining water, which can prevent the bottom surface of the outer tub from adhering dirt and mold due to the remaining water, and causing dirt and mold on the clothes. Can be prevented from re-adhering.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of the washing machine. FIG. 3 is a top view of an outer tub of the washing machine. FIG. FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of an outer tub of the washing machine. FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a top view of an outer tub of the washing machine. FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view of a washing machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a top view of an outer tub of the washing machine. FIG. Longitudinal cross section [Explanation of symbols]
2 Pulsator 3 Washing and dewatering tub 9 Drain valve 15 Outer tub 16 Bottom 17 Opening 18 Slope
