JP2008161352A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of washing the inner surface of a water containing tank. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of blades 41 is arranged on the lower surface of a pulsator 40, and an annular plate 42 is placed at the lower ends of the blades 41. The blades and the annular plate form substantially truncated pyramid-like acceleration flow paths 43. A circulation water path 50 is vertically formed on the inner surface of a washing tank 30, and a plurality of ejection holes 70 is formed in the area of the circulation water path 50 of a washing circular tube section 33. Except the outlet 52 of the circulation water path 50, the periphery of the pulsator 40 is surrounded by a casing 60, so that washing water discharged by rotation of the pulsator 40 flows into the circulation water path 50 and is ejected toward the water containing tank 20 from the ejection holes 70 in the washing circular tube section 33. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine.

  In general, washing machines are roughly classified into a pulsator type and a drum type. The pulsator system rotates a pulsator placed in a washing tub, generates a "circulating water stream" by the rotation, and removes dirt by mechanical action such as friction or vibration and chemical action by a detergent. . And since “bubbles” are generated during washing, the “bubbles” are prevented from flowing out of the washing tub, or the “foam” flowing out of the washing tub flows out of the water storage tank storing the washing tub. An invention for avoiding this is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-8-168589 (page 4-5, FIG. 1)

However, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, the washing water discharged by the pump-up action of the back blade provided on the back surface of the pulsator is sprayed on the washing tub so that the foam does not flow out of the washing tub. Or sprayed between the washing tub and the water storage tank so that the foam that flows out of the washing tub does not flow out of the water storage tank. There was a problem like this.
In other words, since the invention is intended only to apply washing water to clothes, the upper part of the circulation channel is opened to the atmosphere, and the washing water does not spout out vigorously. In other words, only the hydrostatic pressure (hydrostatic pressure derived from the difference between the height of the upper part of the circulating water channel and the height of the through hole) acts on the through hole formed in the circulating water channel, so the washing water is generated by the pressure created by the pulsator. Is not a jet. For this reason, after the defoaming, there is a problem that “dirt” adheres to the outer surface of the washing tub or the inner surface of the water storage tank, and the dirt cannot be removed. In addition, there is a problem that dirt due to splashes of washing water is not removed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is a washing machine capable of preventing dirt from adhering to the outer surface of the washing tub and the inner surface of the water storage tank or removing the dirt even if the dirt adheres. The purpose is to provide.

A washing machine according to the present invention includes a water storage tank that can store and discharge washing water;
A washing tub stored in the water tank;
A pulsator disposed at the bottom of the washing tub;
A pump chamber formed under the base of the pulsator;
A circulation channel installed in the washing tub and communicating with the pump chamber;
Have
Washing water discharged from the pump chamber is jetted toward the water storage tank via the circulation channel.

  In the present invention, the “washing tub” is the same as the “dehydration / washing tub” for washing and dehydration, and is separately used for drying (for example, when warm air is supplied). Same as “dehydration and washing tub”. “Washing water” refers to water used for washing, and tap water, bath water, and those into which detergent is added, and are not particularly limited. In addition, washing refers to one or both of “washing” and “rinsing”.

Accordingly, in the washing machine according to the present invention, since the washing water is discharged by the pump chamber formed under the base of the pulsator, it is not necessary to install a special pump, and the washing water is directed toward the water storage tank. Since it is injected, the inner surface of the water tank is cleaned.
In particular, the area higher than the water surface on the inner surface of the water tank is easily soiled by splashes of washing water, and since the area is washed by the sprayed washing water, the water tank is kept clean.

[Embodiment 1: Washing machine]
1 to 4 illustrate the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view in side view, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along AA (plan view), and FIG. FIG. 4 (plan view) and FIG. 4 are CC sectional views (front view). In addition, in the figure, since each structural member is shown typically, the dimension is not exact. In particular, for members formed of thin plates, the thickness is exaggerated for clarity. Moreover, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to this same part in each figure, and a part of description is abbreviate | omitted.
In FIG. 1, the washing machine 100 executes a series of washing steps, a rinsing step, a dehydrating step, and a drying step. The washing process and the rinsing process may be collectively referred to as a “washing process”.

(Casing)
The housing 10 has a rectangular cross section (same as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped), and a top cover 11 is installed on the top surface. A housing opening 12 is formed in the top cover 11 and serves as a clothing input port for taking in and out clothing. An outer lid 12a (for example, made of a light-transmitting member such as colorless or colored transparent plastic) is installed in the housing opening 12 so as to be freely opened and closed.
In addition, brackets 14 are installed near the upper ends of the four corners of the housing side wall 13 of the housing 10, and the upper ends of the four hanging rods 19 that suspend the water storage tank 20 are locked to the bracket 14.

(Water storage tank)
1 to 3, a water tank 20 is accommodated in the housing 10. The water storage tank 20 has a cup shape with the top surface opened and the bottom surface closed, and the lower end of the suspension bar 19 is locked to the bracket 24 installed on the water tank cylindrical section 23 and is suspended by the suspension bar 19. Yes.
A water tank cover 21 is installed in an inner flange shape on the upper end surface of the water tank 20 (same as the periphery of the top surface opening). That is, the water tank cover 21 has a ring shape, and clothes are put in and taken out through the water tank opening 2222 of the ring.
And the hood 15 which connects the housing | casing opening part 12 of the housing | casing 10 and the water tank opening part 22 of the water storage tank 20 is installed. Since the hood 15 has flexibility or stretchability, it deforms following the inclination of the water storage tank 20.

(Laundry tub)
The washing tub 30 is a “washing and dehydration tub” for washing, rinsing and dehydrating the clothes that have been thrown in, and a “washing and dehydrating and doubling tank for washing, rinsing, dehydrating and drying the clothes that have been thrown in. It is also called “drying tank”. The washing tub 30 is rotatably disposed in the water storage tank 20.
The washing tub 30 has a cup shape including a washing cylinder portion 33 having an open top surface and a closed bottom surface. The washing cylinder portion 33 has a plurality of water passage holes for dehydration (hereinafter referred to as “dehydration holes”). ) 34 is formed, and a balancer 32 is installed around the top opening 31. Therefore, the range surrounded by the inner periphery of the balancer 32 is used as an opening for putting in and taking out clothes.

(Pulsator)
A pulsator 40 is rotatably arranged inside the bottom surface 36 of the washing tub 30 (in the tub). Blades 40b are formed on the upper surface of the base 40a of the pulsator 40 so as to efficiently stir the thrown-in clothes and the injected water. A plurality of blades 41 are installed in a substantially radial direction on the lower surface of the base 40a of the pulsator 40, and an annular back cover 42 for connecting these blades 41 is installed at the lower ends of the plurality of blades 41. Therefore, a plurality of substantially pyramid-shaped spaces (hereinafter referred to as “acceleration flow paths”) 43 partitioned by a pair of blades 41 are formed between the lower surface of the base 40 a and the upper surface of the back cover 42. .

An annular gap (hereinafter referred to as “suction port”) 45 is formed between the inner peripheral edge of the annular plate 42 and the drive shaft 44 of the pulsator 40, and the suction port 45 is formed on the bottom surface 36 of the washing tub 30. An opening 35 (hereinafter referred to as “circulation port”) 35 is formed.
Therefore, when the pulsator 40 is rotated in a state of being submerged in water, the water in the acceleration flow path 43 is blown outward in the radial direction by centrifugal force, so that the water stored at the bottom of the water storage tank 20 It passes through the suction port 45 and is sucked into the acceleration flow path 43. At this time, the accelerating flow path 43 becomes a rotational flow path by the annular plate 42 and there is no leakage from the lower part of the blade 41, so that the pump performance is superior to a normal pulsator pump without the annular plate 42.

(Circulation channel)
On the inner surface side of the washing cylindrical portion 33 of the washing tub 30, a circulating water channel 50 having a predetermined thickness (same as the radial distance) and a predetermined width (same as the circumferential distance) is provided substantially at the upper end from the bottom surface 36. Up to the vertical direction (up and down in the figure). The circulating water channel 50 is surrounded by a part of the washing cylindrical portion 33 and the circulating water channel wall 53, the upper end portion is closed by the upper lid portion 51, and an opening is formed between the bottom surface 36 of the washing tub 30 and the circulating water channel wall 53. A portion (hereinafter referred to as “discharge port”) 52 is formed. In addition, although the circulation water channel 50 has shown what was arrange | positioned three places in the circumferential direction, the quantity is not limited.

Further, a casing 60 is installed in a range excluding the circulating water channel 50 on the bottom surface 36 of the washing tub 30. That is, the outer periphery 61 of the casing 60 is connected to the washing cylindrical portion 33 and the circulating water channel wall 53, and the pulsator 40 is rotatably accommodated in the inner peripheral opening 62. Since the gap 63 between the inner periphery of the inner peripheral opening 62 and the outer periphery 46 of the pulsator 40 is narrow, when the pulsator 40 is rotated, water stored at the bottom of the water storage tank 20 passes through the circulation port 35 and the suction port 45. Then, the air is sucked into the acceleration flow path 43, passes through the discharge port 52, and flows into the circulation water channel 50.
Therefore, a pump chamber is formed by the lower surface of the pulsator 40, the blade 41, the annular plate 42, and the casing 60.

In addition, along the outer periphery 46 of the pulsator 40, an annular ridge 47 (more precisely, a plurality of arc-shaped ridges because it is divided by the plurality of blades 41) is installed. For this reason, the flow that flows along the lower surface of the pulsator 40 in the acceleration flow path 43 is bent downward by the protrusion 47 on the outer periphery 46.
Further, the lower edge of the protrusion 47 installed on the pulsator 40 is lower than the upper edge of the discharge port 52 of the circulation water channel 50 (same as the lower surface of the circulation water channel wall 53 at the discharge port 52). For this reason, the water blown out from the acceleration channel 43 by the rotation of the pulsator 40 does not directly collide with the end surface 55 of the discharge port 52 (same as the inner peripheral surface of the circulating water channel wall 53 at the discharge port 52).
Therefore, the water blown out from the acceleration flow path 43 does not enter the washing tub 30 (or is difficult to enter) from the gap 56 between the end face 55 of the discharge port 52 and the outer periphery 46 of the pulsator 40.

Further, in the range where the circulation water channel 50 of the washing cylindrical portion 33 is formed, a plurality of through holes (hereinafter referred to as “injection holes”) 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d (hereinafter collectively referred to as “injection holes 70”) Is formed).
Since the inner diameter of the injection hole 70 is formed smaller as it is closer to the discharge port 52 which is the lower end of the circulation water channel, the momentum of the water flow discharged from the injection hole 70d close to the upper end of the washing tub 30 does not weaken. . That is, since the washing water is vigorously jetted toward the area where the washing water in the water storage tank 20 splashes, the area in the water storage tank 20 is washed.
In addition, although what showed the injection hole 70 four places is shown, the quantity is not limited.

(Rotary motor)
A common rotary motor 80 for rotationally driving the washing tub 30 and the pulsator 40 is installed on the bottom surface 26 of the water storage tank 20. Further, a rotation distributing means (not shown) for distributing the rotation of the rotary motor 80 to the pulsator 40 or the washing tub 30 is provided.
The rotation motor 80 and the rotation distribution means perform predetermined rotation / stop and distribution in the washing process and the dehydration process (and in the drying process), respectively, according to instructions from the control means.

(Water supply / drainage mechanism)
A water supply mechanism is installed on the top surface of the water storage tank 20 (more precisely, the lower surface side of the water tank cover 21). The water supply mechanism has a water supply path whose one end is led out of the housing 10 and connected to an external water supply, and a water supply valve installed in the middle of the water supply path to open and close the flow of water. Further, a drain outlet is formed on the bottom surface of the water storage tank 20, and a drain hose is connected to the drain outlet. In addition, the drain valve which opens and closes the distribution | circulation of water is provided in the drain outlet or the drain hose (all are not shown in figure).

(Laundry water spray effect)
As described above, in the washing machine 100, the washing water is jetted from the jet hole 70 toward the water tank cylindrical portion 23 of the water storage tank 20 by the rotation of the pulsator 40. The inner surface of the part 23 is cleaned. In particular, since the washing water is jetted also in a range higher than the water surface of the washing water, it is possible to clean the dirt due to the splashes.

[Embodiment 2: Washing machine]
5 to 7 illustrate a washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a sectional view in side view, FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view (side view) of an injection hole, and FIG. It is an expanded sectional view (side view). In FIG. 5, the washing machine 200 is configured such that a microbubble generation mechanism 90 is installed in the injection hole 70 of the washing machine 100 described in the first embodiment, and the water storage tank 20 is tilted.
That is, the water storage tank 20 is hung by the front-side suspension bar 19a and the rear-side suspension bar 19b that is disposed on the front side (left side in the figure), and at the upper end of the rear-side suspension bar 19b, Hanging rod lifting means 210 (installed on bracket 14) is connected. Therefore, when the lifting rod lifting means 210 lifts the rear suspension rod 19b, the water tank 20 is inclined toward the front surface. Instead of the hanging rod lifting means 210, a hanging rod lowering means (installed on the bracket 24) may be connected to the lower end of the rear surface hanging rod 19b.

(Microbubble generation mechanism)
In FIG. 6, an ejector-type microbubble generating mechanism 90 is installed in the injection hole 70. The fine bubble generating mechanism 90 opens to the circulation water channel 50 and has a nozzle portion 91 whose inner diameter becomes narrower toward the outer surface side (the same as the water storage tank 20 side), and a throat portion that is continuous with the rear end of the nozzle portion 91 and has the narrowest inner diameter. 92, a diffuser portion 93 that is continuous with the rear end of the throat portion 92 and has an inner diameter that increases toward the outer surface, an annular slit 94 formed at the rear end of the nozzle portion 91 (same as the start end of the diffuser portion 93), and a slit An annular air passage 95 surrounding the outer periphery of 94 and an air supply air passage 96 communicating with the annular air passage 95 and opening near the top surface of the washing tub 30 are formed.
In FIG. 6, the fine bubble generating mechanism 90 is accommodated in the injection hole 70 (same as the thickness of the washing cylindrical portion 33 of the washing tub 30), and the air supply air passage 96 is within the thickness of the washing cylindrical portion 33. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a part of the fine bubble generating mechanism 90 protrudes from the injection hole 70 or the air supply air passage 96 is outside the thickness of the washing cylindrical portion 33 (for example, Or a pipe disposed in the circulation channel 50).

(Laundry water spray effect)
Accordingly, the wash water discharged by the rotation of the pulsator 40 is pressurized while passing through the nozzle portion 91 and is reduced in pressure in the diffuser portion 93, so that the atmosphere is sucked from the slit 94 by the ejector effect. And while passing the diffuser part 93, a micro bubble (micro bubble) is produced | generated and the wash water containing a micro bubble (micro bubble) is injected toward the water storage tank 20. FIG.
Therefore, the inner surface of the water storage tank 20 is cleaned by high detergency due to micro bubbles. Further, since the fine bubbles (micro bubbles) rise in the washing water, the outer surface of the washing tub 30 is also washed by the rising fine bubbles (micro bubbles).
Furthermore, since the washing machine 200 is inclined, the rising fine bubbles (microbubbles) collide with the outer surface of the inclined water storage tank 20, so that the cleaning of the outer surface of the water storage tank 20 is promoted.

(Supply air path)
In FIG. 7A, a part of the fine bubble generating mechanism 90 a is disposed in the circulation water channel 50. That is, the nozzle portion and the throat portion constituting the ejector project into the circulation water channel 50, and the diffuser portion is accommodated within the plate thickness of the washing cylindrical portion 33. The air supply air passage 96 a is formed from a tube disposed in the circulation water passage 50, and the tip of the air supply air passage 96 a protrudes from the upper lid portion 51 and reaches the vicinity of the balancer 32. Accordingly, the tip of the air supply air passage 96a is covered in a bowl shape by the balancer 32, so that foreign matters such as lint are difficult to enter the air supply air passage 96a.
7 (b) and 7 (c), the fine bubble generating mechanisms 90b and 90c are formed from a tube body in which the supply air passages 96b and 96c are arranged in the circulation water passage 50, and the tips thereof are L-shaped and U-shaped. It is bent into a letter shape. Accordingly, it is difficult for foreign matter such as lint to enter the supply air passages 96b and 96c.

(Pulsator operation method)
FIG. 8 is a correlation diagram for explaining the characteristics of the pulsator of the washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the vertical axis indicates the discharge flow rate of the pulsator 40, and the horizontal axis indicates that the rotation in one direction with respect to the rotation time (T 1) during which the pulsator 40 rotates in one direction stops and then the rotation in the other direction starts. Of the rest time (T2). That is, when the ratio exceeds 0.6 (T1 / T2> 0.6), the discharge flow rate rapidly decreases. Therefore, it is desirable to shorten the stop time (T2) and change the rotation direction quickly so that the ratio becomes “0.6 or less (T1 / T2 ≦ 0.6)”. The pulsator 40 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  Since the present invention has the above-described configuration, the water storage tank can be washed, so that it can be widely used as a washing machine for various homes and businesses.

Sectional drawing of the side view explaining the washing machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. AA sectional drawing (plan view) explaining the washing machine shown in FIG. BB sectional drawing (plan view) explaining the washing machine shown in FIG. CC sectional drawing (plan view) explaining the washing machine shown in FIG. Sectional drawing of the side view explaining the washing machine which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The expanded sectional view (side view) of the injection hole of the washing machine shown in FIG. The expanded sectional view (side view) of the air supply air path of the washing machine shown in FIG. The correlation diagram explaining the characteristic of the pulsator of the washing machine shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  10: Housing, 11: Top cover, 12: Housing opening, 12a: Outer lid, 13: Housing side wall, 14: Bracket, 15: Hood, 19: Hanging rod, 19a: Front hanging rod, 19b: Rear surface Side hanging rod, 20: water tank, 21: water tank cover, 22: water tank opening 22, 23: water tank cylindrical part, 24: bracket, 26: bottom surface, 30: washing tank, 31: top surface opening, 32: balancer 33: Washing cylindrical part, 35: Circulation port, 36: Bottom surface, 40: Pulsator, 40a: Concavity and convexity, 41: Blade, 42: Annular plate, 43: Acceleration channel, 44: Drive shaft, 45: Suction port, 46: outer periphery, 47: protrusion, 50: circulation channel, 51: upper lid, 52: discharge port, 53: circulation channel wall, 55: end surface, 56: gap, 60: casing, 61: outer periphery, 62: inner periphery Opening, 63: gap, 70: injection hole, 80: rotary motor, 0: Fine bubble generation mechanism, 90a: Fine bubble generation mechanism, 90b: Fine bubble generation mechanism, 91: Nozzle part, 92: Throat part, 93: Diffuser part, 94: Slit, 95: Annular air path, 96: Supply air Road: 100: Washing machine (Embodiment 1), 200: Washing machine (Embodiment 2), 210: Hanging rod lifting means.

Claims (7)

A water storage tank for storing and discharging washing water;
A washing tub stored in the water tank;
A pulsator disposed at the bottom of the washing tub;
A pump chamber formed under the base of the pulsator;
A circulation channel installed in the washing tub and communicating with the pump chamber;
Have
Washing water discharged from the pump chamber is jetted toward the water storage tank via the circulation channel. The pump chamber includes a lower surface of the base of the pulsator, a plurality of blades installed on the lower surface of the base, an annular plate connecting lower ends of the plurality of blades, and the pulsator installed in the water storage tank. A casing that rotatably surrounds,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a central opening of the annular plate forms a washing water suction port, and a discharge port communicating with the circulation channel is formed in the casing.   3. A washing machine according to claim 2, wherein a ridge projecting toward the annular plate is provided along the outer peripheral edge of the lower surface of the base of the pulsator. The circulating water channel is formed from the washing tub and a water channel wall installed on the inner wall of the washing tub, and provided with a plurality of injection holes drilled in the circulating water channel portion of the washing tub,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an area of each of the plurality of injection holes is increased as the distance from the bottom surface of the washing tub is increased.   The air mixing means for mixing air into the washing water is provided in the circulating water channel, and the air mixing means generates fine bubbles in the washing water discharged from the pump chamber. The washing machine according to any one of the above. The water tank is supported by tilting means;
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tilting means tilts the water tank while the pulsator is stopped or rotating.   The pulsator is rotatable in one direction and the other direction opposite thereto, and after the rotation in one direction is stopped with respect to the rotation time (T1) rotating in one direction, the rotation in the other direction is started. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a ratio of the stationary time (T2) is 0.6 or less (T1 / T2≤0.6).

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