JP2015066115A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of preventing operation failure of a mechanism arranged between a rotary vane and a pumping vane caused by attachment of a foreign object.SOLUTION: A washing machine 1 includes: a washing tub 3; a water pumping passage 21 for pumping up a washing liquid inside the washing tub 3 and returning it to the washing tub 3; a rotary vane 6; a pumping vane 5; and a transmission mechanism 60. The rotary vane 6 agitates laundry inside the washing tub 3. The pumping vane 5 is provided between a second bottom wall 18 and the rotary vane 6 of the washing tub 3, and sends the washing liquid inside the washing tub 3 into the water pumping passage 21 from a bottom part 13 of the washing tub 3. The transmission mechanism 60 is provided between the rotary vane 6 and the pumping vane 5, and transmits torque of one of the rotary vane 6 and the pumping vane 5 to the other. In order to prevent intrusion of a foreign object into the transmission mechanism 60, a space between the rotary vane 6 and the pumping vane 5 is sealed by a seal structure 70.

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine.

  In the washing machines of Patent Documents 1 and 2 below, a rotating blade for stirring the laundry is rotatably provided at the bottom of the washing tub, and pumping water is provided between the bottom of the washing tub and the rotating wing. Wings are rotatably provided. A drive shaft of a drive motor is directly connected to the rotary blade, and the pumping blade is connected to the rotary blade via a planetary gear mechanism. Therefore, the driving force of the drive motor is transmitted to the rotor blades, and then transmitted to the pumped water blades through the planetary gear mechanism. A pumping passage is provided on the inner wall of the washing tub. When the pumping wing rotates, the washing liquid at the bottom of the washing tub is fed into the pumping passage by the pump blades of the pumping wing, moves up in the pumping passage, and returns to the washing tub from the discharge port of the pumping passage.

Japanese Patent No. 4873066 Japanese Patent No. 4811504

In the washing machines of Patent Documents 1 and 2, a planetary gear mechanism is disposed between the rotary wing and the pumping wing. In this case, foreign matter (lint, hair, etc.) in the washing tub may enter between the rotating wing and the pumping wing and adhere to the planetary gear mechanism, which may cause malfunction of the planetary gear mechanism.
The present invention has been made under such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of preventing malfunction caused by adhesion of foreign matter to a mechanism disposed between a rotary blade and a pumping blade. .

  The invention according to claim 1 accommodates laundry and is provided in the rotatable washing tub and the washing tub, and the washing liquid in the washing tub is pumped from the bottom of the washing tub and returned to the washing tub. A pumping path, a rotating wing provided at the bottom of the washing tub and stirring the laundry in the washing tub by rotation, and provided between the bottom wall of the washing tub and the rotating wing, A pumping blade that feeds the washing liquid in the washing tub from the bottom of the washing tub to the pumping channel by rotating, a motor that rotationally drives the rotating wing and the pumping wing, and the washing tub; A transmission mechanism provided between the rotary blade and the pumping blade, and transmitting the rotational force of the one of the rotary blade and the pump blade to the other; and the rotary blade to prevent foreign matter from entering the transmission mechanism; Seal structure for sealing between the pumping blades , Characterized in that it comprises a a washing machine.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the washing tub includes an interposed plate interposed between the rotary blade and the pumping blade, and the seal structure is recessed in one of the rotary blade and the interposed plate. A labyrinth structure formed by fitting an annular groove along the rotation direction and a rib protruding from the other of the rotor blades and the interposed plate and forming an annular shape along the rotation direction; and A groove that is recessed in one of the pumping blade and the interposed plate and has an annular shape along the rotation direction, and a rib that is protruded on the other of the pumping blade and the interposed plate and has an annular shape in the rotating direction are fitted. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising another labyrinth structure configured by combining.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the seal structure includes a groove that is recessed in one of the rotor blades and the pumping blade and forms an annular shape along the rotation direction, and is protruded from the other of the rotor blades and the pumping blade. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a labyrinth structure configured by fitting with a rib having an annular shape along a rotation direction.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the seal structure, the outer peripheral edge portion in the radial direction with respect to the rotation center of the rotor blade surrounds the outer end surface in the radial direction of the pumping blade from the radially outer side. 4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the washing machine is configured to extend toward the bottom side of the washing tub.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the washing machine according to the fourth aspect, wherein the labyrinth structure is provided between an outer peripheral edge of the rotor blade and an outer end surface of the pumping blade. .
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, at least one of a rounded portion that is provided at the base of the rib constituting the labyrinth structure and curves the surface of the base, and a chamfered portion that chamfers a corner of the tip of the rib is provided. It is a washing machine in any one of Claims 2-5 characterized by including.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the seal structure, the outer peripheral edge portion in the radial direction with respect to the rotation center in the rotor blade surrounds the outer end surface in the radial direction of the pumping blade from the radially outer side. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the washing machine is configured to extend toward the bottom side of the washing tub.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in this washing machine, the transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of one of the rotor blades and the pumping blades to the other is provided between the rotor blades and the pump blades. The seal structure seals between the rotor blades and the pumping blades in order to prevent foreign matter from entering the transmission mechanism. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to foreign matter adhesion of the transmission mechanism disposed between the rotary blade and the pumping blade.

  According to invention of Claim 2, when the interposition board is interposed between a rotary blade and a pumping blade, the labyrinth structure comprised between the rotary blade and the interposition board, a pumping blade, and interposition Another labyrinth structure formed between the plates may be used as the seal structure. The labyrinth structure between the rotor blade and the interposition plate is configured by fitting an annular groove in one of the rotor blade and the interposer plate and an annular rib in the other of the rotor blade and the interposer plate. . The labyrinth structure between the pumping blade and the interposed plate is configured by fitting a groove having an annular shape in one of the pumping blade and the interposed plate and an annular rib in the other of the pumping blade and the interposed plate. . In this case, since it is not necessary to provide a seal member for sealing between the rotary blade and the pumping blade as a separate component, the number of components can be reduced.

According to invention of Claim 3, the labyrinth structure comprised by the groove | channel which makes a ring in one of a rotary blade and a pumping blade, and the rib which makes a ring in the other of a rotary blade and a pumping blade fit, It may be used as a seal structure. In this case, since it is not necessary to provide a seal member for sealing between the rotary blade and the pumping blade as a separate component, the number of components can be reduced.
According to invention of Claim 4, the space between a rotary blade and a pumping-up blade is obstruct | occluded from the radial direction outer side by the outer periphery of a rotary blade, The outer periphery of a rotary blade and the outer side of a pumping-up blade It is exposed to the bottom side of the washing tub in a narrow area between the end faces. Therefore, it can prevent more effectively that a foreign material penetrate | invades into the space between a rotary blade and a pumping blade. In addition, compared with the case where the gap between the outer peripheral edge of the rotor blade and the outer end surface of the pumping blade faces the opposite side (upper side) of the bottom of the washing tub, the washing liquid in the washing tub is self-weighted in the gap. Intrusion can be prevented.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the labyrinth structure is provided between the outer peripheral edge of the rotor blade and the outer end surface of the water pumping blade, foreign matter enters the space between the rotor blade and the water pumping blade. This can be prevented more effectively.
According to the invention described in claim 6, in the rib constituting the labyrinth structure, the surface of the root is curved by the rounded portion or the corner portion of the tip is chamfered by the chamfered portion. Not angular. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign substances from being caught on the ribs and accumulated in the labyrinth structure.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the space between the rotor blade and the pumped water blade is closed from the radially outer side by the outer peripheral edge portion of the rotor blade, and the outer peripheral edge portion of the rotor blade and the outer side of the pumped water blade. It is exposed to the bottom side of the washing tub in a narrow area between the end faces. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent foreign matters from entering the space between the rotary blade and the pumping blade. In addition, compared with the case where the gap between the outer peripheral edge of the rotor blade and the outer end surface of the pumping blade faces the opposite side (upper side) of the bottom of the washing tub, the washing liquid in the washing tub is self-weighted in the gap. Intrusion can be prevented.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the internal structure of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a main part shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the washing machine 1 according to the first modification. FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the main part shown in FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a main part of the washing machine 1 according to the second modification. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a main part of the washing machine 1 according to the third modification. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a main part of the washing machine 1 according to the fourth modification. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a main part of the washing machine 1 according to the fifth modification. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a main part of the washing machine 1 according to the sixth modification.

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the internal structure of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a main part shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG.
In addition, when mentioning the direction of the washing machine 1, the attitude | position of the washing machine 1 in FIG. 1 is made into a reference | standard. That is, the vertical direction in FIG. 1 is the vertical (vertical) direction of the washing machine 1, and the horizontal direction in FIG. 1 is the horizontal (horizontal) direction of the washing machine 1. Further, the case of viewing from above is referred to as “plan view”, and the case of viewing from below is referred to as “bottom view”.

The washing machine 1 mainly includes a water tub 2, a washing tub 3, a motor 4, a pumping wing 5, and a rotary wing 6 in a casing (not shown).
The water tank 2 is a so-called outer tank, and is supported by a housing (not shown) via a plurality of suspension bars (not shown) having a spring and a damping mechanism. The water tank 2 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The aquarium 2 integrally has a cylindrical side wall 7 extending in the up-down direction and a bottom wall 8 extending flat in the left-right direction and closing the lower end of the side wall 7. The upper end of the water tank 2 is an opening 9 defined by the upper edge of the side wall 7 to expose the inside of the water tank 2 upward. A round through hole 10 is formed at the circular center position of the bottom wall 8.

  The washing tub 3 is a so-called inner tub. The washing tub 3 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction and is slightly smaller than the water tub 2. The laundry is stored in the washing tub 3. The washing tub 3 integrally includes a cylindrical side wall 11 that extends vertically and a bottom wall 12 that extends flatly to the left and right and closes the lower end of the side wall 11. In the washing tub 3, the bottom wall 12 and the lower end of the side wall 11 to which the bottom wall 12 is connected constitute the bottom 13 of the washing tub 3. The upper end of the washing tub 3 is an opening 14 defined by the upper edge of the side wall 11 to expose the inside of the washing tub 3 upward.

The washing tub 3 is accommodated in the water tub 2 and is substantially coaxial with the water tub 2. Hereinafter, the central axis of each of the water tub 2 and the washing tub 3 is referred to as a common central axis 15.
The opening 14 of the washing tub 3 communicates with the opening 9 of the water tub 2 from below. The communicating openings 9 and 14 constitute a laundry entrance 16. The laundry is put into and out of the washing tub 3 through the entrance 16.

The bottom wall 12 (bottom part 13) of the washing tub 3 includes a first bottom wall 17 on the upper side (opening 14 side) and a second bottom wall 18 on the lower side (side farther from the opening 14 than the first bottom wall 17). Is a double structure. A predetermined space 19 is secured between the first bottom wall 17 and the second bottom wall 18.
The first bottom wall 17 has a plate shape that extends horizontally from side to side, and is connected to the lower end of the side wall 11 of the washing tub 3. The first bottom wall 17 has a portion (left and right end portions in FIG. 1) that is not connected to the bottom wall 12 of the washing tub 3, and a cover 20 that extends vertically is connected to this portion. The cover 20 has, for example, a groove shape having a substantially U-shaped cross section. The cover 20 is connected to the nearest portion of the side wall 11 from the inside of the washing tub 3 and extends upward along the side wall 11. The cover 20 and the nearest part of the side wall 11 (the part facing the cover 20) are integrated to form a tubular pumping path 21. That is, the pumping path 21 is provided in the washing tub 3 as a part of the washing machine 1. The pumping path 21 extends upward along the side wall 11 to the near side of the opening 14. At the lower end of the pumping path 21, an intake port 22 that communicates from the side with respect to the space 19 between the first bottom wall 17 and the second bottom wall 18 is provided. A spout 23 communicating with the inside of the washing tub 3 is provided at the upper end of the pumping path 21.

  In the first bottom wall 17, the portion on the side of the central axis 15 from the pumping channel 21 in a plan view is recessed one step downward, whereby a shallow recess 30 is formed on the upper surface of the first bottom wall 17. Yes. The recess 30 has a circular shape that is coaxial with the cylindrical side wall 11 in plan view. In the recess 30, a round insertion hole 24 is formed at a position coinciding with the circle center (center axis 15) of the side wall 11, and a plurality of through holes 25 are formed at positions avoiding the insertion hole 24. Yes. Each of the insertion hole 24 and the through hole 25 penetrates the first bottom wall 17 in the recess 30 in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the first bottom wall 17. The plurality of through holes 25 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction centering on the insertion hole 24 (see FIG. 2). A large number of gear teeth 26 extending in the vertical direction are formed on the entire circumference of the first bottom wall 17 that borders the insertion hole 24. A portion where the gear teeth 26 are formed in the first bottom wall 17 constitutes an outer ring gear 27. Since the outer ring gear 27 is integrally formed with the first bottom wall 17, it is fixed to the first bottom wall 17 (in other words, the washing tub 3). In the first bottom wall 17, the outer ring gear 27 may be thicker (thick in the vertical direction) than other portions.

  The second bottom wall 18 has a disk shape that is coaxial with the side wall 11 of the washing tub 3. In the second bottom wall 18, a round insertion hole 28 is formed at a circular center position, and a plurality of through holes 29 are formed at a position avoiding the insertion hole 28. Each of the insertion hole 28 and the through hole 29 penetrates the second bottom wall 18 in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the second bottom wall 18. The insertion hole 28 of the second bottom wall 18, the insertion hole 24 of the first bottom wall 17, and the through hole 10 of the bottom wall 8 of the water tub 2 are on the common central axis 15 of the water tub 2 and the washing tub 3. They are lined up coaxially.

  The motor 4 is a motor that generates a driving force by being electrically driven. The motor 4 is disposed below the bottom wall 8 of the water tank 2. The motor 4 has an output shaft 31 for outputting a driving force. The output shaft 31 extends upward from the motor 4. The output shaft 31 includes a root portion 32 on the motor 4 side, and a first shaft 33 and a second shaft 34 that are further away from the motor 4 than the root portion 32, and from the root portion 32 to the first shaft 33. Branches to the second shaft 34.

The first shaft 33 has a tubular shape, and the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface thereof are expanded or contracted at a plurality of positions in the axial direction. A flange 35 projecting radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft 33 is integrally formed slightly below the upper end of the first shaft 33.
The first shaft 33 is inserted from below into the through hole 10 of the bottom wall 8 of the water tank 2. An annular bearing 36 is interposed between the portion of the bottom wall 8 that borders the through hole 10 and the first shaft 33, and the first shaft 33 can be rotated by the bottom wall 8 (water tank 2). It is supported. Further, the upper end of the first shaft 33 is fitted from below into the insertion hole 28 of the second bottom wall 18 of the washing tub 3, and the flange 35 surrounds the insertion hole 28 and is attached to the second bottom wall 18. On the other hand, it is fixed from below. Thus, the first shaft 33 is connected to the washing tub 3, and the washing tub 3 is rotatably supported by the bottom wall 8 of the water tub 2.

  The second shaft 34 is cylindrical (may be hollow or solid), extends in the vertical direction, and is coaxially inserted into a hollow portion of the annular first shaft 33. The upper end portion of the second shaft 34 protrudes upward from the hollow portion of the first shaft 33 and is inserted into the insertion hole 24 of the first bottom wall 17. A large number of gear teeth 37 extending vertically are formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the second shaft 34. These gear teeth 37 constitute a male serration 38. An annular bearing 39 is inserted between the second shaft 34 and the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the first shaft 33, and the first shaft 33 and the second shaft 34 can rotate relative to each other. It is.

  In the output shaft 31, a common clutch mechanism 40 is interposed between the root portion 32 and the lower ends of the first shaft 33 and the second shaft 34. A known configuration can be used as the clutch mechanism 40. The clutch mechanism 40 can transmit or block the driving force of the motor 4 to each of the first shaft 33 and the second shaft 34. In relation to the clutch mechanism 40, a brake mechanism that stops one of the first shaft 33 and the second shaft 34 and a torque motor that operates the brake mechanism are related to the clutch mechanism 40. May be provided.

  Here, in the 1st axis | shaft 33 below the bottom wall 8 of the water tank 2, the speed reducer 41 is incorporated in the inner space of the part which the internal peripheral surface expanded. A known configuration can be used as the reduction gear 41. The reduction gear 41 can output the driving force of the motor 4 transmitted from the root portion 32 side by the clutch mechanism 40 on the output shaft 31 from one or both of the first shaft 33 and the second shaft 34. Between the first shaft 33 and the second shaft 34, two seals 42 for closing the gap between the first shaft 33 and the second shaft 34 are provided at two positions sandwiching the reduction gear 41 from above and below. It has been. This prevents foreign matter from entering the first shaft 33 and reaching the speed reduction device 41.

  A cover 43 is attached to the bottom wall 8 of the water tank 2 from below so as to cover a portion of the first shaft 33 in which the speed reduction device 41 is built. The cover 43 has a cup shape opened upward, and an insertion hole 44 through which the first shaft 33 and the second shaft 34 are inserted is formed at the bottom. An annular bearing 45 is inserted between a portion of the cover 43 that borders the insertion hole 44 and the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft 33, and the first shaft 33 is rotatably supported by the cover 43. ing. The clutch mechanism 40 is located outside (downward) from the cover 43.

Next, the pump blade 5 will be described.
The pumping wing 5 has a disk shape that is thin in the vertical direction and has a circular shape in plan view. In the pumping blade 5, each of the lower surface 5A and the upper surface 5B is a substantially flat surface along the left and right. The pumping wing 5 is integrally provided with a lower boss 46, a pumping blade 47, an upper first boss 48, and an upper second boss 49.

  The lower boss 46 is a circular tube projecting downward from the lower surface 5 </ b> A of the pumping blade 5, and is coaxial with the pumping blade 5. The pumping blades 47 are convex ribs, and a plurality of (for example, ten) pumping blades 47 are provided on the lower surface 5 </ b> A of the pumping blade 5. Each pumping blade 47 extends linearly (that is, radially) from the outer peripheral surface of the lower boss 46 along the radial direction with respect to the lower boss 46 (that is, the circle center of the pumping blade 5). The upper first boss 48 has a hollow cylindrical shape protruding upward from the upper surface 5 </ b> B of the pumping blade 5, and is coaxial with the pumping blade 5. A large number of gear teeth 50 extending in the vertical direction are formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the upper first boss 48. The portion of the upper first boss 48 where the gear teeth 50 are formed constitutes a sun gear 51 (see also FIG. 2). Since the upper first boss 48 formed with the gear teeth 50 is a part of the pumping blade 5, the sun gear 51 is fixed to the pumping blade 5.

  Further, a large number of gear teeth 52 extending in the vertical direction are formed on the entire inner peripheral surface of the upper first boss 48. These gear teeth 52 constitute a female serration 53. The upper second boss 49 has a hollow cylindrical shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the upper first boss 48, and is coaxial with the pumping blade 5. The upper second boss 49 has a smaller diameter than the upper first boss 48. On the inner peripheral surface of the upper second boss 49, a spiral thread portion 54 is formed over substantially the entire area.

The hollow portions of the lower boss 46, the upper first boss 48, and the upper second boss 49 are arranged on the central axis of the pumping blade 5. The hollow portion of the lower boss 46 and the hollow portion of the upper first boss 48 communicate with each other. Therefore, the female serration 53 on the inner peripheral surface of the upper first boss 48 is also formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower boss 46.
The pumping wing 5 (strictly, the portion other than the upper first boss 48 and the upper second boss 49) is formed between the first bottom wall 17 and the second bottom wall 18 with each pumping blade 47 facing downward. It arrange | positions in the space 19 between. That is, the pumping wing 5 is provided at the bottom 13 of the washing tub 3. In the pumping blade 5, the upper first boss 48 is fitted in the insertion hole 24 of the first bottom wall 17, and the upper second boss 49 protrudes upward from the insertion hole 24. In this state, the male serration 38 at the upper end of the second shaft 34 of the output shaft 31 of the motor 4 is inserted from below into the hollow portions of the lower boss 46 and the upper first boss 48, and the lower The side boss 46 and the upper first boss 48 are fitted to the female serrations 53 on the inner peripheral surface (serration fitting). Thereby, the 2nd axis | shaft 34 is connected with the pumping-up blade 5, and can rotate integrally with the pumping-up blade 5. FIG. Thus, the pumping blade 5 is directly connected to the second shaft 34 (the output shaft 31 of the motor 4).

Further, in the washing tub 3, the region on the pumping blade 47 side (that is, the lower side) (the region on the pumping blade 47 side in the space 19 between the first bottom wall 17 and the second bottom wall 18) 55 is described above. The intake 22 of the pumping path 21 is connected from the side. That is, the area 55 and the pumping path 21 are in communication.
Next, the rotor blade 6 will be described. The rotary blade 6 is a so-called pulsator. The rotor blade 6 has a disk shape that is thin in the vertical direction and has a circular shape in plan view. A boss 56, a stirring blade 57, and a carrier 58 are integrally provided on the rotary blade 6.

  The boss 56 has a hollow cylindrical shape that protrudes up and down from the rotor blade 6, and is coaxial with the rotor blade 6. On the upper end surface of the boss 56, a concave portion 56 </ b> A that is recessed one step shallower than the outer peripheral side is formed on the circle center side. The hollow portion of the boss 56 is located in the recess 56A. A plurality of (for example, six) stirring blades 57 are provided on the upper surface of the rotary blade 6. These stirring blades 57 extend radially around the boss 56. Each stirring blade 57 is raised in a streak shape.

The carrier 58 includes a plurality of (here, four) support bosses 59. Each support boss 59 has a shaft shape protruding downward from the rotary blade 6. Each support boss 59 is formed with a screw hole 59A upward from the lower end surface (see FIG. 2). These support bosses 59 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the rotor blade 6 at positions radially outside the bosses 56.
Here, the washing machine 1 includes a transmission mechanism 60. The transmission mechanism 60 is provided between the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6. The transmission mechanism 60 is a planetary gear mechanism, and includes the outer ring gear 27 and the sun gear 51 described above and a plurality of planetary gears 61. The planetary gears 61 are provided in the same number (four in this case) as the support bosses 59. Each planetary gear 61 has a hollow cylindrical shape having a central axis extending in the vertical direction, and a large number of gear teeth 62 extending in the vertical direction are formed on the entire outer peripheral surface thereof. One of the support bosses 59 is inserted into the hollow portion of each planetary gear 61 from above, and a screw 63 is assembled from below to the screw hole 59A of each support boss 59. As a result, each planetary gear 61 is rotatably supported (rotatable) by the support boss 59 of the rotor blade 6 in a state where it cannot be detached from the support boss 59. The screw 63 is a part of the washing machine 1.

  The rotary blade 6 is provided at the bottom 13 in the washing tub 3. Specifically, the rotor blade 6 is fitted into the recess 30 on the upper surface of the first bottom wall 17 from above. A slight gap 64 is secured in the lateral direction between the rotor blade 6 in this state and the contour of the recess 30 in plan view. And in the rotary blade 6, the stirring blade 57 of the upper surface is exposed in the washing tub 3 from the bottom.

  Further, the upper second boss 49 of the pumping wing 5 is fitted into the hollow portion of the boss 56 of the rotor blade 6 with play from below. The set screw 65 is assembled to the screw portion 54 on the inner peripheral surface of the upper second boss 49 while being fitted into the recess 56 </ b> A on the upper end surface of the boss 56 of the rotor blade 6. Thereby, the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6 cannot be detached from each other in a state where the respective circle centers are coaxial. However, as described above, the upper second boss 49 of the pumping blade 5 is fitted with play in the hollow portion of the boss 56 of the rotor blade 6, and the set screw 65 is not in contact with the rotor blade 6. Therefore, although the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6 cannot be detached, they can rotate relative to each other. The pumping wing 5 and the rotary wing 6 are rotatable about the respective circular centers (the above-described central axis 15) that are coaxial. The set screw 65 described above is a part of the washing machine 1.

  Further, as described above, the pumping blade 5 is disposed between the first bottom wall 17 and the second bottom wall 18, and the rotor blade is disposed in the recess 30 (that is, on the first bottom wall 17) of the first bottom wall 17. 6 is arranged. Therefore, the pumping blade 5 is provided between the bottom 13 (strictly, the second bottom wall 18) of the washing tub 3 and the rotary blade 6. Further, the first bottom wall 17 of the washing tub 3 is an interposition plate interposed between the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6. The first bottom wall 17 is non-contact and parallel to each of the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6.

  In the transmission mechanism 60, a plurality of planetary gears 61 surround the sun gear 51 and mesh with the sun gear 51 while being arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (of the sun gear 51). Further, the outer ring gear 27 meshes with each planetary gear 61 while surrounding all the planetary gears 61 in mesh with the sun gear 51. Therefore, the rotary blade 6 that supports the planetary gear 61 is connected to the pumping blade 5 having the sun gear 51 via the transmission mechanism 60 (the planetary gear 61 and the sun gear 51).

  Here, in the case of the washing operation or the rinsing operation, the washing liquid is supplied into the washing tub 3. The washing liquid is water mixed with a detergent in the case of a washing operation, and fresh water in the case of a rinsing operation. The washing liquid supplied into the washing tub 3 accumulates at the bottom 13 of the washing tub 3. The washing liquid passes through the gap 64 described above and the through hole 25 of the first bottom wall 17 of the washing tub 3, and the space 19 between the first bottom wall 17 and the second bottom wall 18 and the washing tub 3. It is possible to go back and forth between the space above the first bottom wall 17. Further, the washing liquid goes back and forth between the space 19 and the space 19 between the second bottom wall 18 and the bottom wall 8 of the water tub 2 through the through hole 29 of the second bottom wall 18 of the washing tub 3. You can also

When the motor 4 is driven during the washing operation or the rinsing operation, the driving force of the motor 4 is transmitted to the second shaft 34 directly connected to the pumping blade 5 at the output shaft 31 of the motor 4. The drive of the clutch mechanism 40 is controlled. Note that, in principle, the driving force is not transmitted to the first shaft 33 during the washing operation or the rinsing operation, so the washing tub 3 does not rotate.
When the second shaft 34 receives the driving force of the motor 4, the pumping blade 5 (directly connected to the second shaft 34) rotates with the sun gear 51. That is, the motor 4 that outputs the driving force rotates the pumping blade 5. The washing liquid accumulated in the bottom 13 of the washing tub 3 (particularly, the region 55 of the space 19 described above) by the rotation of the pumping blade 5 is sent to the intake port 22 of the pumping channel 21 by the pumping blade 47 of the pumping blade 5. (See arrow X). The washing liquid sent to the intake port 22 ascends in the pumping channel 21 from the intake port 22, is discharged from the pumping port 23 to the outside of the pumping channel 21, and is returned into the washing tub 3 (see arrow Y). Thereby, since the washing liquid in the washing tub 3 can be circulated and repeatedly poured onto the laundry in the washing tub 3, the laundry can be efficiently washed and rinsed with a small amount of washing liquid.

Thus, the pumping path 21 is for pumping the washing liquid in the washing tub 3 from the bottom 13 of the washing tub 3 and returning it to the washing tub 3.
Here, since the outer ring gear 27 is fixed to the bottom portion 13 (first bottom wall 17) of the washing tub 3, all the planetary gears 61 are moved by the rotation of the pumping blade 5 (sun gear 51). Revolves around the sun gear 51 in mesh with the gear 51. The revolving direction (rotation direction) of the planetary gear 61 is denoted by Z (Zet) (see FIG. 2). When all the planetary gears 61 revolve, the rotor blades 6 that support these planetary gears 61 are moved from the pumping blades 5 in the same direction as the rotor blades 6 along the rotation direction Z of the planetary gears 61. Also rotates at low speed. The stirring blade 57 of the rotating rotor blade 6 rotates the laundry in the washing tub 3.

In this way, the transmission mechanism 60 transmits the rotational force of the pumped wing 5 to the rotary wing 6. Further, the transmission mechanism 60 rotates the rotary blade 6 at a lower speed than the pumped blade 5 while rotating the pumped blade 5 and the rotary blade 6 in the same direction. That is, the transmission mechanism 60 here functions as a speed reduction mechanism.
As described above, the pumping blade 5 receives the driving force of the motor 4 and rotates at a relatively high speed to send the washing liquid in the washing tub 3 from the bottom 13 to the pumping path 21. Further, the rotary blade 6 agitates the laundry in the washing tub 3 by receiving the rotational force of the pumping blade 5 via the transmission mechanism 60 and rotating at a relatively low speed. Incidentally, by controlling the rotation of the motor 4, the aforementioned rotation direction Z (see FIG. 2) can be switched to the normal rotation direction or the reverse rotation direction.

  On the other hand, in the dehydration operation, the driving of the clutch mechanism 40 is controlled so that the driving force of the motor 4 is transmitted to the first shaft 33 in the output shaft 31, and the washing tub 3 rotates (the pumping wing 5 and the rotation). The wing 6 may or may not rotate). That is, the motor 4 that outputs a driving force drives the washing tub 3 to rotate. Then, the laundry in the washing tub 3 is dehydrated by the rotation of the washing tub 3 (high-speed rotation). Here, a fluid balancer 67 for preventing vibration due to rotation of the washing tub 3 (particularly dehydration rotation) is attached to an end on the opening 14 side on the inner peripheral surface of the washing tub 3.

Such a washing machine 1 further includes a seal structure 70 that seals between the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6 in order to prevent foreign matter from entering the transmission mechanism 60. The seal structure 70 includes a labyrinth structure 71 as an example.
The labyrinth structure 71 includes a labyrinth structure 71 (referred to as a labyrinth structure 71A) provided between the rotary blade 6 and the first bottom wall 17 of the washing tub 3, a pumping blade 5 and the first bottom wall 17 And another labyrinth structure 71 (referred to as a labyrinth structure 71B) provided therebetween.

In the following, the radial direction R with reference to the central axis 15 (respective rotation centers of the washing tub 3, the pumping wing 5 and the rotary wing 6), and the rotational direction Z (circumferential direction around the central axis 15) described above, Will be described with reference to FIG.
In relation to the labyrinth structure 71A, on the upper surface 17A of the first bottom wall 17, a plurality of (here, three) ribs 72 are provided in a region existing in the radial direction R between the insertion hole 24 and the through hole 25. Is provided. These ribs 72 are projected upward and have an annular shape along the rotational direction Z with the central axis 15 as the center. These ribs 72 are arranged coaxially so as to be arranged at equal intervals along the radial direction R, and the rib 72 farther from the central axis 15 has a larger diameter. On the upper surface 17 </ b> A of the first bottom wall 17, between the adjacent ribs 72, one annular groove 73 along the rotational direction Z is formed (two in total). Each groove 73 is recessed downward in the first bottom wall 17 so as to open upward.

  In the lower surface 6 </ b> A of the rotary blade 6, a plurality (three in this case) of ribs 74 are provided in a region located in the radial direction R at the same position as the ribs 72 and the grooves 73 of the first bottom wall 17. These ribs 74 are projected downward and have an annular shape along the rotational direction Z with the central axis 15 as the center. These ribs 74 are arranged coaxially so as to be arranged at equal intervals along the radial direction R, and the ribs 74 farther from the central axis 15 have a larger diameter. On the lower surface 6 </ b> A of the rotary blade 6, one annular groove 75 along the rotational direction Z is formed between adjacent ribs 74 (two in total). Each groove 75 is recessed upward in the rotor blade 6 so as to open downward.

  As shown in FIG. 3, two ribs 72 on the inner side in the radial direction R among the three ribs 72 in the first bottom wall 17 are fitted into the groove 75 of the rotor blade 6 one by one from below. Of the three ribs 74 in the rotor blade 6, the two outer ribs 74 in the radial direction R are fitted into the groove 73 of the first bottom wall 17 one by one from above. Thus, the labyrinth structure 71A is configured.

  In the labyrinth structure 71 </ b> A, each rib 72 of the first bottom wall 17 is not in contact with the rotary blade 6, and each rib 74 of the rotary blade 6 is not in contact with the first bottom wall 17. Therefore, a labyrinth passage 76 is formed between the first bottom wall 17 and the rotor blade 6 in the labyrinth structure 71A and proceeds in the radial direction R while meandering in a zigzag manner. In FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, the configuration other than the labyrinth structure 71 is shown in a simplified manner.

  In the above, the grooves (grooves 73 and 75) are recessed in both the rotor blade 6 and the first bottom wall 17, and the ribs (ribs 72 and 74) are protruded. However, it is not necessary to provide the groove and the rib on both the rotary blade 6 and the first bottom wall 17. That is, the groove is recessed in at least one of the rotor blade 6 and the first bottom wall 17, and the rib is protruded on at least the other of the rotor blade 6 and the first bottom wall 17. The labyrinth structure 71A may be configured by fitting.

  In relation to the labyrinth structure 71B, as shown in FIG. 2, in the lower surface 17B of the first bottom wall 17, there are a plurality of regions (here, the region existing between the insertion hole 24 and the through hole 25 in the radial direction R). Three) ribs 77 are provided. These ribs 77 are projected downward and have an annular shape along the rotation direction Z with the central axis 15 as the center. These ribs 77 are arranged coaxially so as to be arranged at equal intervals along the radial direction R, and the rib 77 farther from the central axis 15 has a larger diameter. On the lower surface 17 </ b> B of the first bottom wall 17, between the adjacent ribs 77, one annular groove 78 along the rotational direction Z is formed (two in total). Each groove 78 is recessed upward in the first bottom wall 17 so as to open downward.

  In the upper surface 5 </ b> B of the pumping blade 5, a plurality (three in this case) of ribs 79 are provided in a region located in the same position as the rib 77 and the groove 78 of the first bottom wall 17 in the radial direction R. These ribs 79 protrude upward and have an annular shape along the rotation direction Z with the central axis 15 as the center. These ribs 79 are arranged at equal intervals along the radial direction R, and the ribs 79 farther from the central axis 15 have a larger diameter. On the upper surface 5 </ b> B of the pumping blade 5, between the adjacent ribs 79, one annular groove 80 along the rotational direction Z is formed (two in total). Each groove 80 is recessed downward in the pumping blade 5 so as to be opened upward.

  As shown in FIG. 3, out of the three ribs 77 in the first bottom wall 17, the two outer ribs 77 in the radial direction R are fitted into the groove 80 of the pumping blade 5 one by one from above. Of the three ribs 79 in the pump blade 5, the two inner ribs 79 in the radial direction R are fitted into the groove 78 of the first bottom wall 17 one by one from below. Thereby, the labyrinth structure 71B is configured.

In the labyrinth structure 71 </ b> B, each rib 77 of the first bottom wall 17 is not in contact with the pumping blade 5, and each rib 79 of the pumping blade 5 is not in contact with the first bottom wall 17. Therefore, a labyrinth passage 81 is formed between the first bottom wall 17 and the pumping blade 5 in the labyrinth structure 71 </ b> B and proceeds in the radial direction R while meandering in a zigzag manner.
In the above, the grooves (grooves 78 and 80) are recessed in both the pumping blade 5 and the first bottom wall 17, and the ribs (ribs 77 and 79) are protruded. However, it is not necessary to provide the groove and the rib on both the pumping blade 5 and the first bottom wall 17. That is, the groove is recessed in at least one of the pumping blade 5 and the first bottom wall 17, and the rib is protruded on at least the other of the pumping blade 5 and the first bottom wall 17. What is necessary is just to comprise the labyrinth structure 71B by fitting.

  And the transmission mechanism 60 is arrange | positioned in the space 100 enclosed by the labyrinth structure 71 (71A and 71B) of the seal structure 70 between the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6. FIG. In each labyrinth structure 71, a labyrinth passage (labyrinth passages 76 and 81) that goes in a zigzag is formed, so that foreign substances existing outside the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6 are transmitted through the labyrinth passage in the space 100. It is blocked from 60 and cannot reach the space 100.

  As described above, in this washing machine 1, the transmission mechanism 60 is provided in the space 100 between the rotary blade 6 and the pumping blade 5, but the above-described seal structure 70 is a foreign object to the transmission mechanism 60. In order to prevent the intrusion, the space between the rotary blade 6 and the pumping blade 5 is sealed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to foreign matter adhesion of the transmission mechanism 60 disposed between the rotary blade 6 and the pumping blade 5. 1 to 3, the labyrinth structure 71 </ b> A and the labyrinth structure 71 </ b> B are provided at the same position in the radial direction R. However, they may be shifted in the radial direction R.

Next, first to sixth modifications of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, in each of FIGS. 4-11, the same number is attached | subjected to the part same as the part demonstrated in FIGS. 1-3, and description about the said part is abbreviate | omitted.
In the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 (to be referred to as “this embodiment” for the sake of distinction from the modification), the second shaft 34 from the motor 4 is directly connected to the pumping blade 5. Thus, the transmission mechanism 60 is configured to transmit the rotational force of the pumping blade 5 to the rotary blade 6.

Instead, the second shaft 34 is directly connected to the rotating blade 6 instead of the pumping blade 5 as shown in each modification after FIG. 4, and the transmission mechanism 60 uses the rotating force of the rotating blade 6 to the pumping blade. 5 may be transmitted.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the second shaft 34 is connected to the rotation center of the rotor blade 6 from below, and a set screw 85 causes the rotation center portion of the rotor blade 6 to be connected to the second shaft 34. It is fixed. In this regard, in the pumping wing 5, the lower boss 46, the upper first boss 48 and the upper second boss 49 (see FIG. 1) described above are omitted, and instead the circular center portion of the pumping wing 5. A round through-hole 86 penetrating vertically is formed. The second shaft 34 is inserted coaxially with the through hole 86. At this time, the second shaft 34 is not in contact with the pumping blade 5. Further, in the round through-hole 86 in the pumping wing 5, the upper region 86A has a diameter larger than that of the lower region 86B, and the outer ring gear 27 described above is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the pumping wing 5 in the upper region 86A. ing.

  The second bottom wall 18 of the washing tub 3 is integrally provided with a cylindrical boss 87 that extends upward while surrounding the insertion hole 28 and the second shaft 34 of the second bottom wall 18. The boss 87 is coaxially inserted into the through hole 86 of the pumping blade 5 from below. At this time, the boss 87 is not in contact with the pumping blade 5 and the second shaft 34. The upper end portion of the boss 87 located in the upper region 86 </ b> A of the through hole 86 is enlarged by one step, and the sun gear 51 described above is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion.

  In the upper region 86 </ b> A of the through hole 86, the outer ring gear 27 surrounds the sun gear 51, and the planetary gears 61 on the rotary blade 6 side are disposed between the outer ring gear 27 and the sun gear 51. Each planetary gear 61 meshes with both the outer ring gear 27 and the sun gear 51. Therefore, also in the modification, the transmission mechanism 60 is provided between the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the first bottom wall 17 (see FIG. 1) interposed between the pumping blade 5 and the rotor blade 6 (of the washing tub 3) is, in the modified example, the pumping blade 5 and the rotor blade 6. It is comprised so that it may come off horizontally from between. Specifically, the first bottom wall 17 is formed with a round opening 88 that is large enough to accommodate the pumping blade 5 in plan view. The opening 88 penetrates the first bottom wall 17 up and down, and the inner peripheral surface 17C that defines the opening 88 in the first bottom wall 17 is in a non-contact state with the outer end surface 5C of the pumping wing 5 in the radial direction R. It is surrounded by. Therefore, a slight gap 89 is provided over the entire circumference (the entire region in the rotation direction Z) between the inner circumferential surface 17C and the outer end surface 5C of the pumping blade 5. The pumping wing 5 that is accommodated in the opening 88 of the first bottom wall 17 faces the rotating blade 6 from below in a posture parallel to the rotating blade 6.

In this case, when the motor 4 is driven during the washing operation or the rinsing operation, the driving force of the motor 4 is transmitted to the second shaft 34 directly connected to the rotor blade 6 at the output shaft 31 of the motor 4. Thus, the drive of the clutch mechanism 40 is controlled. As described above, the washing tub 3 does not rotate during the washing operation or the rinsing operation.
When the second shaft 34 receives the driving force of the motor 4, the rotor blade 6 (directly connected to the second shaft 34) rotates with the planetary gears 61, and the stirring blades 57 in the washing tub 3 rotate. Stir the laundry. That is, in the modified example, the motor 4 drives the rotary blade 6 to rotate.

  Here, since the sun gear 51 is fixed to the boss 87 of the bottom portion 13 (second bottom wall 18) of the washing tub 3, all the planetary gears 61 are rotated along with the rotation of the rotary blades 6. And revolving around the sun gear 51 in the rotational direction Z while rotating. The pumping blade 5 provided with the outer ring gear 27 meshing with each planetary gear 61 rotates at a higher speed than the rotating blade 6 along the rotation direction Z (see FIG. 5) of the rotating blade 6. At this time, the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6 rotate in the same direction. That is, the transmission mechanism 60 transmits the rotational force of the rotary blade 6 to the pumping blade 5, thereby rotating the pumped blade 5 and the rotary blade 6 in the same direction, while moving the pumped blade 5 faster than the rotary blade 6. Rotate. Therefore, the transmission mechanism 60 here functions as a speed increasing mechanism. The washing liquid accumulated in the bottom 13 of the washing tub 3 (particularly, the region 55 of the space 19 described above) by the rotation of the pumping blade 5 is sent to the intake port 22 of the pumping channel 21 by the pumping blade 47 of the pumping blade 5. Cycle as described above (see arrows X and Y).

Thus, the rotary blade 6 agitates the laundry in the washing tub 3 by receiving a driving force of the motor 4 and rotating at a relatively low speed. Further, the pumping blade 5 receives the rotational force of the rotary blade 6 and rotates at a relatively high speed to send the washing liquid in the washing tub 3 from the bottom 13 to the pumping path 21.
On the other hand, in the case of the dehydration operation, the motor 4 drives the washing tub 3 to rotate as in the above-described embodiment.

As described above, the motor 4 rotationally drives either the rotary blade 6 or the pumping blade 5 (the pump blade 5 in this embodiment, the rotary blade 6 in the modification) and the washing tub 3. And the transmission mechanism 60 transmits said one rotational force among the rotary blade 6 and the pumping blade 5 to the other (the rotary blade 6 in this embodiment, and the pumping blade 5 in a modification).
The washing machine 1 according to the modified example also includes the seal structure 70 described above.

Specifically, the seal structure 70 of Modification 1 according to FIGS. 4 to 6 includes the labyrinth structure 71 described above.
As shown in FIG. 4, the labyrinth structure 71 is provided between the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6.
In relation to the labyrinth structure 71, referring to FIG. 5, a plurality (three in this case) of ribs 90 are provided on the upper surface 5 </ b> B of the pumping blade 5 in a region outside the outer ring gear 27 in the radial direction R. It has been. These ribs 90 are projected upward and have an annular shape along the rotation direction Z with the central axis 15 as the center. These ribs 90 are arranged coaxially so as to be arranged at equal intervals along the radial direction R, and the ribs 90 farther from the central axis 15 have a larger diameter. On the upper surface 5 </ b> B of the pumping blade 5, between the adjacent ribs 90, one annular groove 91 along the rotational direction Z is formed (two in total). Each groove 91 is recessed downward in the pumping wing 5 so as to open upward.

  In the lower surface 6 </ b> A of the rotary blade 6, a plurality of (here, three) ribs 92 are provided in the region located in the radial direction R at the same position as the rib 90 and the groove 91 of the pumping blade 5. These ribs 92 are projected downward and have an annular shape along the rotation direction Z with the central axis 15 as the center. These ribs 92 are coaxially arranged so as to be arranged at equal intervals along the radial direction R, and the ribs 92 farther from the central axis 15 have a larger diameter. On the lower surface 6 </ b> A of the rotary blade 6, one annular groove 93 along the rotational direction Z is formed between adjacent ribs 92 (two in total). Each groove 93 is recessed upward in the rotor blade 6 so as to open downward.

  As shown in FIG. 6, two ribs 90 on the inner side in the radial direction R among the three ribs 90 in the pumping blade 5 are fitted into the groove 93 of the rotor blade 6 one by one from below to rotate. Out of the three ribs 92 in the blade 6, the two outer ribs 92 in the radial direction R are fitted to the groove 91 of the pumping blade 5 one by one from above. Thereby, the labyrinth structure 71 is constituted.

  In the labyrinth structure 71, each rib 90 of the pumping blade 5 is not in contact with the rotary blade 6, and each rib 92 of the rotary blade 6 is not in contact with the pumped blade 5. Therefore, a labyrinth passage 94 is formed between the pumping blade 5 and the rotor blade 6 in the labyrinth structure 71 and proceeds in the radial direction R while meandering in a zigzag manner. In FIG. 6, for convenience of explanation, the configuration other than the labyrinth structure 71 is shown in a simplified manner (the same applies to FIG. 7 and subsequent figures).

  In the above, the grooves (grooves 91 and 93) are recessed in both the pumping blade 5 and the rotor blade 6, and the ribs (ribs 90 and 92) are protruded. However, it is not necessary to provide the groove and the rib in both the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6. That is, the groove is recessed in at least one of the pumping blade 5 and the rotor blade 6, and the rib is protruded on at least the other of the pumping blade 5 and the rotor blade 6 so that the groove and the rib are fitted. What is necessary is just to comprise the labyrinth structure 71 by.

  Also in the case of the modification, the transmission mechanism 60 is disposed in the space 100 surrounded by the labyrinth structure 71 of the seal structure 70 between the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6. In the labyrinth structure 71, a labyrinth passage 94 that proceeds in a zigzag manner is formed. Therefore, foreign matter existing outside the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6 is blocked from the transmission mechanism 60 in the space 100 by the labyrinth passage 94. The space 100 cannot be reached. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to foreign matter adhesion of the transmission mechanism 60 disposed between the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6.

Further, in the seal structure 70 in the second modification shown in FIG. 7, the outer peripheral edge 6 </ b> B in the radial direction R of the rotor blade 6 has the entire outer end surface 5 </ b> C in the radial direction R of the pumping blade 5 from the outside in the radial direction R. It is comprised by extending to the bottom part 13 side (lower side) of the washing tub 3 so that it may surround over the circumference (overlap).
In this case, the space 100 between the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6 is closed from the outer side in the radial direction R by the outer peripheral edge 6 </ b> B of the rotary blade 6. The space 100 is a narrow region between the outer peripheral edge 6B of the rotor blade 6 and the outer end surface 5C of the pumping blade 5 (gap 95 between the outer peripheral edge 6B of the rotor blade 6 and the outer end surface 5C of the pumping blade 5). Are exposed to the bottom 13 side (lower side) of the washing tub 3. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent foreign matter from entering the space 100 between the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6. In addition, the washing liquid in the washing tub 3 can be prevented from entering the gap 95 by its own weight as compared with the case where the gap 95 faces the side opposite to the bottom 13 side (upper side) of the washing tub 3.

Moreover, it is preferable that the clearance 95 between the outer peripheral edge 6 </ b> B of the rotary blade 6 and the outer end surface 5 </ b> C of the pumping blade 5 communicates with the intake port 22 (see FIG. 4) of the pumping channel 21. By doing so, the foreign matter can be drawn out from the gap 95 by using the flow of the washing liquid to flow into the pumping path 21, and the foreign matter can be made difficult to collect in the gap 95.
As in Modification 3 shown in FIG. 8, the seal structure 70 of Modification 2 (the configuration in which the outer peripheral edge 6 </ b> B of the rotary blade 6 surrounds the outer end surface 5 </ b> C of the pumping blade 5) and the labyrinth structure 71 of Modification 1 are provided. You may combine. If it does so, it can prevent more effectively that a foreign material penetrate | invades into the space 100 between the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6. FIG.

  Here, the labyrinth structure 71 in the modified example 3 is not between the upper surface 5B of the pumping blade 5 and the lower surface 6A of the rotating blade 6, but as in the modified example 4 shown in FIG. And the outer end face 5C of the pumping wing 5 may be provided. In FIG. 9, one annular groove 91 that is recessed toward the central shaft 15 and extends in the rotation direction Z (see FIG. 5) is formed on the outer end surface 5 </ b> C of the pumping blade 5. One annular rib 92 projecting toward the central axis 15 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner peripheral surface, and the rib 92 and the groove 91 are fitted. In this case, the labyrinth passage 94 constituted by the ribs 92 and the grooves 91 advances vertically while meandering in a zigzag manner from side to side.

  Thus, if the labyrinth structure 71 is arranged outside in the radial direction R so as to be separated from the transmission mechanism 60, the transmission mechanism 60 can be kept away from the foreign matter. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent foreign matter from entering the space 100 between the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6 and to further prevent malfunction due to foreign matter adhesion of the transmission mechanism 60. Further, if the labyrinth structure 71 is arranged in the outer peripheral portion in the radial direction R in this way, an effect that the washing liquid hardly remains in the labyrinth passage 94 can be achieved.

  10 shows a configuration in which the labyrinth structure 71 is provided between the upper surface 5B of the pumping blade 5 and the lower surface 6A of the rotor blade 6, and the sixth modification shown in FIG. In the example, the configuration is shown in which the labyrinth structure 71 is provided between the outer peripheral edge 6B of the rotary blade 6 and the outer end surface 5C of the pumping blade 5. In the fifth modification and the sixth modification, the root N (the pumping blade 5, the rotary blade 6, and the first bottom wall 17) is formed in each rib (the ribs 90 and 92 in FIGS. 10 and 11) that constitutes the labyrinth structure 71. R portion B is provided at a portion connected to the corresponding portion), and the surface H of the root N is curved by the round portion B (specifically, a concave curve). Therefore, the root N of each rib, the pumping blade 5, the rotary blade 6, and the first bottom wall 17 (corresponding) are smoothly connected. In each rib, a chamfered portion M is provided at a corner C of the tip, and the corner C is chamfered (R chamfered or the like) by the chamfered portion M. These things (the rounded portion B and the chamfered portion M) can be applied to the present embodiment and other modified examples.

  In the corner portion C of each rib constituting the labyrinth structure 71, the surface H of the root N is curved by the rounded portion B, or the corner portion C of the tip is chamfered by the chamfered portion M. The whole H is not angular, and the labyrinth passages (labyrinth passages 76, 81 and 94) described above have a relatively smoothly curved shape. For this reason, in the labyrinth structure 71, it is possible to prevent foreign substances from being caught and accumulated on the rib. Further, when the washing tub 3 is rotated at a high speed for dehydration, the washing liquid easily jumps out by the centrifugal force in the curved labyrinth passage, so that the washing liquid can be prevented from remaining in the labyrinth passage.

10 and 11, both the rounded portion B and the chamfered portion M are provided, but only one of them may be provided. However, since foreign substances are easy to accumulate at the root N, it is preferable to provide the rounded portion B with priority.
Further, when the seal structure 70 as described above is applied, it is not necessary to provide a seal member for sealing between the rotary blade 6 and the pumping blade 5 as a separate component, so that the number of components can be reduced.
The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

For example, in the motor 4 of the above-described embodiment, the output shaft 31 is directly coaxially connected to one of the pumping blade 5 and the rotary blade 6 and the washing tub 3. The motor may be used.
In the above-described embodiment, the vertical type in which the rotation center (center shaft 15) of the washing tub 3 extends vertically is shown. However, the rotation center of the washing tub 3 extends so as to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Further, they may be arranged obliquely.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing machine 3 Washing tub 4 Motor 5 Pumping wing 5C Outer end face 6 Rotary wing 6B Outer peripheral edge 13 Bottom 17 First bottom wall 18 Second bottom wall 21 Pumping path 60 Transmission mechanism 70 Seal structure 71 Labyrinth structure 71A Labyrinth structure 71B Labyrinth Structure 72 Rib 73 Groove 74 Rib 75 Groove 77 Rib 78 Groove 79 Rib 80 Groove 90 Rib 91 Groove 92 Rib 93 Groove B R portion C Corner portion H Surface M Chamfered portion N Root R Radial direction

Claims (7)

A laundry tub that accommodates laundry and is rotatable;
A pumping path provided in the washing tub, for pumping the washing liquid in the washing tub from the bottom of the washing tub and returning it to the washing tub;
A rotating blade provided at the bottom of the washing tub and stirring the laundry in the washing tub by rotating;
A pumping wing provided between the bottom wall of the washing tub and the rotary wing and rotating to feed the washing liquid in the washing tub from the bottom of the washing tub to the pumping path by rotating;
A motor that rotationally drives one of the rotor blades and the water pump blades and the washing tub;
A transmission mechanism provided between the rotary blade and the pumping blade, and transmitting the rotational force of the one of the rotary blade and the pump blade to the other;
A seal structure for sealing between the rotor blades and the pumping blades in order to prevent foreign matter from entering the transmission mechanism;
A washing machine comprising: The washing tub includes an interposed plate interposed between the rotary wing and the pumping wing,
The seal structure is
A groove that is recessed in one of the rotor blade and the interposed plate and has an annular shape along the rotation direction, and a rib that is protruded from the other of the rotor blade and the interposed plate and has an annular shape along the rotation direction. A labyrinth structure configured by fitting;
A groove that is recessed in one of the pumping blade and the interposition plate and has an annular shape along the rotation direction, and a rib that is protruded from the other of the pumping blade and the interposition plate and has an annular shape in the rotation direction. Another labyrinth structure constructed by mating;
The washing machine according to claim 1, comprising:   The seal structure includes a groove that is recessed in one of the rotor blade and the pumping blade and forms an annular shape along the rotation direction, and an annular shape that protrudes from the other of the rotor blade and the pumping blade and extends along the rotation direction. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a labyrinth structure configured by fitting with a rib forming the same.   The seal structure extends to the bottom side of the washing tub so that an outer peripheral edge portion in the radial direction with respect to the rotation center of the rotary blade surrounds an outer end surface in the radial direction of the pumping blade from the outer side in the radial direction. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the washing machine is configured by:   The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the labyrinth structure is provided between an outer peripheral edge portion of the rotary blade and an outer end surface of the pumping blade.   It includes at least one of a rounded portion that is provided at the base of the rib constituting the labyrinth structure and curves the surface of the base, and a chamfered portion that chamfers a corner of the tip of the rib. Item 6. The washing machine according to any one of Items 2 to 5.   The seal structure extends to the bottom side of the washing tub so that an outer peripheral edge portion in the radial direction with respect to the rotation center of the rotary blade surrounds an outer end surface in the radial direction of the pumping blade from the outer side in the radial direction. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the washing machine is constituted by:

Images