JP2016106943A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of evenly sprinkling water to laundry stored in a washing tub.SOLUTION: A washing machine 1 includes: an outer tub 3 in which water is stored; a cylindrical washing tub 5 stored in the outer tub 3 and capable of rotating by storing laundry; and a water passage 4 for pumping the water stored in the outer tub 3 and discharging it into the washing tub 5 from an upper side Z1. The washing tub 5 has through-holes 23 for allowing the water to come and go between the outer tub 3 and itself. A discharge port 43 for discharging the water into the washing tub 5 from the upper side Z1 in the water passage 4 is provided across the whole area in the circumferential direction S of the washing tub 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine.

  The washing machine of the following Patent Document 1 includes a pulsator provided at the bottom of the washing tub, and one or more circulation water channels provided on the side wall of the washing tub. Back blades are provided on the back of the pulsator.

  In synchronism with the rotation of the back blades of the pulsator, the washing water on the back surface of the pulsator passes through the circulation channel and is discharged from the discharge port at the upper end of the circulation channel into the washing tub and sprinkled on the clothes in the laundry tub.

JP 10-33883 A

  In the washing machine of Patent Document 1, when only one circulation channel is provided, the discharge port exists only in one place in the circumferential direction of the washing tub, and when a plurality of circulation channels are provided, a plurality of discharge channels are provided. The outlets are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the washing tub. Therefore, the washing water discharged from each discharge port reaches only a limited position in the circumferential direction in the washing tub. Therefore, it is difficult to sprinkle washing water uniformly on the clothes in the washing tub.

  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 sprinkling water uniformly on the laundry contained in the washing tub.

  The present invention has an outer tub in which water is stored, a cylindrical shape that is accommodated in the outer tub, has a through hole for allowing water to flow back and forth between the outer tub, and can accommodate laundry and rotate. And a water channel that pumps up the water accumulated in the outer tub and discharges the water from above into the laundry tub, and the discharge port for discharging water from above into the laundry tub in the water channel includes the washing tub It is a washing machine characterized by being provided over the circumferential direction whole region of a tank.

  Moreover, this invention is provided separately from the said water channel, and contains the packing which borders a part of said discharge outlet, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  Moreover, this invention contains the cover which comprises the said outer tank, The said cover serves as at least one part of the said water channel, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In addition, the present invention is characterized in that it includes dispersion means for dispersing and pumping water pumped up by the water channel from the discharge port to the center side and the outer peripheral side of the washing tub.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the dispersing means includes a rib that is provided in the water channel and distributes water from the discharge port to a center side and an outer peripheral side of the washing tub.

  Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that the dispersing means includes a changing means for changing a rotation speed of the washing tub.

  In addition, the present invention is characterized by including a light source that is turned on in accordance with the operating state of the washing machine.

According to the present invention, in this washing machine, the washing tub for storing the laundry is rotatably accommodated in the outer tub. The water channel pumps up the water accumulated in the outer tub by the centrifugal force generated in the water in the outer tub as the washing tub rotates. The water outlet discharges the pumped water into the washing tub from above. The water in the washing tub can be transferred between the washing tub and the outer tub by passing through the through hole of the washing tub. Thereby, since water is used for washing while circulating, water saving becomes possible.
Since the discharge port is provided over the entire circumferential direction of the cylindrical laundry tub, water can be discharged into the laundry tub from the entire circumferential direction of the laundry tub. Therefore, water can be uniformly sprinkled on the laundry accommodated in the laundry tub from the entire circumferential direction of the laundry tub.
Moreover, the discharge port provided over the circumferential direction whole region of the washing tub can discharge a lot of water. As a result, when washing the laundry, a large amount of water discharged from the discharge port falls down vigorously in the washing tub, so that the detergent in the washing tub can be bubbled by the falling force of the water. Therefore, the laundry can be effectively washed with the foamed detergent. Further, since a large amount of water discharged from the discharge port falls down vigorously in the washing tub, the mechanical force acting on the laundry can be increased, and the washing power of the washing machine can be improved. Further, since the laundry can be efficiently rinsed with a large amount of water discharged from above into the washing tub, the time required for the rinsing operation can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, a part of the discharge port is trimmed by the packing provided separately from the water channel. Therefore, when the discharge port is clogged with dust or the like, the discharge port can be easily cleaned by bending the packing and widening the discharge port without disassembling the water channel.

  Further, according to the present invention, the cover constituting the outer tub also serves as a part of the water channel, so that the number of parts can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, the dispersing means causes the water pumped up by the water channel to be dispersed and discharged from the discharge port to the center side and the outer peripheral side of the washing tub. Thereby, water can be sprinkled all over the laundry in the washing tub more uniformly. Thereby, it is possible to wash and rinse the laundry more effectively.

  Further, according to the present invention, the dispersing means may be a rib provided in the water channel.

  Moreover, according to this invention, the centrifugal force produced in the water in an outer tub can be adjusted by changing the rotational speed of a washing tub with a change means, and the momentum of the water pumped up by a water channel can be adjusted. Thereby, strong water can be discharged from the discharge port to the center side of the washing tub, or weak water can be discharged from the discharge port to the outer peripheral side.

  Moreover, according to this invention, a light source is lighted according to the driving | running state of a washing machine. Therefore, the operating state of the washing machine can be visually communicated to the user.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an internal structure of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the internal structure of the washing machine 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a view of the washing machine 1 as viewed from above. FIG. 5 is a view of the washing machine 1 of FIG. 4 with the cover removed from the outer tub. FIG. 6 is a diagram in which the first modification of the present invention is applied to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram in which the second modification of the present invention is applied to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram in which the third modification of the present invention is applied to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram in which the fourth modification of the present invention is applied to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram in which the fifth modification of the present invention is applied to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram in which the sixth modification of the present invention is applied to FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an internal structure of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above.

  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. The vertical direction in FIG. 1 coincides with the vertical direction Z (longitudinal direction) of the washing machine 1. In the vertical direction Z, the upper part is referred to as an upper part Z1, and the lower part is referred to as a lower part Z2. The left-right direction in FIG. 1 coincides with the left-right direction X of the washing machine 1. Of the left and right directions X, the left side is referred to as the left side X1, and the right side is referred to as the right side X2. The direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction Z and the horizontal direction X is the front-rear direction Y of the washing machine 1. In the front-rear direction Y, the front is referred to as the front Y1, and the rear is referred to as the rear Y2. The left-right direction X and the front-rear direction Y are included in the horizontal direction H (lateral direction).

Referring to FIG. 1, washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, and a washing tub 5.
The housing 2 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped hollow body, and the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 5 are accommodated in the housing 2.

  The outer tub 3 is supported by the housing 2 via a plurality of suspension bars (not shown) having a spring and a damping mechanism. The outer tub 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an axis extending in the vertical direction Z, and is made of resin. The circumferential direction of the cylindrical outer tub 3 is referred to as a circumferential direction S. Of the circumferential direction S, the clockwise side as viewed from above Z1 is referred to as the clockwise side S1, and the counterclockwise side as viewed from above Z1 is referred to as the counterclockwise side S2. The radial direction of the outer tub 3 is referred to as a radial direction R. Of the radial direction R, the inner side approaching the axis of the outer tub 3 is referred to as a radial inner side R1, and the outer side away from the axis is referred to as a radial outer side R2.

  The outer tub 3 includes a cylindrical side wall 6 extending in the vertical direction Z, a disk-shaped bottom wall 7 extending flat in the horizontal direction H and closing the lower end of the side wall 6, and the entire region in the circumferential direction S from the upper end of the side wall 6. And a hollow annular wall 8 projecting radially inward R1. An outer peripheral surface 6 </ b> A of the side wall 6 is an outer surface of the outer tub 3. In the outer tub 3, water is stored from the bottom wall 7 side.

  A circular opening 9 defined by the inner peripheral edge of the annular wall 8 is formed at the upper end of the outer tub 3. The opening 9 exposes the inside of the outer tub 3 to the upper side Z1. The annular wall 8 has a plurality of (here, four) protrusions 10. The plurality of protrusions 10 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction S, and are formed so as to project in a substantially triangular shape from the outer peripheral edge of the annular wall 8 to the radially outer side R2 when viewed from above Z1. Each protrusion 10 is arranged one by one at the four corners of the housing 2 formed in a substantially quadrangular shape in plan view. Each protrusion 10 is a hollow body.

  The washing tub 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an axis extending in the vertical direction Z and is slightly smaller than the outer tub 3. The laundry is stored in the washing tub 5. The washing tub 5 has a metal side wall 20 formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction Z, and a resin bottom wall 21 formed in a disk shape extending flat in the horizontal direction H and closing the lower end of the side wall 20; And a resin balance ring 22 attached to the upper end of the washing tub 5. A large number of through holes 23 are formed in each of the side wall 20 and the bottom wall 21.

  The balance ring 22 is an annular hollow body having an internal space in which a liquid is accommodated, and is attached coaxially to the upper end portion of the side wall 20. As will be described later, when the washing tub 5 rotates, the balance of rotation of the washing tub 5 is maintained by the movement of the liquid in the balance ring 22. A circular opening 24 defined by the inner peripheral edge of the balance ring 22 is formed at the upper end of the washing tub 5. The opening 24 exposes the inside of the washing tub 5 to the upper side Z1.

  The washing tub 5 is accommodated in the outer tub 3 and is arranged substantially coaxially with the outer tub 3. Therefore, the circumferential direction of the washing tub 5 is the circumferential direction S described above, and the radial direction of the washing tub 5 is the radial direction R described above. The radially inner side R <b> 1 is a direction toward the central axis of the washing tub 5, and the radial outer side R <b> 2 is a direction away from the axis of the washing tub 5 toward the outer peripheral side wall 20. The opening 24 of the washing tub 5 communicates with the opening 9 of the outer tub 3 from below Z2. The communicating openings 9 and 24 constitute a laundry entrance 25. The user of the washing machine 1 puts the laundry in and out of the washing tub 5 through the entrance 25 from above Z1. In the washing tub 5 accommodated in the outer tub 3, the bottom wall 21 faces the bottom wall 7 of the outer tub 3 from above Z 1 with a gap.

  The water accumulated in the outer tub 3 passes between the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 5 by passing through the through holes 23 in the side wall 20 and the bottom wall 21 of the washing tub 5. Therefore, the water level in the outer tub 3 and the water level in the washing tub 5 substantially coincide.

  FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the internal structure of the washing machine 1. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a view of a cross section of the washing machine 1 as viewed from the right side X2 when a substantially central portion in the left-right direction X is cut along the front-rear direction Y.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the washing machine 1 includes a motor 30, a transmission shaft 31, a transmission mechanism 32 constituted by a speed reduction mechanism and the like, and a dispersion means 29.

  The motor 30 generates torque by being electrically driven. The motor 30 is disposed in the lower portion Z <b> 2 of the bottom wall 7 of the outer tub 3 in the housing 2. The motor 30 has an output shaft 34 that outputs torque. The output shaft 34 extends upward from the motor 30 to Z1.

  The transmission shaft 31 passes through the circular center portion of the bottom wall 7 of the outer tub 3 and extends upward Z1. The transmission shaft 31 is coaxially disposed above the output shaft 34 Z1. The output shaft 34 and the transmission shaft 31 are connected to each other via the transmission mechanism 32.

  An upper end portion of the transmission shaft 31 is connected to a circular center portion of the bottom wall 21 of the washing tub 5. Torque generated by the motor 30 is transmitted to the transmission shaft 31 via the output shaft 34 and the transmission mechanism 32. Thereby, the washing tub 5 rotates together with the transmission shaft 31 with the transmission shaft 31 as a rotation center. The rotation direction of the washing tub 5 coincides with the circumferential direction S.

  The dispersing means 29 is for dispersing water on the center side and the outer peripheral side of the washing tub 5, and includes a control unit 33 as a changing means. The control part 33 is comprised as a microcomputer containing CPU, ROM, RAM etc., for example, and is arrange | positioned in the housing | casing 2 (refer FIG. 1). The control unit 33 is connected to the motor 30 by a signal circuit (not shown). The controller 33 can change the rotation speed of the washing tub 5 by controlling the torque generated by the motor 30.

  The washing tub 5 rotates in a state where the detergent is dissolved in the water stored in the outer tub 3, whereby the washing operation of the laundry stored in the washing tub 5 is executed. After the washing operation, the washing tub 5 rotates while being supplied to the outer tub 3, thereby rinsing the laundry stored in the washing tub 5. When the washing tub 5 rotates at a high speed while the outer tub 3 is drained, the dehydration operation of the laundry stored in the washing tub 5 is executed.

  A plurality of blades 35 projecting downward Z2 are integrally provided on the lower surface 21A of the bottom wall 21 of the washing tub 5. Each of the blades 35 is formed in a plate shape that is thin in the circumferential direction S and extends linearly along the radial direction R, and is arranged radially with respect to the circle center of the bottom wall 21. These blades 35 are arranged in a gap 36 in the vertical direction Z between the bottom wall 21 and the bottom wall 7 of the outer tub 3 in a non-contact state with the outer tub 3.

  The washing machine 1 includes a water channel 4 accommodated in the housing 2. The water channel 4 includes an elongated pipe 37 made of resin. A plurality of pipes 37 are provided on the outer peripheral surface 6A of the side wall 6 so as to have the same number (here, four) as the protrusions 10 (see FIG. 1) described above. The pipe 37 extends from the lower end portion of the side wall 6 of the outer tub 3 toward the radially outer side R2 in the horizontal direction H, and bends from the lower end portion 37A and extends upward Z1 along the outer peripheral surface 6A. The intermediate portion 37B has an upper end portion 37C (see FIG. 1) that extends upward X from the intermediate portion 37B and is connected to the protruding portion 10 from the lower Z2. The middle portion 37B does not need to extend linearly along the up-down direction Z, and may extend upward Z1 while being bent or bent as necessary.

  Each pipe 37 is arranged one by one at the four corners of the housing 2 in the same manner as the protruding portion 10 (see FIG. 1). Each pipe 37 has a receiving port 38 at a connection portion between the lower end portion 37A and the side wall 6 of the outer tub 3, and an internal space 39 of the pipe 37 is formed inside the outer tub 3 at the receiving port 38. The gap 36 is communicated.

  The water channel 4 includes the annular wall 8 of the outer tub 3 described above as a component of the water channel 4 in addition to the pipe 37. The annular wall 8 includes a cover 40 and a bottom 41. Each of the cover 40 and the bottom 41 is formed in an annular shape extending along the circumferential direction S. The cover 40 has a thin plate shape in the vertical direction Z, and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction H so as to be directed downward Z2 toward the radial inner side R1. The bottom 41 has a thin plate shape in the vertical direction Z and is disposed along the horizontal direction H. The bottom 41 is integrated with the upper end of the side wall 6 of the outer tub 3. Thus, since the cover 40 and the bottom 41 constituting the annular wall 8 of the outer tub 3 also serve as a part of the water channel 4, the number of parts can be reduced.

  The cover 40 is coaxially covered with respect to the bottom 41 from above Z1. An internal space 42 is formed between the cover 40 and the bottom 41. The internal space 42 is a hollow portion of the annular wall 8 and is formed in an annular shape extending along the circumferential direction S.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by III in FIG. In FIG. 3, the right side of the drawing is the radially inner side R1, and the left side of the drawing is the radially outer side R2.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the cover 40 includes a first portion 44 on the radially inner side R <b> 1 and a second portion 45 extending continuously from the first portion 44 to the radially outer side R <b> 2. The inclination of the cover 40 with respect to the horizontal direction H differs with the connecting portion 40A between the first portion 44 and the second portion 45 as a boundary. The inclination of the first portion 44 with respect to the horizontal direction H is steeper than the inclination of the second portion 45 with respect to the horizontal direction H. An outer rib 40B that protrudes downward Z2 is provided at the end of the cover 40 on the radially outer side R2. An outer rib 41A formed in an arc shape that protrudes upward Z1 and extends in the circumferential direction S is provided at the end of the bottom portion 41 on the radially outer side R2.

  The outer rib 40B of the cover 40 contacts the outer rib 41A of the bottom portion 41 from the radially outer side R2. In the cover 40, the connecting portion 40A between the first portion 44 and the second portion 45 is closest to the end portion 41B on the radially inner side R1 of the bottom portion 41 and faces the upper portion Z1 in a non-contact manner. The end portion 44A on the radially inner side R1 of the first portion 44 is located on the radially inner side R1 and below the lower side Z2 relative to the end portion 41B of the bottom portion 41.

  The inner space 42 of the annular wall 8 includes a first space 46 sandwiched from the vertical direction Z by the second portion 45 and the bottom portion 41 of the cover 40 on the radially inner side R1 of the outer rib 41A of the bottom portion 41. The first space 46 has an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction S, and becomes narrower in the vertical direction Z toward the radially inner side R <b> 1 as the second portion 45 of the cover 40 is inclined.

  A gap between the connecting portion 40 </ b> A and the first portion 44 of the cover 40 and the end portion 41 </ b> B on the radially inner side R <b> 1 of the bottom portion 41 is a discharge port 43. The discharge port 43 is formed in an annular slit shape that extends along the circumferential direction S. That is, the discharge port 43 is provided over the entire region in the circumferential direction S at the end of the annular wall 8 on the radially inner side R1. The discharge port 43 faces the radially inner side R1 and the lower side Z2 along the inclination of the first portion 44 of the cover 40. The discharge port 43 exposes the first space 46 of the internal space 42 to the radially inner side R1 over the entire circumferential direction S (see FIG. 2).

  FIG. 4 is a view of the washing machine 1 as viewed from above Z1. FIG. 5 is a view in which the cover 40 is removed from the outer tub 3 in FIG. 4.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the cover 40 has a protruding portion 48 that protrudes in a substantially triangular shape toward the radially outer side R2. The bottom 41 has a protrusion 49 that protrudes in a substantially triangular shape toward the radially outer side R2 (see FIG. 5). Each of the protrusions 48 and the protrusions 49 has a thin plate shape in the vertical direction Z, and is provided in the same number (four in this case) as the protrusions 10 described above. The four protruding portions 48 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction S on the outer peripheral portion of the cover 40. The four protruding portions 49 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction S on the outer peripheral portion of the bottom portion 41.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the bottom 41 is provided with a rib 49 </ b> A that protrudes radially outward R <b> 2 as a part of the outer rib 41 </ b> A. The ribs 49A are provided in the respective protrusions 49, and are formed in a substantially V shape when viewed from the upper side Z1 so as to border the substantially triangular protrusion 49 from the radially outer side R2.

  With reference to FIG. 4, in the cover 40 attached to the bottom 41, each protrusion 48 overlaps the protrusion 49 of the bottom 41 one by one from above Z <b> 1. The protruding portions 48 and 49 in an overlapped state are integrated by screws 51 attached to the respective outer edge portions to constitute the protruding portion 10 described above. The cover 40 and the bottom portion 41 are also connected to each other by a screw 52 that is assembled at a position shifted from the protruding portion 10 in the circumferential direction S.

  The internal space 42 of the annular wall 8 includes a second space 55 that constitutes a hollow portion of the protrusion 10. Referring to FIG. 5, the second space 55 of the protruding portion 10 is a space that is sandwiched from the vertical direction Z by the protruding portions 48 and 49 and is blocked from the radially outer side R2 by the rib 49A. Communicating from the radially outer side R2.

  The internal space 39 of each pipe 37 communicates with the second space 55 of the protruding portion 10 at the connection portion 56 between the upper end portion 37C and the protruding portion 10. The internal space 39 of the pipe 37 communicates with the first space 46 through the second space 55.

  Referring to FIG. 2, when the washing tub 5 receives the torque of the motor 30 and rotates, the blades 35 on the bottom wall 21 of the washing tub 5 rotate integrally with the washing tub 5. As a result, the blades 35 receive the water accumulated in the outer tub 3, specifically, the water existing in the gap 36 between the bottom wall 21 of the washing tub 5 and the bottom wall 7 of the outer tub 3. 38 is sent into the internal space 39. Further, the water present in the gap 36 generates centrifugal force due to the rotation of the blades 35 and is sent into the internal space 39 from the receiving port 38 of the pipe 37. The water fed into the internal space 39 rises in the pipe 37 by being pushed by the subsequent water.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the water that has risen to the upper end portion 37 </ b> C of each pipe 37 flows into the corresponding second space 55 of the internal space 42 of the annular wall 8. The water flowing into each second space 55 is guided to the rib 49A, and flows into the first space 46 while spreading radially from the connecting portion 56 toward the radially inner side R1, as indicated by solid arrows.

  As described above, the first space 46 becomes narrower in the up-down direction Z toward the radially inner side R1 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the water that has flowed into the first space 46 is directed toward the radially inner side R <b> 1 while spreading in the circumferential direction S without being biased to any region in the circumferential direction S in the first space 46. Therefore, when viewed in the entire circumferential direction S, the water flowing into the first space 46 from the respective pipes 37 through the second space 55 travels from the entire region in the circumferential direction S toward the radially inner side R1 in the first space 46.

  In the first space 46, the discharge port 43 at the flow destination of water toward the radially inner side R1 is provided over the entire area in the circumferential direction S as described above. Accordingly, the water that travels from the entire area in the circumferential direction S toward the radially inner side R1 in the first space 46 is discharged from the entire area in the circumferential direction S of the discharge port 43, as indicated by the dashed arrow. The water discharged from the discharge port 43 is obliquely downward in the washing tub 5 toward the center of the washing tub 5 along the inclination of the first portion 44 of the cover 40 as shown by the broken line arrow in FIG. run down.

  Thus, the water channel 4 pumps up the water accumulated in the outer tub 3, and the discharge port 43 of the water channel 4 discharges the water pumped up by the water channel 4 from the upper side Z <b> 1 into the washing tub 5. Water in the washing tub 5 passes between the washing tub 5 and the outer tub 3 by passing through the through holes 23 of the washing tub 5.

  Thereby, since water is used for washing while circulating, water saving becomes possible. As described above, the discharge ports 43 are provided over the entire area in the circumferential direction S of the cylindrical washing tub 5, so that water can be discharged into the washing tub 5 from the entire area in the circumferential direction S of the washing tub 5. Therefore, water can be uniformly sprinkled on the laundry accommodated in the washing tub 5 from the entire circumferential direction S of the washing tub 5.

  Moreover, the discharge port 43 provided over the whole circumferential direction S of the washing tub 5 can discharge a lot of water. Thereby, when washing the laundry, a large amount of water discharged from the discharge port 43 falls down in the washing tub 5 vigorously, so that the detergent in the washing tub 5 can be bubbled by the falling force of the water. Therefore, the laundry can be effectively washed with the foamed detergent. In addition, since a large amount of water discharged from the discharge port 43 falls into the washing tub 5 vigorously, the mechanical force acting on the laundry can be increased and the washing power of the washing machine can be improved. Moreover, since the laundry can be efficiently rinsed by the large amount of water discharged from the upper side Z1 into the washing tub 5, the time required for the rinsing operation can be shortened.

  And by the structure described below, the water pumped up by the water channel 4 disperses and discharges the water from the discharge port 43 to the center side (radially inner R1) and the outer peripheral side (radially outer R2) of the washing tub 5. Can be made. For example, the control unit 33 (see FIG. 2) controls the motor 30 to change the rotational speed of the washing tub 5, thereby adjusting the centrifugal force generated in the water in the outer tub 3, and the water pumped up by the water channel 4. The momentum can be adjusted. Specifically, if the centrifugal force is large, the momentum of the water pumped up by the water channel 4 is strong, and if the centrifugal force is small, the momentum of the water pumped up by the water channel 4 is weak. Thereby, water with strong momentum can be discharged from the outlet 43 to the center side of the washing tub 5, or water with weak momentum can be discharged to the outer peripheral side of the washing tub 5. That is, the control unit 33 of the dispersion unit 29 causes the water pumped up by the water channel 4 to be dispersed and discharged from the discharge port 43 to the center side and the outer peripheral side of the washing tub 5. Thereby, water can be sprinkled more uniformly over the entire range in both the circumferential direction S and the radial direction R from the discharge port 43 to the laundry in the washing tub 5. Thereby, it is possible to wash and rinse the laundry more effectively.

Next, a first modification of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 6 is a diagram in which the first modification of the present invention is applied to FIG. In FIG. 6, the same members as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The same applies to FIGS. 7 to 11 described later.

  Referring to FIG. 6, in the first modification, the dispersing means 29 includes a pair of first ribs 61 and a pair of second ribs 62 formed on the bottom 41 of the annular wall 8 that is a part of the water channel 4. . The pair of first ribs 61 and the pair of second ribs 62 are provided in the water channel 4. One set (here, a total of four sets) is provided for each pair of the pairs of the first ribs 61 and the pair of second ribs 62 corresponding to the protrusions 49. In each set, the pair of second ribs 62 are located on the clockwise side S <b> 1 with respect to the pair of first ribs 61. Each of the first rib 61 and the second rib 62 protrudes upward Z1 from the upper surface of the bottom portion 41 and extends in a streak shape.

  The pair of first ribs 61 extend substantially along the radial direction R between the end portion 49 </ b> B on the radially inner side R <b> 1 of the protruding portion 49 and the end portion 41 </ b> B on the radially inner side R <b> 1 of the bottom portion 41. The pair of second ribs 62 extends from the end portion 49B on the radially inner side R1 of the protruding portion 49 toward the end portion 41B on the radially inner side R1 of the bottom portion 41 toward the clockwise side S1.

  Of the pair of first ribs 61, the end portion on the radially outer side R2 of the first rib 61 on the counterclockwise side S2 is connected to the end portion on the counterclockwise side S2 of the rib 49A that borders the protruding portion 49. . Of the pair of second ribs 62, the end portion on the radially outer side R2 of the second rib 62 on the clockwise side S1 is connected to the end portion on the clockwise side S1 of the rib 49A. In the second rib 62, the portion 62A on the clockwise side S1 is formed to be convexly curved outward in the radial direction R2.

  Of the pair of first ribs 61, the radially outer end R <b> 2 of the first rib 61 on the clockwise side S <b> 1 and the radially outer side R <b> 2 of the second rib 62 on the counterclockwise side S <b> 2 of the pair of second ribs 62. Are connected to the end portion R1 on the radially inner side R1 from the connecting portion 56.

  In the first modification, the first space 46 is divided into a plurality (here, four) in the circumferential direction S, and each first space 46 is a space sandwiched from the circumferential direction S by the pair of first ribs 61. 46 </ b> A and a space 46 </ b> B sandwiched from the circumferential direction S by the pair of second ribs 62.

  In each first space 46, the space 46A extends from the second space 55 to the radially inner side R1 substantially along the radial direction R, and the space 46B rotates clockwise from the second space 55 toward the radially inner side R1. Extends toward the side S1. Therefore, the unit of each first space 46 and the second space 55 communicating with the first space 46 from the radially outer side R2 is bifurcated from the second space 55 toward the radially inner side R1 when viewed from above Z1. It has an approximately V-shape divided into two. The distance from the second space 55 to the discharge port 43 in the space 46A is shorter than the distance from the second space 55 to the discharge port 43 in the space 46B.

  The water sent to the water channel 4 by the rotation of the washing tub 5 and rising to the upper end portion 37 </ b> C of each pipe 37 flows into the second space 55 of the protruding portion 10 of the annular wall 8 of the outer tub 3. The water flowing into each second space 55 is branched by the first rib 61 and the second rib 62 and flows into the space 46A and the space 46B of the first space 46, as indicated by solid arrows.

  The distance that the water flowing into the space 46A moves to reach the discharge port 43 is relatively short. Therefore, as shown by the dotted arrow, the water that has moved in the space 46 </ b> A is discharged from the discharge port 43 and is sprinkled on the laundry on the center side of the washing tub 5 with almost no loss of momentum.

  The distance that the water flowing into the space 46B moves to reach the discharge port 43 is relatively long. Therefore, as indicated by the one-dot chain line arrow, the water that has moved in the space 46B is discharged from the discharge port 43 while losing momentum, so that it does not reach the center of the washing tub 5 and flows to the clockwise side S1. Then, it is sprinkled on the laundry on the outer peripheral side of the washing tub 5.

  Thus, the water discharged from the discharge port 43 can be distributed to the center side and the outer peripheral side of the washing tub 5 by the plurality of first ribs 61 and the plurality of second ribs 62 provided in the water channel 4. . Thereby, water can be sprinkled even more uniformly on the laundry in the washing tub 5 from the discharge port 43. Thereby, it is possible to wash and rinse the laundry more effectively.

  In the above description, the pair of second ribs 62 is positioned on the clockwise side S1 with respect to the pair of first ribs 61, but conversely, the pair of second ribs 62 is more than the pair of first ribs 61. It may be located on the counterclockwise side S2.

  In addition, by adjusting the direction in which the pair of first ribs 61 and the pair of second ribs 62 extend, the direction of water discharged from the discharge port 43 can be freely adjusted.

Next, a second modification of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram in which the second modification of the present invention is applied to FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 7, the cover 40 of the second modified example does not have the first portion 44. In the second modification, the end portion 45A on the radially inner side R1 of the second portion 45 of the cover 40 is located on the radially outer side R2 relative to the end portion 41B on the radially inner side R1 of the bottom portion 41. The cover 40 of the second modification is provided with a packing 63 made of an elastically deformable member such as rubber. The packing 63 is a separate body from the cover 40, that is, the water channel 4, and has an annular shape when viewed from above Z1.

  The packing 63 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction H so as to be directed downward Z2 toward the radially inner side R1. The inclination of the packing 63 with respect to the horizontal direction H coincides with the inclination of the second portion 45 with respect to the horizontal direction H on the radially outer side R2 of the end portion 41B on the radially inner side R1 of the bottom 41 of the cover 40. In the packing 63, the inclination of the portion 63 </ b> A on the radially inner side R <b> 1 from the end portion 41 </ b> B of the bottom 41 with respect to the horizontal direction H is steeper than the inclination of the second portion 45 with respect to the horizontal direction H.

  The packing 63 is attached to the second portion 45 of the cover 40 from above Z1. The packing 63 is bonded to the end 45A of the second portion 45 at the end of the radially outer side R2. In the second modified example, a gap between the portion 63 </ b> A on the radially inner side R <b> 1 and the end portion 41 </ b> B on the radially inner side R <b> 1 of the bottom portion 41 is the discharge port 43. The packing 63 borders a part of the discharge port 43 from the upper side Z1. An end portion 63B of the packing 63 on the radially inner side R1 is located below the bottom portion 41 in the lower Z2 and the radially inner side R1.

  In the configuration in which the packing 63 is provided, when the discharge port 43 is clogged with dust or the like, the packing 63 is bent upward Z1 as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 7 without disassembling the water channel 4. By widening the discharge port 43, the discharge port 43 can be easily cleaned.

Next, a third modification of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 8 is a diagram in which the third modification of the present invention is applied to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 8, the third modification differs from the second modification in that packing 64 is provided instead of packing 63 (see FIG. 7) of the second modification.
Like the packing 63, the packing 64 is a separate body from the cover 40, and has an annular shape when viewed from above Z1. The packing 64 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction H so as to be directed downward Z2 toward the radially inner side R1. A middle portion of the packing 64 in the radial direction R has a step 65 that is bent downward Z2. The step 65 is in contact with the end of the second portion 45 from the radially inner side R1 to the radially inner side R1. In the packing 64, a portion on the radially inner side R <b> 1 from the step 65 is referred to as a first portion 66, and a portion on the radially outer side R <b> 2 from the step 65 is referred to as a second portion 67.

  In the first portion 66, the inclination of the outer portion 66 </ b> A on the radially outer side R <b> 2 with respect to the horizontal direction H with respect to the end portion 41 </ b> B on the radially inner side R <b> 1 of the bottom 41 coincides with the inclination of the second portion 45 with respect to the horizontal direction H. In the first portion 66, the inclination of the inner portion 66 </ b> B on the radially inner side R <b> 1 with respect to the horizontal direction H is steeper than the inclination of the second portion 45 with respect to the horizontal direction H than the end portion 41 </ b> B of the radially inner side R <b> 1 of the bottom portion 41. . The inclination of the second portion 67 coincides with the inclination of the second portion 45 with respect to the horizontal direction H.

  The packing 64 is attached to the second portion 45 of the cover 40 from above Z1. The packing 64 is bonded to the cover 40 at the step 65 and the second portion 67. In the third modified example, the gap between the inner portion 66B of the first portion 66 of the packing 64 and the end portion 41B on the radially inner side R1 of the bottom portion 41 is the discharge port 43. The packing 64 borders a part of the discharge port 43 from the upper side Z1. An end portion 66C of the inner side portion 66B of the first portion 66 on the radially inner side R1 is positioned below the bottom portion Z2 and on the radially inner side R1.

  Even in the case of the third modification, when the discharge port 43 is clogged with dust or the like, the entire first portion 66 of the packing 64 can be obtained as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Is bent upward Z1 to widen the discharge port 43, so that the discharge port 43 can be easily cleaned.

Next, a fourth modification of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram in which the fourth modification of the present invention is applied to FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the housing 2 includes a door 71 and an upper surface plate 72 at an upper end portion thereof. An opening 74 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 2. The entrance / exit 25 is located below the opening 74 at Z2. The door 71 closes the opening 74 of the main body 70 from above Z1. The upper surface plate 72 is fixed to the rear Y2 portion of the opening 74 at the upper end portion of the housing 2 and supports the rear end of the door 71.

  The user of the washing machine 1 can open the door 71 from the front Y1 of the washing machine 1. The user of the washing machine 1 can take in and out the laundry from the upper side Z1 with respect to the washing tub 5 through the entrance 25 with the door 71 opened. Since the door 71 is transparent or translucent, the user can visually confirm the state in the washing tub 5 through the closed door 71.

  The side wall 6 of the outer tub 3 is made of a translucent resin. The entire outer tub 3 may be translucent. On the bottom wall 7 of the outer tub 3, a drain port (not shown) for discharging the water in the outer tub 3 is formed. A drainage channel 76 for discharging water to the outside of the washing machine 1 is connected to the drainage port. The drainage channel 76 is provided with a dirt sensor 77 that detects the degree of dirt of water discharged outside the washing machine 1. A known configuration is used as the dirt sensor 77. The dirt sensor 77 is electrically connected to the control unit 33. The detection result by the dirt sensor 77 is input to the control unit 33.

  The washing machine 1 includes a light source 81. The light source 81 is composed of, for example, one or a plurality of LEDs and emits light of various colors. The light source 81 is electrically connected to the control unit 33. The control unit 33 can control the light emission pattern of the light source 81.

  The light source 81 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 6A of the side wall 6 of the outer tub 3 from the rear Y2, for example. The light emitted from the light source 81 is applied to the water in the washing tub 5 from the rear Y2. Specifically, the light emitted from the light source 81 passes through the side wall 6 of the translucent outer tub 3 and is irradiated from the rear Y2 to the water in the washing tub 5 through the through hole 23 of the side wall 20 of the washing tub 5. .

  Instead of the light source 81, another light source 82 may be provided. The light source 82 includes, for example, one or a plurality of LEDs, and emits light of various colors. The light source 82 is electrically connected to the control unit 33. The control unit 33 can control the light emission pattern of the light source 82. The light source 82 is attached to the lower surface of the upper surface plate 72 from below Z2, for example. The light emitted from the light source 82 is irradiated from above the Z <b> 1 to water in the washing tub 5 or water discharged from the discharge port 43 into the washing tub 5.

  Instead of the light source 81, another light source 83 may be provided. A plurality of light sources 83 are provided. Each light source 83 is composed of, for example, one or a plurality of LEDs, and emits light of various colors. The light source 83 is electrically connected to the control unit 33. The control unit 33 can control the light emission pattern of the light source 83.

  When the light source 83 is provided, the outer tub 3 includes an annular support member 73 as viewed from above Z1. The support member 73 is attached to the cover 40 of the annular wall 8 from above Z1. The plurality of light sources 83 are, for example, attached to the upper surface of the support member 73 from above Z1 and arranged side by side along the circumferential direction S. The plurality of light sources 83 may be attached to the lower surface of the support member 73 from below Z2. The light emitted from the light source 83 is applied to the water in the washing tub 5 or the water discharged from the discharge port 43 into the washing tub 5 from above Z1.

  These light sources 81, 82, and 83 may be provided alone or in combination. The water in the washing tub 5 or the water discharged from the outlet 43 to the washing tub 5 is colored with the light emitted from the light sources 81, 82, and 83.

  Depending on the operating state of the washing machine 1, that is, the washing and rinsing state of the laundry, the time until the washing and rinsing of the laundry are completed, the light source 81, 82 or 83 is turned on, or the light sources 81 and 82 are turned on. Or the color of the light emitted by 83 is changed. Thereby, the driving | running state of the washing machine 1 can be visually conveyed to a user.

  The color of light emitted from the light source 81, 82 or 83 may be changed according to the degree of water contamination detected by the contamination sensor 77 during the rinsing operation. For example, when the degree of contamination of drainage is relatively high, each light source 81, 82 or 83 emits red light, and when the degree of contamination of drainage is reduced, the color of the light changes from red to yellow. Further, when the degree of contamination of the drainage is reduced, the color of the light changes from yellow to blue. Therefore, the state of rinsing the laundry can be visually transmitted to the user of the washing machine 1.

Next, a fifth modification of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 10 is a diagram in which the fifth modification of the present invention is applied to FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 10, washing machine 1 includes pumping blades 84 that are separate from washing tub 5. The pumping blade 84 can rotate relative to the washing tub 5 in the circumferential direction S. In the fifth modification, unlike the present embodiment, the plurality of blades 35 are not formed in the washing tub 5. The pumping blade 84 has a circular shape when viewed from above Z <b> 1, and the plurality of blades 35 described above are formed on the upper surface of the pumping blade 84. The pumping blade 84 is disposed in the gap 36.

  The washing machine 1 of the fifth modification includes a first transmission shaft 85 and a second transmission shaft 86 instead of the transmission shaft 31 of the present embodiment. The first transmission shaft 85 extends upward Z1. The second transmission shaft 86 has a cylindrical shape extending upward Z <b> 1 and accommodates the first transmission shaft 85. The first transmission shaft 85 and the second transmission shaft 86 are arranged coaxially in a non-contact state.

  The first transmission shaft 85 and the second transmission shaft 86 are arranged coaxially with the output shaft 34 above the output shaft 34 in Z1. The output shaft 34 and the first transmission shaft 85 are connected to each other via the transmission mechanism 32. The output shaft 34 and the second transmission shaft 86 are connected to each other via the transmission mechanism 32.

  The first transmission shaft 85 extends upward Z1 through the center portion of the bottom wall 7 of the outer tub 3. An upper end portion of the first transmission shaft 85 is connected to a circular center portion of the bottom wall 21 of the washing tub 5. The second transmission shaft 86 extends to the gap 36 in the vertical direction Z between the bottom wall 21 and the bottom wall 7 of the outer tub 3. The upper end portion of the second transmission shaft 86 is connected to the circular center portion of the pumping blade 84.

  Torque generated by the motor 30 is transmitted to each of the first transmission shaft 85 and the second transmission shaft 86 via the output shaft 34 and the transmission mechanism 32. The washing tub 5 rotates with the first transmission shaft 85 about the first transmission shaft 85 as a rotation center. The pumping blade 84 rotates with the second transmission shaft 86 around the second transmission shaft 86 as a rotation center. Therefore, in the washing machine 1 of the fifth modified example, the plurality of blades 35 of the pumping blade 84 can be rotated independently of the washing tub 5.

  In this configuration, the load on the motor 30 is reduced by rotating only the pumping blade 84. Thereby, the temperature rise of the motor 30 can be prevented. Of course, the washing tub 5 may also rotate with the pumping blade 84. If it does so, since the position of the laundry in the washing tub 5 will be switched, water can be sprinkled all over the laundry. In this case, the rotation direction of the washing tub 5 and the rotation direction of the pumping wing 84 may be reversed.

Next, a sixth modification of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 11 is a diagram in which the sixth modification of the present invention is applied to FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 11, in the sixth modified example, the bottom 41 of the annular wall 8 that is a part of the water channel 4 includes a rib 87. One rib 87 is provided for each protrusion 49.

  The rib 87 linearly extends from the end of the bottom portion 41 on the radially outer side R2 toward the clockwise side S1 toward the radially inner side R1. The end of the rib 87 on the radially outer side R2 is coupled to the rib 49A of the protrusion 49 on the counterclockwise side S2 with respect to the connection portion 56.

  The water that is fed into the water channel 4 by the rotation of the washing tub 5 and rises up to the upper end portion 37C of each pipe 37 passes through the second space 55 of the corresponding protruding portion 10 of the annular wall 8 of the outer tub 3 to the first space. 46 flows in. The flow of water that has flowed into the first space 46 is directed to the clockwise side S1 by the ribs 87 as indicated by solid arrows. Thus, the direction of the water discharged from the discharge port 43 can be adjusted by the direction in which the rib 87 extends. Therefore, when the rotation direction of the washing tub 5 is the clockwise side S1, the direction of the water discharged from the discharge port 43 can be matched with the rotation direction of the washing tub 5.

  Unlike the sixth modification, the rib 87 may extend so as to go counterclockwise S2 toward the radially inner side R1.

  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, the first to sixth modifications described above may be applied in any combination to the present embodiment.
Moreover, in the embodiment mentioned above, although the number of the water channels 4 was four, it can change arbitrarily. Further, the shape of each water channel 4 may be different.

  The material of each member mentioned above is an example. For example, not all of the bottom wall 21 of the washing tub 5 may be made of resin, and the portion to which the transmission shaft 31 is connected may be made of metal.

  Although the vertical type washing machine 1 in which the rotation center of the washing tub 5 extends in the up-and-down direction Z is shown, the washing tub 5 is arranged obliquely so that the rotation center extends with an inclination with respect to the up-and-down direction Z. May be.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing machine 3 Outer tub 4 Water channel 5 Washing tub 23 Through-hole 29 Dispersing means 33 Control part 40 Cover 43 Discharge port 61 1st rib 62 2nd rib 63 Packing 64 Packing 81 Light source 82 Light source 83 Light source S Circumferential direction Z1 Upper

Claims (7)

An outer tank where water can be stored;
A cylindrical washing tub that is accommodated in the outer tub, has a through-hole for allowing water to flow back and forth between the outer tub, and can accommodate and rotate laundry;
A water channel that pumps up the water accumulated in the outer tub and discharges it from above into the washing tub;
Including
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a discharge port for discharging water into the washing tub from above in the water channel is provided over the entire circumferential direction of the washing tub.   The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a packing that is provided separately from the water channel and borders a part of the discharge port. Including a cover constituting the outer tub,
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover also serves as at least a part of the water channel.   The washing machine according to claim 3, further comprising dispersion means for dispersing and pumping water pumped up by the water channel from the discharge port to a center side and an outer peripheral side of the washing tub.   The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the dispersing means includes a rib provided in the water channel and distributing water from the discharge port to a center side and an outer peripheral side of the washing tub.   The washing machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the dispersing means includes a changing means for changing a rotation speed of the washing tub.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a light source that is turned on according to an operating state of the washing machine.

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