JP4325346B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine that removes dirt by sprinkling washing liquid on clothes while rotating a washing and dewatering tub.

  Conventionally, in order to reduce cloth damage due to agitation, this type of washing machine supplies washing liquid while rotating the washing and dehydrating tank instead of stirring, and passes the washing liquid through the clothes by centrifugal force. As a result, the dirt was removed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 17 shows an overall configuration of a conventional washing machine, and a base plate 2 having a plurality of legs 1, an outer box 3 placed and coupled thereto, and a top cover 4 mounted and coupled to the outer box 3. Thus, the outer shell 5 is formed. The top cover 4 has a laundry doorway (not shown), and also has, for example, a double-folded lid 6 that opens and closes it.

  Inside the outer shell 5, water tanks 7 are supported by a plurality of sets (only one set shown) of elastic support mechanisms 8. A rotating tub 10 is rotatably disposed inside the water tub 7. In the lower part of the water tank 7, a shower 16 is arranged. An inlet portion of a drain valve 18 is connected to the drain port 9 of the water tank 7 via a connection pipe 17, and a base end portion of a drain hose 19 is connected to the outlet portion of the drain valve 18. The tip of 19 is led out of the machine.

Further, one end of a pump hose 20 is branched and connected to the connection pipe 17, and the other end thereof is connected to an inlet portion of a pump 21 disposed at the rear portion of the inner upper portion of the outer shell 5. Yes. And the one end part of the hose 22 for nozzles is connected to the exit part of the pump 21, and the other end part of this is connected to the base end part of the nozzle 23 as a fountain. Thus, when the pump 21 is driven, the pump 21 sucks the washing water W in the water tank 7 from the drain port 9 through the pump hose 20, pressurizes it, and jets it from the nozzle 23 through the nozzle hose 22. It has become.
JP 2001-137487 A

  However, in the conventional configuration, since the pump is used as the circulation supply means for the washing liquid, there is a problem that the reliability and durability of the pump is lowered due to the influence of dirt or yarn waste in the washing liquid. It was. Moreover, it was also a factor of cost increase.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of improving reliability and durability and washing clothes by circulating a washing liquid at a low cost.

In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the washing machine of the present invention includes a washing liquid supply means, a washing liquid chamber formed by a bottom of a washing / dehydration tub and a lower part of an outer tub in which the bottom of the washing / dehydration tub is stored A circulation path formed by a circulation path connecting the inlet provided in the washing liquid chamber and the outlet provided in the opening at the upper part of the outer tub, The washing liquid flows upward in the circulation path, and a resistance plate that prevents the washing liquid from rising is provided on the inner wall of the outer tub, and the resistance plate protrudes from the inner wall of the outer tub toward the washing and dewatering tub. Thus, it is formed in an annular shape .

Thereby, with the washing liquid by rotating the washing and dewatering tank can be circulated on the bottom of the outer tank, it does not use a pump capable of improving the reliability and durability, washing and dewatering tank The rotating water flow of the washing liquid generated by the rotation of the liquid raises the inner wall of the outer tub by the action of the centrifugal force, reduces the outflow from the washing liquid chamber, and can efficiently circulate the washing liquid in the circulation path.

The washing machine of the present invention can rotate the washing and dewatering tank to circulate the washing liquid , improve the reliability and durability, and efficiently circulate the washing liquid in the circulation path.

A first aspect of the present invention is a washing and dewatering tub provided rotatably in an outer tub, an agitation blade provided inside the washing and dehydration tub, and a drive for rotating the washing and dewatering tub and the stirring wing And a washing liquid supply means for supplying a washing liquid to the clothes in the washing / dehydrating tub, wherein the washing liquid supplying means has a bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub and an outer tub in which the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub is stored A circulation path formed by a circulation path that connects the washing liquid chamber formed by the lower part, an inlet provided in the washing liquid chamber, and an outlet provided in the opening of the upper part of the outer tub. The washing and dewatering tub rotates to allow the washing liquid in the washing liquid chamber to flow upward in the circulation path, and a resistance plate is provided on the inner wall of the outer tub to prevent the washing liquid from rising. The ring is formed so as to protrude from the inner wall of the outer tub toward the washing and dehydrating tub Efficiency with the washing liquid can be by, washing liquid can be circulated on the from the bottom of the outer tub by rotating the washing and dewatering tank, thereby does not use pumps to improve the reliability and durability that It can be circulated in the circulation path well.

In the second invention, in particular, the resistance plate of the first invention further reduces the washing liquid flowing out from the washing liquid chamber by providing a return portion extending downward at the peripheral end on the washing and dewatering tub side. The circulation efficiency of the washing liquid can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
1 is a sectional view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the washing machine, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the washing machine. In FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the washing machine outer frame 31 suspends an outer tub 33 by four suspension bars 32. A washing and dewatering tub (hereinafter referred to as a washing tub) 34 is rotatably disposed in the outer tub 33, and a stirring frame blade 35 is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the washing tub 34. The drive means 36 is composed of a brushless DC motor and is controlled by an inverter so that the rotation speed can be freely changed. Then, the stirring blade 35 and the washing tub 34 are driven via the speed reduction mechanism 38.

  The water supply means 39 supplies water into the washing tub 34, and the water level detection means 40 detects the washing water level in the outer basket 33. The drainage means 41 drains the washing water in the outer tub 33.

  The washing liquid chamber 42 is formed by an outer tub lower portion 33b and a washing / dehydrating tub bottom portion (hereinafter referred to as a washing tub bottom portion) 34a, and an inlet 43a through which the washing liquid enters the circulation path 43 on the inner periphery of the outer tub lower portion 33b. Is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, one end of the inlet 43a is opened in the tangential direction of the inner periphery of the outer tub lower portion 33b, and the other end is extended in a direction in which the washing tub 34 rotates during washing, so that the circulation path 43b It is connected to the lower end.

  The circulation path 43b is provided so as to be gently inclined upward along the outer periphery of the outer tub 33, and is finally turned vertically. The outlet 43c is provided in a part of the outer tub cover 44 that covers the upper opening 33a of the outer tub 33. One end of the outlet 43c is connected to the circulation path 43b and the other end faces the washing tub 34. A circulation path 43 is formed by the inlet 43a, the circulation path 43b, and the outlet 43c. The outer tub lower portion 33b, the washing tub bottom 34a, the washing liquid chamber 42, and the circulation path 43 constitute a washing liquid supply means 45.

  The control device 46 is provided on the back surface of the washing machine outer frame 31. This control device 46 is configured as shown in FIG. 3, and the control means 47 is based on the setting contents input by the operation display means 48 provided on the upper surface of the washing machine outer frame 31. Each process of dehydration is sequentially controlled, and the drive means 36, the water supply means 39, the drainage means 41, etc. are sequentially controlled via the power switching means 49.

  The storage means 50 stores data necessary for sequential control by the control means 47. The cloth amount detection means 51 detects the amount of laundry (clothing) in the washing tub 34, and its output is input to the control means 47. The control means 47 supplies the washing liquid to the clothes in the washing tub 34 by the washing liquid supply means 45 while rotating the washing tub 34 by the driving means 36. A power switch 52 and a commercial power source 53 are connected as shown in FIG.

  About the washing machine comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below. First, after putting clothes and detergent into the washing tub 34, the operation display means 48 is operated to start operation. As a result, the water supply means 39 operates to supply washing water into the washing tub 34 and the rotation of the washing tub 34 starts. When a specified amount of washing water is supplied, the water supply means 39 stops. By the rotation of the washing tub 34, the detergent is dissolved in the washing water and becomes a washing liquid and accumulates in the washing liquid chamber 42.

  The washing liquid in the washing liquid chamber 42 is swirled by the rotational movement of the washing tub bottom 34a and flows along the inner wall of the lower part of the outer tub 33b. And then flows down into the washing tub 43. The washing liquid that has reached the clothes acts on the dirt adhering to the clothes, takes the dirt into the washing liquid, and is discharged through the clothes by centrifugal force. That is, the supply of the washing liquid for taking in the dirt and the discharge of the washing liquid taking in the dirt are performed almost simultaneously. The discharged washing liquid flows again into the washing liquid chamber 42 by its own weight.

  By repeating this, the washing liquid is circulated. By continuing this process for a predetermined time, dirt on the clothes is taken into the washing liquid, and the dirt removal proceeds. The inlet 43a is opened in the tangential direction of the inner periphery of the outer tub lower part 33b and extends in the direction in which the washing tub 34 rotates during washing, so that the swirling flow of the washing liquid efficiently flows into the inlet 43a. It has become.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the washing liquid supply means includes a washing liquid chamber formed by the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub and the lower part of the outer tub in which the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub is stored, and the washing liquid chamber And a circulation path formed by a circulation path that connects the inlet and the outlet provided at the opening at the top of the outer tub. The washing liquid in the washing liquid chamber circulates by the rotation of the washing and dehydrating tub. By flowing the path, the washing and dewatering tub can be rotated to circulate the washing liquid from the bottom of the outer tub, and the reliability and durability can be improved because no pump is used. In addition, the clothes can be washed by circulating the washing liquid at a low cost.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by alternately rotating the washing and dewatering tub 34 and the rotation of the stirring blade 35, both the passing cleaning and the stirring cleaning can be performed, and the cleaning power can be improved. However, the driving means 36, the speed reduction mechanism 38, and the control device 46 are configured so that various combinations of rotation and stop of the washing / dehydrating tub 34 and the stirring blade 35 can be selected.

  Further, in the present embodiment, even at a low water level where the entire clothes are not submerged, the washing liquid can be circulated because the water is pumped from the outer tub lower portion 33b, and water-saving cleaning and high-concentration cleaning with a high detergent concentration can be performed.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the outer tub side portion of the washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the circulation path 43 b has an inclined portion 43 d gently inclined upward along the outer periphery of the outer tub 33, and is configured so that the flow direction changes upward. Moreover, one end of the inlet 43a provided in the inner periphery of the outer tub lower part 33b is opened in the tangential direction of the inner periphery of the outer tub lower part 33b, and the other end is in the direction in which the washing tub 34 rotates during washing. It extends substantially horizontally along the outer periphery of the outer tub 33 and is connected to the lower end of the circulation path 43b.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the path in which the washing liquid that has flowed from the inlet 43a in a substantially horizontal direction rises with a nearly vertical inclination toward the outlet 43c, the pipe of the circulation path 43b is formed by the inclined portion 43d. The road resistance is reduced, and the washing liquid can be circulated efficiently.

  In the present embodiment, the gently sloping inclined portion 43d has an arc shape having a relatively large curvature as shown in FIG. 4, but is configured by a straight line having a relatively gentle constant inclination angle. Even so, the same effect can be obtained.

(Embodiment 3)
5 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the washing machine, and FIG. 7 is a characteristic diagram of the circulation flow rate of the washing machine. 5 and 6, the flow rate detection means 55 is provided in a part of the circulation path 43. The flow rate detection means 55 converts the flow rate into an electrical signal, and is composed of, for example, an optical sensor and an impeller. The flow rate detection means 55 and the control means 47 are electrically connected. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  About the washing machine comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below. First, the flow rate detection means 55 detects the flow rate of the washing liquid flowing in the circulation path 43 and transmits a signal to the control means 47. The control means 47 controls the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub 34 based on the signal. As shown in FIG. 7, it has been experimentally confirmed that there is a rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub 34 that maximizes the circulation flow rate, and the control means 47 maintains the maximum circulating flow rate in the washing / dehydration tub. The number of rotations of 34 will be adjusted.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the flow rate detecting means 55 is provided in the circulation path 43, and the rotational speed of the washing and dewatering tub 34 is controlled by a signal from the flow rate detecting means 55, so that the circulation flow rate of the washing liquid is increased. It will be operated at the maximum number of rotations of the washing and dewatering tank, so that the washing liquid can be circulated efficiently and the washing performance can be improved because the circulation flow rate is large.

  In this embodiment, the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub is controlled to maintain the maximum circulation flow rate, but the rotation condition to be controlled is not limited to the rotation speed. For example, there is a certain time delay in the characteristics peculiar to the fluid or the characteristics of the flow rate detection means. Instead of controlling the number of revolutions, it is possible to rotate intermittently and control the intermittent period and intermittent time interval. The same effect can be obtained.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the outer tub of the washing machine according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the outer tub of the washing machine. 8 and 9, a resistance plate 56 for stopping water flow is provided on the outer tub inner wall 33c above the washing / dehydrating tub bottom 34a. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  About the washing machine comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below. The rotating water flow of the washing liquid generated by the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 34 rises on the inner wall 33c of the outer tub due to the centrifugal force and flows out of the washing liquid chamber 42. The resistance plate 56 acts to prevent the washing liquid from rising, thereby reducing the outflow of the washing liquid from the washing liquid chamber 42.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by providing the resistance plate 56 for stopping the water flow on the inner wall 33c of the outer tub above the washing / dehydrating tub bottom 34a, the washing liquid generated by the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 34 is reduced. The rotating water flow rises on the inner wall 33c of the outer tub due to the centrifugal force and decreases from flowing out of the washing liquid chamber 42, so that the washing liquid can be circulated efficiently.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the outer tub of the washing machine according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the outer tub of the washing machine. 10 and 11, a return portion 56b extending downward is provided on an end portion 56a of the resistance plate 56 that stops water flow on the inner wall 33c of the outer tub. Other configurations are the same as those in the fourth embodiment.

  About the washing machine comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below. The rotating water flow of the washing liquid generated by the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 34 rises on the inner wall 33c of the outer tub due to the centrifugal force and flows out of the washing liquid chamber 42. Although the resistance plate 56 tries to prevent the washing liquid from rising, some of the resistance plate 56 gets over and flows out. The return portion 56b acts to prevent the water flow from getting over the resistance plate 56, thereby further reducing the outflow of the washing liquid from the washing liquid chamber 42.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by providing the return portion 56b extending downward at the end portion 56a of the resistance plate 56, the washing liquid flowing out from the washing liquid chamber 42 is further reduced, and more efficient. You can circulate the washing liquid well.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the outer tub of the washing machine according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the washing and dewatering tub of the washing machine. 12 and 13, blades 57 are provided radially on the washing / dehydrating tank bottom 34a. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  About the washing machine comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below. By providing the blades 57, the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 34 is efficiently transmitted to the washing liquid.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by providing the blades 57 radially on the washing / dehydrating tub bottom 34a, the washing / dehydrating tub 34 efficiently generates a rotating water flow, and the washing liquid is circulated. The amount can be increased.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the outer tub of the washing machine in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 14, an inclined channel 58 is provided on the inner wall 33c of the outer tub to push the washing liquid upward. The start position 58a of the inclined channel 58 is disposed in the outer tank lower portion 33b. The upper end opening 58 b of the inclined channel 58 is connected to an outlet 43 c provided in a part of the outer tank cover 44 that covers the upper opening 33 a of the outer tank 33. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  About the washing machine comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below. Even when the water level is low, the rotating water flow generated by the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 34 has the start position 58a of the inclined channel 58 disposed in the lower part 33b of the outer tub. It flows out into the washing and dewatering tank 34.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the inclined tank 58 is provided on the inner wall 33c of the outer tub to push the washing liquid upward, and the start position 58a of the inclined channel 58 is disposed in the lower tub 33b of the outer tub. By connecting the upper end opening 58b of the channel 58 to the outlet 43c provided in a part of the outer tub cover 44, the rotating water flow generated by the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 34 rises up the inclined channel 58 from the outlet 43c. It flows out into the washing and dewatering tub 34, the circulation path 43b can be eliminated, and the washing liquid can be circulated with a simpler and cheaper configuration.

(Embodiment 8)
FIG. 15 is a plan view of the outer tub of the washing machine in the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 15, a filter 59 is provided in a part of the circulation path 43. In the present embodiment, the installation position of the filter 59 is set in the vicinity of the outlet 43c so as to facilitate cleaning. As a result, waste and lint in the washing liquid are collected, and there is no hindrance to circulation, and re-contamination of clothing can be reduced.

(Embodiment 9)
FIG. 16 is a plan view of a washing machine according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. By rotating the washing and dewatering tub 34 in the opposite direction to the time of washing during dehydration, the rotating water flow of the washing liquid becomes difficult to flow into the inlet 43a, and the washing liquid separated from the clothing flows again through the circulation path 43 and is washed. It is possible to prevent the dehydration performance from deteriorating because it does not flow into the cum dewatering tank 34.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can improve reliability and durability because it does not use a pump, and can wash clothes by circulating the washing liquid with a simple and inexpensive configuration. Since it becomes possible, it is useful as a washing machine which removes dirt of clothes.

Sectional drawing of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention Top view of the washing machine Block diagram of the washing machine The fragmentary sectional view of the outer tub side part of the washing machine in Embodiment 2 of the present invention Sectional drawing of the washing machine in Embodiment 3 of this invention Block diagram of the washing machine Characteristics diagram of circulating flow of the washing machine Partial sectional view of the outer tub of the washing machine in Embodiment 4 of the present invention Perspective view of the outer tub of the washing machine The fragmentary sectional view of the outer tub of the washing machine in Embodiment 5 of the present invention Perspective view of the outer tub of the washing machine The fragmentary sectional view of the outer tub of the washing machine in Embodiment 6 of the present invention Bottom view of the washing and dewatering tank of the washing machine The perspective view of the outer tub of the washing machine in Embodiment 7 of this invention The top view of the outer tub of the washing machine in Embodiment 8 of this invention The top view of the outer tub of the washing machine in Embodiment 9 of this invention Cross section of a conventional washing machine

33 outer tank 33a opening 33b outer tank lower part 33c outer tank inner wall 34 washing / dehydration tank 34a washing / dehydration tank bottom 35 stirring blade 36 driving means 42 washing liquid chamber 43 circulation path 43a inlet 43b circulation path 43c outlet 45 washing liquid supply means 46 control device 47 control means 55 flow rate detection means 56 resistance plate 56a end 56b return part 57 blade 58 inclined channel 58a start position 58b upper end opening 59 filter

Claims (2)

A washing and dewatering tub rotatably provided in the outer tub, a stirring blade provided inside the washing and dewatering tub, a driving means for rotating the washing and dewatering tub and the stirring wing, and the washing and washing Washing liquid supply means for supplying the washing liquid to the clothes in the dewatering tub, wherein the washing liquid supply means is formed by a bottom of the washing / dehydration tub and a lower portion of the outer tub in which the bottom of the washing / dehydration tub is stored. A washing / dehydrating tub having a circulation path formed by a circulation path connecting a washing liquid chamber, an inlet provided in the washing liquid chamber, and an outlet provided in an opening of the upper portion of the outer tub; The washing liquid in the washing liquid chamber flows upward through the circulation path, and a resistance plate that prevents the washing liquid from rising is provided on the inner wall of the outer tub, and the resistance plate extends from the inner wall of the outer tub. A washing machine formed in an annular shape so as to protrude toward the washing and dewatering tub . Resistance plate washing machine of claim 1, wherein having a return portion extending downwardly in the peripheral edge portion of the washing and dewatering tank side.

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