JPH11276793A - Washing machine with water storing tank - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine which can be provided with a water storing tank by utilizing space within a washing machine main body. SOLUTION: In a washing machine in which a water storing tank 141 is provided separately from a water tank 2 within a washing machine main body 1, water in the water tank 2 used in a washing or rinsing process is moved by the driving of a water storing pump 13 and is temporarily stored in the water storing tank 141 and water stored in the water tank 2 is reused by returning the water to the water tank 2 by the driving of a water return pump 19 in the next washing or rinsing process, the water storing tank 141 is provided in space from the bottom part of the water tank 2 in a corner of the bottom part of the washing machine main body 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in a washing machine with a water tub.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a washing machine, in a washing step in which a detergent is charged and a plurality of subsequent rinsing steps, fresh tap water is supplied to the water tank at the start of each step, and after each step, The water in the used water tank is drained out of the washing machine. Therefore, a large amount of water is required for one washing, which is uneconomical.

To cope with such a problem of the washing machine, for example, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. Sho.
As shown in JP-A-75588, a water tank is provided separately from the water tank in the main body of the washing machine, and relatively clean rinse water remaining in the water tank at the end of the final rinsing step is pumped into the water tank and stored therein. In addition, there is one that is reused in the washing process of the next washing operation.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional washing machine having a water storage tank, since the water storage tank is juxtaposed to the water tank, the volume of the entire washing machine becomes large, and the installation is large. Needed space.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the above-mentioned conventional washing machine with a water tank.
In the washing machine with a water tub according to the invention described in (1), a water tub is provided separately from the water tub in the main body of the washing machine, and water in the water tub used in the washing or rinsing step is transferred to the water tub by driving water transfer means. The water is temporarily stored, and the water stored in the water tub is returned to the water tub by the drive of the water return means in the next washing or rinsing step so as to be reused. The above-mentioned water storage tank is provided in the space with the bottom of the water tank.

According to this configuration, the water storage tank is provided in the space at the bottom corner of the main body of the washing machine. As a result, it is not necessary to enlarge the main body of the washing machine for the water tank, and the water tank can be provided while reducing the size of the main body of the washing machine.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine with a water tub provided with a water tub separately from the water tub in the main body of the washing machine, and the water in the water tub used in the washing or rinsing step is provided in the water tub. The water is transferred and temporarily stored by driving the water transfer means, and the water stored in the water tank is returned to the water tank by the water return means in the next washing or rinsing step and is reused. , Water reservoirs are respectively provided in the spaces at the corners of the bottom of the main body of the washing machine, and the water reservoirs are connected by communication pipes.

According to this configuration, the water storage tank is provided in each space at the bottom corner of the washing machine main body. As a result, it is not necessary to enlarge the main body of the washing machine for the water tank, and the water tank can be provided while reducing the size of the main body of the washing machine. In addition, since water storage tanks are provided at each corner, the amount of water storage can be increased.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine with a water tub, wherein a water tub is provided separately from the water tub in the main body of the washing machine, and water in the water tub used in the washing or rinsing step is provided in the water tub. The water is transferred and temporarily stored by driving the water transfer means, and the water stored in the water tank is returned to the water tank by the water return means in the next washing or rinsing step and is reused. The water storage tanks are respectively provided in the spaces at the corners of the bottom of the main body of the washing machine below, each of the water storage tanks is connected by a communication pipe, and one of the water storage tanks is connected to the water tank by the water transfer means. In addition to the connection, a water return means is provided in another one of the water storage tanks, and water in the water storage tank is returned to the water tank.

According to this configuration, a water storage tank is provided in each space at the bottom corner of the washing machine main body, and water in the water tank is transferred to one of the water storage tanks by the water transfer means, and the water is transferred from the one water storage tank to the water storage tank. Guide the water sequentially to the next water tank and store it in all the water tanks,
Also, when returning to the water tank, the water is returned to the water tank by driving the water return means from the other one of the water storage tanks.

As a result, it is not necessary to make the main body of the washing machine large for the water tank, and the water tank can be provided while reducing the size of the main body of the washing machine. In addition, since water storage tanks are provided at each corner, the amount of water storage can be increased. In addition, although the water tank is provided at each corner, only one water transfer means and one water return means are required, and the cost can be reduced.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine with a water tub, wherein a water tub is provided separately from the water tub in the main body of the washing machine, and the water in the water tub used in the washing or rinsing step is provided in the water tub. Water is transferred and temporarily stored by driving the water transfer means, and the water stored in the water tank is returned to the water tank by the drive of the water return means in the next washing or rinsing step and is reused. The water tank is provided in a space between the water tank bottom and the bottom corner of the machine body, and a water level sensor is provided in the water tank, and the water level in the water tank is detected by the water level sensor to transfer water by the water transfer means. The operation is controlled.

According to this configuration, a water tank is provided in each space at the bottom corner of the washing machine body, and the water level of the water tank is detected by the water level sensor to control the water transfer operation of the water transfer means. . As a result, it is not necessary to enlarge the main body of the washing machine for the water tank, and the water tank can be provided while reducing the size of the main body of the washing machine. Also, since the water level sensor detects the water level in the water storage tank and controls the water transfer operation of the water transfer means,
Wastewater treatment is assured.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine with a water tub, wherein a water tub is provided separately from the water tub in the main body of the washing machine, and the water in the water tub used in the washing or rinsing step is provided in the water tub. Water is transferred and temporarily stored by driving the water transfer means, and the water stored in the water tank is returned to the water tank by the drive of the water return means in the next washing or rinsing step and is reused. A washing machine with a water tank, wherein the water tank is constituted by providing an annular plate of an elastic material fixed in a water-seal state between both side walls at upper and lower positions between the machine body and the side wall of the water tank.

According to this configuration, the water tank absorbs the vibration during the washing or rinsing step of the water tank by the elastic force of the annular plate. As a result, a washing machine with less vibration noise can be provided, and the function of the vibration preventing device provided in the conventional washing machine can be reduced.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine with a water tub according to the fifth aspect, wherein the annular plate has a substantially concentric corrugated plate shape. It is characterized by having done.

According to this structure, the water tank absorbs the vibration during the washing or rinsing step of the water tank by the elastic force of the annular plate. In addition, since the plate surface of the annular plate is corrugated, vibration can be further prevented. As a result, a washing machine with less vibration noise can be provided, and the function of the vibration preventing device provided in the conventional washing machine can be reduced.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a washing machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the embodiment. In this figure,
1 is a washing machine main body, 2 is a water tub elastically supported by suspension means 3 in the washing machine main body 4, and 4 is a washing and dewatering tub supported by a tub shaft 5 so as to be able to rotate horizontally in the water tub 2. , 6 are pulsators supported by a pulsator shaft (not shown) so as to be able to rotate horizontally in the washing and dewatering layer 4. Reference numeral 7 denotes a driving device provided on the bottom surface of the water tank 2 and includes a driving motor 7a and a clutch mechanism 7b for selectively transmitting the driving force of the driving motor to the tank shaft 5 and the pulsator shaft.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a balance ring fixed to the inner wall of the upper end of the washing and dewatering tub 4. Reference numeral 9 denotes a drain pipe led out from the bottom of the water tank 2, and a control valve 10 provided on the way.
The opening and closing of the pipe is controlled by opening and closing. This control valve 10
It constitutes a means for transferring water to a water storage tank together with a water transfer pump 13 described later. As shown in FIG.
a, a main body 11 formed of a circular short cylinder having first and second two outlets 10b, 10c, and a valve body 12 made of a fan-shaped plate material and rotatably housed in the main body 11. Have been.

The inlet 10a is connected to the drain pipe 9, one outlet 10b is connected to a first water tank 141 via a water pump 13, and the other outlet 10c is connected to the outside of the washing machine. It is connected to the drainage channel 15. The valve body 12 is driven by a motor means (not shown) by the operation of the control circuit to close the inlet 10a,
a and a first outlet 10b, and a third position where the inlet 10a communicates with the second outlet 10c.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the embodiment, water tanks are provided at four corners of the bottom inside the washing machine main body 1 by utilizing a space between the bottom of the washing machine main body and the bottom surface of the water tub 2. To the first, second, third and fourth water storage tanks 141, 142, 14
3, and 144. Each of the water storage tanks has a side surface on the center side of the washing machine main body formed into a curved surface along an arc on the outer periphery of the water tank 2, and has an air vent 17 on the upper surface.

Then, as described above, the first water tank 141
Are connected to the water transfer pump 13 and the water tanks adjacent to each other are connected by the communication pipes 16,..., So that the water in the water tank 2 is driven by the water transfer pump 13 to each water tank. It is being supplied. A water return pipe 18 extends from the second water storage tank 142.

The water return pipe 18 extends upward between the inner wall of the main body 1 of the washing machine and the outer wall of the water tub 2 so that the tip 18a faces the laundry inlet 2a on the upper surface of the water tub 2. The water in each water storage tank is pumped into the water tank 2 through the second water storage tank 142 by driving the water return pump 19 provided on the road. In the present invention, the water return pipe 18 and the water return pump 19 constitute water return means.

Reference numeral 20 denotes an air trap provided on the upper surface of the second water storage tank 142. The water level in the second water storage tank 142 is measured by a water level sensor 22 at the tip of the pressure guiding pipe 21 attached to the air trap. Then, when the water level reaches a predetermined value, the control valve 10 is switched to the drainage channel 15 side, and the water tank 2
The water inside is drained out of the washing machine. However,
Such a configuration is not necessary if the total volume of the water tank is larger than the volume of the water tank 2.

The washing machine of the present invention is constructed as described above. When the washing step or the rinsing step with the water tub 2 filled with tap water is completed, a control circuit (not shown) controls the control valve 10. Then, the valve body 12 is rotated from the first position to the second position, and the inlet 10a and the first outlet 10b communicate with each other, and the water transfer pump 13 is driven.

As a result, the water in the water tank 2 is stored in the first water tank 1
The water guided to 41 and guided to the first water storage tank 141 is guided to the second to fourth water storage tanks 142 to 144 via the communication pipe 16. When water accumulates in these water storage tanks and the water level sensor 22 detects that the water level has reached a predetermined value, the control circuit operates to rotate the valve element 12 of the control valve 10 again, thereby causing the second The position is moved from the position to the third position to close the first outlet 10b and open the second outlet 10c.

By this operation, the water path to the water transfer pump 13 is blocked to stop the water storage operation in the water storage tank, and the water in the water tank 2 is drained through the drain path 15. When all the water in the water tank 2 is drained, the valve 12 is rotated again by the operation of the control circuit to return to the first position to close the inlet 10a. As a result of the above operation, each water storage tank 141
Water is stored in to 144, and the next washing operation is to be awaited.

While the valve body 12 opens the outlet 10b and water is guided to each water tank, the air in the water tank is discharged from the air vents 17,. Next, when the washing or rinsing step starts again, the control circuit operates to drive the water return pump 19 to supply the water in each water storage tank to the water tank 2 through the water return pipe 18. If the water level of the water tank 2 is not set to a predetermined level when all the water in the water tank is supplied, the water tank 2
The operation of a water level sensor (not shown) provided therein and a control circuit opens a water supply valve (not shown) provided in a water passage on the tap water side to supply insufficient water to the water tank 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side sectional view showing the configuration of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view with the lid removed. In this embodiment, a water storage tank 23 is provided between the inner wall of the washing machine main body 1 and the outer wall of the water tub 2. That is, the water storage tank 23 includes annular plates 23a and 23b made of a rubber material having a concentric corrugated cross section between the lower end and the upper end of the water tub 2 between the inner wall of the washing machine main body 1 and the outer wall of the water tub 2. Is fixed to both walls so as to be in a water-sealed state. The lower annular plate 23a is connected to the tenth outlet 10b of the same control valve 10 as the one extended in the first embodiment via the water transfer pump 13, and the upper annular plate 23b is connected to the air vent 23c. It has.

The water storage tank 23 is provided with a water return pump 24.
Is driven to return the water to the water tank 2 through the water return pipe 25. In this embodiment, the water tub 2 is elastically supported by suspension means 26 provided between the washing machine main body 1 and the inner wall. However, instead of such a configuration, the lower annular plate as shown in FIG. The outer peripheral edge of the annular bottom plate 1a is fixedly attached to the inner wall of the washing machine main body 1 with screws 27 in a water-sealed state with an annular bottom plate 1a protruding inward in the diameter.
May be provided between them. This suspension means 2
Reference numeral 8 indicates that the hemisphere 28a provided at the upper end is rotatable by being supported by the spherical concave portion 1b of the annular bottom plate 1a so as to form a spherical pair.

The second embodiment is configured as described above. When the washing step or the rinsing step with the water tank 2 filled with tap water is completed, a control circuit (not shown) controls the control valve 10. Then, the valve body 12 is rotated from the first position to the second position, and the inlet 10a and the first outlet 10b communicate with each other, and the water transfer pump 13 is driven. As a result, the water in the water tank 2 is guided to the water storage tank 23 and stored therein.
Then, when water accumulates in the water storage tank and a water level sensor (not shown) detects that the water level has reached a predetermined value, the control circuit operates to rotate the valve element 12 of the control valve 10 again, and the second From the second position to the third position and the first exit 10
b is closed and the second outlet 10c is opened.

By this operation, the water path to the water transfer pump 13 is blocked to stop the operation of storing the water in the water storage tank, and the water in the water tank 2 is drained through the drain path 15. When all the water in the water tank 2 is drained, the valve 12 is rotated again by the operation of the control circuit to return to the first position to close the inlet 10a. As a result of the above operation, the water is stored in the water storage tank 23, and the next washing operation is awaited.

While the valve 12 opens the outlet 10b and water is guided to each water tank, the air in the water tank is discharged from the air vent 23c. Next, when the washing or rinsing step starts again, the control circuit operates to drive the water return pump 24 to supply the water in each water storage tank to the water tank 2 through the water return pipe 25. If the water level in the water tank 2 is not set to a predetermined level when all the water in the water tank is supplied, the water level sensor (not shown) provided in the water tank 2 and the control circuit operate to provide the water level in the water channel on the tap water side. The supplied water valve (not shown) is opened to supply insufficient water to the water tank 2.

[0034]

According to the present invention, the washing machine with a water tub according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided with a water tub separately from the water tub in the main body of the washing machine. The water in the water tank used in the washing or rinsing step is transferred to the water tank by the driving of the water transfer means to temporarily store the water, and the water stored in the water tank is driven by the water return means in the next washing or rinsing step. The washing tank is provided in a space between the bottom corner of the washing machine main body and the bottom of the water tub.

According to the present invention, the water tub is provided in the space at the bottom corner of the main body of the washing machine, so that it is not necessary to make the main body of the washing machine large for the water tub, and the size of the main body of the washing machine is reduced. A water storage tank can be provided.

In the washing machine with a water tub according to the second aspect of the present invention, a water tub is provided separately from the water tub in the main body of the washing machine, and the water in the water tub used in the washing or rinsing step is provided in the water tub. The water is transferred and temporarily stored by driving the water transfer means, and the water stored in the water tank is returned to the water tank by the water return means in the next washing or rinsing step and is reused. Each of the water storage tanks is provided in a space at each corner of the bottom of the main body of the washing machine below, and the water storage tanks are connected by a communication pipe.

According to the present invention, a water tank is provided in each space at the bottom corner of the washing machine main body, and it is not necessary to make the washing machine main body large for the water storage tank, and the washing machine main body can be downsized. A water storage tank can be provided. In addition, since water storage tanks are provided at each corner, the amount of water storage can be increased.

The washing machine with a water tub according to the third aspect of the present invention is provided with a water tub separately from the water tub in the main body of the washing machine, and the water in the water tub used in the washing or rinsing step is provided in the water tub. The water is transferred and temporarily stored by driving the water transfer means, and the water stored in the water tank is returned to the water tank by the water return means in the next washing or rinsing step and is reused. The water storage tanks are respectively provided in the spaces at the corners of the bottom of the main body of the washing machine below, each of the water storage tanks is connected by a communication pipe, and one of the water storage tanks is connected to the water tank by the water transfer means. In addition to the connection, a water return means is provided in another one of the water storage tanks so that water in the water storage tank is returned to the water tank.

According to the present invention, a water storage tank is provided in each of the original spaces at the bottom corner of the washing machine main body, and one of the water storage tanks is provided.
Finally, the water in the water tank is transferred by the water transfer means, and water is sequentially guided from this one water tank to the next water tank to be stored in all the water tanks. One of them returns to the water tank by driving the water return means. Therefore, it is not necessary to enlarge the washing machine main body for the water tank, and the water tank can be provided while reducing the size of the washing machine main body. In addition, since water storage tanks are provided at each corner, the amount of water storage can be increased. In addition, although the water tank is provided at each corner, only one water transfer means and one water return means are required, and the cost can be reduced.

The washing machine with a water tub according to the present invention is provided with a water tub separately from the water tub in the main body of the washing machine, and the water in the water tub used in the washing or rinsing step is provided in the water tub. Water is transferred and temporarily stored by driving the water transfer means, and the water stored in the water tank is returned to the water tank by the drive of the water return means in the next washing or rinsing step and is reused. The water tank is provided in a space between the water tank bottom and the bottom corner of the machine body, and a water level sensor is provided in the water tank, and the water level in the water tank is detected by the water level sensor to transfer water by the water transfer means. The configuration is such that the operation is controlled.

According to the present invention, a water storage tank is provided in each of the original spaces at the bottom corner of the main body of the washing machine, and the water level of the water storage tank is detected by the water level sensor to control the water transfer operation of the water transfer means. Therefore, it is not necessary to make the washing machine main body large for the water storage tank, and the water storage tank can be provided while reducing the size of the washing machine main body. Further, since the water level sensor detects the water level in the water storage tank and controls the water transfer operation of the water transfer means, the drainage treatment is ensured.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine with a water tub, wherein a water tub is provided separately from the water tub in the main body of the washing machine, and the water in the water tub used in the washing or rinsing step is provided in the water tub. Water is transferred and temporarily stored by driving the water transfer means, and the water stored in the water tank is returned to the water tank by the drive of the water return means in the next washing or rinsing step and is reused. The above-mentioned water storage tank is constituted by providing an annular plate of an elastic material fixed between both side walls in a water-sealed state at upper and lower positions between the machine body and the side wall of the water tank.

According to the present invention, the water tank absorbs the vibration during the washing or rinsing step of the water tank by the elastic force of the annular plate, so that it is possible to provide a washing machine with less vibration noise. The function of the vibration preventing device provided in the washing machine can be reduced.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine with a water tub according to the fifth aspect of the invention, wherein the annular plate is formed in a substantially concentric corrugated plate shape. This is the configuration. According to the present invention, the water tank absorbs vibration during the washing or rinsing step of the water tank by the elastic force of the annular plate. In addition, since the plate surface of the annular plate is corrugated, vibration can be further prevented. Therefore, it is possible to provide a washing machine with less vibration noise and to reduce the function of the vibration preventing device provided in the conventional washing machine.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view of a washing machine with a water tub according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan sectional view of the washing machine as viewed from the bottom.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a control valve of water transfer means provided in the washing machine.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side sectional view of a washing machine with a water tub according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the washing machine according to the second embodiment in a state where a lid is removed, as viewed on a plane.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing another example of the suspension device in the washing machine of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing machine main body 2 Water tub 4 Washing and dewatering tub 6 Pulsator 9 Drain pipe 10 Control valve 11 Main body 12 Valve 13 Water transfer pump 16 Communication pipe 17 Air vent 18 Water return pipe 19 Water return pump 22 Water level sensor 23a Annular plate 23b Annular Plate 141 First water tank 142 Second water tank 143 Third water tank 144 Fourth water tank

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A water tank is provided in a washing machine main body separately from a water tank, and water in a water tank used in a washing or rinsing step is transferred to the water tank by driving a water transfer means to temporarily store the water. In the next washing or rinsing step, the water stored in the washing machine is returned to the water tub by driving the water return means and reused, and the water is stored in a space between the bottom of the washing machine main body and the bottom of the water tub. A washing machine with a water tank, which is provided with a tank. 2. A water tank is provided separately from the water tank in the washing machine main body, and water in the water tank used in the washing or rinsing step is transferred to the water tank by driving a water transfer means to temporarily store the water. In the next washing or rinsing step, in the next washing or rinsing step, the water is returned to the water tub by the drive of the water return means and reused, and in a space at each corner of the bottom of the main body of the washing machine below the water tub. A washing machine with a water tank, wherein each water tank is provided, and each water tank is connected by a communication pipe. 3. A water tank is provided in the washing machine body separately from the water tank, and water in the water tank used in the washing or rinsing step is transferred to the water tank by driving water transfer means to temporarily store the water. In the next washing or rinsing step, in the next washing or rinsing step, the water is returned to the water tub by the drive of the water return means and reused, and in a space at each corner of the bottom of the main body of the washing machine below the water tub. Each of the water storage tanks is provided, a connection pipe is connected between the water storage tanks, and one of the water storage tanks is connected to the water tank by the water transfer means, and a water return means is provided to the other water storage tank. A washing machine with a water tank, wherein the water in the water tank is returned to the water tank. 4. A water tank is provided in the washing machine main body separately from the water tank, and water in the water tank used in the washing or rinsing step is transferred to the water tank by driving water transfer means to temporarily store the water. In the next washing or rinsing step, the water stored in the washing machine is returned to the water tub by driving the water return means and reused, and the water is stored in a space between the bottom of the washing machine main body and the bottom of the water tub. A washing tank provided with a water tank, wherein a water level sensor is provided in the water tank, and the water level sensor detects the water level in the water tank to control the water transfer operation of the water transfer means. Machine. 5. A water tank is provided in the washing machine main body separately from the water tank, and water in the water tank used in the washing or rinsing step is transferred to the water tank by driving water transfer means to temporarily store the water. In the next washing or rinsing step, in the next washing or rinsing step, the water is returned to the water tub by the drive of the water returning means and is reused. A washing machine with a water tank, wherein the water tank is constituted by providing an annular plate of an elastic material fixed in a water-sealed state. 6. The washing machine with a water tub according to claim 5, wherein a plate surface of said annular plate is formed in a substantially concentric corrugated plate shape. [0001]