WO2018077281A1

WO2018077281A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2018077281A1
Application number: PCT/CN2017/108426
Authority: WO
Inventors: 西浦直人; 米田昌令; 福井秋陆; 大西胜司; 大槻太郎; 前场克之
Original assignee: 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司; Aqua株式会社
Priority date: 2016-10-28
Filing date: 2017-10-30
Publication date: 2018-05-03
Also published as: JP2018068646A; JP6877711B2

Abstract

A washing machine (1) capable of washing laundry without damage and achieving an improved cleaning effect. The washing machine (1) comprises: a washing drum (4); a water flow generating member (20), which is disposed in a lower region (4E) of an interior space (4A) of the washing drum (4) and which is driven to rotate around a central axis (J) to generate water flow in the interior space (4A); and a cover member (21), which covers the water flow generating member (20) from an upper side (Z1). The water flow generating member (20) is provided with: a plurality of blade portions (27) arranged circumferentially (Q) around the central axis (J); and a waterway (29), sandwiched between adjacent blade portions (27) and opened towards the upper side (Z1). The cover member (21) is provided with: an upper opposing portion (21B), opposing the waterway (29) from the upper side (Z1); and an outer opposing portion (21C), opposing the waterway (29) from a radial outer side (R1) which uses the central axis (J) as a baseline. The water flow generating member (20) is formed with: an inflow port (21H), penetrating the upper opposing portion (21B) in the up-down direction (Z); and an outflow port (21M), penetrating the outside opposing portion (21C) in the radial direction (R) and facing an inner circumferential surface (4B) of the washing drum (4).

Description

washing machine

Technical field

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background technique

The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a washing machine outer frame, a water receiving bucket suspended in the outer frame of the washing machine, a washing and dewatering bucket rotatably accommodated in the water receiving bucket, and rotatably provided in the washing and dewatering bucket The pulsator at the bottom of the inside. In the washing and dewatering tub, the laundry carrying net is detachably fitted to the upper side of the pulsator in a substantially horizontal posture. In the washing and dewatering tank, the laundry to be washed by the mechanical force of the pulsator is accommodated on the lower side of the net for washing, and the laundry which is not washed by the mechanical force of the pulsator is accommodated in the net for washing. The upper side.

The washing machine performs a first cleaning process and a second cleaning process. During the first cleaning process, the pulsator is driven to rotate, and the laundry on the lower side of the laundry carrying net is washed by the mechanical force generated by the pulsator. During the second cleaning process, the washing and dewatering bucket is driven to rotate. In this way, the washing water in the washing and dewatering bucket is extruded to the outside of the washing and dewatering bucket by centrifugal force, rises between the water receiving bucket and the washing and dewatering bucket, and the water receiving bucket cover and the washing and dewatering bucket from the upper part of the water receiving bucket The mixture is scattered into the washing and dewatering tank, and passes through the laundry on the upper side and the lower side of the laundry carrying net. Thereby, these laundry materials are cleaned without being damaged or entangled.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-300080

Summary of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

In the second cleaning process of the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the laundry on the upper side of the laundry-carrying net can be cleaned without damage, but the washing water is poured only to the laundry placed in the state of the laundry-carrying net. When it is difficult to get a good cleaning effect.

The present invention has been made in view of the background, and an object thereof is to provide a washing machine capable of washing a laundry without damage and improving the cleaning effect.

Solution to solve the problem

The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising: a bottomed cylindrical washing tub having an inner space for containing laundry and storing water; and a water flow generating member disposed in a lower side region of the inner space by being driven to rotate Generating a water flow in the internal space, the water flow generating member having a plurality of blade portions circumferentially arranged around a rotation axis of the water flow generating member and extending away from the rotation axis, and by the circumferential phase a water passage in which the adjacent blade portions are sandwiched and open to the upper side; and a cover member having an upper opposite portion opposed to the water passage from the upper side and a radially outer side based on the rotation axis In the outer opposing portion facing the water passage, the cover member covers the water flow generating member from the upper side in the internal space, and the cover member is formed to penetrate the upper opposite portion in the vertical direction. An inflow port and an outflow opening that penetrates the outer opposite portion in the radial direction and faces the inner circumferential surface of the washing tub.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the cover member is provided with a first projecting portion that protrudes outward in the radial direction at the circumferential end portion of the outflow port.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the cover member is provided with a second protruding portion that protrudes outward in the radial direction at an upper end portion of the outflow port.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the second projecting portion faces the inner circumference of the washing tub with a gap from the inner side in the radial direction.

Effect of the invention

According to the invention, in a state in which the laundry is accommodated in the internal space of the washing tub and water is stored, the water flow generating member in the lower side region of the internal space is driven to rotate. Since the laundry in the washing tub is disposed on the upper side of the cover member that covers the water flow generating member from the upper side, it is possible to prevent the laundry from being damaged by contact with the rotating water flow generating member.

As the water flow generating member rotates, the plurality of blade portions of the water flow generating member also rotate. In this way, In the water path between the adjacent blade portions, the water is extruded to the outside in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis of the water flow generating member, and flows out from the outflow port of the outer opposite portion of the cover member. Since the outflow port faces the inner peripheral surface of the washing tub, the water flowing out from the outflow port changes toward the inner peripheral surface of the washing tub and flows toward the upper side of the water flow generating member and the cover member. The water located on the upper side of the water flow generating member and the cover member in the internal space of the washing tub passes through the inflow port of the upper opposing portion of the cover member and flows down to flow into the water passage. Thereby, in the internal space of the washing tub, a flow of water circulating between the inflow port and the outflow port in a manner of flowing upward and downward is generated outside the water path. Therefore, the laundry in the washing tub is lifted and dropped by the water flow. In particular, in the water path that is open to the upper side, since the water from the inflow port easily flows in, the flow rate of the water flow can be increased to promote the lifting and falling of the laundry. Therefore, the laundry is effectively washed.

As a result of the above, the laundry can be cleaned without damage, and the cleaning effect can be improved.

Further, according to the present invention, the first protrusion protruding outward in the radial direction at the end portion of the circumferential flow outlet around the rotation axis of the water flow generating member suppresses the water of the water passage from the outlet toward the rotation of the water flow generating member. Weekly outflow. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of swirling around the rotation axis in the internal space of the washing tub. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the laundry from being damaged or entangled by contact with the inner peripheral surface of the washing tub by the swirling flow.

Further, according to the present invention, the second projecting portion that protrudes outward in the radial direction at the upper end portion of the outflow port suppresses the generation of the water flow which is desired to rise sharply from the outflow port. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the water flow from directly contacting the laundry and causing the laundry to be deformed.

Further, according to the present invention, since a radial gap is secured between the second projecting portion and the inner peripheral surface of the washing tub, water flowing out from the outflow port can rise through the gap. Therefore, even if the second projecting portion is provided, the water flow circulating between the inflow port and the outflow port can be reliably generated to wash the laundry in the washing tub.

DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the water flow generating unit in a state in which the cover member is removed.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the water flow generating unit in a completed state.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a partial water flow generating unit in a longitudinal section.

Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a water flow generating unit.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a partial water flow generating unit and a washing tub in a longitudinal section.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a partial water flow generation unit and a washing tub in a longitudinal section through a washing machine including a water flow generation unit according to a modification.

detailed description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vertical direction of FIG. 1 is referred to as the vertical direction Z of the washing machine 1, and the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction Z is referred to as the horizontal direction XY of the washing machine 1. The up and down direction Z is also the vertical direction, and the lateral direction XY is also the horizontal direction. In the up and down direction Z, the upper side is referred to as the upper side Z1, and the lower side is referred to as the lower side Z2.

The washing machine 1 includes a box-shaped casing 2 constituting its outer casing. A door 3 is provided on the upper surface portion of the casing 2, and when the door 3 is opened, the inner space 2A of the casing 2 is exposed to the upper side Z1. The internal space 2A is blocked by the bottom wall 2B of the cabinet 2 from the lower side Z2. A drain passage 2C for discharging the water of the internal space 2A to the outside of the machine is formed in the bottom wall 2B. The washing machine 1 includes a washing tub 4 disposed in the internal space 2A, a motor 5 built in the bottom wall 2B, and a water flow generating unit 6 disposed in the internal space 2A.

The washing tub 4 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having a center axis J extending in the up and down direction Z. Hereinafter, the circumferential direction around the central axis J is referred to as the circumferential direction Q, and the radial direction with reference to the central axis J is referred to as the radial direction R. The circumferential direction Q and the radial direction R are included in the lateral direction XY. In the radial direction R, a direction away from the central axis J is referred to as a radially outer side R1, and a direction approaching the central axis J is referred to as a radially inner side R2.

The washing tub 4 includes a cylindrical circumferential wall 10, a disk-shaped bottom wall 11 connected to the lower end edge of the circumferential wall 10, a drive shaft 12, and a support member 13. An internal space 4A is formed in the washing tub 4, which is surrounded by the circumferential wall 10 from the radially outer side R1 and blocked by the bottom wall 11 from the lower side Z2. The internal space 4A is a cylindrical space having a central axis J. The inner peripheral surface of the circumferential wall 10 constitutes the inner peripheral surface 4B of the washing tub 4. The washing tub 4 is formed with an opening portion 4C which is trimmed by the upper end edge of the circumferential wall 10 and exposes the inner space 4A to the upper side Z1. The opening portion 4C is located on the lower side Z2 of the door 3 of the upper surface portion of the cabinet 2.

Although the bottom wall 11 is made of, for example, a resin, the center portion of the bottom wall 11 that coincides with the central axis J may be made of metal, or may be formed by vertically overlapping resin parts and metal parts. At the center A through hole 11A penetrating the bottom wall 11 in the vertical direction Z is formed in the portion. A tubular support shaft 14 that surrounds the through hole 11A and extends from the bottom wall 11 to the lower side Z2 is connected to the washing tub 4. The support shaft 14 is supported by the bottom wall 2B of the casing 2. The washing tub 4 in this state can rotate about the center axis J with the support shaft 14. The transmission shaft 15 extending in the up-and-down direction Z is coaxially inserted into the support shaft 14, and is relatively rotatable relative to the support shaft 14 about the central axis J in this state.

The drive shaft 12 is made of metal and has a columnar shape that has a central axis that coincides with the central axis J and extends in the vertical direction Z. An engaging portion 12A is formed at an upper end portion of the drive shaft 12. The cross section when the engaging portion 12A is cut in the lateral direction XY is a substantially polygonal shape such as a hexagon. In the drive shaft 12, the intermediate portion 12B between the upper end portion and the lower end portion is formed in a cylindrical shape thicker than the upper end portion and the lower end portion. An annular groove 12C extending in the circumferential direction Q is formed at the upper end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion 12B.

The drive shaft 12 penetrates the bottom wall 11 on the center axis J by being inserted into the through hole 11A of the bottom wall 11. In the drive shaft 12, the upper end portion where the engaging portion 12A is formed protrudes from the lower side Z2 toward the inner space 4A of the washing tub 4 by protruding toward the upper side Z1 of the bottom wall 11. The groove 12C of the intermediate portion 12B of the drive shaft 12 protrudes from the through hole 11A toward the upper side Z1. A bearing 16 is disposed in a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the bottom wall 11 of the through hole 11A and the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate portion 12B. Thereby, the drive shaft 12 is supported by the bottom wall 11 in a state where it can be rotated about the central axis J. The lower end portion of the drive shaft 12 protrudes toward the lower side Z2 of the bottom wall 11 and is inserted into the support shaft 14 from the upper side Z1, and is coupled to the transmission shaft 15 so as to be rotatable integrally in the support shaft 14. The drive shaft 12 and the transmission shaft 15 may be integrally formed.

The support member 13 is made of, for example, a resin, and the lower end portion of the inner peripheral surface 4B of the washing tub 4 is trimmed and formed in an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction Q. The support member 13 integrally includes a vertical portion 13A that extends up and down along the inner circumferential surface 4B and a lateral portion 13B that protrudes from the lower end portion of the vertical portion 13A toward the radially inner side R2. Therefore, the cross section of the support member 13 at the time of cutting at a certain position on the circumference is formed in a substantially L shape. In the support member 13, a plurality of slits 13C penetrating the vertical portion 13A in the vertical direction Z are arranged in the circumferential direction Q. At each slit 13C, the portion of the upper side Z1 of the lateral portion 13B is open toward both sides of the radial direction R.

In the washing tub 4, for example, a drain port 4D that penetrates the through hole 11A in the vertical direction Z is formed in the bottom wall 11. Such a washing tub 4 can be separated from the casing 2 by being separated from the support shaft 14 and the transmission shaft 15, and in this case, the door 3 is taken out from the internal space 2A of the casing 2 in an open state. The detached washing tub 4 is attached to the casing 2 by being housed in the internal space 2A and coupled to the support shaft 14 and the transmission shaft 15.

The driving force generated by the motor 5 is selectively transmitted to the support shaft 14 and the transmission shaft 15 via a known transmission mechanism (not shown). Thereby, the washing tub 4 and the drive shaft 12 are each driven to rotate about the central axis J.

The water flow generation unit 6 is disposed in the lower space 4E adjacent to the bottom wall 11 in the internal space 4A of the washing tub 4. The water flow generation unit 6 includes, for example, a metal water flow generation member 20, a resin cover member 21, and a lock release mechanism 22. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water flow generating unit 6 in a state where the cover member 21 is removed. The water flow generating member 20 integrally includes a disk-shaped base portion 25 having a plate thickness direction that coincides with the vertical direction Z and a center axis that coincides with the center axis J. The center portion 26 is disposed in the radial direction at the upper surface portion of the base portion 25. A center of R; and a plurality of (here, twelve) blade portions 27 are provided on the upper surface portion of the base portion 25. The center portion 26 is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes from the upper surface portion of the base portion 25 toward the upper side Z1, and the upper end portion 26A is bent toward the radially inner side R2 in the entire region of the circumferential direction Q (see FIG. 4 described later).

Each of the blade portions 27 is formed in a plate shape having a thickness direction in the circumferential direction Q, and all the blade portions 27 are erected from the upper surface portion of the base portion 25 to the upper side Z1 in a state of being aligned in the circumferential direction Q, from the base portion 25. The outer circumferential surface of the outer circumferential surface R1 radially extends and is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 25. Each of the blade portions 27 may be formed in a flat plate shape in the radial direction R as shown in FIG. 2, or may be curved so as to be shifted from the circumferential direction Q toward the radially outer side R1. The base portion 25 may include a plurality of erecting portions 28 that are spanned one by one between the ends of the radially inner side R2 of the blade portions 27 adjacent in the circumferential direction Q. Each of the mounting portions 28 is formed in an arc shape extending in the circumferential direction Q. Each of the mounting portions 28 has a connecting portion 28A that protrudes from the central portion of the circumferential direction Q toward the radially inner side R2 and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the central portion 26. Each of the blade portions 27 is reinforced by the erecting portion 28 so as not to fall down.

A plurality of (here, twelve) water passages 29 are formed in the water flow generating member 20, and the water passages 29 are sandwiched by the blade portions 27 adjacent in the circumferential direction Q and are blocked by the base portion 25 from the lower side Z2. These water passages 29 are arranged in the circumferential direction Q. Each of the water passages 29 is formed in a fan shape that is diffused in the circumferential direction Q toward the radially outer side R1. Although the erected portion 28 is closed from the radially inner side R2, the upper side Z1 is opened and also opened to the radially outer side R1.

Referring to FIG. 3 which is a perspective view of the water flow generation unit 6 in the completed state, the cover member 21 is formed in a disk shape having a central axis coinciding with the central axis J. The cover member 21 integrally includes a central portion 21A that is located at the center of the radial direction R and bulges in a substantially hemispherical upward side Z1; the upper opposing portion 21B is formed in an annular shape surrounding the central portion 21A; and an annular shape The outer opposite portion 21C from the upper opposite portion 21B The peripheral edge is bent over the entire circumference to the lower side Z2.

Referring to Fig. 4 showing a longitudinal section passing through the center axis J, a recess 21D having a hemispherical recess on the lower side Z2 and a plurality of (here, three) recesses extending radially from the recess 21D are formed in the upper portion of the central portion 21A. 21E. Each of the recesses 21E is open from the central portion 21A to the upper side Z1 and the radially outer side R1. An insertion hole 21F penetrating the center portion 21A in the vertical direction Z is formed in a portion of the bottom of the recess 21D that coincides with the central axis J. On the lower side Z2 of the center portion 21A, that is, on the rear side, a concave space 35 surrounded by the upper opposing portion 21B and recessed toward the upper side Z1 is formed. The space 35 is opened from the lower surface portion of the cover member 21 to the lower side Z2. The insertion hole 21F is in a state of being in communication with the space 35 from the upper side Z1. In the center portion 21A, a cylindrical tubular portion 21G that is disposed coaxially with the central axis J is integrally provided in the space 35. The lower end of the tubular portion 21G is located on the lower side Z2 of the upper opposing portion 21B.

In the upper opposing portion 21B, a plurality of inflow ports 21H penetrating the upper opposing portion 21B in the vertical direction Z are formed. These inflow ports 21H are evenly distributed over the entire area of the circumferential direction Q in the upper opposing portion 21B. The inflow port 21H may be formed to cross the boundary line between the central portion 21A and the upper opposing portion 21B.

Referring to Fig. 3, the outer opposing portion 21C integrally includes an upper region 21I connected from the lower side Z2 to the outer peripheral edge of the upper opposing portion 21B, and a radial outer side R1 and a lower side Z2 from the lower end of the upper region 21I. The intermediate portion 21J that is inclined in the offset manner and the lower region 21K that extends from the lower end of the intermediate portion 21J in the vertical direction Z to the lower side Z2. In the upper surface portion of the cover member 21, a plurality of recesses 21L that are formed to straddle the outer peripheral portion of the upper opposing portion 21B and the upper region 21I and recessed to the lower side Z2 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction Q. Thereby, the upper region 21I is formed to be interrupted in the respective recesses 21L. The bottom of each recess 21L is continuous from the upper side Z1 and the midway area 21J so as to be one surface with the upper surface of the intermediate portion 21J.

In the upper region 21I, a portion between the recesses 21L adjacent to the circumferential direction Q is formed with an outflow port 21M penetrating the upper region 21I in the radial direction R one by one. Each of the outflow ports 21M is formed in a rectangular shape having a long Q dimension in the circumferential direction. The number of the outflow ports 21M is the same as or larger than the number of the water passages 29 of the water flow generating member 20. The upper region 21I around the respective outflow ports 21M is formed in a substantially U-shape in which the vertical direction is reversed as viewed from the radially outer side R1. In the cover member 21, a first protruding portion 21N that protrudes outward in the radial direction R1 is provided at each end portion of the circumferential direction Q of the outflow port 21M, and a radially outward R1 protrudes from the upper end portion of the outflow port 21M. The second protrusion 21O.

Each of the first projecting portions 21N is formed in a triangular plate shape having a side extending in the radial direction R and other sides extending from the end portion of the radially outer side R1 of the side to the lower side Z2, and having a plate conforming to the circumferential direction Q Thick direction (See also Figure 1). A portion of the two first protruding portions 21N adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction Q and located at the closest position at the outflow port 21M from the circumferential direction Q is a recess 21L. The upper end portions of the two first protruding portions 21N may be curved in a direction separating from each other. The second protruding portion 21O is a portion between the adjacent recesses 21L at the outer peripheral portion of the upper opposing portion 21B, and is bridged between the pair of first protruding portions 21N at both end portions of the circumferential direction Q of each of the outflow ports 21M. Between the upper ends. The end faces of the radially outer sides R1 of the first projecting portions 21N and the second projecting portions 21O constitute the outer peripheral surface of the upper region 21I around the outflow port 21M.

The outer peripheral surface of the lower region 21K is integrally provided with an engaging portion 21P that protrudes outward in the radial direction R1. The engaging portions 21P may be single or plural, and the engaging portions 21P in the case where a plurality of the engaging portions 21P are provided are arranged in the circumferential direction Q.

Such a cover member 21 covers the water flow generating member 20 from the upper side Z1. Referring to Fig. 4, in the cover member 21, the upper opposing portion 21B is in a state in which all the water passages 29 open from the upper side Z1 with respect to the upper side Z1 of the water flow generating member 20, and the outer opposing portion 21C is in the radial direction. The outer side R1 is opposed to all the water paths 29. Further, the space 35 of the central portion 21A of the cover member 21 is located directly above the central portion 26 of the water flow generating member 20.

The lock release mechanism 22 includes a joint portion 40, a lock portion 41, and a lift portion 42. The joint portion 40 is made of, for example, a resin. The joint portion 40 integrally includes a cylindrical portion 40A having a central axis that coincides with the central axis J, and an annular flange portion 40B that protrudes from the upper end of the tubular portion 40A toward the radially outer side R1.

The cylindrical portion 40A is formed with a first concave portion 40C recessed from the lower end surface thereof toward the upper side Z1, and a second concave portion 40D recessed from the bottom surface of the first concave portion 40C to the upper side Z1. The cross section of the first recess 40C when cut in the lateral direction XY is formed in a circular shape. The cross section of the second recessed portion 40D when cut in the lateral direction is formed into a substantially polygonal shape that substantially coincides with the cross section of the engaging portion 12A (see FIG. 1) of the drive shaft 12. The cross section of the second recess 40D is smaller than the cross section of the first recess 40C. In the joint portion 40, a plurality of circular holding holes 40E penetrating through the joint portion 40 of the first recess portion 40C in the radial direction R are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction Q. The upper side Z1 of the holding hole 40E in the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 40A is formed with a step 40F, and on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 40A, the diameter of the region of the upper side Z1 of the step 40F is larger than the diameter of the region of the lower side Z2 of the step 40F. .

In the flange portion 40B, an insertion hole 40G penetrating the flange portion 40B in the vertical direction Z is formed at each of two locations across the center axis J. In the upper surface portion of the flange portion 40B, the radially outer side R1 of the insertion hole 40G and the radially inner side R2 of the outer peripheral edge of the flange portion 40B are integrally provided with an annular shape that protrudes toward the upper side Z1 and extends in the circumferential direction Q. Rib 40H. The upper surface portion of the flange portion 40B is rib 40H A portion of the radially outer side R1 is referred to as a positioning portion 40I.

In the joint portion 40, the tubular portion 40A is coaxially accommodated in the central portion 26 of the water flow generating member 20, and the flange portion 40B is placed in the upper end portion 26A of the central portion 26 from the upper side Z1. At the end portion of the radially inner side R2 of each of the blade portions 27 of the water flow generating member 20, the upper end portion 27A is disposed so as to protrude from the upper side Z1 of the upper end portion 26A, and surrounds the flange portion 40B from the radially outer side R1. The flange portion 40B and the upper end portion 26A are fitted to a fastening member (not shown) such as a screw, so that the joint portion 40 is fixed to the water flow generating member 20. The lower end portion of the joint portion 40 in which the holding hole 40E is formed is disposed to protrude toward the lower side Z2 of each of the blade portions 27 . In the cover member 21 that covers the water flow generating member 20, the lower end portion of the tubular portion 21G is placed in the state of the positioning portion 40I of the upper surface portion of the flange portion 40B over the entire region in the circumferential direction Q. Thereby, the cover member 21 is positioned in the up-and-down direction Z with respect to the water flow generating member 20 to avoid the downward Z2 offset.

The lock portion 41 is, for example, a metal ball, and has a plurality of balls corresponding to the holding holes 40E of the joint portion 40, and is fitted into each of the holding holes 40E one by one. Each of the locking portions 41 is movable in the radial direction R in a state in which it cannot be separated from the embedded holding hole 40E.

The lifting portion 42 is made of resin and includes an operation portion 44 and a coupling portion 45. The operation portion 44 integrally includes a disk-shaped disk portion 44A that is disposed coaxially with the central axis J, and a cylindrical tubular portion 44B that protrudes from the center of the lower surface portion of the disk portion 44A toward the lower side Z2. The disk portion 44A is disposed on the upper surface portion of the cover member 21 so as to close the concave portion 21D of the central portion 21A of the cover member 21 from the upper side Z1. The upper surface portion of the disk portion 44A is convexly formed on the upper side Z1 and curved so as to be smoothly connected to the peripheral portion of the concave portion 21D of the central portion 21A. The tubular portion 44B is housed in the recess 21D. The outer peripheral portion of the annular lower end surface of the tubular portion 44B is referred to as a positioning portion 44C.

The joint portion 45 includes an upper portion 46 and a lower portion 47. The upper portion 46 integrally includes a cylindrical shaft portion 46A having a central axis coinciding with the central axis J and extending in the up-and-down direction Z, and an extending portion 46B extending linearly from the lower end of the shaft portion 46A toward both outer sides of the radial direction R . A step 46C is formed in the middle of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 46A in the downward direction Z. On the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 46A, the diameter of the region of the upper side Z1 of the step 46C is smaller than the diameter of the region of the lower side Z2 of the step 46C.

The shaft portion 46A is inserted into the insertion hole 21F at the bottom of the concave portion 21D of the central portion 21A of the cover member 21 from the lower side Z2, whereby the cover member 21 is vertically penetrated. A portion of the upper portion Z1 of the step 46C in the shaft portion 46A is inserted into the inside of the tubular portion 44B of the operation portion 44 from the lower side Z2, and the step 46C is in contact with the lower end surface of the tubular portion 44B from the lower side Z2. A portion of the shaft portion 46A into which the lower side Z2 of the hole 21F is inserted and the extension portion 46B The space 35 accommodated in the lower side Z2 of the central portion 21A. The extending portion 46B is placed in the flange portion 40B of the joint portion 40, and both end portions of the extending portion 46B and the respective insertion holes 40G of the flange portion 40B are located at the same position one by one in the circumferential direction Q. A fastening member 48 such as a screw is attached to the operation portion 44 and the shaft portion 46A, whereby the upper portion 46 is fixed to the operation portion 44 and extends from the operation portion 44 to the lower side Z2.

The lower portion 47 integrally includes a cylindrical tubular portion 47A that is disposed coaxially with the central axis J, and a protruding portion that is provided at an upper end portion of the tubular portion 47A one by one at a position interposed between the two positions across the central axis J and that protrudes toward the upper side Z1. 47B. An annular convex portion 47C that protrudes in the radial direction inner side R2 and extends in the circumferential direction Q and an annular portion that is divided by the convex portion 47C from the upper side Z1 and extends in the circumferential direction Q are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion 47A. Concave portion 47D. The recess 47D is exposed from the lower end surface of the tubular portion 47A to the lower side Z2. The lower portion 47 is housed in the central portion 26 of the water flow generating member 20. The tubular portion 47A is in a state in which the tubular portion 40A of the joint portion 40 is coaxially enclosed. The upper end portions of the respective projections 47B are inserted into the respective insertion holes 40G of the flange portion 40B of the joint portion 40 one by one from the lower side Z2. A fastening member 49 such as a screw is attached to the extending portion 46B of the upper portion 46 and each of the protruding portions 47B, whereby the lower portion 47 is fixed to the upper portion 46. The convex portion 47C is in a state of being opposed to the step 40F of the outer circumferential surface of the tubular portion 40A from the lower side Z2.

Such a lifting portion 42 can be moved up and down between a locking position as shown in FIG. 4 and a releasing position (see FIG. 5) of the upper side Z1 of the locking position. In the elevating portion 42 at the lock position, the upper surface portion of the disk portion 44A of the operation portion 44 is smoothly connected to the peripheral edge portion of the recess portion 21D of the center portion 21A. Further, in the elevating portion 42 at the lock position, the convex portion 47C of the lower portion 47 is located at the same position as each of the lock portions 41 in the vertical direction Z, and the respective lock portions 41 are pressed from the radially outer side R1 to make portions of the respective lock portions 41. The inner circumferential surface of the first concave portion 40C of the joint portion 40 protrudes toward the radially inner side R2. Further, in the elevating portion 42 at the lock position, the positioning portion 44C of the outer peripheral portion of the lower end surface of the tubular portion 44B of the operation portion 44 is placed at the peripheral edge portion of the insertion hole 21F of the bottom of the recess portion 21D. Thereby, the cover member 21 is positioned with respect to the water flow generating member 20 in the up and down direction Z so as not to be offset from the upper side Z1. The release position will be described in detail later.

An urging member 50 such as a spring is disposed between the tubular portion 40A of the joint portion 40 and the tubular portion 47A of the lower portion 47. The urging member 50 is at the gap between the portion of the upper side Z1 of the convex portion 47C and the radial direction R of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 40A on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 47A, with the convex portion 47C and the step 40F of the cylindrical portion 40A at The state in which the vertical direction Z is compressed is arranged, and the force is applied to the lifting portion 42 while the lower side Z2 is always biased. The tubular portion 47A is coupled to the tubular portion 40A by the biasing member 50, and the lifting portion 42 is always biased toward the locked position. It should be noted that if the lifting portion 42 is biased toward the locking position due to its own weight, the force can be omitted. Member 50.

As described above, in the water flow generation unit 6, the water flow generation member 20 and the cover member 21 are coupled via the lock release mechanism 22. In this state, the water flow generating member 20 and the cover member 21 are rotatable relative to each other about the central axis J. Further, the water flow generating unit 6 can be detached with respect to the washing tub 4.

In the case where the water flow generating unit 6 is attached to the washing tub 4, first, the user opens the door 3 to open the opening portion 4C of the washing tub 4 to the upper side Z1 (refer to FIG. 1). Then, the user moves the water flow generating unit 6 by grasping the disk portion 44A of the operation portion 44 in which the lifting portion 42 is in the locked position state with the finger, and accommodates it from the opening portion 4C of the washing tub 4 to the internal space 4A of the washing tub 4. . It should be noted that the outer diameter of the cover member 21 of the water flow generating unit 6 is the same as or smaller than the inner diameter of the washing tub 4 of the opening portion 4C, so that the water flow generating unit 6 can directly pass through the opening portion 4C. The user can easily grasp the disk portion 44A by inserting a finger into the recess 21E (see also FIG. 3) located around the disk portion 44A in the central portion 21A of the cover member 21 of the water flow generating unit 6. Therefore, the user can move the water flow generating unit 6 with one hand.

The user who has lowered the water flow generation unit 6 in the internal space 4A raises the lift portion 42 to the release position shown in FIG. 5 by pulling the operation portion 44 to the upper side Z1. At this time, in the upper portion 46 of the connecting portion 45 of the lifting portion 42, the extending portion 46B of the space 35 disposed on the lower side Z2 of the central portion 21A of the cover member 21 rises in the space 35 in the center portion 21A that is directly above. Between the extending portion 46B in the space 35 and the central portion 21A, a gap 51 (see FIG. 4) that is wider than the rising distance from the locked position of the lifting portion 42 to the releasing position is secured. Therefore, the extending portion 46B smoothly rises in the gap 51, whereby the lifting portion 42 can be reliably raised to the releasing position.

In the lifting portion 42 of the release position, the disk portion 44A of the operation portion 44 is in a state of protruding from the concave portion 21D of the central portion 21A of the cover member 21 toward the upper side Z1. Further, in the lower portion 47 of the connecting portion 45 of the lifting portion 42 at the release position, the convex portion 47C is displaced to the upper side Z1 of each of the locking portions 41, and the concave portion 47D is located at the same position as each of the locking portions 41 in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, each of the lock portions 41 moves to the radially outer side R1 and is received by the recess 47D, whereby the inner peripheral surface of the first recess 40C of the joint portion 40 does not protrude.

The water flow generation unit 6 in which the user places the lift portion 42 in the released position state is further lowered in the internal space 4A of the washing tub 4. Thus, referring to Fig. 6, the engaging portion 12A of the drive shaft 12 attached to the bottom wall 11 of the washing tub 4 is sequentially inserted into the first recess 40C and the second recess 40D of the joint portion 40 of the water flow generating unit 6 from the lower side Z2. Thus, the intermediate portion 12B of the drive shaft 12 is from the lower side Z2 and the inside of the joint portion 40. The step 40J between the first concave portion 40C of the circumferential surface and the second concave portion 40D is in contact. In addition, each of the engaging portions 21P of the outer peripheral portion of the cover member 21 of the water flow generating unit 6 is fitted into the slit 13C of the lower support member 13 fixed to the inside of the washing tub 4 one by one from the upper side Z1, and is engaged with the washing tub 4. Thereby, the cover member 21 is positioned in the circumferential direction Q. Further, the outer opposing portion 21C of the cover member 21 is placed in the lateral portion 13B of the support member 13, whereby the cover member 21 is also positioned in the vertical direction Z. When the engaging portion 12A of the drive shaft 12 is thus inserted into the second recess 40D, the water flow generating unit 6 stops descending. At this time, each of the lock portions 41 of the water flow generation unit 6 is located at the same position as the groove 12C of the intermediate portion 12B in the vertical direction Z.

Next, when the user leaves the finger from the operation portion 44 of the water flow generation unit 6, as shown in FIG. 6, the elevation portion 42 is lowered to the lock position by the urging force of the urging member 50 (refer to FIG. 4). In this way, since the convex portion 47C of the lower portion 47 of the connecting portion 45 of the lifting portion 42 presses the respective locking portions 41 from the radially outer side R1, a part of each locking portion 41 is radially outward from the inner circumferential surface of the first concave portion 40C of the joint portion 40. The inner side R2 protrudes and is fitted into the groove 12C of the drive shaft 12. Thereby, the joint portion 40 cannot be fixed relative to the drive shaft 12 in the vertical direction Z. That is, the lock release mechanism 22 having the respective lock portions 41 is a so-called spherical shutter mechanism. Further, in the drive shaft 12, the engaging portion 12A having a substantially polygonal cross section is inserted into the second recess 40D having the same cross section as the engaging portion 12A at the joint portion 40, whereby the joint portion 40 cannot be opposed to the drive shaft 12 is fixed in the circumferential direction relative to the movement. Therefore, the joint portion 40 is coupled by being locked to the drive shaft 12, and the water flow generating member 20 can be supported by the drive shaft 12 integrally rotating about the central axis J.

The water flow generating unit 6 thus locked to the drive shaft 12 at the joint portion 40 is disposed at the lower end portion of the inner space 4A of the washing tub 4 and surrounded by the longitudinal portion 13A of the support member 13, and in the water flow generating unit 6, the water flow generating member 20 is Attached to the state of the drive shaft 12. In the water flow generating unit 6, the respective outlets 21M of the outer peripheral portion of the cover member 21 face the lower end portion of the inner peripheral surface 4B of the washing tub 4 from the radially inner side R2, and the second projecting portion 21O of the upper end portion of each of the outflow ports 21M is in the slave The radially inner side R2 and the inner peripheral surface 4B are opposed to each other with a gap 52 therebetween.

When the door 3 (see FIG. 1) is opened, when the user pulls the operation portion 44 of the water flow generating unit 6 attached to the washing tub 4 to the upper side Z1, the lifting portion 42 is raised to the release position (refer to FIG. 5). . Thus, since the lock portions 41 of the water flow generating unit 6 are separated from the groove 12C of the drive shaft 12 to the radially outer side R1, the lock of the drive shaft 12 by the water flow generating unit 6 is released. Therefore, when the user continues to pull the operating portion 44 to the upper side Z1, the water flow generating unit 6 ascends, and the engaging portion 12A of the drive shaft 12 is from the water. The second recess 40D of the joint 40 of the flow generating unit 6 and the first recess 40C are separated. Thereby, the water flow generating member 20 of the water flow generating unit 6 is detached from the drive shaft 12. Then, when the user moves the water flow generating unit 6 to the upper side Z1 of the opening portion 4C of the washing tub 4, the water flow generating unit 6 is in a state of being completely detached from the washing tub 4.

Thus, when the operation portion 44 of the water flow generating unit 6 is operated up and down by the user, the lock releasing mechanism 22 composed of the joint portion 40, the lock portion 41, and the lift portion 42 or the joint portion 40 is locked with the drive shaft 12, or is released. locking. Thereby, the water flow generating member 20 can be detachably attached to the drive shaft 12, and the water flow generating unit 6 can be detachably attached to the washing tub 4.

In particular, in the water flow generation unit 6, the cover member 21 is in a state of being positioned in the vertical direction Z with respect to the water flow generation member 20 by the positioning portions 40I and 44C of the lock release mechanism 22. Therefore, when the water flow generating unit 6 is disengaged, when the user grasps the operating portion 44 after the unlocking of the joint portion 40 and the drive shaft 12 is released, the cover member 21 and the water flow generating member 20 pass through the lock release mechanism 22. In the integrated state, the entire water flow generating unit 6 (see FIG. 3) is raised and detached from the washing tub 4. Further, when the water flow generating unit 6 is attached, if the user lowers the entire water flow generating unit 6 to the lower side region 4E in the washing tub 4 and operates the operating portion 44, the joint portion 40 is relatively driven by the lock releasing mechanism 22. The shaft 12 is locked, whereby the water flow generating member 20 is attached to the drive shaft 12, and the water flow generating unit 6 is integrally attached to the washing tub 4. In this way, since the entire water flow generating unit 6 can be moved together, the water flow generating member 20 and the cover member 21 can be easily attached and detached with respect to the washing tub 4, and the covering member 21 can be prevented from being forgotten when the water flow generating unit 6 is attached.

Next, the washing operation performed in the washing machine 1 will be described. The washing operation includes a washing process, a rinsing process after the washing process, and a dehydration process. The rinsing process as well as the dehydration process can be carried out multiple times, in which case the dehydration process can also be carried out after each rinsing process.

Before the start of the washing operation, the user opens the door 3 (refer to FIG. 1) to open the opening portion 4C of the washing tub 4 to the upper side Z1, and the laundry S is closed from the opening portion 4C in the internal space 4A of the washing tub 4, and the door 3 is closed. . At this time, the detergent can be put into the internal space 4A as needed. Then, when the user operates an operation portion (not shown) such as a switch provided on the surface of the door 3, the washing process starts.

At the beginning of the washing process, water supply to the internal space 4A of the washing tub 4 is performed by a water supply mechanism (not shown) provided, for example, at the door 3. The water supply mechanism includes a water supply path connected to the faucet and a water supply valve that opens/closes the water supply path by the control of the control unit 24. It should be noted that the laundry S is as described above. When it is put into the washing tub 4, it is also possible to supply water by injecting water stored in, for example, a water tub into the washing tub 4. In the case where the washing tub 4 can be detachably attached to the casing 2, the washing tub 4 previously stored in the internal space 4A may be attached to the casing 2 before the start of the washing operation. In this case, washing The tub 4 itself is a bucket.

When water is stored in the internal space 4A of the washing tub 4 to a predetermined water level, the driving of the motor 5 is started, and the transmission shaft 15 is driven to rotate (refer to FIG. 1). Thereby, in the water flow generation unit 6, the water flow generation member 20 coupled to the transmission shaft 15 via the drive shaft 12 has the central axis J as the rotation axis, and the drive shaft 12 and the transmission shaft 15 are integrally driven to rotate. At this time, the washing tub 4 is in a stationary state.

As the water flow generating member 20 rotates, all the blade portions 27 of the water flow generating member 20 also rotate. In this way, in the water passage 29 between the adjacent blade portions 27, the water is pressed to the radially outer side R1 by the centrifugal force, and flows out from the outflow port 21M of the outer opposing portion 21C of the cover member 21. Since the outflow port 21M is disposed facing the inner peripheral surface 4B of the washing tub 4, the water flowing out from the outflow port 21M is changed toward the inner peripheral surface 4B of the washing tub 4, and is directed toward the water flow generating member 20 and the upper side Z1 of the cover member 21. flow. The water located in the upper side Z1 of the water flow generating member 20 and the cover member 21 in the internal space 4A of the washing tub 4 passes through the inflow port 21H of the upper opposing portion 21B of the cover member 21, and flows into the water passage 29.

As a result, in the internal space 4A of the washing tub 4, a flow of water circulating between the inflow port 21H and the outflow port 21M is generated outside the water path 29 (see the thick broken line arrow in Fig. 6). Therefore, the laundry S in the washing tub 4 is gently lifted and lowered by the water flow. In particular, since the water from the inflow port 21H easily flows in the water path 29 opened to the upper side Z1, the flow rate of the water flow can be increased to promote the lifting and lowering of the laundry S. Therefore, in the washing machine 1, the washing of the laundry S by the hand washing in the past is effectively realized. As a result of the above, even the delicate laundry S which is easily deformed can be cleaned without damage, and the cleaning effect can be improved. Here, the inflow port 21H of the upper opposing portion 21B of the cover member 21 may not be formed in the central portion 21A of the cover member 21, but from the center of the line segment L connecting the outer peripheral edge of the cover member 21 and the central axis J. The area LA (refer to FIG. 5) is distributed over the entire outer peripheral portion of the cover member 21. Thereby, since the laundry S can be uniformly moved up and down on the outer peripheral side of the cover member 21, the deformation of the laundry S can be further reduced. Further, in the case where the detergent is supplied to the internal space 4A, the dirt of the laundry S is decomposed by the detergent.

Here, the first protruding portion 21N that protrudes toward the radially outer side R1 at both end portions of the outflow port 21M in the circumferential direction Q suppresses the water of the water passage 29 from flowing out from the outflow port 21M to the circumferential direction Q in accordance with the rotation of the water flow generating member 20. Thereby, the swirling flow around the central axis J of the internal space 4A of the washing tub 4 is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the laundry S from being damaged or entangled by contact with the inner peripheral surface 4B of the washing tub 4 by the swirling flow. In addition, when the rotation direction of the water flow generation member 20 is only one of clockwise and counterclockwise in a plan view, it is not necessary to provide the first projection at both end portions of the circumferential direction Q at each of the outflow ports 21M. In the portion 21N, the first protruding portion 21N may be provided only at the end portion on the downstream side in the rotational direction. Further, the first protruding portion 21N may be brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface 4B of the washing tub 4 so that there is no gap of the radial direction R therebetween, and in this case, the generation of the swirling flow can be further suppressed.

Further, the second projecting portion 21O that protrudes toward the radially outer side R1 at the upper end portion of the outflow port 21M suppresses the occurrence of a water flow that is suddenly required to rise from the outflow port 21M. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the laundry S caused by the direct contact between the water flow and the laundry S. However, since the gap 52 of the radial direction R is secured between the second projecting portion 21O and the inner peripheral surface 4B of the washing tub 4, the water flowing out from the outflow port 21M can rise through the gap 52. Therefore, even if the second projecting portion 21O is provided, the flow of water circulating between the inflow port 21H and the outflow port 21M for washing the laundry S in the washing tub 4 can be reliably generated.

Further, since the cover member 21 is positioned in the up-and-down direction Z with respect to the water flow generating member 20 by the positioning portions 40I and 44C, the upper side opposing portion 21B of the cover member 21 is divided from the upper side Z1 in the water flow generating member 20. The dimension D of the vertical direction Z of each of the water passages 29 is stabilized. Thereby, since each water passage 29 can flow a stable amount of water flow, the water flow circulating between the inflow port 21H and the outflow port 21M can be stably generated. Thereby, the washing machine 1 can exhibit stable washing performance.

In the water flow generating unit 6, the cover member 21 is in a state in which the water flow generating member 20 that is rotating in the inner space 4A is covered from the upper side Z1. Since the laundry S in the washing tub 4 is disposed on the upper side Z1 of the cover member 21, it is possible to prevent the laundry S from coming into contact with the rotating water flow generating member 20 and being damaged.

Further, the cover member 21 is positioned in the circumferential direction Q about the central axis J by the engagement portion 21P provided in the cover member 21 engaging with the washing tub 4 at any one of the slits 13C of the support member 13. Thereby, the restriction cover member 21 is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the water flow generating member 20 or the flow of water in the washing tub 4. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the laundry S from coming into contact with the rotating cover member 21 and being damaged.

Here, as the wiping portion of the cover member 21 and the rotating water flow generating member 20, the bottom of the concave portion 21D of the central portion 21A of the cover member 21 and the positioning portion 44C of the water flow generating member 20 side can be cited as other wipes. The movable portion can cite the lower end of the tubular portion 21G of the cover member 21 and the positioning portion 40I on the side of the water flow generating member 20. The friction between the water flow generating member 20 and the cover member 21 is provided at these wiping portions. The reduced friction reducing member 55. The friction reducing member 55 includes an annular friction reducing member 55A that is provided at the bottom of the recess 21D and that is in contact with the positioning portion 44C from the lower side Z2 in the circumferential direction Q (see also FIG. 2); and the annular friction reduction The member 55B is provided in the positioning portion 40I and is in contact with the tubular portion 21G from the lower side Z2 in the circumferential direction Q. Each of the friction reducing members 55 is formed of a low friction resin such as POM (polyoxymethylene) or a fluororesin. Since the friction between the water flow generating member 20 and the cover member 21 is lowered by the friction reducing member 55, the abrasion of the water flow generating member 20 or the cover member 21 of these sliding portions can be suppressed.

In the rotation of the water flow generating member 20, the disk portion 44A of the operation portion 44 exposed from the cover member 21 to the upper side Z1 is also rotated about the central axis J, but the upper surface portion of the disk portion 44A is The curved surface that smoothly protrudes and bends to the upper side Z1 is not easily caught even if the laundry S comes into contact with the upper surface portion of the disk portion 44A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the laundry S from coming into contact with the disk portion 44A to cause damage.

Then, when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the washing process, the driving rotation of the water flow generating member 20 is stopped. The dirt of the laundry S flows out from the drain port 4D of the washing tub 4 to the outside of the washing tub 4 by the water in the washing tub 4, and is discharged to the outside through the drain passage 2C of the bottom wall 2B of the cabinet 2 (refer to Fig. 1). . Thereby, the washing process ends. In addition, a drain valve (not shown) which is closed for water storage and opened for draining is provided in the drain passage 2C or the drain port 4D. Further, in the washing tub 4, a part of the water located on the upper side Z1 of the water flow generating unit 6 can pass through the slit 13C of the supporting member 13 in the washing tub 4 to reach the drain port 4D.

In the rinsing process, the water flow generation unit 6 rotates in a state where the water is again stored in the washing tub 4, so that the water flow generated by the rotation of the laundry S by the water flow generating unit 6 is rinsed. During the dehydration process, the support shaft 14 is driven to rotate, so that the washing tub 4 coupled to the support shaft 14 is rotationally driven at a high speed. Thus, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the washing tub 4 is squeezed out from the laundry S and discharged to the outside of the machine. After the dehydration process, the user opens the door 3 of the cabinet 2 and takes out the washed laundry S.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

For example, the shape or position of the positioning portions 40I and 44C for positioning the cover member 21 with respect to the water flow generating member 20 in the vertical direction Z can be arbitrarily changed. In short, the cover member 21 and the water flow generating member 20 are in a state of being hooked somewhere in the up and down direction Z so that the water flow generating unit 6 can be moved in an overall state.

Further, as the lock release mechanism 22 of the water flow generating unit 6, a mechanism other than the above-described spherical shutter mechanism can be used.

Further, as described above, the weak laundry S is washed by the water flow generation unit 6, and as shown in Fig. 7, another water flow generation unit 60 corresponding to the use of washing using, for example, mechanical force may be present. The water flow generating unit 60 has a disk-shaped main body 61 and the above-described lock releasing mechanism 22, wherein the disk-shaped main body 61 has a central axis coinciding with the central axis J, and the outer peripheral portion of the upper surface portion of the main body 61 is upward. The plurality of raised portions 61A of the Z1 protrusions are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction Q. As long as the function of the lock release mechanism 22 of the water flow generating unit 60 is the same as that of the lock release mechanism 22 of the water flow generating unit 6, for example, the details of the shape of the operation portion 44 may be different. In the washing machine 1, instead of causing the water flow generating unit 6 to be detached from the washing tub 4, the water flow generating unit 60 is attached to the washing tub 4. In the washing process in the case of using the water flow generating unit 60, in the internal space 4A of the washing tub 4, the laundry S located on the upper side Z1 of the water flow generating unit 60 comes into contact with the ridge portion 61A of the rotating water flow generating unit 60, or It is stirred by the flow of water generated in the internal space 4A by the water flow generating unit 60. In this case, the dirt is removed from the laundry S by mechanical force.

In addition, the washing machine 1 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be configured to have, for example, a water tub (not shown) that accommodates the washing tub 4 and can store water.

Description of the reference signs:

1 washing machine

4 washing bucket

4A interior space

4B inner circumference

4E lower area

20 water flow generating member

21 cover member

21B upper opposite part

21C outer opposite part

21H inflow

21M outlet

21N first protrusion

21O second protrusion

27 blade parts

29 Waterway

52 clearance

J center axis

Q circumferential direction

R radial

R1 radially outer side

R2 radially inside

S Washing

Z up and down direction

Z1 upper side

Claims

A washing machine comprising:

a bottomed cylindrical washing tub having an internal space for containing laundry and storing water;

a water flow generating member disposed in a lower side region of the inner space, generating a water flow in the inner space by being driven to rotate, the water flow generating member having a plurality of circumferential directions arranged around a rotation axis of the water flow generating member And a blade portion extending away from the rotation axis, and a water passage sandwiched by the circumferentially adjacent blade portions and open to the upper side; and

The cover member has an upper opposing portion that faces the water passage from the upper side and an outer opposing portion that faces the water passage from the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis, in the internal space The cover member covers the water flow generating member from the upper side, and the cover member is formed with an inflow port penetrating the upper opposite portion in the vertical direction and passing through the outer opposite portion in the radial direction. An outflow port facing the inner peripheral surface of the washing tub.
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein

The cover member is provided with a first protruding portion that protrudes outward in the radial direction at the circumferential end of the outflow port.
A washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The cover member is provided with a second protruding portion that protrudes outward in the radial direction at an upper end portion of the outflow port.
The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein

The second protrusion faces the inner circumference of the washing tub with a gap from the inner side in the radial direction.