JP7150266B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to washing machines.

In a general washing machine, ordinary laundry is washed in a standard course, and fragile and delicate laundry is washed in a special course, a so-called dry course, which is different from the standard course.

If ordinary laundry and delicate laundry can be washed together in a common washing course in a washing machine, it is possible to reduce the labor and time required to wash these laundry separately, thereby saving water and energy. can.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine capable of washing ordinary laundry and delicate laundry together.

In the present invention, the stirring member includes a main body and a lid, and the main body is surrounded by a lower member having a circular upper surface and a tapered surface that rises upward from the peripheral edge of the lower member and decreases in diameter as it goes upward. a middle member having a substantially cylindrical inner peripheral surface and having a circular upper opening at its upper end; It is detachable from the main body so that it can be in a closed state and a state in which the upper opening is opened when it is removed. A sub-accommodating space for accommodating the laundry is provided surrounded by the substantially cylindrical inner peripheral surface and the lower surface of the lid, and the sub-accommodating space of the stirring member is in a state in which the outer tub is filled with water. 2. A vertical washing machine characterized in that it is submerged in pooled water .

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a drain hole is provided at an end portion of the inner surface portion that is farthest from the axis line for discharging water in the sub-accommodating space when the washing tub rotates for dehydration. .

Further, according to the present invention, the inner surface portion has a bottom surface portion that closes the sub-accommodating space from below, the bottom surface portion is provided with an inclined surface portion that is inclined downward, and the lower end of the inclined surface portion is characterized in that a drain hole is provided for draining moisture in the sub-accommodating space.

According to the present invention, in the washing machine, the main accommodation space of the washing tub can accommodate ordinary laundry, and the sub-accommodation space provided inside the agitating member for agitating the laundry in the main accommodation space , Since delicate laundry can be accommodated, ordinary laundry and delicate laundry can be washed together.

Further, according to the present invention, the portion of the inner surface of the agitating member surrounding the sub-housing space is formed in a dome shape that is convexly curved upward, so that the laundry in the sub-housing space comes into contact with this portion. It is possible to suppress damage by

In addition, according to the present invention, when the washing tub rotates for dehydration, centrifugal force around the axis of the washing tub acts on water in the sub-accommodating space, causing the water to move away from the axis. By discharging this moisture from the drain hole provided at the end furthest from the axis on the inner surface of the stirring member, the delicate laundry in the sub-receiving space can be effectively dewatered.

Further, according to the present invention, the water that has not been drained from the drain hole in the sub-accommodating space is drained from the drain hole provided at the lower end of the inclined surface portion of the bottom surface portion that closes the sub-accommodating space from below in the stirring member. can be discharged.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a stirring member included in the washing machine, viewed from above. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the stirring member as seen from below. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a stirring member.

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. First, the outline of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to the vertical direction Z in FIG. In the vertical direction Z, which is the vertical direction, the upper side is called an upper side Z1, and the lower side is called a lower side Z2. Note that the washing machine 1 includes not only a washing machine that performs washing operation, rinsing operation, and spin-drying operation, but also a washing/drying machine that performs drying operation. The washing machine 1 includes a box-shaped housing 2 , an outer tub 3 , a washing tub 4 , a motor 5 , a water pumping channel 6 and an agitating member 7 arranged in the housing 2 .

The outer tank 3 is made of resin, for example, and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with a bottom wall 3A provided at its lower end. An opening 3B is formed at the upper end of the outer tub 3 . Water such as tap water, bath water, and a liquid in which detergent is dissolved is stored in the outer tub 3 from the bottom wall 3A side.

The washing tub 4 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom that is one size smaller than the outer tub 3 . The washing tub 4 has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 4B having an inlet 4A at its upper end, and a disk-shaped bottom wall 4C closing the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4B from the bottom Z2. For example, the circumferential wall 4B is made of metal, and the bottom wall 4C is made of metal at the center of the circle and made of resin at the outer circumference. The outer edge of the bottom wall 4C is formed in a cylindrical shape bent upward Z1 and may be regarded as the lower end of the circumferential wall 4B. The bottom wall 4C and the lower end portion connected to the bottom wall 4C at the circumferential wall 4B form a bottom portion 4D of the washing tub 4. As shown in FIG. In the washing tub 4, a substantially cylindrical inner space surrounded by the circumferential wall 4B, blocked from the lower side Z2 by the bottom wall 4C, and opened from the doorway 4A to the upper side Z1 is called a main storage space 4E. The washing tub 4 is coaxially accommodated in the outer tub 3 and supported by the bottom wall 3A of the outer tub 3 . The washing tub 4 in this state is rotatable around an axis J extending in the vertical direction Z through the center of the circle of the washing tub 4 . Such a washing machine 1 is a vertical washing machine in which the washing tub 4 is arranged vertically.

The axis J of the washing tub 4 is also the center of the outer tub 3, and the rotation direction of the washing tub 4 coincides with the circumferential direction P around the axis J. Hereinafter, the radial direction centered on the axis J will be referred to as the radial direction R, the side facing the axis J in the radial direction R will be referred to as the radial inner side R1, and the side away from the axis J will be referred to as the radial outer side R2. It says. Both the circumferential direction P and the radial direction R are directions along the horizontal direction H.

The inlet/outlet 4A of the washing tub 4 is in communication with the opening 3B of the outer tub 3 . The opening 3B and the entrance/exit 4A are collectively opened and closed by a door 8 provided in the housing 2, for example. A user of the washing machine 1 can put laundry in and out of the washing tub 4 through the opened entrance 4A. A through hole 4F is formed in each of the circumferential wall 4B and the bottom wall 4C, and water in the outer tub 3 can flow between the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 via the through hole 4F. As a result, the washing tub 4 is filled with water from the bottom wall 4C side so that the water level becomes the same as that of the outer tub 3 . The water accumulated in the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 is drained out of the machine through a drainage channel 9 connected to the bottom wall 3A of the outer tub 3.

An inner peripheral surface 4G of the circumferential wall 4B is the inner peripheral surface of the washing tub 4. As shown in FIG. A circumferential direction P is a direction in which the inner circumferential surface 4G extends. An annular balancer 10 extending in the circumferential direction P is attached to the upper end of the inner peripheral surface 4G. The balancer 10 reduces vibration of the washing tub 4 during rotation, and a cavity 10A inside the balancer 10 accommodates liquid such as salt water to contribute to vibration reduction.

The motor 5 is arranged inside the housing 2 on the lower side Z2 of the bottom wall 3A of the outer tub 3 at the center of the circle. The output shaft of the motor 5 branches into a tubular first output shaft 5A extending upward Z1 along the axis J and a second output shaft 5B inserted with play into the first output shaft 5A. The motor 5 can selectively output driving force from either the first output shaft 5A or the second output shaft 5B. The first output shaft 5A extends upward Z1 and penetrates the central portion of the bottom wall 3A. The upper end of the first output shaft 5A is connected to the washing tub 4 by being fixed to the bottom wall 4C of the washing tub 4 . When the motor 5 is driven and the driving force is transmitted to the first output shaft 5A, the washing tub 4 rotates.

A single or a plurality of pumping channels 6 are provided. In this embodiment, two pumping channels 6 with different structures are provided, ie, a pumping channel 6A and a pumping channel 6B. Each pumping channel 6 is thin in the radial direction R and elongated in the vertical direction Z, and is installed between the balancer 10 and the bottom wall 4C of the washing tub 4 so as to extend along the vertical direction Z. 4 from the radially inner side R1. A channel 11 extending in the vertical direction Z is formed between the pumping channel 6 and the inner peripheral surface 4G. The lower end of the flow path 11 opens at the bottom 4D side of the washing tub 4 as an inlet (not shown). An outlet 11A of the channel 11 is provided on the surface of the radially inner side R1 of each pumping channel 6 . The outlet 11A of the pumping channel 6A is formed in a slit shape elongated in the circumferential direction P provided at the upper end portion of the surface of the pumping channel 6A. The outlet 11A of the pumping channel 6B is provided in the middle of the vertical direction Z on the surface of the pumping channel 6B. A detergent inlet 6C communicating with the channel 11 and a cover 12 are provided at a position higher than the outlet 11A on the surface of the pumping channel 6B. The cover 12 can open and close the detergent inlet 6C by rotating around its lower end.

The stirring member 7 is a so-called pulsator, but unlike a general disk-shaped pulsator, it is a substantially hemispherical hollow body protruding upward Z1. The stirring member 7 is provided at the bottom portion 4D of the washing tub 4 and arranged coaxially with the washing tub 4 inside the washing tub 4 . Therefore, the central axis of the stirring member 7 and the axis J coincide with each other. The upper end portion of the second output shaft 5B of the motor 5, which protrudes upward Z1 from the first output shaft 5A, penetrates the bottom wall 4C of the washing tub 4 and is attached to the circle center portion of the stirring member 7. When the motor 5 is driven and the driving force is transmitted to the second output shaft 5B, the stirring member 7 as a whole rotates around the axis J. As shown in FIG.

2, which is an exploded perspective view of the stirring member 7 viewed from the upper side Z1, and FIG. 3, which is an exploded perspective view of the stirring member 7 viewed from the lower side Z2, the stirring member 7 includes a main body 13, and lid 14 . Body 13 includes lower member 15 , cap 16 , middle member 17 , upper member 18 and bolt 19 . For example, the cap 16 and the later-described packing 27 are made of rubber, and the bolt 19 is made of metal, but all other members of the stirring member 7 are made of resin and may be transparent or translucent.

The lower member 15 is shaped like a disc having a central axis that coincides with the axis J. As shown in FIG. An insertion hole 15A penetrating through the lower member 15 in the vertical direction Z is formed at the center of the circle of the lower member 15 . The lower surface of the lower member 15 has a circular tubular boss 15B that surrounds the insertion hole 15A and protrudes downward Z2, an annular rib 15C that surrounds the boss 15B and protrudes downward Z2, and radially extending from the rib 15C. A plurality of blades 15</b>D extending vertically and arranged in the circumferential direction P are integrally provided. The insertion hole 15A opens downward Z2 from the lower end surface of the boss 15B. A plurality of bosses 15E protruding downward Z2 are arranged in the circumferential direction P at regular intervals, for example, on the outer peripheral portion of the lower surface portion of the lower member 15 . Each boss 15E is arranged between adjacent blades 15D one by one. Each boss 15E is formed with an insertion hole 15F passing through the boss 15E in the vertical direction Z. As shown in FIG.

The upper surface portion of the lower member 15 has a circular bottom surface portion 15G and an annular outer edge portion 15H that is a flat surface along the horizontal direction H and surrounds the bottom surface portion 15G. The bottom surface portion 15G is provided with a raised portion 15I positioned at the center of the circle, and an inner inclined surface portion 15J and an outer inclined surface portion 15K as examples of inclined surface portions. The protruding portion 15I is formed in a substantially truncated cone shape that protrudes toward the upper side Z1 while decreasing in diameter, and the above-described insertion hole 15A and an annular groove 15L surrounding the insertion hole 15A are formed on the upper surface thereof. be.

The inner inclined surface portion 15J is formed in an annular shape surrounding the raised portion 15I, and is inclined downward Z2 from the raised portion 15I toward the radially outer side R2. The outer inclined surface portion 15K is formed in an annular shape surrounding the inner inclined surface portion 15J, and is inclined downward Z2 toward the radially inner side R1 from the outer edge portion 15H and connected to the inner inclined surface portion 15J. The lower end of the inner inclined surface portion 15J is also the lower end of the outer inclined surface portion 15K. These drainage holes 15M are arranged in a zigzag pattern so that the positions of adjacent ones in the radial direction R are alternately shifted.

A plurality of recessed portions 15N recessed downward Z2 are arranged in the circumferential direction P at equal intervals, for example, on the outer peripheral portion of the outer inclined surface portion 15K. The insertion hole 15F described above is exposed to the upper side Z1 from the bottom of each recess 15N. A plurality of drainage holes 15P penetrating through the lower member 15 in the vertical direction Z are provided at the radially outer R2 end portion of the outer inclined surface portion 15K. For example, two drainage holes 15P are arranged between adjacent recesses 15N. Each drainage hole 15P is disposed between adjacent blades 15D on the lower surface of the lower member 15. As shown in FIG.

The lower member 15 is arranged along the horizontal direction H and faces the bottom wall 4C of the washing tub 4 from the upper side Z1 (see FIG. 1). The lower member 15 is surrounded by the outer edge of the bottom wall 4C, but the lower member 15 is not in contact with the bottom wall 4C, that is, the bottom 4D of the washing tub 4. The upper end of the second output shaft 5B of the motor 5 is inserted through the insertion hole 15A in the boss 15B of the lower surface of the lower member 15 from the lower side Z2 (see FIG. 1). The bolt 21 is inserted from the upper side Z1 through the insertion hole 15A of the raised portion 15I in the upper surface of the lower member 15, and assembled to the second output shaft 5B inside the boss 15B (see FIG. 1). As a result, the entire stirring member 7 and the second output shaft 5B are coupled together so as to be rotatable. At this time, the inlet (not shown) at the lower end of each pumping channel 6 faces the blade 15D on the lower surface portion of the lower member 15 from the radially outer side R2.

The cap 16 is formed in a disc shape having approximately the same size as the upper surface of the raised portion 15I. The upper surface of the cap 16 may be convexly curved upward Z1. The outer edge of the cap 16 is provided with a claw-shaped engaging portion 16A projecting downward Z2. A single or a plurality of engaging portions 16A are provided. In this embodiment, a plurality of engaging portions 16A are arranged at regular intervals and fit into the grooves 15L of the raised portion 15I to engage with the raised portion 15I. Thereby, the cap 16 is fixed to the raised portion 15I, and covers the upper surface portion of the raised portion 15I and the head of the bolt 21 described above from the upper side Z1 (see FIG. 1).

The intermediate member 17 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having a central axis that coincides with the axis J. As shown in FIG. In the outer peripheral surface 17A of the intermediate member 17, the lower end portion is a cylindrical surface whose outer diameter is substantially constant over the entire area in the vertical direction Z, but the portion above the lower end portion is smooth toward the upper side Z1. is a spherical surface with a diameter reduced to . A plurality of protruding portions 17B that protrude radially outward R2 are integrally provided at the lower end portion of the outer peripheral surface 17A. In this embodiment, pairs of two adjacent projecting portions 17B are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction P at regular intervals. A notch 17C extending in the circumferential direction P and slightly notching the lower edge of the middle member 17 toward the upper side Z1 is formed between the set of projecting portions 17B and another set adjacent to this set. A plurality of notches 17C are present and arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction P. As shown in FIG. As a result, the lower edge of the middle member 17 extends in the circumferential direction P while being alternately uneven. In each protruding portion 17B, the upper surface is flat along the horizontal direction H, and the side surface of the radially outer side R2 is curved so as to shift toward the radially inner side R1 toward the lower side Z2. A recess is formed that is recessed inward in the direction R1. Therefore, the side surface is formed in a substantially U-shape in which the vertical direction is reversed when viewed from the radially outer side R2.

An upper end surface 17D connected to the upper end of the outer peripheral surface 17A of the intermediate member 17 is annular and extends along the horizontal direction H. As shown in FIG. A circular upper opening 17E surrounded by an upper end face 17D is formed at the upper end of the middle member 17. As shown in FIG. In the inner peripheral surface 17F of the intermediate member 17, the substantially lower half is a tapered surface whose diameter decreases toward the upper side Z1, and the substantially upper half is a tapered surface whose diameter decreases toward the upper side Z1. (see also FIG. 4 described later). A lower end of the intermediate member 17 is formed with a circular lower opening 17G surrounded by the lower edge of the inner peripheral surface 17F.

The intermediate member 17 is placed on the bottom surface portion 15G of the lower member 15 . In this state, the radially outer R2 side surface of each projecting portion 17B of the middle member 17 contacts the outer peripheral portion of the outer inclined surface portion 15K of the bottom surface portion 15G from the upper side Z1 while following the curve of the outer peripheral portion. Each recessed portion 15N in the outer inclined surface portion 15K is arranged between two protrusions 17B in any pair formed by two adjacent protrusions 17B. Each notch 17C on the lower edge of the intermediate member 17 is arranged at a position aligned in the circumferential direction P with two drainage holes 15P between adjacent recesses 15N. A portion between the notches 17C adjacent to each other on the lower edge of the middle member 17 contacts the middle portion of the radially inner side R1 of the drain hole 15P in the outer inclined surface portion 15K from the upper side Z1. Therefore, the inner peripheral surface 17F of the intermediate member 17 rises from the intermediate portion of the outer inclined surface portion 15K and extends while curving radially inward R1 (see FIG. 4). Further, the lower opening 17G of the intermediate member 17 is closed from the lower side Z2 by the lower member 15, but is opened radially outward R2 from each notch 17C.

The upper member 18 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having a central axis aligned with the axis J. As shown in FIG. On the outer peripheral surface of the upper member 18, a plurality of protrusions 18A are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction P, and one recess 18B is provided between adjacent protrusions 18A. Each convex portion 18A is formed in a streaky shape that connects the lower end portion and the upper end portion of the upper member 18 and rises radially outward R2. A plurality of through holes 18C are formed in an upper region of each convex portion 18A. Each concave portion 18B is formed in a groove shape that connects the lower end portion and the upper end portion of the upper member 18 and is recessed radially inward R1. The upper end portion of the upper member 18 is formed with a circular entrance 18D and an annular groove 18E extending in the circumferential direction P surrounding the entrance 18D from the radially outer side R2. The upper end portion of the upper member 18 is provided with an annular rib 18F that extends in the vertical direction Z while being disposed between the inlet/outlet 18D and the groove 18E and edging them.

In the inner peripheral surface of the upper member 18, the portions that coincide with the convex portions 18A in the circumferential direction P are formed in a concave shape that is recessed radially outward R2, and the portions that coincide with the concave portions 18B in the circumferential direction P are formed in a radial direction. It is formed in a convex shape protruding to the inner side R1. Projecting portions 18G that are longitudinal in the circumferential direction P and project radially inward R1 along the horizontal direction H are provided at portions of the lower end surface of the upper member 18 that coincide with the recesses 18B. A plurality of projecting portions 18G are present and arranged in the circumferential direction P at regular intervals. Each projecting portion 18G is provided with a boss 18H projecting downward Z2. The boss 18H is formed with a threaded hole 18I extending from its lower end surface to the upper side Z1. An opening 18J is formed in the lower end surface of the upper member 18 so as to open the inner space of the upper member 18 to the lower side Z2 while being surrounded by the projecting portions 18G.

The upper member 18 covers the middle member 17 placed on the bottom surface portion 15G of the lower member 15 from the upper side Z1. In this state, the upper end of the upper member 18 provided with the entrance 18D contacts the upper end surface 17D surrounding the upper opening 17E of the intermediate member 17 from the upper side Z1, and the entrance 18D communicates with the upper opening 17E from the upper side Z1. (See Figure 4). Further, each projecting portion 18G of the upper member 18 contacts the upper surface of any pair of two projecting portions 17B in the middle member 17 from the upper side Z1, and the boss 18H of each projecting portion 18G contacts the two projecting portions 17B. , and fits into one of the concave portions 15N in the bottom portion 15G of the lower member 15. As shown in FIG. The insertion holes 15F exposed from the recesses 15N in the lower member 15 communicate with the screw holes 18I on the lower end surface of the boss 18H from the lower side Z2.

The bolts 19 are inserted one by one from the lower side Z2 into the insertion holes 15F exposed from the lower end surfaces of the bosses 15E in the lower surface of the lower member 15, and assembled into the screw holes 18I. Thereby, the upper member 18 is fixed to the lower member 15 with the middle member 17 sandwiched therebetween, and the main body 13 of the stirring member 7 is completed. Instead of using the bolts 19, the upper member 18 may be fixed to the lower member 15 by adhesion, welding, or the like. In addition, each boss 18H of the upper member 18 is positioned between the two protruding portions 17B in each set of the intermediate member 17, so that the intermediate member 17 is positioned in the circumferential direction P, and the lower member 15 and the upper member 15 are aligned. It is fixed relative to member 18 . In the main body 13, an annular outer edge portion 15H of the lower member 15 is arranged to protrude radially outward R2 in a flange shape.

The lid 14 includes a lid body 25 , a lid cover 26 and packing 27 . The lid body 25 is formed in a disc shape having a central axis that coincides with the axis J. As shown in FIG. A circular groove 25A extending along the circumferential direction P and a substantially cylindrical gripping portion 25B surrounded by the groove 25A are provided in the central portion of the top surface of the lid body 25 . A plurality of partitions 25C that cross the groove 25A in the radial direction R are arranged in the circumferential direction P at regular intervals in the groove 25A. The lid body 25 is formed with a plurality of through holes 25</b>D penetrating the lid body 25 in the vertical direction Z. As shown in FIG. The outer edge of the lid body 25 has an inner cylindrical portion 25E bent downward Z2 and an outer cylindrical portion 25F surrounding the upper end of the inner cylindrical portion 25E. As a result, an annular groove 25G extending in the circumferential direction P while recessing upward Z1 between the inner cylindrical portion 25E and the outer cylindrical portion 25F is formed in the outer edge portion of the lid body 25 (see also FIG. 4). . In the inner cylindrical portion 25E, an L-shaped locking groove 25H extending in the circumferential direction P by extending from the lower edge of the outer peripheral surface to the upper side Z1 and then bending at a substantially right angle is formed on the outer peripheral surface below the upper end portion. be done. A single or a plurality of locking grooves 25H are provided, and in this embodiment, the plurality of locking grooves 25H are arranged in the circumferential direction P at regular intervals.

The lid cover 26 is formed in a disc shape. The lower surface portion 26A of the lid cover 26 may be convexly curved upward Z1. The outer edge of the lid cover 26 is provided with a claw-shaped engaging portion 26B projecting upward Z1. A single or a plurality of engaging portions 26B are provided, and in this embodiment, the plurality of engaging portions 26B are arranged at equal intervals. The lid cover 26 is arranged coaxially with the lid body 25 . Each engaging portion 26B engages with an engaging hole 25I (see FIG. 3) provided in the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 25E of the lid body 25 one by one. Thereby, the lid cover 26 is integrated with the lid body 25 .

An O-ring, for example, can be used as the packing 27 . The packing 27 is fitted into the groove 25G on the outer edge of the lid body 25, and is integrated with the lid body 25 while being placed on the bottom of the groove 25G (see also FIG. 4).

A user grasps the grip portion 25B of the lid 14 with one hand and lowers it toward the entrance 18D of the upper member 18 of the main body 13 . Then, the outer cylindrical portion 25F of the lid main body 25 enters the groove 18E around the entrance 18D in the upper member 18 from the upper side Z1, and conversely, the rib 18F between the entrance 18D and the groove 18E in the upper member 18 moves into the lid. It enters the groove 25G in the outer edge of the main body 25 from the lower side Z2. At this time, the protrusion 18K (see FIG. 2) provided in the groove 18E of the upper member 18 enters the locking groove 25H of the lid body 25 from the lower side Z2. After that, when the user holding the grip portion 25B rotates the lid 14 around the axis J, the projection 18K enters the horizontal portion extending in the circumferential direction P in the locking groove 25H and cannot move in the vertical direction Z. , the lid 14 is attached to the upper member 18 while closing the entrance 18D. Thereby, the stirring member 7 is completed. Since the rib 18F is in contact with the packing 27 in the groove 25G, the lid 14 is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction. When the user grips the grip portion 25B with one hand and rotates the lid 14 in the opposite direction to move it upward Z1, the protrusion 18K is disengaged from the locking groove 25H, so that the lid 14 can be separated from the main body 13. .

Referring to FIG. 4, which is a longitudinal sectional view of the completed stirring member 7, a sub-accommodating space 7A is provided inside the stirring member 7. As shown in FIG. The sub accommodation space 7A is a space separate from the main accommodation space 4E in the washing tub 4. As shown in FIG. The stirring member 7 has an inner surface portion 7B constituted by a bottom surface portion 15G of the lower member 15, an upper surface portion of the cap 16, an inner peripheral surface 17F of the intermediate member 17, and a lower surface portion 26A of the lid cover 26 of the lid 14. is provided. A portion of the inner surface portion 7B surrounding the sub-receiving space 7A is formed in a dome shape convexly curved upward Z1. Therefore, the sub-accommodating space 7A itself is also formed in a dome shape convexly curved upward Z1. The bottom surface portion 15G and the upper surface portion of the cap 16 close the sub-accommodating space 7A from the lower side Z2, the inner peripheral surface 17F closes the sub-accommodating space 7A from the radial outer side R2 and the upper side Z1, and the lower surface portion 26A closes the inner side. The sub-accommodating space 7A is closed from the upper side Z1 while being continuous with the inner peripheral edge of the upper side Z1 in the peripheral surface 17F. The end portion of the radially outer side R2 provided with the drainage hole 15P in the outer inclined surface portion 15K of the bottom surface portion 15G is the end portion farthest from the axis J in the inner surface portion 7B. Between the outer peripheral surface 17A of the intermediate member 17 and each convex portion 18A of the upper member 18, one drainage channel 7C is formed, which curves radially inward R1 toward the upper side Z1. Each drain channel 7C communicates with the outside of the stirring member 7 via the through hole 18C of the projection 18A. The lower end of each drainage channel 7C communicates with the sub-receiving space 7A via a notch 17C located at the same position in the circumferential direction P on the lower edge of the intermediate member 17. As shown in FIG.

Next, washing performed by the washing machine 1 will be described. The washing described below is washing in a general standard course. Referring to FIG. 1, prior to starting the washing operation, the user opens the door 8 and puts the laundry in the washing tub 4 through the entrance 4A. When the laundry includes delicate laundry that is easily torn or loses its shape, the user removes the lid 14 of the stirring member 7 from the main body 13 to open the doorway 18D and remove the delicate laundry. After accommodating in the sub-accommodating space 7A of the stirring member 7 through the inlet/outlet 18D, the lid 14 is attached to the main body 13 to close the inlet/outlet 18D. Also, the user stores ordinary laundry other than delicate laundry in the main storage space 4E of the washing tub 4 through the entrance 4A. The ratio of delicate laundry to the total laundry to be washed at one time is, for example, around 10%.

The thickness of the outer cylindrical portion 25F and the width of the groove 18E are set so that the outer cylindrical portion 25F of the lid 14 attached to the main body 13 can enter the groove 18E of the main body 13 with play (see FIG. 4). This play allows the lid 14 to be smoothly attached to and detached from the main body 13, prevents rattling noise between the lid 14 and the main body 13, and allows the lid to be closed when the laundry protrudes from the sub-receiving space 7A through the entrance 18D. 14 is set to a size that cannot be attached. Further, in the sub-accommodating space 7A, the cap 16 covers the head of the bolt 21 from the upper side Z1 as described above, so that the laundry is prevented from coming into contact with the bolt 21 and being damaged.

The user who puts in all the laundry closes the door 8. - 特許庁Before and after loading the laundry, the user opens the cover 12 of the water pumping channel 6B and loads the detergent into the channel 11 from the detergent inlet 6C of the water pumping channel 6B. The water in which the detergent is dissolved is stored in the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 as washing water. At this time, part of the washing water flows into the sub-receiving space 7A of the stirring member 7 from the lower side Z2 through the drainage holes 15M (see FIG. 4) of the lower member 15 of the stirring member 7. As shown in FIG. Also, part of the washing water passes through the drainage hole 15P of the lower member 15 of the stirring member 7 and the notch 17C of the middle member 17, or through the through hole 18C of the upper member 18, the drainage channel 7C and the notch 17C. It also flows into the sub-accommodating space 7A from the radially outer side R2 (see FIG. 4). As a result, the washing water is accumulated in the washing tub 4 not only in the main accommodation space 4E but also in the sub-accommodation space 7A. When the washing water flows into the sub-receiving space 7A, the air in the sub-receiving space 7A flows out through the through hole 25D (see FIG. 4) of the lid body 25, so that the washing water can be smoothly stored in the main housing. The space 4E can be filled. In this case, the lid cover 26 of the lid 14 may be provided with a ventilation hole (not shown) for smoothly guiding the air in the sub-accommodating space 7A to the through hole 25D.

When the washing water is accumulated in the main housing space 4E and the sub-housing space 7A, the stirring member 7 rotates while the washing tub 4 is stationary, and the ordinary laundry on the stirring member 7 in the main housing space 4E rotates. It is stirred by the convex portion 18A of the upper member 18 of the stirring member 7. As shown in FIG. Further, the washing water accumulated in the bottom portion 4D of the washing tub 4 is sent into each pumping channel 6 by the vane 15D of the lower member 15 of the rotating agitating member 7, rises in the channel 11, and reaches the exit of each pumping channel 6. It is discharged from 11A and poured onto the laundry in the main storage space 4E. It should be noted that the detergent introduced from the detergent inlet 6C into the channel 11 is effectively dissolved in water by the rotating blades 15D. The laundry in the main storage space 4E is washed by being agitated, being showered with washing water, or being decomposed by the detergent contained in the washing water. Further, along with the rotation of the stirring member 7, a water flow of washing water is generated within the sub-accommodating space 7A. Therefore, the delicate laundry in the sub-accommodating space 7A is washed by being agitated by the water flow, being showered with the washing water, and being decomposed by the detergent contained in the washing water.

After a predetermined time has passed since the rotation of the stirring member 7 was started, the rotation of the stirring member 7 is stopped, and the water in the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 is discharged. At this time, the washing water that has flowed into the sub-accommodating space 7A flows out of the stirring member 7 through the drainage holes 15M and the drainage holes 15P (see FIG. 4) of the stirring member 7. As shown in FIG. When draining is completed, the washing operation ends.

In the rinsing operation after the washing operation, tap water is accumulated as rinsing water in the outer tub 3, the washing tub 4 and the stirring member 7, and then the stirring member 7 rotates while the washing tub 4 remains stationary. As a result, the laundry in the main storage space 4E is agitated in the rinsing water by the agitating member 7 and rinsed by being showered with the rinsing water from the pumping channel 6. - 特許庁Also, the delicate laundry in the sub-accommodating space 7A of the stirring member 7 is rinsed by the rinsing water flow generated in the sub-accommodating space 7A by the rotation of the agitating member 7. As shown in FIG. After a predetermined time has passed since the start of rotation of the stirring member 7, the rotation of the stirring member 7 is stopped, and when the water in the outer tub 3, the washing tub 4 and the stirring member 7 is discharged, the rinsing operation ends.

The dewatering operation is performed as final dehydration after the rinsing operation, but may be performed as intermediate dehydration immediately after the washing operation. In the dehydration operation, the washing tub 4 is integrated with the stirring member 7 and rotated at high speed. As a result, water seeps out from the laundry in the main storage space 4E and is discharged from the through hole 4F of the washing tub 4. - 特許庁At this time, referring to FIG. 4 , moisture seeps out from the laundry in the sub-accommodating space 7A of the stirring member 7, moves radially outward R2, passes through the cutout 17C of the middle member 17, and is mainly It is discharged from the drainage hole 15P of the outer inclined surface portion 15K of the bottom surface portion 15G (see the dashed arrow). After passing through the notch 17C, the moisture in the sub-accommodating space 7A may rise up the drainage channel 7C and be discharged from the through hole 18C of the projection 18A of the upper member 18 (see the dashed-dotted line arrow). In addition, the water in the sub-accommodating space 7A that has not been drained from the drain hole 15P and the through hole 18C is naturally drained by dropping through the drain hole 15M formed at the bottom of the bottom surface portion 15G. . When the final dehydration is finished, washing in the washing machine 1 is finished. The user opens the door 8, takes out the laundry in the main storage space 4E from the entrance 4A of the washing tub 4, removes the lid 14 of the stirring member 7, and takes out the laundry in the sub-storage space 7A from the entrance 18D.

As described above, in the washing machine 1, the main storage space 4E of the washing tub 4 can accommodate ordinary laundry, and the sub-chamber 7 provided inside the agitating member 7 for agitating the laundry in the main storage space 4E. Since delicate laundry can be stored in the storage space 7A, normal laundry and delicate laundry can be washed together in one standard course. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of time, power, and water required when washing delicate laundry separately in the dry course in which the maximum number of rotations of the motor 5 in the washing operation is set lower than in the standard course. Therefore, in the washing machine 1, the dry course itself can be omitted.

The inner surface portion 7B of the stirring member 7 surrounding the sub-accommodating space 7A has a dome shape convexly curved upward Z1. It is possible to suppress damage caused by contact with 7B. The inner peripheral surface 17F of the intermediate member 17, which is a part of the inner surface portion 7B, is configured by a tapered surface, but may be a spherical surface. In addition, since the sub accommodation space 7A has a smaller diameter than the main accommodation space 4E in the washing tub 4, the vibration of the stirring member 7 during rotation is small. Therefore, noise due to the vibration of the stirring member 7 is reduced, and the laundry in the sub-housing space 7A can be prevented from moving around more than necessary due to the vibration, so that damage to the laundry can be further suppressed. Furthermore, since the sub-accommodating space 7A is located in the lower part of the washing tub 4, even if the laundry is a small item that easily floats in water, the entire laundry is soaked in the sub-accommodating space 7A. Since it can be washed, it can be washed so as to have the same finish as in the case of the dry course described above.

When the washing tub 4 rotates for dehydration, a centrifugal force around the axis J of the washing tub 4 acts on water in the sub-accommodating space 7A, causing the water to move away from the axis J. By discharging this moisture from the drain hole 15P provided at the end farthest from the axis J in the inner surface portion 7B of the stirring member 7, the delicate laundry in the sub-housing space 7A can be effectively dehydrated. can be done. Further, as described above, the sub-accommodating space 7A has a smaller diameter than the main accommodating space 4E, and the capacity of the sub-accommodating space 7A is relatively small. The centrifugal force acting on the laundry can be reduced. As a result, damage to the laundry can be suppressed to the same extent as in the case of the dry course described above.

The lower ends of the inner inclined surface portion 15J and the outer inclined surface portion 15K provided on the bottom surface portion 15G that closes the sub-accommodating space 7A from the lower side Z2 of the agitating member 7 allow the water that has not been drained from the drain hole 15P in the sub-accommodating space 7A to be removed. By dropping from the drain hole 15M, the water can be reliably drained.

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

For example, the main body 13 of the stirring member 7 can be divided into the lower member 15, the cap 16, the middle member 17 and the upper member 18, but these may be integrally formed.

Further, although the axis J of the washing tub 4 is along the vertical direction in the above-described embodiment, it may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

1 Washing Machine 3 Outer Tub 4 Washing Tub 4D Bottom 4E Main Storage Space 7 Stirring Member 7A Sub-Storage Space 7B Inner Surface 15G Bottom 15J Inner Slanted Surface 15K Outer Slanted Surface 15M Drain Hole 15P Drainage Hole J Axis Z Vertical Z1 Top Z2 bottom

Claims (3)

an outer tank in which water is stored;
a washing tub rotatable around an axis extending in the vertical direction and accommodated in the outer tub, the washing tub having a main accommodation space for accommodating laundry;
an agitating member provided at the bottom of the washing tub and agitating the laundry in the main storage space by rotating around the axis;
The stirring member includes a main body and a lid,
The main body includes a lower member having a circular upper surface, and a substantially cylindrical inner peripheral surface surrounded by a tapered surface rising upward from the peripheral edge of the lower member and decreasing in diameter toward the upper side. a middle member having an aperture;
The lid is disc-shaped and has a central axis that coincides with the axis, and is attached to and detached from the main body so as to cover the upper opening when it is attached and open the upper opening when it is removed. is enabled and
A sub-receiving space for storing laundry surrounded by the upper surface of the lower member partitioned by the main body and the lid, the substantially cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the intermediate member, and the lower surface of the lid is provided,
A vertical washing machine, wherein the sub-receiving space of the stirring member is submerged in water when the outer tub is filled with water . 2. The vertical washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a drain hole for draining water in the sub-accommodating space when the washing tub rotates for dehydration is provided at the end portion of the inner surface portion that is farthest from the axis. . The inner surface portion has a bottom portion that closes the sub-accommodating space from below,
The bottom surface portion is provided with an inclined surface portion inclined downward,
3. The vertical washing machine according to claim 2, wherein a drain hole for draining water in said sub-receiving space is provided at the lower end of said inclined surface portion.

Images