U.S. patent application number 15/533642 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-16 for washing machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is HAIER ASIA CO., LTD., QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Tamotsu KAWAMURA, Haruo MAMIYA, Naoto NISHIURA, Takuo TAKENAKA, Hiroyuki TANAKA.
Application Number | 20170327994 15/533642 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56106680 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170327994 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TANAKA; Hiroyuki ; et
al. |
November 16, 2017 |
WASHING MACHINE
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a washing machine capable of
sprinkling water on washings contained in a washing tank without
dead angle. The washing machine includes an outer tank capable of
storing water, a cylindrical washing tank contained in the outer
tank, used for containing the washings and capable of rotating, and
a water path for absorbing water stored in the outer tank and
discharging the water into the washing tank from an upper side. The
washing tank is provided with through holes for allowing water to
flow between the washing tank and the outer tank. Discharging ports
for discharging water into the washing tank from the upper side
through the water path are arranged around whole area of the
circumferential direction S of the washing tank.
Inventors: |
TANAKA; Hiroyuki; (Tokyo,
JP) ; TAKENAKA; Takuo; (Tokyo, JP) ; KAWAMURA;
Tamotsu; (Tokyo, JP) ; MAMIYA; Haruo; (Tokyo,
JP) ; NISHIURA; Naoto; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HAIER ASIA CO., LTD.
QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD. |
Tokyo
Shandong |
|
JP
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
56106680 |
Appl. No.: |
15/533642 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
November 26, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN2015/095670 |
371 Date: |
June 6, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 37/12 20130101;
D06F 34/28 20200201; D06F 39/088 20130101; D06F 37/36 20130101;
D06F 37/304 20130101; D06F 39/085 20130101; D06F 37/267 20130101;
D06F 37/245 20130101; D06F 39/083 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/08 20060101
D06F039/08; D06F 37/30 20060101 D06F037/30; D06F 37/12 20060101
D06F037/12; D06F 37/24 20060101 D06F037/24; D06F 39/00 20060101
D06F039/00; D06F 37/36 20060101 D06F037/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 9, 2014 |
JP |
2014-249099 |
Claims
1. A washing machine, comprising: an outer tank capable of storing
water; a cylindrical washing tank contained in the outer tank,
having through holes for allowing water to flow between the washing
tank and the outer tank, used for containing the washings and
capable of rotating; and a water path for absorbing water stored in
the outer tank and discharging the water into the washing tank from
an upper side, wherein discharging ports for discharging water into
the washing tank from the upper side through the water path are
arranged around whole area of a circumferential direction of the
washing tank.
2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the washing
machine comprises trimming parts for trimming local parts of the
discharging ports, and the trimming parts are separated from the
water path.
3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the washing
machine comprises a cover forming the outer tank; and the cover is
also used as at least one part of the water path.
4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the washing
machine comprises a dispersing unit; and the dispersing unit is
used for dispersing and discharging water absorbed from the water
path to a central side and an outer circumferential side of the
washing tank from the discharging ports.
5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the
discharging unit comprises ribs; and the ribs are arranged in the
water path and are used for distributing water from the discharging
ports to the central side and the outer circumferential side of the
washing tank.
6. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the dispersing
unit comprises a changing unit for changing a rotating speed of the
washing tank.
7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the washing
machine comprises light sources lighted according to an operating
state of the washing machine.
8. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the washing
machine comprises a cover forming the outer tank; and the cover is
also used as at least one part of the water path.
9. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the washing
machine comprises a dispersing unit; and the dispersing unit is
used for dispersing and discharging water absorbed from the water
path to a central side and an outer circumferential side of the
washing tank from the discharging ports.
10. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the
discharging unit comprises ribs; and the ribs are arranged in the
water path and are used for distributing water from the discharging
ports to the central side and the outer circumferential side of the
washing tank.
11. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the
discharging unit comprises ribs; and the ribs are arranged in the
water path and are used for distributing water from the discharging
ports to the central side and the outer circumferential side of the
washing tank.
12. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the
dispersing unit comprises a changing unit for changing a rotating
speed of the washing tank.
13. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the
dispersing unit comprises a changing unit for changing a rotating
speed of the washing tank.
14. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the
dispersing unit comprises a changing unit for changing a rotating
speed of the washing tank.
15. The washing machine according to claim 11, wherein the
dispersing unit comprises a changing unit for changing a rotating
speed of the washing tank.
16. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the washing
machine comprises light sources lighted according to an operating
state of the washing machine.
17. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the washing
machine comprises light sources lighted according to an operating
state of the washing machine.
18. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the washing
machine comprises light sources lighted according to an operating
state of the washing machine.
19. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the washing
machine comprises light sources lighted according to an operating
state of the washing machine.
20. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the washing
machine comprises light sources lighted according to an operating
state of the washing machine.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a U.S. National Stage Entry of
International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2015/095670, filed Nov.
26, 2015, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application
No. 2014-249099, filed Dec. 9, 2014, the disclosures of which are
hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The washing machine in the following patent literature 1 has
an impeller arranged at a bottom of the washing tank and one or
more circulating water paths arranged at a side wall of the washing
tank. A back blade is arranged on a back surface of the
impeller.
[0004] When the back blade of the impeller rotates, washing water
from the back surface of the impeller passes through the
circulating water path, is discharged into the washing tank from
the discharging ports at an upper end of the circulating water path
and is sprinkled onto clothes in the washing tank.
EXISTING TECHNICAL LITERATURE
Patent Literature
[0005] Patent literature 1: Japan specifically disclosed No.
10-33883 Bulletin
PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] In the washing machine of the patent literature 1, under a
condition that only one circulating water path is arranged, the
discharging port only exists at one circumferential position of the
washing tank. Under a condition that a plurality of circulating
water paths are arranged, a plurality of discharging ports are
configured at intervals in the circumferential direction of the
washing tank. Therefore, the washing water discharged from all the
discharging ports only can reach limited positions in the
circumferential direction in the washing tank. In this way, the
washing water is hard to wholly sprinkle onto the clothes in the
washing tank.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present disclosure is completed on the basis of the
background and aims at providing a washing machine capable of
sprinkling water on washings contained in a washing tank without
dead angle.
SOLUTION FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS
[0008] The present disclosure provides a washing machine, including
an outer tank capable of storing water, a cylindrical washing tank
contained in the outer tank, having through holes for allowing
water to flow between the washing tank and the outer tank, used for
containing the washings and capable of rotating, and a water path
for absorbing water stored in the outer tank and discharging water
into the washing tank from the upper side. Discharging ports for
discharging water into the washing tank from the upper side through
the water path are arranged around the whole area of the
circumferential direction of the washing tank.
[0009] In addition, the present disclosure includes trimming parts
for trimming local parts of the discharging ports. The trimming
parts are separated from the water path.
[0010] In addition, the present disclosure includes a cover forming
the outer tank. The cover is also used as at least one part of the
water path.
[0011] In addition, the present disclosure includes a dispersing
unit. The dispersing unit is used for dispersing and discharging
water absorbed from the water path to a central side and an outer
circumferential side of the washing tank from the discharging
ports.
[0012] In addition, in the present disclosure, the dispersing unit
includes ribs. The ribs are arranged in the water path and are used
for distributing water from the discharging ports to the central
side and the outer circumferential side of the washing tank.
[0013] In addition, in the present disclosure, the dispersing unit
includes a changing unit for changing a rotating speed of the
washing tank.
[0014] In addition, the present disclosure includes light sources
lighted according to an operating state of the washing machine.
EFFECTS OF DISCLOSURE
[0015] According to the present disclosure, in the washing machine,
the washing tank for containing washings is rotatably contained in
the outer tank. Water in the outer tank generates centrifugal force
and the like with the rotation of the washing tank. Therefore, the
water path absorbs water stored in the outer tank. The discharging
ports on the water path discharge water absorbed from the upper
side into the washing tank. Water in the washing tank can flow
between the washing tank and the outer tank through the through
holes of the washing tank. Therefore, water can be used for washing
while circulating, so that water can be saved.
[0016] Since the discharging ports are arranged around the whole
area of the circumferential direction of the cylindrical washing
tank, water can be discharged into the washing tank from the whole
area of the circumferential direction of the washing tank.
Therefore, water can be sprinkled on the washings contained in the
washing tank without dead angle from the whole area of the
circumferential direction of the washing tank.
[0017] In addition, a great amount of water can be discharged by
the discharging ports arranged around the whole area of the
circumferential direction of the washing tank. Thus, when the
washings are cleaned, due to strong falling of a great amount of
water discharged from the discharging ports into the washing tank,
a water potential in a falling process of water can be used for
foaming detergent in the washing tank. Therefore, the washings can
be cleaned effectively by the foamed detergent. Furthermore, due to
strong falling of a great amount of water discharged from the
discharging ports into the washing tank, the mechanical force
acting on the washings is increased, and the cleaning capability of
the washing machine can be improved. Besides, since the washings
can be rinsed efficiently by a great amount of water discharged
from the upper side into the washing tank, the time of rinsing
operation can be shortened.
[0018] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the local
parts of the discharging ports are trimmed by the trimming parts
separated from the water path. Therefore, under a condition of
blockage of the discharging ports due to dirt and the like, even
though the water path is not split, the discharging ports can be
widened by bending the trimming parts, thereby realizing easy
cleaning for the discharging ports.
[0019] In addition, according to the present disclosure, since the
cover forming the outer tank is also used as one part of the water
path, the quantity of parts can be reduced.
[0020] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the
dispersing unit disperses and discharges water absorbed from the
water path to the central side and the outer circumferential side
of the washing tank. Therefore, water can be further sprinkled onto
the washings in the washing tank from the discharging ports without
dead angle. Thus, the washings can be cleaned or rinsed more
effectively.
[0021] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the
dispersing unit also can be ribs arranged in the water path.
[0022] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the
centrifugal force generated by water in the outer tank can be
adjusted by utilizing the changing unit to change the rotating
speed of the washing tank. Thus, the potential of water absorbed
from the water path can be adjusted. Therefore, water with strong
potential can be discharged to the central side of the washing tank
from the discharging ports or water with weak potential can be
discharged to the outer circumferential side from the discharging
ports.
[0023] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the light
sources are lighted according to the operating state of the washing
machine. Therefore, the operating state of the washing machine can
be visually transferred to a user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a stereoscopic diagram illustrating an internal
structure of a washing machine 1 of one embodiment observed from an
upper side in the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a vertical section view illustrating an internal
structure of the washing machine 1;
[0026] FIG. 3 is an enlarged diagram of a part represented by III
in FIG. 2;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the washing machine 1
observed from an upper side;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating removal of a cover from an
outer tank in the washing machine 1 of FIG. 4;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first variation example
of the present disclosure applied in FIG. 5;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second variation example
of the present disclosure applied in FIG. 3;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a third variation example
of the present disclosure applied in FIG. 3;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a fourth variation example
of the present disclosure applied in FIG. 2;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth variation example
of the present disclosure applied in FIG. 2;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a sixth variation example
of the present disclosure applied in FIG. 5.
A LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0035] 1: washing machine; 3: outer tank; 4: water path; 5: washing
tank; 23: through hole; 29: dispersing unit; 33: control part; 40:
cover; 43: discharging port; 61: first rib; 62: second rib; 63:
trimming part; 64: trimming part; 81: light source; 82: light
source; 83: light source; S: circumferential direction; Z1: upper
side.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] An implementation mode of the present disclosure is
described in detail below with reference to drawings. FIG. 1 is a
stereoscopic diagram illustrating an internal structure of a
washing machine 1 of one embodiment observed from an upper side in
the present disclosure.
[0037] It should be noted that a gesture of the washing machine 1
in FIG. 1 prevails under a condition of mentioning directions of
the washing machine 1. An up-down direction in FIG. 1 is consistent
with an up-down direction Z (vertical) of the washing machine 1. In
the up-down direction Z, an upper side is called as an upper side
Z1 and a lower side is called as a lower side Z2. A left-right
direction in FIG. 1 is consistent with a left-right direction X of
the washing machine 1. In the left-right direction X, a left side
is called as a left side X1 and a right side is called as a right
side X2. A direction orthogonal to the up-down direction Z and the
left-right direction X is a front-rear direction Y of the washing
machine 1. In the front-rear direction Y, a front side is called as
a front side Y1 and a rear side is called as a rear side Y2. The
left-right direction X and the front-rear direction Y are included
in a horizontal direction H (transverse).
[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes an
enclosure 2, an outer tank 3 and a washing tank 5. The enclosure 2
is a hollow body in a roughly cuboid shape, and the outer tank 3
and the washing tank 5 are contained in the enclosure 2.
[0039] The outer tank 3 is supported by the enclosure 2 through a
plurality of hanger rods (not shown in the drawings) with springs
and damping mechanisms. The outer tank 3 is formed in a cylindrical
shape having an axis extending along the up-down direction Z, and
is made from resin. A circumferential direction of the cylindrical
outer tank 3 is called as a circumferential direction S. In the
circumferential direction S, a clockwise side observed from the
upper side Z1 is called as a clockwise side S1, and an
anticlockwise side observed from the upper side Z1 is called as an
anticlockwise side S2. A radial direction of the outer tank 3 is
called as a radial direction R. In the radial direction R, an inner
side close to the axis of the outer tank 3 is called as a radial
inner side R1, and an outer side far away from the axis is called
as a radial outer side R2.
[0040] The outer tank 3 has a cylindrical side wall 6 extending
along the up-down direction Z, a disc-shaped bottom wall 7
extending flatly along the horizontal direction H and blocking a
lower end of the side wall 6, and a hollow annular wall 8
protruding from an upper end part of the side wall 6 to the radial
inner side R1 around the whole area of the circumferential
direction S. The outer circumferential surface 6A of the side wall
6 is an outer side surface of the outer tank 3. In the outer tank
3, water is stored from the side of the bottom wall 7.
[0041] A round opening 9 divided by the inner circumferential edge
of the annular wall 8 is formed at an upper end of the outer tank
3. Due to the opening 9, the inner part of the outer tank 3 is
exposed to the upper side Z1. The annular wall 8 has a plurality of
(four herein) protrusions 10. The plurality of protrusions 10 are
arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction S. Observed
from the upper side Z1, the protrusions form a roughly triangular
shape from an outer circumferential part of the annular wall 8 to
the radial outer side R2. The protrusions 10 are respectively
configured at four corners of the enclosure 2 forming a roughly
quadrangular shape when being viewed from the upper side. All the
protrusions 10 are hollow.
[0042] The washing tank 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an
axis extending along the up-down direction Z, and is slightly
smaller than the outer tank 3. The washings are contained in the
washing tank 5. The washing tank 5 has a cylindrical side wall 20
made of metal and extending along the up-down direction Z, a
disc-shaped bottom wall 21 made of resin and flatly extending along
the horizontal direction H and blocking the lower end of the side
wall 20, and a balancing ring 22 made of resin and arranged at the
upper end of the washing tank 5. A plurality of through holes 23
are respectively formed in the side wall 20 and the bottom wall
21.
[0043] The balancing ring 22 is an annular hollow body having an
inner space for containing liquid and is arranged coaxially to the
upper end part of the side wall 20. When the washing tank 5 rotates
like the after-mentioned content, the balance of rotation of the
washing tank 5 is maintained by movement of the liquid in the
balancing ring 22. A round opening 24 divided by the inner
circumferential edge of the balancing ring 22 is formed at the
upper end of the washing tank 5. Due to the opening 24, the inner
part of the washing tank 5 is exposed to the upper side Z1.
[0044] The washing tank 5 is contained in the outer tank 3, and is
roughly coaxial to the outer tank 3. Therefore, the circumferential
direction of the washing tank 5 is the above-mentioned
circumferential direction S, and the radial direction of the
washing tank 5 is the above-mentioned radial direction R. The
radial inner side R1 is a direction towards the central axis of the
washing tank 5, and the radial outer side R2 is a direction far
away from the axis of the washing tank 5 and towards the side wall
20 of the outer circumferential side. The opening 24 of the washing
tank 5 is communicated with the opening 9 of the outer tank 3 from
the lower side Z2. The openings 9 and 24 in a communication state
form an access 25 of the washings. A user of the washing machine 1
puts the washings into the washing tank 5 or takes the washings out
of the washing tank 5 through the access 25 from the upper side Z1.
In the washing tank 5 contained in the outer tank 3, the bottom
wall 21 is opposite to the bottom wall 7 of the outer tank 3 from
the upper side Z across a gap.
[0045] Water stored in the outer tank 3 flows between the outer
tank 3 and the washing tank 5 through the through holes in the side
wall 20 and the bottom wall 21 of the washing tank 5. Therefore, a
water level in the outer tank 3 is roughly consistent to that in
the washing tank 5.
[0046] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section view illustrating an
internal structure of the washing machine 1. Specifically, FIG. 2
is a view of the section when a roughly central part of the
left-right direction X of the washing machine 1 observed from the
right part X2 is sectioned along the front-rear direction Y.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, the washing machine 1 includes a motor
30, a transmission shaft 31, a transmission mechanism 32 formed by
a speed reducing mechanism and the like, and a dispersing unit
29.
[0048] The motor 30 is electrically driven to generate torque. The
motor 30 is arranged in the enclosure 2 and configured at the lower
side Z2 of the bottom wall 7 of the outer tank 3. The motor 30 is
provided with an output shaft 34 for outputting torque. The output
shaft 34 extends from the motor 30 to the upper side Z1.
[0049] The transmission shaft 31 penetrates through the circle
center part of the bottom wall 7 of the outer tank 3 and extends
towards the upper side Z1. The transmission shaft 31 is coaxially
arranged with the output shaft 34 at the upper side Z1 of the
output shaft 34. The output shaft 34 and the transmission shaft 31
are connected by the transmission mechanism 32.
[0050] The upper end part of the transmission shaft 31 is connected
with the circle center part of the bottom wall 21 of the washing
tank 5. Torque generated by the motor 30 is transmitted to the
transmission shaft 31 via the output shaft 34 and the transmission
mechanism 32. Therefore, the washing tank 5 rotates together with
the transmission shaft 31 by adopting the transmission shaft 31 as
a center of rotation. A rotating direction of the washing tank 5 is
consistent with the circumferential direction S.
[0051] The dispersing unit 29 is a member for dispersing water to
the central side and the outer circumferential side of the washing
tank 5 and includes a control part 33 as a changing unit. The
control part 33 is a microcomputer including CPU, ROM, RAM and the
like, for example, and is configured in the enclosure 2 (referring
to FIG. 1). The control part 33 is connected with the motor 30 by a
signal circuit not shown in the drawings. The control part 33 can
change the rotating speed of the washing tank 5 by controlling
torque generated by the motor 30.
[0052] Under a state that detergent is dissolved in water stored in
the outer tank 3, the washing operation for the washings contained
in the washing tank 5 is executed by rotation of the washing tank
5. After the washing operation, under a state that the outer tank 3
supplies water, the rinsing operation for the washings contained in
the washing tank 5 is executed by rotation of the washing tank 5.
Under a state of drainage from the outer tank 3, the dewatering
operation for the washings contained in the washing tank 5 is
executed by high-speed rotation of the washing tank 5.
[0053] A plurality of blades 35 protruding towards the lower side
Z2 are integrally arranged on the lower surface 21A of the bottom
wall 21 of the washing tank 5. All the blades 35 form a plate shape
linearly extending along the thin radial direction R in the
circumferential direction S, and are radially configured by
adopting the circle center of the bottom wall 21 as a reference.
The blades 35 are configured in a gap 36 in the up-down direction Z
between the bottom wall 21 and the bottom wall 7 of the outer
groove 3 under a state of non-contacting with the outer tank 3.
[0054] The washing machine 1 includes a water path 4 contained in
the enclosure 2. The water path 4 includes thin and long pipelines
37 made of resin. A plurality of pipelines 37 are arranged on the
outer circumferential surface 6A of the side wall 6 in such a
manner that quantity of pipelines 37 are same (four herein) as that
of the above-mentioned protrusions 10 (referring to FIG. 1). The
pipelines 37 have lower end parts 37A extending out along the
horizontal direction H from the lower end part of the side wall 6
of the outer tank 3 to the radial outer side R2, middle parts 37B
bending from the lower end parts 37A and extending along the outer
circumferential surface 6A towards the upper side Z1, and upper end
parts 37C (referring to FIG. 1) extending from the middle parts 37B
to the upper side X and connected with the protrusions 10 from the
lower side Z2. The middle parts 37B also may not need to extend
linearly along the up-down direction Z, but extend towards the
upper side Z1 while bending or folding as needed.
[0055] Like the protrusions 10, the pipelines 37 are respectively
arranged at the four corners (referring to FIG. 1) of the enclosure
2. All the pipelines 37 have receiving ports 38 at the connecting
parts between the lower end parts 37A and the side wall 6 of the
outer tank 3, and the inner spaces 39 of the pipelines 37 are
communicated with the inner part of the outer tank 3 through the
receiving ports 38, specifically, communicated with the
above-mentioned gap 36.
[0056] Besides the pipelines 37, the water path 4 further includes
an annular wall 8 of the outer tank 3 as a component of the water
path 4. The annular wall 8 includes a cover 40 and a bottom part
41. The cover 40 and the bottom part 41 form a ring shape extending
along the circumferential direction S respectively. The cover 40 is
in a thin plate shape in the up-down direction Z, and the closer to
the radial inner side R1, the more inclination towards the lower
side Z2 relative to the horizontal direction H. The bottom part 41
is in a thin plate in the up-down direction Z, and is configured
along the horizontal direction H. The bottom part 41 is integrated
with the upper end part of the side wall 6 of the outer tank 3.
Therefore, since the cover 40 and the bottom part 41 forming the
annular wall 8 of the outer tank 3 are used as part of the water
path 4, the quantity of the parts can be reduced.
[0057] The cover 40 coaxially covers the bottom part 41 from the
upper side Z1. An inner space 42 is formed between the cover 40 and
the bottom part 41, the inner space 42 is a hollow part of the
annular wall 8 and forms a ring shape extending along the
circumferential direction S.
[0058] FIG. 3 is an enlarged diagram illustrating a part
represented by III in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, a right side of the paper
is a radial inner side R1, and a left side of the paper is a radial
outer side R2.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 3, the cover 40 includes a first part 44
at the radial inner side R1 and a second part 45 continuously
extending from the first part 44 to the radial outer side R2. The
inclination of the cover 40 relative to the horizontal direction H
is different at a boundary of a connecting part 40A of the first
part 44 and the second part 45. Inclination of the first part 44
relative to the horizontal direction H is more inclined than
inclination of the second part 45 relative to the horizontal
direction H. An outer side rib 40B protruding towards the lower
side Z2 is arranged at the end part of the radial outer side R2 of
the cover 40. An outer side rib 41A forming an arc shape protruding
towards the upper side Z1 and extending along the circumferential
direction S is arranged at the end part of the radial outer side R2
of the bottom part 41.
[0060] The outer side rib 40B of the cover 40 is contacted with the
outer side rib 41A of the bottom part 41 from the radial outer side
R2. In the cover 40, the connecting part 40A of the first part 44
and the second part 45 is opposite to the end part 41B of the
radial inner side R1 of the bottom part 41 in a manner of closest
to but not contact with the upper side Z1. An end part 44A of the
radial inner side R1 of the first part 44 is positioned at a lower
side Z3 of the end part 41B of the bottom part 41 and is closer to
the radial inner side R1.
[0061] The inner space 42 of the annular wall 8 includes a first
space 46 closer to the radial inner side R1 than the outer side rib
41A of the bottom part 41 and formed by clamping of the second part
45 and the bottom part 41 of the cover 40 from the up-down
direction Z. The first space 46 is in a ring shape extending along
the circumferential direction S, and with inclination of the second
part 45 of the cover 40, the closer to the radial inner side R1 the
first space 46 is, the narrower in the up-down direction Z the
first space 46 is.
[0062] Gaps between the connecting part 40A and the first part 44
of the cover 40, and the end part 41B of the radial inner side R1
of the bottom part 41 are discharging ports 43. The discharging
ports 43 are formed in an annular slit shape extending along the
circumferential direction S. That is to say, the discharging ports
43 are arranged at the end part of the radial inner side R1 of the
annular wall 8 and around the whole area of the circumferential
direction S. The discharging ports 43 are inclined along the first
part 44 of the cover 40, and face the radial inner side R1 and the
lower side Z2. Due to the discharging ports 43, the first space 46
of the inner space 42 is exposed towards the radial inner side R1
and around the whole area of the circumferential direction S
(referring to FIG. 2).
[0063] FIG. 4 is a diagram of the washing machine 1 observed from
the upper side Z1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating removal of the
cover 40 from the outer tank 3 in FIG. 4.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 4, the cover 40 has protrusions 48
protruding towards the radial outer side R2 to form a roughly
triangular shape. The bottom part 41 has protrusions 49 (referring
to FIG. 5) protruding towards the radial outer side R2 to form a
roughly triangular shape. The protrusions 48 and the protrusions 49
are respectively in a thin plate shape in the up-down direction Z,
and are same with the protrusions 10 in quantity (four, herein).
The four protrusions 48 are arranged at a roughly-equal interval at
the outer circumferential part of the cover 40 and along the
circumferential direction S. The four protrusions 49 are arranged
at a roughly-equal interval at the outer circumferential part of
the bottom part 41 and along the circumferential direction S.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 5, as a part of the outer side rib 41A,
the bottom part 41 is provided with ribs 49A protruding towards the
radial outer side R2. The ribs 49A are arranged at all the
protrusions 49 and form a roughly V shape observed from the upper
side Z1 in a mode of trimming the roughly-triangular protrusions 49
from the radial outer side R2.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 4, in the cover 40 arranged at the bottom
part 41, all the protrusions 48 are respectively overlapped with
the protrusions 49 of the bottom part 41 from the upper side Z1.
The protrusions 48 and 49 in an overlapped state are integrated by
means of screws 51 installed at all the outer edge parts so as to
form the above-mentioned protrusions 10. The cover 40 and the
bottom part 41 are also connected by means of screws 52 installed
at the positions staggered from the protrusions 10 in the
circumferential direction S.
[0067] The inner space 42 of the annular wall 8 includes second
spaces 55 forming hollow parts of the protrusions 10. Referring to
FIG. 5, the second spaces 55 of the protrusions 10 are spaces
formed by clamping of the protrusions 48 and 49 from the up-down
direction Z and blocked by the ribs 49A from the radial outer side
R2, and are communicated with the first space 46 from the radial
outer side R2.
[0068] The inner spaces 39 of all the pipelines 37 are communicated
with the second spaces 55 of the protrusions 10 by connecting parts
56 of the upper end parts 37C and the protrusions 10. The inner
spaces 39 of the pipelines 37 are communicated with the first space
46 by the second spaces 55.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 2, when the washing tank 5 receives torque
of the motor 30 to rotate, the blades 35 of the bottom wall 21 of
the washing tank 5 rotates integrally with the washing tank 5.
Therefore, the blades 35 feed water stored in the outer tank 3,
i.e., water stored in the gap 36 between the bottom wall 21 of the
washing tank 5 and the bottom wall 7 of the outer tank 3, into the
inner spaces 39 from the receiving ports 38 of all the pipelines
37. In addition, water stored in the gap 36 generates centrifugal
force due to rotation of the blades 35 so as to be fed into the
inner spaces 39 from the receiving ports 38 of the pipelines 37.
Water fed into the inner spaces 39 rises in the pipelines 37 by
pushing and pressing of follow-up water.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 5, water rising to the upper end parts 37C
of all the pipelines 37 flows into the second spaces 55
corresponding to the inner space 42 of the annular wall 8. Water
flowing into all the second spaces 55 is guided by the ribs 49A, as
shown by a solid arrow, and flows into the first space 46 when
being radially diffused from the connecting parts 56 to the radial
inner side R1.
[0071] As mentioned above, the closer to the radial inner side R1
the first space 46 is, the narrower in the up-down direction Z the
first space 46 is (referring to FIG. 3). Thus, water flowing into
the first space 46 flows towards the radial inner side R1 without
deviating from any area of the circumferential direction S when
being diffused along the circumferential direction S. Therefore,
seen from the whole circumferential direction S, water flowing from
all the pipelines 37 into the first space 46 through the second
spaces 55 flows towards the radial inner side R1 from the whole
area of the circumferential direction S in the first space 46.
[0072] As mentioned above, the discharging ports 43 positioned at
an end of a water flow towards the radial inner side R1 in the
first space 46 are arranged around the whole area of the
circumferential direction S. Therefore, water flowing from the
whole area of the circumferential direction S to the radial inner
side R1 in the first space 46, as shown by a dotted arrow, is
discharged from the whole area of the circumferential direction S
of the discharging ports 43. Water discharged from the discharging
ports 43, as shown by a dotted arrow in FIG. 2, flows into the
washing tank 5 towards the inclined and lower side from the center
of the washing tank 5 along inclination of the first part 44 of the
cover 40.
[0073] In this way, water stored in the outer tank 3 is absorbed by
the water paths 4, and water absorbed by the water paths 4 is
discharged into the washing tank 5 from the upper side Z1 by the
discharging ports 43 of the water paths 4. Water in the washing
tank 5 flows between the washing tank 5 and the outer tank 3
through the through holes 23 of the washing tank 5.
[0074] Therefore, since water also can be used for washing while in
circulation, water can be saved. As mentioned above, since the
discharging ports 43 are arranged in the whole area of the
circumferential direction S of the cylindrical washing tank 5,
water can be discharged into the washing tank 5 from the whole area
of the circumferential direction S of the washing tank 5. Thus,
water can be sprinkled onto the washings contained in the washing
tank 5 from the whole area of the circumferential direction S of
the washing tank 5 without dead angle.
[0075] In addition, a great amount of water can be discharged by
the discharging ports 43 arranged around the whole area of the
circumferential direction S of the washing tank 5. Therefore, due
to strong falling of a great amount of water discharged from the
discharging ports 43 into the washing tank 5 when the washings are
cleaned, detergent in the washing tank 5 can be foamed by means of
water potential in the falling process of water. Thus, the washings
can be cleaned effectively by means of the foamed detergent.
Besides, due to strong falling of a great amount of water
discharged from the discharging ports 43 into the washing tank 5,
the mechanical force acting on the washings may be increased, and
the cleaning capability of the washing machine can be improved.
Furthermore, the washings can be rinsed efficiently by a great
amount of water discharged from the upper side Z1 into the washing
tank 5, so that the time of rinsing operation can be shortened.
[0076] Moreover, water absorbed from the water paths 4 and water
from the discharging ports 43 can be dispersed and discharged to
the central side (the radial inner side R1) and the outer
circumferential side (the radial outer side R2) of the washing tank
5 by the following structure. For example, the control part 33
(referring to FIG. 2) controls the motor 30 to change the rotating
speed of the washing tank 5, so that the centrifugal force
generated by water in the outer tank 3 can be adjusted, and the
potential of water absorbed from the water paths 4 can be adjusted.
Specifically, the larger the centrifugal force is, the stronger the
potential of water absorbed from the water paths 4 is, and the
smaller the centrifugal force is, the weaker the potential of water
absorbed from the water paths 4 is. Therefore, water with strong
potential can be discharged from the discharging ports 43 to the
central side of the washing tank 5, and water with weak potential
can be discharged to the outer circumferential side of the washing
tank 5. That is to say, water absorbed from the water paths 4 and
water from the discharging ports 43 can be dispersed and discharged
to the central side and the outer circumferential side of the
washing tank 5 by the control part 33 of the dispersing unit 29.
Thus, water can be sprinkled onto the washings in the washing tank
5 from the discharging ports 43 arranged around the circumferential
direction S and the radial direction R in a manner of full range
without dead angle. Thus, the washings can be cleaned or rinsed
more effectively.
[0077] Next, a first variation example about the present disclosure
will be described.
[0078] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the first variation example
of the present disclosure applied in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6, same
reference marks are endowed for members same as the above-described
members so as to omit the description, and the same mode is adopted
in the following FIG. 7-FIG. 11.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 6, in the first variation example, the
dispersing unit 29 includes a pair of first ribs 61 and a pair of
second ribs 62 formed at the bottom part 41 of the annular wall 8
as a part of the water path 4. The pair of first ribs 61 and the
pair of second ribs 62 are arranged in the water path 4.
Corresponding to all the protrusions 49, components (four groups in
total, herein) formed by one pair of first ribs 61 and one pair of
second ribs 62 are respectively arranged one by one. In all the
components, one pair of second ribs 62 is arranged at the position
closer to the clockwise side S1 than one pair of first ribs 61. The
first ribs 61 and the second ribs 62 protrude from the upper
surface of the bottom part 41 to the upper side Z1 respectively and
extend into rib shapes.
[0080] The pair of first ribs 61 extends along the radial direction
R roughly between the end parts 49B of the radial inner sides R1 of
the protrusions 49 and the end part 41B of the radial inner side R1
of the bottom part 41. From the end parts 49B of the radial inner
sides R1 of the protrusions 49, the closer to the end part 41B of
the radial inner side R1 of the bottom part 41 the pair of second
ribs 62 is, the more extension towards the clockwise side S1 the
pair of second ribs 62 is.
[0081] In the pair of first ribs 61, the protrusion 49 at the end
part of the radial outer side R2 of the first rib 61 at the
anticlockwise side S2 is connected with the end part of the
anticlockwise side S2 of the trimming rib 49A. In the pair of
second ribs 62, the end part of the radial outer side R2 of the
second rib 62 at the clockwise side S1 is connected with the end
part of the clockwise side S1 of the rib 49A. The part 62A of the
clockwise side S1 of the second rib 62 is convexly bent towards the
radial outer side R2.
[0082] The end part of the radial outer side R2 of the first rib 61
at the clockwise side S1 in the pair of first ribs 61 is connected
with the end part of the radial outer side R2 of the second rib 62
at the anticlockwise side S2 in the pair of second rib 62 at the
position closer to the radial inner side R1 than the connecting
part 56.
[0083] In the first variation example, a plurality of first spaces
46 (four, herein) are divided in the circumferential direction S.
Each first space 46 includes a space 46A formed by clamping of the
pair of first ribs 61 from the circumferential direction S and a
space 46B formed by clamping of the pair of second ribs 62 from the
circumferential direction S.
[0084] In all the first spaces 46, the spaces 46A extend towards
the radial inner side R1 from the second spaces 55 along the
roughly radial direction R, and from the second spaces 55, the
closer to the radial inner side R1 the spaces 46B are, the more
extension towards the clockwise side S1 the spaces 46B are.
Therefore, a whole body of all the first spaces 46 and the second
spaces 55 communicated with the first spaces 46 from the radial
outer side R2 is divided into two strands in a roughly V shape from
the second spaces 55 to the radial inner side R1 by observation
from the upper side Z1. A distance from the second spaces 55 to the
discharging ports 43 in the spaces 46A is shorter than a distance
from the second spaces 55 to the discharging ports 43 in the spaces
46B.
[0085] Water fed into the water paths 4 by rotation of the washing
tank 5 and rising to the upper end parts 37C of all the pipelines
37 flows into the second spaces 55 of the protrusions 10 of the
annular wall 8 of the outer tank 3. Water flowing into all the
second spaces 55, as shown by a solid arrow, is divided by the
first ribs 61 and the second ribs 62 to flow into the spaces 46A
and the spaces 46B of the first spaces 46 respectively.
[0086] A moving distance of water flowing into the spaces 46A to
the discharging ports 43 is shorter. Therefore, as shown by a
dashed line arrow, water moving in the spaces 46A is discharged
from the discharging ports 43 with almost no loss of water
potential, and is sprinkled onto the washings at the central side
of the washing tank 5.
[0087] The moving distance of water flowing into the spaces 46B to
the discharging ports 43 is longer. Therefore, as shown by a dashed
line arrow, since water in the spaces 46B is discharged from the
discharging ports 43 while water potential is reduced, water cannot
reach the central side of the washing tank 5, but flows along the
clockwise side S1 and is sprinkled onto the washings at the outer
circumferential side of the washing tank 5.
[0088] In this way, by means of the plurality of first ribs 61 and
the plurality of second ribs 62 arranged in the water paths 4,
water discharged from the discharging ports 43 can be distributed
to the central side and the outer circumferential side of the
washing tank 5. Therefore, water can be sprinkled onto the washings
in the washing tank 5 from the discharging ports 43 without dead
angle, so that the washings can be cleaned or rinsed more
effectively.
[0089] It should be noted that, in the above description, although
the pair of second ribs 62 are closer to the clockwise side S1 than
the pair of first ribs 61, conversely, the pair of second ribs 62
may also be closer to the anticlockwise side S2 than the pair of
first ribs 61.
[0090] In addition, a flowing direction of water discharged from
the discharging ports 43 can be freely adjusted by adjusting
extending directions of the pair of first ribs 61 and the pair of
second ribs 62.
[0091] Next, the second variation example about the present
disclosure will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a
second variation example of the present disclosure applied in FIG.
3.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 7, the cover 40 of the second variation
example does not have the first part 44. In the second variation
example, the end part 45A of the radial inner side R1 of the second
part 45 of the cover 40 is closer to the radial outer side R2 than
the end part 41B of the radial inner side R1 of the bottom part 41.
The cover 40 of the second variation example is provided with a
trimming part 63 formed by elastically-deformed members such as
rubber and the like. The trimming part 63 is separated from the
cover 40, i.e., from the water path 4, and observed from the upper
side Z1, the trimming part 63 is annular.
[0093] The closer to the radial inner side R1 the trimming part 63
is, the more inclination towards the lower part Z2 relative to the
horizontal direction H the trimming part 63 is. At a position
closer to the radial outer side R2 than the end part 41B of the
radial inner side R1 of the bottom part 41 of the cover 40, the
inclination of the trimming part 63 relative to the horizontal
direction H is consistent with that of the second part 45 relative
to the horizontal direction H. In the trimming part 63, the
inclination of a part 63A closer to the radial inner side R1 than
the end part 41B of the bottom part 41 relative to the horizontal
direction H is steeper than that of the second part 45 relative to
the horizontal direction H.
[0094] The trimming part 63 is installed to the second part 45 of
the cover 40 from the upper side Z1. The trimming part 63 is
jointed with the end part 45A of the second part 45 by the end part
of the radial outer side R2. In the second variation example, the
gaps between the part 63A of the radial inner side R1 of the
trimming part 63 and the end part 41B of the radial inner side R1
of the bottom part 41 are used as the discharging ports 43. Parts
of the discharging ports 43 are trimmed by the trimming part 63
from the upper side Z1. The end part 63B of the radial inner side
R1 of the trimming part 63 is closer to the lower part Z2 and the
radial inner side R1 than the bottom part 41.
[0095] If a structure of the trimming part 63 is arranged, under a
condition that the discharging ports 43 are blocked by dirt and the
like, even though the water paths 4 are not split, as shown by the
dashed line in FIG. 7, the discharging ports 43 also can be widened
by bending the trimming part 63 to the upper side Z1, so that the
discharging ports 43 are easy to clear.
[0096] Next, a third variation example about the present disclosure
will be described.
[0097] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the third variation example
of the present disclosure applied in FIG. 3.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 8, a difference between the third
variation example and the second variation example lies in
arrangement of the trimming part 64 to replace the trimming part 63
in the second variation example.
[0099] Different from the trimming part 63, the trimming part 64 is
separated from the cover 40, and is annular when being observed
from the upper side Z1. The closer to the radial inner side R1 the
trimming part 64 is, the more inclination towards the lower part Z2
relative to the horizontal direction H the trimming part 64 is. The
middle part of the trimming part 64 in the radial direction R has a
step 65 bending towards the lower part Z2. The step 65 is contacted
with the end part of the radial inner side R1 of the second part 45
from the radial inner side R1. In the trimming part 64, the part
closer to the radial inner side R1 than the step 65 is set as a
first part 66, and the part closer to the radial outer side R2 than
the step 65 is set as a second part 67.
[0100] In the first part 66, the inclination of the outer side part
66A closer to the radial outer side R2 than the end part 41B of the
radial inner side R1 of the bottom part 41 relative to the
horizontal direction H is consistent with that of the second part
45 relative to the horizontal direction H. In the first part 66,
the inclination of the inner side part 66B closer to the radial
inner side R1 than the end part 41B of the radial inner side R1 of
the bottom part 41 relative to the horizontal direction H is
steeper than that of the second part 45 relative to the horizontal
direction H. The inclination of the second part 67 is consistent
with that of the second part 45 relative to the horizontal
direction H.
[0101] The trimming part 64 is installed to the second part 45 of
the cover 40 from the upper side Z1. The trimming part 64 is
jointed with the cover 40 by the step 65 and the second part 67. In
the third variation example, the gaps between the inner side part
66B of the first part 66 of the trimming part 64 and the end part
41B of the radial inner side R1 of the bottom part 41 are used as
the discharging ports 43. Parts of the discharging ports 43 are
trimmed by the trimming part 64 from the upper side Z1. The end
part 66C of the radial inner side R1 of the inner side part 66B of
the first part 66 is positioned at the lower part Z2 of the bottom
part 41 and is closer to the radial inner side R1.
[0102] The third variation example is similar. Under a condition
that the discharging ports 43 are blocked by dirt and the like,
even though the water paths 4 are not split, as shown by the
double-dot line in FIG. 8, the discharging ports 43 also can be
widened by bending the whole first part 66 of the trimming part 64
to the upper side Z1, so that the discharging ports 43 are easy to
clear.
[0103] Next, a fourth variation example about the present
disclosure will be described.
[0104] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the fourth variation
example of the present disclosure applied in FIG. 2.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 9, the enclose 2 includes a door 71 and an
upper panel 72 at an upper end part. An opening 74 is formed in an
upper surface of the enclosure 2. The access 25 is positioned at
the lower part Z2 of the opening 74. The door 71 blocks the opening
74 of a main body 70 from the upper side Z1. The upper panel 72 is
fixed at the part of a rear side Y2 of the opening 74 at the upper
end part of the enclosure 2 so as to support the rear end of the
door 71.
[0106] The user of the washing machine 1 can open the door 71 from
a front side Y1 of the washing machine 1. The user of the washing
machine 1 can put the washings into the washing tank 5 or take the
washings out of the washing tank 5 from the upper side Z1 through
the access 25 under a condition that the door 71 is opened. Since
the door 71 is transparent or semitransparent, the user can
determine the condition in the washing tank 5 through the closed
door 71 by visual inspection.
[0107] The side wall 6 of the outer tank 3 is made of
semitransparent resin. The whole outer tank 3 also can be
semitransparent. A water discharging port not shown in the drawings
and used for discharging water in the outer tank 3 is formed in the
bottom wall 7 of the outer tank 3. A water discharging path 76 for
discharging water out of the washing machine 1 is connected at
water discharging port. The water discharging path 76 is provided
with a dirt sensor 77 for detecting the dirty degree of water
discharging out of the washing machine 1. A known structure can be
used as the dirt sensor 77. The dirt sensor 77 is electrically
connected with the control part 33. A detection result of the dirt
sensor 77 is input into the control part 33.
[0108] The washing machine 1 includes a light source 81. The light
source 81 includes one or more LEDs for example and can emit lights
with various colors. The light source 81 is electrically connected
with the control part 33 which can control a light emitting mode of
the light source 81.
[0109] The light source 81 is installed, for example, on the outer
circumferential surface 6A of the side wall 6 of the outer tank 3
from the rear side Y2. Light emitted from the light source 81
irradiates to water in the washing tank 5 from the rear side Y2.
Specifically, the light emitted from the light source 81 permeates
through the semitransparent side wall 6 of the outer tank 3 and
irradiates to water in the washing tank 5 from the rear side Y2 by
penetrating through the through holes 23 of the side wall 20 of the
washing tank 5.
[0110] Another light source 82 also can be arranged for replacing
the light source 81. The light source 82 is composed of, for
example, one or more LEDs, and can emit lights with various colors.
The light source 82 is electrically connected with the control part
33. The control part 33 can control the light emitting mode of the
light source 82. The light source 82 is installed, for example, on
a lower surface of the upper panel 72 from the lower part Z2. The
light emitted from the light source 82 irradiates to water in the
washing tank 5 from the upper side Z1 or to water discharged from
the discharging ports 43 into the washing tank 5.
[0111] Other light sources 83 also can be arranged for replacing
the light source 81. A plurality of light sources 83 are arranged.
Each light source 83 is composed of, for example, one or more LEDs,
and can emit lights with various colors. The light sources 83 are
electrically connected with the control part 33 which can control
the light emitting mode of the light sources 83.
[0112] Under a condition that the light sources 83 are arranged,
the outer tank 3 includes a supporting member 73 which is annular
by observation from the upper side Z1. The supporting member 73 is
installed on the cover 40 of the annular wall 8 from the upper side
Z1. The plurality of light sources 83 are installed, for example,
on the upper surface of the supporting member 73 from the upper
side Z1, and are configured in parallel along the circumferential
direction S. The plurality of light sources 83 also can be
installed on a lower surface of the supporting member 73 from the
lower side Z2. The lights emitted from the light sources 83
irradiate to water in the washing tank 5 or water discharged from
the discharging ports 43 into the washing tank 5 from the upper
side Z1.
[0113] The light sources 81, 82 and 83 not only can be separately
arranged, but also can be combined. Water in the washing tank 5 or
water discharged from the discharging ports 43 into the washing
tank 5 has a color of the lights emitted from the above light
sources 81, 82 and 83.
[0114] According to an operating state of the washing machine 1,
i.e., washing and rinsing states of the washings, the time spent
for completion of washing and rinsing of the washings, etc., the
light sources 81, 82 and 83 are lighted, or the colors of the
lights emitted from the light sources 81, 82 and 83 are changed.
Therefore, the operating state of the washing machine 1 can be
transferred to the user in a visual mode.
[0115] The dirty degree of water also can be detected according to
the dirt sensor 77 during rinsing operation, and the colors of the
lights emitted from the light source 81, 82 or 83 are changed. For
example, under a condition that dirty degree of the discharged
water is high, all the light sources 81, 82 and 83 emit red lights.
When the dirty degree of the discharged water is reduced, the
colors of the lights become yellow from red. When the dirty degree
of the discharged water is further reduced, the colors of the
lights become blue from yellow. Thus, the rinsing state of the
washings can be transferred to the user of the washing machine 1 in
a visual mode.
[0116] Next, a fifth variation example about the present disclosure
will be described.
[0117] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the fifth variation
example of the present disclosure applied in FIG. 2.
[0118] Referring to FIG. 10, the washing machine 1 includes a water
pumping wing 84 separated from the washing tank 5. The water
pumping wing 84 can rotate relative to the washing tank 5 along the
circumferential direction S. In the fifth variation example,
different from the present implementation mode, the plurality of
blades 35 are not formed on the washing tank 5. Observed from the
upper side Z1, the water pumping wing 84 is round, and the
plurality of above-mentioned blades 35 are formed at the upper
surface of the water pumping wing 84. The water pumping wing 84 is
configured in the gap 36.
[0119] The washing machine 1 of the fifth variation example
includes a first transmission shaft 85 and a second transmission
shaft 86 to replace the transmission shaft 31 in the present
implementation mode. The first transmission shaft 85 extends
towards the upper side Z1. The second transmission shaft 86 is
cylindrical and extends towards the upper side Z1, and contains the
first transmission shaft 85. The first transmission shaft 85 and
the second transmission shaft 86 are coaxially configured in a
state without contacting each other.
[0120] The first transmission shaft 85 and the second transmission
shaft 86 are coaxially configured with the output shaft 34 at the
upper side Z1 of the output shaft 34. The output shaft 34 is
connected with the first transmission shaft 85 via the transmission
mechanism 32. The output shaft 34 is connected with the second
transmission shaft 86 via the transmission mechanism 32.
[0121] The first transmission shaft 85 penetrates the circle center
part of the bottom wall 7 of the outer tank 3 and extends towards
the upper side Z1. An upper end part of the first transmission
shaft 85 is connected with the circle center part of the bottom
wall 21 of the washing tank 5. The second transmission shaft 86
extends to the gap 36 of the up-down direction Z between the bottom
wall 21 and the bottom wall 7 of the outer tank 3. An upper end
part of the second transmission shaft 86 is connected with the
circle center part of the water pumping wing 84.
[0122] Torque generated by the motor 30 is respectively transmitted
to the first transmission shaft 85 and the second transmission
shaft 86 via the output shaft 34 and the transmission mechanism 32.
The washing tank 5 adopts the first transmission shaft 85 as the
center of rotation and rotates together with the first transmission
shaft 85. The water pumping wing 84 adopts the second transmission
shaft 86 as the center of rotation, and rotates together with the
second transmission shaft 86. Therefore, in the washing machine 1
of the fifth variation example, the plurality of blades 35 of the
water pumping wing 84 and the washing tank 5 can separately rotate
respectively.
[0123] In the structure, a load of the motor 30 can be reduced by
making the water pumping wing 84 rotate only. Therefore, the
temperature rise of the motor 30 can be prevented. Certainly, the
washing tank 5 also can rotate together with the water pumping wing
84. In this way, since the positions of the washings in the washing
tank 5 can be changed, water can be sprinkled onto the washings
without dead angle. Under this condition, the rotating direction of
the washing tank 5 and the rotating direction of the water pumping
wing 84 also can be reversed.
[0124] Next, a six variation example about the present disclosure
will be described.
[0125] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a sixth variation example
of the present disclosure applied in FIG. 5.
[0126] Referring to FIG. 11, in the sixth variation example, the
bottom part 41 of the annular wall 8 as a part of the water path 4
includes ribs 87. The ribs 87 are arranged at all the protrusions
49 in a one-by-one manner.
[0127] From the end part of the radial outer side R2 of the bottom
part 41, the closer to the radial inner side R1 the ribs 87 are,
the more linear extension towards the clockwise side S1 the ribs 87
are. The end parts of the radial outer sides R2 of the ribs 87 are
connected with the ribs 49A of the protrusions 49 at the position
closer to the anticlockwise side S2 than the connecting parts
56.
[0128] Water fed into the water paths 4 by rotation of the washing
tank 5 and rising to the upper end parts 37C of all the pipelines
37 flows into the first space 46 by the second spaces 55
corresponding to the protrusions 10 of the annular wall 8 of the
outer tank 3. The flowing of water flowing into the first space 46
is shown by the solid arrow, and faces the clockwise side S1 by
means of the ribs 87. In this way, a direction of water discharged
from the discharging ports 43 can be adjusted by an extending
direction of the ribs 87, so that under a condition that the
rotating direction of the washing tank 5 is the clockwise side S1,
the direction of water discharged from the discharging ports 43 can
be consistent with the rotating direction of the washing tank
5.
[0129] It should be noted that different from the sixth variation
example, the closer to the radial inner side R1 the ribs 87 are,
the more extending towards the anticlockwise side S2 the ribs 87
are.
[0130] The present disclosure is not limited to the contents of the
above implementation modes, and can be changed within a scope
recorded in claims.
[0131] For example, the first variation example to the sixth
variation example also can be randomly combined and applied into
the present implementation mode.
[0132] In addition, in the above-mentioned implementation mode,
although the quantity of the water paths 4 is set to four, the
quantity can be randomly changed. Furthermore, all the water paths
4 also can be different in shape.
[0133] The materials of the above components are only examples. For
example, the bottom wall 21 of the washing tank 5 is not fully made
of resin; and the part connected with the transmission shaft 31
also can be made of metal.
[0134] Although a vertical washing machine 1 for allowing a center
of rotation of the washing tank 5 to extend along the up-down
direction Z is shown, the washing tank 5 also can be obliquely
configured in such a manner that the center of rotation obliquely
extends relative to the up-down direction Z.
* * * * *