U.S. patent application number 15/959317 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-23 for manual washing machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is SOULMAN, INC.. Invention is credited to Masayo MORIKAWA, Ichiro NAKANO.
Application Number | 20180237970 15/959317 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62559587 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180237970 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NAKANO; Ichiro ; et
al. |
August 23, 2018 |
MANUAL WASHING MACHINE
Abstract
A manual washing machine provides operability prioritizing
torque in a washing step and a rinsing step, and operatively
prioritizing high-speed operation in a dewatering step. A manual
washing machine according to an embodiment includes a driving power
transmission member configured to transmit the rotation of an
operating unit to the drum; and a transmission mechanism. The
transmission mechanism is arranged between a rotational center
shaft of the operating unit and a rotation transmission shaft
configured to transmit the rotation from the operating transmission
member to the drum. The transmission mechanism allows the
rotational speed of the rotation transmission shaft to be changed
with respect to the rotational speed of the operating unit.
Inventors: |
NAKANO; Ichiro; (Tokyo,
JP) ; MORIKAWA; Masayo; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SOULMAN, INC. |
Tokyo |
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JP |
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|
Family ID: |
62559587 |
Appl. No.: |
15/959317 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/JP2016/086947 |
Dec 12, 2016 |
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15959317 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 37/266 20130101;
D06F 37/30 20130101; D06F 23/02 20130101; D06F 39/14 20130101; D06F
23/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 23/04 20060101
D06F023/04; D06F 37/26 20060101 D06F037/26; D06F 37/30 20060101
D06F037/30; D06F 39/14 20060101 D06F039/14 |
Claims
1. A manual washing machine comprising: a tank including an opening
in an upper end thereof; a drum rotatably mounted on the tank; an
upper lid that covers the opening in the upper end of the tank; an
operating unit rotatably mounted on the upper lid; a driving power
transmission member configured to transmit a rotation of the
operating unit to the drum; and a transmission mechanism arranged
between a rotational center shaft of the operating unit and a
rotation transmission shaft that transmits the rotation to the drum
from the driving power transmission member, and configured to to be
capable of changing a rotational speed of the rotation transmission
shaft with respect to a rotational speed of the operating unit.
2. The manual washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the
transmission mechanism comprises: a ring gear formed in an inner
face of the operating unit; a first gear mounted on a rotational
center shaft of the operating unit; and a driven gear mounted on
the rotation transmission shaft, and wherein, by shifting a
position of the operating unit, the transmission mechanism is
switchable between a high-speed operation mode in which the ring
gear meshed with the driven gear and a low-speed operation mode in
which the first gear is meshed with the driven gear.
3. The manual washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the
transmission mechanism comprises: a first position that provides
the high-speed operation mode; a second position that provides the
low-speed operation mode; and a junction portion that couples the
first position and the second position, and wherein the junction
portion allows the transmission mechanism to be switched between
the high-speed operation mode and the low-speed operation mode
while preventing an inappropriate shift in position of the
operating unit.
4. The manual washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the
ring gear and the first gear are arranged such that, when the
operating unit is shifted in position in a state in which the
rotation of the operating unit is stopped, a state in which both
the ring gear and the first gear are detached from the driven gear
is maintained, so as to smoothly mesh the corresponding gears.
5. The manual washing machine according to claim 1, comprising: a
first seat portion configured as a bottom face of the tank or
otherwise formed in the bottom face thereof; and a second seat
portion defined by an standing face that intersects with the bottom
face of the tank, wherein the manual washing machine can be
operated in an operating mode that is switchable between a first
operating mode in which the first seat portion is set on a
horizontal plane such that an axis of rotation of the drum extends
in a vertical direction and a second operating mode in which the
second seat portion is set on a horizontal plane such that an axis
of rotation of the drum extends in a horizontal direction.
6. The manual washing machine according to claim 5, further
comprising: a drain port positioned in the vicinity of the second
seat portion in the second operating mode in which the second seat
portion is set on the horizontal plane; a feed-water inlet arranged
away from the second seat in the second operation mode in which the
second seat portion is set on the horizontal plane; and a cap
configured to prevent water flow from the drain port.
7. The manual washing machine according to claim 5, wherein a first
drain opening is formed in the bottom face of the tank.
8. The manual washing machine according to claim 7, wherein the
first drain opening is arranged at a position away from the second
seat portion.
9. The manual washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a
water-stop member is provided between an inner face of an
outer-circumferential portion of the upper lid and an upper end of
an outer-circumferential face of the tank.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of
International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2016/086947 filed on
Dec. 12, 2016, the entire content of which is incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a portable, compact washing
machine, and specifically, to a manual washing machine.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] A compact washing machine is preferably used to wash small
articles such as underwear, baby wear, sportswear, pet wear, or the
like, in a kitchen, bathroom, or shower room.
[0004] Typically, a manual washing machine includes a washing tank
configured as a drum that can be rotated. Examples of typical names
of washing machines including electric washing machines include
"vertical-type washing machine", "drum-type washing machine",
"two-tank washing machine", and the like. A "vertical-type washing
machine" includes a rotor on the bottom of a tank. The rotor stirs
water so as to generate a water flow, thereby providing washing. A
"drum-type washing machine" is a washing machine having a structure
in which the rotational axis of the washing tank extends in the
horizontal direction or otherwise along a direction tilted
sideways. A "two-tank washing machine" has a structure having a
combination of a vertical-type wishing machine and a dewatering
tank used to remove water. As a comparison with such typical
washing machines, in a case in which such a vertical-type washing
machine is configured as a manual washing machine, the manual
vertical-type washing machine employs a configuration including a
drum that is to be rotated.
[0005] The following description relates to a manual washing
machine. In this regard, for the sake of consistency of the
technical terms for the manual washing machine, it is assumed that
a container to be rotationally driven after laundry to be washed is
inserted will be referred to as a "drum". A washing machine having
a configuration in which the drum is arranged with a rotational
axis extending along the horizontal direction or otherwise along a
direction tilted sideways will be referred to as a "manual
horizontal washing machine". A washing machine having a
configuration in which the drum is arranged with a rotational axis
extending in the vertical direction will be referred to as a
"manual vertical washing machine".
[0006] Patent document 1 discloses a manual vertical washing
machine. As described above, the manual vertical washing machine
has a drum with a rotational axis extending in the vertical
direction. The manual vertical washing machine allows the user to
insert/extract laundry to be washed to/from the upper end opening
of the drum. The manual vertical washing machine has an upper lid
arranged on the tank housing a rotatable drum. The upper lid
includes a handle. By rotationally driving the handle along a
circular path defined on a horizontal plane, the rotational motion
of the handle is transmitted to the drum via an inner lid. A drain
port is provided to the bottom face of the tank. The manual
vertical washing machine allows the user to perform washing and
dewatering in a state in which laundry to be washed is housed in
the drum.
[0007] In a case of using such a manual vertical washing machine,
the laundry to be washed and washing water are horizontally rotated
together. Accordingly, the laundry to be washed cannot move freely
in the water. Thus, such a simple operation for rotationally
driving the drum cannot provide a function of washing the laundry
with sufficient efficiency.
[0008] As a product manufactured based on the same idea as the
manual vertical washing machine disclosed in Patent document the
"Leadworks Laundry POD" (trade name) is known.
[0009] Patent document 2 discloses a compact manual horizontal
washing machine. As described above, the manual horizontal washing
machine includes a drum with a rotational axis extending in the
horizontal direction. The tank housing the lower half of the drum
has a flat and rectangular bottom face. An anti-skid member is
arranged at each of the four corners of the bottom face. The four
anti-skid members define a "seat portion" of the washing machine. A
drain port is formed in a lower portion of the tank. The manual
horizontal washing machine includes an upper lid housing the upper
half of the drum. A hand grip and a feed-water inlet are provided
to an upper portion of the upper lid. A handle is directly coupled
to each of both ends of a rotational driving shaft of the drum. By
rotating the two handles along a circular path defined on vertical
planes in a state in which the user grips them with the hands, this
allows the user to rotationally drive the drum.
[0010] With the manual horizontal washing machine, the laundry to
be washed is moved upward according to the rotation of the drum,
following which the laundry falls downward. That is to say, the
manual horizontal washing machine provides "beat washing" for
laundry. FIG. 30 is a diagram for describing the "beat washing". In
FIG. 30, reference numeral 300 denotes a drum of the manual washing
machine. Reference numeral 302 denotes the rotational axis of the
drum 300. The drum rotational axis 302 extends in the horizontal
direction. Laundry 304 housed in the drum 300 is moved upward
according to the rotation of the drum 300. Subsequently, the
laundry 304 falls and sinks in the water 306. A series of these
operations provides the "beat washing" for the laundry 304, i.e.,
provides a collision between the washing water and the laundry and
a collision between the laundry containing the washing water.
[0011] The washing machines described in Patent documents 1 and 2
and the "Leadworks Laundry POD" manual washing machine are designed
to allow the user to operate the handles so as to rotationally
drive the drum, thereby providing washing and dewatering regardless
of whether they are configured as a vertical washing machine or a
horizontal washing machine. In the washing step, the washing
machine is set to a state in which a part of the drum is immersed
in the water supplied to the tank. In particular, in a case in
which the washing machine is configured as a horizontal washing
machine, this state requires a relatively large torque (operating
force) in order to rotationally drive the drum housing the laundry
so as to perform the "beat washing".
[0012] [Patent Document 1]
[0013] Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 2006-212405
[0014] [Patent Document 2]
[0015] Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 2009-119199
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] As described above, in a case of using the manual vertical
washing machine having a drum that is horizontally rotated, the
laundry is rotated together with the drum. Accordingly, this
arrangement does not generate a water flow required for stirring
washing. Thus, the manual vertical washing machine provides almost
no washing function. On the other hand, the manual horizontal
washing machine provides the aforementioned "beat washing", thereby
providing a washing function. That is to say, in a case of
employing a manual horizontal washing machine, this provides a
washing function in a sure manner. However, in a case of employing
such a manual horizontal washing machine, in order to rotate the
drum in a state in which the laundry is lifted in the drum, this
arrangement requires a large torque (operating force) as compared
with the manual vertical washing machine.
[0017] One or more embodiments of the present invention are
directed to a manual washing machine that can be employed to
provide not only the washing step, but also the rinsing step and
the dewatering step in a single manual washing machine, that is
capable of providing operability with torque prioritized in the
washing step and rinsing step, and operability with high-speed
dewatering prioritized in the dewatering step.
[0018] One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a
manual horizontal washing machine that is capable of providing a
washing function with reduced operating force required to
rotationally drive a drum.
[0019] The aforementioned technical issues can be addressed by one
or more embodiments of the present invention that provides a manual
washing machine (100). The manual washing machine (100) comprises:
a tank (10) including an opening in an upper end thereof; a drum
(20) rotatably mounted on the tank (10); an upper lid (12) that
covers the opening in the upper end of the tank (10); an operating
unit (4) rotatably mounted on the upper lid (12); a driving power
transmission member (24) configured to transmit a rotation of the
operating unit (4) to the drum (20); and a transmission mechanism
(60) arranged between a rotational center shaft (6) of the
operating unit (4) and a rotation transmission shaft (28) that
transmits the rotation to the drum (20) from the driving power
transmission member (24), and configured to be capable of changing
a rotational speed of the rotation transmission shaft (28) with
respect to a rotational speed of the operating unit (4).
[0020] Other purposes, operations, and effects of the present
invention can be clearly understood based on specific description
of an embodiment of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a manual washing
machine (with a drum in a vertical orientation) according to an
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the washing machine
according to the embodiment as viewed obliquely from below, in a
state in which a rubber plug is attached to a drain opening to
prevent water flow from the drain opening.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the same manual washing
machine as that shown in FIG. 1 as viewed obliquely from below in a
state in which a rubber plug is detached from a drain opening for
dewatering.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the manual washing
machine according to the embodiment in a state in which an upper
lid is detached.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the manual washing machine
according to the embodiment in a state in which the upper lid is
detached as shown in FIG. 4, and in a state in which an inner lid
configured as a driving force transmission member is detached from
the upper lid.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line VI-VI
in FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the manual washing
machine in an upright state (in a state in which the drum is set in
a horizontal orientation) with a cap for the drain port set to a
water-stop position.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the manual washing
machine in an upright state (in a state in which the drum is set in
a horizontal orientation) with a cap for the drain port set to a
water-draining position.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing a gear transmission
mechanism included in the manual washing machine according to the
embodiment in a high-speed operation mode.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing the gear transmission
mechanism included in the manual washing machine according to the
embodiment in a low-speed operation mode (torque-prioritizing
mode).
[0031] FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing the gear transmission
mechanism included in the manual washing machine according to the
embodiment, and for describing a transition period between the
high-speed operation mode and the low-speed operation mode in which
a state is maintained in which both the ring gear and the first
gear are detached from the driven gear.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing a configuration for
switching the mode of the gear mechanism by shifting an operating
disk mounted on the upper lid of the manual washing machine
according to the embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing the operation of a push
button incorporated in the rotational center shaft of the operating
disk, showing a state in which the position of the operation disk
is set to the first position or otherwise the second position.
[0034] FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing the operation of a push
button incorporated in the rotational center shaft of the operating
disk, showing a state in which the operating disk is shifted
between the first position and the second position.
[0035] FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing a state when the push
button incorporated in the rotational center shaft of the operating
disk is positioned at a circular portion of any one from among both
ends of a guide slot.
[0036] FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing a state in which the
push button is pressed down when the push button incorporated in
the rotational center shaft of the operating disk is positioned at
a circular portion of any one from among both ends of the guide
slot.
[0037] FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing a state in which the
rotational center shaft of the operating disk is shifted in
position and shifted along the junction portion of the guide slot,
which is a subsequent step of that shown in FIG. 16.
[0038] FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing a theoretical reason why
an operation in which the drum is vertically rotated with an axis
extending in the horizontal direction as an axis of rotation
requires a driving force of five times that required for an
operation in which the drum is horizontally rotated with an axis
extending in the vertical direction as an axis of rotation.
[0039] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a gear
transmission mechanism configured to set the position of the
operating disk to the first position (prioritizing high-speed
operation) or otherwise the second position (prioritizing torque)
by raising and lowering the operating disk.
[0040] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a state of the gear
transmission mechanism when the operating disk is set to the first
position (prioritizing high-speed operation).
[0041] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a state of the gear
transmission mechanism when the operating disk is set to the second
position (prioritizing torque).
[0042] FIG. 22 is a diagram for describing the relation between the
rotational center shaft (circular cross-sectional portion) of the
operating disk and the guide slot when the position of the
operating disk is set to the first position or otherwise the second
position.
[0043] FIG. 23 is a diagram for describing the relation between the
rotational center shaft (approximately rectangular cross-section
portion) of the operating disk and the guide slot when the
operating disk is shifted from the first position to the second
position or otherwise from the second position to the first
position.
[0044] FIG. 24 is a diagram for describing a state of the gear
transmission mechanism according to another modification when the
position of the operating disk is set to the first position
(prioritizing high-speed operation).
[0045] FIG. 25 is a diagram for describing a state of the gear
transmission mechanism according to another modification, when the
position of the operating disk is set to the second position
(prioritizing torque).
[0046] FIG. 26 is a diagram for describing an operation of the gear
transmission mechanism according to yet another modification in
which the gear transmission mechanism is switched to the second
position (prioritizing torque) by rotating the operating disk in
the counterclockwise direction.
[0047] FIG. 27 is a diagram for describing an operation of the gear
transmission mechanism according to yet another modification as
shown in FIG. 26, in which the gear transmission mechanism is
switched to the first position (prioritizing high-speed operation)
by rotating the operating disk in the clockwise direction.
[0048] FIG. 28 is a diagram for describing an operation of a
modification of the gear transmission mechanism shown in FIGS. 26
and 27 in which the gear transmission mechanism is switched to the
second position (prioritizing torque) by rotating the operating
disk in the counterclockwise direction.
[0049] FIG. 29 is a diagram for describing an operation of such a
modification of the gear transmission mechanism shown in FIGS. 26
and 27 in which the gear transmission mechanism is switched to the
first position (prioritizing high-speed operation) by rotating the
operating disk in the clockwise direction.
[0050] FIG. 30 is a diagram for describing the "beat washing"
provided by the manual horizontal washing machine.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0051] 100 manual washing machine according to an embodiment, 2
handle, 4 operating disk (operating unit), 6 rotational center
shaft of the operating disk, 10 tank, 10a bottom face of the tank,
10b upper end face of the outer edge of the tank, 12 upper lid, 14
single buckle (fixing member), 16 drain opening for dewatering
(first drain opening), 18 rubber plug, 20 drum, Od rotational axis
of the drum, 24 inner lid (driving power transmission member), 28
rotation transmission shaft, 34 water stop ring (water stop
member), 36 first rubber piece (first seat portion), 40 standing
face, 42 second rubber piece (second seat portion), 50 feed-water
inlet, 52 drain port, 54 cap, 60 gear transmission mechanism, 64
first gear, 66 ring gear, 68 driven gear, 72 guide slot, 72a first
circular portion (first position) of the guide slot, 72b second
circular portion (second position) of the guide slot, 72c junction
portion (guide portion) of the guide slot.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0052] Description will be made below regarding a preferable
embodiment of the present invention with reference to the
accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a washing machine according to
the embodiment. In FIG. 1, the washing machine according to the
embodiment is denoted by reference numeral 100. The washing machine
100 is configured as a manual washing machine. By rotating an
operating disk 4 with a rotational center shaft 6 as an axis of
rotation in a state in which the user grips a handle 2, this allows
a drum described later to be rotated.
[0053] The overall configuration of the manual washing machine 100
is formed of a synthetic resin. The washing machine 100 includes a
tank 10 and an upper lid 12 that can be detachably mounted on the
tank 10. The upper lid 12 can be fixedly mounted on the tank 10 by
multiple single buckles 14. Each single buckle 14 is an example of
typical members that allow the upper lid 12 to be fixedly mounted
on the tank 10. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the washing
machine 100 as viewed obliquely from below. A drain opening 16 is
formed in a bottom face 10a of the tank 10, which is to be used for
dewatering. A rubber plug 18 is detachably mounted on the drain
opening 16 for dewatering. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the
same arrangement as shown in FIG. 2. However, FIG. 3 shows this
arrangement in a state in which the rubber plug 18 is detached from
the drain opening 16 for dewatering. Description will be made later
regarding a preferable layout of the drain opening 16 for
dewatering.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows a state in which the upper lid 12 is detached
from the tank 10. The tank 10 has an opening facing upward. A drum
20 is mounted in the tank 10. The drum 20 also has an opening
facing upward in the same manner as the tank 10. The drum 20 is
configured to have a circular cross-sectional shape. The drum 20 is
supported by the bottom face 10a of the tank 10, so as to allow the
drum 20 to be rotated with an axis Od extending in the vertical
direction as an axis of rotation. Preferably, the drum 20 may be
detachably mounted.
[0055] A circumferential wall 20a of the drum 20 and a bottom wall
thereof, which is not shown in FIG. 4, each have a vertical bar
structure having openings for removing water each extending along
the vertical direction. The vertical bar structure of the
circumferential wall 20a extending in the vertical direction is
denoted by reference numeral 22.
[0056] As can be clearly understood with reference to the drum 20
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the drum 20 has a protrusion portion 20b
formed in its inner face such that it protrudes inward. Also,
multiple protrusion portions 20b may be provided along the
circumferential direction. Such a protrusion portion 20b provides
improved washing efficiency.
[0057] An inner lid 24, which is to cover the upper-end opening of
the drum 20, is detachably mounted on the upper lid 12 such that it
cannot be rotated. The inner lid 24 is a driving force transmission
member that allows the user's operation for rotating the handle 2
to be transmitted to the drum 20. Plate-shaped protrusions 26 are
formed in an outer edge portion of the inner lid 24 such that each
protrusion extends downward. The multiple protrusions 26 are
arranged on the inner lid 24 along the circumferential direction
thereof. Preferably, the protrusions 26 are arranged at regular
intervals. Each protrusion 26 is inserted into a gap between two
adjacent bars of the vertical bar structure 22 such that it is
engaged with the vertical bar structure 22. By providing such an
engagement between the protrusions 26 and the drum 20 via the
vertical bar structure 22, this arrangement allows the inner lid 24
and the drum 20 to be rotated together with the axis Od of the drum
20 as an axis of rotation.
[0058] FIG. 5 shows the same arrangement shown in FIG. 4 in a state
in which the inner lid 24 is detached from the upper lid 12. As
shown in FIG. 5, the upper lid 12 has a rotation transmission shaft
28 extending downward from the upper lid 12. The rotation
transmission shaft 28 is rotatably mounted on the lid 12. A
non-circular portion 28a is formed in a lower end portion of the
rotation transmission shaft 28. Furthermore, a screw portion 28b is
formed in a lower portion of the non-circular portion 28a. It
should be noted that FIG. 5 shows a state before the single buckles
14 are attached to the tank 10.
[0059] The inner lid 24 is configured to have a circular outline,
and to have a non-circular through hole 24a (FIG. 5). The
non-circular through hole 24a has a complementary shape with
respect to the non-circular portion 28a of the rotation
transmission shaft 28. The non-circular through hole 24a is
supported by the non-circular portion 28a. A retaining nut 30 is
screwed to the screw portion 28b of the rotation transmission shaft
28. By tightly screwing on the retaining nut 30, the inner lid 24
is fixedly mounted on the rotation transmission shaft 28 such that
it cannot be relatively rotated.
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper lid 12 has a
circumferential groove 32 in the outer edge portion of the inner
face thereof. The circumferential groove 32 is continuously formed
along the circumferential direction in the upper lid 12. FIG. 6 is
a partial cross-sectional diagram taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 1.
A water stop ring 34 is housed in the circumferential groove 32.
Upon fixedly mounting the upper lid 12 on the tank 10, the water
stop ring 34 is pressed into contact with an upper end face 10b of
the outer edge of the tank 10. This arrangement allows the water
stop ring 34 to prevent water stored in the tank 10 from leaking
from a gap between the tank 10 and the upper lid 12. As a
modification, the water stop ring 34 may be arranged on the upper
end face 10b (FIG. 6) of the outer edge of the tank 10.
[0061] The manual washing machine 100 according to the embodiment
allows the operation to be performed in a first operation mode
(FIG. 1) in which the drum 20 is operated in a vertical orientation
(FIG. 5), and in a second operation mode in which the drum 20 is
operated in a horizontal orientation (FIGS. 7 and 8). Typically,
the first operation mode is employed in the dewatering step. On the
other hand, the second operation mode is employed in the washing
step and the rinsing step.
[0062] As described in FIGS. 2 and 3, three first buffer members,
i.e., rubber pieces 36, are attached to the bottom face 10a of the
tank 10 at intervals along its outer edge. The three first rubber
pieces 36 are arranged such that they are positioned on a single
horizontal plane. The three first rubber pieces 36 define a seat
portion to be used in the first operation mode. As a modification,
the bottom face 10a of the tank 10 defines the seat portion to be
used in the first operation mode without involving such first
rubber pieces 36.
[0063] When the three first rubber pieces 36 are set such that they
are positioned on the horizontal plane, the drum 20 is set to a
vertical orientation state, i.e., the first operation mode in which
the rotational axis Od extends in the vertical direction (FIG.
4).
[0064] As shown in FIG. 1, a standing face 40 is formed as a side
face of the washing machine 100 such that it intersects with the
bottom face 10a of the tank 10. The standing face 40 is preferably
configured to have an orthogonal relation between itself and the
bottom face 10a of the tank 10. Also, it is needless to say that
the standing face 40 may be configured to have a slope of 70
degrees, for example. The standing face 40 is configured to have an
approximately rectangular surface. Furthermore, a second buffer
member, i.e., a rubber piece 42 is attached to each of the four
corners of the standing face 40. The four second rubber pieces 42
are positioned on a single vertical plane. The four second rubber
pierces 42 define a seat portion to be used in the second operation
mode. As a modification, the standing face 40 itself may define
such a seat portion to be used in the second operation mode.
[0065] By setting the four second rubber pieces 42 such that they
define the seat portion on the horizontal plane, this arrangement
is set to a state in which the drum 20 is to be operated in a
horizontal orientation, i.e., the second operation mode in which
the rotational axis Od extends along the horizontal direction. The
second operation mode is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the second operation mode, the
washing machine 100 preferably has a feed-water inlet 50 in its
upper portion. Furthermore, the washing machine 100 preferably has
a drain port 52 in its lower portion. A cap 54 is provided to the
drain port 52. By rotating the cap 54 manually, this arrangement
allows the user to switch the drain port 52 between a water stop
state (FIG. 7) in which the drain port 52 is closed and an open
state (FIG. 8) in which the drain port 52 is opened. It is needless
to say that the cap 54 may be detachably mounted on the drain port
52.
[0067] Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 in addition to
FIGS. 7 and 8, the feed-water inlet 50 is provided in a
circumferential wall of the tank 10 such that it is positioned away
from the standing face 40, i.e., such that it is approximately
opposite to the standing face 40. The feed-water inlet 50 may be
provided to the upper lid 12. Description will be made with
reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 regarding a preferable layout of the
aforementioned drain opening 16 for dewatering. The drain opening
16 is preferably provided to the bottom face 10a of the tank such
that it is positioned away from the standing face 40, and such that
it is positioned on a side opposite to the standing face 40 (FIG.
3). With the washing machine 100 in the second operation mode, this
allows the drain opening 16, which is to be used for dewatering, to
be set to a high position. Thus, this arrangement requires no cap
to be provided to the drain opening 16 for dewatering. The drain
port 52 may preferably be provided to the upper lid 12 such that it
is adjacent to the standing face 40. However, the present invention
is not restricted to such an arrangement. Also, the drain port 52
may be provided to the bottom face 10a or otherwise the
circumferential face of the tank 10 such that it is adjacent to the
standing face 40.
[0068] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a guide recess 58 having an
elliptic shape in the upper lid 12. The operating disk 4 is housed
in the guide recess 58. This arrangement allows the operating disk
4 to be guided by the guide recess 58 such that it can be shifted
in position along the longitudinal direction of the guide recess
58.
[0069] The rotational operation of the operating disk 4 is
transmitted to the drum 20 via a gear transmission mechanism. That
is to say, when the operating disk 4 is rotated, the operating
force is transmitted to the drum 20 via the gear transmission
mechanism. As a result, the drum 20 is rotationally driven. FIGS. 9
and 10 show a gear transmission mechanism 60 arranged on the upper
lid 12.
[0070] The gear transmission mechanism 60 includes a first gear 64
mounted on the rotational center shaft 6 of the operating disk 4,
and a ring gear 66 formed on the inner side of the operating disk
4. The ring gear 66 and the first gear 64 are arranged such that
they are concentrically positioned. The gear transmission mechanism
60 further includes a driven gear 68 mounted on the rotation
transmission shaft 28 (FIG. 5).
[0071] The gear ratio between the first gear 64 and the driven gear
68 is 1:1. Furthermore, the gear ratio between the driven gear 68
and the ring gear 66 is 1:5. The gear ratios may be designed as
desired. However, such gear ratios thus designed allow the user to
rotationally drive the drum 20 at a high speed in a high-speed mode
described later even if the user is a person with comparatively
little hand strength. In addition, in a low-speed mode described
later, by operating the handle 2 with light force, this arrangement
allows the drum 20 to be rotationally driven. Accordingly, in the
first state shown in FIG. 9 in which the ring gear 66 is meshed
with the driven gear 68, power transmission is performed with
relative prioritizing of high-speed operation (high-speed mode). On
the other hand, in the second state shown in FIG. 10 in which the
first gear 64 is meshed with the driven gear 68, power transmission
is performed with relative prioritizing of torque (low-speed
mode).
[0072] By shifting the operating disk 4 along the guide recess 58
having an elliptic shape formed in the upper lid 12, this
arrangement allows the gear transmission mechanism 60 to switch the
rotational speed of the rotation transmission shaft 28 with respect
to the rotational speed of the operating disk 4. That is to say,
the gear transmission mechanism 60 is capable of switching
positions between the first position (prioritizing high-speed
operation) and the second position (prioritizing torque). The
position of the operating disk 4 shown in FIG. 1 is set to the
aforementioned first position (prioritizing high-speed operation).
The position of the operating disk 4 shown in FIG. 8 is set to the
aforementioned second position (prioritizing torque).
[0073] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a shift control mechanism for
guiding the shifting of the operating disk 4 so as to shift the
position of the operating disk 4 between the first position and the
second position, and for preventing an undesired shift in position
of the operating disk 4. In FIG. 12, in order to avoid confusion
with respect to the drawing, the first gear 64 is not shown.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 1, the top face of the rotational center
shaft 6 of the operating disk 4 is configured as a push button 70.
The push button 70 is incorporated in the rotational center shaft
6. The push button 70 provides a function of disabling or otherwise
enabling a gear switching operation of the gear transmission
mechanism 60.
[0075] The push button 70 receives a force directed upward by a
spring (not shown). Returning to FIG. 12, the rotational center
shaft 6 is guided by a guide slot 72 formed in the upper lid 12.
The guide slot 72 has a long and narrow shape. Furthermore, a first
circular portion 72a is formed as one terminal of the guide slot
72. A second circular portion 72b is formed as the other terminal
thereof. The first and second circular portions 72a and 72b are
each configured to have the same diameter. Furthermore, the first
and second circular portions 72a and 72b are coupled with each
other via a junction portion (guide portion) 72c. The junction
portion 72c is configured to have a pair of linear side walls
arranged in parallel with each other. The width of the junction
portion (guide portion) 72c is smaller than the diameters of the
first and second circular portions 72a and 72b.
[0076] FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrams each showing only the push
button 70. The push button 70 has a cap portion 70a, a pair of
plate-shaped legs 70b respectively extending downward from
respective edges of the cap portion 70a, and protrusions 70c each
protruding outward from the lower end of the corresponding leg 70b.
The pair of plate-shaped legs 70b are arranged in parallel with
each other. Furthermore, the protrusions 70c of the legs 70b each
have an arc-shaped outer-circumferential face having an outline
that is complementary with the outline of the corresponding one of
the aforementioned first and second circular portions 72a and
72b.
[0077] When the rotational center shaft 6 of the operating disk 4
is positioned at the first circular portion 72a or otherwise at the
second circular portion 72b, the aforementioned arc-shaped
protrusion 70c of the push button positioned at the first circular
portion 72a or otherwise at the second circular portion 72b.
Accordingly, the position of the rotational center shaft 6 of the
operating disk 4 is determined by the first circular portion 72a or
otherwise the second circular portion 72b (FIG. 15). This allows
the position of the operating disk 4 to be determined and set to
the aforementioned first position (prioritizing high-speed
operation, as shown in FIG. 1) or otherwise the aforementioned
second position (prioritizing torque, as shown in FIG. 8). In a
case of the first position, this arrangement allows the drum 20 to
be rotationally driven at high speed. In a case of the second
position, this arrangement provides an increased torque for
rotationally driving the drum 20. However, the rotational speed of
the drum 20 is relatively low.
[0078] When the operating disk 4 is to be shifted, the user presses
down the push button 70. FIGS. 14 and 16 are diagrams for
describing a state in which the push button 70 is pressed down.
Upon pressing down the push button 70, the protrusion 70c of each
leg 70b is shifted downward from the first circular portion 72a or
otherwise the second circular portion 72b, thereby releasing it
from an engagement between itself and the first circular portion
72a or otherwise the second circular portion 72b. In this state,
the rotational center shaft 6 can be shifted to the junction
portion (guide portion) 72c (FIG. 17). This allows the operating
disk 4 to be shifted to the aforementioned first position
(prioritizing high-speed operation, as shown in FIG. 1) or
otherwise the aforementioned second position (prioritizing torque,
as shown in FIG. 8) while preventing undesired shifting of the
operating disk 4 to the first or second position.
[0079] This shifting is preferably performed in a state in which
the rotation of the drum 20 is stopped. Furthermore, the shifting
is preferably performed such that the two gears are smoothly meshed
with each other. That is, it is preferable to prevent the teeth of
the two meshing gears from colliding with each other in the
shifting operation before they are meshed with each other.
According to the embodiment, at the time of the shifting, each leg
70b of the push button 70 is restricted by the junction portion
(guide portion) 72c. Accordingly, the rotational center shaft 6
cannot be shifted in position before the rotation of the operating
disk 4 is stopped and the operating disk 4 is set to the switching
position (the leg 70b is turned to a predetermined angle). If this
switching can be made without stopping the rotation of the
operating disk 4, when any one from among the ring gear 66 and the
first gear 64, which are each configured as a gear of the operating
disk 4, is released from the driven gear 68, in some cases, the
driven gear 68 rotates freely due to the inertial force from the
drum 20 or the laundry. This arrangement has the potential to
damage the gears when they are meshed again. Thus, the shifting
mechanism is preferably configured to disable such a sifting
operation before the rotation is stopped. Furthermore, each gear
train is configured such that, at the time of the shifting the
operating disk 4 after the rotation of the operating disk 4 is
stopped, the ring gear 66 and the first gear 64 are maintained in a
state in which they are both released from the driven gear 68,
following which the corresponding gear is smoothly meshed with the
driven gear (FIG. 11). This arrangement is capable of preventing a
collision between the teeth of the corresponding gears in the
shifting operation, thereby providing a smooth shifting
operation.
[0080] Description will be made with reference to FIG. 18 regarding
a reason why the vertical rotational operation requires a force of
up to five times that required for the horizontal rotational
operation, in a comparison between the vertical rotational
operation in which the drum 20 is rotationally driven with an axis
extending in the horizontal direction as an axis of rotation and
the horizontal rotational operation in which the drum 20 is
rotationally driven with an axis extending in the vertical
direction as an axis of rotation.
[0081] In FIG. 18, the drum 20 is vertically rotated with an axis
extending in the horizontal direction as an axis of rotation. In
FIG. 18, the drum 20 is in a horizontal orientation state. The
laundry is denoted by "R". With the mass of the laundry R as "m",
and with the rotational speed of the drum 20 as "v", the force of
gravity applied to the laundry R is represented by mg, and the
centrifugal force is represented by m{V.sup.2/r}. When there is a
balanced relation between the centrifugal force applied to the
laundry R and the force of gravity (g), the following relation
expression holds true.
mg=m{V.sup.2/r}
[0082] By transforming the aforementioned Expression, gr=V.sup.2 is
derived.
[0083] When the drum 20 is vertically rotated, the energy E(v) is
represented by the following Expression with the radius of the drum
20 as "r".
E ( v ) = ( 1 / 2 ) { mV 2 } + 2 mgr = ( 1 / 2 ) { mV 2 } + 2 mV 2
= ( 5 / 2 ) { mV 2 } ##EQU00001##
[0084] In contrast, in a case in which the drum 20 is horizontally
rotated with an axis extending along the vertical direction as an
axis of rotation, the energy E(h) can be represented by the
following Expression assuming that the drum 20 is rotated at the
same rotational speed as that in the aforementioned example in
which the drum 20 is vertically rotated.
E(h)=(1/2){mV.sup.2}
[0085] In a case of horizontally rotating the drum 20, this
operation does not involve gravitational potential energy. In a
comparison between the horizontal rotational operation and the
vertical rotational operation, the following relation holds
true.
E(v):E(h)=5:1
[0086] As described above, it can be understood that the vertical
rotational operation (in the horizontal orientation) requires a
force of up to five times that required for the horizontal
rotational operation (in the vertical orientation).
[0087] Next, description will be made below regarding a typical
usage of the aforementioned manual washing machine 100. First, the
upper lid 12 is detached, following which laundry to be washed such
as underwear is loaded into the drum 20. Next, the tank 10 is
closed by the upper lid 12. Furthermore, the upper lid 12 is fixed
by the buckle 14, thereby allowing the tank 10 to be set to a
liquid-tight state.
[0088] Next, the washing machine 100 is set to an upright state
shown in FIG. 7. After confirming a state in which the drain port
52 has been closed by the cap 54, the internal space of the washing
machine 100 is filled with water via the feed-water inlet 50 by a
water tap or a shower head. After an appropriate amount of water is
fed into the internal space of the washing machine 100, a detergent
is inserted via the feed-water inlet 50. After this preparation
step, the operating disk 4 is set to the second position
(prioritizing torque, as shown in FIG. 8), following which the
washing step is executed. The washing step is executed in a state
in which the drum 20 is set to a horizontal orientation.
Accordingly, by rotationally driving the drum 20 in a single
direction or otherwise in two directions according to the
rotational operation via the handle 2, the laundry is washed in the
drum 20 while it is moved in the drum 20.
[0089] After the end of washing step, the cap 54 is rotated so as
to open the drain port 52. This allows the dirty water stored in
the washing machine 100 to be drained to the exterior via the drain
port 52. After draining the water, the drum 20 is rotationally
driven by rotationally operating the handle 2 while supplying water
to the internal space of the washing machine 100 via the feed-water
inlet 50 by a water tap or a shower head. In some cases, the drum
20 is rotationally driven in a state in which the drain port 52 is
closed by the cap 54 so as to store the water in the internal space
of the washing machine 100. As described above, this arrangement
allows a rinsing step to be executed. In the rinsing step, the drum
20 is operated in the horizontal orientation state. Accordingly,
the rinsing step can be executed while the laundry is moved in the
drum 20.
[0090] After the end of the rinsing step, the washing machine 100
is set to a horizontal orientation state shown in FIG. 1. In this
state, the drum 20 is set to a vertical orientation state.
Subsequently, the position of the operating disk 4 is set and
determined to the first position (prioritizing high-speed
operation). Furthermore, the rubber plug 18 (FIG. 2) is detached
from the drain opening 16 for dewatering (FIG. 3). After the end of
the preparation for dewatering, the handle 2 is rotationally
operated so as to rotationally drive the drum 20 at a high speed,
thereby executing a dewatering step.
[0091] With the manual washing machine 100 according the
embodiment, the washing step and the rinsing step can be executed
with the drum in a horizontal orientation. This allows the laundry
to be washed and rinsed in the drum while it is moved in the drum
according to the rotation of the drum. On the other hand, the
dewatering step can be executed with the drum in a vertical
orientation. In a case of operating the drum in a vertical
orientation, the laundry is not moved in the drum according to the
rotation of the drum. This allows water to be removed from the
laundry in a stable state.
[0092] With the manual washing machine 100 according to the
embodiment including a gear transmission mechanism, in the washing
step and the rinsing step, the manual washing machine 100 is
capable of rotationally driving the drum 20 with a transmission
gear ratio that provides prioritizing of torque. Furthermore, in
the dewatering step, the manual washing machine 100 is capable of
rotationally driving the drum 20 with a transmission gear ratio
that provides prioritizing of high-speed operation.
[0093] FIGS. 19 through 23 each show a modification of the gear
transmission mechanism. With the gear transmission mechanism shown
in FIGS. 19 through 23, by shifting the operating disk 4 upward and
downward, this arrangement allows the position of the operating
disk 4 to be set and determined to the first position (prioritizing
high-speed operation, as shown in FIG. 20) or otherwise the second
position (prioritizing torque, as shown in FIG. 21). That is to
say, by pressing down the operating disk 4 when the rotational
center shaft 6 of the operating disk 4 is positioned at the first
circular portion 72a or otherwise the second circular portion 72b
of the guide slot 72, this arrangement allows the position of the
operating disk 4 to be set and determined to the first circular
portion 72a or otherwise the second circular portion 72b of the
guide slot 72.
[0094] The rotational center shaft 6 of the operating disk 4 has a
circular cross-section portion 206a and a portion 206b having an
approximately rectangular cross-section as obtained by cutting off
both sides thereof, which is positioned below the circular
cross-section portion 206a. The width of the approximately
rectangular cross-section portion 206b is substantially the same as
the width of the junction portion 72c of the guide slot 72. Upon
raising the operating disk 4, the approximately rectangular
cross-section portion 206b is inserted into the junction portion
72c of the guide slot 72. This allows the operating disk 4 to be
moved along the junction portion (guide portion) 72c. Accordingly,
by shifting the operating disk 4 along the junction portion 72c of
the guide slot 72 after the operating disk 4 is raised (FIG. 23),
this arrangement allows the operating disk 4 to reach the first
position (prioritizing high-speed operation, as shown in FIG. 20)
or otherwise the second position (prioritizing torque, as shown in
FIG. 21). Subsequently, by pressing down the operating disk 4 that
has reached the first position or otherwise the second position,
this arrangement allows the position of the operating disk 4 to be
set and determined to the first position or otherwise the second
position (FIG. 22).
[0095] FIGS. 24 and 25 show another modification of the gear
transmission mechanism. FIG. 24 shows a state in which the position
of the operating disk 4 is set to the first position (prioritizing
high-speed operation). FIG. 25 shows a state in which the position
of the operating disk 4 is set to the second position (prioritizing
torque). The switching between the first position and the second
position can be performed by raising and lowering the operating
disk 4.
[0096] The operating disk 4 has an outer-circumferential
cylindrical portion 210. A circular gear 212 is formed in the inner
face of the outer-circumferential cylindrical portion 210. The
operating disk 4 is arranged such that it can be rotated with the
rotational center shaft 6 as an axis of rotation. The rotational
center shaft 6 is fixedly mounted such that it cannot be shifted in
position. A driving gear 216 is fixedly mounted on the rotational
center shaft 6 of the operating disk 4.
[0097] FIG. 24 shows a state in which the position of the operating
disk 4 is set to the first position (prioritizing high-speed
operation) by pressing down the operating disk 4 as described
above. In this state, the driving gear 216 mounted on the
rotational center shaft 6 of the operating disk 4 is in a free
state. On the other hand, the circular gear 212 formed in the inner
face of the outer-circumferential cylindrical portion 210 is meshed
with the driven gear 68.
[0098] FIG. 25 shows a state in which the position of the operating
disk 4 is set to the second position (prioritizing torque) by
raising the operating disk 4 as described above. In this state, the
driving gear 216 mounted on the rotational center shaft 6 of the
operating disk 4 is meshed with the driven gear 68 via an
intermediate gear 218. On the other hand, the circular gear 212
formed in the inner face of the outer-circumferential cylindrical
portion 210 is in a free state. It should be noted that, as a
modification, the intermediate gear 218 may be omitted. Instead,
the driving gear 216 may be directly meshed with the driven gear
68.
[0099] The position setting mechanism that allows the position to
be switched between the first position (prioritizing high-speed
operation) and the second position (prioritizing torque) by raising
and lowering the operating disk 4 may be configured as a
combination of a rubber ring 220 and a protrusion 222. That is to
say, the rubber ring 220 is provided to the outer-circumferential
face of the outer-circumferential cylindrical portion 210 of the
operating disk 4. On the other hand, the protrusion 222 is formed
in the upper lid 12. In order to shift the operating disk 4 to the
first position or otherwise the second position, by raising and
lowering the operating disk 4, the rubber ring 220 goes over the
protrusion 222. This arrangement allows the position of the
operating disk 4 to be fixedly set to the first position
(prioritizing high-speed operation) or otherwise the second
position (prioritizing torque).
[0100] FIGS. 26 and 27 each show yet another modification of the
gear transmission mechanism. The gear transmission mechanism shown
in FIGS. 26 and 27 includes a planetary gear. Specifically, the
gear transmission mechanism includes the driving gear 216 fixedly
mounted on the rotational center shaft 6 of the operating disk 4,
an outer-circumferential gear 242 formed in the outer
circumferential face of the cylindrical portion of the operating
disk 4, an idler gear 246 having a relatively large diameter, an
idler gear 248 having a relatively small diameter, and the driven
gear 68. The driven gear 216, the large-diameter idler gear 246,
and the small-diameter idler gear 248 are integrated by a swinging
arm 250.
[0101] FIG. 26 shows a state in a case of setting the second
position (prioritizing torque, which is to be used in the washing
step and the rinsing step). FIG. 27 shows a state in a case of
setting the first position (prioritizing high-speed operation,
which is to be used in the dewatering step).
[0102] Referring to FIG. 26 showing the state that corresponds to
the second position (prioritizing torque, to be used in the washing
step and the rinsing step), description will be made. In this
state, when the operating disk 4 is rotated in a counterclockwise
direction, the driving gear 216 and the driven gear 68 are meshed
via the large-diameter idler gear 246.
[0103] Referring to FIG. 27 showing the state that corresponds to
the first position (prioritizing high-speed operation, to be used
in the dewatering step), description will be made. In this state,
when the operating disk 4 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the
outer-circumferential gear 242 of the operating disk 4 and the
driven gear 68 are meshed via the small-diameter idler gear
248.
[0104] Description will be made with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29
regarding a modification of the gear transmission mechanism shown
in FIGS. 26 and 27 described above. The gear transmission mechanism
shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 employs the outer-circumferential gear 242
formed in the outer-circumferential face of the cylindrical portion
of the operating disk 4. In contrast, the gear transmission
mechanism according to such a modification shown in FIGS. 28 and 29
employs an inner-circumferential gear 252 formed in an
inner-circumferential face of the cylindrical portion of the
operating disk 4.
[0105] FIG. 28 shows a state in a case of setting the second
position (prioritizing torque, to be used in the washing step and
the rinsing step). FIG. 29 shows a state in a case of setting the
first position (prioritizing high-speed operation, to be used in
the dewatering step).
[0106] Referring to FIG. 28 showing a state that corresponds to the
second position (prioritizing torque, to be used in the washing
step and the rinsing step), description will be made. In this
state, when the operating disk 4 is rotated in a counterclockwise
direction, the driving gear 216 and the driven gear 68 are meshed
via the large-diameter idler gear 246.
[0107] Referring to FIG. 29 showing a state that corresponds to the
first position (prioritizing high-speed operation, to be used in
the dewatering step), description will be made. In this state, when
the operating disk 4 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the
inner-circumferential gear 252 of the operating disk 4 and the
driven gear 62 are meshed via the small-diameter idler gear
248.
* * * * *