JPH09294891A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve cleaning performance while avoiding an increase in size of a washing machine by disposing paired longitudinal side surfaces with their mutual distance greater above a central axis relative to their mutual distance below the central axis. SOLUTION: A rotary shaft 46 of a stirrer blade 42 is mounted with a tilt relative to both a longitudinal side surface 41c of a washing bucket 41 and a horizontal direction. Laundry is well stirred as the rotation of the laundry varies. The washing bucket 41 is narrowed toward the lower portion thereof so that rotation of the laundry passing through that portion is accelerated. The rotary shaft 46 is tilted relative to a mounting portion 41i of the longitudinal side surface 41b by a tension of a belt 48. A portion near the center of a disk 42a of the stirrer blade 42 is made to project toward the inside of the wash bucket to increase its strength. A bearing portion 45 may be made in a small size to reduce cost. Water splash is restricted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a washing machine in which a stirring blade for stirring wash water and laundry is provided on a side surface of a washing tub.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The applicant of the present invention has proposed a washing machine having a structure in which a stirring wing is provided on a side surface of a washing tub (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. Hei.
-224214). In such a washing machine, the planar shape of the washing tub can be rectangular with the side surface provided with the stirring blade as the long side surface. Taking advantage of this, a small washing machine that could not be realized with a conventional washing machine, for example, a washing machine with a narrow width or a washing machine with a plurality of washing tubs accommodated within the width dimension of a standard washing pan Machine can be realized.

[0003]

By the way, in such a small washing machine, it is preferable for the washing machine to improve the washing power without increasing the size of the washing machine. In addition, we want to avoid increasing the cost of the washing machine. Further, the stirring blade and its supporting portion on the side surface of the washing tub receive a larger load than when the stirring blade is on the bottom surface of the washing tub. It is not preferable that the washing machine is upsized and the cost is increased in order to endure such a load.

[0004] Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having a washing power with a stirring blade provided on the side surface of the washing tub. Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that is equipped with a stirring blade on the side surface of the washing tub and can be downsized.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, a washing machine of the invention according to claim 1 has a pair of long side surfaces and a pair of short side surfaces, and is a substantially rectangular shape divided by each side surface. It has a plane shape and is provided with a washing tub for accommodating wash water and laundry and washing, and a longitudinal side surface in the washing tub with its central axis intersecting the longitudinal side surface. It is equipped with a disc that rotates or rotates in the center, and a stirring blade for stirring the wash water and the laundry, which has a protrusion protruding from the disc surface. And the distance between them is relatively wider than the distance below the central axis.

According to this structure, when the laundry is rotated by the stirring blades in the washing tub, the laundry alternately passes between the wide upper portion and the narrow lower portion. At this time, the laundry easily enters the narrow lower part due to its weight, and the rotation is promoted in the lower part, so that the cleaning power is improved. A washing machine according to a second aspect of the present invention is the washing machine according to the first aspect, wherein the stirring blade is provided with its central axis inclined with respect to the normal to the longitudinal side surface. Is.

According to this structure, in addition to the operation of the invention according to claim 1, when the laundry rotates in the washing tub, the laundry approaches the longitudinal side surface inclined with respect to the central axis. Since it is easy to move or move away, the rotation is more likely to change than when the central axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal side surface. As a result, the laundry is evenly stirred and the cleaning power is further improved.

The washing machine of the invention according to claim 3 is the washing machine according to claim 1.
Alternatively, in the washing machine described in the paragraph 2, the washing tub includes a step extending horizontally above the upper end of the stirring blade and in the vicinity of the upper end of the stirring blade. According to this configuration, in addition to the action of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the step can function as a mark indicating the cleaning water level. That is, the user can easily supply water to an appropriate cleaning water level by supplying water with the step as a mark, which is convenient. Further, when water is supplied in this way, the stirring blade does not come out above the water surface, so that water splash can be prevented.

The washing machine of the invention according to claim 4 is the washing machine according to claim 1.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the disk of the stirring blade is formed such that a portion near the center thereof projects inward toward the washing tub than a portion near the outer periphery. To do. According to this structure, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the disk has a thicker wall or a thicker rib in the central portion where a large load is easily applied. The strength can be easily increased, and the protrusion to the outside of the washing tub can be reduced. Therefore, the washing machine can be downsized.

The washing machine of the invention according to claim 5 is the washing machine according to claim 1.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stirring blade has a plurality of protrusions, and the protrusions are provided so as to avoid positions where the centers of the stirring blades are sandwiched between each other. Is. According to this configuration, the following operation is achieved in addition to the operation of the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.
That is, when the water surface is near the center of the stirring blade and the projection passes through the water surface, an impact load acts on the stirring blade. Even in such a case, since the plurality of protrusions do not pass through the water surface at the same time, the impact load applied to the stirring blade can be suppressed. Therefore, the stirring blade and its supporting portion can be downsized.

The washing machine of the invention according to claim 6 is the washing machine according to claim 1.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is provided in the washing tub and extends along one longitudinal side opposite to the longitudinal side on which the stirring blade is provided, from near the center of the longitudinal side to the peripheral portion. The present invention is further characterized in that it further comprises an extending protrusion, and the extending direction of the protrusion is inclined with respect to the direction extending radially from the center of the one longitudinal side surface.

According to this structure, in addition to the action of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the following action is exhibited.
That is, when the laundry in the washing tub rotates in one direction as the stirring blade rotates, it can move toward the center along the protrusion. When the laundry is rotated in the other direction, the protrusion can move away from the center along the opposite direction. Therefore, the laundry is moved between the center of the washing tub and the edge of the washing tub, is well agitated, is uniformly washed, and the washing power is improved.

The washing machine of the invention according to claim 7 is the washing machine according to claim 1.
In the washing machine according to any one of 1 to 6, the stirring blade is further provided with a water splash restricting rib which is provided along an outer peripheral portion of the stirring blade and protrudes inward of the washing tub. According to this configuration, in addition to the action of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the following action is exhibited. In other words, when the stirring blade rotates and the washing water receives the centrifugal force and jumps out in the radial direction, it hits the water splash restricting ribs, so that the direction of the washing water can be changed. As a result, water splash can be suppressed.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The washing machine of the present invention is provided with a stirring blade on the side surface of the washing tub, and as described in the section of the prior art, it can be configured as a novel washing machine that cannot be realized by the conventional washing machine. As a preferable example thereof, a two-tub type washing machine including a plurality of washing devices will be described. The washing machine of the present invention is applied to the sub-washing device in this two-tub type washing machine. The washing machine of the present invention may be applied not only to such a two-tub type washing machine but also as a single washing machine.

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a schematic structure of a two-tub type washing machine to which a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. In the following description, the directions will be described with reference to the front view unless otherwise specified. The two-tub washing machine 1 determines its outer shape, for example, a housing 10 having a rectangular plane shape that is long in the left-right direction, a main washing machine 20 arranged on the right side of the housing 10, and a main washing machine 20. And a sub-washing device 40 disposed in the housing 10 adjacent thereto.

The washing machine of the present invention is applied to the sub-washing device 40. The main washing device 20 has the same configuration as a generally known fully automatic washing machine, and can perform washing and dehydration. The sub-washing device 40 is a dedicated washing tub. The main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 40 can be operated simultaneously or separately and can be separately washed.

Further, the main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 40
A pipe 51, a valve 52 and the like are provided to supply water to the. One end of the pipe 51 is connected to an external water supply facility (not shown) such as tap water, and the other end is branched and introduced into each washing machine. The valve 52 is provided for each washing machine, can be operated manually or automatically, and can supply water separately to each washing machine.

Further, the main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 40
In order to drain water from the washing machine, a drainage pipe 61, a valve 62, etc., which are connected to each washing machine and are led out of the machine, are provided. The main washing device 20 includes, as a washing tub, an outer tub 21 supported by a fishing rod 26, and an inner tub 22 rotatably provided in the outer tub 21 and having a large number of small holes on its surface. There is. Inner tank 22
The stirring blade 23 provided at the bottom of the inner tank 22 is driven by a driving device 24 including a motor 25 and the like. During washing and rinsing, only the stirring blade 23 rotates in one direction or both directions, and during dehydration, the stirring blade 23 and the inner tank 22 both rotate in one direction at high speed.

The sub-washing device 40 has a substantially rectangular inner shape and has a washing tub 41 for containing washing water and laundry therein.
In order to stir the laundry and washing water in the washing tub 41, a rotary shaft 46 as a central axis is provided so as to intersect with the longitudinal side surface 41b of the washing tub 41, and the surface thereof has a disc shape and is uneven. The stirring blade 42 formed and a drive mechanism 43 for rotating the stirring blade 42 in one direction or both directions at the time of washing and rinsing are provided.

The drive mechanism 43 includes a motor 44 as a drive source for rotating the stirring blade 42, a small pulley 49 that rotates integrally with the output shaft of the motor 44, a belt 48 wound around the small pulley 49, and a belt. A large pulley 47 that is driven by 48 and rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 46, the above-described rotating shaft 46 fixed to the center of the stirring blade 42, and the rotating shaft 46 rotatably on the longitudinal side surface 41b of the washing tub 41. The bearing part 45 which supports is provided. The rotation of the motor 44 is performed by the small pulley 4
9, decelerated by the belt 48 and the large pulley 47,
It is transmitted to the stirring blade 42 via the rotating shaft 46.

The washing water and the laundry stored in the washing tub 41 are stirred by the stirring blade 42. At this time, the laundry is washed by the water flow and by friction with the stirring blade 42 and the inner surface of the washing tub 41, and is similarly rinsed. Hereinafter, each part will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional left side view of the sub-washing device 40. This will be described with reference to FIGS.

The washing tub 41 has a long side surface 41c along the left side surface of the housing 10 and is arranged long in the front-rear direction, and is formed in a container shape opening upward. Washing tub 4
Reference numeral 1 denotes a bottom surface 41a and a pair of opposed long side surfaces 41b and 41c which are side surfaces rising from the periphery of the bottom surface 41a.
And a pair of opposing short side surfaces 41d and 41e. Each side surface is provided substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 41a except for a part of the long side surface 41b as described later.
The bottom surface 41a has a concave curved surface 41f on its front and rear portions, and is connected to the short side surfaces 41d and 41e via the concave curved surface 41f. Therefore, the bottom surface 41a can guide the water flow accompanying the rotation of the stirring blade 42 without stagnation, and can maintain the cleaning effect without weakening the water flow. A drain port 63 is formed at the bottom of the bottom surface 41a, and one end of a drain pipe 61 is connected to the drain port 63.

The stirring blade 42 is arranged substantially at the center of the long side surface 41b. The stirring blade 42 includes a disc 42a that rotates about a rotation shaft 46, and a protrusion 42b that is provided on the surface of the disc 42a. The protrusions 42b are evenly arranged at several positions radially around the rotation shaft 46, for example, at three positions at equal angles to each other. by the way,
When the water surface in the washing tub 41 is near the center of the stirring blade 42, when the stirring blade 42 is rotated, an impact load may act on the stirring blade 42 when the protrusion 42b passes the water surface. is there. Even in such a case, since the protrusions 42b are evenly arranged at three locations, the plurality of protrusions 42b
Since b does not pass the water surface at the same time, the stirring blade 42
It is possible to suppress the impact load applied to. Therefore, the stirring blade 42 and the bearing portion 45 that is a supporting portion thereof can be downsized. Note that the protrusions 42b are not limited to three equal parts. In short, the plurality of protrusions 42b are mutually agitating blades 42
It suffices that it is provided so as to avoid positions where the centers of the two are sandwiched.
Further, since the protrusions 42b are evenly arranged and have good rotational balance, the load on the bearing portion 45 can be further reduced, and the bearing portion 45 can be further downsized. In addition, the protrusions 42b are arranged in five equal parts,
They may be evenly arranged in odd numbers.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional front view of the sub-washing device 40. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the sub-washing device 40. 3 and 4 show a portion near the stirring blade 42 in an enlarged manner, and FIG. 3 shows a sectional shape of the stirring blade 42. In the following description, the “axial direction” means the direction in which the rotary shaft 46 extends, and the “radial direction” means the direction orthogonal to the axial direction. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The protrusion 42b is formed in a substantially truncated pyramid shape extending in the radial direction from the peripheral edge of the disc 42a toward the center. Each surface of the truncated pyramid and the surface of the disc 42a are smoothly connected. In addition, the end surface 42c of the protrusion 42b near the outer circumference of the stirring blade 42 and the top surface 42d on the side projecting in the axial direction are curved surfaces 42e having a predetermined radius R.
Connected by. The predetermined radius R is preferably 20 mm or more. In this case, the end of the protrusion 42b near the outer periphery does not project into the washing tub 41, so that the user can feel a sense of security in the washing tub 41. You can put it in and take out the laundry. At this time, the protrusion 42b is not easily caught by the laundry and is convenient.

By the way, when the stirring blade 42 is located on the side surface of the washing tub 41 as in the sub-washing device 40, the stirring blade 42 is used.
The load acting on the stirring blade 42 is larger than that when the stirring blade is provided on the bottom of the washing tub for the same amount of laundry.
Grows in the central part of. For this reason, the stirring blade 42 and the bearing portion 45 tend to increase in size so as to withstand a large load. Further, in the conventional stirring blade on the bottom surface of the washing tub, the surface thereof is recessed downward from the peripheral portion to the central portion, so that the ribs are protruded to the back surface side. Attaching such a stirring blade to the side surface of the washing tub 41 is
It is not preferable in terms of space efficiency. In the present invention, the disc 42a is formed as follows.

The disc 42a is formed so that its diameter is longer than the distance between the long side surfaces of the washing tub 41. Therefore, the distance between the stirring blade 42 and the longitudinal side surface 41c is limited, so that the laundry in the washing tub 41 can be stirred and washed effectively without being separated from the stirring blade 42. Further, the disc 42a is formed such that a portion near the center thereof projects inward of the washing tub 41 than a portion near the outer periphery. Further, the disc 42a has a thick boss portion 42i at the center thereof to which the rotary shaft 46 is fixed,
A thin flange portion 42j extending in the radial direction from the boss portion 42i is provided. The flange portion 42j is formed in a substantially plate shape, and a portion near the center gently protrudes inward of the washing tub 41 than a portion near the outer periphery. Further, the flange portion 42j and the boss portion 42i are smoothly and projectingly connected with a large inclination. A rib 42k is formed on the back surface of the flange 42j.

The ribs 42k are designed so that the thickness (axial dimension) increases toward the center of the disc 42a and the disc 4k.
It is formed so as not to project to the back side (right side) of 2a. Therefore, the rib 42k has a large load on the disc 42a.
Since the thickness can be increased closer to the center of the disk, the minimum size for maintaining strength is sufficient, and the disk 42a can be made lightweight.

The boss 42i projects in the axial direction to the same extent as the projection 42b. The boss portion 42i is the disc 4
The rotating shaft 46 can be fixed with a sufficient length without protruding to the back side of 2a. Therefore, since the strength of the boss portion 42i of the stirring blade 42 on which a large force acts can be maintained, the weight of the stirring blade 42 can be reduced. In addition,
Even if the boss portion 42i protrudes inwardly of the washing tub 41, there is no fear that the cloth circumference and the cleaning power are reduced. Further, since the protrusion of the boss portion 42i is substantially the same as the protrusion portion 42b, it does not hinder the taking out of the laundry.

As described above, the strength of the boss 42i and the rib 42k can be easily increased, and the protrusion of the disc 42a to the outside of the washing tub 41 can be reduced. As a result, even if a large load is applied to the central portion of the stirring blade 42, the stirring blade 42 can be made lightweight, and the lightweight stirring blade 42 reduces the load on the rotating shaft 46 and the bearing portion 45. be able to. Therefore, the sub-washing device 40 can be downsized.

The bearing portion 45 includes a bearing (not shown) for rotatably supporting the rotating shaft 46 and a seal member (not shown) for preventing wash water from leaking from the washing tub 41. Built-in. The bearing portion 45 has a predetermined supporting rigidity. When force is applied to the rotating shaft 46, the rotating shaft 46
Are tilted and supported at an angle determined by the support rigidity. The bearing portion 45 supports the load acting on the stirring blade 42 during stirring and the tension of the belt 48 acting on the large pulley 47 as described above. That is, the motor 44 is provided at the lower rear portion of the stirring blade 42 so that the belt 48 can be stretched with an appropriate tension.
It is fixed to the bottom surface of the housing 10. For this reason,
The large pulley 47 has a tension (arrow F in FIG. 2) directed downward and rearward.
One. Arrows F2 to F3 in FIGS. 3 to 4 are component forces of the arrow F1. ) Is always working.

The rotating shaft 46 has a bearing 45 inserted through the center thereof, a stirring blade 42 is fixed to the left end inside the washing tub 41, and a large pulley is provided to the right end outside the washing tub 41. 47 is attached. The rotating shaft 46 is pulled obliquely rearward and downward by the tension F1 received from the belt 48, and is attached to the attachment portion 41 of the long side surface 41b described later.
It is supported by the bearing portion 45 in an inclined state with respect to i. The mounting portion 41i is a vertical plane parallel to the long side surface 41c, and in this supporting state, the rotary shaft 46 is
It is inclined with respect to the normal line of c and also with respect to the horizontal direction. That is, the axis 46c of the rotary shaft 46 (illustrated by the one-dot chain line in FIGS. 3 and 4) is the normal line VL of the mounting portion 41i.
(Indicated by a chain double-dashed line in FIGS. 3 and 4), it is inclined at an angle D2 in a plan view and an angle D1 in a front view. In this way, by making the rotary shaft 46 oblique with respect to the long side surface 41c, the cleaning power can be improved as described later. Also, the cleaning power can be improved by inclining the rotary shaft 46 with respect to the horizontal direction.

Further, the rotary shaft 46 has the tension F1 of the belt 48.
Since the bearing 45 is attached in a tilted state, it is not necessary to increase the support rigidity of the bearing portion 45 to such an extent that the bearing portion 45 does not tilt even when receiving the tension F1, and the bearing portion 45 can be downsized. This is because it is aesthetically preferable to avoid that the stirring blade 42 is not aligned with the longitudinal side surface 41b. For this reason, the bearing portion 45 is provided with high support rigidity, and the rotating shaft 4
It is conceivable that 6 can be supported in a state substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal side surface 41b against the tension F1. By the way, in general, the higher the supporting rigidity of the bearing portion, the longer the axial length thereof tends to be. Therefore, the bearing portion having the high supporting rigidity is easy to be upsized. Particularly, since the bearing portion 45 can be downsized in the axial direction, the sub washing device 40,
As a result, the width of the two-tub type washing machine 1 can be reduced. Therefore, it is preferable to realize a two-tub type washing machine in which the width can be approximated to the size of a standard household washing machine pan and the washing can be performed separately.

Even if the rotary shaft 46 is tilted, the following aesthetic problems do not occur. The long side surface 41b has a recessed portion 41 which is recessed to the right and accommodates the disc 42a of the stirring blade 42.
g, and a flat portion 41h capable of contacting the laundry. The recess 41g is formed in a substantially columnar inner shape having a diameter larger than that of the disc 42a so that the stirring blade 42 can rotate therein without any trouble. The portion that becomes the end surface of this column is the above-mentioned mounting portion 41i. Plane part 4
1h is provided such that its normal line is inclined with respect to the axis line of the cylinder of the recess 41g, and the inclination direction and angle are the rotational axis 46.
Is set so as to substantially coincide with the direction and angle of inclination with the normal line of the mounting portion 41i. Therefore, even if the rotary shaft 46 is inclined as described above, a non-uniform step does not occur between the disc 42a of the stirring blade 42 and the flat surface portion 41h of the long side surface 41b. Specifically, the axial dimension of the recess 41g is
The upper end portion, the lower end portion, the front end portion, and the rear end portion have dimensions A, B, C, and D, respectively, and dimensions A <dimension B and dimension C <dimension D. Along with this, the distance between the long side surface 41c and the flat surface portion 41h of the long side surface 41b is also changed.
It depends on the position within 1. That is, the washing tub 4
1 is wide in the front upper part, narrow in the rear lower part, and the space in the front lower part and the rear upper part is a size between them. In this way, since the distance between the long side surfaces is different, the cleaning power can be improved as described later.

Further, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the washing tub 4
In 1, a prescribed water level H is set which regulates the standard amount of washing water stored inside. The specified water level H is set in accordance with the amount of wash water in which the wash water is sufficiently stored in the washing tub 41 and the laundry can be stirred in the wash water. For example, the central axis of the stirring blade 42 is set in the vertical direction. It is set so as to be located near the center between the prescribed water level H and the bottom surface 41a. The specified water level H is set above the upper end of the stirring blade 42 by a predetermined distance L1. The predetermined distance L1 is 20
It is preferable to set it within mm. If the predetermined distance L1 is large, the cleaning power is reduced, and if the predetermined distance L1 is small,
This is because water splashes easily occur.

In the sub-washing device 40, the short side surface 4 is used as a water supply mark at the position of the long side surface 41b corresponding to the specified water level H.
Step 41j extending back and forth from 1d to the short side surface 41e
Are formed. By supplying water using this step 41j as a mark, water can be supplied easily and properly even by manual operation. In addition, the step 41j is formed on the short side surface 4
Since it is formed from 1d to the short side surface 41e, it can be easily visually recognized. As a water supply mark, a step 41j
It is not limited to. For example, it may be a protrusion. Further, it may be provided on a part of the side surface. It may also be formed on another side surface.

Next, the operation of the sub-washing device 40 will be described. The stirring blade 42 repeats normal rotation and reverse rotation at a predetermined rotation speed and at a predetermined time interval. Along with the rotation of the stirring blade 42, the wash water and the laundry rotate while alternately passing through the wide upper portion and the narrow lower portion in the washing tub 41. At this time, since the rotating shaft 46 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal side surface 41c, the rotating laundry is likely to approach or move away from the longitudinal side surface 41c, so that the rotating shaft 46 is orthogonal to the longitudinal side surface 41c. , Rotation of laundry tends to change. As a result, the laundry is evenly stirred and the washing power is improved.

The distance between the longitudinal side surfaces is determined by the rotation shaft 46.
Since the upper space is relatively wider than the lower space of the rotating shaft 46, the laundry rotating in the washing tub 41 easily enters the narrow lower part due to its weight, and the lower rotating part rotates. Is promoted. As a result, the cleaning power is further improved. Further, since the rotating shaft 46 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, when the laundry is agitated by the agitating blade 42, the agitating blade 42 receives a horizontal leftward force, so that the laundry tub 41 is further guided in the washing tub 41. Stir further. As a result, the cleaning power is further improved.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by tilting the rotary shaft 46 or changing the width of the washing tub 41,
Since the detergency can be improved, the sub-washing device 40 can have a simple structure as compared with the case where the stirring blade 42 has an asymmetrical shape or the inversion time of the stirring blade 42 is different, and the cost can be reduced. Does not invite a rise in. The rotary shaft 46
Was inclined with respect to the long side surface 41c, but is not limited to this. For example, the rotating shaft 46 has a long side surface 41b.
May be inclined with respect to. If the portion of the long side surface 41b far from the stirring blade 42 is inclined with respect to the rotating shaft 46, the above-mentioned aesthetic inconvenience can be avoided. Further, since the rotation shaft 46 and the inclined long side surface 41b change the rotation of the laundry, the cleaning power is further improved.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 5: is a partial cross section front view of the sub washing apparatus 40 to which the washing machine concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is applied. FIG. 6 is a left side sectional view of the sub-washing device 40 of FIG. In this embodiment, the shape of the washing tub 41 and the mounting state of the rotary shaft 46 on the washing tub 41 are different from those in the first embodiment. It should be noted that although the same parts as those according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted, the same applies to other embodiments described later.

The details will be described below. The long side surfaces of the washing tub 41 are arranged parallel to each other in a plan view. In addition, the short side surfaces are also arranged in parallel in a plan view. Washing tub 4
The pair of opposing long side surfaces 41b and 41c and the pair of opposing short side surfaces 41d and 41e are provided to be inclined with respect to the bottom surface 41a. The inclination angle is set to several degrees, for example, 2 degrees with respect to the vertical direction, and the upper portion in the washing tub 41 is made wider than the lower portion in the washing tub 41. That is, (the interval L2 between the upper parts of both longitudinal side surfaces)> (the interval L3 between the lower parts of both longitudinal side surfaces),
(Space L4 between upper parts of both short side surfaces)> (Space L5 between lower parts of both short side surfaces).

Since the opposite sides of the washing tub 41 are inclined as described above, the difference in distance between the upper and lower sides of the washing tub 41 should be made larger than that of the washing tub 41 of the first embodiment. You can Therefore, the effect of changing the width of the washing tub 41 to improve the cleaning power can be obtained more effectively. Further, since the washing tub 41 has the same width in the front portion and the rear portion, the same washing effect can be obtained even if the rotating direction of the stirring blade 42 is different. Further, since the washing tub 41 has a planar shape closer to a rectangle than that of the first embodiment, the space efficiency is further increased. In addition, such a shape of the narrow washing tub 41 at the lower portion is preferable when the washing tub 41 is molded from a resin material such as plastic because it is easy to manufacture and the cost is reduced.

The axis of the rotary shaft 46 is mounted parallel to the normal line of the mounting portion 41i of the long side surface 41b. On the other hand, the rotary shaft 46 has horizontal and longitudinal side surfaces 41.
It is inclined to the normal line of c. Therefore, there is the effect of improving the cleaning power described in the first embodiment. Next, a third embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional front view of a sub-washing device 40 to which the washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 8 is a left side sectional view of the sub-washing device 40 of FIG. In this embodiment, the ridges 4 are formed on each short side surface of the washing tub 41.
1k is provided and the water supplied from the pipe 51 is stirred by a stirring blade 4
It is different from the first embodiment in that the water channel 53 is provided so as to be poured into the second.

The details will be described below. Each side surface of the washing tub 41 is provided substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 41a.
The stirring blade 42 is provided with the rotating shaft 46 perpendicular to the long side surface 41b. A plurality of ridges 41k are formed on the pair of short side surfaces 41d, 41e of the washing tub 41 so as to extend vertically and have a semicircular cross section. The ridge 41k is formed from the upper part of the washing tub 41 to the concave curved surface 41f so that the laundry in the washing tub 41 can be followed. Ridge 41
k reliably guides the laundry moving in the washing tub 41 in the vertical direction, and at that time suppresses the movement in the horizontal direction.
It is possible to suppress entanglement. Therefore, the laundry can be washed evenly. The ridge 41k may be a ridge.

The water channel 53 is a long side surface 41b of the washing tub 41.
It is formed to extend vertically inside. The upper end of the water channel 53 is connected to the pipe 51. In addition, the lower end of the water channel 53 is open above the upper part of the recess 41g, above the upper end of the disc 42a of the stirring blade 42. The washing water supplied from the pipe 51 passes through the water channel 53, spreads from the opening, and is evenly poured on the upper end portion of the stirring blade 42. Then, it flows downward through the front and back surfaces of the stirring blade 42 and the inside of the recess 41g (arrows F4 to F7). At this time, the detergent, sand, etc. adhering to the stirring blade 42 and the concave portion 41g can be poured off.

Further, the washing tub 41 is provided at the lower end of the recess 41g.
An inclined surface 41m is formed so as to descend inward.
Therefore, the sand, etc., which has been washed away as described above, should be removed from the recess 4
It can be reliably dropped to the lower part in the washing tub 41 without accumulating in 1 g. In this way, since sand etc. can be easily removed, it is easy to use. Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional front view of a sub-washing device 40 to which the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 10 is a right side sectional view of the sub-washing device 40 of FIG. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a spiral protrusion 72 is provided in the washing tub 41. The details will be described below.

Each side surface of the washing tub 41 is provided substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 41a. The stirring blade 42 is the rotating shaft 4
6 is provided perpendicular to the long side surface 41b. The protrusion 72 is formed integrally with the long side surface 41c along the long side surface 41c. The protrusions 72 are formed in plural, for example, at four places. Each of the protrusions 72 extends in a curved shape from the vicinity of the center of the long side surface 41c toward the peripheral portion of the long side surface 41c. The direction in which each protrusion 72 extends is defined by the long side surface 41.
It is inclined with respect to the direction that extends radially from the center of c, the inclination angle is smaller toward the center, and each protrusion 72 is
It is inclined at the same angle. Each of the protrusions 72 is a concave side surface portion 72a on the center side of the curve that allows the laundry to move closer to the center, and a convex side surface on the side far from the center of the curve that allows the laundry to move away from the center when the laundry follows. And a portion 72b.

Next, the operation will be described. For example, the washing tub 41
When the laundry inside is stirred and rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 10, the laundry hits the protrusion 72, and the spiral protrusion 7
Since it can move toward the center along the concave side surface portion 72a of 2 (arrow M1), it is washed in the central portion of the washing tub 41 having a strong stirring force, and as a result, the washing force is further improved. When the laundry rotates clockwise in FIG. 10,
Since it can move away from the center along the convex side surface portion 72b of the protrusion 72 (arrow M2), the washing tub 41
Dispersed inside, easy to unravel and wash evenly.

Further, since the projection 72 is curved, the laundry can be smoothly followed, and since it is convex, the laundry can be easily followed. Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a left side sectional view of a sub washing device 40 to which the washing machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is applied. In the present embodiment, the protrusion 42 of the stirring blade 42
The shape of b is different from that of the fourth embodiment.

The details will be described below. The protrusion 42b is
A plurality of, for example, a plurality of
It is formed in four places. Each of the protrusions 42b is a concave side surface portion 42m on the center side of the curve that allows the laundry to move closer to the center, and a protrusion on the side far from the center of the curve that allows the laundry to move away from the center. And a side surface portion 42n. It should be noted that in FIG. 11, the protrusions 72 that face each other are shown by alternate long and short dash lines.

Next, the operation will be described. When the stirring blade 42 rotates, the protrusion 42b not only pushes the laundry or washing water in the traveling direction, but also moves it along the protrusion 42b. At this time, the laundry or washing water of the washing tub 41 is moved. It can be moved to the center or away from the center of the wash tub 41. For example, when the stirring blade 42 rotates clockwise in FIG. 11 (arrow M3), the laundry approaching the stirring blade 42 moves toward the center along the concave side surface portion 42m (arrow M4). At the same time, the laundry approaching the long side surface 41c moves toward the center along the concave side surface portion 72a of the protrusion 72 (arrow M5). Therefore, the laundry is washed in the central portion of the washing tub 41 having strong stirring power, and as a result, the washing power is further improved.

When the stirring blade 42 rotates in the opposite direction,
Since the laundry can move away from the center along the convex side surface portion 42n of the protrusion 42b and the convex side surface portion 72b of the protrusion 72 in the washing tub 41, the laundry is dispersed and loosened in the washing tub 41. Easy and evenly washed. In this way, the laundry is massaged by turning the stirring blades 42 and moving toward the center or moving away from the center and kneading.

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a left side sectional view of a sub-washing device 40 to which the washing machine according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is applied. In the present embodiment, the shape of the protrusion 42b of the stirring blade 42 is
This is different from the fifth embodiment. The details will be described below.

The protrusion 42b is the protrusion 4 shown in FIG.
The shape of 2b and the direction of the spiral are formed in opposite directions. Next, the operation will be specifically described. The stirring blade 42 is shown in FIG.
When rotated clockwise at (arrow M6), the laundry approaching the stirring blade 42 moves away from the center along the convex side surface portion 42n (arrow M7). At the same time, the laundry approaching the long side surface 41c moves toward the center along the concave side surface portion 72a of the protrusion 72 (arrow M8). Therefore, the laundry is well stirred while being twisted clockwise in the traveling direction.

When the stirring blade 42 rotates in the opposite direction,
In the washing tub 41, the laundry is twisted clockwise in the traveling direction along the concave side surface portion 42m of the protrusion 42b and the convex side surface portion 72b of the protrusion 72 (since the traveling direction is opposite, the twist is eliminated. ), And well stirred. As a result, the cleaning power is improved. In addition, the protrusion 72 is the washing tub 41.
It only has to be along the longitudinal side surface. For example, as shown as the protrusion 42b in the fifth and sixth embodiments, the equivalent to the protrusion 72 may be formed on the stirring blade 42.

Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a left side view of the stirring blade 42 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 shows the stirring blade 4 of FIG.
2 is a front sectional view of FIG. In the present embodiment, the stirring blade 42
Is different from the first embodiment in that it is provided with a water splash restricting rib 42o.

The water splash restricting rib 42o is formed so as to project inwardly of the washing tub 41 in the axial direction along the outer periphery of the disc 42a of the stirring blade 42. When the stirring blade 42 rotates and the washing water is subjected to centrifugal force and is spouted in the radial direction, the washing water hits the water splash restricting rib 42o.
o can change the direction of the wash water (Fig. 1
(See arrow 4). As a result, water splash can be suppressed. The water splash restricting rib 42o is formed on the entire circumference of the disc 42a closer to the outer circumference than the protrusion 42b. Therefore, water splash can be suppressed regardless of the rotation angle of the stirring blade 42.

In this way, since water splash can be suppressed, usability is improved. Particularly, in a washing machine in which the stirring blade 42 is on the side surface of the washing tub 41, if a part of the stirring blade 42 is on the water surface, water splash may occur, which is preferable for improving usability. The splash control rib 42o is shown in FIG.
As shown in the right side view of FIG. 5, it may be formed continuously with the protrusion 42b, or may be formed on a part of the outer peripheral portion of the disc 42a. FIG. 16 shows the protrusion 4 of FIG.
2b is an X direction arrow view of FIG. The water splash control rib 42o is
An end surface 42c of the protrusion 42b is formed to extend along the outer circumference of the stirring blade 42.

Further, the water splash control rib 42o is provided with the stirring blade 4
It may be formed separately from 2, and attached to the stirring blade 42. Note that the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other. For example, the washing tub 41 of the second embodiment
In addition, the stirring blade 42 obliquely attached to the recess 41g shown in the first embodiment may be provided. First,
The washing tub 41 of the second embodiment may be provided with the ridges 41k shown in the third embodiment, and as shown in the third embodiment, the washing water is provided above the stirring blades 42. You may be guided. In addition, the fourth to sixth embodiments will be described with reference to
It may be implemented in the sub-washing device 40 according to the third embodiment. Particularly, in the washing tub 41 of the sixth embodiment, the third
When the ridge 42k shown in the above embodiment is provided, the laundry moves across the ridge 42k when twisted, and is rubbed with a larger surface to improve the cleaning power. To do. In addition, in the first to third embodiments, the stirring blade 42
May have the spiral protrusion 42b shown in the fifth embodiment. In this case, the same effect can be obtained while simplifying the washing tub 41 as compared with the fourth embodiment. You can Further, the water splash restricting rib 42o shown in the seventh embodiment is provided with the stirring blade 4 of each of the first to sixth embodiments.
2 may be applied.

Besides, various design changes can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0063]

According to the first aspect of the invention, the rotation of the laundry is promoted by the difference in the distance between the longitudinal side surfaces, so that the washing power is improved. According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, the laundry can be washed by the stirring blade whose central axis is inclined with respect to the longitudinal side surface.
It is easy to move closer to or farther from the longitudinal side face, and the rotation is more likely to change than when the central axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal side face. As a result, it is evenly stirred and the cleaning power is further improved.

According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1 or 2, it is possible to easily supply water to an appropriate cleaning water level by using a step as a mark, which is convenient. . Further, water splash can be prevented. According to the invention according to claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the disc having a central portion protruding inward of the washing tub can easily increase the strength. Since it is possible to reduce the protrusion to the outside of the washing tub, the washing machine can be downsized.

According to the invention of claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention of any one of claims 1 to 4, when the water surface is near the center of the stirring blade, a plurality of projections are simultaneously formed on the water surface. Therefore, the impact load applied to the stirring blade can be suppressed. Therefore, the stirring blade and its supporting portion can be downsized. According to the invention of claim 6, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the laundry moves toward the center along the protrusion with the rotation of the stirring blade, or the center of the laundry. Since it can be moved away from, it is well agitated and the cleaning power is improved.

According to the invention of claim 7, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the water splash restricting rib hits the wash water that jumps out with the rotation of the stirring blades, and splashes the wash water. Since the direction is changed, water splash can be suppressed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a schematic configuration of a two-tub washing machine in which a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied to a sub-washing device.

2 is a partial cross-sectional left side view of the sub-washing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a partially sectional front view of the sub-washing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the sub-washing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional front view of an auxiliary washing device 40 to which the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied.

6 is a left side sectional view of the sub-washing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional front view of a sub-washing device to which a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention is applied.

8 is a left side sectional view of the sub-washing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional front view of an auxiliary washing device to which a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 10 is a right side sectional view of the sub-washing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a left side sectional view of a sub-washing device to which a washing machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 12 is a left side sectional view of an auxiliary washing device to which a washing machine according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 13 is a left side view of a stirring blade of a washing machine according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front sectional view of the stirring blade shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a left side view of a stirring blade of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

16 is a view of the stirring blade shown in FIG. 15 as viewed in the X direction.

[Explanation of symbols]

 41 Washing tub 41b, 41c Long side surface 41d, 41e Short side surface 41j Step 42 Stirring blade 42a Disc 42b Projection portion 42o Water splash control rib 46 Rotation axis (center axis) L2, L3 spacing (distance between longitudinal side surfaces) VL normal line 72 protrusion

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Takuya Noro 2-5-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masakazu Matsumoto 2-chome, Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka No. 5-5 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A washing machine having a pair of long side surfaces and a pair of short side surfaces and having a substantially rectangular plane shape divided by each side surface, for accommodating wash water and laundry and for washing. A tub, a disk provided on the longitudinal side surface of the washing tub so that its central axis intersects the longitudinal side surface, and a disk that rotates or rotates about the central axis, and a protrusion that is provided on the surface of the disk. And a stirring blade for stirring the wash water and the laundry, wherein the pair of long side surfaces are spaced apart from each other above the central axis,
A washing machine characterized in that it is relatively wider than the distance below each other from the central axis. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the stirring blade is provided with its central axis inclined with respect to the normal to the longitudinal side surface. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the washing tub includes a step extending horizontally above the upper end of the stirring blade and near the upper end of the stirring blade. A washing machine characterized by. 4. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the disk of the stirring blade has a portion near the center thereof protruding inward toward the washing tub rather than a portion near the outer circumference. A washing machine characterized by being formed. 5. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stirring blade has a plurality of protrusions, and the protrusions are provided so as to avoid positions where the centers of the stirring blades are sandwiched with each other. Washing machine characterized by having. 6. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a longitudinal side surface of the washing tub is provided along one of the longitudinal side surfaces facing the longitudinal side surface provided with the stirring blade. The washing machine further comprising a protrusion extending from the vicinity of the center toward the peripheral portion, and the extending direction of the protrusion is inclined with respect to the direction extending radially from the center of the one longitudinal side surface. 7. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the stirring blade further includes a water splash restricting rib that is provided along an outer peripheral portion of the stirring blade and projects toward the inside of the washing tub. A washing machine characterized by.