Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine includes a washing tub for putting in a laundry, a rotating body disposed at a bottom of the washing tub, and a bottom surface protrusion protruding upward from an upper surface of the rotating body and having a ridge line extending in a rotation direction of the rotating body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] For example, in the shoe washing machine described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 62-41634, a brush shaft is rotated within a washing tank containing detergent and water to clean the shoes positioned around the brush shaft. Next, the shoe washing machine performs a spin-drying operation by draining the washing tank and rotating it at high speed. The spin-drying operation is paused, and the brush shaft is reversed to rub against the shoes, thereby changing the orientation of the shoes. Then, the shoe washing machine resumes the spin-drying operation. This suppresses insufficient dehydration of the shoes caused by the soles contacting the walls of the washing tank. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the shoe washing machine described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 62-41634, when the brush shaft reverses and the sole of the shoe comes into contact with the wall of the trough, the friction between the sole and the wall of the trough is relatively large, so even if the brush rubs against the shoe, the orientation of the shoe will not change.

[0004] Using a brush with longer bristles allows for more even cleaning of the shoes. Furthermore, because the brush has lower rigidity, it's more likely that the shoe's orientation won't change even when the brush rubs against it. Conversely, shortening the brush bristles and increasing its rigidity could damage the shoes being rubbed against, or the brush might fail to reach the shoes in contact with the brush's surface and spin aimlessly.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine that can suppress damage to the washed items and change the orientation of the washed items moving along the inner circumferential surface of the washing tub.

[0006] The washing machine disclosed herein includes: a washing tub for holding a garment to be washed; a rotating body disposed at the bottom of the washing tub; and a bottom protrusion projecting upward from the upper surface of the rotating body and having a ridge extending along the rotation direction of the rotating body. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 It's a 3D diagram of a washing machine.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the washing tank and drive mechanism.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a top view of the washing tub.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view of the rotating body, shaft, brush, and side protrusions.

[0011] Figure 5This is a front view of the side protrusion as seen from the shaft side during washing operation.

[0012] Figure 6 It is cut with a vertical plane passing through the top of the axis and the side protrusion during washing operation. Figure 4 The longitudinal sectional view shown is a structural representation.

[0013] Figure 7A It is an enlarged top view of the area around the side protrusions during washing operation.

[0014] Figure 7B It is an enlarged top view of the area around the side protrusions during washing operation.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a solid of revolution.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a top view of a solid of revolution.

[0017] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The cross-sectional view of line AA shown is shown in the view direction.

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the rotating body, shaft, brush, and side protrusions after the rotating body has been rotated 180 degrees.

[0019] Figure 12A It is an enlarged top view of the periphery of the side protrusion during the rolling motion.

[0020] Figure 12B It is an enlarged top view of the periphery of the side protrusion during the rolling motion.

[0021] Figure 13A It is an enlarged front view of the area around the bottom protrusion during the rolling motion.

[0022] Figure 13B It is an enlarged front view of the area around the bottom protrusion during the rolling motion.

[0023] Figure 14 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the periphery of the bottom protrusion during the rolling motion.

[0024] Figure 15A It is a longitudinal sectional view of the periphery of the outer protrusion during the rolling motion.

[0025] Figure 15B It is a longitudinal sectional view of the periphery of the outer protrusion during the rolling motion.

[0026] Figure 16A This is an enlarged front view of the side protrusions and bottom protrusions of the modified example.

[0027] Figure 16B This is an enlarged front view of the side protrusions and bottom protrusions in the modified example.

[0028] Figure 17 Is Figure 6 The diagram includes a longitudinal section view of the side protrusion of the modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or equivalent elements will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0030] [Simple Components of Washing Machine 1]

[0031] This section describes the general structure of washing machine 1. Figure 1 This is a 3D view of washing machine 1. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the washing tank 12 and the drive mechanism 50. Figure 3 This is a top view of washing machine 12. In the following description, Figure 1 The vertical direction is the vertical direction of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 of this embodiment exemplifies washing shoes 9 (see reference 1) as the item to be washed. Figure 5 Washing and dehydrating machines (etc.) are used for washing and dehydration.

[0032] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the washing machine 1 includes an outer casing 10, a top component 20, a top cover 30, a base component 40, a drive mechanism 50, etc. The outer casing 10 is a rectangular cylindrical shape with openings at the top and bottom. The top component 20 is located on the upper side of the outer casing 10, and the base component 40 is located on the lower side of the outer casing 10. The top cover 30 can open and close its opening 21, which extends vertically through the top component 20. A water tank 11 is disposed inside the outer casing 10 and is a bottomed, roughly cylindrical shape with an upward opening. The upper opening of the water tank 11 is connected to the opening 21. A drain is provided at the bottom of the water tank 11 for draining the water inside the water tank 11.

[0033] A washing tank 12 is provided inside the water tank 11 for shoes 9 to enter. Like the water tank 11, the washing tank 12 is also an upward-opening, bottom-covered, generally cylindrical shape, and can rotate relative to the water tank 11. An axis O passing through the center of rotation of the washing tank 12 extends vertically. A drain section is formed at the bottom of the washing tank 12, and multiple drain holes are formed on the peripheral wall of the washing tank 12. A balance ring 14 is provided at the upper edge of the washing tank 12. An opening penetrating the balance ring 14 vertically is an inner opening 22 for allowing the shoes 9 to enter and exit the washing tank 12 from above.

[0034] The washing machine 1 includes a rotating body 13 disposed at the bottom of a washing tub 12. For example, the rotating body 13 is a disc-shaped impeller for agitating the water within the washing tub 12. The rotating body 13 is rotatable relative to the washing tub 12. The axis of rotation of the rotating body 13 is approximately aligned with the axis O of the washing tub 12. A drive mechanism 50 is provided below the washing tub 12 to rotate and drive the washing tub 12 and the rotating body 13. A clutch 51 is provided between the drive mechanism 50 and the washing tub 12 and the rotating body 13. The clutch 51 switches between a state where the drive mechanism 50 transmits power from the washing mechanism 50 to the washing tub 12 and the rotating body 13, and a state where the drive mechanism 50 transmits power only to the rotating body 13.

[0035] The washing machine 1 includes a shaft portion 60 extending upward from the bottom of the washing tub 12 and a brush 61 extending from the shaft portion 60 toward the inner circumferential surface 12A of the washing tub 12. In this example, the shaft portion 60 is a cylindrical shape extending upward from the center of the upper surface of the rotating body 13 and is capable of rotating together with the rotating body 13. The brush 61 is a longitudinally elongated brush composed of multiple bristles extending from the outer circumference of the shaft portion 60 toward the inner circumferential surface 12A and arranged in a vertical direction.

[0036] The upper end of the brush 61 is positioned below the inner opening 22. The lower end of the brush 61 faces each other from above, spaced apart from the upper surface of the rotating body 13. The tips of the brush 61 are spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface 12A. In this example, two brushes 61 are arranged at 180-degree intervals on the shaft 60, extending in opposite directions. The number, position, shape, etc., of the brushes 61 are not limited to this embodiment.

[0037] Here is a summary of the operation of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 includes a control unit 90 for controlling its operation. The control unit 90 is a controller including a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., but it can also be an MCU, MPU, etc. The control unit 90 controls the drive mechanism 50, thereby performing the following operating actions in the washing machine 1.

[0038] First, during the washing operation, the shoes 9 are washed in the washing tank 12, which contains detergent and water. Specifically, the drive mechanism 50 is connected to the rotating body 13 in the washing tank 12 via a clutch 51. The power of the drive mechanism 50 is transmitted to the rotating body 13, which is driven to rotate around the axis O, and the shaft 60 also rotates integrally with the rotating body 13. The two brushes 61 provided on the shaft 60 also rotate around the axis O.

[0039] The direction of rotation about axis O is approximately parallel to the circumferential direction C of the washing tub 12. The rotation trajectory T traced by the front end of the brush 61 rotating along the circumferential direction C is a circle centered on axis O and is smaller than the diameter of the outer circumference P of the rotating body 13 (see reference). Figure 3The brush 61, rotating within the rotation trajectory T, contacts the shoe 9 located on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 60, thereby washing the shoe 9. Afterwards, detergent and water are discharged from the drain portion and drain hole of the washing tank 12.

[0040] After the washing operation described above, the following dehydration operation is performed. Specifically, firstly, in the washing tank 12, which has discharged detergent and water, a rolling motion is performed, similar to the washing operation, to rotate the rotating body 13 and the brush 61. In this example, during the rolling motion, the rotating body 13 and the brush 61 alternately rotate clockwise and counterclockwise for a specified time or a specified number of times. As a result, the shoes 9 are peeled off from the washing tank 12 and dispersed, as detailed later.

[0041] Next, a tank rotation operation is performed to rotate the washing tub 12, which drains detergent and water. During the tank rotation operation, the drive mechanism 50 is connected to the washing tub 12 via the clutch 51 in both the washing tub 12 and the rotating body 13. The power of the drive mechanism 50 is transmitted to the washing tub 12, which is driven to rotate around axis O. Centrifugal force acts on the shoes 9 inside the washing tub 12, causing the shoes 9 to dehydrate. Alternatively, during the tank rotation operation, the drive mechanism 50 can also be connected to both the washing tub 12 and the rotating body 13, both of which are driven to rotate.

[0042] [Side protrusion 100]

[0043] Detailed description of the side protrusion 100. Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the rotating body 13, the shaft 60, the brush 61, and the side protrusion 100. Figure 5 This is a front view of the side protrusion 100 as viewed from the shaft 60 side. Figure 6 It is cut by a vertical plane passing through the axis O and the top 101A of the side protrusion 100. Figure 4 The longitudinal sectional view shown is a structural representation. Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is an enlarged top view of the periphery of the side protrusion 100 during washing operation. In the following description, the side protrusion 100 will be viewed from the side of axis O as a front view of the side protrusion 100.

[0044] like As shown, the side protrusion 100 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface 12A of the washing tub 12 toward the center side of the washing tub 12. The center side of the washing tub 12 is synonymous with the axis O side. For example, the side protrusion 100 is a plate-shaped member that is slightly longer laterally when viewed from the front and fixed to the inner circumferential surface 12A of the washing tub 12. The surface of the side protrusion 100 exposed inside the washing tub 12 can contact the shoe 9 during the washing operation and the spin-drying operation.

[0045] In this example, the surface of the side protrusion 100 has a higher coefficient of friction than the inner circumferential surface 12A of the washing tub 12. Specifically, the surface of the side protrusion 100 is roughened to make the coefficient of friction greater than that of the inner circumferential surface 12A. Alternatively, the surface or the entirety of the side protrusion 100 may be formed of a material with a higher coefficient of friction than the inner circumferential surface 12A, such as an elastomer like rubber.

[0046] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the side protrusion 100 in this example is symmetrical when viewed from the shaft portion 60 side. In other words, the side protrusion 100 has a shape that is symmetrical to the circumferential C of the washing tub 12. The surface of the side protrusion 100 includes a front surface 101 facing the shaft portion 60 side and an upper surface 102 facing upward.

[0047] like Figure 4 and Figure 7A As shown, the side protrusion 100 includes a right portion 111 and a left portion 112, which are portions that protrude significantly from the inner circumferential surface 12A of the washing tub 12 towards the shaft portion 60 along the circumferential direction C of the washing tub 12. In this example, viewed from above, the thickness of the side protrusion 100 continuously bulges from both ends of the circumferential direction C towards the center, and towards the shaft portion 60. The front surface 101 includes the right portion 111 and the left portion 112, with the center position of the circumferential direction C as its boundary. The circumferential direction C, viewed from above, includes a clockwise direction C1 (… Figure 5 (to the right) and counterclockwise direction C2 ( Figure 5 (To the left). The right part 111 protrudes significantly from the inner circumferential surface 12A toward the shaft part 60 along the counterclockwise position C2. The left part 112 protrudes significantly from the inner circumferential surface 12A toward the shaft part 60 along the clockwise direction C1.

[0048] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the side protrusion 100 includes a lower portion 113, which is the portion whose upper side is closer to the center of the washing tub 12 than its lower side. In this example, when viewed from the side, the thickness of the side protrusion 100 continuously bulges from both ends in the vertical direction toward the center and toward the shaft portion 60. The front surface 101 includes the lower portion 113 and the upper portion 114, with its boundary slightly above the center in the vertical direction. The lower portion 113 slopes downwards with its surface facing down, so its upper side is closer to the center of the washing tub 12 than its lower side. Similarly, the upper portion 114 slopes upwards with its surface facing up, so its lower side is closer to the center of the washing tub 12 than its upper side.

[0049] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the side protrusion 100 includes a right upper surface 121 and a left upper surface 122, which are portions that slope downwards from the upper end 102A along the circumferential direction C of the washing tub 12. In this example, the circumferential direction C in the upper surface 102 ( Figure 5 The upper end 102A of the side protrusion 100 is located at the center of the left-right direction. The upper surface 102 slopes upward from both ends of the circumferential direction C toward the upper end 102A. The upper surface 102 is an upward arc shape when viewed from the front, but it can also be, for example, an upward triangular shape. The upper surface 102 includes a right upper surface 121 and a left upper surface 122 bounded by the upper end 102A. The right upper surface 121 slopes downward in a clockwise direction C1. The left upper surface 122 slopes downward in a counterclockwise direction C2.

[0050] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, at least a portion of the side protrusion 100 is disposed below the upper end of the brush 61 and above the lower end of the brush 61. That is, the vertical range of the side protrusion 100 and the vertical range of the brush 61 overlap. In this example, the upper end 102A of the side protrusion 100 is lower than the center of the vertical direction of the brush 61. The lower end of the side protrusion 100 is located at approximately the same height as the lower end of the brush 61. Therefore, when the front end of the rotating brush 61 is transversely cut across the front side of the side protrusion 100, it is positioned approximately integrally spaced from the front side 101.

[0051] The upper end 102A of the side protrusion 100 is located at a position lower than the water level stored in the washing tub 12, which rotates during washing. In this example, during washing operation, water is supplied to the washing tub 12 to a water level higher than the center of the brush 61 in the vertical direction. Therefore, during washing operation, the upper end 102A is lower than the water level stored in the washing tub 12. The shoes 9 are washed with the side protrusion 100 entirely submerged in water.

[0052] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the side protrusion 100 protrudes towards the center of the washing tub 12 relative to the outer periphery P of the rotating body 13. In this example, the top 101A of the side protrusion 100 is the point where the ridge line constituting the boundaries of the right portion 111 and the left portion 112 intersects with the ridge line constituting the boundaries of the lower portion 113 and the upper portion 114. The top 101A is the portion of the side protrusion 100 that protrudes the most from the inner peripheral surface 12A towards the shaft portion 60; in other words, it is the portion closest to the center of the washing tub 12. In the side protrusion 100, at least the top 101A protrudes towards the center of the washing tub 12 relative to the outer periphery P. However, the top 101A is located outside the rotation trajectory T, so the rotating brush 61 does not contact the side protrusion 100.

[0053] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the rotating body 13 has a bottom protrusion 200 projecting upward from its upper surface. The upper end 102A of the side protrusion 100 and the upper end 200A of the bottom protrusion 200 are at different heights. In this example, the upper end 102A of the side protrusion 100 is located higher than the upper end 200A of the bottom protrusion 200. The upper end 200A of the bottom protrusion 200 is located slightly lower than the top 101A of the side protrusion 100. Details of the bottom protrusion 200 will be described later.

[0054] [Bottom protrusion 200]

[0055] The details of the bottom protrusion 200 are explained. Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the rotating body 13. Figure 9 This is a top view of the rotating body 13. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The cross-sectional view along line A-A is shown.

[0056] like Figure 4 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the upper surface of the rotating body 13 includes a second reference surface 13B, which is an inclined surface that slopes downward from the outer periphery P side of the rotating body 13 toward the center side of the washing tank 12. In this example, a circular recess 130, to which the shaft portion 60 is fixed, is provided at the center of the upper surface of the rotating body 13. The upper surface of the rotating body 13 includes a first reference surface 13A and a second reference surface 13B located on the outer periphery side of the recess 130.

[0057] The first reference surface 13A is a horizontal surface extending along the outer periphery of the recess 130. The first reference surface 13A is the lowest surface on the upper surface of the rotating body 13 and is located inside the rotation trajectory T when viewed from above. The second reference surface 13B is an inclined surface extending downwards from the outer periphery P side of the rotating body 13 to the outer periphery of the first reference surface 13A. For example, the second reference surface 13B is a curved surface whose angle of inclination relative to the horizontal surface increases towards the outer periphery P side of the rotating body 13. The second reference surface 13B extends from the inner side to the outer side of the rotation trajectory T when viewed from above.

[0058] like Figure 4 , As shown, the bottom protrusion 200 has a ridge line R that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the rotating body 13 and extends along the rotation direction of the rotating body 13. In this example, the bottom protrusion 200 protrudes upward from the first reference surface 13A and the second reference surface 13B. The bottom protrusion 200 extends in an arc shape on the outer periphery of the recess 130 within a range of approximately 180 degrees centered on the axis O. In other words, the bottom protrusion 200 extends approximately 180 degrees from one of the two brushes 61 toward the other on the upper surface of the rotating body 13 when viewed from above. The ridge line R is an imaginary line connecting the two ends of the extension direction of the bottom protrusion 200 and extending along the highest portion of the surface of the bottom protrusion 200.

[0059] The edge line R extending along the rotation direction of the rotating body 13 is not limited to an edge line R parallel to the rotation direction of the rotating body 13, as long as it is an edge line R parallel to the radius line L of the rotating body 13 when viewed from above (refer to...). Figure 10 Any intersecting edge line R is acceptable. For example, if the edge line R intersects the radius line L when viewed from above, it can be a straight line, a curve with a curvature different from the direction of rotation of the body of revolution 13, or a tortuous shape.

[0060] The ridge line R includes two partial ridge lines R1 and R2 extending from the upper end of the ridge line R towards its two ends. The two partial ridge lines R1 and R2 have different angles of inclination relative to the horizontal plane. In this example, the upper end of the ridge line R is synonymous with the upper end 200A of the bottom protrusion 200. The ridge line R includes a partial ridge line R1 extending from the upper end 200A in a clockwise direction C1 and a partial ridge line R2 extending from the upper end 200A in a counterclockwise direction C2.

[0061] The bottom protrusion 200 includes a first protrusion 201 with a partial ridge line R1 and a second protrusion 202 with a partial ridge line R2. The first protrusion 201 is an arc-shaped portion extending from the upper end 200A in a clockwise direction C1 within an angle θ1, centered on the axis O. As the partial ridge line R1 extends clockwise from the upper end 200A to the upper surface of the rotating body 13, the protrusion amplitude from the upper surface of the rotating body 13 decreases, and the portion protrudes further away from the axis O.

[0062] The second protrusion 202 is an arc-shaped portion extending from the upper end 200A to the upper surface of the rotating body 13 in a counterclockwise direction C2 within an angle θ2 range, centered on the axis O. As the partial ridge line R2 protrudes from the upper surface of the rotating body 13 in a counterclockwise direction C2 from the upper end 200A, the protrusion becomes smaller and closer to the axis O.

[0063] In this example, the angle θ1 of the first protrusion 201 is approximately 120 degrees, and the angle θ2 of the second protrusion 202 is approximately 60 degrees. Therefore, a portion of the ridge line R1 of the first protrusion 201 is longer than a portion of the ridge line R2 of the second protrusion 202. The angle of inclination of the portion of the ridge line R1 relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle of inclination of the portion of the ridge line R2 relative to the horizontal plane.

[0064] The bottom protrusion 200 is positioned where at least a portion of the ridge line R overlaps with the vertical trajectory T of the brush 61. In this example, the entire ridge line R overlaps with the vertical trajectory T (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0065] The bottom protrusion 200 includes an inner inclined surface 211 that slopes downward from the edge R toward the center of the washing tub 12, and an outer inclined surface 212 that slopes downward from the edge R toward the inner circumferential surface 12A of the washing tub 12. In this example, the length of the inner inclined surface 211 extending from the edge R to the upper surface of the rotating body 13 is greater than the length of the outer inclined surface 212 extending from the edge R to the upper surface of the rotating body 13. Therefore, the inclination angle of the inner inclined surface 211 relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than the inclination angle of the outer inclined surface 212 relative to the horizontal plane.

[0066] An outer protrusion 220 is provided on the rotating body 13. The outer protrusion 220 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the rotating body 13 and is located on the inner circumferential surface 12A of the washing tank 12 relative to the rotation trajectory T of the brush 61. In this example, two outer protrusions 220 are provided symmetrically across the axis O on the rotating body 13. Each outer protrusion 220 is an arc shape that continuously protrudes upward from the outer circumferential end of the second reference surface 13B and extends along the outer circumference P of the rotating body 13. When viewed from above, each outer protrusion 220 is located outside the rotation trajectory T.

[0067] As described above, since the shaft 60 is driven to rotate integrally with the rotating body 13, the positions of the two brushes 61 relative to the rotating body 13 are fixed. For example, two outer protrusions 220 are respectively provided corresponding to the two brushes 61. When viewed from above, each outer protrusion 220 extends to both sides of the circumferential direction C from a position that is spaced apart from each brush 61. Alternatively, instead of providing multiple outer protrusions 220 along the outer periphery P of the rotating body 13, a single outer protrusion 220 may be provided along part or all of the outer periphery P.

[0068] The outer protrusion 220 is located on the inner circumferential surface 12A of the washing tank 12, closer to the ridge line R of the bottom protrusion 200. The upper end of the outer protrusion 220 is located lower than the upper end 200A of the bottom protrusion 200. In this example, the distance from the axis O to the outer protrusion 220 is greater than the distance from the axis O to the ridge line R. Therefore, the outer protrusion 220 is closer to the inner circumferential surface 12A than the ridge line R.

[0069] As an example, the radius of the rotating body 13 is approximately 210 mm. The height of the bottom protrusion 200 is approximately 85 mm, and the height of the bottom protrusion 200 is the distance from the first reference surface 13A to the upper end 200A. Thus, in this example, the height of the bottom protrusion 200 is designed to be more than 1 / 3 of the radius of the rotating body 13, but the height of the bottom protrusion 200 is not limited to this.

[0070] like Figure 6 As shown, the upper end 200A of the bottom protrusion 200 is positioned higher than the lower end of the brush 61. In contrast, the upper end of the outer protrusion 220 is positioned at approximately the same height as the lower end of the brush 61. Therefore, the upper end of the outer protrusion 220 is lower than the upper end 200A of the bottom protrusion 200.

[0071] Additionally, on the upper surface of the rotating body 13, two stirring blades 140 are provided on the opposite side of the recess 130 and the bottom protrusion 200. Each stirring blade 140 protrudes slightly upward from the upper surface of the rotating body 13 and extends linearly from the outer periphery of the recess 130 to the outer periphery P side of the rotating body 13. The upper end of each stirring blade 140 is located lower than the outer protrusion 220. Each stirring blade 140 stirs the water in the washing tank 12 during washing operation.

[0072] [One method of washing machine operation]

[0073] The following describes one method of washing operation of washing machine 1. As described above, during washing operation, water and detergent are stored in the washing tub 12, and the rotating body 13 and brush 61 repeatedly rotate forward and reverse in the circumferential direction C (see reference). Figure 3 , Figure 6 The rotating body 13 and the brush 61 rotate relative to the inner circumferential surface 12A of the washing tub 12. The rotating brush 61 wipes away dirt from the shoes 9 placed in the washing tub 12.

[0074] In this example, the brush 61 and the agitator blade 140 generate a water flow along their rotational direction within the washing tank 12. The shoe 9, placed inside the washing tank 12, is propelled by this water flow to move around the axis 60, and is also subjected to a radially outward force due to the centrifugal force of the washing operation. Consequently, the shoe 9 moves along the inner circumferential surface 12A of the washing tank 12. Furthermore, the agitator blade 140 extends radially intersecting the circumferential direction C, resulting in a relatively high contact pressure with the water within the washing tank 12 during rotation of the circumferential direction C. The agitator blade 140 generates a water vortex rotating along its rotational direction, i.e., a ring-shaped water vortex when viewed from the axis O side.

[0075] On the other hand, since the bottom protrusion 200 extends along the circumferential direction C, the contact pressure between it and the water in the washing tub 12 is relatively small when the circumferential direction C rotates. The bottom protrusion 200 generates water vortices that rotate in a manner intersecting with its rotation direction on both sides of the inner slope 211 and the outer slope 212, that is, a ring-shaped water vortex when viewed from the circumferential direction C. Through such water flow and water vortex, the shoe 9 rolls in all directions in the washing tub 12, so that the brush 61 can evenly contact the entire surface of the shoe 9 for cleaning.

[0076] like As shown, during the washing operation, the shoe 9, which moves along the inner circumferential surface 12A, comes into contact with the side protrusion 100. At this time, the behavior of the shoe 9 varies, for example, depending on the contact position of the shoe 9 on the side protrusion 100, the posture of the shoe 9 in contact with the side protrusion 100, and the water flow acting on the shoe 9.

[0077] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An example is shown where a shoe 9 moving along the inner circumferential surface 12A contacts an upper surface 102 that slopes upward from both ends in the circumferential direction C. More specifically, a case is shown where a shoe 9 moving clockwise C1 contacts a left upper surface 122 that slopes downward counterclockwise C2. In this case, the shoe 9 moving clockwise C1 is guided along the left upper surface 122 to the upper side near the upper end 102A.

[0078] During the washing operation in this example, a water level is stored at a position higher than the side protrusion 100, so the shoe 9 easily moves upward along the upper left surface 122 due to the buoyancy of the water. Furthermore, the side protrusion 100 can bounce the shoe 9 upward along the upper left surface 122. At this time, only the portion of the shoe 9 near the inner circumferential surface 12A is subjected to force from the lower side by the upper left surface 122. Therefore, the shoe 9 bounces obliquely upward from the side protrusion 100 in a manner that moves towards the axis O side opposite to the inner circumferential surface 12A.

[0079] For example, when washing multiple shoes 9 simultaneously, the shoes 9 interfere with each other, making it difficult to change their orientation, and it is conceivable that the shoes 9 could easily get stuck in the rotating body 13. In this example, by causing the shoe 9 in contact with the side protrusion 100 to escape upwards, the shoe 9 is moved away from the rotating body 13, and the distance between them can be ensured even when washing multiple shoes 9. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the shoes 9 from getting stuck in the rotating body 13. Furthermore, it is possible to disperse multiple shoes 9 in the water and cause a significant change in the orientation of each shoe 9, thereby improving the cleaning power of the shoes 9.

[0080] In this example, the coefficient of friction of the side protrusion 100 is greater than that of the inner circumferential surface 12A, therefore the shoe 9 easily contacts the upper surface 102 to move upwards. Additionally, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The example illustrates the case where the rotating body 13 and the brush 61 rotate in a clockwise direction C1. However, when the rotating body 13 and the brush 61 rotate in a counterclockwise direction C2, the shoe 9 moves along the upper right surface 121 of the side protrusion 100, achieving the same effect as described above.

[0081] Here, in order to maximize the cleaning power of the brush 61, the shoe 9 is preferably positioned at the center of the vertical direction within the rotation trajectory T. In this example, the upper end 102A of the side protrusion 100 is lower than the center of the brush 61 in the vertical direction. As a result, the shoe 9, which bounces off the side protrusion 100, can easily move to the center of the vertical direction within the rotation trajectory T.

[0082] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The illustration shows a shoe 9 moving along the inner circumferential surface 12A in contact with the front surface 101, which slopes towards the axis O from both ends of the circumferential direction C. Specifically, the example in Figure 7 shows a shoe 9 moving counterclockwise C2, hooked onto the right side 111, which extends continuously from the inner circumferential surface 12A, with the movement of the shoe 9 temporarily halted. In this case, the rotating brush 61 moves by pressing the shoe 9 towards the inner circumferential surface 12A. Assuming the shoe 9 moves following the rotation of the brush 61, the frictional force generated between the brush 61 and the shoe 9 decreases, and the cleaning power of the shoe 9 decreases. In this example, a relatively large frictional force is generated between the rotating brush 61 and the stopped shoe 9, which improves the cleaning power of the shoe 9.

[0083] Figure 7BThe example illustrates a shoe 9 moving counterclockwise C2, riding on the side protrusion 100 along the right portion 111, which extends continuously from the inner circumferential surface 12A. In this state, corresponding to riding on the side protrusion 100, the shoe 9 is biased towards the axis O relative to the inner circumferential surface 12A. The rotating brush 61 moves in a manner that clamps the shoe 9 between itself and the side protrusion 100. At this time, since the shoe 9 contacts the brush 61 at a position closer to the axis O than the inner circumferential surface 12A, the frictional force generated between the brush 61 and the shoe 9 increases, thereby improving the cleaning power of the shoe 9.

[0084] In this example, the coefficient of friction of the side protrusion 100 is greater than that of the inner circumferential surface 12A, therefore the shoe 9 easily snags on or rides onto the front 101. Additionally, Figure 7A and Figure 7B The example illustrates the case where the rotating body 13 and the brush 61 rotate counterclockwise in the direction C2. However, when the rotating body 13 and the brush 61 rotate clockwise in the direction C1, the shoe 9 hooks onto or rides on the left side 112 of the side protrusion 100, thereby achieving the same effect as described above.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the non-protruding portion 230 is disposed on the upper surface of the rotating body 13, on the side opposite to the bottom protruding portion 200, separated by the shaft portion 60 (see reference). Figure 4 , Figure 9 The non-protruding portion 230 is the portion that extends horizontally from the outer peripheral end of the second reference surface 13B towards the outer peripheral P side between the two outer protruding portions 220, and its height is lower than that of the outer protruding portions 220.

[0086] like Figure 11 As shown, due to the centrifugal force acting during the washing operation, there is a situation where the upper side of the non-protruding part 230 contacts the inner circumferential surface 12A of the washing tank 12. In this case, when the non-protruding part 230 approaches the side protruding part 100 as the rotating body 13 rotates, the shoe 9 rides on the side protruding part 100. At this time, if the shoe 9 floats due to the buoyancy of the water, the shoe 9 is guided to the axis O side along the lower part 113 that is inclined upwards towards the axis O side. As a result, the orientation of the shoe 9 changes, and the shoe 9 moves towards the rotation trajectory T side, which can improve the washing power of the shoe 9.

[0087] In this example, the side protrusion 100 protrudes towards the center of the washing tub 12 compared to the outer periphery P of the rotating body 13. Therefore, the shoe 9, guided along the lower portion 113 to the axis O side, moves more easily towards the axis O side than the outer periphery P. As a result, it is possible to prevent the shoe 9 from being trapped between the washing tub 12 and the rotating body 13.

[0088] During the washing process, the shoe 9 may sink within the washing tub 12 due to its own weight. If the shoe 9 sinks, it comes into contact with the bottom protrusion 200, which rotates together with the rotating body 13 of the bottom protrusion 200, and bounces upward. In this example, at least a portion of the ridge line R of the bottom protrusion 200 is positioned to overlap with the rotation trajectory T of the brush 61 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the bottom protrusion 200 bounces upward, causing the sunken shoe 9 to return to the rotation trajectory T. This ensures reliable contact between the shoe 9 and the brush 61, improving the cleaning power of the shoe 9.

[0089] [One mode of spin-drying operation] This describes one mode of spin-drying operation of the washing machine 1. Figure 12A and Figure 12B It is an enlarged top view of the periphery of the side protrusion 100 during the rolling motion. Figure 13A and Figure 13B This is an enlarged front view of the area around the bottom protrusion 200 during the rolling motion. Figure 14 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the periphery of the bottom protrusion 200 during the rolling motion. Figure 15A and Figure 15B It is a longitudinal sectional view of the periphery of the outer protrusion 220 during the rolling motion.

[0090] As described above, during the dehydration operation, after the washing tank 12 drains, it performs a rolling motion. At this time, even if the friction between the shoe 9 and the washing tank 12 is large, such as when the shoe sole is attached to the inner circumferential surface 12A of the washing tank 12 after washing, the shoe 9 can be peeled off and dispersed from the washing tank 12 as follows.

[0091] During the scrolling action, such as Figure 12A and Figure 12B As shown, the shoe 9 on the rotating body 13 moves circumferentially C along the inner circumferential surface 12A as the rotating body 13 rotates or is pressed by the rotating brush 61. When the moving shoe 9 comes into contact with the side protrusion 100, the movement of the shoe 9 varies depending on contact friction, similar to the washing operation.

[0092] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This example illustrates the case where the rotating body 13 and the brush 61 rotate in the counterclockwise direction C2. Figure 12A The example illustrates the state where a shoe 9 moving along the inner circumferential surface 12A collides with the right side protrusion 111 of the side protrusion 100. During the rolling motion, unlike during washing, there is no water pressure, so the shoe 9 is easily detached from the inner circumferential surface 12A and rolls towards the axis O due to the impact of colliding with the right side 111.

[0093] Figure 12BThe example illustrates a shoe 9 moving along the inner circumferential surface 12A and riding on the side protrusion 100 along the right portion 111, which extends continuously from the inner circumferential surface 12A. In this case, as described above, the shoe 9 is not affected by water pressure during the rotational movement. Therefore, the shoe 9 changes its posture as the side protrusion 100 rises, making it easy to detach from the inner circumferential surface 12A and roll towards the axis O.

[0094] In this way, by contacting the side protrusion 100, the shoe 9 can be detached from the washing tub 12, and multiple shoes 9 can be dispersed in a manner that does not overlap. Furthermore, in this example, the coefficient of friction of the side protrusion 100 is greater than that of the inner circumferential surface 12A, so the shoe 9 easily bumps into or rides on the side protrusion 100. Additionally, when the rotating body 13 and the brush 61 rotate clockwise in the direction C1, the shoe 9 bumps into the left portion 112 of the side protrusion 100 or rides on the side protrusion 100 from the left portion 112, thus achieving the same effect as described above.

[0095] During the scrolling action, such as Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, as the rotating body 13 rotates, the bottom protrusion 200 also moves circumferentially C. Furthermore, in Figure 13A and Figure 13B In the diagram, for ease of understanding, the bottom protrusion 200 as viewed from the axis O side is schematically represented by the ridge line R (Figure 16 described later). Figure 16B Similarly). For example, when the sole is firmly attached to the inner circumferential surface 12A of the washing tub 12, even if the rotating body 13 and the brush 61 rotate, sometimes the shoe 9 will not move relative to the inner circumferential surface 12A.

[0096] Figure 13 illustrates an example where the rotating body 13 rotates clockwise in the direction C1 with the shoe 9 attached to the inner circumferential surface 12A without moving. In this case, the first protrusion 201 of the bottom protrusion 200, which moves clockwise in the direction C1, comes into contact with the shoe 9 attached to the inner circumferential surface 12A. At this time, the shoe 9 rides on the first protrusion 201 along the partial ridge line R1 that slopes upwards at a small angle from the upper surface of the rotating body 13, thereby easily changing the orientation of the shoe 9 to an oblique upward. Through this change in the orientation of the shoe 9, the attachment between the sole and the inner circumferential surface 12A is eliminated, the shoe 9 is peeled off from the inner circumferential surface 12A, and easily rolls towards the axis O due to its own weight.

[0097] Figure 13BThe example illustrates the case where the shoe 9 is attached to the inner circumferential surface 12A without moving, and the rotating body 13 rotates counterclockwise in the direction C2. In this case, the second protrusion 202 of the bottom protrusion 200, which moves counterclockwise in the direction C2, comes into contact with the shoe 9 attached to the inner circumferential surface 12A. At this time, the part of the ridge R2 that is hooked on the upper surface of the rotating body 13 and slopes upward at a large angle easily moves relative to the inner circumferential surface 12A in the counterclockwise direction C2, so that the shoe 9 is pressed by the second protrusion 202. Through this movement of the shoe 9, the attachment between the sole and the inner circumferential surface 12A is eliminated, the shoe 9 is detached from the inner circumferential surface 12A, and easily rolls towards the axis O due to its own weight.

[0098] In this way, by contacting the sole protrusion 200, the shoe 9 can be detached from the washing tub 12, and multiple shoes 9 can be dispersed in a non-overlapping manner. During further rolling, as... Figure 14 As shown, the shoe 9 rolling in the washing tub 12 rides on the sole protrusion 200. At this time, the shoe 9 easily rolls along the inner slope 211 that slopes downward from the ridge line R towards the axis O, or easily rolls along the outer slope 212 that slopes downward from the ridge line R towards the inner circumferential surface 12A. In this way, the sole protrusion 200 can change the orientation of the shoe 9 and disperse multiple shoes 9 by causing the shoe 9 to roll towards the inside and outside of the washing tub 12.

[0099] In this example, the outer protrusion 220 is located on the inner circumferential surface 12A side of the ridge line R, and the upper end of the outer protrusion 220 is lower than the upper end 200A of the bottom protrusion 200. This prevents the shoe 9 from rolling along the outer slope 212 towards the inner circumferential surface 12A from being hindered by the outer protrusion 220.

[0100] Additionally, during the scrolling action, such as Figure 15A As shown, the shoe 9, located on the first reference surface 13A, is prone to rolling towards the outer periphery P side along the second reference surface 13B, which curves upward toward the inner peripheral surface 12A, due to centrifugal force G. If the shoe 9 crosses the second reference surface 13B and moves towards the outer periphery P side, the shoe 9 is prone to riding on the outer protrusion 220 and becoming in an unstable posture. Therefore, as Figure 15B As shown, for example, when switching between forward and reverse rotation during the rolling motion, if the rotation of the rotating body 13 is temporarily stopped, the shoe 9 falls off the outer protrusion 220 and easily rolls along the second reference surface 13B toward the axis O. In this way, the shoe 9 rolls on both the inner and outer sides of the washing tub 12 via the second reference surface 13B and the outer protrusion 220, thereby changing the orientation of the shoe 9 and dispersing multiple shoes 9.

[0101] As described above, with the shoes 9 separated from the washing tub 12 dispersed, a tub rotation action is performed to rotate the washing tub 12, thus effectively dehydrating the shoes 9. Therefore, even without shortening the bristle length of the brush 61, insufficient dehydration of the shoes 9 caused by the soles contacting the washing tub 12 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the rolling action is not limited to being performed before the tub rotation action; it can also be performed at least once during the tub rotation action.

[0102] During the trough rotation, the shoe 9, rotating together with the washing trough 12, moves relative to the stationary brush 61 and the rotating body 13. Whenever the trough rotation repeats forward and reverse, similar to the rolling motion, the shoe 9 rolls towards the inside and outside of the washing trough 12 via the second reference surface 13B and the outer protrusion 220. Thus, if the orientation changes, the shoe 9 is dispersed, enabling more efficient dehydration of the shoe 9.

[0103] [Remark]

[0104] This disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and variations. Various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical methods disclosed in each embodiment.

[0105] For example, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment exemplifies a washing and spin-drying machine, but it can also perform at least one of washing and spin-drying. The object to be washed is not limited to shoes 9, as long as it is a three-dimensional object. The washing machine 1 may also omit at least one of the side protrusions 100 and the bottom protrusions 200. The washing machine 1 may also omit the outer protrusion 220. The surface of the side protrusions 100 may also have the same coefficient of friction as the inner circumferential surface 12A.

[0106] The number, size, and shape of the side protrusions 100 and the bottom protrusions 200 are not limited to the above embodiments. Figure 16A and Figure 16B This is an enlarged front view of the side protrusion 100 and the bottom protrusion 200 in the modified example. Figure 17 Is Figure 6 A longitudinal sectional view showing a modified side protrusion 100. In the modified example shown, the shape of the side protrusion 100 is different from that in the above embodiment.

[0107] The side protrusion 100 of the modified example is the same as that of the above embodiment (see reference). Figure 4It has the same structure, but differs in that it is a longitudinally elongated plate-like member when viewed from the front. Furthermore, the front surface 101 of the side protrusion 100 extends from the lower end of the side protrusion 100 to the upper surface 102, and is an inclined surface sloping upwards towards the axis O. The upper end 102A of the side protrusion 100 is located higher than the center of the brush 61 in the vertical direction and higher than the water level stored in the rotating washing tub 12 during washing. The shoe 9 is washed with a portion of the side protrusion 100 positioned below the water surface.

[0108] During washing operation, in accordance with the above-described implementation method (refer to...) Figure 7A and Figure 7B Similarly, the shoe 9 on the rotating body 13 moves circumferentially along the inner circumferential surface 12A in the circumferential direction C. In this example, when the rotating body 13 and the brush 61 rotate clockwise in the direction C1, there is a possibility that the shoe 9 will take the following actions. Figure 16A In the example shown, with Figure 7A Similarly, the shoe 9 is hooked onto the left side 112, which extends continuously from the inner circumferential surface 12A, and the rotating brush 61 moves the shoe 9 by pressing it toward the inner circumferential surface 12A.

[0109] Next, in Figure 16B In the example, the bottom protrusion 200, rotating clockwise C1, approaches and hooks onto the side protrusion 100 of the shoe 9. At this time, with... Figure 13A Similarly, shoe 9 rides on the first protrusion 201 and is guided upward along the partial ridge line R1. As... Figure 17 As shown, shoe 9 rides on the side protrusion 100 while being guided upward along the front 101. Shoe 9 is guided upward and tilted towards the axis O, rolling from the side protrusion 100 towards the axis O. As a result, the orientation of shoe 9 changes, and shoe 9 moves towards the rotation trajectory T in a manner close to the vertical center of brush 61, which can improve the cleaning power of shoe 9.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, include: A washing tub, used to hold items to be washed; A rotating body is disposed at the bottom of the washing tub and rotates about a rotation axis located on the central side of the washing tub; The stirring blades protrude upward from the upper surface of the rotating body and extend radially along the axis of rotation; as well as The bottom protrusion protrudes upward from the upper surface of the rotating body. The bottom protrusion has a ridge extending along the rotation direction of the rotating body, and an inner inclined surface that slopes downward from the ridge toward the rotation axis, extending in an arc along the ridge. When viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, no stirring blades are provided between the inner inclined surface and the rotating shaft. At least one end of the bottom protrusion in the direction of rotation of the rotating body is located away from the rotation axis from the outer periphery of the rotating body, and when the rotating body is viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis, the end has a shape that gradually tapers towards the direction of rotation of the rotating body. When viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the distance between the ridge line on one side of the rotation direction of the rotating body and the inner circumferential surface of the washing tank, and the distance between the ridge line on the other side of the rotation direction of the rotating body and the inner circumferential surface of the washing tank, are shorter than the distance between the ridge line on the other side and the first side of the rotation direction of the rotating body and the inner circumferential surface of the washing tank.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ridge line comprises two partial ridge lines extending from the upper end of the ridge line toward both ends of the ridge line. The two partial edges have different angles of inclination relative to the horizontal plane.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom protrusion includes an outer slope that slopes downward from the ridge toward the inner circumferential surface of the washing tub.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that... , A shaft portion is disposed on the rotating body and extends upward from the bottom of the washing tank; The brush extends from the shaft portion toward the inner circumferential surface of the washing tub; The outer protrusion protrudes upward from the upper surface of the rotating body and is located on the inner circumferential side of the washing tub, which is closer to the rotation trajectory of the brush.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer protrusion is located on the inner periphery of the washing tub, closer to the ridge line than the bottom protrusion. The upper end of the outer protrusion is located at a lower position than the upper end of the bottom protrusion.

6. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom protrusion is located at a position where at least a portion of the ridge line overlaps with the vertical rotation trajectory of the brush.

7. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that... , The upper surface of the rotating body includes an inclined surface that slopes downward from the outer periphery of the rotating body toward the center of the washing tub.

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