Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of efficiently obtaining washing performance.SOLUTION: A washing machine comprises: a water tank; a rotary tub that has an opening and is rotatably stored in the water tank; a balance ring that is provided on the whole periphery of an inner surface of the opening and has an internal space in which liquid is sealed; a water passage in which water pumped up from a bottom of the water tank and stored in the water tank flows; and a discharge port to discharge the water flowed in the water passage into the rotary tub. The water passage has a discharge water channel, which is formed between a top end and a bottom end of the balance ring and makes the water flow through toward the discharge port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, washing machines have been known that have a circular balance ring attached to the top of the spin tub. The balancing force of the balance ring depends on the amount of liquid contained within the balance ring. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for larger laundry capacities, leading to a need to increase the diameter of the laundry loading slot. To increase the loading slot diameter, it is conceivable to increase the inner diameter of the balance ring while maintaining the amount of liquid inside the ring by minimizing the radial dimension of the balance ring and increasing its height.

[0003] In addition, in a washing machine, the rotation of the rear blades of the agitator blades provided at the inner bottom of the rotating tub generates centrifugal force to pump wash water through a circulation path, and water is sprayed into the rotating tub from above. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which an opening serving as the outlet of the circulation path is located below a balance ring. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, water is sprayed into the rotating tub from below the balance ring. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which water is sprayed into the rotating tub from a sprinkler port provided above the balance ring. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-180279 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-087380 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As the laundry loading diameter increases, the height of the balance ring increases. However, extending the balance ring upward would also raise the laundry loading position, making it difficult to operate, so the balance ring is extended downward. In this case, in Patent Document 1, the position of the opening, i.e., the position at which water is discharged after ascending the circulation path, is lowered, making it difficult to spray water onto the upper parts of the laundry contained in the spin tub. As a result, Patent Document 1 has problems such as not being able to wet the laundry evenly early and extending the operating time to ensure washing performance. On the other hand, Patent Document 2 requires the wash water to be pumped to a higher position, but when there is a large load of laundry and the load is high, the lift generated by the agitator blades is insufficient, making it difficult to pump the wash water sufficiently. As such, conventional configurations have room for improvement in terms of spraying water onto the laundry in the spin tub from the appropriate position and achieving efficient washing performance.

[0006] Therefore, a washing machine capable of efficiently achieving washing performance is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The washing machine of this embodiment comprises a water tub, a rotating tub having an opening and rotatably accommodated within the water tub, a balance ring provided around the entire inner surface of the opening and having an internal space in which a liquid is sealed, a water passage through which water from the water tub pumped up from the bottom of the water tub flows, and an outlet through which water that has flowed through the water passage is discharged into the rotating tub, and the water passage has a discharge water passage formed between the upper and lower ends of the balance ring and which passes water toward the outlet. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an internal configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X2-X2 of FIG. 1 showing a state in which a water passage forming member is attached to the rotatable tub in the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of a configuration of a balance ring in a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a balance ring in the washing machine according to the first embodiment, taken along line X4-X4 in FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a water passage around a balance ring in the washing machine according to the first embodiment, taken along line X5-X5 in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a discharge port and its surroundings in a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the discharge water channel in the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which the internal space of the balance ring is divided into multiple sections by dividing members in the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a case where the water passage forming member is extended to below the balance ring in the washing machine according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration in which a communication portion is provided in a balance ring in a washing machine according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of a configuration in which the discharge direction of the discharge port is shifted from the center of the spin tub in the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, washing machines according to a number of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that substantially the same elements in each embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0010] (First embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called vertical axis washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub 12 faces vertically. The washing machine 1 may or may not have a drying function. The left side of FIG. 1 is the front side of the washing machine 1, and the right side of FIG. 1 is the rear side of the washing machine 1. The side of the installation surface of the washing machine 1, i.e., the vertically lower side, is the lower side of the washing machine 1, and the opposite side of the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upper side, is the upper side of the washing machine 1. The direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear and up-down directions of the washing machine 1 is the left-to-right direction. The washing machine 1 is not limited to a vertical axis washing machine, and may be a so-called drum type washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub faces horizontally or an inclined axis type that slopes downward toward the rear.

[0011] Washing machine 1 includes washing machine main body 10, water tub 11, rotating tub 12, motor 13, agitator blade 14, drainage device 15, and water supply mechanism 20. Washing machine main body 10 forms the outer shell of washing machine 1. Washing machine main body 10 includes box body 101, top cover 102, back cover 103, and lid 104. Box body 101 is formed into a substantially rectangular box shape using, for example, a steel plate, and is open at the top. Top cover 102 is provided on top of box body 101. As shown in FIG. 1 , top cover 102 has an upper opening 102a on its inner side. Upper opening 102a connects the inside and outside of washing machine 1.

[0012] Back cover 103 is provided on the rear end and part of the upper part of top cover 102. Back cover 103 is configured as a rectangular box that is long in the left-right direction of washing machine 1 as a whole. For example, part of water supply mechanism 20 is accommodated inside back cover 103. Furthermore, if washing machine 1 has a drying function, a drying unit (not shown) for generating hot air is accommodated inside back cover 103. Lid 104 is provided on the upper part of top cover 102 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction around the rear edge as an axis, and opens and closes upper opening 102a of top cover 102.

[0013] The water tub 11 and the rotatable tub 12 function as laundry storage tubs for storing laundry. The water tub 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, that is, an opening on one axial side, i.e., the upper side, and a bottom on the other axial side, i.e., the lower side. The water tub 11 is formed, for example, by integral molding of synthetic resin to maintain watertightness of the washing liquid. The water tub 11 is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown) disposed inside the box 101. The rotatable tub 12 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening on the upper side of the cylindrical body 12a and a bottom 12b on the lower side. The body 12a forms the inner circumferential surface of the rotatable tub 12. The rotatable tub 12 must be strong enough to withstand the centrifugal force generated by high-speed rotation during spin-drying, and is therefore made of, for example, stainless steel plate and rotatably mounted inside the water tub 11. The rotatable tub 12 is capable of storing laundry and is driven to rotate by a motor 13. With the lid 104 open, the user can put laundry into or take laundry out of the spin tub 12 through the upper opening 102a and a balance ring 30 (described later).

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, a balance ring 30 is attached to the top of the spin tub 12. The balance ring 30 is configured, for example, in a circular ring shape and is provided around the entire inner periphery of an opening 121 located on the top surface of the spin tub 12. The balance ring 30 is filled with a liquid such as salt water, and has the function of balancing and correcting the vibrations, for example, when vibrations occur due to uneven laundry loads during rotation of the spin tub 12, by moving the filled liquid appropriately.

[0015] Motor 13 is provided on the outside of the bottom of water tub 11 and rotates rotating tub 12. Motor 13 is, for example, an out-rotor three-phase brushless DC motor. Agitator 14 is provided on the inner bottom of rotating tub 12 so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis. Agitator 14 is connected to motor 13 and is driven to rotate by motor 13. A plurality of rear blades 141 are provided on the underside of agitator 14. A rear blade housing 142 capable of housing rear blade 141 is formed in the space between bottom 12b of rotating tub 12 and the underside of agitator 14. When rear blade 141 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of agitator 14, water in rear blade housing 142 is pushed outward in the radial direction.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1 , multiple water passage forming members 16 are provided on the inner circumferential side of the rotating tub 12. The water passage forming members 16 are provided facing the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tub 12 and extend along the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tub 12. The water passage forming members 16 extend in the axial direction of the rotating tub 12, for example, halfway up to the balance ring 30. In this case, the upper end of the water passage forming members 16 is provided at a position overlapping the balance ring 30. A pumping passage 171 is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tub 12 and the outer circumferential surface of the water passage forming members 16. The pumping passage 171 constitutes part of the water passage 17 through which water in the water tank 11 pumped up from the bottom of the water tank 11 flows. The pumping passage 171 extends vertically along the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tub 12. Water pushed radially outward by the rear blades 141 of the agitator 14 as the agitator 14 rotates can pass through the water passage 17. That is, rear blades 141 have a pump function that causes the water in water tub 11 to rise through water passage 17. Note that washing machine 1 may be configured to include a pump device instead of rear blades 141, and the pump device may cause the water stored in water tub 11 to circulate through water passage 17.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, water passage forming member 16 is formed as a whole in an arc shape that convexes radially outward from rotatable tub 12. Side walls 161, which form the lateral surfaces of water passage forming member 16, are in contact with rotatable tub 12. Protrusions 162 are provided on the inner surfaces of side walls 161. Protrusions 162 are formed extending outward from the inner surface of water passage forming member 16. Inside water passage forming member 16, pumping passage 171 is located between two protrusions 162. A seal member 163 is provided in the space formed between the inner circumferential surface of rotatable tub 12, side walls 161 of water passage forming member 16, and protrusions 162. Sealing member 163 is provided to prevent water leakage from pumping passage 171 and ensure the watertightness of water passage forming member 16.

[0018] The water passage 17 includes a discharge passage 172 located downstream of the pumping passage 171. The discharge passage 172 is formed between the upper end 30a and the lower end 30b of the balance ring 30 and extends radially of the rotating tub 12. In this embodiment, the discharge passage 172 extends perpendicular to the pumping passage 171. The upstream side of the discharge passage 172 is connected to the pumping passage 171, and the downstream side of the discharge passage 172 is connected to a discharge port 173. The pumping passage 171 and the discharge passage 172 communicate with each other on the back side of the balance ring 30, i.e., on the radially outer side. In other words, the pumping passage 171 extends from the agitator blade 14 to partway along the balance ring 30 in the axial direction of the rotating tub 12.

[0019] Discharge port 173 constitutes the outlet of water passage 17 and discharges water that has flowed through water passage 17 into rotatable tub 12. That is, discharge water passage 172 passes water toward discharge port 173. Discharge port 173 is formed to open to the front surface of balance ring 30, i.e., the radially inward side, as shown in FIG. 3 and other figures. The discharge direction of multiple discharge ports 173 can be configured to face, for example, toward the center of rotatable tub 12. Water pushed out of rear blade housing 142 by rear blade 141 of agitator impeller 14 rises within pumping passage 171, as shown by the black arrow in FIG. 1, then flows through discharge passage 172 from the outside to the inside of rotatable tub 12, and is then returned to rotatable tub 12 through discharge port 173. In this way, washing machine 1 can circulate water in water tub 11 via water passage 17.

[0020] Drainage device 15 has the function of draining water stored in water tub 11 to the outside of washing machine 1. Drainage device 15 has drainage valve 151 and drainage pipe 152. Drainage valve 151 is an on-off valve for liquid that can be electromagnetically opened and closed. Drainage pipe 152 is composed of, for example, a flexible hose, one end of which is connected to drainage valve 151 and the other end of which is drawn out to the outside of washing machine 1. When drainage valve 151 is opened, the water stored in water tub 11 is drained to the outside of washing machine 1 through drainage pipe 152.

[0021] The water supply mechanism 20 is connected to an external water source, such as a water line, and functions to inject water supplied from the external water source into the water tub 11 and the spin tub 12. As shown in FIG. 1 , the water supply mechanism 20 is provided at the upper rear of the washing machine body 10. The water supply mechanism 20 includes a water supply valve unit 21 and a water supply case 22. The water supply valve unit 21 includes multiple water supply valves that can be electromagnetically opened and closed. The water supply valve unit 21 functions to individually open and close multiple water supply paths that lead from the external water source to the water tub 11 via the water supply case 22. The water supply case 22 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has a rectangular box shape with an open front. The upstream side of the water supply case 22 is connected to the water supply valve unit 21, and the downstream side is connected to the water tub 11 via a water supply hose (not shown). The water supply case 22 is configured to allow insertion and removal of a treatment agent case 23, which receives laundry treatment agents such as detergent and fabric softener.

[0022] Next, the configuration of the balancing ring 30 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 4 , the balancing ring 30 includes a main body 31, an upper end closing member 32, a lower end closing member 33, a support member 34, a partition wall 35, and a resistance member 36. The main body 31 is configured, for example, in a circular ring shape and constitutes the main body of the balancing ring 30. The main body 31 is hollow and extends in the vertical direction, with its upper and lower ends open. The main body 31 has an inner wall surface 311 and an outer wall surface 312. The inner wall surface 311 constitutes the inner surface of the main body 31. The outer wall surface 312 is disposed parallel to the inner wall surface 311 and constitutes the outer surface of the main body 31. The outer wall surface 312 is located radially outward of the inner wall surface 311. In other words, the inner wall surface 311 is located radially inward of the outer wall surface 312.

[0023] The upper end closing member 32 and the lower end closing member 33 are formed in an annular shape. The upper end closing member 32 closes the upper end of the main body 31. The lower end closing member 33 closes the lower end of the main body 31. In this embodiment, the upper end closing member 32 covers the upper end of the main body 31. The lower end closing member 33 covers the lower end of the main body 31. The upper end closing member 32 and the lower end closing member 33 are formed, for example, with a substantially U-shaped cross section. In this case, the upper end closing member 32 and the lower end closing member 33 each have a lid main body 321, 331 and a holding portion 322, 332. The lid main bodies 321, 331 are formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The holding portions 322, 332 are located at both ends of the lid main bodies 321, 331 and are formed to protrude inward from the lid main bodies 321, 331.

[0024] The upper end closing member 32 and the lower end closing member 33 are joined to the main body 31 by, for example, spin welding. The method for joining the upper end closing member 32 and the lower end closing member 33 to the main body 31 is not limited to spin welding, and other welding methods such as ultrasonic welding and vibration welding may also be used. The internal space S of the balance ring 30 is formed by the main body 31, the upper end closing member 32, and the lower end closing member 33. The upper end of the main body 31 is located above the upper end of the body 12a of the rotating tub 12. The lower end of the main body 31 is positioned opposite the body 12a of the rotating tub 12. In other words, the upper end closing member 32 is located above the upper end of the body 12a of the rotating tub 12. On the other hand, the lower end closing member 33 is positioned opposite the body 12a of the rotating tub 12. 4, the support portion 34 is formed, for example, in a plate shape and extends radially outward from the outer wall surface 312 in a flange-like shape. When the balance ring 30 is attached to the rotating tub 12, the support portion 34 contacts the upper end of the body portion 12a of the rotating tub 12. The radial length of the support portion 34 is set to be greater than, for example, the thickness of the body portion 12a.

[0025] The partition wall 35 is disposed between the inner wall surface 311 and the outer wall surface 312 and divides the internal space S of the balancing ring 30 into an upper space S1 and a lower space S2. The upper space S1 is formed by the inner wall surface 311, the outer wall surface 312, the upper end closing member 32, and the partition wall 35, and is located above the partition wall 35 within the internal space S. The lower space S2 is formed by the inner wall surface 311, the outer wall surface 312, the lower end closing member 33, and the partition wall 35, and is located below the partition wall 35 within the internal space S. The upper space S1 and the lower space S2 may have different internal volumes, for example. In this case, the internal volume of the upper space S1 is set larger than the internal volume of the lower space S2. This makes it easier to ensure the corrective force of the balancing ring 30. The upper space S1 and the lower space S2 may have the same internal volume. The amounts of liquid sealed in the upper space S1 and the lower space S2 may be the same or different. Hereinafter, the portion of the inner wall surface 311 located above the partition wall 35 may be referred to as the upper inner wall surface 311a, and the portion of the inner wall surface 311 located below the partition wall 35 may be referred to as the lower inner wall surface 311b. Furthermore, the portion of the outer wall surface 312 located above the partition wall 35 may be referred to as the upper outer wall surface 312a, and the portion of the outer wall surface 312 located below the partition wall 35 may be referred to as the lower outer wall surface 312b.

[0026] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the upper inner wall surface 311a and the lower inner wall surface 311b are configured to be flush with each other. The upper outer wall surface 312a is located radially outward of the lower outer wall surface 312b. In other words, the radial dimension L1 of the upper space S1 of the rotatable tub 12 is set larger than the radial dimension L2 of the lower space S2. Therefore, the radial dimension of the upper end closing member 32 is set larger than the radial dimension of the lower end closing member 33.

[0027] A seal member 381 is provided in the gap between the upper outer wall surface 312a and the body 12a of the rotating tub 12. The seal member 381 serves to close the gap between the upper outer wall surface 312a and the body 12a of the rotating tub 12. A support wall 37 is provided on the lower outer wall surface 312b. The support wall 37 is formed from the outer surface of the lower outer wall surface 312b perpendicular to the lower outer wall surface 312b and is in contact with the member facing the lower outer wall surface 312b (in this case, the body 12a of the rotating tub 12). The support wall 37 is provided around the entire circumference of the balance ring 30. The support wall 37 allows vibrations of the balance ring 30 to be transmitted to, for example, the rotating tub 12.

[0028] The partition wall 35 is positioned below the upper end of the body 12a, i.e., below the upper edge of the opening 121 of the rotating tub 12. The partition wall 35 is positioned so as to overlap the body 12a in the vertical direction. The balance ring 30 has a generally H-shaped cross section formed by the main body 31 and the partition wall 35. This improves the radial rigidity of the balance ring 30. The thickness of the partition wall 35 in the vertical direction is the same as or different from the thicknesses of the inner wall surface 311 and the outer wall surface 312. Setting the thickness of the partition wall 35 larger than the thicknesses of the inner wall surface 311 and the outer wall surface 312 ensures the radial rigidity of the balance ring 30. Setting the thickness of the partition wall 35 smaller than the thicknesses of the inner wall surface 311 and the outer wall surface 312 ensures a large internal volume of the balance ring 30, allowing for a larger amount of liquid to be enclosed, thereby improving the corrective power of the balance ring 30.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 4, the resistance member 36 is, for example, a substantially plate-like member formed in a substantially L-shape. The resistance member 36 partially reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space S through which the liquid can pass. In other words, the cross-sectional area through which the liquid can pass in the portion where the resistance member 36 is provided is smaller than the cross-sectional area through which the liquid can pass in the portion where the resistance member 36 is not provided. The resistance member 36 serves to suppress the fluidity of the liquid in the internal space S of the balance ring 30 by providing resistance to the movement of the liquid inside the balance ring 30. In this embodiment, the resistance members 36 are provided in both the upper space S1 and the lower space S2.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3 , multiple resistance members 36 are provided at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the balance ring 30. The intervals between adjacent resistance members 36 may be equal or unequal. The resistance members 36 are provided in an area other than the area overlapping with the discharge water passage 172 in a plan view. This prevents excessive resistance from being applied to the liquid in the balance ring 30 moving around the discharge water passage 172. Furthermore, the installation locations of the resistance members 36 in the upper space S1 and the lower space S2 in the circumferential direction may be the same or different. Note that, for ease of viewing the drawing, only some of the resistance members 36 are shown in FIG. 3 , and the reference numerals of the other resistance members 36 are omitted.

[0031] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the discharge channel 172 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in cross section as viewed from the height direction of the rotating tub 12. The discharge channel 172 is arranged to penetrate the balance ring 30 horizontally. Therefore, the upper space S1 and the lower space S2 are separated by the discharge channel 172. At the location where the discharge channel 172 is provided, the partition wall 35 is formed by an upper partition wall 351 and a lower partition wall 352. The upper partition wall 351 forms the lower surface of the upper space S1 and the upper surface of the discharge channel 172. The lower partition wall 352 forms the upper surface of the lower space S2 and the lower surface of the discharge channel 172. The cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge channel 172 increases from the upstream side to the downstream side. As shown in Figure 3, the discharge channel 172 is formed so that its circumferential dimension increases from the upstream side to the downstream side. In this case, the channel side walls 172a that form the side walls of the discharge channel 172 are formed to slope outward in the circumferential direction from the upstream side to the downstream side so that the discharge channel 172 continuously expands. The channel side walls 172a are formed by connecting the upper partition wall 351 and the lower partition wall 352. Note that, to make the drawing easier to understand, in Figure 3, only some of the channel side walls 172a are shown with the reference numerals, and the reference numerals of the other channel side walls 172a are omitted.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, discharge waterway 172 is located above the upper end of water passage forming member 16. As shown in Figure 5, a seal member 382 is provided in the gap formed between the outer peripheral surface of lower outer wall surface 312b, lower partition wall 352, and water passage forming member 16. Sealing member 382 is provided to prevent water leakage from pumping passage 171 and ensures the watertightness of water passage forming member 16. Furthermore, support wall 37 is in contact with water passage forming member 16 at the position where discharge waterway 172 is provided. This allows vibrations of balance ring 30 and the like to be transmitted to water passage forming member 16.

[0033] According to the embodiment described above, washing machine 1 includes water tub 11, rotatable tub 12, balance ring 30, water passage 17, and discharge port 173. Rotatable tub 12 has opening 121 and is rotatably housed within water tub 11. Balancing ring 30 is provided around the entire inner surface of opening 121 and has internal space S in which a liquid is sealed. Water pumped from the bottom of water tub 11 flows through water passage 17. Discharge port 173 discharges water that has flowed through water passage 17 into rotatable tub 12. Water passage 17 includes discharge passage 172. Discharge passage 172 is formed between upper end 30a and lower end 30b of balance ring 30 and allows water to pass toward discharge port 173.

[0034] This allows water flowing through the water passage 17 to be sprayed from an appropriate position onto the clothes stored in the rotatable tub 12, even if the balance ring 30 is expanded in height in response to an increase in the diameter of the opening 121 of the rotatable tub 12. This allows the clothes to be wetted quickly, resulting in efficient washing performance.

[0035] The balance ring 30 has a main body 31, an upper end closing member 32, and a lower end closing member 33. The main body 31 is hollow and extends in the vertical direction. The upper end closing member 32 closes the upper end of the main body 31. The lower end closing member 33 closes the lower end of the main body 31. By configuring the balance ring 30 from multiple parts, it is possible to improve formability while ensuring design freedom that takes into account the corrective force required of the balance ring 30.

[0036] The cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge water passage 172 expands from the upstream side to the downstream side. This makes it easier for water passing through the water passage 17 to be sprayed widely over the clothes in the spin tub 12. This allows the clothes to be wetted evenly early, ensuring more efficient washing performance. Furthermore, because the discharge water passage 172 forms a wall that diagonally crosses the balance ring 30, a wide reinforcing area can be secured to increase the rigidity of the balance ring 30. Therefore, the balance ring 30 can be kept thin overall while still ensuring sufficient corrective power.

[0037] Discharge channel 172 may be formed so that its height (in this case, the vertical dimension) increases from the upstream side to the downstream side, as shown in Fig. 7. In the example of Fig. 7, upper partition wall 351 and lower partition wall 352 are each formed at an incline from the upstream side to the downstream side so that discharge channel 172 continuously increases in size. Even with this configuration, water can be sprayed widely onto the clothes in spin tub 12, allowing the clothes to be wetted quickly and evenly.

[0038] The internal space S of the balance ring 30 is divided into an upper space S1 located on the upper side and a lower space S2 located on the lower side, with the discharge water channel 172 in between. This allows liquid to be sealed in either the upper or lower space S1, S2 of the internal space S divided vertically by the discharge water channel 172. In this way, by providing a balancer function on both the upper and lower sides of the discharge water channel 172, the corrective force of the balance ring 30 can be appropriately ensured.

[0039] Additionally, the dimension L1 of the upper space S1 in the radial direction of the rotatable tub 12 is set larger outward than the dimension L2 of the lower space S2. This allows the liquid to be positioned farther away from the center of rotation of the rotatable tub 12, making it easier to set an appropriate compensation force according to the laundry volume. As a result, the compensation force of the balance ring 30 can be properly secured.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 8, the balance ring 30 may include a partition member 39. The partition member 39 divides one or both of the upper space S1 and the lower space S2 into multiple sections. In the example shown in FIG. 8, two partition members 39 are provided in the upper space S1, and one partition member 39 is provided in the lower space S2. In this case, the upper space S1 is divided into three sections, and the lower space S2 is divided into two sections. The number of sections divided by the partition members 39 in the upper space S1 or the lower space S2 may be the same or different. The partition member 39 has, for example, a rectangular cross section and is formed in a circular ring shape along the inner wall surface 311 and the outer wall surface 312 of the balance ring 30. The partition member 39 extends in the vertical direction. One end of the partition member 39 is integrally joined to the partition wall 35, and the other end is joined to the blocking members 32 and 33. In this way, the internal space S of the balance ring 30 is divided into multiple spaces by the partition walls 35 and the partitioning members 39, and by changing the space into which the liquid is poured, i.e., by changing the amount of liquid enclosed, the correction force of the balance ring 30 can be adjusted according to the laundry volume.

[0041] A portion of water passage 17 is formed by the inner circumferential surface of rotatable tub 12 and water passage forming member 16, which is provided opposite the inner circumferential surface of rotatable tub 12 and extends along the inner circumferential surface of rotatable tub 12. Seal members 381 and 382 that close the gaps are provided in the gaps between the inner circumferential surface of rotatable tub 12 and balance ring 30 and between water passage forming member 16 and balance ring 30, respectively. This makes it possible to suppress water leakage from water passage 17, thereby improving the reliability of washing machine 1.

[0042] The balance ring 30 has a resistance member 36. The resistance member 36 suppresses the fluidity of the liquid in the internal space S of the balance ring 30. The resistance member 36 is provided in an area other than the area overlapping with the discharge water channel 172 in a plan view. As a result, the discharge water channel 172 applies resistance to the flow of the liquid sealed in the internal space S of the balance ring 30, and therefore, by not providing the resistance member 36 in a position facing the discharge water channel 172, excessive obstruction of the flow of the liquid can be suppressed.

[0043] Furthermore, the discharge water passage 172 is arranged to penetrate horizontally through the balance ring 30. This allows the cross section of the entire balance ring 30 to be roughly H-shaped, due to the side walls 311, 312 of the balance ring 30 and the walls 351, 352 that make up the discharge water passage 172. This increases the rigidity of the balance ring 30 without making it a complex shape, and suppresses the occurrence of bending of the balance ring 30, which is a concern when the balance ring 30 is expanded in the height direction.

[0044] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9 . In this second embodiment, the structures of the water passage forming member 16 and the balancing ring 30 differ from those of the first embodiment. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the upper end of the water passage forming member 16 extended to a position facing the outer wall surface 312 of the balancing ring 30. In contrast, in this second embodiment, the upper end of the water passage forming member 16 is located below the lower surface of the balancing ring 30, i.e., the lower surface of the lower end closing member 33. In this case, the balancing ring 30 has an upright wall 41. The upright wall 41 extends downward from the lid body 331 of the lower end closing member 33 and is formed around the entire circumference of the balancing ring 30. The upright wall 41 and the water passage forming member 16 are located opposite each other in the radial direction. A seal member 382 is provided in a gap formed between the outer peripheral surface of the upright wall 41, the lower end closing member 33, and the water passage forming member 16. In this embodiment, a part of the pumping passage 171 is formed between the outer wall surface 312 and the inner peripheral surface of the rotating tub 12 .

[0045] The second embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, by positioning the water passage forming member 16 below the balancing ring 30, a wide flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the pumping passage 171 on the back side of the balancing ring 30 can be ensured. This makes it easier to ensure the amount of water sprayed per unit time from the discharge port 173 into the rotating tub 12. Furthermore, since the engaging portion between the water passage forming member 16 and the balancing ring 30 can be easily removed from inside the rotating tub 12, the maintainability of the pumping passage 171 is also improved.

[0046] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10 . In this third embodiment, the configuration of the balance ring 30 differs from that of the above-described embodiments. Specifically, in this embodiment, the balance ring 30 has a communication portion 51. Note that the configuration of the third embodiment is similar to that of the above-described embodiments except for the inclusion of the communication portion 51. The communication portion 51 is formed hollow and allows liquid to pass through, and communicates between the upper space S1 and the lower space S2. The communication portion 51 may be formed separately from the main body portion 31, for example. The communication portion 51 may also be a passage formed integrally with the main body portion 31 during molding of the main body portion 31. One end of the communication portion 51 extends to a height position substantially equal to the upper ends of the inner wall surface 311 and the outer wall surface 312 of the balance ring 30, and the other end extends to a height position substantially equal to the lower end of the partition wall 35.

[0047] The communication portions 51 are spaced apart in a region other than the region overlapping with the discharge channel 172 in a plan view. The communication portions 51 function to supply liquid from the upper space S1 to the lower space S2 when the liquid is sealed in the balancing ring 30 and to discharge air from the lower space S2 to the outside of the lower space S2. That is, during the liquid injection process in manufacturing the balancing ring 30, with the lower end closing member 33 attached to the main body 31 in advance, liquid can be injected from the upper space S1 to the lower space S2 through the communication portions 51 as shown by the black arrow in FIG. 10 . Furthermore, the opening on one end of the communication portion 51 is closed simultaneously with the top surface of the main body 31 when the upper end closing member 32 is welded to the main body 31. The opening on one end of the communication portion 51 need not necessarily be closed by the upper end closing member 32, but may be always open.

[0048] When centrifugal force is applied by the rotation of the rotatable tub 12, the liquid in the balance ring 30 moves radially outward. Therefore, the communication part 51 is provided on the inner wall surface 311 side. By providing the communication part 51 on the inner wall surface 311 side in this way, even if the liquid in the balance ring 30 moves radially outward, the migrated liquid is less likely to flow into the communication part 51. As a result, after the liquid is sealed in the balance ring 30, the liquid in the upper space S1 is prevented from flowing out into the lower space S2 through the communication part 51.

[0049] The third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, by using the communication portion 51, the liquid can be poured into the upper space S1 and the lower space S2 in a single process. This simplifies the liquid pouring process during the manufacture of the balance ring 30, thereby improving the manufacturability of the balance ring 30.

[0050] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. In this fourth embodiment, the configuration of the discharge channel 172 and the discharge ports 173 differs from the above-described embodiments. Specifically, in this embodiment, the discharge direction of at least some of the multiple discharge ports 173 is offset from the center O of the rotatable tub 12, as indicated by the white arrows in FIG. 11. In other words, the discharge direction of at least some of the multiple discharge ports 173 is directed in a direction opposite to the water flow in the rotatable tub 12, as indicated by the black arrows F in FIG. 11. The water flow in the rotatable tub 12 changes depending on the rotation direction of the rotatable tub 12, that is, the forward direction or reverse direction. In this case, one of the channel side walls 172a constituting the discharge channel 172 is formed, for example, parallel to an imaginary line passing through the center of the rotatable tub 12 and the discharge channel 172. Opposing channel side walls 172a may be formed parallel to each other.

[0051] The fourth embodiment as described above provides the same effects as the above-described embodiments. In addition, since water can be easily sprayed from outlet 173 in the direction of the water flow in rotatable tub 12, water can be more quickly absorbed into the laundry in rotatable tub 12. This further improves the cleaning effect.

[0052] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1... washing machine, 11... water tub, 12... spin tub, 121... opening, 17... water passage, 172..., 173... discharge port, 30... balance ring

Claims

1. Aquarium and a rotating tub having an opening and rotatably accommodated within the water tub; a balance ring provided around the entire inner periphery of the opening and having an internal space in which a liquid is sealed; a water passage through which water pumped from the bottom of the tank flows; a discharge port that discharges water that has flowed through the water passage into the rotating tub, The water passage has a discharge water passage formed between the upper end and the lower end of the balance ring and allowing water to pass toward the discharge port. washing machine.

2. The balance ring has a hollow main body portion extending in the vertical direction, an upper end closing member closing an upper end of the main body portion, and a lower end closing member closing a lower end of the main body portion. The washing machine according to claim 1.

3. The discharge water channel has a flow path cross-sectional area that increases from the upstream side to the downstream side. The washing machine according to claim 1.

4. The internal space of the balance ring is divided into an upper space located above the discharge water channel and a lower space located below the discharge water channel. The washing machine according to claim 1.

5. In the radial direction of the rotating tub, the dimension of the upper space is set larger outward than the dimension of the lower space. The washing machine according to claim 4.

6. The balance ring further includes a communication portion formed in a hollow shape that allows the liquid to pass through and that communicates the upper space with the lower space. The washing machine according to claim 4.

7. a portion of the water passage is formed by an inner circumferential surface of the rotating tub and a water passage forming member that is provided opposite to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tub and extends along the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tub, Seal members are provided in the gaps between the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tub and the balance ring, and seal members are provided in the gaps between the water passage forming member and the balance ring, respectively, to close the gaps. The washing machine according to claim 1.

8. the balance ring has a resistance member that suppresses the fluidity of the liquid in the internal space of the balance ring, The resistance member is provided in an area other than an area overlapping with the discharge water channel in a plan view. The washing machine according to claim 1.

9. A plurality of the discharge ports are provided, The discharge directions of at least some of the plurality of discharge ports are directed in a direction shifted from the center of the rotating tank. The washing machine according to claim 1.

10. The discharge waterway is arranged to penetrate the balance ring in a horizontal direction. The washing machine according to claim 1.

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