Washing machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a cleaning machine that can suppress the sliding of the nozzle against the bearing of the support part. [Solution] The dishwasher comprises a nozzle for spraying water into the washing chamber and a support part provided in the washing chamber for rotatably supporting the nozzle. The nozzle has a detachment mechanism for attaching and detaching the nozzle from the support part. The support part has a bearing. The detachment mechanism has a pair of engaging parts that engage with the bearing. Each of the pair of engaging parts and the bearing are engaged by a structure in which at least a part of the bearing meshes with each of the pair of engaging parts. When the nozzle is attached to the support part, if the bearing is not in a position to mesh with each of the pair of engaging parts, each of the pair of engaging parts has a guide part that contacts the bearing as the pair of engaging parts move towards the bearing, causing the bearing to rotate and guiding the bearing to a position where it meshes with each of the pair of engaging parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine including a nozzle provided in a washing chamber for accommodating an object to be washed, the nozzle spraying water into the washing chamber while rotating in one direction, and a support portion provided in the washing chamber for rotatably supporting the nozzle. The nozzle has a detaching mechanism for detaching the nozzle from the support portion. The support portion has a shaft and a bearing rotatably attached to the shaft. The detaching mechanism attaches or detaches the nozzle to / from the support portion by engaging or disengaging with the bearing of the support portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional washing machine described above, as shown in Figure 14, pressing the pair of knobs 100a, 100a of the attachment / detachment mechanism 100 presses the first fitting part 100b and the second fitting part 100c, causing the first fitting part 100b and the second fitting part 100c to separate from each other. This releases the fitting between the attachment / detachment mechanism 100 and the support part 110, allowing the nozzle 120 to be removed from the support part 110. Furthermore, releasing the pressure on the pair of knobs 100a, 100a of the attachment / detachment mechanism 100 causes the first fitting part 100b and the second fitting part 100c to be pressed and move due to the compression of the first compression spring 100d and the second compression spring 100e when the pair of knobs 100a, 100a was pressed, causing the first fitting part 100b and the second fitting part 100c to come into contact with each other. At this time, the circular fitting portion formed by the opposing portions of the first fitting portion 100b and the second fitting portion 100c fits into the recess 111A (see Figure 15) of the bearing 111 of the support portion 110. This restores the fitting of the support portion 110 by the attachment / detachment mechanism 100, and the nozzle 120 can be fixed to the support portion 110. Once the nozzle 120 is fixed to the support portion 110, the bearing 111 slides against the bearing stopper 112, causing the nozzle 120 to rotate.

[0005] As described above, the outer shape of the bearing 111 is circular, and the fitting portions of the first fitting portion 100a and the second fitting portion 100b that fit with the bearing 111 in the attachment / detachment mechanism 100 are also circular. The first fitting portion 100a and the second fitting portion 100b are parts that support the nozzle 120 and are also parts that are operated by the user, so they are formed of a resin member that contains a material (glass material) that can ensure strength. The bearing 111 is a part that slides against the bearing stopper 112, so it is formed of a resin member that contains a material that can ensure sliding properties rather than strength.

[0006] In a washing machine with this configuration, food residue may get trapped between the bearing stopper 112 of the support section 110 and the bearing 111. This can reduce the sliding performance of the bearing 111 against the bearing stopper 112. In this case, the first fitting section 100a and the second fitting section 100b, which normally do not slide against the bearing 111, will slide against the bearing 111. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, when the nozzle 120 rotates during washing, the water pressure causes the nozzle 120 to move away from the support section 110 (in the direction of the arrow), so the first fitting section 100b and the second fitting section 100c are pressed against the bearing 111, and the sliding surface of the bearing 111 (the area enclosed by the dashed line) may be scraped and worn down by the first fitting section 100b and the second fitting section 100c.

[0007] When the bearing 111 wears down, the gap between the first fitting portion 100b and the second fitting portion 100c and the bearing 111 increases, which may cause problems such as the nozzle 120 rattling during cleaning. This may result in cleaning not being performed properly.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a washing machine that can suppress the sliding of the nozzle against the bearing of the support part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) The washing machine of the present invention comprises a nozzle provided in a washing chamber for containing an object to be washed, which sprays water into the washing chamber while rotating in one direction, and a support part provided in the washing chamber which rotatably supports the nozzle, the nozzle having an attachment / detachment mechanism for attaching and detaching the nozzle to the support part, the support part having a shaft and a bearing rotatably attached to the shaft, the attachment / detachment mechanism having a pair of engaging parts that engage with the bearing by clamping the bearing in a direction perpendicular to the bearing's axis of rotation, each of the pair of engaging parts and the bearing are engaged by a structure in which at least a part of the bearing meshes with each of the pair of engaging parts, and each of the pair of engaging parts has a guide part that, when the nozzle is attached to the support part and the bearing is not in a position to mesh with each of the pair of engaging parts, contacts the bearing as the pair of engaging parts move toward the bearing and rotates the bearing, guiding the bearing to a position where it meshes with each of the pair of engaging parts.

[0010] In the cleaning machine of the present invention, each of the pair of engaging parts is engaged with a bearing by a structure in which at least a portion of the bearing meshes with each of the pair of engaging parts. This prevents each of the pair of engaging parts from sliding against the bearing in the cleaning machine. Therefore, the cleaning machine can prevent the nozzle from sliding against the bearing of the support part. Consequently, the cleaning machine can avoid wear on the bearing caused by each of the pair of engaging parts sliding against the bearing. As a result, the gap between the pair of engaging parts and the bearing is appropriately maintained in the cleaning machine, so that problems such as rattling of the nozzle during cleaning operation can be prevented.

[0011] In a configuration where at least a portion of the bearing engages with each of the pair of engaging parts, if the bearing's position (angle) relative to each of the pair of engaging parts is not appropriate when the nozzle is attached to the support, the bearing cannot properly engage with each of the pair of engaging parts. To address this problem, in a washing machine, each of the pair of engaging parts has a guide. When the nozzle is attached to the support, if the bearing is not in a position to engage with each of the pair of engaging parts, the guide contacts the bearing as the pair of engaging parts move towards the bearing, causing it to rotate and guiding the bearing to a position where it engages with each of the pair of engaging parts. As a result, in a washing machine, even if the bearing's position (angle) relative to each of the pair of engaging parts is not appropriate when the nozzle is attached to the support, the bearing can still engage with each of the pair of engaging parts.

[0012] (2) In the washing machine described in (1) above, when viewed from a direction along the rotation axis of the bearing, the outer shape of the bearing may be polygonal, and the engaging portions of the pair of engaging parts may have a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the bearing. This configuration makes it possible to realize a structure in which the bearing and each of the pair of engaging parts mesh together.

[0013] (3) In the washing machine described in (1) or (2) above, each guide portion of the pair of engaging portions may have a restricting surface that contacts another member when the engaging portion and the bearing are engaged, and which restricts the movement of the pair of engaging portions in the direction of opening due to the rotation of the bearing. When the sliding performance of the bearing with respect to the shaft decreases, a force may act on the engaging portion that does not normally slide against the bearing, causing it to slide against the bearing. In this case, the rotation of the bearing applies a force to the bearing in the direction that separates the pair of engaging portions from each other (in the direction that opens the pair of engagements), and there is a risk that the nozzle and the bearing will spin freely. In this washing machine, the guide portion has a restricting surface that restricts the movement of the pair of engaging portions in the direction of opening due to the rotation of the bearing. In this way, in the washing machine, the engaging portion is locked to another member by the restricting surface of the guide portion, so that the movement of the engaging portion is restricted. Therefore, the washing machine can prevent the nozzle and the bearing from spinning freely.

[0014] (4) In any one of the washing machines described in (1) to (3) above, the guide portion of one engaging portion may protrude toward the other engaging portion beyond the rotation axis of the bearing when one engaging portion is engaged with the bearing, and the guide portion of the other engaging portion may protrude toward the one engaging portion beyond the rotation axis of the bearing when the other engaging portion is engaged with the bearing. In this configuration, when the nozzle is attached to the support portion, if the position (angle) of the bearing is not appropriate for each of the pair of engaging portions, the guide portion will reliably contact the bearing. Therefore, the washing machine can engage each of the pair of engaging portions with the bearing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the sliding of the nozzle against the bearing of the support portion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the dishwasher. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a view showing a partial cross-sectional configuration of the upper nozzle (lower nozzle) and the upper support portion (lower support portion). [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the upper nozzle. [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) is a perspective view showing the state of the detaching mechanism during fixation, and Figure 5(b) is a perspective view showing the state of the detaching mechanism during release. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the lower nozzle. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a partial cross-sectional configuration of the upper nozzle (lower nozzle) and the upper support portion (lower support portion). [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged view showing a part of Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a view showing a partial cross-sectional configuration of the upper nozzle (lower nozzle) and the upper support portion (lower support portion) according to a modified example. [Figure 10] Figures 10(a) and 10(b) are views showing a partial cross-sectional configuration of the upper nozzle (lower nozzle) and the upper support portion (lower support portion) according to a modified example. [Figure 11] Figures 11(a) and 11(b) are views showing a partial cross-sectional configuration of the upper nozzle (lower nozzle) and the upper support portion (lower support portion) according to a modified example. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a view showing a partial cross-sectional configuration of the upper nozzle (lower nozzle) and the upper support portion (lower support portion) according to a modified example. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a view showing a partial cross-sectional configuration of the upper nozzle (lower nozzle) and the upper support portion (lower support portion) according to a modified example. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a partial cross-sectional configuration of the upper nozzle (lower nozzle) and the upper support portion (lower support portion) in a conventional dishwasher. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a view schematically showing the upper nozzle (lower nozzle) and the upper support portion (lower support portion) in a conventional dishwasher. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to those in the description. In the following description, for the sake of explanation, the directions (up and down direction, front and back direction, left and right direction (width direction)) as defined in Figure 1 will be defined.

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the dishwasher. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the dishwasher (washer) 1 has a washing machine body 2 covered with stainless steel panels. The washing machine body 2 is divided into an upper part 2A in which a washing chamber 3 is formed and a lower part 2B in which a machine room 4 is formed. At the corner on the rear side of the washing machine body 2, a support column 6 is arranged that extends vertically across the upper part 2A and the lower part 2B, and a rear panel 5 is arranged between the support columns 6, 6.

[0019] The upper part 2A of the washing machine body 2 is provided with a box-shaped door 7 for opening and closing the washing chamber 3. This door 7 is guided to move up and down freely by a pair of stainless steel support columns 6, 6 and is also moved up and down by a handle 8A that extends horizontally at the front.

[0020] The ends of a pair of left and right rotating arms 8B, 8B are fixed to both ends of the handle 8A, and the rotating arms 8B, 8B are positioned diagonally along the side 7A of the door 7. One end of a link section 8C, which is positioned along the side 7A of the door 7, is rotatably connected to the rotating arms 8B, 8B, and the other end of the link section 8C is connected to the door 7 via an axle pin 8D, so that the door 7 can move up and down in response to the rotational movement of the handle 8A. Legs 9 are attached to the four corners of the bottom surface of the washing machine body 2.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, a rack rail 10 is detachably arranged inside the washing chamber 3, and a grid-like dish rack on which dishes such as plates and bowls (items to be washed) are arranged is placed on this rack rail 10. An upper nozzle 11 is located at the top of the washing chamber 3. A lower nozzle 12 is located at the bottom of the washing chamber 3.

[0022] The upper nozzle 11 is located above the washing chamber 3. The upper nozzle 11 is rotatably mounted on the upper support portion 13 located above the washing chamber 3. Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the upper nozzle 11 (lower nozzle 12) and the upper support portion 13 (lower support portion 14). As shown in Figure 3, the upper support portion 13 includes a shaft 130, a bearing 131, and a bearing stopper 132.

[0023] The shaft 130 is inserted into the first rinse water discharge pipe 22A. The bearing 131 is mounted on the shaft 130 and is rotatably mounted relative to the shaft 130. Specifically, the bearing 131 rotates while sliding between the upper surface of the shaft 130 and the lower surface of the head of the bearing stopper 132. The attachment / detachment mechanism 37 (described later) for the upper nozzle 11 is connected to the bearing 131. The upper nozzle 11 is integrated with the bearing 131 by the engagement of the first engaging portion 37d (described later) and the second engaging portion 37e (described later) of the attachment / detachment mechanism 37 with the recess 131A provided in the bearing 131. As a result, the upper nozzle 11 is rotatably mounted relative to the shaft 130 (upper support portion 13).

[0024] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the upper nozzle 11. As shown in Figure 4, the upper nozzle 11 has a main body 30 that extends radially from the base end, which is the rotation center of the rotation axis of the upper nozzle 11, to the tip. The main body 30 integrally includes a cleaning spray hole 31 for spraying cleaning water stored in the cleaning water tank 15, a cleaning channel 32 (see Figure 7) that extends from the rotation center to the cleaning spray hole 31 and through which cleaning water flows, a rinsing spray hole 33 for spraying rinsing water stored in the rinsing water tank 19, and a rinsing channel 34 (see Figure 7) that extends from the rotation center to the rinsing spray hole 33 and through which rinsing water flows. The upper nozzle 11 rotates when the flow of cleaning water generated in the cleaning channel 32 or the flow of rinsing water generated in the rinsing channel 34 is converted into rotational force. The upper nozzle 11 is connected to a first wash water discharge pipe 18A that supplies wash water to the wash channel 32 and a first rinse water discharge pipe 22A that supplies rinse water to the rinse channel 34.

[0025] The upper nozzle 11 is equipped with a detachment mechanism 37 for attaching and detaching the main body 30 from the upper support portion 13 provided in the washing chamber 3. The detachment mechanism 37 has a pair of knobs 37a, 37a. The pair of knobs 37a, 37a protrude from the outer shape of the main body 30 along the operating direction D. The detachment mechanism 37 can attach and detach the main body 30 from the upper support portion 13 by pressing both of the pair of knobs 37a, 37a toward each other along the operating direction D.

[0026] Figure 5(a) is a perspective view showing the state of the attachment / detachment mechanism 37(47) when it is fixed. Figure 5(b) is a perspective view showing the state of the attachment / detachment mechanism 37(47) when it is released. As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the attachment / detachment mechanism 37 comprises a pair of knobs 37a, 37a, a first rail portion 37b connected to one of the knobs 37a, a first engaging portion 37d slidably provided within the first rail portion 37b and attached to one of the knobs 37a via a first compression spring 37f, a second rail portion 37c connected to the other knob 37a, a second engaging portion 37e slidably provided within the second rail portion 37c and attached to the other knob 37a via a second compression spring 37g, a first pressing portion 37h connected to one of the knobs 37a, and a second pressing portion 37i connected to the other knob 37a.

[0027] In a detachable mechanism 37 with this configuration, pressing the pair of knobs 37a, 37a along the operating direction D causes the second engaging portion 37e to be pressed via the first pressing portion 37h and the first engaging portion 37d to be pressed via the second pressing portion 37i, as shown in Figure 5(b). As a result, the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e separate from each other. This releases the engagement between the detachable mechanism 37 and the upper support portion 13, allowing the upper nozzle 11 (main body portion 30) to be removed from the upper support portion 13.

[0028] Furthermore, when the pressure on the pair of knobs 37a, 37a is released, as shown in Figure 5(a), the first and second compression springs 37f and 37g, which were compressed when the pair of knobs 37a, 37a were pressed, press and move the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e, causing the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e to come into contact with each other. At this time, the engaging portions formed by the opposing parts of the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e fit into the recess 131A of the bearing 131 of the upper support portion 13 (see Figure 3). As a result, the engagement of the attachment / detachment mechanism 37 with the upper support portion 13 is restored, and the upper nozzle 11 (main body portion 30) can be fixed to the upper support portion 13.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the lower nozzle 12 is located below the washing chamber 3. The lower nozzle 12 is rotatably mounted on a lower support portion 14 located below the washing chamber 3. As shown in Figure 3, the lower support portion 14 includes a shaft 140, a bearing 141, and a bearing stopper 142.

[0030] The shaft 140 is inserted into the second rinse water discharge pipe 22B. The bearing 141 is mounted on the shaft 140 and is rotatably mounted relative to the shaft 140. Specifically, the bearing 141 rotates while sliding between the upper surface of the shaft 140 and the lower surface of the head of the bearing stopper 142. The attachment / detachment mechanism 47 (described later) of the lower nozzle 12 is connected to the bearing 141. The upper nozzle 11 is integrated with the bearing 141 by the engagement of the first engaging portion 47d and the second engaging portion 47e (described later) of the attachment / detachment mechanism 47 with the recess 141A provided in the bearing 141. As a result, the upper nozzle 11 is rotatably mounted relative to the shaft 140 (lower support portion 14).

[0031] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the lower nozzle 12. As shown in Figure 6, the lower nozzle 12 has a main body portion 40 that extends radially from the base end, which is the rotation center of the rotation axis of the lower nozzle 12, to the tip. The main body portion 40 integrally includes a cleaning injection hole 41 for injecting cleaning water stored in the cleaning water tank 15, a cleaning channel 42 (see Figure 7) that extends from the rotation center to the cleaning injection hole 41 and through which cleaning water flows, a rinsing injection hole 43 for injecting rinsing water stored in the rinsing water tank 19, and a rinsing channel 44 (see Figure 7) that extends from the rotation center to the rinsing injection hole 43 and through which rinsing water flows. The lower nozzle 12 rotates when the flow of cleaning water generated in the cleaning channel 42 or the flow of rinsing water generated in the rinsing channel 44 is converted into rotational force. The lower nozzle 12 is connected to a second wash water discharge pipe 18B that supplies wash water to the wash channel 42 and a second rinse water discharge pipe 22B that supplies rinse water to the rinse channel 44.

[0032] The lower nozzle 12 is equipped with a detachment mechanism 47 for attaching and detaching the main body 40 from the lower support portion 14 provided in the washing chamber 3. The detachment mechanism 47 has a pair of knob portions 47a, 47a. The configuration and operation of the attachment / detachment mechanism 47, shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), which comprises a pair of knobs 47a, 47a, a first rail portion 47b connected to one of the knobs 47a, a first engaging portion 47d slidably provided within the first rail portion 47b and attached to one of the knobs 47a via a first compression spring 47f, a second rail portion 47c connected to the other knob 47a, a second engaging portion 47e slidably provided within the second rail portion 47c and attached to the other knob 47a via a second compression spring 47g, a first pressing portion 47h connected to one of the knobs 47a, and a second pressing portion 47i connected to the other knob 47a, is the same as the configuration and operation of the attachment / detachment mechanism 37 described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, a cleaning water tank 15 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning chamber 3 so as to protrude into the machine room 4. A filter 16 is detachably positioned between the cleaning chamber 3 and the cleaning water tank 15. A cleaning pump 17 is connected to the front of the cleaning water tank 15 via a cleaning water intake. A cleaning water discharge pipe 18 is connected to the discharge port of the cleaning pump 17. The cleaning water discharge pipe 18 branches into a first cleaning water discharge pipe 18A and a second cleaning water discharge pipe 18B. The first cleaning water discharge pipe 18A is connected to the upper nozzle 11, and the second cleaning water discharge pipe 18B is connected to the lower nozzle 12.

[0034] Inside the machine room 4, there is a rinse water tank 19 to which rinse water is supplied from the outside via a water supply pipe (not shown). A rinse pump 21 is connected to the rinse water tank 19 via a rinse water suction pipe 20. A rinse water discharge pipe 22 is connected to the discharge port of the rinse pump 21. The rinse water discharge pipe 22 branches into a first rinse water discharge pipe 22A and a second rinse water discharge pipe 22B, with the first rinse water discharge pipe 22A connected to the upper nozzle 11 and the second rinse water discharge pipe 22B connected to the lower nozzle 12.

[0035] The machine room 4 houses an electrical box (not shown) containing a controller 23 that controls the overall operation of the dishwasher 1.

[0036] Next, the configuration of the upper nozzle 11 and the upper support portion 13 will be described in detail. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a part of the cross-sectional configuration of the upper nozzle 11 (lower nozzle 12) and the upper support portion 13 (lower support portion 14). Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 7.

[0037] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the outer shape of the bearing 131 is rectangular. The rectangular shape may include a rectangular shape with chamfered corners and a rectangular shape with rounded corners. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the bearing 131 is a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The bearing 131 has four sides 131S.

[0038] As shown in Figure 8, the first engaging portion 37d of the attachment / detachment mechanism 37 has a recess 38A and a guide portion 39A. The recess 38A is the portion that engages with the bearing 131. Engaging means that the first engaging portion 37d (recess 38A) and the bearing 131 interlock (either the recess or protrusion of each is combined). Therefore, for example, if the outer shape of the bearing 131 is circular and the recess 38A follows the shape of the bearing 131 (arc-shaped), the two will not engage.

[0039] The recess 38A opens toward the bearing 131. The recess 38A has a shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the bearing 131. The recess 38A is composed of a first surface 38Aa, a second surface 38Ab, and a third surface 38Ac. The first surface 38Aa, the second surface 38Ab, and the third surface 38Ac are surfaces that face (contact) the side surface 131S of the bearing 131 when the first engaging portion 37d is engaged with the bearing 131.

[0040] The guide portion 39A is the part that, when the upper nozzle 11 is attached to the upper support portion 13, if the bearing 131 is not in a position to engage with the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e respectively, contacts the bearing 131 as the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e move closer to the bearing 131, causing the bearing 131 to rotate and guides the bearing 131 to a position where it engages with the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e respectively. When the first engaging portion 37d and the bearing 131 are engaged, the guide portion 39A has a portion that protrudes from the rotation axis Ax of the bearing 131 toward the second engaging portion 37e.

[0041] The guide portion 39A has a contact surface 39Aa that contacts the second engagement portion 37e, a guide surface 39Ab that guides the bearing 131, and a restricting surface 39Ac that restricts the rotation of the first engagement portion 37d.

[0042] The guide surface 39Ab is a curved surface. The guide surface 39Ab is located on the rotational trajectory of the bearing 131 when the first engaging portion 37d engages with the bearing 131. When the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e engage with the bearing 131, the guide surface 39Ab forms a space together with the side surface 131S of the bearing 131 and the second engaging portion 37e.

[0043] The restricting surface 39Ac is a flat surface. The restricting surface 39Ac is a surface parallel to the direction of movement (operating direction D) of the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e. The restricting surface 39Ac comes into contact with the second pressing portion 37i when the first engaging portion 37d is engaged with the bearing 131. As a result, the guide portion 39A is locked to the second pressing portion 37i, and the clockwise rotation of the first engaging portion 37d is restricted.

[0044] The second engaging portion 37e of the attachment / detachment mechanism 37 has a recess 38B and a guide portion 39B. The recess 38B is the portion that engages with the bearing 131. The recess 38B opens toward the bearing 131. The recess 38B has a shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the bearing 131. The recess 38B is composed of a first surface 38Ba, a second surface 38Bb, and a third surface 38Bc. The first surface 38Ba, the second surface 38Bb, and the third surface 38Bc are surfaces that face (contact) the side surface 131S of the bearing 131 when the second engaging portion 37e is engaged with the bearing 131.

[0045] The guide portion 39B is the part that, when the upper nozzle 11 is attached to the upper support portion 13, if the bearing 131 is not in a position to engage with the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e, the guide portion 39B contacts the bearing 131 as the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e move closer to the bearing 131, causing the bearing 131 to rotate and guide the bearing 131 to a position where it engages with the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e. When the second engaging portion 37e and the bearing 131 are engaged, the guide portion 39B has a portion that protrudes toward the first engaging portion 37d side of the rotation axis Ax of the bearing 131. When the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e and the bearing 131 are engaged, the guide portion 39B is positioned point-symmetric to the guide portion 39A with respect to the rotation axis of the bearing 131. The guide portion 39B has a contact surface 39Ba that contacts the first engaging portion 37d, a guide surface 39Bb that guides the bearing 131, and a restricting surface 39Bc that restricts the rotation of the second engaging portion 37e.

[0046] The guide surface 39Bb is a curved surface. When the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e engage with the bearing 131, the guide surface 39Bb forms a space together with the side surface 131S of the bearing 131 and the first engaging portion 37d.

[0047] The restricting surface 39Bc is a flat surface. The restricting surface 39Bc comes into contact with the first pressing portion 37h when the second engaging portion 37e is engaged with the bearing 131. As a result, the guide portion 39B is locked to the first pressing portion 37h, and the clockwise rotation of the second engaging portion 37e is restricted.

[0048] In a detachable mechanism 37 with this configuration, when the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e engage with the bearing 131, if the side surface 131S of the bearing 131 and the first surfaces 38Aa and 38Ba of the recesses 38A and 38B are not facing each other, the corners of the bearing 131 come into contact with the guide surfaces 39Ab and 39Bb of the guide portions 39A and 39B, causing the bearing 131 to rotate in accordance with the movement of the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e. This corrects the position (angle) of the bearing 131 so that the side surface 131S of the bearing 131 and the first surfaces 38Aa and 38Ba of the recesses 38A and 38B face each other. In this state, when the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e move toward the bearing 131, the bearing 131 enters the recesses 38A and 38B, and the bearing 131 and the recesses 38A and 38B mesh together.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8, the first engaging portion 47d of the attachment / detachment mechanism 47 has a recess 48A and a guide portion 49A. The recess 48A is the portion that engages with the bearing 141. The recess 48A opens toward the bearing 141. The recess 48A has a shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the bearing 141. The recess 48A is composed of a first surface 48Aa, a second surface 48Ab, and a third surface 48Ac. The first surface 48Aa, the second surface 48Ab, and the third surface 48Ac are surfaces that face (contact) the side surface 141S of the bearing 141 when the first engaging portion 47d is engaged with the bearing 141.

[0050] The guide portion 49A is the part that, when the lower nozzle 12 is attached to the lower support portion 14, if the bearing 141 is not in a position to engage with the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e, the guide portion 49A contacts the bearing 141 as the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e move closer to the bearing 141, causing the bearing 141 to rotate and guiding the bearing 141 to a position where it engages with the first engaging portion 37d and the second engaging portion 37e. When the first engaging portion 37d and the bearing 141 are engaged, the guide portion 49A has a portion that protrudes toward the second engaging portion 47e side of the rotation axis Ax of the bearing 141. The guide portion 49A has a contact surface 49Aa that abuts against the second engaging portion 47e, a guide surface 49Ab that guides the bearing 141, and a restricting surface 49Ac that restricts the rotation of the first engaging portion 47d.

[0051] The guide surface 49Ab is a curved surface. When the first engaging portion 47d and the second engaging portion 47e engage with the bearing 141, the guide surface 49Ab, together with the side surface 141S of the bearing 141 and the second engaging portion 47e, forms a space.

[0052] The restricting surface 49Ac is flat. The restricting surface 49Ac comes into contact with the second pressing portion 47i when the first engaging portion 47d is engaged with the bearing 131. As a result, the guide portion 49A is locked to the second pressing portion 47i, and the clockwise rotation of the first engaging portion 47d is restricted.

[0053] The second engaging portion 47e of the attachment / detachment mechanism 47 has a recess 48B and a guide portion 49B. The recess 48B is the portion that engages with the bearing 141. The recess 48B opens toward the bearing 141. The recess 48B has a shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the bearing 141. The recess 48B is composed of a first surface 48Ba, a second surface 48Bb, and a third surface 48Bc. The first surface 48Ba, the second surface 48Bb, and the third surface 48Bc are surfaces that face (contact) the side surface 141S of the bearing 141 when the second engaging portion 47e is engaged with the bearing 141.

[0054] The guide portion 49B is the part that, when the lower nozzle 12 is attached to the lower support portion 14, if the bearing 141 is not in a position to engage with the first engaging portion 47d and the second engaging portion 47e respectively, contacts the bearing 131 as the first engaging portion 47d and the second engaging portion 47e move closer to the bearing 141, causing the bearing 141 to rotate and guide the bearing 141 to a position where it engages with the first engaging portion 47d and the second engaging portion 47e respectively. When the second engaging portion 47e and the bearing 141 are engaged, the guide portion 49B has a portion that protrudes toward the first engaging portion 47d side of the rotation axis Ax of the bearing 141. When the first engaging portion 47d and the second engaging portion 47e and the bearing 141 are engaged, the guide portion 49B is positioned point-symmetric to the guide portion 49A with respect to the rotation axis of the bearing 141. The guide portion 49B has a contact surface 49Ba that contacts the first engagement portion 47d, a guide surface 49Bb that guides the bearing 141, and a restricting surface 49Bc that restricts the rotation of the second engagement portion 47e.

[0055] The guide surface 49Bb is a curved surface. When the first engaging portion 47d and the second engaging portion 47e engage with the bearing 141, the guide surface 49Bb forms a space together with the side surface 141S of the bearing 141 and the first engaging portion 47d.

[0056] The restricting surface 49Bc is a flat surface. The restricting surface 49Bc comes into contact with the first pressing portion 37h when the second engaging portion 47e is engaged with the bearing 141. As a result, the guide portion 49B is locked to the first pressing portion 47h, and the clockwise rotation of the second engaging portion 47e is restricted.

[0057] Since the configuration and operation of the attachment / detachment mechanism 47 with this configuration are the same as those of the attachment / detachment mechanism 37 described above, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0058] As described above, in the dishwasher 1 according to this embodiment, the first engaging portion 37d (47d) and the second engaging portion 37e (47e) and the bearing 131 (141) are engaged by a structure in which at least a part of the bearing 131 (141) meshes with the first engaging portion 37d (47d) and the second engaging portion 37e (47e). As a result, in the dishwasher 1, sliding of the first engaging portion 37d (47d) and the second engaging portion 37e (47e) with respect to the bearing 131 (141) can be suppressed. Therefore, in the dishwasher 1, sliding of the upper nozzle 11 (lower nozzle 12) with respect to the bearing 131 (141) of the upper support portion 13 (lower support portion 14) can be suppressed. Therefore, in the dishwasher 1, wear on the bearing 131 (141) can be avoided due to the sliding of the first engaging portion 37d (47d) and the second engaging portion 37e (47e) against the bearing 131 (141). As a result, in the dishwasher 1, the gap between the first engaging portion 37d (47d) and the second engaging portion 37e (47e) and the bearing 131 (141) is appropriately maintained, so that problems such as rattling of the upper nozzle 11 (lower nozzle 12) during washing operation can be suppressed.

[0059] In a configuration where the bearing 131(141) engages with the first engaging portion 37d(47d) and the second engaging portion 37e(47e) through a meshing structure, if the position (angle) of the bearing 131(141) is not appropriate with respect to the first engaging portion 37d(47d) and the second engaging portion 37e(47e) when the upper nozzle 11 (lower nozzle 12) is attached to the upper support portion 13 (lower support portion 14), the first engaging portion 37d(47d) and the second engaging portion 37e(47e) and the bearing 131(141) will not engage properly. In this case, the dishwasher 1 has guide portions 39A(49A) and 39B(49B) on the first engaging portion 37d(47d) and the second engaging portion 37e(47e). When the upper nozzle 11 (lower nozzle 12) is attached to the upper support part (lower support part 14), if the bearing 131 (141) is not in a position to engage with the first engaging part 37d (47d) and the second engaging part 37e (47e), the guide parts 39A (49A) and 39B (49B) will contact the bearing 131 (141) as it moves closer to the bearing 131 (141), causing it to rotate and guide the bearing 131 (141) to a position where it engages with the first engaging part 37d (47d) and the second engaging part 37e (47e). As a result, in the dishwasher 1, even if the position (angle) of the bearing 131 (141) is not appropriate with respect to the first engaging portion 37d (47d) and the second engaging portion 37e (47e) when the upper nozzle 11 (lower nozzle 12) is attached to the upper support portion 13 (lower support portion 14), the bearing 131 (141) can be engaged with the first engaging portion 37d (47d) and the second engaging portion 37e (47e).

[0060] In the dishwasher 1 according to this embodiment, the guide portions 39A (49A) and 39B (49B) are restricting surfaces 39Ac (49Ac) and 39Bc (49Bc) that come into contact with other members (first pressing portion 37h (47h), second pressing portion 37i (47i)) when the engaging portion and the bearing are engaged, and have restricting surfaces 39Ac (49Ac) and 39Bc (49Bc) that restrict the movement of the first engaging portion 37d (47d) and the second engaging portion 37e (47e) in the direction of opening due to the rotation of the bearing 131 (141). If the sliding properties of the bearing 131(141) decrease, the first engaging portion 37d(47d) and the second engaging portion 37e(47e), which do not normally slide against the bearing 131(141), may exert a force that causes them to slide against the bearing 131(141). In this case, the rotation of the bearing 131(141) may cause a force on the bearing 131(141) that moves the first engaging portion 37d(47d) and the second engaging portion 37e(47e) away from each other, potentially causing the upper nozzle 11 (lower nozzle 12) and the bearing 131(141) to spin freely.

[0061] In this regard, in the dishwasher 1, the guide sections 39A (49A) and 39B (49B) have restricting surfaces 39Ac (49Ac) and 39Bc (49Bc) that restrict the movement of the first engaging section 37d (47d) and the second engaging section 37e (47e) in the direction of opening due to the rotation of the bearing 131 (141). Thus, in the dishwasher 1, the first engaging portion 37d (47d) and the second engaging portion 37e (47e) are locked to other members (first pressing portion 37h (47h), second pressing portion 37i (47i)) by the restricting surfaces 39Ac (49Ac) and 39Bc (49B) of the guide portions 39A (49A) and 39B (49B), thereby restricting the movement of the first engaging portion 37d (47d) and the second engaging portion 37e (47e). Therefore, in the dishwasher 1, it is possible to prevent the upper nozzle 11 (lower nozzle 12) and the bearing 131 (141) from spinning freely.

[0062] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the first engaging portion 37d (47d) and the second engaging portion 37e (47e) shown in Figure 8 were described as an example. However, the shapes of the first engaging portion 37d (47d) and the second engaging portion 37e (47e) are not limited to these.

[0064] As shown in Figure 9, the guide portions 39A(49A) and 39B(49B) of the first engaging portion 37d(47d) and the second engaging portion 37e(47e) do not necessarily have a guide surface (curved surface). Also, the shape of the guide portions 39A(49A) and 39B(49B) may be as shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b).

[0065] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the outer shape of the bearing 131(141) is square was described as an example. However, as shown in Figure 11, the outer shape of the bearing 131(141) may be polygonal (octagonal). In this configuration, even if the position (angle) of the bearing 131(141) is not appropriate relative to the first engaging portion 37d(47d) and the second engaging portion 37e(47e) when the bearing 131(141) engages with the first engaging portion 37d(47d) and the second engaging portion 37e(47e), the bearing 131(141) can be engaged with the first engaging portion 37d(47d) and the second engaging portion 37e(47e) by slightly rotating the bearing 131(141) with the guide portions 39A(49A) and 39B(49B).

[0066] As shown in Figure 12, the external shape of the bearing 131 (141) may be that of a gear. In the example shown in Figure 12, the bearing 131 (141) has eight teeth. The mating portions of the first engaging portion 37d (47d) and the second engaging portion 37e (47e) have a shape corresponding to the external shape of the bearing 131 (141) (a gear shape with a number of teeth corresponding to the number of gears). In this configuration, sliding of the first engaging portion 37d (47d) and the second engaging portion 37e (47e) against the bearing 131 (141) can be suppressed.

[0067] As shown in Figure 13, the external shape of the bearing 131(141) may be that of a gear. In the example shown in Figure 13, the bearing 131(141) has four teeth. The engaging portions of the first engaging portion 37d(47d) and the second engaging portion 37e(47e) have a shape that corresponds to the external shape of the bearing 131(141). In this configuration, sliding of the first engaging portion 37d(47d) and the second engaging portion 37e(47e) against the bearing 131(141) can be suppressed. Furthermore, the bearing 131(141) shown in Figure 13 can have its teeth strengthened by reducing the number of teeth and increasing the tooth thickness compared to the bearing 131(141) shown in Figure 12. Moreover, the bearing 131(141) shown in Figure 13 can use fewer molds in the molding process compared to the bearing 131(141) shown in Figure 12. Therefore, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0068] In the above embodiment, a washing machine in which the door 7 is provided to be movable in the vertical direction was described as an example. However, it can also be applied to dishwashers and the like in which the door is provided on the front side of the washing machine body, such as an oven.

[0069] The present invention may be appropriately combined as described above as embodiments, modifications, and other modifications, without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1...Dishwasher (washing machine), 3...Washing chamber, 13...Upper support part, 14...Lower support part, 37, 47...Detachable mechanism, 39A, 39B, 49A, 49B...Guide part, 39Ac, 39Bc...Restricting surface, 49Ac, 49Bc...Restricting surface, 130, 140...Shaft, 131, 141...Bearing, Ax...Rotating shaft.

Claims

1. A nozzle is provided in a washing chamber that contains the object to be washed, and which sprays water into the washing chamber while rotating in one direction, The washing chamber is provided with a support part that rotatably supports the nozzle, The nozzle has a detachment mechanism for attaching and detaching the nozzle from the support portion. The support portion comprises a shaft and a bearing rotatably attached to the shaft. The attachment / detachment mechanism has a pair of engaging parts that engage with the bearing by clamping the bearing in a direction perpendicular to the bearing's axis of rotation, Each of the pair of engagement portions and the bearing are engaged by a structure in which at least a portion of the bearing meshes with each of the pair of engagement portions. A washing machine having a guide portion which, when the nozzle is attached to the support portion, if the bearing is not in a position to engage with each of the pair of engagement portions, the pair of engagement portions moves toward the bearing, causing the bearing to rotate and guiding the bearing to a position where it engages with each of the pair of engagement portions.

2. When viewed from a direction along the axis of rotation of the bearing, the outer shape of the bearing is polygonal. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portions of the pair of engaging parts have a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the bearing.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the guide portions of the pair of engagement portions has a restricting surface that contacts another member when the engagement portion and the bearing are engaged, and the restricting surface restricts the pair of engagement portions from moving in the direction of opening due to the rotation of the bearing.

4. The guide portion of one of the engaging portions protrudes toward the other engaging portion beyond the rotation axis of the bearing when one of the engaging portions is engaged with the bearing. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide portion of the other engaging portion protrudes toward the one engaging portion from the rotation axis of the bearing when the other engaging portion is engaged with the bearing.

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