washing machine

Abstract

This technology reduces the load applied to the pulsator. [Solution] The washing machine comprises a washing tub and a pulsator rotatably mounted inside the washing tub. The pulsator has a main wing extending radially from the upper surface of a circular base portion, connecting the center and outer circumference of the pulsator, and an auxiliary wing extending radially from the upper surface of the base portion, having a shorter radial length than the main wing and located away from the center portion. The main wing extends radially outward from the central end face of the auxiliary wing, and the radial length of the auxiliary wing is longer than the distance from the central end face of the auxiliary wing to the center portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to washing machines.

Background Art

[0002] A washing machine equipped with a pulsator is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The pulsator disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of main wings extending from the central portion toward the outer peripheral portion, and auxiliary wings provided between adjacent main wings. The auxiliary wings have a shorter radial length than the main wings and are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the pulsator. In addition, a plurality of through holes penetrating the front and back surfaces of the pulsator are provided between the main wings. Specifically, the through holes are provided on the central portion side rather than the radially inner ends of the auxiliary wings.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the washing machine of Patent Document 1, by increasing the distance from the central portion to the auxiliary wings (the radially inner ends of the auxiliary wings), a space for providing the through holes is secured. However, when the distance from the central portion to the auxiliary wings is increased, during washing, the laundry in the washing tub is likely to move to the outside of the washing tub. As a result, a large amount of laundry gets caught on the outer peripheral portion side of the main wings, and a large load is applied to the pulsator. As a result, the motor torque for driving the pulsator may be insufficient, and the pulsator may not rotate smoothly. Although using a motor with a large torque can eliminate the rotation failure of the pulsator, typically, a motor with a large torque also has a large size. Therefore, when using a motor with a large torque, the size of the washing machine often increases. This specification provides a technique for reducing the load applied to the pulsator without increasing the size of the washing machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A washing machine disclosed herein comprises a washing tub and a pulsator rotatably mounted inside the washing tub. The pulsator has a main wing extending radially from the upper surface of the base portion, connecting the central portion and the outer periphery of the pulsator, and an auxiliary wing extending radially from the upper surface of the base portion, having a shorter radial length than the main wing and located away from the central portion. The main wing extends radially outward from the central end face of the auxiliary wing, and the radial length of the auxiliary wing is longer than the length from the central end face of the auxiliary wing to the central portion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a washing machine is shown. [Figure 2] A perspective view (front side) of the pulsator is shown. [Figure 3] A perspective view (rear side) of the pulsator is shown. [Figure 4] A plan view of the pulsator is shown. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the dashed line 65. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the relationship between the central section and the main wing is shown. [Figure 7] A diagram is shown to illustrate the relationship between the central section and the modified wing. [Figure 8] A schematic cross-section along line AA in Figure 4 is shown. [Figure 9] A schematic cross-section along line BB in Figure 4 is shown. [Figure 10] A schematic cross-section along the CC line in Figure 4 is shown. [Figure 11] A schematic cross-section along the DD line in Figure 4 is shown. [Figure 12] Figure 4 shows a cross-section along the EE line. [Figure 13] A magnified view of a portion of the pulsator is shown. [Figure 14] A partially enlarged view of the schematic diagram illustrating the characteristics of the modified pulsator is shown. [Figure 15] A diagram illustrating the arrangement of through-holes is shown. [Figure 16] A magnified view of a portion of the pulsator is shown. [Figure 17] Figure 14 shows a cross-section along the FF line. [Figure 18] A diagram illustrating the relationship between the main wing and the aileron is shown. [Figure 19] An enlarged perspective view of the central area is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] (washing machine) Referring to Figure 1, the washing machine 2 will be described. The washing machine 2 comprises a housing 14, a water tank 24 located inside the housing 14, a washing tub 22 located inside the water tank 24, a pulsator 40 rotatably located inside the washing tub 22, and a motor 16.

[0008] The water tank 24, located inside the housing 14, is capable of storing water for washing. The water tank 14 is elastically supported by an elastic suspension mechanism 13. Water is supplied to the water tank 24 from a water supply path (not shown). The washing tub 22, located inside the water tank 24, is capable of holding laundry. The washing tub 22 is positioned inside the water tank 24 in a rotatable state and is rotationally driven by a motor 16. The pulsator 40 inside the washing tub 22 is located at the bottom of the washing tub 22 and is rotationally driven by the motor 16. The laundry inside the washing tub 22 is washed by the rotation of the washing tub 22 and the pulsator 40. A boss portion 25 is provided in the center of the back side of the pulsator 40. The boss portion 25 is fitted onto the output shaft 16a of the motor 16.

[0009] A back blade 62 is provided on the back surface of the pulsator 40. The back blade 62 is located within a back blade space 17 provided above the bottom of the washing tub 22. The back blade space 17 communicates with a circulation water channel 19 provided inside the water tank 24. The circulation water channel 19 extends vertically inside the water tank 24. As the pulsator 40 rotates, the back blade 62 rotates and pushes the water inside the back blade space 17 radially outward, pumping the water into the circulation water channel 19 inside the water tank 24. A plurality of openings 19a are provided in the circulation water channel 19.

[0010] When the pulsator 40 rotates, as shown by the arrow 32, water is pumped from below the water tank 24 upward. The water pumped upward is introduced back into the water tank 24 (inside the washing tub 22) through the opening 19a. That is, the pulsator 40 has a pump function for circulating the water inside the water tank 24.

[0011] The drain path 20 has its upstream end connected to the water tank 24 and its downstream end connected to a drain destination (for example, a drain pan). The drain path 20 drains the water discharged from the water tank 24 to the drain destination. A drain valve 18 for opening and closing the drain path 20 is provided in the drain path 20. When the drain valve 18 opens, the water inside the water tank 24 is discharged to the drain destination.

[0012] (Pulsator) Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the schematic of the pulsator 40 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the pulsator 40 includes a base portion 48, a blade portion 43, a plurality of through holes 46 penetrating the front and back surfaces of the pulsator 40, and a protruding portion 58 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the base portion 48.

[0013] The base portion 48 is circular, and the blade portion 43 extends radially with respect to the central portion 56 of the pulsator 40 on the upper surface of the base portion 48. The blade portion 43 can also be regarded as extending in the radial direction (the direction connecting the central portion 56 and the outer peripheral portion). The blade portion 43 includes a plurality of main blades 42 and a plurality of auxiliary blades 44. In the pulsator 40, three main blades 42 and three auxiliary blades 44 are provided.

[0014] Each main wing 42 extends radially outward from the central portion 56, and each aileron 44 extends radially at a position away from the central portion 56. The main wings 42 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The ailerons 44 are also positioned between adjacent main wings 42 in the circumferential direction. Each aileron 44 is also arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. On the outer circumference of the pulsator 40, the distance from one aileron 44 to one main wing 42 is equal to the distance from the other main wing 42. This prevents laundry from becoming unevenly distributed when it is placed on the base portion 48.

[0015] The central section 56 has a raised section 60 that is elevated relative to the base section 48. The central section 56 also has a convex section 57 that protrudes above the upper surface of the main wing 42. The central section 56 is fixed to the output shaft of the motor 16 (see also Figure 1). The motor 16 allows the pulsator 40 to rotate clockwise 54 and counterclockwise 52 around the rotation axis 50. Further details of the central section 56 will be described later.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, the back surface of the pulsator 40 is provided with a plurality of radially extending back vanes 62 and a plurality of circular ribs 64 surrounding the central portion 56. The back vanes 62 and circular ribs 64 protrude from the back surface of the base portion 48. The back vanes 62 function as a pump that pushes water radially outward when the pulsator 40 rotates, pressurizing the water to move from the bottom to the top of the water tank 24 (see also Figure 1).

[0017] (Features of the main wing and aileron) Referring to Figures 4 to 14, the characteristics of the main wing 42 and aileron 44 will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the radial length of the aileron 44 is shorter than the radial length of the main wing 42. Also, the main wing 42 extends radially outward beyond the inner side surface 44c of the aileron 44. The first side surface 42a of the main wing 42 is a convex shape that protrudes in the circumferential direction of the pulsator 40. On the other hand, the second side surface 42b of the main wing 42, opposite to the first side surface 42a, is a concave shape that is recessed in the circumferential direction of the pulsator 40. Similarly, the first side surface 44a of the aileron 44 is a convex shape that protrudes in the circumferential direction, and the second side surface 44b of the aileron 44, opposite to the first side surface 44a, is a concave shape that is recessed in the circumferential direction.

[0018] Now, referring to Figure 5, the central portion 56 will be explained. The central portion 56 refers to the inner part of a virtual circle 66 whose radius is the distance from the rotation axis 50 of the pulsator 40 to the edge of the raised portion 60 (the boundary between the base portion 48 and the raised portion 60). Therefore, the convex portion 57 and the raised portion 60 can be considered as part of the central portion 56.

[0019] Figure 6 schematically shows the central section 56 and the main wing 42. As shown in Figure 6, there is actually no clear boundary between the central section 56 (raised section 60) and the main wing 42, and the main wing 42 extends continuously from the central section 56. Therefore, the distinction between the central section 56 and the main wing 42 is made by the virtual circle 66 shown in Figure 5. As a modified example of the pulsator 40, the main wing 142 may be separated from the central section 56, as shown in Figure 7. That is, the main wing 142 may extend radially outward from the edge of the central section 56 (raised section 60), or it may extend radially at a position away from the central section 56.

[0020] Figure 8 schematically shows a cross-section of the radially inner portion 42i of the main wing 42. Figure 9 schematically shows a cross-section of the radially outer portion 42o of the main wing 42. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the first side surface 42a and the second side surface 42b of the main wing 42 are inclined with respect to the base portion 48. In the inner portion 42i, the inclination angles of the first side surface 42a and the second side surface 42b with respect to the base portion 48 are both equal at angle θ1. In the outer portion 42o, the inclination angles of the first side surface 42a and the second side surface 42b with respect to the base portion 48 are both equal at angle θ2, where angle θ2 is smaller than angle θ1. In the pulsator 40, the inclination angles of the sides 42a and 42b with respect to the base portion 48 decrease as you move radially outward from the central portion 56.

[0021] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, first curved sections R1, R2, R3, and R4 are provided between the upper surface and the sides 42a and 42b of the main wing 42. In the inner portion 42i, the radius of curvature of the first curved section R2 of the second side 42b is greater than the radius of curvature of the first curved section R1 of the first side 42a. Also, in the outer portion 42o, the radius of curvature of the first curved section R4 of the second side 42b is greater than the radius of curvature of the first curved section R3 of the first side 42a. In other words, the radius of curvature of the first curved section of the concave side (second side 42b) is greater than the radius of curvature of the convex side (first side 42a).

[0022] Comparing the inner portion 42i and the outer portion 42o, the radius of curvature of the first curved surface R3 is larger than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface R1, and the radius of curvature of the first curved surface R4 is larger than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface R2. In other words, the radius of curvature of the first curved surface of the main wing 42 increases radially outward from the central portion 56. Note that the radius of curvature of the first curved surface R3 is larger than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface R2.

[0023] (Variations of the main wing shape) When comparing the same side in the circumferential direction, if the inclination angle of the side surface 42a (42b) of the outer portion 42o with respect to the base portion 48 is greater than the inclination angle of the first side surface 42a (second side surface 42b) of the inner portion 42i with respect to the base portion 48, then the inclination angle of the first side surface 42a with respect to the base portion 48 and the inclination angle of the second side surface 42b with respect to the base portion 48 may be different.

[0024] Furthermore, as described above, the radii of curvature of the first curved sections R1, R2, R3, and R4, which are located between the upper surface and the side surfaces 42a and 42b of the main wing 42, are in the order of R4, R3, R2, and R1, respectively. However, the radii of curvature of the first curved sections R1, R2, R3, and R4 only need to satisfy one of the following conditions (1) to (3). (1) R4≧R3>R2≧R1 (2) R4 > R3 ≥ R2 > R1 (3) R4 > R3 ≥ R2 ≥ R1

[0025] Specifically, (1) If the radius of curvature of the first curved surface of the outer portion 42o is greater than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface of the inner portion 42i, the radii of curvature of the first side surface 42a and the first curved surface of the second side surface 42b may be equal. (2) If the radius of curvature of the first curved surface of the second side surface 42b is greater than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface of the first side surface 42a at a point equal in distance from the central portion 56, there may be a portion where the radii of curvature are equal between the first curved surface of the first side surface 42a and the first curved surface of the second side surface 42b. (3) If the radius of curvature of the first curved surface of the second side surface 42b is greater than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface of the first side surface 42a in the outer portion 42o, the radii of curvature may be equal in other parts.

[0026] Figure 10 schematically shows a cross-section of the aileron 44 including the sides 44a and 44b. Figure 11 schematically shows a cross-section of the aileron 44 including the inner side 44c on the central portion 56 side. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the first side 44a, the second side 44b, and the inner side 44c of the aileron 44 are inclined with respect to the base portion 48. The inclination angles of the first side 44a and the second side 44b with respect to the base portion 48 are both equal at angle θ3. Angle θ3 is greater than angles θ1 and θ2 described above. The inclination angle θ4 of the inner side 44c is smaller than angle θ3. The inclination angle θ4 is smaller than the inclination angle of the raised portion 60.

[0027] The inclination angle of the first side surface 44a with respect to the base portion 48 may differ from the inclination angle of the second side surface 44b with respect to the base portion 48. However, when comparing the main wing 42 and the aileron 44 on the same side in the circumferential direction, it is desirable that the inclination angle of the side surface of the aileron 44 with respect to the base portion 48 is greater than the inclination angle of the side surface of the main wing 42 with respect to the base portion 48.

[0028] As shown in Figure 10, second curved sections R5 and R6 are provided between the upper surface and side surfaces 44a and 44b of the aileron 44. The radius of curvature of the second curved section R5 is equal to the radius of curvature of the second curved section R6. However, the radii of curvature of the second curved sections R5 and R6 may be different. However, the radius of curvature of any of the first curved sections R1, R2, R3, and R4 of the main wing 42 is adjusted to be greater than the radius of curvature of at least one of the second curved sections R5 and R6 of the aileron 44.

[0029] Furthermore, when comparing the main wing 42 and the aileron 44 on the same side in the circumferential direction, it is desirable that the radius of curvature of the first curved surface is greater than the radius of curvature of the second curved surface. That is, it is desirable that the radii of curvature of the first curved surfaces R1 and R3 of the first side surface 42a are greater than the radius of curvature of the second curved surface R5 of the first side surface 44a. Similarly, it is desirable that the radii of curvature of the first curved surfaces R2 and R4 of the second side surface 42b are greater than the radius of curvature of the second curved surface R6 of the second side surface 44b.

[0030] The characteristics of the shape between the upper and side surfaces of the main wing 42 (first curved section) and / or the characteristics of the shape between the upper and side surfaces of the aileron 44 (second curved section) described above can also be applied to a pulsator in which both the main wing and the aileron extend radially outward from the central part. In other words, the characteristics of the first and second curved sections described above can also be applied to a pulsator in which the aileron is not separated from the central part.

[0031] Figure 12 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pulsator 40. As shown in Figure 12, the height from the base portion 48 to the upper surface of the main wing 42 is higher than the height from the base portion 48 to the upper surface of the aileron 44. More specifically, the height of the lowest point 42h on the upper surface of the main wing 42 is higher than the height of the highest point 44h on the upper surface of the aileron 44. Furthermore, when comparing on a virtual circle centered on the central portion 56, the height of the main wing 42 from the base portion 48 is higher than the height of the aileron 44 from the base portion 48. As is clear from Figure 12, the height of the aileron 44 from the base portion 48 increases towards the radially inward direction.

[0032] (Advantages due to the shape of the main wing and ailerons) A first curved section R1 to R4 is provided between the upper surface and the side surfaces 42a and 42b of the main wing 42. This prevents laundry from getting caught on the main wing 42 and reduces the load on the main wing 42. As a result, insufficient motor torque can be prevented. In addition, a second curved section R5 and R6 is provided between the upper surface and the side surfaces 44a and 44b of the aileron 44. This also prevents laundry from getting caught on the aileron 44.

[0033] The first side surface 42a of the main wing 42 is convex, and the second side surface 42b of the main wing 42 is concave. The radius of curvature of the first curved surface located between the upper surface of the main wing 42 and the second side surface 42b is greater than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface located between the upper surface of the main wing 42 and the first side surface 42a. Typically, laundry accumulates in the concave portion (first side surface 42a) of the main wing 42, resulting in a large load from the laundry. By making the radius of curvature of the first curved surface on the second side surface 42b larger than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface on the first side surface 42a, the load from the laundry on the main wing 42 can be efficiently reduced.

[0034] The radius of curvature of the first curved surface of the main wing 42 increases radially outward on both the first side surface 42a and the second side surface 42b. The load applied to the main wing 42 from the laundry increases radially outward. By increasing the radius of curvature of the first curved surface radially outward, the load applied to the main wing 42 is made uniform in the radial direction, allowing the laundry to be agitated efficiently.

[0035] When comparing the main wing 42 and the aileron 44 on the same side in the circumferential direction, the radius of curvature of the first curved section R1 to R4 of the main wing 42 is larger than the radius of curvature of the second curved section R5 and R6 of the aileron 44. As a result, the aileron 44 can reliably move the laundry upward, allowing it to come into contact with the first curved section R1 to R4 of the main wing 42. This feature also helps to prevent the laundry from getting caught on the main wing 42, thereby reducing the load on the main wing 42.

[0036] The inclination angle of the main wing 42 relative to the base portion 48 decreases as it extends radially outward. This feature also ensures that the load applied to the main wing 42 is uniform in the radial direction, allowing for efficient agitation of laundry.

[0037] The height from the base section 48 to the upper surface of the main wing 42 is higher than the height from the base section 48 to the upper surface of the auxiliary wing 44. This allows for maintaining the height of the main wing 42 while reducing the load on the main wing 42. In other words, the load on the main wing 42 from the laundry can be reduced while ensuring that the laundry is agitated by the main wing 42. Furthermore, the laundry can be agitated efficiently, improving the washing power of the washing machine 2.

[0038] The angle of inclination of the sides of the ailerons 44 relative to the base portion 48 is greater than the angle of inclination of the sides of the main wings 42 relative to the base portion 48. This feature also ensures that the ailerons 44 can reliably move the laundry upward. Furthermore, it prevents the laundry from getting caught on the main wings 42, thereby reducing the load on the main wings 42.

[0039] The inner side surface 44c of the aileron 44 is inclined with respect to the base portion 48. Furthermore, the inclination angle of the inner side surface 44c is smaller than the inclination angles of the first side surface 44a, the second side surface 44b of the aileron 44, and the inclination angle of the raised portion 60. In other words, the inner side surface 44c of the aileron 44 is gently inclined toward the central portion 56. This allows laundry to be moved toward the central portion 56 more reliably.

[0040] Furthermore, by providing a convex portion 57 that protrudes upward from the central portion 56 of the pulsator 40, the accumulation of laundry in the central portion 56 of the pulsator 40 is suppressed, and the laundry can be guided to the area where the wings 42 and 44 are provided. The wings 42 and 44 can agitate the laundry, improving the washing power of the washing machine 2.

[0041] (Relative position of the main wing and aileron) Referring to Figure 13, the positional relationship between the main wing 42 and the aileron 44 will be explained. Distance d1 represents the shortest distance from the main wing 42 on the first side surface 44a to the first corner 44d of the nearest aileron 44. Distance d2 represents the shortest distance from the main wing 42 on the second side surface 44b to the second corner 44e of the nearest aileron 44. Distance d3 represents the distance from the first corner 44d to the second corner 44e. In the pulsator 40, distances d1 and d2 are shorter than distance d3. As a modification, at least one of distances d1 and d2 may be shorter than distance d3. That is, in the modification, distance d1 or distance d2 may be longer than distance d3.

[0042] Distance d4 represents the shortest distance between the radially inner edge of the aileron 44 and the raised portion 60. Distance d5 represents the distance from the radially inner edge to the radially outer edge of the aileron 44 (i.e., the radial length of the aileron 44). In the pulsator 40, distance d5 is longer than distance d4. Also, distance d4 is longer than distances d1 and d2.

[0043] Distance d6 represents the shortest distance between the upper surface of the main wing 42 and the upper surface of the aileron 44. Distance d7 represents the shortest distance between the upper surface of the aileron 44 and the raised section 60. In the pulsator 40, distance d6 is shorter than distance d7.

[0044] Furthermore, if two or more ailerons 44 are provided between adjacent main wings 42, distance d1 is defined as the shortest distance from the corner of the aileron 44 closest to one main wing 42 on the side of that main wing 42 to that main wing 42. Then, distance d2 is defined as the shortest distance from the corner of the aileron 44 closest to the other main wing 42 on the side of that other main wing 42 to that other main wing 42. In this case as well, distances d1 and d2 may satisfy the relationship described above.

[0045] Specifically, as shown in Figure 14, when two ailerons 44 are provided between adjacent main wings 42, distance d1 is defined as the shortest distance from the corner 44d of the aileron 44 closest to one main wing 42, on the side of that main wing 42, to that main wing 42. Distance d2 is defined as the shortest distance from the corner 44e of the aileron 44 closest to the other main wing 42, on the side of that other main wing 42, to that other main wing 42. Distances d1 and d2 satisfy the relationship described above.

[0046] (Advantages of the placement of the main wing and ailerons) The ailerons 44 are separated from the central portion 56, and a gap is provided between the inner side surface 44c of the aileron 44 and the raised portion 60. This guides the laundry towards the central portion 56 of the pulsator 40. This prevents the laundry from concentrating on the outer circumference of the main wing 42, and reduces the load on the radially outer portion of the main wing 42. As a result, a shortage of motor torque can be prevented. In addition, the ailerons 44 are provided radially outward of the pulsator 40 between adjacent ailerons 44. The ailerons 44 share the load from the laundry, further reducing the load on the outer circumference of the main wing 42.

[0047] The distance between the corners 44d and 44e of the aileron 44 (distance d3) is longer than the distance from the main wing 42 to the corners 44d and 44e (distances d1 and d2). This prevents laundry from moving from between the main wing 42 and the aileron 44 to the outer circumference of the pulsator 40. As a result, the load applied to the radially outer portion of the main wing 42 can be reduced.

[0048] The distance from the aileron 44 to the raised section 60 (distance d4) is longer than the distance from the main wing 42 to the corner sections 44d and 44e (distances d1 and d2). This feature also helps to suppress the movement of laundry from between the main wing 42 and the aileron 44 to the outer circumference of the pulsator 40, thereby reducing the load applied to the radially outer portion of the main wing 42.

[0049] The radial length (distance d5) of the aileron 44 is longer than the distance (distance d4) from the aileron 44 to the raised section 60. This allows laundry to be held in the area enclosed by the main wing 42, the aileron 44, and the raised section 60. In other words, it is possible to suppress the movement of laundry towards the outer circumference of the pulsator 40. As a result, the load applied to the radially outer portion of the main wing 42 can be reduced.

[0050] The distance (d6) between the upper surface of the main wing 42 and the upper surface of the aileron 44 is shorter than the distance (d7) between the upper surface of the aileron 44 and the raised portion 60. This feature also helps to prevent laundry from moving towards the outer periphery of the pulsator 40. Furthermore, it ensures that there is space for laundry to be positioned on the central portion 56 side of the pulsator 40.

[0051] (Characteristics of the placement of through holes) Referring to Figures 15 to 17, the characteristics of the arrangement of the through holes 46 will be explained. As shown in Figure 15, in the pulsator 40, more through holes 46 are provided in the second region 72, which is radially outward from the inner side surface 44c, than in the first region 70, which is on the central side 56 side than the inner side surface 44c of the aileron 44. More specifically, the total opening area of ​​the through holes 46 provided in the first region 70 is larger than the total opening area of ​​the through holes 46 provided in the second region 72. Note that the main wing 42 and aileron 44 do not have through holes 46.

[0052] Figure 16 shows enlarged views of the first region 70 and the second region 72. As shown in Figure 16, the density of through holes 46 in the first region 70 (area of ​​openings of through holes 46 per unit area) is higher than the density of through holes 46 in the second region 72. In addition, a non-through region 72a without through holes 46 is provided radially outside the second region 72. A protrusion 58 is provided in the non-through region 72a. The protrusion 58 is provided along the entire circumferential direction of the pulsator 40 (see also Figure 2).

[0053] Referring to Figure 17, the relationship between the arrangement of the through hole 46 and the back wing 62 will be explained. The back wing 62 has a first projection 62a that protrudes a greater height from the base portion 48, and a second projection 62b that protrudes a lower height from the base portion 48 than the first projection 62a. The first projection 62a is located radially towards the central portion 56 than the second projection 62b. The second projection 62b is located radially outward than the first projection 62a.

[0054] In the pulsator 40, more through holes 46 are provided in the region 62c on the radially central side 56 of the end 63 than in the region 62d on the radially outer side of the end 63 of the first projection 62a. More specifically, the total area of ​​the openings of the through holes 46 provided in region 62c is larger than the total area of ​​the openings of the through holes 46 provided in region 62d. The boundary 60a between the base portion 48 and the raised portion 60 is located radially inward from the end 63.

[0055] Furthermore, multiple circular ribs 64 are provided on the back surface of the base portion 48 (see also Figure 3). The boundary 60a is located radially inward from the radially outermost circular rib 64a among the multiple circular ribs 64.

[0056] (Variations of the underside wing shape) The back wing 62 may have only the first protrusion 62a and not the second protrusion 62b. In this case, more through holes 46 should be provided on the central portion 56 side from the radial end of the protrusion than in the area where the protrusion (first protrusion 62a) is not provided.

[0057] (Advantages of the placement of through-holes) Ailerons 44 are provided between adjacent main wings 42. This allows the laundry to be lifted upward by the ailerons 44 and agitated efficiently by hitting the main wings 42.

[0058] By providing more through-holes 46 in the second region 72 than in the first region 70 (or increasing the density of through-holes 46), the amount of water moving from the front to the back of the pulsator 40 on the central portion 56 side of the pulsator 40 can be increased. As a result, when the pulsator 40 rotates, a large amount of water is pumped radially outward by the back vanes 62, increasing the pumping function of the pulsator 40.

[0059] Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the movement of water that has moved radially outward from the pulsator 40 back to the surface of the pulsator 40 from the outer periphery of the pulsator 40. This increases the amount of circulating water in the water tank 24, improving the cleaning power. In addition, by providing many through holes 46 in the second region 72, a water flow is generated that draws the laundry towards the central part 56 of the pulsator 40. The laundry is guided towards the central part 56 of the pulsator 40, reducing the load applied to the radially outward portion of the main wing 42.

[0060] The back wing 62 is provided with a first protrusion 62a that protrudes a greater height from the base portion 48, and a second protrusion 62b that protrudes a lower height from the base portion 48 than the first protrusion 62a. Many through holes 46 are provided in the region 62c on the radially central portion 56 side from the radially outer end 63 of the first protrusion 62a. This feature also generates a water flow that is drawn towards the central portion 56 of the pulsator 40, guiding the laundry towards the central portion 56 of the pulsator 40 and reducing the load applied to the radially outer portion of the main wing 42.

[0061] Furthermore, when the pulsator 40 rotates, a large amount of water is pumped radially outward, increasing the pumping function of the pulsator 40. In addition, it is possible to suppress the water that has moved radially outward from the outer circumference of the pulsator 40 back to the surface of the pulsator 40.

[0062] The main wing 42 and aileron 44 do not have through holes 46. The areas on the underside of the pulsator 40 where the main wing 42 and aileron 44 are located are recessed. As a result, water tends to accumulate on the underside of the main wing 42 and aileron 44. If the main wing 42 and aileron 44 have through holes 46, water that has moved to the underside of the pulsator 40 may return to the surface of the pulsator 40. By not providing through holes 46 in the main wing 42 and aileron 44, it is possible to suppress the movement of water from the underside of the pulsator 40 to the surface of the pulsator 40 through the through holes 46.

[0063] Furthermore, the water accumulated on the underside of the main wing 42 and aileron 44 is pumped radially outward when the pulsator 40 rotates. This allows a large amount of water to be circulated within the washing tub 22, thereby improving the washing power of the washing machine 2.

[0064] (Other features of the pulsator) Referring to Figures 18 and 19, other features of the pulsator 40 will be described. Figure 18 shows a virtual circle 51 centered on the rotation axis 50 and tangent to the outer edge 44f of the main wing 42. The inside of the virtual circle is the base portion 48 of the pulsator 40, and the outside of the virtual circle is the peripheral portion 53 of the pulsator 40. As shown in Figure 18, the main wing 42 extends to the outer edge of the base portion 48. The outer edge 44f of the auxiliary wing 44 is located inside the virtual line 51. That is, the outer edge 44f of the auxiliary wing 44 is located closer to the central portion 56 than the outer edge 44f of the main wing 42. By positioning the auxiliary wing 44 inside the outer edge 44f of the main wing 42, the laundry can be agitated efficiently.

[0065] Figure 19 shows an enlarged view of the central section 56. As shown in Figure 19, on the side of the central section 56 closer to the rotation axis 50 than the raised section 60, there are channels 80 and 82 for fluid to move from the front to the back surface of the pulsator 40. Channel 80 is provided on the surface of the base section 48. Channel 82 is provided on the side surface of the central section 56. Although not shown in Figure 19, channels 80 and 82 are also provided in symmetrical positions with respect to the central section 56. By providing channels 80 and 82, water that has passed through the functional component (not shown) attached to the central section 56 can be moved to the back surface of the pulsator 40. The water that has passed through the functional component is supplied into the washing tub 22 as the pulsator 40 rotates.

[0066] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, a pulsator 40 having three main wings 42 and three ailerons 44 is disclosed, but the number of main wings and ailerons does not have to be three. There may be two or fewer main wings and ailerons, or three or fewer. Also, in the above embodiment, the main wings 42 are provided asymmetrically with respect to the central portion 56. For example, there may be four main wings, and the main wings may be provided symmetrically with respect to the central portion.

[0067] Furthermore, although the above embodiment discloses a pulsator 40 in which one aileron 44 is provided between adjacent main wings 42, two or more ailerons may be provided between adjacent main wings. Alternatively, ailerons may be provided between adjacent main wings in a part of the circumferential direction, while ailerons may not be provided between adjacent main wings in another part of the circumferential direction.

[0068] Furthermore, the washing machine disclosed herein only needs to satisfy any of the following basic structures 1 to 3, and the features of the pulsator 40 described in the above embodiment can be applied to basic structures 1 to 3 as needed.

[0069] (Basic structure 1) The washing machine drum, The washing tub comprises a pulsator that is rotatably mounted inside the washing tub, The pulsator mentioned above is A circular base, The main wing extends radially on the upper surface of the base portion, connecting the central portion and the outer periphery of the pulsator, The base portion has an aileron that extends radially from the upper surface of the base portion and is lower in height from the base portion than the main wing, A first curved surface is provided between the upper surface of the main wing and both circumferential sides of the main wing. A second curved surface is provided between the upper surface of the aileron and both circumferential sides of the aileron. A washing machine characterized in that the radius of curvature of at least one first curved surface is greater than the radius of curvature of at least one second curved surface.

[0070] (Basic structure 2) Washing tub and The washing tub comprises a pulsator that is rotatably mounted inside the washing tub, The pulsator mentioned above is A circular base, The main wing extends radially outward from the central part of the pulsator, It has an aileron that is located away from the central part and has a radial length shorter than the main wing, Multiple through holes are provided in a first region on the central side of the aileron's central end face, penetrating the front and back surfaces of the pulsator. In the second region radially outward from the central end face, a plurality of through holes are provided that penetrate the front and back surfaces of the pulsator. A washing machine characterized in that the total area of ​​the openings of the through holes provided in the first region is greater than the total area of ​​the openings of the through holes provided in the second region.

[0071] (Basic structure 3) The washing machine drum, The washing tub comprises a pulsator that is rotatably mounted inside the washing tub, The pulsator mentioned above is A main wing extending radially from the upper surface of the circular base portion, connecting the central and outer parts of the pulsator, The base portion has an auxiliary wing that extends radially from the upper surface of the base portion, has a shorter radial length than the main wing, and is located away from the central portion. The main wing extends radially outward beyond the central end face of the aileron, A washing machine characterized in that the radial length of the auxiliary wing is longer than the length from the central end face of the auxiliary wing to the central part.

[0072] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technologies described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives itself constitutes technical usefulness. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 2: Washing machine, 22: Washing tub, 42: Main wing, 44: Aileron, 46: Through hole, 48: Base section, 56: Center section, 60: Raised section, 62: Underwing, 64: Circular rib

Claims

1. The washing machine drum, The washing tub comprises a pulsator that is rotatably mounted inside the washing tub, The pulsator mentioned above is A main wing extending radially from the upper surface of the circular base portion, connecting the central and outer parts of the pulsator, The base portion has an auxiliary wing that extends radially from the upper surface of the base portion, has a shorter radial length than the main wing, and is located away from the central portion. The main wing extends radially outward beyond the central end face of the aileron, A washing machine characterized in that the radial length of the auxiliary wing is longer than the length from the central end face of the auxiliary wing to the central part.

2. The pulsator comprises a plurality of the main wings, The aileron is positioned between two adjacent main wings. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the shortest distance from one main wing to the nearest first corner of the aileron and the shortest distance from the other main wing to the nearest second corner of the aileron is shorter than the distance between the first corner and the second corner.

3. The central portion has a raised portion that is raised relative to the base portion. The auxiliary wing is provided at a position away from the central part, The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shortest distance between the main wing and the aileron is shorter than the shortest distance between the aileron and the raised portion.

4. The inner side surface of the aileron on the central side is inclined toward the central part, The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the inclination angle of the inner side surface is smaller than the inclination angle of the circumferential side surface of the auxiliary wing.

5. The central portion has a raised portion that is raised relative to the base portion. The inner side surface of the aileron on the central side is inclined toward the central part, The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the inclination angle of the inner side surface is smaller than the inclination angle of the raised portion.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the height of the auxiliary wing from the base portion increases as it is directed radially inward.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the height of the main wing from the base portion is higher than the height of the aileron from the base portion.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, when compared on a virtual circle centered on the central part, the height of the main wing from the base is higher than the height of the aileron from the base.

9. The main wing and the aileron have upper surfaces, When comparing the lowest point of the main wing section, which is the lowest point on the upper surface of the main wing, with the highest point of the aileron section, in the rotation axis direction of the pulsator, The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the height of the lowest point of the main wing is higher than the height of the highest point of the aileron.

10. The main wing extends to the outer edge of the base portion, The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer peripheral end of the aileron is located closer to the center than the outer peripheral end of the main wing.

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