washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of preventing water leakage from a water tank to the outside.SOLUTION: A washing machine of the present disclosure comprises a water tank elastically supported in a housing, a drum rotatably installed inside of the water tank, a shaft which passes through the bottom of the water tank and functions as rotation axis of the drum. The bottom of the drum has a mesh part to form an open hole communicating with the water tank and a bottom rib which extends vertically to the rotation direction of the drum and has a part located in front of the mesh part. The mesh part has a first mesh face extending in parallel with the rotation direction of the drum on the side facing the bottom of the water tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to washing machines. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washer-dryer that includes a water tub that is elastically supported within the washing machine body, a rotating drum that is rotatably supported within the water tub, and a shaft that transmits rotational power to the rotating drum.

[0003] In the washer / dryer described in Patent Document 1, the bottom of the rotary drum has mesh sections that allow dry air to pass through and radial bottom ribs formed between the mesh sections. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-029861 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the washer-dryer described in Patent Document 1, when the rotating drum rotates, the wash water is stirred up by the bottom ribs protruding from the mesh part between the bottom of the rotating drum and the bottom of the water tub, which may cause water leakage outside the water tub.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problem and to provide a washing machine that can prevent water from leaking from the water tub to the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a water tub elastically supported within a housing, a drum rotatably mounted inside the water tub, and a shaft that passes through the bottom of the water tub and functions as the axis of rotation of the drum, the bottom of the drum having a mesh portion that forms a through hole communicating with the water tub and a bottom rib that extends perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the drum and has a portion located forward of the mesh portion, and the mesh portion has a first mesh surface on the side facing the bottom of the water tub that extends parallel to the direction of rotation of the drum. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a washing machine can be provided that can prevent water from leaking from the water tub to the outside. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Perspective view of a washing machine [Figure 3] Perspective cross-sectional view of the drum and shaft [Figure 4] Perspective cross-sectional view of the drum and shaft [Figure 5] Enlarged cross-sectional view of the shaft [Figure 6] Drum exploded view [Figure 7] Drum exploded view [Figure 8] Perspective view of the bottom [Figure 9] Perspective view of the bottom [Figure 10] Enlarged view of the bottom [Figure 11] Enlarged view of the bottom [Figure 12] Bottom cross section [Figure 13] Schematic system diagram of a washing machine in the drying process [Figure 14] Schematic cross-section of a washing machine DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Embodiment) A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0011] [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the washing machine 1. For convenience, the housing 2 is omitted from Fig. 2.

[0012] The washing machine 1 of this embodiment is a washing / drying machine (a so-called drum-type washing machine) having washing and drying functions. As shown in Fig. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, a water tub 3, a drum 4, a shaft 5, a heat pump unit 6, a circulation flow path 8, a blower 9, a water supply valve 10, a drain valve 11, and a control unit 12.

[0013] <Case> 1, the housing 2 is a member that forms the exterior of the washing machine 1. An opening 20 and a door 21 that covers the opening 20 and can be opened and closed freely are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

[0014] <Aquarium> Water tub 3 is a roughly cylindrical component provided inside housing 2 and functions to store wash water. Water tub 3 may also be referred to as an outer tub. Water tub 3 is elastically supported by damper 39 and a coil spring (not shown), which absorb vibrations during washing and spin-drying. Water tub 3 has opening 30 facing opening 20 of housing 2, and is connected to opening 20 of housing 2 in a sealed manner. Water tub 3 is further provided with multiple openings 33, 34, and 35. Openings 33 and 34 are openings connected to circulation flow path 8, and opening 35 is a drain port for draining water from water tub 3 to the outside.

[0015] <Drums> Drum 4 is a generally cylindrical member rotatably mounted around shaft 5 inside water tub 3 and configured to accommodate laundry 15, such as clothes. Drum 4 may also be referred to as an inner tub. Drum 4 has opening 41 facing opening 20 of housing 2 and opening 30 of water tub 3. Drum 4 has bottom 42 to which shaft 5 is connected, and a tubular portion 44 with one end closed by bottom 42. Drum 4 is inclined downward toward bottom 42 relative to the horizontal. Therefore, water surface S0, which extends horizontally, is inclined relative to shaft 5. As shown in FIG. 2, bottom 42 of drum 4 includes mesh portion 45 having numerous through-holes 40 formed therein, and bottom ribs 46.

[0016] <Shaft> Returning to FIG. 1 , shaft 5 is a member that passes through the bottom of water tank 3 and functions as rotation axis V0 of drum 4. Rotation axis V0 is a straight line that passes through the center of shaft 5. Shaft 5 is connected to, for example, a motor and transmits the rotational power of the motor to drum 4.

[0017] <Heat pump equipment> Heat pump unit 6 is a device for dehumidifying and heating the air flowing through circulation flow path 8. Heat pump unit 6 includes a dehumidifying heat exchanger 65 and a heating heat exchanger 66. Heat pump unit 6 is provided on top of housing 2. Heat pump unit 6 has an air inlet 60 through which air from water tub 3 flows in, and an air outlet 61 through which dehumidified and heated air is discharged. Air inlet 60 is connected to opening 33 of water tub 3 on the upstream side, and air outlet 61 is connected to opening 34 of water tub 3 on the downstream side.

[0018] <Circulation flow path> Circulation flow path 8 is provided inside housing 2 and is a flow path that circulates air between water tub 3 and heat pump unit 6. Circulation flow path 8 includes a first circulation flow path 81 and a second circulation flow path 82 as flow paths connecting water tub 3 and heat pump unit 6. First circulation flow path 81 is a flow path that connects opening 33 of water tub 3 and air inlet 60. Second circulation flow path 82 is a flow path that connects air outlet 61 and opening 34 of water tub 3. Circulation flow path 8 also communicates with drum 4 through a plurality of through-holes 40.

[0019] <Ventilation means> The blower means 9 is a mechanism such as a fan that generates an air flow in the circulation flow path 8. When the blower means 9 is operated, an air flow that circulates through the circulation flow path 8 along the direction indicated by arrow A is generated.

[0020] <Water supply valve> The water supply valve 10 is a valve for supplying water to the water tank 3. The water supply valve 10 is provided on the upper part of the housing 2.

[0021] <Drain valve> Drain valve 11 is configured to be openable and closable, and when opened, drains the water stored in water tub 3 through opening 35 of water tub 3. Drain valve 11 is provided at the bottom of housing 2.

[0022] <Control unit> Control unit 12 is a component that controls the operation of washing machine 1. Control unit 12 controls components of washing machine 1, such as a motor connected to shaft 5, heat pump device 6, air blowing means 9, water supply valve 10, and drain valve 11. Control unit 12 may include, for example, a memory (not shown) that stores a program and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU, and function as these elements by the processor executing the program.

[0023] Next, the drum 4 and the shaft 5 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figures 3 and 4 are cross-sectional perspective views of a portion of the washing machine 1.

[0024] 3 is a direction parallel to the rotation axis V0 of the drum 4, and the central direction K is a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis V0. In the axial direction M, the direction from the bottom 42 toward the opening 41 is referred to as the front side M1, and the direction from the opening 41 toward the bottom 42 is referred to as the bottom side M2. In addition, in the central direction K, the direction from the outer periphery of the drum 4 toward the rotation axis V0 is referred to as the central side K1, and the direction away from the rotation axis V0 is referred to as the outer side K2.

[0025] 3 and 4, the drum 4 has a bottom portion 42 and a cylindrical portion 44. The bottom portion 42 is attached to the cylindrical portion 44 so as to close one end 43 of the cylindrical portion 44. The bottom portion 42 and the cylindrical portion 44 together define a space for accommodating the laundry 15.

[0026] The bottom portion 42 has a front surface P1 facing the opening 41 and a rear surface P2 opposite to the front surface P1. The shaft 5 is inserted into the rear surface P2 of the bottom portion 42. The shaft 5 is connected to a central portion of the rear surface P2.

[0027] Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of shaft 5 in washing machine 1. As shown in Fig. 5, shaft 5 is rotatably engaged with water tub 3 while being fixedly engaged with drum 4.

[0028] More specifically, a recess 50 is formed in the center of the bottom 42. The recess 50 is formed by recessing the rear surface P2 so that it approaches the front surface P1. The water tank 3 is provided with an annular oil seal 36 and an annular lip portion 37 that protrudes into the oil seal 36. The oil seal 36 stores grease for lubrication. The recess 50, oil seal 36, and lip portion 37 are aligned in the axial direction M, and, for example, the centers of the recess 50, oil seal 36, and lip portion 37 are aligned.

[0029] Therefore, the shaft 5 is inserted into the recess 50 and the oil seal 36. The tip of the shaft 5 is press-fitted into the recess 50 and fixedly engaged, and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 5 rotatably engages with the lip portion 37. Furthermore, the engagement between the shaft 5 and the lip portion 37 prevents water from leaking from the water tub 3 to the outside. The grease stored in the oil seal 36 reduces friction between the lip portion 37 and the shaft 5, suppressing wear of the lip portion 37. On the other hand, if the grease runs out, the lip portion 37 becomes more susceptible to wear, which could result in water leaking from the water tub 3 to the outside.

[0030] Next, the structure of the drum 4 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figures 6 and 7 are exploded views of the drum 4.

[0031] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the bottom 42 of the drum 4 is a disk-shaped member arranged opposite each other in the axial direction M, and includes a main body 42A and a cover 42B. The main body 42A has a mesh portion 45 and a bottom rib 46. The cover 42B is a member that has an opening in the portion facing the mesh portion 45 and covers the bottom rib 46. The surface of the main body 42A may be coated with a synthetic resin. The main body 42A is formed, for example, by insert molding. The cover 42B may be formed of metal. This structure makes it possible to reduce the weight of the bottom 42 while ensuring the necessary strength.

[0032] The mesh portion 45 is a member that has a plurality of through holes 40 formed therein and allows air to flow from the water tub 3 into the tubular portion 44 through the through holes 40. The bottom ribs 46 protrude from the mesh portion 45 toward the front side M1 and the bottom side M2 and are structured to support the mesh portion 45. The bottom ribs 46 improve the strength of the bottom portion 42 and also function to agitate the water in the drum 4 as the drum 4 rotates during the washing process. The mesh portion 45 and the bottom ribs 46 are formed alternately along the rotation direction L of the drum 4. The mesh portion 45 and the bottom ribs 46 will be described in detail later.

[0033] Cylinder portion 44 is a cylindrical member extending along axial direction M between end portion 43 and opening 41. A plurality of through holes 44A are formed in inner circumferential surface S1 of cylinder portion 44, penetrating in central direction K. Through holes 44A communicate with water tub 3, and wash water flows from water tub 3 into drum 4 through through holes 44A.

[0034] The drum 4 further includes a rear balancer 49. The rear balancer 49 contains a liquid therein and suppresses vibration of the rotating drum 4.

[0035] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of bottom portion 42 as seen from front side M1. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of bottom portion 42 as seen from bottom side M2. The surface of mesh portion 45 farther from the bottom of aquarium 3 is referred to as mesh surface P3, and the surface closer to the bottom of aquarium 3 is referred to as mesh surface P4. Meanwhile, the surface of bottom surface rib 46 farther from the bottom of aquarium 3 is referred to as rib surface P5, and the surface closer to the bottom of aquarium 3 is referred to as rib surface P6. Mesh surface P3 and mesh surface P4 are in a front-back relationship, and rib surface P5 and rib surface P6 are in a front-back relationship.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 8, mesh portion 45 is recessed toward bottom side M2 with respect to a plane including end portion 43 (FIG. 6) of tubular portion 44. The shape of mesh portion 45 makes it possible to increase the capacity of drum 4 while maintaining the size of housing 2 (FIG. 1). This allows the user of washing machine 1 to wash or dry more laundry 15 at a time. Multiple mesh portions 45 are formed and arranged radially around rotation axis V0.

[0037] Between adjacent mesh portions 45, bottom ribs 46 are formed extending radially from the rotation axis V0. When viewed toward the bottom side M2 as shown in FIG. 8, the bottom ribs 46 protrude toward the front side M1 relative to the mesh portions 45. Specifically, in the bottom ribs 46, a rib surface P5 and side surfaces 52 formed on both sides of the rib surface P5 are formed on the front side M1 relative to the mesh surface P3. The rib surfaces P5 extend parallel to the central direction K. The side surfaces 52 extend from the rib surfaces P5 toward the bottom side M2 parallel to the axial direction M and are perpendicular to the rotation direction L of the drum 4.

[0038] The bottom surface rib 46 is exposed on the front side M1 relative to the mesh portion 45. Specifically, the rib surface P5 and a part of the side surface 52 are formed on the front side M1 relative to the mesh surface P3.

[0039] 9, the entire mesh surface P4 extends parallel to the rotation direction L. More specifically, the radially arranged mesh surfaces P4 have approximately the same height in the axial direction M along the rotation direction L. Therefore, the formation of irregularities on the mesh surface P4 along the rotation direction L is suppressed.

[0040] When viewed toward the front side M1 as in Figure 9, the bottom rib 46 protrudes toward the bottom side M2 relative to the mesh portion 45. Specifically, in the bottom rib 46, the rib surface P6 and a portion of the side surface 52 are formed on the bottom side M2 relative to the mesh surface P4. Because the bottom rib 46 only protrudes slightly toward the bottom side M2, the rib surface P6 is formed at approximately the same height as the mesh surface P4. The rib surface P6 has a smooth surface with reduced irregularities and extends along the central direction K.

[0041] In addition, in a portion of the bottom rib 46 close to the rotation axis V0 (a first region R1 described later), the side surface 52 is exposed to the mesh portion 45. On the other hand, in a portion of the bottom rib 46 away from the rotation axis V0 (a second region R2 and a third region R3 described later), almost the entire side surface 52 is covered by the mesh portion 45.

[0042] The bottom rib 46 further has a corner 46A connecting the rib surface P6 to the side surface 52. The corner 46A extends in the central direction K and has a shape in which the edge along the central direction K is chamfered. The corner 46A forms a rounded surface from the rib surface P6 toward the side surface 52, smoothly connecting the rib surface P6 and the side surface 52. This structure prevents the corner 46A exposed from the mesh portion 45 from being perpendicular to the rotation direction L. Therefore, even when the drum 4 is rotating, the portion of the bottom rib 46 that is perpendicularly exposed to water or air can be reduced. The corner 46A is exposed from the mesh surface P4 to the bottom side M2.

[0043] Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the bottom portion 42 as seen from the front side M1, Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the bottom portion 42 as seen from the bottom side M2, and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion 42.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 10, the mesh portion 45 can be divided into a first region R1, a second region R2, and a third region R3. The first region R1 is located on the center side K1 and adjacent to the shaft 5 (FIG. 1). The mesh portion in the first region R1 is inclined toward the bottom side M2 along the outer side K2. The second region R2 is located on the outer side K2 and adjacent to the outer periphery of the drum 4. The mesh portion in the second region R2 is inclined toward the front side M1 along the outer side K2. The third region R3 is located between the first region R1 and the second region R2 and is formed along the center direction K. The third region R3 is located above the water level S0 (FIG. 8) expected during the washing process. Furthermore, the maximum water level S0 during the washing process is located within the range of the third region R3. Specifically, the maximum water level S0 passes through the third region R3 of the bottom rib 46 that has reached its lowest point due to the rotation of the drum 4. The first region R1, the second region R2, and the third region R3 extend parallel to the rotation direction L, respectively.

[0045] The distance between the mesh surface P3 and the rib surface P5 along the axial direction M is defined as distance D1. Distance D1 is along the side surface 52. Distance D1 in the third region R3 is greater than distance D1 in the first region R1 and second region R2.

[0046] 11, the distance along the axial direction M between the mesh surface P4 and the rib surface P6 is defined as distance D2. The distance D2 in the third region R3 and the second region R2 is smaller than the distance D2 in the first region R1. In other words, in the third region R3 and the second region R2, the step between the mesh surface P4 and the rib surface P6 is small, and the bottom portion 42 has a rear surface P2 extending along the rotational direction L. In addition, in the third region R3, the rib surface P6 and the corner portion 46A protrude from the mesh surface P4 toward the bottom side M2, but the side surface 52 is formed on the front side M1 of the mesh surface P4.

[0047] 12, in the third region R3, the distance D2 is smaller than the distance D1. Furthermore, in the third region R3, the distance D2 is smaller than the thickness D3 of the mesh portion 45. The distance D2 may be approximately the same as the thickness D3. Furthermore, in the second region R2, the distance D2 is also smaller than the distance D1.

[0048] [Operation] Next, an example of the operation of the washing machine 1 configured as above will be described with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 13 is a schematic system diagram of the washing machine 1 in the drying process. Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine 1.

[0049] The operation of the washing machine 1 includes a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, a drying process, and an internal cleaning process. The control unit 12 controls each process sequentially.

[0050] In the washing cycle, laundry 15 is placed in drum 4, and with drain valve 11 (FIG. 1) closed, water is supplied to water tub 3 until a predetermined water level is reached. In this embodiment, the highest water level S0 is 150 mm above the deepest part of drum 4. Drum 4 is rotated by shaft 5 to wash laundry 15. In the rinsing cycle following the washing cycle, water is supplied to water tub 3 as in the washing cycle, and drum 4 is rotated to rinse laundry 15. In the spin cycle, drain valve 11 is opened to drain the wash water outside housing 2, and then shaft 5 rotates drum 4 containing laundry 15 at high speed to spin-dry.

[0051] As shown in Figure 14, when the drum 4 rotates while water is stored in the water tub 3, the bottom ribs 46 can stir up the water inside the drum 4. More specifically, because the side surfaces 52 of the bottom ribs 46 protruding from the mesh portion 45 (Figure 12) to the front side M1 face the direction of rotation L, the side surfaces 52 push and lift up the water near the bottom 42.

[0052] On the other hand, because distance D2 is smaller than distance D1, the stirring up of water is suppressed in space R4 between water tub 3 and drum 4. In space R4, first region R1 of bottom rib 46 is located higher than water surface S0, so the stirring up of water by first region R1 is suppressed. Second region R2 of bottom rib 46 is separated from water surface S0, so the stirring up of water by second region R2 is suppressed. In third region R3 of bottom rib 46, even if water surface S0 is included, distance D2 is small, so the bottom rib 46 is prevented from receiving too much water. Therefore, the stirring up of water by third region R3 can be suppressed.

[0053] Subsequently, in the drying step, the control unit 12 operates the heat pump device 6 and the air blowing means 9 to dry the laundry 15.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 13 , when the blower 9 operates, air A0 circulates in the washing machine 1. As the air A0 in the drum 4 passes through gaps between laundry 15 that is agitated up and down by the rotation of the drum 4, it removes moisture from the laundry 15. The moist air A0 flows into the heat pump unit 6 through the opening 33 of the water tub 3 and the first circulation flow path 81. The moist air A0 is dehumidified and heated by the heat pump unit 6, and then flows through the second circulation flow path 82 and again into the water tub 3 and the drum 4 from the opening 34. By repeating the above operation, the air A0 is circulated, and the moist air A0 in the drum 4 is dehumidified and heated before being returned to the drum 4, thereby drying the laundry 15.

[0055] During the drying process, when the drum 4 rotates at high speed and the mesh portion 45 (FIG. 12) faces the opening 34, air A0 flows into the drum 4 from the second circulation flow path 82. Some of the air A0 flows into the space R4 between the water tank 3 and the bottom 42 of the drum 4. Therefore, as the drum 4 rotates, some of the air A0 hits the bottom ribs 46 that protrude from the mesh portion 45 to the bottom side M2. Because the area of the side surface 52 that protrudes from the mesh portion 45 to the bottom side M2 and faces the rotation direction L is small, the air resistance that the side surface 52 experiences from the air A0 is small, and noise caused by wind noise and the like can be reduced.

[0056] The above explanations are summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0057] In the washing machine 1 according to this embodiment, the formation of a structure that protrudes in the axial direction M is suppressed on the rear surface P2 of the bottom portion 42. More specifically, the mesh surface P4 extends in the rotation direction L, and in the third region R3, the distance D2 between the mesh surface P4 and the rib surface P6 is smaller than the thickness D3 of the mesh portion 45. This structure suppresses the formation of a surface that is perpendicular to the rotation direction L. This prevents the washing water that may flow between the drum 4 and the water tub 3 from being hit and stirred up. This prevents water from leaking to the outside from the oil seal 36.

[0058] [effect] The washing machine 1 according to the embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0059] As described above, washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes water tub 3, drum 4, and shaft 5. Water tub 3 is elastically supported within housing 2. Drum 4 is rotatably provided within water tub 3. Shaft 5 passes through the bottom of water tub 3 and functions as rotation axis V0 of drum 4. Bottom 42 of drum 4 has mesh portion 45 forming through-hole 40 communicating with water tub 3, and bottom rib 46 extending perpendicular to rotation direction L of drum 4 and having a portion located on the front side M1 of mesh portion 45. Mesh portion 45 has a first mesh surface (mesh surface P4) extending parallel to rotation direction L of drum 4 on the side facing the bottom of water tub 3.

[0060] With this configuration, mesh surface P4 extends in rotation direction L, which reduces the amount of water being stirred up in space R4 between water tub 3 and drum 4 compared to when a surface perpendicular to rotation direction L is formed. This prevents water from being stirred up and dripping from bottom 42 or above water tub 3, and from reaching oil seal 36, thereby reducing wear on lip portion 37 due to depletion of grease in oil seal 36. This reduces leakage of wash water from water tub 3 to the outside. Furthermore, operating noise caused by air resistance due to the surface perpendicular to rotation direction L during high-speed rotation of drum 4 can be reduced.

[0061] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the entire mesh surface P4 extends parallel to the rotation direction L.

[0062] With this configuration, the stirring up of water in the space R4 between the water tub 3 and the drum 4 can be further suppressed.

[0063] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the mesh portion 45 has a first region R1 adjacent to the shaft 5, a second region R2 adjacent to the outer periphery of the drum 4, and a third region R3. The third region R3 is formed between the first region R1 and the second region R2. The bottom rib 46 is located on the bottom side M2 of the mesh portion 45 and has a first rib surface (rib surface P6) facing the bottom of the water tub 3. There is a first distance (distance D2) between the mesh surface P4 and the rib surface P6 along the rotation axis V0. The distance D2 between the third region R3 and the second region R2 is shorter than the distance D2 in the first region R1.

[0064] With this configuration, the stirring up of water can be further suppressed in the third region R3 and the second region R2.

[0065] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the mesh portion 45 has a second mesh surface (mesh surface P3) on the opposite side of the mesh surface P4. The bottom surface rib 46 is located on the front side M1 of the mesh portion 45 and has a second rib surface (rib surface P5) on the opposite side of the rib surface P6. A second distance (distance D1) is defined along the rotation axis V0 between the mesh surface P3 and the rib surface P5. In the third region R3, the distance D2 is shorter than the distance D1.

[0066] With this configuration, distance D1 is greater than distance D2, which suppresses the stirring of water in space R4 and improves the agitation of water by bottom ribs 46 inside drum 4. Therefore, the cleaning effect of bottom ribs 46 can be improved.

[0067] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the distance D2 is smaller than the thickness D3 of the mesh portion 45 in the third region R3.

[0068] This configuration can reduce the amount of protrusion of the side surface 52 of the bottom surface rib 46 that protrudes inward from the mesh portion 45. This can further suppress the stirring up of water in the space R4.

[0069] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the maximum water surface S0 in the washing process crosses the third region R3 of the bottom surface rib 46 located at the lowest point due to the rotation of the drum 4.

[0070] With this configuration, water does not reach the first region R1 close to the shaft 5, so that it is possible to prevent water from being stirred up in the first region R1.

[0071] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the bottom surface rib 46 adjacent to the mesh surface P4 has a chamfered shape.

[0072] With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the area perpendicular to the rotation direction L on the side surface 52 of the bottom surface rib 46 that protrudes from the mesh portion 45 to the bottom side M2, thereby further suppressing the stirring up of water in the space R4.

[0073] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in various other forms. While the washing machine 1 is described as a washing / drying machine (a so-called drum washing machine) having both washing and drying functions, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The washing machine 1 may be a simple washing machine without a drying function.

[0074] In the third region R3, the distance D2 is smaller than the thickness D3 of the mesh portion 45, but this is not limiting. For example, the distance D2 may be larger than the thickness D3.

[0075] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0076] The washing machine 1 of the present disclosure can prevent water from leaking from the water tub to the outside, and is therefore useful as a home washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washing machine (for example, a home drum washing machine). [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 washing machine 2. Case 3. Aquarium 4 Drums 5 shaft 6. Heat pump equipment 8 Circulation flow path 9. Air blowing means 10. Water supply valve 11 Drain valve 12 Control Unit 15 Laundry 34 Aperture 40 through holes 42 Bottom 44 Cylinder part 45 mesh section 46 Bottom rib V0 rotation axis

Claims

1. a water tank elastically supported within a housing; a drum rotatably mounted inside the water tank; a shaft that passes through the bottom of the water tank and serves as the axis of rotation of the drum; Equipped with The bottom of the drum has a mesh portion that forms through-holes that communicate with the water tank, and a bottom rib that extends perpendicular to the rotation direction of the drum, the mesh portion has a first mesh surface on a side facing the bottom of the water tank, the first mesh surface extending parallel to the rotation direction of the drum, The bottom rib protrudes forward from the mesh portion and protrudes downward from the first mesh surface on the side facing the bottom of the aquarium, the mesh portion has a first region adjacent to the shaft, a second region adjacent to the outer periphery of the drum, and a third region formed between the first region and the second region, the mesh portion in the first region is inclined toward the bottom as it moves away from the rotation axis, and the mesh portion in the second region is inclined toward the bottom as it moves closer to the rotation axis, A washing machine, wherein the amount of protrusion of the bottom rib toward the bottom side in the third region is smaller than the amount of protrusion of the bottom rib toward the bottom side in the first region.

2. The bottom rib is located on the bottom side of the first mesh surface and has a first rib surface facing the bottom of the aquarium, a first distance along the rotation axis between the first mesh surface and the first rib surface; The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the first distance in the third region and / or the second region is smaller than the first distance in the first region.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein the second and third regions of the mesh portion extend parallel to the rotation direction.

4. the mesh portion has a second mesh surface on the opposite side to the first mesh surface, The bottom rib is located forward of the mesh portion and has a second rib surface opposite to the first rib surface, a second distance along the rotation axis between the second mesh surface and the second rib surface; The washing machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein in the third region, the first distance is smaller than the second distance.

5. The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein in the third region, the first distance is smaller than a thickness of the mesh portion.

6. The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein the maximum water surface during the washing process of the washing machine crosses the third region adjacent to the bottom rib located at the lowest point due to rotation of the drum.

7. the bottom rib adjacent to the first mesh surface has a chamfered shape; The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the mesh portion and the bottom rib are integrally formed members.

Images