washing machine

Abstract

To provide a technology for realizing a pulsator that can increase the amount of circulating water. [Solution] The washing machine includes a washing tub and a pulsator rotatably mounted inside the washing tub. The pulsator has a circular base, main wings extending radially outward from a center of the pulsator, and ailerons positioned away from the center and having a shorter radial length than the main wings. A first region of the ailerons is located closer to the center than the center-side end face, and a second region is located radially outward from the center-side end face. A total area of ​​the openings of the through holes in the first region is greater than a total area of ​​the openings of the through holes in the first region.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine equipped with a pulsator. The pulsator disclosed in Patent Document 1 has two types of blades (first blade portion and second blade portion). The first blade portion and the second blade portion extend from the center of the pulsator toward the outer periphery. The first blade portion and the second blade portion are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the pulsator, and a plurality of through-holes are provided between them, penetrating the front and back surfaces of the pulsator. In the washing machine of Patent Document 1, the pulsator rotates during washing. When the pulsator rotates, water that has moved from the front surface to the back surface of the pulsator through the through-holes moves radially outward and is pumped from the bottom to the top of the washing tub. The water pumped to the top of the washing tub is introduced back into the washing tub. By circulating the water in the washing tub in this way, the cleaning power of laundry can be improved. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-82939 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the washing machine of Patent Document 1, the through-holes are concentrated on the outer periphery (radially outward) of the pulsator. This makes it difficult for a water flow that moves radially outward to occur on the back surface of the pulsator, reducing the force that pumps water from the bottom to the top of the washing tub. As a result, the amount of circulating water decreases, which can lead to a decrease in the washing power of the laundry. This specification provides a technology that realizes a pulsator that can increase the amount of circulating water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The washing machine disclosed in this specification includes a washing tub and a pulsator rotatably mounted inside the washing tub. The pulsator has a circular base, main wings extending radially outward from a center of the pulsator, and ailerons positioned away from the center and having a shorter radial length than the main wings. A first region of the ailerons is located closer to the center than the center-side end face, and a second region is located radially outward from the center-side end face, and a plurality of through holes are provided in the first region, penetrating the front and back surfaces of the pulsator. The total area of ​​the openings of the through holes in the first region is greater than the total area of ​​the openings of the through holes in the first region. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a washing machine. [Figure 2] A perspective view (surface 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] An enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dashed line 65 in FIG. 4 is shown. [Figure 6] 1 shows a diagram for explaining the relationship between the center section and the main wing. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the center section and modified main wing portions. [Figure 8] 5 shows a schematic cross section taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 9] 5 is a schematic cross section taken along line BB in FIG. 4. [Figure 10] 5 is a schematic cross section taken along line CC in FIG. 4. [Figure 11] 5 shows a schematic cross section taken along line DD in FIG. 4. [Figure 12] 5 shows a cross section taken along line EE in FIG. [Figure 13] An enlarged view of a portion of the pulsator is shown. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of a schematic diagram showing the features of a modified pulsator. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 shows a diagram for explaining the arrangement of through holes. [Figure 16] An enlarged view of a portion of the pulsator is shown. [Figure 17] 15 shows a cross section taken along line FF in FIG. 14. [Figure 18] 1 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a main wing and an aileron. [Figure 19] An enlarged perspective view of the central portion is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] (washing machine) The washing machine 2 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The washing machine 2 includes a housing 14, a water tub 24 disposed within the housing 14, a washing tub 22 disposed within the water tub 24, a pulsator 40 rotatably disposed within the washing tub 22, and a motor 16.

[0008] Water tub 24, located within housing 14, is capable of storing water for washing. Water tub 14 is elastically supported by elastic suspension mechanism 13. Water is supplied to water tub 24 through a water supply path (not shown). Washing tub 22, located within water tub 24, is capable of holding laundry. Washing tub 22 is rotatably disposed within water tub 24 and is driven to rotate by motor 16. Furthermore, pulsator 40 within washing tub 22 is disposed at the bottom of washing tub 22 and is driven to rotate by motor 16. Laundry in washing tub 22 is washed as washing tub 22 and pulsator 40 rotate. A boss 25 is provided in the center of the back side of pulsator 40. Boss 25 is fitted onto output shaft 16a of motor 16.

[0009] Rear blades 62 are provided on the rear surface of pulsator 40. Rear blades 62 are located in rear blade space 17 provided above the bottom of washing tub 22. Rear blade space 17 is connected to circulating water channel 19 provided inside water tub 24. Circulating water channel 19 extends vertically inside water tub 24. Rear blades 62 rotate as pulsator 40 rotates, pushing water in rear blade space 17 radially outward and pumping the water into circulating water channel 19 inside water tub 24. Circulating water channel 19 has a plurality of openings 19a.

[0010] When pulsator 40 rotates, water is pumped from below to above water tub 24 as shown by arrow 32. The water pumped upward is introduced back into water tub 24 (washing tub 22) through opening 19a. In other words, pulsator 40 has a pump function that circulates the water in water tub 24.

[0011] The drainage path 20 has an upstream end connected to the water tank 24 and a downstream end connected to a drainage destination (e.g., a drain pan). The drainage path 20 discharges water discharged from the water tank 24 to the drainage destination. The drainage path 20 is provided with a drainage valve 18 that opens and closes the drainage path 20. When the drainage valve 18 opens, the water in the water tank 24 is discharged to the drainage destination.

[0012] (Pulsator) The pulsator 40 will be outlined with reference to Figures 2 and 3. As shown in Figure 2, the pulsator 40 includes a base portion 48, blade portions 43, a plurality of through-holes 46 penetrating the front and back surfaces of the pulsator 40, and protrusions 58 provided on the outer periphery of the base portion 48.

[0013] The base portion 48 is circular, and the blade portions 43 extend radially from the upper surface of the base portion 48 toward the center portion 56 of the pulsator 40. The blade portions 43 can also be considered to extend in the radial direction (the direction connecting the center portion 56 and the outer periphery). The blade portions 43 are provided with a plurality of main wings 42 and a plurality of ailerons 44. The pulsator 40 is provided with three main wings 42 and three ailerons 44.

[0014] Each main wing 42 extends radially outward from a central portion 56, and each aileron 44 extends radially at a position away from the central portion 56. Each main wing 42 is provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, each aileron 44 is disposed between adjacent main wings 42 in the circumferential direction. Each aileron 44 is also provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, at the outer periphery of the pulsator 40, the distance from an aileron 44 to one main wing 42 is equal to the distance from the aileron 44 to the other main wing 42. This makes it possible to prevent laundry from being partially unevenly distributed when placed on the base portion 48.

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

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, the rear surface of the pulsator 40 is provided with a plurality of rear blades 62 extending radially and a plurality of circular ribs 64 provided to surround the central portion 56. The rear blades 62 and circular ribs 64 protrude from the rear surface of the base portion 48. When the pulsator 40 rotates, the rear blades 62 push water outward in the radial direction, functioning as a pump that pressure-feeds the water from below to above the water tub 24 (see also Figure 1).

[0017] (Features of the main wing and aileron) The characteristics of the main wing 42 and the aileron 44 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 14. As shown in Figure 4, the radial length of the aileron 44 is shorter than the radial length of the main wing 42. Furthermore, 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 has a convex shape that protrudes in the circumferential direction of the pulsator 40. Meanwhile, the second side surface 42b of the main wing 42 opposite the first side surface 42a has a concave shape that is recessed in the circumferential direction of the pulsator 40. Similarly, the first side surface 44a of the aileron 44 has a convex shape that protrudes in the circumferential direction, and the second side surface 44b of the aileron 44 opposite the first side surface 44a has a concave shape that is recessed in the circumferential direction.

[0018] Here, the central portion 56 will be described with reference to Figure 5. The central portion 56 refers to the inner portion of an imaginary 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 to be part of the central portion 56.

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

[0020] FIG. 8 schematically shows a cross section of the radially inner portion 42i of the main wing 42. FIG. 9 also schematically shows a cross section of the radially outer portion 42o of the main wing 42. As shown in FIGS. 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. However, angle θ2 is smaller than angle θ1. In the pulsator 40, the inclination angles of the side surfaces 42a and 42b with respect to the base portion 48 decrease from the central portion 56 toward the radially outer side.

[0021] 8 and 9, first curved surface portions R1, R2, R3, and R4 are provided between the upper surface and the side surfaces 42a and 42b of the main wing 42. In the inner portion 42i, the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portion R2 of the second side surface 42b is larger than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portion R1 of the first side surface 42a. In addition, in the outer portion 42o, the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portion R4 of the second side surface 42b is larger than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portion R3 of the first side surface 42a. In other words, the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portion of the concave-shaped side surface (second side surface 42b) is larger than the radius of curvature of the convex-shaped side surface (first side surface 42a).

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

[0023] (Variations in main wing shape) When compared on the same circumferential side, the inclination angle of the first side 42a relative to the base portion 48 and the inclination angle of the second side 42b relative to the base portion 48 may be different, provided that the inclination angle of the side 42a (42b) of the outer portion 42o relative to the base portion 48 is greater than the inclination angle of the first side 42a (second side 42b) of the inner portion 42i relative to the base portion 48.

[0024] As described above, the radii of curvature of the first curved surface portions R1, R2, R3, and R4 provided between the upper surface and the side surfaces 42a and 42b of the main wing 42 increase in the order of R4, R3, R2, and R1. However, it is sufficient that the radii of curvature of the first curved surface portions R1, R2, R3, and R4 satisfy any 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 portion of the outer portion 42o is larger than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portion of the inner portion 42i, the radii of curvature of the first curved surface portion of the first side surface 42a and the second side surface 42b may be equal. (2) If the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portion of the second side surface 42b is larger than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portion of the first side surface 42a at locations equidistant from the central portion 56, there may be a portion where the radii of curvature of the first curved surface portion of the first side surface 42a and the first curved surface portion of the second side surface 42b are equal. (3) If the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portion of the second side surface 42b in the outer portion 42o is larger than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portion of the first side surface 42a, the radii of curvature may be equal in other portions.

[0026] FIG. 10 schematically shows a cross section including the side surfaces 44a and 44b of the aileron 44. FIG. 11 schematically shows a cross section including the inner side surface 44c on the center portion 56 side of the aileron 44. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first side surface 44a, the second side surface 44b, and the inner side surface 44c of the aileron 44 are inclined with respect to the base portion 48. The inclination angles of the first side surface 44a and the second side surface 44b with respect to the base portion 48 are all equal, at angle θ3. The angle θ3 is greater than the angles θ1 and θ2 described above. The inclination angle θ4 of the inner side surface 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 relative to the base portion 48 may be different from the inclination angle of the second side surface 44b relative to the base portion 48. However, when the main wing 42 and the aileron 44 are compared on the same circumferential side, it is desirable that the inclination angle of the side surface of the aileron 44 relative to the base portion 48 be larger than the inclination angle of the side surface of the main wing 42 relative to the base portion 48.

[0028] As shown in Figure 10, second curved surface portions 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 surface portion R5 is equal to the radius of curvature of the second curved surface portion R6. The radii of curvature of the second curved surface portion R5 and the second curved surface portion R6 may be different. However, the radius of curvature of any of the first curved surface portions R1, R2, R3, and R4 of the main wing 42 is adjusted to be larger than the radius of curvature of at least one of the second curved surface portions R5 and R6 of the aileron 44.

[0029] When comparing the main wing 42 and the aileron 44 on the same circumferential side, it is desirable that the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portion be larger than the radius of curvature of the second curved surface portion. That is, it is desirable that the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portions R1, R3 of the first side surface 42a be larger than the radius of curvature of the second curved surface portion R5 of the first side surface 44a. Similarly, it is desirable that the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portions R2, R4 of the second side surface 42b be larger than the radius of curvature of the second curved surface portion R6 of the second side surface 44b.

[0030] The above-mentioned features of the shape between the upper surface and side surface of the main wing 42 (first curved surface portion) and / or the features of the shape between the upper surface and side surface of the aileron 44 (second curved surface portion) can also be applied to a pulsator in which both the main wing and the aileron extend radially outward from the center. In other words, the above-mentioned features of the first curved surface portion and the second curved surface portion can also be applied to a pulsator in which the aileron is not far from the center.

[0031] FIG. 12 shows a longitudinal cross section of the pulsator 40. As shown in FIG. 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 of the main wing portion, which is the lowest point on the upper surface of the main wing 42, is higher than the height of the highest point 44h of the aileron portion, which is the highest point on the upper surface of the aileron 44. Even when compared on an imaginary circle centered at the center 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 FIG. 12, the height of the aileron 44 from the base portion 48 increases radially inward.

[0032] (Advantages of the main wing and aileron shapes) First curved surface portions R1 to R4 are provided between the upper surface and side surfaces 42a, 42b of the main wing 42. This prevents laundry from getting caught on the main wing 42, reducing the load on the main wing 42. As a result, it is possible to prevent the motor torque from becoming insufficient. Second curved surface portions R5, R6 are also provided between the upper surface and side surfaces 44a, 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 portion provided between the upper surface of the main wing 42 and the second side surface 42b is larger than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portion provided 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, and the load applied from the laundry is large. By making the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portion on the second side surface 42b side larger than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portion on the first side surface 42a side, the load applied to the main wing 42 from the laundry can be efficiently reduced.

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

[0035] When the main wing 42 and the aileron 44 are compared on the same circumferential side, the radius of curvature of the first curved surface portions R1 to R4 of the main wing 42 is larger than the radius of curvature of the second curved surface portions R5, R6 of the aileron 44. This ensures that the laundry can be moved upward by the aileron 44, and that the laundry can hit the first curved surface portions R1 to R4 of the main wing 42. This feature also prevents the laundry from getting caught on the main wing 42, reducing the load on the main wing 42.

[0036] The inclination angle of the main wings 42 relative to the base portions 48 decreases radially outward. This characteristic also makes the load applied to the main wings 42 uniform in the radial direction, allowing the laundry to be agitated efficiently.

[0037] The height from base portion 48 to the upper surface of main wing 42 is higher than the height from base portion 48 to the upper surface of aileron 44. This makes it possible to reduce the load applied to main wing 42 while ensuring the height of main wing 42. That is, it is possible to reduce the load applied from the laundry to main wing 42 while reliably agitating the laundry by main wing 42. Furthermore, it is possible to agitate the laundry efficiently, thereby improving the washing power of washing machine 2.

[0038] The angle of inclination of the side surface of the aileron 44 relative to the base portion 48 is greater than the angle of inclination of the side surface of the main wing 42 relative to the base portion 48. This feature also ensures that the laundry can be moved upward by the aileron 44. Furthermore, the laundry is prevented from getting caught on the main wing 42, reducing the load on the main wing 42.

[0039] The inner side surface 44c of the aileron 44 is inclined with respect to the base portion 48. The inclination angle of the inner side surface 44c is smaller than the inclination angles of the first side surface 44a and 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 the laundry to be moved more reliably toward the central portion 56.

[0040] Furthermore, by providing a convex portion 57 that protrudes upward at the center portion 56 of the pulsator 40, the laundry is prevented from gathering at the center portion 56 of the pulsator 40, and the laundry can be guided to the area where the blades 42, 44 are provided. The laundry can be agitated by the blades 42, 44, and the washing power of the washing machine 2 is improved.

[0041] (Relative position of the main wing and aileron) The positional relationship between the main wing 42 and the aileron 44 will be described with reference to FIG. 13. Distance d1 indicates the shortest distance from the main wing 42 on the first side surface 44a side to the first corner 44d of the nearest aileron 44. Distance d2 indicates the shortest distance from the main wing 42 on the second side surface 44b side to the second corner 44e of the nearest aileron 44. Distance d3 indicates 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. Note that, as a modified example, at least one of distances d1 and d2 may be shorter than distance d3. That is, in a modified example, distance d1 or distance d2 may be longer than distance d3.

[0042] Distance d4 indicates the shortest distance between the radially inner edge of the aileron 44 and the raised portion 60. Distance d5 indicates 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. Distance d4 is also longer than distances d1 and d2.

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

[0044] Note that when two or more ailerons 44 are provided between adjacent main wings 42, the shortest distance from the corner of the aileron 44 closest to one of the main wings 42 on the side of that main wing 42 to that main wing 42 is defined as distance d1. The shortest distance from the corner of the aileron 44 closest to the other main wing 42 on the side of the other main wing 42 to that other main wing 42 is defined as distance d2. 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, the shortest distance from a corner 44d on the side of one main wing 42 of the aileron 44 provided in a position closest to one main wing 42 to that main wing 42 is defined as distance d1. Also, the shortest distance from a corner 44e on the side of the other main wing 42 of the aileron 44 provided in a position closest to the other main wing 42 to that other main wing 42 is defined as distance d2. Distances d1 and d2 satisfy the above-mentioned relationship.

[0046] (Advantages of the main wing and aileron placement) The ailerons 44 are spaced apart 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 allows the laundry to be guided to the central portion 56 of the pulsator 40. This prevents the laundry from concentrating on the outer periphery of the main wing 42, thereby reducing the load on the radially outer portion of the main wing 42. As a result, it is possible to prevent the motor torque from becoming insufficient. Furthermore, the ailerons 44 are provided radially outward of the pulsator 40, between adjacent ailerons 44. The ailerons 44 share the load caused by the laundry, further reducing the load on the outer periphery of the main wing 42.

[0047] The distance between the corners 44d, 44e of the aileron 44 (distance d3) is longer than the distances from the main wing 42 to the corners 44d, 44e (distances d1, d2). This makes it possible to prevent laundry from moving from between the main wing 42 and the aileron 44 to the outer periphery 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 portion 60 (distance d4) is longer than the distances from the main wing 42 to the corners 44d, 44e (distances d1, d2). This feature also makes it possible to prevent laundry from moving from between the main wing 42 and the aileron 44 to the outer periphery of the pulsator 40, thereby reducing the load applied to the radially outer portion of the main wing 42.

[0049] The radial length of the aileron 44 (distance d5) is longer than the distance from the aileron 44 to the raised portion 60 (distance d4). This allows the laundry to be held in the area surrounded by the main wing 42, the aileron 44, and the raised portion 60. In other words, the laundry can be prevented from moving toward the outer periphery 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 (distance d6) between the upper surface of the main wing 42 and the upper surface of the aileron 44 is shorter than the distance (distance d7) between the upper surface of the aileron 44 and the raised portion 60. This feature also makes it possible to prevent the laundry from moving to the outer periphery of the pulsator 40. In addition, a space for the laundry to be positioned can be secured on the central portion 56 side of the pulsator 40.

[0051] (Characteristics of through-hole placement) 15 to 17, the characteristics of the arrangement of the through holes 46 will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, in the pulsator 40, more through holes 46 are provided in a second region 72 radially outward of the inner side surface 44c than in a first region 70 that is closer to the center portion 56 than the inner side surface 44c of the aileron 44. More specifically, the total area of ​​the openings of the through holes 46 provided in the first region 70 is larger than the total area of ​​the openings of the through holes 46 provided in the second region 72. Note that no through holes 46 are provided in the main wing 42 or the aileron 44.

[0052] Fig. 16 shows an enlarged view of the first region 70 and the second region 72. As shown in Fig. 16, the density of the through holes 46 (the opening area of ​​the through holes 46 per unit area) provided in the first region 70 is higher than the density of the through holes 46 provided in the second region 72. Furthermore, a non-through region 72a where no through holes 46 are provided is provided radially outward of the second region 72. A protrusion 58 is provided in the non-through region 72a. The protrusion 58 is provided over the entire circumferential direction of the pulsator 40 (see also Fig. 2).

[0053] 17, the relationship between the arrangement positions of the through holes 46 and the rear vane 62 will be described. The rear vane 62 has a first protruding portion 62a that protrudes higher from the base portion 48, and a second protruding portion 62b that protrudes lower from the base portion 48 than the first protruding portion 62a. The first protruding portion 62a is provided closer to the center portion 56 in the radial direction than the second protruding portion 62b. The second protruding portion 62b is provided radially outward than the first protruding portion 62a.

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

[0055] Furthermore, a plurality of circular ribs 64 are provided on the rear surface of the base portion 48 (see also FIG. 3). The boundary 60a is located radially inward of a circular rib 64a, which is provided radially outward among the plurality of circular ribs 64.

[0056] (Variations of rear blade shape) The rear blade 62 may have only the first protrusion 62 a and not the second protrusion 62 b. In this case, more through holes 46 may be provided in the area closer to the center portion 56 than in the area where no protrusion (first protrusion 62 a) is provided.

[0057] (Advantages of through-hole placement) Ailerons 44 are provided between adjacent main wings 42. As a result, laundry is lifted upward by the ailerons 44 and hits the main wings 42, thereby enabling efficient agitation of the laundry.

[0058] By providing more through holes 46 in the second region 72 than in the first region 70 (or by increasing the density of the through holes 46), it is possible to increase the amount of water that moves from the front surface to the back surface of the pulsator 40 on the side of the central portion 56 of the pulsator 40. As a result, when the pulsator 40 rotates, more water is pumped radially outward by the rear blades 62, and the pumping function of the pulsator 40 is enhanced.

[0059] It is also possible to prevent water that has moved radially outward from the pulsator 40 from moving from the outer periphery of the pulsator 40 back to the surface of the pulsator 40. This increases the amount of circulating water in the water tub 24, improving cleaning power. Furthermore, by providing many through-holes 46 in the second region 72, a water flow is generated that is drawn toward the center portion 56 of the pulsator 40. The laundry is guided toward the center portion 56 of the pulsator 40, reducing the load on the radially outer portions of the main wing 42.

[0060] The rear vanes 62 are provided with a first protruding portion 62a that protrudes higher from the base portion 48 and a second protruding portion 62b that protrudes lower from the base portion 48 than the first protruding portion 62a, and many through holes 46 are provided in an area 62c that is closer to the central portion 56 in the radial direction than the radially outer end portion 63 of the first protruding portion 62a. This feature also generates a water flow that is drawn toward the central portion 56 of the pulsator 40, guiding the laundry toward the central portion 56 of the pulsator 40 and reducing the load on the radially outer portions of the main vanes 42.

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

[0062] The main wings 42 and ailerons 44 do not have through holes 46. The areas where the main wings 42 and ailerons 44 are provided are recessed on the underside of the pulsator 40. For this reason, water is likely to accumulate on the undersides of the main wings 42 and ailerons 44. If the main wings 42 and ailerons 44 had through holes 46, water that had migrated to the underside of the pulsator 40 could return to the surface of the pulsator 40. By not providing through holes 46 in the main wings 42 and ailerons 44, it is possible to prevent water from migrating from the underside of the pulsator 40 to the surface of the pulsator 40 through the through holes 46.

[0063] In addition, water accumulated on the undersides of the main wing 42 and the aileron 44 is pumped radially outward when the pulsator 40 rotates. Since a large amount of water can be circulated in the washing tub 22, the cleaning power of the washing machine 2 can be improved.

[0064] (Other features of the pulsator) Other features of the pulsator 40 will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. Figure 18 shows an imaginary circle 51 that is centered on the rotation axis 50 and tangent to the outer peripheral end 44f of the main wing 42. The inside of the imaginary circle is the base portion 48 of the pulsator 40, and the outside of the imaginary circle is the peripheral edge portion 53 of the pulsator 40. As shown in Figure 18, the main wing 42 extends to the outer peripheral end of the base portion 48. The outer peripheral end 44f of the aileron 44 is located inside the imaginary line 51. In other words, the outer peripheral end 44f of the aileron 44 is located closer to the center portion 56 than the outer peripheral end 44f of the main wing 42. By providing the aileron 44 inside the outer peripheral end 44f of the main wing 42, laundry can be agitated efficiently.

[0065] FIG. 19 shows an enlarged view of the central portion 56. As shown in FIG. 19, flow paths 80 and 82 for moving fluid from the front surface to the back surface of the pulsator 40 are provided on the side of the central portion 56 closer to the rotary shaft 50 than the raised portion 60. The flow path 80 is provided on the front surface of the base portion 48. The flow path 82 is provided on the side surface of the central portion 56. Although not shown in FIG. 19, the flow paths 80 and 82 are also provided at positions symmetrical with respect to the central portion 56. By providing the flow paths 80 and 82, water that has passed through a functional component (not shown) attached to the central portion 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, the pulsator 40 is disclosed as having three main wings 42 and three ailerons 44, but the number of main wings and ailerons does not have to be three. The number of main wings and ailerons may be two or less, or three or less. Also, in the above embodiment, the main wings 42 are provided asymmetrically with respect to the center portion 56. For example, the number of main wings may be four, and the main wings may be provided symmetrically with respect to the center portion.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the pulsator 40 is disclosed in which one aileron 44 is provided between adjacent main wings 42, but two or more ailerons may be provided between adjacent main wings. Alternatively, an aileron may be provided between adjacent main wings in one part of the circumferential direction, and no aileron may be provided between adjacent main wings in another part of the circumferential direction.

[0068] Furthermore, the washing machine disclosed in this specification 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 necessary.

[0069] (Basic structure 1) A washing machine and A pulsator rotatably provided inside the washing tub, The pulsator is A circular base and a main wing extending in a radial direction connecting a central portion and an outer periphery of the pulsator on an upper surface of the base portion; an aileron extending in the radial direction on an upper surface of the base portion and having a height from the base portion lower than that of the main wing, a first curved surface portion is provided between an upper surface of the main wing and both side surfaces in the circumferential direction of the main wing, a second curved surface portion is provided between the upper surface of the aileron and both side surfaces in the circumferential direction of the aileron, A washing machine characterized in that the radius of curvature of at least one first curved surface portion is larger than the radius of curvature of at least one second curved surface portion.

[0070] (Basic structure 2) Washing tub and A pulsator rotatably provided inside the washing tub, The pulsator is A circular base and a main wing extending radially outward from a central portion of the pulsator; an aileron provided at a position away from the central portion and having a radial length shorter than that of the main wing, A plurality of through holes penetrating the front and rear surfaces of the pulsator are provided in a first region closer to the center than the center-side end surface of the aileron, A plurality of through holes penetrating the front and back surfaces of the pulsator are provided in a second region radially outward from the end surface of the central portion, A washing machine, characterized in that a total area of ​​the openings of the through holes provided in the first region is larger than a total area of ​​the openings of the through holes provided in the second region.

[0071] (Basic structure 3) A washing machine and A pulsator rotatably provided inside the washing tub, The pulsator is A main wing extending in a radial direction connecting the central portion and the outer periphery of the pulsator on the upper surface of the circular base portion; an aileron extending in the radial direction on an upper surface of the base portion, having a length in the radial direction shorter than that of the main wing and provided at a position away from the central portion, the main wing extends radially outward beyond a center-portion-side end surface of the aileron, The washing machine, wherein the radial length of the aileron is longer than the length from the end face of the aileron on the side of the center portion to the center portion.

[0072] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technology exemplified in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives alone is technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 2: washing machine, 22: washing tub, 42: main wing, 44: aileron, 46: through hole, 48: base, 56: center, 60: raised portion, 62: rear wing, 64: circular rib

Claims

1. Washing tub and A pulsator rotatably provided inside the washing tub, The pulsator is A circular base and a main wing extending radially outward from a central portion of the pulsator; an aileron provided at a position away from the central portion and having a radial length shorter than that of the main wing, a plurality of through holes penetrating the front and rear surfaces of the pulsator are provided in a first region closer to the center than the center-side end surface of the aileron, A plurality of through holes penetrating the front and back surfaces of the pulsator are provided in a second region radially outward from the end surface of the central portion, The washing machine, characterized in that the total area of ​​the openings of the through holes provided in the first region is larger than the total area of ​​the openings of the through holes provided in the second region.

2. A rear blade protruding from the base portion is provided on the rear surface of the pulsator, the rear blade includes a first protruding portion provided on the central portion side, and a second protruding portion having a protruding height lower than that of the first protruding portion and provided radially outward of the first protruding portion, The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the total area of ​​the openings of the through holes provided in a region radially central from the radially outer end of the first protrusion is larger than the total area of ​​the openings of the through holes provided in a region radially outer from the radially outer end of the first protrusion.

3. the central portion has a raised portion that is raised relative to the base portion; A rear blade protruding from the base portion is provided on the rear surface of the pulsator, the rear blade includes a first protruding portion provided on a central portion side, and a second protruding portion having a protruding height lower than that of the first protruding portion and provided radially outward of the first protruding portion, The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein a boundary portion between the base portion and the raised portion is located radially inward of a radially outer end of the first protrusion.

4. the central portion has a raised portion that is raised relative to the base portion; A circular rib is provided on the back surface of the pulsator so as to surround the central portion and protrude from the base portion, The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a boundary between the base portion and the raised portion is located radially inward of the rib.

5. an inclined portion inclined toward the center portion is provided on a side surface of the aileron on the center portion side, 5. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein an inclination angle of the inclined portion is smaller than an inclination angle of a side surface of the aileron in the circumferential direction.

6. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the density of the through holes provided in the first region is higher than the density of the through holes provided in the second region.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the through-hole is not provided in the aileron.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the main wing is not provided with the through-hole.

9. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein an area where the through holes are not provided is provided radially outside the second area.

10. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a flow path for moving fluid from the front surface to the rear surface of the pulsator is provided in the central portion.

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