Outer tub and top-loading washing machine for vertical washing machines

Abstract

To provide an outer tank for a vertical washing machine, which is improved so that raised level of washing water does not overflow from an overflow port on the outer tank when executing a washing method to raise the level of washing water by rotation of a washing tank and spray the water in the washing tank.SOLUTION: A vertical washing machine has an overflow edge 33 that is disposed at a position lower by a certain length than an upper edge 32 of an outer tank 3 and is formed inside a projection 31. A vertical louver structure 35 is disposed on the overflow edge 33 so as to prevent inflow of washing water flowing in a predetermined direction A1 along an inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical lateral wall 3A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vertical washing machine, and in particular, to an outer tub for a vertical washing machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a vertical washing machine that performs a washing process by raising washing water through rotation of the washing tub and sprinkling the water into the washing tub.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Water sprinkling from the upper part of the washing tub using the tub rotation processing step disclosed in Patent Document 1 is performed at the beginning of the washing step, so that the concentrated detergent liquid falls onto the laundry, and thus improvement in washing performance can be expected.

[0005] However, the outer tub that accommodates the washing tub is provided with an overflow port at the upper end of the outer tub. Therefore, part of the washing water raised by the rotation of the washing tub is sprinkled from the upper part of the washing tub as described above, while another part of the washing water flows out through the overflow port provided in the outer tub, which is a problem.

[0006] For this reason, the washing method of sprinkling water from the upper part of the washing tub using the tub rotation processing step can only be carried out at timings where it does not matter even if the washing water flows out, such as at the end of the washing step, and the current situation is that this method cannot be used effectively.

[0007] The present invention was made against this background, and its main objective is to provide an improved outer tub for a top-loading washing machine that prevents the rising wash water from overflowing from the outer tub's overflow port when performing a washing method in which the washing water is raised by the rotation of the washing tub and sprayed into the washing tub. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to an outer tub capable of holding laundry water, having a cylindrical side wall and a bottom wall that closes the bottom of the side wall, wherein the outer tub has a protruding portion formed at the upper end of the outer tub and bulging outward, an overflow edge provided at a position a certain distance lower than the upper edge of the outer tub and formed on the inside of the protruding portion, an overflow port partitioned by the protruding portion and the overflow edge to receive laundry water overflowing from the overflow edge, and an overflow channel that guides the laundry water flowing into the overflow port to a drain channel, wherein the overflow edge is provided with a vertical louver structure to prevent the inflow of laundry water flowing in a predetermined one direction along the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical side wall.

[0009] The present invention is characterized in that the vertical louver structure includes a plurality of fins that are inclined inward in the direction of the flow of laundry water.

[0010] The present invention is characterized in that, when viewed in the direction of the flow of washing water, each of the vanes is provided with an outward-facing return plate at its downstream end.

[0011] The present invention is characterized in that the upper end opening of the overflow hose forming the overflow channel is positioned at the overflow outlet facing upstream in the direction of the flow of the laundry water.

[0012] The present invention also includes the outer tub, a washing tub disposed inside the outer tub for storing laundry, the washing tub being cylindrical with a bottom and an opening at the top, having through holes for water to pass between it and the outer tub, and rotating in one direction at a predetermined speed to raise the laundry water accumulated in the gap between the inner surface of the outer tub and the outer surface of the washing tub and spray the water into the washing tub from the upper opening of the washing tub, and a drive unit and a control unit for rotating the washing tub in the one direction at the predetermined speed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the overflow rim formed on the outer tub is provided with a vertical louver structure that prevents wash water flowing in a predetermined unidirectional direction along the inner circumferential surface of the outer tub from flowing into the overflow port. When the wash water rises due to the rotation of the washing tub, the water level rises while flowing in the same unidirectional direction as the rotation of the washing tub along the inner circumferential surface of the outer tub. Therefore, the vertical louver structure prevents the wash water flowing in a unidirectional direction from flowing into the overflow port.

[0014] More specifically, the fins of the vertical louver structure are inclined inward in the direction of the flow of the wash water. Therefore, even if the wash water, which flows in one direction along the inner surface of the outer tub above the overflow rim, tries to flow into the overflow opening, it is blocked by the fins and its flow direction is changed toward the inside of the outer tub. As a result, the amount of wash water flowing into the overflow opening is reduced, or almost completely prevented.

[0015] According to the present invention, since the vertical louver structure includes multiple slats, it can effectively prevent laundry water flowing in one direction from flowing into the overflow outlet, as is known as a louver.

[0016] According to the present invention, by providing a return plate on the downstream end of the vane, it is possible to more effectively prevent laundry water flowing in one direction from flowing into the overflow outlet.

[0017] According to the present invention, the upper end opening of the overflow hose is disposed inside the overflow port, and the upper end opening of the overflow hose is oriented toward the upstream side in the flow direction of the washing water, so that the washing water flowing in one direction is prevented from flowing into the overflow port by the slats, and further, even if the washing water flows into the overflow port, the overflow hose is not oriented in the direction to receive the inflowing washing water, so that the amount of washing water discharged by overflow can be further reduced.

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vertical washing machine that can efficiently perform the process of rotating the washing tub to raise the washing water and spraying the washing water from the upper opening of the washing tub at an appropriate timing, and can suppress the outflow of washing water due to overflow. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a vertical washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a right side view of an outer tub for a vertical washing machine according to an example. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the portion A enclosed by the alternate long and short dash line of the outer tub shown in FIG. 2, viewed from the inner side. [Figure 4] It is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an overflow port according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an overflow port according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an overflow port according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a vertical washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing an example of a washing operation executed in the vertical washing machine. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] The embodiments of this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a vertical washing machine 1 according to one embodiment of this invention. The vertical washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, a washing tub 4, a pulsator 5 as an example of a rotor, a motor 6 as an example of a driving means, and a clutch 7 as an example of a switching means.

[0021] The casing 2 is, for example, made of metal and is formed in a box shape. An opening 2B is formed on the top surface 2A of the casing 2, connecting the inside and outside of the casing 2. A door 10 for opening and closing the opening 2B is provided on the top surface 2A. A display and operation unit 11, which may consist of an LCD operation panel or the like, may be provided around the opening 2B on the top surface 2A. The user of the top-loading washing machine 1 can select operating conditions for the washing operation performed by the top-loading washing machine 1, or instruct the top-loading washing machine 1 to start or stop the washing operation, etc., by operating the display and operation unit 11. Information for the user is displayed on the display and operation unit 11.

[0022] The outer tank 3 is made of, for example, resin and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer tank 3 has a substantially cylindrical side wall 3A arranged along the vertical direction and a bottom wall 3B that closes the hollow portion of the side wall 3A from below. An annular wall 3C is attached to the upper edge of the side wall 3A, protruding toward the center of the side wall 3A. An entrance / exit 3D is formed inside the annular wall 3C, communicating with the hollow portion of the side wall 3A from above. The entrance / exit 3D is in communication with the opening 2B of the housing 2 from below. The annular wall 3C is provided with a door 12 for opening and closing the entrance / exit 3D. A guide surface 3E that slopes diagonally downward while framing the entrance / exit 3D may be provided on the lower surface of the annular wall 3C. The bottom wall 3B is formed in a substantially horizontal disc shape, and a through hole 3F is formed at the center of the bottom wall 3B, penetrating the bottom wall 3B.

[0023] The through-hole 3F formed in the center of the bottom wall 3B is a hole for passing the support shaft 17 and the rotating shaft 18, which will be described later. The support shaft 17 and the rotating shaft 18 are fitted into the through-hole 3F, and the through-hole 3F is sealed liquid-tightly, so the washing water from the outer tub 3 does not leak out through the through-hole 3F.

[0024] A water supply channel 13 connected to a tap is connected from above to the annular wall 3C of the outer tank 3. A water supply valve 14 is provided in the middle of the water supply channel 13. The water supply valve 14 is, for example, a solenoid valve. A drain channel 15 is connected from below to the bottom wall 3B of the outer tank 3. A drain valve 16 is provided in the middle of the drain channel 15. The drain valve 16 may be a valve that is opened and closed by, for example, a torque motor (not shown). When the water supply valve 14 is open with the drain valve 16 closed, water is supplied to the outer tank 3 from the water supply channel 13, and water is stored in the outer tank 3. When the water supply valve 14 is closed, the water supply stops. When the drain valve 16 is opened, the water in the outer tank 3 is discharged outside the machine through the drain channel 15.

[0025] The washing tub 4 is made of metal, for example, and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that is slightly smaller than the outer tub 3, and can accommodate laundry Q inside. The washing tub 4 is arranged coaxially within the outer tub 3. When housed within the outer tub 3, the washing tub 4 is rotatable about an axis J that forms its central axis and extends vertically. The washing tub 4 has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 4A arranged along the vertical direction, a bottom wall 4B that closes the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A from below, and a ring-shaped annular wall 4C that protrudes toward axis J along the upper edge of the circumferential wall 4A.

[0026] The annular wall 4C may incorporate a balance ring to reduce the shaking of the washing tub 4 when the washing tub 4 is rotated.

[0027] The inner surface of the circumferential wall 4A is the inner surface of the washing tub 4. The circumferential wall 4A is surrounded by the side wall 3A of the outer tub 3. The bottom wall 4B is located at the lower end of the washing tub 4. The annular wall 4C is positioned opposite the annular wall 3C of the outer tub 3 from below. An inlet / outlet 4D is formed inside the annular wall 4C. The inlet / outlet 4D is located at the upper end of the washing tub 4, exposing the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A upwards. The inlet / outlet 4D is in communication with the inlet / outlet 3D of the outer tub 3, facing it from below. The user loads and unloads laundry Q into and out of the washing tub 4 from above through the open opening 2B, inlet / outlet 3D, and inlet / outlet 4D.

[0028] Multiple through-holes 4E are formed in the circumferential wall 4A and bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4. Water in the outer tub 3 flows back and forth between the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 through the through-holes 4E, and is also stored in the washing tub 4. Therefore, the water level in the outer tub 3 and the water level in the washing tub 4 are the same. Note that the through-holes 4E may be provided only in the bottom wall 4B and not in the circumferential wall 4A.

[0029] The bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4 is formed in a disc shape and extends upward at a distance from the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3, approximately parallel to it. A through hole 4F is formed in the bottom wall 4B at the center of the circle, coinciding with the axis J. The bottom wall 4B is provided with a tubular support shaft 17 that extends downward along the axis J, surrounding the through hole 4F. The support shaft 17 is inserted through the through hole 3F in the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3, and the lower end of the support shaft 17 is located below the bottom wall 3B.

[0030] The pulsator 5 is formed in a disc shape with axis J as its center and is positioned on the bottom wall 4B inside the washing tub 4. Multiple blades 5A are provided on the upper surface of the pulsator 5 facing the inlet / outlet 4D of the washing tub 4, arranged radially. The pulsator 5 is provided with a rotating shaft 18 that extends downward along axis J from its center. The rotating shaft 18 is inserted through the hollow portion of the support shaft 17, and the lower end of the rotating shaft 18 is located below the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3.

[0031] Motor 6 is an electric motor such as an inverter motor. Motor 6 is located inside the housing 2, below the outer tank 3. Motor 6 has an output shaft 19 that rotates about axis J, and outputs the generated torque from the output shaft 19.

[0032] The clutch 7 is interposed between the lower ends of the support shaft 17 and the rotating shaft 18, respectively, and the upper end of the output shaft 19 that protrudes upward from the motor 6. The clutch 7 selectively transmits the torque output by the motor 6 from the output shaft 19 to one or both of the support shaft 17 and the rotating shaft 18. When the torque from the motor 6 is transmitted to the support shaft 17, the washing tub 4 rotates around axis J in response to the torque from the motor 6. When the torque from the motor 6 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 18, the pulsator 5 rotates around axis J in response to the torque from the motor 6. A known transmission mechanism is used as the clutch 7. The aforementioned torque motor (not shown) may also actuate the clutch 7.

[0033] An overflow port 30 is provided at the upper end of the outer tank 3. The upper end of an overflow hose 50, which serves as an overflow channel, is connected to the overflow port 30. The lower end of the overflow hose 50 is connected downstream of the location where the drain valve 16 is installed in the drain channel 15.

[0034] The housing 2 is equipped with a control unit 21, including, for example, a microcomputer 21, in order to perform various control operations described later.

[0035] Figure 2 is a right side view of an outer tub 3 for a vertical washing machine according to one embodiment. The outer tub 3 is a bottomed cylindrical shape and includes a substantially cylindrical side wall 3A and a bottom wall 3B that closes the side wall 3A from below. The bottom wall 3B may have ribs or the like formed on its outer surface as needed to increase the strength of the outer tub 3.

[0036] The upper end of the outer tank 3 is provided with a protrusion 31 formed by a part of the side wall 3A bulging outward.

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view of portion A of the outer tank 3 shown in Figure 2, enclosed by the dashed line. In other words, it is a partial perspective view of the outer tank 3 as seen from the inside, diagonally upward, towards the protruding portion 31.

[0038] The outer tank 3 has a height of H2 from the inner bottom surface of the bottom wall 3B to the upper edge 32 of the side wall 3A, with H2 being the reference position. The protruding portion 31 is formed by a part of the upper end of the side wall 3A of the outer tank 3 bulging outward. Inside the protruding portion 31, an overflow edge 33 is provided at a position a certain distance lower than the upper edge 32 of the side wall 3A, that is, at a height of H1 from the reference position. Here, H2-H1 may be approximately 3 to 10 cm.

[0039] The overflow edge 33 is connected to the side wall 3A on both sides. The overflow outlet 30 is demarcated by the inner surface of the protruding part 31 and the overflow edge 33. When water is stored in the outer tank 3 and its water level reaches H1, any water exceeding height H1 overflows outward from the overflow edge 33 and flows into the overflow outlet 30. The water that flows into the overflow outlet 30 is guided to the drainage channel 15 by an overflow hose 50 whose upper end is connected to the overflow outlet 30 (see Figure 1).

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the overflow port 30 may be provided with a hose connection portion 34 extending downward. The hose connection portion 34 extends below the protruding portion 31 and is provided on the outside of the side wall 3A of the outer tank 3.

[0041] The outer tub 3 for a vertical washing machine according to this embodiment has the following modifications made to the overflow port 30, as described with reference to Figure 3.

[0042] [Overflow outlet according to the first embodiment] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the overflow port 30 according to the first embodiment. Similar to Figure 3, Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the outer tank 3 viewed from the inside diagonally above towards the protruding portion 31.

[0043] The overflow outlet 30 shown in Figure 4 is equipped with a vertical louver structure 35. The vertical louver structure 35 includes a plurality of vertically arranged finials 36. Each finial 36 is arranged along the overflow edge 33 and rises upward from the overflow edge 33. Each finial 36 is inclined to face inward towards the outer tub 3 when viewed in the direction of water flow A1 along the inner surface of the side wall 3A, in other words, in the direction of rotation A1 of the washing tub 4 located inside the outer tub 3. It is desirable that the finials 36 are arranged so that the spacing between them is equal.

[0044] By providing multiple vanes 36 along the overflow edge 33, it is possible to prevent the wash water flowing in one direction A1 along the inner surface of the side wall 3A from overflowing the overflow edge 33 and flowing into the overflow outlet 30. In other words, the wash water flowing in one direction A1 hits the vanes 36 and is guided inward into the outer tub 3. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the wash water to flow into the overflow outlet 30 through the gaps between the vanes 36.

[0045] [Overflow outlet according to the second embodiment] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the overflow port 30 according to the second embodiment. Like Figures 3 and 4, Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the outer tank 3 as seen from the inside oblique upwards in the direction of the protruding portion 31.

[0046] The overflow port 30 shown in Figure 5 is positioned along the overflow edge 33 and has vanes 36 that rise upward from the overflow edge. The vanes 36 are inclined to face inward towards the outer tub 3 when viewed in the direction A1 in which the washing water flows along the inner surface of the side wall 3A, in other words, in the direction A1 in which the washing tub 4 installed inside the outer tub 3 rotates. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing water flowing in one direction A1 along the inner circumferential surface of the side wall 3A from overflowing the overflow edge 33 and flowing into the overflow port 30.

[0047] Furthermore, looking at the direction of water flow A1, the lower edge of the vane 36 is provided with a return plate 37 that is folded back toward the outside of the outer tub 3.

[0048] By providing a return plate 37 at the lower end of the vane plate 36, it is possible to reduce the amount of washing water that rises along the inner surface of the outer tub 3 as the washing tub 4 rotates and flows from the overflow edge 33 into the overflow outlet 30.

[0049] Although Figure 5 shows a configuration with only one vane 36, the vane 36 may also be configured with multiple vane 36 arranged along the overflow edge 33, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 4. In that case, it is sufficient that a return plate 37 is provided at the lower end of each vane 36.

[0050] [Overflow outlet according to the third embodiment] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the overflow port 30 according to the third embodiment. Like Figures 3 to 5, Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the outer tank 3 from the inside, diagonally upward, looking in the direction of the protruding portion 31. Compared to Figure 5, Figure 6 shows the overflow port 30 viewed from a higher position.

[0051] The overflow port 30 according to the third embodiment shown in Figure 6 has basically the same configuration as the overflow port 30 according to the second embodiment described with reference to Figure 5. The difference is that the upper end 51 of the overflow hose 50 connected to the overflow port 30 enters into the overflow port 30, and the inlet opening 52 formed at the upper end 51 of the overflow hose 50 faces upstream when viewed in the direction A1 of the flow of laundry water within the overflow port 30.

[0052] With this configuration, similar to the overflow port 30 in the second embodiment described with reference to Figure 5, the vane 36 prevents the washing water flowing in one direction A1 along the inner circumferential surface of the side wall 3A from overflowing the overflow edge 33 and flowing into the overflow port 30. In addition, by providing a return plate 37 at the downstream end of the vane 36, it is possible to reduce the amount of washing water that has risen along the inner circumferential surface of the outer tub 3 as the washing tub 4 rotates and flows from the overflow edge 33 into the overflow port 30.

[0053] Furthermore, the upper end 51 of the overflow hose 50 extends upward into the overflow port 30, and its inlet opening 52 faces upstream when viewed in the direction A1 of the flow of laundry water within the overflow port 30. Therefore, it is difficult for laundry water to enter the inlet opening 52 of the overflow hose 50, and the outflow of laundry water can be further reduced.

[0054] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the vane 36 may also be configured in the same way as in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, with multiple vane 36 arranged along the overflow edge 33. In that case, each vane 36 may be provided with a return plate 37.

[0055] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the vertical washing machine 1. The vertical washing machine 1 includes a microcomputer 21 as a control unit 21. The microcomputer 21 includes, for example, a CPU 22, memory 23 such as ROM or RAM, and a timer 24 for timing, and is built into the housing 2 (see Figure 1).

[0056] The motor 6, clutch 7, water supply valve 14, and drain valve 16 are each electrically connected to the microcomputer 21, for example, via a drive circuit 25, and the display operation unit 11 is also electrically connected to the microcomputer 21. The microcomputer 21 turns the motor 6 ON to drive it, and turns it OFF to stop it. The microcomputer 21 can also control the rotation direction of the motor 6. Therefore, the motor 6 can rotate in the forward direction or in the reverse direction. By controlling the clutch 7, the microcomputer 21 switches the destination of the torque transmission of the motor 6 to either the washing tub 4 or the pulsator 5, or both. The microcomputer 21 controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve 14 and the drain valve 16. When the user operates the display operation unit 11 to select operating conditions, the microcomputer 21 accepts the selection. The microcomputer 21 controls the display content of the display operation unit 11.

[0057] The vertical washing machine 1 further includes a buzzer 26, a rotation speed reader 27, and a water level detection unit 28 electrically connected to a microcomputer 21. The microcomputer 21 notifies the user of the start and end of the washing operation by generating a predetermined sound with the buzzer 26.

[0058] The rotational speed reading device 27 is a device that reads the rotational speed of the motor 6, more precisely, the rotational speed of the output shaft 19 of the motor 6, and is composed of, for example, a Hall IC. The rotational speed read by the rotational speed reading device 27 is input to the microcomputer 21 in real time. Based on the input rotational speed, the microcomputer 21 controls the motor 6 to rotate at the desired rotational speed by controlling the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the motor 6. The rotational speeds of the washing tub 4 and the pulsator 5 may be the same as the rotational speed of the motor 6, or they may be values ​​obtained by multiplying the rotational speed of the motor 6 by a predetermined constant such as the reduction ratio in the clutch 7.

[0059] The water level detection unit 28 is a water level sensor that detects the water level in the outer tub 3, that is, the water level in the washing tub 4. As an example of the water level detection unit 28, a pressure-type water level sensor that detects the water level in the washing tub 4 based on the pressure in the outer tub 3 can be used.

[0060] The microcomputer 21 performs the washing operation by controlling the operation of the motor 6, clutch 7, water supply valve 14, and drain valve 16. The washing operation consists of a washing step to wash the laundry Q, a rinsing step to rinse the laundry Q after the washing step, and a dewatering step to rotate the washing tub 4 after the rinsing step to dewater the laundry Q. The vertical washing machine 1 may also be a washer-dryer that performs a drying step to dry the laundry Q after the dewatering step. In this embodiment, the rinsing step is performed twice, with the first rinsing step being called the first rinse step and the second rinse step being called the second rinse step.

[0061] When the user places the laundry Q into the washing tub 4 and instructs the machine to start the washing cycle, the microcomputer 21 begins the washing cycle. The user may also add detergent to the washing tub 4 before or after placing the laundry Q in the machine. Referring to the flowchart in Figure 8, the microcomputer 21 first detects the amount of laundry Q in the washing tub 4, i.e., the load (step S1). As an example of load detection, the microcomputer 21 detects the load by observing the variation in the rotational speed of the motor 6 when the washing tub 4 is rotated steadily at a low speed. The microcomputer 21 then determines the water level W (see Figure 1) to be supplied and stored in the washing tub 4 based on the load detected earlier. The relationship between the water level W and the load is determined in advance through experiments and stored in memory 23.

[0062] Then, as part of the water supply process in the washing cycle, the microcomputer 21 continuously opens the water supply valve 14 to supply water into the washing tub 4 (step S2). Since the drain valve 16 is closed, the water level in the washing tub 4 rises. When the water level in the washing tub 4 rises to the water level W determined earlier, the microcomputer 21 stops the water supply by closing the water supply valve 14. This completes the water supply process.

[0063] Next, with water accumulated in the washing tub 4, the microcomputer 21 performs an agitation process. Specifically, the microcomputer 21 rotates the pulsator 5 by driving the motor 6 after switching the clutch 7 as needed so that the torque of the motor 6 is transmitted to the pulsator 5 (step S3). The pulsator 5 may rotate continuously in the same direction, but in this embodiment, the intermittent driving of the motor 6 causes the pulsator 5 to reverse direction alternately, repeating forward and reverse rotation at intervals of 1 to 2 seconds. During the agitation process, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is agitated and washed by the reversing pulsator 5. The pulsator 5 may also rotate during the water supply process in step S2, which makes the detergent more soluble in water. The dirt on the laundry Q is broken down by the detergent dissolved in the water. After a predetermined agitation time has elapsed, the microcomputer 21 terminates the agitation process.

[0064] After the agitation process, the microcomputer 21 continues to perform a loosening process while water remains in the washing tub 4 (step S4). In the loosening process, the microcomputer 21 reverses the pulsator 5 by intermittently driving the motor 6 under different conditions than those used in the agitation process. In this embodiment, as an example, the pulsator 5 reverses at a higher rotational speed than during the agitation process, alternating between forward and reverse rotation at intervals of 0.5 seconds, which is shorter than during the agitation process. As a result, the laundry Q immersed in water in the washing tub 4 is loosened by the reversing pulsator 5. Therefore, any uneven distribution of the laundry Q is eliminated. Uneven distribution of laundry Q refers to the uneven distribution of laundry Q within the washing tub 4, and is also called an imbalance. After a predetermined loosening time has elapsed, the microcomputer 21 terminates the loosening process.

[0065] After the loosening process, the microcomputer 21 performs the tub rotation process (step S5). Specifically, first, the microcomputer 21 switches the clutch 7 so that the torque of the motor 6 is transmitted to the washing tub 4. Next, the microcomputer 21 checks whether the water level in the washing tub 4 has reached a predetermined tub rotation water level. The tub rotation water level is the water level at which the water in the outer tub 3 will not overflow from the inlet / outlet 3D when the washing tub 4 rotates, and specifically, it is higher than half the internal height of the washing tub 4.

[0066] When the water level in the washing tub 4 reaches the tub rotation water level, the microcomputer 21 turns on the motor 6 and starts it to rotate. As a result, the washing tub 4, which has filled up to the tub rotation water level, rotates at a high speed, for example, 200 rpm. This generates a vortex in the outer tub 3, and the water surface S curves into a U-shape, with the center on the axis J side being lower and the outer edge being higher (see the thick dashed line in Figure 1).

[0067] As a result, the water in the outer tub 3 rises between the peripheral wall 3A of the outer tub 3 and the peripheral wall 4A of the washing tub 4. The rising water falls in a spiral motion through the ribs 3G arranged in a line on the lower surface of the annular wall 3C of the outer tub 3, and is poured into the washing tub 4 from the inlet / outlet 4D of the washing tub 4 (see the thick dashed line in Figure 1). The guide surface 3E of the annular wall 3C of the outer tub 3 guides the water passing through the ribs 3G downwards towards the inlet / outlet 4D (see Figure 1).

[0068] Even if the amount of laundry Q is so large that it almost overflows the water surface after water supply treatment, the water sprayed from above by the rotation of the washing tub 4 ensures that the laundry Q on the inlet / outlet 4D side is also thoroughly washed. Furthermore, washing by spraying water reduces damage to the laundry Q.

[0069] Because the loosening process in step S4 eliminates any uneven distribution of the laundry Q before the drum rotation process begins, the rotation speed of the washing drum 4 increases smoothly to the rotation speed at which water spraying begins. This allows the drum rotation process to be carried out smoothly. In addition, because the prior loosening process makes it less likely for abnormal vibrations of the washing drum 4 to occur during the drum rotation process, it is less necessary to stop the rotation of the washing drum 4 in response to abnormal vibrations and perform the process of eliminating the uneven distribution of laundry Q inside the washing drum 4. This reduces the washing time.

[0070] In the control of the above embodiment, the tank rotation process is performed as step S5, but the tank rotation process may be performed following the water supply process (step S2). Alternatively, the tank rotation process may be performed in the middle of the stirring process (step S3).

[0071] In other words, by using the tub rotation process to spray water from the top of the washing tub 4 at the beginning (or near the beginning) of the washing process, the concentrated detergent solution falls onto the laundry Q, which can be expected to improve washing performance.

[0072] However, since the outer tub 3 has an overflow port 30 located a certain distance below its upper edge, the tub rotation process was only performed at times when the loss of wash water would not cause any problems.

[0073] However, in this embodiment, the overflow port 30 of the outer tub 3 is configured as described above, making it difficult for washing water to be drained from the overflow port 30 even when the tub is rotated.

[0074] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to perform the tank rotation process shown in step S5 of Figure 4 after the water supply process in step S2.

[0075] Next, referring to Figure 3, the microcomputer 21 rotates the washing tub 4 at high speed with the drain valve 16 open as the dewatering process after the washing process, i.e., the intermediate dewatering process (step S6). The centrifugal force generated by this high-speed rotation dewaters the laundry in the washing tub 4. The water that seeps out of the laundry due to dewatering is discharged outside the machine through the drain channel 15. Towards the end of the intermediate dewatering process, the microcomputer 21 switches the clutch 7 to stop the motor 6 so that the torque of the motor 6 is not transmitted to the washing tub 4, and the washing tub 4 rotates by inertia. At the end of the intermediate dewatering process, the microcomputer 21 closes the drain valve 16.

[0076] Next, the microcomputer 21 performs a shower rinse as the first rinsing step (step S7). Specifically, with the drain valve 16 closed, the microcomputer 21 intermittently opens the water supply valve 14 to supply shower water into the washing tub 4. In this state, the microcomputer 21 rotates the washing tub 4 at a low speed, for example, 30 rpm, so that the shower reaches every corner of the laundry Q. This ensures that the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is rinsed thoroughly. After that, the microcomputer 21 performs the same intermediate dewatering step as in step S6 (step S8). Note that each intermediate dewatering step may be considered as part of the subsequent rinsing step.

[0077] Next, the microcomputer 21 executes the second rinsing process. The contents of the second rinsing process are the same as the washing process, except that detergent is not present. Specifically, the microcomputer 21 supplies water in the same way as in step S2 (step S9), agitates and rinses the laundry Q in the same way as in step S3 (step S10), loosens the laundry Q in the same way as in step S4 (step S11), and then performs the tub rotation process in the same way as in step S5 (step S12).

[0078] In addition, in the second rinsing process, the tank rotation process (step S12) can be performed after the water supply process (step S9). Alternatively, the tank rotation process can be performed in the middle of the stirring process (step S10).

[0079] Finally, the microcomputer 21 performs a final dewatering process similar to the intermediate dewatering process (step S13). However, the rotation conditions of the washing tub 4 may differ between the intermediate dewatering process and the final dewatering process, and in particular, the maximum rotation speed of the washing tub 4 in the final dewatering process is higher than the maximum rotation speed of the washing tub 4 in the intermediate dewatering process. The washing operation ends when the final dewatering process is completed.

[0080] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1. Top-loading washing machine 3 Outer tank 4. Washing tub 5 Pulseta 6 motors 14 Water supply valve 21 Microcomputers 30 Overflow outlet 31 Protrusion 32 Upper edge 33 Flood edge 34 Hose connection 35 Vertical louver structure 36 Feathers 37 Return board 50 Overflow hose

Claims

1. An outer tub having cylindrical side walls and a bottom wall that closes the bottom of the side walls, capable of holding washing water, A protruding portion formed at the upper end of the outer tank and bulging outward, A water overflow edge is provided at a position a certain distance lower than the upper edge of the outer tank, and is formed on the inside of the protruding portion. The overflow port, which is partitioned by the aforementioned protrusion and the aforementioned overflow edge, and which receives laundry water overflowing from the aforementioned overflow edge, The system includes an overflow channel that guides the laundry water flowing into the overflow outlet to a drainage channel, An outer tub for a vertical washing machine, characterized in that a plurality of vanes, inclined inward in the direction of the flow of washing water along the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical side wall, are arranged along the overflow edge and rise upward from the overflow edge, so as to prevent the inflow of washing water flowing in the direction of the flow along the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical side wall.

2. The outer tub according to claim 1, characterized in that, when viewed in the direction of the flow of washing water, each of the vanes is provided with a return plate facing outward at its downstream end.

3. The outer tub according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the upper end opening of the overflow hose forming the overflow channel is positioned facing upstream in the direction of the flow of the washing water at the overflow outlet.

4. An outer tank according to any one of claims 1 to 2, A washing tub, which is placed inside the outer tub and contains laundry, is cylindrical with a bottom and an opening at the top, has through holes for water to pass between it and the outer tub, and rotates in one direction at a predetermined speed, thereby raising the laundry water accumulated in the gap between the inner surface of the outer tub and the outer surface of the washing tub and spraying the water into the washing tub from the opening at the top of the washing tub, A drive unit and a control unit for rotating the washing tub in one direction at a predetermined speed, A top-loading washing machine characterized by including [a specific feature].

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