washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine allowing enlargement of a washing tank and reduction in vibration of the washing tank.SOLUTION: A washing machine comprises: an enclosure; an outer tank 10 that is provided in the enclosure and allows washing water to be fed therein; a drum 20 that is provided in the outer tank 10 and allows laundry to be put therein; and a fluid balancer 20d that is disposed on an outer periphery of an opening 20g of the drum 20 and has a circular pipe structure having a channel formed of a channel partition wall 20s so as to be able to store and move liquid in circumferential direction. The channel partition wall 20s having the structure to store the liquid in the fluid balancer 20d has a fixing pedestal 20y as a counter weight attachment part to which a counter weight 20x is attached.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In household washing machines, the capacity of washing machines has been increasing to meet the needs of shortening washing time and reducing the number of washing cycles. On the other hand, naturally, the compactness of the external shape of the washing machine is also required. Therefore, it is important to reduce vibration caused by uneven distribution of laundry during spin-drying operation.

[0003] The washing machine is equipped with a fluid balancer that rotates together with the drum. This fluid balancer has a hollow circular tube structure that allows liquid to move in the circumferential direction inside, and about half of the internal cavity volume is filled with the liquid. Saline with a high specific gravity is used as the liquid. Vibration isolation is achieved by the centrifugal force of the liquid opposing the centrifugal force of the laundry. The circular tube structure is a structure in which a plurality of circular tubes are concentrically stacked and arranged in multiple layers in the radial direction. This is because the vibration isolation effect can be obtained in proportion to the number of layers.

[0004] In the spin-drying operation, first, the rotation speed (rotational velocity) of the drum is gradually increased, and finally reaches the maximum rotation speed for spin-drying the laundry. During this period, the washing tub vibrates due to the unbalance caused by the uneven distribution of the laundry. During vibration, the liquid inside the circular tube shifts in the direction in which the center of the circular tube during rotation is displaced by vibration from the center of the circular tube at rest. While the rotation speed of the drum increases and finally reaches the maximum rotation speed for spin-drying the laundry, it passes through the resonance rotation speed of the vibration system composed of the washing tub, springs and dampers. This is the resonance mode in which the entire washing tub swings like a rigid body. After passing through this point, the phase of the vibration displacement of the washing tub lags behind the phase of the excitation force caused by the uneven distribution of the laundry, and becomes the opposite phase. That is, the uneven distribution of the liquid is formed on the side opposite to the uneven distribution of the laundry, thereby canceling the excitation force caused by the uneven distribution of the laundry, and reducing the vibration of the washing tub and the housing.

[0005] After passing the resonant rotational speed at which the entire washing tub vibrates rigidly, the drum's rotational speed approaches the resonant rotational speed at which the drum and outer tub vibrate elastically relative to the axis of rotation as it approaches the maximum rotational speed. The phase of the vibrational displacement of the washing tub during the period when the drum's rotational speed increases from the rigid vibrational resonant rotational speed towards the resonant rotational speed at which it vibrates elastically is not in opposite phase to the phase of the excitation force caused by the uneven distribution of clothes. In other words, the vibration damping effect of the fluid balancer decreases. Patent document 1 discloses a technique for reducing the imbalance within the drum at this time.

[0006] The washing machine shown in Patent Document 1 has a recess for housing a counterweight in the inner circumference of the structure that houses the fluid of the fluid balancer at the front of the drum. As a result, the counterweight effectively reduces the imbalance inside the drum during the process in which the vibration damping effect of the fluid balancer decreases as the drum and outer tub approach the resonant rotational speed at which they elastically deform and oscillate relative to the rotation axis. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-13820 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In the future, to further increase the capacity of washing machines, it will be necessary to enlarge the drum volume and make it easier to store clothes. This will increase the need to widen the drum opening. Naturally, miniaturization of the fluid balancer itself, thinning in the axial direction, and increasing the inner diameter will be essential. To achieve both vibration damping performance of the fluid balancer itself and thinning in the axial direction and increasing the inner diameter, further multi-layering of the fluid flow path will be effective. On the other hand, the recess that houses the counterweight will have to be considered in relation to securing the flow path area when increasing the inner diameter of the fluid balancer.

[0009] However, in the washing machine shown in Patent Document 1, there is a trade-off between securing a flow path area and securing a recess for housing a counterweight, between the vibration damping performance when the entire washing tub passes through the resonant rotational speed in which it vibrates rigidly, and the vibration damping performance when the drum and outer tub approach the resonant rotational speed in which they vibrate elastically relative to the rotation axis as they approach the maximum rotational speed.

[0010] Furthermore, increasing the inner diameter of a cylindrical tube structure subjected to centrifugal force generally increases the stress generated in the circumferential direction, thereby reducing the centrifugal resistance of the inner diameter. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure the centrifugal resistance of the inner circumference of the fluid balancer.

[0011] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned conventional problems and to provide a washing machine that can achieve both a large washing tub capacity and low vibration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention comprises a housing, an outer tub provided within the housing and containing washing water, an inner tub provided within the outer tub and containing laundry, and a fluid balancer having a circular tube structure, positioned on the outer circumference of the opening of the inner tub, containing liquid and having a flow path formed by a partition wall to allow movement in the circumferential direction, wherein the partition wall structure for containing the liquid in the fluid balancer is An annular thickened section is formed on the innermost circumference of the partition wall, and a recess is provided in the thickened section for housing the counterweight, along with a base for attaching the counterweight. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can achieve both a large washing tub capacity and low vibration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, seen from the side. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of the electrical configuration, including the control unit of the washing machine. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrow I in Figure 1 when the fluid balancer is not rotating. [Figure 4]This is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrow I in FIG. 1 when the fluid balancer is rotating. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the fluid balancer of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, viewed from the side. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the fluid balancer of the washing machine according to the second embodiment, viewed from the side. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the fluid balancer of the washing machine according to the third embodiment, viewed from the side. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the fluid balancer of the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment, viewed from the front side. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the fluid balancer of the washing machine according to the fifth embodiment, viewed from the side. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications and applications are also included within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Note that the following description is based on the directions shown in FIG. 1. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine S according to the first embodiment, viewed from the side. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine S (drum-type washing machine) of the first embodiment is provided with a housing 2 constituting an outer shell by combining steel plates and resin molded products on the upper part of a base 1. The housing 2 is composed of a front panel 2a, a rear panel 2b, left and right side panels (not shown), and a top panel 2d. A door 3 for taking in and out laundry is provided on the front surface of the housing 2. A user opens and closes the door 3 to take in and out laundry.

[0016] An operation panel 4 for a user to operate the washing machine S is provided on the front of the upper part of the housing 2. The operation panel 4 is provided with operation buttons for power on / off, operation start or pause, course selection, and a screen for displaying time and operation conditions.

[0017] At the upper part of the housing 2, a water supply unit 15 to which a water supply hose 15h is connected is provided. The water supply unit 15 and the detergent case 16 are connected via a pipe 17. The detergent case 16 is connected to the front of the outer tub 10 via a pipe 18. Water that has flowed into the water supply unit 15 flows into the outer tub 10 via the detergent case 16.

[0018] The washing tub 10S is provided inside the housing 2, and is composed of an outer tub 10 to which washing water is supplied, and a cylindrical drum 20 (inner tub) enclosed in the outer tub 10. Fabrics and the like (laundry) to be washed are placed in the drum 20.

[0019] The outer tub 10 has a front plate and a rear plate, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a substantially horizontal center line C. An opening 10a is formed in the front plate of the outer tub 10. The opening 10a is used for loading and unloading laundry. Further, the outer tub 10 is composed of a front tub cover 10b having the opening 10a, and a rear water tub 10c. The tub cover 10b and the water tub 10c are fastened and fixed by bolts b1. The outer tub 10 encloses the drum 20 and functions as a water tub.

[0020] The front opening 10a of the outer tub 10 is connected to the front surface of the housing 2 via a cylindrical rubber bellows 11. The opening 10a is water-sealed by closing the door 3. The drum 20 is disposed inside the outer tub 10 so as to be rotatable around a substantially horizontal center line (rotation axis) C. It should be noted that the washing machine may be provided with a drum inclined such that the front side of the center line (rotation axis) of the drum 20 is higher than the rear side.

[0021] A drain hose 9 is attached to the lower part of the base 1. A drain port 7 and a drain valve 8 are provided at the lower part of the outer tub 10 of the washing tub 10S. The outer tub 10 is connected to the drain hose 9 via the drain port 7 and the drain valve 8.

[0022] A spring 14 is attached to the upper part of the outer tank 10 to suspend the outer tank 10 from the housing 2. Multiple front dampers 41 and rear dampers 42 are attached to the lower part of the outer tank 10. The front dampers 41 and rear dampers 42 distribute the excitation force caused by the uneven distribution of the fabric inside the drum 20 in multiple directions and dampen it with viscous damping force. The front dampers 41 and rear dampers 42 are fluid dampers that use a fluid such as hydraulic or pneumatic fluid acting on a compression coil spring and the viscous force of the fluid, respectively. Note that fluids other than air and oil may be used for the fluid dampers.

[0023] One end of the front damper 41 is attached to the base portion 41a of the outer tank 10. The other end of the front damper 41 is attached to the base 1. Similarly, one end of the rear damper 42 is attached to the base portion 42a of the outer tank 10. The other end of the rear damper 42 is attached to the base 1.

[0024] An acceleration sensor 10e capable of detecting vibrations of the outer tank 10 in the vertical, horizontal, and longitudinal directions is attached to the underside of the outer tank 10. During operation, the vibration of the outer tank 10 is measured by the acceleration sensor 10e, and if it exceeds a predetermined value, the control device 5 (see Figure 2) controls the rotation of the drum 20 to stop.

[0025] The cylindrical drum 20 has small holes 20c in its drum shell 20a for dewatering and ventilation. Inside the drum 20, there are several lifters 20e for lifting up the fabric. The drum bottom plate 20b on the back of the cylindrical drum 20 is a reinforcing member of the drum 20. A vibration-damping fluid balancer 20d is attached to the opening (clothing input opening 20t) at the front end of the drum 20. In other words, the vibration-damping fluid balancer 20d is made of synthetic resin and is fixed to the front of the drum 20.

[0026] The fluid balancer 20d rotates together with the drum 20. During the dewatering operation, the fluid balancer 20d suppresses vibrations of the outer tub 10 by moving the enclosed liquid in a direction that counteracts the uneven distribution of the fabrics in the drum 20, that is, to the opposite side of the uneven distribution of the fabrics.

[0027] The drum 20 is rotatably supported on the outer tank 10 via a shaft 31 connected to the drum bottom plate 20b and a bearing (not shown). The shaft 31 is directly connected to, for example, a pulley 33. The drive motor 32 is fixed to the lower rear of the outer tank 10. The drive motor 32 is connected to the pulley 33 via a rubber belt 34. The drive motor 32 rotates the drum 20 via the rubber belt 34, pulley 33, and shaft 31.

[0028] The drive motor 32 is equipped with a rotation detection sensor 47 (see Figure 2). The rotation detection sensor 47 detects the rotational speed of the drive motor 32 during operation. The control device 5 (see Figure 2) calculates the rotational speed of the drum 20 using a reduction ratio based on the value detected by the rotation detection sensor 47.

[0029] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the electrical configuration, including the control unit of the washing machine. As shown in Figure 2, the control device 5 receives signals from the operation panel 4 shown in Figure 1. In addition, the control device 5 receives the rotation detection signal of the drive motor 32 detected by the rotation detection sensor 47 of the drive motor 32, and the vibration detection signal detected by the acceleration sensor 10e of the outer tank 10.

[0030] The control device 5 can acquire the rotational speed of the drum 20 and the vibrational displacement of the outer tank 10 by calculations using the reduction ratio, integration, etc. Based on the acquired information, the control device 5 transmits a control signal to the drive circuit 6 that drives the drive motor 32 using a stored control program.

[0031] Next, the operation of the washing machine S will be explained with reference to Figure 1. When using the washing machine S, the user opens the door 3 and puts the laundry into the drum 20 (see Figure 1). After putting detergent into the detergent case 16, the user inputs a signal into the control panel 4 to start the washing machine S. When an operation signal is input to the control panel 4, the control device 5 transmits a control signal to the drive circuit 6, etc., and the machine executes the washing, spinning, rinsing, and drying processes in that order.

[0032] In the washing process, a water supply valve located in the water supply unit 15 opens, and the supplied water enters the outer tub 10 along with the detergent via the detergent case 16. The fabrics in the drum 20 are lifted in the rotational direction by multiple lifters 20e and then dropped. The fabrics are repeatedly agitated as they fall from the height they were lifted by the lifters 20e, resulting in a beating wash. After the beating wash operation is performed for a predetermined time, the washing process is terminated.

[0033] When the dewatering process begins, the drain valve 8 opens first, and the water in the outer tub 10 is drained through the drain hose 9. Then, the drum 20 is rotated at a constant high speed for a predetermined time, and the moisture in the fabrics is removed by centrifugal force. After the drum 20 has been rotating at high speed for the predetermined time, the dewatering process is completed.

[0034] When the process moves to the rinsing stage, the water supply valve is first opened to supply water, which is then poured into the outer tub 10 via the piping 19 connecting the water supply unit 15 and the outer tub 10. In the rinsing stage, similar to the washing stage, the laundry is lifted in the rotational direction by the lifter 20e of the drum 20 and then dropped from that height, repeating an agitation action (beating action). Through this action, the detergent contained in the fabrics is diluted with the supplied water and rinsed away.

[0035] After the rinsing process, the spin-drying process is performed again, and the washing operation is completed. During the spin-drying process, the vibration of the outer tub 10 during the spin-drying operation is measured using the acceleration sensor 10e, and if the amplitude of the outer tub 10 exceeds a predetermined value, the control device 5 stops the rotation of the drum 20.

[0036] In the initial stages of each process, the rotation detection sensor 47 (see Figure 2) detects the amount of fabric. The fabric amount detection operation involves, for example, raising the drum 20 to a predetermined rotational speed, then stopping the rotation of the drum 20 and allowing it to rotate by inertia (rotation due to inertia) to descend to the predetermined rotational speed. The control device 5 determines the amount of fabric based on the time required for the drum 20's rotational speed to decrease from the initial increase. The control device 5 then controls the rotational speed of the drum 20 by referring to the determined amount of fabric.

[0037] Furthermore, in the initial stages of each process, the rotation detection sensor 47 detects any uneven distribution of the fabrics. This operation involves rotating the drum 20 at a predetermined rotation speed, which is between a rotation speed high enough to cause the fabrics to stick to the inner surface of the drum 20 due to centrifugal force, and a rotation speed sufficiently lower than the resonant rotation speed caused by the washing tub 10S and its supporting members. During this time, the rotation speed of the drum 20 fluctuates over time due to the influence of torque fluctuations when the lifter 20e lifts the fabrics. Based on these fluctuations in rotation speed, the control device 5 determines the uneven distribution of the fabrics. The control device 5 then controls the rotation speed of the drum 20 by controlling the rotation of the drive motor 32, referring to the uneven distribution.

[0038] In the case of a washing machine S equipped with a drying function, the drying process is performed after the spin-drying process.

[0039] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrow I in Figure 1 when the fluid balancer 20d is not rotating. In the following explanation, for simplicity, the case where the fluid balancer 20d is a single layer will be used as an example, but there is no intention to limit the present invention to a single layer. The circumferential direction and radial direction of the fluid balancer 20d will be referred to as the circumferential direction and radial direction, respectively. The liquid 51 provided inside the fluid balancer 20d is indicated by dots.

[0040] The fluid balancer 20d is attached to the drum 20 and rotates with the drum 20. The fluid balancer 20d has a hollow circular tube structure that allows liquid 51 to move circumferentially inside. The cavity 20k inside the hollow circular tube serves as a flow path for the liquid 51. The fluid balancer 20d is used in a multi-layer structure (see Figure 1) or a single-layer structure (see Figure 3) by arranging the hollow circular tubes concentrically. The vibration reduction effect of the fluid balancer 20d can be improved in proportion to the number of layers. The circular tube of the fluid balancer 20d is filled with liquid 51 that is about half the volume of the internal cavity 20k. Saltwater or the like is used for the liquid 51 to increase its specific gravity. A higher specific gravity is preferable for the liquid 51. The centrifugal force applied to the liquid 51 inside the fluid balancer 20d counteracts the centrifugal force caused by the uneven distribution of clothing, thereby providing vibration damping.

[0041] Baffle plates 54 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction along the flow path 53r (cavity 20k) inside the circular pipe of the fluid balancer 20d. The space between adjacent baffle plates 54 is the space through which the liquid 51 flows.

[0042] When the drum 20 is stopped, the liquid 51 accumulates below the fluid balancer 20d due to gravity. The inner wall 53 of the circular pipe of the fluid balancer 20d is composed of an inner wall 53a on the inner circumference side and an inner wall 53b on the outer circumference side. The inner wall 53a on the inner circumference side and the inner wall 53b on the outer circumference side form a flow path 53r, which is an annular cavity 20k.

[0043] The fluid balancer 20d shown in Figure 3 has a configuration in which a baffle plate 54 is provided on the inner wall 53b on the outer circumference side of a circular pipe. When the drum 20 (see Figure 1) starts to rotate, the baffle plate 54 adjusts the flow by scooping up the liquid 51. The baffle plate 54 extends in the depth direction of the drum 20 in the fluid balancer 20d (right side of the paper in Figure 1) and is formed in a flat plate shape.

[0044] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrow I in Figure 1 when the fluid balancer is rotating. As shown in Figure 4, as the drum 20 rotates, the liquid 51 gradually adheres to the inner wall 53b on the outer circumference of the flow path 53r of the circular pipe due to centrifugal force. When the washing tub 10S (see Figure 1) vibrates due to the uneven distribution of the fabrics 50, the liquid 51 shifts in the direction in which the center O1 of the circular pipe when the drum 20 is rotating is displaced by the vibration from the center O of the circular pipe when it is stopped.

[0045] The position where the liquid 51 shifts within the fluid balancer 20d changes before and after passing through the resonant rotational frequency (resonant rotational speed) of the vibration system composed of the outer tub 10, drum 20, spring 14, front damper 41, and rear damper 42 of the washing tub 10S. Figure 4 shows a state in which the shift 51y of the liquid 51 is formed at a position that counteracts the shift 50 of the fabrics. In other words, it shows a state in which the shift 51y of the liquid 51 is formed at a position opposite to the fabrics that counteracts the shift 50 of the fabrics.

[0046] When the drum 20 rotates at a sufficiently high rotational speed after passing the resonant rotational speed (resonant rotational speed), the phase of the vibrational displacement of the washing tub 10S (drum 20, outer tub 10) lags behind the phase of the excitation force caused by the uneven distribution of the fabrics 50, and eventually becomes opposite in phase. In other words, the uneven distribution of the liquid 51 51y is formed at the opposite side of the uneven distribution of the fabrics 50. As a result, the uneven distribution of the liquid 51 51y acts to balance the uneven distribution of the fabrics 50.

[0047] In this way, the displacement 51y of the liquid 51 cancels out the excitation force caused by the displacement 50 of the fabrics on the opposite side, thereby reducing vibrations of the washing tub 10S and the housing 2. Under these conditions, the displacement 51y of the liquid 51 does not shift within each circular tube of the fluid balancer 20d, and the liquid 51 adheres to the circular tube of the fluid balancer 20d and rotates almost synchronously.

[0048] When the drum 20 rotates at a sufficiently low rotational speed before passing the resonant rotational frequency (resonant rotational speed), the direction of the vibrational displacement of the drum 20 is in phase with the fabric misalignment 50. In other words, the liquid 51 is on the same side as the fabric misalignment 50. Therefore, the misalignment 51y of the liquid 51 does not cancel out the excitation force caused by the fabric misalignment 50.

[0049] During the process of passing the resonant rotational speed, the liquid 51 flows and transitions to the opposite side of the fabric bias 50. The ease with which the liquid 51 flows within the fluid balancer 20d varies depending on the arrangement of the baffle plates 54. It is desirable for the liquid 51 within the fluid balancer 20d to transition as quickly as possible within the circular tube. The faster the transition of the liquid 51, the shorter the time it takes for the liquid 51 to move to the position opposite the fabric bias 50, and the greater the vibration reduction effect immediately after passing the resonant rotational speed.

[0050] As the rotational speed of the drum 20 increases and eventually reaches the maximum rotational speed for spinning the clothes, the vibration system composed of the outer tub 10 of the washing tub 10S, the drum 20, the spring 14, the front damper 41, and the rear damper 42 passes through a resonant rotational speed, and then approaches a resonant rotational speed in which the drum 20 and the outer tub 10 elastically deform and oscillate relative to the axis of rotation.

[0051] After passing through the resonant rotational speed in which the drum 20 oscillates rigidly, as the rotational speed of the drum 20 increases towards the resonant rotational speed in which it oscillates elastically, the rigid resonant mode and the resonant mode in which it oscillates elastically are superimposed, so the phase of the vibration displacement of the washing tub 10S is not in opposite phase to the phase of the excitation force caused by the uneven distribution of clothes. As the rotational speed of the drum 20 approaches the resonant rotational speed in which it oscillates elastically, the vibration damping effect of the fluid balancer 20d decreases. During the spin-drying operation, as the rotational speed of the drum 20 is gradually increased until it reaches the maximum rotational speed for spin-drying the clothes, the vibration damping effect of the fluid balancer 20d changes.

[0052] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid balancer of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, viewed from the side. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the upper part of the fluid balancer 20d when cut vertically. As shown in Figure 5, the washing machine S has an outer tub 10 and a drum 20 as the washing tub 10S. A fluid balancer 20d is positioned on the outer circumference of the opening 20g of the drum 20. The fluid balancer 20d is formed in an annular shape so that the liquid 51 (see Figure 4) can move in the circumferential direction and is designed to have a multilayer structure in the radial direction of the drum 20. In the washing machine S, in order to increase the capacity of the drum 20, the fluid balancer 20d is provided on the outer circumference of the clothes loading opening 20t (see Figure 1) on the side closer to the front of the dividing surface 10d (see Figure 1) with the tub cover 10b.

[0053] The fluid flow partition wall 20s that houses the liquid in the fluid balancer 20d has a front partition wall 20s1 located on the front side, a rear partition wall 20s2 located on the rear side, and a partition partition wall 20s3 located between the front partition wall 20s1 and the rear partition wall 20s2 that divides the fluid into multiple flow paths in the radial direction.

[0054] The partition wall 20s3 has an innermost partition wall portion 20s4 (the innermost part of the partition wall) located at the innermost circumference of the fluid balancer 20d, and a partition wall portion 20s5 located radially outward from the innermost partition wall portion 20s4. The partition wall 20s3 also has a partition wall portion 20s6 located radially outward from the partition wall portion 20s5, a partition wall portion 20s7 located radially outward from the partition wall portion 20s6, a partition wall portion 20s8 located radially outward from the partition wall portion 20s7, and a partition wall portion 20s9 located at the outermost circumference.

[0055] The innermost circumferential partition wall 20s4, partition wall 20s5, front partition wall 20s1, and rear partition wall 20s2 form the innermost cavity 20k1 (20k). The partition wall 20s5, partition wall 20s6, front partition wall 20s1, and rear partition wall 20s2 form the cavity 20k2 (20k) located radially outside the cavity 20k1. The partition wall 20s6, partition wall 20s7, front partition wall 20s1, and rear partition wall 20s2 form the cavity 20k3 (20k) located radially outside the cavity 20k2. Cavity 20k4 (20k), located radially outside cavity 20k3, is formed by partition wall 20s7, partition wall 20s8, front partition wall 20s1, and rear partition wall 20s2. Cavity 20k5 (20k), located radially outside cavity 20k4, is formed by partition wall 20s8, partition wall 20s9, front partition wall 20s1, and rear partition wall 20s2. Due to the arrangement of multiple layers of fluid balancers 20d, cavity 20k5 has a smaller flow path volume than the other cavities 20k (20k1 to 20k4). Although not shown in the figures, each cavity 20k (20k1 to 20k5) is provided with a baffle plate as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0056] The flow channel partition wall 20s has a thickened portion 20y1 formed to be thicker in the radial direction. This thickened portion 20y1 is formed in an annular shape and is located at the innermost circumference of the flow channel partition wall 20s. Formed in an annular shape means that it is formed in a ring shape along the flow channel partition wall 20s (innermost circumferential partition wall portion 20s4) located at the innermost circumference extending in the front-rear direction of the fluid balancer 20d.

[0057] Furthermore, the thickened portion 20y1 is formed to protrude radially inward from the outer wall surface 20w1 of the innermost circumferential partition wall portion 20s4 where the thickened portion 20y1 is not formed. Also, the inner wall surface 20w2 where the thickened portion 20y1 is not formed is formed to be flush with the inner wall surface 20w3 of the thickened portion 20y1. In other words, the thickened portion 20y1 is formed so as not to protrude into the cavity 20k1.

[0058] The thick-walled section 20y1 is provided with a fixed base 20y (base, counterweight mounting section) for attaching the counterweight 20x. Each counterweight 20x weighs approximately 10 grams. The fixed base 20y is formed in the innermost circumferential partition wall section 20s4 located at the innermost circumference of the fluid balancer 20d.

[0059] Furthermore, the annular thickened portion 20y1 is located in front of the flow channel partition wall 20s in the front-rear direction. In other words, the annular thickened portion 20y1 is located in front of the center 20f in the front-rear direction of the innermost circumferential partition wall portion 20s4 and partition wall portions 20s5 to 20s8, which constitute the flow channel partition wall 20s.

[0060] Furthermore, the thickened portion 20y1 is provided with a storage recess 20y2 in which the counterweight 20x is housed, along with the aforementioned fixing base 20y. The storage recess 20y2 is formed in an annular shape. The fixing base 20y is located further back (rear side) than the storage recess 20y2 in the front-rear direction. For example, when fixing the counterweight 20x with screws, the fixing base 20y is provided with screw holes 20z. These screw holes 20z are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. With the counterweight 20x housed in the storage recess 20y2, a screw 20n is inserted from the front in the front-rear direction so as to penetrate the counterweight 20x and is screwed into the screw hole 20z of the fixing base 20y, thereby fixing the counterweight 20x to the thickened portion 20y1 (storage recess 20y2).

[0061] Furthermore, the thickened portion 20y1 is formed on the innermost circumferential partition wall portion 20s4 and is configured not to protrude forward (towards the front) from the front partition wall 20s1. The counterweight 20x is fixed to the screw holes 20z of the fixing base 20y via screws 20n, as needed. For example, the product is inspected before shipment, and the counterweight 20x (weight) is attached to a position where vibration is reduced.

[0062] In this way, by forming the annular thick-walled portion 20y1 on the innermost part of the flow channel partition wall 20s, the centrifugal resistance of the inner circumference of the fluid balancer 20d can be further secured, and a fixed base 20y for attaching the counterweight 20x can also be provided. Furthermore, by providing the fixed base 20y on the innermost part of the fluid balancer 20d (innermost part of the partition wall 20s4), the flow of the liquid 51 (see Figure 4), which moves by centrifugal force to adhere to the inner wall 20m on the outer circumference side of the flow channel (cavity 20k1), is not obstructed, and flow channel space can be secured.

[0063] By the way, during the spin-drying process of the washing machine S, vibrations occur due to uneven distribution of laundry. This invention focuses on the following points regarding the fluid balancer 20d used for vibration damping during the spin-drying process of the washing machine S. The fluid balancer 20d is designed with innermost and outermost diameters corresponding to the volume of laundry in the drum 20. The hollow circular tube structure, partitioned by partitions to allow liquid to move circumferentially within its interior, is arranged in multiple layers radially, concentrically within the range of the innermost and outermost diameters. This is because vibration damping effect can be obtained in proportion to the number of layers. However, the height of each cavity 20k decreases as the radially multi-layered structure is increased, but the design ensures that the flow path space inside the fluid balancer 20d is maximized.

[0064] Furthermore, as the rotational speed of the drum 20 increases and eventually reaches the maximum rotational speed for dewatering clothes, after passing through a resonant mode in which the entire washing tub vibrates rigidly, the rotational speed of the drum 20 approaches the resonant rotational speed in which the drum 20 and outer tub 10 vibrate while elastically deforming relative to the axis of rotation. During this time, the vibration-damping effect of the fluid balancer 20d decreases. Therefore, in this embodiment, a recess (storage recess 20y2) for storing the counterweight 20x is provided on the inner circumference of the structure that stores the fluid (liquid 51) of the fluid balancer 20d in front of the drum 20.

[0065] Furthermore, in order to further increase the capacity of the washing machine S, it is necessary to enlarge the internal volume of the drum 20 and widen the clothes loading opening 20t (opening 20g) of the drum 20, which requires miniaturizing the fluid balancer 20d itself, making it thinner in the axial direction, and increasing its inner diameter. At this time, the recess for housing the counterweight 20x (storage recess 20y2) will be in contact with the flow path space when increasing the inner diameter of the fluid balancer 20d. It is also necessary to ensure the centrifugal resistance of the inner circumference of the fluid balancer 20d. Therefore, in this embodiment, a counterweight mounting part (fixing base 20y) is provided on the innermost peripheral partition wall portion 20s4 of the flow path partition wall 20s, which has a structure for housing the liquid 51 of the fluid balancer 20d, and the fixing base 20y is provided on the annular thick-walled portion 20y1. In this way, the counterweight 20x can be attached while ensuring the centrifugal resistance of the inner circumference of the fluid balancer 20d, while also making the fluid balancer 20d thinner in the axial direction and increasing its inner diameter. Furthermore, the opening (opening 20g) of the drum 20 can be enlarged, making it easier to load clothes. As a result, it becomes possible to achieve both a large capacity and low vibration in the washing tub 10S.

[0066] As described above, the washing machine S of the first embodiment comprises a housing 2, an outer tub 10 provided inside the housing 2 and into which washing water is placed, a drum 20 provided inside the outer tub 10 and into which laundry is placed, and a fluid balancer 20d having a circular pipe structure, which is arranged on the outer circumference of the opening 20g of the drum 20, stores liquid 51, and has a flow path formed by a flow path partition wall 20s so that it can move in the circumferential direction. The flow path partition wall 20s of the fluid balancer 20d, which has a structure for storing liquid 51, has a fixed base 20y which is a counterweight mounting part to which a counterweight 20x is attached. This makes it possible to make the fluid balancer 20d thinner in the axial direction and increase the inner diameter while ensuring the centrifugal strength of the inner circumference of the fluid balancer 20d. As a result, it is possible to provide a washing machine S that can accommodate the counterweight 20x, enlarge the opening 20g which is the drum inlet to make it easier to load clothes, and achieve both a large capacity washing tub 10S and low vibration.

[0067] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the flow channel partition wall 20s has an annular thickened portion 20y1 formed at its innermost circumference (innermost partition wall portion 20s4). The counterweight mounting portion is provided with a fixing base 20y for attaching the counterweight 20x to the annular thickened portion 20y1. This makes it possible to thin the fluid balancer 20d in the axial direction and increase its inner diameter while ensuring the centrifugal resistance of the inner circumference of the fluid balancer 20d.

[0068] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the annular thick-walled portion 20y1 is provided in front of the flow channel partition wall 20s in the front-rear direction. The diameter of the opening 20g of the drum 20 can be increased as it goes further in the rearward direction. By providing the annular thick-walled portion 20y1 at this position (in front of the flow channel partition wall 20s in the front-rear direction), the diameter of the rear side of the drum 20 can be increased, making it possible to increase (expand) the internal volume and making it easier to load laundry into the drum 20. The internal volume of the drum 20 includes the portion of the opening 20g, which is made of plate material located on the inner circumference of the fluid balancer 20d.

[0069] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the annular thickened portion 20y1 is located in front of the center 20f of the cavity 20k of the fluid balancer 20d in the depth direction (front-to-back direction) of the drum 20. This increases (expands) the internal volume of the drum 20, making it easier to load laundry.

[0070] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the annular thick-walled portion 20y1 is formed so that its length in the front-to-back direction is longer than its length in the radial direction. This allows the diameter of the opening 20g of the drum 20 to be enlarged compared to the case where the radial length is longer than the front-to-back length, thereby increasing (expanding) the internal volume of the drum 20.

[0071] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the annular thickened portion 20y1 has a storage recess 20y2 in which the counterweight 20x is housed. This allows for a larger thickened portion 20y1 while protecting the counterweight 20x, thereby increasing the centrifugal resistance of the inner circumference of the fluid balancer 20d.

[0072] (Second Embodiment) Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid balancer of the washing machine in the second embodiment, viewed from the side. As shown in Figure 6, the washing machine S1 is equipped with an annular thickened section 20y3. This thickened section 20y3 is formed on the innermost circumferential partition wall section 20s4. Furthermore, the thickened section 20y3 is formed to protrude in both directions: towards the cavity 20k1 where the liquid is stored and towards the opening 20g of the drum 20. In other words, the inner wall surface 20w3 of the thickened section 20y3 forward of the center 20f protrudes toward the cavity 20k1 side more than the inner wall surface 20w2 of the innermost circumferential partition wall section 20s4 rearward of the center 20f. Also, the outer wall 20w4 of the thickened section 20y3 forward of the center 20f protrudes toward the opening 20g side more than the outer wall surface 20w1 of the innermost circumferential partition wall section 20s4 rearward of the center 20f. The amount by which the thickened portion 20y3 protrudes toward the cavity 20k1 is such that it does not obstruct the flow of liquid 51 when the drum 20 rotates. This makes it possible to position the thickened portion 20y3 radially outward compared to the thickened portion 20y1 in the first embodiment.

[0073] In the second embodiment, the annular thick-walled portion 20y3 is formed to protrude toward the cavity 20k1 that houses the liquid 51. This allows the diameter of the opening 20g to be further widened, increasing (expanding) the internal volume of the drum 20 and making it easier to load laundry into the drum 20.

[0074] (Third embodiment) Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid balancer of the washing machine according to the third embodiment, viewed from the side. As shown in Figure 7, the washing machine S2 is equipped with an annular thickened section 20y4. This thickened section 20y4 is formed with a thicker front side in the front-to-back direction and a thinner rear side. In other words, the thickened section 20y4 is formed with a thicker front side in the front-to-back direction than the rear side. Furthermore, the inner wall surface 20w2 of the innermost circumferential partition section 20s4 behind the center 20f is formed flush with the inner wall surface 20w3 of the thickened section 20y4 in front of the center 20f. As a result, the shape of the opening 20g of the drum 20 can be expanded from the front side of the drum 20 compared to the first embodiment, thus increasing (expanding) the internal volume compared to the first embodiment and making it easier to load laundry into the drum 20.

[0075] Furthermore, when the counterweight 20x is attached to the fixed base 20y via a screw 20n, the axial direction g1 of the screw 20n and the longitudinal direction g2 of the flow path partition wall 20s (innermost circumferential partition wall portion 20s4) are made coaxial. By doing so, the internal volume of the drum 20 can be increased (expanded) without unnecessarily making the annular thick-walled portion 20y4 thicker, making it easier to load laundry into the drum 20.

[0076] In the third embodiment, the case where the inner wall surface 20w3 of the thickened portion 20y4 in front of the center 20f and the inner wall surface 20w2 of the innermost circumferential partition wall portion 20s4 behind the center 20f are flush was described as an example. However, as in the second embodiment, the thickened portion 20y4 may be configured to protrude towards the cavity 20k1. This makes it possible to further increase (expand) the internal volume of the drum 20.

[0077] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 8 is a perspective view of the fluid balancer of the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment, viewed from the front. Note that Figure 8 shows the state with the counterweight 20x removed. As shown in Figure 8, the annular thickened portion 20y1 has a storage recess 20y2 (recess) in which the counterweight 20x (see Figure 5) is housed. Partition plates 20v (partitions) are formed in the storage recess 20y2 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In the fourth embodiment, the partition plate 20v forms a wall that partitions the entire area from the surface (front) of the thickened portion 20y1 to the bottom surface of the storage recess 20y2, but it may also be shaped to partition only a part of it.

[0078] A fixing base 20y is formed in each storage recess 20y2. A screw hole 20z is formed in this fixing base 20y. As a result, multiple counterweights 20x can be attached to the annular thickened portion 20y1 in the circumferential direction.

[0079] In the fourth embodiment, partition plates 20v are formed in the storage recess 20y2 of the annular thick-walled portion 20y1 at circumferential intervals. This allows them to act as reinforcing ribs to suppress radial deformation of the annular thick-walled portion 20y1. As a result, the centrifugal resistance of the inner circumference of the fluid balancer 20d can be further ensured.

[0080] (Fifth embodiment) Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid balancer of the washing machine according to the fifth embodiment, viewed from the side. Note that Figure 9 shows a portion of the inner circumference of the fluid balancer 20d and a portion of the drum 20. As shown in Figure 9, the washing machine of the fifth embodiment has an annular thickened portion 20y5. The thickened portion 20y5 is located in front of the center 20f in the front-rear direction of the fluid balancer 20d. A fixed base 20y is also formed on the thickened portion 20y5. A screw hole 20z is formed on the fixed base 20y. Furthermore, the length of the thickened portion 20y5 in the front-rear direction is longer than its length in the radial direction. In addition, the front surface of the thickened portion 20y5 is shaped so as not to protrude forward from the front side partition wall 20s1 of the fluid balancer 20d.

[0081] A storage recess 20y6 is formed on the front surface of the thickened portion 20y5, in which a portion of the counterweight 20x is housed. The counterweight 20x is housed in the storage recess 20y6 and fixed via a screw 20n. The counterweight 20x is fixed in the storage recess 20y6 with the counterweight 20x protruding forward from the front side partition wall 20s1.

[0082] In the fifth embodiment, the counterweight 20x is fixed so as to protrude forward from the front partition wall 20s1 (partition wall located at the front) of the fluid balancer 20d. This allows the thickened portion 20y5 to be positioned forward of the center 20f of the fluid balancer 20d, so that the diameter of the opening 20g can be enlarged from a more forward position, and the internal volume of the drum 20 can be further increased (widened).

[0083] Alternatively, the counterweight 20x can be attached to the fixed base 20y by press-fitting or embedding. This will achieve the same effect as described above. Furthermore, by press-fitting the counterweight 20x, the screw hole 20z can be eliminated, making the installation of the counterweight 20x easier. Additionally, by embedding the counterweight 20x using insert molding, it becomes unnecessary to attach the counterweight 20x to the fluid balancer 20d.

[0084] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and specific forms are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, although the above embodiment described a case in which multiple layers of fluid balancers 20d are provided in the radial direction, the invention can also be applied when the fluid balancer 20d is a single layer.

[0085] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described a washing machine S having a substantially horizontal axis of rotation as an example, the present invention is also applicable to vertical washing machines (washing machines) having a substantially vertical axis of rotation. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 2 cabinets 10 Outer tank 14 springs 20 drums (inner tubs) 20d Fluid Balancer 20f Center (Center in the front-to-back direction of the fluid balancer) 20g opening 20k, 20k1, 20k2, 20k3, 20k4, 20k5 hollow 20N screw 20s flow channel partition (partition) 20s1 Front bulkhead 20s2 Rear side bulkhead 20s3 Partition wall 20s4 Innermost circumferential partition wall section (innermost part of the partition wall) 20s5,20s6,20s7,20s8,20s9 Partition part 20k, 20k1, 20k2, 20k3, 20k4, 20k5 hollow 20V partition plate (divider) 20x Counterweight 20y Fixed base (base) 20y1,20y3,20y4,20y5 Thick wall part 20y2 Storage recess (recess) 20z screw hole 41 Front damper 42 Rear damper 50 Uneven distribution of fabrics 51 Liquid g1 Axial direction (screw axis direction) g2 Longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction of the innermost circumference of the partition wall) S,S1,S2 washing machine

Claims

1. The casing and An outer tub is provided inside the aforementioned housing, into which washing water is placed, An inner tub is provided inside the outer tub, into which laundry can be placed, The fluid balancer comprises a circular tube structure positioned on the outer circumference of the opening of the inner tank, containing a liquid, and having a flow path formed by a partition wall to allow movement in the circumferential direction, The partition wall of the structure that houses the liquid of the fluid balancer has an annular thickened portion formed at the innermost circumference of the partition wall. The washing machine is characterized in that the thickened portion is provided with a base for attaching a counterweight, as well as a recess for housing the counterweight.

2. In the washing machine according to Claim 1, The washing machine is characterized in that the annular thickened portion is provided in front of the partition wall in the front-to-back direction.

3. In the washing machine according to Claim 1, The washing machine is characterized in that the annular thickened portion is provided in front of the center of the partition wall in the front-to-back direction.

4. In the washing machine according to Claim 1, The washing machine is characterized in that the annular thickened portion is formed such that the front side in the front-to-back direction of the partition wall is thicker than the rear side.

5. In the washing machine according to Claim 1, The washing machine is characterized in that the annular thick-walled portion is formed to protrude toward the cavity side for storing the liquid.

6. In the washing machine according to claim 1, The washing machine is characterized in that the annular thick-walled portion is formed so that its length in the front-to-back direction is longer than its length in the radial direction.

7. In the washing machine according to Claim 1, The washing machine is characterized in that partitions are formed in the recess at intervals in the circumferential direction.

8. In the washing machine according to Claim 1, When the counterweight is fixed to the base via screws, A washing machine characterized in that the axial direction of the screw and the longitudinal direction of the innermost circumference of the partition wall are coaxial.

9. In the washing machine according to claim 1, The washing machine is characterized in that the counterweight is fixed so as to protrude forward from the partition wall located in front of the fluid balancer.

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