FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to drum-type washing machines that wash clothes and
others.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A conventional drum-type washing machine is disclosed in, e.g. Unexamined Japanese
Patent Application Publication No.
H10-127978 (Patent Literature 1). This washing machine includes a pump for supplying wash water
stored in a water tub into a water circulating path and a nozzle having multiple holes
through which the wash water jets from this side of a rotating drum toward an inner
part of the drum. The nozzle is placed in front of the drum and the multiple holes
are formed at slightly different angles from each other, so that clothes loaded in
the drum can get wet fast. The rpm of the drum is controlled to prevent the wet clothes
from tangling with non-wet clothes or clustering between the wet clothes. The foregoing
structure allows improving the tumbling effect produced by the spin of the drum, and
as a result, a washing time can be shortened and the performance of wash and rinse
can be improved.
[0003] The drum-type washing machine disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is detailed hereinafter.
Fig. 18 is a lateral cross section schematically illustrating a method for jetting
wash water of the drum-type washing machine. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of nozzle
26 in part.
[0004] As shown in Fig. 18, the drum-type washing machine is formed of: housing 1, water
tub 2, rotary drum 4, motor 44, pump 21, water shut off valve 6, drain valve 19, water
circulating path 20, feed valve 15, vents 13, drain path 18, drain port 17, door 7,
motor pulley 40, driving belt 41, driving pulley 42, tank 43, and nozzle 26. The dotted
lines in Fig. 18 indicate the jets of wash water.
[0005] Nozzle 26 shown in Fig. 19 includes inlet 24 through which the wash water to be jetted
is supplied, and multiple nozzle holes 31 having openings at different positions.
[0006] The operation of the foregoing conventional drum-type washing machine is described
hereinafter. First, supply water through feed valve 15 in an appropriate amount to
the clothes loaded in drum 4, then drive motor 44 for rotating drum 4 at an rpm which
allows tumbling the clothes in drum 4. Spin of the driving shaft of motor 44 drives
motor pulley 40 coupled to the driving shaft, thereby transmitting power to driving
pulley 42 coupled to drum 4 via driving belt 41. Driving pulley 42 and drum 4 thus
rotate. After a lapse of a given time, shut drain valve 41 and open water shut-off
valve 6.
[0007] Next, drive pump 21 to jet, via water circulating path 20, the wash water in which
detergent is solved from nozzle 26 to the laundry in drum 4. The wash water is jetted
from multiple holes 31 of which openings are formed at different positions from each
other, where the wash water jets from door 7 toward the inner part of drum 4. The
structure discussed above allows the wash water jetted for wetting the laundry within
a short time and in a wide area, so that the shorter wash time and the better performance
of wash and rinse can be expected.
[0008] The foregoing conventional drum-type washing machine jets the wash water from the
door side toward the inner part of drum 4 through nozzle 26 placed above drum 4 at
the door side, thereby wetting the laundry for washing. This method, however, fails
to practically wet the laundry when a small volume of laundry is loaded in drum 4
because the water jetted in parts fail to hit the laundry but hit the drum directly.
To the contrary, when a large volume of laundry is loaded, the wash water jetted in
parts only hit the laundry near to the nozzles or nozzle holes, so that nozzle 26
also fails to wet the laundry uniformly or in a wider area. In these cases, wash performance
for the entire laundry cannot be improved.
[0009] Since the nozzle has multiple nozzle-holes, greater pressure loss is incurred during
the water supply from the circulating path to the individual holes. As a result, a
smaller amount of wash water is jetted from each one of the nozzle holes, so that
it is difficult to wet the clothes quickly and uniformly.
[0010] To overcome the foregoing problems, a nozzle greater in size is used, and multiple
nozzles are provided in the water tub for jetting the wash water over the greater
area. However, these measures cause the laundry rotating in the rotary drum to tangle
with the nozzles.
GB 2 308 388 A relates to a washing machine having a spraying nozzle assembly. The washing machine
has a spraying nozzle assembly which evenly and strongly sprays a circulated washing
liquid onto an article to be washed. The washing machine has a housing, an outer tub
disposed in the housing so as to receive the washing liquid, a spin tub accommodated
in the outer tub, an outer tub cover mounted on the outer tub, and a spraying nozzle
assembly for spraying the washing liquid onto the article to be washed which is loaded
in the spin tub. The spraying nozzle assembly includes an upper frame mounted on an
upper surface of the outer tub cover and a lower frame which is rotatably coupled
to a lower portion of the upper frame. The lower frame is formed at a bottom wall
thereof with a plurality of spraying nozzles which are regularly arranged in a spiral
pattern. The washing machine can evenly and strongly spray the circulated washing
liquid onto the articles through the spraying nozzles arranged in the spiral pattern,
so the washing effect can be improved without wasting any washing liquid. Since the
lower frame rotates while the washing liquid is being sprayed, the washing liquid
does not concentrate at one spot of the articles, but sprays widely onto the articles.
US 2010/0000266 A1 relates to a washing machine. The washing machine has a water spray device to efficiently
wet the laundry by spraying washing water to the laundry with uniform pressure. The
washing machine includes an outer tub, and a water spray device installed at an upper
portion of the outer tub to spray washing water. The water spray device includes a
diffusion duct for diffusing the washing water around the outer tub and a spray member
provided in the diffusion duct to spray the washing water into the outer tub.
US 2007/0107471 A1 relates to methods and apparatus for washing machine. A spraying device for a washing
machine includes a body including a wall having an outer surface, a water inlet and
a channel defined therein. The channel is in flow communication with the water inlet,
and a plurality of nozzles extend through the wall and in flow communication with
the channel. The washing machine includes a wash tub and a basket mounted within the
wash tub. The basket is configured to rotate. The nozzles include an inlet, an outlet,
an inner diameter, and an outer diameter. At least a portion of the outlet includes
a surface substantially perpendicular to a flow of water through the nozzle, and the
nozzles have a length longer than a thickness of the wall. At least a portion of the
outlet is unitary with the wall outer surface.
US 2003/0061843 A1 relates to a drum type washing machine. The drum type washing machine includes a
cabinet which defines an outer appearance of the washing machine, a water tub set
inside the cabinet to contain wash water therein, a rotary tub having spin drying
perforations and rotatably set in the water tub, and a water turbine which is mounted
at an open front of the rotary tub and rotates along with the rotary tub to spray
the wash water contained in the water tub into the rotary tub. The water turbine includes
an external member having an annular shape, and an internal member having an annular
shape corresponding to the external member. The internal member is arranged apart
from the external member by a predetermined interval. A vane unit is set between the
external and the internal members, and raises the wash water contained in the water
tub and sprays the wash water into the rotary tub.
JP 2007-082784 A relates to a drum type washing machine. The washing water which turns in the water
receiving tub accompanying the rotation of the rotary drum is jetted to the rotary
drum from the front side of the water receiving tub by the circulating water passage,
and the washing water is fed to clothes in the rotary drum to increase the washing
effects. The motion to increase the washing effects is made to be visually checked
through a lid body made of a see-through material which is used as an illumination
device for preventing clothes from being overlooked in the rotary drum after the completion
of the washing motion as well.
US 2003/0051514 A1 relates to a washing machine. The document relates to a washing machine, which is
capable of forcibly circulating water from the lower portion of a washing tub to the
upper portion of the washing tub, thereby enabling circulation washing of the laundry.
The washing machine includes a casing, a washing tub, an arrangement for holding the
washing tub in the casing and an arrangement for forcibly circulating washing water.
The washing tub is mounted in the casing. The holding arrangement serves to allow
the washing tub to be positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle with regard
to a vertical axis. The water circulating arrangement forcibly circulates washing
water from a bottom of the washing tub to a top of the washing tub and is extended
from the bottom of the washing tub to the top of the washing tub.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved and useful drum-type
washing machine in which the above-mentioned problems are eliminated. In order to
achieve the above-mentioned object, there is provided a drum-type washing machine
according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.
[0012] Advantageously, a drum-type washing machine comprises the following structural elements:
a water tub for storing wash water;
a rotary drum disposed rotatably in the water tub and having an opening at the front;
a motor for driving the rotary drum;
a water circulating path for circulating the wash water stored in the water tub to
the drum;
a pump for conveying the wash water stored in the water tub to the water circulating
path; multiple nozzles for jetting the wash water, transmitted thereto by the pump,
into the rotary drum; and
a nozzle water path formed around a front face of the water tub for conveying the
wash water from the water circulating path to the nozzles.
[0013] The structure discussed above allows the wash water conveyed by the pump into the
water tub to jet over a greater area, thereby exposing the laundry agitated in the
rotary drum to the wash water more frequently. As a result, the wash water can be
supplied all over the laundry in the drum, thereby wetting the laundry uniformly,
and improving the performance of wash and rinse.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014]
Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a drum-type washing machine in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a sectional view of an essential part of the drum-type washing machine in
accordance with the first embodiment.
Fig. 3 is fragmentary view taken along arrows 3 - 3 of Fig. 1 for illustrating the
first embodiment.
Fig. 4 is a sectional view of a nozzle of the drum-type washing machine in accordance
with the first embodiment.
Fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating an essential part of a nozzle generally used
in drum-type washing machines.
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view taken along arrows 3 - 3 of Fig. 1 for illustrating a
second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view taken along arrows 3 - 3 of Fig. 1 for illustrating a
third embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view taken along arrows 3 - 3 of Fig. 1 for illustrating a
fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view taken along arrows 3 - 3 of Fig. 1 for illustrating a
fifth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 10 is a sectional view of a nozzle of a drum-type washing machine in accordance
with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a sectional view of a nozzle of a drum-type washing machine in accordance
with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 12 is a sectional view of a nozzle of a drum-type washing machine in accordance
with an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken along line 13 - 13 of Fig. 6 for illustrating a
ninth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along line 14 - 14 of Fig. 6 for illustrating the
ninth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15 - 15 of Fig. 6 for illustrating the
ninth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 16 is a fragmentary view taken along arrows 3 - 3 of Fig. 1 for illustrating
a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 17 illustrates a way of jetting wash water from multiple nozzles 26.
Fig. 18 is a lateral sectional view schematically illustrating a way of jetting wash
water of a drum-type washing machine disclosed in Patent Literature 1.
Fig. 19 is a perspective view in part of nozzle 26 of the drum-type washing machine
disclosed in Patent Literature 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are demonstrated hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings. Structural elements similar to those of the
conventional model or those of an antecedent embodiment have the same reference signs
and the detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. The present invention is not limited
by the following embodiments. In the embodiments, the opening side of the rotary drum
of the drum-type washing machine is referred to as a front, a front side, a front
section, or a front face, and the opposite side to the opening side is referred to
as a rear, a rear side, a rear section or a rear face.
Exemplary Embodiment 1.
[0016] Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a drum-type washing machine in accordance with the
first embodiment of the present invention. This drum-type washing machine, as shown
in Fig. 1, comprises the following elements: housing 1, water tub 2, suspension 3,
rotary drum 4, openings 5 and 6, door 7, motor 9, protrusion 12, feed valve 15, drain
valve 19, water circulating path 20, pump 21, nozzle water path 22, nozzle 26. The
washing machine further comprises controller 32 mounted on a rear bottom in housing
1 for controlling motor 9, feed valve 15, drain valve 19, and pump 21 as well as controlling
the steps of wash, rinse, and spin-dry based on a given program.
[0017] Water tub 2 shaped like a cylinder having a bottom is resiliently supported by suspension
3 in housing 1. Rotary drum 4 shaped like a cylinder having a bottom is placed rotatably
in water tub 2. Rotary axis 4a of drum 4 substantially agrees with the center line
on which rotary drum 4 rotates, and also substantially agrees with the center line
on which water tub 2 rotates. Tub 2 and drum 4 have circular openings 5 and 6 respectively,
on the front, i.e. the place where door 7 is mounted. Rotary axis 4a tilts rearward
(front-up and rear-down) by, e.g. 1.0 - 20 degrees relative to the horizontal 4b,
so that water tub 2 can be situated in housing 1.
[0018] Confronting openings 5 and 6, door 7 is placed on the front of housing 1 for loading
or unloading the laundry into or from drum 4. Bellows 8 made of elastic material such
as rubber is placed around opening 5 of water tub 2, so that shut of door 7 bites
a rim of bellows 8 at inner face of door 7 for sealing door 7 shut.
[0019] Motor 9 is mounted at the opposite end (rear face of water tub 2) to opening 5 of
water tub 2 for driving drum 4. The rotor of motor 9 is connected to drum 4 via rotary
shaft 10 which transmits the spin of motor 9 to drum 4. Cylindrical wall 11 of drum
4 has multiple projections 12 projected toward rotary axis 4a. The laundry is caught
on projections 12 and lifted, and then falls from a height to the bottom. This action
is repeated during the rotation of drum 4. On top of that, numerous vents 13 are formed
all over cylindrical wall 11, so that when wash water is stored in water tub 2 up
to a given level, the wash water enters into drum 4 through vents 13.
[0020] Detergent container 14 is placed above water tub 2, and connected to feed valve 15
which connects with a tap of a water supply. Open or close of feed valve 15 supplies
the tap water or halts the supply to detergent container 14. Water-feed path 16 is
connected to the underside of detergent container 14 so that the detergent is supplied
to water tub 2 together with the water entered container 14.
[0021] Drain port 17 is formed on the underside of water tub 2 for discharging the wash
water stored in tub 2, and drain path 18 is connected to drain port 17 for conveying
the wash water to the outside of housing 1. Drain valve 19 is placed somewhere in
path 18 for closing path 18.
[0022] Circulating path 20 connected to drain port 17 branches off from drain path 18 so
that the wash water discharged from tub 2 can circulate via rotary drum 4 into water
tub 2 again. Circulating path 20 is laid under water tub 2 such that it extends from
the rear to the front and lies almost horizontally. Driving pump 21 placed somewhere
in circulating path 20 draws the wash water stored in water tub 2 from drain port
17 into path 20, and pressurizes the wash water flowing in path 20 for conveying it
into drum 4. This mechanism allows the wash water stored in water tub 2 to run through
path 20 and circulate to tub 2.
[0023] Nozzle water path 22 is formed inside the front face of water tub 2, to be more specific,
on the inner face of opening 5 viewed from opening 6 of drum 4 and outside of rim
23a of circular opening 6 of drum 4. Nozzle water path 22 is shaped like a circle,
which is approx. concentric (including concentric) with opening 5 of tub 2 and opening
6 of drum 4. Inner rim 23a of path 22 is placed outside rim 23a of opening 6 in the
radial direction.
[0024] Next, a structure around nozzle 26 in accordance with the first embodiment is demonstrated
with reference to Fig. 2 which shows a sectional view of an essential part of the
drum-type washing machine in accordance with the first embodiment.
[0025] As shown in Fig. 2, flow-in port 25 is formed at an upper section of circulating
path 20 such that port 25 communicates with path 20. Nozzles 26 are provided at an
upper section of nozzle water path 22 which is formed circularly outside rim 23 a
of opening 6. Space 27 is provided between nozzle 26 and rim 23 a. Reflector 28 is
provided in space 27 for the wash water jetted into space 27 to reflect thereon toward
opening 6. The jetted wash water can be thus guided to opening 6 and then into drum
4.
[0026] Reflector 28 is formed annularly around opening 5 and confronts the front of rotary
drum 4. Reflector 28 includes hit-face 28a tilting relative to the jet stream from
nozzle 26. This tilt avoids scattering the wash water in all directions and allows
the jet stream of wash water to land stably on hit-face 28a, thereby diffusing the
wash water along hit-face 28a. As a result, the wash water can be sprayed over the
laundry in drum 4 in a stable manner.
[0027] A smaller tilt angle of hit-face 28a relative to the jet direction from nozzle 26
allows the jet stream to land more stably on hit-face 28a and diffuse over a greater
area. However, if reflector 28 is formed of only hit-face 28a, a small tilt angle
of hit-face 28a fails to guide the jet stream into the inner part of drum 4, and the
wash water is sprayed onto only the clothes located at the front part of drum 4.
[0028] To avoid the foregoing possible problem, guide-face 28b is formed on the inner rim
of reflector 28, and the tilt angle of reflector 28 relative to the jet direction
is set smaller than that of guide-face 28b. This structure allows setting the tilt
angle of hit-face 28a gently relative to the jet direction from nozzle 26, whereby
the jet stream of the wash water can land at hit-face 28a more steadily and diffuse
over a wider area regardless of the direction which guides the jet stream into drum
4. The jet stream is guided by guide-face 28b along the direction toward inside drum
4, so that the wash water can be sprayed over the laundry in drum 4 in a steady diffusing
manner.
[0029] The length of guide-face 28b is set shorter than that of hit-face 28a because it
is necessary for hit-face 28a to have a greater contacting area than a hitting area
of the jet stream so that the jet stream can stably land on hit-face 28a and diffuse.
Since guide-face 28b functions only as changing the jet stream direction, a smaller
contacting area of guide-face 28b than that of hit-face 28a works good. This structure
allows minimizing the reduction in the flow velocity at guide-face 28b, thereby spraying
the wash water more strongly over the laundry. As a result, the performance of wash
and rinse can be improved.
[0030] As discussed above, the jet stream from nozzle 26 should run to reflector 28, so
that a water-guide wall, which is regularly used in a conventional washing machine,
is omitted from Fig. 2. Omission of the water-guide wall allows the jet stream from
nozzle 26 to flow into space 27, and then hit the hit-face 28a, and diffuse into drum
4 through opening 6 with the aid of guide-face 28b. The mechanism allows nozzle 26
to be located away from the rim of opening 6 of drum 4 while the jet stream from nozzle
26 can be guided into rotary drum 4 free from adverse resistance from the wall. As
a result, this structure allows minimizing the reduction in the flow velocity, thereby
spraying the wash water more strongly over the laundry in drum 4.
[0031] Nozzle 26 is not necessarily shaped like a flat tube which is required for running
along the water guide wall, but its cross-sectional area should equal to that of the
flat one, so that the cross section of nozzle 26 is shaped like, e.g. a round hole
because this shape invites the least pressure loss. This shape allows minimizing the
reduction in volumetric flow of the wash water jetted from nozzle 26, so that a sufficient
quantity of the wash water can be supplied to the laundry in drum 4.
[0032] Reflector 28 diffuses the bar-shaped jet stream, so that the wash water can be sprayed
in a wide area over the laundry in rotary drum 4. As a result, the performance of
wash and rinse can be improved.
[0033] Next, a structure of the drum-type washing machine in accordance with the first embodiment
is described hereinafter with reference to Fig. 3, which is a fragmentary view taken
along arrows 3 - 3 of the drum-type washing machine shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows
the structure viewed from opening 6 of rotary drum 4.
[0034] As shown in Fig. 3, nozzle water path 22 is provided with flow-in port 25 at the
lower a section. Nozzle water path 22 runs along the shape of water tub 2, so that
path 22 shapes approx. annularly (including a circle), and it branches off at port
25 to both sides and the two branched paths extend to end parts 22a respectively.
The water flowing in path 22 is split into two streams which run long and approx.
annularly (including a circle) such that the streams surround opening 5. This split
makes each one of the streams short, which reduces the pressure loss in nozzle water
path 22. This structure allows applying sufficient pressures to each one of nozzles
26a - 26g (detailed later) so that the velocity of jet stream from nozzle 26 can be
appropriately maintained, and therefore, the wash water can be sprayed all over the
laundry in drum 4. Nozzle water path 22 is not necessarily provided with end parts
22a, so that path 22 can be formed seamlessly. In this case, since the water flow
is also split into two directions at flow-in port 25, an advantage similar to what
is discussed above is obtainable.
[0035] The wash water flows into nozzle water path 22 from flow-in port 25 along the direction
toward rotary axis 4a (direction indicated by arrow C in Fig. 3). This structure allows
the streams to branch off smoothly in two directions, thereby applying sufficient
pressures onto respective nozzles 26a - 26g. As a result, this structure can increase
the velocity of the jet streams.
[0036] If the wash water pumped out to nozzle water path 22 dashes against each other at
port 25, jet force is lowered, so that path 22 is preferably structured to avoid this
possible problem. For instance, a path running clockwise and another path running
counterclockwise are prepared so that the wash water cannot dash against each other
at port 25.
[0037] As shown in Fig. 3, multiple nozzles 26a - 26g provided in nozzle water path 22 are
supposed to jet the wash water toward rotary axis 4a (e.g. nozzle 26c is supposed
to jet the wash water along the alternate long and short dash line); however, the
jet direction is shifted from the alternate long and short dash line to the arrow
line by angle θ1. Respective nozzles 26a - 26g are thus shifted toward the same direction
by the same angle θ1 (shift angle). This structure allows enlarging the area over
which the wash water can be sprayed, so that the wash water can be supplied all over
the laundry in an efficient manner.
[0038] In this case, if the shift angle is too great, the wash water cannot be sprayed around
rotary axis 4a. To avoid this possible problem, shift angle θ1 is set to be an approx.
half of angle θ2 (e.g. 10 - 30 degrees) which defines the spread of the wash water
diffusing along the rotary direction of drum 4, so that shift angle θ1 should be set
at, e.g. 5 - 15 degrees.
[0039] Multiple nozzles 26 (26a - 26g) are formed at locations distant from rim 23a of opening
6 of rotary drum 4 as shown in Fig. 2. This structure allows nozzles 26 to spray the
diffusing wash water over the laundry in drum 4 without exposing nozzles 26 to opening
6 of drum 4. As a result, the laundry can be loaded or unloaded into/from drum 4 free
from being caught on opening 6 and being torn. On top of that, the laundry can be
loaded or unloaded with ease, so that better usability can be expected.
[0040] It is preferable to form bulge section 29 by swelling out a part of nozzle water
path 22 toward rotary axis 4a. An advantage of nozzle 26 formed at bulge section 29
is demonstrated hereinafter with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 is a sectional
view of the nozzle of the drum-type washing machine in accordance with the first embodiment.
[0041] As shown in Fig. 4, bulge section 29 is provided to a part of nozzle water path 22,
and nozzle hole 31 shaped like, e.g. a circle, is formed on flat part 30 of bulge
section 29. Thickness (depth) "L" of nozzle hole 31 is set not greater than diameter
"d" thereof. An extension of flat part 30 runs across the direction of the wash water
jetted from nozzle hole 31 at right angles, and as shown in Fig. 3, tilts by the shift
angle θ1 of nozzle 26.
[0042] The wash water at bulge section 29 is isolated from the main stream (indicated by
dotted line with arrow in Fig. 4) which flows in nozzle water path 22 to end part
22a, so that the main stream does not so much affect multiple nozzles 26a - 26g shown
in Fig. 3. This mechanism thus prevents the streams jetted from multiple nozzles 26a
- 26g from being disarranged, and makes the jet direction steadily. The jet streams
can be contracted, whereby the velocities of the streams can be increased. Stronger
jet stream thus can be expected.
[0043] The foregoing mechanism is detailed hereinafter with reference to Fig. 5 that is
a sectional view illustrating a structure of an essential part of a nozzle widely
used in drum-type washing machines.
[0044] As shown in Fig. 5, in general, inner wall 103 of nozzle water path 102 slants gently
and smoothly toward nozzle hole 101, thereby narrowing nozzle hole 101, in order to
minimize pressure-loss. This structure keeps preventing the water flowing through
path 102 from separating from inner wall 103 until just before the flow is jetted
from nozzle hole 101, otherwise this separation would incur turbulence. Nozzle 100
inviting smaller pressure loss is thus obtainable. In this case, under the condition
of the same quantity of flow, the velocity of the jet stream from nozzle hole 101
is determined by the cross sectional area of hole 101, so that a greater quantity
of flow or a smaller cross sectional area of hole 101 is needed to increase the velocity
of the jet stream.
[0045] Increment in the circulation flow running through circulating path 20 which supplies
the wash water to nozzle water path 22 lowers the water level in water tub 2, thereby
inviting air with ease to enter pump 21, which then falls into "air-biting" state,
and the circulation flow decreases contrary to the expectation. The increment in the
quantity of flow in circulating path 20 is thus limited when a washing is done with
a small amount of water stored in water tub 2. At this time, waste thread produced
from the laundry will clog path 20, and to avoid such a reliability problem, there
should be a limitation on reducing the cross sectional area of nozzle hole 31.
[0046] As shown in Fig. 4, bulge section 29 swelling out toward rotary axis 4a of drum 4
is thus formed, and flat part 30 formed approx. vertically (including vertical) relative
to the extending direction of nozzle hole 31 is also provided around hole 31. The
flow around inner wall face 22b, formed by bulge section 29, of nozzle water path
22 tries to flow along inner wall face 22b due to its viscosity; however, the stream
jetted from hole 31 is separated from the inside wall of nozzle hole 31 because inner
wall face 22b sharply bends by approx. 90 degrees.
[0047] The cross sectional area "B" of the jet stream thus becomes smaller than the cross
sectional area "A" of nozzle 31, namely, the stream is contracted. Nozzle 26 in accordance
with this first embodiment achieves a greater velocity of flow and a stronger jet
stream than a conventional nozzle under the condition where nozzle 26 has the same
cross sectional area as the conventional one and both of the subject nozzles and the
conventional ones are used in the same quantity of flow.
[0048] The sectional view of nozzle hole 31 cut along line 4 - 4 of Fig. 4 is, e.g. a circle,
and this structure allows contracting the jet stream uniformly, preventing the jet
stream from being disarranged, and jetting the wash water along a given direction
for spraying the wash water over the laundry. Circular nozzle hole 31 has no projections
therein, so that the waste thread produced from the laundry is hardly caught in hole
31, which can be thus prevented from being clogged by the waste thread.
[0049] Thickness "L" of nozzle hole 31 is set not greater than diameter "d" thereof, because
if the length of hole 31 along the jet direction is too long, the contracted flow
separated from the inside wall of hole 31 flares gradually before the flow is jetted,
which cancels the advantage of increasing the velocity of flow. This is the reason
why thickness "L" of nozzle hole 31 is preferably set not greater than diameter "d"
thereof.
[0050] The structure discussed above allows increasing the velocity of the stream jetted
from nozzle hole 31, and increasing the strength of the wash water jet stream.
[0051] Starting operation of the foregoing drum-type washing machine is demonstrated hereinafter,
and other operations, e.g. rinse, dehydration, spin-dry, stay the same as those of
the conventional washing machine.
[0052] First, open door 7 for loading laundry, e.g. clothes, into rotary drum 4 before driving
the machine, which then senses an amount of the laundry. Next, open feed valve 15
for wash water to dissolve detergent stored in container 14, and this wash water enters
water tub 2 via water-feed path 16.
[0053] Then sense a water level of the wash water stored in water tub 2 with a water level
sensor (not shown). To be more specific, the water level sensor senses the amount
of water determined in response to an amount of the laundry. Then halt the water supply
before starting the washing. Motor 9 rotates drum 4 forward or backward, and the laundry
accommodated in drum 4 is lifted along the rotating direction with projections 12
provided on cylindrical wall 11 of drum 4, and then the laundry falls. The lift &
fall action, referred to as "tumbling", washes the laundry.
[0054] At this time, the water level of the wash water is preferably set appropriately to
obtain effective tumbling (beat wash). However, when the water in tub 2 stays at a
low level, the wash water cannot permeate throughout the laundry, so that the wash
water in tub 2 is drawn by pump 21 into circulating path 20 via drain port 17 provided
at the bottom of tub 2, and the wash water is then jetted over the laundry in drum
4.
[0055] To be more specific, as shown in Fig. 1, pump 21 pumps the wash water into water
tub 2, and the wash water then runs through circulating path 20, passes through flow-in
port 25 provided at nozzle water path 22, and flows into nozzle water path 22. The
wash water is then branched off to both sides and runs through annularly formed long
path 22 to end parts 22a. The wash water is then guided to multiple nozzles 26 (e.g.
seven nozzles 26a - 26g are available in Fig. 3). At least three nozzles 26 are needed.
The wash water is jetted from nozzles 26a - 26g in a bar-like shape into space 27
formed at rotary axis 4a side.
[0056] As shown in Fig. 2, the wash water jetted into space 27 hits against hit-face 28a
of reflector 28, and reflects toward opening 6 of rotary drum 4. The wash water then
diffuses along the rotating direction of drum 4, and the wash water is jetted from
around rim 23a of opening 6 into drum 4 with the aid of guide-face 28b.
[0057] In this embodiment, jet directions "a" (indicated in a solid line with arrow in Fig.
3) of respective nozzles 26a - 26g are shifted by angle θ1 from the directions (indicated
in an alternate long and short dash line in Fig. 3) directed to rotary axis 4a. This
structure allows jetting the wash water uniformly in a wider area, so that the laundry
agitated in drum 4 is more frequently exposed to the wash water. As a result, the
wash water can be sprayed all over the laundry, and the performance of wash and rinse
can be improved.
[0058] The jet directions of wash water from multiple nozzles 26 (26a-26g) can be shifted
from the direction to rotary axis 4a by different angles although they are shifted
in unison as discussed previously. This structure also allows jetting the wash water
uniformly in a wider area, so that the laundry agitated in drum 4 is more frequently
exposed to the wash water. As a result, the wash water can be sprayed all over the
laundry, and the performance of wash and rinse can be improved.
[0059] At least one nozzle, e.g. nozzle 26g, among multiple nozzles 26 is preferably placed
close to the upper end of rim 23a of opening 6 so that nozzle 26g can jet the wash
water into drum 4. This structure allows spraying the wash water from around the upper
most point to the laundry, and the wash water jetted over the laundry flows downward
due to gravitation, thereby wetting the laundry covered with the other laundry.
[0060] The starting operation is discussed above, and this operation can be used at the
rinse, so that pump 21 works even at the rinse, and rinse water can be sprayed uniformly
all over the laundry. As a result, the laundry can be rinsed efficiently within a
shorter time.
[0061] When a given number of rinses is completed, open drain port 19 for discharging the
rinse water, and spin rotary drum 4 for dewatering the rinse water contained in the
laundry. The dewatering step is done for a given time before the operation ends. A
drying device can be added for carrying out a drying step following the dewatering
step.
Exemplary Embodiment 2
[0062] Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view taken along arrows 3 - 3 of a drum-type washing machine
shown in Fig. 1 in accordance with the second embodiment. The second embodiment differs
from the first one in placing nozzle water path 22 at any place except just under
(along the perpendicular direction from) rotary axis 4a. Other structures remain unchanged
from those of the first embodiment, so that detailed descriptions thereof are borrowed
from the first one.
[0063] The wash water usually gathers at a lower section of drum 4, so that the laundry
lying in the lower part is always supplied with the wash water. The wash water jetted
from nozzle 26 may be sprayed over the laundry from under rotary axis 4a upward along
the perpendicular direction. However, since the laundry lying in the lower part of
drum 4 is usually supplied with the wash water, this upward jet stream produces poor
effect. Nozzle water path 22 is thus placed at any place other than the place just
under (along perpendicular direction from) rotary axis 4a. This structure allows supplying
the wash water efficiently and uniformly all over the laundry, so that the performance
of wash and rinse can be improved.
[0064] In this second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, three nozzles 26 (26a - 26c) are provided
for instance, and nozzle 26a is apart from nozzle 26c by less than 180 degrees. No
nozzle water path 22 exists between nozzle 26a and nozzle 26c. To be more specific,
nozzle water path 22 is shaped like an arc including approx. 240 degrees and surrounding
rotary axis 4a. Respective nozzles 26a - 26c are equidistantly placed, i.e. at equal
intervals of 120 degrees.
[0065] To be more specific, nozzle 26a is placed at left lower side viewed from the opening
of the rotary drum and relative to rotary axis 4a, and nozzle 26c is placed at right
lower side, and nozzle 26b is placed at upper side. In other words, at least one nozzle
is provided at each place, i.e. the upper, lower, right and left sides relative to
rotary axis 4a. This structure allows multiple nozzles 26a - 26c to jet the wash water
along upward, downward, leftward, and rightward directions to the laundry in drum
4 while the jet streams diffuse along the rotating direction. The laundry rotated
following the rotation of drum 4 can be exposed to the wash water more frequently
regardless of the location of the laundry in drum 4, so that the wash water can be
sprayed uniformly all over the laundry.
[0066] Flow-in port 25, through which the wash water flows into nozzle water path 22, is
formed at a place other than around the upper end of nozzle water path 22. The reason
of this limited location is this: When pump 21 pumps out the wash water to nozzle
water path 22 through flow-in port 25, the air initially trapped in path 22 is exhausted
from nozzles 26a - 26c, and then path 22 is filled with the wash water. Usually the
air tends to gather around the upper end of path 22, so that a supply of the wash
water from the upper end of path 22 will stir the air gathered, and then the air disperses
in path 22 if nozzle water path 22 is long.
[0067] At the beginning, streams of water mixed with air are jetted from nozzles 26, so
that the streams are disarranged and louder noises are produced at the jet. Flow-in
port 25 is thus placed at the place in order to avoid the foregoing problems, namely,
at the place other than around the upper end of path 22, thereby preventing the air
from being stirred and preventing the jet water stream from being mixed with air.
The disarrangement of the jet streams and the loud noise at the jet thus can be prevented.
[0068] In this second embodiment, nozzle water path 22 should not be laid just under rotary
axis 4a (along the perpendicular direction); however, path 22 can be laid just under
axis 4a while nozzles 26 should not be placed there. This structure allows spraying
the wash water efficiently and uniformly all over the laundry, and the performance
of wash and rinse can be improved.
Exemplary Embodiment 3
[0069] Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view taken along arrows 3 - 3 of the drum-type washing machine
shown in Fig. 1 for illustrating the third embodiment of the present invention. The
third embodiment employs nozzles 26a - 26f that jet the wash water along directions
other than the perpendicular direction to rotary axis 4a. The other structures remain
unchanged from those of the first embodiment, so that the detailed descriptions thereof
are borrowed from the first one.
[0070] Since the wash water stays at a lower section of rotary drum 4, the laundry there
is supplied with the wash water. Nozzles 26a - 26f thus jet the wash water along the
directions other than the perpendicular direction which is directed to just under
rotary axis 4a. This structure allows spraying the wash water efficiently and uniformly
all over the laundry, and the performance of wash and rinse can be improved.
Exemplary Embodiment 4
[0071] Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view taken along arrows 3 - 3 of the drum-type washing machine
shown in Fig. 1 for illustrating the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The
fourth embodiment employs nozzles 26a - 26g that are equidistantly apart from each
other with intervals of angle θ3 therebetween. The other structures remain unchanged
from those of the first embodiment, so that the detailed descriptions thereof are
borrowed from the first one.
[0072] As shown in Fig. 8, nozzle water path 22 is laid approx. annularly (including a circle)
to surround almost entire circumference around rotary axis 4a. The number of multiple
nozzles 26 is determined in response to the length of path 22. For instance, seven
nozzles 26a - 26f are equidistantly placed in path 22 with approx. the same intervals
(including the same intervals) of angle θ3 therebetween, i.e. in this case angle θ3
is 360/7 degrees.
[0073] This structure allows nozzles 26a - 26f to jet the wash water uniformly into drum
4. As a result, the laundry can be exposed more frequently to the wash water, and
the wash water can be supplied more uniformly to the laundry.
[0074] In this fourth embodiment, the wash water is jetted toward rotary axis 4a, i.e. the
wash water to be supplied to the laundry is jetted toward the center of drum 4. This
structure allows the wash water to resist flowing out through vents 13 formed on cylindrical
wall 11 to the outside of drum 4. As a result, the laundry can be wetted efficiently.
Exemplary Embodiment 5
[0075] Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view taken along arrows 3 - 3 of the drum-type washing machine
shown in Fig. 1 for illustrating the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The
fifth embodiment employs nozzles 26a - 26g of which at least one jet direction is
different from the other jet directions. This is the different point from the first
embodiment. To be more specific, a jet direction from, e.g. nozzle 26c and a direction
toward rotary axis 4a from nozzle 26c viewed from the opening of drum 4 includes an
angle. The other nozzles also form angles between their jet direction and the directions
toward axis 4a. In this fifth embodiment, at least one of the foregoing angles is
formed differently from the other angles. The other structures remain unchanged from
those of the first embodiment, so that the detailed descriptions thereof are borrowed
from the first one.
[0076] As shown in Fig. 9, angle θ4 formed by nozzle 26c differs from angle θ5 formed by
nozzle 26d such that angle θ5 is greater than angle θ4. In a case where a large amount
of laundry is loaded into drum 4, the laundry moves a little in drum 4 such that it
rotates together with drum 4. The structure discussed above allows the jet streams
from nozzles 26a - 26g over the laundry to change their directions following the rotation
of drum 4. As a result, the wash water can be supplied efficiently and uniformly all
over the laundry.
Exemplary Embodiment 6
[0077] Fig. 10 is a sectional view of a nozzle of a drum-type washing machine in accordance
with the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this sixth embodiment, nozzle
hole 31 is tapered, i.e. the diameter of hole 31 at the flow-in side of the wash water
is smaller than the diameter at the flow-out side thereof. The other structures remain
unchanged from those of the first embodiment, so that the detailed descriptions thereof
are borrowed from the first one.
[0078] To be more specific, as shown in Fig. 10, nozzle hole 31 of nozzle 26 is tapered
and its diameter at the flow-out side is "d1" and the one at the flow-in side is "d2",
and d1 > d2 is established.
[0079] The flow around inner wall 22b of nozzle water path 22 tries to flow as close as
possible to inner wall 22b due to the viscosity; however, the tapered hole 31 bends
sharply inner wall 22b by well over 90 degrees at the place where the wash water is
jetted from hole 31. The flow of wash water thus separates at a greater distance than
the conventional one from the inside wall of hole 31, so that the flow is contracted.
The structure discussed above thus contracts the jet stream of wash water for increasing
the velocity thereof. As a result, stronger jet streams can be expected, and the performance
of wash and rinse can be improved.
Exemplary Embodiment 7
[0080] Fig. 11 is a sectional view of a nozzle of a drum-type washing machine in accordance
with the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In this seventh embodiment,
flat part 30 where nozzle hole 31 is formed is swelled toward the flow-in side. The
other structures remain unchanged from those of the first embodiment, so that the
detailed descriptions thereof are borrowed from the first one.
[0081] To be more specific, as shown in Fig. 11, on flat part 30, nozzle hole 31 forms an
uphill slope toward the flow-in side, thereby increasing the height by "H" at hole
31, in other words, the location of hole 31 swells up toward the flow-in side by height
"H". The swell of flat part 30 can form either a slope or an arc.
[0082] In general, the flow around inner wall 22b of nozzle water path 22 tries to flow
close to inner wall 22b due to the viscosity; however, the structure discussed above
bends sharply inner wall 22b by well over 90 degrees at the place where the wash water
is jetted from hole 31. The flow of wash water thus separates at a greater distance
than the conventional one from the inner wall of hole 31, so that the flow is contracted.
The structure discussed above thus contracts the jet stream of wash water for increasing
the velocity thereof. As a result, stronger jet streams can be expected, and the performance
of wash and rinse can be improved.
Exemplary Embodiment 8
[0083] Fig. 12 is a sectional view of a nozzle of a drum-type washing machine in accordance
with the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In this eighth embodiment, cylindrical
rib is formed in a protruding manner on flat part 30 at the flow-in side of nozzle
hole 31. The other structures remain unchanged from those of the first embodiment,
so that the detailed descriptions thereof are borrowed from the first one.
[0084] In general, the flow around inner wall 22b of nozzle water path 22 tries to close
to inner wall 22b due to the viscosity; however, cylindrical rib 22c protruding from
hole 31 toward the flow-in side sharply bends inner wall 22b by approx. 180 degrees,
so that the flow is separated distantly from the inside wall of hole 31 and the flow
can be thus more contracted. As a result of this greater contraction, the velocity
of flow increases, and stronger jet streams can be expected, and the performance of
wash and rinse can be improved.
Exemplary Embodiment 9
[0085] Fig. 13 - Fig. 15 are sectional views of a nozzle of the drum-type washing machine
in accordance with the ninth embodiment. Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken along line
13 - 13 in Fig. 6, Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along line 14 - 14 in Fig. 6,
and Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15 - 15 in Fig. 6.
[0086] Guide-face 28b is formed on reflector 28 which leads the wash water jetted from each
one of multiple nozzles 26a - 26c into rotary drum 4. Guide-face 28b includes a slope,
of which angular part opposite to each one of nozzles 26a - 26c, tilts differently
from another angular part thereof. There are at least two different tilt angles. This
is a different point from the first embodiment. The other structures remain unchanged
from those of the first embodiment, so that the detailed descriptions thereof are
borrowed from the first one.
[0087] To be more specific, hit-faces 28a, against which the wash water jetted from nozzles
26a - 26c hit, of nozzles 26a - 26c tilt at the same angle; however, guide-faces 28b,
which guide the wash water hit against hit-faces 28a to opening 6 of drum 4, tilts
differently among nozzles 26a - 26c. As shown in Fig. 13, the wash water jetted from
nozzle 26a hits against hit-face 28a and flows along the arrow to guide-face 28b,
of which function is to guide the wash water hit against hit-face 28a to opening 6,
and guide-face 28b greatly tilts toward opening 6 relative to the jet stream of wash
water. The wash water thus jets along direction S1.
[0088] As shown in Fig. 14, guide-face 28b of nozzle 26b tilts smaller than that of nozzle
26a, then the wash water jets along direction S2. As shown in Fig. 15, guide-face
28b of nozzle 26c tilts smaller than other two guides 26b, then the wash water jets
along direction S3.
[0089] The structure discussed above allows nozzle 26a to jet the wash water into drum 4
at the inside-front of drum 4, while nozzles 26b and 26c jet the wash water into drum
4 at inner-deep (bottom of drum 4), because each one of guides 26b tilt at different
angles. In other words, the wash water jetted from multiple nozzles 26a - 26c hits
against respective hit-faces 28a, which tilt at the same angle, so that each wash-water
diffuses in the same manner, and each guide-face 28b changes a direction along which
the each diffusing water is supplied to the laundry.
[0090] In the case where a large amount of laundry is loaded in drum 4 and the laundry rotates
together with drum 4, the direction of supplying the wash water can be changed in
response to the rotation of drum 4, so that the wash water can be supplied efficiently
and uniformly to all over the laundry.
Exemplary Embodiment 10
[0091] Fig. 16 is a fragmentary view taken along arrows 3 - 3 of Fig. 1 for illustrating
the tenth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 illustrates a way of jetting
the wash water from multiple nozzles 26. The left drawing of Fig. 17 is a front sectional
view of rotary drum 4 viewed from the front, i.e. from the opening, and the right
drawing of Fig. 17 is a lateral sectional view of rotary drum 4.
[0092] As shown in the right drawing of Fig. 17, upper nozzle 26a jets the wash water at
jet angle "α" relative to rotary axis 4a and lower nozzle 26b jets the wash water
at jet angle "β" relative to rotary axis 4a. Jet angle "α", is preferably different
from jet angle "β".
[0093] The foregoing structure allows reducing the hit areas between the streams of wash
water jetted from nozzle 26a and nozzle 26b, although the streams run across with
each other. This structure thus prevents the kinetic energy, produced when the wash
water is jetted, from being lowered. As a result, the performance of wash increases,
because the wash water having great kinetic energy can strip dirt off from the laundry,
and can increase the force that allows the wash water to permeate into fibers more
in depth.
[0094] Since jet angle "α" is set different from jet angle "β", the streams of wash water
lands at different places with respect to the depth direction of rotary drum 4. The
wash water thus can be sprayed all over the laundry even when the laundry spreads
over in drum 4, so that the laundry can be wetted fast.
[0095] In the embodiments previously discussed, each one of nozzle holes of nozzles 26 has
the same jetting area (diameter of hole); however, the present invention is not limited
to these embodiments. The wash water pumped out by pump 21 is conveyed to the upper
side while its flow velocity in part is converted into potential energy, or the flow
velocity is lowered due to resistance in a long nozzle water path 22. An amount of
circulation flow is thus gradually reduced. To overcome this problem, the jetting
areas of nozzle holes of nozzles 26 are preferably changed in response to the locations
of nozzles 26.
[0096] For instance, as shown in Fig. 17, in the case where flow-in port 25 is formed at
a lower part of rotary drum 4, jetting areas of nozzles 26a laid at the upper front
section of drum 4 are set greater than those of nozzles 26b laid closer to flow-in
port 25 (e.g. at the lower front of drum 4). This structure can prevent from reducing
an amount of wash water jetted from nozzle 26a laid at an upper half of drum 4 even
when the water pressure lowers, and can maintain the amount of wash water jetted from
nozzle 26a at approx. the same amount jetted from nozzle 26b.
[0097] For instance, as shown in Fig. 16, flow-in port 25 formed at an upper section of
drum 4 invites no loss in the flow velocity, where the loss is caused by the conversion
into potential energy, so that there is no need to vary the jetting area for both
of nozzles 26a and 26b.
[0098] The structure described in one of the embodiments discussed previously can be combined
with the other embodiments, or combined with a part of the other embodiments.
[0099] The following examples listed below are directed to advantageous embodiments which
may represent separate and independent inventions:
- A. A drum-type washing machine comprising:
- (a) water tub for storing wash water;
- (b) a rotary drum disposed rotatably in the water tub and having an opening at a front
face of the rotary drum;
- (c) a motor for driving the rotary drum;
- (d) a water circulating path for circulating the wash water stored in the water tub
to the rotary drum;
- (e) a pump for conveying the wash water stored in the water tub to the water circulating
path;
- (f) a plurality of nozzles for jetting the wash water, transmitted thereto by the
pump, into the rotary drum; and
- (g) a nozzle water path formed around a front face of the water tub for conveying
the wash water from the water circulating path to the plurality of nozzles.
- B. The drum-type washing machine of embodiment A, wherein the plurality of nozzles
jets the wash water along directions shifted by an angle equal to each other from
a direction starting from each one of the nozzles, viewed from the opening side of
the rotary drum, toward the rotary axis.
tilts by the shift angle θ1 of nozzle 26.
- C. The drum-type washing machine of embodiment A, wherein at least one nozzle of the
plurality of nozzles jets the wash water along different directions from each other,
viewed from the opening side of the rotary drum, toward a rotary axis of the rotary
drum.
- D. The drum-type washing machine as defined in any one of embodiment A to embodiment
C, wherein at least one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles jets the wash water along
different directions from each other, viewed from a lateral side of the drum, toward
the rotary axis of the drum.
- E. The drum-type washing machine as defined in any one of embodiment A to embodiment
C, wherein the nozzle water path is disposed generally annularly outside a rim of
the opening.
- F. The drum-type washing machine as defined in any one of embodiment A to embodiment
C, wherein the plurality of nozzles is disposed at any place other than a place directed
along a perpendicular direction from the rotary axis of the drum.
- G. The drum-type washing machine as defined in any one of embodiment A to embodiment
C, wherein the plurality of nozzles is disposed such that the nozzles jet the wash
water in any direction other than a perpendicular direction from the rotary axis of
the rotary drum.
- H. The drum-type washing machine as defined in any one of embodiment A to embodiment
C, wherein the plurality of nozzles is disposed surrounding the rotary axis as a center,
viewed from the opening side of the rotary drum, and at intervals of approx. an equal
angle to each other.
- I. The drum-type washing machine as defined in any one of embodiment A to embodiment
C, wherein the plurality of nozzles is disposed at approx. equal intervals to each
other in an upper section or a lower section of the water tub at a front circumference
of the tub.
- J. The drum-type washing machine as defined in any one of embodiment A to embodiment
C, wherein the plurality of nozzles jets approx. equal amount of the wash water to
each other.
- K. The drum-type washing machine as defined in any one of embodiment A to embodiment
C, wherein each one of the nozzles disposed on an upper section of front circumference
of the water tub has a greater opening area than each one of the nozzles disposed
on a lower section of the front circumference of the water tub.
- L. The drum-type washing machine as defined in any one of embodiment A to embodiment
C, wherein the plurality of nozzles has a nozzle hole through which the wash water
is jetted, and the nozzle hole is tapered such that a diameter of the nozzle hole
is greater at a flow-out side of the wash water than a diameter of the nozzle hole
at a flow-in side of the wash water.
- M. The drum-type washing machine as defined in any one of embodiment A to embodiment
C, wherein the plurality of nozzles has a nozzle hole through which the wash water
is jetted and a flat part which is provided with the nozzle hole, and the flat part
swells toward a flow-in side of the wash water.
- N. The drum-type washing machine as defined in any one of embodiment A to embodiment
C, wherein the plurality of nozzles has a nozzle hole through which the wash water
is jetted, and the nozzle hole is provided with a cylindrical rib at a flow-in side
of the wash water.
- O. The drum-type washing machine as defined in any one of embodiment A to embodiment
C, wherein the nozzle water path is provided with a reflector and a guide for guiding
the wash water jetted from the plurality of nozzles into the rotary drum, the reflector
has a hit-face for hitting the wash water jetted from the plurality of nozzles and
a guide-face for guiding the wash water hit the hit-face into the rotary drum.
1. Trommelwaschmaschine, die Folgendes umfasst:
(a) einen Wasserbottich (2) zum Aufnehmen des Waschwassers;
(b) eine Drehtrommel (4), die eine Drehachse (4a) aufweist, die relativ zur Horizontalen
nach hinten geneigt ist, im Wasserbottich (2) drehbar angeordnet ist und an einer
Stirnfläche der Drehtrommel (4) eine Öffnung (6) aufweist;
(c) einen Motor (9) zum Antreiben der Drehtrommel (4);
(d) einen Wasserumlaufweg (20) zum Umlaufenlassen des Waschwassers, das im Wasserbottich
(2) aufgenommen ist, zur Drehtrommel (4);
(e) eine Pumpe (21) zum Fördern des Waschwassers, das im Wasserbottich (2) aufgenommen
ist, zum Wasserumlaufweg (20);
(f) mehrere Düsen (26a-26g) zum Ausstoßen des Waschwassers, das durch die Pumpe (21)
dorthin übertragen wird, in die Drehtrommel (4); und
(g) einen Düsenwasserweg (22), der zum Fördern des Waschwassers vom Wasserumlaufweg
(20) zu den mehreren Düsen (26a-26g) um eine Stirnfläche des Wasserbottichs (2) gebildet
ist,
wobei mindestens eine der mehreren Düsen (26a-26g) das Waschwasser von einer seitlichen
Seite der Trommel (4) aus gesehen in voneinander verschiedenen Richtungen zur Drehachse
(4a) der Trommel (4) ausstößt,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Düsen (26a-26g) zwischen ihrer Ausstoßrichtung und den Richtungen zur Drehachse
(4a) Winkel bilden, wobei die jeweiligen Düsen außer mindestens einer Düse der mehreren
Düsen (26a-26g) somit konfiguriert sind, von einer Stirnseite der Trommel (4) aus
gesehen um denselben ersten Verschiebungswinkel (θ4) zu derselben Richtung verschoben
zu sein,
wobei sich ein zweiter Verschiebungswinkel (θ5), der durch die mindestens eine Düse
der mehreren Düsen (26a-26g) gebildet wird, vom ersten Verschiebungswinkel (θ4) unterscheidet.
2. Trommelwaschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Düsenwasserweg (22) im Allgemeinen
ringförmig außerhalb eines Randes (23a) der Öffnung (6) angeordnet ist.
3. Trommelwaschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mehreren Düsen (26a-26g) an einem
beliebigen Ort außer einem Ort, der auf eine zur Drehachse (4a) der Trommel (4) senkrechte
Richtung ausgerichtet ist, angeordnet sind.
4. Trommelwaschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mehreren Düsen (26a-26g) derart angeordnet
sind, dass die Düsen das Waschwasser in jeder Richtung außer einer zur Drehachse (4a)
der Drehtrommel (4) senkrechten Richtung ausstoßen.
5. Trommelwaschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mehreren Düsen (26a-26g) von der Öffnungsseite
der Drehtrommel (4) aus gesehen die Drehachse (4a) als eine Mitte umgeben und in Intervallen
mit einem ungefähr gleichen Winkel zueinander angeordnet sind.
6. Trommelwaschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mehreren Düsen (26a-26g) in einem
oberen Abschnitt oder einem unteren Abschnitt des Wasserbottichs (2) in ungefähr zueinander
gleichen Intervallen an einem Stirnumfang des Bottichs (2) angeordnet sind.
7. Trommelwaschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mehreren Düsen (26a-26g) eine ungefähr
zueinander gleiche Menge des Waschwassers ausstoßen.
8. Trommelwaschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei jede der Düsen, die auf einem oberen Abschnitt
des Stirnumfangs des Wasserbottichs (2) angeordnet sind, eine größere Öffnungsfläche
als jede der Düsen, die auf einem unteren Abschnitt des Stirnumfangs des Wasserbottichs
(2) angeordnet sind, aufweist.
9. Trommelwaschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mehreren Düsen (26a-26g) ein Düsenloch
(31) aufweisen, durch das das Waschwasser ausgestoßen wird, und das Düsenloch (31)
derart abgeschrägt ist, dass ein Durchmesser des Düsenlochs (31) auf einer Ausströmungsseite
des Waschwassers größer als ein Durchmesser des Düsenlochs (31) auf einer Einströmungsseite
des Waschwassers ist.
10. Trommelwaschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mehreren Düsen (26a-26g) ein Düsenloch
(31), durch das das Waschwasser ausgestoßen wird, und eine flache Komponente (30),
die mit dem Düsenloch (31) versehen ist, aufweisen und die flache Komponente (30)
zu einer Einströmungsseite des Waschwassers gewölbt ist.
11. Trommelwaschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mehreren Düsen (26a-26g) ein Düsenloch
(31) aufweisen, durch das das Waschwasser ausgestoßen wird, und das Düsenloch (31)
auf einer Einströmungsseite des Waschwassers mit einer zylindrischen Rippe (22c) versehen
ist.
12. Trommelwaschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Düsenwasserweg (22) mit einem Reflektor
(28) und einer Führung zum Lenken des Waschwassers, das aus den mehreren Düsen (26a-26g)
in die Drehtrommel (4) ausgestoßen wird, versehen ist, wobei der Reflektor (28) eine
Aufschlagfläche (28a) zum Aufschlagen des Waschwassers, das aus den mehreren Düsen
(26a-26g) ausgestoßen wird, und eine Führungsfläche (28b) zum Lenken des Waschwassers
entlang der Aufschlagfläche (28a) in die Drehtrommel (4) aufweist.