TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine including a rotating
drum with its rotation axis horizontal or downward inclined toward its bottom.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A drum type washing machine uses a circulation unit including a circulation pump
to circulate washing water retained in the water tub. For example, a drum type washing
machine described in patent literature 1 ejects washing water into the rotating drum
through the nozzle of the circulation unit. The nozzle has a large number of ejection
holes formed therein from the front surface of the rotating drum toward its center
with their ejection directions gradually changed. That is to say, the washing water
is ejected through a large number of ejection holes. This structure allows even a
large amount of laundry such as clothes to be washed efficiently.
[0003] Meanwhile, a drum type washing machine described in patent literature 2 includes
a circulation pump having two pump discharge outlets. The two outlets are switched
by the rotation directions (forward/reverse) of the impeller of the pump. The two
outlets respectively have circulation hoses connected thereto so as to change the
direction of washing water ejected into the rotating drum. This structure allows the
direction of washing water ejected while washing and rinsing according to the rotation
directions (forward/reverse) of the rotating drum.
[0004] However, the machine of patent literature 1 ejects washing water through a large
number of ejection holes, which increases the usage of washing water, making water
saving difficult.
[0005] Meanwhile, the machine of patent literature 2 pours washing water over the laundry
falling in the rotating drum, which increases the weight of the laundry with the washing
water having soaked into it. The resulting laundry rushes down in the rotating drum,
which increases the washing efficiency. Such a way of washing is called beat washing.
With the drum type washing machine of patent literature 2, however, the weight of
the laundry increases insufficiently for a large amount of laundry, which does not
bring a state of beat washing.
[0006] JP 2002-282587 A describes a washing machine having a rinsing process for spraying water to laundry
to perform rinsing. This washing machine is provided with a water spraying device
formed of a first spray nozzle connected to the other outlet part of a feed water
valve and a second spray nozzle. The water spray from through the first spray nozzle
is performed substantially vertically along the inner wall surface of a washing and
spinning tub from above the tub, and the water spray from the second spray nozzle
18a is performed obliquely to the inner wall surface from above the tub.
[0007] JP H10 127978 A describes a drum type washing machine which efficiently wash objects to be processed,
shortens cleaning time and shortens washing time by alternately controlling the rotation
number of a rotation driving means to the rotation number capable of tumbling the
objects to be processed inside a drum and the rotation number for sticking them inside
the drum by a control means. After a laundry amount is calculated and a required water
supply amount is supplied, a water supply valve and a water discharge valve are closed,
a motor is driven and the drum is rotated by the tumblable rotation number first.
After rotation is started, the water discharge valve and a water stop valve are opened,
a pump is driven and washing liquid is sent to a circulation pipe and jetted inside
the drum from a jetting nozzle. After jetting is started, for the rotation number
of the drum, the rotation by the rotation number capable of tumbling cloth kinds and
the rotation number for sticking them to the drum are alternately repeated for each
fixed time, the volume of laundry is reduced and a jet is jetted to the back of the
drum. Thus, the distribution to the laundry of the washing liquid is accelerated and
washing is improved.
Citation List
Patent Literature
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention is defined by the subject-matter of independent claim 1. The dependent
claims are directed to advantageous embodiments.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Advantageously, the laundry in the rotating drum is efficiently feeded with washing
water in the water tub while circulating the water, thereby providing a drum type
washing machine with high washing power.
[0011] Advantageously, a drum type washing machine includes a cabinet; a bottomed cylindrical
water tub having a tub opening, provided inside the cabinet; a bottomed cylindrical
rotating drum having a drum opening, provided inside the water tub; and a motor attached
onto the outer bottom surface of the water tub, for rotating the rotating drum on
a rotation axis horizontal or downward inclined toward its bottom. The washing machine
further includes a circulation tube communicatively connecting the bottom side with
the side of the water tub opening, for circulating washing water in the water tub
from the bottom side to the side of the water tub opening; and a plurality of ejection
holes for ejecting washing water circulated through the circulation tube, toward the
inside of the rotating drum.
[0012] This configuration allows washing water circulated to be ejected toward the inside
of the rotating drum through the plurality of ejection holes, thereby feeding the
washing water efficiently as well as increasing washing power of the drum type washing
machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a drum type washing machine according to the first exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a sectional view of a circulation pump incorporated into the drum type
washing machine according to the same embodiment.
FIG. 2B is a side view of the circulation pump.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the substantial part of the water tub of the washing
machine.
FIG. 3B is a plan view of the front-surface wall of the water tub, viewed from the
inside.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a water duct and its proximity in the circulation tube
of the drum type washing machine.
FIG. 5A is a sectional view of a discharge outlet and its proximity in the circulation
tube of the drum type washing machine.
FIG. 5B is a sectional view of another discharge outlet and its proximity in the circulation
tube of the drum type washing machine.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the drum type washing machine, showing a state
of washing water being ejected.
FIG. 7A is a sectional view of a discharge outlet and its proximity in the circulation
tube of a drum type washing machine according to the second exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 7B is a sectional view of another discharge outlet and its proximity in the circulation
tube of the drum type washing machine.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a discharge outlet in the circulation tube of a drum
type washing machine according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of ejection holes in the circulation tube of a drum type
washing machine according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10A is a sectional view of ejection holes in the circulation tube of a drum type
washing machine according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10B is a sectional view of another type of ejection holes in the circulation
tube of the drum type washing machine.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of ejection holes in the circulation tube of a drum type
washing machine according to the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a discharge outlet and its proximity in the circulation
tube of a drum type washing machine according to the seventh exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a plan view of the front-surface wall of the water tub of a drum type washing
machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the
inside.
FIG. 14A is a sectional view of a discharge outlet and its proximity in the circulation
tube of the drum type washing machine.
FIG. 14B is a sectional view of another discharge outlet and its proximity in the
circulation tube of the drum type washing machine.
FIG. 15A is a plan view of the front-surface wall of another water tub of the drum
type washing machine, viewed from the inside.
FIG. 15B is a plan view of the front-surface wall of still another water tub of the
drum type washing machine, viewed from the inside.
FIG. 16A is a sectional view of still another discharge outlet and its proximity in
the circulation tube of the drum type washing machine.
FIG. 16B is a partial sectional view taken along line 16B-16B in FIG. 16A.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
FIRST EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
[0014] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a drum type washing machine according to the first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a sectional view of a circulation
pump incorporated into the drum type washing machine. FIG. 2B is a side view of the
circulation pump incorporated into the drum type washing machine.
[0015] Drum type washing machine 1 of the embodiment has cabinet 2 that contains water tub
3, feed water unit 7, drain unit 8, and circulation tube 16. Water tub 3 is provided
therein with rotating drum 4. Both water tub 3 and rotating drum 4 are bottomed and
cylindrical. Rotating drum 4 is rotated by motor 6 attached onto outer bottom surface
30 of water tub 3. Motor 6 rotates both clockwise and counterclockwise, which means
that motor 6 rotates in the forward/reverse directions. With this configuration, washing,
rinsing, and spin-drying steps are performed. Further, drum type washing machine 1
performs a drying step with dryer unit 9 provided as required. Circulation tube 16
is provided to communicatively connect the bottom side of water tub 3 with the side
of water tub opening 13 (described later). Washing water retained in water tub 3 circulates
from the bottom side of water tub 3 to the side of water tub opening 13 through circulation
tube 16. This causes a detergent to quickly dissolve into the washing water and prevents
the detergent from unevenly dissolving into the washing water.
[0016] Feed water unit 7, connected to water supply, feeds water tub 3 with water by opening
the feed water valve (not shown). Feed water unit 7 is provided therein with a detergent
compartment (not shown). Water fed from water supply, while dissolving a detergent
in the detergent compartment, becomes washing water to enter water tub 3. Meanwhile,
drain unit 8 opens drain valve 19 when a washing step or rinsing step ends to drain
the washing water out of cabinet 2. Circulation tube 16 repeats the behavior of drawing
washing water retained in water tub 3 from the bottom side of water tub 3 using circulation
pump 20; sending it to the side of water tub opening 13; and returning it to water
tub 3.
[0017] Drum type washing machine 1 has operation panel 21 on the top front surface of cabinet
2. When a user instructs an operation start using operation panel 21, the instruction
reaches control unit 22. Control unit 22 makes the display unit (not shown) of operation
panel 21 display that operation has been started; closes drain valve 19; opens the
feed water valve to start feeding water. After that, control unit 22 performs operation
such as washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying.
[0018] Cabinet 2 has main body opening 2b formed in the front side thereof, opened and closed
with door 5. Rotating drum 4 has drum opening 54 formed in the front side thereof.
Water tub 3 has water tub opening 13 formed in the front side thereof. Here, the front
sides of rotating drum 4 and water tub 3 refer to the surfaces facing the respective
bottoms. The laundry is put into and out of rotating drum 4 through main body opening
2b, water tub opening 13, and drum opening 54. Between main body opening 2b and water
tub opening 13 of water tub 3, ring-shaped sealing material 14 is attached, thereby
preventing washing water from springing out of water tub 3 when door 5 is closed.
[0019] Motor 6 has a forward/reverse partial rotation drive mode and a forward/reverse continuous
rotation drive mode to drive rotating drum 4. The partial mode is a drive mode in
which rotating drum 4 repeats rapid partial rotations by 90 to 180 degrees in the
forward and reverse directions. Meanwhile, the continuous mode is a drive mode in
which rotating drum 4 continuously rotates and repeats forward and reverse rotations
alternately. With the continuous mode, the laundry lifted by rotation of rotating
drum 4 repeats the behavior of falling due to its self weight; and again being lifted
by rotation of rotating drum 4. In a washing step or washing and rinsing step, the
partial and continuous modes are executed alternately.
[0020] In the forward/reverse partial rotation drive mode, the laundry is lifted by 90 to
180 degrees, and after that the laundry peels off from the inner surface of rotating
drum 4 due to an inertial force or the self weight. The laundry contains washing water
to swell, loosen, and become slippery, resulting in being disentangled due to a fall.
Further, a mechanical force caused by the fall is exerted on the laundry, thereby
increasing the washing power of drum type washing machine 1. Meanwhile, in the forward/reverse
partial rotation drive mode, forward and reverse partial rotations are repeated alternately,
and thus positions from which the laundry is lifted and to which the laundry falls
change alternately, which prevents the laundry from being entangled, twisting, and
wrinkling.
[0021] Here, in the forward/reverse partial rotation drive mode, it is difficult for laundry
pieces to exchange their vertical positions, and laundry pieces at the bottom of rotating
drum 4 is resistant to moving, thus easily causing uneven washing. To cope with this
problem, the forward/reverse continuous rotation drive mode is used, which causes
the laundry pieces (including those at the bottom of rotating drum 4) to exchange
their vertical positions. In this way, the partial mode prevents the laundry from
being entangled, twisting, and wrinkling while the continuous rotation mode allows
the laundry pieces to exchange their vertical positions to a large degree, thereby
washing the laundry uniformly.
[0022] Circulation pump 20 is provided halfway through circulation tube 16 and is fixed
to base plate 2a of cabinet 2. To the downstream side of circulation pump 20, discharge-side
path 16b of circulation tube 16 is connected. As shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B, circulation
pump 20 includes resin-made pump casing 20b containing impeller 20a and motor casing
20d containing circulation motor 20c. Impeller 20a is connected with circulation motor
20c through motor shaft 20e. Pump casing 20b and motor casing 20d are positioned by
bearing diaphragm 20da at the opening side of pump casing 20b and are unified. Here,
circulation pump 20 is fixed to base plate 2a with resin-made mounting base 35. Circulation
motor 20c rotates to cause impeller 20a to rotate through motor shaft 20e. With the
rotation of impeller 20a, washing water is sent from circulation pump suction inlet
20f to circulation pump discharge outlet 20g.
[0023] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the substantial part of the water tub of the drum
type washing machine according tq the same embodiment. FIG. 3B is a plan view of the
front-surface wall of the water tub, viewed from the inside. FIG. 4 is a sectional
view of a water duct and its proximity in the circulation tube of the drum type washing
machine. As shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B, the lower half of front-surface wall 3h of water
tub 3 has substantially Y-shaped evaginated part 3a formed thereon evaginated toward
the front (upward right in FIG. 3A). Evaginated part 3a has cover 55 substantially
the same as evaginated part 3a in outer shape, attached to the inside of water tub
3 using screw 55f. As shown in FIG. 4, cover 55 is attached to evaginated part 3a
through packing 55a to form water duct 55b.
[0024] FIG. 5A is a sectional view of a discharge outlet and its proximity in the circulation
tube of the drum type washing machine. FIG. 5B is a sectional view of another discharge
outlet and its proximity in the circulation tube of the drum type washing machine.
The bottom end of evaginated part 3a is connected to one end of joint 51 laterally
extending. The other end of joint 51 is connected to discharge-side path 16b of circulation
tube 16. Each of the right and left front ends of cover 55 has notch 55c formed therein.
Notch 55c is formed by notching cover 55 as well as by notching the sealing member
of packing 55a. This structure forms discharge outlet 55d having an opening expanding
in the circumferential direction between the inside surface of front-surface wall
3h of water tub 3 and the outside surface of front-surface wall 4b of rotating drum
4, at the right and left front ends of water duct 55b formed of evaginated part 3a
and cover 55 branching into a substantially Y shape. Here, the inside surface of front-surface
wall 3h of water tub 3 is the surface visible from the inside of water tub 3, which
means that the surface of water tub 3 faces inward.
[0025] Washing water sent by circulation pump 20 flows from joint 51 into water duct 55b
through discharge-side path 16b of circulation tube 16. The washing water that has
flown into water duct 55b is discharged from discharge outlet 55d toward the space
between the inside surface of front-surface wall 3h of water tub 3 and the outside
surface of front-surface wall 4b of rotating drum 4 (i.e. the surface facing the inside
surface of front-surface wall 3h). As shown in FIG. 5A, the washing water that has
been discharged from water duct 55b through discharge outlet 55d passes through flow
path 52 and is ejected to the inside of rotating drum 4 from arc-shaped ejection holes
53. Here, a plurality of discharge outlets 55d are provided in the rotation direction
of rotating drum 4 so as to face arc-shaped ejection holes 53. This structure allows
the washing water to be efficiently ejected to a wide range inside rotating drum 4.
Consequently, the washing water is efficiently fed regardless of the amount of the
laundry.
[0026] Here, front-surface wall 3h of water tub 3 includes slope 3ha and guide surface 56
subsequent thereto, from the position corresponding to discharge outlet 55d. The washing
water that has been discharged from discharge outlet 55d into flow path 52 flows from
slope 3ha along guide surface 56. Herewith, the washing water passes from ejection
holes 53 through drum opening 54 and is ejected toward the inner part of rotating
drum 4 as shown by arrow A in FIG. 5A. The washing water reaches the inner part of
rotating drum 4, which means that the laundry is fed with the washing water more efficiently.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 5B, providing guide surface 57 with a gradient angle different from
that of guide surface 56 allows washing water to be ejected at different angles. For
example, assumption is made that a (refer to FIG. 5A) is a gradient angle of guide
surface 56 corresponding to discharge outlet 55d (the right side in FIG.3B) at the
left side viewed from the front side of water duct 55b that has branched and that
b (refer to FIG. 5B) is a gradient angle of guide surface 57 corresponding to discharge
outlet 55d (the left side in FIG. 3B) at the right side viewed from the front side
of water duct 55b. Then, guide surfaces 56 and 57 are formed so as to satisfy the
inequality a > b.
[0028] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the drum type washing machine according to same
embodiment, showing a state of washing water being ejected. Washing water ejected
from left-side ejection holes 53 viewed from the front side of drum type washing machine
1 (i.e. washing water ejected in the direction shown by arrow A in FIG. 5A) is ejected
upward as shown in shower shape S1 of FIG. 6. Meanwhile, washing water ejected from
right-side ejection holes 53 viewed from the front side of drum type washing machine
1 (i.e. washing water ejected in the direction shown by arrow B in FIG. 5B) is ejected
downward compared to shower shape S1, as shown in shower shape S2 of FIG. 6. In other
words, each washing water that has been discharged from respective discharge outlets
55d flows along guide surface 56 or 57 with a gradient angle different from each other.
After that, the washing water is ejected from ejection holes 53 to the inside of rotating
drum 4 through drum opening 54, thus with different ejection angles.
[0029] The gradient angles of guide surfaces 56 and 57 affect how washing water diffuses
after being ejected. For a small gradient angle (i.e. guide surface 57 with gradient
angle b in this embodiment), washing water that has flown along slope 3ha is sharply
changed in flowing direction by guide surface 57. In other words, the washing water
enters a state of colliding with guide surface 57. In this state, the washing water
flows along guide surface 57 and diffuses due to the collision. Meanwhile, for a large
gradient angle (i.e. guide surface 56 with gradient angle a in this embodiment), washing
water that has flown along slope 3ha flows along guide surface 56 without being changed
and is ejected with a minimum of diffusion. In other words, as shown in FIG. 6, shower
shape S2 of washing water that has been ejected from right-side ejection holes 53
(with a small gradient angle) is more widely open than shower shape S1 of washing
water that has been ejected from left-side ejection holes 53 (with a large gradient
angle). This means that washing water ejected from right and left ejection holes 53
have diffusion angles different from each other. For example, for a gradient angle
smaller than approximately 120 degrees, washing water is ejected diffusing to a large
degree; for a gradient angle larger than approximately 130 degrees, washing water
is ejected diffusing to a small degree in a film state. In this way, as a result that
washing water is ejected at different ejection angles and in different diffusion states,
the washing water can be ejected suitably according to the amount of the laundry.
[0030] Here, immediately after washing is started, the laundry does not contain washing
water and thus is in a bulky state with a large volume. For example, when left-side
ejection holes 53 shown in FIG. 6 are blocked by the laundry, washing water is ejected
from right-side ejection holes 53 to rotating drum 4. From right-side ejection holes
53, the washing water is ejected diffusing to a large degree, thereby allowing the
laundry near left-side ejection holes 53 to be soaked quickly. The laundry containing
washing water decreases in volume, which resolves blockage of left-side ejection holes
53.
[0031] Meanwhile, washing water ejected from right-side ejection holes 53 largely diffuses,
and thus it is difficult for the water to reach the inner part of rotating drum 4.
However, washing water ejected from left-side ejection holes 53 diffuses to a small
degree, and thus is sent toward the center of rotating drum 4 to reach the inner part,
allowing the laundry at the inner part of rotating drum 4 to be soaked quickly. As
a result that the laundry is soaked quickly, the laundry in rotating drum 4 quickly
becomes easy to move, thereby increasing the effect of beat washing. The laundry soaked
quickly decreases in volume quickly. This produces gaps among the laundry pieces,
allowing washing water to be ejected to the laundry efficiently, which means that
washing water is fed to the laundry efficiently.
[0032] Here, the ejection direction of ejection holes 53, namely the ejection direction
of washing water relative to the perpendicular line passing through the center of
drum opening 54, can be made different according to the shape of ejection holes 53.
For example, as a result that the angle formed between the ejection direction of right
and left ejection holes 53 and the perpendicular line passing through the center of
drum opening 54 is made 0 degrees, namely the ejection direction and the above-described
perpendicular line are made parallel to each other, the washing water passes through
gaps among the laundry pieces to become easy to reach the inner part of rotating drum
4. Besides, as a result that the angle formed between the ejection direction of right-side
(washing water diffuses to a larger degree) ejection holes 53 and the above-described
perpendicular line is made 35 to 45 degrees, and at the same time the angle formed
between the ejection direction of left-side (washing water diffuses to a smaller degree)
ejection holes 53 and the above-described perpendicular line is made 50 to 60 degrees,
collision among the washing water is suppressed, which reduces loss when washing water
is fed. Herewith, the laundry can be soaked efficiently, thereby increasing the washing
efficiency of drum type washing machine 1.
[0033] The above configuration allows washing water to be fed efficiently and the laundry
to be soaked efficiently for both large and small amounts of laundry. The laundry
soaked efficiently saves water as well. Discharge outlet 55d is provided at a position
where outlet 55d does not contact the laundry in rotating drum 4. Accordingly, the
laundry is not caught at discharge outlet 55d, which does not cause interference while
washing, rinsing, or drying. Further, the laundry is not damaged or broken. In the
forward/reverse continuous rotation drive mode, the laundry pieces exchange their
vertical positions; in the forward/reverse partial rotation drive mode, the laundry
pieces exchange their lateral positions, which increases the effect,of washing water
ejected. In this embodiment, the description is made of a case of two discharge outlets
55d; however, a case of three or more discharge outlets 55d can be implemented in
the same way.
SECOND EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
[0034] FIG. 7A is a sectional view of a discharge outlet and its proximity in the circulation
tube of a drum type washing machine according to the second exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 7B is a sectional view of another discharge outlet and
its proximity in the circulation tube of the drum type washing machine. A component
same as that of the first embodiment is given the same reference mark for description.
[0035] As shown in FIGs. 7A and 7B, drum type washing machine 1 of this embodiment is different
from that of the first embodiment in that guide surfaces 58 and 59 link to slope 3ha
curving smoothly. Guide surface 58 is different from guide surface 59 in curve radius.
For example, curve radius c of guide surface 58 shown in FIG. 7A is larger than curve
radius d of guide surface 59 shown in FIG. 7B, namely the inequality c > d is satisfied.
Washing water, when flowing from slope 3ha along guide surface 58, is ejected in the
direction indicated by arrow C in FIG. 7A. Meanwhile, washing water, when flowing
from slope 3ha along guide surface 59, is ejected in the direction indicated by arrow
D in FIG. 7B. In a case where guide surface 58 is used for left-side ejection holes
53 (viewed from the front side of drum type washing machine 1) and where guide surface
59 is used for right-side ejection holes 53, washing water is ejected in shower shapes
S1 and S2, respectively, shown in FIG. 6. In other words, the washing water that has
flown along guide surface 58 is ejected upward in shower shape S1; meanwhile, the
washing water that has flown along guide surface 59 is ejected downward in shower
shape S2. In this way, changing the curve radius of a guide surface allows changing
the shape of washing water ejected.
[0036] Further, the curve radiuses of guide surfaces 58 and 59 affect the diffusion state
of washing water after being ejected. For a small curve radius (i.e. guide surface
59 with curve radius d in this embodiment), the washing water that has flown along
slope 3ha is sharply changed in flowing angle by guide surface 59. In other words,
the washing water enters a state of colliding with guide surface 59. In this state,
the washing water flows along guide surface 59 and diffuses due to the collision.
Meanwhile, for a large curve radius (i.e. guide surface 58 with curve radius c in
this embodiment), the washing water that has flown along slope 3ha flows along guide
surface 58 without being changed and is ejected with a minimum of diffusion. In other
words, as shown in FIG. 6, shower shape S2 of the washing water that has been ejected
from right-side ejection holes 53 (with a small curve radius) is more widely open
than shower shape S1 of the washing water that has been ejected from left-side ejection
holes 53 (with a large curve radius). In this way, changing the curve radius of a
guide surface provides the same effects and advantages as those of the first embodiment.
THIRD EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
[0037] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a discharge outlet in the circulation tube of a drum
type washing machine according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
A component same as that of the first embodiment is given the same reference mark
for description.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 8, drum type washing machine 1 of this embodiment has guide surface
61 with a gradient angle different from that of slope 3ha. Guide surface 61 links
to slope 3ha through curved surface 60. Washing water that has been discharged from
discharge outlet 55d flows more smoothly than the first embodiment as a result of
flowing through curved surface 60, which further stabilizes the washing water ejected
from ejection holes 53.
[0039] The degree with which washing water collides with guide surface 61 is determined
by the curve radius of curved surface 60. In other words, adjusting the curve radius
of curved surface 60 allows adjusting the diffusion degree of washing water. Accordingly,
the ejection pattern of washing water can be set by adjusting the ejection angle of
washing water according to the gradient angle of guide surface 61 and the diffusion
degree of washing water according to the curve radius of curved surface 60.
FOURTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
[0040] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of ejection holes in the circulation tube of a drum type
washing machine according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
A component same as that of the first to third embodiments is given the same reference
mark for description.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 9, drum type washing machine 1 of this embodiment is different from
that of the third embodiment in that guide surface 62 has a plurality of gradient
angles. Guide surface 62 has gradient angle e near a position linked to slope 3ha
through curved surface 60. Further, guide surface 62 has gradient angle f near guide
surface front end 63. Here, the inequality f > e is satisfied. With this configuration,
washing water collides with the part with a small gradient angle, thereby diffusing
the washing water largely, and the washing water is ejected at a large ejection angle
at the part with a large gradient angle. Here, with a large difference between gradient
angles e and f, the washing water does not flow along guide surface 62 but is separated
from guide surface 62 at guide surface front end 63, resulting in unstable ejection
of the washing water. In this case, guide surface 62 formed with an intermediate gradient
angle prevents the washing water from being separated.
FIFTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
[0042] FIG. 10A, is a sectional view of ejection holes in the circulation tube of a drum
type washing machine according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10B is a sectional view of another type of ejection holes in the circulation
tube of the drum type washing machine. A component same as that of the first to fourth
embodiments is given the same reference mark for description.
[0043] As shown in FIGs. 10A and 10B, drum type washing machine 1 of this embodiment is
different from that of the fourth embodiment in the shape of the extreme front end
of guide surface 62. The extreme front end of guide surface 62 is, in other words,
an end of the inside surface of front-surface wall 3h. The ejection angle of washing
water is affected in a tangential direction of the extreme front end of guide surface
62. Accordingly, the ejection angle of washing water can be set according to the shape
of the extreme front end of guide surface 62. For example, in FIG. 10A, extreme front
end 65 of guide surface 62 is chamfer-shaped. The shape allows setting the ejection
angle of washing water and prevents the laundry from being interfered with and from
being damaged. In FIG. 10B, extreme front end 66 of guide surface 62 has a cross section
substantially arc-shaped with roundness. The shape further prevents the laundry from
being interfered with and from being damaged. ,
SIXTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
[0044] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of ejection holes in the circulation tube of a drum type
washing machine according to the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
A component same as that of the first to fourth embodiments is given the same reference
mark for description. Drum type washing machine 1 of this embodiment has ejection
holes 53 as shown in FIG. 11 in consideration of a diffusion degree of ejecting washing
water, an ejection angle, stability of ejection, damage to the laundry, and uneven
thickness of resin forming guide surface 64. Concretely, ejection holes 53 are formed
in guide surfaces 64 and 64a with a plurality of different gradient angles; and in
curved surfaces 60, 60a, 60b, and 60c with a plurality of different curve radiuses.
Further, these surfaces are gradually transformed to be smoothly linked. This configuration
allows setting the diffusion degree and the angle of ejection in consideration of
stability of ejecting washing water, damage to the laundry, and uneven thickness of
resin forming guide surface 64.
SEVENTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
[0045] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a discharge outlet and its proximity in the circulation
tube of a drum type washing machine according to the seventh embodiment of the present
invention. A component same as that of the first embodiment is given the same reference
mark for description.
[0046] In the first through sixth embodiments, the description is made of the case where
washing water that has been discharged from discharge outlet 55d is ejected through
ejection holes 53 toward rotating drum 4. Drum type washing machine 1 of this embodiment
is structured to eject washing water directly from discharge outlet 55d toward rotating
drum 4. Concretely, as shown in FIG. 12, discharge outlet 55d is provided at a position
facing drum opening 54 in water tub 3. In other words, discharge outlet 55d is used
as ejection holes 53, and vice versa, which dispenses with guide surface 56 forming
ejection holes 53, for example. That is to say, this configuration eliminates guide
surface 56 that may cause the laundry to be caught. Accordingly, interference does
not occur while washing, rinsing, or drying. The laundry is not damaged or broken.
Here, discharge outlet 55d can be provided in a member (e.g. cover 55) forming a seal.
EIGHTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
[0047] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the front-surface wall of the water tub of a drum type
washing machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, viewed
from the inside. FIG. 14A is a sectional view of a discharge outlet and its proximity
in the circulation tube of the drum type washing machine. FIG. 14B is a sectional
view of another discharge outlet and its proximity in the circulation tube of the
drum type washing machine. FIG. 15A is a plan view of the front-surface wall of another
water tub of the drum type washing machine, viewed from the inside. FIG. 15B is a
plan view of the front-surface wall of still another water tub of the drum type washing
machine, viewed from the inside. FIG. 16A is a sectional view of still another discharge
outlet and its proximity in the circulation tube of the drum type washing machine.
FIG. 16B is a partial sectional view taken along line 16B-16B in FIG. 16A. A component
same as that of the first embodiment is given the same reference mark for description.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 13, opening width D1, which is a circumferential width of the opening
of one discharge outlet 55d, is different from opening width D2, which is a circumferential
width of the opening of the other discharge outlet 55da. Making the opening widths
different allows changing the respective ejection widths and flow rates from discharge
outlets 55d and 55da. This allows the ejection pattern of washing water to be set
appropriately, thereby appropriately feeding the laundry with washing water regardless
of the amount of the laundry. Further, washing water appropriately fed increases the
washing effect.
[0049] As shown in FIGs. 14A and 14B, making opening distance D3 different from opening
distance D4 allows changing the flow rate of washing water ejected, where opening
distance D3 is a distance of the opening of one discharge outlet 55d in the direction
perpendicular to the circumferential direction; opening distance D4 is a distance
of the opening of the other discharge outlet 55da in the direction perpendicular to
the circumferential direction. This structure as well allows the ejection pattern
of washing water to be set appropriately, thereby appropriately feeding the laundry
with washing water regardless of the amount of the laundry. Further, washing water
appropriately fed increases the washing effect.
[0050] Furthermore, as shown in FIGs. 15A and 15B, different opening angles of the right
and left discharge outlets about rotation center Q of rotating drum 4 allow changing
the directions in which washing water is ejected from right and left ejection holes
53. Here, a description is made of an opening angle using a case of discharge outlet
55da in FIG. 15A. Washing water ejected from ejection holes 53 through discharge outlet
55da is ejected in the direction of arrow E, which is defined as opening direction
E. An angle formed by line segment Qd connecting the opening of discharge outlet 55da
to rotation center Q of rotating drum 4; and opening direction E is defined as an
opening angle. Accordingly, the opening angle of discharge outlet 55d in FIG. 15A
is zero; the opening angle of discharge outlet 55db in FIG. 15B is k. Minutely, washing
water ejected from ejection holes 53 through discharge outlet 55d is ejected in the
direction of arrow F, which means that opening direction is F. Opening direction F
is equal to the direction of rotation center Q of rotating drum 4, and thus the opening
angle is zero. Meanwhile, washing water ejected from ejection holes 53 through discharge
outlet 55db is ejected in the direction of arrow G, which means the opening direction
is G. Opening direction G forms angle k with the direction of rotation center Q of
rotating drum 4, and thus the opening angle is k. In this embodiment, washing water
is ejected in the direction of arrow G by providing guide 67 at the front end of discharge
outlet 55db. In other words, an opening direction and an opening angle can be set
by changing the shape of the front end of a discharge outlet.
[0051] Here, guide surfaces 57, 56, and 57 respectively corresponding to discharge outlets
55d, 55da, and 55db are formed circularly centering on rotation center Q of rotating
drum 4. Accordingly, the cross-section shapes of guide surfaces 56 and 57 are the
same with respect to rotation center Q. Thus, washing water flowing along guide surfaces
56 and 57 is sharply curved in the direction toward rotation center Q of rotating
drum 4, and is more gently curved farther away from the direction toward rotation
center Q of rotating drum 4. Consequently, washing water that has been ejected toward
rotation center Q of rotating drum 4 and has passed through discharge outlet 55d is
ejected in a roughly symmetric shape, with a relatively narrow diffusion angle. Meanwhile,
washing water that has been ejected upward deflected by angle j with respect to rotation
center Q of rotating drum 4 and has passed through discharge outlet 55da; and washing
water that has been ejected upward deflected by angle k with respect to rotation center
Q of rotating drum 4 and has passed through discharge outlet 55db are ejected with
a large diffusion angle.
[0052] Further, as shown in FIGs. 16A and 16B, rib 68 is provided near discharge outlet
55d inside water duct 55b in a direction interfering with the flow of washing water.
Rib 68 is formed by projecting a part of cover 55. Rib 68 is large enough to block
approximately 50%, for example, of the cross-sectional area of the flow path of water
duct 55b.
[0053] Here, washing water that has flown to water duct 55b through circulation tube 16
has a velocity component in the direction same as the longitudinal direction of water
duct 55b when discharged from discharge outlet 55d. The velocity component causes
the washing water to be ejected deflected in the longitudinal direction of water duct
55b with respect to the direction from discharge outlet 55d and guide surface 56 toward
rotating drum 4. Here, with rib 68 provided, washing water that has flown through
water duct 55b collides with rib 68, which counteracts the above-described longitudinal
velocity component of the washing water, resulting in being ejected along the direction
from discharge outlet 55d and guide surface 56 toward rotating drum 4. In other words,
the washing water is ejected in a direction according to those of discharge outlet
55d and guide surface 56. Here, as shown in FIGs. 15A and 15B, rib 68 can be provided
near discharge outlets 55da and 55db inside water duct 55b.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0054] A drum type washing machine of the present invention feeds washing water with an
optimum ejection angle and a diffusion angle regardless of the amount of the laundry,
and thus is applicable to a washing machine with a rotating drum.
REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS
[0055]
- 1
- Drum type washing machine
- 2
- Cabinet
- 2a
- Base plate
- 2b
- Main body opening
- 3
- Water tub
- 3a
- Evaginated part
- 3h
- Front-surface wall
- 3ha
- Slope
- 4
- Rotating drum
- 4b
- Front-surface wall
- 5
- Door
- 6
- Motor
- 7
- Feed water unit
- 8
- Drain unit
- 9
- Dryer unit
- 13
- Water tub opening
- 14
- Sealing material
- 16
- Circulation tube
- 16b
- Discharge-side path
- 19
- Drain valve
- 20
- Circulation pump
- 20a
- Impeller
- 20b
- Pump casing
- 20c
- Circulation motor
- 20d
- Motor casing
- 20da
- Bearing diaphragm
- 20e
- Motor shaft
- 20f
- Circulation pump suction inlet
- 20g
- Circulation pump discharge outlet
- 21
- Operation panel
- 22
- Control unit
- 30
- Outer bottom surface
- 35
- Mounting base
- 51
- Joint
- 52
- Flow path
- 53
- Ejection hole
- 54
- Drum opening
- 55
- Cover
- 55a
- Packing
- 55b
- Water duct
- 55c
- Notch
- 55d
- Discharge outlet
- 55da
- Discharge outlet
- 55db
- Discharge outlet
- 55f
- Screw
- 56
- Guide surface
- 57
- Guide surface
- 58
- Guide surface
- 59
- Guide surface
- 60
- Curved surface
- 60a
- Curved surface
- 60b
- Curved surface
- 60c
- Curved surface
- 61
- Guide surface
- 62
- Guide surface
- 63
- Guide surface front end
- 64
- Guide surface
- 64a
- Guide surface
- 65
- Extreme front end
- 66
- Extreme front end
- 67
- Guide
- 68
- Rib
1. A drum type washing machine (1) comprising:
a cabinet (2);
a bottomed cylindrical water tub (3) having a water tub opening (13), placed inside
the cabinet (2);
a bottomed cylindrical rotating drum (4) having a drum opening (54), placed inside
the water tub (3);
a motor (6) attached to an outer bottom surface of the water tub (3) for rotating
the rotating drum (4) on a rotation axis horizontal or tilted down toward the bottom
of the rotating drum (4);
a circulation tube (16) communicatively connecting a bottom side of the water tub
(3) with a side of the water tub opening (13) for circulating washing water in the
water tub (3) from the bottom side to the side of the water tub opening (13);
a plurality of ejection holes (53) for ejecting the washing water circulated through
the circulation tube (16) toward the inside of the rotating drum (4);
a water duct (55b) at a front-surface wall (3h) of the water tub (3), connected to
the circulation tube (16); and
a plurality of discharge outlets (55d) in the water duct (55b) for discharging the
washing water between an inside surface of the front-surface wall (3h) of the water
tub (3) and an outside surface of a front-surface wall (4b) of the rotating drum (4);
characterized in that:
the washing machine further comprises a plurality of guide surfaces (56 to 59, 61
to 64) formed on the inside surface of the front-surface wall (3h) of the water tub
(3) for guiding the washing water discharged from the discharge outlets (55d) to the
ejection holes (53),
wherein the guide surfaces (56 to 59, 61 to 64) have shapes different from each other
such that the washing water ejected from each ejection hole (53) has a different diffusion
angle when viewed from a front side of the washing machine, and a different angle
when viewed from a side of the washing machine.
2. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 1, wherein the washing water is ejected
from the plurality of ejection holes (53) in directions different from one another.
3. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 2, wherein the plurality of ejection holes
(53) are disposed to the right and left sides with respect to a perpendicular line
passing through a center of the drum opening (54).
4. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 2, wherein the washing water ejected from
each of the plurality of ejection holes (53) has different diffusion angles.
5. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 2, wherein washing water is ejected simultaneously
from the plurality of ejection holes (53).
6. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 2, wherein the washing water is ejected
from the ejection holes (53) into the rotating drum (4) through between an inside
surface of a front-surface wall (3h) of the water tub (3) and an outside surface of
a front-surface wall (4b) of the rotating drum (4).
7. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of guide surfaces
(56 to 59, 61 to 64) are formed of slopes having two or more different gradient angles.
8. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of guide surfaces
(56 to 59, 61 to 64) are formed of curved surfaces having two or more different curve
radiuses.
9. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality
of guide surfaces (56 to 59, 61 to 64) is formed of a curved surface and a slope.
10. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality
of guide surfaces (56 to 59, 61 to 64) has a plurality of gradient angles.
11. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 1, wherein an extreme front end (65) of
each of the plurality of guide surfaces (56 to 59, 61 to 64) has a chamfered shape.
12. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 1, wherein an extreme front end (66) of
each of the guide surfaces (56 to 59, 61 to 64) has an arc-shaped rounded cross section
with roundness.
13. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 1, wherein a rib (68) for interfering with
a flow of the washing water is provided inside the water duct (55b) near at least
one of the plurality of discharge outlets (55d) inside the water duct (55b).
14. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 1,
wherein the plurality of discharge outlets (55d) have openings facing a rotation center
of the rotating drum (4), and the openings have opening widths different from one
another, the widths being circumferential sizes of the openings.
15. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 1,
wherein the plurality of discharge outlets (55d) have openings facing a rotation center
of the rotating drum (4), and the openings have opening distances different from one
another, the distances being sizes in a direction perpendicular to a circumferential
direction of the openings.
16. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 1,
wherein at least one of the plurality of discharge outlets (55d) has an opening facing
a direction shifted from a rotation center of the rotating drum (4).
17. The drum type washing machine (1) of claim 1, wherein a rib (68) for interfering with
a flow of the washing water is provided inside the water duct (55b) near at least
one of the discharge outlets (55d) inside the water duct (55b).
1. Trommelwaschmaschine (1), die Folgendes umfasst:
ein Gehäuse (2);
einen mit einem Boden versehenen zylindrischen Wasserbottich (3), der eine Wasserbottichöffnung
(13) aufweist, die in dem Gehäuse (2) angeordnet ist;
eine mit einem Boden versehene zylindrische drehbare Trommel (4), die eine Trommelöffnung
(54) aufweist, die in dem Wasserbottich (3) angeordnet ist;
einen Motor (6), der an einer äußeren Bodenfläche des Wasserbottichs (3) zum Drehen
der drehbaren Trommel (4) an einer Drehachse horizontal oder abwärts geneigt in Richtung
des Bodens der drehbaren Trommel (4) befestigt ist;
ein Zirkulationsrohr (16), das eine Bodenseite des Wasserbottichs (3) mit einer Seite
der Wasserbottichöffnung (13) zum Bewirken einer Zirkulation von Waschwasser in dem
Wasserbottich (3) von der Bodenseite zu der Seite der Wasserbottichöffnung (13) kommunikationstechnisch
verbindet;
mehrere Ausstoßlöcher (53) zum Ausstoßen des Waschwassers, das durch das Zirkulationsrohr
(16) zirkulieren kann, in Richtung des Inneren der drehbaren Trommel (4);
ein Wasserrohr (55b) an einer Vorderseitenwand (3h) des Wasserbottichs (3), das mit
dem Zirkulationsrohr (16) verbunden ist; und
mehrere Abflussauslässe (55d) in dem Wasserrohr (55b) zum Abführen des Waschwassers
zwischen einer inneren Oberfläche der Vorderseitenwand (3h) des Wasserbottichs (3)
und einer äußeren Oberfläche einer Vorderseitenwand (4b) der drehbaren Trommel (4);
dadurch gekennzeichnet dass:
die Waschmaschine ferner mehrere Führungsflächen (56 bis 59, 61 bis 64) umfasst, die
an der inneren Oberfläche der Vorderseitenwand (3h) des Wasserbottichs (3) zum Lenken
des Waschwassers, das von den Abflussauslässen (55d) abgeführt wird, zu den Ausstoßlöchern
(53) ausgebildet sind,
wobei die Führungsflächen (56 bis 59, 61 bis 64) Formen aufweisen, die sich so voneinander
unterscheiden, dass das Waschwasser, das von dem jeweiligen Ausstoßloch (53) ausgestoßen
wird, von einer Vorderseite der Waschmaschine aus betrachtet einen unterschiedlichen
Ausbreitungswinkel und von einer Seite der Waschmaschine aus betrachtet einen unterschiedlichen
Winkel hat.
2. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Waschwasser von den mehreren Ausstoßlöchern
(53) in Richtungen ausgestoßen wird, die sich voneinander unterscheiden.
3. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 2, wobei die mehreren Ausstoßlöcher (53) in
Bezug auf eine senkrechte Linie, die durch ein Zentrum der Trommelöffnung (54) verläuft,
auf der rechten und der linken Seite angeordnet sind.
4. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 2, wobei das Waschwasser, das von jedem der
mehreren Ausstoßlöcher (53) ausgestoßen wird, unterschiedliche Ausbreitungswinkel
hat.
5. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 2, wobei Waschwasser von den mehreren Ausstoßlöchern
(53) gleichzeitig ausgestoßen wird.
6. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 2, wobei das Waschwasser von den Ausstoßlöchern
(53) durch einen Bereich zwischen einer inneren Oberfläche einer Vorderseitenwand
(3h) des Wasserbottichs (3) und einer äußeren Oberfläche einer Vorderseitenwand (4b)
der drehbaren Trommel (4) in die drehbare Trommel (4) ausgestoßen wird.
7. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mehreren Führungsflächen (56 bis
59, 61 bis 64) aus Steigungen gebildet sind, die zwei oder mehr unterschiedliche Neigungswinkel
haben.
8. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mehreren Führungsflächen (56 bis
59, 61 bis 64) aus gekrümmten Oberflächen gebildet sind, die zwei oder mehr unterschiedliche
Krümmungsradien haben.
9. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei wenigstens eine der mehreren Führungsflächen
(56 bis 59, 61 bis 64) aus einer gekrümmten Oberfläche und einer Steigung gebildet
ist.
10. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei wenigstens eine der mehreren Führungsflächen
(56 bis 59, 61 bis 64) mehrere Neigungswinkel aufweist.
11. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei ein äußerstes vorderes Ende (65) von
jeder der mehreren Führungsflächen (56 bis 59, 61 bis 64) eine abgeschrägte Form aufweist.
12. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei ein äußerstes vorderes Ende (66) von
jeder der mehreren Führungsflächen (56 bis 59, 61 bis 64) einen bogenförmigen gerundeten
Querschnitt mit Rundung aufweist.
13. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei eine Rippe (68) zum Stören einer Strömung
des Waschwassers in dem Wasserrohr (55b) in der Nähe wenigstens eines der mehreren
Abflussauslässe (55d) in dem Wasserrohr (55b) vorgesehen ist.
14. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mehreren Abflussauslässe (55d)
Öffnungen aufweisen, die einem Drehzentrum der drehbaren Trommel (4) zugewandt sind,
und wobei die Öffnungen Öffnungsbreiten haben, die sich voneinander unterscheiden,
wobei die Breiten die Umfangsgrößen der Öffnungen sind.
15. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mehreren Abflussauslässe (55d)
Öffnungen aufweisen, die einem Drehzentrum der drehbaren Trommel (4) zugewandt sind,
und wobei die Öffnungen Öffnungsabstände haben, die sich voneinander unterscheiden,
wobei die Abstände Größen in einer Richtung senkrecht zu einer Umfangsrichtung der
Öffnungen sind.
16. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei wenigstens einer der mehreren Abflussauslässe
(55d) eine Öffnung aufweist, die einer Richtung zugewandt ist, die gegenüber einem
Drehzentrum der drehbaren Trommel (4) verschoben ist.
17. Trommelwaschmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei eine Rippe (68) zum Stören einer Strömung
des Waschwassers in dem Wasserrohr (55b) in der Nähe wenigstens eines der Abflussauslässe
(55d) in dem Wasserrohr (55b) vorgesehen ist.
1. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) comprenant :
un boîtier (2) ;
une cuve d'eau cylindrique à fond fermé (3) comportant une ouverture de cuve d'eau
(13), disposée à l'intérieur du boîtier (2) ;
un tambour rotatif cylindrique à fond fermé (4) comportant une ouverture de tambour
(54), disposé à l'intérieur de la cuve d'eau (3) ;
un moteur (6) monté sur la surface inférieure externe de la cuve d'eau (3) pour faire
tourner le tambour rotatif (4) sur un axe de rotation horizontal ou incliné vers le
bas, vers le fond du tambour rotatif (4);
un conduit de circulation (16) reliant de manière communicative un côté inférieur
de la cuve d'eau (3) avec un côté d'ouverture de cuve d'eau (13) pour faire circuler
de l'eau de lavage à l'intérieur de la cuve d'eau (3) du côté inférieur vers le côté
de l'ouverture de cuve d'eau (13) ;
une pluralité de trous d'éjection (53) pour éjecter l'eau de lavage ayant circulé
par le conduit de circulation (16) vers l'intérieur du tambour rotatif (4) ;
une conduite d'eau (55b) au niveau d'une paroi de surface avant (3h) de la cuve d'eau
(3), connectée au conduit de circulation (16) ; et
une pluralité de sorties d'évacuation (55d) à l'intérieur de la conduite d'eau (55b)
pour évacuer l'eau de lavage entre une surface intérieure de la paroi de surface avant
(3h) de la cuve d'eau (3) et une surface extérieure d'une paroi de surface avant (4b)
du tambour rotatif (4) ;
caractérisée en ce que :
la machine à laver comprend en outre une pluralité de surfaces de guidage (56 à 59,
61 à 64) formées sur la surface intérieure de la paroi de surface avant (3h) de la
cuve d'eau (3) pour guider l'eau de lavage évacuée par les sorties d'évacuation (55d)
vers les trous d'éjection (53),
où les surfaces de guidage (56 à 59, 61 à 64) présentent des formes différentes les
unes des autres de manière à ce que l'eau de lavage éjectée de chaque trou d'éjection
(53) ait un angle de diffusion différent vu d'une surface frontale de la machine à
laver et un angle différent vu d'un côté de la machine à laver.
2. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 1, où l'eau de lavage
est éjectée de la pluralité de trous d'éjection (53) dans des directions différentes
les unes des autres.
3. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 2, où la pluralité de
trous d'éjection (53) est disposée sur les côtés droit et gauche par rapport à une
ligne perpendiculaire passant par un centre de l'ouverture de tambour (54).
4. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 2, où l'eau de lavage
éjectée par chacun des trous de la pluralité de trous d'éjection (53) présente des
angles de diffusion différents.
5. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 2, où l'eau de lavage
est éjectée simultanément de la pluralité de trous d'éjection (53).
6. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 2, où l'eau de lavage
est éjectée des trous d'éjection (53) dans le tambour rotatif (4) à travers un espace
compris entre une surface intérieure d'une paroi de surface avant (3h) de la cuve
d'eau (3) et une surface extérieure d'une paroi de surface avant (4b) du tambour rotatif.
7. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 1, où la pluralité de
surfaces de guidage (56 à 59, 61 à 64) est formée de pentes comportant deux ou plusieurs
angles d'inclinaison différents.
8. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 1, où la pluralité de
surfaces de guidage (56 à 59, 61 à 64) est formée de surfaces incurvées comportant
deux ou plusieurs rayons de courbe différents.
9. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 1, où au moins une des
surfaces de la pluralité de surfaces de guidage (56 à 59, 61 à 64) est formée d'une
surface incurvée et d'une pente.
10. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 1, où au moins une des
surfaces de la pluralité de surfaces de guidage (56 à 59, 61 à 64) comporte une pluralité
d'angles d'inclinaison.
11. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 1, où un point extrême
avant (65) de chacune des surfaces de la pluralité de surfaces de guidage (56 à 59,
61 à 64) comporte une forme chanfreinée.
12. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 1, où un point extrême
avant (66) de chacune des surfaces de la pluralité de surfaces de guidage (56 à 59,
61 à 64) comporte une section transversale arquée arrondie avec une rondeur.
13. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 1, où une arête (68)
pour interférer avec un flux de l'eau de lavage est disposée à l'intérieur de la conduite
d'eau (55b) à proximité d'au moins une des sorties de la pluralité de sorties d'évacuation
(55d) à l'intérieur de la conduite d'eau (55b).
14. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 1,
où la pluralité de sorties d'évacuation (55d) présente des ouvertures faisant face
à un centre de rotation du tambour rotatif (4), et les ouvertures comportent des largeurs
d'ouverture différentes les unes des autres, les largeurs correspondant aux dimensions
de la circonférence des ouvertures.
15. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 1,
où la pluralité de sorties d'évacuation (55d) présente des ouvertures faisant face
à un centre de rotation du tambour rotatif (4), et les ouvertures comportent des distances
d'ouverture différentes les unes des autres, les distances correspondant aux dimensions
dans une direction perpendiculaire à une direction de circonférence des ouvertures.
16. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 1,
où au moins une des sorties de la pluralité de sorties d'évacuation (55d) présente
une ouverture faisant face à une direction décalée depuis un centre de rotation du
tambour rotatif (4).
17. Machine à laver du type à tambour (1) selon la revendication 1, où une arête (68)
pour interférer avec un flux de l'eau de lavage est disposée à l'intérieur de la conduite
d'eau (55b) à proximité d'au moins une des sorties d'évacuation (55d) à l'intérieur
de la conduite d'eau (55b).