Washing machine

Abstract

The invention provides a washing machine ( 10 ) operable even in the presence of a great eccentric load and exhibiting an outstanding vibration attenuating effect by suppressing eccentricity even if laundry in a drum ( 30 ) is in an unbalanced position. The washing machine ( 10 ) comprises an inner drum ( 30 ) having a rotatably supported axis and a closed wall at at least one end thereof, and a plurality of liquid holding boxes ( 35 ) provided on the closed wall of the inner drum ( 30 ) externally thereof and each having an opening facing toward the axis. The periphery of the inner drum ( 30 ) is provided with hollow liquid holding tubes ( 37 ) communicating with the respective liquid holding boxes ( 35 ).

1 . A washing machine comprising an inner drum having a rotatably supported axis and a closed wall at at least one end thereof, and a plurality of liquid holding boxes provided on the closed wall of the inner drum externally thereof and each having an opening facing toward the axis, 
 the washing machine being characterized in that the inner drum is provided at a periphery thereof with hollow liquid holding tubes communicating with the respective liquid holding boxes.    
     
     
         2 . The washing machine according to  claim 1  wherein the liquid holding tubes are provided in parallel to the axis of the inner drum.  
     
     
         3 . The washing machine according to  claim 1  wherein each of the liquid holding tubes is so inclined that one end thereof toward the closed wall is positioned closer to the axis of the inner drum.  
     
     
         4 . The washing machine according to any one of  claims 1  to  3  wherein an inner peripheral wall of the inner drum is provided with baffles in parallel to the axis for scraping up laundry, and the liquid holding tubes are formed inside the respective baffles.  
     
     
         5 . The washing machine according to any one of  claims 1  to  4  wherein the liquid holding tubes are each provided with an air vent member for assisting a liquid to flow into or out of the liquid holding tube.  
     
     
         6 . The washing machine according to  claim 5  wherein the air vent member is a tubular member having one end in communication with inside of the liquid holding tube and the other end extending outward from the opening of the corresponding liquid holding box.  
     
     
         7 . The washing machine according to any one of  claims 1  to  6  wherein each of the liquid holding boxes has a lid provided over a portion of the opening facing toward the axis of the inner drum.  
     
     
         8 . The washing machine according to any one of  claims 1  to  7  wherein each of the liquid holding boxes communicates with the corresponding liquid holding tube through a pipe member.  
     
     
         9 . The washing machine according to any one of  claims 1  to  7  wherein each of the liquid holding tubes has one end positioned close to the closed wall and entirely opened, and each of the liquid holding boxes has an opening to be held in communication with the entire opening of the corresponding liquid holding tube, these two openings being in direct communication with each other to cause the liquid holding tube to communicate with the liquid holding box.  
     
     
         10 . The washing machine according to any one of  claims 1  to  9  wherein the liquid holding boxes are each provided inside thereof with a silencer plate for reducing the noise to be produced by a flow of liquid.