WO2007148746A1

WO2007148746A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2007148746A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/062479
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masahiro Yamazaki; Kazuhiro Iwase; Akihiro Hoshino; Hiroshi Ando; Ryutaro Kawasaki
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation; Nihon Kentetsu Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-06-23
Filing date: 2007-06-21
Publication date: 2007-12-27

Abstract

A washing machine where drying efficiency is maintained at a satisfactory level with vibration transmitted to a body in washing and dewatering reduced. The washing machine (100) includes the body (10) having a clothing take-out opening (11), a water container (20) placed in the body (10) and having an opening (25) at a position facing the clothing take-out opening (11), a washing container-cum-dewatering container (21) rotatably installed in the water container (20), and a seal mechanism (111) placed in a gap between the outer periphery of the clothing take-out opening (11) and the outer periphery of the opening (25) and sealing the gap according to application of drive force.

Description

Specification

Washing machine

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing, dehydrating and drying laundry.

Background

Conventionally, there is a fully automatic laundry dryer (hereinafter simply referred to as a washing machine) that automatically performs washing, dehydration and drying of laundry. As such, “a circulation air passage extending in the vertical direction between the rear side of the outer tub and the rear frame plate is attached to the outer tub and arranged in the circulation air passage to cool and dehumidify. In addition, by installing the air inlet of this circulation airflow in front of the upper opening of the washing and dewatering tank, it is configured that the warm air heated by the circulating air is blown into the washing and dewatering tank in front of the air blowing opening. A “feature washer / dryer” has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Further, "a main body, a receiving cylinder supported by a plurality of suspensions inside the main body, a washing and dehydrating tub rotatably supported by a dehydrating shaft inside the receiving cylinder, and an upper portion of the washing and dehydrating tub. A fluid balancer provided at the bottom, a rotary blade having a pan-shaped shape provided at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub, a washing shaft to which the rotary blade is attached, and the washing shaft. A fixed motor, hot air blowing means for blowing warm air into the washing and dewatering tub, and a stretchable tube connecting the fixed side provided with the hot air means and the vibration side provided with the hot air blowing port. A fully automatic washer / dryer has been proposed in which the stretchable tube that connects the fixed side and the vibration side is provided so as to cover the outer periphery of the clothes insertion port (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-292190 (FIG. 1)

Patent Document 2: JP-A-11-347280 (Fig. 1)

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] The washing / drying machine described in Patent Document 1 is configured so that the blowing port portion is installed facing the upper opening of the washing / dehydrating tub and the warm air heated by circulating air is blown into the washing / dehydrating tub. It is. With this configuration, the drying efficiency is improved. In other words, the drying efficiency was improved by providing an inner lid for the washing and dewatering tank so as not to miss the warm air. However, there is a problem that this inner lid is provided only to increase the sealing degree of the washing / dehydrating tub when drying, and is not necessary for the washing process or the dehydration process. Further, when the inner lid is provided in the outer frame (main body), there is a problem that the volume in the washing and dewatering tank is limited.

[0006] The washing machine described in Patent Document 2 is configured to connect the stationary side of the main body and the vibration side of the water tank with an elastic tube. In this washing machine, by providing an elastic tube, it is not necessary to provide an inner lid. However, the vibration of the water tank (vibration side) generated during washing and dehydration propagates to the main body via the elastic tube. This caused a new problem that large vibrations leaked to the outside of the main body and vibration noise (noise) was also generated along with the vibrations.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a washing machine that maintains drying efficiency while reducing vibrations that propagate to the main body during washing and dehydration. Is.

Means for solving the problem

[0008] A washing machine according to the present invention includes a main body having a clothing outlet, a water tank disposed in the main body and having an opening at a position facing the clothing outlet, and a washing machine provided rotatably in the water tank. A rinsing and dewatering tank and a sealing mechanism for sealing a gap between the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet and the outer peripheral portion of the opening according to the application of the driving force are provided.

The invention's effect

[0009] The washing machine according to the present invention seals the gap formed between the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet and the outer peripheral portion of the opening by the sealing mechanism. It is possible to seal the gap between the outer peripheral part of the part with air tightness when desired. By sealing this gap, it becomes possible to send warm air into the washing and dewatering tub without leakage during the drying process, etc., and it is not necessary to reduce the drying efficiency.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing the elastic body of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the protrusion of FIG. 1.

4] A longitudinal sectional view of the washing machine of FIG. 1 cut along the drying circulation passage.

FIG. 5] is an operation explanatory diagram (washing and dehydrating operation) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

7] A longitudinal sectional view of the washing machine of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8] An operation explanatory diagram (washing and dehydrating operation) of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9] An operation explanatory diagram (drying operation) of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

10] A longitudinal sectional view of the washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

11] It is an operation explanatory diagram (washing and dehydrating operation) of the third embodiment of the present invention.

12] An operation explanatory diagram (drying operation) of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 13] An operation explanatory diagram ((a) washing and dehydrating operation (b) drying operation) of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a seal member.

16] A longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the hollow rubber tube is pressurized.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the seal member.

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of a seal member.

19] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the installation location of the rubber protrusion.

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the seal member.

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of a seal member.

FIG. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the seal member.

FIG. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the seal member.

FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of a seal member.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an arrangement member for arranging a seal member.

26] A longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the washing machine according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 27] A longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the washing machine according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 28] It is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the washing machine according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a clothing outlet of the main body viewed from an oblique state.

30] It is a perspective view of the clothing outlet of the main body viewed from an oblique state from within the aquarium.

[31] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the extracted seal mechanism.

[32] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a state in which the frame is extracted and viewed obliquely from above.

37] It is a perspective view of the state seen from the side opposite to FIG.

FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the frame.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the frame.

[36] FIG. 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the seal member is lowered in the drying process.

37] is an operation explanatory diagram.

38] It is a block diagram showing a control system of the washing machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control system of FIG. 38.

Explanation of symbols

10 Main body, 11 Clothing outlet, 12 Lid, 20 Water tank, 21 Washing / dehydration tank, 22 Stirring blade, 23 Drain port, 25 Opening, 30 Suspension rod, 31 Water tank vertical drive mechanism, 40 Drive part, 41 Drive shaft, 50 Suspension support part, 51 Fitting part, 52 Anti-vibration part, 60 Seal member, 60a Hollow rubber tube, 60b Hollow rubber tube, 60c Hollow rubber tube, 60d Hollow rubber tube, 60e Hollow rubber tube, 60f Hollow rubber tube, 60g Hollow rubber tube, 60h Hollow rubber tube, 61 Pump, 62 Rubber protrusion, 62a Rubber protrusion, 63 Medium rubber packing, 64 Rubber sheet, 65 Magnet, 66 Metal, 70 Dry circulation air path, 71 Air supply port, 72 Non Air vent, 73 Hot air blowing means, 74 Fan, 75 Heater, 76 Dehumidifier, 7 7 Elastic body (second elastic body), 77a Opening, 80 Arrangement member, 81 Groove, 90 Seal member, 9 1 Elastic body, 92 Metal ring, 93 magnet, 94 Cutout, 95 wire, 96 pulley, 100 washing machine, 100a washing machine, 100b washing machine, 101-104 temperature sensor, 105 wholesaler, 106 operation panel, 177 case, 178 duct, 180 seat mechanism, 181, 183 seal member 182, 184 frame, 182a, 184a L-shaped bracket, 182b, 1 84b C-type channel, 182c, 184c magnet, 185 wire, 186 actuator, 1 87 pipe, 188 medium, piece.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [0012] Embodiment 1.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view showing the elastic body 112 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a view showing the protrusion 113 of FIG.

The washing machine 100 has a configuration in which a water tank 20 is suspended and supported in a main body 10. The aquarium 20 is supported in an anti-vibration manner in a suspended state from the four corners of the main body 10 by four suspension portions 30a each composed of a spring member, a rubber member, and a suspension wire or suspension rod (hereinafter referred to as a suspension rod) 30. In addition, four water tank vertical drive mechanisms 31 that change the length of the suspension rod 30 of each suspension part 30a are arranged on the upper part of each suspension part 30a. Can move up and down in the main body 10. Thus, the washing machine 100 of the present example allows the water tank 20 to move up and down in the main body 10 by the hanging part 30a provided in the four power stations corresponding to the four corners of the main body 10 and the water tank vertical drive mechanism 31. It is supported by suspension.

In addition, a washing / dehydrating tub 21 for storing laundry is rotatably disposed in the water tub 20, and a stirring blade 22 is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub 21. Yes. A drive unit 40 including a DC motor, a gear, a clutch, and the like is disposed in the lower part of the water tank 20, and a drive shaft 41 of the drive part is connected to the water tank 20 by a flange, and further includes a washing / dehydration tank 21 and a washing machine. It is fastened to a rotating shaft of a stirring blade 22 provided at the bottom of the cum dewatering tank 21 and rotatably supports the washing / dewatering tank 21 and the stirring blade 22. In addition, the front surface of the main body 10 is provided with a loading / unloading port (clothing outlet) 11 for loading and unloading the laundry, and is opened and closed by a lid 12.

[0014] The water tank 20 is disposed in the main body 10 so that the opening 25 faces the inlet / outlet 11 of the main body 10, and between the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the inlet / outlet 11 of the main body 10 A sealing mechanism 111 is provided for sealing the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the inlet / outlet port 11 of the main body 10 with good airtightness. The seal mechanism 111 according to the first embodiment includes a ring-shaped elastic body (hollow rubber) 112 provided on the outer periphery of the inlet / outlet 11 of the main body 10 and a ring-shaped protrusion 113 made of resin. ing. As shown in FIG. 2, the elastic body 112 is composed of an elastic member that expands and contracts in the vertical movement direction of the water tank 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the protrusion 113 is provided in a ring shape at a ring-shaped flat portion 113a and a radial center position of the flat portion 113a. It is composed of a convex portion 113b.

Further, a drying circulation air passage 70 is provided at the rear of the main body 10. Next, Fig. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the washing machine of Fig. 1 cut along the drying circulation air passage 70.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the washing machine of FIG. 1 cut along the drying circulation air passage 70.

As shown in FIG. 4, one of the drying circulation air passages 70 is open to an air supply port 71 provided in the vicinity of the opening 25 of the washing and dewatering tank 21, and the other is an exhaust provided on the side surface of the washing and dewatering tank 21. A hot air blowing means 73 is disposed in the drying circulation air passage 70 for drying the laundry. The hot air blowing means 73 includes a fan 74, a heater 75, and a dehumidifier 76. The fan 74 and the heater 75 are fixed to the main body 10 side, and the dehumidifier 76 is fixed to the water tank 20 side. The dehumidifier 76 has an upper end connected to the fan 75 with an elastic body 77 having a bellows shape, and a lower end connected to the exhaust port 72. When the warm air blowing means 73 having a powerful structure is driven, the air heated by the heater 75 flows in the direction of the arrow in the figure by the fan 74 and is guided into the water tank 20 from the air supply port 71. Then, it hits the laundry in the water tank 20 and becomes moisture-containing air that is exhausted from the exhaust port 72 and dehumidified when passing through the dehumidifier 76 to become dry air. Returned to Repeat this to dry the laundry.

5 and 6 are operation explanatory views of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a seal mechanism part in the cleaning process and the dewatering process. FIG. 6 is a seal in the drying process. It is an enlarged view of the mechanical part. Hereinafter, the operation of the washing machine will be described.

First, when the washing process is started, a large vibration is generated in the washing / dehydrating tub 21 and the water tub 20 due to imbalance due to the clothes being washed.

The vibration of the water tank 20 is suppressed by the suspension part 30a. Further, in the washing process, as shown in FIG. 5, the elastic body 112 arranged on the main body 10 side and the protrusion 113 arranged on the water tank 20 side are at a position separated by a vertical distance H 1, and the elastic body 112 Since the protrusion 113 is not in contact with the main body 10 and the water tank 20, vibration is transmitted and cut off, and the main body vibration and noise can be significantly reduced.

[0018] When the washing process is completed and the dehydrating process is started, the washing / dehydrating tub 21 and the water tub 20 are greatly increased due to imbalance due to the garment being washed away as in the washing process. Vibration occurs. At this time, however, the elastic body 112 fixed to the main body 10 side and the protrusion 113 fixed to the water tank 20 side are not in contact with each other (see FIG. 5). The vibration is transmitted and blocked between the two, and the main body vibration and noise can be significantly reduced.

[0019] Furthermore, when the dehydration process is completed and the drying process is started, each water tank vertical drive mechanism 4 is driven by control means (not shown). As a result, each water tank vertical drive mechanism 31 raises the water tank 20 by lifting the suspension rod 30 by the same distance via each suspension part 30a, and the protrusion disposed on the water tank 20 side as shown in FIG. The convex portion 113b of the body 113 bites into the elastic body 112 and comes into close contact. Thereby, the inside of the water tank 20 can be hermetically sealed. Then, the hot air blowing means 73 is driven, and the air blown by the fan 74 is heated by the heater 75, flows in the direction of the arrow in FIGS. 4 and 6, and is sent into the water tank 20 through the air supply port 71. It is. Then, the air containing the moisture that hits the laundry in the water tank 20 is discharged from the exhaust port 72, passes through the dehumidifier 76, is dehumidified to become dry air, and is heated again by the heater 75 and is then heated in the water tank 20. Returned to During the above drying process, since the elastic body 112 arranged on the main body 10 side and the projection 113 arranged on the water tank 20 are in close contact with each other, the warm air is guided to the water tank 20 without leaking outside the water tank 20. It is burned. Thereby, warm air can be applied to the clothes in the water tank 20 without waste, and drying efficiency can be remarkably increased.

[0020] The vibration of the water tank 20 during drying is smaller than that during washing or dehydration. Therefore, even if the water tank 20 is connected to the main body 10 via the elastic body 112, the vibration and noise of the main body are not generated. It will never grow.

[0021] As described above, according to the first embodiment, during an operation with a large vibration such as a washing and dehydrating process, the elastic body 112 and the protrusion 113 are not brought into contact with each other, and the inlet / outlet 11 and the water tank 20 are Since there was a gap between the opening 25 and the gap was sealed airtight only during the drying process, vibrations generated from the water tank 20 during the washing and dehydration processes toward the main body 10 side. Transmission can be cut off, and a washing machine with low vibration and noise of the main body 10 can be obtained.

[0022] Also, during the drying process, the water tank 20 is raised to the lid 12 side by the water tank vertical drive mechanism 31, and the elastic body 112 disposed on the main body 10 side and the protrusion 113 disposed on the water tank 20 side are brought into contact with each other. Since the gap between the two is hermetically sealed, the gap between the elastic body 112 and the protrusion 113 is It becomes possible to efficiently contact the warm air that does not leak from the gap with the laundry. As a result, it is possible to obtain a drying washing machine capable of increasing the drying efficiency and shortening the drying time.

[0023] Further, since the elastic body 112 arranged on the main body 10 side has a width in the radial direction (for example, the width W1 is 5 Omm or more), when the water tank 20 is raised during the drying process, the water tank 20 Even if a position shift (front / back / left / right ± 25 mm) occurs from the ideal contact position with the elastic body 1 12, the protrusion 113 (the radial width W2 of the protrusion is, for example, 1 to 10 mm) is changed to the elastic body 112. The air tank 20 can be kept airtight and high drying efficiency can be maintained.

[0024] It should be noted that the resin-made protrusion 113 may be made of an elastic member. In this case, the protrusion 113 can push up the elastic body 112 and be brought into close contact with each other, thereby exhibiting the same airtight effect.

[0025] Further, the elastic body 112 may be disposed in a ring shape on the upper end of the resin projection 113. In this case, the same effects as described above can be obtained, and wear caused by the resin-made protrusions 113 coming into direct contact with the elastic body 112 can be reduced.

[0026] Furthermore, the elastic body 112 has a U-shaped cross section composed of opposite side walls and a bottom wall, and is fixedly disposed on the main body 10 side so that the bottom wall faces the protrusion 113, and is similar to the above. You may make it show an airtight effect.

In this example, the force shown in the example in which the elastic body 112 is provided on the main body 10 side and the protrusion 113 is provided on the opening 25 side of the water tank 20 may be provided in reverse.

[0028] Embodiment 2.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the washing machine of the second embodiment. The washing machine of the second embodiment employs a seal mechanism 131 instead of the seal mechanism 111 of the first embodiment, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The description to be given is omitted, and here, the second embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the difference from the first embodiment.

The seal mechanism 131 according to the second embodiment includes a ring-shaped main body side elastic body (hollow rubber) 132 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the inlet / outlet 11 of the main body 10 and a ring shape provided on the opening 25 of the water tank 20. It is composed of a water tank side elastic body (hollow rubber) 133. 8 and 9 are operation explanatory views of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a seal mechanism part in a process other than the drying process (cleaning process, dehydrating process), and FIG. 9 is a drying process. It is an enlarged view of the seal mechanism part at the time.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the processes other than the drying process (cleaning process, dewatering process), the main body side elastic body 132 and the water tank side elastic body 133 are separated by a vertical distance H2, and they are sealed without contact. There is no state. Then, at the time of the drying process, as shown in FIG. 9, the water tank 20 rises, and thereby the main body side elastic body 132 and the water tank side elastic body 133 are brought into close contact with each other while being deformed. Thereby, the main body side elastic body 132 and the water tank side elastic body 133 can be hermetically sealed, and the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0030] In the sealing mechanism 131 of the second embodiment, the main body side elastic body 132 and the water tank side elastic body are provided.

133 has a width in the radial direction (for example, the width W3 is 50 mm or more). Therefore, when the water tank 20 is raised during the drying process, the water tank 20 comes from an ideal contact position with the elastic body 132 on the main body side. Even if there is a misalignment in the front / rear / left / right (front / back / left / right ± 25mm), the water tank side elastic body 133 can be brought into contact with the main body side elastic body 132. Can be maintained.

Further, in FIGS. 7 to 9, the main body side elastic body 132 and the water tank side elastic body 133 are shown to have a square cross section. However, the main body side elastic body 132 and the water tank side elastic body 133 are not limited to this shape. Good

[0032] Embodiment 3.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the washing machine of the third embodiment. The washing machine of the third embodiment uses a seal mechanism 141 instead of the seal mechanism 111 of the first embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The description to be given is omitted, and here, the third embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the difference from the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are operation explanatory views of Embodiment 3, and FIG. 11 is a process other than the drying process.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the seal mechanism portion in the drying process.

The seal mechanism 141 according to Embodiment 3 includes a ring-shaped main body-side elastic body 142 provided on the outer periphery of the inlet / outlet 11 of the main body 1 and a ring-shaped protrusion provided on the opening 25 of the water tank 20. 143. The main body-side elastic body 142 is staggered inward from a side wall 142a having a U-shaped cross section composed of opposing side walls 142a, 142a and a bottom wall 142b, and a side wall 142a facing the frame 142c. And a plurality of wall portions 142d extending almost to the center of the frame 142c. The protrusion 143 includes a fixing portion 143 a fixed to the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and a protrusion piece 143 b erected substantially perpendicularly from the fixing portion 143 a toward the main body side elastic body 142.

In the sealing mechanism 141 configured in this manner, as shown in FIG. 11, the main body-side elastic body 142 and the protrusion 143 are separated from each other in a vertical distance in processes other than the drying process (cleaning process, dehydrating process). They are separated by H3, and both are not in contact and are not sealed. Then, at the time of the drying process, as shown in FIG. 12, the water tank 20 rises, and as a result, the protruding piece 143b of the protrusion 143 enters while contacting the wall 142d in the frame 142c, and the water tank 20 is airtight. Seal. As a result, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0035] Also in the sealing mechanism 141 of the third embodiment, the main body side elastic body 142 disposed on the main body 10 side as in the first embodiment has a certain width in the radial direction (for example, the width W4 is 50 mm or more). In the sealing mechanism 141 according to the third embodiment, since the projecting piece 143b is inserted into the central portion of the frame 142c in the radial direction, the water tank 20 is lifted. Even if the water tank 20 is displaced from front to back and back and forth, the projecting piece 143b is guided and inserted into the central part of the frame 142c, so that the water tank 20 can be securely sealed. Can be ensured, and high drying efficiency can be maintained.

In this example, the force shown in the example in which the elastic body 142 is provided on the main body 10 side and the protrusion 143 is provided on the opening 25 side of the water tank 20 may be provided.

[0037] Embodiment 4.

Since the fourth embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment, here, the fourth embodiment will be described with a focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment (the same applies to the second and third embodiments), the water tank vertical drive mechanism 31 is provided in each of the hanging portions 30a at the four corners in the main body 10, and the water tank 20 is lifted from four power points. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the water tank vertical drive mechanism 31 of the hanging part 30a of the two front force stations is deleted, and the water tank vertical drive mechanism 31 is provided only at the two rear power stations. FIG. 13 (a) is a diagram showing a state before the water tank 2 is lifted, and FIG. 13 (b) is a diagram showing a state after the water tank 2 is lifted during the cleaning process and the drying process. In the fourth embodiment, the water tank 2 is suspended and supported in the horizontal state in the main body 1 in the cleaning process and the dehydrating process.

Here, in Embodiment 4, the contact surface force with the main body 10 of the elastic body 112 is an inclined surface in which the near side (the left side in the drawing) is inclined downward with respect to the opening surface of the opening 25 of the water tank 20. . In the cleaning process and the dehydrating process other than the drying process, as shown in FIG. 13 (a), the elastic body 112 and the protrusion 113 are separated from each other. As shown in (b), the water tank up / down drive mechanism 31 at the two rear power points is driven to pull up the suspension rod 30. Thereby, the aquarium 2 rises while inclining forward. Here, since the elastic body 112 is disposed so as to be inclined forward, the protrusion 113 of the water tank 20 comes into contact with and closely contacts the elastic body 112 when the rear of the water tank 2 is lifted.

[0039] As a result, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the water tank vertical drive mechanism 4 at the two front power stations can be omitted, which contributes to cost reduction.

[0040] In the drying process in the first to third embodiments, airtight sealing may not be performed immediately before temporary stop or completion. As a result, the heat radiation of the clothing is promoted, the time for the clothing temperature to be lowered is shortened, and a comfortable and easy-to-use washing machine can be provided in which the clothing becomes hot when the clothing is taken out.

[0041] Embodiment 5.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of washing machine 100 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Here, the case where the washing machine 100 is a fully automatic washing and drying machine capable of automatically performing the washing process, the dehydration process, the drying process, etc. of the laundry stored in the water tub 20 will be described as an example. To do. In addition, in the following drawings including FIG. 1, the relationship of the size of each component may be different from the actual one. The left side of the figure is the front of the washing machine and the right side is the rear of the washing machine.

As shown in FIG. 14, the washing machine 100 has a configuration in which a water tub 20 is suspended in a main body 10 by a suspension rod 30 and arranged obliquely. A washing / dehydrating tub 21 for storing laundry such as clothes and washing, dehydrating and drying the laundry is rotatably disposed inside the tub 20. The This water tank 20 plays a role of receiving water splashed from the washing and dewatering tank 21 during dehydration. This water is drained to the outside through a drain port 23 provided in the lower front part of the water tank 20. An opening 25 is formed in the upper part of the water tank 20 so that the laundry can be stored in the washing and dewatering tank 21.

[0043] At the bottom of the washing and dewatering tank 21, a stirring blade 22 is rotatably disposed. A driving unit 40 for rotationally driving the washing / dehydrating tank 21 and the stirring blades 22 is provided at the outer lower portion of the water tank 20. The drive unit 40 includes a DC motor, a gear, a clutch, etc. (not shown). The drive unit 40 is connected to the water tank 20 through a flange provided on the drive shaft 41. The drive shaft 41 is fastened to the rotating shafts of the washing / dehydrating tub 21 and the stirring blade 22 so as to rotatably support the washing / dehydrating tub 21 and the stirring blade 22.

In the main body 10, control means (not shown) for controlling the rotation speed of the motor in the drive unit 40 is provided. This control means controls the overall operation of the washing machine 100 (washing process, dewatering process, drying process) based on an instruction from the user, and may be composed of, for example, a microcomputer. Further, a clothing outlet 11 for taking in and out the laundry is formed at the upper part of the main body 10, and the clothing outlet 11 can be opened and closed by a lid 12. That is, the water tank 20 is disposed in the main body 10 so that the opening 25 of the water tank 20 faces the clothing outlet 11.

[0045] It is sufficient that at least one suspension rod 30 for suspending the water tank 20 is provided in the front-rear direction of the main body 10. Note that it is preferable that at least one hanging rod 30 is provided in the front-rear direction, and the number of the hanging rods 30 is not particularly limited. Further, the number of the suspension rods 30 may be changed in the front-rear direction, and the length of the suspension rod 30 may be different in the front-rear direction.

A water tank vertical drive mechanism 31 that can move the suspension rod 30 in the vertical direction is disposed above each suspension rod 30. In other words, the water tank vertical drive mechanism 31 corresponding to the number of the hanging rods 30 is arranged on the upper portion of the hanging rods 30. The water tank vertical drive mechanism 31 is fixed in the main body 10 and supports the suspension rod 30 in a penetrating manner. This aquarium vertical drive mechanism 31 moves the suspension rod 30 in the vertical direction, so that the aquarium 20 can be tilted at an arbitrary angle. It is.

That is, the water tank vertical drive mechanism 31 is configured to move the suspension rod 30 based on an instruction from the control means to incline the water tank 20 at an arbitrary angle. For example, the control means may adjust the inclination angle of the water tank 20 by controlling the water tank vertical drive mechanism 31 in accordance with the operation process of the washing machine 100. The aquarium vertical drive mechanism 31 is not particularly limited as long as it can support the suspension rod 30 and can be driven in the vertical direction.

[0048] A suspension support portion 50 for connecting the suspension rod 30 and the water tank 20 and elastically supporting the water tank 20 is provided at the lower part of the outside of the water tank 20. The suspension support part 50 includes a joint part 51 and a vibration isolating part 52. The suspension support portion 50 is provided according to the number of the suspension rods 30 and the location where the suspension rods 30 are arranged. The joint portion 51 serves to connect the water tank 20 and the suspension rod 30 by penetrating the suspension rod 30 therein. That is, the joint portion 51 receives the suspension rod 30 and connects the suspension rod 30 and the water tank 20 so as to be interlocked with each other.

[0049] Then, on the lower side of the joint portion 51, a vibration isolating portion 52 for preventing the suspension rod 30 from coming off and supporting the joint portion 51 from the lower side is provided. The vibration isolator 52 is configured to support the suspension rod 30 in a penetrating manner, and includes a vibration isolation panel (not shown). The vibration isolator 52 elastically supports the water tank 20 from the lower side through the joint portion 51 and also serves to absorb vibrations propagating through the joint portion 51.

As described above, the suspension rod 30 is supported by the water tank vertical drive mechanism 31 on the upper side and supported by the vibration isolator 52 on the lower side, and is connected to the water tank 20 by penetrating the joint 51. It is. The type of the vibration isolator 52 is not particularly limited as long as it can absorb the vibration generated in the water tank 20. For example, a damper, suspension, coil spring, anti-vibration panel, air panel, etc. may be used.

[0051] Between the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10, a sealing member 60 is provided for sealing the opening 25 and the clothing outlet 11 with airtightness. The seal member 60 of the first embodiment is configured by a ring-shaped hollow rubber tube 60a provided on the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20. The hollow rubber tube 60a is elastically driven by air, and expands when pressurized, so that the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 It comes into contact with the outer periphery (detailed in Fig. 2). A pump 61 for sending air into the hollow rubber tube 60a is provided at the upper rear part of the main body 10.

In addition, a drying circulation air passage 70 is formed in the rear interior of the water tank 20. One of the drying circulation air passages 70 opens to an air supply port 71 provided in the vicinity of the opening 25 of the washing / dehydrating tank 21, and the other opens to an exhaust port 72 provided on the side surface of the washing / dehydrating tank 21. Yes. In the drying circulation air passage 70, a hot air blowing means 73 for producing hot air for drying the laundry is disposed at the upper rear part inside the main body 10. The hot air blowing means 73 includes a fan 74, a heater 75, and a dehumidifier 76. The fan 74 and the heater 75 are fixed to the main body 10 side, and the dehumidifier 76 is fixed to the water tank 2 side. ing. The dehumidifier 76 has an upper end connected to a warm air blowing means 73 with an accordion-like elastic body 77 and a lower end connected to an exhaust port 72, respectively.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of the sealing member 60 constituting the sealing mechanism.

Here, a case where a hollow rubber tube 60a is used as the seal member 60 is shown as an example. 15 (a) shows the overall shape of the hollow rubber tube 60a, FIG. 15 (b) shows the cross-sectional shape of the hollow rubber tube 60a in an unpressurized state, and FIG. 15 (c) shows the pressurized state. The cross-sectional shapes of the hollow rubber tube 60a in the state are shown. Based on FIG. 15, the seal member 60 that is a characteristic part of the first embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 15 (a), the seal member 60 is constituted by a ring-shaped hollow rubber tube 60 a and is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20. This hollow rubber tube 60a is formed on each of the upper and lower surfaces in order to seal the gap formed between the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 with good airtightness. Should be leveled. Note that, in FIG. 14, the force illustrated in the example in which the hollow rubber tube 60a is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 is not limited to this. The outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 is not limited to this. You may make it provide in a part.

[0055] The hollow rubber tube 60a swells when pressurized by the pump 61, seals the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11, and is pressurized by the pump 61. As a result, the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 is not sealed. Therefore, during dehydration when large vibrations occur, the hollow rubber tube 60a shrinks and does not seal the gap between the water tank 20 and the main body 10, and the vibrations It can be prevented from propagating to the main body 10, and when drying or washing, the hollow rubber tube 60a swells and seals the gap between the water tank 20 and the main body 10 and sends warm air into the washing and dehydration tank 21 without leaking. You can The hollow rubber tube 60a is not particularly limited in shape as long as it has a shape that can be expanded and contracted. The pump 61 is controlled by the control means.

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the hollow rubber tube 60a is pressurized. Based on FIG. 16, the function of the seal member 60 will be described. In FIG. 16, the flow of warm air sent into the washing and dewatering tub 21 during drying is shown by arrows. First, the circulation of air flowing through the drying circulation air passage 70 during drying will be described. When the hot air blowing means 73 starts to drive, the air heated by the heater 75 becomes hot air and is sent from the air supply port 71 into the washing and dewatering tub 21 by the fan 74.

Then, the warm air hits the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub 21, is converted into moisture-containing air, and is discharged from the exhaust port 72. The air discharged from the exhaust port 72 is dehumidified and converted into dry air when passing through the dehumidifier 76. This air is heated again by the heater 75 and sent into the washing and dewatering tank 21. By repeatedly circulating air in this way, the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub 21 is dried. That is, the drying efficiency is improved by sending the air heated by the heater 75 into the washing / dehydrating tank 21 without leakage. Here, the case where all the air is circulated (complete circulation type) has been described as an example, but the drying circulation air passage 70 (the drying circulation air passage 70 includes an elastic body 77 and an air supply port 71). It is also possible to open a part of any of the above and discharge part of the air (anti-circulation type). By doing so, it becomes possible to further improve the drying efficiency.

Next, the operation of the washing machine 100 will be described. Here, the case where the washing machine 100 operates fully automatically will be described as an example. First, the user stores the laundry in the washing / dehydrating tub 21. Then, by operating a start button provided on an operation panel (not shown), the washing machine 100 starts operation. When the washing process starts at the beginning, a large vibration may occur in the washing / dehydrating tub 21 and the water tub 20 due to imbalance due to the laundry being offset.

This vibration is absorbed by a vibration isolating portion 53 provided below the suspension rod 30. Also laundry As shown in FIG. 1, since the hollow rubber tube 60a, which is the seal member 60, is not pressurized, the gap between the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 and the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 is shown. It ’s not sealed. In other words, since the hollow rubber tube 60a is not driven, the vibration of the main body 10 and the noise generated by the vibration without the vibration generated in the washing / dehydrating tub 21 propagating to the main body 10 can be significantly reduced. it can. Here, the case where the gap is not sealed is described as an example in the washing process, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even in the washing process, the hollow rubber tube 60a is pressurized, and the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the clothing outlet 11 You may seal the clearance gap between the outer peripheral parts.

[0060] When the washing process is completed and the dehydrating process is started, as in the washing process, a large vibration may occur in the washing / dehydrating tub 21 and the water tub 20 due to imbalance due to the side of the laundry. is there. In the dehydration process, large vibrations (abnormal vibrations) often occur during the transition from low-speed rotation at the start of dehydration to high-speed rotation. At this time, if the hollow rubber tube 60a is not pressurized, the vibration generated in the washing / dehydrating tub 21 does not propagate to the main body 10 and the noise generated by the vibration is significantly reduced. It can be reduced.

[0061] When the dehydration step is completed and the drying step is started, the pump 61 is driven by the control means.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, the hollow rubber tube 60a is pressurized, and the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 is sealed. That is, the hollow rubber tube 60a expands to seal the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11, and the inside of the washing and dewatering tub 21 is made airtight. Since the vibration generated in the water tank 20 during drying is smaller than during washing or dehydration, the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 is sealed with the hollow rubber tube 60a. However, the vibration and noise transmitted to the main body 10 will not increase. Then, the control means drives the hot air blowing means 73, and the air blown by the fan 74 is heated by the heater 75 and sent into the water tank 2 through the air supply port 71 as shown by the arrow. become.

[0062] During the above drying process, the hollow rubber tube 60a, which is the seal member 60, expands in the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10. Because it is sealed with Guided into the aquarium 21. Thus, warm air can be applied to the laundry in the washing / dehydrating tub 21 without waste, and drying efficiency can be prevented from being reduced. Also, during the washing process and the dehydration process, the gap between the outer peripheral part of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer peripheral part of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 is not sealed without pressurizing the hollow rubber tube 60a. Thus, vibration and noise do not propagate to the main body 10 and the vibration and noise can be prevented from leaking outside.

[0063] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 without pressurizing the hollow rubber tube 60a during operation in which a large vibration occurs during washing and dehydration. And the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 is not sealed, so that the vibration propagating from the water tank 20 to the main body 10 is blocked, and the vibration and noise leaking outside the main body 10 are efficiently Can be reduced.

[0064] In addition, during the drying process in which no significant vibration occurs, the hollow rubber tube 60a is pressurized to seal the gap formed between the water tank 20 and the main body 10, so that hot air leaks. It can be fed into the washing / dehydrating tub 21 and the drying time can be shortened without reducing the drying efficiency. In other words, the washing machine 100 drives the seal member 60 to reduce the leakage of vibration and noise according to the operation process and to prevent the drying efficiency from being lowered. In addition, since the washing machine 100 can be realized with a simple structure in which the seal member 60 is provided, the cost required for manufacturing can be reduced.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the seal member 60. Here, a case where a hollow rubber tube 60b is used as the seal member 60 is shown as an example. Fig. 17 (a) shows the cross-sectional shape of the hollow rubber tube 60b in a pressurized state, and Fig. 17 (b) shows the cross-sectional shape of the hollow rubber tube 60b in a pressurized state. I'm going. Based on FIG. 17, the seal member 60 that is a characteristic part of the first embodiment will be described.

[0066] The seal member 60 is configured by a ring-shaped hollow rubber tube 60b in the same manner as the hollow rubber tube 60a shown in Fig. 15 (a). The hollow rubber tube 60b is formed between the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10, so that the gap between the upper and lower portions is hermetically sealed. Each surface should be horizontal. Further, the hollow rubber tube 60b is configured in a bellows shape. In addition, this hollow rubber tube 60b It may be provided on the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 or may be provided on the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10.

[0067] This hollow rubber tube 60b can be expanded and contracted by a pump 61 in the same manner as the hollow rubber tube 60a. Therefore, during dehydration when large vibrations occur, the hollow rubber tube 60b shrinks and does not seal the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11, and the vibration does not propagate to the main body 10. During drying, the hollow rubber tube 60b swells and seals the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11, so that warm air does not leak into the washing and dewatering tub 21 without leaking. Can be sent.

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the seal member 60. Here, a case where a hollow rubber tube 60c is used as the seal member 60 is shown as an example. 18 (a) shows the cross-sectional shape of the hollow rubber tube 60c in an unpressed state, and FIG. 18 (b) shows the cross-sectional shape of the hollow rubber tube 60c in a pressurized state. . Based on FIG. 18, the seal member 60 that is a characteristic part of the first embodiment will be described.

[0069] The seal member 60 is configured by a ring-shaped hollow rubber tube 60c in the same manner as the hollow rubber tube 60a shown in Fig. 15 (a). This hollow rubber tube 60c is formed between the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10. Each surface should be horizontal. The hollow rubber tube 60c is provided with a rubber protrusion 62. By doing so, airtightness in the washing and dewatering tub 21 can be ensured even when a positional deviation or an inclination deviation occurs between the outer peripheral part of the opening 25 and the outer peripheral part of the clothing outlet 11. The hollow rubber tube 60c may be provided on the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 or on the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10.

[0070] The hollow rubber tube 60c can be expanded and contracted by a pump 61 in the same manner as the hollow rubber tube 60a and the hollow rubber tube 60b. Therefore, at the time of dehydration in which large vibrations occur, the hollow rubber tube 60c shrinks and does not seal the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11, and the vibration propagates to the main body 10. During drying, the hollow rubber tube 60c swells and seals the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11, so that warm air does not leak and is contained in the washing and dehydrating tub 21. To send to it can. Even if the gap between the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 and the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 is shifted, the shifted gap can be reliably sealed by the rubber protrusion 62. The rubber protrusion 62 may be provided on the hollow rubber tube 60b shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an installation place of the rubber protrusion 62. Based on FIG. 19, the installation location of the rubber protrusion 62 will be described. In FIG. 18, the force described in the case where the rubber protrusion 62 is provided on the hollow rubber tube 60c and used as the sealing member 60. Here, the place where the rubber protrusion 62a faces the contact surface of the hollow rubber tube 60c (the water tank 20 The case where it is provided in the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 and the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 is shown as an example.

[0072] That is, the hollow rubber tube 60c is sufficient as long as the airtightness in the washing and dewatering tub 21 can be secured even when the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 and the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 are displaced or inclined. Even if the rubber protrusion 62 is not provided, the same effect can be obtained if the rubber protrusion 62a is provided at a location facing the contact surface of the hollow rubber tube 60c. When the hollow rubber tube 60c is provided on the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10, the rubber protrusion 62a may be provided on the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20.

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the seal member 60. Here, a case where a hollow rubber tube 60d is used as the seal member 60 is shown as an example. FIG. 20 (a) shows the cross-sectional shape of the hollow rubber tube 60d in an unpressed state, and FIG. 20 (b) shows the cross-sectional shape of the hollow rubber tube 60d in a pressurized state. Based on FIG. 20, a seal member 60 that is a characteristic part of the first embodiment will be described.

[0074] This seal member 60 is configured by a ring-shaped hollow rubber tube 60d in the same manner as the hollow rubber tube 60a shown in Fig. 15 (a). This hollow rubber tube 60d is formed between the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10. Each surface should be horizontal. A hollow rubber packing 63 is provided on the upper surface of the hollow rubber tube 60d. By doing so, airtightness in the washing and dewatering tub 21 can be ensured even when a positional deviation or an inclination deviation occurs between the outer peripheral part of the opening 25 and the outer peripheral part of the clothing outlet 11. The hollow rubber tube 60d may be provided on the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 or may be provided on the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20. [0075] The hollow rubber tube 60d can be expanded and contracted by a pump 61 in the same manner as the hollow rubber tube 60a to the hollow rubber tube 60c. Therefore, during dehydration when large vibrations are generated, the hollow rubber tube 60d is contracted so that the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 is not sealed, and the vibration does not propagate to the main body 10. During drying, the hollow rubber tube 60d swells and seals the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11, so that warm air does not leak into the washing and dehydrating tub 21 without leaking. Can be sent. Even if the gap between the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 is displaced, the displaced gap can be reliably sealed by the hollow rubber packing 63. Yes.

Note that the hollow rubber packing 63 is also not provided on the hollow rubber tube 60d and is opposed to the contact surface of the hollow rubber tube 60d (the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20), similarly to the rubber protrusion 62 described above. Or the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10). Even if the hollow rubber packing 63 is provided at a position facing the contact surface of the hollow rubber tube 60d, the same effect as that obtained when the hollow rubber packing 63 is provided on the hollow rubber tube 60d can be obtained. Further, this hollow rubber packing 63 may be provided on the hollow rubber tube 60b shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the seal member 60. Here, a case where a hollow rubber tube 60e is used as the seal member 60 is shown as an example. FIG. 21 (a) shows the cross-sectional shape of the hollow rubber tube 60e in an unpressed state, and FIG. 21 (b) shows the cross-sectional shape of the hollow rubber tube 60e in a pressurized state. . Based on FIG. 21, the seal member 60 that is a characteristic part of the first embodiment will be described.

[0078] The seal member 60 is configured by a ring-shaped hollow rubber tube 60e in the same manner as the hollow rubber tube 60a shown in Fig. 15 (a). This hollow rubber tube 60e is formed between the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10. Each surface should be horizontal. Further, the hollow rubber tube 60e is configured such that a plurality of hollow rubber tubes are stacked in layers. The force in which the hollow rubber tube 60b shown in FIG. 17 is configured to communicate with the inside is that the layers of the hollow rubber tube 60e shown here are independent. [0079] If each layer constituting the hollow rubber tube 60c is made independent, even if one layer breaks, the other layers are normally driven under pressure, so the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the main body The ability to seal the gap formed between the outer periphery of the 10 clothing outlets 11 while maintaining airtightness can be achieved. FIG. 21 shows an example in which the hollow rubber tube 60c is composed of four layers, but the number of layers is not particularly limited. The hollow rubber tube 60d may be provided on the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 or may be provided on the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20.

[0080] The hollow rubber tube 60e can be expanded and contracted by a pump 61 in the same manner as the hollow rubber tube 60a to the hollow rubber tube 60d. Therefore, during dehydration when large vibrations are generated, the hollow rubber tube 60e shrinks and does not seal the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11, so that the vibration does not propagate to the main body 10. During drying, the hollow rubber tube 60e swells and seals the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 with a good airtightness, so that warm air is not leaked into the washing and dehydrating tank. It can be sent in 21. The hollow rubber tube 60e may be provided with the rubber protrusion 62 shown in FIG. 18 and the hollow rubber packing 63 shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the seal member 60. Here, a case where a hollow rubber tube 60f is used as the seal member 60 is shown as an example. FIG. 22 (a) shows the cross-sectional shape of the hollow rubber tube 60f in an unpressed state, and FIG. 22 (b) shows the cross-sectional shape of the hollow rubber tube 60f in a pressurized state. Based on FIG. 22, a seal member 60 that is a characteristic part of the fifth embodiment will be described.

The seal member 60 is configured to cover a ring-shaped hollow rubber tube 60f similar to the hollow rubber tube 60a shown in FIG. 15 (a) with a bag-shaped rubber sheet 64. This rubber sheet 64 is provided on the upper and lower surfaces in order to hermetically seal the gap formed between the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10. Let ’s do it. It should be noted that the seal member 60 composed of the hollow rubber tube 60e and the rubber sheet 64 may be provided on the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20, or may be provided on the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 on the main body 10 side. It may be.

[0083] The hollow rubber tube 60f is the same as the hollow rubber tube 60a to the hollow rubber tube 60e. The pump 61 can be expanded and contracted. Therefore, during dehydration when large vibrations are generated, the hollow rubber tube 60e shrinks and does not seal the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11, so that the vibration does not propagate to the main body 10. During drying, the hollow rubber tube 60e swells to seal the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11, so that warm air does not leak into the washing and dehydrating tub 21 without leaking. Can be sent.

[0084] The rubber sheet 64 covering the hollow rubber tube 60f serves to protect the hollow rubber tube 60f. If the washing machine 100 is used for a long period of time, the seal member 60 will be worn. When the seal member 60 is worn, a gap formed between the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 that is the purpose of the seal member 60 is airtight. It becomes impossible to seal. Therefore, the hollow rubber tube 60f is covered with the rubber sheet 64 to prevent the hollow rubber tube 60f from being worn. Even when the rubber sheet 64 is worn or damaged, the hollow rubber tube 6 Of contained therein can be expanded and contracted normally, so that a gap is formed between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11. Sealing can be performed without reducing airtightness. Note that the rubber sheet 64 may be provided with the rubber protrusion 62 shown in FIG. 8 and the hollow rubber packing 63 shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the seal member 60. Here, a case where a hollow rubber tube 60 g is used as the seal member 60 is shown as an example. Further, FIG. 23 shows the cross-sectional shape of the hollow rubber tube 60g in a state of being pressed and laid. Based on FIG. 23, the seal member 60 that is a characteristic part of the fifth embodiment will be described. The seal member 60 is composed of a ring-shaped hollow rubber tube 60g in the same manner as the hollow rubber tube 60a shown in FIG. 15 (a).

[0086] This hollow rubber tube 60g is provided on the upper and lower sides in order to seal the gap formed between the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 with good airtightness. Each surface should be horizontal. In order to increase the degree of adhesion between the hollow rubber tube 60g and the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11, a magnet 65 is provided on the upper surface. In other words, the magnet 65 is provided on the contact surface of the hollow rubber tube 60g (the contact surface with the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10). By providing a metal on the metal, the metal is attracted to the magnet 65 and the degree of adhesion can be increased.

[0087] The hollow rubber tube 60g can be expanded and contracted by a pump 61 in the same manner as the hollow rubber tube 60a to the hollow rubber tube 60f. Therefore, during dehydration when large vibrations occur, the hollow rubber tube 60g shrinks and does not seal the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11, so that the vibration does not propagate to the main body 10. When drying, the hollow rubber tube 60g swells and seals the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11, so that warm air does not leak into the washing and dehydrating tub 21 without leaking. Can be sent. At this time, the magnet 65 is attracted to the metal to enhance the airtightness.

[0088] The hollow rubber tube 60g may be provided on the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20, or may be provided on the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10. In any case, even if a hollow rubber tube 60 g is provided, if a metal is provided at a position opposite to the magnet 65, the adhesion is improved. Further, metal may be provided only on the contact surface of the magnet 65, and the outer peripheral part of the opening 25 or the entire outer peripheral part of the clothing outlet 11 may be made of metal. Note that the rubber protrusion 62 shown in FIG. 18 and the hollow rubber packing 63 shown in FIG. 20 may be provided on the hollow rubber tube 60g. Further, the magnet 65 may be provided on the hollow rubber tube 60a or the hollow rubber tube 60e.

FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the seal member 60. Here, a case where a hollow rubber tube 60h is used as the seal member 60 is shown as an example. FIG. 24 shows the cross-sectional shape of the hollow rubber tube 60h in a state of being pressed and pressed. Based on FIG. 24, the seal member 60 that is a characteristic part of the first embodiment will be described. The seal member 60 is composed of a ring-shaped hollow rubber tube 60h, similar to the hollow rubber tube 60a shown in FIG. 15 (a).

[0090] This hollow rubber tube 60h is provided on the upper and lower sides in order to seal the gap formed between the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 with good airtightness. Each surface should be horizontal. In order to increase the degree of adhesion between the hollow rubber tube 60h and the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10, a metal 66 is provided on the upper surface. That is, the contact surface of the hollow rubber tube 60h (the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the clothing of the main body 10) By providing a metal 66 on the contact surface with the outer periphery of the outlet 11 and providing a magnet at a position opposite to the metal 66, the metal 66 can be attracted to the magnet and the degree of adhesion can be increased.

[0091] The hollow rubber tube 60h can be expanded and contracted by a pump 61 in the same manner as the hollow rubber tube 60a to the hollow rubber tube 60g. Therefore, during dehydration when large vibrations are generated, the hollow rubber tube 60h is contracted and the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 is not sealed, so that the vibration does not propagate to the main body 10. During drying, the hollow rubber tube 60h swells and seals the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11, so that warm air does not leak into the washing and dehydrating tub 21 without leaking. Can be sent. At this time, the metal 66 is attracted to the magnet to improve the airtightness.

It should be noted that the hollow rubber tube 60h may be provided on the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20, or may be provided on the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10. In any case, if a hollow rubber tube 60h is provided, the degree of adhesion will be improved if a magnet is provided at a position opposite to the metal 66. In addition, a magnet may be provided only on the contact surface of the metal 66, or the opening 25 or the entire clothing outlet 11 may be configured with a magnet. The hollow rubber tube 60h may be provided with the rubber protrusion 62 shown in FIG. 18 and the hollow rubber packing 63 shown in FIG. Further, the metal 66 may be provided on the hollow rubber tube 60a or the hollow rubber tube 60e.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an arrangement member 80 on which the seal member 60 is arranged.

FIG. 25 (a) shows the overall shape of the arrangement member 80, and FIG. 25 (b) shows the cross-sectional shape of the arrangement member 80. Based on FIG. 25, an arrangement member 80 for arranging the seal member 60, which is a characteristic part of the fifth embodiment, will be described. A groove 81 for arranging the seal member 60 is formed on one surface of the arrangement member 80.

[0094] If the hollow rubber tube 60a to the hollow rubber tube 60h as the seal member 60 are arranged and fixed in the groove 81, the bulge in the width direction can be restricted. That is, the amount of bulging in the vertical direction of the hollow rubber tube 60a to the hollow rubber tube 60h can be increased. If this arrangement member 80 is provided, the size of the hollow rubber tube 60a to the hollow rubber tube 60h can be made small, and the space for the washing machine 100 can be saved. Can be planned. The arrangement member 80 may be provided on the opening 25 side of the water tank 20. Alternatively, the arrangement member 80 may be provided on the clothing outlet 11 side of the main body 10. Further, the material of the arrangement member 80 is not particularly limited.

[0095] Embodiment 6.

FIG. 26 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of washing machine 100a according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. The washing machine 100a of the second embodiment uses a seal member 90 instead of the seal member 60 of the fifth embodiment, and the other configurations are the same as those of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. This description is omitted, and here, the description will focus on the differences between the sixth embodiment and the fifth embodiment. FIG. 26 (a) shows a state where the seal member 90 is driven, and FIG. 26 (b) shows a state where the seal member 90 is driven.

[0096] This seal member 90 according to the sixth embodiment is mechanically driven instead of one that is driven to extend and contract like the seal member 60 configured by the hollow rubber tube according to the first embodiment. Thus, the gap between the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 is sealed with good airtightness. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the seal member 90 will be described.

The seal member 90 is constituted by an elastic body 91 provided in a ring shape on the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10. A metal ring 92 is provided on the lower surface of the elastic body 91, and a magnet 93 is provided in a ring shape at a position facing the metal ring 92 on the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20. Further, an actuator 94 that drives the elastic body 91 up and down, and a wire 95 that connects the actuator 94 and the elastic body 91 are provided. The shear 95 is configured to suspend and support the elastic body 91 via a pulley 96.

The elastic body 91 has a bellows shape and is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 so that it can be driven up and down. A wire 95 is attached below the elastic body 91 and is driven so as to be pulled by the wire 95. The material of the elastic body 91 is not particularly limited, but may be formed of a shape memory material that can store the shape, for example. Here, a case where the metal ring 92 is provided on the lower surface of the elastic body 91 and the magnet 93 is provided on the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 is taken as an example. The force shown is not limited to this. The metal ring 92 and the magnet 93 may be reversed.

The actuator 94 serves as a winding means for the wire 95. The actuator 94 is not particularly limited as long as the wire 96 can be wound up. It is also possible to provide a plurality of wires 95 and pull up the elastic body 91. At this time, it is advisable to provide as many activators 94 as the number of wires 95. The actuator 94 can reduce the driving force of the actuator 94 by winding up at least one of the wires 95 first and then winding up the remaining wires 95. The actuator 94 is controlled by a control means (not shown). Further, the number of forces shown in the case where two pulleys 96 are provided is not particularly limited. For example, the pulley 96 may be omitted, and a sliding fixing portion that can fix the wire 95 slidably may be provided at a predetermined position of the main body 10. Further, the wire 95 penetrates the sliding fixing portion. It may be something that slides.

[0100] The elastic body 91 is configured to be driven up and down by an actuator 94. For example, as shown in Fig. 26 (a), during operation where large vibrations occur, such as during washing and dehydration, the elastic body 91 is raised, and as shown in Fig. 26 (b), a large amount of time such as during drying. During operation in which vibration does not occur, it is better to keep the elastic body 91 in a lowered state. When the elastic body 91 is raised, the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 is not sealed, so that the vibration propagating from the water tank 20 to the main body 10 is blocked. The vibration and noise leaking outside the main body 10 can be efficiently reduced. In addition, when the elastic body 91 is lowered, the gap between the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tub 20 and the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 is sealed, so that warm air does not leak and the washing and dehydrating tub 21 can be sent into.

[0101] In a state where the elastic body 91 is lowered, the metal ring 92 provided on the lower surface of the elastic body 91 and the magnet 93 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 are attracted. This further improves the airtightness. That is, the washing machine 100a drives the elastic body 91 up and down to reduce vibration and noise leakage according to the driving process. In this way, the drying efficiency is not lowered.

FIG. 27 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of washing machine 100b according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. FIG. 14 (a) shows a state where the elastic body 91 is raised, and FIG. 27 (b) shows a state where the elastic body 91 is lowered. As shown in FIG. 27, the elastic body 91 is driven up and down by an actuator 94 in the same manner as in FIG. 16 above, and a dry circulation air passage 70 is formed inside the rear of the water tank 20. However, the dry circulation air passage 70 and the bellows-like elastic body 77 may be separable, and the elastic body 77 separated may be driven up and down along with the vertical drive of the elastic body 91 by the actuator 94.

That is, as in FIG. 14, one of the drying circulation air passages 70 opens to an air supply port (not shown) provided in the vicinity of the opening 25 of the washing and dewatering tub 21 and the other is washing and unloading. It opens to an exhaust port (not shown) provided on the side surface of the water tank 21. In the drying circulation air passage 70, hot air blowing means (not shown) for generating hot air for drying the laundry is disposed in the upper rear part inside the main body 10. This hot air blowing means (not shown) includes a fan, a heater, and a dehumidifier. The fan and heater are fixed to the main body 10 side, and the dehumidifier is fixed to the water tank 2 side. . The dehumidifier 76 has a bellows-like elastic body 77 at its upper end and is connected to a warm air blowing means (not shown) and a lower end to an exhaust port (not shown). The elastic body 77 and the drying circulation air path 70 are configured to be separable, and the outer peripheral portion of the opening 77 a of the elastic body 77 is attached to the metal ring 92.

[0104] With this configuration, during operation in which large vibrations occur during washing and dehydration, the metal ring 92 is driven upward by the actuator 94, so that the elastic body 91 and the elastic body of the drying circulation air path are 77 (see Fig. 27 (a)), and during operation that does not generate large vibrations, such as during drying, the metal ring 92 is driven downward by the actuator 94, so that the elastic body 91 and the drying circulation are The air path elastic body 77 can be lowered at the same time (see Fig. 27 (b)).

That is, at the time of washing or dehydrating operation in which large vibrations are generated, the elastic body 91 is in a raised state, blocking vibrations propagating to the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the main body 10, and the drying circulation air path. The elastic body 77 is cut off from the drying circulation air passage 70, so that the vibration propagating to the hot air blowing means can be cut off, and the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the main body 10 can be cut off during the drying operation. Since the air gap between the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 and the drying circulation air passage 70 and the hot air blowing means (not shown) are simultaneously communicated, it is ensured that the hot air leaks. It can be fed into the washing and dewatering tub 21 without the use.

[0106] In the fifth embodiment and the sixth embodiment, the case is described in which the sealing member 60 and the sealing member 90 are provided in the washing tub inclined type washing machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the seal member 60 and the seal member 90 may be provided in a washing tub vertical arrangement type washing machine or a washing tub horizontal arrangement type washing machine. Further, the seal member 60 and the seal member 90 according to the fifth embodiment and the sixth embodiment are not limited to the case where they are applied to the fifth embodiment and the sixth embodiment, and do not depart from the gist of the present invention. It can be applied within.

[0107] Embodiment 7.

FIG. 28 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of washing machine 100 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 28, the basic configuration of the washing machine 100 is the same as that of the example of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 14, and the differences will mainly be described.

[0108] In the seventh embodiment, a seal member 181 for hermetically sealing a gap between the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 is provided. The sealing member 181 has an upper end surface (upper mounting surface) 181a attached to the clothing outlet 11 side of the main body 10, and the lower end portion is regularly located away from the opening 25 of the water tank 20. . The lower end portion of the seal member 181 is lowered during the drying process or the like and is brought into close contact with the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20, so that the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 and the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 are separated. The gap between them is hermetically sealed (details of this mechanism will be described later).

[0109] A drying circulation air passage 70 is formed in the rear interior of the water tank 20. One side of the drying circulation air passage 70 opens to an air supply port 71 provided in the vicinity of the opening 25 of the washing / dehydrating tub 21, and the other side is an exhaust port 72 side provided on the side surface of the washing / dehydrating tub 21. Is open. In the drying circulation air passage 70, a hot air blowing means 73 for producing hot air for drying the laundry is disposed at the upper rear part inside the main body 10. This hot air blowing means 73 is composed of a fan 74, a heater 75, and a dehumidifier 76, and the fan 74 and the heater 75 are fixed to the main body 10 side. The dehumidifier 76 is fixed to the water tank 2 side. The dehumidifier 76 communicates with the fan 74 side through the seal member 183, and the lower end side communicates with the exhaust port 72.

[0110] The fan 74 and the heater 75 are accommodated in a case 177 formed on the upper part of the main body 10, for example. The case 177 has a seal for communicating the opening 177a with the opening 178a of the duct 178 that forms a part of the drying circulation air passage 70 together with the outer peripheral wall of the water tank 20 in an airtight seal. Member 182 is attached. The seal member 182 has an upper end attached to the opening 177a of the case 177, and a lower end that is regularly located away from the opening 78a of the duct 178. The seal member 182 constitutes a part of the air path of the drying circulation air path 70 by lowering the lower end of the seal member 182 in the drying process or the like and closely contacting the outer periphery of the opening 78a of the duct 178. The gap between the opening 177a of the case 177 and the outer periphery of the opening 78a of the duct 178 is hermetically sealed (the details of this mechanism will also be described later). Metal rings (for example, made of SUS) 26 and 179 are attached to the periphery of the opening 178a of the duct 178 and the periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20, respectively.

Next, details of the sealing mechanism 180 according to the present embodiment including the sealing members 181 and 183 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0112] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 as viewed obliquely from above, and FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 as viewed obliquely from within the water tank. FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the sealing mechanism 180 extracted from FIGS. 29 and 30. FIG.

[0113] The seal mechanism 180 in the present embodiment includes a seal member (first seal member) 181, a frame (first frame) 182 attached to the lower end surface of the seal member 181, and a seal member (second Seal member) 183, a frame (second frame) 184 attached to the lower end surface of seal member 183, wire 185 for lifting frames 182 and 184, actuator 186, and the like.

[0114] The upper end surface (upper mounting surface) 181a of the sealing member 181 is attached to the peripheral portion on the back side of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10, and the upper end portion of the sealing member 183 is dried and circulated. It is attached around the opening 177a of the case 177 in the middle of the road 70. Both the seal member 181 and the seal member 183 are made of an elastic body such as a cylindrical rubber. In this embodiment, it is formed in a bellows shape. A frame 182 and a frame 184 are respectively attached to the lower end surface of the seal member 181 and the lower end surface of the seal member 183, and these frames 182 and 184 are connected and integrated, and In the illustrated example, one end of the wire 185 is attached to three force points (see FIG. 32 described later for details). The wire 185 is connected to the relay piece 188 through the pipe 187, and the relay piece 188 is further connected to the actuator 186 via the wire 185. When the actuator 186 is driven, the wire 85 is pulled and the frames 182 and 184 are pulled up, whereby the seal members 181 and 183 are pulled up. The state in which the seal members 181 and 183 are pulled up is a steady state. In this state, for example, a latch is applied by an appropriate means in the actuator 186 so that the state can be maintained even in a power-off state. Keep it.

By the way, in the present embodiment, the upper end surface 181a of the seal member 181 has, as shown in FIG. 31, for example, the surface width of the front portion 181a-l and the rear portion 181a— 2 (the seal member 183 side in the example of FIG. 31), and the opening on the upper surface side of the seal member 181 is formed on the front side of the washing machine. This is because the inclination of the clothing outlet 11 (see FIG. 28) (for example, 20 degrees) and the inclination of the mounting state of the seal member 181 (for example, 15 degrees, which is adjusted to the angle when the water tank 20 is inclined). In response to a request to provide a clothing outlet 11 as close to the washing machine as possible, the upper surface side opening of the seal member 181 is brought to the washing machine side. For example, there is a gap between the garment outlet 11 and the cylindrical member (not shown in detail). To prevent such a gap (see FIG. 29), the upper end surface 181a The surface width of the part 181 a _ 2 on the back side of the washing machine is wider than the surface width of the part 181 a _ 1 on the front side of the washing machine.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a state in which the frames 182 and 184 are extracted and viewed obliquely from above, and FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a state viewed from the opposite side. FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the frames 182 and 184, and FIG. 35 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. The frames 182 and 184 have planar shapes corresponding to the lower end surfaces of the seal members 181 and 183, respectively, and are L-shaped metal fittings (for example, SUS) that are joined and fixed to the lower end surfaces of the seal members 182 and 184 With 182a, 184a The metal fittings 182a and 184a are composed of a plurality of metal single forces. Of course, the number is arbitrary, and it may consist of a single bracket. The metal fitting 182a is provided with locking pieces 182al to 182a3 for locking the end of the wire 185. Under the L-shaped metal fittings 182a and 184a, C-type channel 182b and 184b are attached. In addition, a magnet 182c (184c) is fitted and fixed to the C-type channel channels 182b and 184b as shown in FIGS. 35 (a) and 35 (b). In this way, the magnets 182c and 184c are attached to the lower part of the frames 182, 184, and metal rings (for example, SUS) 26 and 179 are attached to the corresponding water tank 20 side and duct 178 side. When the sheet B materials 181 and 183 are lowered, the magnets 182c and 184c and the metal rings 26 and 179 are attracted to each other.

The metal ring 26 and the metal ring 179 may be formed separately or may be integrally formed, and the ring shape may be a single ring shape or a divided ring shape. good. Therefore, the shape of the magnet 182c (184c) is preferably formed in accordance with the metal rings 26 and 179 as shown in FIGS. 35 (a) and 35 (b).

Next, the operation of washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, operations similar to those of the fifth embodiment are omitted. The case where the washing machine 100 operates fully automatically will be described as an example, and when the washing process starts at the beginning, a large vibration occurs in the washing / dehydrating tub 21 and the water tub 20 due to imbalance due to the deviation of the laundry. However, the vibration is absorbed by the vibration isolator 52 provided below the suspension rod 30. In the washing process, as shown in FIG. 1, the seal members 181 and 183 are not lowered, and there is a gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11. Since it is not sealed and opened, and the gap between the case 177 and the duct 178 is also opened, the main body 10 in which vibration generated in the washing and dewatering tub 21 does not directly propagate to the main body 10. And the noise generated with the vibration can be significantly reduced.

[0118] When the washing process is completed and the dehydrating process is started, as in the washing process, a large vibration is generated in the washing / dehydrating tub 21 and the water tub 20 due to imbalance due to the side of the laundry. . In the dehydration process, large vibrations (abnormal vibrations) often occur at the stage of shifting from low-speed rotation at the start of dehydration to high-speed rotation. Also at this time, the sealing members 181 and 183 Since it is not lowered, the vibration generated in the washing / dehydrating tub 21 does not directly propagate to the main body 10 and the noise generated by the vibration can be significantly reduced. it can. When the dehydration process is completed and the drying process is started, the actuator 186 is driven by the control device.

FIG. 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the state in which the sealing members 181 and 183 are lowered in the drying process, and FIG. 37 is an operation explanatory view thereof. When the actuator 186 is driven and the latch is released, for example, the traction of the wire 185 is released, the seal member 181 and the seal member 183 are simultaneously lowered, and the magnets 182c and 184c attached to the lower part thereof are Adheres to metal rings 26 and 179 arranged opposite to each other. As a result, the gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 is hermetically sealed, and the clearance between the opening 177a of the case 177 and the opening 178a of the duct 178 is also increased. Hermetically sealed. As a result, the water tank 2 and the drying circulation air passage 70 are closed. Since the vibration generated in the water tank 20 at the time of drying is smaller than that at the time of washing or dehydration, even when sealed as described above, vibration and noise transmitted to the main body 10 do not increase. Then, the control device drives the hot air blowing means 73, and the air blown by the fan 74 is heated by the heater 75 as shown in FIG. 37, and passes through the air supply port 71 as shown by the arrow. Will be sent into the tank 2.

[0120] During the above drying process, the gap between the outer peripheral portion of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10 is sealed by the sealing member 181, and the case 177 The gap between the opening 177a and the opening 178a of the duct 178 is sealed by the seal member 183, and the water tank 20 and the drying circulation air passage 70 form a closed space, thereby washing The warm air can be applied to the laundry in the cum dewatering tank 21 without waste, and the drying efficiency can be reduced.

As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, the lower end portion of the seal member 181 is lowered to the outer peripheral portion side of the opening portion 25 so that the seal member 181 is brought into close contact with the outer peripheral portion of the opening portion 25. Therefore, the warm air is guided to the inside of the washing / dehydrating tub 21 without leaking to the outside, so that the warm air can be applied to the laundry in the washing / dehydrating tub 21 without waste, and the drying efficiency is not lowered. Les, you can. In addition, during the washing process and dehydration process, the seal part Since the material 181 is raised, there is a gap between the outer periphery of the opening 25 of the water tank 20 and the outer periphery of the clothing outlet 11 of the main body 10, and vibration and noise are directly transmitted to the main body 10. Without leaking vibration and noise to the outside.

[0122] Furthermore, since the seal member 183 is lowered to the duct 178 side so that the duct 178 and the hot air blowing means 73 are hermetically sealed and communicated with each other, the hot air does not leak to the outside and the washing and dewatering tub Therefore, warm air can be applied to the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub 21 without waste. From this point, the drying efficiency can be prevented from being lowered. Further, since the sealing member 183 is kept raised during the washing process and the dehydrating process, vibration and noise are not directly transmitted to the main body 10 and the vibration and noise can be prevented from leaking outside.

[0123] Further, since the sheath members 181 and 183 are formed in a bellows shape, the distance when the members 181 and 183 are lowered can be increased, so that the seal members 181 and 183 are pulled up. The length in a given state can be shortened. Further, since the frame 182 attached to the lower end portion of the seal member 181 and the frame 184 attached to the lower end portion of the seal member 183 are connected and integrated, the seat members 181 and 183 are lowered. Mechanical force S Only one is required, and the mechanism is simple.

[0124] Further, the mechanism for moving the seal members 181 and 183 up and down also includes a force provided with a wire 185 coupled to the frame 182 and an actuator 186 that pulls the wire 185, so that the seal can be achieved with a simple mechanism. The members 181 and 183 can be moved up and down. In addition, since the magnets 182c and 184c force S are attached to the frames 182 and 184, the seals are secured when the sheath members 181 and 183 are lowered.

[0125] Frames 182, 184 include C-type channel 182b and 184b.

Magnets 182c and 184c force S are attached to the type channel 182b and 184b so that the magnets 182c and 184c are securely fixed and there is no risk of falling off. Further, the metal ring 26, 179 force S is attached to the outer peripheral side of the opening 25 and the upper end side of the duct 178 so as to face the magnets 182c, 184e, so that the magnets 182c, 184c and the metal ring 26 are attached. , 179 are adsorbed and the seal is ensured when the seal members 181 and 183 are lowered. In the above description, the force described in the example in which the magnets 182c and 184c are attached to both the seal member 181 and the seal member 183 may be attached to only one of them. For example, even if it is attached only to the seal member 181, since the frames 182 and 184 are integrated, the seal member 183 can also be sealed due to its adsorption force. In addition, although the description has been given with the column where the magnets 182c and 184c are attached to the frames 182 and 184, conversely, the magnets 182c and 184c may be attached to the opening 25 and the duct 178 side. .

[0127] Embodiment 8.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a control system of the washing machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the eighth embodiment, a retry function is added to the seal mechanism 180 of the washing machine 100 of the seventh embodiment. As shown in the figure, temperature sensors 101-: 104 are provided, and these are, for example, portions where the upper end of the suspension rod 30 in FIG. 28 is attached to the main body 10 (for example, the water tank vertical drive mechanism 31 in FIG. In the vicinity of the portion where the water tank is attached) or at least above the middle of the water tank 20 in the vertical direction. The temperature sensors 101 to 104 are not limited to four. For example, in the case of three, three power stations avoiding the drying circulation air passage 70, and in the case of two, the drying circulation air passage 70 is provided. Leak detection is possible without being affected by hot air if it is installed at two power stations at opposite positions, and at one power station avoiding the drying circulation air passage 70 in the case of one. Can do. However, in the following description, an example in which four temperature sensors 101 to 104 are used will be described. The outputs of the temperature sensors 101 to 104 are input to a control device 105 composed of a microcomputer or the like. In addition to the temperature sensors 101 to 104, an operation panel 106 and the like are connected to the input terminal of the control device 105. In addition, the output terminal of the control device 105 is connected to the motor 40 a of the driving unit 40 for driving the above-described actuator 186 and the stirring blade (panorator) 22. These operations will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control system of FIG. This flowchart starts when the drying process is started, the sealing members 181 and 183 are lowered, and the blower fan 74 and the heater 75 are driven. In the drying process, as described above, the water tank 20 and the drying circulation air passage 70 form a closed space, and hot air circulates to dry the laundry. Let In such a drying process, the control device 105 takes in the outputs of the temperature sensors 101 to 104 (S11), and determines whether there is an airtight leak based on the outputs of the temperature sensors 101 to 104 (S12). . In this determination, if any one of the temperature sensors exceeds a predetermined temperature, it is determined that there is an airtight leak. Alternatively, the judgment is made based on whether or not the change in temperature taken in time series has changed abruptly. If it is determined that there is no airtight leak in this determination, the process is terminated as it is. Here, for some reason, for example, when the water tank 20 is displaced due to unbalanced laundry and the seal members 181 and 183 are lowered, a gap is formed between the seal member 181 and the outer periphery of the water tank 20. When the warm air leaks from the temperature sensor 101 to 104, the temperature sensor 101 to 104 detects a higher temperature than usual. In such a case, the control device 105 drives the motor 40a to rotate the stirring blade 22 (S13). Then, the drive of the motor 40a is continued for a predetermined time (S14). By rotating the stirring blade 22 in this manner, for example, the imbalance of the laundry is corrected. Then, the actuator 186 is driven to lower the scenery members 181 and 183, and the series of processes is completed (S15).

[0129] It should be noted that the process shown in Fig. 39 is repeated as needed. If the same process is repeated several times, for example, the operation panel 106 is displayed as abnormal or a buzzer sound is generated. To tell the person. In addition, the seal members 181 and 183 may be automatically lowered after a predetermined time without rotating the stirring blade 22 in anticipation of correcting the unbalance of the laundry manually.

As described above, in Embodiment 8, when control device 105 detects an airtight leak, actuator 186 is driven to automatically raise seal members 181, 183. Therefore, it is possible to remove the cause that the airtight state cannot be maintained. Further, since the stirring blade 22 is rotated for a predetermined time in a state where the airtight leak occurs and the seal members 181 and 183 are raised, it becomes possible to automatically remove, for example, laundry unbalance. It is easy to use. After that, the seal members 181 and 183 are automatically lowered, and a series of operations are automatically performed, so that this point power is also easy to use. In addition, since the temperature sensors 101 to 104 are used as airtight leak detection means for detecting airtight leaks, It is possible to detect airtight leaks.

[0131] In the above description, an example in which a series of operations are all automatically performed has been described. The control device 105 automatically performs the operation until the seal members 181 and 183 are raised. You can do this based on the operation of the operation panel 106. For example, when the laundry is sandwiched between the sealing member and the water tub, the laundry is reinserted into the water tub with the sealing members 181 and 183 raised, or in the above example, the washing is performed. After correcting the imbalance of the object, the seal members 18 1 and 183 are lowered by operating the operation panel 106.

[0132] In the above description, an example in which an airtight leak is detected by a temperature sensor has been described. For example, the pressure sensor is attached to the inner peripheral wall or bottom surface of the water tank 20. In that case, the pressure of the hot air is detected, and it is determined that the hot air is leaking when it falls below a predetermined pressure. Alternatively, it may be possible to detect leakage of hot air based on the rotational speed of the fan 74. In these cases, the airtight leak can be detected with high accuracy in the same manner as the temperature sensor.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a body having a clothing outlet;

A water tank disposed in the main body and having an opening at a position facing the clothing outlet;

A washing and dewatering tank provided rotatably in the water tank;

A sealing mechanism that hermetically seals a gap between the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet and the outer peripheral portion of the opening according to the application of a driving force;

A washing machine comprising:

[2] The washing machine according to [1], wherein the gap is hermetically sealed through the sealing mechanism only when necessary.

[3] The hot air blowing means for blowing warm air into the washing and dewatering tub during the clothes drying process is provided, and the gap is hermetically sealed by the sealing mechanism during the drying process. The washing machine according to 1 or 2.

[4] Hot air blowing means for blowing warm air into the washing / dehydrating tub during the clothing drying process is provided, and the gap is hermetically sealed by the sealing mechanism during the drying process, and the drying process is temporarily stopped. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seal is released immediately before the end.

[5] The hot air blowing means for blowing warm air into the washing and dewatering tub during the washing process of clothes is provided, and the gap is hermetically sealed by the sealing mechanism during the washing process. The washing machine according to 1 or 2.

[6] A water tank vertical drive mechanism for moving the water tank up and down via each of the suspension parts,

A ring-shaped first seal member provided at an outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet; and provided at a peripheral edge portion of the opening of the water tank so as to be separated from the first seal member, the first seal member And a ring-shaped second seal portion that forms the seal mechanism together with The water tank vertical drive mechanism is driven to raise the water tank during the drying process, and the first seal member and the second seal member are brought into contact with each other to remove the clothing outlet and the water tank. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a gap between the opening and the opening is hermetically sealed.

[7] Either one of the first seal member and the second seal member is configured by an elastic body that expands and contracts in the vertical movement direction of the water tank, and the other has a convex portion that protrudes toward the elastic body side. 7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the washing machine is constituted by a protrusion.

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein the protrusion is made of an elastic member.

9. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein both of the first seal member and the second seal member are elastic bodies having a circular cross section or a square cross section.

[10] One of the first seal member and the second seal member is formed of an elastic body, the other is formed of a protrusion, and the elastic body includes a side wall and a bottom wall facing each other. A U-shaped frame, and a plurality of wall portions alternately extending inward from the opposite side walls of the frame to the substantially center of the frame. A fixed portion fixed to the opening, and a protruding piece portion standing substantially perpendicularly to the elastic body from the fixed portion, the protruding piece portion contacting the wall portion in the frame body 7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the washing machine is hermetically sealed by being pushed in.

[11] A set of the aquarium vertical drive mechanism and the suspension part is provided at four power points corresponding to the four corners of the main body, and each of the aquarium vertical drive mechanisms is provided with each suspension part. The water tank is raised by the same distance to bring the first seal member and the second seal member into contact with each other, and the gap between the inlet / outlet and the opening of the water tank is hermetically sealed. The washing machine according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein:

[12] The suspension part is provided at four power stations corresponding to the four corners of the main body, and the water tank vertical drive mechanism is disposed at the rear two power stations among the suspension parts corresponding to the four corners of the main body. The water tank is provided in the main body so that the front side is inclined downward, and the water tank up and down drive mechanism of the rear two power stations via the corresponding suspending portion of the water tank. By raising the rear, the first seal member and the second seal member The sealing member provided on the main body side is an inclined surface in which the front side is inclined downward so that the sealing member is sealed with the sealing member. Washing machine.

[13] A drying circulation air passage is provided for circulating the hot air blown into the washing and dewatering tank from the hot air blowing means.

The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein:

[14] A part of the drying circulation air passage is opened, and a part of the warm air to be circulated is discharged.

The washing machine according to claim 13.

[15] The connecting portion of the hot air blowing means with the water tank side is communicated with the sealing operation by the sealing mechanism.

The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein:

[16] comprising a pump that applies pressure to the seal mechanism;

The members constituting the seal mechanism are driven to expand and contract with or without pressure applied from the pump.

The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein:

[17] The sealing member is constituted by a hollow rubber tube.

The washing machine according to claim 16, wherein:

[18] The hollow rubber tube has a bellows shape

The washing machine according to claim 17, characterized in that:

[19] A plurality of the hollow rubber tubes are provided so as to be layered.

The washing machine according to claim 17, characterized in that:

[20] The hollow rubber tube is covered with a rubber sheet.

The washing machine according to claim 17, characterized in that:

[21] A rubber protrusion is provided on the hollow rubber tube.

The washing machine according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that:

[22] A hollow rubber packing is provided on the hollow rubber tube.

[23] A magnet is provided on one surface of the hollow rubber tube, Metal was provided at a position facing the magnet at the outer periphery of the clothing outlet or the outer periphery of the opening.

[24] A metal is provided on one surface of the hollow rubber tube,

A magnet was provided at a position facing the metal at the outer periphery of the clothing outlet or the outer periphery of the opening.

[25] The hollow rubber tube is provided on the outer periphery of the opening.

The washing machine according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein:

[26] The hollow rubber tube is provided on an outer periphery of the clothing outlet.

The washing machine according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein:

[27] An arrangement member having a groove formed in an outer peripheral portion of the opening or an outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet is provided,

The seal member is fixed to the arrangement member.

The washing machine according to claim 25 or 26, wherein:

[28] An actuator for driving the seal mechanism is provided,

The sealing mechanism is

Driven by the actuator to expand and contract in the vertical direction

The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein:

[29] The sealing mechanism is made of an elastic body,

A wire for connecting the elastic body and the actuator;

The actuator is

The elastic body is driven by winding up the wire.

The washing machine according to claim 28, wherein:

[30] A plurality of the wires are provided,

The actuator is

30. The washing machine according to claim 29, wherein at least one of the wires is wound up first, and the rest is wound up.

[31] A metal ring is provided on the lower surface of the elastic body,

31. The washing machine according to claim 29 or 30, wherein a magnet is provided at a position facing the metal ring on an outer peripheral portion of the opening.

[32] A magnet is provided on the lower surface of the elastic body,

31. The washing machine according to claim 29 or 30, wherein a metal ring is provided at a position facing the magnet on an outer peripheral portion of the opening.

[33] A second elastic body that constitutes a part of the drying circulation air passage is provided,

By driving the second elastic body together with driving the elastic body by the actuator, the drying circulation air path and the second elastic body can be separated.

The washing machine according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein:

[34] a body having a clothing outlet;

A washing and dewatering tank provided rotatably in the water tank;

A gap between the outer peripheral portion of the clothing outlet and the outer peripheral portion of the opening, and a gap formed in a part of a dry circulation air passage for blowing warm air into the water tank, are sealed and sealed, respectively. With a sealing mechanism that opens

A washing machine comprising:

[35] The sealing mechanism includes:

The first seal member is formed of a cylindrical elastic body and has an upper end portion attached to the clothing outlet, and the lower end portion of the first seal member is lowered toward the outer peripheral side of the opening. 35. The washing machine according to claim 34, wherein the first seal member is brought into close contact with an outer peripheral portion of the opening.

[36] A hot air blowing means attached to the body on the clothing outlet side, for blowing warm air into the water tank, a lower end portion communicating with the water tank, an upper end portion opening, and a dehumidifier provided therein And a duct that forms part of the drying circulation air passage,

The sealing mechanism is

A second elastic body made of a cylindrical elastic body and having an upper end connected to the upstream side of the hot air blowing means A seal member is further provided, and the lower end portion of the second seal member is lowered to the duct side, and the duct and the hot air means are communicated in a sealed state.

The washing machine according to 34 or 35.

37. The washing machine according to claim 36, wherein at least one of the first seal member and the second seal member is a hollow rubber member formed into a bellows shape.

[38] The sealing mechanism includes:

A first frame attached to a lower end portion of the first seal member; and a second frame attached to a lower end portion of the second seal member, the first frame and 38. The washing machine according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the washing machine is connected to the second frame.

[39] The sealing mechanism includes:

The washing machine according to claim 38, further comprising a driving means for lowering and raising the first frame and the second frame.

40. The drive means according to claim 39, wherein the drive means comprises a wire connected to at least one of the first frame and the second frame, and an actuator that pulls the wire. Washing machine.

41. The washing machine according to claim 40, wherein a magnet is attached to at least one of the first frame and the second frame along the shape of the frame.

42. The washing machine according to claim 41, wherein the frame includes a C-type channel frame, and a magnet is attached to the C-type channel frame.

[43] The laundry according to claim 41, wherein a metal ring is attached to at least one of the outer peripheral side of the opening and the upper end of the duct so as to face the magnet. Machine.

[44] An airtight leak detection device for detecting whether or not the sealing mechanism causes an airtight leak; and

In a state where the first sheet member and the second seal member of the seal mechanism are lowered Control means for automatically raising the first seal member and the second seal member by driving the drive means when the hermetic leak detection device detects an air leak.

The washing machine according to any one of claims 39 to 43, comprising:

[45] The control means automatically raises the first seal member and the second seal member, and then rotates a stirring blade attached to the bottom surface of the washing and dewatering tub for a predetermined time. 45. The washing machine according to claim 44, wherein:

[46] The control means drives the drive means after rotating the stirring blade attached to the bottom surface of the washing and dewatering tub for a predetermined time or after a predetermined time has elapsed,

46. The washing machine according to claim 45, wherein the first sealing member and the second sealing member are automatically lowered and raised.

[47] The airtight leak detection device includes a temperature sensor disposed between the main body and the water tank, or a pressure sensor provided on the upper surface of the main body facing the opening of the water tank, on the inner side surface or the bottom surface of the water tank. The washing machine according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein: