JP2000279693A - Full automatic washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify a rotation control mechanism for a washing-dehydrating basket of a full automatic washing machine, and at the same time, improve durability. SOLUTION: This full automatic washing machine has a washing-dehydrating basket 1 which performs a washing and a dehydrating as well, an agitating blade 2 which is rotatably arranged in the washing-dehydrating tank 1 and is rotate-driven by a motor, a first transmission system A which transmits the power of the motor to the agitating blade 2, a second transmission system B which transmits the power of the motor to the washing-dehydrating tank 1, and a switching means Y which shuts off the second transmission system B at the time of washing, and at the same time, connects the second transmission system B at the time of dehydrating. In this full automatic washing machine, on the second transmission system B a two-way clutch 20 which locks the rotations of a second transmission shaft 8 in both normal and reverse direction, and at the same time, release the rotation of the second transmission shaft 8 at the time of dehydrating, is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement of a fully automatic washing machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG. 1, generally in a fully automatic washing machine, a washing and dewatering tub 1 serving as an inner tub is provided inside an outer tub (not shown) supported by a suspension. . A stirring blade 2 such as a pulsator is provided at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 1, and washing or rinsing is performed by rotating the stirring blade 2 forward and reverse while the washing and dewatering tub 1 is stopped. In addition, dehydration is performed by the synchronous rotation of the stirring blade 2 and the washing and dewatering tub 1.

The stirring blade 2 and the washing / dewatering tub 1 are driven to rotate by power from a motor (not shown) serving as a common driving source. The power of the motor is supplied to the drive pulley 3 via a V belt or the like.
And transmitted from the driving pulley 3 to the stirring blade 2 via the first transmission system A and to the washing / dewatering tub 1 via the second transmission system B. The first transmission system A transmits the rotational power from the driving pulley 3 to the stirring blade 2 via the first transmission shaft 5, the speed reducer 6, and the stirring blade shaft 7, and the second transmission system B
A sleeve-shaped second transmission shaft 8 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the first transmission shaft 5, a reduction gear 6,
In addition, the power is transmitted to the washing / dewatering tub 1 via a sleeve-shaped tub shaft 9 arranged on the outer peripheral side of the stirring blade shaft 7. A brake belt 11 is arranged on the outer periphery of the speed reducer 6.
When the 11 comes into contact with or separates from the outer peripheral surface of the ring gear 6c serving as a brake drum, a braking force is applied to and released from the ring gear 6c.

[0004] The speed reducer 6 is composed of, for example, a planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear mechanism includes a sun gear 6a, a plurality of planet gears 6b that rotate and revolve around the outer periphery of the sun gear 6a, and a planet gear 6b.
In the illustrated example, the sun gear 6a is provided on the first transmission shaft 5, and each planetary gear 6b is provided with:
The ring gear 6c is connected to the second transmission shaft 8 and the tank shaft 9, respectively, via a carrier 6d that rotatably supports this. The tank shaft 9 and the second transmission shaft 8 are mounted on a frame 12 fixedly supported on the outer tank by the upper and lower radial bearings 1.
It is rotatably supported via 3 and 14 (in the illustrated example, deep groove ball bearings).

[0005] The second transmission system B is disconnected and connected by the switching means Y. In the illustrated example, as the switching means Y,
A spring clutch 16 mounted over the lower end of the second transmission shaft 8 and both outer peripheral portions of the sleeve 5a that rotates integrally with the first transmission shaft 5 is illustrated. A one-way clutch 15 is interposed between the second transmission shaft 8 and the clutch housing 17 as clutch means X, and the one-way clutch 15 rotates the second transmission shaft 8 and the tank shaft 9 in the forward direction (in the dewatering direction). Rotation)
Are allowed, while these reverse rotations are restricted.

The rotation control of the washing and dewatering tub 1 is performed in the following procedure. At the time of washing, turn off the spring clutch 16,
That is, the diameter of the spring 16a of the spring clutch 16 is increased, the interference with the sleeve 5a integrated with the first transmission shaft 5 is released, and the second transmission shaft 8 is made free to rotate with respect to the first transmission shaft 5 (the (Second transmission system B cutoff). At the same time, the brake belt 11 is pressed against the ring gear 6c, and the rotation in the forward direction is regulated by the braking force, and the rotation in the reverse direction is regulated by the one-way clutch 15, respectively. As described above, while the second transmission shaft 8 and the tank shaft 9 are restrained in both the forward and reverse directions, only the stirring blade shaft 7 is intermittently rotated in the forward and reverse directions via the first transmission system A. The rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 1 is restricted during the washing because the washing and dewatering tub 1 is
This is because the relative rotation between the object and the laundry decreases when the rotation is performed, and the detergency decreases.

On the other hand, during dehydration, the spring clutch 16
ON, that is, the spring 16 of the spring clutch 16
The diameter of “a” is reduced, and the rotation torque is transmitted from the first transmission shaft 5 to the second transmission shaft 8 while being tight with respect to both the second transmission shaft 8 and the sleeve 5a (connection of the second transmission system B). At the same time, the brake belt 11 is separated from the ring gear 6c, the second transmission shaft 8 is rotated in the free direction (forward rotation direction) of the one-way clutch 15, and the washing and dewatering tub 1 is rotated synchronously with the stirring blade 2.
When the spin-drying is completed, the spring clutch 16 is turned off, and the brake belt 11 is brought into contact with the ring gear 6c to stop the rotation of the spin-drying tub 1.

[0008]

As described above, the rotation control of the washing and dewatering layer requires both the forward and reverse bidirectional rotation locking function and the rotation free function at the same time. This requirement was satisfied by using both. However, due to prolonged use,
Deterioration of the brake belt, wear of the brake drum, and the like occur, and the reliability of the lock function by the brake belt is not always high.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to provide a fully automatic washing machine having a rotation control mechanism having a simple structure and excellent durability.

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided a washing and dewatering tub for performing both washing and spinning, and a rotatably disposed in the washing and dewatering tub, which is rotatably driven by the power of a drive source. Agitating blades, a first transmission system for transmitting the power of the drive source to the agitating blades, a second transmission system for transmitting the power of the drive source to the washing and dewatering tub, and shutting off the second transmission system during washing. A fully automatic washing machine having switching means for connecting a second transmission system during dehydration, wherein the second transmission system locks rotation in both forward and reverse directions during washing, and is free to rotate during dehydration. A clutch was provided.

The two-way clutch has two modes (a washing mode and a spin-dry mode): a forward / reverse bidirectional rotation lock of the washing / dehydrating tub and a spin-free (idling) mode. At the time of washing, the two-way clutch is set to the washing mode, the forward / reverse rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub is locked to stop the washing / dehydrating tub, and only the stirring blade is rotated forward / reverse via the first transmission system. At the time of spin-drying, the two-way clutch is switched to spin-dry mode to be free of rotation, and the washing spin-drying tub is rotated in the spin-drying direction via the second transmission system. As described above, the two-way clutch is free to rotate at the time of spin-drying, and the “rotation-free” includes both free rotation in both forward and reverse directions and free rotation only in the normal direction (spin-drying direction). The two-way clutch is disposed between the fixed member and a rotating member forming the second transmission system.For example, the outer ring is connected to the fixed member, and the second member is used as the rotating shaft by using the rotating member as the rotating shaft. Installed in the transmission system.

The two-way clutch has a plurality of clutch grooves on the inner peripheral surface, and an outer ring that forms a symmetrical wedge space in both the forward and reverse directions between the respective clutch groove portions and the rotating shaft to be controlled. A plurality of rollers which can be engaged and disengaged from the wedge space, a resin cage provided with a pocket for accommodating the rollers, and which is swingably disposed on the inner diameter portion of the outer ring, and a swing of the cage. And a drag member such as a drag member integrally formed on the inner diameter portion of the retainer and in contact with the outer periphery of the rotating shaft with an interference, or a separate drag strip. Can be configured.

[0013] The drag projection is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft with interference, and when the rotating shaft rotates, the retainer is driven by the rotating shaft by receiving a frictional force generated at the contact portion between the drag projection and the rotating shaft. And rock. The swing range of the retainer is limited by stopper means. When the retainer swings, the rollers housed in the pockets of the retainer are pushed into the wedge space on the swing side, and the rotation of the rotation shaft is locked by engaging with the wedge space. When the rotating shaft rotates in the opposite direction in this state,
The retainer swings in the opposite direction due to the frictional force of the drag projection,
The rollers engage with the wedge space in this direction to lock the rotation of the rotating shaft. That is, the rotation shaft is automatically locked in either the forward or reverse rotation direction by the action of the drag projection. When the position of the cage is fixed by the stopper means while the rotation of the rotating shaft is locked, the movement of the rollers to the wedge space in the opposite direction is regulated by the cage, so that the rotation of the rotating shaft in the opposite direction is free. become. On the other hand, if the retainer is held at the neutral position where the rollers do not contact the outer ring by the stopper means,
The rotation of the rotating shaft in both the forward and reverse directions can be made free. By controlling the swing of the retainer by the stopper means, it is possible to select any one of forward rotation free, reverse rotation free, and both forward and reverse rotation free of the rotating shaft. By incorporating the above-described two-way clutch into the second transmission system, a locking function of forward and reverse bidirectional rotation of the washing and dewatering layer and a rotation free function are simultaneously realized.

If the flange portion is integrally provided on the outer ring of the two-way clutch and the flange portion is fixed to a fixing member such as a frame, a member (such as the clutch housing 17) for fixing the two-way clutch to the fixing member is unnecessary. Thus, the number of parts can be reduced, the diameter of the clutch can be reduced, and the like.

In order to simplify the structure, reduce the weight, and reduce the size, a bearing for rotatably supporting the washing and dewatering tub may be provided integrally with the two-way clutch.

The stopper means of the two-way clutch can be driven by a solenoid.

When the two-way clutch is used, the two-way clutch is kept in a rotation-free state when the power supply to the drive source is cut off, so that a sudden stop of the washing and dewatering tub when the power supply is cut off is prevented. desirable.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 shows a rotary drive of a fully automatic washing machine. The fully automatic washing machine of this embodiment differs from the conventional one in that a two-way clutch 20 shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 is used instead of the one-way clutch 15 as the clutch means X. Other substantial structures are the same as those in FIG. That is, the power of the motor as a drive source is transmitted from the drive pulley 3 to the first transmission shaft 5, the speed reducer 6, and the stirring blade shaft 7.
Transmitted to the stirring blade 2 via a first transmission system A consisting of
Similarly, the washing dehydration tub 1 is driven from the driving pulley 3 through a second transmission system B including a second transmission shaft 8, a speed reducer 6, and a tub shaft 9.
Is transmitted to The second transmission system B is provided with a spring clutch 16 as a switching means Y. By disconnecting and connecting the second transmission system B with the spring clutch 16, washing (including rinsing) and dehydration are performed. Is switched.

As shown in FIG. 2, the two-way clutch 20
The outer ring 21, a resin cage 22 swingably inserted into the inner diameter of the outer ring 21, rollers 23 (for example, needle rollers) housed in pockets 22 a of the holder 22, The main component is a stopper means composed of a drag projection 24 formed integrally, a stopper pin 25 fixed to one end face side of the retainer 22, and a stopper groove 26 formed on one end face of the outer ring 21. And The retainer 22 is axially restrained by a stepped portion 21 a formed on the inner diameter portion of the outer ring 21 and a retaining ring 27, and the swing range thereof is limited by the engagement between the stopper pin 25 and the stopper groove 26. As shown in FIG.
The drag projection 24 of the present embodiment has a lip shape and projects in a direction shifted in the circumferential direction with respect to the radius line. A pair of two drag projections 24, which are displaced in opposite directions in the circumferential direction, are formed at equal circumferential intervals on one end face side inner diameter portion of the holder 22. In addition, by using a shell type press-formed steel plate as the outer ring 21,
Cost reduction, weight reduction, and mass production can be achieved. The drag protrusion 24 may be formed by forming a rib shape formed over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction or partially, or by providing a drag member such as a separate drag strip.

As shown in FIG. 3, the two-way clutch 20
The rotary shaft R is inserted into the inner diameter side of the roller 23 for use. A plurality of clutch grooves 27 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 21 at equal circumferential intervals. Is formed.
The rollers 23 are arranged in this wedge space so as to be engageable and disengageable.
The two pockets 22a are resiliently pressed from both sides by spring members 28 disposed on both side walls of the pocket 22a. The spring member 28 plays a role of quickly shifting the rollers 23 from the disengaged state to the engaged state, and increasing the responsiveness of the clutch.

The rollers 23 are arranged by the number of clutch grooves 27 formed, and the pockets 22a of the retainer 22 are formed by the number of rollers 23 arranged. The tip of the drag projection 24 is elastically in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft R with an interference, and the interference can be adjusted by the length of the protrusion of the drag projection 24 and the like. The stopper pin 25 may be formed integrally with the retainer 22 (see FIG. 5).

The two-way clutch 20 is formed, for example, by fitting the outer ring 21 to the inner peripheral portion of the clutch housing 17 and inserting the second transmission shaft 8 as the rotation shaft R into the inner diameter side of the roller 23, for example. It is incorporated into the second transmission system B.

As shown in FIG. 3, for example, when the second transmission shaft 8 rotates clockwise, the friction generated at the contact portion between the drag projection 24 and the second transmission shaft 8 which comes into contact with the second transmission shaft 8 with interference. The retainer 22 swings clockwise by the force. Then, the roller 23 is pressed by the retainer 22 and engages with the clockwise wedge space, whereby the rotation of the second transmission shaft 8 is locked. When the second transmission shaft 8 rotates counterclockwise from this state, the cage
The rotation of the second transmission shaft 8 is locked when the roller 22 swings counterclockwise and the roller 23 engages with the counterclockwise wedge space. That is, this clutch does not require any operation, and can automatically lock the forward / reverse rotation of the second transmission shaft 8.

Next, in the state shown in FIG.
The swing of the retainer 22 is restricted by engaging the stopper groove 25 with the clockwise side wall of the stopper groove 26. However, if the stopper pin 25 is fixed in this state, the counterclockwise movement of the second transmission shaft 8 will occur. The rotation in the direction can be made free. Conversely, if the stopper pin 25 is fixed while being engaged with the counterclockwise side wall of the stopper groove 26, the clockwise rotation of the second transmission shaft 8 can be made free. Furthermore, if the stopper pin 25 is fixed in the neutral position and the rollers 23 are not in contact with the outer ring 21, the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the second transmission shaft 8 can be made free.

In the above configuration, the rotation control of the tub shaft 9 and the stirring blade shaft 7 during washing, spin-drying, and stopping can be performed, for example, in the following procedure.

During washing, the spring clutch 16 is turned off.
Then, the second transmission system B is shut off, and the two-way clutch 20 is set to the washing mode of the forward / reverse bidirectional rotation lock. In this case, the rotation of the second transmission shaft 8 is locked in both forward and reverse directions by the two-way clutch 20, and only the first transmission shaft 5 rotates forward and reverse. 1 can be stopped.

At the time of dehydration, the spring clutch 16 is turned on to connect the second transmission system B, and the two-way clutch
Set 20 to the dehydration mode of the forward rotation free (the “forward rotation” direction matches the rotation direction during dehydration). Since the second transmission shaft 8 is free to rotate forward, the washing and dewatering tub 1 is connected to the second transmission system B.
, And is rotated in the dewatering direction via the first transmission system A, and rotates synchronously with the stirring blade 2 driven via the first transmission system A.

When the spin-drying is completed, the rotary drive source is stopped while the two-way clutch 20 is kept in the spin-drying mode (normal rotation free), the spring clutch 16 is turned off, and the brake belt 11 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the ring gear 6c. To stop the rotation of the tank shaft 9. Unlike the conventional brake belt, the brake belt 11 in this case does not stop the rotation of the tub shaft 9 at the time of washing, but only stops rotation or emergency stop after the completion of spin-drying. Deterioration and wear of the brake drum hardly occur, and the durability of the fully automatic washing machine can be improved.

In this example, the two-way clutch 20 is free for normal rotation at the time of dehydration and after completion of dehydration. However, the two-way clutch 20 may be free for normal and reverse rotation by fixing the stopper pin 25 at the neutral position. Alternatively, a braking function may be provided from a motor side by providing a braking function to a motor (not shown) serving as a driving source. In this case, the brake belt 11 can be omitted.

The switching of the two-way clutch 20 between the washing mode and the dehydrating mode can be performed by a mode switching mechanism for turning on / off the external force applied to the retainer 22, and the switching is performed, for example, by swinging a switching lever 31 shown in FIG. It is performed in motion. In this case, in the washing mode, the switching lever 31 is separated from the stopper pin 25 as shown in FIG. 7A, and in the spin-drying mode, the switching lever 31 is pressed against the stopper pin 25 as shown in FIG. An external force F is applied to fix the retainer 22 at the rotation free position. As means for swinging the switching lever 31, a solenoid (not shown) or the like can be considered. The solenoid converts electromagnetic energy into mechanical movement by energizing the exciting coil and moving a movable member such as an iron core, so that the above-mentioned switching operation can be fully automated at low cost and easily. Is high. In this case, the washing mode (a
In the drawing, the switching lever 31 is pressed and fixed to the retracted position by a solenoid against the elastic force of the elastic member 32 such as a torsion coil spring. In the spin-drying mode (FIG. B), the pressing force of the solenoid is released and It is preferable to adopt a structure in which an external force F is applied to the retainer 22 by the resilience-reducing force. With this structure, the retainer 22 is fixed to the rotation free position shown in FIG. 3B by the elastic force of the elastic member 32 even when the power supply is suddenly stopped due to a power failure or an outlet being disconnected during dehydration. To be
The laundry dehydration tub 1 can be naturally stopped while rotating by inertia. Conversely, if the rotation of the retainer 22 is locked in both forward and reverse directions when the power supply is stopped (the state shown in FIG. 7A), the washing / dewatering tub 1 stops suddenly, and the impact becomes excessive. The position (or posture) of the switching lever 31 in the washing mode (FIG. 7A) and the dehydration mode (FIG. 9B) is determined by the positioning member 33.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the two-way clutch. The two-way clutch 20 'is provided with a flange portion 21b' on an outer race 21 ', and the flange portion 21b'
The structure is fixed to a fixing member such as the above. Compared with the structure of FIG. 2, the clutch housing 17 is not required, so that the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts and the diameter of the clutch mounting portion can be reduced. Also, in the clutch 20 'of FIG.
A radial bearing that rotatably supports the washing and dewatering tub 1 (FIG. 1)
13 and 14), bearing 14 adjacent to clutch means X
Is integrated with the two-way clutch 20 'so that the clutch alone can support the radial load. That is, the roller 2 is attached to the inner diameter of the outer race 21 'of the two-way clutch 20'.
3 ', a resin-made retainer 22', a clutch assembly including a spring (not shown) and the like are incorporated, and the radial bearing 14 is housed therein, as compared with the structure used together with the radial bearing 14 (see FIG. 1). Simplification of the structure, compactness, and weight reduction are achieved. Cage 22 'is stopper pin 2
5 'and integrally formed with radial bearing 14 and retaining ring 27'
Or by the step 21a 'and the retaining ring 27' from both sides in the axial direction. As the radial bearing 14, besides the oil-impregnated sliding bearing shown in FIG. 5, a rolling bearing using a ball or a roller as shown in FIG. 1 can be used as the rolling element 14a. When a rolling bearing is used, the bearing outer ring 14b can be used in common with the outer ring 21 'of the clutch, and the inner ring 14c is omitted and the inner raceway surface is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft (second transmission shaft 8). It can also be formed directly. In the illustrated example, the outer ring 21 'is provided with the flange portion 21b' and the radial bearing 14 is integrated with the two-way clutch 20 ', but only one of the structures may be employed.

In the above description, a structure for transmitting the power of the drive source to the stirring blade 2 via the speed reducer 6 has been described.
The present invention is not limited to this, and is also applicable to a direct drive type fully automatic washing machine that directly transmits the output of the drive source to the stirring blade 2 without the intervention of a speed reducer.

[0034]

According to the present invention, automatic switching between forward and reverse bidirectional rotation of the washing and dewatering tub with respect to the washing machine frame and free rotation (both forward and reverse or forward free rotation) can be easily switched. Therefore, the rotation control of the washing and dewatering tub, which is conventionally performed by the one-way clutch and the brake belt, can be performed by the two-way clutch unit.
Therefore, the brake belt is used only for stopping after the completion of spin-drying or for emergency stop, the frequency of use of the brake belt can be reduced, the durability can be improved, and the brake belt can be made unnecessary. Further, the rotation control mechanism can be simplified, its weight and size can be reduced, and the switching can be easily performed by a mode switching mechanism having a simple structure.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a two-way clutch (FIG. A), an enlarged cross-sectional view as viewed from a direction b (FIG. B), and a plan view as viewed from a direction c (FIG. C).

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a periphery of a clutch groove in FIG. 2 (b).

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a switching mechanism of a two-way clutch.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the two-way clutch.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List A First transmission system B Second transmission system X Clutch means Y Switching means 1 Washing / dewatering tub 2 Stirrer blade 3 Drive pulley 5 First transmission shaft 6 Reducer 7 Stirrer blade shaft 8 Second transmission shaft 9 Tank shaft 11 Brake Belt 12 Frame 13/14 Radial bearing 17 Clutch housing 20 Two-way clutch 21 Outer ring 21b Flange 22 Cage 22a Pocket 23 Roller 24 Drag projection 25 Stopper pin 31 Switching lever 32 Elastic member

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A washing and dewatering tub for washing and dewatering, a stirring blade rotatably disposed in the washing and dewatering tub and rotationally driven by the power of a driving source, and a stirring blade for transmitting the power of the driving source to the stirring blade. One transmission system, a second transmission system for transmitting the power of the drive source to the washing dehydration tub, and shut off the second transmission system during washing,
A fully automatic washing machine having switching means for connecting a second transmission system during spin-drying, wherein a two-way clutch that locks rotation in both forward and reverse directions during washing with the second transmission system and is free to rotate during spin-drying. Fully automatic washing machine characterized by having provided. 2. The two-way clutch has a plurality of clutch grooves on an inner peripheral surface, and forms a wedge space symmetrical in both forward and reverse directions with a rotation shaft to be controlled at each clutch groove portion. A resin cage having an outer ring, a plurality of rollers arranged to be engaged with and disengaged from the wedge space, a rocker disposed in the inner diameter portion of the outer ring, and having a pocket for accommodating the rollers; 2. A fully automatic washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising stopper means for controlling swinging, wherein a drag projection which comes into contact with an outer periphery of said rotary shaft with an interference is provided on an inner diameter portion of said retainer. . 3. The fully automatic washing machine according to claim 2, wherein a flange portion is integrally provided on an outer ring of the two-way clutch, and the flange portion is fixed to a fixing member. 4. The fully automatic washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a bearing that rotatably supports the washing and dewatering tub is provided integrally with the two-way clutch. 5. The fully automatic washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the stopper means of the two-way clutch is driven by a solenoid. 6. The fully automatic washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the two-way clutch is held in a rotation-free state when the power supply to the drive source is cut off.