JP2003010592A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the reliability of a shaft seal member in a high concentration washing solution generation means. SOLUTION: A detergent dissolving chamber 21c is provided with a cylindrical part 21b erected inwardly on the circumference of a part, pierced by a drive shaft, of the bottom part of the chamber 21c and the cylindrical part 21b houses the shaft seal member 57 for sealing a clearance between the inner circumferential surface thereof and the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft. A clearance 50d between the top surface of the shaft seal member 57 and the lower surface of a detergent agitation blade 50 forms an air chamber into which no water is infiltrated even when the water is supplied into a storage part from a water supplying means.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a washing machine and a washing / drying machine having a detergent melting mechanism.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A washing machine provided with a detergent case having a mechanism for dissolving a detergent by a stirring means composed of a stirring motor and a stirring blade is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-80187. In the publication, a detergent container provided with a partition plate is provided in the middle of a route for supplying washing water to a washing tub, and a predetermined amount of the detergent and water are stored in the detergent container, dissolved by a stirring means, and then supplied to the washing tub with water supply. Supply is described.

[0003]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-80187
In the publication, the stirring motor is outside the detergent container and the stirring blade is inside the detergent container. In such a structure, if a shaft seal that prevents the leakage of the detergent liquid is attached (the above-mentioned publication has no description about the shaft seal), the detergent liquid has a small surface tension and a high permeability, so that the shaft seal It is easy to get into the gap and may cause a detergent leak. Further, if zeolite (a water softener, which does not dissolve in water) contained in the powder synthetic detergent enters the shaft seal portion, the shaft seal and the shaft surface may be damaged, and the detergent liquid may leak out.

A first object of the present invention is to propose a means for preventing the detergent liquid from entering the shaft seal portion. A second object of the present invention is to propose a detergent stirring blade that efficiently dissolves detergent and has a small amount of water splash.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned first object, a detergent stirring blade fitted to a storage portion and a drive shaft arranged at the bottom portion of the storage portion and penetrating the bottom portion of the storage portion. And a drive means for driving the detergent agitating blade, and a water supply means for supplying water to the storage part, wherein the storage part is a cylinder erected inwardly around the drive shaft penetrating part of the bottom part. The tubular portion has a shaft sealing member that seals a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion and the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft at the uppermost portion of the tubular portion, and the detergent stirring The blade is disk-shaped, and the washing machine is provided with a concave portion on its lower surface that forms a cylindrical inner wall surface facing downward along the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion and extending downward. Further, a storage section, a detergent dissolution container having a detergent stirring blade fitted to a drive shaft that is disposed at the bottom of the storage section and penetrates the bottom of the storage section, and a drive unit that drives the detergent stirring blade, A water supply means for supplying water to the storage portion, wherein the storage portion includes a first tubular portion that is erected inwardly around the drive shaft penetrating portion of the bottom portion, and is provided outside the first tubular portion. The first tubular portion is provided with a second tubular portion that is erected inside the storage portion so as to have a radial gap with the first tubular portion concentrically with the first tubular portion. Accommodates a shaft sealing member that seals a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the first tubular portion and the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft at the uppermost portion of the first tubular portion, and the detergent agitating blade is disc-shaped. And a third tubular portion extending downward on the lower surface thereof, the third tubular portion being between the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion. A washing machine having a road-shaped gap. Further, the shaft seal member is provided so as to project above the bottom of the storage portion, and the detergent stirring blade is provided on the upper portion thereof, and a gap between the upper surface of the shaft seal member and the lower surface of the detergent stirring blade is provided from the water supply means to the storage portion. Create an air chamber where water does not enter even if water is supplied to it. Further, in order to achieve the second object, the upper surface of the detergent stirring blade is a cylindrical surface having an outer peripheral side of a disk shape and a central portion protruding upward, and a plurality of blades are radially provided on the outer peripheral side disk surface, The washing machine is provided with a plurality of vertically long blades on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical surface. Further, it is preferable that the plurality of blades have a triangular prism shape having a height of 2 to 3 mm.

[0006]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention relates to a washing machine and a washing / drying machine, but the washing machine can be implemented with a configuration in which the drying mechanism is removed from the washing / drying machine. explain.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a longitudinal section of a washer / dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 1 is a rectangular tubular outer frame which constitutes an outer shell. A washing / dehydrating tank 2 has a small hole 2a for water flow and ventilation on its peripheral wall, a fluid balancer 3 at its upper edge, and a stirring blade 4 rotatably provided inside the bottom. To do. The stirring blade 4 is a small hole 4a for passing water and ventilation.
Have. Reference numeral 5 denotes an outer tub containing the washing / dehydrating tub 2, and a driving device 6 is attached to the outer side of the bottom by a steel plate mounting base 7 and is fixed to the four corners of the upper end of the outer frame 1. The outer tub 5 is evenly hung from the four sides by the anti-vibration support device 8 so that the outer tub 5 is supported so as to be suspended from the central portion of the outer frame 1.

The drive unit 6 incorporates a drive motor, an electric operation clutch mechanism, and a planetary gear reduction mechanism, and is equipped with a washing and dehydrating tub 2
While stirring, the stirring blade 4 is rotated (stirring mode), the washing / dehydrating tank 2 and the stirring blade 4 are rotated in opposite directions (washing mode), and the washing / dehydrating tank 2 and stirring blade 4 are integrated. It has a selective drive function to rotate in the same direction (dehydration / drying mode).

The top cover 9 having the outer garment inlet 9a is fitted into the opening edge so as to cover the upper opening of the outer frame 1, and is attached to the outer frame 1 together with the front panel 10 and the back panel 11 by attaching screws. . FIG. 2 is a plan view of the top cover with the back panel 2 removed.

A front panel box 12 which is a front housing formed between the top cover 9 and the front panel 10 has a power switch 13, an operation panel 14 having an input switch group 14a and a display element group 14b. A water level sensor 15 that generates a water level signal according to the water level in the outer tub 5.
And the control unit 16 is incorporated. They are,
Configure the control device.

A back panel box 17 which is a rear storage portion formed between the top cover 9 and the back panel 11.
A washing water supply means and a high-concentration detergent liquid generating / supplying means which will be described later are installed side by side.

The washing water supply means has a water tap connection port 1 on the water inlet side.
8 and the main water supply solenoid valve 20 is connected to the water inlet side to the water inlet 19. Furthermore, you may provide the water supply means comprised by the bath water pump 81 which connected the water inlet side to the hose connection port 82, and connected the water outlet side to the water injection port 19.

The high-concentration detergent liquid generating / supplying means supplies the detergent dissolving water to the detergent dissolving container 21 from the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 and agitates the powder synthetic detergent charged in the detergent dissolving container 21. It is configured such that it is dissolved in detergent-dissolving water to generate a high-concentration detergent solution, and while it is diluted by further water supply, it overflows from the detergent-dissolving container 21 and is supplied to the water inlet 19. The detergent dissolution container 21 has a finishing agent charging chamber 21.
d is additionally provided, and by supplying water from the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22a, the softening finishing agent charged in the finishing agent charging chamber 21d is overflowed from the finishing agent charging chamber 21d and supplied to the water injection port 19. To configure.

The water injection port 19 penetrates the bottom of the top cover 9 and the rear portion of the outer tub upper cover 28 of the outer tub 5 to wash and dehydrate the tub 2.
It opens toward the inside of the upper opening. The water injection port 19 is composed of a flexible tube 19a (see FIG. 3) connected between the detergent dissolving container 21 and the outer tank upper cover 28.

The high-concentration detergent liquid generating / supplying means will be described later in detail.

The warm air circulating drying means is formed so as to extend upward in a vertical state along the outer wall surface on the rear side of the outer tank 5 from the suction port 5a formed on the lower side wall of the outer tank 5, and the sucking-out is performed. A water-cooling dehumidification duct 23 that is a dehumidification air passage portion that dams the washing water that has entered from the mouth 5a, and a cooling water sprinkler that is located above the water-cooling dehumidification duct 23 and that supplies cooling water to the duct. Downward wind that is a downward airflow path portion that folds back at a position higher than the water level of the outer tub 5 in the washing process in the washing process and extends vertically along the outer wall surface of the outer tub 5 toward the lower side of the outer tub 5. A passage duct 25, a circulation fan 26 arranged in a space below the outer tub 5 and sucking air from the descending air passage duct 25 to the suction port to generate circulating air, and a blowout port of the circulation fan 26 Above along the outer wall of tank 5 A rising air duct 27 which is an ascending air duct extending vertically to the outside, and a circulating air which is installed on the outer tank upper cover 28 attached to the upper end of the outer tank 5 and is sent from the ascending air duct 27. A blow-in port 3 that incorporates a heater (PTC heater) 29 that is a heating means for heating, and blows the heated circulating air toward the washing and dehydrating tub 2.
Equipped with 0.

The water-cooled dehumidifying duct 2 forming a circulating air passage.
3, the downwind passage duct 25 and the upwind passage duct 27,
The back cover 1a that covers the outside of these outer tubs 5 is mounted on the outer wall surface on the rear side of the outer tub 5 in the circumferential direction of the outer tub 5, and a part thereof is integrally molded and mounted. Shaped and screwed.

A humidity sensor 40 and a first temperature sensor 41 are installed in the lower portion of the downwind duct 25, and a second temperature sensor 42 is installed in the air passage between the blower port 30 and the heater 29 downstream of the heater 29. Install. In order to accurately detect the humidity and temperature of the circulating air dewatered and dehumidified in the water cooling and dehumidifying duct 23, the humidity sensor 40 and the first temperature sensor after the circulating air dewatered and dehumidified is well mixed and becomes uniform. The humidity sensor 40 and the first temperature sensor 4 are installed in the lower part of the downwind duct 25 far from the water cooling / dehumidifying duct 23 or in the suction port casing 26c of the circulation fan 26, which is far away from the water cooling / dehumidifying duct 23. Further, the humidity sensor 40 and the first temperature sensor 41 are set at installation positions so that they are exposed when the back cover 1a is removed, for convenience of maintenance work.

Further, although not shown in the drawings, a yarn waste collecting means is provided at the folded back portion from the water cooling / dehumidifying duct 23 to the descending air duct 25.

The warm air circulation drying means operates the circulation fan 26 while draining the washing water in the outer tub 5 after washing, rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 2 at a high speed to spin it off, and then rotating it at a low speed. By this, the moist air in the outer tub 5 and the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is sucked out from the suction port 5a, and in the process of raising the inside of the water cooling / dehumidifying duct 23, the cooling water supplied from the cooling sprinkling section 24 into the water cooling / dehumidifying duct 23. Cool and dehumidify by. Thereafter, the air that has been cooled and dehumidified descends the descending air duct 25 and is sucked into the circulation fan 26.
Then, it is sent to the outlet 30 through the heater 29, heated by the heater 29, and blown in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the washing / dehydrating tub 2 toward the vicinity of the inner wall surface in the washing / dehydrating tub 2. The circulating air thus blown into the washing / dehydrating tub 2 touches the laundry in the washing / dehydrating tub 2 to dry the laundry.

The outer garment inlet 9a formed on the top cover 9 is hinged 31a so as to open in two (fold).
The inner garment inlet 28a formed on the outer tub upper cover 28 attached to the upper end of the outer tub 5 is covered by the hinge 32.
The inner lid 32 attached to the outer tank upper cover 28 by a is openably and closably covered.

The drain port 5b formed in the bottom of the outer tub 5 is connected to a drain hose 34 via a drain solenoid valve 33. The air trap 5c is connected to the water level sensor 15 via an air tube 35. At the lower end edge of the outer frame 1, a base 37 formed of synthetic resin with legs 36 attached to the four corners is attached.

Reference numeral 38 is a laundry item loaded in the washing / dehydrating tub 2.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a specific structure of the above-mentioned washing / drying machine. A part of the description overlapping with the description of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

The rotary drive device 6 is a reversible drive motor 6
1, an electrically operated clutch mechanism 62, and a sun gear reduction mechanism 63
And a central output shaft 64 to which the stirring blade 4 is connected and an outer output shaft 65 to which the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is connected. The sun gear reduction mechanism 63 includes a sun gear directly connected to the drive motor 61, an internal gear directly connected to the outer output shaft 65, and a carrier that supports a planetary gear and is directly connected to the central output shaft 64. Then, by controlling the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 in the stirring mode, the internal gear of the sun gear speed reduction mechanism 63 (the outer output shaft 65
And the washing and dehydration tub 2) are stationary, the rotational force of the drive motor 61 is decelerated via the sun gear, the planetary gears and the carrier to be transmitted to the central output shaft 64 to rotate the stirring blade 4 in the forward and reverse directions. Then, by controlling the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 to the washing mode, the internal gear of the sun gear speed reduction mechanism 63 (connected to the outer output shaft 65 and the washing / dehydrating tub 2) is set in a freely rotatable state, and the rotational force of the drive motor 61 is set. Is decelerated via the sun gear, the planetary gears, and the carrier to be transmitted to the central output shaft 64, thereby rotating the stirring blade 4 in the forward and reverse directions and transmitting the reaction force acting on the internal gear to the outer output shaft 65 to perform washing and washing. The sun gear and the internal gear of the sun gear speed reduction mechanism 63 are driven by the electric motor 6 by rotating the dehydration tank 2 in the direction opposite to the stirring blade 4 and controlling the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 in the dehydration / drying mode.
1 to connect the rotational force of the drive motor 61 to the central output shaft 6
4 and the outer output shaft 65 to wash and dehydrate the tub 2 and the stirring blades 4
Is transmitted to the motor to rotate them integrally.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electric system of this washer / dryer.

The control unit 16 for receiving power via the power switch 13 is mainly composed of a microcomputer 16a, and has a power circuit 16b, a drive unit 6, a main water supply solenoid valve 20, auxiliary water supply solenoid valves 22 and 22a, and a detergent. A semiconductor AC switching element (F) for controlling power supply to the stirring motor 39, the bath water pump 81, the drainage solenoid valve 33, the circulation fan 26, the heater 29, and the cooling water sprinkling solenoid valve 24a.
Drive circuit 16c having a LS) group.

The drive motor 61 of the drive device 6 has a stator winding 61a and a rotation sensor 61b, and the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 has an electric operation device 62a and a position sensor 62c for detecting the operating position.

The drive circuit 16c controls two electric current switching elements (FLS) 16c1 and 16c2 for forward / reverse rotation control with respect to power supply control to the stator winding 61a of the drive motor 61 in the drive device 6. Equipped with. The FLS 16c1 is a semiconductor switching element for forward rotation power supply control, and the FLS 16c2 is a semiconductor AC switching element for reverse rotation power supply control. In this embodiment, the rotational speed of the drive motor 61 is controlled by feeding power to the stator winding 61a by controlling the phases of the FLSs 16c1 and 16c2, but an inverter-driven brushless motor is used. In the configuration, the PWM control and the PAM control are performed. Further, an FL for controlling power supply to the electric operating device 62a of the electric operating clutch mechanism 62 in the drive device 6.
Equipped with S16c3.

The drive circuit 16c is composed of the main water supply solenoid valve 2
0, auxiliary water supply solenoid valves 22, 22a, detergent stirring electric motor 3
9, bath water pump 81, drainage solenoid valve 33, circulation fan 2
6, heater 29, FLS16c4 ~ 16c12 for controlling the power supply to the cooling water sprinkling solenoid valve 24a. Then, the drive circuit 16c controls the conduction state of the FLSs 16c1 to FLS16c12 according to an instruction from the microcomputer 16a to control power supply to the dependent loads.

The microcomputer 16a further includes a rotation sensor 61b for the drive motor 61, a position sensor 62c for the electrically operated clutch mechanism 62, a water level sensor 15 for detecting the wash water level in the outer tub 5, a humidity sensor 40, a first sensor, Second
Temperature sensors 41, 42, an imbalance detection sensor 43,
By connecting the lid switch 44 for detecting the opening / closing of the outer lid 31 to the operation panel 14 and executing a control processing program incorporated in advance, the input switch group 14a, the water level sensor 15, the rotation sensor 61b, and the position of the operation panel 14 are positioned. Each of the cloth amount detection, the high-concentration detergent liquid generation, the pre-water supply, the high-concentration detergent liquid supply (permeation), the washing, the rinsing, the dehydration and the warm air drying is performed by taking in the signal from the sensor 62c and controlling the drive circuit 16c. The progress is displayed by executing the process and controlling the display element group 14b of the operation panel 14. Here, the unbalance detection sensor 43 detects an imbalance in the distribution of the laundry 38 in the washing / dehydrating tub 2 when the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is rotated. Is a sensor that detects a large contact with a predetermined value or more.

Input switch group 14a of the operation panel 14
Is a switch that sets the washing course (standard, strong, soft, dry, handmade, futon, etc.), a switch that sets the drying course (standard, shirt, finish, dry, etc.), washing time, dehydration time, water volume, rinse count It is equipped with a switch for setting uniform washing conditions, a switch for setting a drying course (standard, shirt, blanket, etc.) when washing and drying are performed continuously.

Next, the high-concentration detergent liquid generating / supplying means is shown in FIG.
7 to 12, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the detergent dissolving container 21, FIG. 6 is a top view of the detergent dissolving container 21, and FIG.
Is a vertical cross-sectional view of the detergent dissolving container 21 taken along line AA in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the detergent stirring blade portion in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the detergent dissolving container 21 taken along line BB in FIG. 6, and FIG.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the top cover showing a state in which the outer lid 31 is opened and the detergent container 73 is pulled out, and FIG. 12 is a top cover showing a state in which the detergent container is pushed. It is a perspective view.

The detergent dissolving container 21 is a substantially rectangular container having an open upper side, and has a detergent dissolving chamber 21c in which the detergent stirring blade 50 is installed, a finishing agent charging chamber 21d, and a washing water supply passage 21e. The overflow channel 21f and the mixing chamber 21v are provided. The mixing chamber 21v is located below the detergent dissolving chamber 21c and the finishing agent input chamber 21d, and the washing water supply passage 2 is provided.
1e communicates with the overflow channel 21f. Between the upper opening of the detergent dissolution container 21 and the back panel 11, the detergent input container 7
It is possible to place 3 in any direction. Detergent dissolution container 2
1 has a substantially rectangular shape because the volume of the detergent dissolving chamber 21c can be maximized, and the back panel box 17
This is because it can be installed without wasting the internal volume.

On the inner side wall 21w of the substantially rectangular detergent dissolving chamber 21c, a water receiving port 21g for receiving water from an auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 which is a water supplying means (first water supplying means) for supplying water to the detergent dissolving chamber 21c, The water and the detergent that have entered from the water inlet 21g are stirred by the detergent stirring blade 50 to generate a high-concentration detergent liquid, and the high-concentration detergent liquid is further supplied from the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 of the first water supply means. Flood edge 21 that overflows into overflow channel 21f when the volume is increased by diluting with
h and triangular ribs 21i, 21u that are long in the vertical direction and that suppress the rotation of the detergent-dissolved water (high-concentration detergent solution) during stirring.
And a guide rail 21k that guides the forward / backward movement of the detergent container 73 described later. Further, on the bottom wall 21a of the detergent dissolving chamber 21c, a detergent stirring blade 5 rotatably provided at a substantially central portion.
0, a siphon water passage mechanism 21j that causes the detergent solution or water in the detergent dissolution chamber 21c to flow into the mixing chamber 21v at the corner on the side of the finishing agent introduction chamber, and the detergent dissolution water when stirring with respect to the siphon water passage mechanism 21j. A thin plate-shaped straightening plate 21m is provided on the upstream side in the flow direction of. In this embodiment, the detergent stirring blade 50 rotates in the direction of the arrow R (see FIGS. 5 and 6), so that the detergent-dissolved water flows clockwise in the drawings.

The four corners of the inner side wall 21w of the detergent dissolving chamber 21c are arcuate surfaces 21w1 and the bottom wall 21a and the inner side wall surface 21w are connected by an arcuate surface 21a2 so that the detergent is not accumulated. Further, the bottom wall 21a has an inclined surface such that the siphon water passage mechanism 21j is the lowest.
However, the portion facing the detergent stirring blade 50 is the detergent stirring blade 5
The horizontal plane 21a4 is substantially parallel to 0. The siphon water passage mechanism 21j has a bottom surface 21 that is one step lower than the bottommost portion of the bottom wall 21a so as to minimize residual water in the detergent dissolving chamber 21c.
It is provided in a3. The bottom wall 21a and the bottom surface 21a3 are smoothly connected by the inclined surface 21a1 to smooth the flow of the detergent dissolved water around the siphon water passage mechanism 21j and prevent the detergent from staying.

The siphon water passage mechanism 21j is composed of a siphon pipe 21j2 and a siphon cap 21j1 installed around the siphon pipe 21j2 with a gap. There is a hole 2 in the center of the siphon pipe 21j2.
1j3 is provided and opens to the mixing chamber 21v. The height of the siphon pipe 21j2 is a dimension E (2 to 6 mm) from the overflow edge 21h so that the siphon is surely conducted.
It is set only low). Siphon cap 21
j1 is installed so as to have a clearance D from the bottom surface 21a3, a clearance C above the siphon pipe 21j2, and a clearance K in the radial direction. Specifically, the clearance C is 20 to 25 m.
m, the gap D is 3 to 4 mm, and the gap K is 2 to 3 mm. The reason for this will be described later. Also, the siphon cap 21j1 and the inner side wall 21 of the detergent dissolving chamber 21c
The distance from w2 is preferably 3 mm or more so that detergent particles do not stay.

The straightening plate 21m has a thin plate whose thickness direction is substantially orthogonal to the flow direction of the detergent-dissolved water, and siphon water flow mechanism 21j.
Is provided so as to have a space F from the cap 21j1 and a space G from the inner peripheral side wall surface 21w of the detergent dissolving chamber 21c.
Specifically, the space F is set to 4 to 8 mm, and the space G is made to substantially coincide with the center of the siphon water passage mechanism 21j. Also,
The rectifying plate has a width J of 10 to 20 mm and a height H of 30.
-40 mm, and the thickness is preferably 2-3 mm. The reason for this will be described later.

The wash water supply passage 21e has a water inlet 21t for receiving water from the main water supply solenoid valve 20 which is a water supply means (second water supply means) for supplying water to the laundry 38, and the bath water pump 8
It has a water inlet 21r for receiving water from 1. Water inlet 21
t has a water intake 21t1 for connecting a tube for priming to a bath water pump.

The high-concentration detergent liquid generated in the detergent dissolving chamber 21c is diluted and increased by the water supply from the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 which is the first water supply means, and is supplied from the overflow passage 22f and the siphon water passage mechanism 21j to the mixing chamber. Run down to 21v. Here, it joins with the water from the second water supply means, is diluted, and flows out from the outlet 21.
It flows out from s to the water injection port 19.

The finishing agent charging chamber 21d is provided with an overflow channel 21f.
The overflow edge 21n connected to the mixing chamber 21v, the siphon water passage mechanism 21p connected to the mixing chamber 21v, and the water inlet 21q from the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22a. The finishing agent (liquid) in the finishing agent input chamber 21d is diluted by receiving water from the water receiving port 21q,
The amount is increased and overflows from the overflow edge 21n into the overflow channel 21f, and flows out from the siphon water passage mechanism 21p into the mixing chamber 21v. Here, it joins the water from the second water supply means,
It is diluted and flows out from the outlet 21s to the water inlet 19.

The detergent dissolving container 21 is preferably as small as possible in order to be installed in the back panel box 17.
On the other hand, the proper detergent concentration when spraying and permeating the laundry 38 is 5 to 20 times. Here, the detergent concentration is a value obtained by multiplying the detergent concentration recommended by the detergent manufacturer by one. For example, the rated washing water volume of a washer / dryer with a washing capacity of 8 kg is 6
Since it is about 8 L, when the detergent used with this washing water amount is dissolved with 3.4 L of water, the detergent concentration becomes 20 times.
If a detergent solution having a concentration of 20 times is to be produced and used at one time, a large detergent dissolution chamber 21c having a volume of at least 3.4 L is required, and it cannot be installed in the back panel box 17. Therefore, the volume of the detergent dissolving chamber 21c can be reduced by diluting the high-concentration detergent liquid dissolved with a smaller amount of water in the mixing chamber 21v by 5 to 20 times and spraying it on the laundry 38 so that the detergent is dissolved. Can be smaller.

Main water supply solenoid valve 20 and auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22
The flow rate of water supplied from the plant varies depending on the tap water pressure. The tap water pressure of a general household where a washing machine is used is 0.03 to 0.8MP
Within the range of a, the flow rate Q2 flowing through the main water supply solenoid valve 20 is 5 to 20 L per minute, and the flow rate Q1 flowing through the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22.
Is 1-2 L per minute. Therefore, assuming that the concentration of the high-concentration detergent liquid flowing down from the overflow channel is D0, the concentration D1 after being diluted in the mixing chamber 21v can be calculated by D0 × Q1 / (Q1 + Q2), and the tap water pressure is about 0.03 MPa. 0.17
It becomes about 0.09D0 at D0 and 0.8MPa, and the lower the tap water pressure, the higher the concentration. Further, the concentration D0 increases as the amount of detergent increases. That is, in order to obtain the above-mentioned proper detergent concentration, D0 needs to be about 118 times (= 20 / 0.17) or less. From the above, the volume of the detergent dissolving chamber 21c needs to be about 0.58 mL (= 68 L / 118). The calculation is based on the case where the main water supply solenoid valve 20 and the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 are continuously opened.
If Q1 is reduced by intermittently controlling opening / closing of 2 or using a solenoid valve with a smaller flow rate, the detergent dissolution chamber 2
It is also possible to further reduce the volume of 1c.

Thus, the volume of the detergent dissolving chamber 21c is
Considering the flow rate characteristics of the main water supply solenoid valve 20 and the auxiliary water supply valve 22, the size is set to be suitable for generating a concentration of 5 to 20 times the concentration of the detergent liquid sprayed on the laundry 38. In this embodiment,
The height of the overflow edge 21h is set so that the water overflows from the overflow edge 21h at about 600 mL, and the size of the detergent dissolving container 21 can be about 160 mm in width, 140 mm in depth, and 110 mm in height, and is sufficiently installed in the back panel box 17. It will be possible.

Next, the drive mechanism of the detergent stirring blade 50 will be described. The detergent dissolving container 21 and the detergent stirring electric motor 39 are
It is installed on the metal base plate 49 in a state of being horizontally aligned.

The stirring blade drive shaft 51 coupled to the detergent stirring blade 50 disposed at the bottom of the detergent dissolving container 21 penetrates the bottom wall portion 21a of the detergent dissolving container 21 and the metal base plate 49 in a vertical state. It is led out to the lower side of the base plate 49, and the timing belt driven pulley 52 is fitted in the lead-out portion. The detergent stirring electric motor 39 is attached to the metal base plate 49 so that the rotary output shaft 39a penetrates the metal base plate 49 in a vertical state and is led out to the lower side of the metal base plate 49, and a timing belt drive is provided at the lead-out portion. Fit the pulley 53. Then, the driven pulley 52 and the drive pulley 53 are interlocked by the timing belt 54.

The metal base plate 49 is provided with a bearing cylindrical portion 49a into which a bearing 55 for supporting the stirring blade drive shaft 51 is fitted so as to project downward, and an annular detergent dissolving container is concentrically provided on the upper side thereof. The fitting convex portion 49b is provided so as to project upward. The bottom wall 21a4 of the detergent dissolving container 21 is provided with a cylindrical portion 21b fitted to the outer periphery of the detergent dissolving container fitting convex portion 49b so as to project inward and outward, and a metal sleeve 58 is provided around the cylindrical portion 21b. Set up. The sleeve 58 is
This is for preventing deformation of the cylindrical portion 21b made of resin. On the outer bottom wall 21a4 of the tubular portion 21b, another tubular portion 21z is provided upward concentrically with the tubular portion 21b. The tubular portion 21
There is a radial gap between the outer peripheral surface of b and the inner peripheral surface of the other tubular portion. The metal base plate 49 is fixed to the detergent dissolving container 21 by the set screw 56 in a state where the cylindrical portion 21b is fitted and positioned on the outer periphery of the detergent dissolving container fitting convex portion 49b.

Stirring blade drive shaft 51 supported by the bearing 55
Penetrates the cylindrical portion 21b and is led out to the inside of the detergent dissolving container 21, and the detergent stirring blade 50 is fitted to the lead-out portion. A shaft seal member 57 is housed between the inside of the tubular portion 21b and the stirring blade drive shaft 51. The shaft sealing member 57 exerts a sealing action by pressing a ring-shaped lip made of rubber against the stirring blade drive shaft 51. The upper surface of the shaft seal member 57 is made to be at the same height as the upper surface of the tubular portion 21b. By doing so, even if the detergent enters the gap 50d between the detergent stirring blade 50 and the shaft seal member 57, the detergent stirring blade 5
The detergent is blown off by the centrifugal force due to the rotation of 0, and the detergent is not accumulated on the upper surface of the shaft seal member 57, so that the shaft seal member 57 is not deteriorated. Further, since the detergent stirring blade 50 and the shaft seal member 57 are provided so as to project above the bottom wall 21a4 of the detergent dissolution container 21, the projecting dimension of the stirring blade driving shaft 51 to the lower side can be made small, so that the back panel. The depth of the box 17 can be reduced, and an increase in the height of the machine body can be suppressed.

The detergent stirring blade 50 has a disk shape convex toward the upper side, a radial blade 50a is provided on the upper surface of the flange portion, and a vertical blade 50b is provided on the cylindrical surface portion, and the stirring is provided at the center of the lower surface. There is a hole into which the drive shaft 51 is fitted, and a cylindrical member 50c is provided concentrically with this hole so as to project downward. The blades 50a and 50b are in the shape of a triangular prism or a cylinder having an antipodal shape. Considering the efficiency of dissolving the detergent, the screw shape of the detergent stirring blade is preferably the screw type. However, in the screw type, since the air pocket above the shaft seal member 57, which will be described later, cannot be formed, the reliability of the shaft seal member 57 cannot be guaranteed. For this purpose, an air pocket can be formed in the upper portion of the shaft seal member 57 by forming the disk shape as in this embodiment. In this case, the larger the size of the disk or blade, the higher the dissolution efficiency. However, in order to drive a large-sized stirring blade, it is necessary to increase the output of the detergent stirring electric motor 39, the size of the detergent stirring electric motor 39 becomes large, and the size of the high-concentration detergent liquid generating means also becomes large. It becomes difficult to store it in the box 17. Further, problems such as water splash and cost increase occur. Therefore, in this embodiment, the blade has a triangular prism shape with a blade height of about 2 mm. Further, the outer diameter of the blade was reduced to about 50 mm, and the number of blades was set to 6 to 8. By doing so, the shape change of the stirring blade surface is smoother than that of the upright plate-shaped blade, the resistance received from the detergent solution during stirring can be reduced, and the water splash can also be reduced. Further, the drive pulley 53 is made smaller than the driven pulley 52, and the rotation of the detergent stirring electric motor 39 is reduced to reduce the detergent stirring blade 5.
By transmitting to 0, a small detergent stirring motor 39 with an output of 4 to 5 watts can be used. Note that the rotation speed of the detergent stirring blade 50 is preferably 2000 to 3000 rotations per minute in consideration of the detergent dissolution performance, water splash, and the output of the detergent stirring motor 39.

A cylindrical member 5 provided on the lower surface of the detergent stirring blade 50.
0c is placed in a radial gap between the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 58 and the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 21z. By doing so, the labyrinth seal mechanism 60 becomes a labyrinth in which the gap between the tubular member 50c and the tubular portions 21b and 21z is bent.
Can be configured. The upper surface of the shaft seal member 57 has a bottom wall 21a.
Since the labyrinth seal mechanism 60 is higher than 4 and the bottom wall 21a4 has the labyrinth seal mechanism 60, when the dissolved water is put into the detergent dissolving chamber 21c, the water is accumulated from the bottom surface and the air in the gap 50d does not escape. 50d serves as an air reservoir, and the detergent-dissolved water does not enter the gap 50d. Of course, the detergent particles do not enter. Further, the air accumulated in the gap 50d is not discharged by the action of the labyrinth mechanism 60 even while the detergent stirring blade 50 is rotating, and the gap 5
The detergent solution does not enter into 0d. The tubular portion 21
Even without z, the gap 50d is located above the bottom wall 21a4, so that an air pocket can be provided. in this case,
In order to prevent the detergent liquid from entering, the cylindrical part 50
It is necessary to reduce the gap between the bottom surface of c and the bottom wall 21a4 to 0.5 mm or less.

Since the surface tension of the detergent liquid is small, the detergent liquid easily invades between the shaft seal member 57 and the stirring blade drive shaft 51, and causes a leak. Further, in the detergent liquid having a very high concentration as in this example, the concentration of zeolite insoluble in water contained in the detergent is also very high. Since zeolite has a very small particle size of 1 to 3 μm, it enters the shaft seal member 57 together with the detergent liquid. The entering zeolite damages the lip of the shaft seal member 57 and wears the stirring blade drive shaft 51, so that the detergent liquid leaks. However, by providing the labyrinth mechanism 60, the gap 50d is always filled with air, so that a high-concentration detergent liquid does not enter the shaft seal member 57. Therefore, the shaft seal member 57 and the stirring blade drive shaft 51 are prevented. It is possible to prevent the damage to and to prevent the detergent liquid from leaking, and realize a highly reliable detergent melting mechanism.

The metal base plate 49 is further provided with a fitting hole 49c for fitting the outer periphery of the bearing cylinder 39b of the detergent stirring electric motor 39.
Equipped with. The bearing cylinder 39b of the detergent stirring electric motor 39 is fitted into the bearing cylinder 39b, and the bearing cylinder 39b is fitted into the fitting hole 49c.
To position the detergent agitating motor 39. The anti-vibration member 70 is attached to the bearing cylinder 39c on the opposite side of the detergent agitating motor 39.
The electric motor cover 71 so that the
Then, the detergent agitating electric motor 39 is attached so as to be sandwiched by the vibration isolating members 59 and 70 by fixing the detergent agitating electric motor 39 to the metal base plate 49 with the set screw 72.

As described above, the detergent dissolution container 21 and the detergent agitation drive motor 39 are installed side by side, so that the height of the back panel box 17 can be reduced and an increase in the height of the machine body can be suppressed. Further, since the stirring blade drive shaft 51 and the rotation output shaft 39a of the detergent stirring electric motor 39 are accurately positioned by the bearing cylindrical portion 49a and the fitting hole 49c formed on the metal base plate 49, the rotation driving force by the timing belt 54 is provided. Transmission becomes smooth and enables quiet driving.

The detergent charging container 73 is the detergent dissolving container 2 described above.
1 is a box-like body having a flat rectangular shape that moves forward and backward along the guide rail 21k and has an open upper portion.
And a finisher charging section 73b and a handle section 73c. The detergent inlet 73a is composed of an inclined surface 73h and an opening 73i.

The detergent insertion portion 73a is positioned so as to move forward and backward above the detergent dissolving chamber 21c of the detergent dissolving container 21, and to move forward and backward so as to open and close a region on the front side of the opening.
Equipped with. The bottom plate 73d is slidably supported by the guide rails 73f in the left-right direction, and has stoppers 73d1 and 73d2 at both ends in the front-rear direction. In the state where the detergent container 73 is pushed inward, the bottom plate 73d is restrained from moving forward by the stopper 73d1 hitting the opening edge 9b of the top cover 9, and the space 73g between the inclined surface 73h and the handle portion 73c. Then, the opening 73i of the detergent feeding portion 73a is fully opened. Detergent container 7
3 is pulled out to the front, the bottom plate 73d becomes a detergent container 73
And the stopper 73d2 moves toward the front edge together with the opening edge 9a.
When it hits, the bottom plate 73d stops, only the detergent container 73 is pulled out, and the opening 73i is closed by the bottom plate 73d. The detergent container 73 can be pulled out until the stopper 73e hits the top cover 11. In this state, the front side of the opening 73i is located on the outer clothing insertion port 9a formed in the top cover 9, and the back side 73i1 is located above the detergent dissolving chamber 21c. The front side of the opening 73i is closed by a bottom plate 73d.

The finishing agent charging section 73b is used for the detergent dissolving container 2
It is positioned so as to advance and retreat above the first finishing agent charging chamber 21d, and when it is pulled out, the bottom located above the finishing agent charging chamber 21d is opened.

The handle portion 73c is located on the front side portion of the detergent throwing container 73 and is exposed on the inner wall surface of the outer clothing throwing port 9a formed on the top cover 9 and functions as a grip portion for advancing and retracting operation. To do.

Next, the operation of each step of the washer / dryer thus constructed will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of each process executed by the microcomputer 16a in the control unit 16.

When the washing start button switch of the input switch group 14a is turned on, the microcomputer 16a executes the following control processing.

Step 401 When the user puts the laundry clothes 38 into the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and operates the input switch group 14a of the operation panel 14 to perform the initial setting and pushes the washing start button switch, the microcomputer 16a is pressed. Starts the automatic operation control process of each process.

In the initial setting, the washing course adapted to the laundry 38 and, if necessary, the washing time, the dehydration time, the amount of water, the number of rinses, etc. are set. In addition, a washing and drying course is set when drying is performed after washing.

Step 402 The detection control process of the laundry amount of the laundry 38 is performed. The amount of cloth is detected by controlling the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the drive device 6 in the stirring mode in a dry cloth state before water supply to drive the drive motor 6
1 is briefly energized to rotationally drive the stirring blade 4, and detection is performed based on the acceleration characteristic when the rotation speed is increased or the deceleration characteristic in the inertial rotation when the energization of the drive motor 61 is stopped. Based on this detection result (the amount of laundry 38), the amount of washing water and the amount of detergent for producing washing water having a preferable detergent concentration are calculated and determined, and this amount of detergent is displayed by the display element group 14b. The user grasps the handle portion 73c and pulls out the detergent container 73 into the outer clothing container 9a. The drawn-out detergent container 73 is closed at the front part of the opening 73i of the detergent container 73a with the bottom plate 73d and opens upward into the outer clothing container 9a to form the rear part 73i1.
Is opened above the detergent dissolving chamber 21c of the detergent dissolving container 21. Therefore, when a predetermined amount of the powdered synthetic detergent is introduced into the detergent introducing section 73a with reference to the indicated detergent amount, a part of the synthetic detergent falls into the detergent dissolving chamber 21c from the rear side opening 73i1.
A part remains on the bottom plate 73d and the inclined surface 73h. Further, if necessary, the finishing agent is put into the finishing agent feeding portion 73d, and the finishing agent flows down into the finishing agent feeding chamber 21d.

Then, when the detergent container 73 is pushed in,
Forward movement of the bottom plate 73d of the detergent insertion portion 73a is suppressed by hitting the opening edge 9b of the top cover 9 with the stopper 73d1, and a space 73g between the inclined surface 73h and the handle portion 73c.
The detergent that has entered the inside and remains on the bottom plate 73d and the inclined surface 73h falls into the detergent dissolving chamber 21c from the opening 73i, the opening 73i of the detergent input portion 73a is fully opened, and the bottom plate 73d is stored in the space 73g. .

Step 403 A high-concentration detergent liquid is generated. When it is detected that the powder synthetic detergent is put into the detergent dissolving chamber 21c, the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 is opened to supply a small amount of tap water (detergent dissolving water) from the water receiving port 21g into the detergent dissolving chamber 21c. Then, the detergent agitating motor 39 is energized to rotate the detergent agitating blades 50 to dissolve the powder synthetic detergent in the detergent dissolving chamber 21c while agitating it to generate a high concentration detergent liquid.

The amount of the detergent-dissolved water is such that the powder synthetic detergent can be uniformly and efficiently dissolved while being agitated by the detergent agitating blade 50, and overflow water is not generated during the agitation. Further, the foaming of the detergent during stirring causes an apparent increase in the amount of the detergent liquid, which needs to be taken into consideration. In this embodiment, the capacity of the detergent dissolving chamber 21c is 600 mL, and the amount of detergent dissolving water is set to 150 to 200 mL. The amount of detergent-dissolved water is controlled by the opening time of the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22. The concentration of the high-concentration detergent liquid produced is determined by the detergent dissolving container 2
It depends on the amount of detergent (the amount of laundry 38 and the amount of wash water) put in 1. For example, the amount of washing water in a washing / drying machine having a washing capacity of 8 kg is about 24 to 68 L, and the high-concentration detergent liquid is 80 to 500 times the detergent concentration of washing water.

When the stirring is started, the water surface of the detergent solution in the detergent dissolving chamber 21c becomes a mortar shape with a low center and a high side wall surface 21w as shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. Further, since the detergent dissolving chamber 21c has a quadrangular shape, the flow direction changes sharply at the corners, so that the water level at the corners particularly rises. For this reason, it becomes easy for water to overflow from the overflow edge 21h, and when the water level rises above the upper surface of the siphon pipe 21j2, the siphon water passage mechanism 21j works to drain the detergent liquid being dissolved, or the siphon cap 2
Undissolved detergent particles may be clogged in 1j1.

The ribs 21j and 21u provided on the side wall surface 21w of the detergent dissolving chamber 21c are provided to prevent the water surface of the detergent liquid during stirring from becoming a mortar shape. When the ribs are provided, the detergent liquid flows along the side wall surface 21w and slightly rises up against the ribs, and then the side wall surface 21w moves to the detergent dissolving chamber 2 from the side wall surface 21w.
The flow is toward the center of 1c (indicated by arrow S in FIG. 7). By appropriately disposing the ribs 21j on the side wall surface 21w, the water surface becomes like the one-dot chain line in FIG.
Water level rise at w can be reduced. Furthermore, the detergent dissolution chamber 21
Since the flow of the detergent liquid in c is complicated, there is also an advantage that the dissolution efficiency of the detergent is improved. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the rib 21u provided in front of the overflow edge 21h is higher than the other ribs 21j in the flow direction of the detergent liquid during stirring. By doing so, the detergent liquid flowing from the siphon water flow mechanism 21j side largely changes its flow direction by the rib 21u, so that the amount of water that changes the direction at the side wall surface of the overflow edge 21h is reduced, and the rise in water level can be further reduced. Therefore, overflow from the overflow edge 21h can be prevented.

The current plate 21m prevents the siphon water passage mechanism 21j from operating while the detergent is being dissolved, and also prevents undissolved detergent from accumulating around the siphon water passage mechanism 21j. The current plate 21m is provided upstream of the siphon water passage mechanism 21j in the flow direction of the detergent liquid. Therefore, the detergent liquid is squeezed by the gap G between the side wall surface 21w1 and the rectifying plate 21m, increases in speed, and flows around the siphon water passage mechanism 21j. For this reason, the pressure in the gap D portion of the Phiphon water passage mechanism 21j decreases (the pressure is lower when the detergent stirring blade 50 is rotating than when it is stationary). Siphon water flow mechanism 21
The rise of the water level in j can be suppressed, the water surface does not rise to the upper surface of the siphon pipe 21j2, and the siphon water passage mechanism 21j does not operate during the stirring of the detergent liquid. Further, by providing the straightening plate 21m, the flow of the detergent liquid hitting the siphon water injection mechanism 21j is straightened so as to flow between the siphon cap 21j1 and the side wall surface 21w2 and between the siphon cap 21j1 and the straightening plate 21j. Therefore, the undissolved detergent does not stay in the narrow gap around the siphon water passage mechanism 21j. The pressure in the gap D and the flow around the siphon water passage mechanism 21j change depending on the size and installation position of the straightening plate 21m. For example, the larger the width J of the straightening vanes 21m, the smaller the pressure can be. However, if the width J is too large, undissolved detergent tends to stay on the back surface of the straightening vanes 21m. In order to reduce the pressure in the gap D and prevent the undissolved detergent from staying, the straightening plate 21m
The width J is 10 to 20 mm, and the height H is 30 to 40 m.
m, the thickness is about 2 to 3 mm, the installation position of the rectifying plate 21 m is 4 to 8 mm between the siphon cap 21j1 and the space F.
The gap G between the side wall surface 21w1 and the side wall surface 21w1 is preferably such that the end surface of the straightening vane 21m substantially coincides with the center of the siphon water passage mechanism 21j.

The gap D is preferably small in order to reduce the residual water in the detergent dissolving chamber 21c, but if it is too small, air cannot enter due to the surface tension of the water, and the siphon water passage mechanism 21.
There is a possibility that water will remain in j and the siphon will work immediately when water is next supplied, and water cannot be stored in the detergent dissolving chamber. Therefore, in order to ensure that the water in the siphon water passage mechanism 21j is cut off, the gap D
Should be 3 to 4 mm.

The upper clearance C between the siphon cap 21j1 and the siphon pipe 21j2 is set to be larger than 2 to 4 mm of a normal water siphon. This is to prevent the operation of the siphon from becoming uncertain due to bubbles that enter the siphon water passage mechanism 21j during the dissolution of the detergent. The size and viscosity of bubbles generated during the dissolution of a detergent vary depending on the type of detergent. Bubbles come into the siphon mechanism 21j during dissolution of the detergent, but if the gap C is small, the bubbles reach the top of the siphon cap 21j1 and then fill the gap C and enter into the holes 21j3 of the siphon pipe 21j2. The inside of the hole 21j3 is filled. With a detergent having a high foam viscosity, it becomes difficult for the foam to escape from the inside of the hole 21j3, and the siphon cannot be immediately connected due to the water level difference (difference between the overflow edge 21h and the bottom of the hole 21j3) at the start of the siphon operation. May occur. On the other hand, when the gap C is increased to 20 to 25 mm, there is a sufficient space, and it becomes difficult for bubbles to enter the holes 21j3, so that the difference in water level does not depend on the viscosity of bubbles (regardless of the type of detergent). The siphon will surely become conductive.

The dissolution time of the detergent should be 2 to 3 minutes.
This is because the dissolution time varies depending on the type of powder synthetic detergent, but even a hardly soluble detergent has a dissolution rate of 95 to 100% in 2 to 3 minutes, and most detergents can be dissolved.

Step 404: The electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the drive unit 6 is controlled to the dehydration / drying mode, and the drive motor 61 is operated at a low speed to rotate the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 at a low speed while the main water supply solenoid valve 2 is operated.
When 0 is opened, tap water is supplied to the water injection port 19, and the tap water is sprayed onto the laundry 38 in the washing / dehydrating tank 2 for pre-water supply. The pre-water supply amount is set to an amount (4 to 10 L) at least from the uppermost surface of the laundry 38 to the portion of about several pieces of cloth. The pre-water supply is performed by spraying the high-concentration detergent liquid, which is performed next, in order to promote the permeation of the high-concentration detergent liquid into the laundry 38 and to prevent uneven color due to the fluorescent whitening agent contained in the detergent. The pre-water supply process is performed simultaneously with the high-concentration detergent liquid generation process of step 403. This is because, as described above, it takes 2 to 3 minutes to dissolve the detergent, and the washing time can be shortened by performing the pre-water supply step during this. Furthermore, since the time from the end of the pre-water supply to the end of the dissolution of the detergent is the deferment time, tap water can be sufficiently permeated into the laundry 38. For example, if the water supply flow rate from the main water supply solenoid valve 20 is 15 L per minute and the pre-water supply amount is 10 L, the pre-water supply ends in 40 seconds. If the detergent dissolution time is 2 minutes, a stationary time of 1 minute 20 seconds can be taken.

Step 405 While the detergent agitating blade 50 is still rotating, the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the drive device 6 is controlled to the dehydration / drying mode, and the drive motor 61 is operated at a low speed to wash and dehydrate the tub 2 and the agitating blade 4. While rotating at a low speed, the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 is opened to supply water to the detergent dissolving chamber 21c. The high-concentration detergent liquid in the detergent dissolving chamber 21c is diluted and increased, the water level rises, overflows from the overflow edge 21h, and flows down from the overflow passage 21f to the mixing chamber 21v. Simultaneously with the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22, the main water supply solenoid valve 20 is opened to supply tap water from the washing water water supply passage 21e to the mixing chamber 21v.
Supply to. The high-concentration detergent liquid and tap water are mixed in the mixing chamber 21v, diluted to a high-concentration detergent liquid having a preferable concentration, sent to the water injection port 19 from the outlet 21s, and sprayed on the laundry 38 in the washing / dehydrating tank 2. To penetrate. At this time, the siphon water flow mechanism 21j does not operate due to the effect of the rectifying plate 21m described above, but may operate.

The detergent stirring blade 50 is kept rotating in order to keep the concentration of the high-concentration detergent liquid overflowing from the overflow edge 50h constant, and during the detergent stirring in step 403, the detergent dissolving chamber 21c side. This is for removing the detergent particles attached near the water line on the wall surface 21w.

As described above, the concentration of the high-concentration detergent liquid to be sprayed on the laundry 38 is preferably about 5 to 20 times. Due to the water supply from the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22, the concentration of the detergent liquid in the detergent dissolving container 21c decreases, and the concentration of the high-concentration detergent liquid sprayed from the water injection port 19 also decreases. For example, if the tap water pressure is low, the flow rate of water supplied from the main water supply solenoid valve 20 is 5 L per minute, and the flow rate of water supplied from the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 is 1 L per minute, then the water injection port is started approximately 50 seconds after starting this step. The concentration of the high-concentration detergent liquid sprayed from 19 is about 5 times. Further, when the tap water pressure is high and 15 L / min is supplied from the main water supply solenoid valve 20 and 2 L / min is supplied from the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22, the concentration becomes 5 times in about 25 seconds. However, if the main electromagnetic water supply valve 20 and the auxiliary electromagnetic water supply valve 22c are closed at this point and the spraying of the high-concentration detergent solution is stopped, the detergent solution concentration in the detergent dissolving container 21c is still about 30 to 40 times. The detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent dissolving container 21c by the siphon water passage mechanism 21j and sprayed on the laundry 38, but the concentration is still too high. Therefore, this step is 9
Do it for about 0 seconds. By doing so, the concentration of the detergent solution in the detergent dissolving container 21c becomes 5 times or less even when the tap water pressure is low and the flow rate from the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 is small.

Since the high-concentration detergent liquid permeates into the laundry 38, the chemical cleaning power of the high-concentration detergent liquid (actions such as penetrating emulsification and dispersion) acts on the dirt adhering to the laundry, resulting in a stain. Can be easily removed from the laundry.

After 90 seconds have passed in step 405a, first, the electricity supply to the detergent agitating motor 39 is stopped, and the rotation of the detergent agitating blade 50 is stopped. When the stirring is stopped, the water surface in the detergent dissolving chamber 21c is no longer like a mortar, and the water surface is below the overflow edge 21h, so that the overflow water is temporarily stopped. Also, a lot of bubbles remain on the water surface.
Since the water supply of the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 is still continuing, the water level rises above the overflow edge 21h to start overflowing, and bubbles on the water surface flow out. And siphon water flow mechanism 21j
Is activated, and water in the detergent dissolving chamber 21c also begins to drain from the siphon water passage mechanism 21j. Siphon water flow mechanism 21j
When the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 is closed after the start of the work, most of the water in the detergent dissolving chamber 22c can be discharged. However, if bubbles still remain in the detergent dissolving chamber 21c, the bubbles enter the siphon water passage mechanism 21j, and the siphon water passage mechanism 21j remains open (air does not enter the siphon water passage mechanism). ), The next time water is supplied, the water will be immediately drained, and water cannot be stored in the detergent dissolving chamber 21c.

Therefore, after the spraying of the high-concentration detergent liquid is completed, cleaning is performed to remove bubbles from the detergent dissolving chamber 21c.
The bubbles can be removed by continuing the water supply from the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22. Of course, it is necessary to make the drainage flow rate from the siphon water passage mechanism 21j smaller than the water supply flow rate from the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 to ensure that the overflow edge 21h overflows. Further, in order to efficiently remove bubbles, the detergent stirring blade 50 may be intermittently rotated for a short time. By doing so, the water surface rises at the start of rotation of the detergent stirring blade 50, a large amount of bubbles can be discharged from the overflow edge 50h, and the side wall surface 2
The bubbles remaining around the siphon water passage mechanism 21j having a small gap with 1w move to the center of the detergent dissolving container 21c and are discharged from the overflow edge 21h. Specifically, after the lapse of 90 seconds, the detergent agitating blade 50 is rotated once every 20 to 30 seconds for about 5 seconds while water is still being supplied from the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22. If the rotation time is too long, bubbles will be generated excessively, so about 5 seconds is preferable. It is sufficient that the detergent stirring blade 50 is rotated intermittently twice. After the detergent stirring blade 50 is finally rotated, the overflow edge 21h
The auxiliary electromagnetic water supply valve 22 is left open to eliminate bubbles until it overflows (20 to 30 seconds), and then the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 is closed. The water in the detergent dissolving chamber 21c is discharged from the siphon water passage mechanism 21j.

Step 406 The laundry 38, which has been soaked with the high-concentration detergent liquid to be infiltrated therein, is left standing for a predetermined time. This deferment is a time period for further promoting the action of the high-concentration detergent liquid on the laundry 38 and the chemical detergency of the detergent against dirt, and is omitted as necessary.

Step 407: The main water supply solenoid valve 20 and the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 are opened to start the supply of tap water (wash water). Note that this water supply may be performed at the same time as the cleaning for removing bubbles in step 405a. This supply of wash water is performed up to the amount of water determined in step 402, but is interrupted to detect the amount of cloth (a compress value) and the quality of the laundry 38 during the supply of water (at this point, the cleaning of step 405a is performed. If not completed, only the main water supply solenoid valve 20 is closed and the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 is left open to continue cleaning). This interrupted water level is a water level preset in the microcomputer 16a and suitable for detecting the amount of compress and cloth quality. The washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 should be rotated at a low speed as in step 405. This is because when tap water is supplied, the detergent solution having a concentration of about 10 times that has permeated the laundry 38 is gradually diluted, but the washing / dehydrating tank 2 is rotated to wash the laundry 3
By supplying water while rotating 8, the detergent liquid in the laundry is uniformly diluted, and the variation in stain removal can be reduced. When water is supplied up to the suspended water level, washing and dewatering tank 2
Since the concentration of the detergent liquid in the inside is approximately doubled, it is not necessary to supply water while rotating the washing / dehydrating tank 2 thereafter.

Step 408: The amount of compress cloth and the cloth quality are detected to correct the amount of water supplied for washing and to determine the washing process (washing process and rinsing process). The cloth quality is detected by interrupting the water supply at a predetermined low water level, controlling the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the drive device 6 in the stirring mode, urging the drive motor 61 for a short time to rotationally drive the stirring blades 4, A first deceleration characteristic (amount of compress) in inertial rotation at the time of de-energization is detected, and then water supply is restarted to replenish the wash water to a predetermined high water level, and then the water supply is interrupted to drive the drive motor of the drive device 6. 6
1 is urged for a short time to rotationally drive the stirring blade 4, the second deceleration characteristic in inertial rotation when deenergized is detected, and washing is performed based on the difference between the first damping characteristic and the second damping characteristic. The cloth quality of the object 38 is detected. This cloth quality detection control is omitted when it becomes unnecessary due to the initial setting. And, depending on the cloth quality,
Determine the time and water flow (strength of mechanical agitation) in the wash and rinse steps.

Step 409 Tap water is supplied up to the amount of water (water level) determined in step 402. By this water supply, the wash water is diluted with the high-concentration detergent solution to have a detergent concentration (1 time) preferable for washing. As a result, the laundry 38 is immersed in the washing water having a predetermined detergent concentration (1 time) in the washing / dehydrating tank 2.

Step 410 The drive unit 6 is controlled so as to perform the washing process of the washing water flow and washing time set in Step 408. In this washing process, the drive device 6 controls the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 in the washing mode, and repeats the forward / reverse operation of the drive motor 61 to repeat the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 in opposite directions. Rotate. At this time, the dirt is already easily removed, and even if the mechanical force applied to the laundry is reduced, a high cleaning power can be obtained and the cloth entanglement and the cloth damage can be suppressed.

When the washing process is started, the detergent dissolving chamber 21c
Cleaning. Cleaning is step 40
5a has already been carried out, and normally no detergent remains in the detergent dissolving chamber 21c. The main cleaning is performed in order to remove the residual detergent, if any, so that no detergent remains in the detergent dissolving chamber 21c. Further, the reason why the cleaning is performed after the washing process is started is that the water supply process time after step 405a changes depending on the set water level (there is almost no case), and the cleaning time may not be secured. .

For cleaning, first, the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22
Open to supply water into the detergent dissolving chamber 21c. Then, as the overflow starts from the overflow edge 21h, the siphon water flow mechanism 2
Wait 20-30 seconds until drainage starts from 1j. afterwards,
With the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 being supplied with water, the detergent agitating motor 39 is energized, the detergent agitator blade 50 is operated for about 5 seconds, and stopped for 20 to 30 seconds. This cycle is repeated twice, and the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 is closed. . The water in the detergent dissolving chamber 21c is removed by the siphon water passage mechanism 21j. By doing so, the inside of the detergent dissolving chamber 21c can be kept in a clean state.

Step 411 Open the drainage solenoid valve 33 to drain the wash water out of the machine. Step 412 Open the main water supply solenoid valve 20 and the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 to supply rinsing water (tap water) up to the set water amount. At this time (when supplying water for the final rinse when performing multiple rinses),
If necessary, the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22a is also opened to add the softening agent.

Step 413 The drive unit 6 is controlled to execute the rinsing process. In the washing process using the high-concentration detergent liquid permeation cleaning method, since the zeolite in the high-concentration detergent liquid acts to soften water, the amount of metal soap that increases adsorption of the surfactant to the laundry 38 is suppressed. For this reason, the release of the surfactant in rinsing is promoted, the rinsing performance is improved (dilution ratio is reduced by about 20%, dilution ratio: ratio of the surfactant amount in the rinse water to the surfactant amount in the wash water), A predetermined rinsing can be performed with a small rinsing force (mechanical force).

Step 414 The drainage solenoid valve 33 is opened to drain the rinse water out of the machine.

Step 415 With the drainage electromagnetic valve 33 kept open, the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the drive unit 6 is controlled to the dehydration / drying mode, and the drive motor 61 is operated at high speed to wash and dehydrate the tub 2.
By rotating the stirring blade 4 and the stirring blade 4 integrally at high speed, the water content of the laundry 38 is centrifugally dehydrated. When the centrifugal dehydration is completed, the laundry 38 is in a state of being pressed and attached to the side wall of the washing / dehydrating tub 2.

Step 416 The electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the drive unit 6 is controlled to the dehydration / drying mode, and the drive motor 61 is operated at a low speed to rotate the washing / dehydrating tank 2 and the stirring blade 4 at a low speed while the blower 26 is operated.
Is operated to suck out the air in the outer tub 5 from the suction port 5a, and in the process of rising in the water-cooling dehumidification duct 23, it is cooled and dehumidified by the cooling water supplied from the cooling sprinkler 24 into the water-cooling dehumidification duct 23, and a downwind It is sucked into the circulation fan 26 through the passage duct 25, sent from the circulation fan 26 through the upward air passage duct 27 and the heater 29 to the blowout port 30, and is heated by the heater 29 to wash and dehydrate the tub 2
The circulating air blown in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the washing / dehydrating tub 2 toward the vicinity of the inner wall surface is generated to dry the laundry in the washing / dehydrating tub 2.

When the laundry 38 that has been centrifugally dehydrated and remains attached to the side wall of the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is dried with warm air, wrinkles are generated on the laundry 38. Therefore, the laundry 38 is regularly stirred during the drying time. The wings 4 are rotated in the forward and reverse directions so that the laundry 38 is moved and dried. This warm air drying process is controlled by the humidity sensor 40, the first temperature sensor 41, and the second temperature sensor 42.
The process is executed while monitoring the detection signal of, and ends when the desired dryness is obtained.

Since the cloth entanglement can be reduced in the high-concentration detergent liquid permeation cleaning method, it is possible to prevent uneven drying and wrinkles even if it is dried with warm air as it is after the final dehydration.

In this embodiment, the water supply flow rate in the pre-water supply step of adding water to the laundry, the detergent-dissolved water supply flow rate for dissolving the powdered synthetic detergent to generate the high-concentration detergent solution, and the high-concentration detergent solution The diluted water supply flow rate and water amount for diluting water are set by the water flow rate (water flow passage area) and water supply time of the main water supply solenoid valve 20 and the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 that perform these water supply. Flow rate is water source (water supply)
It varies depending on the water pressure. Therefore, the water flow rate of the main water supply solenoid valve 20 and the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 is set with reference to the water flow rate at the lowest predictable water pressure, and the water level sensor 15
The actual water supply time when supplying water to a predetermined water level is monitored by monitoring the water pressure of the water source by a calculation process based on the measured water supply time and stored, the pre-water supply,
During detergent-dissolving water supply and dilution water supply, the main water supply solenoid valve 20 and the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 are intermittently opened and closed to intermittently supply water, thereby performing flow rate control so that the average value thereof becomes a predetermined flow rate.

The above-described embodiment is a fully automatic washer / dryer. However, when it is implemented as a washing machine without a drying function, the warm air circulating drying means and the warm air circulating / drying means in the above-described embodiment are used. By omitting the control process, the same operation can be performed. That is, in the above-described embodiment, by omitting the warm air circulation drying means and omitting the drying control processing step 416 executed by the control unit 16 in the control device, a fully automatic washing machine having no drying function is provided. Can be realized.

Further, the washing machine and the washing / drying machine of the present invention can adopt different methods for washing and rinsing.

In the above-described embodiment, the vertical washing / dehydrating tub 2 is exemplified, but a horizontal type washing / dehydrating tub may be a commonly-used drum type.

The stirring blades 4 located at the center of the washing / dehydrating tank for stirring the laundry in the normal and reverse directions have stirring blades called pulsator pipes having blades on the disk and large blades 36.
It is possible to use a stirring blade called an agitator type in which the washing is performed by rotating in the normal and reverse directions within 0 degree. Further, a pulsator-shaped stirring blade for moving the laundry may be provided integrally with the washing / dehydrating tub at the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub.

Further, the powder synthetic detergent used can be changed to a liquid synthetic detergent having the same detergent component.

[0100]

According to the present invention, the shaft sealing member is provided above the bottom surface of the detergent dissolving chamber, and a concave gap is provided below between the lower surface of the detergent stirring blade and the upper surface of the shaft sealing member. Since water is prevented from entering the gap even when water is supplied to the shaft, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid from entering the shaft seal member.
Further, according to the present invention, since the labyrinth seal mechanism is provided between the bottom surface of the detergent dissolving chamber and the bottom surface of the detergent stirring blade, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid from entering the shaft seal member, and the reliability of the shaft seal member is high. Become. Further, the present invention, the upper surface of the detergent stirring blade is a cylindrical surface-shaped outer peripheral side is a disk-shaped central portion protruding upward,
By equipping the outer peripheral disk surface with a plurality of blades in a radial manner and by equipping the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical surface with a plurality of blades that are long in the vertical direction, the detergent stirring blades that efficiently dissolve the detergent and have a small water splash Can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a washing machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view showing the top cover on which the detergent dissolving container, the main water supply solenoid valve, the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve, and the bath water pump of the washing machine according to the present invention are mounted, with the back panel open.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a specific configuration of the washing machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electric system of the washing machine shown in FIG.

5 is a perspective view of a detergent dissolving container of the washing machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the detergent dissolving container of the washing machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional side view taken along the line AA of the detergent dissolving container shown in FIG.

8 is a detailed vertical cross-sectional view of a detergent stirring blade portion of the detergent dissolving container shown in FIG.

9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the detergent dissolving container shown in FIG. 6 cut along the line BB and the detergent feeding container is pushed in. FIG.

10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the detergent dissolving container shown in FIG. 6 taken along the line BB and with the detergent feeding container pulled out.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the top cover showing a state where the outer lid of the washing machine shown in FIG. 3 is opened and the detergent container is pulled out.

12 is a perspective view of the top cover showing a state where the outer lid of the washing machine shown in FIG. 3 is opened and the detergent container is pushed in. FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of control processing of each process executed by a microcomputer in the control unit of the washing machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Outer frame, 1a ... Back lid, 1b ... Reinforcing member, 2 ... Washing / dewatering, 4 ... Stirring blade, 5 ... Outer tank, 5a ... Suction port, 6 ...
Drive device, 8 ... Anti-vibration support device, 9 ... Top cover, 9a
… Outer clothing slot, 17… Back panel box, 19
… Water injection port, 20… Main water supply solenoid valve, 21… Detergent dissolving container,
21b ... Cylindrical part, 21c ... Detergent dissolving chamber, 21h ... Overflow edge, 21i, 21u ... Rib, 21j ... Siphon water flow mechanism, 21m ... Rectifier plate, 22, 22a ... Auxiliary water supply solenoid valve,
23 ... Water cooling / dehumidifying duct, 24 ... Cooling sprinkling part, 25 ... Downward air duct, 26 ... Circulation fan, 27 ... Upward air duct, 28 ... Outer tub upper cover, 28a ... Inner clothing inlet, 2
9 ... Heater, 30 ... Blow-in port, 31 ... Outer lid, 32 ... Inner lid, 39 ... Detergent stirring electric motor, 40 ... Humidity sensor, 41 ...
1st temperature sensor, 42 ... 2nd temperature sensor, 49 ... Metal base plate, 50 ... Detergent stirring blade, 50a, 50b ... Blade, 5
0c ... Cylindrical member, 50d ... Gap (air reservoir), 51
... stirring blade drive shaft, 55 ... bearing, 57 ... shaft seal member, 6
0 ... Labyrinth seal mechanism, 73 ... Detergent container, 73
a ... Detergent charging section, 73d ... Bottom plate.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor, Toshiyasu Kamano             1-1-1 Higashitaga-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture             Inside the ceremony company Hitachi Taga Electronics (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Suzuki             1-1-1 Higashitaga-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture             Inside the ceremony company Hitachi Taga Electronics (72) Inventor Takaaki Tokunaga             1-1-1 Higashitaga-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture             Inside the ceremony company Hitachi Taga Electronics F-term (reference) 3B155 AA16 AA17 AA21 BB19 CA06                       CB07 CB49 CB52 CB55 FA29                       GB01 GB03 GB10 MA01 MA02                       MA06 MA08

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A storage section, a detergent dissolving container having a detergent agitating blade which is disposed at a bottom of the storage section and which is fitted to a drive shaft penetrating the bottom of the storing section, and a drive for driving the detergent agitating blade. Means and water supply means for supplying water to the storage portion, wherein the storage portion includes a tubular portion that is erected inwardly around the drive shaft penetrating portion of the bottom portion, and the tubular portion is the tubular portion. A shaft seal member that seals a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the drive shaft and the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft is housed in the uppermost portion of the tubular portion, and the detergent agitating blade is disc-shaped, and the lower surface of the tubular portion is A washing machine comprising: a concave portion that forms a cylindrical inner wall surface facing downward along an outer periphery and extending downward. 2. A storage section, a detergent dissolving container having a detergent stirring blade fitted to a drive shaft that is disposed at the bottom of the storage section and penetrates the bottom of the storage section, and a drive for driving the detergent stirring blade. Means and water supply means for supplying water to the storage portion, wherein the storage portion includes a first tubular portion that is erected inwardly around the drive shaft penetrating portion of the bottom portion, and the first tubular portion. A second tubular portion that is erected inside the storage portion so as to have a radial gap with the first tubular portion concentrically with the first tubular portion outside the first tubular portion; The tubular portion accommodates a shaft seal member that seals a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the first tubular portion and the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft at the uppermost portion of the first tubular portion, The blade has a disk shape, and a lower surface thereof is provided with a third tubular portion extending downward, and the third tubular portion includes the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion. Washing machine characterized by comprising a labyrinth gap between the. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the shaft seal member is provided so as to project above the bottom of the storage portion, and the detergent agitating blade is provided above the shaft seal member, and the top face of the shaft seal member and the upper surface of the shaft seal member. A washing machine characterized in that an air chamber is formed in a gap between the lower surface of the detergent agitating blade and the water from the water supply means even if water is supplied to the storage portion. 4. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an upper surface of the detergent agitating blade has a disk shape on an outer peripheral side and a cylindrical surface shape with a central portion protruding upward, and a plurality of blades are provided on the outer peripheral side disk surface. And a plurality of blades that are long in the vertical direction are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical surface. 5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of blades have a triangular prism shape with a height of 2 to 3 mm. 6. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein a siphon water passage mechanism for discharging water in the water storage portion is provided at the bottom portion of the water storage portion, and the bottom portion of the water storage portion has the lowest inclination at the siphon water passage mechanism installation portion. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the bottom of the water storage portion facing the detergent stirring blade is a horizontal surface parallel to the detergent stirring blade.