JP2004313318A - Washing and drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a normal movement of a valve from getting hindered by a detergent or a finishing agent in a washing and drying machine provided with a throwing in section for a detergent or finishing agent in a feedwater route and a check valve to prevent steam from flowing into the throwing-in section from a washing tub. <P>SOLUTION: The washing and drying machine 1 has a water tank 20 and a washing tub 30 in the interior of a body 10, and a heater 70. The throwing-in section 100 for a detergent and a finishing agent and the check valve 130 to prevent steam from flowing into the throwing-in section 100 from the washing tub 30 are provided in the water supply route 50 to supply water to the washing tub. The valve 132 of the check valve 130 is made separable from a valve seat 135. The separability can be caused by gravity. By forming the valve 132 of an elastic body and making the valve seat 135 nonplanar, separability from the valve seat 135 is caused at least in a part of the valve 132. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a washing / drying machine that performs processes from washing to drying by one unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a washing and drying machine, which is a combined machine of a fully automatic washing machine and a clothes dryer, has attracted attention. An example of such a washer / dryer can be found in Patent Document 1. In the washing and drying machine described in Patent Literature 1, washing is performed by putting laundry into a rotating drum having a rotating shaft in a substantially horizontal direction. After a washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydrating step, the laundry is heated by a heating device while being lifted and dropped by a rotating drum, and dried.
[0003]
The washing / drying machine includes a detergent case into which a detergent is charged. When the laundry is heated and dried, steam generated in the rotating drum flows out of the detergent case, and dew forms inside the washing and drying machine, causing problems such as rust, corrosion, and electric leakage. Therefore, a check valve that opens in the direction from the detergent case to the outer tub and closes in the opposite direction is provided in a connecting pipe that connects the outer tub containing the rotating drum and the detergent case to prevent steam from leaking.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-272277
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the check valve described in Patent Document 1, the valve opens and closes around its upper end. The end face of the valve holder against which the valve contacts is inclined upward, and the valve comes into close contact with the valve holder due to gravity except during flowing water. In this configuration, the following problem may occur.
[0006]
At present, most detergents put into detergent cases are liquid detergents, which are diluted with water and flow into the outer tub.However, when too much liquid detergent is added, the detergent undiluted solution flows out and the valve May adhere to the contact surface of the valve retainer. It is sufficient to wash off with water immediately, but if time passes without being washed out, the viscosity of the detergent between the valve and the valve holder increases or solidifies, and the valve becomes difficult to open or cannot open. If water is supplied without the valve being fully opened, the water will flow back and overflow, and will wet the inside and floor of the washer / dryer.
[0007]
Even if the detergent passes through the valve in a state of being diluted with water instead of the undiluted solution, the detergent component in the liquid retained between the valve and the valve retainer solidifies with the passage of time to serve as an adhesive, It can happen that the valve sticks to the end face of the valve holder.
[0008]
The same problem as described above occurs even when a finishing agent such as a softener is put in the detergent case instead of the detergent.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to supply a detergent or a finishing agent into a water supply path and a check valve for preventing steam from flowing into the supply section from a washing tub. It is an object of the present invention to prevent a normal operation of a valve body from being hindered by a detergent or a finishing agent in a washing / drying machine provided with a washing machine.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a washing / drying machine is configured as follows.
[0011]
(1) A washing tub and a heating device for heating and drying the laundry are provided in the main body, and a water supply path for supplying water to the washing tub is provided with an introduction portion for detergents and finishing agents, and steam from the washing tub to the introduction portion. In a washing and drying machine provided with a check valve for preventing the inflow of the check valve, the valve body of the check valve is provided with releasability from a valve seat.
[0012]
According to this configuration, the valve body of the check valve is farther from the valve seat unless steam pressure or wind pressure is applied from the washing tub side. Therefore, the detergent and the finishing agent do not stay on the contact surface between the valve body and the valve seat, and they do not increase in viscosity or solidify between the valve body and the valve seat. Therefore, the valve body does not become difficult to open or cannot be opened, and water is supplied without the valve body opening sufficiently and water overflows, so that the inside of the washing and drying machine and the floor do not get wet.
[0013]
(2) In the washing / drying machine as described above, the valve body is separated from the valve seat by gravity.
[0014]
According to this configuration, the separation of the valve body from the valve seat can be easily achieved without complicating the mechanism or adding components.
[0015]
(3) In the washing and drying machine as described above, the valve body is formed of an elastic body and the valve seat is made non-planar, so that at least a part of the valve body is separated from the valve seat. Was.
[0016]
According to this configuration, the separation of the valve body from the valve seat can be easily achieved without complicating the mechanism or adding components. Due to the structure of the washer / dryer, when it is difficult for the valve to be separated from the valve seat by gravity, or when separation is possible due to gravity but the valve is light and lacks strong separation. This configuration is particularly effective.
[0017]
(4) In the washing / drying machine as described above, the valve body is formed of an elastic body, and the contact surface of the valve body with the valve seat is non-planar, so that the valve is provided on at least a part of the valve body. It caused separation from the seat.
[0018]
According to this configuration, the separation of the valve body from the valve seat can be easily achieved without complicating the mechanism or adding components. Due to the structure of the washer / dryer, when it is difficult for the valve to be separated from the valve seat by gravity, or when separation is possible due to gravity but the valve is light and lacks strong separation. This configuration is particularly effective.
[0019]
(5) In the washing and drying machine as described above, one end of the valve body is connected to the valve body support by a hinge.
[0020]
According to this configuration, an opening / closing mechanism for the valve element can be easily provided.
[0021]
(6) In the washing and drying machine as described above, the hinge portion is formed of an elastic body.
[0022]
According to this configuration, the structure of the hinge portion can be simplified, and the elasticity of the hinge portion itself allows the valve body to be separated from the valve seat.
[0023]
(7) In the washing and drying machine as described above, the valve body and the valve body support are integrally formed of an elastic body including the hinge portion.
[0024]
According to this configuration, the structure around the valve body can be simplified, and the elasticity of the hinge part itself allows the valve body to be separated from the valve seat.
[0025]
(8) In the washing and drying machine as described above, the hinge portion is provided below the valve body.
[0026]
According to this configuration, the hinge portion serving as a fulcrum for opening and closing is at the bottom, and the distance from the fulcrum is greater at the upper portion. Since the detergent and the finish flow naturally downward due to gravity and rarely remain at the upper part of the valve body at a large distance from the fulcrum, the degree to which the movement of the valve body is hindered by the detergent and the finish is less.
[0027]
(9) In the washing and drying machine as described above, the hinge portion is provided above the valve body.
[0028]
According to this configuration, solid foreign matter contained in water is less likely to stay in the hinge portion, and the degree of obstruction of the opening and closing movement of the hinge portion by the foreign matter is reduced accordingly.
[0029]
(10) In the washing and drying machine as described above, an urging force for urging the valve body in a direction away from the valve seat is applied to the hinge portion.
[0030]
According to this configuration, the separation of the valve body from the valve seat can be easily achieved without complicating the mechanism or adding components. Due to the structure of the washer / dryer, if it is difficult to make the valve body separate from the valve seat due to gravity, or if the valve body is light but the valve body is light and lacks strong separation, etc. This configuration is particularly effective.
[0031]
(11) In the washing and drying machine as described above, in order to secure a desired rotation range of the valve body, the contour shape of the valve body is set such that a predetermined space is formed between the valve body and the inner surface of the water supply path. did.
[0032]
According to this configuration, there is no possibility that the valve body is stopped by being held by the inner surface of the water supply path and the flow rate is reduced.
[0033]
(12) In the washing / drying machine as described above, a stopper is formed on the surface of the valve body opposite to the side facing the valve seat to restrict the rotation range of the valve body by contacting the inner surface of the water supply path.
[0034]
According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the elevation angle of the valve body with respect to steam or wind from becoming too small, and to reliably close the valve body when steam or wind arrives.
[0035]
(13) In the washing / drying machine as described above, a sealing edge or a lip that is in contact with a counterpart is formed on the valve seat and / or the valve body.
[0036]
According to this configuration, the sealing force of the valve body can be increased. In addition, the contact area between the valve element and the valve seat can be reduced, and it is possible to prevent the valve element from becoming difficult to open due to the surface tension or adhesive force of the liquid interposed between the two or the solidification of the liquid.
[0037]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A first embodiment of the washing and drying machine of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 is a vertical sectional view of the washing and drying machine, FIG. 2 is a partial sectional front view of the washing and drying machine, and FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view of the washing and drying machine. FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view showing the structure of a charging portion for a detergent or a finishing agent and a check valve.
[0038]
The washing and drying machine 1 has a water tank 20 and a horizontal drum type washing tank 30 arranged inside a box-shaped main body 10. Both the water tub 20 and the washing tub 30 are cylindrical, and have laundry loading ports 21 and 31 at one end surface, respectively. The water tub 20 and the washing tub 30 are combined in a concentric arrangement with the water tub 20 outside and the washing tub 30 inside.
[0039]
The water tub 20 and the washing tub 30 are supported by a suspension mechanism 22 that suspends the water tub 20 in the main body 10 so that the axes thereof are substantially horizontal. The axes of the water tub 20 and the washing tub 30 are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, and the laundry inlets 21 and 31 are slightly raised. This is to make it easier to see the inside of the washing tub 30 and to put laundry in and out easily.
[0040]
An opening 11 is provided in the front outer wall of the main body 10 so as to face the laundry input ports 21 and 31. At the front of the opening 11, a door 12 is provided that opens sideways. A door packing 13 made of a soft synthetic resin or rubber connects the opening 11 and the laundry inlet 21. The door packing 13 prevents splashes of water generated in the washing tub 30, dripping of wet laundry when taking in and out, or overflow of the laundry inlet 21 from wetting the inside of the main body 10.
[0041]
An annular lip 14 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the door packing 13 and closely contacts the outer periphery of the projection 15 provided on the inner surface of the door 12, so that water leaks from a gap between the door packing 13 and the door 12. To prevent The protrusion 15 serves to prevent the laundry in the washing tub 30 from protruding from the laundry inlet 31. The protrusion 15 may be formed of a transparent material so that the inside of the washing tub 30 can be seen.
[0042]
A number of small holes 32 are formed in the peripheral wall of the washing tub 30. Water flows between the washing tub 30 and the water tub 20 through the small holes 32. The small holes 32 also function as dehydration holes during dehydration. A plurality of baffles 33 are provided at predetermined intervals on the inner peripheral surface of the washing tub 30. The baffle 33 catches and lifts the laundry as the washing tub 30 rotates, and drops the laundry from above.
[0043]
A balance weight (not shown) is attached to the outer surface of the washing tub 30. The balance weight suppresses vibration generated when the washing tub 30 rotates at high speed.
[0044]
A motor 40 is attached to the outer surface of the bottom of the water tank 20. The motor 40 is of a direct drive type, and the washing tub 30 is connected and fixed to its rotor.
[0045]
Reference numeral 51 denotes a water supply pipe for pouring tap water such as tap water into the water tank 20. The water supply pipe 51 sends water to a water supply nozzle 52 connected to an upper part of the door packing 13. An electromagnetic water supply valve 53 is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 51. Between the water supply pipe 51 and the water supply nozzle 52, a charging section 100 for a detergent, a finishing agent, or the like is provided. The water supply pipe 51, the water supply nozzle 52, the water supply valve 53, and the charging section 100 constitute a water supply path 50. The structure of the charging section 100 will be described later in detail.
[0046]
The water in the water tank 20 is drained by a drain section 60 having a built-in drain pump. A drain pipe 61 connects the lowest part of the water tank 20 and the drain part 60. The drainage part 60 sucks water in the water tank 20 through the drainage pipe 61 and drains the water outside the machine through the drainage pipe 62.
[0047]
A heating device 70 is disposed above the inside of the main body 10 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The heating device 70 includes a blower 72 driven by a motor 71, and a heating housing 73 that heats the wind discharged from the blower 72 by a built-in heater 74 to generate hot air, and sends the hot air into the water tank 20. .
[0048]
A heat exchanger 80 is disposed inside the main body 10 at a position on the right side when viewed from the front (see FIG. 2). The heat exchanger 80 is arranged in a circulation path (not shown) connecting the washing tub 30 and the blower 72. The warm air deprived of the laundry from the laundry passes through the heat exchanger 80 where the moisture is condensed and dehumidified.
[0049]
A control unit 90 is provided inside the main body 10 (see FIG. 1). The control unit 90 includes sensors such as a door sensor for detecting the open / closed state of the door 12, a water level sensor for detecting a water level in the water tub 20, and a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor provided in the washing tub 30 and the heating device 70 (all illustrated). ), And an operation command is transmitted from an operation panel (not shown) provided at the upper front part of the main body 10. Upon receiving these signals and commands, the control unit 90 issues operation commands to the motor 40, the water supply valve 53, the drainage unit 60, the heating device 70, and the like.
[0050]
The washing and drying operations of the washing and drying machine 1 will be described. The door 12 is opened, and the laundry is put into the washing tub 30. When the door 12 is closed and "power ON" and "start" operations are performed on the operation panel, a door lock unit (not shown) locks the door 12, and a "washing process" is started.
[0051]
In the “washing process”, the water supply valve 53 is opened to supply water. The supplied water enters the charging section 100 and enters the washing tub 30 together with the detergent contained in the charging section 100. The drainage section 60 has stopped. When the water in the water tank 20 reaches a predetermined water level, the water supply valve 53 closes and the water supply stops. Then, driving of the motor 40 is started. The motor 40 rotates the washing tub 30 at a set rotation speed.
[0052]
The rotation of the washing tub 30 repeatedly causes the laundry inside to be caught by the baffle 33, lifted and dropped. The water is agitated by the falling of the laundry and the rotation of the washing tub 30, and the washing liquid becomes a washing liquid in which the detergent is sufficiently dissolved. Each time the laundry is dropped, the laundry is immersed in the washing liquid, and the washing proceeds by the synergistic action of the mechanical tapping and the dirt separating action by the detergent. The rotation direction of the washing tub 30 is reversed every predetermined time.
[0053]
When a predetermined washing time has elapsed, the process enters a “rinsing process”. In the “rinsing step”, the washing tub 30 is temporarily stopped, and the drainage unit 60 is driven. After the washing liquid is completely drained from the water tub 20, the driving of the drainage unit 60 is stopped, and the water supply valve 53 is opened. Then, rinsing water is injected into the water tank 20. When the water in the water tank 20 reaches a predetermined water level, the water supply valve 53 closes and the water supply stops. Then, driving of the motor 40 is started.
[0054]
The motor 40 rotates the washing tub 30 at a set rotation speed. The laundry is lifted again by the baffle 33 and then moved. The destination of the fall is now in the rinsing water, whereby the rinsing is performed.
[0055]
The above is the “rinse” technique of storing and rinsing water. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the washing tub 30 is stopped, and the drainage unit 60 is driven to drain the rinse water. After draining, the washing tub 30 is rotated at high speed to shake off the detergent by centrifugal force. Then pour fresh water and resume rinsing. This cycle is repeated a set number of times.
[0056]
When a predetermined rinsing time elapses, a “dehydration step” starts. In the “dehydration step”, the drainage unit 60 is driven, and rinse water is drained from the water tank 20. Subsequently, the washing tub 30 is rotated at a high speed, and the laundry is centrifugally dehydrated. The dewatered water is drained by the drainage unit 60.
[0057]
After a lapse of a predetermined dehydration time, a "drying step" is started. In the “drying step”, the heating device 70 is driven, and hot air is sent into the water tank 20. The hot air enters the rotating washing tub 30 and removes moisture from the laundry. Thereafter, the warm air enters the heat exchanger 80 and moves inside the heat exchanger 80 from bottom to top. A small amount of water is supplied to the heat exchanger 80 from the water supply valve 53. When the hot air comes into direct contact with the water, the moisture contained in the hot air is condensed, and as a result, the hot air is dehumidified. The water dripping from above is sprayed by warm air blown up from below, and heat exchange is performed efficiently.
[0058]
The water that has taken in the moisture of the warm air is drained from the drainage unit 60. The dehumidified warm air returns to the heating device 70, and after entering the water tank 20 after the temperature is raised. And again shed moisture from the laundry. In this way, the laundry is dried while circulating the warm air.
[0059]
When the humidity sensor (not shown) detects that the humidity in the warm air has dropped below the set value, the “drying process” ends. The driving of the heating device 70 stops, and the washing tub 30 also stops. The power of the washing and drying machine 1 is turned off, and the lock of the door 12 is released. The user can open the door 12 and take out the dried laundry.
[0060]
Next, the structure of the charging unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a view of the input section 100 as viewed from the front side. The insertion section 100 includes a housing 110 and a drawer section 120 inserted therein. The inside of the drawer unit 120 is divided into left and right, and a left compartment is a detergent room 121 and a right compartment is a finish agent room 122. The detergent chamber 121 is provided with an outlet (not shown) for allowing water to flow into the housing 110. The finishing agent chamber 122 is provided with a siphon section 123.
[0061]
The siphon section 123 includes an inner tube 123a that rises vertically from the bottom surface of the finishing agent chamber 122, and a cap-shaped outer tube 123b that covers the inner tube 123a. A gap through which water passes is formed between the inner pipe 123a and the outer pipe 123b. The bottom of the inner tube 123a opens toward the inside of the housing 110. The lower end of the outer tube 123b maintains a predetermined gap with the bottom surface of the finishing agent chamber 122, and this serves as an inlet for water. When water is poured into the finishing agent chamber 122 to a level exceeding the upper end of the inner tube 123a, a siphon action occurs, and the water is sucked out of the finishing agent chamber 122 through the siphon portion 123 and falls to the bottom of the housing 110. .
[0062]
On the ceiling of the housing 110, a water injection section 111a facing the detergent chamber 121 and a water injection section 111b facing the finishing agent chamber 122 are provided. The water injection part 111a has a large number of water spouts 112 on the bottom surface, and water is poured into the detergent chamber 121 in a shower shape. The water injection section 111b has one water inlet 113 on the bottom surface.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 3, the water supply pipe 51 extending from the water supply valve 53 is divided into a main water supply pipe 51a connected to the water injection section 111a and a sub water supply pipe 51b connected to the water injection section 111b. The water supply valve 53 allows a predetermined flow rate of water to flow through the main water supply pipe 51a and the sub water supply pipe 51b in accordance with a command from the control unit 90.
[0064]
When supplying water in the washing process, the water supply valve 53 supplies water to the water injection unit 111a through the main water supply pipe 51a. The water that has entered the water injection section 111a falls into the detergent chamber 121 in a shower shape. If the detergent is contained in the detergent chamber 121, the detergent flows out of the outlet 114 of the housing 110 together with the water, and enters the water tank 20 via the water supply nozzle 52.
[0065]
During the rinsing step, the water supply valve 53 supplies water to the water injection unit 111b through the sub water supply pipe 51b at a predetermined timing. The water that has entered the water injection section 111b is poured from the water injection port 113 into the finishing agent chamber 122. If the finishing agent is contained in the finishing agent chamber 122, the finishing agent is sucked up together with the water from the siphon section 123, flows down to the bottom surface of the housing 110, and enters the water tank 20 via the outlet 114 and the water supply nozzle 52. Since the siphon effect occurs only when the water level in the finish agent chamber 122 reaches a predetermined height, the liquid finish is held in the finish agent chamber 122 until the time comes and water is injected into the finish agent chamber 122. Can be kept.
[0066]
When the drying process starts, steam rises from the laundry. There is also wind pressure from the blower 72, and the steam tends to flow into the charging section 100 from the water supply nozzle 52. Since the input section 100 provided with the drawer section 120 does not have a closed structure, when steam enters, the steam leaks into the main body 10. The leaked steam is condensed inside the main body 10 and causes rust, corrosion, electric leakage, and the like. Therefore, a check valve 130 is arranged between the water supply nozzle 52 and the housing 110 so that steam does not flow into the charging section 100.
[0067]
The main components of the check valve 130 are a sleeve 131 and a valve body 132. The valve body 132 is connected to the sleeve 131 via a valve body support 133. The lower end of the valve body 132 and the valve body support 133 are connected by a hinge part 134. The valve body 132, the valve body support 133, and the hinge portion 134 are integrally formed of an elastic body, that is, rubber or soft synthetic resin. The sleeve 131 is formed of a hard synthetic resin. The downstream end surface of the sleeve 131 is configured as a valve seat 135, and the valve body 132 is in close contact with the valve seat 135.
[0068]
The sleeve 131 is inserted into the water supply nozzle 52 with the valve body 132 at the beginning until the flange provided at the upstream end of the sleeve 131 hits the end face of the water supply nozzle 52. After that, if the water supply nozzle 52 and the outlet 114 of the housing 110 are connected by a connecting pipe 115 made of rubber or soft synthetic resin, the mounting of the check valve 130 is completed. Note that an engagement portion for determining the angle of the sleeve 131 is provided between the sleeve 131 and the water supply nozzle 52.
[0069]
In the mounting state shown in FIG. 4, the valve seat 135 is inclined downward with respect to the vertical plane. That is, the upper portion projects to the downstream side, and the lower portion retracts to the upstream side. For this reason, the valve body 132 is separated from the valve seat 135 by gravity, and is separated from the valve seat 135 unless steam pressure or wind pressure is applied from the washing tub 30 side.
[0070]
Assuming that the valve body 132 has a close contact with the valve seat 135, not a separation property from the valve seat 135, the detergent and the finishing agent solidify between the valve body 132 and the valve seat 135, The valve element 132 may not be opened. When the detergent or the finishing agent is put into the drawer portion 120 too much and the detergent or the finishing agent spills on the bottom surface of the housing 110, or when the drawer portion 120 is pushed into the drawer portion 120 vigorously, the pressure in the finishing agent chamber 122 increases, and the siphon portion 123 finishes. When the undiluted solution of the detergent or the finishing agent flows into the check valve 130, such as when the agent is extruded, the rate of solidification is particularly high.
[0071]
If the detergent or the finishing agent is solidified between the valve body 132 and the valve seat 135 and hinders the free movement of the valve body 132, the water supplied to the charging unit 100 flows to the water tank 20 without flowing. A situation occurs such as overflow and wetting of the inside of the main body 10 and the floor. On the other hand, if the valve body 132 is normally separated from the valve seat 135, the valve body 132 does not stick to the valve seat 135 due to solidification of the detergent or the finishing agent, as described above. No flooding problem occurs.
[0072]
By utilizing the hinge portion 134, the valve body 132 can be provided with a separation property from the valve seat 135. That is, the urging force for urging the valve body 132 in the direction away from the valve seat 135 is applied to the hinge portion 134. For example, when the three members of the valve body 132, the hinge portion 134, and the valve body support member 133 are integrally formed by an elastic body, if these are formed so as to be linear, the hinge portion 134 exerts the urging force as described above. Will have. Alternatively, a spring may be combined with the hinge portion 134. Instead of the hinge portion 134 made of an elastic body, a normal hinge structure in which the valve body 132 rotates around an axis may be used, and a spring may be incorporated in this hinge structure.
[0073]
FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of a charging portion for a detergent or a finishing agent and a check valve, similarly to FIG. In the second embodiment, components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as used in the description of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted. The same principle is applied to the third and subsequent embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the components already described, and the description will be omitted unless there is a problem.
[0074]
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the valve seat 135. The lower half of the valve seat 135 according to the second embodiment has a downward inclination similarly to the valve seat 135 according to the first embodiment, but the upper half changes direction by an angle θ, and is substantially vertical. As a result, the valve seat 135 has a refracting surface convex toward the downstream side, that is, a non-planar surface. The valve body 132 is made of an elastic body as in the first embodiment.
[0075]
Since the valve seat 135 has the above-mentioned shape, even if the valve body 132 is in close contact with the valve seat 135, the upper half of the valve body 132 is elastic by the valve body itself unless the steam pressure or the wind pressure is applied from the downstream. Away from Therefore, the valve body 132 does not stick to the valve seat 135 due to the solidification of the detergent or the finishing agent. Since this action occurs irrespective of gravity, it is difficult to make the valve body 132 have a structure in which the valve body 132 can be separated from the valve seat 135 by gravity. It is particularly useful when you lack strength.
[0076]
FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of a charging portion and a check valve for a detergent, a finishing agent, and the like, similarly to FIG.
[0077]
In the third embodiment, the valve seat 135 is non-planar as in the second embodiment. However, the non-planar shape is not convex toward the downstream side but concave toward the downstream side, and is a curved surface instead of a refracting surface.
[0078]
Since the valve seat 135 has the above-mentioned shape, even if the valve 132 is in close contact with the valve seat 135 without the separation by gravity or the separation by the urging force of the hinge portion 134, the central portion of the valve 132 is As far as the steam pressure or the wind pressure is not applied from the downstream, it is separated from the valve seat 135. Therefore, the valve body 132 does not stick to the valve seat 135 due to the solidification of the detergent or the finishing agent.
[0079]
In the second and third embodiments, the valve seat 135 is non-planar. Conversely, the contact surface of the valve body 132 with the valve seat 135 may be made non-planar, so that at least a portion of the valve body 132 can be separated from the valve seat 135. With this configuration, the same operation and effect as those of the second and third embodiments can be obtained.
[0080]
The non-planar shape on the valve body 132 side may be “convex toward the valve seat 135” or “concave toward the valve seat 135”. The valve seat 135 receiving this need not be planar. When the valve body 132 is convex toward the valve seat 135, the valve seat 135 can also be convex toward the valve body 132. When the valve body 132 is concave toward the valve seat 135, the valve The seat 135 can also be concave toward the valve body 132.
[0081]
Even when the combination of “the valve body 132 is convex and the valve seat 135 is concave” or “the valve body 132 is concave and the valve seat 135 is convex”, the valve body 132 and the valve seat 135 are different due to the difference in curvature between the convex and concave portions. There is no problem as long as there is a gap between them.
[0082]
FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of a charging portion for a detergent or a finishing agent and a check valve, similarly to FIG.
[0083]
The fourth embodiment includes a valve seat 135 inclined downward as in the first embodiment. However, this time, the position of the valve body support 133 was turned upside down, and the hinge portion 134 was arranged above the valve body 132. Also in this configuration, the valve body 132 is separated from the valve seat 135 by gravity, and is separated from the valve seat 135 unless steam pressure or wind pressure is applied from the washing tub 30 side.
[0084]
8 and 9 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of the check valve, and FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.
[0085]
The fifth embodiment includes a valve seat 135 that is inclined downward as in the first embodiment. The hinge part 134 is also on the lower side. A feature of the fifth embodiment is that a projection-like stopper 136 is formed on the surface of the valve body 132 opposite to the side facing the valve seat 135. The stopper 136 is provided at a position near the hinge portion 134, and when the opening of the valve body 132 increases, the stopper 136 hits the inner surface of the water supply nozzle 52 (see the phantom line in FIG. 8), and prevents the valve body 132 from rotating further.
[0086]
Since the rotation range of the valve body 132 is regulated as described above, the elevation angle of the valve body 132 with respect to steam or wind does not become too small, and the valve body 132 rises up reliably when steam or wind comes. It closely contacts the valve seat 135.
[0087]
FIG. 9 shows the front shape of the valve body 132. While the cross-sectional shape of the water supply nozzle 52 is circular, both sides of the valve body 132 are cut off, and the valve body 132 has a substantially elliptical shape elongated vertically. If the shape of the valve body 132 is a circle that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the water supply nozzle 52, when the valve body 132 is rotated around the hinge 134, the horizontal position of the valve body 132 is not fully opened. The widest part in the direction is caught on the inner surface of the water supply nozzle 52. For this reason, the check valve 132 is formed to have a narrow outline shape and a predetermined space is formed between the check valve 132 and the water supply nozzle 52 so that the check valve 132 can be largely rotated to an angle nearly parallel to the bottom surface of the water supply nozzle 52. Things. Thereby, the valve 132 is stopped by being held by the inner surface of the water supply nozzle 52, and the situation where the flow rate is reduced does not occur. This shape of the valve body 132 is applied to other embodiments.
[0088]
The front shape of the valve body 132 is not limited to an elliptical shape. It may be oval or rectangular. A configuration is also possible in which the cross-sectional shape of the water supply nozzle 52 is a horizontally long shape, and a circular valve body 132 is combined with this. In short, it is only necessary that a predetermined interval is generated between the inner surface of the water supply nozzle 52 and the valve body 132, and the desired rotation range is secured in the valve body 132.
[0089]
10 and 11 show a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view of the check valve, and FIG. 11 is a front view of a valve seat of the check valve.
[0090]
The sixth embodiment includes a non-planar valve seat 135 that is convex on the downstream side as in the second embodiment. The valve seat 135 is formed with an edge 137 having a mountain-shaped cross section along the edge of the opening of the sleeve 131.
[0091]
Since the valve seat 135 and the valve body 132 are in contact at the vertex of the edge 137, the sealing force of the valve body 132 can be further increased. Further, the contact area between the valve body 132 and the valve seat 135 can be reduced, so that it is possible to prevent the valve body 132 from becoming difficult to open due to the surface tension or adhesive force of the liquid interposed therebetween or the solidification of the liquid.
[0092]
The edge 137 may be provided on the valve body 132. It can also be provided on both the valve seat 135 and the valve body 132.
[0093]
FIG. 12 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view of the check valve.
[0094]
In the seventh embodiment, a thin and flexible annular lip 138 is formed on the surface of the valve body 132 facing the valve seat 135, and this lip 138 is brought into contact with the valve seat 135. Thus, the sealing force of the valve body 132 can be further increased. Further, the contact area between the valve body 132 and the valve seat 135 can be reduced, so that it is possible to prevent the valve body 132 from becoming difficult to open due to the surface tension or adhesive force of the liquid interposed therebetween or the solidification of the liquid.
[0095]
The lip 138 may be provided on the valve body 132. It can also be provided on both the valve seat 135 and the valve body 132.
[0096]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, other various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. The configuration of each embodiment is such that the valve seat shape is convex on the downstream side and the valve seat shape is concave on the downstream side, and the configuration in which the hinge portion is provided below and the configuration in which the hinge portion is provided above. However, the present invention can be implemented in combination except for configurations that conflict with or contradict each other.
[0097]
Further, the present invention is not limited to a horizontal drum type washing and drying machine. The present invention is also applicable to a washing / drying machine having a washing tub and a pulsator on the vertical axis. In short, the present invention can be applied to any type of washing and drying machine as long as it is provided with a detergent or finishing agent charging section and a check valve for preventing steam from flowing into the section.
[0098]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, in a washing / drying machine provided with an inlet for supplying a detergent or a finishing agent to a water supply path and a check valve for preventing steam from flowing into the inlet from a washing tub, the valve body of the check valve is provided. As long as steam pressure or wind pressure is not applied from the washing tub side, the detergent and finishing agent do not stay on the contact surface between the valve body and the valve seat, and these are located between the valve body and the valve seat. No increase in viscosity or solidification. Therefore, the valve body does not become difficult to open or cannot be opened, and water is supplied without the valve body opening sufficiently and water overflows, so that the inside of the washing and drying machine and the floor do not get wet. In addition, since the stopper that restricts the rotation range of the valve body by contacting the inner surface of the water supply path is formed on the surface of the valve body opposite to the side facing the valve seat, the elevation angle of the valve body with respect to steam and wind becomes too small. This prevents the valve body from closing when steam or wind arrives. Further, since a sealing edge or lip is formed on the valve seat and / or the valve body to be in contact with a counterpart, the sealing force of the valve body can be increased, and the contact area between the valve body and the valve seat is reduced. It is possible to prevent the valve body from becoming difficult to open due to the surface tension or adhesive force of the liquid interposed between the two or solidification of the liquid.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a washing / drying machine.
FIG. 2 is a partial sectional front view of a washing / drying machine.
FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view of a washing / drying machine.
FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view showing a structure of a charging portion and a check valve of a detergent, a finishing agent, and the like.
FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view showing the structure of a check valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view showing the structure of a check valve according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view showing the structure of a check valve according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view showing the structure of a check valve according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view of a check valve according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a front view of a valve seat of a check valve according to a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view of a check valve according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 washing dryer
10 body
20 aquarium
30 washing tub
40 motor
50 Water supply route
51 Water pipe
52 water supply nozzle
53 Water valve
60 drainage section
70 Heating device
100 Input section
130 Check valve
131 sleeve
132 valve
133 Valve support
134 Hinge
135 valve seat
136 Stopper
137 Edge
138 lip

Claims (13)

A washing tub and a heating device for heating and drying the laundry are provided in the main body, and an inlet for a detergent or a finishing agent or the like and steam flows into the inlet from a washing tub into a water supply path for supplying water to the washing tub. In a washer / dryer equipped with a check valve to prevent
A washing and drying machine wherein the valve body of the check valve is provided with a separation property from a valve seat. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein gravity causes the valve body to be separated from the valve seat. 2. The valve body according to claim 1, wherein the valve body is formed of an elastic body and the valve seat is made non-planar, thereby causing at least a part of the valve body to be separated from the valve seat. 3. Washing and drying machine. The valve body is formed of an elastic body, and the contact surface of the valve body with the valve seat is made non-planar, so that at least a part of the valve body is separated from the valve seat. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein The washing / drying machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one end of the valve body is connected to the valve body support at a hinge portion. The washing and drying machine according to claim 5, wherein the hinge portion is formed of an elastic body. The washing and drying machine according to claim 6, wherein the valve body and the valve body support are integrally formed of an elastic body including the hinge portion. The washing and drying machine according to claim 5, wherein the hinge portion is provided at a lower portion of the valve body. The washing and drying machine according to claim 5, wherein the hinge portion is provided on an upper portion of the valve body. The washing / drying machine according to claim 5, wherein an urging force for urging the valve body in a direction away from the valve seat is applied to the hinge portion. 6. The contour of the valve body according to claim 5, wherein a contour of the valve body is set such that a predetermined interval is formed between the valve body and an inner surface of the water supply path in order to secure a desired rotation range. Washing and drying machine. The washing and drying method according to claim 5, wherein a stopper is formed on a surface of the valve body opposite to a side facing the valve seat to limit a rotation range of the valve body by contacting an inner surface of the water supply path. Machine. The washing and drying machine according to claim 5, wherein the valve seat and / or the valve body is formed with a sealing edge or lip that comes into contact with a counterpart.

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