JP2005305009A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine requiring almost no space around an outer case, and to improve workability for taking in and out laundry. <P>SOLUTION: A water tub 4 has an opening 4a opposite to an opening 1a of the outer case 1, and is arranged inside the outer case 1. The opening 1a of the outer case 1 is opened and closed by a nonelastic outer door 3. The outer door 3 is almost entirely stored in the outer case 1, and slides with respect to the outer case 1. The outer door 3 is automatically opened and closed by an automatic door opening and closing mechanism 10. The outer door 3 can be opened and closed manually. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to all types of washing machines such as a drum-type washing machine, a fully automatic washing machine, and a two-tank washing machine.

  Conventionally, as a washing machine, there is a drum type washing machine as shown in FIG. 12 (see, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-149689)). This drum type washing machine is provided with a laundry loading / unloading port 101a on the front surface of the outer box 101, and an external door 103 for opening and closing the laundry loading / unloading port 101a is rotatably attached to the outer box 101 by a hinge. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 111 denotes an operation panel.

  In the drum-type washing machine having the above-described configuration, the outer door 103 is opened forward with the hinge as a center, and the laundry is taken in and out through the laundry loading / unloading port 101a. At this time, the outer door 103 is directed forward from the outer box 101. Protruding state. For this reason, in order to use the said drum type washing machine, the space for opening the external door 103 ahead is required besides the space for arrange | positioning the outer case 101. FIG. Therefore, there is a problem that the drum type washing machine cannot be used if the space around the outer box 101 is small.

In the conventional drum type washing machine, since the laundry must be taken in and out with the external door 103 opened and protruding forward, the external door 103 opened forward of the outer box 101 is There is a problem that it interferes with work when putting in and out things.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-149689

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that requires almost no space around an outer box and can improve workability when taking in and out laundry.

In order to solve the above problems, the washing machine of the present invention is:
An outer box having a first opening;
A water tank disposed in the outer box and having a second opening facing the first opening of the outer box;
A non-flexible first door that can be at least partially accommodated in the outer box and slides relative to the outer box to open and close the first opening of the outer box;
An automatic door opening and closing mechanism for automatically opening and closing the first door;
The first door can be manually opened and closed.

  According to the washing machine configured as described above, when the laundry is put in and out through the first opening, the first door is slid with respect to the outer box to open the first opening of the outer box. For this reason, unlike the conventional rotary door, the first door does not protrude forward of the outer box. Therefore, this washing machine can be used in a small empty space without requiring a large space in front of the outer box.

  When the first door is opened, it slides and is accommodated in the outer box. Unlike the conventional rotary door, when the laundry is put in and out through the first opening, the work is not disturbed. .

  Since the first door is not slatted but non-flexible, it does not bend, slides smoothly, has a good feeling, and can reduce noise.

  Since the first door is non-flexible, the first door does not bend and collide with a water tank or the like. That is, the first door does not interfere with the water tank or the like when the first door slides.

  When the cross-sectional shape of the outer wall of the outer box is a substantially arc shape, the first door is slid along the outer wall of the outer box by making the cross-sectional shape of the first door a substantially arc shape. Can be accommodated.

  Since the first door is automatically opened and closed by the door automatic opening and closing mechanism, the first door is easily opened and closed by a fully automatic operation or a user's button operation. Therefore, the operation becomes extremely simple.

  Since the first door can be manually opened and closed, the first door can be manually opened and the laundry can be taken in and out even in the event of a power failure or failure of the automatic door opening and closing mechanism.

  The washing machine according to an embodiment includes a rotating drum that is disposed in the water tub and that houses laundry, and a second door that is attached to the water tub and opens and closes the second opening of the water tub. .

  According to the washing machine of the said embodiment, since the 2nd door which opens and closes the 2nd opening part of the said water tank is provided, the 1st opening part of an outer case and the 2nd opening part of a water tank are connected with a sealing member, for example Even if it does not do, it can prevent that the water in a water tank overflows outside a water tank.

  In the washing machine according to the embodiment, the first door closing detection unit that detects whether or not the first door is closed is provided, and the first door closing detection unit detects that the first door is not closed. Stop driving related to laundry.

  According to the washing machine of the said embodiment, if the 1st door closing detection means detects that the 1st door is not closed while the driving | operation regarding the said washing is performed, the driving | operation regarding washing will be stopped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from touching an operating device and the like, so that the safety of the user can be improved.

  The washing machine of one embodiment is provided with first notification means for notifying the user that the operation has been stopped based on the detection result of the first door close detection means.

  According to the washing machine of the said embodiment, when the driving | operation regarding washing | cleaning is stopped based on the detection result of the said 1st door close detection means, an alerting | reporting means notifies a user that the driving | operation stopped, for example visually or audibly Let me know. Therefore, the user is likely to notice an abnormal stop of operation related to washing.

  In the washing machine of one embodiment, the first door holding mechanism that holds the first door closed, and the first door holding mechanism release means that can release the holding by the first door holding mechanism mechanically. It has.

  According to the washing machine of the said embodiment, since the movement of the 1st door can be prohibited by holding the state where the 1st door is closed with the 1st door holding mechanism, the operation about washing is performed. The first door can be prevented from being manually opened when

  Further, since the holding by the first door holding mechanism can be mechanically released by the first door holding mechanism releasing means, the first door holding mechanism releasing means can hold the first door closed even if a power failure or failure occurs. It is possible to manually open the first door by releasing with.

  The washing machine according to an embodiment includes a holding release detecting unit that detects whether or not the holding by the first door holding mechanism is released, and the holding release detecting that the holding by the first door holding mechanism is released. When detected by means, the operation related to washing is stopped.

  According to the washing machine of the above embodiment, when the holding release detecting means detects that the holding by the first door holding mechanism is released while the operation related to the washing is being performed, the operation related to the washing is stopped. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from opening the first door and touching an operating device or the like, so that the safety of the user can be improved.

  The washing machine according to an embodiment includes second notification means for notifying the user that the operation has been stopped based on the detection result of the holding release detection means.

  According to the washing machine of the above embodiment, when the operation related to washing is stopped based on the detection result of the holding release detection unit, the notification unit notifies the user that the operation has stopped, for example, visually or audibly. Inform. Therefore, the user is likely to notice an abnormal stop of operation related to washing.

  In the washing machine of one embodiment, the door automatic opening / closing mechanism has a shaft for driving the first door, and the shaft can be manually rotated.

  According to the washing machine of the said embodiment, since the said axis | shaft can be rotated manually, even if a power failure, a failure, etc. occur, a 1st door can be opened and closed manually by rotating an axis | shaft manually. it can.

  In the washing machine of one embodiment, a maintenance hatch is provided on the surface of the outer box on the first opening side.

  According to the washing machine of the said embodiment, since the maintenance hatch is provided in the surface by the side of the said 1st opening part of the said outer box, maintenance and operation with respect to the apparatus etc. in an outer box are opened by opening a maintenance hatch. Can be easily performed.

  In the washing machine of the present invention, when the laundry is put in and out through the first opening of the outer box, the first door is slid with respect to the outer box to open the first opening of the outer box. Unlike the rotary door, the first door does not protrude in front of the outer box, so that a large space is not required in front of the outer box, and the washing machine can be used in a small empty space.

  Even if the first door is opened, the first door slides and is accommodated in the outer box. Unlike the conventional rotary door, when the laundry is taken in and out through the first opening, , Does not get in the way of work.

  Since the first door is not slatted but non-flexible, it does not bend, slides smoothly, has a good feeling, and can reduce noise.

  Since the first door is non-flexible, the first door does not bend and collide with a water tank or the like. That is, the first door does not interfere with the water tank or the like when the first door slides.

  When the cross-sectional shape of the outer wall of the outer box is a substantially arc shape, the first door is slid along the outer wall of the outer box by making the cross-sectional shape of the first door a substantially arc shape. Can be accommodated.

  Since the first door is automatically opened and closed by the door automatic opening and closing mechanism, the first door is easily opened and closed by a fully automatic operation or a user's button operation. Therefore, the operation becomes extremely simple.

  Since the first door can be manually opened and closed, the first door can be manually opened and the laundry can be taken in and out even in the event of a power failure or failure of the automatic door opening and closing mechanism.

  Hereinafter, a washing machine of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the external door 3 opened. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drum type washing machine with the external door 3 closed.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drum type washing machine includes an outer box 1, a water tank 4 disposed in the outer box 1, and a rotating drum 5 disposed in the water tank 4 and containing laundry. A transparent non-flexible outer door 3 as an example of the first door, an automatic door opening / closing mechanism 10 for automatically opening and closing the outer door 3, and a drying unit 24 for drying the laundry. Yes.

  An opening 1 a as an example of a first opening is provided on the surface of the outer box 1 on the side of the external door 3, that is, on the front surface of the outer box 1. The laundry is taken in and out through the opening 1a of the outer box 1. The opening 1 a of the outer box 1 is opened and closed by an external door 3 that can slide up and down with respect to the outer box 1. The front and back surfaces of the external door 3 are curved surfaces, and the cross-sectional shape of the external door 3 is a substantially arc shape. The external door 3 is accommodated inside the front plate 7 of the outer box 1. The front plate 7 is made of a steel plate. In addition, an operation panel 11 having operation keys and a display unit is provided on the front upper portion of the outer box 1. A control device 2 for controlling the operation of the drum type washing machine is arranged on the back side (water tank 4 side) of the operation panel 11. The outer box 1 elastically supports the water tank 4 with a suspension 8. The front surface of the outer box 1 is a curved surface, and the cross-sectional shape of the front portion of the outer box 1 is a substantially arc shape.

  The water tank 4 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and is arranged in a slightly inclined manner so that the opening 4 a faces the opening 1 a of the outer box 1. Thus, the rotational axis yy of the rotating drum 5 is inclined so that the rear side (the back side of the rotating drum 5) is lowered by an angle θ with respect to the horizontal direction. When operating from the front side of the washing machine, the user can easily look down to the inside of the rotating drum 5 as if looking down. The opening 4a of the water tank 4 is an example of a second opening. The opening 4a of the water tank 4 and the opening 1a of the outer box 1 are spaced apart from each other. Further, a transparent hinge type internal door 6 as an example of the second door is rotatably attached to the water tank 4. When the opening 4a of the water tank 4 is closed by the internal door 6, it is possible to prevent water from leaking to the outside from the opening 4a of the water tank 4 during the washing operation. The internal door 6 has a convex portion 6 a that protrudes toward the inside of the rotating drum 5 when the opening 4 a of the water tank 4 is closed.

  The shaft portion 5 e of the rotating drum 5 is rotationally driven by a motor 9. That is, the rotating drum 5 is rotatable inside the water tank 4. The plurality of small holes 5 a provided in the entire peripheral wall of the rotating drum 5 allows washing water and dry air to flow between the space between the water tank 4 and the rotating drum 5 and the space in the rotating drum 5. Is for. Further, a baffle 5b is provided on the inner wall surface of the rotating drum 5 so as to protrude inward in the radial direction. The baffles 5b are provided at three locations, for example, at 120 ° intervals in the circumferential direction. The baffle 5b functions to repeat the lifting and dropping of the laundry as the rotating drum 5 rotates.

  Further, a fluid balancer 5d surrounding the opening 5c of the rotating drum 5 from the outside is provided, and an imbalance that is likely to occur due to the bias of the laundry and the washing liquid during the rotation of the rotating drum 5 occurs inside the fluid balancer 5d. The movement is canceled by the movement of the sealed fluid.

  The door automatic opening / closing mechanism 10 may be of any type such as a link type, an arm type, a cable type, or a direct connection motor type. Examples of the automatic door opening / closing mechanism 10 include an automatic opening / closing mechanism used when opening and closing a glass window of an automobile.

  The drying unit 24 includes a blower 31 and a heating unit 32. The position of the drying unit 24 is the rear side of the blower 31 and the front side of the heating unit 32 in the front-rear direction of the drum type washing machine. The blower 31 is provided with a blower blade 34 inside a casing 33 and a fan motor 35 that rotationally drives the blower blade 34 provided outside the casing 33. The fan motor 35 is directly connected to the blower blades 34 and rotationally drives the blower blades 34 by a direct drive structure. On the other hand, the heating part 32 is provided with a heater 36 inside the heater case 26, and the inlet part of the heater case 26 communicates with the outlet part of the casing 33 of the blower 31.

  A drain valve 20 that is opened and closed by a drain valve motor (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the water tank 4. By opening the drain valve 20, the water in the water tank 4 is drained to the outside through a flexible drain hose 19.

  In the outer box 1, an air duct 38 is disposed on the front side of the water tank 4. One end of the air duct 38 communicates with the outlet of the heater case 26 of the heating unit 32, and the other end serves as a blowout port 38a in the water tank 4 and at the periphery of the opening 4a. The drum 5 also communicates with the opening 5c. That is, the air duct 38 and the air outlet 38a serve as means for sending air toward the inside of the rotary drum 5 through the opening 5c.

  In the outer box 1, a dehumidifier 27 is disposed behind the water tank 4. This dehumidifier 27 cools and condenses the moisture of the air passing through the inside by pouring water from above, and is hollow overall and has a water inlet 27a and an air outlet 27b at the top. In addition, an air inlet 27c serving also as a water outlet is provided at the lower part. In the dehumidifier 27, the air outlet 27 b communicates with the inlet portion of the casing 33 of the blower 31, and the air inlet 27 c communicates with the lower part in the water tank 4. A water supply device (not shown) is connected to the water inlet 27a.

  In FIG. 3, the block diagram of the principal part of the said drum type washing machine is shown.

  The control device 2 has a microcomputer 51. The microcomputer 51 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 52, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 54, a timer 55, a system bus 56, and a plurality of I / O ports 57. ing. The microcomputer 52 operates when a constant voltage is supplied from the power supply circuit 61 to the power supply terminals Vdd and Vss, and receives a signal from the reset circuit 62 at the RESET terminal.

  The CPU 52 includes a control unit 52a and a calculation unit 52b, and the control unit 52a retrieves and executes an instruction stored in the ROM 54. The arithmetic unit 52b performs operations such as binary addition, logical operation, increase / decrease, and comparison on data input from various input devices and the RAM 53 based on a control signal given from the control unit 52a at the instruction execution stage. I do. Therefore, the ROM 54 stores in advance means for operating various devices, conditions set for various determinations, rules for processing various information, and the like.

  Signals from the input key circuit 63 and the state detection circuit 64 are input to the microcomputer 51 via the I / O port 57. The input key circuit 63 is connected to the input setting means 71. On the other hand, the state detection circuit 64 includes an external door close detection unit 72, an external door open detection unit 73, a water detection unit 74, a lock state detection unit 75, a rotation detection unit 76, and a temperature as an example of a first door close detection unit. It is connected to the detection means 77. The rotation detecting means 76 detects the rotation of the rotating drum 5, and the temperature detecting means 77 detects the temperature in the rotating drum 5. The input setting means 71 includes a power button 71a, a start button 71b, an internal door lock button 71c, a child lock button 71d, a child lock release button 71e, and the like. The child lock button 71d invalidates the operation by the input buttons other than the power button 71a and the child lock release button 71e.

  The microcomputer 51 performs an operation based on signals from the input key circuit 63 and the state detection circuit 64 to control the output of the display device drive circuit 65, the buzzer drive circuit 66, and the load drive circuit 67.

  Output signals from the display device driving circuit 65 and the buzzer driving circuit 66 are input to the notification means 78. More specifically, the display device drive circuit 65 drives a display device 78a that displays a figure, characters, and the like for showing information related to washing to the user. The buzzer driving circuit 66 sounds the buzzer 78b to notify the user when the input of the input setting means 71 is completed, when the operation is completed, or when an abnormality occurs. The notification unit 78 serves as an example of a first notification unit and an example of a second notification unit.

  The load drive circuit 67 includes an internal door lock release device 81, an internal door lock device 82, the warm air heater 36 of the drying unit 24, the blower 31 of the drying unit 24, the water supply valve 83 for drying, the water supply valve 84, the drive motor 9 and The drainage means 88 and the like are driven.

  Hereinafter, an example of the washing process of the drum type washing machine will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4, in step S101, a power plug is inserted into a power outlet ("power outlet is turned on"). As a result, the power is turned off in step S102. That is, the power plug is inserted into the power outlet, but electricity is not supplied to the control device 2. At this time, the input buttons other than the power button 71a of the operation panel 11 cannot be turned on.

  Next, in step S102, it is detected whether or not the power button 71a is turned on by the control device 2 ("power button ON?"). Here, when the on state of the power button 71a is detected, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, when the on state of the power button 71a is not detected, step S103 is repeated until the on state of the power button 71a is detected.

  Next, in step S104, the operation content is set. That is, the display device 78a is turned on, and the washing operation can be set by the input button of the input setting means 71.

  Next, in step S105, the external door opening detection means 73 detects whether or not the external door 3 is completely open (“external door open detection?”). That is, the external door opening detecting means 73 detects whether or not the external door 3 is in the state shown in FIG. Here, when the full opening of the external door 3 is detected, the process proceeds to step S108 shown in FIG. 5. On the other hand, when the full opening of the external door 3 is not detected, steps S106 and S107 are sequentially performed, and then to step S108. move on.

  In step S106, the external door automatic opening / closing mechanism 10 starts an operation for opening the external door 3 ("External door opening operation execution"). When this operation starts, the door automatic opening / closing mechanism 10 slides the external door 3 downward along the front plate 7. In step S107, it is detected again by the external door opening detection means 73 whether or not the external door 3 is completely open ("external door opening detection?"). That is, in step S107, it is detected whether or not the external door 3 is in the state shown in FIG. When the complete opening of the external door 3 is detected in step S107, the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, when the complete opening of the external door 3 is not detected, step S107 is repeated until the complete opening of the external door 3 is detected.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, in step S108, the lock state detection means 75 detects whether or not the internal door 6 is locked (“internal door lock detection?”). Here, when the lock of the internal door 6 is not detected, the process proceeds to step S110, whereas when the lock of the internal door 6 is detected, the process proceeds to step S109 and then proceeds to step S110.

  In step S109, the internal door 6 is unlocked by the internal door lock releasing device 81 ("lock release operation execution").

  Next, after the user directly opens the internal door 6 in the state shown in FIG. 1 by hand, the user puts the laundry into the rotary drum 5 through the opening 1a and closes the internal door 6 directly by hand. Thereby, the inner periphery 41a of the said sealing member 41 closely_contact | adheres to the periphery of the internal door 6, and the water tank 4 is sealed.

  Next, in step S110, the control device 2 detects whether or not the start button 71b is turned on (“start button ON?”). If the start button 71b is detected to be on, the process proceeds to step S111. If the start button 71b is not detected to be on, step S110 is repeated until the start button 71b is detected to be on.

  Next, in step S111, the internal door 6 is locked by the internal door lock device 82 ("lock operation execution").

  Next, in step S112, the lock state detection means 75 detects whether the internal door 6 is locked (“internal door lock detected?”). If the lock of the internal door 6 is detected, the process proceeds to step S113. If the lock of the internal door 6 is not detected, steps S111 and S112 are sequentially repeated until the lock of the internal door 6 is detected.

  Next, in step S113, the external door automatic opening / closing mechanism 10 starts an operation for completely closing the external door 3 ("External door closing operation execution"). That is, the operation for bringing the external door 3 into the state shown in FIG. 2 is started. When this operation starts, the automatic door opening / closing mechanism 10 slides the external door 3 upward along the front plate 7.

  Next, in step S114, the external door close detection means 72 detects whether or not the external door 3 is completely closed ("external door close detection?"). That is, in step S114, it is detected whether or not the external door 3 is in the state shown in FIG. If it is detected in step S114 that the outer door 3 is completely closed, the process proceeds to step S115. If the outer door 3 is not completely closed, step S114 is performed until the outer door 3 is completely closed. repeat.

  Next, in step S115, the washing operation set by the user starts ("driving state").

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, in step S116, the external door close detection means 72 detects whether or not the external door 3 is completely closed (“external door close detection?”). Here, when the complete closing of the external door 3 is detected, the process proceeds to step S115. On the other hand, when the complete closing of the external door 3 is not detected, steps S130 and S131 are sequentially performed, and then the process returns to step S110.

  In step S130, the full load is stopped (“full load stop”). That is, all of the drive motor 9, the blower 31, the drying water supply valve 83, the water supply valve 84, and the drainage means 85 that are operating are stopped. Thereby, since it can prevent reliably that a washing operation is performed in the state in which the said external door 3 is not closed completely, a user's safety | security can be improved. In step S131, the control device 2 sounds the buzzer 78b to notify the user that the external door 3 is not completely closed (“error notification”). At this time, the display device 78a may inform the user that the external door 3 is not completely closed.

  Next, in step S117, it is detected whether or not the washing operation has been completed ("driving end?"). Here, when it is detected that the washing operation is completed, the process proceeds to step S118. When it is detected that the washing operation is not completed, the process returns to step S116.

  Next, in step S118, the external door automatic opening / closing mechanism 10 starts an operation for opening the external door 3 ("External door opening operation execution"). That is, the operation for bringing the external door 3 into the state shown in FIG. 1 is started.

  Next, in step S119, the control device 2 detects whether or not the external door 3 is completely opened by the external door open detection means 73 ("external door open detection?"). Here, when the full opening of the external door 3 is detected, the process proceeds to step S120. On the other hand, when the full opening of the external door 3 is not detected, step S119 is repeated until the full opening of the external door 3 is detected.

  Next, in step S120, the internal door 6 is unlocked by the internal door unlocking device 81 ("execution of unlocking operation").

  Next, in step S121, it is detected whether or not the lock of the internal door 6 is released by the lock state detection means 75 ("internal door lock release detection?"). If the unlocking of the internal door 6 is detected, the process proceeds to step S122. If the unlocking of the internal door 6 is not detected, steps S120 and S121 are sequentially repeated.

  Next, in step S122, the control device 2 sounds the buzzer 78b to notify the user that the washing operation has been completed ("end buzzer notification"). Then, the user notices that the washing operation is completed, goes to the vicinity of the drum type washing machine, directly opens the internal door 6 by hand, and then takes out the laundry from the rotating drum 5.

  Finally, in step S123, the power supply is automatically turned off (“power OFF”), and the washing process ends. In step S123, the power may be turned off when the user presses the power button 71a.

  Thus, since the door automatic opening / closing mechanism 10 opens and closes the opening 1a of the outer box 1 by sliding the external door 3 in the vertical direction, a large space is not required in front of the outer box 1. Therefore, this washing machine can be used in a small space.

  Further, in the above washing machine, when the external door 3 is opened, it slides and almost all is accommodated in the outer box 1, so that unlike the conventional rotary external door 103 shown in FIG. When an object is taken in and out through the opening 1a, the work is not disturbed.

  Further, since the outer door 3 is not sag-like but non-flexible, it does not bend, slides smoothly, and noise can be reduced.

  Further, the external door 3 does not bend and collide with the water tank 4 or the like. That is, when the external door 3 is slid, the external door 3 and the water tank 4 do not interfere with each other.

  Moreover, since the said external door 3 is transparent, the state of the laundry in the outer case 1 can be confirmed from the outside.

  Moreover, since the said external door 3 slides up and down, the empty space in the lower part of the outer box 1 can be used effectively, and size reduction can be achieved.

  Further, since the external door 3 is accommodated in the lower part of the outer box 1, the outer door 3 does not get in the way when the operation panel 11 is provided on the upper part of the outer box 1, and the visibility and operability of the operation panel 11 are provided. Can be increased.

  In addition, since the external door 3 is opened and closed completely automatically by the automatic door opening and closing mechanism 10, the user can open only the internal door 6 directly by hand, and the work when putting in and out the laundry is made comfortable. Can do.

  Moreover, since the internal door 6 that opens and closes the opening 4a of the water tank 4 is provided, even if the opening 1a of the outer box 1 and the opening 4a of the water tank 4 are not connected by a seal member, for example, Can be prevented from overflowing outside the water tank 4.

  Moreover, since the opening 4a of the water tank 4 and the opening 1a of the outer box 1 are opposed to each other without a member directly connecting, the vibration of the water tank 4 can be transmitted to the outer box 1 by the member. In addition, the vibration of the outer box 1 can be greatly reduced. But you may provide the flexible member which plugs up between the water tank 4 and the outer case 1.

  The external door 3 is closed except when the laundry is taken in and out. The external door 3 is closed during the washing operation and during the water supply / drainage as well as during the dehydration operation, and during these operations, the door is locked by a door lock unit (not shown) so that the external door 3 cannot be opened. It has become. However, for example, when a power failure occurs during the washing operation, the outer door 3 is unlocked, so that the outer door 3 can be manually opened and closed. As described above, since the external door 3 may be manually opened, the external door 3 is provided with a handle. Thereby, the operativity of the external door 3 at the time of manual operation is favorable.

  If the external door 3 is opened during the washing operation of the washing machine due to the vibration of the rotary drum 5 or the user's operation, the control device 2 causes the external door close detection means 72 to close the external door 3 completely. It is detected that there is no operation, and all of the drive motor 9, the blower 31, the drying water supply valve 83, the water supply valve 84, and the drainage means 85 that are operating are stopped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from touching the operating device and the like, so that the safety of the user can be improved.

  If the automatic door opening / closing mechanism 10 is controlled so that the external door 3 is opened when the washing machine is stopped or when the power is turned off, generation of mold in the water tank 4 can be prevented, and the external door 3 is opaque. Even so, it is possible to prevent the laundry in the rotating drum 5 from being forgotten.

  Further, the external door opening detection is performed in the above steps S105 and S119, and the internal door 6 is not unlocked unless the external door 3 is completely opened. 6 will not be opened. Therefore, the outer door 3 and the inner door 6 can be prevented from coming into contact with each other and being damaged.

  In the first embodiment, the internal door 6 is manually opened. However, the internal door 6 may be automatically opened. In the case of automatically opening the internal door 6, for example, a kicking mechanism for kicking the internal door 6 in the opening direction is provided in the water tank 4, and an urging means for urging the internal door 6 in the opening direction (for example, A spring) is provided at the hinge portion of the internal door 6. Thereby, when the said external door 3 opens, since the internal door 6 can be opened automatically, the workability | operativity at the time of putting in / out laundry can further be improved.

  Further, although the outer door 3 is almost entirely accommodated in the outer box 1, it may be partially accommodated.

  Moreover, although the cross-sectional shape of the external door 3 is a substantially arc shape, it may be an elliptical arc shape or the like. The cross-sectional shape of the external door 3 is preferably a curved shape depending on the shape of the outer box 1, the shape of the space that houses the external door 3, and the like.

  And as a material of the said external door 3, glass, transparent resin, etc. can be used.

  The outer door 3 is transparent, but it may be translucent or opaque. From the viewpoint of confirming the state of the laundry in the rotating drum 5 from the outside, it is preferable to make the outer door 3 translucent rather than making the outer door 3 opaque.

  Moreover, although the said external door 3 was slid downward and accommodated in the lower part of the outer case 1, you may accommodate in the upper part of the outer case 1 by sliding the external door 3 upward. Further, the external door 3 may be accommodated in the side portion of the outer box 1 by sliding the outer door 3 in the left-right direction with respect to the outer box 1.

  Further, although the external door 3 is opened and closed completely automatically by the door automatic opening and closing mechanism 10, it may be opened and closed by a user's button operation or the like.

  Further, although the fluid balancer 5d is arranged outside the opening 5c of the rotating drum 5, it may be arranged inside the opening 5c of the rotating drum 5.

(Second Embodiment)
In FIG. 7, the schematic front view of the drum type washing machine of 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown. FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7 and 8, the same components as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the components in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the drum type washing machine includes a cable type door automatic opening / closing mechanism 210 that automatically opens and closes the outer door 3, and first door closing detection means that detects whether the outer door 3 is closed. As an example, a limit switch 272, an external door holding mechanism 290 that holds the closed state of the external door 3, and a wire 291 that releases the external door 3 from being held by the external door holding mechanism 290 are provided. ing. The external door holding mechanism 290 is an example of a first door holding mechanism, and the wire 291 is an example of a first door holding mechanism releasing unit.

  The automatic door opening / closing mechanism 210 includes a rail 210a, a drive unit 210b, a cable 210c, and a guide 210d. When the drive unit 210b winds up the cable 210c, the guide 210d moves upward or downward along the rail 210a. That is, the guide 210d can be moved in the vertical direction along the rail 210a by winding the cable 210c by the automatic door opening / closing mechanism 210. When the guide 210d moves in the vertical direction, the guide 210d and the external door 3 are connected, so that the external door 3 slides in the vertical direction with respect to the outer box 1, and the opening 1a of the outer box 1 opens and closes. .

  The external door holding mechanism 290 includes an actuator 290a that is operated by a solenoid, and a drive unit 290b that can be at least partially accommodated in the actuator 290a and is driven by the actuator 290a. One end of a wire 291 is connected to the holding mechanism body 290. The other end of the wire 291 is located on the back side (water tank 4 side) of the maintenance hatch 292 provided on the front plate 7.

  According to the drum type washing machine having the above configuration, when the door automatic opening / closing mechanism 210 slides the external door 3 upward with respect to the outer box 1 in order to close the opening 1a of the outer box 1, it is shown in FIG. Thus, since the upper end of the external door 3 contacts the limit switch 272, it can be reliably detected whether the external door 3 is closed.

  When the closed state of the external door 3 is detected by the limit switch 272, the drive unit 290b accommodated in the actuator 290a pops out and contacts the lower end of the external door 3. Thus, since the movement of the external door 3 can be prohibited by holding the lower end of the external door 3 with the drive unit 290b, the external door 3 can be prevented from being manually opened.

  Further, for example, when the supply of electricity to the control device 2 (see FIG. 2 or the like) is stopped due to a power failure or the like, or when the control device 2 or the automatic door opening / closing mechanism 210 fails, the maintenance hatch 292 is opened and the wire By pulling the lower end of 291 downward, the drive unit 290b is accommodated in the actuator 290a, and the drive unit 290b is separated from the lower end of the external door 3. That is, the prohibition of the movement of the external door 3 can be released mechanically. Therefore, even if the supply of electricity to the control device 2 is stopped, the external door 3 can be opened manually.

  If the external door 3 is opened during the washing operation of the washing machine due to the vibration of the rotary drum 5 or the user's operation, the control device 2 indicates that the external door 3 is not completely closed by the limit switch 272. And the driving motor 9, the blower 31, the drying water supply valve 83, the water supply valve 84 and the drainage means 85 are all stopped. That is, the full load is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from touching the operating device and the like, so that the safety of the user can be improved.

  Further, when the full load is stopped based on the detection result of the limit switch 272, the notification means 78 notifies the user of the stop of the full load based on the detection result of the limit switch 272. As a result, the user can easily notice an abnormal stop of the operation related to washing.

  Needless to say, the drum-type washing machine has the same effect as the second embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the limit switch 272 is installed above the opening 1a. However, a limit switch may be installed beside or below the opening 1a. When installing a limit switch on the side of the opening 1a, a protrusion is provided on the side of the external door 3, and the closed state of the external door 3 is detected by contact between the protrusion and the limit switch.

  Moreover, in the said 2nd Embodiment, although the limit switch 272 which contacts the external door 3 was installed, you may install the limit switch which contacts the guide 210d.

  Further, although the limit switch 272 is used as an example of the first door closing detection unit, a micro switch, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, a touch sensor, or the like may be used as an example of the first door closing detection unit.

  Further, the drive unit 290b is in contact with the lower end surface of the external door 3, but a fitting part such as a hole or a notch is provided in the external door 3, and the drive part 290b is fitted into the fitting part. You may do it.

  Further, an external door holding mechanism release detection device that detects whether or not the external door holding mechanism 290 is released from the closed state of the external door 3 may be provided. When the external door holding mechanism release detection device is provided, the external door holding mechanism release detection device detects that the external door holding mechanism 290 has released the closed state of the external door 3 and stops the operation related to washing. be able to. Therefore, even if the external door 3 is opened, it is possible to prevent the user from touching an operating device or the like, so that the safety of the user can be further enhanced. The external door holding mechanism release detecting device is an example of a holding release detecting means.

  When the external door holding mechanism release detecting device detects that the external door holding mechanism 290 is released from the closed state during the washing operation of the washing machine, the drive motor 9, the blower 31, the drying Of the water supply valve 83, the water supply valve 84, the drainage means 85, and the like, it is preferable to stop all of the driven ones. That is, it is preferable to stop the full load.

  Further, when the full load is stopped based on the detection result of the external door holding mechanism release detecting device, it is preferable to notify the user by the notification means 78 that the full load is stopped based on the detection result of the external door holding mechanism release detecting device. .

(Third embodiment)
In FIG. 9, the schematic front view of the drum type washing machine of 3rd Embodiment of this invention is shown. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view seen from the line XX of FIG. 9 and 10, the same components as those of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the components in FIG.

  In the outer box 1 of the drum type washing machine, a cable type door automatic opening / closing mechanism 310 for automatically opening and closing the outer door 3 is disposed. The automatic door opening / closing mechanism 310 includes a rail 210a, a drive unit 310b, a cable 210c, and a guide 210d. The front plate 7 of the outer box 1 is provided with a maintenance hatch 392 at a portion facing the drive unit 310b.

  The drive unit 310b has a door drive motor 350 shown in FIG. The door drive motor 350 is provided with a speed reduction mechanism 353.

  A cable winding drum 352 is attached to the output shaft 351 of the door drive motor 350, and a cable 210c is wound around the cable winding drum 352 by a predetermined number of turns. Accordingly, by rotating the output shaft 351 of the door drive motor 350, the guide 210d can be moved in the vertical direction along the rail 210a. The output shaft 351 is an example of a shaft for driving the first door.

  In addition, 100 of FIG. 9 is a base. The bottom base 100 is connected to the lower end of the outer box 601.

  According to the drum type washing machine having the above configuration, for example, when the supply of electricity to the control device 2 (see FIG. 2 or the like) is stopped due to a power failure or the like, or when the control device 2 or the automatic door opening / closing mechanism 210 is broken. Then, the maintenance hatch 392 is opened, and the door opening / closing handle 393 is connected to the output shaft 351 of the door drive motor 350 and then the door opening / closing handle 393 is rotated, as shown in FIG. Can be rotated manually. Therefore, even if the supply of electricity to the control device 2 is stopped, the external door 3 can be opened manually.

  When the torque of the door drive motor 350 is lowered, there is a risk that the external door 3 will open without permission due to vibration during the operation of the washing machine, but by using the external door holding mechanism 290 or a similar mechanism, , Can eliminate that fear.

  Needless to say, the drum-type washing machine has the same effect as the second embodiment.

  In the second and third embodiments, the rail 210a facing one side of the external door 3 is provided. However, the first rail facing one side of the external door 3 is provided, and the external door A second rail may be provided to face one of the three sides. That is, the external door 3 may be guided by two rails.

  Further, when the first and second rails are provided, the cable may be hooked on the first and second rails.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the external door opened. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drum type washing machine with the external door closed. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the main part of the drum type washing machine. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the drum type washing machine. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the drum type washing machine. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the drum type washing machine. FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of a drum type washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of a drum type washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a method of using the drum type washing machine of the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a conventional drum-type washing machine as viewed obliquely from above.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Outer box 1a Opening part 3 External door 4 Water tank 4a Opening part 6 Internal door 10,210,310 Automatic door opening / closing mechanism 72 External door closing detection means 78 Notification means 272 Limit switch 290 External door holding mechanism 292 Wire 351 Output shaft

Claims (9)

An outer box having a first opening;
A water tank disposed in the outer box and having a second opening facing the first opening of the outer box;
A non-flexible first door that can be at least partially accommodated in the outer box and slides relative to the outer box to open and close the first opening of the outer box;
An automatic door opening and closing mechanism for automatically opening and closing the first door;
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the first door can be manually opened and closed. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A rotating drum that is disposed in the water tank and that houses laundry,
A washing machine comprising: a second door attached to the water tank and opening and closing a second opening of the water tank. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,
A first door closing detecting means for detecting whether or not the first door is closed;
When the first door close detection means detects that the first door is not closed, the washing-related operation is stopped. The washing machine according to claim 3,
A washing machine comprising first notifying means for notifying a user that the operation has been stopped based on a detection result of the first door closing detecting means. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A first door holding mechanism for holding the first door closed;
A washing machine comprising: a first door holding mechanism releasing means capable of mechanically releasing the holding by the first door holding mechanism. The washing machine according to claim 5,
Holding release detecting means for detecting whether or not the holding by the first door holding mechanism is released;
The washing machine stops operation related to washing when the holding release detecting means detects that the holding by the first door holding mechanism has been released. The washing machine according to claim 6,
A washing machine, comprising: second notification means for notifying a user that the operation has been stopped based on a detection result of the holding release detection means. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The automatic door opening and closing mechanism has a shaft for driving the first door,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the shaft is manually rotatable. The washing machine according to any one of claims 5 to 8,
A washing machine, wherein a maintenance hatch is provided on a surface of the outer box on the first opening side.

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