JP2007167392A - Drum type washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that when a water feeding is performed into an external tub, in order to avoid difficulty in the water feeding by the rising of an air pressure in the external tub, an air releasing section for releasing air in the external tub to the outside is provided, however, there is fear that steam leaks out through the air releasing section at the time of drying, and moisture condensation may be generated in a cabinet. <P>SOLUTION: A check valve 42 is provided in the water passage of a cylindrical member 41 having an approximately L-shape outer shape which is attached to the upper section of the rear wall of an external tub drum member 40. When the water feeding into the external tub is started by opening a water feeding valve, an air pressure in the external tub is temporarily rapidly raised by the water being fed in by a tap water pressure, however, the air in the external tub is released to the outside as the check valve 42 opens by the rapid rise of the air pressure. Thus, the rising of the air pressure is suppressed, and the water feeding can properly be performed. Also, at the time of drying, steam emitted from laundry fills the inside of the external tub, however, the steam is immediately condensed and liquefied, and the air pressure in the external tub does not rise that much. Therefore, the check valve 42 does not open, and the steam can be prevented from leaking out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine including a drum that rotates about a horizontal axis or an inclined axis.

  In general, a drum-type washing machine has a configuration in which a cylindrical drum with a circumferential surface is rotatably arranged around a horizontal axis or an inclined axis inside an outer tub disposed in a substantially box-shaped casing. The laundry is housed in the drum, and the laundry is washed by rotating the drum with water stored in the outer tub. Also, in a drum type washing machine having a drying function, when washing is completed, the laundry can be dried by feeding heated air into the outer tub while slowly rotating the drum. Yes. In many of these drum type washing machines, a clothing input port for putting clothes into and out of the drum is provided on the front surface of the housing, and a door for opening and closing the clothing input port is provided on the housing. When the door is opened, the inside of the drum is viewed through an opening formed on the front surface of the outer tub and an opening provided on the front end surface of the drum.

  In the drum type washing machine having the above-described configuration, the opening of the outer tub and the clothing input port of the housing are connected by a substantially cylindrical packing (seal member) made of an elastic member such as rubber, and the door In the closed state, the inside of the outer tub has a relatively high sealing performance. For this reason, when the water supply valve is opened and the tap water is vigorously introduced into the outer tub when it is too easy to wash, the air in the outer tub does not suddenly escape to the outside and the air pressure in the outer tub It rises suddenly. For this reason, when it is difficult for water to enter the outer tub, or when it is severe, water flows backward through the water supply path from the detergent container to the outer tub, and water leaks out of the machine from the container containing the detergent container. There is a risk.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the drum type washing machine described in Patent Document 1, a communication path that connects the inside of the outer tub and the outside of the outer tub is provided in the upper part of the outer tub. According to this, when water is supplied into the outer tub, the air in the outer tub escapes to the outside of the outer tub through the communication path, so that the increase in air pressure in the outer tub can be suppressed, and the introduction of water into the outer tub. Can be performed smoothly.

  However, as a matter of course, the communication path as described above reduces the airtightness of the outer tub. Therefore, when air containing a large amount of water vapor discharged from the laundry during the drying operation is filled in the outer tub, a part of such water vapor is also discharged outside the outer tub through the communication path. As a result, condensation occurs in the housing, which may cause insulation failure of various electric circuits, and may cause corrosion of metal members. In addition, since water splashed from the laundry in the drum is applied to the entire peripheral surface of the outer tub during dehydration, there is a risk that such water may jump out of the outer tub from the communication path and the surrounding members may be wet.

  In addition, in the drum type washing machine having the clothing input port on the front surface of the housing as described above, water splashes on the peripheral edge of the outer tub opening or the cylindrical packing attached to the front part during easy washing operation. In the gap between the packing and the outer peripheral edge of the outer tub, water accumulates. In order to drain this water, that is, return it to the outer tub, conventionally, a drain hole communicating with the inside of the outer tub is provided at the bottom of the outer rim of the outer tub opening. However, the waste thread from the laundry during the drying operation is likely to be clogged in the drain hole, and as a result, there are cases where water cannot be drained while water remains in the above-mentioned part.

JP 2003-311094 A

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the first object is to provide a smooth introduction of water to the outer tub during water supply while water vapor leaks during drying or during dehydration. An object of the present invention is to provide a drum type washing machine capable of preventing water leakage.

  In addition, the second object of the present invention is to always prevent the lint from being clogged in the drain hole for discharging the water accumulated between the outer peripheral edge of the outer tub opening and the packing in front of the outer tub opening. An object of the present invention is to provide a drum type washing machine capable of draining water.

The first invention made to achieve the first object is a casing, an outer tub disposed in the casing, and rotatable inside a horizontal axis or an inclined axis inside the outer tub. A cylindrical drum with a circumferential surface disposed in the water tank, water supply means for supplying water for easy washing in the outer tub, and hot air supply means for supplying hot air for drying into the outer tub In a drum-type washing machine comprising:
An on-off valve provided with an exhaust passage for discharging the air in the outer tub to the outside of the outer tub when water is supplied by the water supply means, and preventing water vapor generated in the outer tub from leaking out of the outer tub during drying It is provided in the exhaust path.

  As a typical embodiment, the on-off valve opens a flow path in response to a sudden increase in air pressure in the outer tub when water is supplied by the water supply means, and a check that closes the flow path in the absence of such a rapid increase in air pressure. It can be set as the structure which is a valve.

That is, when water is supplied from a water tap into the outer tub by means of water supply for easy washing, generally a relatively high tap water pressure (standard household tap water pressure is 1861.3 hPa (2 kgf / cm ^Since water is supplied in about ² ), the air pressure in the outer tank suddenly increases. Since the check valve opens the flow path in response to the sudden increase in air pressure, part of the air in the outer tub is discharged out of the outer tub through the exhaust passage. As a result, an increase in the air pressure in the outer tub can be suppressed, so that the water fed into the outer tub by the water supply means is smoothly supplied into the outer tub without being stagnant or flowing backward.

  On the other hand, during the drying operation, steam is spouted from the laundry in the drum by the warm air supplied into the outer tub by the warm air supply means, but since this steam is quickly condensed and liquefied, the air pressure in the outer tub is not much. Does not rise. For this reason, the check valve does not open or is very small even if it is opened, so that leakage of water vapor to the outside of the outer tub through the exhaust passage is suppressed, and condensation within the housing is unlikely to occur. In addition, water is scattered from the laundry by rotating the drum at a high speed during dehydration, and an air flow is generated in the outer tub, but in such a case, the pressure is not high enough to open the check valve. Therefore, the water that scatters from the drum toward the inner peripheral wall of the outer tub during dehydration does not leak out of the outer tub through the exhaust passage.

  The on-off valve (check valve) may be attached in any way as long as it can open and close the flow path of the exhaust passage. However, as one aspect, the exhaust passage is an outer tank constituent member that constitutes the outer tank A cylindrical member having a substantially L-shaped outer shape, which is attached to the outer tank constituent member so as to communicate with the exhaust hole drilled in the tube, and includes a horizontal cylindrical portion and an upright cylindrical portion that stands up from the other end of the horizontal cylindrical portion The on-off valve may be sandwiched between the tubular member and the outer tub constituent member.

  For example, when the outer tub uses the outer tub body member forming the peripheral wall surface and the rear wall surface of the outer tub and the outer tub front member forming the front surface of the outer tub as the main outer tub constituent member, the exhaust hole is You may provide in any of an outer tank trunk | drum member and an outer tank front surface member.

  According to this configuration, since the on-off valve can be attached at the same time when the cylindrical member is fixed to the outer tank body member with a screw or the like, for example, the on-off valve can be easily attached and the cost can be reduced. Even if the on-off valve is not completely closed during the drying operation and there is some water vapor leakage, the water vapor leaked from the opening to the outside of the outer tank only after passing through the horizontal tube portion and the upright tube portion of the tubular member. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the air is cooled while passing through the cylindrical member and the dew is formed on the inner wall. Therefore, the amount of water vapor finally leaking out of the outer tub can be considerably reduced. In addition, by folding the flow path of the exhaust passage into an L-shape, even if the on-off valve is not sufficiently closed, water scattered from inside the drum during dehydration jumps out of the outer tank directly through the exhaust passage. This can also be avoided.

  Moreover, as another aspect, the said exhaust path is attached to this outer tank structural member so that it may communicate with the exhaust hole drilled in the outer tank structural member which comprises the said outer tank, and this horizontal cylinder part and this horizontal cylinder A cylindrical member having a substantially L-shaped outer shape including an upright cylindrical portion that rises from the other end of the cylindrical portion, and the on-off valve may be attached to an upper portion of the vertical cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member.

  According to this configuration, during the drying operation, the water vapor in the outer tub passes through the tubular member and is likely to be cooled and condensed on the inner wall until it reaches the on-off valve. The amount of water vapor is reduced, and the amount of water vapor that finally leaks out of the outer tank can be considerably reduced even if the on-off valve is not completely closed. Moreover, since the water produced by the dew condensation inside the cylindrical member returns to the inside of the outer tub, it is possible to prevent water from accumulating in the cylindrical member or dripping out of the outer tub. Furthermore, by folding the flow path of the exhaust passage into an L shape, it is possible to make it difficult for water scattered from the drum during dehydration to reach the on-off valve, and even if water reaches the on-off valve, it jumps out of the outer tank. You can avoid that.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, which is achieved to achieve the second object, a housing having a garment input port formed on a front surface, a door for opening and closing the garment input port, and a door disposed in the housing. An outer tub having an opening at a position facing the clothing input port, a drum having a cylindrical shape on the front surface and an opening on the front end surface, which is rotatably arranged around a horizontal axis or an inclined axis inside the outer tub; A substantially cylindrical sealing member mounted between the clothing input port of the housing and the opening of the outer tub, wherein the outer tub forms a peripheral surface and has an open front surface A member, a substantially annular outer tank front plate member that is attached to the front surface of the outer tank body member and holds the seal member, and an inner opening of the drum that is attached to the inner peripheral side of the outer tank front plate member A substantially cylindrical outer tank opening frame member extending so as to extend to the outer tank front plate member and the front In the drum type washing machine which is adapted to form a hollow frame member that borders the periphery of the outer tub opening by the outer tub opening frame member,
Water drainage holes are drilled at positions facing the center bottom of the outer tank front plate member and the outer tank opening frame member, respectively, and the water drainage holes of the outer tank opening frame member facing the inner side of the outer tank are formed. The size of the drain hole of the outer tank front plate member facing the outer side of the outer tank is larger than that of the outer tank.

  In the drum-type washing machine according to the second aspect of the invention, the water accumulated between the seal member and the outer tub front plate member first passes through the drain hole formed in the outer tub front plate member, and then the outer tub opening frame member. The water enters through the drain hole formed in the outer tank, and is finally discharged out of the machine through a drain outlet provided in the outer tank. Since the drain hole facing the inside of the outer tub is larger than the size of the drain hole facing the outside of the outer tub, yarn waste of a size that can pass through the latter drain hole will clog the former drain hole. Pass smoothly and enter the outer tank. On the other hand, yarn waste of a size that cannot pass through the latter drainage hole cannot pass through the former drainage hole, so that it collects in the former, that is, outside the drainage hole facing the outside of the outer tub. . Thereby, it is possible to prevent yarn waste from accumulating between the two drain holes, that is, inside the hollow frame, thereby eliminating clogging of the drain holes and avoiding deterioration of water flow performance. be able to. In addition, the user can easily remove the yarn waste accumulated in the drain hole facing the outside of the outer tub.

  However, if the water that has passed through the drain hole facing the outside of the outer tank does not reach the drain hole facing the inside of the outer tank straight, that is, the water is laterally moved in the space between both drain holes. If it flows, there is a possibility that the lint on the water flow will remain inside the hollow frame. Therefore, as a preferable aspect of the drum type washing machine according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is preferable to form a water passage using a rib protruding from the front plate member of the outer tub between the two drain holes.

  Moreover, you may form the water flow path using the rib protrudingly provided by the said outer tank opening frame member between the said 2 drain holes as another aspect.

  Furthermore, as another aspect, a water passage may be formed between the two drain holes by a member different from the outer tank front plate member and the outer tank opening frame member.

  In any of these aspects, since a water passage is formed between both drain holes, the water that has passed through the drain hole of the outer tank front plate member does not spread sideways, and the outer tank opening frame member remains as it is. It reaches the drain hole and flows through it into the outer tub. Thereby, it can prevent more reliably that lint collects in the space between both drain holes, and not only does water performance drop, but can maintain cleanliness.

  According to the drum type washing machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to achieve a smooth water supply by preventing the backflow of water when water is supplied to the outer tub, and to suppress the leakage of water vapor from the outer tub during the drying operation. It is possible to prevent such water vapor from condensing in the housing. In addition, leakage of water from the outer tub during washing, rinsing and dehydration can be prevented.

  According to the drum type washing machine according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the thread waste from the laundry from being clogged in the drain hole for discharging the water accumulated between the outer peripheral edge of the outer tub opening and the seal member at the front thereof. Smooth drainage can be ensured.

  Hereinafter, a drum type washing and drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external side view of the drum-type washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment with the door opened, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the drum-type washing / drying machine of the present embodiment.

  The casing 1 forming the outer shape of the drum type washing and drying machine has a substantially box shape as a whole. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front surface 1a of the housing 1 is slightly curved from the upper part to the central part and is slightly inclined upward, and a substantially circular clothing input port 1b is provided there. The garment input port 1b is formed and opened and closed by a side-opening type door 2 through which the inside can be seen through. In addition, an operation panel 5 that is elongated to the left and right and on which various operation keys and indicators are arranged is provided on the upper portion of the front surface 1a, that is, on the clothing insertion opening 1b, and a drawer-type detergent container 6 is provided on the left side. Similarly, on the right side, a drawer-type dry filter container 7 is installed.

  In addition, a water supply hose connection port 3 to which the other end of a water supply hose whose one end is connected to a water tap is connected is arranged on the upper surface 1c of the housing 1, and one end is immersed in the bath water in the bathtub on the right side thereof. A bath water hose connection port 4 to which the other end of the bath water hose is connected is arranged. The water supply hose connection port 3 is formed by exposing a water inlet of a water supply valve 21 described later directly to the upper surface, and the bath water hose connection port 4 is formed by exposing the water inlet of the bath water pump 22 directly to the upper surface. Has been.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic side longitudinal sectional view at a position where a water supply / drainage path appears in the drum type laundry dryer of the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a schematic side longitudinal sectional view at a position where the drying path appears in the drum type laundry dryer of the present embodiment. FIG. The internal structure of the drum type washing and drying machine will be described with reference to FIGS.

  An outer tub 10 having a substantially cylindrical outer peripheral surface is held inside the housing 1 by a damper 11 that supports the left and right lower sides and a spring (not shown) that pulls the upper part so that the outer tub 10 can swing appropriately. A front surface of the outer tub 10 is formed with an outer tub front surface opening 10a that opens in a circular shape relative to the clothing input port 1b of the housing 1, and a peripheral edge portion of the outer tub front surface opening 10a and a peripheral edge portion of the clothing input port 1b. Are connected by a flat cylindrical packing (seal member) 12 made of an elastic material such as rubber.

  Inside the outer tub 10, a drum 13 having a substantially cylindrical shape for accommodating laundry is supported by a main shaft 14 that extends in the front-rear direction and is inclined forward. The front end surface of the drum 13 is formed with a drum front opening 13a that is widely opened. When the door 2 is opened, the interior of the drum 13 is passed through the outer tank front opening 10a and the drum front opening 13a from the upper front side. You can peek into it. Here, the inclination angle θ of the central axis C of the drum 13, that is, the central axis of the main shaft 14 is set to about 15 ° with respect to the horizontal line, but this is an example, and the inclination angle θ is about 10 to 30 °, for example. Is set at an appropriate angle.

  The front end of the main shaft 14 is firmly fixed to the rear surface of the drum 13 and is rotatably supported by a bearing 16 of a bearing fixing member 15 attached to the rear surface portion of the outer tub 10. A rotor 172 of a motor 17 which is an outer rotor type DC brushless motor is attached to an end portion of the main shaft 14 protruding rearward of the outer tub 10, while a stator 171 of the motor 17 is fixed to the bearing fixing member 15. ing. The rotor 172 including the permanent magnet is disposed so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the stator 171 including the windings, whereby the motor 17 has a thin structure in the extending direction of the main shaft 14. When a drive current is supplied to the stator 171 from a control circuit (not shown), the rotor 172 rotates and the drum 13 is rotationally driven through the main shaft 14 at the same rotational speed as the rotor 172.

  In the upper space in the housing 1, a water supply unit 20 including a water supply valve 21, a bath water pump 22 for supplying bath water, and a detergent charging unit 23 is disposed. The water inlet directed to the upper side of the water supply valve 21 is the water supply hose connection port 3, and the water inlet directed to the upper side of the bath water pump 22 is the bath water hose connection port 4. The detergent charging unit 23 that allows the detergent container 6 to be pulled out is disposed in front of the water supply valve 21, and the water supplied to the detergent charging unit 23 through the water supply valve 21 and the bath water pump 22 mainly passes through the interior of the detergent container 6. As described above, the water is supplied into the outer tub 10 from a water injection port 25 provided at the rear portion of the outer tub 10 through a water injection pipe 24 connected to the bottom of the detergent charging unit 23.

  As described above, the water supplied and stored in the outer tub 10 flows into the drum 13 through the water passage hole 13b. Further, water discharged from the laundry in the drum 13 during dehydration is scattered to the outer tub 10 side through the water passage hole 13b. A drain outlet 26 is provided behind the bottom of the outer tub 10, and the drain outlet 26 is connected to the inlet of the drain valve 27. When the drain valve 27 is opened, the water stored in the outer tub 10 is It is discharged out of the machine through the drain pipe 28.

  This drum type washing and drying machine also has a function of drying the laundry after dehydration. As shown in FIG. 4, an air discharge port 31 is provided at the lower rear surface of the outer tub 10. The ventilation path 32 connected to is connected to an air supply port 36 provided in the upper part of the front surface of the outer tub 10 through the rear, side and upper side of the outer tub 10. In the middle of the ventilation path 32, a drying filter (not shown) housed in a drying filter container 7 that can be drawn forward, a fan 33 that is rotationally driven by a fan motor 34, and a heater 35 for drying are disposed. Has been. Further, an end portion of a cooling water hose (not shown) is connected to the upright portion of the ventilation path 32.

  Thus, during the drying operation, the air flow generated by the fan 33 is heated by the heater 35 and then discharged from the air supply port 36 and supplied into the drum 13. When the heated air passes through the inside of the drum 13, it exchanges heat with the laundry to remove moisture, and flows into the ventilation path 32 through the air outlet 31. Water flows continuously or intermittently through the cooling water hose in the upright portion of the ventilation path 32, and when heated air containing a large amount of water vapor comes into contact with this cooling water, the water vapor is condensed and condensed. Condensed water flows along the cooling wall along the inner wall of the ventilation path 32, flows into the outer tub 10, and is discharged from the drain 26. The dry air from which water vapor has been removed in the air passage 32 passes through the drying filter and circulates through the fan 33 and returns to the heater 35. Foreign matters such as lint, dust and pollen mixed in the air when passing through the drying filter are removed.

  Next, a characteristic configuration and operation of the drum type washing and drying machine of the present embodiment will be described. 5 is a front perspective view showing the outer tub unit including the outer tub and various members attached thereto, FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the same outer tub unit, and FIG. 7 is a part near the air escape portion in FIG. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the air escape portion, FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the outer tub unit, and FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the drain portion of the outer tub opening.

  In this drum type washing and drying machine, as shown in FIG. 3, it protrudes in an L-shape from the upper rear surface of the outer tub 10 and allows air in the outer tub 10 to escape to the outside of the outer tub 10 (inside the housing 1). An air escape portion is provided. The configuration and operation of this air escape portion will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the outer tank body member 40 which is a main outer tank constituent member of the outer tank 10 has a substantially cylindrical peripheral surface and the entire front surface is opened, and the rear surface is the above-described bearing fixing member 15. Except for the fact that the mounting opening is formed at the center, the whole is closed. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a large number of ribs are erected on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tub body member 40 and the rear surface of the rear wall, thereby increasing the strength of the outer tub body member 40. An exhaust hole 40a penetrating the wall surface is formed in the upper part of the rear wall of the outer tank body member 40, and a cylinder that protrudes substantially horizontally from the outer tank body member 40 around the exhaust hole 40a outside the wall surface. It becomes the shape part 40b. The cylindrical member 41 attached to the cylindrical portion 40b has a substantially L-shaped outer shape, and includes a horizontal cylindrical portion 41a extending substantially horizontally and an upright cylinder extending substantially vertically upward from one end of the horizontal cylindrical portion 41a. The upper end of the upright tube portion 41b is an air escape opening 41c. That is, the space between the exhaust hole 40a facing the inside of the outer tub 10 and the air escape opening 41c facing the outside of the outer tub 10 is an exhaust path in the present invention.

  One end of the horizontal tube portion 41a is a cylindrical connection base portion 41d having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube portion 40b. The connection base portion 41d is fitted on the outer side of the tube portion 40b, and further on both sides. The cylindrical member 41 is fixed to the outer tank body member 40 by screwing a plurality of screws 43 inserted through the screw holes of the attachment piece 41e extending in the direction into the boss of the outer tank body member 40. ing. During the fixing, the check valve 42 is sandwiched between the end surface of the tubular portion 40 b of the outer tank body member 40 and the step on the inner surface of the connection base 41 d of the tubular member 41. Accordingly, the check valve 42 is fixed in the vicinity of the exhaust hole 40a in the flow path from the exhaust hole 40a to the air escape opening 41c. The check valve 42, which is an on-off valve in the present invention, has a differential pressure when the air pressure on the inner side (the left side in FIG. 8) of the outer tub 10 is larger than the air pressure on the outer side of the outer tub 10 to some extent. Opened as indicated by reference numeral 42B in FIG. 8, and otherwise, the flow path is closed as indicated by reference numeral 42A in FIG.

  In the configuration as described above, when the water supply valve 21 is opened when it is easy to wash, tap water supplied with a relatively large tap water pressure from the tap is supplied from the water inlet 25 to the inside of the outer tub 10 through the water inlet 24. To be supplied. In the state where the door 2 is closed and the drain valve 27 is closed, the inside of the outer tub 10 is highly hermetically sealed. Therefore, when water is introduced into the outer tub 10, the air pressure in the outer tub 10 suddenly increases. As a result, differential pressure is generated on both sides of the check valve 42, the check valve 42 opens as described above, and the inside and outside of the outer tub 10 communicate with each other through the flow path in the tubular member 41. As a result, the air in the outer tub 10 escapes to the outside of the outer tub 10, and a sudden increase in air pressure in the outer tub 10 is suppressed. A certain level of high air pressure is maintained.

  If the air pressure in the outer tub 10 suddenly increases at the beginning of water supply, the water to be introduced into the outer tub 10 from the water inlet 25 is pushed by the air pressure and does not enter smoothly. It may flow backward inside. On the other hand, the air in the outer tub 10 is appropriately discharged outside the outer tub 10 as described above, and the abnormal increase in the air pressure in the outer tub 10 is suppressed, so that water can flow smoothly without backflow. It is supplied into the outer tub 10.

  When the drum 13 is rotationally driven in a state where a predetermined amount of water is stored in the outer tub 10, washing and rinsing are performed, water or the exhaust hole 40 a formed in the outer tub barrel member 40 Bubbles may hit. However, the check valve 42 hardly opens at a pressure at which water or foam hits, and water or foam does not leak out of the outer tub 10.

  Further, when the drum 13 is rotated at a high speed for dehydration, the water splashed from the drum 13 strikes the inner peripheral surface of the outer tub 10 more vigorously than when it is easy to wash, but the exhaust hole 40a is formed in the outer tub body member 40. Since it is provided not on the peripheral surface side but on the rear surface side, it is difficult for the scattered water to directly hit the exhaust hole 40a. Further, when the drum 13 is rotated at a high speed, a strong air flow is generated in the outer tub 10 in the circumferential direction of the drum 13, but the exhaust hole 40 a provided on the rear surface of the outer tub body member 40 has the air flow. Since the check valve 42 hardly opens, even if splashed water is splashed, it is difficult to leak from the check valve 42 to the downstream side. Furthermore, since the cylindrical member 41 has an L shape, even if water leaks from the clearance of the check valve 42, the water does not reach the air escape opening 41c and leaks to the outside. Hateful.

  At the time of drying, heated air is supplied into the outer tub 10 from the air supply port 36 as described above, and a large amount of water vapor evaporates from the laundry in the drum 13 by heat exchange with the heated air. However, air containing a large amount of water vapor is quickly sucked into the ventilation path 32 from the outer tank 10 through the air discharge port 31, and the water vapor is removed by condensation liquefaction with cooling water. For this reason, although the air pressure in the outer tub 10 is higher than that before drying, it does not increase so much. Therefore, the differential pressure does not occur as the check valve 42 is opened, and the water vapor hardly leaks from the outer tub 10 to the tubular member 41 side. Furthermore, even if the check valve 42 is not completely closed and some water vapor leaks out, the flow path in the cylindrical member 41 is L-shaped, so that the water vapor is cooled while passing through the flow path. As a result, condensation forms on the inner surface of the cylindrical member 41. Thereby, the water vapor leaking outside from the air escape opening 41c can be extremely reduced, and the humidity inside the housing 1 can be suppressed and the water vapor can be prevented from condensing.

  Moreover, although description is abbreviate | omitted in FIG.3, FIG.4 etc., the drum type washing-drying machine of this Example is equipped with an ozone generator, ozone is mixed in the air circulated and supplied in the outer tank 10 at the time of drying, The action of ozone allows the laundry to be sterilized and deodorized. Therefore, unless a check valve is provided in the exhaust path as described above, not only water vapor but also ozone may leak out of the outer tank 10. At this time, the concentration of ozone leaking out of the apparatus is not so high, but ozone has a specific odor and it is desirable to suppress ozone leaking out of the apparatus as much as possible. According to the above configuration, the leakage of ozone during drying can be prevented by the check valve 42.

  In the above configuration, the check valve 42 is sandwiched between the end surface of the tubular portion 40b of the outer tub body member 40 and the step on the inner surface of the connection base portion 41d of the tubular member 41, as shown in FIG. As described above, the check valve 42 may be attached in the vicinity of the air escape opening 41c at the upper end of the upright cylinder portion 41b. Also by this, the check valve 42 is opened at the time of water supply so that water can be supplied satisfactorily, and leakage of water and water vapor can be prevented by the check valve 42 at the time of washing, rinsing, dehydration and drying.

  Further, in this embodiment, the exhaust hole 40a is formed in the upper part of the rear wall of the outer tank body member 40 and the exhaust passage is formed outwardly therefrom, but the exhaust is discharged to another part of the outer tank body member 40. The hole 40a may be provided, or the exhaust hole 40a may be provided in another outer tank constituent member constituting the outer tank 10 other than the outer tank body member 40. Specifically, as will be described later, an exhaust hole 40a is formed in the upper part of the outer tank front plate member 44 mounted on the front surface of the outer tank body member 40, and an exhaust path is formed outwardly therefrom. Good.

  In this drum-type washing / drying machine, when water is easily washed, water splashes on the peripheral portion of the outer tub front face opening 10a and the packing 12 attached to the front portion of the outer tub front opening 10a. In view of this, a drain portion for allowing the water to flow inside the outer tub 10 is provided at the bottom of the peripheral edge of the outer tub 10. Next, the configuration and operation of the drainage portion will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a substantially annular outer tank front plate member 44 for holding the packing 12 on the outer tank 10 side is attached to the front opening of the outer tank body member 40, and the outer tank front plate member 44. A substantially flat cylindrical outer tub opening frame member 45 extending from the drum front opening 13a to the inside of the drum 13 is attached to the inner peripheral side of the opening. Both the outer tank front plate member 44 and the outer tank opening frame member 45 can be made of the same synthetic resin as the outer tank body member 40.

  More specifically, the outer tank front plate member 44 is fitted to the front edge of the outer tank body member 40 and extends inward in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis C, and the outer edge vertical wall part. A horizontal wall 44d that is bent substantially vertically from the inner peripheral edge of 44c and extends forward, and an inner edge vertical wall that is inclined so as to incline slightly rearward from the inner peripheral side of the horizontal wall 44d. Part 44e. The front edge of the annular lateral wall portion 44d is a packing mounting portion 44f formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section, and the packing mounting portion is formed by the fitting piece portion 12a and the rib 12b formed on the edge portion of the packing 12. The packing 12 is attached to the outer tank front plate member 44 so as to sandwich 44f.

  On the other hand, the outer tub opening frame member 45 includes a lateral wall portion 45b formed in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis C and having a rear end bent substantially perpendicularly to the outer side, and an outer periphery of the lateral wall portion 45b. A vertical wall portion 45c that is inclined outward from the side and toward the front side, and is erected so as to spread outward in a plane substantially orthogonal to the central axis C at the outer peripheral edge thereof. The front edge of the horizontal wall portion 45b of the outer tank opening frame member 45 is brought into contact with the upper rear surface of the inner edge vertical wall portion 44e of the outer tank front plate member 44, and the outer edge of the vertical wall portion 45c of the outer tank opening frame member 45 is Both members 44 and 45 are fixed by a plurality of screws (not shown) in a state where they are in contact with the inner peripheral side rear portion of the horizontal wall portion 44d of the tank front plate member 44. Thereby, the peripheral edge of the outer tank front face opening 10a is surrounded by the horizontal wall part 44d and the inner edge vertical wall part 44e of the outer tank front plate member 44, and the horizontal wall part 45b and the vertical wall part 45c of the outer tank opening frame member 45. An annular hollow body is formed. By making the peripheral edge of the outer tank front opening 10a a hollow body, as shown in FIG. 5, it becomes easy to secure a space for providing the air supply port 36 for feeding heated air into the outer tank 10. Further, since the lateral wall portion 45b of the outer tub opening frame member 45 extends to the inside of the drum 13, the gap between the outer tub front opening 10a and the drum front opening 13a is not exposed, and the laundry can be taken in and out. In this case, it is possible to prevent the laundry from falling or being caught in the gap.

  Since the attachment structure of the packing 12 to the outer tank front plate member 44 is as described above, it is between the front surface of the inner edge vertical wall portion 44e of the outer tank front plate member 44 and the rear surface of the bellows portion 12c having a substantially S-shaped cross section of the packing 12. Grooves are formed in the water, and water is easily collected here. In order to drain this water, an outer drain hole 44a is drilled at the bottom of the inner edge vertical wall 44e of the outer tank front plate member 44, and a cylinder that surrounds the upper surface and both side surfaces from the outer drain hole 44a to the rear. A rib 44b is extended. On the other hand, an inner drain hole 45a is drilled at the bottom of the vertical wall 45c of the outer tank opening frame member 45, that is, at a position facing the outer drain hole 44a in the front-rear direction. The outer drain hole 44a is a hole that communicates the outside of the outer tank 10 and the hollow body space, and the inner drain hole 45a is a hole that communicates the interior of the outer tank 10 and the hollow body space. The inside and outside of the outer tub 10 communicate with each other through the holes 44a and 45a. Here, one of the characteristics is that the opening size of the inner drain hole 45a is set larger than the opening size of the outer drain hole 44a. A water passage 46 surrounded by the ribs 44b is formed in the space between the outer drain hole 44a and the inner drain hole 45a.

  In the configuration as described above, the water accumulated in the groove formed between the outer tub front plate member 44 and the packing 12 as described above at the time of rinsing is easy as indicated by the arrow in FIG. It passes through the drain hole 44a, is guided by the rib 44b, passes through the inner drain hole 45a, and flows into the outer tub 10. Since the rib 44b prevents water from spreading laterally between the outer water drain hole 44a and the inner water drain hole 45a, the water flows smoothly along the water passage 46. Thereby, the water collected in the groove | channel between the outer tank front plate member 44 and the packing 12 is rapidly returned in the outer tank 10, and the cleanliness of this part can be maintained.

  In addition, when thread waste from clothing is mixed with water during washing, rinsing, drying, etc., the thread waste riding on the water flow and passing through the outer drain hole 44a is larger than the outer drain hole 44a. Easily pass through the large inner drain hole 45a. That is, as described above, by setting the opening sizes of the outer drain hole 44a and the inner drain hole 45a, it is possible to prevent yarn waste from being caught on the edge of the inner drain hole 45a. Of course, large yarn waste that is difficult to pass through the outer drain hole 44a is caught on the edge of the outer drain hole 44a. However, since this is exposed to the outside, it is easily noticeable by the user, and the user can remove the yarn waste. It is easy to remove. Thus, according to the structure of the drum type washing / drying machine of the present embodiment, the yarn waste is between the outer drain hole 44a and the inner drain hole 45a, that is, the outer tank front plate member 44 and the outer tank opening frame member 45. Therefore, it is difficult to accumulate in the hollow body formed by the above, and it is possible to avoid clogging of the drainage portion thereby to ensure good drainage. Moreover, since dust, such as yarn waste, does not collect in a portion that is difficult for the user to clean, cleanliness can be maintained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the rib that forms the water passage 46 is formed on the outer tank front plate member 44 between the outer drain hole 44a and the inner drain hole 45a, but the same as the outer tank opening frame member 45. Alternatively, a rib having a similar shape may be formed by another member, and this may be attached between the outer drain hole 44a and the inner drain hole 45a. In either case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  Further, the above-described embodiment is an example of the present invention, and it is obvious that any change, correction, or addition as appropriate within the scope of the present invention is included in the scope of the claims of the present application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The external appearance side view in the state which opened the door of the drum type washing-drying machine by one Example of this invention. The external appearance perspective view of the drum type washing-drying machine of a present Example. The schematic side longitudinal cross-sectional view in the position where a water supply / drainage path appears in the drum type washing-drying machine of a present Example. The schematic side surface longitudinal cross-sectional view in the position where a drying path | route appears in the drum type washing-drying machine of a present Example. The front perspective view which shows the outer tub unit containing the outer tub and the member with which it was mounted | worn in the drum type washing / drying machine of a present Example. The rear perspective view of an outer tank unit. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional detail view of the vicinity of an air escape portion in FIG. 5. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of an air escape part. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of an outer tank unit. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drainage part vicinity of an outer tank opening. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the other form of an air escape part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Housing | casing 1b ... Clothing inlet 2 ... Door 10 ... Outer tank 10a ... Outer tank front surface opening 12 ... Packing 13 ... Drum 13a ... Drum front surface opening 14 ... Main shaft 17 ... Motor 40 ... Outer tank body member 40a ... Exhaust hole 40b ... Cylindrical part 41 ... Cylindrical member 41a ... Horizontal cylindrical part 41b ... Upright cylindrical part 41c ... Air escape opening 41d ... Connection base part 41e ... Mounting piece part 42 ... Check valve 44 ... Outer tank front plate member 44a ... Outside drainage Hole 44b ... Rib 44c ... Outer edge vertical wall 44d ... Horizontal wall 44e ... Inner edge vertical wall 44f ... Packing attachment 45 ... Outer tank opening frame member 45a ... Inner drain hole 45b ... Horizontal wall 45c ... Vertical wall 46 ... through Waterway

Claims (8)

A housing, an outer tub disposed in the housing, a cylindrical drum having a circumferential surface disposed within the outer tub so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis or an inclined axis, and the outer tub In a drum-type washing machine comprising water supply means for supplying water for easy washing and hot air supply means for supplying hot air for drying into the outer tub,
An on-off valve provided with an exhaust passage for discharging the air in the outer tub to the outside of the outer tub when water is supplied by the water supply means, and preventing water vapor generated in the outer tub from leaking out of the outer tub during drying A drum type washing machine provided in the exhaust passage.   The on-off valve is a check valve that opens the flow path in response to a sudden increase in air pressure in the outer tub when water is supplied by the water supply means, and closes the flow path in the absence of such a rapid increase in air pressure. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1.   The exhaust passage is erected from a horizontal cylinder part and the other end of the horizontal cylinder part, which are attached to the outer tank constituent member so as to communicate with exhaust holes formed in the outer tank constituent member constituting the outer tank. 3. A cylindrical member having a substantially L-shaped outer shape including an upright cylindrical portion, wherein the on-off valve is sandwiched between the cylindrical member and the outer tub constituting member. A drum-type washing machine as described in 1.   The exhaust passage is erected from a horizontal cylinder part and the other end of the horizontal cylinder part, which are attached to the outer tank constituent member so as to communicate with exhaust holes formed in the outer tank constituent member constituting the outer tank. The drum type of Claim 1 or 2 including the cylindrical member of the external shape substantially L-shape including an upright cylinder part, and the said on-off valve is attached to the upper part of the upright cylinder part of the said cylindrical member. Washing machine. A housing having a garment input port formed on the front surface; a door for opening and closing the garment input port; an outer tub disposed in the housing and having an opening facing the garment input port; Mounted between a drum having a cylindrical outer surface and an opening at the front end surface, and a clothing input port of the housing and an opening of the outer tub, which is rotatably arranged around a horizontal axis or an inclined axis inside the tub A substantially cylindrical sealing member, wherein the outer tub forms a peripheral surface and the front surface is opened, and is attached to the front surface of the outer tub body member to hold the sealing member. A generally annular outer tank front plate member, and a substantially cylindrical outer tank opening frame member that is attached to the inner peripheral side of the outer tank front plate member and extends to the inside of the opening of the drum. The outer tank front plate member and the outer tank opening frame member are used to form a hollow that borders the periphery of the outer tank opening. In the drum type washing machine to form a frame,
Water drainage holes are drilled at positions facing the center bottom of the outer tank front plate member and the outer tank opening frame member, respectively, and the water drainage holes of the outer tank opening frame member facing the inner side of the outer tank are formed. A drum-type washing machine characterized in that the size of the drain hole of the outer tank front plate member facing the outer side of the outer tank is made larger.   6. The drum type washing machine according to claim 5, wherein a water passage using a rib projecting from the outer tank front plate member is formed between the two drain holes.   6. The drum type washing machine according to claim 5, wherein a water passage using a rib projecting from the outer tub opening frame member is formed between the two drain holes. 6. The drum type washing machine according to claim 5, wherein a water passage is formed between the two drain holes by a member different from the outer tank front plate member and the outer tank opening frame member.

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