JP2009006006A - Laundry machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a laundry machine which achieves low vibration and low noise when dehydration starts. <P>SOLUTION: A laundry machine includes a driving means 35 which rotates a washing and dehydrating tub 34 prepared rotatably in an outer tub 33 supported by a first attenuating means 32 prepared at the bottom of a laundry machine outer frame 30, and supports the outer tub 33 from the lower side by leaning a second attenuating means 41 for supporting the front side of the outer tub 33 and reducing vibration to a position opposed to a downward rotating direction when the dehydration of the washing and dehydrating tub 34 starts. The hard vertical vibration of the outer tub 33 when dehydration starts by the eccentric load of the laundry is suppressed by the first attenuating means 32. The whirling vibration of the front side of the outer tub 33 can be reduced by the second attenuating means 41. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine that performs washing, rinsing, and dehydration of laundry in a washing and dewatering tub rotatably disposed in an outer tub elastically supported in a washing machine body.

Conventionally, in this type of washing machine, the weight of the outer tub is increased in order to suppress a large vibration of the outer tub at the time of dehydration activation due to the eccentric load of the laundry (see, for example, Patent Document 1). FIG. 17 shows an overall configuration of a conventional washing machine described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, the main body 1, the outer tub 3 supported by the suspension 2 in the main body, the washing / dehydrating tub 4 rotating around the horizontal axis in the outer tub 3, and the washing / dehydrating tub 4 A washing machine provided with a motor 5 to be driven, a damper 6 provided between the lower part of the outer tub 3 and the main body 1, and a vibration suppression tank 7 provided in the outer tub 3 for accumulating water according to the degree of vibration. The tank 7 is filled with water at the time of dehydration activation, and a large vibration at the time of dehydration activation can be suppressed by the weight of the water filled in the tank 7.
JP-A-5-131075

  However, the conventional configuration requires a water supply device for filling the tank 7 with water and a drainage device for draining, which is expensive. In addition, piping for water supply and drainage generated noise due to vibration during dehydration. Furthermore, even when the vibration suppression effect is obtained by using the vibration energy of water without filling the tank 7, there is a problem that the vibration sound of water is generated in the tank 7. Moreover, when the eccentric load of the laundry is large, it is necessary to enlarge the tank 7 to increase the amount of water, and there is a limit to the eccentric load of the laundry that can be handled in a limited space.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides a washing machine that does not use liquids such as water, eliminates accessories such as water supply / drainage devices and piping, and has improved vibration performance efficiently and silently. With the goal.

  In order to solve the conventional problems, the washing machine of the present invention is provided with an outer tub supported by a first damping means provided at the bottom of the outer frame of the washing machine, and rotatably provided in the outer tub. A washing / dehydrating tub, a driving means for rotating the washing / dehydrating tub, and a second damping means for supporting the front side of the outer tub and reducing vibration, wherein the second damping means comprises the washing The cum dewatering tank is biased to a position facing the downward rotation direction during dehydration and is supported from below.

  Thereby, the intense vertical vibration of the outer tub at the start of dehydration due to the eccentric load of the laundry is suppressed by the first damping means, and the whirling vibration on the front side of the outer tub is reliably reduced by the second damping means. become.

  The washing machine of the present invention can effectively reduce the large vibration of the outer tub at the start of dehydration without using liquids such as water and without requiring accessories such as water supply / drainage devices and piping.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an outer tub supported by a first damping means provided at the bottom of a washing machine outer frame, a washing and dehydrating tub provided rotatably in the outer tub, and the washing and detaching A driving means for rotating the water tub, and a second damping means for supporting the front side of the outer tub and reducing vibration, wherein the second damping means is a downward rotation direction during the dehydration of the washing / dehydrating tub. The first upper damping means suppresses the intense vertical vibration of the outer tub when dehydration is started due to the eccentric load of the laundry, by offsetting the position opposite to Rotational vibration can be reliably reduced by the second damping means, and smooth dehydration activation can be obtained.

  In the second invention, in particular, the outer tub of the first invention is set so that its center of gravity is positioned below the rotational axis of the washing and dewatering tub, so that the outer tub is effectively positioned from below. Since it can be supported by the first damping means and the second damping means, it is possible to further reduce the vibration of the outer tub during dehydration activation.

  In the third invention, in particular, the second damping means of the first or second invention is set at an inclination angle of about 20 degrees toward the center of gravity of the outer tank, so that the whirling vibration of the outer tank is reduced. It can be effectively reduced.

  The fourth aspect of the invention is particularly provided with a support body constructed at the bottom and side of the outer frame of the washing machine according to any one of the first to third aspects of the invention, and the lower part of the second damping means is supported by the support body. By doing so, the vibration energy from the outer tub is distributed to the bottom and sides of the outer frame of the washing machine, and the vibration of the main body at the start of dehydration and the vibration of the floor where the washing machine is installed Both can be reduced.

  The fifth aspect of the invention is particularly provided with a leg portion for installing the washing machine outer frame of the fourth invention, and the support body is provided in the vicinity of the leg portion. Among them, it can be transmitted to the vicinity of a strong leg, and the vibration of the outer frame of the washing machine can be reduced.

  In the sixth invention, in particular, the second damping means according to any one of the first to fifth inventions is installed on the front side of the center of gravity of the outer tub, so that the first damping means can be swung around as a fulcrum. Large vibration of the rotating outer tub can be efficiently reduced.

  In the seventh invention, in particular, the second damping means of any one of the first to sixth inventions is an air damper that uses air as a working fluid, thereby generating a damping force regardless of the installation direction. It is possible to reduce the whirling vibration of the outer tub more effectively.

  In the eighth invention, in particular, the second damping means of any one of the first to seventh inventions includes a damping force variable means for changing the damping force in accordance with the magnitude of the vibration of the outer tub. When the vibration of the outer tub is large, the damping force of the second damping means is strengthened to suppress the vibration of the outer tub, and the damping force is weakened at a steady time when the vibration of the outer tub is relatively small. The vibration transmissibility with respect to the machine outer frame can be reduced, and the vibration of the washing machine outer frame can be reduced.

  In the ninth invention, in particular, the second damping means of any one of the first to eighth inventions is installed on the bottom of the outer tub and the outer frame of the washing machine via the buffer, The vibration energy of the outer tub other than the direction in which the damping means exerts the effect is absorbed by the buffer, and the vibration of the washing machine outer frame can be reduced.

  In the tenth aspect of the invention, in particular, the shock absorber of the ninth aspect of the invention is a flexible low-damping body, so that the vibration transmissibility of the outer tub to the outer frame of the washing machine is reduced. Vibration can be reduced.

  In the eleventh aspect of the invention, in particular, the washing and dewatering tub according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is inclined forward and high so that the clothes are positioned near the center of gravity and the vibration form is standardized. The vibration of the outer tub can be effectively suppressed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front view of a main part of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 and 2, the washing machine outer frame 30 elastically supports an outer tub 33 with four tension springs 31 and two first damping means 32. The washing / dehydrating tub 34 is rotatably disposed in the outer tub 33. The motor (driving means) 35 is composed of a brushless DC motor and is controlled by an inverter so that the rotational speed can be freely changed. Then, the washing / dehydrating tub 34 is directly driven. The water supply means 36 supplies water into the washing / dehydrating tub 34. The water level detection means 37 detects the washing water level in the outer basket 33. The drainage means 38 drains the washing water in the outer tub 33.

  The control device 39 is provided at the lower front portion of the washing machine outer frame 30. The control device 39 sequentially controls the washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes based on the setting contents input by the operation display means 40 provided on the upper front surface of the washing machine outer frame 30. The power switching means ( The motor 35, the water supply means 36, the drainage means 38, etc. are sequentially controlled via a not-shown).

  The second damping means 41 is supported at one end by a mounting base 42 provided on the right side as viewed from the front at the bottom of the front side of the outer tub 33 via a vibration isolator 43 and provided at the bottom of the washing machine outer frame 30. The other end of the mounting base 44 is supported via a vibration isolator 43. The rotation direction 45 of the washing / dehydrating tub 34 at the time of dehydration is clockwise.

  About the washing machine comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below. First, after putting clothes and detergent into the washing and dewatering tub 34, the operation display means 40 is operated to start operation. As a result, the water supply means 36 operates, the washing water is supplied into the washing / dehydrating tub 34, and the washing / dehydrating tub 34 also starts rotating. When the specified amount of washing water is supplied, the water supply means 36 stops water supply. By the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 34, the detergent is dissolved in the washing water and becomes a washing liquid and penetrates into the clothes. The washing and dewatering tub 34 rotates at a low speed of about 30 r / min, and performs washing for a specified time to lift and drop the clothes.

  After the washing is finished, the drainage means 38 is operated, and the washing liquid in which the dirt is dissolved is drained out of the outer tub 33. After the drainage is completed, the washing / dehydrating tub 34 starts to rotate clockwise, and the rotation speed gradually increases. When the vibration frequency due to the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 34 approaches the resonance frequency of the outer tub 33, the outer tub 33 largely vibrates.

  In particular, when the load of clothes is large and the second damping means 41 is not present, the outer tub 33 collides with the washing machine outer frame 30, and when it is severe, the washing machine outer frame 30 moves. Since the washing / dehydrating tub 34 rotates clockwise, the uneven load of the clothing generated in the washing / dehydrating tub 34 falls on the right side and rises on the left side as viewed from the front.

  The rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 34 is faster when the load of clothing is shifted to the right side due to the influence of gravity, and is slower when it is moved to the left side. Accordingly, the form of the whirling vibration of the outer tub 33 tends to sway greatly downward on the right side when viewed from the front. Since the second damping means 41 is installed so as to support the outer tub 33 from below so as to face the direction in which the swaying vibration of the outer tub 33 increases, the swaying vibration of the outer tub 33 is effectively prevented. Can be reduced.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the second damping means 41 is biased to a position facing the downward rotation direction of the washing / dehydrating tub 34 during dehydration so as to support the outer tub 33 from below. As a result, the first damping means 32 suppresses the intense vertical vibration of the outer tub 33 at the start of dehydration due to the eccentric load of the laundry, and the second damping means 41 reliably prevents the front side vibration of the outer tub 33 from swinging. Therefore, smooth dehydration activation can be obtained.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the front adjustment weight 46 is fixed to the lower front part of the outer tub 33. The rear adjustment weight 47 is fixed to the lower part of the rear part of the outer tub 33. The masses of the front adjustment weight 46 and the rear adjustment weight 47 are set so that the center of gravity position 48 of the outer tub 33 is located below the rotation axis 49 of the washing and dewatering tub 34. Further, the mass of the front adjustment weight 46 and the rear adjustment weight 47 is adjusted so that the center of gravity position 48 of the outer tub 33 is positioned substantially on the vertical line of the support position 50 of the first damping means 32. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Thereby, both the first damping means and the second damping means support the vicinity of the center of gravity position 48 of the outer tub 33, and more efficiently reduce the vibration of the outer tub 33 during the dehydration activation. be able to.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 4 shows a front view of a washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the second attenuation means 41 is set at an inclination angle 51 of approximately 20 degrees toward the center of gravity position 48 of the outer tub 33. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Since the washing / dehydrating tub 34 rotates clockwise, the uneven load of the clothing generated in the washing / dehydrating tub 34 falls on the right side and rises on the left side as viewed from the front. The rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 34 is faster when the load of clothing is shifted to the right side due to the influence of gravity, and is slower when it is moved to the left side. In particular, when the unbalanced load of the garment is applied to the lower part of the outer tub 33, the speed of the washing and dewatering tub 34 becomes the fastest, and accordingly, the swinging vibration of the outer tub 33 becomes the largest. Accordingly, the form of the whirling vibration of the outer tub 33 tends to sway greatly downward on the right side when viewed from the front. The second damping means 41 is installed in a direction in which the whirling vibration of the outer tub 33 increases, that is, in a direction inclined approximately 20 degrees with respect to the vertical. Thereby, the whirling vibration of the outer tub 33 can be further effectively reduced.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 5 shows a front view of a washing machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the support body 52 constructed by the bottom part 30a and the side part 30b of the washing machine outer frame 30 is provided. A lower portion 41 a of the second damping means 41 is attached to the support body 52 via a vibration isolator 43. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The vibration of the outer tub 33 is transmitted to the washing machine outer frame 30 through the second damping means 41. With this configuration, vibration energy from the outer tub 33 and the bottom 30a of the washing machine outer frame 30 are transmitted. As a result, the vibration of the washing machine outer frame 30 and the vibration of the floor 53 on which the washing machine is installed can be reduced.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a washing machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, leg portions 54 are provided on the bottom portion 30 a of the washing machine outer frame 30. The support body 52 is fixed to the vicinity 30c of the leg portion. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Thereby, the vibration energy of the outer tub 33 can be transmitted to the vicinity 30c of the strong leg in the washing machine outer frame 30, and the vibration of the washing machine outer frame 30 can be reduced.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of a washing machine according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the mounting base 42 of the second damping means 41 is provided on the front side 33 a from the center of gravity position 48 of the outer tub 33. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

  Thereby, the large vibration of the outer tub 33 that swings around the support position 50 of the first damping means 32 can be efficiently reduced.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 8 shows a front view of the washing machine in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of an air damper according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. 8 and 9, the second damping means 41 is constituted by an air damper 55. The air damper 55 includes a cylinder 56, a piston 57, a piston ring 57a, a piston rod 58, and a bearing 59. The piston 57 is provided with an orifice 57b. The piston 57 is fixed to one end of the piston rod 58 and is inserted into the cylinder 56.

  The piston rod 58 is supported by a bearing 59 inserted into the opening 56 a of the cylinder 56. The piston ring 57a is made of a flexible rubber material and presses against the inner wall of the cylinder 56 to ensure airtightness. The cylinder 56 is divided into two rooms by a piston 57. One end of the cylinder 56 is supported by a mounting base 42 provided on the right side when viewed from the front at the bottom of the front side of the outer tub 33, and a mounting base 44 provided at the bottom of the washing machine outer frame 30. The lower end of the piston rod 58 is supported via the vibration isolator 43.

  When the piston 57 slides in the cylinder 56 together with the piston rod 58 by the vibration of the outer tub 33, air flows between the two chambers through the orifice 57b, and the flow path resistance generated at this time becomes a damping force to become the outer tub 33. It works to suppress vibrations. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  This makes it possible to always generate a sufficient damping force regardless of the installation direction, unlike an oil damper that does not generate a sufficient damping force unless it is supported vertically. Vibration can be reduced. In addition, there is no risk of oil leakage, and reliability can be improved.

(Embodiment 8)
FIG. 10 shows a sectional view of a washing machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of an air damper according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of the damping force varying means in the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the damping force varying means in the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 shows a timing chart of the washing machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

  10 to 13, the second damping means 41 is constituted by an air damper 60. The air damper 60 includes a cylinder 61, a piston 62, a piston ring 62 a, a piston rod 63, and a bearing 64, and a pair of first exhaust ports 65 and a second exhaust hole sandwiching the piston 62 between the side portions of the cylinder 61. An exhaust port 66 is provided. The communication pipe 67 is a pipe connecting the first exhaust port 65 and the second exhaust port 66, and causes the air in the cylinder 61 to go back and forth according to the movement of the piston 62. The damping force varying means 68 is provided in the communication pipe 67 and is composed of an opening / closing valve 69 and an opening / closing valve drive motor 70. The on-off valve 69 is provided with a valve hole opening 69a and a valve hole closing 69b having different opening diameters. The opening diameter of the valve hole opening 69a is set to 4 mm or more at which no damping force is generated due to air flow resistance, and the opening diameter of the valve hole closing 69b is set to 0.5 mm at which the maximum damping force can be obtained. The on-off valve drive motor 70 is rotated to switch between the valve hole opening 69a and the valve hole closing 69b of the on-off valve 69.

  Thereby, the ease of movement of the piston 62 can be changed by opening and closing the damping force varying means 68, and as a result, the damping force of the second damping means 41 can be switched. As shown in FIG. 14, the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub 34 is detected by the control device 39, and the dehydration start time 71 and the steady time 72 are determined. Based on a signal from the control device 39, the damping force varying means 68 operates the on-off valve drive motor 70 so that it closes at the time of dehydration start-up 71 and opens at a steady time 72. Other configurations are the same as those of the seventh embodiment.

  As a result, the damping force of the second damping means 41 is strengthened at the start-up 71 when the vibration of the outer tub 33 is large, the vibration of the outer tub 33 is suppressed, and the vibration of the outer tub 33 is relatively small at the stationary time 72. The damping force of the second damping means 41 can be weakened to reduce the vibration transmissibility of the outer tub 33 to the washing machine outer frame 30, thereby reducing the vibration of the washing machine outer frame 30.

(Embodiment 9)
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a washing machine according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 15, the second damping means 41 is installed on the outer tub 33 and the bottom part 30 a of the washing machine outer frame 30 via a flexible rubber cushion 73. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As a result, the vibration energy of the outer tub 33 other than the direction in which the second damping means 41 exhibits an effect is absorbed by the buffer 73, and the vibration energy of the outer tub 33 is not easily transmitted to the washing machine outer frame 30. Therefore, the vibration of the washing machine outer frame 30 can be reduced.

(Embodiment 10)
In FIG. 15, a buffer 73 is a flexible low-attenuator and uses silicon rubber or the like. Thereby, the vibration transmissibility with respect to the washing machine outer frame 30 of the outer tub 33 other than the direction where the 2nd damping means 41 exhibits an effect becomes still smaller, and the vibration of the washing machine outer frame 30 can be reduced more.

(Embodiment 11)
FIG. 16 shows a sectional view of the washing machine in the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 16, the washing and dewatering tub 34 is inclined forward high. The inclination angle is 20 ° which is excellent in washing, drying and operability. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Thereby, the probability that the bias of the clothing is located at the center of gravity position 48 is increased, the vibration form of the outer tub 33 is made uniform, and the vibration of the outer tub 33 can be efficiently reduced.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention does not use liquids such as water, and does not require accessories such as water supply / drainage devices and piping, and effectively reduces large vibrations of the outer tub during dehydration startup. can do. Moreover, since the damping force of the second damping means is weakened to reduce the vibration transmissibility and the main body vibration can be reduced, the washing machine can reduce not only the startup time but also the steady state vibration. Useful.

Sectional drawing of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention Front view of part of the washing machine Sectional drawing of the washing machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention Front view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention Front view of a washing machine in Embodiment 4 of the present invention Sectional drawing of the washing machine in Embodiment 5 of this invention Sectional drawing of the washing machine in Embodiment 6 of this invention Front view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention Cross section of the air damper of the washing machine Sectional drawing of the washing machine in Embodiment 8 of this invention Cross section of the air damper of the washing machine Sectional view of damping force variable means of the washing machine Exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the damping force variable means of the washing machine Timing chart of the washing machine Front view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention Sectional drawing of the washing machine in Embodiment 11 of this invention Cross section of a conventional washing machine

Explanation of symbols

30 Washing machine outer frame 30a Bottom portion 30b Side portion 30c In the vicinity of the leg portion 32 First damping means 33 Outer tub 33a Front side of center of gravity 34 Washing / dehydrating tub 35 Driving means 41 Second damping means 41a Second damping means Lower part 45 Rotating direction 48 Center of gravity position 49 Center of rotation 51 Inclination angle 52 Support body 54 Leg part 55 Air damper 68 Damping force variable means 73 Buffer body

Claims (11)

An outer tub supported by first damping means provided at the bottom of the outer frame of the washing machine, a washing / dehydrating tub rotatably provided in the outer tub, and a driving means for rotating the washing / dehydrating tub And a second damping means for supporting the front side of the outer tub and reducing vibrations, and the second damping means is biased to a position facing the downward rotation direction during dehydration of the washing / dehydrating tub. A washing machine that has been lifted and supported from below. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the outer tub is set so that the center of gravity is positioned below the rotational axis of the washing / dehydrating tub. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second damping means is set at an inclination angle of approximately 20 degrees toward the center of gravity of the outer tub. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a support body is provided on the bottom and sides of the outer frame of the washing machine, and the lower part of the second damping means is supported by the support body. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein a leg portion for installing a washing machine outer frame is provided, and the support is provided in the vicinity of the leg portion. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second damping means is installed in front of the center of gravity of the outer tub. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second damping means is an air damper that uses air as a working fluid. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second damping means includes a damping force varying means for changing the damping force according to the magnitude of the vibration of the outer tub. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second damping means is installed on the bottom of the outer tub and the washing machine outer frame via a buffer. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the shock absorber is a flexible low-attenuator. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the washing and dewatering tank is inclined forward and high.

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