JP2009106564A - Laundry treating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a laundry treating apparatus constructed of small components at small working processes by dispensing with the disposition of a safety device for every driving section disposed in respective positions in an outer casing. <P>SOLUTION: A smoke sensor 25, which detects the smoking from electronic components such as the driving sections 28 wrapped by the outer casing, receiving a power supply from the outside and executing various types of operations and actuation, and a control device 14 having a control section for controlling the various types of operations of the drive sections 28, is provided in a storage part 26 provided in the inside of a rear part of an upper face plate 20, and the power supply of the respective drive sections 28 is cut off according to the smoke detection by the smoke sensor 25. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a laundry processing apparatus with improved safety.

  FIG. 5 is an external view of an electric washing machine as an example of a conventional laundry processing apparatus, and FIG. 6 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the conventional electric washing machine. As shown in FIG. 5, an electric washing machine, which is a type of conventional laundry processing apparatus, is covered with an outer box 1. The outer box 1 includes an outer tub 2 that covers the front, rear, left, and right peripheral surfaces, an upper surface plate 3 that covers the upper surface, and a bottom base 4 that covers the lower surface. The upper surface plate 3 has an outer box opening 3a (see FIG. 6) that opens upward, and a lid 5 is attached to cover the outer box opening 3a from above. The lid 5 freely opens and closes the outer box opening 3a by a hinge mechanism (not shown).

  Inside the outer box 1 is disposed a water tank 6 that is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). The water tank 6 has a bottomed cylindrical shape and opens upward so as to face the outer box opening 3a. Inside the water tub 6, a bottomed cylindrical washing and dewatering tub 7 that is opened upward is provided rotatably so as to face the opening of the water tub. A pulsator 8 that rotates by itself or together with the washing / dehydrating tub 7 is arranged inside the washing / dehydrating tub 7.

  Below the water tank 6, a motor 9 that is a rotational drive source of the washing and dewatering tank 7 is attached. The motor 9 generates a driving force under the control of the control device 14 described later. The driving force generated by the motor 9 is transmitted to the support pulley 11 via a belt 12 that is wound between the motor pulley 10 and the support pulley 11. The driving force transmitted to the support pulley 11 is transmitted to the washing / dehydrating tub 7 and the pulsator 8 through the gear device 13.

  In another part below the water tank 6, a drainage port 15 that is an outlet to the outside of the outer case 1 of the washing water supplied into the water tank 6 is provided. The drain port 15 is connected to a drain hose 17 communicating with the outside of the outer box 1 through a drain valve 16. The drain valve 16 opens / closes under the control of the control device 14 described later, thereby draining the wash water from the water tank 6 to the outside of the outer box 1.

  Inside the front part of the upper surface plate 3, a control device 14 having various operation buttons for inputting operation of the electric washing machine and a control unit for controlling each part during various operations is arranged. Based on a user's operation input, the control device 14 causes each of the steps of washing, rinsing, and dehydration (or drying in addition to the steps) to be executed independently or a plurality of steps to be executed in succession.

  A connecting pipe 18 connected to a water faucet, a bath water pump, or the like is provided on the outer rear side of the top plate 3. The connection pipe 18 is connected to a water supply path (not shown) communicating with the water tank 6. A water supply valve (not shown) is arranged in the water supply path, and is opened and closed under the control of the control device 14 to supply and stop washing water into the water tank 6.

Inside the rear portion of the upper surface plate 3, for example, a storage unit 19 in which an electrical circuit such as a water level sensor (not shown) that detects the water level of the water tank 6, a water supply valve, and a lid detection SW (not shown) that detects opening and closing of the lid 5 is stored. (A heater, a blower fan, etc. are also included in the washing and drying machine).
JP 2007-190116 A

  In such a conventional electric washing machine, components driven by external power supply such as a motor 9, a control device 14, a drain valve 16, a water level sensor, a water supply valve, a lid detection SW (in a washing dryer) (Including heaters, blower fans, etc.) for the ignition of drive parts, etc. The case that contains these drive parts is made of non-flammable and flame retardant materials to prevent the fire from spreading to other parts, and electrical fuses and thermostats Safety devices such as these are added to increase safety by taking measures such as turning off the power when high current / high voltage conditions or abnormal temperature conditions occur.

  However, the ignition source is the drive unit main body, the connection place of the electrical wiring with them, the connection place of the relay wiring, etc., and those ignition sources are dispersed in various places in the outer box. A safety device must be arranged in each place to take measures to prevent ignition and fire spread, and therefore many members and many work processes are required.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a laundry processing apparatus that can reduce many parts and many work steps and has a simple structure and high safety.

  In order to achieve the above object, a laundry processing apparatus according to the present invention is provided with an outer box, a container that is enclosed in the outer box, accommodates the laundry, and is disposed at various locations in the outer box to supply power from the outside. It is characterized by providing a drive unit that receives various driving operations, a control unit that performs various operation controls of the drive unit, and a smoke detection unit that detects smoke inside the outer box.

  By adopting the above-described configuration, it is possible to reduce the safety device for each drive unit arranged in various places in the outer box, and it is possible to provide a laundry processing apparatus that can be constructed with fewer parts and fewer work steps.

  In the laundry processing apparatus having the above-described configuration, when the smoke detection unit detects smoke, the control unit turns off the power.

  By setting it as the said structure, the further safety | security can be improved by turning off a power supply in the condition of the smoldering smoke before reaching ignition.

  Moreover, in the laundry processing apparatus having the above-described configuration, the smoke detection unit is arranged in a storage unit provided at the rear part of the upper surface plate constituting the upper surface of the outer box.

  With the above configuration, the rising smoke is collected in the upper part of the outer box and can be detected early.

  Further, in the laundry processing apparatus configured as described above, the storage portion is formed in a conical shape upward or in a column shape having a horizontal cross-sectional area that decreases upward, and an opening is formed in the upper wall surface of the storage portion. It is said.

  With the above configuration, smoke from the lower side of the outer box can be guided to the smoke detection unit to detect smoke, and smoke from the storage unit can also be detected directly.

  Further, the laundry processing apparatus having the above-described configuration is characterized in that it is configured to penetrate the space immediately below the lower end surface in the outer box on the left side or the right side of the top plate from the front part to the accommodation part.

  By adopting the above-described configuration, it is possible to detect smoke emitted from the control device disposed inside the front portion of the top plate and flowing into the storage portion through the space.

  According to the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the safety device for each drive unit arranged in various places in the outer box, and to provide a laundry processing apparatus that can be constructed with fewer parts and fewer work processes. Can do.

  Hereinafter, the laundry processing apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiment by taking an electric washing machine as an example. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part same as the electric washing machine of FIG. 5 and FIG.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an electric washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the electric washing machine of the present embodiment, the outer periphery is covered with the outer box 1, and the upper surface thereof is covered with the upper surface plate 20. The top plate 20 has an outer box opening 20a that opens upward, and a lid 5 is attached to cover the outer box opening 20a from above. The lid 5 freely opens and closes the outer box opening 20a by a hinge mechanism (not shown).

  A water tank 6 is elastically supported in the outer box 1 by a suspension (not shown). The aquarium 6 has a bottomed cylindrical shape, and opens upward so as to face the outer box opening 20a. Inside the water tub 6, a bottomed cylindrical washing and dewatering tub 7 that is opened upward is provided rotatably so as to face the opening of the water tub. A pulsator 8 that rotates by itself or together with the washing / dehydrating tub 7 is arranged inside the washing / dehydrating tub 7. The electric washing machine according to the present embodiment is a so-called “vertical” type electric washing machine in which the washing / dehydrating tub 7 and the pulsator 8 have a vertical axis of rotation. The washing and dewatering tank 7 is an example of the container.

  A motor 9 that is a rotational drive source of the washing and dewatering tub 7 is attached to the lower front portion of the water tub 6. The motor 9 generates a driving force under the control of the control device 14 described later. The driving force generated by the motor 9 is transmitted to the support pulley 11 via a belt 12 that is wound between the motor pulley 10 and the support pulley 11. The driving force transmitted to the support pulley 11 is transmitted to the washing / dehydrating tub 7 and the pulsator 8 through the gear device 13.

  A drainage port 15 that is an outlet to the outside of the outer case 1 of the washing water supplied into the water tank 6 is provided at the lower rear part of the water tank 6. The drain port 15 is connected to a drain hose 17 communicating with the outside of the outer box 1 through a drain valve 16. The drain valve 16 opens / closes under the control of the control device 14 described later, thereby draining the wash water from the water tank 6 to the outside of the outer box 1.

  Inside the front part of the top plate 20, a control device 14 having various operation buttons for inputting operation of the electric washing machine and a control unit for controlling each part during various operations is arranged. Based on a user's operation input, the control device 14 causes each of the steps of washing, rinsing, and dehydration (or drying in addition to the steps) to be executed independently or a plurality of steps to be executed in succession.

  A connection pipe 18 connected to a faucet, a bath water pump, or the like is provided on the outer rear side of the top plate 20. The connection pipe 18 is connected to a water supply path (not shown) communicating with the water tank 6. A water supply valve 22 (see FIG. 3) is disposed in the water supply path, and is opened and closed under the control of the control device 14 to supply and stop washing water into the water tank 6.

  Inside the rear portion of the top plate 20 are a water supply valve 22 (see FIG. 3), a water level sensor 23 (see FIG. 3) for detecting the water level of the water tank 6, a lid detection SW 24 (see FIG. 3) for detecting the opening and closing of the lid 5. A storage portion 26 is provided in which an electrical circuit such as a smoke sensor 25 that detects the presence or absence of smoke is stored. The smoke sensor 25 is an example of the smoke detection unit.

  FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the storage unit 26 of the electric washing machine according to the present embodiment. A storage portion 26 in which the smoke sensor 25 is disposed is formed inside the rear portion of the top plate 20. The storage portion 26 is formed in a rectangular column shape that opens downward and has a horizontal cross-sectional area that decreases upward. The smoke sensor 25 is attached to the top surface of the storage portion 26. On the wall surface formed in the shape of a quadrangular prism whose horizontal cross-sectional area decreases toward the upper side of the storage portion 26, a vent hole 27 is provided so as to communicate the storage portion 26 with a flow path 29 described later.

  FIG. 3 shows a circuit diagram of the drive unit 28 of the electric washing machine according to the present embodiment. The drive unit 28 includes a motor 9, a control device 14, a drain valve 16, a water supply valve 22, a water level sensor 23, a lid detection SW 24, and a smoke sensor 25. Each configuration of the drive unit performs various operations under the control of the control unit of the control device 14. In addition, although not illustrated in the present embodiment, those that perform various driving operations by receiving external power supply are included in the drive unit. In the present embodiment, the electric washing machine is exemplified. However, in the electric washing and drying machine, the driving unit includes various types of driving that are driven by external power supply such as a drying heater and a blower fan. It is.

  FIG. 4 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the lower left portion of the top plate 20 of the electric washing machine according to the present embodiment. The space directly below the lower end surface in the left or right outer box of the upper surface plate 20 on the left side of the outer box opening 20a is configured to penetrate from the front toward the rear, and the flow of smoke when smoke is generated A path 29 is formed. The smoke distribution path 29 is directly below the lower end surface in the outer box 1 of the upper surface plate 20 from the space accommodating the control device 14 inside the front portion of the upper surface plate 20 to the accommodating portion 26 inside the rear portion of the upper surface plate 20. It is provided to penetrate. In the electric washing machine of the present embodiment, the distribution path 29 is provided at the lower left portion of the top plate 20, but it may be provided on both the left and right sides, or may be provided only on one of the left and right sides.

  In the electric washing machine of the present embodiment, for example, when smoke is generated from the motor 9 from any configuration of the drive unit 28, the smoke is directed upward in the front of the outer box 1 as shown in FIG. Flowing. Smoke that has reached the lower side of the control device 14 is guided to the storage unit 26 through the distribution path 29 and reaches the smoke sensor 25 (arrow a). When the smoke reaches the smoke sensor 25, the smoke sensor 25 sends the detection of smoke to the control unit of the control device 14, and the control unit receives the detection result and controls to turn off the power of each part of the drive unit 28.

  Further, when smoke is generated from, for example, the drain valve 16 instead of from the motor 9, the smoke flows upward in the rear of the outer box 1 as shown in FIG. The sensor 25 is reached (arrow b). When the smoke reaches the smoke sensor 25, the smoke sensor 25 sends the detection of smoke to the control unit of the control device 14, and the control unit receives the detection result and controls to turn off the power of each part of the drive unit 28.

  As described above, when the smoke sensor 25 detects smoke, the control unit controls each part of the drive unit to turn off the power, thereby reducing the number of safety devices for each drive unit arranged in various places in the outer box. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electric washing machine that can be constructed with fewer parts and fewer work processes.

  Further, the drive unit 28 is provided so as to penetrate from the control device 14 inside the front portion of the top plate 20 to the storage portion 26 inside the rear portion of the top plate 20 just below the lower end surface in the outer box 1 of the top plate 20. It is possible to detect smoke from any one of the parts, and it is possible to provide a highly safe electric washing machine by turning off the power before ignition occurs.

  The smoke sensor 25 is, for example, an ionization type or a photoelectric type, but can be applied to other types. Moreover, you may distribute | arrange each structure of a drive part in the other position inside the outer case 1 irrespective of this Embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the vertical electric washing machine has been described as an example. However, in addition to this, a drum-type washing machine in which a drum for storing laundry has a horizontal or inclined rotating shaft, and a drying function The present invention is also applicable to a vertical electric washer / dryer having a drum, a drum-type washer / dryer, and a clothes dryer having no laundry washing function.

  It should be noted that the present embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and includes all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the electric washing machine which is an example of embodiment of the laundry processing apparatus of this invention. It is an expansion longitudinal cross-sectional view of the accommodating part of the electric washing machine which is an example of embodiment of the laundry processing apparatus of this invention. It is a circuit diagram of the drive part of the electric washing machine which is an example of embodiment of the laundry processing apparatus of this invention. It is a left-right lower part longitudinal cross-sectional view of the upper surface board of the electric washing machine which is an example of embodiment of the laundry processing apparatus of this invention. It is an external view of the electric washing machine which is an example of the conventional laundry processing apparatus. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the electric washing machine which is an example of the conventional laundry processing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Outer box 7 Washing / dehydration tank 9 Motor 14 Control device 16 Drain valve 20 Top plate 22 Water supply valve 23 Water level sensor 24 Lid detection SW
25 Smoke sensor 26 Storage unit 27 Ventilation hole 28 Drive unit 29 Distribution channel

Claims (5)

An outer box,
A container that is contained in the outer box and accommodates laundry;
Drive units that are arranged at various locations in the outer box and receive various types of driving by receiving external power supply,
A control unit for performing various operation controls of the drive unit;
A smoke detector for detecting smoke inside the outer box;
A laundry processing apparatus, comprising:   The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the smoke detection unit detects smoke, the control unit turns off the power.   The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the smoke detection unit is arranged in a storage unit provided at a rear part of an upper surface plate constituting an upper surface of the outer box.   The laundry according to claim 3, wherein the storage part is formed in a conical shape upward or in a columnar shape with a horizontal cross-sectional area decreasing upward, and an opening is formed in an upper wall surface of the storage part. Material processing equipment.   The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the laundry processing apparatus is configured to penetrate a space immediately below a lower end surface in the left or right outer box of the top plate from the front portion to the housing portion.

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