JP2020188995A - Drum type washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a drum type washing machine in which vibration during dewatering is likely to be reduced.SOLUTION: A drum type washing machine 1 includes: an outer tub 20 arranged in a housing 10; a drum 23 arranged in the outer tub 20, and rotatable around a horizontal rotary shaft P; a drive motor 30 for driving the drum 23; an annular storage member 100 provided at the drum 23 so as to go around the rotary shaft P; a plurality of balls 200 stored in a full state so as to be arranged in the circumferential direction of the storage member 100; a reservoir member 300 which is provided at the drum 23 so as to be positioned further on the outer peripheral side than the storage member 100, and in which the balls 200 discharged from the storage member 100 by the centrifugal force generating by the rotation of the drum 23 are stored; a switching unit 400 for switching between a first state where the movement of the balls 200 is possible from the storage member 100 to the reservoir member 300, and a second state where it is impossible; and a control part for controlling the operation of the drive motor 30 and the switching unit 400.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine. Such a drum-type washing machine may be one that continuously performs from washing to drying, or one that performs washing but does not dry.

Conventionally, in a drum-type washing machine, dehydration is performed in a state where an imbalance is generated in the drum due to an eccentric load, and when the drum is started up at a high speed, vibration is likely to occur in the device body. In particular, when the drum passes through the resonance rotation speed, the main body of the device tends to vibrate greatly due to the resonance.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a drum-type washing machine in which a ball balancer system is provided in a drum in order to reduce such vibration during dehydration. The ball balancer system is a so-called passive balancer, which includes a tubular guide member attached to the side peripheral portion of the drum, and a plurality of metal balls that are fitted inside the guide member and roll in the circumferential direction. When the drum passes the resonant rotation speed, a plurality of metal balls automatically move to positions facing the eccentric load inside the guide member. As a result, the imbalance in the drum is reduced, and the vibration of the device body is reduced during the subsequent dehydration.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-125083

However, in the balancer system which is a passive balancer, the phenomenon that a plurality of metal balls move to opposite positions of the eccentric load is unlikely to occur before the drum approaches the resonance rotation speed, and the imbalance is difficult to be reduced. Therefore, in a drum-type washing machine having the balancer system, when the drum passes through the resonance rotation speed, the reduction of the imbalance tends to be delayed, so that the vibration due to the resonance of the device body at the resonance rotation speed is sufficiently reduced. Difficult to do.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a drum-type washing machine in which vibration during dehydration can be easily reduced.

The drum-type washing machine according to the main aspect of the present invention can rotate around an outer tub arranged in a housing and a rotating axis arranged in the outer tub and inclined with respect to a horizontal direction. Drum, a drive unit for driving the drum, an annular accommodating portion provided on the drum so as to orbit the rotation axis, and a full state in the accommodating portion so as to line up in the circumferential direction. A plurality of contained balls and a storage portion provided on the drum so as to be located on the outer peripheral side of the accommodating portion and in which the balls discharged from the accommodating portion are stored by centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the drum. Controls the operation of the switching unit, the driving unit, and the switching unit that switch between the first state in which the ball can move from the accommodating unit to the storage unit and the second state in which the ball cannot move. It is provided with a control unit for the operation.

In claim 1, the "full state" is a concept including a nearly full state.

According to the above configuration, in a state where the rotation speed of the drum is sufficiently lower than the resonance rotation speed, the ball housed in the accommodating portion is placed on the opposite side of the drum from the eccentric load by utilizing the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the drum. It can be stored in the storage section in the drum to reduce the eccentric load in the drum. As a result, it is possible to satisfactorily suppress the vibration of the outer tank or the like when the rotation speed of the drum passes through the resonance rotation speed.

In the drum-type washing machine according to the present embodiment, the storage portion has an entrance / exit at one end for the balls to enter and exit, and the storage portion extends from one end to the other end in the axial direction of the drum. One storage chamber with and can be provided. In this case, the storage chamber is formed so that the first inner surface facing the rotation axis side and the second inner surface facing the first inner surface are arranged in the radial direction of the drum, and the first inner surface is the said. It is inclined so as to be far from the rotation axis as it goes from one end to the other end.

According to the above configuration, the ball in contact with the first inner surface due to the centrifugal force in the storage chamber is easily moved from the entrance / exit side to the back side of the storage chamber by receiving the component force of the centrifugal force. As a result, the balls from the accommodating unit can be smoothly stored in the storage unit.

In the case of the above configuration, the second inner surface is further inclined so as to be lowered from the other end to the one end in a state where the storage portion is located at the upper part of the drum. Can be done.

With such a configuration, when the storage portion is positioned at the upper part of the drum and the ball is returned to the accommodating portion, the ball easily rolls toward the doorway on the second inner surface. As a result, the balls can be smoothly discharged from the storage unit and returned to the storage unit.

In the drum-type washing machine according to the present embodiment, when the balls stored in the storage unit are returned to the storage unit, the control unit is in the first state with the storage unit located above the drum. After switching the switching unit so as to be, the drum may be swung by the driving unit.

With such a configuration, the swinging of the drum makes it difficult for the ball that has returned to the accommodating portion to be caught and clogged in the vicinity of the entrance / exit. Therefore, the balls from the storage section can be smoothly returned to the storage section.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a drum-type washing machine in which vibration during dehydration is easily reduced.

The effects or significance of the present invention will be further clarified by the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiments are merely examples when the present invention is put into practice, and the present invention is not limited to those described in the following embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a drum-type washing machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the balancing mechanism according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of the balancing mechanism according to the embodiment. FIG. 4A is a side sectional view of a main part of the balancing mechanism cut along the line AA'of FIG. 2 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a side sectional view of the main part of the balancing mechanism according to the embodiment. 2 is a side sectional view of the storage member cut along the line BB'of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4C is a side view of the storage member cut along the line CC'of FIG. 2 according to the embodiment. It is a sectional view. 5 (a) is a front sectional view of the storage member cut along the DD'line of FIG. 4 (a) according to the embodiment, and FIG. 5 (b) is a front sectional view of the storage member according to the embodiment. It is a front sectional view of the storage member cut along the line EE'of FIG. 4 (b). 5 (c) is a plan sectional view of a main part of the storage member cut along the FF'line of FIG. 5 (a) according to the embodiment, and FIG. 5 (d) is the embodiment. It is a top sectional view of the main part of the storage member cut along the GG'line of FIG. 5 (b). FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a switching lever constituting the switching unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a front sectional view of an outer tank in which the three open switching devices and the closed switching devices constituting the switching unit are mounted according to the embodiment. 8 (a) and 8 (b) are plan views of the open switching device mounted on the outer tank according to the embodiment, and FIGS. 8 (c) and 8 (d) show the embodiment. , Is a plan view of the blockage switching device mounted on the outer tank. 9 (a) to 9 (c) are diagrams for explaining the opening operation of the switching lever by the open switching device according to the embodiment, and FIGS. 9 (d) to 9 (f) show the embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the closing operation of the switching lever by the blockage switching device. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a drum-type washing machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control operation by the control unit in the intermediate and final dehydration steps according to the embodiment. FIG. 12A is a diagram schematically showing a state of the balancing mechanism when the drum is rotating at the eccentricity detection rotation speed according to the embodiment, and FIG. 12B is a diagram showing the embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the state of the balancing mechanism when the shutter is opened with the drum rotating at an adjustable rotation speed. FIG. 13A is a diagram schematically showing a state of the balancing mechanism after the balls are stored in the storage member according to the embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a diagram schematically showing the state of the balancing mechanism according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically how the accommodating member of a mechanism and a ball function as a passive balancer. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control operation by the control unit in the return step according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing a state of the balancing mechanism in the return step according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, a drum-type washing machine having no drying function, which is an embodiment of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the drum type washing machine 1.

The drum-type washing machine 1 includes a rectangular housing 10. On the front surface of the housing 10, a circular loading port 11 into which laundry is loaded is formed in the center. The input port 11 is covered with a door 12 that can be opened and closed.

Inside the housing 10, the outer tank 20 is elastically supported by a plurality of dampers 21 and springs 22. A drum 23 is rotatably arranged in the outer tank 20. The drum 23 rotates around a horizontal axis of rotation P. The drum 23 has a circular opening 23a on the front surface, and the outer tank 20 has a circular opening 20a in front of the opening 23a of the drum 23. The opening 20a of the outer tank 20 faces the inlet 11, and both the inlet 11 are closed by the door 12. The peripheral edge 20b of the opening 20a of the outer tank 20 and the peripheral edge 11a of the inlet 11 of the housing 10 are connected by an annular packing 24 made of an elastic material.

A large number of dehydration holes 23b are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23. Further, three baffles 25 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each baffle 25 has a substantially triangular prism shape, extends in the axial direction of the drum 23, and has a hollow inside.

Behind the outer tank 20, a drive motor 30 that generates torque for driving the drum 23 is arranged. The drive motor 30 is, for example, an outer rotor type DC brushless motor, and the rotor (not shown) is directly connected to the shaft 26 of the drum 23. When the drive motor 30 makes one rotation, the drum 23 makes one rotation. During the washing and rinsing steps, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force applied to the laundry in the drum 23 is smaller than gravity. On the other hand, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force applied to the laundry in the drum 23 becomes much larger than gravity during the dehydration step. The drive motor 30 corresponds to the drive unit of the present invention.

A drainage port 20c is formed at the bottom of the outer tank 20. A drain valve 40 is provided at the drain port portion 20c. The drain valve 40 is connected to the drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water stored in the outer tank 20 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain hose 41.

A detergent box 50 is arranged in the upper front part of the housing 10. In the detergent box 50, a detergent container 50a in which the detergent is stored is freely pulled out from the front. The detergent box 50 is connected to a water supply valve 51 arranged in the upper rear part of the housing 10 by a water supply hose 52. Further, the detergent box 50 is connected to the upper part of the outer tank 20 by a water injection pipe 53. When the water supply valve 51 is opened, tap water is supplied from the tap to the outer tank 20 from the water injection port 54 via the water supply hose 52, the detergent box 50 and the water injection pipe 53. At this time, the detergent contained in the detergent container 50a is pushed into the water and supplied into the outer tank 20.

A balancing mechanism 60 is provided in the outer tank 20. The balancing mechanism 60 is for reducing the imbalance and preventing the vibration of the outer tank 20 and the housing 10 when an imbalance occurs in the drum 23 due to an eccentric load in the dehydration step. The balancing mechanism 60 includes a housing member 100, a plurality of balls 200, three storage members 300, and a switching unit 400. The accommodating member 100 corresponds to the accommodating portion of the present invention, the accommodating member 300 corresponds to the accommodating portion of the present invention, and the switching unit 400 corresponds to the switching portion of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the balancing mechanism 60 will be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the balancing mechanism 60. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of the balancing mechanism 60. FIG. 4A is a side sectional view of a main part of the balancing mechanism 60 cut along the line AA'of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB'of FIG. , A side sectional view of the storage member 300, and FIG. 4C is a side sectional view of the storage member 300 cut along the line CC'of FIG. 5 (a) is a front sectional view of the storage member 300 cut along the line DD'of FIG. 4 (a), and FIG. 5 (b) is the line EE' of FIG. 4 (b). It is a front sectional view of the storage member 300 cut by. 5 (c) is a plan sectional view of a main part of the storage member 300 cut along the line FF'of FIG. 5 (a), and FIG. 5 (d) is a G-of FIG. 5 (b). It is a top sectional view of the main part of the storage member 300 cut along the G'line. In FIG. 2, for convenience, the drum 23 and the three baffles 25 are shown by broken lines. Further, in FIG. 2, a part of the ball accommodating portion 110 is cut out so that the ball 200 inside can be seen.

The accommodating member 100 has a substantially annular shape, and is provided on the outer surface of the rear wall portion 23c of the drum 23 so as to orbit the rotation axis P of the drum 23. The accommodating member 100 is formed of, for example, a resin material, and includes a ball accommodating portion 110, three ball entrance / exit portions 120, three lever holding portions 130, and three mounting portions 140.

The ball accommodating portion 110 has a substantially annular shape. The inside of the ball accommodating portion 110 is accommodated so that a plurality of balls 200 are lined up in the circumferential direction, that is, the entire interior is filled with the plurality of balls 200 and new balls 200 cannot be added. .. The plurality of balls 200 are made of metal, for example, and can move in the ball accommodating portion 110. The ball accommodating portion 110 is filled with silicone oil OL for the purpose of reducing the sound generated by the collision between the balls 200.

The three ball entrances / exits 120 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the ball accommodating portion 110 at substantially equal intervals, that is, at intervals of approximately 180 degrees. Each ball entrance / exit portion 120 has a shape that extends forward from the ball accommodating portion 110 in the radial direction and then bends forward.

Inside each ball entrance / exit portion 120, an entry / exit passage 121 through which the ball 200 entering / exiting the ball accommodating portion 110 passes is provided. The entrance / exit passage 121 is connected to the entrance / exit 111 formed in the ball accommodating portion 110. Like the ball entrance / exit portion 120, the entrance / exit passage 121 has a shape that extends forward from the entrance / exit 111 in the radial direction and then bends forward. The vicinity of the entrance / exit 111 in the entrance / exit passage 121 bulges sideways, and this bulging portion serves as a retracting portion 122.

A cylindrical connection port 123 is provided at the tip of each ball entrance / exit portion 120. The connection port 123 is inserted into an insertion port (not shown) formed on the rear wall portion 23c of the drum 23 and exposed inside the drum 23.

The three lever holding portions 130 are provided adjacent to the three ball entrance / exit portions 120. Each lever holding portion 130 holds a switching lever 410 that is a part of the switching unit 400.

The three mounting portions 140 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the ball accommodating portion 110 at the same positions as the three ball entrance / exit portions 120 in the circumferential direction of the ball accommodating portion 110. The accommodating member 100 is fixed to the rear wall portion 23c of the drum 23 by fixing the three mounting portions 140 to the rear wall portion 23c of the drum 23 with screws or the like.

The three storage members 300 are formed of, for example, a resin material and are arranged inside the three baffles 25. The three storage members 300 are located on the outer peripheral side of the accommodating member 100. In the storage member 300, the balls 200 discharged from the storage member 100 due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the drum 23 are stored. By arranging the storage member 300 inside the baffle 25 in this way, it is possible to prevent the internal volume of the drum 23 from becoming small due to the provision of the storage member 300.

Inside each storage member 300, a first storage chamber 310, a second storage chamber 320, and a third storage chamber 330 extending in the axial direction of the drum 23 are provided so as to be arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum 23. These storage chambers 310, 320, 330 are formed in an elongated oblique columnar shape, and the front end faces 311, 321, 331, the rear end faces 312, 322, 332, the first side surface 313, 323, 333, the second side surface 314, 324, It has 334, a third side surface 315, 325, 335 and a fourth side surface 316, 326, 336. The first side surfaces 313, 323, 333 and the second side surfaces 314, 324, and 334 are aligned in the radial direction of the drum 23 and face each other. The third side surface 315, 325, 335 and the fourth side surface 316, 326, 336 are aligned in the circumferential direction of the drum 23 and face each other. The first side surface 313, 323, 333 faces the rotation axis P side, and the second side surface 314, 324, 334 faces the side opposite to the rotation axis P. The fourth side surface 316 of the first storage chamber 310 and the third side surface 325 of the second storage chamber 320 are adjacent to each other, and the fourth side surface 326 of the second storage chamber 320 and the third side surface 335 of the third storage chamber 330 are adjacent to each other. ..

The first storage chamber 310, the second storage chamber 320, and the third storage chamber 330 correspond to the storage chambers of the present invention. Further, the first side surface 313, 323, 333 corresponds to the first inner surface of the present invention, and the second side surface 314, 324, 334 corresponds to the second inner surface of the present invention.

At the rear end of the first storage chamber 310, the rear end surface 312 is opened to form an entrance / exit 317 for the balls 200 to enter and exit the first storage chamber 310. Further, the front ends of the first storage chamber 310 and the second storage chamber 320 penetrate the fourth side surface 316 of the first storage chamber 310 and the third side surface 325 of the second storage chamber 320 to form the first storage chamber 310. A communication port 327 that communicates with the second storage chamber 320 is formed. The communication port 327 serves as an entrance / exit 327 for the ball 200 to enter / exit the second storage chamber 320. Further, the rear ends of the second storage chamber 320 and the third storage chamber 330 penetrate the fourth side surface 326 of the second storage chamber 320 and the third side surface 335 of the third storage chamber 330, and the second storage chamber 320. A communication port 337 that communicates with the third storage chamber 330 is formed. The communication port 337 serves as an entrance / exit 337 for the ball 200 to enter / exit the third storage chamber 330.

As shown in FIG. 4A, in the first storage chamber 310, the first side surface 313 and the second side surface 314 are inclined so as to be farther from the rotation axis P from the rear end portion to the front end portion. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, in the second storage chamber 320, the first side surface 323 and the second side surface 324 are inclined so as to be farther from the rotation axis P from the front end portion to the rear end portion. Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, in the third storage chamber 330, the first side surface 333 and the second side surface 334 are inclined so as to be farther from the rotation axis P from the rear end portion to the front end portion.

As shown in FIG. 5A, at the front ends of the first storage chamber 310 and the second storage chamber 320, a part of their first side surfaces 313 and 323 and a part of their second side surfaces 314 and 324 are , It is inclined so as to be far from the rotation axis P from the first storage chamber 310 side toward the second storage chamber 320 side. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, at the rear ends of the second storage chamber 320 and the third storage chamber 330, a part of the first side surfaces 323 and 333 thereof and the second side surface 324 and 334 thereof. A part is inclined so as to be far from the rotation axis P from the second storage chamber 320 side toward the third storage chamber 330 side.

Ribs 318 are formed on the third side surface 315 and the front end surface 311 of the first storage chamber 310 so as to extend from the rear end side to the front end side of the first storage chamber 310 and then bend and extend to the entrance / exit 327 side. .. Further, on the front end surface 321 of the second storage chamber 320, a rib 328 extending to the fourth side surface 326 side following the rib 318 is formed. As shown in FIG. 5 (c), the rib 318 has an end surface 318a oblique to the third side surface 315 and the front end surface 311 at the corners of the third side surface 315 and the front end surface 311. Further, the rib 328 has an end surface 328a oblique to the front end surface 321 and the fourth side surface 326 at the corners of the front end surface 321 and the fourth side surface 326. The two end faces 318a and 328a may be formed in an arc shape.

The third side surface 325 and the rear end surface 322 of the second storage chamber 320 are formed with ribs 329 that extend from the front end side to the rear end side of the second storage chamber 320 and then bend and extend toward the entrance / exit 337 side. .. Further, on the rear end surface 332 of the third storage chamber 330, a rib 338 extending to the fourth side surface 336 side following the rib 329 is formed. As shown in FIG. 5D, the rib 329 has an end surface 329a oblique to the third side surface 325 and the rear end surface 322 at the corners of the third side surface 325 and the rear end surface 322. Further, the rib 338 has an end surface 338a oblique to the rear end surface 322 and the fourth side surface 336 at the corners of the rear end surface 322 and the fourth side surface 326. The two end faces 329a and 338a may be formed in an arc shape.

A rib 339 extending from the rear end side to the front end side of the third storage chamber 330 is formed on the third side surface 335 of the third storage chamber 330.

In this way, the storage space formed inside the storage member 300 from the entrance / exit 317 at the rear end of the first storage chamber 310 to the front end of the third storage chamber 330 allows the balls 200 to be stored while moving. It has a zigzag shape and becomes farther from the rotation axis P toward the front end side of the third storage chamber 330, that is, the inner side of the storage space.

At the rear of each storage member 300, a connection port 340 having a circular outer peripheral surface is provided. An O-ring 341 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the connection port 340. The connection port 340 is connected to the connection port 123 of the ball entrance / exit portion 120 of the accommodating member 100. As a result, the entrance / exit 317 of the first storage chamber 310 is connected to the entrance / exit passage 121 of the ball entrance / exit portion 120.

The first storage chamber 310, the second storage chamber 320, the third storage chamber 330, and the entrance / exit passage 121 are also filled with silicone oil OL in the same manner as the ball accommodating portion 110. Since the connection port 340 of the storage member 300 and the connection port 123 of the ball inlet / outlet portion 120 are sealed by an O-ring 341, leakage of silicone oil OL from between them is prevented.

Each storage member 300 is provided with two cylindrical mounting bosses 350. The storage member 300 is fixed to the peripheral wall portion 23d of the drum 23 by screwing using these mounting bosses 350.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the switching lever 410 constituting the switching unit 400. FIG. 7 is a front sectional view of the outer tank 20 to which the three open switching devices 420 and the blockage switching device 430 constituting the switching unit 400 are mounted. 8 (a) and 8 (b) are plan views of the open switching device 420 mounted on the outer tank 20, and FIGS. 8 (c) and 8 (d) show the open switching device 420 mounted on the outer tank 20. It is a top view of the blockage switching device 430. In FIGS. 8A to 8D, the outer tank 20 is drawn in a cross-sectional view.

The switching unit 400 switches between a first state in which the ball 200 can move from the accommodating member 100 to the storage member 300 and a second state in which the ball 200 cannot move. The first state is an open state in which the doorway 111 of the accommodating member 100 is opened, and the second state is a closed state in which the doorway 111 is closed by the shutter 412 of the switching lever 410.

The switching unit 400 includes three switching levers 410, three open switching devices 420, and a blockage switching device 430.

As shown in FIG. 6, each switching lever 410 includes a cylindrical lever shaft 411. A shutter 412 extending outward is provided at the lower end of the lever shaft 411. Further, on the upper surface of the lever shaft 411, a closing lever 413 whose tip end side protrudes outward is provided. Further, an opening lever 414 protruding outward is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lever shaft 411. The height position of the release lever 414 is different for each switching lever 410. That is, the release lever 414 is formed for each switching lever 410 at any of the three positions shown by the solid line and the two broken lines in FIG. An O-ring 415 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the lever shaft 411.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each switching lever 410 is held by the corresponding lever holding portion 130 of the accommodating member 100 so as to be rotatable about the lever shaft 411. The lower part of the lever shaft 411 and the shutter 412 are housed inside the lever holding portion 130. The shutter 412 exists in the open position which exists in the entrance / exit passage 121 and closes the entrance / exit 111 as shown by the solid line in FIG. 4A, and in the retracting portion 122 as shown by the broken line in FIG. 4A. It is in a state of moving according to the rotation of the lever shaft 411 between the closed position where the doorway 111 is opened. Since the space between the lever shaft 411 and the lever holding portion 130 is sealed by the O-ring 415, the silicone oil OL filled in the entrance / exit passage 121 is prevented from leaking to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 7, the three open switching devices 420 and the closed switching device 430 are mounted on the rear wall portion 20d of the outer tank 20 so as to line up in the circumferential direction of the outer tank 20. Since the position of the release lever 414 is different for each switching lever 410, the position in the radial direction of the outer tank 20 of each opening switching device 420 is a position where the opening lever 414 of the corresponding switching lever 410 can be opened. Therefore, each release switching device 420 cannot open the release lever 414 of the switching lever 410 that does not correspond to itself. On the other hand, the position in the radial direction of the outer tank 20 of the blockage switching device 430 is a position where the blockage levers 413 of all three switching levers 410 can be closed.

The opening operation is an operation of rotating the switching lever 410 to move the shutter 412 in the closed position to the open position. Further, the closing operation is an operation of rotating the switching lever 410 to move the shutter 412 in the open position to the closed position.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, each opening switching device 420 includes an operating body 421, an O-ring 422, a nut 423, a bolt 424, a shaft joint 425, and a motor 426.

The operation body 421 has a tip portion 421a having a substantially triangular plate shape, an intermediate portion 421b having a substantially columnar shape, and a base end portion 421c having a substantially square columnar shape. An O-ring 422 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion 421b. An insertion hole 427 into which the bolt 424 is inserted is formed inside the operation body 421, and a nut 423 is arranged in the middle of the insertion hole 427. A bolt 424 is screwed into the nut 423, and an end portion of the bolt 424 protruding rearward from the operating body 421 is connected to the motor shaft 426a of the motor 426 by a shaft joint 425.

A cylindrical through hole 27 is provided in the rear wall portion 20d of the outer tank 20, and the tip portion 421a and the intermediate portion 421b of the operating body 421 are inserted into the through hole 27. The O-ring 422 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 27. A pair of guide ribs 28 extend rearward from the through hole 27, and both side surfaces of the base end portion 421c of the operating body 421 are sandwiched between the guide ribs 28. The outer tank 20 is provided with mounting bosses 29 on both the left and right sides of the through hole 27. The left and right flange portions 426b of the motor 426 are attached to the left and right mounting bosses 29 by screws 440.

As shown in FIGS. 8 (c) and 8 (d), the blockage switching device 430 includes an operating body 431, an O-ring 432, a nut 433, a bolt 434, a shaft joint 435, and a motor 436. The operating body 431 is composed of a tip portion 431a, an intermediate portion 431b, and a base end portion 431c, and has an insertion hole 437 inside. The motor 436 includes a motor shaft 436a and left and right flange portions 436b.

The configuration of the blockage switching device 430 is such that the left-right orientation of the tip portion 431a of the operating body 431 is opposite to the left-right orientation of the tip portion 421a of the operating body 421 of the opening switching device 420. Similar to the configuration.

In the open switching device 420 and the closed switching device 430, from the state where the tip portions 421a and 431a of the operating bodies 421 and 431 are inserted into the through holes 27 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C, the motor 426, When the 436 rotates in the forward direction and the bolts 424 and 434 rotate in the direction opposite to the direction in which they are screwed into the nuts 423 and 433, the operating bodies 421 and 431 move forward, as shown in FIGS. 8 (b) and 8 (d). In addition, the tip portions 421a and 431a of the operating bodies 421 and 431 project from the through hole 27 into the outer tank 20. On the contrary, the motors 426 and 436 are reversed and the bolts 424 and 434 are screwed into the nuts 423 and 433 from the state where the tip portions 421a and 431a of the operating bodies 421 and 431 protrude from the through hole 27 into the outer tank 20. When rotated in this direction, the operating bodies 421 and 431 move rearward, and the tip portions 421a and 431a are inserted into the through holes 27.

Since the space between the operating bodies 421 and 431 and the through hole 27 is sealed by the O-rings 422 and 432, the water in the outer tank 20 is prevented from leaking to the outside through the through hole 27.

9 (a) to 9 (c) are diagrams for explaining the opening operation of the switching lever 410 by the opening switching device 420, and FIGS. 9 (d) to 9 (f) are the switching lever 410 by the closing switching device 430. It is a figure for demonstrating the closing operation of. In FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (f), the inner surface of the rear wall portion 20d of the outer tank 20 is shown by a alternate long and short dash line for convenience.

First, the opening operation of the switching lever 410 by the opening switching device 420 will be described.

In the closed state, the shutter 412 of the switching lever 410 is in the closed position shown by the solid line in FIG. 4A. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9A, the switching lever 410 is in a state in which the opening lever 414 projects from the closing lever 413 to the rear wall portion 20d side of the outer tank 20, and the opening switching device 420 The tip portion 421a of the operating body 421 does not project into the outer tank 20. During the dehydration step, the accommodating member 100 rotates clockwise with the drum 23 when viewed from the front, as shown by the solid arrow.

When switching from the closed state to the open state, the tip portion 421a of the operating body 421 protrudes into the outer tank 20. In this state, when the switching lever 410 passes through the position of the operating body 421, the opening lever 414 abuts on the end surface of the tip portion 421a perpendicular to the rotation direction of the accommodating member 100, as shown in FIG. 9B. Pushed in the direction opposite to the rotation direction, the switching lever 410 rotates in the direction of the broken line arrow in FIG. 9 (b) to reach the position shown in FIG. 9 (c). As a result, the shutter 412 of the switching lever 410 moves to the open position shown by the broken line in FIG. 4A. After that, in the open switching device 420, the operating body 421 is returned to the original position.

Next, the closing operation of the switching lever 410 by the blockage switching device 430 will be described.

In the open state, the shutter 412 of the switching lever 410 is in the open position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9D, the switching lever 410 is in a state in which the closing lever 413 projects from the opening lever 414 toward the rear wall portion 20d of the outer tank 20, and the closing switching device 430. The tip portion 431a of the operating body 431 does not project into the outer tank 20.

When switching from the open state to the closed state, the tip portion 431a of the operating body 431 projects into the outer tank 20 while the accommodating member 100 is rotating together with the drum 23. In such a state, when the switching lever 410 passes the position of the operating body 431, as shown in FIG. 9F, the closing lever 413 is an end face that is inclined with respect to the rotation direction of the accommodating member 100 at the tip portion 431a. To abut. The tip of the closing lever 413 is located on the rotation direction side of the rotation center of the switching lever 410, and the closing lever 413 is guided to the inclined end surface of the tip 431a, so that the switching lever 410 is moved to FIG. Rotate in the direction of the broken arrow arrow in (e) to reach the position shown in FIG. 9 (f). As a result, the shutter 412 of the switching lever 410 moves to the closed position. After that, in the blockage switching device 430, the operating body 431 is returned to the original position.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the drum type washing machine 1.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the drum type washing machine 1 includes a control unit 501, a storage unit 502, an operation unit 503, a water level sensor 504, a reference position detection unit 505, a motor drive unit 506, a water supply drive unit 507, a drainage drive unit 508, and the like. A switching drive unit 509 is provided.

The operation unit 503 includes a power button 503a, a start button 503b, and a course selection button 503c. The power button 503a is a button for turning on and off the power of the drum type washing machine 1. The start button 503b is a button for starting the operation. The course selection button 503c is a button for selecting an arbitrary washing course from a plurality of washing courses related to the washing operation. The operation unit 503 outputs an input signal corresponding to the button operated by the user to the control unit 501.

The water level sensor 504 detects the water level in the outer tank 20 and outputs a water level detection signal corresponding to the detected water level to the control unit 501.

The reference position detection unit 505 detects the rotation reference position when the drum 23 rotates. For example, the magnet provided in the rotor of the drive motor 30 and the Hall IC provided in the stator of the drive motor 30. Consists of. Every time the drum 23, that is, the rotor of the drive motor 30 makes one rotation, a detection signal serving as a rotation reference position is output from the Hall IC to the control unit 501.

The motor drive unit 506 drives the drive motor 30 according to a control signal from the control unit 501. The motor drive unit 506 includes a rotation sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the drive motor 30, an inverter circuit, and the like, and adjusts the drive power so that the drive motor 30 rotates at the rotation speed set by the control unit 501.

The water supply drive unit 507 drives the water supply valve 51 according to a control signal from the control unit 501. The drainage drive unit 508 drives the drainage valve 40 according to a control signal from the control unit 501.

The switching drive unit 509 drives the three open switching devices 420 and the blockage switching device 430 of the switching unit 400, that is, these motors 426 and 436 according to the control signal from the control unit 501.

The storage unit 502 includes an EEPROM, a RAM, and the like. The storage unit 502 stores programs for executing the washing operation of various washing operation courses. Further, the storage unit 502 stores various parameters and various control flags used for executing these programs.

The control unit 501 is based on each signal from the operation unit 503, the water level sensor 504, the reference position detection unit 505, etc., and according to the program stored in the storage unit 502, the motor drive unit 506, the water supply drive unit 507, and the drainage drive unit Controls 508, switching drive unit 509, and the like.

By the way, the drum type washing machine 1 performs washing operation of various operation courses based on the operation of the operation unit 503 by the user. In the washing operation, the washing step, the intermediate dehydration step, the rinsing step and the final dehydration step are executed in order. Depending on the operation course, the intermediate dehydration step and the rinsing step may be performed twice or more.

In the washing step and the rinsing step, water is stored in the outer tank 20 up to a predetermined water level. In the washing step, since the detergent is charged into the detergent container 50a, the water stored in the outer tank 20 contains the detergent. The drive motor 30 alternately rotates forward or reverse, and the drum 23 alternately rotates forward or reverse. At this time, the drum 23 rotates at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum 23 is smaller than gravity. The laundry in the drum 23 is scraped up by the baffle 25 and dropped, so that the laundry is struck on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23. This causes the laundry to be washed or rinsed.

In the intermediate dehydration step and the final dehydration step, the drive motor 30 rotates at high speed in one direction, and the drum 23 rotates at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum 23 becomes much larger than gravity. Due to the action of centrifugal force, the laundry is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23 and dehydrated.

In the intermediate dehydration step and the final dehydration step, control for suppressing vibration is performed using the balancing mechanism 60 when the rotation of the drum 23 is started.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control operation by the control unit 501 in the intermediate and final dehydration steps. FIG. 12A is a diagram schematically showing the state of the balancing mechanism 60 when the drum 23 is rotating at the eccentricity detection rotation speed, and FIG. 12B is a diagram showing the state of the balancing mechanism 60 when the drum 23 is rotating at the adjustable rotation speed. It is a figure which shows typically the state of the balancing mechanism 60 when the shutter 412 is opened in a rotating state. FIG. 13 (a) is a diagram schematically showing the state of the balancing mechanism 60 after the balls 200 are stored in the storage member 300, and FIG. 13 (b) shows the accommodating member 100 and the balls 200 of the balancing mechanism 60. Is a diagram schematically showing how the ball functions as a bass balancer.

When the dehydration step is started, the control unit 501 starts the drum 23 by starting the drive motor 30 (S101). The drum 23 rotates clockwise when viewed from the front, and the accommodating member 100 of the balancing mechanism 60 also rotates clockwise.

When the drum 23 reaches a predetermined eccentricity detection rotation speed (S102: YES), the control unit 501 maintains this rotation speed (S103). The eccentricity detection rotation speed is set to a rotation speed at which the laundry sticks to the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23 and is sufficiently smaller than the resonance rotation speed, for example, about 80 rpm.

The control unit 501 maintains the rotation speed of the drum 23 at the eccentricity detection rotation speed, and the magnitude and position of the eccentric load that can occur due to the uneven distribution of the laundry in the drum 23 (hereinafter referred to as the eccentric amount). (Hereinafter referred to as an eccentric position) is detected (S104).

When an eccentric load is generated in the drum 23, the fluctuation of the rotation speed of the drum 23 that occurs during one rotation increases in proportion to the magnitude of the eccentric load. Further, during one rotation, the rotation speed of the drum 23 becomes the highest when the eccentric load comes near the lowest point of the drum 23. Therefore, the control unit 501 detects the eccentricity amount based on the magnitude of the fluctuation of the rotation speed. Further, the control unit 501 detects the eccentric position from the positional relationship between the rotation reference position of the drum 23 and the position where the rotation speed is highest.

As shown in FIG. 12A, when the eccentricity amount and the eccentric position are detected, the accommodating member 100 of the balancing mechanism 60 is in a state where a plurality of balls 200 are almost fully packed, and the accommodating member 100 There is no deviation of the ball 200 in. Therefore, the balancing mechanism 60 does not substantially affect the detection accuracy of the eccentric amount and the eccentric position.

Next, the control unit 501 determines whether or not the detected eccentricity amount is larger than the first threshold value (S105). The first threshold value is, for example, an eccentric amount at which unacceptable abnormal vibration can occur in the outer tank 20 or the like when the drum 23 passes through the resonance rotation speed, and can be determined in advance based on an experiment or the like.

When the eccentricity amount is larger than the first threshold value (S105: YES), the control unit 501 determines whether or not the eccentricity amount is larger than the second threshold value (S106). The second threshold value is, for example, an eccentric amount that cannot be reduced to an eccentric amount at which abnormal vibration does not occur when the resonance rotation speed is passed even if the balancing mechanism 60 is used, and can be determined in advance based on an experiment or the like.

When the amount of eccentricity is larger than the second threshold value (S106: YES), the control unit 501 stops the drum 23 by stopping the drive motor 30 (S107). After that, the control unit 501 performs a loosening process for dispersing the laundry in the drum 23 (S108). For example, the control unit 501 alternately rotates the drum 23 forward and reverse for a predetermined time as a loosening process. At this time, water may be supplied to the outer tank 20.

On the other hand, when the eccentricity amount is equal to or less than the second threshold value (S106: NO), the control unit 501 increases the rotation speed of the drum 23 (S109). Then, when the drum 23 reaches a predetermined adjustable rotation speed (S110: YES), the control unit 501 maintains this rotation speed (S111). The adjustable rotation speed is a rotation speed at which the ball 200 of the accommodating member 100 can be moved to the storage member 300 by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the drum 23, and is a rotation speed sufficiently smaller than the resonance rotation speed. For example, the rotation speed is set to about 100 rpm.

The control unit 501 adjusts the balance at the adjustable rotation speed by the balancing mechanism 60. That is, the control unit 501 sets the storage member 300 arranged closest to the position facing the eccentric position detected in S104 as the storage target, and performs the opening operation by the open switching device 420 corresponding to the storage member 300. , The shutter 412 in the ball entrance / exit 120 connected to the storage member 300 is moved to the open position (S112).

As shown in FIG. 12B, when the shutter 412 moves to the open position, the ball 200 located at the entrance / exit 111 of the accommodating member 100 moves to the storage member 300 by the centrifugal force acting on the drum 23. Since the ball 200 inside the accommodating member 100 rotates later than the rotation of the accommodating member 100, it moves counterclockwise relative to the accommodating member 100. Therefore, the ball 200 sequentially moves counterclockwise to the position of the entrance / exit 111.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the ball 200 is taken into the first storage chamber 310 of the storage member 300 from the entrance / exit 317. As shown by the alternate long and short dash line, the ball 200 is pressed against the first side surface 313 by centrifugal force. At this time, due to the inclination of the first side surface 313, a component force of the centrifugal force acts on the ball 200 toward the front end portion side, that is, the back side of the first storage chamber 310. 1 Move to the back side of the storage chamber 310. When the ball 200 reaches the front end portion of the first storage chamber 310, this time, due to the inclination of the first side surface 313 at the front end portion shown in FIG. 5 (a), the ball 200 is moved to the second storage chamber 320 side. The component force of centrifugal force works. As a result, the ball 200 moves to the second storage chamber 320 through the doorway 327.

As shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 4B, the ball 200 that has entered the second storage chamber 320 has the second storage chamber 320 due to the inclination of the first side surface 323 as in the case of the first storage chamber 310. After moving to the rear end side, that is, the back side, it moves to the third storage chamber 330 through the doorway 337 due to the inclination of the first side surface 323 at the rear end shown in FIG. 5 (b).

As shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 4C, the ball 200 that has entered the third storage chamber 330 has the third storage chamber 330 due to the inclination of the first side surface 333, as in the case of the second storage chamber 320. It moves to the front end side, that is, the back side.

At the front ends of the first storage chamber 310 and the second storage chamber 320, the direction of the ball 200 is likely to change by being guided by the end faces 318a and 328a of the two ribs 318 and 328, so that the ball 200 moves forward. It folds back smoothly from. Similarly, at the rear ends of the second storage chamber 320 and the third storage chamber 330, the direction of the ball 200 is likely to change by being guided by the end faces 329a and 338a of the two ribs 329 and 338, so that the ball 200 Is smoothly folded back from the back to the front.

In this way, inside the storage member 300, the balls 200 sent from the storage member 100 are sequentially packed from the third storage chamber 330 to the second storage chamber 320 and the first storage chamber 310.

The control unit 501 determines whether or not the eccentricity amount is equal to or less than the first threshold value (S113). As shown in FIG. 13A, when the balls 200 are stored in the storage member 300, the eccentric load in the drum 23 is reduced by being canceled by the weight of the stored balls 200.

When the amount of eccentricity drops below the first threshold value (S113: YES), the control unit 501 performs a closing operation by the closing switching device 430 to move the shutter 412 in the open position to the closing position (S114). As a result, the movement of the ball 200 from the accommodating member 100 to the accommodating member 300 is stopped. The threshold value of the determination in S113 may be a threshold value smaller than the first threshold value.

Next, the control unit 501 raises the rotation speed of the drum 23 to a predetermined dehydration rotation speed (S115). The dehydration rotation speed can be set to, for example, about 800 to 1000 rpm.

The rotation speed of the drum 23 passes through the resonance rotation speed until it rises to the dehydration rotation speed. At this time, since the eccentric load is reduced by the balancing mechanism 60, the drum 23, the outer tank 20, and the housing 10 are less likely to vibrate when passing through the resonance rotation speed.

When the rotation speed of the drum 23 reaches the dehydration rotation speed (S116: YES), the control unit 501 maintains this rotation speed (S117).

As shown in FIG. 13B, while the drum 23 has passed the resonance rotation speed and is rotating at the dehydration rotation speed, the accommodating member 100 of the balancing mechanism 60 is so-called passive due to the balls 200 remaining inside. Functions as a balancer. That is, the balls 200 inside the accommodating member 100 move to positions facing the eccentric load, whereby the eccentric load is further reduced. Further, as the dehydration of the laundry in the drum 23 progresses, water is drained from the laundry forming the eccentric load, and this time, the eccentric load is formed by the storage member 300 in which the balls 200 are stored. Cases can occur. In this case, contrary to the state shown in FIG. 13B, the ball 200 inside the accommodating member 100 moves to the position facing the eccentric load by the accommodating member 300. Therefore, the generation of the eccentric load by the storage member 300 is suppressed.

When it is determined in S105 that the amount of eccentricity is equal to or less than the first threshold value (S105: NO), the balance is not adjusted by the balancing mechanism 60 because the eccentric load is small, and the control unit 501 of the drum 23 The rotation speed is increased from the eccentricity detection rotation speed to the dehydration rotation speed (S115).

When a predetermined dehydration time elapses after the rotation speed of the drum 23 reaches the dehydration rotation speed (S118: YES), the control unit 501 stops the drive motor 30 and stops the drum 23 (S119). In this way, the dehydration process is completed.

In S112, when the position facing the eccentric load is approximately an intermediate position between the two storage members 300, the control unit 501 opens the shutter 412 corresponding to the two storage members 300 to open the two storage members. The balls 200 may be stored in the 300.

Further, the eccentricity detection rotation speed may be the same as the adjustable rotation speed. In this case, the rotation speed of the drum 23 is raised to the adjustable rotation speed at once, and the eccentricity amount and the eccentric position are detected at this rotation speed.

When the dehydration step is completed, a return step for returning the balls 200 stored in the storage member 300 to the storage member 100 is performed. The return step after the completion of the intermediate dehydration step is executed in the next rinsing step while water is being supplied to the outer tank 20. As a result, it is possible to prevent the washing operation time from becoming long due to the execution of the return process as much as possible.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control operation by the control unit 501 in the return process. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing the state of the balancing mechanism 60 in the return step.

When the return step is started, the control unit 501 controls the drive motor 30 to rotate the drum 23 so that the storage member 300 in which the balls 200 are stored moves to the upper part, preferably the uppermost part of the drum 23. (S201). Further, the control unit 501 opens the shutter 412 by opening the opening switching device 420 corresponding to the storage member 300 when the storage member 300 is rotated to move the storage member 300 to the upper part of the drum 23 (S202). Then, the control unit 501 controls the drive motor 30 to swing the drum 23 to the left and right with a width of a predetermined angle, for example, a width of 90 degrees to the left and right (S203).

As shown in FIG. 15, the balls 200 stored in the storage member 300 are returned to the inside of the storage member 100, that is, the ball storage portion 110. At this time, since the drum 23 swings, the ball 200 that has entered the ball accommodating portion 110 from the entrance / exit 111 is unlikely to be caught and clogged in the vicinity of the entrance / exit 111, and the ball is divided into left and right. It moves in the accommodating portion 110.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, when the storage member 300 is in the upper part of the drum 23, the second side surface 314 of the first storage chamber 310 is lowered toward the entrance / exit 317 side. The second side surface 324 of the second storage chamber 320 is inclined so as to be lowered toward the entrance / exit 327 side, and the second side surface 334 of the third storage chamber 330 is inclined so as to be lowered toward the entrance / exit 337 side. .. Therefore, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (c), in the respective storage chambers 310, 320, and 330, the ball 200 heads the second side surface 314, 324, 334 toward the entrance / exit 317, 327, 337. Since it becomes easy to roll, the ball 200 is easily discharged from the storage member 300.

The control unit 501 determines whether or not a predetermined return time has elapsed since the shutter 412 was opened (S204). The return time is, for example, a time longer than the time required for all the balls 200 to return from the storage member 300 in which the balls 200 are almost fully stored to the storage member 100, and is used for supplying water into the outer tank 20. It can be set to a shorter time than it takes.

During the elapse of the return time, all the balls 200 are returned to the accommodating member 100. When the return time elapses (S204: YES), the control unit 501 stops the swing of the drum 23 (S205), and then closes the shutter 412 by performing a closing operation by the closing switching device 430 while rotating the drum 23. (S206). In this way, the return process is completed.

<Effect of embodiment>
According to the present embodiment, in a state where the rotation speed of the drum 23 is sufficiently lower than the resonance rotation speed, the ball 200 housed in the accommodating member 100 is subjected to an eccentric load by utilizing the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the drum 23. Can be stored in the storage member 300 on the opposite side of the drum 23 to reduce the eccentric load in the drum 23. As a result, it is possible to satisfactorily suppress the vibration of the drum 23, the outer tank 20, and the housing 10, that is, the main body of the device, when the rotation speed of the drum 23 passes through the resonance rotation speed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the first side surfaces 313, 323, and 333 of the first storage chamber 310, the second storage chamber 320, and the third storage chamber 330 are the entrances and exits of the storage chambers 310, 320, and 330, respectively. Since it is inclined so as to be farther from the rotation axis P from the 317, 327, 337 side toward the back side, it touches the first side surface 313, 323, 333 by centrifugal force in those storage chambers 310, 320, 330. The ball 200 is easily moved to the back side of the storage chambers 310, 320, 330 by receiving the component force of the centrifugal force. As a result, the balls 200 from the accommodating member 100 can be smoothly and quickly stored in the storage member 300.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the second side surfaces 314, 324, and 334 of the first storage chamber 310, the second storage chamber 320, and the third storage chamber 330, respectively, have the storage member 300 located above the drum 23. In this state, the storage chambers 310, 320, and 330 are inclined so as to be lowered from the back side toward the entrance / exit 317, 327, 337 side. Therefore, when the ball 200 is returned to the accommodating member 100 so that the storage member 300 is positioned above the drum 23, the ball 200 is directed toward the entrance / exit 317, 327, 337 on the second side surface 314, 324, 334. It becomes easier to roll. As a result, the balls 200 can be smoothly and quickly discharged from the storage member 300 and returned to the storage member 100.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the storage member 300 is positioned above the drum 23 so that the drum 23 is swung when the ball 200 is returned to the accommodating member 100, so that the inside of the ball accommodating portion 110 It is less likely that the ball 200 that has returned to the door will be caught and clogged in the vicinity of the doorway 111. Therefore, the balls 200 from the storage member 300 can be smoothly returned to the storage member 100.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and the like, and the embodiments of the present invention can be changed in various ways other than the above. is there.

For example, in the above embodiment, the balancing mechanism 60 is provided with three storage members 300. However, the number of storage members 300 is not limited to the above, and may be two or four or more. Further, the balancing mechanism 60 may be provided with one storage member 300. In this case, if the storage member 300 is not located on the opposite side of the drum 23 with respect to the eccentric load, the drum 23 shifts the position of the eccentric load by suddenly applying a brake to the rotating drum 23 to move the solidified laundry. The rotation control of the 23 may be performed, or the balance adjustment by the balancing mechanism 60 may not be performed.

Further, in the above embodiment, the storage member 300 of the balancing mechanism 60 is arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 23d of the drum 23, but may be arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 23d.

Further, in the above embodiment, the accommodating member 100 of the balancing mechanism 60 is provided on the outer surface of the rear wall portion 23c of the drum 23, but may be provided on the inner surface of the rear wall portion 23c. Further, the accommodating member 100 may be provided not on the rear wall portion 23c of the drum 23 but on the outer peripheral side of the opening portion 23a on the inner surface or the outer surface of the front wall portion.

Further, in the above embodiment, three storage chambers 310, 320, and 330 extending in the axial direction of the drum 23 are provided inside the storage member 300. However, the storage member 300 may be provided with at least one storage chamber.

Further, in the above embodiment, the switching unit 400 is configured to include three switching levers 410, three open switching devices 420, and a blockage switching device 430. However, the switching unit 400 has any configuration as long as it switches between a first state in which the ball 200 can move from the accommodating member 100 to the storage member 300 and a second state in which the ball 200 cannot move. You may.

Further, in the above embodiment, the opening switching device 420 and the closing switching device 430 are configured to move the operating bodies 421 and 431 by a so-called ball screw method using nuts 423, 433, bolts 424, 434 and motors 426, 436. It was. However, the configuration of the drive unit for moving the operating bodies 421 and 431 may be any, and for example, the operating bodies 421 and 431 may be moved by using a solenoid.

Further, in the above embodiment, the amount of eccentricity is detected based on the fluctuation of the rotation speed of the drum 23. However, any method may be used to detect the eccentricity, and for example, the eccentricity may be detected based on the fluctuation of the drive current flowing through the drive motor 30.

Further, in the above embodiment, the drum 23 rotates around the horizontal rotation axis P. However, the drum-type washing machine 1 may be configured such that the drum 23 rotates around a rotation axis that is inclined in the horizontal direction.

Further, although the drum-type washing machine 1 of the above embodiment does not have a drying function, the present invention can also be applied to a drum-type washing machine having a drying function, that is, a drum-type washer-dryer.

In addition, various modifications of the embodiment of the present invention can be made as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

10 housing
20 outer tank
23 drums
30 Drive motor (drive unit)
100 Accommodating member (accommodating part)
200 balls
300 Storage member (storage unit)
310 First storage room (storage room)
313 1st side surface (1st inner surface)
314 Second side surface (second inner surface)
317 doorway
320 Second storage room (storage room)
323 First side surface (first inner surface)
324 Second side surface (second inner surface)
327 doorway
330 Third storage room (storage room)
333 1st side surface (1st inner surface)
334 Second side surface (second inner surface)
337 doorway
400 switching unit (switching unit)
501 control unit
P rotation axis

Claims (4)

The outer tank placed inside the housing and
A drum located in the outer tank and rotatable around a horizontal axis of rotation or a axis of rotation tilted in the horizontal direction.
A drive unit for driving the drum and
An annular accommodating portion provided on the drum so as to orbit the rotating shaft,
A plurality of balls housed in the housing section in a full state so as to line up in the circumferential direction,
A storage unit provided on the drum so as to be located on the outer peripheral side of the storage unit and for storing the balls discharged from the storage unit by centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the drum.
A switching unit that switches between a first state in which the ball can move from the accommodating unit to the storage unit and a second state in which the ball cannot move.
A control unit that controls the operation of the drive unit and the switching unit,
A drum-type washing machine characterized by being equipped with. In the drum type washing machine according to claim 1.
The storage unit is provided with at least one storage chamber having an entrance / exit for the ball to enter / exit at one end and extending from one end to the other end in the axial direction of the drum.
In the storage chamber, a first inner surface facing the rotation axis side and a second inner surface facing the first inner surface are formed so as to be aligned in the radial direction of the drum.
The first inner surface is inclined so as to be farther from the rotation axis from the one end portion toward the other end portion.
A drum-type washing machine that features this. In the drum type washing machine according to claim 2.
The second inner surface is inclined so as to be lowered from the other end portion toward the one end portion in a state where the storage portion is located on the upper part of the drum.
A drum-type washing machine that features this. In the drum type washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
When the ball stored in the storage unit is returned to the storage unit, the control unit switches the switching unit so that the storage unit is in the first state while the storage unit is located above the drum. , The driving unit causes the drum to swing.
A drum-type washing machine that features this.

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