JP3603814B2

JP3603814B2 - Washing and drying machine

Info

Publication number: JP3603814B2
Application number: JP2001179462A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 悟江口; 譲宮野; 憲一大越; 年恭釜野; 保鹿森
Original assignee: Hitachi Ltd
Current assignee: Hitachi Ltd
Priority date: 2001-06-14
Filing date: 2001-06-14
Publication date: 2004-12-22
Anticipated expiration: 2021-06-14
Also published as: JP2002369992A; CN1772997A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、洗濯乾燥機に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
洗濯乾燥機は、洗い運転においては、水道水（洗い水）を給水後に、攪拌翼を正逆回転させ、洗濯衣類に機械力を作用させる洗い運転を実行し、その後、水道水（濯ぎ水）を給水すると共に洗濯衣類に同様に機械力を作用させる濯ぎ運転を実行し、その後、洗濯兼脱水槽を回転させることにより洗濯衣類に含まれる濯ぎ水を遠心脱水する脱水運転を実行し、更にその後に、洗濯兼脱水槽に温風を供給して洗濯物を乾燥させる乾燥運転を実行する構成である。
【０００３】
このような一連の運転を実行する洗濯乾燥機として、特開平１１−３４７２８１号公報や、特開平１１−３４７２８２号公報や、特開平１１−３４７２９６号公報等がある。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明の目的は、洗濯運転及び乾燥運転で信頼性の高い運転をすることが出来、また、空間を有効利用して大型化を抑制した洗濯乾燥機を提供することである。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、枠体と、前記枠体に吊下支持される外槽と、前記外槽内に設置された洗濯兼脱水槽と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽の底部に設置された攪拌翼と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽及び前記攪拌翼を回転駆動する駆動装置と、前記外槽に設けた吸出し口部から吸い出された空気を水冷除湿する水冷除湿手段と、前記水冷除湿された空気を加熱する加熱手段と、前記加熱された空気を前記洗濯兼脱水槽に吹き込む吹込口と、前記吸出し口部から前記吹込口まで循環ファンにより前記空気を循環させる循環風路とを有し、前記循環ファンは、前記外槽の下部に取付けられ、前記循環風路の一部を前記外槽と一体に成形したダクトで構成し、前記ダクトは、前記水冷除湿手段を有し、前記吸出し口部から上向きに伸びるように形成して内部を前記空気が上昇する第１ダクトと、前記第１ダクトと前記外槽の下部に設けられた循環ファンとを連通させ、内部を前記空気が下降する第２ダクトと、前記循環ファンと前記吹込口とを連通させ、内部を前記空気が上昇する第３ダクトを有することを特徴とする。
【００１８】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の実施例を図面を参照して説明する。本発明は、洗濯機および洗濯乾燥機に関するものであるが、洗濯機は、洗濯乾燥機から乾燥機構を取り除いた構成で実施することができるので、以下に述べる実施の形態は、洗濯乾燥機について説明する。
【００１９】
図１は、本発明の一実施の形態である洗濯乾燥機を縦断面して示す模式図である。
【００２０】
１は、外郭を構成する四角筒状の枠体である。２は、洗濯兼脱水槽であり、その周壁に通水および通風のための小穴２ａを有し、その上縁部に流体バランサー３を備え、底部の内側には回転自在に撹拌翼４を設置する。撹拌翼４は、通水および通風のための小穴４ａを有する。５は、前記洗濯兼脱水槽２を内包する外槽であり合成樹脂製である。又、外槽５の底部の外側には駆動装置６を鋼板製の取付ベース７によって取り付け、枠体１の上端部の四隅部に係止した４本の防振支持装置８によって外槽５を四方から均等に吊り下げることにより該枠体１の中心部に懸垂するように支持する。
【００２１】
駆動装置６は、駆動電動機と電動操作クラッチ機構と遊星歯車減速機構を内蔵し、洗濯兼脱水槽２を静止させた状態で撹拌翼４を回転させ（撹拌モード）、洗濯兼脱水槽２と撹拌翼４をそれぞれ反対方向に回転させ（洗濯モード）、洗濯兼脱水槽２と撹拌翼４を一体的に同一方向に回転（脱水・乾燥モード）させるような選択的な駆動機能を有する。
【００２２】
外側衣類投入口９ａを形成したトップカバー９は、枠体１の上部開口を覆うように該開口端縁に嵌め込み、フロントパネル１０およびバックパネル１１と共に取り付けネジによって枠体１に取付ける。
【００２３】
トップカバー９とフロントパネル１０の間に形成される前部収納部であるフロントパネルボックス１２には、電源スイッチ１３と入力スイッチ群および表示素子群を備えた操作パネル１４と、外槽５内の水位に応じた水位信号を発生する水位センサ１５と、コントロールユニット１６を内蔵する。これらは、制御装置を構成する。
【００２４】
トップカバー９とバックパネル１１の間に形成される後部収納部であるバックパネルボックス１７には、後述する洗濯水給水手段と高濃度洗剤液生成・供給手段を横並びにして内蔵する。
【００２５】
洗濯水給水手段は、入水側を水栓接続口１８に接続し、出水側を注水口１９に接続した主給水電磁弁２０によって構成する。
【００２６】
高濃度洗剤液生成・供給手段は、補助給水電磁弁２２から洗剤溶解容器２１に洗剤溶解水を供給し、この洗剤溶解容器２１内に投入されている粉末合成洗剤を撹拌しながら前記洗剤溶解水で溶解して高濃度洗剤液を生成し、更なる給水により希釈しながら洗剤溶解容器２１から溢水させて前記注水口１９に供給し、洗剤溶解容器２１に付設した仕上剤投入室（詳細は後述する）に給水することによって溢水させて前記注入口１９に供給するように構成する。
【００２７】
注水口１９は、トップカバー９の底と外槽５の外槽上カバー２８の後部を貫通して洗濯兼脱水槽２の上部開口内に向けて開口する。この注水口１９は、トップカバー９の底と外槽上カバー２８の間には可撓管１９ａ（図３参照）を介在させる。
【００２８】
温風循環乾燥手段は、外槽５の下部の側壁に形成した吸出口５ａから該外槽５の後側の側壁である外壁面に沿って垂直状態で上向きに伸びるように形成して前記吸出口５ａから浸入した洗濯水を堰き止める除湿風路部であるダクト（水冷除湿ダクト２３）と、この水冷除湿ダクト２３内の上部に位置して該ダクト内に冷却水を供給する水冷除湿手段である冷却散水部２４と、洗濯運転における外槽５の水位よりも高い位置で折り返して該外槽５の外壁面に沿って該外槽５の下側に向かって垂直に伸びる下降風路部である下降風路ダクト２５と、外槽５の下側の空間に配置されて前記下降風路ダクト２５から吸い込み口に空気を吸い込んで循環空気を生成するファンである循環ファン２６と、この循環ファン２６の吹き出し口から外槽５の外壁面に沿って上方向に垂直状態に伸びる上昇風路部である上昇風路ダクト２７と、外槽５の上端部に取り付けた外槽上カバー２８上に設置されて前記上昇風路ダクト２７から送り込まれる循環空気を加熱する加熱手段であるヒータ（ＰＴＣヒータ）２９を内蔵し、加熱した循環空気を洗濯兼脱水槽２内に向けて吹き込む吹込口３０を備える。
【００２９】
そしてこのように、吸出口５ａから吸い出された空気をファン２６により外槽５内へ循環させる水冷除湿ダクト２３や上昇風路ダクト２７や下降風路ダクト
２５などからなる循環風路を有しており、この循環風路全てを外槽に取付けてある。
【００３０】
循環風路を構成する第１ダクトである前記水冷除湿ダクト２３と、第１ダクトと平行に外槽５の側壁に沿って垂直方向に伸びる第２ダクト及び第３ダクトである下降風路ダクト２５および上昇風路ダクト２７は、外槽５の後側の外壁面に該外槽５の周方向に並べてその一部を該外槽５と一体に成形して実装し、これらの外側を覆う後側蓋１ａは、外側に膨出する形状に構成してねじ止めする。
【００３１】
第２及び第３ダクトの上端部及び下端部はそれぞれ開口しており、第１ダクトの左右に連続的に第２ダクト及び第３ダクトを形成している。
【００３２】
水冷除湿ダクト２３の側壁は図１１に示すように上部ｂに比べて下部ａを厚く形成することによって型抜きがし易くなっている。
【００３３】
前記水冷除湿ダクト２３は吸出口５ａの周縁部から上向きに伸びるように形成し、上端部は開口し下端部は貫通穴２３ａを有する底部２３ｃを有する。
【００３４】
また、下降風路ダクト２５内下部には湿度センサ４０と第１温度センサ４１を設置し、吹込口３０のヒータ２９の下流側の間の風路内には第２温度センサ４２を設置する。水冷除湿ダクト２３内で水冷除湿された循環空気の湿度と温度を精度良く検出するためには、水冷除湿された循環空気が良く混合されて均一になった後に前記湿度センサ４０と第１温度センサ４１に触れさせるのが良く、従って、湿度センサ４０と第１温度センサ４１は、水冷除湿ダクト２３から遠く離れた下降風路ダクト２５の下部または循環ファン２６の吸込口ケーシング２６ｃに設置する。更に、湿度センサ４０と第１温度センサ４１は、保守作業に便利なように、後側蓋１ａを外したときに露出するような設置位置とする。
【００３５】
また、ここでは図示説明を省略するが、水冷除湿ダクト２３から下降風路ダクト２５への折り返し部分には、後述する糸屑捕集手段を備える。
【００３６】
トップカバー９に形成した外側衣類投入口９ａは、２つ折り（山折り）に開くようにヒンジ３１ａによってトップカバー９に取り付けた外蓋３１によって開閉自在に覆い、外槽５の上端に取り付けた外槽上カバー２８に形成した内側衣類投入口２８ａは、ヒンジ３２ａによって外槽上カバー２８に取り付けた内蓋３２によって開閉自在に覆うように構成する。
【００３７】
外槽５の底に形成した排水口５ｂは、排水電磁弁３３を介して排水ホース３４に接続する。エアートラップ５ｃは、エアーチューブ３５を介して前記水位センサ１５に接続する。枠体１の下端縁には、四隅に脚３６を取り付けた合成樹脂で成形されたベース３７を装着する。
【００３８】
なお、参照符号３８は、洗濯兼脱水槽２内に投入された洗濯物である。
【００３９】
図２は、この洗濯乾燥機の電気系を示すブロック図である。
【００４０】
電源スイッチ１３を介して受電するコントロールユニット１６は、マイクロコンピュータ１６ａを中心にして構成し、電源回路１６ｂと、駆動装置６と主給水電磁弁２０と補助給水電磁弁２２，２２ａと洗剤撹拌電動機３９と排水電磁弁３３と循環ファン２６とヒータ２９と冷却散水電磁弁２４ａへの給電を制御するための半導体交流スイッチング素子（ＦＬＳ）群を有する駆動回路１６ｃとを備える。
【００４１】
前記駆動装置６の駆動電動機６１は、固定子巻線６１ａと回転センサ６１ｂを有し、電動操作クラッチ機構６２は、電動操作機６２ａと動作位置を検出する位置センサ６２ｃを有する。
【００４２】
そして、前記駆動回路１６ｃは、駆動装置６における前記駆動電動機６１の固定子巻線６１ａへの給電制御に関しては、正逆回転制御用に２つの半導体交流スイッチング素子（ＦＬＳ）１６ｃ１，１６ｃ２を備える。ＦＬＳ１６ｃ１は、正回転給電制御用の半導体スイッチング素子、ＦＬＳ１６ｃ２は逆回転給電制御用の半導体交流スイッチング素子である。この実施の形態において、駆動電動機６１の回転速度制御は、固定子巻線６１ａへの給電をＦＬＳ１６ｃ１，１６ｃ２によって位相制御することによって行うように構成しているが、インバータ駆動のブラシレス電動機を使用する構成においては、ＰＷＭ制御やＰＡＭ制御によって行うように構成する。また、駆動装置６における電動操作クラッチ機構６２の電動操作機６２ａへの給電を制御するためのＦＬＳ１６ｃ３を備える。
【００４３】
また、駆動回路１６ｃは、主給水電磁弁２０，補助給水電磁弁２２，２２ａ，洗剤撹拌電動機３９，排水電磁弁３３，循環ファン２６，ヒータ２９，冷却散水電磁弁２４ａへの給電を制御するＦＬＳ１６ｃ４〜１６ｃ１１を備える。そして、この駆動回路１６ｃは、マイクロコンピュータ１６ａからの指示に従ってＦＬＳ１６ｃ１〜ＦＬＳ１６ｃ１１の導通状態を制御して従属する負荷への給電制御を行う。
【００４４】
マイクロコンピュータ１６ａは、更に、前記駆動電動機６１の回転センサ６１ｂ，電動操作クラッチ機構６２の位置センサ６２ｃ，外槽５内の洗濯水位を検出する水位センサ１５，湿度センサ４０，第１，第２温度センサ４１，４２，アンバランス検出センサ４３，操作パネル１４に接続し、予め組み込まれた制御処理プログラムを実行することにより、操作パネル１４の入力スイッチ群１４ａと水位センサ１５と回転センサ６１ｂと位置センサ６２ｃと湿度センサ４０と第１，第２温度センサ４１，４２とアンバランス検出センサ４３からの信号を取り込み、駆動回路１６ｃを制御することによって、検出，高濃度洗剤液生成，洗濯物湿潤，高濃度洗剤液生成・供給（浸沈），洗い，濯ぎ，脱水および温風乾燥の各運転を実行し、操作パネル１４の表示素子群１４ｂを制御することによってその進行状況を表示する。ここで、アンバランス検出センサ４３は、洗濯兼脱水槽２を回転させたときに該洗濯兼脱水槽２内の洗濯物３８の分布のアンバランスによって該洗濯兼脱水槽２（外槽５）が所定値以上に大きく振れるのを検出するセンサである。
【００４５】
この洗濯乾燥機は、電源スイッチ１３を投入し、外蓋３１と内蓋３２を開いて洗濯兼脱水槽２内に洗濯物３８を投入し、外蓋３１と内蓋３２を閉じて操作パネル１４の洗濯開始スイッチを投入すると、コントロールユニット１６は、駆動装置６を運転して洗濯兼脱水槽２を静止させた状態で撹拌翼４を回転させることによって布量を検出し、洗濯水量および相応する洗剤量を決定し、これを表示するように操作パネル１４の表示素子群１４ｂを制御する。
【００４６】
そして、外蓋３１を開けて相当する量の粉末合成洗剤および仕上剤が洗剤溶解容器２１に投入され、外蓋３１が閉じられると、補助給水電磁弁２２を開いて前記粉末合成洗剤を溶解するのに好適な量の水道水（洗剤溶解水）を洗剤溶解容器２１に供給し、更に、洗剤撹拌電動機３９を運転して粉末合成洗剤を撹拌しながら溶解して高濃度洗剤液を生成する。
【００４７】
この間、駆動装置６を制御して洗濯兼脱水槽２と撹拌翼４を緩速回転させて洗濯物３８を回転させながら主給水電磁弁２０を開いて給水することによって、水道水を洗濯物３８に満遍なく降りかけて該洗濯物３８を湿潤させる。このときの給水量は、洗濯物３８を均一に湿潤させることができる程度に止めるように制御する。
【００４８】
次に、補助給水電磁弁２２を開いて洗剤溶解容器２１に追加の給水を行うことにより該洗剤溶解容器２１内の高濃度洗剤液を溢水させて注水口１９に供給すると共に主給水電磁弁２０を開いて注水口１９に供給することにより、高濃度洗剤液を所望の洗剤濃度（５〜３０倍の範囲）に希釈して洗濯物３８に降りかけるように制御する。このとき、高濃度洗剤液が洗濯物３８に満遍なく降りかかって該洗濯物３８内に均一に浸沈するように、洗濯兼脱水槽２と撹拌翼４を一体的に緩速回転させ、または洗濯兼脱水槽２を静止させた状態で撹拌翼４を回転させることによって、洗濯物３８を回転または撹拌するように駆動装置６を制御する。
【００４９】
このように粉末合成洗剤を水で溶解して生成し更に希釈した５〜３０倍の濃度の高濃度洗剤液を洗濯物３８に浸沈させると、洗剤成分の化学的な洗浄力が洗濯物３８の汚れに効率良く作用して洗浄力を高める。
【００５０】
高濃度洗剤液を洗濯物３８に浸沈させた後、所定の水位まで洗い水を給水するように主給水電磁弁２０と補助給水電磁弁２２を開弁制御し、その後、洗濯兼脱水槽２と撹拌翼４を反対方向に正，逆回転させて洗濯物３８に機械力を作用させる洗い運転を実行するように駆動装置６を制御する。
【００５１】
洗い運転を終了した後に、洗い水を機外に排水するように排水電磁弁３３を開弁制御し、洗濯兼脱水槽２と撹拌翼４を一体的に高速回転させて洗い水を遠心脱水する中間脱水を行うように駆動装置６を制御する。この中間脱水を終了した後に、排水電磁弁３３を閉弁制御し、所定の濯ぎ水位まで給水するように主給水電磁弁２０を開弁制御し、更に、洗濯兼脱水槽２と撹拌翼４を反対方向に正，逆回転させて洗濯物３８に機械力を作用させる濯ぎ運転を実行するように駆動装置６を制御する。この濯ぎ運転は、必要に応じて、複数回実行し、最後の濯ぎにおける給水時に補助給水電磁弁２２ａを開いて仕上剤を供給する。
【００５２】
濯ぎ運転を終了した後に、濯ぎ水を機外に排水するように排水電磁弁３３を開弁制御し、排水後に、洗濯兼脱水槽２と撹拌翼４を一体的に高速回転させて濯ぎ水を遠心脱水する最終脱水を行うように駆動装置６を制御する。
【００５３】
このように洗濯および遠心脱水した洗濯物３８を洗濯兼脱水槽２内で乾燥させるように、洗濯兼脱水槽２と撹拌翼４を一体的または反対方向に回転させるように駆動装置６を制御し、外槽５および洗濯兼脱水槽２内の湿潤空気を吸出口５ａから吸い出して吹込口３０から洗濯兼脱水槽２内に吹き込む循環空気を生成するように循環ファン２６を運転制御し、この循環空気を水冷除湿ダクト２３内で水冷するように冷却散水部２４の散水電磁弁２４ａを制御し、洗濯兼脱水槽２に吹き込む空気を加熱するようにヒータ２９を制御する温風乾燥運転を実行する。この温風乾燥運転の制御は、湿度センサ４０，第１温度センサ４１，第２温度センサ４２の検出信号を監視しながら実行し、所望の乾燥度が得られた時点で終了する。
【００５４】
図３〜図８は、前述した洗濯乾燥機の具体的な構成を示すもので、図３は洗濯乾燥機の縦断側面図、図４は枠体の後側を切り欠いて循環風路部を示す洗濯乾燥機の背面図、図５は洗濯乾燥機の一部を切り欠いて示す下面図、図６は、上カバーを外して外槽と循環風路部を示す洗濯乾燥機の上面図、図７は糸屑捕集部の縦断側面図、図８は、枠体と外槽の関係を示す上面図、図９は、外槽上カバーの分解図である。図１の説明と重複する説明の一部は省略する。
【００５５】
回転駆動装置６は、可逆型の駆動電動機６１と電動操作クラッチ機構６２と太陽歯車減速機構６３と撹拌翼４が結合される中心出力軸６４と洗濯兼脱水槽２が結合される外側出力軸６５を備える。太陽歯車減速機構６３は、駆動電動機６１に直結した太陽歯車と外側出力軸６５に直結した内歯車と遊星歯車を支持して中心出力軸６４に直結するキャリアを備える。そして、電動操作クラッチ機構６２を撹拌モードに制御することによって、太陽歯車減速機構６３の内歯車（外側出力軸６５と洗濯兼脱水槽２に連結）を静止させた状態で駆動電動機６１の回転力を太陽歯車と遊星歯車とキャリアを介して減速して中心出力軸６４に伝達して撹拌翼４を正逆回転させ、電動操作クラッチ機構６２を洗濯モードに制御することによって、太陽歯車減速機構６３の内歯車（外側出力軸６５と洗濯兼脱水槽２に連結）を回転自由状態にして駆動電動機６１の回転力を太陽歯車と遊星歯車とキャリアを介して減速して中心出力軸６４に伝達することにより撹拌翼４を正逆回転させると共に内歯車に作用する反力を外側出力軸６５に伝達して洗濯兼脱水槽２を撹拌翼４と反対の方向に回転させ、電動操作クラッチ機構６２を脱水・乾燥モードに制御することによって、太陽歯車減速機構６３の太陽歯車と内歯車を駆動電動機６１に直結して該駆動電動機６１の回転力を中心出力軸６４と外側出力軸６５を介して洗濯兼脱水槽２と撹拌翼４に伝達してこれらを一体的に回転させる構成である。
【００５６】
循環風路における水冷除湿ダクト２３の垂直部分は、円筒状の外槽５の最後部位、すなわち、枠体１の後側蓋１ａに近い部位に位置するように外槽５に沿わせて該外槽５の側壁の吸出口５ａの周縁から連続させて該側壁と一体的に成形により形成する。この水冷除湿ダクト２３は、外槽５と後側蓋１ａの間の狭隘な空間に配置するために好適なように、奥行きを狭くし、横幅を広げた長方形の風路断面形状に形成する。このように幅広の略長方形の風路断面形状の水冷除湿ダクト２３は、壁面が広くなるので循環空気冷却壁面が増加することから循環空気の冷却除湿に好適である。
【００５７】
下降風路ダクト２５の垂直部分は、前記水冷除湿ダクト２３の横隣に該水冷除湿ダクト２３と共通の側壁となるように外槽５の側壁に一体成形により形成する。この位置は、外槽５の湾曲によって後側蓋１ａから離れるので、風路断面形状は、奥行きを広げて幅を狭くした略正方形状に形成することにより、循環風路の横幅の広がりを抑制するように構成する。
【００５８】
上昇風路ダクト２７の垂直部分は、前記水冷除湿ダクト２３の反対側の横隣に該水冷除湿ダクト２３と共通の側壁となるように外槽５の側壁に一体成形により形成する。この位置は、外槽５の湾曲によって後側蓋１ａから離れるので、風路断面形状は、奥行きを広げて幅を狭くした略正方形状に形成することにより、循環風路の横幅の広がりを抑制するように構成する。
【００５９】
このように外槽５の後側の側壁に沿って該側壁に一体成形した各ダクト２３，２５，２７の外側面は、枠体１の後側の側壁を構成する後側蓋１ａの膨出部分の内側に所定の間隔で対向するように略直線形状に形成する。そして、この外槽５は、枠体１の上端部の四隅部に結合した補強部材１ｂに係止した４本の防振支持装置８によって外槽５を四方から均等に吊り下げることにより該枠体１の中心部に懸垂するように支持する。
【００６０】
第１ダクトである水冷除湿ダクト２３の垂直部分と第２ダクトである下降風路ダクト２５の上端部を連結し連通させる上部折返部材４４は、外槽５の上端に取り付けた外槽上カバー２８の上面の後部に張り出させ、糸屑捕集手段を構成する糸屑捕集フィルタ４５を内蓋３２の上側から斜めに挿脱可能に収納する。
【００６１】
また、上昇風路ダクト２７の垂直部分の上端部に連結し連通させた吹込口部材３０は、前記外槽上カバー２８の上面の後部に張り出させ、ヒータ２９を内蔵し、加熱した循環空気を洗濯兼脱水槽２の回転方向に対して逆方向に向けて該洗濯兼脱水槽２内に吹き込むように外槽上カバー２８を貫通させて該洗濯兼脱水槽２の開口に臨んで開口させる。ヒータ２９は、ＰＴＣヒータを採用し、通風路が上下方向に傾くように斜めに設置して吹込口３０の背丈を低くすることによって機体の背丈の増加を抑制する。
【００６２】
外槽上カバー２８は、下側の樹脂成形部材２８ｂと上側の金属板（ステンレス板）２８ｃを重合した２層構造であり、必要に応じて、前記吹込口３０と上部折返部材４４の一部を樹脂成形部材２８ｂと一体成形する。金属板２８ｃは、補強および耐熱部材として機能させる。
【００６３】
循環ファン２６は、遠心羽根車２６ａと該遠心羽根車２６ａを回転させる駆動電動機２６ｂと遠心羽根車２６ａを包囲する吸込口ケーシング２６ｃと吹出口ケーシング２６ｄを備え、外槽５の底部の下側に取り付けることによって、枠体１内において外槽５の下側に形成される空間に前記駆動装置６と並べてその後側に位置するように配置する。
【００６４】
吸込口ケーシング２６ｃと吹出口ケーシング２６ｄを合わせたものをファンケーシングと呼ぶ。下降風路ダクト２５の下端部と上昇風路ダクト２７の下端部はこのファンケーシングと連結する。
【００６５】
詳しくはファンケーシングの吸込口ケーシング２６ｃは、ドレン排出口２６ｅを有し、下降風路ダクト２５の下端部に連結する。吹出口ケーシング２６ｄは、上昇風路ダクト２７の下端部に連結する。
【００６６】
このように構成したファン２６（循環ファン）は、吸出口５ａの下方で駆動装置６の後方の外槽下部に取付けてある。
【００６７】
詳しくは、循環ファン２６は遠心羽根車２６ａと駆動電動機２６ｂの上方に外槽５が位置し、前方に駆動装置６が位置し、後方にケーシング２６ｃ，２６ｄおよび風路ダクト２５，２７が位置しているので、遠心羽根車２６ａと駆動電動機２６ｂで発生する音の放散がこれらによって遮られ（抑制され）ることから、乾燥運転における騒音が小さくなる。
【００６８】
図１０および図１１は、前述した外槽５と各ダクト２３，２５，２７の一体的な成形方法を説明するための図であって、図１０は、一体成形した外槽５と各ダクト２３，２５，２７を形成金型と共に示す斜視図、図１１は、一体成形した外槽５と各ダクト２３，２５，２７を成形金型と共に一部を切り欠いて示す背面図である。
【００６９】
外槽５と各ダクト２３，２５，２７の垂直部分は、合成樹脂によって一体的に成形する。外槽５を成形する成形金型は、外槽５の内周面および底の内面を成形する成形面と吸出口５ａを成形する進退可能な中子４５ａを有する円柱状の槽内型４６ｂと、外槽５の外側面とダクト２３，２５，２７の外側面を成形する周方向に４分割された槽外周型４７ａ〜４７ｄと外槽５の底の外面と各ダクト２３，２５，２７の下端部を成形する槽底型４７ｅと、各ダクト２３，２５，２７の内周面を成形する３本のダクト内型４８ａ，４８ｂ，４８ｃを使用する。
【００７０】
射出成形機は、槽底型４７ｅを基準にして槽内型４６ｂ，槽外周型４７ａ〜４７ｄ，ダクト内型４８ａ〜４８ｃを組み合わせて成形金型を組み立て、分解（型割り）する。槽内型４６ｂは、上方から垂直方向に進退させ、槽外周型４７ａ〜４６ｄは、四方から水平方向に進退させ、ダクト内型４８ａ〜４８ｃは、上方から垂直方向に進退させる。ダクト２５，２７は、上下端を開口させるので、ダクト内型４８ｂ，４８ｃの下端を槽底型４７の凹部４７ｂ，４７ｃに嵌合させて位置決めする。ダクト２３は、下端部を外槽５の吸出口５ａの周縁部から連続させて一体的に成形する構成であるので、ダクト２３の底壁部に小さな貫通穴２３ａ（貫通穴として利用）を成形するようにダクト内型４８ａに設けた突起４８ａ１を槽底型４７の凹部４７ａに嵌着させて位置決めさせる。この突起４８ａ１により成形された貫通穴２３ａは、その後、栓などを詰めて水密状態に封止する。
【００７１】
このような構成の金型による射出成形は、比較的小規模の射出成形機によって外槽５とダクト２３，２５，２７の一体成形を可能にする。
【００７２】
次に、高濃度洗剤液生成・供給手段を説明する、
図１２は、洗剤溶解容器２１と洗剤撹拌電動機３９の関係を示す縦断側面図である。この高濃度洗剤液生成・供給手段は、洗剤溶解容器２１と洗剤撹拌電動機３９を金属ベース板４９上に水平方向に横並びさせた状態に設置する。
【００７３】
洗剤溶解容器２１は、洗剤が投入される貯留部２１ｕと、貯留部の底部に配設した洗剤攪拌翼５０を有しており、洗剤撹拌翼５０と結合した撹拌翼駆動軸５１は、洗剤溶解容器２１の底壁部２１ａおよび金属ベース板４９を垂直状態に貫通させて該金属ベース板４９の下側に導出し、導出部分にタイミングベルト従動プーリ５２を嵌着する。洗剤攪拌翼５０の駆動手段である洗剤撹拌電動機３９は、回転出力軸３９ａが金属ベース板４９を垂直状態に貫通して該金属ベース板４９の下側に導出されるように該金属ベース板４９に取り付け、導出部分にタイミングベルト駆動プーリ５３を嵌着する。そして、従動プーリ５２と駆動プーリ５３は、タイミングベルト５４によって連動させる。
【００７４】
金属ベース板４９は、前記撹拌翼駆動軸５１を支持する軸受５５を嵌着する軸受筒部４９ａを外向きに突設し、その内側には同心状態に環状の洗剤溶解容器嵌合凸部４９ｂを突設する。洗剤溶解容器２１の底壁２１ａには、前記洗剤溶解容器嵌合凸部４９ｂの外周に嵌着させる筒状部２１ｂを内側に向けて起立させて洗剤撹拌翼５０の下側の凹部に潜り込ませるように設け、筒状部２１ｂを洗剤溶解容器嵌合凸部４９ｂの外周に嵌合させて位置決めした状態で止めねじ５６によって金属ベース板４９に固定する。前記軸受５５で支持した撹拌翼駆動軸５１は、前記筒状部２１ｂを貫通して洗剤溶解容器２１の内側に導出し、導出部分に洗剤撹拌翼５０を嵌着する。筒状部２１ｂの内側と撹拌翼駆動軸５１の間には、軸シール部材５７を収納する。洗剤撹拌翼５０は、径方向の途中を前記筒状部２１ｂの外周に沿って対向させて下向きに伸ばすことによって洗剤撹拌翼５０の下側に前記筒状部２１ｂを包囲する筒状の内壁面５１ａを構成する凹部５１ｂを形成する。前記筒状部２１ｂと筒状の内壁面５１ａの間には、筒状部２１ｂの外周に嵌着した洗剤シール部材５８を介在させる。
【００７５】
金属ベース板４９は、更に、洗剤撹拌電動機３９の軸受筒３９ｂの外周を嵌合させる嵌合穴４９ｃを備え、洗剤撹拌電動機３９の軸受筒３９ｂに防振部材５９を嵌着した状態で該軸受筒３９ｂを嵌合穴４９ｃに嵌合して位置決めし、洗剤撹拌電動機３９の反対側の軸受筒３９ｃに防振部材７０を嵌着し、その周囲を包囲するように電動機カバー７１を被せて金属ベース板４９に止めねじ７２で固定することにより、洗剤撹拌電動機３９を防振部材５９，７０で挟持するように取り付ける。
【００７６】
このように洗剤溶解容器２１と洗剤撹拌電動機３９を横並びに設置する構成は、バックパネルボックス１７の背丈を低くして機体の背丈の増加を抑制することができる。また、撹拌翼駆動軸５１と洗剤撹拌電動機３９の回転出力軸３９ａは、金属ベース板４９に形成した軸受筒部４９ａと嵌合穴４９ｃによって正確に位置決めされるので、タイミングベルト５４による回転駆動力の伝達が円滑になって静粛な運転を可能にする。更に、洗剤溶解容器２１の筒状部２１ｂを包囲するように洗剤撹拌翼５０の下側に筒状の内壁面５０ａを構成する凹部５０ｂは、洗剤シール部材５８によって仕切られる空気溜りを形成するので、粉末合成洗剤を溶解して生成した高濃度洗剤液が浸入して軸シール部材５７や軸受５５を損傷するのを防止するように機能する。
【００７７】
洗剤溶解容器２１の更なる具体的な構成を洗剤投入容器を含めて図１３〜図２４を参照して説明する。図１３は洗剤溶解容器の斜視図、図１４は同正面図、図１５は同上面図、図１６は同左側面図、図１７は同右側面図、図１８は洗剤溶解容器と主給水電磁弁および補助給水電磁弁を実装したトップカバーをバックパネルを開いて示す斜視図、図１９〜図２２は洗剤投入容器を載置した洗剤溶解容器の縦断側面図、図２３は外蓋を開いて洗剤投入容器を引き出した状態を示すトップカバーの斜視図、図２４は同洗剤投入容器を押し込んだ状態を示すトップカバーの斜視図である。
【００７８】
洗剤溶解容器２１は、上方を開放して洗剤投入容器７３を進退自在に載置可能な略四角形状の容器であり、前記洗剤撹拌翼５０を設置する洗剤溶解室２１ｃと、ソフナー等の仕上剤投入室２１ｄと、洗濯水給水流路２１ｅと、前記洗濯水給水流路２１ｅに連なる溢水流路２１ｆを備える。
【００７９】
洗剤溶解室２１ｃは、貯留部２１ｕに給水する給水手段（第１の給水手段）である補助給水電磁弁２２から給水を受ける受水口２１ｇと、受水口２１ｇから入ってきた水と洗剤とを洗剤撹拌翼５０によって撹拌して洗剤液を生成し、この高濃度洗剤液を第１の給水手段の補助給水電磁弁２２からの更なる給水によって希釈することによって増量したときに溢水流路２１ｆに溢水させて洗濯物へ供給する溢水部である溢水縁２１ｈを貯留部２１ｕ上部に設け、撹拌時に洗剤溶解水（高濃度洗剤液）の回動を抑制するリブ２１ｉと、洗剤溶解容器内の貯留部底部に、希釈した高濃度洗剤液を洗剤溶解室２１ｃの底から洗濯水給水流路２１ｅに流し出すサイフォン手段であるサイフォン通水機構２１ｊと、後述する洗剤投入容器７３の進退を案内するガイドレール２１ｋおよび洗剤投入容器７３の底蓋を転回させる固定歯車２１ｍとを備える。
【００８０】
洗剤溶解室２１ｃの容積は、バックパネルボックス１７内に設置することを考慮し、粉末合成洗剤を溶解するために必要な少ない量、例えば２００〜３００ｃｃの水道水によって、例えば洗い水の洗剤濃度の２００〜３００倍の濃度に生成するのに適した大きさに設定する。ここで洗剤濃度とは、例えば通常６０Ｌの洗い水を使用する洗濯では、６Ｌの水で粉末洗剤を溶解することによって得られる洗剤液は洗剤濃度が１０倍である。
【００８１】
仕上剤供給手段である仕上剤投入室２１ｄは、溢水流路２１ｆに連なる溢水縁２１ｎと、洗濯水給水流路２１ｅに連なるサイフォン通水機構２１ｐと、補助給水電磁弁２２ａからの受水口２１ｑを備え、室内の仕上剤（液体）を受水口２１ｑからの受水によって希釈することによって増量させて溢水縁２１ｎから溢水流路２１ｆに溢水させ、サイフォン通水機構２１ｐから洗濯水給水流路２１ｅに流し出す。
【００８２】
洗濯水給水流路２１ｅは、洗濯物へ給水する給水手段（第２の給水手段）である主給水電磁弁２０から受水する受水口２１ｒと、貯留部２１ｕ内で洗剤と水とを洗剤攪拌翼５０で攪拌して生成された洗剤液を溢水部から溢水させて洗濯物へ供給する第１の供給流路である溢水流路２１ｆと、サイフォン通水機構２１ｊから洗濯物へ供給する第２の供給流路を備え、第１の供給流路からの洗剤液と第２の供給流路からの洗剤液とを混合室２１ｖで混合する。また、第２の給水手段からの水も混合室２１ｖで混合する。そしてこの混合室２１ｖは洗剤溶解容器２１内に設けられている。また、溢水流路２１ｎとサイフォン通水機構２１ｐから流れ出る仕上剤を混合室２１ｖで合流させて混合して流出口２１ｓから注水口１９に流し出す流路を形成する。
【００８３】
洗剤投入容器７３は、前記洗剤溶解容器２１上をガイドレール２１ｋに沿って進退する偏平な四角形状で上方を開放した箱状体であり、図２３に記載されているように洗剤投入部７３ａと仕上剤投入部７３ｂと取手部７３ｃを備える。
【００８４】
洗剤投入部７３ａは、洗剤溶解容器２１の洗剤溶解室２１ｃの上方を進退するように位置し、奥側半分領域の底を開閉するように転回する底板７３ｄを備える。この底板７３ｄは、図１９に示すように軸端に歯車７３ｅを設けた支軸によって転回可能に支持し、奥に押し込んだ状態では歯車７３ｅが歯車２１ｍに係合して前側半分領域の下面に沿って裏返し状態で水平状態になるまで転回して洗剤投入部７３ａの奥側半分領域の底を全開し、手前側に引き出す過程で図２０又は図２１に記載されているように下側に垂れ下がるように転回し、続いて、図２２に記載しているようにトップカバー９の開口縁または洗剤溶解容器２１の縁に押されて底を閉じるように転回する。しかし、この底板７３ｄは、底を閉じるように転回した状態でも洗剤投入部７３ａの奥端部分を洗剤溶解室２１ｃの上方位置に開放する短尺板である。
【００８５】
仕上剤投入部７３ｂは、洗剤溶解容器２１の仕上剤投入室２１ｄの上方を進退するように位置し、引き出した状態において仕上剤投入室２１ｄの上に位置する奥底を開放する。
【００８６】
取手部７３ｃは、洗剤投入容器７３の手前側の部分に位置し、トップカバー９に形成した外側衣類投入口９ａの奥側の壁面に露出して進退操作するための把持部分として機能する。
【００８７】
このように構成した高濃度洗剤液生成・供給手段は、取手部７３ｃを掴んで洗剤投入容器７３を外側衣類投入口９ａ内に引き出す。引き出した状態の洗剤投入容器７３は、洗剤投入部７３ａは、手前側部分を外側衣類投入口９ａ内に上向きに開口させ、底板７３ｄを閉じ、奥端部分を洗剤溶解容器２１の洗剤溶解室２１ｃの上方に開口させている。そこで、所定量の粉末合成洗剤を洗剤投入部７３ａに投入すると、その一部は奥端部分の開口から洗剤溶解室２１ｃに落下し、一部は底板７３ｄ上に残る。また、仕上剤投入部７３ｂに仕上剤を投入すると該仕上剤は仕上剤投入室２１ｄに流下する。
【００８８】
その後、洗剤投入容器７３を押し込むと、洗剤投入部７３ａの底板７３ｄは、洗剤溶解容器２１の縁から離れて垂れ下がって残りの粉末合成洗剤を洗剤溶解室２１ｃ内に落下させ、更に奥に押し込むと歯車７３ｅが歯車２１ｍに係合して前側半分領域の下面に沿って裏返しになって水平状態となるまで転回する。
【００８９】
この状態で補助給水電磁弁２２を開いて溢水縁２１ｈから溢れ出さず且つサイフォン通水機構２１ｊも通水（導通）しない程度の量（２００〜３００ｃｃ）の洗剤溶解水を洗剤溶解室２１ｃに供給し、洗剤撹拌電動機３９によって洗剤撹拌翼５０を回転させて粉末合成洗剤を溶解して高濃度（洗い水の洗剤濃度の２００〜３００倍）の洗剤液を生成する。
【００９０】
その後、補助給水電磁弁２２を開いて追加の給水を行って希釈して増量することによって溢水縁２１ｈから溢水させると共にサイフォン通水機構２１ｊを通水（導通）を開始させて洗濯水給水流路２１ｅに流し出す。これと共に主給水電磁弁２０を開いて給水することによって洗濯水給水流路２１ｅに給水することによって高濃度洗剤液を更に希釈して洗濯物に浸沈させるのに好適な洗剤濃度（洗い水の洗剤濃度の５〜３０倍）にして流出口２１ｓから注水口１９に流し出す。
【００９１】
更に、その後の洗い水の給水は、主給水電磁弁２０，補助給水電磁弁２２を開いて所定の水位になるまで行うことによって洗剤溶解容器２１を洗浄しながら行う。
【００９２】
このように構成した洗濯乾燥機は、水冷除湿ダクト２３や風路ダクト２５，２７を外槽５と一体成形により形成するように構成しているので、循環風路を合理的に形成することができる。
【００９３】
また、水冷除湿ダクト２３は、外槽５の下部の吸出口５ａの周縁部から一体的に連続させて上端を上向きに開口するように成形しているので、容易に水密構造とすることができる。
【００９４】
また、循環ファン２６を外槽５の下側の空間に配置したことによって洗濯乾燥機の背丈の増加を軽減することができる。
【００９５】
また、給水電磁弁２０，２２，２２ａや洗剤溶解容器２１を枠体１の上端部に取り付けられたトップカバー９のバックパネルボックス１７内に設置し、循環風路の吹込口３０と糸屑捕集フィルタ４５を外槽５の上端部に取り付けられた外槽上カバー２８上に設置したことによって、外蓋３１を開くことによって前記糸屑捕集フィルタ４５や洗剤投入容器７３を外側衣類投入口９ａ内から操作することができるので、操作し易い洗濯乾燥機とすることができる。
【００９６】
また、水冷除湿ダクト２３や風路ダクト２５，２７を外槽５の後側に該外槽５と一体成形により形成し、枠体１の外側向きに膨出した後側蓋１ａによって覆うように構成しているので、枠体１の大型化を抑制することができる。
【００９７】
しかも、外槽５は、枠体１の上端部の四隅から防振支持装置８によって吊り下げて支持する構成としているので、バランス良く支持することができる。
【００９８】
また、洗剤溶解容器２１は、洗濯物３８に降りかけて浸沈させる高濃度洗剤液よりも更に高濃度に溶解するように小型（小容積）に形成し、生成した高濃度洗剤液を浸沈に適度の洗剤濃度に希釈しながら洗濯物３８に降りかけるように構成しているので、洗剤を良く溶解することができ、しかも、トップカバー９に形成したバックパネルボックス１７内に設置することが容易になる。また、サイフォン通水機構２１ｊは、洗剤溶解容器２１内の洗剤液の殆どを流し出すことができる。
【００９９】
また、洗剤を撹拌する洗剤撹拌翼５０を回転駆動する洗剤撹拌電動機３９は、洗剤溶解容器２１に対して横並び状態に設置しているので、背丈を低くすることができる。しかも、洗剤溶解容器２１と洗剤撹拌電動機３９は、金属ベース板４９上によって位置決めしているので、正確なベルト連結によって静粛に駆動することができる。
【０１００】
また、洗剤撹拌翼５０を駆動する撹拌翼駆動軸５１の軸受５５や軸シール部材５７は、洗剤溶解容器２１の底壁２１ａに起立させた筒状部２１ｂと洗剤撹拌翼５０の下側に形成した凹部５０ｂによって空気溜りを形成して高濃度洗剤液の浸入を阻止して粉末合成洗剤に含まれている添加剤（特にゼオライト）による損傷を軽減することができる。
【０１０１】
また、洗剤投入は、洗剤溶解容器２１上に進退可能に載置して衣類投入口９ａに引き出した洗剤投入容器７３を介して行うように構成したので、洗剤投入が容易である。
【０１０２】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、洗濯運転及び乾燥運転で信頼性の高い運転をすることが出来、また、空間を有効利用して大型化を抑制した洗濯乾燥機を提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明になる洗濯乾燥機の一実施の形態を示す模式図である。
【図２】図１に示した洗濯乾燥機の電気系を示すブロック図である。
【図３】本発明になる洗濯乾燥機の具体的な構成を示す縦断側面図である。
【図４】図３に示した洗濯乾燥機の枠体の後側を切り欠いて循環風路部を示す背面図である。
【図５】図３に示した洗濯乾燥機の一部を切り欠いて示す下面図である。
【図６】図３に示した洗濯乾燥機のトップカバーを外して外槽と循環風路部を示す上面図である。
【図７】図６における糸屑捕集部の縦断側面図である。
【図８】図３に示した洗濯乾燥機の枠体と外槽の関係を示す上面図である。
【図９】図３に示した洗濯乾燥機の外槽上カバーの分解図である。
【図１０】図３に示した洗濯乾燥機の一体成形した外槽と各ダクトを形成金型と共に示す斜視図である。
【図１１】図３に示した洗濯乾燥機の一体成形した外槽と各ダクトを成形金型と共に一部を切り欠いて示す背面図である。
【図１２】図３に示した洗濯乾燥機の洗剤溶解容器と洗剤撹拌電動機の関係を示す縦断側面図である。
【図１３】図１２に示した洗剤溶解容器を更に具体的に示す斜視図である。
【図１４】図１３に示した洗剤溶解容器の正面図である。
【図１５】図１３に示した洗剤溶解容器の上面図である。
【図１６】図１３に示した洗剤溶解容器の左側面図である。
【図１７】図１３に示した洗剤溶解容器の右側面図である。
【図１８】図３に示した洗濯乾燥機の洗剤溶解容器と主給水電磁弁および補助給水電磁弁を実装したトップカバーをバックパネルを開いて示す斜視図である。
【図１９】図３に示した洗濯乾燥機の洗剤溶解容器に搭載した洗剤投入容器を押し込んだ状態の縦断側面図である。
【図２０】図３に示した洗濯乾燥機の洗剤溶解容器に搭載した洗剤投入容器を僅かに引き出した状態の縦断側面図である。
【図２１】図３に示した洗濯乾燥機の洗剤溶解容器に搭載した洗剤投入容器を更に引き出した状態の縦断側面図である。
【図２２】図３に示した洗濯乾燥機の洗剤溶解容器に搭載した洗剤投入容器を更に引き出した状態の縦断側面図である。
【図２３】図３に示した洗濯乾燥機の外蓋を開いて洗剤投入容器を引き出した状態を示すトップカバーの斜視図である。
【図２４】図３に示した洗濯乾燥機の外蓋を開いて洗剤投入容器を押し込んだ状態を示すトップカバーの斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１…枠体、１ａ…後側蓋、１ｂ…補強部材、２…洗濯兼脱水槽、４…撹拌翼、５…外槽、５ａ…吸出口、６…駆動装置、８…防振支持装置、９…トップカバー、９ａ…外側衣類投入口、１７…バックパネルボックス、１９…注水口、２０…主給水電磁弁、２１…洗剤溶解容器、２１ｂ…筒状部、２１ｃ…洗剤溶解室、２１ｈ…溢水縁、２１ｊ…サイフォン通水機構、２２，２２ａ…補助給水電磁弁、２３…水冷除湿ダクト、２４…冷却散水部、２５…下降風路ダクト、２６…循環ファン、２７…上昇風路ダクト、２８…外槽上カバー、２８ａ…内側衣類投入口、２９…ヒータ、３０…吹込口、３１…外蓋、３２…内蓋、３９…洗剤撹拌電動機、４０…湿度センサ、４１…第１温度センサ、４２…第２温度センサ、４４…上部折返部材、４５…糸屑捕集フィルタ、４９…金属ベース板、５０…洗剤撹拌翼、５０ｂ…凹部、５７…軸シール部材、５８…洗剤シール部材、７３…洗剤投入容器、７３ａ…洗剤投入部、７３ｄ…底板。[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a washing and drying machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the washing operation, the washing and drying machine executes a washing operation in which tap water (washing water) is supplied, the stirring blade is rotated forward and reverse to apply mechanical force to the laundry, and then tap water (rinsing water) is supplied. To perform the rinsing operation of applying the same mechanical force to the washing clothes, and then perform the spin-drying operation of centrifugally dewatering the rinsing water contained in the washing clothes by rotating the washing and dewatering tub, and further thereafter. In addition, a drying operation for drying the laundry by supplying warm air to the washing and dewatering tub is executed.
[0003]
Washing and drying machines that perform such a series of operations include JP-A-11-347281, JP-A-11-347282, and JP-A-11-347296.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to enable a highly reliable operation in a washing operation and a drying operation.In addition, the use of space has been effectively used to suppress the size increase.It is to provide a washing and drying machine.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present inventionA frame, an outer tub suspended from and supported by the frame, a washing and dewatering tub installed in the outer tub, a stirring blade installed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub, A driving device that rotationally drives the water tank and the stirring blade, a water-cooling dehumidifying unit that water-cools and dehumidifies air sucked from a suction port provided in the outer tank, and a heating unit that heats the water-cooled dehumidified air, An outlet for blowing the heated air into the washing and dewatering tub, and a circulating air passage for circulating the air from the suction port to the blowing port by a circulating fan; A part of the circulating air passage is formed integrally with the outer tub, and the duct has the water-cooled dehumidifier and is formed to extend upward from the suction port. And the first duct in which the air rises The first duct communicates with a circulation fan provided at a lower portion of the outer tub, the inside communicates with the second duct in which the air descends, and the circulation fan communicates with the blow port. With a rising third ductIt is characterized by the following.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention relates to a washing machine and a washing / drying machine. However, since the washing machine can be implemented by removing the drying mechanism from the washing / drying machine, the embodiment described below relates to a washing / drying machine. explain.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a vertical section of a washing and drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020]
Reference numeral 1 denotes a rectangular cylindrical frame that forms the outer shell. Reference numeral 2 denotes a washing and dewatering tub, which has a small hole 2a for water and air ventilation on its peripheral wall, a fluid balancer 3 on its upper edge, and a rotatable stirring blade 4 inside the bottom. I do. The stirring blade 4 has a small hole 4a for water passage and ventilation. Reference numeral 5 denotes an outer tub that contains the washing and dewatering tub 2 and is made of a synthetic resin. Further, a driving device 6 is attached to the outside of the bottom of the outer tank 5 by an attachment base 7 made of a steel plate, and the outer tank 5 is held by four anti-vibration supporting devices 8 locked at four corners at the upper end of the frame 1. By suspending evenly from all sides, the frame 1 is supported so as to be suspended from the center.
[0021]
The drive device 6 has a built-in drive motor, an electric operation clutch mechanism, and a planetary gear reduction mechanism, and rotates the stirring blades 4 in a state where the washing and dewatering tub 2 is stationary (stirring mode), and stirs with the washing and dewatering tub 2. It has a selective drive function of rotating the blades 4 in opposite directions (washing mode) and rotating the washing / dewatering tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 integrally in the same direction (dehydration / drying mode).
[0022]
The top cover 9 formed with the outer garment inlet 9a is fitted into the opening edge so as to cover the upper opening of the frame 1, and is attached to the frame 1 together with the front panel 10 and the back panel 11 by mounting screws.
[0023]
A front panel box 12, which is a front storage portion formed between the top cover 9 and the front panel 10, has a power switch 13, an operation panel 14 including an input switch group and a display element group, and an operation panel 14 in the outer tank 5. A water level sensor 15 for generating a water level signal corresponding to the water level and a control unit 16 are built in. These constitute a control device.
[0024]
In a back panel box 17 which is a rear storage portion formed between the top cover 9 and the back panel 11, a washing water supply means and a high-concentration detergent liquid generation / supply means described later are housed side by side.
[0025]
The washing water supply means is constituted by a main water supply solenoid valve 20 having an inlet side connected to the faucet connection port 18 and an outlet side connected to the water inlet 19.
[0026]
The high-concentration detergent liquid generating / supplying means supplies the detergent dissolving water to the detergent dissolving container 21 from the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 and agitates the powder synthetic detergent charged in the detergent dissolving container 21 while stirring the detergent dissolving water. To form a high-concentration detergent solution. The diluted solution is overflowed from the detergent dissolving vessel 21 while being diluted with further water supply, and supplied to the water inlet 19, and a finishing agent charging chamber attached to the detergent dissolving vessel 21 (details will be described later). ), The water is supplied to the inlet 19 by overflowing.
[0027]
The water inlet 19 penetrates the bottom of the top cover 9 and the rear part of the outer tub upper cover 28 of the outer tub 5 and opens toward the upper opening of the washing and dewatering tub 2. The water inlet 19 has a flexible tube 19a (see FIG. 3) interposed between the bottom of the top cover 9 and the outer tank upper cover 28.
[0028]
The hot air circulating drying means is formed so as to extend vertically upward from a suction port 5 a formed in a lower side wall of the outer tub 5 along an outer wall surface which is a rear side wall of the outer tub 5. A duct (water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23) which is a dehumidifying air passage for blocking the washing water entering from the outlet 5a, and a water-cooled dehumidifying means which is located at an upper portion in the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23 and supplies cooling water into the duct. A cooling water sprinkling section 24 and a descending air passage section which is turned up at a position higher than the water level of the outer tub 5 in the washing operation and extends vertically toward the lower side of the outer tub 5 along the outer wall surface of the outer tub 5. A descending air duct 25, a circulating fan 26 disposed in a space below the outer tub 5 and sucking air from the descending air duct 25 into a suction port to generate circulating air; 26 outlet to outer wall of outer tub 5 A rising air path duct 27 which is a rising air path part extending vertically upward along the upper side and an outer tank upper cover 28 attached to the upper end of the outer tank 5 and fed from the rising air path duct 27. A heater (PTC heater) 29 serving as a heating means for heating the circulating air to be heated is built in, and a blowing port 30 for blowing the heated circulating air into the washing / dewatering tub 2 is provided.
[0029]
In this way, a water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23, an ascending air duct 27, and a descending air duct that circulate the air sucked from the suction port 5a into the outer tank 5 by the fan 26 are provided.
25 and the like, and all of the circulation air passages are attached to the outer tank.
[0030]
A water-cooling dehumidifying duct 23 that is a first duct that forms a circulating air path; a descending air path duct 25 that is a second duct and a third duct that extend vertically along the side wall of the outer tub 5 in parallel with the first duct The updraft duct 27 is arranged on the outer wall surface on the rear side of the outer tub 5 in the circumferential direction of the outer tub 5, and a part thereof is integrally formed with the outer tub 5 and mounted. The side cover 1a is formed in a shape that bulges outward and is screwed.
[0031]
The upper end and the lower end of the second and third ducts are open, respectively, and form the second duct and the third duct continuously on the left and right of the first duct.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 11, the side wall of the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23 has a lower portion a that is thicker than an upper portion b so that the mold can be easily removed.
[0033]
The water-cooled dehumidification duct 23 is formed to extend upward from the peripheral edge of the suction port 5a, and has an opening at the upper end and a bottom 23c having a through hole 23a at the lower end.
[0034]
In addition, a humidity sensor 40 and a first temperature sensor 41 are installed in a lower portion of the descending air duct 25, and a second temperature sensor 42 is installed in an air passage between the blowing port 30 and the downstream side of the heater 29. In order to accurately detect the humidity and temperature of the circulating air dewatered and cooled in the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23, the humidity sensor 40 and the first temperature sensor are used after the circulated air that has been water-cooled and dehumidified is well mixed and uniform. Therefore, the humidity sensor 40 and the first temperature sensor 41 are installed in the lower part of the descending air duct 25 far from the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23 or in the suction casing 26 c of the circulation fan 26. Further, the humidity sensor 40 and the first temperature sensor 41 are set at positions where they are exposed when the rear cover 1a is removed, for convenience of maintenance work.
[0035]
Although illustration is omitted here, a lint collecting means, which will be described later, is provided at a portion where the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23 is turned back to the descending air duct 25.
[0036]
The outer garment inlet 9a formed in the top cover 9 is openably and closably covered by an outer lid 31 attached to the top cover 9 by hinges 31a so as to open in two (mountain fold). The inner garment inlet 28a formed in the upper tank cover 28 is configured to be openably and closably covered by an inner lid 32 attached to the outer tank upper cover 28 by a hinge 32a.
[0037]
A drain port 5 b formed at the bottom of the outer tub 5 is connected to a drain hose 34 via a drain solenoid valve 33. The air trap 5c is connected to the water level sensor 15 via an air tube 35. A base 37 formed of a synthetic resin having legs 36 attached to four corners is attached to the lower edge of the frame 1.
[0038]
Reference numeral 38 denotes the laundry put into the washing and dewatering tub 2.
[0039]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electric system of the washing and drying machine.
[0040]
The control unit 16 that receives power via the power switch 13 is configured around a microcomputer 16a, and includes a power supply circuit 16b, a driving device 6, a main water supply solenoid valve 20, auxiliary water supply solenoid valves 22, 22a, and a detergent stirring motor 39. And a drive circuit 16c having a group of semiconductor AC switching elements (FLS) for controlling power supply to the drainage electromagnetic valve 33, the circulation fan 26, the heater 29, and the cooling watering electromagnetic valve 24a.
[0041]
The drive motor 61 of the drive device 6 has a stator winding 61a and a rotation sensor 61b, and the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 has an electric operation machine 62a and a position sensor 62c for detecting an operation position.
[0042]
The drive circuit 16c includes two semiconductor AC switching elements (FLS) 16c1 and 16c2 for forward and reverse rotation control with respect to power supply control to the stator winding 61a of the drive motor 61 in the drive device 6. FLS16c1 is a semiconductor switching element for forward rotation power supply control, and FLS16c2 is a semiconductor AC switching element for reverse rotation power supply control. In this embodiment, the rotational speed of the drive motor 61 is controlled by controlling the phase of the stator winding 61a by the FLSs 16c1 and 16c2. However, an inverter-driven brushless motor is used. The configuration is such that it is performed by PWM control or PAM control. Further, an FLS 16c3 for controlling power supply of the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the driving device 6 to the electric operation device 62a is provided.
[0043]
Further, the drive circuit 16c controls the power supply to the main water supply electromagnetic valve 20, the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valves 22, 22a, the detergent stirring motor 39, the drainage electromagnetic valve 33, the circulation fan 26, the heater 29, and the cooling water spray electromagnetic valve 24a. To 16c11. The drive circuit 16c controls the conduction of the FLSs 16c1 to 16c11 according to an instruction from the microcomputer 16a, and controls power supply to the dependent loads.
[0044]
The microcomputer 16a further includes a rotation sensor 61b of the drive motor 61, a position sensor 62c of the electric operation clutch mechanism 62, a water level sensor 15 for detecting a washing water level in the outer tub 5, a humidity sensor 40, a first and a second temperature. By connecting the sensors 41 and 42, the unbalance detection sensor 43, and the operation panel 14, and executing a control processing program incorporated in advance, the input switch group 14a, the water level sensor 15, the rotation sensor 61b, and the position sensor of the operation panel 14 are provided. By taking in signals from the sensor 62c, the humidity sensor 40, the first and second temperature sensors 41 and 42, and the unbalance detection sensor 43 and controlling the drive circuit 16c, detection, generation of a high-concentration detergent solution, washing of the laundry, Execute each operation of concentration detergent solution generation / supply (immersion), washing, rinsing, dehydration and hot air drying. Displaying the progress by controlling the display element group 14b of 14. Here, the unbalance detection sensor 43 detects that the washing and dewatering tub 2 (outer tub 5) is unbalanced when the washing and dehydrating tub 2 is rotated and the distribution of the laundry 38 in the washing and dewatering tub 2 is unbalanced. This is a sensor that detects a large swing that exceeds a predetermined value.
[0045]
In this washer / dryer, the power switch 13 is turned on, the outer lid 31 and the inner lid 32 are opened, the laundry 38 is put into the washing / dewatering tub 2, the outer lid 31 and the inner lid 32 are closed, and the operation panel 14 is closed. When the washing start switch is turned on, the control unit 16 detects the amount of cloth by operating the driving device 6 and rotating the stirring blade 4 with the washing and dewatering tub 2 stationary, and detects the amount of washing water and the corresponding amount of washing water. The amount of the detergent is determined, and the display element group 14b of the operation panel 14 is controlled so as to display the amount.
[0046]
Then, the outer lid 31 is opened, and a corresponding amount of the powdered synthetic detergent and the finishing agent are put into the detergent dissolving container 21, and when the outer lid 31 is closed, the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22 is opened to dissolve the powdered synthetic detergent. A suitable amount of tap water (detergent dissolving water) is supplied to the detergent dissolving container 21, and the detergent synthetic motor 39 is operated to dissolve the powder synthetic detergent while stirring to produce a high concentration detergent solution.
[0047]
During this time, the main water supply solenoid valve 20 is opened and water is supplied by controlling the driving device 6 to slowly rotate the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 to rotate the laundry 38, thereby supplying tap water to the laundry 38. , So that the laundry 38 is moistened. At this time, the amount of water supply is controlled so that the laundry 38 is stopped to such an extent that the laundry 38 can be uniformly wetted.
[0048]
Next, the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22 is opened to supply additional water to the detergent dissolving container 21, thereby overflowing the high-concentration detergent liquid in the detergent dissolving container 21 and supplying it to the water inlet 19, and the main water supply electromagnetic valve 20. Is opened and supplied to the water inlet 19, so that the high-concentration detergent liquid is diluted to a desired detergent concentration (in the range of 5 to 30 times) and is controlled to fall on the laundry 38. At this time, the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 are integrally and slowly rotated so that the high-concentration detergent liquid uniformly falls on the laundry 38 and is uniformly immersed in the laundry 38. The driving device 6 is controlled so that the laundry 38 is rotated or agitated by rotating the agitating blades 4 while the dewatering tub 2 is stationary.
[0049]
As described above, when the high-concentration detergent solution, which is formed by dissolving the powdered synthetic detergent in water and further diluted at a concentration of 5 to 30 times, is immersed in the laundry 38, the chemical detergency of the detergent component is increased. Effectively acts on dirt to increase detergency.
[0050]
After the high-concentration detergent liquid is submerged in the laundry 38, the main water supply solenoid valve 20 and the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 are controlled so as to supply the washing water to a predetermined water level. Then, the drive unit 6 is controlled so as to execute the washing operation in which the agitating blade 4 is rotated forward and backward in the opposite direction to apply a mechanical force to the laundry 38.
[0051]
After the washing operation is completed, the drainage solenoid valve 33 is controlled to open so as to drain the washing water out of the machine, and the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the stirring blades 4 are integrally rotated at a high speed to centrifugally dehydrate the washing water. The driving device 6 is controlled so as to perform the intermediate dehydration. After the completion of the intermediate dehydration, the drainage electromagnetic valve 33 is controlled to close, the main water supply electromagnetic valve 20 is controlled so as to supply water to a predetermined rinsing water level, and the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 are further controlled. The driving device 6 is controlled so as to perform a rinsing operation in which the laundry is rotated in the forward and reverse directions by applying a mechanical force to the laundry 38. This rinsing operation is performed a plurality of times as necessary, and the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22a is opened to supply the finishing agent at the time of water supply in the last rinsing.
[0052]
After the rinsing operation is completed, the drain solenoid valve 33 is controlled to open so that the rinsing water is drained out of the machine. After the draining, the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 are integrally rotated at a high speed to discharge the rinsing water. The drive device 6 is controlled so as to perform final dehydration by centrifugal dehydration.
[0053]
The driving device 6 is controlled to rotate the washing / dewatering tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 integrally or in opposite directions so that the laundry 38 thus washed and centrifugally dehydrated is dried in the washing / dewatering tub 2. The operation of the circulating fan 26 is controlled such that the humid air in the outer tub 5 and the washing and dewatering tub 2 is sucked out from the suction port 5a to generate circulating air to be blown into the washing and dewatering tub 2 from the air inlet 30. A hot air drying operation is performed in which the water spray electromagnetic valve 24a of the cooling water sprinkling unit 24 is controlled so that air is water-cooled in the water cooling dehumidification duct 23, and the heater 29 is controlled so as to heat the air blown into the washing and dewatering tub 2. . The control of the hot air drying operation is performed while monitoring the detection signals of the humidity sensor 40, the first temperature sensor 41, and the second temperature sensor 42, and ends when a desired degree of drying is obtained.
[0054]
3 to 8 show a specific configuration of the washing and drying machine described above. FIG. 3 is a vertical side view of the washing and drying machine, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the washer / dryer shown, FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing a part of the washer / dryer cut away, and FIG. 6 is a top view of the washer / dryer showing the outer tub and the circulation air path with the upper cover removed. 7 is a vertical side view of the lint collecting unit, FIG. 8 is a top view showing the relationship between the frame and the outer tub, and FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the outer tub upper cover. A part of the description overlapping with the description of FIG. 1 is omitted.
[0055]
The rotation drive device 6 includes a central output shaft 64 to which the reversible drive motor 61, the electric operation clutch mechanism 62, the sun gear reduction mechanism 63 and the stirring blade 4 are connected, and an outer output shaft 65 to which the washing and dewatering tub 2 is connected. Is provided. The sun gear reduction mechanism 63 includes a carrier that supports the sun gear directly connected to the drive motor 61, the internal gear and the planetary gear directly connected to the outer output shaft 65, and is directly connected to the center output shaft 64. Then, by controlling the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 to the stirring mode, the rotational force of the drive motor 61 in a state where the internal gear of the sun gear reduction mechanism 63 (connected to the outer output shaft 65 and the washing and dewatering tub 2) is stationary. Is reduced via the sun gear, the planetary gears, and the carrier and transmitted to the center output shaft 64 to rotate the stirring blade 4 in the forward and reverse directions, and to control the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 to the washing mode. The inner gear (connected to the outer output shaft 65 and the washing and dewatering tub 2) is rotated freely to transmit the rotational force of the drive motor 61 to the central output shaft 64 by reducing the rotational force via the sun gear, the planetary gears and the carrier. Thus, the stirring blade 4 is rotated forward and reverse, and the reaction force acting on the internal gear is transmitted to the outer output shaft 65 to rotate the washing and dewatering tub 2 in a direction opposite to the stirring blade 4, and the electric operation clutch mechanism 6 is rotated. In the dehydration / drying mode, the sun gear and the internal gear of the sun gear reduction mechanism 63 are directly connected to the drive motor 61, and the rotational force of the drive motor 61 is transmitted via the center output shaft 64 and the outer output shaft 65. The washing and dewatering tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 are transmitted to rotate them integrally.
[0056]
The vertical portion of the water-cooling dehumidifying duct 23 in the circulation air passage is arranged along the outer tank 5 so as to be located at the last part of the cylindrical outer tank 5, that is, a part close to the rear lid 1 a of the frame 1. The side wall of the tank 5 is formed integrally with the side wall so as to be continuous from the periphery of the suction port 5a. The water-cooled dehumidification duct 23 is formed in a rectangular air path cross-sectional shape having a reduced depth and an increased width so as to be suitable for being disposed in a narrow space between the outer tub 5 and the rear lid 1a. Since the water cooling / dehumidifying duct 23 having a wide and substantially rectangular air path cross section has a wide wall surface, the number of circulating air cooling wall surfaces increases, and thus is suitable for cooling and dehumidifying circulating air.
[0057]
The vertical portion of the downdraft duct 25 is formed integrally with the side wall of the outer tub 5 so as to be adjacent to the water-cooling dehumidification duct 23 and to be a common side wall with the water-cooling dehumidification duct 23. This position is separated from the rear lid 1a by the curvature of the outer tub 5, so that the cross-sectional shape of the air passage is formed to have a substantially square shape with an increased depth and a reduced width, thereby suppressing an increase in the lateral width of the circulation air passage. It is constituted so that.
[0058]
The vertical portion of the updraft duct 27 is formed integrally with the side wall of the outer tub 5 so as to be a common side wall with the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23 on the side next to the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23. Since this position is separated from the rear lid 1a by the curvature of the outer tub 5, the cross-sectional shape of the air passage is formed in a substantially square shape in which the depth is increased and the width is reduced, thereby suppressing the lateral width of the circulation air passage. It is constituted so that.
[0059]
The outer surfaces of the ducts 23, 25, and 27 integrally formed on the rear side wall of the outer tub 5 along the rear side wall of the outer tank 5 are formed by bulging the rear lid 1a constituting the rear side wall of the frame 1. It is formed in a substantially linear shape so as to face the inside of the portion at a predetermined interval. The outer tub 5 is uniformly suspended from four sides by four anti-vibration support devices 8 locked to reinforcing members 1b connected to the four corners at the upper end of the frame 1. It is supported so as to be suspended at the center of the body 1.
[0060]
An upper turn-back member 44 for connecting and communicating the vertical portion of the water-cooling dehumidifying duct 23 as the first duct and the upper end of the descending air duct 25 as the second duct includes an outer tank upper cover 28 attached to the upper end of the outer tank 5. The lint collecting filter 45 constituting the lint collecting means is accommodated so as to be obliquely insertable into and removable from the upper side of the inner lid 32.
[0061]
A blow-off member 30 connected to and communicated with the upper end of the vertical portion of the rising air duct 27 protrudes to the rear of the upper surface of the outer tank upper cover 28, has a heater 29 built therein, and heats the circulating air. Through the outer tub upper cover 28 so as to be blown into the washing and dewatering tub 2 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the washing and dewatering tub 2 so as to open toward the opening of the washing and dewatering tub 2. . The heater 29 employs a PTC heater, and is installed obliquely so that the ventilation path is inclined in the vertical direction, thereby reducing the height of the air inlet 30 to suppress an increase in the height of the body.
[0062]
The outer tank upper cover 28 has a two-layer structure in which a lower resin molded member 28b and an upper metal plate (stainless steel plate) 28c are superposed, and if necessary, a part of the blowing port 30 and a part of the upper folded member 44. Is integrally formed with the resin molding member 28b. The metal plate 28c functions as a reinforcing and heat-resistant member.
[0063]
The circulation fan 26 includes a centrifugal impeller 26a, a drive motor 26b for rotating the centrifugal impeller 26a, an inlet casing 26c surrounding the centrifugal impeller 26a, and an outlet casing 26d. By attaching, the drive device 6 is arranged in a space formed below the outer tub 5 in the frame 1 so as to be located on the rear side.
[0064]
The combination of the inlet casing 26c and the outlet casing 26d is called a fan casing. The lower end of the descending air duct 25 and the lower end of the ascending duct 27 are connected to the fan casing.
[0065]
Specifically, the inlet casing 26c of the fan casing has a drain outlet 26e, and is connected to the lower end of the descending air duct 25. The outlet casing 26 d is connected to the lower end of the rising air duct 27.
[0066]
The fan 26 (circulation fan) configured as described above is attached to the lower part of the outer tub behind the driving device 6 below the suction port 5a.
[0067]
Specifically, the circulation fan 26 has the outer tub 5 located above the centrifugal impeller 26a and the driving motor 26b, the driving device 6 located ahead, and the casings 26c, 26d and the air ducts 25, 27 located behind. Since the radiation of the sound generated by the centrifugal impeller 26a and the drive motor 26b is blocked (suppressed) by these, noise in the drying operation is reduced.
[0068]
FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining a method of integrally forming the outer tub 5 and the respective ducts 23, 25, and 27. FIG. 10 shows the integrally formed outer tub 5 and the respective ducts 23. , 25, and 27 are shown together with a forming die, and FIG. 11 is a rear view showing the integrally formed outer tank 5 and each of the ducts 23, 25, and 27 together with the forming die.
[0069]
The vertical portions of the outer tub 5 and the ducts 23, 25, 27 are integrally formed of synthetic resin. A molding die for molding the outer tub 5 includes a cylindrical surface inner mold 46b having a molding surface for molding the inner peripheral surface and the inner surface of the bottom of the outer tub 5 and a retractable core 45a for molding the suction port 5a. The outer peripheral surface 47a-47d divided into four parts in the circumferential direction for forming the outer surface of the outer tub 5 and the outer surfaces of the ducts 23, 25, 27, the outer surface of the bottom of the outer tub 5 and the ducts 23, 25, 27 A tank bottom mold 47e for molding the lower end and three duct inner molds 48a, 48b and 48c for molding the inner peripheral surfaces of the ducts 23, 25 and 27 are used.
[0070]
The injection molding machine assembles a molding die by combining the inner mold 46b, outer molds 47a to 47d, and inner molds 48a to 48c on the basis of the bottom mold 47e to assemble and disassemble (split). The inner tank mold 46b moves vertically upward and downward, the outer tank molds 47a to 46d advance and retract horizontally from all directions, and the inner duct molds 48a to 48c advance and retract vertically from above. Since the upper and lower ends of the ducts 25 and 27 are opened, the lower ends of the duct inner dies 48b and 48c are positioned by fitting into the concave portions 47b and 47c of the tank bottom die 47. Since the duct 23 has a configuration in which the lower end portion is continuously formed from the peripheral portion of the suction port 5a of the outer tank 5 and is integrally formed, a small through hole 23a (used as a through hole) is formed in the bottom wall portion of the duct 23. Then, the protrusion 48a1 provided on the inner mold 48a is fitted into the recess 47a of the tank bottom mold 47 and positioned. The through hole 23a formed by the projection 48a1 is then sealed with a plug or the like in a watertight state.
[0071]
Injection molding with a mold having such a configuration enables the outer tank 5 and the ducts 23, 25, 27 to be integrally molded by a relatively small-sized injection molding machine.
[0072]
Next, a high-concentration detergent liquid generation and supply means will be described.
FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional side view showing a relationship between the detergent dissolving container 21 and the detergent stirring motor 39. The high-concentration detergent liquid producing / supplying means is provided in such a state that the detergent dissolving container 21 and the detergent stirring motor 39 are horizontally arranged on the metal base plate 49 in a horizontal direction.
[0073]
The detergent dissolving container 21 has a storage unit 21u into which the detergent is charged, and a detergent stirring blade 50 disposed at the bottom of the storage unit. A stirring blade drive shaft 51 coupled to the detergent stirring blade 50 is used to dissolve the detergent. The bottom wall 21a of the container 21 and the metal base plate 49 are vertically penetrated and led out to the lower side of the metal base plate 49, and the timing belt driven pulley 52 is fitted to the lead portion. The detergent stirring motor 39, which is a driving means of the detergent stirring blade 50, is provided with the metal base plate 49 so that the rotation output shaft 39a passes through the metal base plate 49 in a vertical state and is led out to the lower side of the metal base plate 49. And the timing belt drive pulley 53 is fitted to the lead-out portion. The driven pulley 52 and the driving pulley 53 are linked by a timing belt 54.
[0074]
The metal base plate 49 has a bearing cylinder portion 49a in which a bearing 55 for supporting the stirring blade drive shaft 51 is fitted, protruding outward, and a concentric annular annular detergent melting container fitting protrusion 49b inside the bearing cylinder portion 49a. To protrude. On the bottom wall 21a of the detergent dissolving container 21, a cylindrical portion 21b fitted on the outer periphery of the detergent dissolving container fitting convex portion 49b is erected inward so as to be sunk into the lower concave portion of the detergent stirring blade 50. The cylindrical portion 21b is fixed to the metal base plate 49 by the set screw 56 in a state where the cylindrical portion 21b is fitted and positioned on the outer periphery of the detergent dissolving container fitting convex portion 49b. The stirring blade drive shaft 51 supported by the bearing 55 penetrates through the cylindrical portion 21b and is led out to the inside of the detergent dissolving vessel 21, and the detergent stirring blade 50 is fitted to the lead-out portion. A shaft seal member 57 is housed between the inside of the cylindrical portion 21b and the stirring blade drive shaft 51. The detergent agitating blade 50 has a cylindrical inner wall surrounding the cylindrical portion 21b below the detergent agitating blade 50 by extending downward in a direction in the radial direction so as to face the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 21b and extend downward. The concave portion 51b that forms the portion 51a is formed. A detergent seal member 58 fitted on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 21b is interposed between the cylindrical portion 21b and the cylindrical inner wall surface 51a.
[0075]
The metal base plate 49 further includes a fitting hole 49c for fitting the outer periphery of the bearing tube 39b of the detergent stirring motor 39, and the bearing is attached to the bearing tube 39b of the detergent stirring motor 39 in a state where the vibration isolating member 59 is fitted. The cylinder 39b is fitted and positioned in the fitting hole 49c, the vibration isolating member 70 is fitted to the bearing cylinder 39c on the opposite side of the detergent stirring motor 39, and the motor cover 71 is covered so as to surround the periphery thereof. By fixing the detergent stirring motor 39 to the base plate 49 with the set screw 72, the detergent stirring motor 39 is mounted so as to be sandwiched by the vibration isolating members 59 and 70.
[0076]
The configuration in which the detergent dissolving container 21 and the detergent stirring motor 39 are installed side by side in this way can reduce the height of the back panel box 17 and suppress the increase in the height of the body. Further, since the stirring blade drive shaft 51 and the rotation output shaft 39a of the detergent stirring motor 39 are accurately positioned by the bearing cylinder 49a and the fitting hole 49c formed on the metal base plate 49, the rotation driving force by the timing belt 54 is provided. Transmission becomes smooth and quiet operation is possible. Further, the concave portion 50b that forms the cylindrical inner wall surface 50a below the detergent stirring blade 50 so as to surround the cylindrical portion 21b of the detergent dissolving container 21 forms an air reservoir partitioned by the detergent seal member 58. It functions to prevent the high-concentration detergent solution generated by dissolving the powdered synthetic detergent from entering and damaging the shaft seal member 57 and the bearing 55.
[0077]
A further specific configuration of the detergent dissolving container 21 including the detergent charging container will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 is a perspective view of a detergent dissolving container, FIG. 14 is a front view thereof, FIG. 15 is a top view thereof, FIG. 16 is a left side view thereof, FIG. 17 is a right side view thereof, and FIG. 18 is a detergent dissolving container and a main water supply solenoid valve. 19 to 22 are vertical side views of a detergent dissolving container on which a detergent charging container is placed, and FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a detergent with the outer lid opened. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the top cover showing a state where the charging container is pulled out, and FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the top cover showing a state where the detergent charging container is pushed in.
[0078]
The detergent dissolving container 21 is a substantially rectangular container capable of mounting the detergent charging container 73 so as to be able to move forward and backward with the upper part opened. The detergent dissolving chamber 21c in which the detergent stirring blade 50 is installed, and a finishing agent such as a softener. It has a charging chamber 21d, a washing water supply channel 21e, and an overflow channel 21f connected to the washing water supply channel 21e.
[0079]
The detergent dissolving chamber 21c is provided with a water receiving port 21g that receives water from an auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22, which is a water supplying means (first water supplying means) for supplying water to the storage unit 21u, and water and detergent that have entered from the water receiving port 21g. When the detergent liquid is generated by being stirred by the stirring blades 50, and the high-concentration detergent liquid is increased by being diluted by further water supply from the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 of the first water supply means, the overflow occurs in the overflow channel 21f. An overflow edge 21h, which is an overflow section for supplying the laundry to the laundry, is provided above the storage section 21u, and a rib 21i for suppressing rotation of detergent-dissolved water (high-concentration detergent liquid) during stirring, and a storage section in the detergent-dissolution vessel. At the bottom, a siphon water passage mechanism 21j, which is a siphon means for discharging a diluted high-concentration detergent solution from the bottom of the detergent dissolving chamber 21c to the washing water supply channel 21e, and advancing / retreating of a detergent charging container 73 described later are guided. And a guide rail 21k and the fixed gear 21m to turn the bottom lid of the detergent container 73.
[0080]
The volume of the detergent dissolving chamber 21c is set to a small amount necessary for dissolving the powdered synthetic detergent, for example, 200 to 300 cc of tap water, for example, by taking into account that the detergent concentration is set in the back panel box 17, for example, the detergent concentration of the washing water. The size is set to be suitable for generating a density of 200 to 300 times. Here, the detergent concentration means, for example, in washing using 60 L of washing water, the detergent solution obtained by dissolving the powder detergent in 6 L of water has a detergent concentration of 10 times.
[0081]
The finish agent supply chamber 21d, which is a finish agent supply means, is provided with an overflow edge 21n connected to the overflow channel 21f, a siphon water flow mechanism 21p connected to the washing water supply channel 21e, and a water inlet 21q from the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22a. The interior finisher (liquid) is diluted with the water from the water receiving port 21q to increase the volume of the liquid to overflow the water from the overflow edge 21n to the overflow channel 21f, and from the siphon water passage mechanism 21p to the washing water supply channel 21e. Pour out.
[0082]
The washing water supply flow path 21e is provided with a water receiving port 21r for receiving water from a main water supply solenoid valve 20, which is a water supply means (second water supply means) for supplying water to the laundry, and a detergent agitating detergent and water in the storage unit 21u. An overflow channel 21f, which is a first supply channel for supplying the detergent liquid generated by stirring with the blade 50 from the overflow portion to the laundry, and a second supply channel for supplying the laundry from the siphon water passage mechanism 21j to the laundry. And the detergent liquid from the first supply flow path and the detergent liquid from the second supply flow path are mixed in the mixing chamber 21v. Further, water from the second water supply means is also mixed in the mixing chamber 21v. The mixing chamber 21v is provided in the detergent dissolving container 21. Further, the finishing agent flowing out of the overflow channel 21n and the siphon water passage mechanism 21p is joined and mixed in the mixing chamber 21v to form a channel flowing out from the outlet 21s to the water inlet 19.
[0083]
The detergent charging container 73 is a flat rectangular box-like body that opens and retracts on the detergent dissolving container 21 along the guide rail 21k, and has a detergent charging portion 73a as shown in FIG. It has a finishing agent charging section 73b and a handle section 73c.
[0084]
The detergent introduction part 73a is provided so as to advance and retreat above the detergent dissolution chamber 21c of the detergent dissolution container 21, and includes a bottom plate 73d that turns to open and close the bottom of the rear half area. As shown in FIG. 19, the bottom plate 73d is rotatably supported by a support shaft provided with a gear 73e at the shaft end. When the bottom plate 73d is pushed inward, the gear 73e engages with the gear 21m and is attached to the lower surface of the front half region. 20 and 21 in the process of being pulled out to the near side while turning down until the horizontal state is turned upside down until the bottom half area of the detergent introduction section 73a is fully opened. Then, as shown in FIG. 22, it is pushed by the opening edge of the top cover 9 or the edge of the detergent dissolving container 21 so as to close the bottom. However, the bottom plate 73d is a short plate that opens the rear end portion of the detergent introduction part 73a to a position above the detergent dissolution chamber 21c even when the bottom plate 73d is turned to close the bottom.
[0085]
The finishing agent charging section 73b is positioned so as to advance and retreat above the finishing agent charging chamber 21d of the detergent dissolving container 21, and opens a bottom located above the finishing agent charging chamber 21d in a pulled-out state.
[0086]
The handle portion 73c is located on the front side of the detergent input container 73, and is exposed on the wall surface on the back side of the outer garment input port 9a formed on the top cover 9, and functions as a grip portion for performing the forward / backward operation.
[0087]
The high-concentration detergent liquid generating / supplying means configured as described above grasps the handle 73c and pulls out the detergent input container 73 into the outer clothing input port 9a. In the detergent input container 73 in the pulled-out state, the detergent input portion 73a has the front side portion opened upward in the outer clothing input port 9a, the bottom plate 73d is closed, and the rear end portion is the detergent dissolution chamber 21c of the detergent dissolution container 21. It is opened above. Therefore, when a predetermined amount of the powdered synthetic detergent is put into the detergent feeding portion 73a, a part of the powder synthetic detergent falls into the detergent dissolution chamber 21c from the opening at the back end portion, and a part thereof remains on the bottom plate 73d. Further, when the finishing agent is charged into the finishing agent charging section 73b, the finishing agent flows down to the finishing agent charging chamber 21d.
[0088]
After that, when the detergent input container 73 is pushed in, the bottom plate 73d of the detergent input portion 73a hangs away from the edge of the detergent dissolving container 21 to drop the remaining powdery synthetic detergent into the detergent dissolving chamber 21c, and push it further inward. The gear 73e is engaged with the gear 21m and turned upside down along the lower surface of the front half region to rotate until it is horizontal.
[0089]
In this state, the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22 is opened to supply the detergent dissolving water to the detergent dissolving chamber 21c in an amount (200 to 300 cc) to such an extent that the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 does not overflow from the overflow edge 21h and the siphon water passage mechanism 21j does not flow (conduct). Then, the detergent stirring blades 50 are rotated by the detergent stirring motor 39 to dissolve the powdery synthetic detergent to generate a detergent solution having a high concentration (200 to 300 times the detergent concentration of the washing water).
[0090]
Thereafter, the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22 is opened to perform additional water supply, thereby diluting and increasing the amount of water, thereby overflowing the water from the overflow edge 21h and starting the water flow (conduction) of the siphon water passage mechanism 21j to start the washing water supply flow path. Pour into 21e. At the same time, the main water supply solenoid valve 20 is opened to supply water to the washing water supply passage 21e to further dilute the high-concentration detergent solution and to settle the detergent concentration suitable for immersion in the laundry (washing water). (5 to 30 times the detergent concentration), and flows out from the outlet 21s to the water inlet 19.
[0091]
Further, the subsequent supply of the washing water is performed while cleaning the detergent dissolving container 21 by opening the main water supply solenoid valve 20 and the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 until the water level reaches a predetermined level.
[0092]
The washing / drying machine configured as described above is configured such that the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23 and the air ducts 25 and 27 are formed integrally with the outer tub 5, so that the circulation air duct can be rationally formed. it can.
[0093]
Further, since the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23 is integrally formed continuously from the peripheral portion of the suction port 5a at the lower part of the outer tub 5 so as to open upward at the upper end, the water-cooling structure can be easily formed. .
[0094]
In addition, the circulation fan 26 is arranged in the space below the outer tub 5, so that the height of the washer / dryer can be reduced.
[0095]
In addition, the water supply solenoid valves 20, 22, 22a and the detergent dissolving container 21 are installed in the back panel box 17 of the top cover 9 attached to the upper end of the frame 1, and the blowing port 30 of the circulation air passage and the lint trap By installing the collecting filter 45 on the outer tank upper cover 28 attached to the upper end of the outer tank 5, the lint collecting filter 45 and the detergent charging container 73 are opened by opening the outer lid 31. Since it can be operated from inside 9a, it is possible to provide an easy-to-operate washing and drying machine.
[0096]
Further, the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23 and the air ducts 25 and 27 are formed integrally with the outer tub 5 on the rear side of the outer tub 5 so as to be covered by the rear lid 1a bulging outwardly of the frame 1. The configuration makes it possible to suppress an increase in the size of the frame 1.
[0097]
In addition, since the outer tub 5 is configured to be suspended from the four corners at the upper end of the frame body 1 by the vibration isolating support device 8, the outer tub 5 can be supported in a well-balanced manner.
[0098]
The detergent dissolving container 21 is formed in a small size (small volume) so as to dissolve at a higher concentration than the high-concentration detergent liquid which descends and sinks on the laundry 38, and soaks the generated high-concentration detergent liquid. Since it is configured so as to fall on the laundry 38 while diluting to an appropriate detergent concentration, the detergent can be dissolved well, and furthermore, it can be installed in the back panel box 17 formed on the top cover 9. It will be easier. Further, the siphon water passage mechanism 21j can flow out most of the detergent liquid in the detergent dissolution container 21.
[0099]
Further, since the detergent stirring motor 39 for rotating and driving the detergent stirring blades 50 for stirring the detergent is arranged side by side with respect to the detergent dissolving container 21, the height can be reduced. Moreover, since the detergent dissolving container 21 and the detergent stirring motor 39 are positioned on the metal base plate 49, they can be driven quietly by accurate belt connection.
[0100]
In addition, the bearing 55 and the shaft seal member 57 of the stirring blade drive shaft 51 that drives the detergent stirring blade 50 are formed below the cylindrical portion 21 b erected on the bottom wall 21 a of the detergent dissolving vessel 21 and the detergent stirring blade 50. The recess 50b forms an air pocket to prevent the penetration of the high-concentration detergent solution, thereby reducing damage caused by additives (particularly, zeolite) contained in the powdered synthetic detergent.
[0101]
Also, since the detergent is introduced via the detergent introduction container 73 which is placed on the detergent dissolving container 21 so as to be able to advance and retreat and is drawn out to the clothes introduction port 9a, the detergent can be easily introduced.
[0102]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a highly reliable driving | operation can be performed in a washing operation and a drying operation.In addition, the use of space has been effectively used to suppress the size increase.A washing / drying machine can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a washing and drying machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electric system of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional side view showing a specific configuration of the washing / drying machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a rear view of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 3, in which a rear side of the frame is cut away to show a circulation air path;
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 3 with a part cut away.
FIG. 6 is a top view showing the outer tub and the circulating air passage with the top cover of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 3 removed.
7 is a vertical sectional side view of the lint collecting unit in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a top view showing the relationship between the frame and the outer tub of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the outer tub upper cover of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an integrally formed outer tub and respective ducts of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 3 together with forming dies.
11 is a rear view showing the outer tub and each duct integrally formed with the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 3 with a molding die partially cut away.
12 is a vertical sectional side view showing a relationship between a detergent dissolving container and a detergent stirring motor of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view more specifically showing the detergent dissolving container shown in FIG.
14 is a front view of the detergent dissolving container shown in FIG.
15 is a top view of the detergent dissolving container shown in FIG.
FIG. 16 is a left side view of the detergent dissolving container shown in FIG.
17 is a right side view of the detergent dissolving container shown in FIG.
18 is a perspective view showing a top cover on which the detergent dissolving container, the main water supply solenoid valve and the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 3 are mounted, with a back panel opened.
19 is a vertical sectional side view showing a state where the detergent charging container mounted on the detergent dissolving container of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 3 is pushed in.
20 is a vertical sectional side view showing a state where the detergent charging container mounted on the detergent dissolving container of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 3 is slightly pulled out.
21 is a vertical sectional side view showing a state in which the detergent charging container mounted on the detergent dissolving container of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 3 is further pulled out.
FIG. 22 is a vertical sectional side view of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 3 in a state where the detergent charging container mounted on the detergent dissolving container is further pulled out.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a top cover showing a state where an outer lid of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 3 is opened and a detergent charging container is drawn out.
24 is a perspective view of a top cover showing a state where an outer lid of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 3 is opened and a detergent charging container is pushed in. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Frame body, 1a ... Rear lid, 1b ... Reinforcement member, 2 ... Washing and dewatering tank, 4 ... Stirring blade, 5 ... Outer tank, 5a ... Suction outlet, 6 ... Drive device, 8 ... Anti-vibration support device, 9: Top cover, 9a: Outer clothing inlet, 17: Back panel box, 19: Water inlet, 20: Main water supply solenoid valve, 21: Detergent dissolving container, 21b: Tubular part, 21c: Detergent dissolving chamber, 21h ... Overflow edge, 21j: siphon water passage mechanism, 22, 22a: auxiliary water supply solenoid valve, 23: water cooling and dehumidifying duct, 24: cooling water sprinkling unit, 25: descending air duct, 26: circulating fan, 27: ascending air duct, 28: outer tank upper cover, 28a: inner garment inlet, 29: heater, 30: blow-in port, 31: outer lid, 32: inner lid, 39: detergent stirring motor, 40: humidity sensor, 41: first temperature sensor .., 42... Second temperature sensor, 44. Debris collection filter, 49 ... metal base plate, 50 ... detergent stirring blade, 50b ... recess, 57 ... shaft seal member, 58 ... detergent sealing member, 73 ... detergent container, 73a ... detergent supply unit, 73d ... bottom plate.

Claims

A frame,
An outer tank suspended and supported by the frame,
A washing and dewatering tub installed in the outer tub,
A stirring blade installed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub,
A driving device that rotationally drives the washing and dewatering tub and the stirring blade ,
Water- cooling dehumidifying means for water-cooling and dehumidifying the air sucked from the suction port provided in the outer tank ,
Heating means for heating the water-cooled dehumidified air,
An inlet for blowing the heated air into the washing and dewatering tub,
A circulation air passage that circulates the air by a circulation fan from the suction port to the blow port,
The circulation fan is attached to a lower portion of the outer tub,
A part of the circulation air path is constituted by a duct formed integrally with the outer tank,
The duct is
A first duct having the water-cooled dehumidifier, formed so as to extend upward from the suction port, and the inside of which rises the air;
A second duct through which the first duct communicates with a circulation fan provided at a lower portion of the outer tank, and in which the air descends;
A washing / drying machine having a third duct which communicates the circulation fan with the blow-in port and in which the air rises .

In claim 1,
The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the first duct and the second duct are turned back to communicate with each other at a position higher than a water level of the outer tub in a washing operation.

In claim 1 or claim 2,
The first duct, the second duct, and the third duct are provided behind the outer tank,
The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the circulation fan is provided below the outer tub and behind the driving device.

In claim 3,
A washing and drying machine comprising the first duct between the second duct and the third duct.

In claim 4,
The washing and dewatering tub is substantially cylindrical,
The first duct and the second duct have a common side wall,
The first duct and the second duct have a common side wall,
The outer wall of the first duct, the second duct, and the third duct is formed in a substantially straight shape.