JP7123314B2 - Washing and drying machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a washer-dryer.

A pulsator is provided at the bottom of the washing and dehydrating tub, and the surface of the pulsator is fan-shaped and has a generally mountain-shaped slope that rises from the center toward the outer periphery, and a valley that connects the two slopes. A washing/drying machine composed of is described in, for example, Patent Document 1. In the washing/drying machine of Patent Document 1, when the pulsator rotates, the clothes slide on the slope and are bounced up near the top. Thereby, it becomes possible to give a large up-and-down motion to the laundry.

In this way, when the laundry is moved up and down, it becomes easier for the laundry to spread out in the washing and dehydrating tub during drying, and an improvement in drying performance is expected.

JP-A-2005-80946

However, in the washing and drying machine, the movement of clothes during washing, that is, the laundry, tends to be simple, mainly consisting of vertical movements. For this reason, mechanical force is less likely to be applied to the laundry, and washing performance tends to be low.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing/drying machine that can be expected to have improved washing performance and drying performance.

A washing and drying machine according to a main aspect of the present invention includes a washing tub in which laundry is stored, a pulsator arranged at the bottom of the washing tub, a drive unit for driving the pulsator, and hot air in the washing tub. and a hot air supply unit that supplies the Here, the pulsator includes a first blade portion, a second blade portion, and a first form in which only the first blade portion of the first blade portion and the second blade portion appears on the surface of the pulsator. and a switching mechanism section for switching between a second mode in which only the second blade portion of the first blade portion and the second blade portion appears on the surface of the pulsator.

In this case, the first blade portion has a shape that is superior to the second blade portion in the action of generating water flow, and the second blade portion bounces the laundry more than the first blade portion. It can be configured to have a shape that is excellent in lifting action.

Alternatively, the first blade portion and the second blade portion have slopes on both side surfaces facing the circumferential direction of the pulsator, and the slopes of the both side surfaces of the first blade portion correspond to the both side surfaces of the second blade portion. can be configured to be steeper than the slope of the

According to the above configuration, by switching the form of the pulsator between the first form and the second form, it is expected that good cleaning performance and drying performance can be ensured.

In the washing/drying machine according to this aspect, the switching mechanism section may include a switching section movable between a first position and a second position. In this case, the switching portion has a first action portion that acts on the first blade portion when the switching portion moves to the first position to cause the first blade portion to appear on the surface of the pulsator; a second acting portion that acts on the second blade portion when the switching portion moves to the second position to cause the second blade portion to appear on the surface of the pulsator.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily realize a configuration in which the form of the pulsator is switched between the first form and the second form.

In the case of the above configuration, a configuration may be adopted in which a surface forming portion that forms the surface of the pulsator is further provided. In this case, the first blade portion is configured to be movable between a protruding position where it protrudes from the surface of the surface forming portion and a non-protruding position where it does not protrude, and the second blade portion is a part of the surface forming portion. , and is configured to be deformable between a flat state and a mountain-like raised state. In the switching mechanism, the first acting portion moves the first blade portion to the projecting position, and the second acting portion deforms the second blade portion so as to protrude.

With such a configuration, by moving the switching portion to the first position, the first blade portion can be moved to the projecting position to appear on the surface of the pulsator, and the switching portion can be moved to the second position. , the second blade portion can be deformed into a raised state and appear on the surface of the pulsator.

In the above configuration, in the first and second configurations, a configuration may be adopted in which a locking portion for locking the switching portion so that it does not move is further provided.

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the first blade portion from undesirably retracting and the second blade portion from undesirably retracting.

In order for the user to manually switch between the first mode and the second mode, the switching mechanism further includes a manual operation for moving the switching part to the first position or the second position. A manual operating unit may be provided for performing.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the washing-drying machine which can be expected to improve washing performance and drying performance can be provided.

The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiment is merely an example of carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing/drying machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the upper portion of the fully automatic washing and drying machine according to the embodiment. FIGS. 3A and 3B are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of the pulsator in a state where the first blade portion appears on the surface, according to the embodiment. 4(a) and 4(b) are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of the pulsator in a state where the second blade portion appears on the surface, according to the embodiment. 5(a) is a perspective view of two surface features viewed from above according to an embodiment and FIG. 5(b) is a perspective view of two surfaces viewed from below according to an embodiment It is a perspective view of a component. FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view of the first blade viewed from above and forward according to the embodiment, and FIG. 6(b) is a perspective view of the first blade viewed from above and behind according to the embodiment. is a perspective view of the. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a base portion and a switching mechanism viewed from above according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the base portion and the switching mechanism viewed from below according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9(a) is a diagram for explaining an operation for rotating a switching unit from a neutral position to a first switching position according to the embodiment, and FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation when rotating a switching part which concerns from a neutral position to a 2nd switching position. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the pulsator with the first blade portion appearing on the surface of the pulsator according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the pulsator with the second blade appearing on the surface of the pulsator according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, a fully automatic washing/drying machine 1, which is an embodiment of the washing/drying machine of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a fully automatic washing and drying machine 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the upper portion of the fully automatic washing and drying machine 1 according to this embodiment.

The fully automatic washing and drying machine 1 includes a housing 10 that constitutes the exterior. The housing 10 includes a rectangular tubular body 11 with open upper and lower surfaces, a top plate 12 covering the upper surface of the body 11 , and a footrest 13 supporting the body 11 . The top plate 12 is formed with an outer loading port 14 for loading laundry. The outer inlet 14 is covered with an openable and closable upper lid 15 .

In the housing 10, an outer tub 20 is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension rods 21 having vibration isolator. The outer tub 20 includes a substantially cylindrical outer tub main body 22a with an open upper surface, and an outer tub cover 22b that constitutes the upper surface of the outer tub 20 by covering the upper surface of the outer tub main body 22a. An upper surface of the outer tub 20, that is, an outer tub cover 22b, is formed with an inner inlet 22c for introducing laundry at a position corresponding to the outer inlet 14. As shown in FIG. The inner input port 22c is covered with an outer tank lid 23 so as to be openable and closable.

A substantially cylindrical washing/dehydrating tub 24 having an open upper surface is arranged in the outer tub 20 . A large number of dehydration holes 24a are formed in the inner peripheral surface of the washing/dehydration tub 24 along the entire circumference. A balance ring 25 is provided above the washing/dehydrating tub 24 . A pulsator 26 is arranged at the bottom of the washing/dehydrating tub 24 . The washing/dehydrating tub 24 corresponds to the washing tub of the present invention.

A driving unit 30 for generating torque for driving the washing/dehydrating tub 24 and the pulsator 26 is arranged at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20 . The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 , a transmission mechanism section 32 , a blade shaft 33 and a dehydration tank shaft 34 . The blade shaft 33 is connected to the pulsator 26 and the dehydration tub shaft 34 is connected to the washing and dehydration tub 24 . The transmission mechanism part 32 has a clutch mechanism, and in the washing process and the rinsing process, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the blade shaft 33 to rotate only the pulsator 26 by the switching operation by the clutch mechanism, and the dehydration process is performed. Then, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the blade shaft 33 and the dehydration tub shaft 34 to integrally rotate the pulsator 26 and the washing and dehydration tub 24 . Note that the drive unit 30 corresponds to the drive section of the present invention.

An outer bottom portion of the outer tub 20 is formed with a drain port portion 20a. A drain valve 40 is provided in the drain port portion 20a. The drain valve 40 is connected to the drain hose 41 . When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water stored in the washing/dehydrating tub 24 and the outer tub 20 is drained out of the machine through the drain hose 41 .

A drying device 50 and a water supply device 60 are arranged above the outer tub 20 in the rear part of the housing 10 . The drying device 50 and the water supply device 60 are attached to a fixed plate 16 arranged on the upper rear portion of the body portion 11 and covered by the upper plate 12 .

The drying device 50 dries the laundry accommodated in the washing/dehydration tub 24 by supplying hot air into the washing/dehydration tub 24 . The drying device 50 includes a circulation air passage 50a in which a heater and a blower fan are arranged, and the circulation air passage 50a is connected to the inside of the outer tub 20 by an intake duct 71 and an exhaust duct 72. As shown in FIG. The intake duct 71 and the exhaust duct 72 are flexible ducts made of an elastic material such as rubber, and have a bellows portion (not shown) in the intermediate portion. Hot air generated by the operation of the heater and blower fan is discharged from the circulation air passage 50 a and introduced into the outer tub 20 through the intake duct 71 . Further, hot air discharged from the outer tub 20 is introduced into the circulation air passage 50a through the exhaust duct 72. As shown in FIG. Thus, warm air circulates between the circulation air passage 50a and the outer tub 20. As shown in FIG.

The drying device 50 performs a circulating drying operation by circulating hot air, followed by an exhaust drying operation for discharging part of the circulating hot air to the outside. The upper plate 12 is provided with an exhaust port 51 which is composed of a large number of exhaust holes and through which hot air is discharged. Note that the drying device 50 corresponds to the hot air supply section of the present invention.

The water supply device 60 has a water supply port 61 exposed to the outside connected to an external water supply hose (not shown) extending from a faucet. The water supply device 60 includes a water supply valve and a detergent container. When the water supply valve is opened, tap water from the faucet is supplied into the outer tub 20 together with the detergent contained in the detergent container. Water supply device 60 may include a bath water pump.

In the fully automatic washing/drying machine 1, washing operation, washing/drying operation, or drying operation of various operation courses is performed. The washing operation is an operation in which only washing is performed, and a washing process, an intermediate dehydration process, a rinsing process and a final dehydration process are executed in order. The washing/drying operation is an operation in which washing and drying are continuously performed, and the final dehydration step is followed by the drying step. The drying operation is an operation for performing only drying, and only the drying process is performed.

In the washing process and the rinsing process, the pulsator 26 rotates rightward and leftward while water is stored in the washing/dehydrating tub 24 . The laundry in the washing/dehydrating tub 24 is washed or rinsed by the action of water flow or the like generated by the rotation of the pulsator 26 .

In the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process, the washing/dehydration tub 24 and the pulsator 26 rotate together at high speed. The laundry is dehydrated by the action of the centrifugal force generated in the washing/dehydrating tub 24 .

In the drying process, the internal air circulation drying process is performed first, followed by the external air introduction drying process. In the internal air circulation drying process, the drying device 50 performs a circulation drying operation, and warm air circulates between the circulation air passage 50 a and the outer tub 20 . Due to the circulation of the dry air, the temperature inside the washing/dehydrating tub 24 rises quickly. The pulsator 26 rotates and the laundry is dried by circulating hot air while being agitated. When the temperature in the washing/dehydration tub 24 increases and water evaporates from the laundry and the warm air contains a large amount of water, the process is switched to the outside air introduction drying process. In the outside air introduction drying step, the drying device 50 performs an exhaust drying operation, introduces outside air into the circulation air passage 50a, and exhausts part of the hot air circulating from the circulation air passage 50a. Moisture evaporated from the laundry is effectively discharged from the inside of the outer tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10, and the inside of the outer tub 20 is easily dehumidified, thereby promoting the drying of the laundry.

Next, the configuration of the pulsator 26 will be described in detail.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of the pulsator 26 according to the present embodiment, with the first blade portion 200 appearing on the surface. 4A and 4B are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of the pulsator 26 according to the present embodiment, with the second blade portion 300 appearing on the surface.

The pulsator 26 includes two surface forming portions 100 , four first blade portions 200 , two second blade portions 300 , a base portion 400 and a switching mechanism portion 500 . Two surface constituents 100 constitute the surface of the pulsator 26 . The first blade portion 200 is movable between a projecting position where it projects from the surface of the surface forming portion 100 and a non-projecting position where it does not project. The second blade portion 300 constitutes a part of the surface forming portion 100, and is deformable between a flat state and a mountain-like raised state. On the base portion 400, two surface forming portions 100 are arranged on an arrangement surface 401, which is the surface of the base portion 400, and the switching mechanism portion 500 is mounted. The switching mechanism part 500 has a first mode in which the first blade part 200 appears on the surface of the pulsator 26 as shown in FIGS. Switching is performed between the second mode in which the second blade portion 300 appears on the surface of the pulsator 26 as shown in FIGS. 4(b) and 4(b).

FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view of two surface constituent parts 100 viewed from above according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two surface features 100; FIG.

The two surface constituent parts 100 are made of a resin material such as polypropylene, and have a semi-doughnut shape. Each surface feature 100 includes a first wing component 110 , a second wing component 120 , a first wing retaining member 130 and a second wing retaining member 140 . In the circumferential direction of the surface constituent portion 100, the first blade constituent member 110 and the second blade constituent member 120 are bendably connected by the first hinge portion 150, and the first blade constituent member 110 and the first blade holding member 130 are connected. are bendably connected by a second hinge portion 160 , and the second blade component member 120 and the second blade holding member 140 are bendably connected by a third hinge portion 170 .

The surface forming part 100 is configured such that its surface slopes gently upward from both ends in the circumferential direction toward the central portion of the first hinge part 150 and gently slopes upward from the inner side to the outer side in the radial direction. be done. A large number of water passage holes 101 are formed over the entire surface of the surface forming part 100 .

A second blade portion 300 is configured by the first blade constituent member 110 and the second blade constituent member 120 . That is, the first blade constituent member 110 and the second blade constituent member 120 bend around the first hinge portion 150 and stand up so as to be inclined with respect to the first blade holding member 130 and the second blade holding member 140. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the second blade portion 300 is formed on the surface structure portion 100. As shown in FIGS. A lever piece 121 protruding downward is formed on the back surface of the second blade component 120 .

The first blade holding member 130 and the second blade holding member 140 hold the first blade portion 200 rotatably. The first blade holding member 130 is provided with an opening 131 having a shape corresponding to the first blade portion 200 and through which the first blade portion 200 enters and exits. A pair of bearings 132 are provided on the back surface of the first blade holding member 130 on one side of the opening 131 extending in the longitudinal direction so as to be divided into both sides of the opening 131 . A shaft hole 132 a is formed in the bearing portion 132 . Furthermore, two mounting bosses 133 are provided on the back surface of the first blade holding member 130 .

Similarly to the first blade holding member 130, the second blade holding member 140 is provided with an opening 141 and a bearing portion 142 having a shaft hole 142a. Further, the second blade holding member 140 is provided with guide ribs 143 protruding downward and extending in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral edge. The guide rib 143 has an arcuate shape concentric with the surface structure portion 100 . Further, the second blade holding member 140 is provided with a fitting portion 144 at the end portion opposite to the second blade constituent member 120 side. The fitting portion 144 is formed with a fitting groove 145 opened in the circumferential direction by two upper and lower plate members 144a and 144b. Further, a stopper portion 146 is provided so as to hang down from the tip portion of the plate member 144b on the lower side of the fitting portion 144. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view of the first blade portion 200 viewed from above the front according to this embodiment, and FIG. 6(b) is a perspective view of the first blade portion 200 according to this embodiment viewed from above rear 1 is a perspective view of one blade portion 200. FIG.

The four first blade portions 200 are made of a resin material such as polypropylene, and are formed in a substantially triangular prism shape with a hollow back side. Each first blade portion 200 includes two substantially triangular side surfaces 210, a first inclined surface 220 and a second inclined surface 230 provided between the two side surfaces 210, and a second inclined surface 230 between the two side surfaces 210. One side is open. The two side surfaces 210 are provided with a pair of shaft mounting portions 240 having shaft holes 241 at corners not in contact with the first inclined surface 220 . The first inclined surface 220 is formed into a curved surface with the axis hole 241 as the center of curvature. In addition, the first inclined surface 220 is slightly convexly curved in the left-right direction of the first blade portion 200 as well. The second inclined surface 230 has an upper portion 231 that is flat and a lower portion 232 that is curved around the center of curvature of the shaft hole 241 .

A flange portion 250 is formed on the first blade portion 200 so as to extend between the lower ends of the two side surfaces 210 and the lower ends of the first inclined surfaces 220 . A rib-shaped elevating portion 251 that protrudes downward and extends in the left-right direction of the first blade portion 200 is formed at the end portion of the flange portion 250 on the side of the first inclined surface 220 .

When the four first blade portions 200 are attached to the surface structure portion 100, the shaft holes 241 of the pair of shaft attachment portions 240 of the first blade portion 200 are aligned with the shaft holes of the pair of bearing portions 132, 142 of the surface structure portion 100. 132a, 142a, and shafts (not shown) pass through these shaft holes 241, 132a, 142a. The first blade portion 200 is rotatable about the shaft, and has a protruding position protruding from the surface of the surface structure portion 100 as shown in FIGS. ), it is possible to move between non-protruding positions that do not protrude from the surface of the surface structure portion 100 . When the first blade portion 200 is at the non-projecting position, the second inclined surface 230 is substantially flush with the surface of the surface forming portion 100 and forms part of the surface.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the base portion 400 and the switching mechanism portion 500 viewed from above according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the base portion 400 and the switching mechanism portion 500 viewed from below according to the present embodiment.

The base portion 400 is made of a resin material such as polypropylene and has a substantially disk shape. The surface of the base portion 400 serves as a placement surface 401 on which the two surface forming portions 100 are placed. Two outer peripheral wall portions 402 are provided on the outer peripheral edge portion of the placement surface 401 . Each outer peripheral wall portion 402 has a shape that gradually rises from both ends toward the center so as to correspond to the shape of each surface forming portion 100 . A mounting recess 403 for mounting the switching mechanism 500 is provided on the placement surface 401 . The mounting recess 403 is composed of a hub housing portion 410 that is circularly recessed in the central portion of the placement surface 401 , and two first cam housing portions 420 and two second cam housing portions 430 that are connected to the hub housing portion 410 . The two first cam accommodating portions 420 are recessed in a fan shape and face each other with the hub accommodating portion 410 interposed therebetween. The two second cam housing portions 430 are recessed in a fan shape and face each other across the hub housing portion 410 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the two first cam housing portions 420 are arranged.

The arrangement surface 401 has two surfaces between the first cam housing portion 420 and the second cam housing portion 430 on one side and between the first cam housing portion 420 and the second cam housing portion 430 on the other side. It includes a non-arrangement area 401a where the component 100 is not arranged. Of the two circumferential side surfaces of the first cam housing portion 420 and the second cam housing portion 430, the side surface on the non-arrangement region 401a side is open, and the other side surface is closed by a wall portion. A space connecting the first cam accommodating portion 420 and the second cam accommodating portion 430 is formed below the non-arrangement area 401a. Further, guide grooves 404 are formed on the arrangement surface 401 on the outside of each first cam accommodating portion 420 . The guide groove 404 has an arcuate shape with the same curvature as the guide rib 143 of the surface structure portion 100 and is longer than the guide rib 143 .

A rotating shaft portion 411 that protrudes upward is provided in the center of the bottom surface of the hub accommodating portion 410 . The rotating shaft portion 411 is provided with three mounting bosses 412 . Each mounting boss 412 is formed with a mounting hole 412a. Further, an annular sliding rib 413 is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface of the hub accommodating portion 410 . Sliding ribs 421 and 431 having circular arc shapes concentric with the base portion 400 are provided on the inner and outer bottom surfaces of the first cam housing portion 420 and the second cam housing portion 430 , respectively.

The base portion 400 is formed with a large number of water passage holes 405 penetrating from the front and back over the entire placement surface 401 and the bottom surface of the mounting recess 403 .

A cylindrical boss mounting portion 406 is formed in the central portion of the rear surface of the base portion 400 . A mounting boss 440 made of metal is attached to the boss attachment portion 406 . The blade shaft 33 is attached to the attachment boss 440 . A plurality of rear blades 407 radially extending from the central side to the outer peripheral side are provided on the rear surface of the base portion 400 . Although not shown in FIG. 1, the bottom of the washing/dehydration tub 24 is provided with a pump chamber in which the back blade 407 is accommodated. connected to. A discharge port is provided at the tip of the circulating water channel. The rotation of the back blade 407 causes the water in the pump chamber to be sent to the circulating water path and discharged toward the inside of the washing/dehydrating tub 24 from the discharge port. As a result, circulating water is applied to the laundry positioned above in the washing/dehydrating tub 24 . At this time, water is supplied into the pump chamber through the water passage hole 101 of the surface structure portion 100 and the water passage hole 405 of the base portion 400 . A lint filter may be attached to the ejection port. In this case, the lint contained in the circulating water is collected by the lint filter.

The switching mechanism section 500 includes a switching section 510 , a stopper 520 and a cap 530 . The switching portion 510, the stopper 520 and the cap 530 are made of a resin material such as polypropylene.

The switching portion 510 has a configuration in which a knob portion 540, a hub portion 550, two first cam portions 560, and two second cam portions 570 are integrally formed. The knob portion 540 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is open in the center. The opening 541 of the knob 540 includes an upper opening 542 and a lower opening 543 having an inner diameter slightly smaller than that of the upper opening 542. A stepped surface 544 is formed at the boundary between the upper opening 542 and the lower opening 543. have An outer peripheral surface 545 of the knob 540 is formed with a plurality of oval concave portions 546 arranged in the circumferential direction so that the user can easily grip the knob 540 .

Hub portion 550 includes an annular flange portion 551 provided at the lower end portion of knob portion 540 and an annular outer peripheral wall portion 552 rising from the outer peripheral edge of flange portion 551 . The flange portion 551 is formed with a plurality of water passage holes 553 penetrating from the front and back. Two first cam portions 560 and two second cam portions 570 are connected to the outer peripheral wall portion 552 .

The two first cam portions 560 face each other with the hub portion 550 interposed therebetween and face the same rotational direction. The two second cam portions 570 face each other across the hub portion 550 in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the two first cam portions 560 are arranged, and face the same rotational direction.

Each first cam portion 560 includes an inclined surface 561, a flat support surface 562 extending horizontally from the top of the inclined surface 561, and a pressing surface 562 which is provided on the side opposite to the inclined surface 561 with respect to the support surface 562 and which rises vertically. surface 563. Each second cam portion 570 includes an inclined surface 571, a flat support surface 572 extending horizontally from the top of the inclined surface 571, and a support surface 572 provided on the opposite side of the inclined surface 571 to extend horizontally. and an overhanging portion 573 that protrudes. A plurality of water passage holes 574 are formed in the projecting portion 573 so as to penetrate the front and back. The inclined surfaces 561 and 571 correspond to the first working portion of the invention, and the pressing surface 563 corresponds to the second working portion of the invention.

Stopper 520 and cap 530 are formed substantially in the shape of a disc. The outer diameters of stopper 520 and cap 530 are approximately equal to the inner diameter of upper opening 542 of knob 540 . Three screw holes 521 are formed in the stopper 520 .

A lock mechanism portion 600 is provided between the switching portion 510 and the base portion 400 . In the first form and the second form, the lock mechanism part 600 includes a lock part 610 for locking the switching part 510 so that it does not move, and an unlocking part 610 for performing an operation to unlock the switching part 510 by the lock part 610 . and an operation unit 620 .

The lock portion 610 includes a first engagement projection portion 611 and a second engagement projection portion 612 provided so as to be arranged in the circumferential direction on the bottom surface of the hub accommodating portion 410 of the base portion 400, and the hub portion 550 of the switching portion 510. and an engagement rib 613 provided to protrude downward. The upper portions of the first engaging protrusion 611 and the second engaging protrusion 612 are formed in a chevron shape. An engagement groove 614 into which the engagement rib 613 can be fitted is provided between the first engagement projection 611 and the second engagement projection 612 . Arc-shaped slits 615 are formed on both sides of the first engagement protrusion 611 and the second engagement protrusion 612 on the bottom surface of the hub accommodating portion 410 . As a result, the area between the two slit portions 615 on the bottom surface of the hub housing portion 410 can be bent downward, and the first engaging projection portion 611 and the second engaging projection portion 612 move downward. It becomes possible.

Release operation portion 620 includes a first release button 621 and a second release button 622 that are arranged in the circumferential direction on flange portion 551 of hub portion 550 of switching portion 510 . The first release button 621 and the second release button 622 have protrusions 621a and 622a on their back surfaces. An engagement rib 613 is positioned between the first release button 621 and the second release button 622 . A U-shaped slit portion 623 is formed in the flange portion 551 so as to surround the first release button 621 and the second release button 622 . As a result, the area surrounded by the slit portion 623 in the flange portion 551 can be bent downward, and the first release button 621 and the second release button 622 can move downward.

When the switching mechanism portion 500 is attached to the base portion 400, first, the switching portion 510 is accommodated in the mounting recess portion 403 from above. That is, the knob portion 540 and the hub portion 550 are accommodated in the hub accommodating portion 410, the two first cam portions 560 are accommodated in the two first cam accommodating portions 420, and the two second cam portions 570 are accommodated in the two second cam portions. It is housed in the 2-cam housing portion 430 . The rotating shaft portion 411 is inserted into the opening portion 541 of the knob portion 540 , and the inner peripheral surface of the lower opening portion 543 faces the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft portion 411 . Next, a stopper 520 is attached to the upper end of the rotating shaft portion 411 from above. At this time, the screw hole 521 of the stopper 520 and the mounting hole 412a of the mounting boss 412 are aligned. The stopper 520 is fixed to the rotating shaft portion 411 by passing a screw (not shown) through the screw hole 521 and stopping it in the mounting hole 412a. Since the outer peripheral portion of the stopper 520 and the outer peripheral edge portion of the knob portion 540 overlap above the stepped surface 544 of the opening portion 541, the upward movement of the switching portion 510 is restricted and the switching portion 510 is prevented from coming off upward. . Finally, the cap 530 is attached to the opening 541 of the knob 540 so that the opening 541 is covered with the cap 530 .

The switching portion 510 is rotatable with respect to the base portion 400 . As the switching portion 510 rotates, each first cam portion 560 moves inside each first cam accommodating portion 420 and each second cam portion 570 moves inside each second cam accommodating portion 430 . When the switching portion 510 rotates, the rear surface of the hub portion 550 slides on the slide ribs 413 of the hub accommodating portion 410 . The back surface of the first cam portion 560 slides on the sliding rib 421 of the first cam housing portion 420, and the back surface of the second cam portion 570 slides on the sliding rib 431 of the second cam housing portion 430. do. This reduces the sliding resistance between the switching portion 510 and the base portion 400 , so that the switching portion 510 rotates smoothly with respect to the base portion 400 . A sliding plate made of a material having a small coefficient of friction such as stainless steel may be attached to the sliding surface of the switching portion 510 with the sliding ribs 413 , 421 , 431 .

Two surface forming portions 100 are attached to the placement surface 401 of the base portion 400 on which the switching mechanism portion 500 is mounted. At this time, four first blade portions 200 are attached to each surface structure portion 100 . The arrangement surface 401 is provided with two mounting holes 408 at positions corresponding to the two mounting bosses 133 of the first blade holding member 130 of each surface constituent part 100 , and each mounting boss 133 is fitted into each mounting hole 408 . The first blade holding member 130 is fixed to the placement surface 401 by being attached with screws (not shown). In addition, in the second blade holding member 140 of each surface forming portion 100, the fitting groove 145 of the fitting portion 144 fits into the edge portion 420a of the first cam accommodating portion 420 on the side of the non-placement region 401a (FIG. 10). ), the guide ribs 143 are accommodated in the respective guide grooves 404 of the placement surface 401 . In this way, each second blade holding member 140 can move in the circumferential direction along the placement surface 401 by being guided in the guide groove 404 by the guide rib 143 without deviating upward from the placement surface 401 . Thus, the pulsator 26 is completed.

By rotating the knob 540, the user can rotate the switching portion 510 with respect to the base portion 400 between the first switching position and the second switching position with the neutral position therebetween. . At the neutral position, none of the four first blade portions 200 and the two second blade portions 300 appear on the surface of the pulsator 26. Four first blades 200 appear on the surface of the pulsator 26 in the first switching position, and two second blades 300 appear on the surface of the pulsator 26 in the second switching position.

FIG. 9(a) is a diagram for explaining the operation for rotating the switching unit 510 from the neutral position to the first switching position according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation when rotating the switching portion 510 from the neutral position to the second switching position according to the embodiment of FIG.

When the switching portion 510 is in the neutral position, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the engaging rib 613 is fitted into the engaging groove portion 614, and the switching portion 510 rotates in the left-right direction. cannot be moved.

When rotating the switching unit 510 from the neutral position to the first switching position, the user presses down the first release button 621 as shown in FIG. 9A. The first engagement protrusion 611 is pushed by the protrusion 621a of the first release button 621, the first engagement protrusion 611 and the second engagement protrusion 612 move downward, and the engagement rib 613 engages. It leaves the groove 614 . In this state, when the user rotates the knob portion 540 to the right when viewed from above, the switching portion 510 rotates to the right, and the engagement rib 613 becomes the chevron shape of the first engagement protrusion 611 . abut on the top of the and climb over it. When the engaging rib 613 moves beyond the first engaging protrusion 611, the switching portion 510 reaches the first switching position. The engagement rib 613 engages with the lower side surface of the first engagement protrusion 611 . As a result, the switching unit 510 is locked and does not move in the direction of returning to the neutral position. When the switching portion 510 is returned to the neutral position, the user presses the second release button 622 to move the first engaging protrusion 611 downward, thereby causing the engaging rib 613 and the first engaging protrusion 611 to move downward. can be released, and the switching portion 510 can be rotated toward the neutral position.

Similarly, when rotating the switching unit 510 from the neutral position to the second switching position, the user presses down the second release button 622 as shown in FIG. 9B. The second engagement projection 612 is pushed by the projection 622a of the second release button 622, the second engagement projection 612 and the first engagement projection 611 move downward, and the engagement rib 613 engages. It leaves the groove 614 . In this state, when the user rotates the knob portion 540 leftward as viewed from above, the switching portion 510 rotates leftward, and the engagement rib 613 becomes the chevron shape of the second engagement protrusion 612 . abut on the top of the and climb over it. When the engaging rib 613 moves beyond the second engaging projection 612, the switching portion 510 reaches the second switching position. The engagement rib 613 engages with the lower side surface of the second engagement protrusion 612 . As a result, the switching unit 510 is locked and does not move in the direction of returning to the neutral position. When the switching portion 510 is returned to the neutral position, the user pushes down the first release button 621 to move the second engaging protrusion 612 downward, so that the engaging rib 613 and the second engaging protrusion 612 are separated from each other. can be released, and the switching portion 510 can be rotated toward the neutral position.

Next, the operation of the switching mechanism 500 when switching between the first mode in which the first blade portion 200 appears on the surface of the pulsator 26 and the second mode in which the second blade portion 300 appears on the surface of the pulsator 26 will be described. do.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of pulsator 26 in a state where first blade portion 200 appears on the surface of pulsator 26 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of pulsator 26 in a state where second blade portion 300 appears on the surface of pulsator 26 according to the present embodiment.

When the switching portion 510 rotates from the neutral position to the first switching position, as shown in FIG. Within each second cam housing 430, each second cam portion 570 moves to the vicinity of the closed side. As shown in FIG. 10 , in the first cam accommodating portion 420 , the first cam portion 560 moves toward the opened side surface as indicated by the solid line arrow, and pushes the first blade portion 200 , as indicated by the broken line arrow. As shown, the elevating portion 251 of the first blade portion 200 climbs the inclined surface 561 of the first cam portion 560, and accordingly the first blade portion 200 rotates upward. A first blade portion 200 protrudes from the surface of the surface structure portion 100 . When the switching portion 510 reaches the first switching position, the elevating portion 251 climbs up the inclined surface 561 and reaches the support surface 562 . As a result, the first blade portion 200 reaches the protruding position and protrudes most from the surface of the surface forming portion 100 . In this state, the flange portion 250 of the first blade portion 200 hits the back surface of the surface forming portion 100, and further upward rotation of the first blade portion 200 is stopped. Also, the lifting section 251 is supported upward, that is, in the projecting direction, by the support surface 562 . This prevents the first blade portion 200 from retracting even if it is pushed downward.

When the switching portion 510 reaches the first switching position, the first cam portion 560 abuts against the stopper portion 146 of the surface forming portion 100 positioned on the open side surface, so the switching portion 510 does not move any further. As described above, the switching portion 510 is locked by the locking portion 610, so it does not move to the neutral position side either.

Similarly, in the second cam accommodating portion 430 , the second cam portion 570 moves to the closed side, and the lifting portion 251 climbs the inclined surface 571 of the second cam portion 570 and reaches the support surface 572 . , the first blade portion 200 protrudes from the surface of the surface forming portion 100 .

On the other hand, when the switching portion 510 rotates from the neutral position to the second switching position, as shown in FIG. In the second cam accommodating portion 430, each second cam portion 570 moves to a position slightly beyond the opened side surface. As shown in FIG. 11, when the first cam portion 560 moves toward the closed side surface as indicated by the solid line arrow in the first cam housing portion 420, the pressing surface 563 of the first cam portion 560 moves toward the first cam portion. It abuts on the lever piece 121 of the two-blade component 120 and pushes the lever piece 121 as indicated by the dashed arrow. The second blade constituent member 120 moves together with the second blade holding member 140 in the direction in which the lever piece 121 is pushed, and the first blade constituent member 110 and the second blade constituent member 120 are bent around the first hinge portion 150. . Thereby, the second blade portion 300 is formed on the surface forming portion 100 .

When the switching portion 510 reaches the second switching position, the first cam portion 560 comes into contact with the closed side wall portion 420b, so the switching portion 510 does not move any further. As described above, the switching portion 510 is locked by the locking portion 610, so it does not move to the neutral position side either.

In each second cam accommodating portion 430, each second cam portion 570 has its supporting surface 572 and projecting portion 573 below the non-arranged area 401a. As a result, the non-arrangement area 401a is supported from below by the support surface 572 and the projecting portion 573 .

When the user performs the washing operation, the user rotates the knob 540 to switch the configuration of the pulsator 26 to the first configuration as shown in FIG. appear on the surface of In the wash operation, the first form of pulsator 26 is used to wash and rinse the clothes.

In the first blade portion 200, the inclinations of the first inclined surface 220 and the second inclined surface 230, which are both side surfaces facing the circumferential direction of the pulsator 26, are equal to the two side surfaces of the second blade portion 300 facing the circumferential direction of the pulsator 26. It is steeper than the inclination of the first blade component 110 and the second blade component 120 which are planes. Therefore, compared to the second blade portion 300, the first blade portion 200 can push the water in the washing/dehydrating tub 24 more strongly in the direction of rotation of the pulsator 26, so that the first blade portion 200 is excellent in the action of generating a water flow, thereby washing clothes. turn to

Therefore, the pulsator 26 of the first embodiment generates a good water flow to wash and rinse the laundry, thereby ensuring good washing performance.

When performing the drying operation, the user rotates the knob 540 to switch the form of the pulsator 26 to the second form as shown in FIG. appear on the surface of In the drying operation, the second form of pulsator 26 dries the clothes.

In the second blade portion 300 , the inclination of the first blade constituent member 110 and the second blade constituent member 120 is gentler than the inclination of the first inclined surface 220 and the second inclined surface 230 of the first blade portion 200 . Therefore, when the pulsator 26 is rotated, the second blade portion 300 makes it easier for the clothes to rise on the inclined surface, that is, the first blade component member 110 and the second blade component member 120, compared to the first blade portion 200. , It is excellent in the action of flipping up the laundry, and is suitable for drying clothes.

Therefore, by drying the clothes with the pulsator 26 of the second form, the clothes are well flipped up and spread easily, and the spread clothes are easily exposed to warm air, so that good drying performance can be ensured.

In particular, the pulsator 26 has a structure in which the surface of the surface forming portion 100 gently slopes upward in the circumferential direction toward the second blade portion 300, so that when the pulsator 26 rotates, the clothes are washed with a longer slope. can be raised. Therefore, the rotation of the pulsator 26 makes it easier for the clothes to jump up.

When performing the washing/drying operation, the user may switch the mode of the pulsator 26 between the first mode and the second mode according to the type and dirtiness of the clothes. Alternatively, the user can switch to the first mode at the beginning of the operation, temporarily interrupt the operation and switch to the second mode before starting the drying process. In this case, the fully automatic washing/drying machine 1 may be configured such that it automatically suspends its operation before starting the drying process and issues a notification.

<Effect of Embodiment>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the pulsator 26 has two modes: the first mode in which the first blade portion 200 suitable for washing clothes appears on the surface of the pulsator 26, and the second mode in which the surface of the pulsator 26 is suitable for drying clothes. Since it is possible to switch between the second mode in which the two blade portions 300 appear, it is possible to ensure good cleaning performance and drying performance.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the switching mechanism portion 500 includes the switching portion 510 rotatable between the first switching position and the second switching position, and the first cam portion 560 of the switching portion 510 An inclined surface 561 that acts on the first blade portion 200 to make the first blade portion 200 appear on the surface of the pulsator 26 when the switching portion 510 moves to the first switching position, and the switching portion 510 moves to the second switching position. The pulsator 26 has a pressing surface 563 that acts on the second blade portion 300 when moved and causes the second blade portion 300 to appear on the surface of the pulsator 26. Therefore, the configuration of the pulsator 26 is different from that of the first configuration. A configuration that can be switched between the second mode can be easily realized.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the surface forming portion 100 that forms the surface of the pulsator 26 is provided, and the first blade portion 200 has a protruding position that protrudes from the surface of the surface forming portion 100 and a non-protruding position that does not protrude. The second blade portion 300 is movable, and the second blade portion 300 constitutes a part of the surface forming portion 100 and is deformable between a flat state and a mountain-like state. The inclined surface 561 of 560 moves the first blade portion 200 to the projecting position, and the pressing surface 563 of the first cam portion 560 deforms the second blade portion 300 so as to protrude. By moving the portion 510 to the first switching position, the first blade portion 200 can be moved to the projecting position and appear on the surface of the pulsator 26, and by moving the switching portion 510 to the second switching position, The second blade portion 300 can be deformed into a protruding state to appear on the surface of the pulsator 26 .

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, lock portion 610 can lock switch portion 510 so that first blade portion 200 and second blade portion 300 do not rotate in the retracting direction. It is possible to prevent the first wing part 200 from being pushed by water and the second wing part 300 from being pushed by clothes during drying.

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

For example, the number and shape of first blade portion 200 and second blade portion 300 included in pulsator 26 may be different from those shown in the above embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first blade portion 200 is configured to be movable between the protruding position where it protrudes from the surface of the surface forming portion 100 and the non-protruding position where it does not protrude, and the second blade portion 300 is flat. It is configured to be deformable between a state and a state in which it rises like a mountain. However, the first blade portion 200 may be configured to be deformable between a flat state and a mountain-like raised state, and the second blade portion 300 may be configured to be movable between the protruding position and the non-protruding position. may be Alternatively, both the first blade portion 200 and the second blade portion 300 may be configured to be movable between a protruding position and a non-protruding position, or may be deformed between a flat state and a mountain-like raised state. A possible configuration may be used.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the switch portion 510 is manually rotated by rotating the knob portion 540, which is a manual operation portion. However, without being limited to this, a configuration may be adopted in which the switching unit 510 is automatically rotated by a driving unit such as a motor.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the neutral position is provided as one of the positions for rotating the switching portion 510, but the neutral position may not be provided. In this case, the switching portion 510 rotates between the first switching position and the second switching position without passing through the neutral position.

In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea indicated in the scope of claims.

1 Fully automatic washing and drying machine (washing and drying machine)
24 Washing and dehydrating tub (washing tub)
26 Pulsator
30 drive unit (drive part)
50 drying device (hot air supply unit)
100 surface structure
200 first blade
300 second blade part
500 switching mechanism
510 switching unit
561 Inclined surface (first action part)
563 pressing surface (second acting portion)
571 Inclined surface (first action part)
610 lock part

Claims (6)

a washing tub in which the laundry is stored;
a pulsator disposed at the bottom of the washing tub;
a drive unit that drives the pulsator;
a hot air supply unit that supplies hot air into the washing tub,
The pulsator is
a first blade portion;
a second blade portion;
A first form in which only the first blade portion of the first blade portion and the second blade portion appears on the surface of the pulsator, and a first blade portion and the second blade portion on the surface of the pulsator. a switching mechanism that switches between a second form in which only the second blade appears,
A washing and drying machine characterized by: In the washing and drying machine according to claim 1,
The first blade portion has a shape that is superior to the second blade portion in the action of generating a water flow,
The second blade part has a shape that is superior in the action of flipping up the laundry compared to the first blade part,
A washing and drying machine characterized by: In the washing and drying machine according to claim 1,
The first blade portion and the second blade portion have slopes on both side surfaces facing the circumferential direction of the pulsator,
Inclination of both side surfaces of the first blade portion is steeper than inclination of both side surfaces of the second blade portion,
A washing and drying machine characterized by: In the washing and drying machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The switching mechanism includes a switching section movable between a first position and a second position,
The switching unit is
a first acting portion that acts on the first blade portion when the switching portion moves to the first position to cause the first blade portion to appear on the surface of the pulsator;
a second acting portion that acts on the second blade portion when the switching portion moves to the second position to make the second blade portion appear on the surface of the pulsator;
A washing and drying machine characterized by: In the washing and drying machine according to claim 4,
further comprising a surface forming part that forms the surface of the pulsator,
The first blade portion is movable between a protruding position where it protrudes from the surface of the surface configuration portion and a non-protruding position where it does not protrude,
The second blade part constitutes a part of the surface structure part and is deformable between a flat state and a mountain-like raised state,
In the switching mechanism, the first acting portion moves the first blade portion to the projecting position, and the second acting portion deforms the second blade portion to a raised state.
A washing and drying machine characterized by: In the washing and drying machine according to claim 4 or 5,
In the first form and the second form, further comprising a locking part for locking the switching part so that it does not move,
A washing and drying machine characterized by:

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