JP2004116378A - Pump and washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pump sucking water from water sources at two positions and having a selector valve for allowing the pump to supply water in three predetermined directions, and to provide a small and light washing machine employing the pump at low cost. <P>SOLUTION: A pump 1 comprises Westco type blades 22 disposed to a pump part 20, and a flow passage 40 disposed at the periphery thereof. The flow passage has: a first opening 24 and a third opening 26 at both ends of the flow passage 40; a second opening 25 disposed between the first and third openings; and a valve means 30 disposed in the flow passage 40 between the first opening 24 and second opening 25 to allow the second opening 25 to open/close. For opening the second opening 25, the valve means 30 cuts off the flow passage to make water flow between the third opening 26 and second opening 25. For closing the second opening 25, the valve means opens the passage to make the water flow between the first opening 24 and third opening 26. In the pump 1, the selector valve 50 is disposed on a discharge side of the second opening 25 to selectively switch between two systems in a water supply path. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a pump and a washing machine, and supplies water from an external water source different from a water supply to the washing machine, circulates water in the washing tub in the washing machine, and further discharges water in the washing tub outside the machine. And a washing machine using the pump.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, fully automatic washing machines have been used to supply water to a washing tub using external water (for example, bath water) different from water supply to perform washing and rinsing, and to improve washing power and remove lint. 2. Description of the Related Art Fully automatic washing machines provided with a pump for performing washing and rinsing while circulating water in the washing tub in the washing machine and for forcibly draining the water in the washing tub to the outside of the machine have become widespread.
[0003]
In the conventional washing machine 100 shown in FIG. 8, a bath water suction pump P1 for absorbing the bath water 111 in the bathtub 110 and supplying the same to the washing tub 101, and the water 102 in the washing tub 101 in the washing machine 100. A washing water circulation pump P2 for performing washing and rinsing while circulating, and a drainage pump P3 for draining the washing water and rinsing water 102 in the washing tub 101 to the outside of the machine are separately used. The pump had to be built into the main body of the washing machine.
[0004]
Therefore, a space for installing the three pumps and the pipes 103, 104, and 105 connected thereto is required in the washing machine, so that the size of the washing machine is increased, and the weight is increased. Washing machines are expensive because they require additional parts and assembling man-hours for installation.
[0005]
Therefore, a single self-priming water pump, a washing liquid circulation path, and a bath water are used as a washing machine that enables supply of bath water and circulation of washing water by a single self-priming water pump, thereby reducing costs and improving convenience. A washing machine with a self-priming water pump has been proposed which is provided with a water-absorbing path, and is provided on the water-absorbing side of the self-priming water pump with a switching valve for selectively switching between the washing liquid circulation path and the bath water absorbing path (for example, see Patent Reference 1).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-173686 (page 3, FIG. 1)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even in the washing machine according to the above-mentioned patent document, although the functions of supplying the bath water and circulating the washing water are satisfied by one pump, a separate drainage pump is required to forcibly drain the water in the washing tub, It is still necessary to incorporate two pumps in the washing machine, which requires installation space and cost for the two pumps.
[0008]
Therefore, the present invention provides three pump functions of supplying water to the washing machine from an external water source different from the water supply, circulating water in the washing tub in the washing machine, and forcibly draining water in the washing tub. Can be combined with a single pump, that is, a pump capable of absorbing water from two water sources and sending water in three predetermined directions, and a small, lightweight, bath using the pump. It is an object of the present invention to provide a low-cost washing machine capable of satisfying the functions of water supply and water circulation and drainage of a washing tub with one pump.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is provided with an impeller having a Wesco-type blade in a pump portion, wherein the pump portion has three ports for absorbing or discharging water, and a flow path is formed in an outer peripheral portion of the Wesco-type blade. A first port and a third port are provided at both ends or near both ends of the flow path, and a second port is provided in a flow path between the first port and the third port; A valve means for opening and closing a second port is provided in a flow path between the first port and the second port, and the valve means is configured to open the second port when opening the second port. The flow path is blocked to allow water to flow between the third port and the second port, and when the second port is closed, the flow path is opened and the first port is closed. Water flows between the third port and the third port, and when the impeller rotates forward, the valve means closes the second port, and the water sucked from the first port. The third A pump that discharges water from a port and discharges water sucked from the third port from the second port when the impeller is in reverse rotation, wherein the valve means opens the second port. A pump provided with a switching valve on the discharge side of the second port for switching a water supply path to two systems.
[0010]
According to the pump of the present invention, the impeller having the Wesco-type blades disposed in the pump section generates suction action in two directions, forward and reverse, according to forward and reverse operation of the pump, and is provided in the pump section. Water can be absorbed and discharged by selecting two of the three openings. That is, at the time of normal rotation, the valve means closes the second port by the water flow sucked from the first port, opens the flow path from the first port to the third port, and discharges water from the third port. I do. Further, at the time of reverse rotation, the valve means opens the second port by the water flow sucked from the third port, and shuts off the flow path from the second port to the first port located rearward, thereby providing the third port. Forming a flow path leading from a mouth to a second mouth, discharging water from the second mouth, and further selecting one of two water supply paths by a switching valve provided on a discharge side of the second mouth to supply water. Can be. In addition, since the pump is composed of one impeller and one pump chamber, the pump structure is compact, and the pump can be reduced in size and cost.
[0011]
The invention according to claim 2 is the pump according to claim 1, wherein the switching valve is an electromagnetic valve.
[0012]
According to the pump of the present invention, the switching valve can be automatically opened and closed according to the operation state thereof in accordance with a signal from a control circuit that controls the entire apparatus such as a washing machine equipped with the pump.
[0013]
The invention according to claim 3 is a washing machine having a pump that absorbs external water to supply water to the washing machine, circulates water in the washing machine, and drains water from the washing machine to the outside of the washing machine. 3. The pump according to claim 1, wherein at the time of normal rotation of the pump, external water absorbed from the first port is supplied to the washing machine from the third port, and at the time of reverse rotation of the pump. 4. Discharging the water in the washing machine sucked through the third port from the second port, and switching the water supply path between a water supply path circulated in the washing machine or a water supply path discharged to the outside of the machine by the switching valve to supply water. It is a washing machine characterized by the above.
[0014]
According to the washing machine of the present invention, a single pump supplies a water supply pump for supplying external water to the washing tub of the washing machine, a circulation pump for circulating water in the washing tub, and a drain for forcibly draining the washing water in the washing tub. Since the three pump functions of the pump are performed, the number of pumps built into the washing machine becomes one, so that the installation space and pump cost can be reduced to about 1/3 of the conventional one, and the washing machine can be reduced in size, weight, and cost. Price can be realized.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
(1st Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pump 1 of the first embodiment at the time of reverse rotation operation, FIG. 2 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the pump 1 at the time of normal rotation operation, and FIGS. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are front cross-sectional views of the pump unit 20 at the time of reverse rotation and normal rotation. 2 to 6, the piping after the switching valve is omitted.
[0017]
In the pump 1, the motor unit 10 and the pump unit 20 are integrally formed.
[0018]
The motor unit 10 has a stator 13 provided in a ring shape along the outer periphery of the first casing 8, and a rotor 11 having a magnetic body 12 in the first casing 8 on the inner periphery of the stator 13. Constitute a brushless DC motor rotatably arranged, which contributes to lowering the noise of the pump 1 and improving controllability.
[0019]
The stator 13 includes an iron core and a coil wound therearound. A circuit board 14 for driving a motor is disposed on a side portion of the stator 13. It is molded inside to improve the water resistance and insulation of the motor unit 10 and prevent the failure and leakage of electric components, thereby improving the durability and safety of the pump.
[0020]
The rotor 11 connects an impeller 21 having a Wesco-type impeller 22 coaxially with the magnetic body 12. The impeller 21 is arranged in a pump chamber 23, and is attached to a fixed shaft 15 provided at the center of the pump 1. It is rotatably supported via bearings 16a, 16b at the left and right ends.
[0021]
The pump unit 20 has three ports each serving as a water intake port or a discharge port. The inner wall of the second casing 9, which is the outer wall of the pump chamber 23, and the wesco-type blade 22 provided on the impeller 21. The flow path 40 is formed between the outer peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion.
[0022]
The three ports are provided with a water inlet 24 as a first port and a water outlet 26 as a third port at both ends of the flow path 40, and a flow path between the water inlet 24 and the water outlet 26. A discharge port 25, which is a second port, is provided in the middle of 40, and a connection pipe extending from the pump chamber 23 to the outside is provided and opened.
[0023]
In the flow path 40, the space between the water inlet 24 and the water outlet 26 is closed by a wall 28 provided in the second casing 9, and regulates the direction of flowing water in the pump chamber 23 to prevent backflow. ing.
[0024]
The pump section 20 is provided with a swing valve 30 that allows the discharge port 25 to be opened and closed in a flow path 40 between the water intake port 24 and the discharge port 25.
[0025]
When the discharge port 25 is opened, the swing valve 30 shuts off the flow path 40 between the water intake port 24 and the discharge port 25 so that water flows between the water discharge port 26 and the discharge port 25. When the discharge port 25 is closed, the flow path 40 between the water intake port 24 and the discharge port 25 is opened so that water flows between the water intake port 24 and the discharge port 25.
[0026]
A switching valve 50 composed of an electromagnetic valve is provided on the discharge side of the discharge port 25 which is the second port, and the water supply path 53 from the discharge port 25 is divided into a first path 54 and a second path 55. The branch is provided with water supply pipes 51 and 52.
[0027]
In the pump 1, the first casing 8 and the second casing 9 are fastened by sandwiching a packing plate 18 and a partition plate 19 for separating the magnetic body 12 and the impeller 21 of the rotor 11 from each other. The unit 20 is integrally formed.
[0028]
In the pump 1, the rotor 11 is rotated by the energization of the motor unit 10, and the Wesco impeller 21 rotates in the pump chamber 23 to generate a suction action. After passing through the rotating Wesco-type blades 22 to form a vortex, the vortex forms a swirling flow in the pump chamber 23 and discharges flowing water from the discharge port to the outside of the pump 1. The direction in which the vortex is generated is switched by the conversion of the rotation and reverse operation, and the water inlet and the discharge port are automatically selected and the water is supplied.
[0029]
The swing valve 30 operates to open and close the opening 27 of the discharge port 25 depending on the direction of flowing water flowing in the pump chamber 23.
[0030]
During the reverse operation of the pump 1, the swing valve 30 opens the opening 27 of the discharge port 25 (FIGS. 1 and 3), and at the same time, shuts off the flow path 40 in the pump chamber 23 to the Is interrupted, and the flowing water from the water suction / discharge port 26 flows into only the discharge port 25 and is discharged.
[0031]
When the pump 1 rotates forward, the swing valve 30 closes the opening 27 of the discharge port 25 (FIGS. 2 and 4), opens the flow path 40 behind the discharge port 25, and sucks the water through the water suction port 24. The flowed water passes through the closed discharge port 25, flows into the water suction discharge port 26 behind the discharge port 25, and is discharged.
[0032]
The swing valve 30 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a rubber made up of a valve cover 31 that opens and closes the opening 27 of the discharge port 25 and a shielding plate 32 that shuts off the flow path 40 of the pump chamber 23. It is made of an elastic material such as urethane, and is pinned to a valve stopper 33 provided on the inner wall of the pump chamber so as to operate in a one-sided manner, and operates in an arc shape with the pin as a fulcrum by the direction of water flow and the water pressure. Alternatively, a device that opens and closes the discharge port using the own weight of the valve and the water flow can be used. The discharge port 25 is surely opened and closed according to the water flow direction due to the normal rotation and the reverse rotation of the pump. Any structure may be used as long as it can block or open 40.
[0033]
The operation of the swing valve 30 during the operation of the pump 1 and the flow of flowing water in the pump chamber 23 will be described below.
[0034]
When the pump 1 rotates in the reverse direction, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, flowing water 41 sucked from the water suction and discharge port 26 flows through the pump chamber 23 toward the discharge port 25, and is provided behind the discharge port 25 by the water pressure. The opening valve 27 of the discharge port 25 is opened, and the shielding plate 32 is pressed against the partition plate 19 to close the flow path therebetween. Then, the flow path from the discharge port 25 to the rear of the pump chamber 23 is shut off, and the flowing water 42 in the pump chamber 23 flows only into the discharge port 25 and is discharged outside the pump 1. In addition, the direction of flowing water is regulated by the wall portion 28 of the second casing 9 provided in the flow path 40, and backflow in the pump chamber 23 is prevented.
[0035]
At the time of the reverse rotation, the running water 53 discharged from the discharge port 25 is sent to the switching valve 50, and is sent to only one of the first path 54 or the second path 55 by the switching valve 50, and the respective water pipes 51 or Discharged from 52. Further, the switching valve 50 can be electrically controlled to select one of the water supply paths by using an electromagnetic valve.
[0036]
4 and 6, when the pump 1 rotates forward, the flowing water 43 sucked from the water suction port 24 flows through the pump chamber 23 in the direction of the discharge port 25, and the water pressure causes the swing valve 30 to be pushed down. The valve cover 31 covers the opening 27 to close the discharge port 25, and a flow path is opened between the shielding plate 32 and the partition plate 19 to open the flow path 40 behind the discharge port 25, and the pump The flowing water 44 flowing through the chamber 23 passes through the closed discharge port 25, flows into the water suction discharge port 26 behind the pump chamber 23, and is discharged outside the pump 1.
[0037]
Therefore, in the pump 1 having the above-described configuration, although three openings are provided in one pump chamber 23, when the pump 1 is rotated in reverse, water from the water suction and discharge port 26 is discharged only from the discharge port 25. During normal rotation, the water flowing from the water suction port 24 is discharged only from the water suction discharge port 26, and the water suction port and the discharge port are automatically selected according to the normal rotation and reverse rotation of the pump. The switch valve 50 is used to select one of the two water supply paths 54 and 55 by the switching valve 50 so that water can be supplied in a predetermined direction. That is, water can be supplied to three places from two water sources and one pump can fulfill a plurality of pump functions. become.
[0038]
Further, in the pump 1, a forward flow and a reverse flow can be formed in one pump chamber 23 using one type of impeller 21. The pump structure can be simplified and the pump can be downsized and the price can be reduced as compared with the conventional reversible pump in which the pump is housed in two pump chambers.
[0039]
Furthermore, the compact pump structure has improved pump characteristics and improved performance such as low noise, making it easier to secure water absorption, discharge head and discharge volume, and has reduced the number of parts compared to conventional pumps, resulting in higher reliability. You can also get sex.
[0040]
(Second embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a main part of a pipe route of a washing machine 2 according to the second embodiment.
[0041]
The washing machine 2 is provided with a washing tub 62 having a large number of small holes for accommodating laundry in a washing machine main body 61, and an outer tub 63 for storing washing water 64 and internally providing the washing tub 62. The outer tub 63 and the washing tub 62 are supported by the main body 61 by an anti-vibration mechanism (not shown), and the washing tub 62 is rotatably supported in the outer tub 63 by a rotating shaft 66 fixed to the center. The shaft 66 is connected to the motor (M). A water supply pipe 67 provided with a water supply valve 68 for supplying tap water to the outer tub 63, and an operation panel 65 having a built-in control circuit centered on a microcomputer for controlling the operation of each washing process are provided on the front of the exterior. Is provided.
[0042]
The washing machine 2 absorbs water 82 stored outside such as a bathtub 81 and supplies it to the washing tub 62, and circulates washing water and rinsing water 64 of the washing tub 62 during washing in the washing machine 2. It has a function of washing and rinsing while washing and forcibly draining the washing water from the washing tub 62. The pump 1 is incorporated in the main body 61 of the washing machine as a pump for absorbing, circulating, and draining water.
[0043]
As shown in the figure, the pump 1 is provided with a water absorption pipe 72 for absorbing external water such as a bathtub 81 at a water suction port (first port) 24, and a water absorption hole 84 at the end for pouring the water into the bathtub 81. Is connected. Further, a water supply pipe 74 provided below the outer tub 63 of the washing machine 2 is connected to the water suction / discharge port (third port) 26. In the switching valve 50 provided on the discharge side of the discharge port (second port) 25, a circulation pipe 71 for circulating the washing water 64 in the washing tub 62 becomes the first path 54 of the switching valve 50. A drain pipe 73 connected to the water pipe 51 and drained to the outside of the machine is connected to the water supply pipe 52 serving as the second path 55.
[0044]
When the washing machine 2 is used in a normal washing process, after the laundry and the detergent are put into the washing tub 62, first, the water supply valve 68 of the tap water supply pipe 67 operates to supply water to the washing tub 62. When the set water level is reached, the water supply ends, the washing tub 62 starts rotating, and washing is performed. At the time of rinsing, after the washing water 64 is once drained, water is supplied again by the water supply valve 68, and rinsing is performed similarly to washing. The dehydration is performed by rotating the washing tub 62 at high speed after draining the water in the washing tub 62 and causing the water contained in the laundry to fly from the small holes by centrifugal force. In this series of washing steps, the user sets the water level, washing time, whether or not bath water is used, and the like using the operation panel 65, and is automatically controlled and operated according to these settings.
[0045]
In the washing machine 2, when the bath water 82 in the bathtub 81 is used for washing and rinsing, the pump 1 is operated in the normal rotation, the suction action from the water suction port 24 of the pump 1 works, and the bathtub connected to the water suction port 24. Bath water 82 is absorbed from a water absorption hole 84 in 81, flows into the pump 1 through a water absorption pipe 72, is discharged from the water absorption discharge port 26, and is supplied to the washing tub 62 through a water supply pipe 74. Then, when the set water level is reached, the pump 1 automatically stops and the water supply stops.
[0046]
Further, when washing and rinsing are performed while circulating the water 64 in the washing tub 62 during washing and rinsing, the pump 1 is operated in reverse, and the washing tub 62 that is absorbed by the suction action from the water suction and discharge port 26 of the pump 1 is operated. Of water flows into the pump 1 from the water supply pipe 74 and is discharged from the discharge port 25. At this time, the washing water 64 is sent to the water pipe 51 via the switching valve 50 which is automatically switched to the first path 54 side, and is again washed through the circulation pipe 71 connected to the upper part of the washing tub 62. Washing and rinsing can be performed while circulating in the tub 62 and circulating in the washing machine 2. When this step is completed, the pump 1 is automatically stopped, and the circulation of the washing water and the rinsing water 64 is also stopped.
[0047]
When the remaining water in the washing tub 62 is forcibly drained after the washing and rinsing, the pump 1 is operated in reverse, and the water 64 of the washing tub 62 that has been absorbed from the water suction and discharge port 26 of the pump 1 flows through the water supply pipe 74. Through the switching valve 50 which is discharged from the discharge port 25 and is automatically switched to the second path 55 side, is sent to the water supply pipe 52, is discharged from the drain pipe 73 to the outside of the machine, and is discharged. After the end, the pump 1 automatically stops.
[0048]
The switching of the switching valve 50 to the first path 54 or the second path 55 can be automatically performed by operating the solenoid valve in the switching valve 50 in accordance with the setting of the operation panel 65.
[0049]
Thereby, in the washing machine 2, the single pump 1 built in the main body supplies external water such as bath water to the washing tub 62 and performs washing while circulating washing water and rinsing water during washing. In addition, the water in the washing tub 62 can be drained.
[0050]
Accordingly, in the washing machine 2, three pumps are not required for supplying water to the washing machine 2, for circulation and for drainage, and the pump in the washing machine 2 and its piping space are minimized. The degree of freedom in selecting a place can be increased and a dead space can be used, and the washing machine can be reduced in size, size, weight, and cost.
[0051]
Further, the number of built-in pumps and the components thereof are reduced to simplify the structure of the washing machine, and the improvement of the pump characteristics can be combined to obtain a highly reliable washing machine excellent in operability and durability.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the pump of the present invention, the water intake port and the discharge port are selected from the three openings of the pump in accordance with the normal rotation and the reverse rotation operation, and the switching valve for the water absorbed from the two water sources is provided. It is possible to provide a low-cost pump having a compact structure capable of performing a pump function for a plurality of pumps, which can supply water in three predetermined directions using the pump.
[0053]
Further, in the washing machine of the present invention, since one pump can supply external water such as bath water, circulate the water in the washing tub, and drain the water in the washing tub, 3 pumps are not required, and the size and weight of the washing machine can be reduced, and the number of pumps and their accessory parts can be reduced, so that the price of the washing machine can be reduced. A simplified and highly reliable washing machine can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a pump according to a first embodiment at the time of reverse rotation.
FIG. 2 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the pump according to the first embodiment at the time of normal rotation.
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pump according to the first embodiment at the time of reverse rotation.
FIG. 4 is a partial transverse sectional view of the pump according to the first embodiment at the time of normal rotation.
FIG. 5 is a front sectional view of the pump chamber of the first embodiment at the time of reverse rotation.
FIG. 6 is a front sectional view of the pump chamber of the first embodiment at the time of normal rotation.
FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a washing machine according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of a conventional washing machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pump 2 ... Washing machine 10 ... Motor part 11 ... Rotor 12 ... Magnetic body 13 ... Stator 15 ... Fixed shaft 20 ... Pump part 21 ... Impeller 22 ... Wesco type blade 23 pump chamber 24 water inlet (first port)
25 ... Discharge port (second port)
26 ... Water-absorbing discharge port (third port)
30 Swing valve 31 Valve cover 32 Shield plate 40 Flow path 50 Switching valves 51, 52 Water pipe 54 First path 55 Second path 62 Washing tub 64 Washing and rinsing water 71 Circulating pipe 72 Water suction pipe 73 Drain pipe 74 Water pipe

Claims (3)

An impeller having Wesco-type blades is arranged in the pump section,
The pump unit has three ports for absorbing or discharging water,
Having a flow path on the outer periphery of the Wesco type blade,
Providing a first port and a third port near both ends or both ends of the flow path, providing a second port in the flow path between the first port and the third port,
Valve means for opening and closing the second port is provided in a flow path between the first port and the second port;
When the second port is opened, the valve means shuts off the flow path so that water flows between the third port and the second port, and the second port is closed. When the mouth is closed, the flow path is opened so that water flows between the first mouth and the third mouth,
At the time of normal rotation of the impeller, the valve means closes the second port, and discharges water sucked from the first port from the third port,
When the impeller reverses, the valve means opens the second port, and discharges water sucked from the third port from the second port,
A pump provided with a switching valve on the discharge side of the second port for switching a water supply path to two systems. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the switching valve is an electromagnetic valve. In a washing machine having a pump that absorbs external water and supplies the washing machine with water, circulates water in the washing machine, and drains the water of the washing machine out of the machine,
The said pump is a pump of Claim 1 or 2,
At the time of normal rotation of the pump, external water absorbed from the first port is supplied to the washing machine from the third port,
At the time of the reverse rotation of the pump, the water in the washing machine sucked from the third port is discharged from the second port, and the water supply path is circulated into the washing machine by the switching valve or the water supply path is drained outside the machine. A washing machine characterized by switching and sending water.

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