Vibration control device and waterproof pan for washing machine

Abstract

To provide a vibration control device which can generate heat without needing a dry battery and an AC adapter to inhibit deterioration of vibration control performance at low temperature, and to provide a waterproof pan for a washing machine.SOLUTION: A vibration control device 1 includes: a vibration control body 2, such as rubber, which improves vibration damping performance by temperature rise; a power generation member 3 having a piezoelectric element 3a which generates electric power by vibration; and a heating element 4 which is supplied with electric power from the power generation member to generate heat and heat the vibration control body 2. For example, the heating element 4 is located below the vibration control body 2 and the power generation member 3 is located above the vibration control body 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration isolation device that reduces the transmission of vibrations and a waterproof pan for a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an anti-vibration, waterproof pan for a washing machine in which an anti-vibration member is interposed between an upper pan on which the washing machine is placed and a lower pan placed on the floor surface, and the anti-vibration member is a laminated structure formed by layering a first anti-vibration material made of hard rubber and a second anti-vibration material made of a flexible material.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a vibration isolator that uses a heater wire to heat rubber, which improves vibration suppression power as the temperature rises, to suppress the decrease in vibration-proofing performance at low temperatures. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3117932 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-99441 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a drawback in that the vibration damping performance decreases at low temperatures.On the other hand, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 can suppress the decrease in vibration damping performance at low temperatures by supplying power to the heater wire to heat the rubber material, but has a drawback in that it requires a dry cell or an AC adapter to supply power to the heater wire.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide a vibration isolation device and a waterproof pan for a washing machine that generate heat without requiring batteries or an AC adapter, and that can suppress a decrease in the damping performance of the vibration isolation body against vibration in low-temperature environments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the vibration-damping device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a vibration-damping body whose vibration-damping performance improves with an increase in temperature, a power-generating member that generates electricity from vibration, and a heating element that generates heat in response to the supply of electricity from the power-generating member and warms the vibration-damping body.

[0008] With the above configuration, the power generated by the generator member through vibration is supplied from the generator member to the heating element, causing the heating element to generate heat, which in turn warms the vibration-isolating body, thereby preventing a decrease in the vibration damping performance of the vibration-isolating body in a low-temperature environment. Furthermore, since the power is supplied by the generator member, dry batteries and AC adapters are not required.

[0009] The heating element may be located below the vibration isolator, whereby heat generated by the heating element can be efficiently transferred to the upper vibration isolator.

[0010] The power generating member may be located above the vibration isolator, whereby the power generating member can receive vibrations from a vibration generating source located above the vibration isolator without being attenuated by the vibration isolator, enabling efficient power generation.

[0011] The power generating device may further include a light emitter that emits light when power is supplied from the power generating member. The power generating device may further include a terminal portion for extracting the power supplied from the power generating member.

[0012] The waterproof pan for a washing machine of the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned vibration isolating device is provided at least on the support portion of the legs of the washing machine.

[0013] The above-mentioned waterproof pan for a washing machine can increase the temperature of the vibration isolator and improve the vibration damping power during vibrations, particularly during the spin-drying process in the washing machine. Also, before the spin-drying process, the heating element generates some heat due to the power generated by the vibrations during washing, warming up the vibration isolator in the vibration isolator device, so that the vibration damping power of the vibration isolator can be improved somewhat at the start of the spin-drying process. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, the vibration isolator can be heated by using the electric power generated by the vibration to heat the heating element, so that the deterioration of the vibration damping performance of the vibration isolator in a low-temperature environment can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the electric power is supplied by a power generating member that generates electric power by the vibration, there is an effect that dry batteries and an AC adapter are not required. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an anti-vibration device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a waterproof pan for a washing machine in which the vibration-isolating device of FIG. 1 is disposed on a convex portion that is a support portion of the legs of the washing machine. [Diagram 3] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a vibration isolation device according to another embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a vibration isolation device according to another embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a waterproof pan for a washing machine in which the vibration-isolating device of FIG. 1 is built into a convex portion that is a mounting portion of the legs of the washing machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, a vibration-proof device 1 of the embodiment includes a vibration-proof body 2, a power generating member 3, a heating element 4, and a lead wire 5. As shown in Fig. 2, a waterproof pan 6 for a washing machine of the embodiment includes the vibration-proof device 1 on a convex portion 61 that serves as a support portion for legs 7 of the washing machine, which are a vibration generating source.

[0017] The vibration isolator 2 is made of rubber or the like whose vibration damping performance improves with an increase in temperature. The above-mentioned Patent Document 2 indicates that rubber has the characteristics of decreasing rubber hardness (Hs) and decreasing dynamic spring constant (gf / mm) with an increase in temperature. It is desirable for the vibration isolator 2 to be one whose damping performance improves greatly with a small change in temperature in the temperature range of 0°C to 35°C.

[0018] The vibration isolator 2 has, for example, a cylindrical shape, but is not limited to this shape and may be a square prism shape, etc. Furthermore, it is not limited to being made of a single material, but may be made by laminating multiple rubber sheets with different characteristics. In this embodiment, a through hole 2a that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the vibration isolator 2 is formed on the edge side of the vibration isolator 2.

[0019] The power generating member 3 includes a power generating element 3a that generates power when subjected to vibration. Various power generating elements with different power generating principles can be used as the power generating element 3a. However, since a small and flat shape is preferable, in this embodiment, a piezoelectric element is used as the power generating element 3a. In addition, the power generating element 3a is covered with resin or the like, making the power generating member 3 waterproof.

[0020] The power generating member 3 is adhered to the upper surface of the vibration isolator 2 with a waterproof adhesive. A highly rigid resin plate or the like may be attached onto the power generating member 3 to prevent a load from being applied locally to the power generating member 3.

[0021] One ends of lead wires 5, 5 are soldered to the output terminals 31, 32 of the power generation member 3, and these lead wires 5, 5 are passed through the through holes 2a of the vibration isolator 2. An anti-slip plate (friction plate) for receiving the legs 7 or a concave member for receiving the legs 7 may be attached to the upper surface of the power generation member 3.

[0022] The heating element 4 is, for example, a nichrome wire 4a arranged in a circular spiral shape and covered with a heat-resistant insulating material (such as silicone rubber). The other ends of the lead wires 5, 5 passed through the through hole 2a are soldered to the input terminals 41, 42 of the heating element 4 (nichrome wire 4a). The heating element 4 is bonded to the lower surface of the vibration isolator 2 with a waterproof adhesive. An insulating plate may be attached to the lower surface of the heating element 4 so that the heat generated by the heating element 4 does not easily escape to the washing machine waterproof pan 6. Furthermore, an anti-slip plate (such as an adhesive plate) may be attached to the lower surface of this insulating plate.

[0023] With the above configuration, the power generated by the generator 3 through vibration is supplied from the generator 3 to the heating element 4, causing the heating element 4 to generate heat, which can be used to warm the vibration-proof body 2, thereby preventing a decrease in the vibration damping performance of the vibration-proof body 2 in a low-temperature environment. Furthermore, since power is supplied by the generator 3, dry batteries and AC adapters are not required.

[0024] Furthermore, when the washing machine waterproof pan 6 is equipped with the vibration isolator 1, the temperature of the vibration isolator 2 can be raised to improve the vibration damping performance, particularly during vibration during the spin-drying process in the washing machine. Even before the spin-drying process, the heating element 4 generates some heat due to power generation caused by vibration during washing, warming up the vibration isolator 2, so that the vibration damping power of the vibration isolator 2 can be somewhat improved at the start of the spin-drying process.

[0025] When the heating element 4 is positioned below the vibration-proof body 2, the heat generated by the heating element 4 can be efficiently transferred to the vibration-proof body 2 above.

[0026] When the power generating member 3 is positioned above the vibration isolator 2, the power generating member 3 can receive vibrations from a vibration generating source placed above the vibration isolator 2 without being attenuated by the vibration isolator 2, thereby enabling efficient power generation.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 3, light-emitting elements 11 such as light-emitting diodes that draw in a portion of the power supplied by the power-generating member 3 and emit light may be provided on the periphery of the vibration-isolating body 2. Washing machines are often installed in relatively dark bathrooms, but since the light emitted by the light-emitting elements 11 illuminates the floor during washing, it is possible to avoid having to turn on the lights in the bathroom. The power supplied from the power-generating member 3 may be supplied to the light-emitting diodes via a rectifier circuit.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, a terminal section 12 for extracting the power supplied from the power generating member 3 may be provided on the peripheral surface of the vibration isolator 2 or the like. This terminal section 12 can be used to attach a light emitting body later. In addition, a voltage data logger (not shown) may be connected to the terminal section 12. If this voltage data logger is connected to the terminal section 12, the voltage variation of the power supplied from the power generating member 3 is recorded as an operation history. This operation history can be used to grasp the deterioration of the performance of the washing machine and to use it for appropriate maintenance of the washing machine or to determine when to replace it.

[0029] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the vibration-isolating device 1 is disposed on the waterproof pan 6 of the washing machine, which is a vibration generating source, in the convex portion 61 that serves as a placement portion for the legs 7 of the washing machine, but the vibration-isolating device 1 may be configured to be built into the convex portion 61. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a space is formed at the convex portion 61 between a lower plate 6a (e.g., particle board) and an upper plate 6b (e.g., resin decorative board) that constitute the waterproof pan 6, as shown in FIG. 5, and the vibration-isolating device 1 is disposed in this space. In addition, gypsum boards 611 and 612 are attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the vibration-isolating device 1 to add weight to the vibration-isolating device 1 and to keep it warm. Furthermore, the vibration-isolating device 1 is kept warm by filling the peripheral surface side of the vibration-isolating device 1 with a lightweight heat insulating material 613 such as polystyrene foam.

[0030] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiment within the same scope as the present invention or within an equivalent scope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 1: Vibration isolation device 2: Vibration isolator 2a: Through hole 3: Power generation materials 3a: Power generating element 4: Heating element 4a: Nichrome wire 5: Lead wire 6:Waterproof tray for washing machine 6a: Lower plate 6b: Upper plate 7: Legs 11: Light source 12:Terminal section 31: Output terminal 32: Output terminal 41: Input terminal 42: Input terminal 61:Convex part 611: Gypsum board 612: Gypsum board 613: Insulation materials

Claims

1. A vibration-isolating device comprising: a vibration-isolating body whose vibration-damping performance improves with an increase in temperature; a power-generating member that generates electricity through vibration; and a heating element that generates heat in response to the supply of electricity from the power-generating member to warm the vibration-isolating body.

2. 2. The vibration isolation device according to claim 1, wherein the heating element is located below the vibration isolator.

3. 3. The vibration isolation device according to claim 2, wherein the power generating member is located above the vibration isolator.

4. 2. The vibration isolation device according to claim 1, further comprising a light emitter that emits light when power is supplied from the power generating member.

5. 2. The vibration-isolating device according to claim 1, further comprising a terminal portion for extracting the electric power supplied from the power generating member.

6. A waterproof pan for a washing machine, comprising the vibration isolator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, at least on a support portion of the legs of the washing machine.

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