Rotary machines, washing machines, dryers

Abstract

The rotating tub can be switched between a state that facilitates rotation and a state that facilitates agitation of the clothes inside the tub. [Solution] The rotating tank 4 is provided with a lifter 20 that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tank 4 and extends in the axial direction of the rotating tank 4. The lifter 20 is switchable between a first state in which the protruding height of the lifter 20 is a first height and a second state in which the height of the lifter 20 is a second height that is higher than the first height, and is configured to maintain the second state for one rotation of the rotating tank 4 after being switched from the first state to the second state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a rotating machine, and more particularly to a washing machine and a dryer.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine including a drum (rotating tub) for accommodating laundry and a driving device for rotationally driving the drum. A lifter is provided on the drum.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The washing machine of Patent Document 1 is an example of a rotating machine including a rotating tub provided with a lifter. In such a rotating machine, as the height of the lifter (length in the radial direction of the rotating tub) increases, it becomes easier to stir the clothes in the rotating tub, but the rotational resistance of the rotating tub increases, making it difficult to rotate the rotating tub. Conversely, as the height of the lifter decreases, it becomes easier to rotate the rotating tub, but the force for stirring the clothes in the rotating tub decreases, making it difficult to stir the clothes in the rotating tub. Therefore, in the rotating machine as described above, it is desirable to be able to switch between a state where it is easy to rotate the rotating tub and a state where it is easy to stir the clothes in the rotating tub.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The technology disclosed herein relates to a rotating machine. This rotating machine comprises a rotating tub formed in the shape of a bottomed cylinder, rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction or in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, into which clothes are fed, and a motor for rotating the rotating tub. The rotating tub is provided with a lifter that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tub and extends in the axial direction of the rotating tub. The lifter is switchable between a first state in which the protruding height of the lifter is a first height and a second state in which the height of the lifter is a second height greater than the first height, and is configured to maintain the second state for one rotation of the rotating tub after being switched from the first state to the second state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the technology disclosed herein, by making the lifter switchable between a first state and a second state, it is possible to switch between a state that facilitates the rotation of the rotating tub and a state that facilitates the agitation of the clothes inside the rotating tub. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view illustrating the configuration of a rotating tank and a lifter. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective illustrating the switching between the first and second states of the lifter. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration and first state of the lifter of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration and second state of the lifter of Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the lifter holding mechanism of Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the operation flow of the lifter in Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of a washing machine. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the washing machine according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration and first state of the lifter of Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration and second state of the lifter in Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the connection between the shaft and the connecting member. [Figure 13] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a dryer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0009] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 illustrates the configuration of the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1. In this example, the washing machine 1 is a drum-type washing machine. The washing machine 1 is also a fully automatic washing machine, configured to automatically perform a series of washing processes, including washing, rinsing, and spinning. The washing machine 1 comprises a housing 2, a fixed tub 3, a rotating tub 4, a water supply device 5, a drain pump 6, a motor 10, and a control unit 15. The washing machine 1 is an example of a rotating machine comprising a rotating tub 4 and a motor 10.

[0010] For convenience, the following explanation may use directions such as up and down based on the corresponding diagrams. Also, in the following explanation, the direction in which the axis of rotation extends will be referred to as the "axial direction," the direction around the axis of rotation will be referred to as the "circumferential direction," and the direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation (radial direction) will be referred to as the "radial direction."

[0011] [Cabinet] The housing 2 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box and houses the components of the washing machine 1 described above.

[0012] In this example, the housing 2 is a box-shaped container composed of panels and frames, and constitutes the outer shell of the washing machine 1. A circular inlet 2a is formed on the front surface of the housing 2 for loading and unloading clothing, which is the laundry. A door 2b having a transparent window is attached to the inlet 2a. The inlet 2a is opened and closed by the door 2b. An operation unit 2c having switches or the like operated by the user is installed above the inlet 2a in the housing 2.

[0013] 〔Fixed tank〕 The fixed tank 3 is installed inside the housing 2. The fixed tank 3 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and is supported inside the housing 2 such that its center line (axis) is along the horizontal direction or a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0014] In this example, the fixed tank 3 is supported by a damper (not shown) provided inside the housing 2 so as to be stable in a posture where its center line (axis) is inclined upward from the horizontal. The fixed tank 3 can store water, and its opening is connected to the inlet 2a.

[0015] 〔Rotating tank〕 The rotating tank 4 is housed in the fixed tank 3. The rotating tank 4 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and is rotatable about a rotation axis J. The rotation axis J extends in the horizontal direction or a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Clothing is loaded into the rotating tank 4.

[0016] In this example, the rotating tank 4 is composed of a cylindrical container having a smaller diameter than the fixed tank 3, and is housed in the fixed tank 3 with its center line (axis) aligned. The rotating tank 4 is rotatable in a posture where its center line (axis) is inclined upward from the horizontal. The center line of the rotating tank 4 coincides with the rotation axis J. The front portion of the rotating tank 4 is supported rotatably at the inlet 2a. A circular opening 4a facing the inlet 2a is formed in the front portion of the rotating tank 4. The laundry (clothing) is loaded into the inside of the rotating tank 4 through the inlet 2a and the circular opening 4a.

[0017] Numerous dewatering holes 4b (only a portion is shown in Figure 1) are formed along the entire circumference of the circumferential wall of the rotating tank 4. In addition, multiple lifters 20 are provided on the inner circumferential surface (inner surface of the circumferential wall) of the rotating tank 4. In this example, as shown in Figure 2, three lifters 20 are arranged at equal intervals (120° intervals) in the circumferential direction of the rotating tank 4. Details of the lifters 20 will be explained in detail later.

[0018] [Water supply device] A water supply device 5 is provided at the top of the fixed tank 3. The water supply device 5 has a water supply pipe 5a, a water supply valve 5b, and a chemical dispenser 5c. The upstream end of the water supply pipe 5a protrudes outside the washing machine 1 and is connected to a water source (not shown). The downstream end of the water supply pipe 5a is connected to a water inlet 3a that opens at the top of the fixed tank 3. The water supply valve 5b and the chemical dispenser 5c are installed in this order from the upstream side along the water supply pipe 5a. The chemical dispenser 5c contains chemicals such as detergent and fabric softener, and these chemicals are added to the fixed tank 3 by mixing them with the supplied water.

[0019] [Drainage pump] A drain outlet 3b is provided at the bottom of the fixed tub 3. The drain outlet 3b is connected to a drain pump 6. The drain pump 6 discharges the excess water accumulated in the fixed tub 3 to the outside of the washing machine 1 through a drain pipe 6a. The drain pump 6 is an example of a drainage mechanism that discharges water accumulated in the fixed tub 3.

[0020] [Motor] A motor 10 is attached to the bottom of the fixed tank 3. The motor 10 rotates the rotating tank 4. As a result, the rotating tank 4 rotates around the axis of rotation J driven by the motor 10.

[0021] In this example, the motor 10 is connected to the rotating tank 4 via a shaft 11. The shaft 11 passes through the rear of the stationary tank 3 and protrudes into the interior of the stationary tank 3. The tip of the shaft 11 is fixed to the center of the bottom of the rotating tank 4. In other words, the rear of the rotating tank 4 is pivotally supported by the shaft 11. The motor 10 rotates the rotating tank 4, which is fixed to the tip of the shaft 11, by rotating the shaft 11.

[0022] Specifically, the motor 10 has a stator (not shown) and a rotor (not shown) facing the stator with a predetermined gap between them. The stator of the motor 10 is provided with a plurality of motor coils (not shown) arranged in the circumferential direction. The rotor of the motor 10 is provided with a plurality of magnets (not shown) arranged in the circumferential direction. The energization of the motor coils is controlled by the control unit 15. When energized, the motor coils generate a magnetic field that rotates the rotor. Specifically, when alternating current is supplied to the motor coils, a magnetic field is formed between these motor coils and the rotor. Due to the action of this magnetic field, the rotor rotates around the rotation axis J.

[0023] [Various sensors] The washing machine 1 is equipped with various sensors. These sensors acquire various types of information used to control the operation of the washing machine 1. The information obtained by the sensors is transmitted to the control unit 15. Examples of the sensors include a current sensor that detects the current flowing through the motor 10 (specifically the motor coil), a weight sensor that detects the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 4, and a rotation speed sensor that detects the rotation speed of the rotating tub 4 or the rotation speed of the motor 10 (specifically the rotor).

[0024] [Control Unit] The control unit 15 comprehensively controls the operation of the washing machine 1. Specifically, the control unit 15 controls the motor 10. In this example, the control unit 15 includes a controller 16 and a drive circuit 17.

[0025] The controller 16 is connected to each part of the washing machine 1 in a communicative manner and controls each part of the washing machine 1. For example, the controller 16 consists of a processor and a memory that stores programs and data for operating the processor. The memory may store information used for controlling the washing machine 1 (such as setting values ​​for thresholds).

[0026] The drive circuit 17 is powered by a power source (not shown). The drive circuit 17 is also electrically connected to the motor 10 and supplies power to the motor 10. As a result, the motor 10 is driven and the rotating tank 4 rotates.

[0027] Specifically, the drive circuit 17 includes a motor drive circuit (not shown). The motor drive circuit drives the motor 10 by supplying power to the motor coils provided on the stator of the motor 10. For example, the motor drive circuit is an inverter circuit having multiple switching elements. The motor drive circuit converts the DC power supplied from a DC power supply (not shown) into AC power by switching these multiple switching elements on and off, and supplies that AC power to the motor coils. For example, the DC power supply is a converter circuit that converts AC power supplied from a commercial power supply (not shown) into DC power.

[0028] The switching operation of the motor drive circuit is controlled by the controller 16. For example, the controller 16 controls the switching operation of the motor drive circuit using PWM control.

[0029] [Details of the lifter] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lifter 20 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tank 4 toward the radially inward direction of the rotating tank 4 and extends in the axial direction of the rotating tank 4. The direction of protrusion of the lifter 20 is the radial direction of the rotating tank 4, and the direction of extension of the lifter 20 (the direction in which it extends) is the axial direction of the rotating tank 4.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the lifter 20 is configured to be switchable between a first state (the state shown in the upper part of Figure 3) and a second state (the state shown in the lower part of Figure 3). The first state is when the protruding height (radial length) of the lifter 20 is a first height. The second state is when the height of the lifter is a second height, which is higher than the first height. Furthermore, the lifter 20 is configured to maintain the second state for one rotation of the rotating tank 4 after being switched from the first state to the second state.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, in this example, the radially inner end face of the lifter 20 is inclined to approach the rotation axis J as it moves from one end of the rotation axis J to the other end. Specifically, in this example, one end of the rotation axis J is the "front side of the rotating tank 4," and the other end of the rotation axis J is the "rear side of the rotating tank 4." In both the case where the lifter 20 is in the first state and the case where the lifter 20 is in the second state, the radially inner end face of the lifter 20 is inclined to approach the rotation axis J as it moves from the front to the rear.

[0032] In this example, when the lifter 20 is in the first state, the radially inner end face of the lifter 20 is configured (designed) to be parallel to the horizontal plane when the position of the lifter 20 is at the lowest point in the vertical direction of the rotating tank 4. In addition, when the lifter 20 is in the second state, the radially inner end face of the lifter 20 is configured (designed) to be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane when the position of the lifter 20 is at the lowest point in the vertical direction of the rotating tank 4.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the lifter 20 has a fixed part 21, a movable part 22, and a holding mechanism 23. The fixed part 21 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tank 4. The movable part 22 is supported by the fixed part 21 so as to be movable from a first position to a second position (a position radially inward from the first position) in the radial direction of the rotating tank 4. The holding mechanism 23 is configured to hold the movable part 22 in the second position.

[0034] The radially inner end face of the movable part 22 constitutes the radially inner end face of the lifter 20. When the movable part 22 moves from the first position (the position shown in Figure 4) to the second position (the position shown in Figure 5), the protruding height of the lifter 20 is switched from the first height (the height shown in Figure 4) to the second height (the height shown in Figure 5).

[0035] <Fixed part> In this example, the fixed portion 21 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tank 4 toward the radially inward direction of the rotating tank 4 and extends in the axial direction of the rotating tank 4. The protruding direction of the fixed portion 21 is the radial direction of the rotating tank 4, and the extending direction of the fixed portion 21 is the axial direction of the rotating tank 4.

[0036] The external shape of the cross-section (cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction) of the fixed part 21 is a trapezoidal shape (isosceles trapezoidal) in which the length in the width direction (direction perpendicular to both the extension direction and the protruding direction) gradually narrows from the base end to the tip end in the protruding direction. The height (length in the radial direction) of the fixed part 21 gradually increases from the front to the rear. In other words, the radially inner end face of the fixed part 21 is inclined to approach the axis of rotation J as it moves from the front to the rear (from one end to the other end of the axis of rotation J). An opening for accommodating the movable part 22 is formed on the radially inner end face of the fixed part 21.

[0037] <Movable part> In this example, the movable part 22 is formed in a hollow plate shape and is housed in the housing opening of the fixed part 21 in a position where the thickness direction of the movable part 22 is perpendicular to both the radial and axial directions of the rotating tank 4 (both the protruding direction and the extending direction of the fixed part 21). When the movable part 22 is housed in the housing opening of the fixed part 21, the radially inner end face of the movable part 22 and the radially inner end face of the fixed part 21 become flush.

[0038] A pivot shaft 22a is provided at the front end (one end in the axial direction) of the movable part 22, extending in the thickness direction of the movable part 22 (the width direction of the fixed part 21). The pivot shaft 22a is pivotably supported by the fixed part 21. With this configuration, the movable part 22 can pivot in the radial direction of the rotating tank 4 around the pivot shaft 22a (one end of the movable part 22), and can move between a housing position (shown in Figure 4) where the movable part 22 is housed in the housing opening of the fixed part 21, and a protruding position (shown in Figure 5) where the movable part 22 protrudes from the housing opening of the fixed part 21. The housing position is an example of a first position, and the protruding position is an example of a second position.

[0039] Furthermore, the movable part 22 is supported by the fixed part 21 in such a way that it cannot move radially inward beyond the second position. Specifically, when the movable part 22 attempts to move radially inward beyond the second position, a contact portion (not shown), which is part of the movable part 22, comes into contact with a contacted portion (not shown), which is part of the fixed part 21, and this contact prevents the movable part 22 from moving radially inward.

[0040] In Embodiment 1, the movable part 22 is configured to move from a first position to a second position due to gravity. Specifically, as the rotating tank 4 rotates, the position of the lifter 20 moves from a position vertically below the rotating tank 4 (for example, the lowest point in the vertical direction) to a position vertically above the rotating tank 4 (for example, the highest point in the vertical direction). Due to gravity acting on the movable part 22, the movable part 22 swings about the pivot axis 22a, and as a result, the movable part 22 moves from a first position (see Figure 4) to a second position (see Figure 5).

[0041] <Retention mechanism> In this example, the holding mechanism 23 is configured to hold the movable part 22, which has moved from the first position to the second position due to gravity, in the second position.

[0042] Specifically, the holding mechanism 23 is configured to maintain the holding of the movable part 22 to the second position until the magnitude of the load force acting radially outward on the movable part 22 exceeds a predetermined value, and to release the holding of the movable part 22 to the second position when the magnitude of the load force exceeds the predetermined value. Examples of load forces include gravity acting on the clothes in the rotating tub 4, centrifugal force acting on the clothes in the rotating tub 4 (centrifugal force acting due to the rotation of the rotating tub 4), gravity acting on the movable part 22, and centrifugal force acting on the movable part 22.

[0043] In this example, a notch 25 is provided at the axial end (the rear end in this example) of the movable part 22. The holding mechanism 23 includes a roller 31 and a pressing mechanism 32. The pressing mechanism 32 presses the roller 31 against the axial end of the movable part 22.

[0044] Then, as shown in the upper part of Figure 6, when the movable part 22 moves from the first position to the second position due to gravity, the roller 31 engages with the notch 25. Until the magnitude of the load force exceeds a predetermined value, the engagement between the roller 31 and the notch 25 prevents the movable part 22 from moving radially outward. As shown in the lower part of Figure 6, when the magnitude of the load force exceeds a predetermined value, the engagement between the roller 31 and the notch 25 is released, and the movable part 22 moves radially outward due to the load force.

[0045] In this example, the predetermined value for the load force is set to the magnitude of the load force acting on the movable part 22 (hereinafter referred to as "first load force") when the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 4 is a predetermined weight and the rotation speed of the rotating tub 4 is the first rotation speed. The magnitude of the first load force is the predetermined value described above. The predetermined weight is the weight of the clothes when it can be considered to be a relatively small weight (the rotation load of the rotating tub 4 is relatively small), and is set to a weight equivalent to, for example, 3 kg. The first rotation speed is set to, for example, the standard value (for example, the maximum value) of the rotation speed of the rotating tub 4 in the washing process of the washing machine 1.

[0046] For example, if the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 4 is less than a predetermined weight, and the rotation speed of the rotating tub 4 is the first rotation speed, the magnitude of the load force acting on the movable part 22 will be less than the predetermined value mentioned above. Therefore, the engagement between the roller 31 and the notch 25 prevents the movable part 22 from moving radially outward.

[0047] The magnitude of the first load force is smaller than the magnitude of the load force acting on the movable part 22 (hereinafter referred to as the "second load force") when the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 4 is less than or equal to a predetermined weight (e.g., zero) and the rotation speed of the rotating tub 4 is the second rotation speed. The magnitude of the second load force is larger than the predetermined value mentioned above. The second rotation speed is a rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed, for example, the rotation speed at which the clothes in the rotating tub 4 begin to stick to the inner surface of the rotating tub 4 due to centrifugal force. The second rotation speed is set, for example, to the standard value (e.g., the maximum value) of the rotation speed of the rotating tub 4 during the spin-drying process of the washing machine 1.

[0048] With the above settings, when the rotation speed of the rotating drum 4 reaches the second rotation speed, the load force acting on the movable part 22 becomes the second load force. As a result, the magnitude of the load force acting on the movable part 22 exceeds a predetermined value, the engagement between the roller 31 and the notch 25 is released, and the movable part 22 moves radially outward due to the load force.

[0049] It should be noted that the "predetermined values" and other terms used in the above explanation are ideal values ​​in the design. For example, in actual machines, due to factors such as the uneven distribution of the load force acting on the lifter 20 and manufacturing tolerances of the lifter 20, there may be lifters 20 in which the load force acting on the movable part 22 exceeds the predetermined value, even when the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 4 is the predetermined weight and the rotation speed of the rotating tub 4 is the first rotation speed (a situation in which it is assumed that the load force acting on the movable part 22 will be less than the predetermined value), or there may be lifters 20 in which the load force acting on the movable part 22 is less than the predetermined value, even when the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 4 is greater than the predetermined weight and the rotation speed of the rotating tub 4 is the first rotation speed (a situation in which it is assumed that the load force acting on the movable part 22 will be greater than the predetermined value).

[0050] <Notch> In this example, the notch 25 is provided on the radially outer portion (the portion closer to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tank 4) of the axial end (rear end) of the movable part 22. The end face (rear end face) of the axial end of the movable part 22 is a flat surface. The notch 25 has a curved surface that connects to the radially outer edge (the edge closer to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tank 4) of the end face (the end face of the portion where the notch 25 is not formed) of the axial end of the movable part 22. The curved surface of the notch 25 gradually curves forward (towards one end in the axial direction) as it extends radially outward from the edge of the end face of the axial end of the movable part 22.

[0051] <Pressing mechanism> In this example, the pressing mechanism 32 includes an arm 35 and a biasing member 36.

[0052] The arm 35 is supported by the fixed part 21 so as to be able to swing in the axial direction of the rotating tank 4 with one end of the arm 35 as an axis. Specifically, one end of the arm 35 is provided with a pivot shaft (not shown) that extends in the thickness direction of the movable part 22 (width direction of the fixed part 21), and the pivot shaft of the arm 35 is pivotably supported by the fixed part 21.

[0053] A roller 31 is attached to the other end of the arm 35. The roller 31 is attached to the other end of the arm 35 so that it can rotate around a rotation axis that extends in the thickness direction of the movable part 22 (width direction of the fixed part 21).

[0054] The biasing member 36 biases the arm 35 so that the other end of the arm 35 approaches the axial end (rear end) of the movable part 22. When the arm 35 is biased in this way, the roller 31 attached to the other end of the arm 35 is pressed against the axial end of the movable part 22. For example, the biasing member 36 is a torsion spring.

[0055] [Lifter operation] Next, with reference to Figure 7, the operation of the lifter 20 during the rotation of the rotating tub 4 will be described. In the following example, the rotation of the rotating tub 4 is started so that its rotational speed is a first rotational speed (for example, the rotational speed of the rotating tub 4 in the washing process), and then the rotation of the rotating tub 4 is controlled to a second rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed (for example, the rotational speed of the rotating tub 4 in the dewatering process). Furthermore, the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 4 is set to a predetermined weight (for example, 3 kg). It shall be less than the weight equivalent to g.

[0056] As shown in the first diagram from the top of Figure 7, the rotation of the rotating tank 4 begins so that its rotational speed reaches the first rotational speed. When the position of the lifter 20 moves from the "vertically lower position of the rotating tank 4 (for example, the lowest point in the vertical direction)" to the "vertically upper position of the rotating tank 4 (for example, the highest point in the vertical direction)," gravity acts on the movable part 22, causing the movable part 22 to oscillate around the pivot axis 22a, and as a result, the movable part 22 moves from the first position to the second position. The holding mechanism 23 holds the movable part 22, which has moved from the first position to the second position due to gravity, in the second position. Specifically, the movable part 22 is held in the second position by the engagement of the roller 31 and the notch 25.

[0057] As shown in the second figure from the top of Figure 7, when the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 4 is less than a predetermined weight and the rotation speed of the rotating tub 4 is at the first rotation speed, the magnitude of the load force acting radially outward on the movable part 22 will not exceed a predetermined value when the rotating tub 4 is rotating. Therefore, the holding mechanism 23 maintains the holding of the movable part 22 in the second position. Specifically, the engagement between the roller 31 and the notch 25 prevents the movable part 22 from moving radially outward. As a result, the lifter 20 can maintain the second state for one rotation of the rotating tub 4 after being switched from the first state to the second state.

[0058] As shown in the third figure from the top in Figure 7, when the rotation of the rotating drum 4 is controlled so that its rotational speed is the second rotational speed, the magnitude of the load force acting radially outward on the movable part 22 becomes greater than a predetermined value. As a result, the holding mechanism 23 releases the holding of the movable part 22 in the second position. Specifically, the engagement between the roller 31 and the notch 25 is released, and the movable part 22 moves radially outward due to the load force.

[0059] [Washing machine operation] Next, the operation of washing machine 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0060] First, clothing is placed into the rotating tub 4 (step S1). Next, the control unit 15 detects the weight of the clothing in the rotating tub 4 (step S2). Then, the control unit 15 starts the fabric quality estimation process (step S3). In the fabric quality estimation process, the control unit 15 estimates the fabric quality of the clothing in the rotating tub 4. The fabric quality estimation process will be explained in detail later.

[0061] Next, an operation to select a driving course (user operation) is input to the operation unit 2c, and the control unit 15 starts processing according to the driving course selected by that operation (step S4).

[0062] Next, the control unit 15 sets the water supply amount based on the detected weight of the clothing, the estimated fabric type of the clothing, and the selected operating course (step S5). Also, before the washing process, detergent and other chemicals are added to the chemical dispenser 5c.

[0063] Once the water supply amount has been set, the control unit 15 starts the washing process (step S6). During the washing process, the control unit 15 controls the water supply valve 5b to supply a predetermined amount of water to the stationary tank 3. At this time, the detergent contained in the chemical dispenser 5c is added to the stationary tank 3 along with the supplied water. The control unit 15 also drives the motor 10 to rotate the rotating tank 4. In this example, during the washing process, the control unit 15 controls the motor 10 so that the rotation speed of the rotating tank 4 becomes the first rotation speed.

[0064] When the washing process is complete, the control unit 15 starts the rinsing process (step S7). In the rinsing process, the control unit 15 drives the drain pump 6. The washing water accumulated in the stationary tank 3 is drained by driving the drain pump 6. The control unit 15 also performs water supply and agitation processes, similar to the washing process. In this example, in the rinsing process, the control unit 15 controls the motor 10 so that the rotation speed of the rotating tank 4 is the first rotation speed. If intermediate dewatering is performed in the rinsing process, the control unit 15 controls the motor 10 so that the rotation speed of the rotating tank 4 is the second rotation speed, which is higher than the first rotation speed.

[0065] Once the rinsing process is complete, the control unit 15 executes the dewatering process (step S8). In the dewatering process, the control unit 15 drives the motor 10 so that the rotating tub 4 rotates at high speed. Due to the high-speed rotation of the rotating tub 4, the clothes stick to the inner surface of the rotating tub 4 due to centrifugal force. The water contained in the clothes flows out of the rotating tub 4. This dewaters the clothes. The water that accumulates in the stationary tub 3 due to dewatering is discharged by driving the drain pump 6. In this example, during the rinsing process, the control unit 15 controls the motor 10 so that the rotation speed of the rotating tub 4 is a second rotation speed, which is higher than the first rotation speed.

[0066] When the spin-drying process is complete, the control unit 15 signals the end of the washing cycle by sounding a predetermined buzzer (not shown). Then, the operation of the washing machine 1 ends.

[0067] In the operation of the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, if the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 4 is less than or equal to a predetermined weight, the lifter 20 maintains the second state until the rotation speed of the rotating tub 4 reaches the second rotation speed during the spin-drying process. Once the rotation speed of the rotating tub 4 reaches the second rotation speed during the spin-drying process, the lifter 20 switches from the second state to the first state.

[0068] Furthermore, in the operation of the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, if the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 4 is greater than a predetermined weight, the lifter 20 (specifically, the lifter 20 that comes into contact with the clothes weighing more than the predetermined weight) remains in the first state even during the period until the rotation speed of the rotating tub 4 reaches the second rotation speed in the dewatering process.

[0069] [Details of the fabric quality estimation process] In the fabric quality estimation process, the control unit 15 estimates the fabric quality of the garment placed in the rotating tank 4 based on changes in the current flowing through the motor 10 (hereinafter referred to as "motor current"). A well-known technique (fabric quality estimation technique) can be used to estimate the fabric quality of the garment based on changes in the motor current. In this example, the fabric quality estimation process consists of a dry cloth agitation process, a water supply process, a wet cloth agitation process, and an estimation process, performed in that order.

[0070] In the dry cloth agitation process, the control unit 15 controls the motor 10 so that the rotating tank 4, into which the dry clothes are placed, rotates at a predetermined speed. This agitates the clothes within the rotating tank 4. The control unit 15 also acquires the motor current detected by a current sensor (not shown) while the rotating tank 4 is rotating. This provides the motor current in the dry cloth agitation process (specifically, multiple current values ​​showing the temporal change of the motor current).

[0071] During the water supply process, the control unit 15 controls the water supply valve 5b to supply a predetermined amount of water to the stationary tank 3. This supplies water to the clothes in the rotating tank 4.

[0072] In the dampening agitation process, the control unit 15 controls the motor 10 so that the rotating tank 4, into which the wet clothing is placed, rotates at a predetermined rotational speed. This agitates the clothing within the rotating tank 4. The control unit 15 also acquires the motor current detected by a current sensor (not shown) while the rotating tank 4 is rotating. This provides the motor current in the dampening agitation process (specifically, multiple current values ​​showing the temporal change of the motor current).

[0073] In the estimation process, the control unit 15 estimates the fabric quality of the clothing in the rotating tank 4 based on the motor current in the dry cloth agitation process and the motor current in the wet cloth agitation process. Specifically, the control unit 15 performs a first estimation process that estimates the fabric quality of the clothing based on the temporal change in the motor current (especially the q-axis current) in the dry cloth agitation process, a second estimation process that estimates the fabric quality of the clothing based on the temporal change in the motor current (especially the q-axis current) in the wet cloth agitation process, and a comprehensive estimation process that estimates (determines) the fabric quality of the clothing based on the estimation results from the first estimation process and the estimation results from the second estimation process.

[0074] The above explanation uses the example of comprehensively estimating the fabric quality of clothing based on both dry cloth (dry clothing) and damp cloth (wet clothing), but is not limited to this example.

[0075] For example, the control unit 15 may be configured to perform only the first estimation process (estimate of the fabric quality of clothing based on a dry cloth) in the estimation process. Alternatively, the control unit 15 may be configured to perform only the second estimation process (estimate of the fabric quality of clothing based on a damp cloth) in the estimation process.

[0076] Furthermore, the control unit 15 may be configured to control the motor 10 so that the rotating tank 4 rotates at a predetermined rotational speed during the water supply process, and to acquire the motor current detected by a current sensor (not shown) during the rotation of the rotating tank 4. This allows the motor current during the water supply process (specifically, multiple current values ​​indicating the temporal change of the motor current) to be obtained. In this case, the control unit 15 may be configured to perform a third estimation process in the estimation process to estimate the fabric quality of the clothing based on the temporal change of the motor current (especially the q-axis current) during the water supply process. The control unit 15 may also be configured to perform an overall estimation process in the estimation process to estimate (determine) the fabric quality of the clothing based on the estimation results from each of the first to third estimation processes, or it may be configured to perform only the third estimation process in the estimation process.

[0077] [Effects of Embodiment 1] As described above, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the rotating tub 4 is provided with a lifter 20 that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tub 4 and extends in the axial direction of the rotating tub 4. The lifter 20 is switchable between a first state in which the protruding height of the lifter 20 is a first height and a second state in which the height of the lifter 20 is a second height that is higher than the first height, and is configured to maintain the second state for one rotation of the rotating tub 4 after being switched from the first state to the second state.

[0078] In the above configuration, by setting the lifter 20 to the first state, the rotational resistance of the rotating tank 4 (rotational resistance due to the lifter 20) can be reduced, making it easier to rotate the rotating tank 4. Also, by setting the lifter 20 to the second state, the force for agitating the clothes in the rotating tank 4 (agitation force due to the lifter 20) can be increased, making it easier to agitate the clothes in the rotating tank 4. Furthermore, by making the lifter 20 switchable between the first and second states, it is possible to switch between a state that makes it easy to rotate the rotating tank and a state that makes it easy to agitate the clothes in the rotating tank 4.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above configuration, by configuring the lifter 20 to maintain the second state during one rotation of the rotating tank 4 after switching from the first state, it becomes possible to maintain a state that facilitates agitation of the clothes inside the rotating tank 4 during one rotation of the rotating tank 4. This makes it possible to smoothly promote the agitation of the clothes inside the rotating tank 4.

[0080] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the lifter 20 includes a fixed part 21 fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tub 4, a movable part 22 supported by the fixed part 21 so as to be movable in the radial direction of the rotating tub 4 from a first position to a second position which is radially inward from the first position, and a holding mechanism 23 capable of holding the movable part 22 in the second position. The radially inward end face of the movable part 22 constitutes the radially inward end face of the lifter 20. When the movable part 22 moves from the first position to the second position, the protruding height of the lifter 20 is switched from the first height to the second height.

[0081] In the above configuration, the lifter 20 can be switched between a first state and a second state by switching the position of the movable part 22 between a first position and a second position. In addition, the lifter 20 can be held in the second state by the holding mechanism 23 holding the movable part 22 in the second position.

[0082] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the movable part 22 is configured to move from a first position to a second position by gravity. The holding mechanism 23 is configured to hold the movable part 22, which has moved from the first position to the second position by gravity, in the second position.

[0083] In the above configuration, gravity can move the movable part 22 from the first position to the second position. This allows gravity to automatically switch the lifter 20 from the first state to the second state.

[0084] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the holding mechanism 23 is configured to maintain the holding of the movable part 22 to the second position until the magnitude of the load force acting radially outward on the movable part 22 exceeds a predetermined value, and to release the holding of the movable part 22 to the second position when the magnitude of the load force exceeds a predetermined value.

[0085] In the above configuration, the lifter 20 can be held in the second state until the magnitude of the load force acting radially outward on the movable part 22 exceeds a predetermined value. When the magnitude of the load force exceeds the predetermined value, the lifter 20 can be automatically switched from the second state to the first state. This reduces the possibility of damage to the lifter 20 due to the load force.

[0086] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, a notch 25 is provided at the axial end of the movable part 22. The holding mechanism 23 includes a roller 31 and a pressing mechanism 32 that presses the roller 31 against the axial end of the movable part 22. When the movable part 22 moves from the first position to the second position due to gravity, the roller 31 engages with the notch 25. Until the magnitude of the load force exceeds a predetermined value, the engagement between the roller 31 and the notch 25 prevents the movable part 22 from moving radially outward. When the magnitude of the load force exceeds a predetermined value, the engagement between the roller 31 and the notch 25 is released, and the movable part 22 moves radially outward due to the load force.

[0087] In the above configuration, the lifter 20 can be held in the second state by preventing the movable part 22 from moving radially outward through engagement between the roller 31 and the notch 25. Furthermore, after the engagement between the roller 31 and the notch 25 is released, the movable part 22 moves radially outward due to the load force, allowing the lifter 20 to be automatically switched from the second state to the first state.

[0088] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the radially inner end face of the lifter 20 is inclined to approach the axis of rotation J as it moves from one end of the axis of rotation J to the other end.

[0089] In the above configuration, compared to the case where the radially inner end face of the lifter 20 is parallel to the axis of rotation J, it is possible to increase the force for agitating the clothes in the rotating tank 4 (agitation force by the lifter 20) while suppressing the increase in the rotational resistance of the rotating tank 4 (rotational resistance due to the lifter 20).

[0090] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the control unit 15 estimates the fabric type of the clothes placed in the rotating tub 4 based on the change in the current flowing through the motor 10.

[0091] The above configuration promotes the agitation of the clothes in the rotating tub 4. Furthermore, the more the clothes in the rotating tub 4 are agitated, the more accurately the fabric type of the clothes placed in the rotating tub 4 can be estimated. Therefore, the above configuration allows for accurate estimation of the fabric type of the clothes placed in the rotating tub 4.

[0092] (Embodiment 2) Figure 9 illustrates the configuration of the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 2. The configuration of the lifter 20 of the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 2 differs from that of the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1. The other configurations of the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 2 are the same as those of the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1. In addition to the configuration of the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 2 is further equipped with a fluid passage 42, a fluid pump 43, and an on-off valve 44.

[0093] [Lifter] The lifter 20 of Embodiment 2 differs from the lifter 20 of Embodiment 1 in its movable part 22 and holding mechanism 23. The other configurations of the lifter 20 of Embodiment 2 are the same as those of the lifter 20 of Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the lifter 20 of Embodiment 2 has a biasing member 45.

[0094] <Movable part> As shown in Figures 10 and 11, in Embodiment 2, the movable part 22 is not provided with a notch 25. The other configurations of the movable part 22 in Embodiment 2 are the same as those of the movable part 22 in Embodiment 1.

[0095] <Retention mechanism> As shown in Figures 10 and 11, in Embodiment 2, the holding mechanism 23 has a fluid bag 41. The fluid bag 41 is positioned radially inward of the movable part 22. The fluid bag 41 expands when fluid is supplied and contracts when the fluid is discharged. When fluid is supplied to the fluid bag 41 and the fluid bag 41 expands, the movable part 22 moves from the first position to the second position and is held in the second position.

[0096] In this example, the fluid is air, and the fluid bag 41 is an air bag. The fluid bag 41 becomes a flat plate when contracted and increases in thickness when expanded. The fluid bag 41 is positioned between the bottom wall portion of the fixed portion 21 (the portion fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tank 4 and facing the movable portion 22 in the radial direction) and the movable portion 22, with its thickness direction aligned with the radial direction of the rotating tank 4. The radially outer surface of the fluid bag 41 (the surface closer to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tank 4) is bonded to the bottom wall portion of the fixed portion 21. The radially inner surface of the fluid bag 41 (the surface further from the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tank 4) is bonded to the radially outer end surface of the movable portion 22 (the end surface closer to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tank 4). Note that this is not limited to "bonding"; it may simply be "contact". For example, the fluid bag 41 may be positioned to contact the bottom wall portion of the fixed portion 21 and the movable portion 22.

[0097] When fluid is supplied to the fluid bag 41 and the fluid bag 41 expands, the movable part 22 swings radially inward around the pivot axis 22a, and as a result, the position of the movable part 22 moves from the first position (the position shown in Figure 10) to the second position (the position shown in Figure 11). Then, when the expansion of the fluid bag 41 is completed and the fluid bag 41 is maintained in the expanded state, the movable part 22 is held in the second position.

[0098] Furthermore, as the fluid is discharged from the fluid bag 41 and the fluid bag 41 contracts, the movable part 22 swings radially outward around the pivot axis 22a, and as a result, the position of the movable part 22 moves from the second position (the position shown in Figure 11) to the first position (the position shown in Figure 10). Then, as the contraction of the fluid bag 41 is completed and the fluid bag 41 is maintained in the contracted state, the movable part 22 is held in the first position.

[0099] <Biasing member> As shown in Figures 10 and 11, in Embodiment 2, the lifter 20 has a biasing member 45. The biasing member 45 biases the movable part 22 radially inward so as to facilitate the movement of the movable part 22 from a first position to a second position due to the expansion of the fluid bag 41.

[0100] In this example, the biasing member 45 biases the movable part 22 so that the other axial end (rear end) of the movable part 22 faces radially inward. By biasing the movable part 22 in this way, the movable part 22 becomes easier to swing radially inward around the pivot axis 22a (one axial end of the movable part 22), and the movement of the movable part 22 from the first position to the second position due to the expansion of the fluid bag 41 is facilitated. For example, the biasing member 45 is a torsion spring.

[0101] [Fluid passage] As shown in Figure 9, the fluid passage 42 connects the fluid pump 43 to the fluid bag 41 of the lifter 20. Fluid flows through the fluid passage 42. In this example, the fluid passage 42 has a first passage 42a and a plurality of second passages 42b, each corresponding to a plurality (three in this example) of lifters 20. One end of the first passage 42a is connected to the fluid pump 43. One end of the plurality of second passages 42b is connected to the other end of the first passage 42a. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the other ends of the plurality of second passages 42b are connected to the fluid bags 41 of the plurality of lifters 20, respectively.

[0102] As shown in Figure 9, in this example, the washing machine 1 is provided with a connecting pipe 51, a connecting member 52, and a connecting member 53. The shaft 11 has a through hole 11a that penetrates the shaft 11 in the axial direction. The first passage 42a is composed of the connecting pipe 51, the hollow portion 52a of the connecting member 52 (see Figure 12), the through hole 11a of the shaft 11, and the hollow portion of the connecting member 53 (not shown). The second passage 42b is composed of a connecting pipe that connects the hollow portion of the connecting member 53 to the fluid bag 41.

[0103] The connecting pipe 51 connects the fluid pump 43 and the connecting member 52. Fluid flows through the connecting pipe 51. One end (rear end) of the shaft 11 is rotatably attached to the connecting member 52. The connecting member 52 connects the through hole 11a of the shaft 11 to the connecting pipe 51. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, the connecting member 52 is provided with a hollow portion 52a. One end of the through hole 11a of the shaft 11 is connected to the hollow portion 52a of the connecting member 52. Also, as shown in Figure 9, the end of the connecting pipe 51 is connected to the hollow portion 52a of the connecting member 52.

[0104] The connecting member 53 is fixed to the other end (front end) of the shaft 11. The connecting member 53 connects the through hole 11a of the shaft 11 to the multiple second passages 42b. Specifically, the connecting member 53 is provided with a cavity (not shown). The other end of the through hole 11a of the shaft 11 and the other ends of the multiple second passages 42b are connected to the cavity of the connecting member 53. The connecting pipes constituting the second passages 42b extend from the connecting member 53 fixed to the other end of the shaft 11 along the outer surface of the bottom wall of the rotating tank 4 and the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the rotating tank 4 to the fluid bag 41 of the lifter 20. The connecting pipes constituting the second passages 42b are fixed to the outer surface of the bottom wall of the rotating tank 4 and the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the rotating tank 4.

[0105] [Fluid pump] The fluid pump 43 performs supply and discharge operations in response to control by the control unit 15. In the supply operation, the fluid pump 43 supplies fluid to the fluid bag 41 of the lifter 20 through the fluid passage 42. In the discharge operation, the fluid pump 43 draws fluid from the fluid bag 41 of the lifter 20 through the fluid passage 42, thereby discharging air from the fluid bag 41. In this example, the fluid is air, and the fluid pump 43 is an air pump.

[0106] [On / off valve] The on-off valve 44 opens and closes the fluid passage 42 in response to control by the control unit 15. Switching the on-off valve 44 from the open state to the closed state blocks the fluid flow in the fluid passage 42, maintaining the state of the fluid bag 41 (expanded or contracted). Switching the on-off valve 44 from the closed state to the open state releases the blockage of fluid flow in the fluid passage 42, and the maintenance of the state of the fluid bag 41 is released.

[0107] [Lifter operation (control of the lifter by the control unit)] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 2, the lifter 20 is switched between a first state and a second state in response to control by the control unit 15. Specifically, the control unit 15 controls the fluid pump 43 and the on-off valve 44 so that the lifter 20 switches from the first state to the second state and is held in the second state when the fluid bag 41 of the lifter 20 expands. The control unit 15 also controls the fluid pump 43 and the on-off valve 44 so that the lifter 20 switches from the second state to the first state and is held in the first state when the fluid bag 41 of the lifter 20 contracts.

[0108] [Washing machine operation] The operation of the washing machine 1 in Embodiment 2 is the same as the operation of the washing machine 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0109] Furthermore, in the operation of the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 2, the lifter 20 is held in the second state until the start of the spin-drying process, and when the spin-drying process starts, it is switched from the second state to the first state and held in the first state. The control unit 15 may be configured to selectively perform (decide which to perform) either the process of switching the state of the lifter 20 as described above, or the process of keeping the lifter 20 in the first state without switching the state of the lifter 20, depending on the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 4.

[0110] [Effects of Embodiment 2] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 2, the same effects as those of the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 can be obtained. For example, by making the lifter 20 switchable between a first state and a second state, it is possible to switch between a state in which the rotating tub is easy to rotate and a state in which the clothes in the rotating tub 4 are easy to agitate. Furthermore, since a state in which the clothes in the rotating tub 4 are easy to agitate can be maintained during one rotation of the rotating tub 4, the agitation of the clothes in the rotating tub 4 can be smoothly promoted.

[0111] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 2, the holding mechanism 23 has a fluid bag 41 positioned radially inward of the movable part 22. The fluid bag 41 expands when fluid is supplied and contracts when the fluid is discharged. When fluid is supplied to the fluid bag 41 and the fluid bag 41 expands, the movable part 22 moves from the first position to the second position and is held in the second position.

[0112] In the above configuration, when fluid is supplied to the fluid bag 41 and the fluid bag 41 expands, the lifter 20 can be switched from the first state to the second state.

[0113] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 2, the lifter 20 has a biasing member 45 that biases the movable part 22 radially inward so as to facilitate the movement of the movable part 22 from the first position to the second position due to the expansion of the fluid bag 41.

[0114] In the above configuration, the switching of the lifter 20 from the first state to the second state can be accelerated.

[0115] (Other embodiments) In the above explanation, the following configuration or processing may be used.

[0116] The number of lifters 20 is not limited to three.

[0117] The example given is when the radially inner end face of the lifter 20 is inclined to gradually approach the axis of rotation J from the front to the rear (where one axial end is the "front" and the other axial end is the "rear"), but the explanation is not limited to this. For example, the radially inner end face of the lifter 20 may be inclined to gradually approach the axis of rotation J from the rear to the front. One axial end may be the "rear," and the other axial end may be the "front." Furthermore, the radially inner end face of the lifter may not be inclined with respect to the axis of rotation J, but may be parallel to the axis of rotation J. The same applies to the radially inner end face of the fixing part 21.

[0118] The method of water supply in the fabric quality estimation process may differ from the method of water supply in the washing process. For example, in the fabric quality estimation process, water or steam may be sprayed onto the clothes in the rotating tub 4.

[0119] The configuration of the lifter 20 (configuration for switching the height) is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the movable part 22 may be supported by the fixed part 21 so that not only the other end (rear end) of the movable part 22 but the entire movable part 22 can move radially.

[0120] The circumferential sides of the movable portion 22 of the lifter 20 (the two opposing sides in the thickness direction of the movable portion 22) may be flat surfaces, or they may be uneven surfaces with alternating recesses and protrusions formed in the axial direction. The widths (axial lengths) of each recess and protrusion formed on the uneven surface may be the same or different.

[0121] If both circumferential sides of the movable part of the lifter 20 are uneven surfaces, then both circumferential sides of the receiving opening formed in the fixed part 21 of the lifter 20 (the two sides facing each other from the circumferential sides of the movable part 22) may be uneven surfaces that fit with both circumferential sides (uneven surfaces) of the movable part 22. With this configuration, it is possible to make it difficult for clothing to get stuck in the gap between the receiving opening formed in the fixed part 21 and the movable part 22. In addition, the strength of the receiving opening of the fixed part 21 (strength against stress and displacement) can be improved.

[0122] The biasing member that applies the biasing force (for example, the biasing member 36 that biases the arm 35) is not limited to a torsion spring. For example, the biasing member may be a spring of a different type than a torsion spring, a resin member made of resin, a rubber member made of rubber, or an elastic member made of other elastic material.

[0123] In the holding mechanism 23 of Embodiment 1, the roller 31 may be omitted. Instead of the roller 31, the other end of the arm 35 (the end that is not the pivot axis) may be pressed against the axial end of the movable part 22. In this case, the notch 25 at the axial end of the movable part 22 will engage with the other end of the arm 35.

[0124] The configuration of the holding mechanism 23 in Embodiment 1 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the holding mechanism 23 in Embodiment 1 may be a mechanism that utilizes gears, links, wires, magnetism, etc.

[0125] While a washing machine was given as an example of a rotating machine, it is not limited to this. For example, a rotating machine could be a dryer. In other words, a rotating machine comprising a rotating drum 4 and a motor 10 may be installed in a washing machine or a dryer.

[0126] For example, as shown in Figure 13, the dryer 1a comprises a housing 2, a rotating drum 4, a motor 10, a duct 7, and a heat pump unit 8. The configuration of the housing 2, rotating drum 4, and motor 10 of the dryer 1a is the same as that of the washing machine 1. In the dryer 1a, an air intake section 4c is provided in the bottom wall of the rotating drum 4. The air intake section 4c has a ventilation passage that penetrates the bottom wall of the rotating drum 4 in the front-rear direction and communicates with the downstream duct 7b, which will be described later. Also, in the example in Figure 13, the rotation axis J extends in the horizontal direction.

[0127] The duct 7 has an upstream duct 7a installed on the lower front side of the housing 2 and a downstream duct 7b installed on the rear side of the housing 2. The upstream end of the upstream duct 7a communicates with the annular space between the inlet 2a of the housing 2 and the circular opening 4a of the rotating tank 4. The downstream end of the upstream duct 7a is located on the lower front side of the housing 2. The upstream end of the downstream duct 7b is located on the lower rear side of the housing 2. The downstream end of the downstream duct 7b extends upward from the rear of the housing 2 and communicates with the inside of the rotating tank 4 through the air intake 4c of the rotating tank 4.

[0128] The heat pump unit 8 is located at the bottom of the housing 2 and is installed between the upstream duct 7a and the downstream duct 7b. The heat pump unit 8 heats the air drawn in from the upstream duct 7a and blows the heated air into the downstream duct 7b. For example, the heat pump unit 8 includes a compressor, evaporator, condenser, expansion valve, refrigerant piping, blower, etc.

[0129] As shown by the white arrows in Figure 13, during operation of the dryer 1a, the air flowing out from the front of the rotating tank 4 flows sequentially through the upstream duct 7a, the heat pump unit 8, and the downstream duct 7b, and then flows into the rotating tank 4 from the rear. The motor 10 rotates the rotating tank 4.

[0130] Note that the configuration of the lifter 20 shown in Figure 13 may be the same as the configuration of the lifter 20 in Embodiment 1. In this case, the "first rotational speed," which is one of the indicators for determining a predetermined value related to the load force acting on the movable part 22, may be set to the standard value (for example, the maximum value) of the rotational speed of the rotating tank 4 during the operation of the dryer 1a.

[0131] Furthermore, the configuration of the lifter 20 shown in Figure 13 may be the same as the configuration of the lifter 20 in Embodiment 2. In this case, the dryer 1a may be equipped with a fluid passage 42, a fluid pump 43, and an on-off valve 44 as shown in Figure 9, in addition to the configuration shown in Figure 13.

[0132] Furthermore, the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate. The above embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the technologies, applications, or uses disclosed herein. [Industrial applicability]

[0133] As explained above, the technology disclosed herein is useful as a rotating machine, and specifically as a washing machine and a dryer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1. Washing machine (rotating machine) 1a Dryer (rotating machine) 2 cabinets 3 Fixed tank 4 Rotating tank 5 Water supply device 6. Drainage pump (drainage mechanism) 7 ducts 8 Heat pump unit 10 motors 11 shafts 11a Through hole 15 Control Unit 16 Controllers 17 Drive Circuit 20 Lifters 21 Fixed part 22 Moving parts 23 Retention mechanism 25 Notches 31 Laura 32 Pressing Mechanism 35 Arm 36. Biasing member 41 Fluid bag 42 Fluid passage 42a 1st aisle 42b 2nd aisle 43 Fluid pumps 44 Shut-off valves 45. Biasing member 51 Connecting pipe 52 Connecting Member 52a Cavity 53 Connecting member

Claims

1. A cylindrical container with a bottom, rotatable about a rotation axis extending horizontally or in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal, and containing a rotating tub into which clothing is inserted. The rotating tank is equipped with a motor for rotating the aforementioned rotating tank, The rotating tank is provided with a lifter that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tank and extends in the axial direction of the rotating tank. The lifter is switchable between a first state in which the protruding height of the lifter is a first height and a second state in which the height of the lifter is a second height that is higher than the first height, and is configured to maintain the second state for one rotation of the rotating tank after switching from the first state to the second state. Rotating machine.

2. In the rotating machine according to claim 1, The aforementioned lifter is A fixing part fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tank, A movable part supported by the fixed part is such that it can move in the radial direction of the rotating tank from a first position to a second position which is radially inward from the first position, The movable part has a holding mechanism capable of holding it in the second position, The radially inner end face of the movable part constitutes the radially inner end face of the lifter. As the movable part moves from the first position to the second position, the protruding height of the lifter is switched from the first height to the second height. Rotating machine.

3. In the rotating machine of claim 2, The movable part is configured to move from the first position to the second position by gravity. The holding mechanism is configured to hold the movable part, which has moved from the first position to the second position due to gravity, in the second position. Rotating machine.

4. In the rotating machine according to claim 3, The holding mechanism is configured to maintain the movable part in the second position until the magnitude of the load force acting radially outward on the movable part exceeds a predetermined value, and to release the movable part from being held in the second position when the magnitude of the load force exceeds the predetermined value. Rotating machine.

5. In the rotating machine of claim 4, A notch is provided at the axial end of the movable part. The holding mechanism comprises a roller and a pressing mechanism that presses the roller against the axial end of the movable part. When the movable part moves from the first position to the second position due to gravity, the roller engages with the notch, and the engagement between the roller and the notch prevents the movable part from moving radially outward until the magnitude of the load force exceeds the predetermined value. When the magnitude of the load force exceeds the predetermined value, the engagement between the roller and the notch is released, and the movable part moves radially outward due to the load force. Rotating machine.

6. In the rotating machine of claim 2, The holding mechanism has a fluid bag positioned radially inward of the movable part, The fluid bag expands when fluid is supplied and contracts when the fluid is discharged. When the fluid is supplied to the fluid bag and the fluid bag expands, the movable part moves from the first position to the second position and is held in the second position. Rotating machine.

7. In the rotating machine according to claim 6, The lifter has a biasing member that biases the movable part radially inward so as to facilitate the movement of the movable part from the first position to the second position due to the expansion of the fluid bag. Rotating machine.

8. In the rotating machine according to claim 1, The radially inner end face of the lifter is inclined to approach the axis of rotation as it moves from one end to the other of the axis of rotation. Rotating machine.

9. In the rotating machine according to claim 1, The system includes a control unit that estimates the fabric type of the clothing placed in the rotating tank based on changes in the current flowing through the motor. Rotating machine.

10. A washing machine comprising a rotating machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A dryer comprising a rotating machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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