Damping device, and washing machine

Abstract

This disclosure provides a damping device that can control damping force while suppressing stroke limitations, and a washing machine equipped therewith. [Solution] The damping device in this disclosure comprises a housing having a cylindrical portion with a columnar space formed inside, a rod-shaped member inserted into the space and capable of reciprocating motion relative to the housing along the axial direction, a friction member that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the rod-shaped member and generates a frictional force, a pressing portion that can adjust the frictional force between the rod-shaped member and the friction member by displacing the friction member, and a drive device that generates power to drive the pressing portion, wherein the pressing portion and the drive device are provided on the outside of the space when viewed along the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a damping device and a washing machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a damper for vibration damping and a washing machine having the same. This damper includes a damper cylinder, a shaft inserted from one end of the damper cylinder and reciprocating in the longitudinal direction of the damper cylinder, and a friction member provided on the shaft and damping vibration by friction with the inner wall of the damper cylinder and movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the damper cylinder.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [[ID=二十一]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a damping device capable of controlling a damping force while suppressing a stroke limit, and a washing machine including the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The damping device in the present disclosure includes a housing having a cylindrical cylinder portion in which a columnar space is formed inside, a rod-shaped member inserted into the space and capable of reciprocating relative to the housing along an axial direction, a friction member that contacts an outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped member to generate a frictional force, a pressing portion capable of adjusting a frictional force between the rod-shaped member and the friction member by displacing the friction member, and a driving device that generates power for driving the pressing portion. The pressing portion and the driving device are provided outside the space when viewed along the axial direction. [[ID=四十四]]

[0006] The washing machine in this disclosure comprises a rotating drum having water passage holes on its outer circumference, a water tank that houses the rotating drum and stores washing water, a drum drive motor that rotates the rotating drum, a housing that houses the water tank, and the damping device described above that is connected to the water tank and the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The damping device and washing machine in this disclosure can control the damping force while suppressing stroke limitations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Vertical cross-sectional view of a drum-type washing machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Perspective view of the damping device [Figure 3] Perspective view of the damping device with the cover removed. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the storage compartment [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the storage compartment [Figure 6] A diagram showing the relationship between the radius of the holding part and the frictional force generated between the friction member and the outer surface. [Figure 7] Figure 4, section view between VII-VII [Figure 8] Flowchart showing the operation of the control board [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived this disclosure, washing machines such as drum-type washing machines were equipped with dampers as damping devices to reduce vibrations during water tank resonance. In this context, the inventors, inspired by the fact that vibrations from the water tank were transmitted to the casing and floor by the damper, conceived the idea of ​​using a variable damper equipped with a mechanism that can change its damping force as a damping device, thereby reducing the damping force during non-resonant periods and suppressing vibration transmission. Representative examples of variable dampers include oil dampers and magnetorheological fluid dampers (MR dampers) that change the orifice diameter. The inventors then discovered that in order to realize this idea, variable dampers tend to have a complex structure, and the mechanism for changing the damping force tends to limit the stroke. To solve these problems, they arrived at the subject matter of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure provides a washing machine that can control the damping force of the damping device with a simple configuration and in which the stroke of the damping device is not easily restricted.

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to the drawings. [1-1. Structure] [1-1-1. Washing machine configuration] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a drum-type washing machine 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the drum washing machine 100 has a rotary drum 101. The rotary drum 101 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and is rotatably accommodated in a water tank 102 through a bearing 103 attached to the bottom of the water tank 102 formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. Water passing holes through which washing water can pass are provided on the outer periphery of the rotary drum 101. Note that the washing water means water or a liquid in which water is mixed with treatment agents such as detergents, bleaches, and softeners. A number of protrusion plates (not shown) for stirring clothes are provided on the inner wall surface of the rotary drum 101. The drum washing machine 100 corresponds to an example of the "washing machine" in the present disclosure.

[0012] The water tank 102 is a container that houses the rotary drum 101 and stores washing water inside. A rotary shaft 104 is provided at the rotation center of the rotary drum 101. The axial direction of the rotary drum 101 is inclined downward from the front side to the back side.

[0013] The water tank 102 is provided inside a housing 109. The housing 109 constitutes the outer surface of the drum washing machine 100 and houses the water tank 102. The housing 109 corresponds to an example of the "housing" in the present disclosure.

[0014] A drum pulley 105 is connected to the back surface of the water tank 102 on the rotary shaft 104, and the rotary drum 101 is rotationally driven in the forward and reverse directions by a drum drive motor 107 connected to the drum pulley 105 by a belt 106. That is, the drum drive motor 107 rotates the rotary drum 101 by driving. The drum drive motor 107 is an arbitrary motor such as an AC motor or a DC motor, for example. The drum drive motor 107 is configured to be able to adjust the rotational speed by any means such as inverter control.

[0015] Inside the housing 109, a water tank unit 108 is constituted by the above-described rotary drum 101, water tank 102, drum drive motor 107, bearing 103, drum pulley 105, etc. The water tank unit 108 is elastically supported within the housing 109 by a plurality of suspensions 110 whose lower ends are connected to the upper part of the water tank 102 and whose upper ends are connected to the upper part of the housing 109. The suspension 110 is, for example, a tension spring. That is, the water tank 102 is supported within the housing 109 so as to be swingable by the suspension 110 connected to the housing 109 and the water tank 102. In the present embodiment, the water tank unit 108 supported by the suspension 110 resonates when the rotational speed of the rotary drum 101 is within a range of generally 100 rpm or more and 800 rpm or less, and vibrates more greatly than at other rotational speeds.

[0016] Furthermore, a plurality of damping devices 114 arranged in an inclined direction are connected to a water tank connecting portion 111 provided at the lower part of the upper end of the water tank 102 and to a housing connecting portion 113 provided at the base portion 112 at the lower part of the housing 109 at the lower end, thereby suppressing the vibration of the water tank unit 108. That is, the damping device 114 provided inside the housing 109 is connected to the housing 109 and the water tank 102 to suppress the vibration of the water tank 102.

[0017] The control board 115 is provided at the lower front part of the water tank 102. The control board 115 sequentially controls each process of washing, rinsing, and dehydration, and controls the drum drive motor 107, the damping device 114, etc. via power switching means (not shown). The control board 115 may include an arbitrary processor and memory.

[0018] [1-1-2. Configuration of Damping Device] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the damping device 114. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the damping device 114 with the lid member 209D removed. The damping device 114 includes a housing 201 with one end held by a water tank connecting portion 111, and a rod-shaped member 202 with one end held by a housing connecting portion 113 and the other end inserted into the housing 201. The damping device 114 also includes a friction member 203 positioned in the insertion portion of the rod-shaped member 202 within the housing 201 to generate frictional force between itself and the outer circumferential surface 202B of the rod-shaped member 202, a clamping portion 204 that can freely control the distance between the outer circumferential surface 202B of the rod-shaped member 202 and the outer circumferential surface of the friction member 203 while compressing the friction member 203, and a drive device 205 that operates the clamping portion 204 outside the housing 201. The damping device 114 dampens the vibration of the water tank 102 by generating a frictional force between the inner surface of the friction member 203 and the outer surface 202B of the rod-shaped member 202 when the housing 201 is displaced relative to the rod-shaped member 202 due to the vibration of the water tank 102. The clamping portion 204 corresponds to an example of a "pressing portion" in this disclosure.

[0019] In the following, the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped member 202, that is, the axial direction of the rod-shaped member 202, will be referred to as the axial direction D0. The axial direction D0 is defined individually for each damping device 114. Furthermore, one direction in the axial direction D0 will be referred to as the second direction D2, and the other direction in the axial direction D0 will be referred to as the first direction D1. In Figure 2, the axial direction D0, the first direction D1, and the second direction D2 are shown as dashed lines.

[0020] The housing 201 is provided with a hollow cylinder portion 201A formed in a cylindrical shape. The cylinder portion 201A extends along the axial direction D0. Inside the cylinder portion 201A, a columnar space, the first space S1, is formed along the axial direction D0. In this embodiment, the cylinder portion 201A is cylindrical in shape, and the first space S1 is cylindrical in shape. The end of the cylinder portion 201A on the first direction D1 side is open. The end of the cylinder portion 201A on the second direction D2 side is closed. The first space S1 corresponds to an example of a "space" in this disclosure.

[0021] A first connecting portion 201B is provided on the second direction D2 side of the cylinder portion 201A of the housing 201. The first connecting portion 201B is the part of the housing 201 that is connected to the water tank connecting portion 111. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 201B is a circular hole. The housing 201 is pivotably connected to the water tank 102 by attaching a shaft inserted through the first connecting portion 201B to the water tank connecting portion 111.

[0022] In the housing 201, a housing portion 209 is provided on the first direction D1 side of the cylinder portion 201A. The housing portion 209 is the part of the housing 201 that houses the fastening portion 204. The housing portion 209 is located at the end of the housing 201 on the first direction D1 side.

[0023] The housing portion 209 has a bottom surface portion 209A that extends outward from the end of the cylinder portion 201A on the first direction D1 side in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction D0. The housing portion 209 also has a side surface portion 209B that extends toward the first direction D1 from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface portion 209A. Note that the side surface portion 209B is not formed in a portion of the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface portion 209A. As a result, an opening 209C is formed in the housing portion 209 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction D0. Note that the bottom surface portion 209A may be configured to be detachable from the cylinder portion 201A and other parts of the housing portion 209.

[0024] The housing portion 209 has a lid member 209D. The lid member 209D is attached to the side portion 209B by fastening from the first direction D1 side. The lid member 209D may be formed integrally with other parts of the housing portion 209, such as the side portion 209B. The lid member 209D is a plate-shaped member arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction D0. When the lid member 209D is attached, a second space S2 is formed inside the housing portion 209, which is a space partitioned by the bottom portion 209A, the side portion 209B, and the lid member 209D. The second space S2 is a cylindrical space extending along the axial direction D0 and has a larger diameter than the first space S1. The second space S2 is connected to the end of the first space S1 on the first direction D1 side. The lid member 209D corresponds to an example of a "lid portion" in this disclosure.

[0025] An insertion hole 209E is formed in the lid member 209D. The insertion hole 209E is a hole that penetrates the lid member 209D along the axial direction D0. When viewed along the axial direction D0, the insertion hole 209E is formed to have the same shape as the first space S1. Therefore, the housing 201 is configured so that the rod-shaped member 202 can be inserted into the first space S1 inside the cylinder portion 201A via the insertion hole 209E and the second space S2.

[0026] Furthermore, the housing 201 is provided with a drive unit support portion 201C. The drive unit support portion 201C has a plate-like structure that protrudes outward from the housing portion 209. The drive unit support portion 201C supports the drive unit 205.

[0027] The drive unit 205 is a device that generates power to drive the tightening part 204. In this embodiment, the drive unit 205 is a motor and generates torque as power. The output shaft of the drive unit 205 is connected to the threaded part 208 (described later) of the tightening part 204 via a jig 210. The jig 210 is a component attached to the output shaft of the drive unit 205 and connected to the head 208B of the threaded part 208. The power generated by the drive unit 205 is transmitted to the threaded part 208 via the jig 210, driving the tightening part 204. The drive unit 205 is connected to a control board 115 and is controlled according to the operating conditions.

[0028] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the housing section 209, showing a cross-section passing through the friction member 203 and perpendicular to the axial direction D0 when the friction member 203 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 202B. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the housing section 209, showing a cross-section passing through the friction member 203 and perpendicular to the axial direction D0 when the friction member 203 is separated from the outer circumferential surface 202B.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the drive unit 205 is positioned so as to not overlap with the cylinder portion 201A when viewed along the axial direction D0. More specifically, when viewed along the axial direction D0, the drive unit 205 is positioned so as to not overlap with at least the first space S1 inside the cylinder portion 201A. In this embodiment, the drive unit 205 is positioned so as to not overlap with the entire cylinder portion 201A and the entire housing portion 209 when viewed along the axial direction D0.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the rod-shaped member 202 is an elongated rod-shaped member. The rod-shaped member 202 has an insertion portion 202A. The insertion portion 202A has an elongated columnar structure that extends along the axial direction D0. An outer peripheral surface 202B is formed on the insertion portion 202A. The outer peripheral surface 202B is the outer surface of the insertion portion 202A along the axial direction D0. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 202B is circular when viewed along the axial direction D0. The insertion portion 202A is inserted into the inside of the housing portion 209 and the cylinder portion 201A from the second direction D2 side. That is, the insertion portion 202A is positioned in the first space S1. In a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction D0, the insertion portion 202A is formed to have a shape that substantially matches the shape of the first space S1 in that cross-section. The rod-shaped member 202 can reciprocate relative to the housing 201 along the axial direction D0, i.e., stroke, while its outer peripheral surface 202B slides against the inner surfaces of the cylinder portion 201A and the housing portion 209.

[0031] As described above, since the drive unit 205 does not overlap with the cylinder portion 201A and the first space S1 when viewed along the axial direction D0, interference between the insertion portion 202A and the drive unit 205 is unlikely when the rod-shaped member 202 reciprocates along the axial direction D0. Therefore, limitations on the stroke of the rod-shaped member 202 due to interference with the drive unit 205 are unlikely.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a second connecting portion 202C is provided on the first direction D1 side of the insertion portion 202A of the rod-shaped member 202. The second connecting portion 202C is the part of the rod-shaped member 202 that is connected to the housing connecting portion 113. In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 202C is a circular hole. By attaching the shaft inserted through the second connecting portion 202C to the housing connecting portion 113, the rod-shaped member 202 is pivotably connected to the housing 109.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the friction member 203 is a member that contacts the outer circumferential surface 202B of the insertion portion 202A of the rod-shaped member 202 and generates a frictional force between itself and the outer circumferential surface 202B. In this embodiment, the friction member 203 is a sponge-like member made of foamed resin or foamed rubber. The friction member 203 is formed in an elongated strip shape. The friction member 203 is positioned so as to be wrapped around the outer circumferential surface 202B of the rod-shaped member 202 in a substantially annular manner along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction D0. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the friction member 203 is housed in a second space S2 formed inside the housing portion 209.

[0034] The clamping portion 204 holds the friction member 203. Furthermore, the clamping portion 204 is configured to adjust the frictional force between the friction member 203 and the rod-shaped member 202 by displacing the friction member 203. The clamping portion 204 includes a holding portion 206 for holding the friction member 203, a holder portion 207 for holding the holding portion 206, and a screw portion 208 for transmitting rotational torque as power to the holding portion 206. The holder portion 207 and the screw portion 208 constitute the clamping means 204A. The clamping portion 204 transmits rotational torque from the screw portion 208 to the side surface of the holding portion 206, thereby displacing the end portion 206B of the holding portion 206 relative to the holder portion 207, and enabling diameter adjustment. In this embodiment, the clamping portion 204 is, for example, a screw-type hose clamp. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the entire clamping portion 204 is located outside the first space S1 when viewed along the axial direction D0. Therefore, when the rod-shaped member 202 reciprocates along the axial direction D0, the clamping portion 204 is less likely to interfere with the insertion portion 202A, and the stroke of the rod-shaped member 202 is less likely to be restricted due to interference with the clamping portion 204.

[0035] The retaining portion 206 is an elongated, strip-shaped member. The friction member 203 is fixed to one side of the retaining portion 206. That is, the retaining portion 206 holds the friction member 203. The friction member 203 is fixed to the retaining portion 206 by any means, such as adhesive or double-sided tape. The retaining portion 206 holds the friction member 203 in an orientation in which the longitudinal direction of the retaining portion 206 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the friction member 203. The retaining portion 206 is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction D0. In addition, the retaining portion 206 has a plurality of grooves or holes formed therein for changing the circumference, extending in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction D0 and the retaining portion 206.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the shape of the retaining portion 206 is annular when viewed along the axial direction D0. In detail, the retaining portion 206 is flexible and is formed annular when viewed along the axial direction D0 by being wound in an annular shape. The retaining portion 206 also holds the friction member 203 on its inner circumference. That is, the retaining portion 206 holds the friction member 203 between itself and the outer circumferential surface 202B. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the contact surface between the retaining portion 206 and the friction member 203 is arc-shaped when viewed along the axial direction D0. This allows the contact surface between the retaining portion 206 and the friction member 203 to be reduced. The retaining portion 206 is housed in the second space S2 formed inside the housing portion 209. Also, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the retaining portion 206, which is a component of the clamping portion 204, is provided outside the first space S1 when viewed along the axial direction D0. In detail, the holding portion 206 is located outside the first space S1 when viewed along the axial direction D0, in both the state in which the friction member 203 shown in Figure 4 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 202B, and the state in which the friction member 203 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 202B, as shown in Figure 5.

[0037] The holder portion 207 is a member that holds the holding portion 206 from its outer circumference. Specifically, one end 206A of the holding portion 206 is fixed to the holder portion 207. The holder portion 207 also has a through hole through which the other end 206B of the holding portion 206 can pass, and the end 206B is inserted through this through hole. The holder portion 207 is arranged to straddle the inside and outside of the second space S2 via the opening 209C. Furthermore, the holder portion 207, which is a component of the clamping portion 204, is provided on the outside of the first space S1 when viewed along the axial direction D0, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0038] The threaded portion 208 is a member having a cylindrical shaft portion 208A with helical threads formed on its outer surface, and a head portion 208B formed at one end of the shaft portion 208A. The shaft portion 208A extends in a direction along the tangent L1 to the outer circumferential surface 202B. In detail, the tangent L1 is the tangent to the outer circumferential surface 202B defined at the point P closest to the shaft portion 208A on the outer circumferential surface 202B in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction D0. The threaded portion 208 is held rotatably around the rotation axis AR by the holder portion 207. The rotation axis AR passes through the center of the shaft portion 208A and is along the direction in which the tangent L1 extends. In other words, the rotation axis AR is along the tangential direction of the outer circumferential surface 202B. The threaded portion 208 is held in a position where the threads of the shaft portion 208A engage with multiple grooves or holes in the outermost part of the holding portion 206. In this embodiment, the jig 210 connected to the threaded portion 208 and the drive device 205 connected to the jig 210 are each provided on the rotation axis AR of the threaded portion 208. This allows the drive device 205 to be arranged compactly. Furthermore, the threaded portion 208, which is a component of the tightening portion 204, is provided outside the first space S1 when viewed along the axial direction D0, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0039] The fastening means 204A changes the circumference of the annularly wound holding portion 206 by rotating the threaded portion 208. Specifically, as the threaded portion 208 rotates, the portion of the holding portion 206 located on the outermost circumference is fed out in the direction along the rotation axis AR, and the end portion 206B moves. As described above, since the end portion 206A is fixed to the holder portion 207, the circumference of the holding portion 206 changes as the end portion 206B moves.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, when the circumference of the retaining portion 206 is small, the diameter of the retaining portion 206 is small, so the distance between the retaining portion 206 and the outer circumferential surface 202B becomes smaller. In this state, the friction member 203 is displaced in a direction toward the outer circumferential surface 202B and is pressed against the outer circumferential surface 202B. In this state, the reciprocating motion of the rod-shaped member 202 generates a frictional force between the friction member 203 and the outer circumferential surface 202B. Specifically, in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction D0, when the radius of the annularly rounded retaining portion 206 is smaller than the sum of the radius of the outer circumferential surface 202B and the thickness of the friction member 203 when unloaded, the friction member 203 is compressed between the retaining portion 206 and the outer circumferential surface 202B. Therefore, when the housing 201 reciprocates due to the vibration of the water tank 102, a frictional force is generated between the outer circumferential surface 202B of the friction member 203 and the rod-shaped member 202. Hereinafter, the sum of the radius of the outer surface 202B in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction D0 and the thickness of the friction member 203 under no load will be referred to as the predetermined length V0 (see Figure 6). In this embodiment, the clamping portion 204 can shorten the circumference of the holding portion 206, making the radius of the holding portion 206 shorter than the predetermined length V0.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, when the circumference of the holding portion 206 is long, the diameter of the holding portion 206 is large, so the distance between the holding portion 206 and the outer circumferential surface 202B increases. In this state, the friction member 203 is displaced in a direction away from the outer circumferential surface 202B. In particular, when the radius of the holding portion 206 is longer than a predetermined length V0, as shown in Figure 5, the inner circumferential surface of the friction member 203 does not contact the outer circumferential surface 202B of the rod-shaped member 202. Therefore, in such cases, even if the housing 201 and the rod-shaped member 202 reciprocate relative to each other due to the vibration of the water tank 102, no frictional force is generated between the friction member 203 and the rod-shaped member 202. In this embodiment, the clamping portion 204 can change the circumference of the holding portion 206 to be longer, making the radius of the holding portion 206 longer than a predetermined length V0.

[0042] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the radius of the holding portion 206 and the frictional force generated between the friction member 203 and the outer surface 202B. As shown in Figure 6, when the radius of the holding portion 206 is greater than a predetermined length V0, the friction member 203 is displaced to a position where it does not contact the outer surface 202B, so no frictional force is generated between the friction member 203 and the outer surface 202B. When the radius of the holding portion 206 is less than or equal to the predetermined length V0, the friction member 203 is displaced to a position where it contacts the outer surface 202B, so a frictional force is generated between the friction member 203 and the outer surface 202B. Furthermore, when the radius of the holding portion 206 is less than or equal to the predetermined length V0, the smaller the radius of the holding portion 206, the greater the frictional force, and the larger the radius, the less the frictional force.

[0043] In this way, the clamping portion 204 changes the distance between the friction member 203 held by the holding portion 206 and the outer circumferential surface 202B by displacing the holding portion 206. By changing the distance between the friction member 203 and the outer circumferential surface 202B, the frictional force generated between the friction member 203 and the outer circumferential surface 202B can be freely controlled. As mentioned above, since the holding portion 206 is provided along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction D0, the radial direction of the annular holding portion 206 is also perpendicular to the axial direction D0. Therefore, when the clamping means 204A changes the circumference of the holding portion 206, the holding portion 206 is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction D0, that is, in the direction normal to the axial direction D0. As a result, the travel distance of the holding portion 206 can be reduced, and the damping device 114 can be made more compact.

[0044] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of Figure 4, showing the holder portion 207 in a cross-section parallel to the axial direction D0, including the rotation axis AR. As shown in Figure 7, the clamping means 204A, which is part of the clamping portion 204, is provided in the housing portion 204 between the bottom surface portion 209A and the lid member 209D. In other words, the bottom surface portion 209A covers the second direction D2 side of the clamping means 204A in the axial direction D0. The lid member 209D covers the first direction D1 side of the clamping means 204A in the axial direction D0. Therefore, the movement of the clamping portion 204 along the axial direction D0 is restricted by the bottom surface portion 209A and the lid member 209D. As a result, even when the rod-shaped member 202 strokes while the friction member 203 and the outer peripheral surface 202B are in contact, displacement of the position of the clamping portion 204 in the axial direction D0, which holds the friction member 203, can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the bottom portion 209A covers at least a part of the holding portion 206 from the second direction D2, and the lid member 209D covers at least a part of the holding portion 206 from the first direction D1. Therefore, even when the rod-shaped member 202 is stroked, it is easier to suppress the displacement of the clamping portion 204 in the axial direction D0 that holds the friction member 203.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, a movement restricting portion 209F is formed on the bottom surface portion 209A of the housing portion 209. The movement restricting portion 209F is a groove recessed toward the second direction D2. The holder portion 207 is positioned such that its end on the second direction D2 side is located within the movement restricting portion 209F. The movement restricting portion 209F is recessed in approximately the same shape as the end of the holder portion 207 on the second direction D2 side. Therefore, the end of the holder portion 207 on the second direction D2 side fits into the movement restricting portion 209F, and the movement of the holder portion 207 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction D0 is restricted. In addition, the holder portion 207 is pressed by the lid member 209D from the first direction D1 side toward the second direction D2 side. Therefore, the holder portion 207 does not move along the axial direction D0 and come out of the movement restricting portion 209F, and its movement in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction D0 is restricted. The movement of the holder portion 207 is restricted by the movement restricting portion 209F, which in turn restricts the movement of the screw portion 208 held by the holder portion 207, making it easier for the power generated by the drive device 205 to be properly transmitted to the screw portion 208 via the jig 210.

[0046] [1-2. Operation] The operation of the drum-type washing machine 100, configured as described above, will be explained below. The drum-type washing machine 100 is configured to perform a dewatering process in which wet laundry placed in the rotating drum 101 is dewatered. In the dewatering process, the drum-type washing machine 100 controls the drum drive motor 107 by the control board 115 and rotates the rotating drum 101 at high speed to dewater the laundry.

[0047] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control board 115, specifically the operation at the start of the dewatering process. The operation of the control board 115 at the start of the dewatering process is triggered by the completion of the washing or rinsing process, or by an operation instructing the operation unit on the housing 109 to execute the dewatering process. At the start of the dewatering process, the drum drive motor 107 and the rotating drum 101 are not rotating. The washing process is the process of washing the laundry with wash water, and the rinsing process is the process of rinsing off the detergent adhering to the laundry.

[0048] At the start of the dewatering process, in step SA1, the control board 115 controls the damping device 114 to adjust the magnitude of the frictional force between the friction member 203 and the outer surface 202B, which is generated when the water tank 102 vibrates, to a first predetermined value. Specifically, the control board 115 controls the drive device 205 to drive the clamping part 204 and change the circumference of the holding part 206. This displaces the friction member 203 relative to the outer surface 202B, adjusting the magnitude of the frictional force between the friction member 203 and the outer surface 202B to a first predetermined value.

[0049] Next, in step SA2, the control board 115 begins to increase the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107. This also increases the rotational speed of the rotating drum 101. The control board 115 continues to control the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 in the next step SA3 and beyond.

[0050] Next, in step SA3, the control board 115 determines whether the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 has reached or exceeded the first rotational speed. For example, the first rotational speed is set using the lower limit of the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 when the aquarium unit 108 resonates as a guideline. The aquarium unit 108 resonates when the rotational speed of the rotating drum 101 is approximately 100 rpm or more and 800 rpm or less. For this reason, the first rotational speed may be set to, for example, the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 when the rotational speed of the rotating drum 101 is 100 rpm. Alternatively, for example, the first rotational speed may be set to a value less than the lower limit of the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 when the aquarium unit 108 resonates, or to a value greater than the lower limit. In the following, the region of the drum drive motor 107 rotational speed below the first rotational speed will be referred to as the low-speed region.

[0051] In step SA3, if it is determined that the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 has reached the first rotational speed or higher (step SA3: YES), the control board 115 proceeds to step SA4. In step SA3, if it is determined that the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 has not reached the first rotational speed or higher (step SA3: NO), the control board 115 repeats the determination in step SA3.

[0052] In step SA4, the control board 115 controls the damping device 114 to adjust the magnitude of the frictional force between the friction member 203 and the outer surface 202B that occurs when the water tank 102 vibrates to a second predetermined value. The second predetermined value is set to be greater than the first predetermined value.

[0053] In step SA5, the control board 115 determines whether the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 has reached or exceeded the second rotational speed. The second rotational speed is set to a value that is at least greater than the first rotational speed. Furthermore, the range between the first and second rotational speeds includes at least a portion of the rotational speed range of the drum drive motor 107 when the water tank unit 108 resonates. For example, the second rotational speed is set using the upper limit of the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 when the aquarium unit 108 resonates as a guideline. The aquarium unit 108 resonates when the rotational speed of the rotating drum 101 is approximately 100 rpm or more and 800 rpm or less. Therefore, the second rotational speed may be set to, for example, the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 when the rotational speed of the rotating drum 101 is 800 rpm. Alternatively, for example, the second rotational speed may be set to a value less than or greater than the upper limit of the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 when the aquarium unit 108 resonates. In the following, the region of the drum drive motor 107's rotational speed between the first and second rotational speeds will be referred to as the medium speed range, and the region of the second rotational speed and above will be referred to as the high speed range.

[0054] In step SA5, if it is determined that the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 has reached the second rotational speed or higher (step SA5: YES), the control board 115 proceeds to step SA6. In step SA5, if it is determined that the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 has not reached the second rotational speed or higher (step SA5: NO), the control board 115 repeats the determination in step SA5.

[0055] In step SA6, the control board 115 controls the damping device 114 to adjust the magnitude of the frictional force between the friction member 203 and the outer surface 202B that occurs when the water tank 102 vibrates to a third predetermined value. The third predetermined value is set to a value smaller than the second predetermined value.

[0056] Next, in step SA7, the control board 115 determines whether the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 has reached the third rotational speed or higher. The third rotational speed is set to a value greater than the second rotational speed. The third rotational speed is set to the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 when the rotating drum 101 can achieve a rotational speed sufficient for dewatering the laundry. The third rotational speed is set to the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 when the rotating drum 101 is 1400 rpm or higher.

[0057] In step SA7, if it is determined that the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 has reached the third rotational speed or higher (step SA7: YES), the control board 115 proceeds to step SA8. In step SA7, if it is determined that the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 has not reached the third rotational speed or higher (step SA7: NO), the control board 115 repeats the determination in step SA7.

[0058] In step SA8, the control board 115 terminates the control that increases the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 and starts the control that maintains the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107.

[0059] Upon completion of step SA8, the operation at the start of the dewatering process shown in Figure 8 is completed. Subsequently, the control board 115 maintains the rotation speed of the drum drive motor 107 at or above the third rotation speed for a predetermined time, and then controls the rotation speed to decrease until the drum drive motor 107 stops, thus completing the dewatering process.

[0060] In this way, the control board 115 sets the magnitude of the friction force between the friction member 203 and the outer surface 202B to a second predetermined value, which is larger when the rotation speed of the drum drive motor 107 is in the medium speed range than the first predetermined value and the third predetermined value when the rotation speed is in the low speed range or the high speed range. This allows the damping force of the damping device 114 to be increased when the vibration of the water tank 102 is particularly large to suppress vibration, and the damping force to be decreased when the vibration of the water tank 102 is small to suppress the transmission of vibration to the housing 109.

[0061] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the damping device 114 includes a housing 201 having a cylindrical cylinder portion 201A with a columnar first space S1 formed inside, a rod-shaped member 202 inserted into the first space S1 and capable of relative reciprocating motion along the axial direction D0 with respect to the housing 201, a friction member 203 that contacts the outer circumferential surface 202B of the rod-shaped member 202 to generate a frictional force, a clamping portion 204 that can adjust the frictional force between the rod-shaped member 202 and the friction member 203 by displacing the friction member 203, and a drive device 205 that generates power to drive the clamping portion 204. The clamping portion 204 and the drive device 205 are provided on the outside of the first space S1 when viewed along the axial direction D0. This allows the friction member 203 to be displaced by the power transmitted from the drive unit 205 to the clamping unit 204, thereby adjusting the frictional force between the rod-shaped member 202 and the friction member 203. Furthermore, when viewed along the axial direction D0, the clamping unit 204 and the drive unit 205 are positioned outside the first space S1, thus preventing the stroke distance of the rod-shaped member 202 from being limited by the clamping unit 204 and the drive unit 205. Therefore, a damping device that can control the damping force while suppressing stroke limitations can be realized.

[0062] As in this embodiment, the clamping portion 204 may be configured to displace the friction member 203 to a position where it does not come into contact with the outer peripheral surface 202B. This allows the rod-shaped member 202 and the friction member 203 to be separated, making it difficult for frictional force to be generated between them. Therefore, when vibration damping by the damping device 114 is not required, it is possible to make it difficult for vibrations from the vibration source to be transmitted to the outside.

[0063] As in this embodiment, the clamping portion 204 may have a holding portion 206 that holds the friction member 203 between itself and the outer circumferential surface, and the holding portion 206 may be displaced along the direction normal to the axial direction D0. This minimizes the travel distance of the holding portion 206 when displacing the friction member 203, and reduces the space required for the holding portion 206 to move. As a result, a compact damping device 114 can be realized.

[0064] As in this embodiment, the holding portion 206 may be annular when viewed along the axial direction D0, holding the friction member 203 on its inner circumference, and the clamping portion 204 may have a clamping means 204A that changes the circumference of the holding portion 206. This allows the magnitude of the frictional force generated between the friction member 203 and the rod-shaped member 202 to be adjusted by changing the circumference of the holding portion 206 using the tightening means 204A. Therefore, a damping device 114 capable of controlling damping force can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0065] As in this embodiment, the holding portion 206 may be a band-shaped member wound in an annular shape, and its circumference may change as the end portion 206B of the holding portion 206 is moved by the fastening means 204A. This allows the circumference of the holding portion 206 to be changed with a simple configuration. Therefore, a damping device 114 capable of controlling damping force can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0066] As in this embodiment, the fastening means 204A may be configured such that it is powered by the drive device 205 and includes a threaded portion 208 that rotates and changes the circumference of the holding portion 206, and the rotation axis AR of the threaded portion 208 is aligned with the tangential direction of the outer circumferential surface 202B. This makes it easier to position the drive unit 205 closer to the rod-shaped member 202 compared to, for example, the case where the screw portion 208 is positioned with the rotation axis AR aligned with the normal direction of the outer circumferential surface 202B. As a result, a compact damping device 114 can be realized. In particular, in this embodiment, since the jig 210 and the drive unit 205 are positioned on the rotation axis AR, it is easier to make the damping device 114 compact.

[0067] As in this embodiment, the clamping portion 204 may be configured to include a holder portion 207 that holds the holding portion 206 and the threaded portion 208, and the housing 201 may be configured to include a housing portion 209 that houses the clamping portion 204, and the housing portion 209 may be provided with a movement restricting portion 209F that restricts the movement of the holder portion 207. As a result, the movement of the holder portion 207 is restricted, making it easier for power from the drive device 205 to be transmitted to the screw portion 208 held by the holder portion 207. This improves the reliability of the operation of the damping device 114.

[0068] As in this embodiment, the housing portion 209 may be configured to include a bottom portion that covers the second direction D2 side, which is one side in the axial direction D0 of the fastening portion 204, and a lid member 209D that covers the other side, which is the first direction D1. This prevents the clamping portion 204 from shifting in the axial direction D0, thanks to the bottom portion 209A and the cover member 209D. Therefore, when the rod-shaped member 202 slides along the axial direction D0, the clamping portion 204 is prevented from shifting in the axial direction D0.

[0069] As in this embodiment, the contact surface between the holding portion 206 and the friction member 203 may be configured to have a shape that follows an arc when viewed along the axial direction. This minimizes the contact surface between the holding portion 206 and the friction member 203.

[0070] As in this embodiment, the drum-type washing machine 100 may be configured to include a rotating drum 101 with water passage holes on its outer circumference, a water tank 102 that houses the rotating drum 101 and stores washing water, a drum drive motor 107 that rotates the rotating drum 101, a housing 109 that houses the water tank 102, and the damping device described above that is connected to the water tank 102 and the housing 109. This allows the vibration of the water tank 102 to be suppressed using a damping device 114 that has a small stroke limitation and allows control of the damping force. Therefore, it is easier to appropriately dampen the vibration of the water tank 102.

[0071] As in this embodiment, the drum-type washing machine 100 is capable of performing a dewatering process, and in the dewatering process, the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 is increased from a low speed range of less than the first rotational speed, through a medium speed range of the first rotational speed or more but less than the second rotational speed, to a high speed range of the second rotational speed or more, and the drive device 205 is controlled to increase the frictional force between the rod-shaped member 202 and the friction member 203 when the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 is within the medium speed range compared to when the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 is within the low speed range or the high speed range. This allows the damping force of the damping device 114 to be increased when the vibration of the water tank 102 is large during the dewatering process, thereby suppressing the vibration of the water tank 102, and the damping force of the damping device 114 to be decreased when the vibration of the water tank 102 is small, thereby suppressing the transmission of the water tank vibration to the housing 109. As a result, the vibration of the water tank 102 can be appropriately dampened.

[0072] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiment 1 has been explained as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in Embodiment 1 above. Therefore, other embodiments are illustrated below.

[0073] In Embodiment 1, a drum-type washing machine 100 was described as an example of an application target for the damping device 114. However, the damping device 114 can be applied to any washing machine capable of performing a spin-drying process. For this reason, the damping device 114 may be installed in any washing machine, such as a top-loading washing machine. Furthermore, the control of the damping force of the damping device 114 according to the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 in Embodiment 1 may be applied to any washing machine.

[0074] In Embodiment 1, as an example of a pressing portion, a clamping portion 204 was described that changes the circumference of an annular holding portion 206 by transmitted power, and displaces a friction member 203 provided on the inner circumference side of the holding portion 206 relative to the outer circumferential surface 202B of a rod-shaped member 202 inserted through the holding portion 206. The pressing portion in this disclosure does not need to be limited to the clamping portion 204 described in Embodiment 1, as it can displace the friction member 203 and press it against the outer circumferential surface 202B. For example, the pressing portion may, together with a drive device 205, constitute a linear actuator that converts the rotational motion of the output shaft into linear motion and outputs it. In this case, the drive device 205 and the pressing portion may linearly displace the friction member 203 and change the frictional force between the friction member 203 and the outer circumferential surface 202B.

[0075] In Embodiment 1, the movement restricting portion 209F was described as a groove. The movement restricting portion 209F only needs to be capable of restricting the movement of the holder portion 207. For this reason, for example, the movement restricting portion 209F may be a projection or rib that protrudes from the bottom surface portion 209A and restricts the movement of the holder portion 207.

[0076] In Embodiment 1, it was explained that the damping device 114 has a first connecting portion 201B of the housing 201 connected to the water tank connecting portion 111, and a second connecting portion 202C of the rod-shaped member 202 connected to the housing connecting portion 113, but this is just one example. For example, the damping device 114 may be configured such that the first connecting portion 201B of the housing 201 is connected to the housing connecting portion 113, and the second connecting portion 202C of the rod-shaped member 202 is connected to the water tank connecting portion 111.

[0077] In Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 8, the control board 115 was described as changing the damping force of the damping device 114 in accordance with the rotational speed of the drum drive motor 107 during the dewatering process, but this is just one example. The control board 115 only needs to be able to change the damping force of the damping device 114 in accordance with the magnitude of vibration of the water tank unit 108. For this reason, for example, a vibration sensor may be provided on the water tank unit 108, and the control board 115 may be configured to increase the damping force of the damping device 114 when the detected value of the vibration sensor is large, and decrease the damping force when the detected value is small.

[0078] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents.

[0079] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed. (Technical 1) A damping device comprising: a housing having a cylindrical section with a columnar space formed inside; a rod-shaped member inserted into the space and capable of relative reciprocating motion along the axial direction with respect to the housing; a friction member that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the rod-shaped member to generate a frictional force; a pressing section capable of adjusting the frictional force between the rod-shaped member and the friction member by displacing the friction member; and a drive device that generates power to drive the pressing section, wherein the pressing section and the drive device are provided on the outside of the space when viewed along the axial direction. This allows the friction member to be displaced by the power transmitted from the drive unit to the pressing unit, thereby adjusting the frictional force between the rod-shaped member and the friction member. Furthermore, when viewed along the axial direction, since the pressing unit and drive unit are positioned outside the internal space of the cylinder unit, the stroke distance of the rod-shaped member is not limited by the pressing unit and drive unit. Therefore, a damping device can be realized that can control the damping force while suppressing stroke limitations.

[0080] (Technical 2) The damping device according to Technical 1, wherein the pressing portion is capable of displacing the friction member to a position where it does not contact the outer circumferential surface. This allows the rod-shaped member and the friction member to be separated, making it difficult for frictional force to be generated between them. Therefore, when vibration damping by the damping device is not required, it is possible to reduce the transmission of vibrations from the vibration source to the outside.

[0081] (Technical 3) The damping device according to Technical 1 or 2, wherein the pressing portion has a holding portion that holds the friction member between itself and the outer circumferential surface, and the holding portion is displaced along the direction normal to the axial direction. This minimizes the movement distance of the retaining part when displacing the friction member, and reduces the space required for the retaining part to move. As a result, a compact damping device can be realized.

[0082] (Technical 4) The damping device according to Technical 3, wherein the holding portion is annular when viewed along the axial direction and holds the friction member on its inner circumference, and the pressing portion has a tightening means for changing the circumference of the holding portion. This allows the magnitude of the frictional force generated between the friction member and the rod-shaped member to be adjusted by changing the circumference of the holding part using the tightening means. Therefore, a damping device that can control damping force can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0083] (Technical 5) The damping device according to Technical 4, wherein the holding portion is a band-shaped member wound in an annular shape, and the circumference changes as the end of the holding portion is moved by the tightening means. This allows the circumference of the holding part to be changed with a simple configuration. Therefore, a damping device that can control the damping force can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0084] (Technical 6) The damping device according to Technical 4 or 5, wherein the fastening means includes a threaded portion that rotates by the power of the drive device and changes the circumference of the holding portion, and the axis of rotation of the threaded portion is along the tangential direction of the outer surface. This makes it easier to position the drive mechanism closer to the rod-shaped member, compared to, for example, a case where the screw portion is positioned with the rotation axis aligned with the normal direction of the outer surface. As a result, a compact damping device can be realized.

[0085] (Technical 7) The damping device according to Technical 6, wherein the pressing portion comprises a holder portion that holds the holding portion and the screw portion, the housing comprises a housing portion that houses the pressing portion, and the housing portion is provided with a movement restricting portion that restricts the movement of the holder portion. This restricts the movement of the holder, making it easier for power from the drive unit to be transmitted to the screw held in the holder. Therefore, the reliability of the damping device's operation can be improved.

[0086] (Technical 8) The damping device according to Technical 7, wherein the housing portion comprises a bottom portion that covers one side of the pressing portion in the axial direction and a lid portion that covers the other side. This prevents the pressing portion from shifting axially due to the bottom and lid portions. Therefore, when the rod-shaped member slides in the axial direction, it is possible to prevent the pressing portion from shifting axially.

[0087] (Technical 9) The damping device according to any one of Technical 3 to 8, wherein the contact surface between the holding portion and the friction member has a shape that follows a circular arc when viewed along the axial direction. This makes it possible to reduce the contact surface area between the holding part and the friction member.

[0088] (Technology 10) A washing machine comprising: a rotating drum having water passage holes on its outer circumference; a water tank housing the rotating drum and storing washing water; a drum drive motor for rotating the rotating drum; a housing housing the water tank; and a damping device according to any one of Technologies 1 to 9 connected to the water tank and the housing. This allows for the suppression of tank vibrations using a damping device with minimal stroke limitations and controllable damping force. Therefore, it becomes easier to appropriately dampen tank vibrations.

[0089] (Technical 11) A washing machine according to Technical 10, which is capable of performing a dewatering process, wherein in the dewatering process, the rotational speed of the drum drive motor is increased from a low speed range of less than a first rotational speed, through a medium speed range of the first rotational speed or more but less than a second rotational speed, to a high speed range of the second rotational speed or more, and the drive device is controlled so that when the rotational speed of the drum drive motor is within the range of the medium speed range, the frictional force between the rod-shaped member and the friction member is greater than when the rotational speed of the drum drive motor is within the range of the low speed range or the high speed range. This allows the damping force of the damping device to be increased when the water tank vibration is large during the dewatering process, thereby suppressing the vibration of the water tank, and the damping force of the damping device to be decreased when the water tank vibration is small, thereby suppressing the transmission of the water tank vibration to the housing. As a result, the vibration of the water tank can be appropriately dampened. [Industrial applicability]

[0090] This disclosure is applicable to damping devices and washing machines equipped with damping devices. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to any washing machine capable of performing a spin-drying process, such as drum-type washing machines and top-loading washing machines, and damping devices provided in such washing machines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 100 Drum-type washing machines (washing machines) 101 Rotation Drum 102 Aquariums 103 Bearings 104 Rotation axis 105 Drum Pulley 106 belt 107 Drum drive motor 108 Aquarium Unit 109 cabinets 110 Suspension 111 Tank connection section 112 Base 113 Enclosure connection section 114 Damping device 115 Control board 201 Housing 201A Cylinder section 201B 1st connection part 201C Drive unit support 202 Rod-shaped member 202A Insertion section 202B Outer surface 202C 2nd connection part 203 Friction Member 204 Clamping part (pressing part) 204A Fastening means 205 Drive unit 206 Holding part 206A End 206B End 207 Holder part 208 Threaded part 208A Shaft 208B Head 209 Storage Unit 209A Bottom part 209B Side part 209C aperture 209D Lid component (lid part) 209E Insertion hole 209F Movement Restriction Section 210 Jig S1 1st space (space) S2 2nd space

Claims

1. A housing having a cylindrical section with a columnar space formed inside, A rod-shaped member inserted into the aforementioned space and capable of relative reciprocating motion along the axial direction with respect to the housing, A friction member that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the rod-shaped member to generate frictional force, A pressing portion that can adjust the frictional force between the rod-shaped member and the friction member by displacing the friction member, It has a drive device that generates power to drive the pressing part, The pressing portion and the drive device are provided on the outside of the space when viewed along the axial direction. Damping device.

2. The pressing portion is capable of displacing the friction member to a position where it does not come into contact with the outer circumferential surface. The damping device according to claim 1.

3. The pressing portion has a holding portion that holds the friction member between itself and the outer circumferential surface, and displaces the holding portion along the direction normal to the axial direction. The damping device according to claim 1.

4. The holding portion is annular when viewed along the axial direction, and holds the friction member on its inner circumference. The pressing portion has a tightening means that changes the circumference of the holding portion. The damping device according to claim 3.

5. The holding portion is a band-shaped member wound in an annular shape, and its circumference changes as the end of the holding portion is moved by the fastening means. The damping device according to claim 4.

6. The fastening means includes a screw portion that rotates by the power of the drive device and changes the circumference of the holding portion, The rotation axis of the screw portion is along the tangential direction of the outer surface, The damping device according to claim 5.

7. The pressing portion includes a holder portion that holds the holding portion and the screw portion, The housing includes a housing portion for housing the pressing portion, The housing section is provided with a movement restricting section that restricts the movement of the holder section. The damping device according to claim 6.

8. The housing portion comprises a bottom portion that covers one side of the pressing portion in the axial direction, and a lid portion that covers the other side. The damping device according to claim 7.

9. The contact surface between the holding portion and the friction member has a shape that follows a circular arc when viewed along the axial direction. The damping device according to claim 3.

10. A rotating drum with water passage holes on its outer circumference, A tank that houses the rotating drum and holds the washing water, A drum drive motor that rotates the aforementioned rotating drum, A housing for the aforementioned water tank, The device comprises a damping device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is connected to the water tank and the housing. washing machine.

11. The dehydration process is possible, In the dewatering step, The rotational speed of the drum drive motor is increased from a low speed range of less than the first rotational speed, through a medium speed range of the first rotational speed or more but less than the second rotational speed, to a high speed range of the second rotational speed or more. Furthermore, the drive device is controlled to increase the frictional force between the rod-shaped member and the friction member when the rotational speed of the drum drive motor is within the medium speed range, compared to when the rotational speed of the drum drive motor is within the low speed range or the high speed range. The washing machine according to claim 10.

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