CN109423836B - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a washing machine which can efficiently dissolve dirt in washing liquid and can detect the dirt amount with high precision. Comprises a case (1), an outer tank (2) for storing water therein, a drum (3) rotatably supported in the outer tank, a driving device (M) for driving the drum to rotate, a water supply member (21) for supplying water into the outer tank, a detergent supply member (20) for supplying detergent into the outer tank, a cleaning liquid state determination member (140) for detecting the state of the liquid in the outer tank, and an operation control member (100) for controlling the driving device, the water supply member (16), the detergent supply member, and the cleaning liquid state determination member, the operation control means performs a first stirring step, a stain amount detection step, and a second stirring step, the first stirring step being performed before the stain detection step, the second stirring step being performed after the stain detection step, and the rotational speed of the drum in the first stirring step being higher than the rotational speed of the drum in the second stirring step.

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing laundry and the like.

Background

The amount of dirt attached to the clothes varies depending on the living environment. Therefore, in a washing process in which the same washing operation is performed, especially, washing residue may be generated in laundry having a large amount of dirt. In japanese patent application laid-open publication No. 2011-67312 (patent document 1), the amount of contamination in the cleaning liquid is estimated to determine the cleaning time.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2011-67312

However, a drum-type washing machine generally includes an outer tub for storing washing liquid, a drum rotatably supported in the outer tub, and a driving device for rotating the drum. The laundry stored in the lower portion of the drum is lifted by the rotation of the drum, and the laundry is dropped from the upper portion of the drum by gravity higher than a centrifugal force with respect to the laundry, and the laundry is cleaned (beat-washed) by applying a mechanical force.

The dirt attached to the clothes is eluted into the washing liquid contained in the clothes, and the dirt is pushed out from the clothes by the falling impact of the beat washing, and is replaced with the washing liquid stored in the outer tank. The dirt attached to the clothes is repeatedly moved to the cleaning liquid stored in the outer tub, and the dirt is removed from the clothes.

In order to estimate the amount of dirt in the washing liquid, it is necessary to perform a rinsing to dissolve the dirt in the washing liquid, and there is a problem that it is necessary to secure a time required for use.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to provide a washing machine which can efficiently dissolve dirt in washing liquid and can detect the dirt amount with high precision.

In order to solve the above problem, for example, a washing machine according to the present invention includes: an outer tank storing water therein; a drum rotatably supported in the outer tub; a motor for driving the roller to rotate; a water supply means for supplying water into the outer tank; a detergent supply member for supplying detergent into the outer tub; and a cleaning liquid state determination means for detecting a state of the liquid in the outer tank, wherein the operation control means performs a first stirring step, a stain amount detection step, and a second stirring step, the first stirring step is performed before the stain amount detection step, the second stirring step is performed after the stain amount detection step, and the first stirring step rotates the drum at a higher rotation speed than the second stirring step.

The effects of the invention are as follows.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine capable of efficiently dissolving dirt in a washing liquid and efficiently detecting the amount of dirt.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a washing machine of the present embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an external perspective view showing the washing machine of the present embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a schematic side view showing the internal configuration of the washing machine of the present embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the internal structure of the washing machine of the present embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a schematic front view showing an internal structure of the upper left side of the washing machine of the present embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an outer tub of the washing machine of the present embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the central portion of the outer tub of the washing machine according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a rear view of the outer tub of the washing machine of the present embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a view showing the conductivity detection member of the washing machine according to the present embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view of an electrode and (b) is a vertical sectional view of a central portion.

Fig. 10 is a functional configuration diagram of the washing machine of the present embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a process diagram illustrating an operation procedure of the washing operation of the washing machine according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart for determining the detergent dissolution operation time by identifying the type of detergent in the washing machine according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a functional diagram of the conductivity detection member of the washing machine of the present embodiment.

In the figure:

s-drum type washing machine, M-motor (driving device), 1-box, 2-external tank, 3-drum, 4-conductivity detection component, 21-water supply solenoid valve, 54-circulating pump, 112-process control portion, 121-water temperature, hardness influence calculation portion, 122-detergent, dirt influence calculation portion, 123-cleaning action resetting portion.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

As shown in fig. 1, the drum-type washing machine S according to the present embodiment is applicable to a drum-type washing machine including at least an outer tub 2, a drum 3, and a motor M (see fig. 3) for driving and rotating the drum 3, and an example thereof will be described below. In addition, as shown in fig. 1, the direction in which the door 25 is located in the drum-type washing machine S will be described as the front side in the front-rear, top-bottom, and right-left directions.

As shown in fig. 1, the drum-type washing machine S has a cabinet 1 having an outer contour formed by combining a steel plate and a resin molded product, and has a drying function. The drum type washing machine S is as follows: the rotation axis of drum 3, which is substantially drum-shaped, is disposed at a slight inclination with respect to door 9 disposed on the front surface of cabinet 1, and by rotating drum 3 around the rotation axis, laundry such as laundry put in from door 9 is washed. The drum-type washing machine S includes a cabinet 1, an outer tub 2, a drum 3, a detergent input unit 20 (see fig. 2), a water supply unit 15 (water supply means) (see fig. 4), an operation panel 6, a damper 5 (see fig. 3), operation switches 8a and 8b (see fig. 2), a display 22 (see fig. 2), a door 25, a drive device M10 (see fig. 3), a temperature sensor T1 (water temperature detection means), a conductivity sensor 4 (hardness detection means, detergent type detection means, soil concentration detection means), and a control device 100 (operation control means) (see fig. 3), which will be described later.

The cabinet 1 is a housing that forms the external shape of the drum-type washing machine S and holds the components of the drum-type washing machine S so as to enclose the components. The box body 1 has a front panel (front plate) 11 disposed on the front surface and side panels (side plates) 14A and 14B disposed on the left and right side surfaces by press working or the like of a metal plate (metal or color steel plate), has a back panel (back plate) 16 formed into a substantially "コ" shape in plan view and disposed on the back surface, a base 17 disposed on the bottom side of the outer tub 3, and an upper panel (upper plate, top plate) 18 disposed above the outer tub 3 by press working or the like of a metal plate, and is attached to each other to form a substantially box shape. A detergent input unit 20 for inputting a detergent and the like, a display 22, a drying filter 37, and the like are provided on the upper surface portion of the cabinet 1.

The left and right side panels 14A and 14B are coupled to a front upper reinforcing plate 31, a front lower reinforcing plate 32, an upper reinforcing plate 35, and an upper coupling reinforcing portion 36, respectively, which are provided in the box body 1. The rear panel 16 is coupled to the upper reinforcing plate 35 by the upper coupling reinforcing portion 36. The upper coupling reinforcement portion 36 is molded from a synthetic resin, extends in the front-rear direction, and is disposed so as to be located at the center in the left-right direction. Further, as the synthetic resin, a resin having high strength and excellent abrasion resistance, specifically, POM (polyoxymethylene resin) can be selected.

A door 25 for closing an inlet for taking out and putting in laundry is supported by a hinge (not shown) at substantially the center of the front panel 11 so as to be openable and closable. The door 25 is provided with a door handle 23 for releasing a lock mechanism (not shown) of the door 25. The door 25 is opened by releasing the lock mechanism by pulling the door handle 23, and the door 25 is closed by locking by pressing the door 25 to the front panel 11. As shown in fig. 3, a bellows portion 24, an outer tub 2, a drum 3, a motor M, and the like are disposed inside the front panel 11. The upper panel 18 is provided with an operation panel 19, a detergent input unit 20, and a drying filter 37.

The upper panel 18 is provided with a water supply hose connection port 18f from the faucet and a water supply hose connection port 18g for surplus hot water in the bathtub in an exposed state. The water supply unit 15, the water supply pipes P1 and P2, the detergent supply pipe P3, the water supply hose 32, the water supply solenoid valve 21, and the bath water supply pump 7 are provided in the upper panel 18. A damper 5, a circulation pump 54, a base 17, and the like are provided in a lower portion of the casing 1.

The operation panel 19 is a laterally long panel member arranged at the upper portion of the casing 1, and includes a power switch 9, operation switches 8a and 8b, a display 22, and the like. The operation panel 19 is electrically connected to a control device 100 provided in the upper portion of the case 1.

A detergent cover 20a for closing an inlet for introducing a detergent, a bleaching agent, a softener, and the like is provided on the left side of the operation panel 19. The detergent cover 20a is supported by a hinge (not shown) formed of a spring and a damper so as to be openable and closable. The detergent cover 20a is provided with a lock mechanism (not shown) for the detergent cover 20 a. In a state where the detergent cover 20a is closed, the detergent cover 20a is opened by releasing the lock mechanism by pressing the detergent cover 20a downward, and in a state where the detergent cover 20a is opened, the detergent cover 20a is closed by locking by pressing the detergent cover 20a downward.

A pull-out type drying filter 37 is provided on the rear side of the operation panel 19. The drying filter 37 is provided with a mesh filter (not shown) to remove thread ends and the like. The cleaning of the drying filter 37 is performed by pulling out the drying filter 37 and removing the thread end of the mesh portion.

The detergent supply unit 20 is a part to which the above-described detergent such as powder detergent, liquid detergent (or bleach), softener (or softener) is supplied, and is disposed at, for example, the left front end portion of the upper surface of the cabinet 1. The detergent input part is provided with: a water supply unit 15; a detachable detergent tray 26 housed in the water supply unit 15; a powder detergent input chamber 26a, a liquid detergent input chamber 26b, and a softener input chamber 26c formed in the detergent tray 26; an outflow port 27 and a siphon 28 provided at the bottom of the detergent tray 26; water supply pipes P1, P2 for supplying water to the detergent input part 20; and a detergent delivery pipe P3 for supplying the detergent in the detergent input part 20 and the detergent to the outer tub 2.

The detergent tray 26 is divided into a powder detergent input chamber 26a into which a powder detergent is input, a liquid detergent input chamber 26b into which a liquid detergent (or bleach) is input, and a softener input chamber 26c into which a softener is input.

On the rear side of the detergent tray 26, water supply-related components such as a water supply solenoid valve 21, a bath water supply pump 7, and a water level sensor 58 are provided. The water supply solenoid valve 21 is connected to the water supply unit 15 through water supply pipes P1 and P2.

Here, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is composed of a plurality of solenoid valves (for example, four solenoid valves), and can supply water to the powder detergent input chamber 26a and the liquid detergent input chamber 26b through the water supply pipe P1 by opening and closing the first solenoid valve, supply water to the softener input chamber 26c through the water supply pipe P2 by opening and closing the second solenoid valve, supply water directly to the water supply port 29 of the outer tub 2 through the water supply pipe (not shown) by opening and closing the third solenoid valve, and supply water to the water cooling and dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) of the air blow duct 40 through the water supply pipe (not shown) by opening and closing the fourth solenoid valve.

The water supply unit 15 is fixed to an upper surface plate 18 of the cabinet 1. The bottom surface of the water supply unit 15 is obliquely cut to prevent interference with the outer tub 2, and the right side is shallow and the left side is deep when viewed from the front. And, a water outlet 15a is provided at the left rear of the water supply unit. Therefore, the bottom surface of the water supply unit 15 is formed in a mortar shape so that the position of the water outlet 15a becomes the lowest.

An outlet 27 communicating with the detergent delivery pipe P3 and the water supply port outer tank 2a is formed in the inner bottom of the powder detergent input chamber 26 a. The water supplied from the water supply pipe P1 into the powder detergent input chamber 26a flows in a clockwise swirl to dissolve the powder detergent, and then flows into the outflow port 27 to flow into the detergent delivery pipe P3.

A siphon tube 28 communicating with the outflow port 27 and the detergent delivery pipe P3 is provided at the inner bottom of the liquid detergent input chamber 26b, and water flows in a swirling manner to dilute the liquid detergent and then flows into the siphon tube 28 to flow into the detergent delivery pipe P3. The water supplied from the water supply pipe P1 into the liquid detergent input chamber 26b flows in a counterclockwise direction to swirl and dissolve the detergent, and then flows into the outflow port 27 and flows into the detergent delivery pipe P3.

A siphon tube 28 communicating with the outlet 27 and the detergent delivery pipe P3 is provided on the inner bottom of the softener supply chamber 26 c. The water supplied from the water supply pipe P2 into the softener supply chamber 26c flows so as to swirl in the clockwise direction to dilute the softener, and then flows into the siphon pipe 28 to flow into the detergent delivery pipe P3 (see fig. 2).

Structure of drying filter and drying channel

A drying unit 38 that generates warm air is connected to the downstream side of the drying filter 37. The drying unit 38 is provided with a blower and a heater, not shown, and is fixed to an upper reinforcing plate 35 provided in the cabinet 1. The blower is composed of a motor for driving, a fan impeller driven by the motor, and a fan case for housing the fan impeller. The heater is built in the fan case and heats air sent from the fan impeller. The heater is constituted by a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater or the like.

The drying unit 38 is connected to the air blowing duct 40 via a bellows 50 made of rubber. The air blowing duct 40 is provided on the inner side of the rear surface of the casing 1, and is composed of a recessed duct portion 41 formed integrally with the outer tub 2 by resin molding, and an air blowing duct cover 43 attached so as to close a part of the duct portion 41. The channel 41 extends substantially in the vertical direction and is formed on the right side of the center of the outer tub 2.

A substantially rectangular suction port (not shown) that communicates with the inside of outer tub 2 (the side where drum 3 is disposed) and sucks air during the drying operation is formed at the lower portion of air duct 40.

A known water-cooling dehumidifying mechanism is provided in the duct portion 41. For example, in the drying process, the drying unit 38 is operated while rotating the drum 3 in the forward and reverse directions, so that the air in the outer tub 2 is sucked into the air blowing duct 40, and when the air flows through the air blowing duct 40, the cooling water is supplied from the water supply solenoid valve 21 to the water cooling and dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) through a water supply pipe (not shown), so that cooling and dehumidifying are performed. The dehumidified air is heated by the heater of the drying unit 38 and then blown toward the laundry in the drum 3. The drying means is not limited to a combination of a heater and a water-cooling dehumidifying mechanism (not shown), and a heat pump or the like may be used.

The control device 100 (operation control means) is a device capable of performing a cleaning operation by controlling the motor M and the water supply unit 15, and performing calculation of the conductivity, determination of the presence or absence of the softener contained in the liquid, determination of the shortening of the dehydration step, determination of the shortening of the rinsing step, and the like, based on the conductivity of the liquid in the outer tank 2 detected by the conductivity sensor 4. The control device 100 is constituted by a microcomputer, a drive circuit, operation switches 8a and 8b, the conductivity sensor 4, an input circuit from various sensors, and the like. The microcomputer receives various information signals from the user's operation, washing process and drying process. The microcomputer is connected to the motor M, the water supply solenoid valve 21, the drain valve 53, the blower fan 39, and the like via a drive circuit, and controls opening, closing, rotation, and energization thereof. The information on the drum-type washing machine S is notified to the user by controlling the display 22, the buzzer, and the like.

As shown in fig. 3, the motor M is a device for driving the drum 3 to rotate, and is provided at the outer center of the bottom surface of the outer tub 2. The rotation shaft of the motor M penetrates the outer tub 2 and is coupled to the drum 3. The motor M includes a rotation detection device 70 including a hall element or a photo interrupter for detecting rotation thereof, and a motor current detection device 72 for detecting a current flowing to the motor M.

The water supply unit 15 (water supply means) is a device for supplying water into the outer tank 2 by supplying water to the water supply port 2a provided outside the outer tank 2. The water supply unit 15 is provided on the back side of the top panel 18.

The water supply unit 15 is provided with a water supply hose (not shown), a water supply hose connection port 18f, a water supply solenoid valve 21, a bath water supply pump 7, the water suction hose connection port 18g, the water level sensor 58, and the pipe 57.

The water supply hose (not shown) is a hose for supplying tap water to the detergent input portion 20 into which the detergent, softener, and the like are input, and is connected to the water supply hose connection port 18 f.

The water supply hose connection port 18f is a connection portion having one end connected to the other end of a hose (not shown) attached to a faucet of a city water.

The water supply solenoid valve 21 is a valve for controlling the opening and closing of a valve body for injecting tap water into a water supply pipe P1 communicating with the powder detergent injection chamber 26a and the liquid detergent injection chamber 26b of the detergent injection unit 20 and a water supply pipe P2 communicating with the softener injection chamber 26c by electromagnetic force. The tap water supplied into the powder detergent input chamber 26a, the liquid detergent input chamber 26b, and the softener input chamber 26c is injected into the outer tub 2 through the detergent delivery pipe P3 and the water supply inlet 2a together with the detergent and the softener.

The bath water supply pump 7 is a pump that takes surplus hot water of the bathtub in a suction manner and injects it into the outer tub 2.

The water suction hose connection port 18g is a connection portion to which a hose for supplying bath water is connected, and communicates with the bath water supply pump 7.

The drum 3 is an inner tub supported rotatably about a rotary shaft in the outer tub 2 and configured to store laundry, and is a washing tub (washing tub and drying tub) formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape (drum shape) with an open front end. An opening 3a for taking out and putting in laundry is formed in a front end surface of the drum 3, and a fluid balancer (not shown) integrated with the drum 3 is provided radially outside the opening 3 a. The drum 3 is connected to a motor M at the center of the bottom surface thereof with a rotating shaft not shown interposed therebetween, and is rotated by the motor M.

The drum 3 is a bottomed cylindrical container, and is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft of the motor M. Further, a plurality of through holes 3b for water passage and ventilation are formed in the outer peripheral wall 3c of the drum 3. The rotation center axis of the drum 3 is horizontal or inclined so that the opening 3a side is high.

The outer tub 2 is a drum-shaped water tub into which water to be used is poured and temporarily stored during washing and rinsing, and is supported in the cabinet 1 in a vibration-proof manner. The outer tub 2 is formed of a bottomed cylindrical body having an opening at the laundry inlet 2s, and includes a water supply port 2a, an outer peripheral wall 2c, a bottom wall 60, a back surface 61, a groove 62, a recess 63, ribs 64, a conductivity sensor 4, a drain port 51, and the like, which will be described later.

A drum 3 is rotatably supported on the rear bottom surface of the outer tub 2 on one end side, and a rotary shaft of a motor M is rotatably supported on the other end side. The rotary shaft of the drum 3 having the rotary shaft fixed to the rear bottom surface is rotatably supported inside the outer tub 2. The front surface of the outer tub 2 is elastically supported by the front inner wall of the casing 1 via a bellows 24 made of rubber, the lower surface is elastically supported in an anti-vibration manner by a damper 5 fixed to the base 17, and the upper surface is elastically suspended from the ceiling surface of the casing 1 by an auxiliary spring (not shown) attached to the upper coupling reinforcement 36, thereby preventing the outer tub 2 from falling in the front-rear direction.

A water supply port 2a (supply port) for supplying a liquid including water, detergent, bleaching agent, softener, and the like into the outer tub 2 is provided on the upper left side of the rear side of the outer tub 2. A water supply unit 15 is provided on the left side of the upper portion in the tank 1, and the water supply port 2a and the water outlet 30 of the water supply unit 15 are connected by a rubber bellows P4.

A drain port 51 is provided at the lowermost portion of the rear side of the outer tub 2, and a hose 51 is connected to the drain port 51. The hose 51 is connected to a drain hose 55 via a circulation pump 54 connected to the drain valve 53, and the washing water can be discharged from the drain hose 55 to the outside of the apparatus. An air trap 56 is provided at the lowermost portion of the rear end surface of the outer tub 2, and is connected to a water level sensor 58 via a pipe 57 to detect the water level in the outer tub 2.

As described above, the outer tank 2 has the outer peripheral wall 2c and the bottom wall 60. The outer peripheral wall 2c and the bottom wall 60 are connected by a curved surface. A water supply path 65 (groove 62) is formed on a back surface 61 (inner surface) of the bottom wall 60 of the outer tub 2, and the water supply path 65 guides a liquid including water, detergent, bleach, etc. from the water supply port 2a to a lower portion of the outer tub 2 along the bottom wall 60 and the outer peripheral wall 2 c. The water supply path 65 is a path that guides water supplied to the upper portion of the inside of the outer tub 2 to flow through the curved surface and toward the recessed portion 63 formed in the inner bottom portion 66 of the outer tub 2.

A recessed portion 63 having a substantially concave shape is provided in an inner bottom portion 66 vertically below the outer peripheral wall 2c of the outer tub 2 so as to extend in the axial direction. The bottom surface 63a of the recessed portion 63 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, and is entirely inclined toward the drain opening 51. The conductivity sensor 4 is provided on the rear left side of the bottom surface 63a of the recessed portion 63 in front view, and the drain opening 51 is provided on the right side.

The recess 63 performs the following functions: the water, which is exposed from the through-hole 3b of the drum 3 to the inner surface of the outer circumferential wall 2c of the outer tub 2 by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the drum 3 during the dewatering, and flows in the same direction as the rotation direction of the drum 3, is received and guided to the drain port 51. In the front view of the recessed portion 63, a plate-shaped rib 64 protruding in the horizontal left direction is provided so as to protrude from the entire upper right end. The recessed portion 63 having the rib 64 further reliably functions to receive water flowing in the same direction as the rotation direction (counterclockwise direction) of the drum 3 and guide the water to the recessed portion 63 of the drain port 51.

The recessed portion 63 is formed in the outer tub 2 in a front-rear direction at a central portion of the inner bottom portion 61 of the outer peripheral wall 2c, and is formed below the lower end portion 62a of the tub 62. The conductivity sensor 4, the rib 64, and the drain opening 51 are provided in the recessed portion 63.

The liquid falling from the groove 62 falls toward the conductivity sensor 4 and then flows toward the drain port 51, so that the liquid does not remain on the conductivity sensor 4. The conductivity sensor 4 is provided at a position where water supplied from the water supply port 2a first comes into contact with. Therefore, when tap water is supplied, accurate measurement can be performed. Even when the detergent or softener is supplied, it can be detected that the detergent or softener is contained in the water. Further, since the conductivity sensor 4 is disposed inside the recess 63, it is possible to detect the conductivity of the water in which the detergent is dissolved and the dirt eluted from the laundry.

Since the outer tub 2 and the drum 3 are both disposed obliquely, the liquid in the recess 63 flows out to the drain port 51.

A circulation discharge port (not shown) is formed in the bottom surface 63a of the recessed portion 63, and water sucked from the drain port 51 can be discharged from the circulation discharge port (not shown) by operating the circulation pump 54. The circulation discharge port (not shown) is formed in the front side of the recessed portion 63, and the water discharged from the circulation discharge port (not shown) flows from the front side to the rear side in the recessed portion 63 and then toward the drain port 51. The circulation discharge port (not shown) is disposed at a position covered with the rib 64, and water discharged from the circulation discharge port (not shown) does not directly contact the drum 3.

The circulation pump 54 is configured to include a casing 67, a filter 68, a pump (not shown), and the drain valve 53, and is fixed to the base 17. The pump (not shown) is composed of a motor for driving, a rotor driven by the motor, and a cover connected to the housing 67 for supporting a rotary shaft of the motor.

The lint filter 68 is detachably housed in the housing 67, and is configured to catch lint and foreign matter mixed in the liquid in the housing so that the lint and foreign matter do not flow out to a pump (not shown). This prevents the wire end and foreign matter from being wound around the rotor rotated by the motor, and the rotor and the motor from being damaged.

The casing 67 is connected to the outer tank 2 via the hose 53, and the liquid in the outer tank 2 is taken in the casing 67. The housing 67 and a pump (not shown) are disposed substantially on the right side of the housing 67 and connected through a communication hole. Two discharge ports (not shown) are provided at a substantially right upper portion of the housing 67. The liquid in the casing 67 is discharged to the following circulation path by driving and rotating a pump (not shown): a circulation path through which the liquid is discharged from a circulation discharge port (not shown) of the recessed portion 63; and a circulation path through which the liquid is discharged from a discharge port (not shown) provided in an opening of the outer tub 2 into the drum 3 via a circulation hose 69. A temperature sensor T1 is provided in the casing 67, and can detect the temperature of the liquid in the casing 67.

The conductivity sensor 4 is an electrical conductivity sensor (hardness sensor, stain sensor, detergent type determination sensor) for detecting the conductivity of the liquid used for washing, and is disposed near the bottom wall 60 of the inner bottom 66 of the outer tub 2.

Fig. 9 is a view showing the conductivity detection member, where (a) is a perspective view of an electrode and (b) is a longitudinal sectional view of a central portion.

As shown in fig. 9 (B), the conductivity sensor 4 is a sensor for detecting conductivity of tap water before washing or washing water during washing (cleaning, rinsing, dewatering), and includes a sensor base 71 made of synthetic resin and a pair of electrodes 72A and 72B. The conductivity sensor 4 is formed by insert molding to integrally constitute a sensor base 71 made of a nonconductive resin and electrodes 72A and 72B made of conductive metal.

The sensor base 71 includes an electrode support portion 71a for supporting the electrodes 72A and 72B, and a fixing portion 71B for fixing the electrode support portion 71a to the outer tub 2.

The electrode support portion 71a has a cylindrical portion 71c1 and an upper surface portion 71c2 (upper surface) covering the upper portion of the cylindrical portion 71c1, and a groove portion 71d extending obliquely in a band-like shape is formed in the upper surface portion 71c 2. The groove portion 71d is formed with a flow path 4a formed by obliquely cutting in a recessed portion shape at the time of the front view cylindrical portion 71c 1.

The side walls 4B, 4B of the groove portion 71d are exposed in the same plane as the side surfaces of the side walls 4B, and electrodes 72A, 72B are disposed so as to face each other. In addition, a rib 71e is formed along the electrodes 72A and 72B at the center of the bottom surface 71d4 of the groove 71 d.

The fixing portion 71b is a member constituting the bottom surface of the sensor base 71, and has a mounting portion 71f protruding from the lower end portion of the electrode supporting portion 71a in a substantially triangular plate shape. The mounting portion 71f is formed to protrude outward with respect to the electrode supporting portion 71a, and screw insertion holes 71f1 are formed at three corners of the mounting portion 71 f.

An annular portion 71g formed to surround the electrode supporting portion 71a is formed in the attachment portion 71f so as to protrude upward between the screw insertion hole 71f1 and the electrode supporting portion 71 a. The upper end portion 71g1 of the annular portion 71g extends in the vertical direction (height direction) to form a substantially middle portion in the vertical direction (height direction) of the electrode supporting portion 71 a.

The bottom side of the electrode support portion 71a of the sensor base 71 is open, and a part of the electrodes 72A and 72B provided on the electrode support portion 71a protrudes downward in the cylindrical portion 71c 1.

As shown in fig. 9 (a), each of the electrodes 72A and 72B has the same flat plate shape, and includes a detection portion 72A protruding into the groove portion 71d, a resin fixing portion 72 fixed to the electrode supporting portion 71a, and a connector connecting portion 72c connected to a connector (not shown) for detection. By forming the electrodes 72A and 72B in a flat plate shape in this manner, the electrode area can be secured larger than that of a rod-like electrode, and stable detection of conductivity can be performed.

The detection portion 72a is formed in a substantially rectangular shape and has a surface area larger than the surface areas of the resin fixing portion 72b and the connector connecting portion 72 c. The length L of the detection portion 72a is shorter than the length Lm of the groove portion 71 d. The upper edge portion 72a1 of the detection portion 72a is formed in an arc shape. In this way, the upper edge portion 72a1 is formed in an arc shape, and thus, the hooking of dust such as a thread end can be prevented by eliminating the corner portion.

The resin fixing portion 72b includes a first fixing portion 72b1 having the same width as the detection portion 72a, and a second fixing portion 72b2 having a width smaller than the width of the detection portion 72 a.

The first fixing portion 72b1 has a through hole 72b3 having a substantially T-shape. The second fixing portion 72b2 has a tapered portion 72b4 having both end edge portions tapered from the first fixing portion 72b1 to the connector connecting portion 72 c.

As shown in fig. 9 (b), a protruding portion 71h protruding downward is formed on the back side of the electrode support portion 72A (the surface opposite to the surface on which the groove portion 71d is formed) at a position corresponding to the side walls 4b and 4b of the groove portion 71 d. The through hole 71b3 is located on the protruding strip 71 h.

Thereby, the resin during insert molding is connected through the through hole 72B3, and the electrodes 72A and 72B are firmly supported with respect to the sensor base 71. By securing the area of the through hole 72B3 large as in the embodiment, the electrode 72A (72B) is supported more firmly on the sensor base 71.

The conductivity sensor 4 is disposed on the left side of the recess. At this time, the groove portion 71d of the conductivity sensor 4 is configured as a surface almost continuous along the outer peripheral wall 2c of the outer groove 2. Thus, for example, in the dehydration step during the washing operation, part of the rinse water discharged from the through-holes 3b of the drum 3 to the outer tub 2 and the liquid flowing down from the water supply path 65 easily flow through the groove portion 71d (the water flow path 4a of the conductivity sensor 4). The left and right side walls 4B and 4B of the groove 71d have slightly recessed recesses (not shown), and the electrodes 72A and 72B are disposed in the recesses so as to be fitted therein, respectively. Therefore, the electrodes 72A and 72B are exposed only on the surfaces of the side walls 4B and 4B, and are in a state of being substantially flush with the side walls 4B and 4B, respectively, so that the stubs and the like do not get caught.

The outer peripheral wall 2c of the outer well 2 and the bottom surface 71d4 of the groove portion 71d of the conductivity sensor 4 are largely inclined with respect to the recessed bottom surface portion. The inclination angle of the bottom surface 71d4 is set to 6 degrees, for example. By setting the bottom surface 71d4 of the groove 71d of the conductivity sensor 4 to such an inclination angle, it is possible to prevent the electrodes 72A and 72B from corroding due to stagnation of water on the conductivity sensor 4.

The control device 100 is mainly constituted by a microcomputer 110. The microcomputer 110 includes an operation mode database 111, a process control unit 112, a rotation speed calculation unit 113, a laundry weight calculation unit 114, a conductivity measurement unit 115, a detergent amount, a washing time determination unit 116, a water temperature determination unit 117, a hardness determination unit 118, a detergent type determination unit 119, a stain concentration determination unit 120, a water temperature and hardness influence calculation unit 121, and a detergent and stain influence calculation unit 122.

The operation switches 12 and 13 allow the user to input an operation program and output the input signal to the microcomputer 110.

The water level sensor 58 can detect the water level of the water stored in the outer tub 2 and output the detected signal to the microcomputer 110.

The temperature sensor T1 is provided at a lower portion of the circulation pump 54 (for example, the casing 67), and can detect the temperature of the water circulating inside the outer tub 2 and the circulation pump 54. Further, the temperature of the water continuously discharged from the outer tub 2 can also be detected. The temperature sensor T1 may be provided outside the circulation pump 54 (for example, in the lower portion of the outer tub 2). The temperature sensor T2 is provided on the air intake side of the blower fan 39 and can detect the temperature of the air taken into the blower fan 39 from the outer tub 2. The temperature sensor T3 is provided on the exhaust side of the blower fan 39 and on the downstream side of the heater (not shown), and is capable of detecting the temperature of the air blown out of the blower fan 39 into the drum 3. Further, signals detected by the temperature sensors T1 to T3 are output to the microcomputer 110.

The acceleration sensor 71 is attached to the outer tub 2 and detects vibration of the outer tub 2 (the drum 3). The signal detected by the acceleration sensor is output to the microcomputer 110.

The rotation detecting device 70 is constituted by, for example, a resolver, and is capable of detecting the rotation of the motor M and outputting the detected signal to the microcomputer 110.

The motor current detection device 72 can detect the current value of the motor M and output the detected signal to the microcomputer 110.

The conductivity sensor 4 can detect the conductivity of the water stored inside the outer tub 2 and output the detected signal to the micom 110.

The microcomputer 110 has a function of calling an operation mode in the operation program inputted from the operation switches 12 and 13 from the operation mode database 111 and starting washing or/and drying. The process control unit 112 has a function of controlling the operation of each process such as the cleaning process, the rinsing process, the dewatering process, and the drying process based on the operation pattern called from the operation pattern database 111.

In each step, the step control unit 112 has a function of controlling the display 22, the water supply unit 15, the water supply solenoid valve 21, and the drain valve 53. The process control unit 112 also has the following functions: the motor M is drive-controlled via the motor drive circuit 130, the energization of the heater (not shown) is controlled by controlling the on/off of the heater switch 131, the blower fan 39 is controlled via the fan drive circuit 132, and the circulation pump 54 is drive-controlled via the circulation pump drive circuit 133.

Here, circulation pump 54 can switch between a detergent dissolving operation of ejecting water sucked from drain port 51 from a circulation ejection port (not shown) of recessed portion 63 and a circulation operation of ejecting water sucked from drain port 51 from an ejection port (not shown) provided in an opening of outer tub 2 into drum 3. The configuration of the circulation pump 54 that can be switched in operation may not be configured by a circulation pump and a switching valve, and may be configured to be able to switch the discharge direction by switching the rotation direction of the circulation pump, for example.

The rotation speed calculation unit 113 has a function of calculating the rotation speed of the motor M based on a detection value from the rotation detection device 70 that detects the rotation of the motor M.

Laundry weight calculating unit 114 has a function of calculating the weight of the laundry in drum 3 based on the rotational speed calculated by rotational speed calculating unit 113 and the detection value of motor current detecting device 72. Since the load for rotating drum 3 is increased due to the increase in the weight of the laundry and the motor current flowing to motor M needs to be large, the weight of the laundry can be calculated from the motor current and the rotation speed of motor M.

The conductivity measuring unit 115 has a function of measuring the conductivity of the tap water or the washing water supplied into the outer tub 2 using the detection value from the conductivity sensor 4.

The detergent amount and washing time determining unit 116 has a function of determining the amount of detergent and the washing time of laundry based on the conductivity or the like measured by the conductivity measuring unit 115, and this will be described in detail below.

The water temperature determination unit 117 has a function of determining the temperature of the tap water and the cleaning liquid supplied into the outer tub 2 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor T1.

The hardness determination unit 118 has a function of determining the hardness of the supplied tap water based on the electrical conductivity measured by the electrical conductivity measurement unit 115, and the like, and this will be described in detail below.

The detergent type determination unit 119 has a function of determining the type of detergent to be put in based on the conductivity measured by the conductivity measurement unit 115, and the like, and this will be described in detail below.

The soil concentration determination unit 120 has a function of determining the concentration of soil eluted into the washing water based on the weight of the laundry determined by the laundry weight calculation unit 114, the conductivity of the washing water determined by the conductivity measurement unit 115, and the like, and will be described in detail below.

The water temperature/hardness influence calculating unit 121 has a function of determining the amount of change in cleaning ability, which has been changed by the influence of the water temperature and hardness, based on the water temperature determined by the water temperature determining unit 117 and the hardness determined by the hardness determining unit 118, and the like, and will be described in detail below.

The detergent/stain influence calculating unit 122 has a function of determining the amount of change in cleaning power that has changed due to the influence of the type of detergent and the stain concentration, based on the type of detergent determined by the detergent type determining unit 119 and the stain concentration determined by the stain concentration determining unit 120, and the like, and will be described in detail below.

The washing operation resetting unit 123 has a function of determining the washing time and the drum rotation time based on the water temperature, the amount of change in the washing power determined by the hardness influence calculating unit 121, the detergent, and the stain influence calculating unit 122, and the like, and will be described in detail below.

Next, an operation process of the drum-type washing machine S according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 11 to 13. Fig. 11 is a process diagram illustrating an operation sequence of the washing operation (washing, rinsing, and dewatering) of the drum-type washing machine S according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In step S1, the process control unit 112 receives an input of program selection (program selection) of the operation process of the drum-type washing machine S. Here, the user opens the door 25, puts the selected laundry into the drum 3, and closes the door 25. Then, the user selects and inputs the program of the operation process by operating the operation switches 12 and 13. The program of the selected operation process is input to the process control unit 112 by operating the operation switches 8a and 8 b. The process control unit 112 reads the corresponding operation mode from the operation mode database 111 based on the input program of the operation process, and then proceeds to step S2. In the following description, a case where a washing procedure (cleaning, rinsing twice, and dewatering) is selected will be described.

In step S2, the process control unit 112 performs a process (fabric amount sensing detection) of detecting the weight (fabric amount) of the laundry loaded into the drum 3. Specifically, process control unit 112 drives motor M to rotate drum 3, and laundry weight calculation unit 114 calculates the weight (cloth amount) of the laundry before water is supplied.

In step S3, the process control unit 112 executes a process of calculating the amount of detergent and the operation time (detergent operation time calculation). For example, the detergent amount/washing time determination unit 116 determines the amount of detergent to be put in and the operation time by searching a correspondence table based on the cloth amount detected in step S2, the electrical conductivity (hardness) of water, and the temperature of water. Then, the process control unit 112 displays the determined amount of the detergent and the operation time on the display 22. The conductivity (hardness) of water and the temperature of water are stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown) of the microcomputer 110, and the conductivity (hardness) and the temperature of water at the time of the previous operation are used.

In step S4, the process control unit 112 executes a detergent input waiting process (detergent input waiting process). For example, the process control unit 112 waits for a predetermined time and then proceeds to step S5. The process control unit 112 may be configured to assume that the detergent is input when the opening and closing of the detergent input unit 20 is detected by a means (not shown) for detecting the opening and closing of the detergent input unit 7, and then proceed to step S5.

In step S5, the process control unit 112 executes a water supply 1 (hardness measurement) process. For example, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened to directly supply water to the water supply port 29 of the outer tub 2 without passing through the detergent tray 26. After reaching the predetermined water level, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed.

The conductivity measuring unit 115 operates the conductivity sensor 4 and the temperature sensor T1, measures the water temperature and the conductivity of the tap water, and calculates the hardness of the water. The water temperature and water hardness measured here are stored in the detergent amount/washing time determination unit 116, and used for determining the next detergent amount/washing time.

In step S6, the process control unit 112 executes a water supply 2 (detergent supply) process. For example, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened, and the detergent and water are supplied along the outer tub 2 via the detergent tray 26. After reaching the predetermined water level, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed. In this case, it is preferable that the water level is a height at which the water surface does not appear in drum 3, since the elution of dirt from the laundry can be suppressed.

In step S7, the process control unit 112 executes a detergent dissolving 1 process (detergent dissolving operation). Specifically, the process control unit 112 controls the circulation pump 54 to discharge the water and the detergent sucked from the drain port 51 from a circulation discharge port (not shown) of the recessed portion 63. The water and the detergent discharged from the circulation discharge port (not shown) circulate through the recessed portion 63 and then toward the drain port 51. Thereby, the water and the detergent are stirred, so that the detergent is dissolved in the water. When a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed, the process control unit 112 stops the circulation pump 54.

In step S8, the detergent type determination unit 119 performs a detergent type determination (detergent type determination). The detergent type determination will be described with reference to fig. 12.

In step S200, the conductivity measuring unit 115 measures the water temperature t and the conductivity EC of the washing liquid having a high detergent concentration generated in the detergent dissolving operation (S7). When the electrical conductivity EC is measured, it is preferable to stop the water supply to the outer tub 2 by the water supply solenoid valve 21, the circulation by the circulation pump 54, and the rotation of the drum 3 by the motor M.

In step S201, the detergent type determination unit 119 determines whether or not the conductivity EC measured in step S200 is smaller than the first threshold conductivity EC 1. Further, the first threshold conductivity EC1 is set based on the temperature and the conductivity (hardness) of the water before the detergent is put in, which are detected in step S5 (see fig. 11). If the conductivity EC is lower than the first threshold conductivity EC1 (S201: yes), the process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if the conductivity EC is not lower than the first threshold conductivity EC1 (no in S201), the process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S202.

In step S202, the detergent kind determination unit 119 determines whether or not the conductivity EC measured in step S200 is smaller than the second threshold conductivity EC 2. Further, the second threshold conductivity EC2 is set based on the temperature and the conductivity (hardness) of the water before the detergent is put in, which are detected in step S5 (see fig. 11). If the conductivity EC is smaller than the second threshold conductivity EC2 (S202: yes), the process of the detergent state determination unit 119 proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if the conductivity EC is not lower than the second threshold conductivity EC2 (no in S202), the process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S205.

In step S203, the detergent type determination unit 119 determines that the liquid detergent is concentrated (concentrated), and switches the characteristics of the conductivity sensor 4 in accordance with the determination. The process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S207.

In step S204, the detergent type determination unit 119 determines the liquid detergent, and switches the characteristics of the conductivity sensor 4 in accordance with the determination. The process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S208.

In step S205, the detergent type determination unit 119 determines that the detergent powder is present, and switches the characteristics of the conductivity sensor 4 in accordance with the determination. The process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S209.

In steps S203 to S205, the characteristics of the conductivity sensor 4 are switched in accordance with the type of detergent determined by the detergent type determination unit 119. For example, the frequency of the oscillation circuit 80 of the conductivity sensor 4 is changed by switching a capacitor, which is a component of the oscillation circuit 80, to be connected to a capacitor having a different capacitance. Therefore, the range of conductivity that can be read by conductivity sensor 80 also varies. Since the powder detergent tends to have high conductivity, the capacitance of the capacitor is increased, so that the frequency can be increased in a region having low resistance, and detection becomes easy. Since the liquid detergent (concentrate) tends to have a low conductivity, the capacitance of the capacitor is reduced, so that the frequency can be increased in a region having a high resistance, and detection becomes easy. Since the conductivity of the liquid detergent tends to be intermediate between those of the powder detergent and the liquid detergent (concentration), detection can be facilitated by setting the capacitance of the capacitor to be intermediate between those of the above capacities. Therefore, for example, if the conductivity sensor 4 keeps the characteristic for detecting the conductivity of the powder detergent, the stain detection may become difficult when using other types of detergents having different conductivities. By switching the characteristics of the conductivity sensor 4, an optimum measurement result can be obtained according to the type of detergent, and it is not necessary to provide a plurality of conductivity sensors 4.

In step S206, the detergent type determination unit 119 determines whether or not the water temperature t measured in step S200 is higher than a predetermined threshold temperature t_cIs large. At the water temperature t being greater than the threshold temperature t_cIf the detergent type is large (yes in S206), the process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, when the water temperature t is not higher than the threshold temperature t_cIf the value is large (no in S206), the process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S210.

In steps S207 to S210, the detergent type determination unit 119 determines the additional detergent dissolution time.

In steps S207 to S208, the detergent type determination unit 119 ends the detergent dissolving 2 step in step S9 without performing an additional detergent dissolving operation (without performing an additional dissolving operation), and then proceeds to the stain determination reference value measurement step in step S10 (see fig. 11).

In step S209, the detergent type determination unit 119 performs an additional detergent dissolving operation (additional dissolving operation (T1)) for a predetermined time T1 (e.g., 15 seconds), and then terminates the detergent dissolving 2 step of step S9, and proceeds to the stain determination reference value measurement step of step S10 (see fig. 11).

In step S210, the detergent type determination unit 119 performs an additional detergent dissolving operation (additional dissolving operation (T2)) for a predetermined time T2 (e.g., 45 seconds), and then terminates the detergent dissolving 2 step of step S9, and proceeds to the stain determination reference value measurement step of step S10 (see fig. 11). Further, the predetermined time T2 is set to a time longer than the predetermined time T1.

In step S9, the process control unit 112 executes the detergent dissolving 2 process. Specifically, the process control unit 112 controls the circulation pump 54 to discharge the water and the detergent sucked from the drain port 51 from a circulation discharge port (not shown) of the recessed portion 63. The water and the detergent discharged from the circulation discharge port (not shown) flow through the recessed portion 63 and then circulate toward the drain port 51. Thereby, the water and the detergent are stirred, so that the detergent is dissolved in the water. When the additional dissolution time determined in steps S207 to S210 has elapsed, the process control unit 112 stops the circulation pump 54, ends the detergent dissolution 2 process, and proceeds to step S11.

In step S10, the stain concentration determination unit 120 calculates a reference value for stain concentration determination (stain determination reference value measurement) based on the detergent type determined in step S203, step S204, and step S205. In this calculation, the degree of dilution of the detergent liquid is found by determining the amount of water supply from the operation table corresponding to the weight of the laundry calculated by the laundry weight calculation unit 114 based on the conductivity measured in step S200 before the elution of the contaminants. Thus, the accuracy of the contamination concentration determination unit 120 can be improved based on the conductivity of the uncontaminated cleaning liquid required for the contamination concentration determination.

The rinsing operation may be performed once, or the number of times of rinsing may be changed according to the determination result of the soil concentration determination unit 120, because the conductivity of the concentrated liquid detergent decreases as compared with the liquid detergent in which the rinsing operation is performed twice.

In step S11, the process control unit 112 executes a rotation water supply process. Specifically, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened to raise the water level of the washing liquid in the outer tub 2, and the motor M is controlled to rotate the drum 3 in the forward and reverse directions at a predetermined rotation speed (e.g., 40rpm), thereby replacing the laundry. Then, by controlling the circulation pump 54 to a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 2600rpm), the washing liquid having a high detergent concentration sucked from the drain port 51 is discharged into the drum 3 through a nozzle (not shown) provided in the opening of the outer tub 2, and the washing liquid is thereby made to permeate into the laundry inside the drum 3.

When the water level of the cleaning liquid in the outer tub 2 rises to a predetermined water level, the water supply is stopped (for example, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed). When a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the spin water supply process, the spin water supply process is ended, and the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the process control unit 112 executes a press cleaning process (first stirring process). The press washing step is a step of allowing the washing liquid having a high detergent concentration generated in the detergent dissolving step to permeate into the clothes. Washing liquid having a high detergent concentration is made to permeate into clothes, and dirt adhering to the clothes is squeezed out from the clothes together with the washing liquid by a centrifugal dehydration effect, thereby improving cleaning ability. Specifically, process control unit 112 controls circulating pump 54 to a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 3200rpm, 48L/min of circulating flow rate) to discharge the cleaning liquid sucked from drain port 51 into drum 3 through a nozzle (not shown) provided in an opening of outer tub 2. Then, by controlling the motor M to rotate the drum 3 at a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 100rpm), the centrifugal force against the laundry is higher than the gravity, and the laundry inside the drum 3 is stuck to the inner circumferential wall surface of the drum 3, so that the washing liquid contained in the laundry flows through the through-holes 3b of the drum 3 and is pushed out to the outer tub 2 along with the dirt adhered to the laundry. That is, in the press washing step, the permeation and dehydration of the washing liquid are continuously repeated with respect to the laundry, thereby facilitating the replacement of the washing liquid contained in the laundry. In the press cleaning of the present embodiment, the drum 3 is rotated in the forward direction, but may be rotated in the reverse direction or both. When a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed, the process control unit 112 ends the press cleaning process, and the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the process control unit 112 executes the replenishment water supply process. Specifically, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened to supply water to the outer tub 2. When the water supply reaches the predetermined water level, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed to stop the water supply, and the replenishment water supply process is ended, and the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the process control unit 112 executes the tapping and washing process 1. The beating and washing process comprises the following steps: the laundry stored in the lower portion of the drum 3 is lifted by the rotation of the drum 3, and the laundry falls from the upper portion of the drum 3 due to the gravity higher than the centrifugal force for the laundry, thereby applying a mechanical force to the laundry.

Specifically, process control unit 112 controls circulating pump 54 to a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 3200rpm, 48L/min of circulating flow rate) to discharge the cleaning liquid sucked from drain port 51 into drum 3 through a nozzle (not shown) provided in an opening of outer tub 2. The process control unit 112 controls the motor M to rotate the drum 3 in the forward and reverse directions at a predetermined rotation speed (e.g., 40rpm), thereby beating and washing the laundry inside the drum 3. When a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed, the process control unit 112 ends the tapping and washing process 1, and proceeds to step S15.

In step S15, the stain concentration determination unit 120 determines the stain concentration of the laundry (stain concentration determination). Specifically, the conductivity measuring unit 115 measures the conductivity of the washing liquid by the conductivity sensor 4. When measuring the electrical conductivity EC, it is preferable to stop the water supply to the outer tub 2 by the water supply solenoid valve 21, the circulation by the circulation pump 54, and the rotation of the drum 3 by the motor M.

The cleaning solution in step S15 is a solution in which the dirt has eluted into the cleaning solution in steps S12 and S14. That is, the reference value calculated in step S10 and the amount of change in the conductivity of the washing liquid (contamination determination value) measured in step S15 are values that change in accordance with contamination, and the degree of contamination of the laundry can be detected. In addition, since the amount of change in stain may change to a positive value or a negative value depending on the stain component contained in the laundry, the amount of change in stain may be determined by an absolute value.

The contamination determination value is larger as the amount of laundry is larger when the contamination degree of laundry is uniform. The stain concentration determination unit 120 calculates the stain concentration from a relational expression obtained in an experiment based on the stain determination value and the laundry weight calculated by the laundry weight calculation unit 114. After the stain concentration is calculated, the process control section 112 ends the stain concentration determination process, and proceeds to step 16.

In step 16, the cleaning operation resetting unit 123 executes a cleaning operation resetting step (cleaning operation resetting). The washing operation is reset to determine the influence of information determined during operation, such as the amount of dirt (dirt concentration), water quality (water temperature, hardness), detergent type, etc., on the washing performance by using the amount of change in the washing power, and the washing time and the drum rotation time are determined based on the amount of change in the washing power. The detergency ratio in the embodiment of the present invention is used. That is, the cleaning ratio is the ratio of the cleaning degree of the test washing machine to the cleaning degree of the standard washing machine, and is defined in japanese industrial standard "method for measuring performance of household electric washing machine (jis c 9811)". That is, the higher the purge ratio, the higher the purge performance. In the present example, the cleaning ratio was used as an index of cleaning ability, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a sensor or the like for measuring the hue of the laundry may be provided, and the amount of change in hue during the washing operation may be used.

The degree of influence on the cleaning ability is calculated from two pieces of information, and finally the amount of change in the cleaning ratio is found from all the pieces of information. For example, the water temperature/hardness influence calculation unit 121 substitutes the water temperature and hardness measured in step S5 into the relational expression (the relational expression between water quality and washing ratio) obtained in the experiment to find the washing ratio. Then, the relative value of the cleaning ratio obtained by substituting the condition (for example, water temperature 25 ℃ C., hardness 30ppm) under which the dirt is sufficiently dropped into the relational expression between the water quality and the cleaning ratio is the amount of change in the cleaning ratio affected by the water temperature and the hardness.

The detergent/stain influence calculation unit 122 calculates the cleaning ratio by substituting the stain concentration calculated in step 15 into the relational expression (relational expression between the stain concentration and the cleaning ratio) obtained in the experiment. Here, the relational expression between the stain concentration and the wash-out ratio differs depending on the type of the detergent. The detergent/stain influence calculation unit 122 selects the relational expression between the stain concentration and the cleaning ratio based on the detergent type determined in step S8. Then, the relative value of the cleaning ratio obtained by substituting the condition that the dirt is sufficiently dropped (for example, the dirt concentration is 1 time) into the relational expression between the dirt concentration and the cleaning ratio is the amount of change in the cleaning ratio affected by the type of the detergent and the dirt concentration.

The variation of the cleaning ratio based on all the information is the sum of the variations of the cleaning ratio (variation of the cleaning power) obtained by the water temperature/hardness influence calculating unit 121 and the detergent/stain influence calculating unit 122.

The washing operation resetting unit 123 substitutes the amount of change in the washing power into the relational expression (relational expression between the washing time and the washing ratio) obtained in the experiment to determine the additional washing time (Tw). When the calculated additional cleaning time (Tw) exceeds a predetermined set time, the additional cleaning time (Tw) is replaced with the predetermined set time. This can suppress blackening of the clothes due to long-term immersion of the washing liquid. In order to compensate for the shortened washing time (Tw) and increase the operation rate by prolonging the rotation time of the roller. The washing power is improved by the increase of the mechanical force based on the beat washing.

In step S17, the process control unit 112 executes the main cleaning process 2 (second stirring process). Specifically, process control unit 112 controls circulating pump 54 to a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 3200rpm, 48L/min of circulating flow rate) to discharge the cleaning liquid sucked from drain port 51 into drum 3 through a nozzle (not shown) provided in an opening of outer tub 2. The process control unit 112 controls the motor M to rotate the drum 3 in the forward and reverse directions at a predetermined rotation speed (e.g., 40rpm), thereby beating and washing the laundry inside the drum 3. At this time, the drum rotates in one direction at the time determined in step S16. When the additional cleaning time (Tw) determined in step S16 has elapsed, the process control unit 112 ends the beating process 2, and proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, the process control unit 112 executes a water discharge process. The motor M and the circulation pump 54 are stopped, and the drain valve 53 is opened to drain the washing water in the outer tub 2. The water level sensor 58 continuously monitors the level of the washing water in the outer tub 2 in the drain. When the detection value of the water level sensor 58 is lower than the predetermined water level, the water discharge process is ended, and the process proceeds to step S19.

In step S19, the process control unit 112 executes the dehydration 1 process. In a state where the valve of the drain valve 53 is maintained, the drum 3 is rotated at a high speed in the reverse direction (for example, 1250rpm), and the washing water contained in the laundry is drained. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the dehydration step 1 is ended, and the process proceeds to step 20.

In step S20, the process control unit 112 executes a spin shower process. The drum 3 is rotated at a medium speed in the opposite direction (for example, 105rpm), and the water supply solenoid valve 21 is controlled to scatter water to the laundry while closing the water discharge valve 53. The control time of the water supply solenoid valve 21 at this time is decided based on the cloth amount detected in step S2. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the water supply is stopped (for example, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed). Then, circulation pump 54 is controlled to a predetermined speed (for example, 3200rpm) to discharge the washing liquid sucked from drain port 51 into drum 3 through a nozzle (not shown) provided in an opening of outer tub 2. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the circulation pump 54 is stopped, and the drain valve 53 is opened to drain the rinse water in the outer tank 2.

In step S21, the process control unit 112 executes the dehydration 2 process. In a state where the valve of the drain valve 53 is maintained, the drum 3 is rotated at a high speed in the reverse direction (for example, 1250rpm), and the washing water contained in the laundry is drained. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the spin-drying step 2 is ended, and the process proceeds to the rinsing step 2 (step S22 to step S25).

In step S22, the process control unit 112 executes a water supply process. The drain valve 53 is closed, and the water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened, so that the rinse water is supplied into the outer tub 2. When the water level rises to the predetermined level, the water supply is stopped (for example, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed), the water supply process is ended, and the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the process control unit 112 executes a softener (softening agent) water supply process. The water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened to supply rinse water containing the softener into the outer tank 2, and the rinse water supplied into the outer tank 2 in step S22 is mixed with the softener.

In step S24, the process control unit 112 executes the rotation water supply and replenishment water supply process. The water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened to supply water to the outer tub 2. If the water is supplied up to a predetermined water level, the water supply is stopped (e.g., the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed). Then, while water is supplied, the motor M is controlled to rotate the drum 3 in the forward and reverse directions (for example, 40rpm), and the circulation pump 54 is controlled to a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 2600rpm), so that the rinse water sucked from the drain port 51 is discharged into the drum 3 through a nozzle (not shown) provided in the opening of the outer tub 2, thereby infiltrating the softener into the laundry.

In step S25, the process control unit 112 executes the rinsing and stirring process. The rinsing and stirring process is as follows: as in the wash, the laundry stored in the lower part of the drum 3 is lifted by the rotation of the drum 3, and the laundry is dropped from the upper part of the drum 3 due to the gravity higher than the centrifugal force for the laundry.

Specifically, process control unit 112 controls motor M to rotate drum 3 (for example, 40rpm), controls circulating pump 54 to a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 3200rpm), and causes rinse water sucked from drain port 51 to be discharged into drum 3 from a nozzle (not shown) provided in an opening of outer tub 2, thereby rinsing the laundry. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the rinsing and stirring step is ended, and the process proceeds to the spin-drying step (steps S26 and S27).

In step S26, the process control unit 112 executes a water discharge process. The motor M and the circulation pump 54 are stopped, and the drain valve 53 is opened to drain the rinse water in the outer tank 2. The water level sensor 58 continuously monitors the level of the washing water in the outer tub 2 in the drain. When the detection value of the water level sensor 58 is lower than the predetermined water level, the water discharge process is ended, and the process proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, the process control unit 112 executes a dehydration process. Specifically, the drain valve 53 is opened, and the motor M is controlled to rotate the drum 3 at a high speed (e.g., 1000rpm), thereby spin-drying the laundry. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the motor M is stopped, the drain valve 53 is closed, and the washing process (washing, rinsing, and dewatering) is ended.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the washing liquid contained in the laundry flows through the through-hole 3b of the drum 3 and is pushed out to the outer tub 2 with the dirt adhering to the laundry by the press washing (first stirring step). In the beating washing (second stirring step), the replacement of the washing liquid occurs only at the moment when the laundry is dropped and brought into contact with the drum 3, whereas in the pressing washing step, the penetration and dehydration of the washing liquid into the laundry are continuously repeated, thereby promoting the replacement of the washing liquid contained in the laundry. That is, the operation time for detecting the stain concentration can be shortened.

The washing liquid in the outer tub 2 is circulated and scattered to the laundry by the circulation pump 54 while the washing liquid is squeezed out from the laundry by the centrifugal dewatering effect. In order to supply the circularly scattered washing liquid to the laundry, the dirt easily permeates into the washing liquid, and the amount of dirt contained in the washing liquid in the outer tub 2 increases. As the amount of contamination increases, the contamination determination value increases, and the accuracy of the contamination concentration determination increases.

In the above, the case where the determination means for determining the stain concentration is the conductivity sensor 4 has been described as the washing machine of the present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the state of the washing liquid may be detected.

The conductivity sensor 4 (conductivity detection means) is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment, and may be configured to detect the conductivity of the detergent liquid. For example, the characteristics are described by changing the capacitance of the capacitor of the oscillation circuit 80 to switch the characteristics, but a resistor or a coil may be used instead of the capacitor.

Claims (3)

1. A washing machine is provided with:

a box body;

an outer tank elastically supported in the case and capable of storing liquid therein;

a drum rotatably supported in the outer tub and accommodating laundry;

a driving device for driving the roller to rotate;

a water supply means for supplying water into the outer tank;

a detergent supply member for supplying detergent into the outer tub;

a cleaning liquid state determination means for determining the state of the liquid in the outer tank; and

an operation control means for controlling the driving device, the water supply means, the detergent supply means, and the detergent state determination means,

the above-mentioned washing machine is characterized in that,

the operation control means performs the following steps:

a press cleaning step of impregnating a detergent into the laundry;

a supply water supply step of supplying water to the outer tub after the press cleaning step;

a first beating and washing step which is implemented after the supplying water step;

a stain amount detection step of detecting a stain amount of the laundry after the first beat washing step; and

a second beat-washing step carried out after the stain amount detection step,

the rotation speed of the drum in the press washing step is higher than the rotation speed of the drum in the first beat washing step and the second beat washing step.

2. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1,

further comprises a circulating pump for sucking water from the outer tank and dispersing the water into the drum,

the circulation pump is driven during the press cleaning process.

3. A washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,

the stain amount detection step estimates the stain amount of the laundry, and changes the cleaning time or the drum rotation time in the second beat washing step according to the estimation result.

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