EP2228478A1 - Drum-type washer - Google Patents
Drum-type washer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2228478A1 EP2228478A1 EP10154187A EP10154187A EP2228478A1 EP 2228478 A1 EP2228478 A1 EP 2228478A1 EP 10154187 A EP10154187 A EP 10154187A EP 10154187 A EP10154187 A EP 10154187A EP 2228478 A1 EP2228478 A1 EP 2228478A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- water
- drum
- washing tub
- type washer
- circulation channel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
- D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
- D06F39/088—Liquid supply arrangements
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a drum-type washer for washing laundry in a rotating drum.
- Conventional drum-type washers have a structure shown in
Fig. 8 , which will be described as follows. - As shown in
Fig. 8 , a drum-type washer includesdrum 1 rotatably mounted inwashing tub 3.Drum 1 has a large number of water-through-holes 2 in the entire outer peripheral surface. The washer also includes rotatingshaft 4 fixed at one end to the rotation center ofdrum 1 and at the other end todrum pulley 5. The washer also includesmotor 6, which is connected todrum pulley 5 viabelt 7 so as to rotatedrum 1.Drum 1 has an opening withlid 8. Washingtub 3 is suspended insidewasher body 9 byspring 10 and vibro-isolatedly supported by vibrationfree damper 11. Vibration ofwashing tub 3 during spin cycle is prevented from being transmitted towasher body 9 by vibrationfree damper 11 and is reduced byweight 12. Washingtub 3 hasdrain outlet 17a at its bottom. The washer also includesfeed valve 13 for feeding water intowashing tub 3,drainage pump 14 for draining water fromwashing tub 3, and heater 15 for heating water inwashing tub 3. The washer also includescontrol device 16, which controls the operations ofmotor 6,feed valve 13,drainage pump 14, heater 15, and the like so as to perform a series of cycles including wash, rinse, and spin cycles. An example of a conventional technique related to the present invention is shown in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No.H10-201988 - The following is a description of the operation of the above-described drum-type washer.
- First, the user opens
lid 8, loads laundry intodrum 1, and turns the washer on to start a wash cycle. As a result,feed valve 13 is opened to feed water intowashing tub 3. When the water reaches a predetermined level,feed valve 13 is closed to stop feeding water. Then,drum 1 is rotated bymotor 6 at low speed, raising the laundry indrum 1 and then dropping it into the water during the wash cycle. When the wash cycle is performed for a predetermined time, the water inwashing tub 3 is drawn intodrainage pump 14 viadrain outlet 17a. Then,drainage pump 14 is operated to drain the water as intermediate spinning so as to start a rinse cycle. The rinse cycle includes the same operation as the wash cycle. In a subsequent spin cycle,drum 1 is rotated at high speed to centrifugally dehydrate the laundry. - In the wash cycle, the detergent poured into a detergent container (not shown) is supposed to be introduced into
washing tub 3 together with the water flowing throughfeed valve 13 immediately after washing is started. This operation is done manually or by other means. When the cleaning water comes into contact with laundry stains, the detergent cleans and removes stains, providing a high cleaning effect. In the above-described conventional structure, however, the detergent introduced at the start of washing often drops directly throughdrain outlet 17a as detergent aggregates before it is completely dissolved in the water inwashing tub 3. This causes the detergent to get into the drain space and then to be discharged without fulfilling its function. - In view of the above-described problem, the present invention provides a drum-type washer which allows detergent to provide excellent cleaning effect in the following manner. Even if the detergent drops through
drain outlet 17a and accumulates in the drain space, it can be returned intowashing tub 3 and dissolved in the water with the help of the rotation ofdrum 1. - The drum-type washer according to the present invention includes a rotating drum rotatable in a washing tub, the rotating drum having a rotation axis horizontal or inclined from a horizontal; a drain outlet in a bottom of the washing tub; a motor for rotating the rotating drum; a feed-water unit for feeding water into the washing tub; a drainage unit for draining water from the washing tub; and a controller for controlling at least the motor, the feed-water unit, and the drainage unit so as to perform at least wash, rinse, and spin cycles. The washer further includes a water circulation channel, which is extended from a rear-side opening in the rear side of the washing tub and communicated with a drain space in the downstream of the drain outlet.
- In the wash cycle, the cleaning water in the rotating drum goes out through the opening in the rear side of the drum into the water circulation channel, and flows into the drain space. The cleaning water then stirs up the detergent that has accumulated in the drain space after dropping through the drain outlet, thereby returning the detergent into the washing tub. The returned detergent is dissolved in the cleaning water in the washing tub or the drum by the rotation of the drum, thus coming into contact with laundry and fulfilling its function. As a result, the drum-type washer provides excellent washing performance.
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Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a side of a drum-type washer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a side of a washing tub of the drum-type washer according to the first embodiment. -
Fig. 3 is a rear view of the washing tub of the drum-type washer according to the first embodiment. -
Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the washing tub of the drum-type washer according to the first embodiment. -
Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a side of a washing tub of a drum-type washer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing tub of a drum-type washer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram of control signals of a motor and a heater of the drum-type washer according to the third embodiment. -
Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a side of a conventional drum-type washer. - First to fourth embodiments of the present invention will be described as follows with reference to drawings. In the drawings, the dimensions of some components are exaggerated for clarity. In the second to fourth embodiments, like components are labeled with like reference numerals with respect to the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be sometimes omitted. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
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Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a side of a drum-type washer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a side of a washing tub of the washer.Figs. 3 and4 are a rear view and a longitudinal sectional view, respectively, of the washing tub. - As shown in
Fig. 1 , the drum-type washer includes rotatingdrum 17 rotatably mounted inwashing tub 19. Rotatingdrum 17 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and has a large number of water-through-holes 18 in the entire outer periphery. Rotatingdrum 17 has rotatingshaft 20 as its rotation axis, which is either horizontal or slightly inclined from the horizontal. More specifically, the rotation axis is inclined downward from the front side to the rear side of rotatingdrum 17. Rotatingshaft 20 is connected viabelt 44 tomotor 21, which is fixed on the bottom ofwashing tub 19 so that rotatingdrum 17 can be rotated bymotor 21 in the forward and reverse directions.Rotating drum 17 is provided on its inner circumference wall withseveral projection boards 22. - The washer also includes
body 23 havingopening 24, which is formed on the front side ofwashing tub 19 and in the direction perpendicular to an upwardly inclined surface ofbody 23.Opening 24 is covered withopenable lid 25. When washing laundry, the user openslid 25 and loads the laundry intorotating drum 17 throughopening 24, laundry loading-unloadingopening 26 ofwashing tub 19, and laundry loading-unloadingopening 27 ofdrum 17. When washing is over, the user unloads the laundry from rotatingdrum 17 through these openings. Providinglid 25 in the direction perpendicular to the upwardly inclined surface ofbody 23 allows the user to load and unload laundry without bending over too much. -
Washing tub 19 is swingably suspended frombody 23 byspring 28 anddamper 29.Washing tub 19 is provided on its inside bottom with longU-shaped drainage ditch 30 along the direction of rotatingshaft 20.Drainage ditch 30 is equipped withheater 50, and hasdrain outlet 31 at a position to its bottom rear side.Drain outlet 31 is connected to drainspace 37, which is connected at its outlet withdrainage channel 32 viadrain valve 49 as a component ofdrainage unit 60.Drainage channel 32 is connected at the other end thereof withdrainage pump 33 as another component ofdrainage unit 60, so thatdrainage pump 33 drains water from washingtub 19. The washer also includes feed-water unit 65, which has feedvalve 34a for feeding water intowashing tub 19 viadetergent container 35 and feed-water channel 36. The washer also includeswater level detector 48 for detecting the water level inwashing tub 19. - The washer also includes
control device 39, which hascontroller 38 composed of a microcomputer.Controller 38 controls the operations ofmotor 21,drainage pump 33,feed valves drain valve 49, and other components via a power switching unit (not shown) so as to control wash, rinse, spin, and dry cycles. -
Control device 39 receives information from an input setting unit (not shown) for setting an operation course and other conditions, and displays the information on a display unit (not shown) provided therein. The display unit is on the front side ofbody 23, so that the user can see it easily.Control device 39 also hasstorage unit 75, which stores data required forcontroller 38 to control.Storage unit 75 and the display unit can be provided incontrol device 39 together withcontroller 38. - As shown in
Figs. 1 and2 ,washing tub 19 is provided on its bottom with rear-side opening 45. Rear-side opening 45 andopening 46 at the bottom ofdrain space 37 are connected viawater circulation channel 47 so that the water used for washing can circulate there.Water circulation channel 47 is formed by blow molding ethylene-propylene rubber (hereinafter "EPDM"), which is chemical and heat resistant, meaning to be resistant to warm water and detergent. The use of EPDM can formwater circulation channel 47 into a desired shape to fit within the limited space on the rear side ofwashing tub 19. - The following is a specific description of the operation of the drum-type washer having the above-described structure.
- First, the user opens
lid 25, which is a door to the washer, loads laundry intorotating drum 17, pours an appropriate amount of detergent intodetergent container 35, and turns the washer on to start a wash cycle. As a result, feedvalve 34a is turned on to feed water, which is made to pass throughdetergent container 35 having the detergent therein and feed-water channel 36, and then is fed intowashing tub 19 together with the detergent. At the same time, rotatingdrum 17 starts to be rotated at a first predetermined rotational speed which is, for example, 120 r/min. At this moment, rotatingdrum 17 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the front. - During the counterclockwise rotation, the detergent-containing water is stirred, allowing the detergent to be dissolved in the water. At the same time, the water hits the sidewalls (not shown) of
drainage ditch 30. The sidewalls form the sides ofU-shaped drainage ditch 30. When the water hits the sidewalls ofdrainage ditch 30, this produces foam containing highly concentrated detergent in the water and on the water surface. The foam grows and fills the space betweenrotating drum 17 andwashing tub 19. The foam then expands to the front side ofdrum 17 andtub 19, gets intodrum 17 through laundry loading-unloadingopening 27, and finally permeates the laundry. - At this moment, most of the detergent that has reached
drainage ditch 30 is dissolved by stirring. However, when the amount of detergent is large, some of the detergent that remains without being dissolved in the water sometimes drops throughdrain outlet 31 and accumulates indrain space 37. - Then, the produced foam envelops and removes stains from the laundry by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of
rotating drum 17. Then, the foam again passes through water-through-holes 18 in the outer periphery of rotatingdrum 17 and is discharged betweendrum 17 andwashing tub 19, thereby washing the laundry. This operation is performed until the water in thewashing tub 19 reaches a predetermined level, and then the rotational speed ofrotating drum 17 is changed to a second predetermined rotational speed (for example, 45 r/min). Then, a washing operation is performed for a fixed time by repeating forward and reverse rotations alternately with pauses therebetween for a predetermined period of time (for example, a 20 sec ON time and a 7 sec OFF time). - The rotation of
rotating drum 17 at the second predetermined rotational speed causes the laundry indrum 17 to be raised in the direction of rotation byprojection boards 22 formed on the inner circumference wall ofdrum 17. Thus, the laundry is repeatedly raised and dropped from an appropriate height, thereby being beat-washed. Beat-wash includes a combination of the mechanical action by drop impact and the detergent effect by the water circulating to and fromwater circulation channel 47. - When rotating
drum 17 is in the paused state,water circulation channel 47 andwashing tub 19 have the same water level. Whendrum 17 starts to be rotated, on the other hand, the water level ofwashing tub 19 is temporarily lowered because the water is pushed up by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation ofdrum 17. As a result, the water level ofwater circulation channel 47 is also lowered. As shown inFigs. 2 and4 , rear-side opening 45 formed in a recess ofwashing tub 19 can effectively collect water. The collected water flows through rear-side opening 45 ofwashing tub 19 down to opening 46 at the bottom ofdrain space 37, thereby applying a water force to opening 46. The water force pushes up the detergent accumulated indrain space 37 to drainoutlet 31 so as to accelerate the dissolution of the accumulated detergent. - When washing is performed at a certain water temperature by
heating heater 50, warm water is fed from rear-side opening 45 ofwashing tub 19 to drainspace 37 throughwater circulation channel 47. The warm water heats up the water originally drawn indrain space 37 so as to effectively dissolve the detergent, allowing the detergent to fulfill its function. As a result, the drum-type washer provides excellent washing performance. - As described above, the drum-type washer of the present invention includes
rotating drum 17,drain outlet 31,motor 21, feed-water unit 65,drainage unit 60, andcontroller 38 controlling atleast motor 21, feed-water unit 65, anddrainage unit 60 so as to perform at least wash, rinse, and spin cycles. Rotatingdrum 17 is rotatably mounted inwashing tub 19, and has rotatingshaft 20 as its rotation axis, which is either horizontal or inclined from a horizontal.Drain outlet 31 is in the bottom ofwashing tub 19.Motor 21 rotates rotatingdrum 17. Feed-water unit 65 feeds water intowashing tub 19.Drainage unit 60 drains water from washingtub 19. The drum-type washer of the present invention also includeswater circulation channel 47 extended from rear-side opening 45, that is, the opening in the rear side ofwashing tub 19 in such a manner as to be communicated withdrain space 37 in the downstream ofdrain outlet 31. - With this structure, in the wash cycle, even if detergent drops through
drain outlet 31 and accumulates indrain space 37, it can be returned intowashing tub 19 and dissolved in the cleaning water, providing its full cleaning effect. - The opening in the rear side of
washing tub 19, such as rear-side opening 45, can be formed at a position not lower than the rated water level in the wash cycle. - In this case, when the water level in
washing tub 19 increases during the rotation ofrotating drum 17, and reaches rear-side opening 45 at the position not lower than the rated water level, the water circulates inside andoutside washing tub 19 throughwater circulation channel 47 from rear-side opening 45 to drainspace 37 andopening 46. The water circulation allows the powerful water to rush as cleaning water intodrain space 37 from opening 46 at the bottom ofdrain space 37 through rear-side opening 45 andwater circulation channel 47. Then, the cleaning water hits the detergent accumulated indrain space 37, and breaks detergent aggregates. At the same time, the inrush of the cleaning water intodrain space 37 produces a turbulent flow, which increases the dissolution speed of the detergent. - The rear side of
washing tub 19 can be corrugated with alternating projections and recesses, and the opening on the rear side, such as rear-side opening 45, is formed in one of the recesses and connected to the downstream ofdrain outlet 31. - In this case, the water in
washing tub 19 can be effectively collected to rear-side opening 45 oftub 19 during the rotation ofrotating drum 17. As a result, powerful cleaning water hits the detergent accumulated indrain space 37 and breaks detergent aggregates. At the same time, the turbulent flow generated indrain space 37 increases the dissolution speed of the detergent. -
Drain space 37 has an opening such asopening 46 at the bottom thereof, the opening being communicated with thedrain space 37 side ofwater circulation channel 47. - In this case, opening 46 of
drain space 37 can have a simple structure, allowing a reduction in the cost of the mold. As a result, the drum-type washer is inexpensive and provides excellent washing performance. - As shown in
Fig. 2 ,water circulation channel 47 has elbow-shaped ends. - In this case,
water circulation channel 47 extending from the rear side ofwashing tub 19 to drainspace 37 can be compact. As a result,water circulation channel 47 can be accommodated within the limited space on the rear side of drum-type washer, thereby makingwasher body 23 compact. -
Water circulation channel 47 is made of chemical and heat resistant resin. - In this case, the inner wall surface of
water circulation channel 47 can be prevented from being altered or deteriorated in quality by the hot water or the detergent during washing, allowing the washer to be long lasting. -
Water circulation channel 47 may be formed by blow molding. - In this case,
water circulation channel 47 can be formed into a desired shape at low cost, allowing the washer inexpensive. -
Water circulation channel 47 may be made of EPDM. - In this case, the washer can be long lasting and chemical and heat resistant.
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Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a side of a washing tub of a drum-type washer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The washer and the control device of the second embodiment are structured basically the same as those in the first embodiment. More specifically, the difference is that opening 46, which is at the bottom ofdrain space 37 in the first embodiment, is on a side ofdrain space 37 in the second embodiment as shown inFig. 5 . When opening 46 is on a side ofdrain space 37, the rotation ofrotating drum 17 allows the water flown throughwater circulation channel 47 to hit the detergent accumulated indrain space 37 from the side. - When rotating
drum 17 starts to be rotated, the water flown throughdrain outlet 31 and the water flown throughopening 46 produce a turbulent flow indrain space 37. The turbulent flow hits and moves the detergent, thereby effectively dissolving it. In particular, the water flown throughopening 46 pushes the detergent accumulated indrain space 37 from the side. The detergent thus pushed is mixed with the water present on the opposite side, thereby producing a turbulent flow in the water. The turbulent flow effectively stirs up the detergent fromdrain space 37 intowashing tub 19, so that the detergent is brought again into contact with the laundry, thereby removing stain therefrom more effectively. As a result, the washer has excellent washing performance. - As described above, in
Fig. 5 , drainspace 37 hasopening 46 at a side thereof, opening 46 being communicated with thedrain space 37 side ofwater circulation channel 47. - In this case, the cleaning water, which is the powerful water flowing from different directions, hit the detergent accumulated in
drain space 37, thereby breaking the detergent aggregates. Furthermore, the turbulent flow generated indrain space 37 increases the dissolution speed of the detergent. - As shown in
Fig. 5 ,water circulation channel 47 has elbow-shaped ends. - In this case,
water circulation channel 47 extending from the rear side ofwashing tub 19 to drainspace 37 can be compact. As a result,water circulation channel 47 can be accommodated within the limited space on the rear side of the drum-type washer, thereby makingwasher body 23 compact. -
Water circulation channel 47 is made of chemical and heat resistant resin. - In this case, the inner wall surface of
water circulation channel 47 can be prevented from being altered or deteriorated in quality by the hot water or the detergent during washing, allowing the washer to be long lasting. -
Water circulation channel 47 may be formed by blow molding. - In this case,
water circulation channel 47 can be formed into a desired shape at low cost, allowing the washer inexpensive. -
Water circulation channel 47 may be made of EPDM. - In this case, the washer can be long lasting and chemical and heat resistant.
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Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing tub of a drum-type washer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. A sectional view of a side of the washer and a rear view of the washing tub of the washer according to the third embodiment are identical to those in the first embodiment as shown inFigs. 1 and3 , respectively. - The drum-type washer of the present third embodiment is substantially the same as in the first embodiment, and hence, the description thereof will be omitted.
- The following is a specific description of the operation of the washer of the present embodiment.
- As shown in
Fig. 1 , the user openslid 25, which is a door to the washer, loads laundry intorotating drum 17, closeslid 25, and turns on the power switch. Then, the user selects a course and cycles shown on the operation panel, and presses the start button to start the operation. As a result,lid 25 is locked. - First, a feed-water cycle is started.
Feed valve 34a is turned on to feed water intowashing tub 19 through feed-water channel 36. Then, it is determined whether the water has reached a predetermined water level S1 (for example, 0 mm or the reset water level) by a water level sensor (not shown) or the like. When it is affirmatively determined, feedvalve 34a is turned off to stop feeding water; otherwise, the water feeding is continued. When the water level S1 is determined to have been reached,motor 21 is driven to rotaterotating drum 17. Next, it is determined whetherrotating drum 17 has reached a first predetermined rotational speed (for example, 85 r/min). When it is affirmatively determined, the process goes to the next cycle; otherwise, the rotation is continued to increase the rotational speed. - When the first predetermined rotational speed is determined to have been reached, feed
valve 34b is turned on to start feeding water. The water is made to pass through feed-water channel 36 anddetergent container 35 and is fed intowashing tub 19 together with detergent. Thus, the detergent is introduced intowashing tub 19. - Then, it is determined whether the water has reached a predetermined water level S2 (for example, 60 mm) by the water level sensor or the like. When it is affirmatively determined, the process proceeds to the next cycle where
feed valve 34b is turned off to stop feeding water; otherwise, the water feeding is continued. When the water level S2 is determined to have been reached, it is also determined whether a predetermined rotation time T1 has been passed. When it is affirmatively determined, the rotation ofrotating drum 17 is stopped so that the process proceeds to the next cycle; otherwise, the rotation is continued. - As a result, the detergent-containing water is stirred, allowing the detergent to be dissolved in the water. At the same time, the water hits the sidewalls of
drainage ditch 30. When the water hits the sidewalls, this produces foam containing highly concentrated detergent, which grows and fills the space betweenrotating drum 17 andwashing tub 19. The foam then expands to the front side ofrotating drum 17 andwashing tub 19, gets intorotating drum 17 through laundry loading-unloadingopening 27, and finally permeates the laundry. At this moment, most of the detergent that has reacheddrainage ditch 30 is dissolved by stirring. However, when the amount of detergent is large, some of the detergent that remains without being dissolved in the water sometimes drops throughdrain outlet 31 and accumulates indrain space 37. - At the same time, rotating
drum 17 starts to be rotated at a second predetermined rotational speed (for example, 120 r/min). At this moment, rotatingdrum 17 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the front. The produced foam envelops and removes stains from the laundry by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation ofrotating drum 17. Then, the foam again passes through water-through-holes 18 in the outer periphery of rotatingdrum 17 and is discharged betweendrum 17 andwashing tub 19, thereby washing the laundry. This operation is performed for a predetermined time until the water in thewashing tub 19 reaches a predetermined level. The process performed at the first and second predetermined rotational speeds is what is called a "foaming cycle", which is a previous step of a full-scale washing. The foaming cycle has a main purpose of dissolving and dispersing detergent in the water so as to generate highly concentrated foam, and permeating the washing solution into the laundry. - Next, the process goes to a wash cycle in which the full-scale washing is performed. The rotational speed of
rotating drum 17 is changed to a third predetermined rotational speed (for example, 45 r/min). Then, a washing operation is performed for a fixed time by repeating forward and reverse rotations alternately as a first ON time with pauses as a first OFF time therebetween (for example, a 20 sec ON time and a 7 sec OFF time). The rotation ofmotor 21 is shown inFig. 7 . -
Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram of control signals ofmotor 21 andheater 50 of the washer of the present third embodiment. The control signals ofmotor 21 are shown as signals to control the rotation ofdrum 17. - The rotation of
rotating drum 17 at the third predetermined rotational speed causes the laundry indrum 17 to be raised in the direction of rotation byprojection boards 22 formed on the inner circumference wall ofdrum 17. Thus, the laundry is repeatedly raised and dropped from an appropriate height, thereby being beat-washed. - As shown in
Fig. 6 , when rotatingdrum 17 is in the paused state,water circulation channel 47 andwashing tub 19 have the same water level. Whendrum 17 starts to be rotated, on the other hand, the water level ofwashing tub 19 is temporarily lowered in parts because the water is pushed up by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation ofrotating drum 17. As a result, the water level ofwater circulation channel 47 is also lowered. As shown inFig. 2 , rear-side opening 45 can collect water effectively because it is formed in a recess on the inside bottom ofwashing tub 19 having substantially radial projections and recesses. Whenmotor 21 is turned on androtating drum 17 is rotated vigorously, the water inwashing tub 19 is collected and pushed out to flow through rear-side opening 45 ofwashing tub 19 down to opening 46 ofdrain space 37. - The water is then pushed out through opening 46 at the bottom of
drain space 37, and the water force pushes up the detergent accumulated indrain space 37 to drainoutlet 31. As a result, the water indrain space 37 is discharged intowashing tub 19, and at the same time, a turbulent flow is generated in the vicinity ofdrain outlet 31. The turbulent flow efficiently mixes the detergent and the water, thereby accelerating the dissolution of the accumulated detergent. - The washing is performed by repeating the first ON time and the first OFF time. When a predetermined time has passed, the stirring time of rotating
drum 17 is changed to a second ON time and a second OFF time. The second ON time is longer than the first ON time by a fixed time. The stirring time is, for example, a 35 sec ON time and a 4 sec OFF time. - When the stirring time of rotating
drum 17 is changed from the first ON and OFF times to the second ON and OFF times, the scheduled time has passed after the start of the wash cycle, and therefore, the detergent has been well dissolved and hardly accumulates indrain space 37. Even so, in order to minimize the accumulation of the detergent that remains without being dissolved, the second ON time is set longer than the ON time set at the start of the wash cycle. This allows the detergent that has dropped intowater circulation channel 47, for example, at reverse rotation ofrotating drum 17 to flow from opening 46 ofdrain space 37 to rear-side opening 45 ofwashing tub 19, and then to return towashing tub 19. As a result, less amount of detergent accumulates indrain space 37. Thus, the rotation ofrotating drum 17 allowswater circulation channel 47 to have opposite water flows: the water flowing intowashing tub 19 fromwater circulation channel 47, and the water flowing out ofwashing tub 19 intowater circulation channel 47. This prevents the detergent that remains without being dissolved from staying under rotatingdrum 17, thereby increasing the speed of dissolution of the detergent. The improved dissolution of the detergent can generate highly concentrated washing solution in a shorter time than before. This shortens the wash time without decreasing the washing effect. - As described above, the drum-type washer of the present invention includes
rotating drum 17,drain outlet 31,motor 21, feed-water unit 65,drainage unit 60, andcontroller 38 controlling atleast motor 21, feed-water unit 65, anddrainage unit 60 so as to perform at least wash, rinse, and spin cycles. Rotatingdrum 17 is rotatably mounted inwashing tub 19, and has rotatingshaft 20 as its rotation axis, which is either horizontal or inclined from a horizontal.Drain outlet 31 is in the bottom ofwashing tub 19.Motor 21 rotates rotatingdrum 17. Feed-water unit 65 feeds water intowashing tub 19.Drainage unit 60 drains water from washingtub 19. The washer of the present invention also includeswater circulation channel 47 extended from rear-side opening 45, that is, the opening in the rear side ofwashing tub 19 in such a manner as to be communicated withdrain space 37 in the downstream ofdrain outlet 31. - The washer of the present invention also includes
heater 50, which is a component of a heating unit for heating water.Controller 38 turns on and offmotor 21 in the wash cycle so as to circulate water to and fromwater circulation channel 47. - With this structure, in the wash cycle, even if detergent drops through
drain outlet 31 and accumulates indrain space 37, it can be returned intowashing tub 19 and dissolved in the cleaning water, providing its full cleaning effect. - When a predetermined time has passed after the wash cycle is started,
controller 38 controls the ON time ofmotor 21 to be longer than the ON time set at the start of the wash cycle. - In this case, immediately after the start of the wash cycle, rotating
drum 17 is rotated at low speed so as to reduce the convection of water inwashing tub 19, thereby maximizing the effect of heating the water. When the predetermined time has passed after the start of a wash cycle, rotatingdrum 17 is rotated at high speed so as to increase the circulating volume of the heated water, and hence, the solubility of the detergent, thereby providing high detergency performance. - When the predetermined time has passed after the start of a wash cycle,
controller 38 controls the OFF time ofmotor 21 to be shorter than the OFF time set at the start of the wash cycle. - As a result, in the predetermined time after the start of the wash cycle, the water moves slowly around
heater 50 so as to have sufficient contact time withheater 50, thereby efficiently increasing the temperature of the water. When the predetermined time has passed, rotatingdrum 17 is rotated at high speed so as to increase the circulating volume of heated water from washingtub 19 to drainspace 37. This allows the detergent to be dissolved more easily, and hence, to provide its full cleaning effect. -
Controller 38controls heater 50 to be ON for the predetermined time after the start of a wash cycle, and to be OFF when the predetermined time has passed, also controls the ON time ofmotor 21 to be longer than the ON time set at the start of the wash cycle. - With this structure, immediately after the start of a wash cycle, the water in
washing tub 19 is heated to the maximum extent possible, and when the water has been heated,heater 50 is turned off and the heated water is circulated. Thus, the heat time ofheater 50 and the switching from the first to the second ON time of rotatingdrum 17 are in unison with each other. As a result, even when the heat time ofheater 50 is changed according to the water temperature, the amount of laundry, and the amount of water at the start of washing, the detergent can be dissolved effectively and efficiently. This achieves energy conservation and high detergency performance. - A sectional view of a side of a drum-type washer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in
Fig. 1 , which is the same as in the first embodiment. A rear view and a longitudinal sectional view ofwashing tub 19 of the washer according to the fourth embodiment are identical to those in the first embodiment as shown inFigs. 3 and6 , respectively. - The drum-type washer of the present fourth embodiment has a foaming cycle and a wash cycle as in the first embodiment.
-
Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram of control signals ofmotor 21 andheater 50 of the washer according to the fourth embodiment. The control signals ofmotor 21 are shown as signals to control the rotation ofrotating drum 17. The sequence diagram is identical to that of the third embodiment. - The above structure will be described as follows based on the sequence diagram of
motor 21 andheater 50 shown inFig. 7 . Note that the description of the same operation as in the first embodiment will be omitted. - After performing the same foaming cycle as in the first embodiment, a wash cycle is started.
- In the wash cycle, as shown in
Fig. 7 , until a predetermined time passes after the start of the wash cycle,motor 21 is driven with the first ON time and the first OFF time, andheater 50 performs heating. When the predetermined time has passed, the first ON time and the first OFF time are changed to a longer ON time and a shorter OFF time, respectively. - Until the predetermined time passes after the start of the wash cycle, rotating
drum 17 is rotated in a shorter time and stopped for a longer time than after the predetermined time has passed. This allows the water in rotatingdrum 17 to flow slowly, and the detergent that remains without being dissolved to be easily dropped and collected indrainage ditch 30 in the bottom ofwashing tub 19. The water aroundheater 50 in the recess ofdrainage ditch 30 is heated up whenheater 50 is turned on. Since rotatingdrum 17 is rotated slowly, the water aroundheater 50 moves little and is heated up. The detergent that remains without being dissolved is collected indrainage ditch 30 havingheater 50 therein is mixed with the heated water, thereby being dissolved in an accelerated manner. - When the predetermined time has passed, the water in
washing tub 19 is warm, and is fed from rear-side opening 45 to drainspace 37 throughwater circulation channel 47. As a result, the water originally drawn indrain space 37 is heated up so as to effectively dissolve the detergent. When the predetermined time has passed in the wash cycle, as shown inFig. 7 , the stirring time of rotatingdrum 17 is changed to make the ON time longer and the OFF time shorter by a predetermined time. In this situation, the water inwater circulation channel 47 continues to flow all the time, thereby dissolving more of the detergent, and allowing the detergent to have its full cleaning effect. As a result, the drum-type washer provides excellent washing performance. -
Controller 38controls heater 50 to be ON for the predetermined time after the start of a wash cycle, and to be OFF when the predetermined time has passed, and also controls the OFF time ofmotor 21 to be shorter than the OFF time set at the start of the wash cycle. - With this structure, the heat time of
heater 50 and the switching from the first to the second ON time of rotatingdrum 17 are in unison with each other. Immediately after the start of a wash cycle, the water inwashing tub 19 is heated to the maximum extent possible, and the water heated to a preset temperature is circulated. Later, the ON time is made longer so that more water can be circulated from washingtub 19 to drainspace 37 throughwater circulation channel 47. As a result, even when the heat time ofheater 50 is changed according to the water temperature, the amount of laundry, and the amount of water at the start of washing, the detergent can be dissolved effectively, providing its full cleaning effect. - As described hereinbefore, the drum-type washer of the present invention, which allows detergent accumulated in the drain space during washing to be effectively dissolved by making use of the water movement in the water circulation channel, provides excellent washing performance.
Claims (14)
- A drum-type washer comprising:a rotating drum rotatable in a washing tub, the rotating drum having a rotation axis horizontal or inclined from a horizontal;a drain outlet in a bottom of the washing tub;a motor for rotating the rotating drum;a feed-water unit for feeding water into the washing tub;a drainage unit for draining water from the washing tub;a controller for controlling at least the motor, the feed-water unit, and the drainage unit so as to perform at least wash, rinse, and spin cycles; anda water circulation channel extended from a rear-side opening in a rear side of the washing tub, the water circulation channel being communicated with a drain space in a downstream of the drain outlet.
- The drum-type washer of claim 1, wherein
the rear-side opening in the rear side of the washing tub is at a position not lower than a rated water level in a wash cycle. - The drum-type washer of claim 1 or 2, wherein
the rear side of the washing tub is corrugated with alternating projections and recesses, and the rear-side opening in the rear side of the washing tub is formed in one of the recesses and connected to the downstream of the drain outlet. - The drum-type washer of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
the drain space has an opening at a bottom thereof, the opening being communicated with the drain space side of the water circulation channel. - The drum-type washer of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
the drain space has an opening at a side thereof, the opening being communicated with the drain space side of the water circulation channel. - The drum-type washer of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
the water circulation channel has elbow-shaped ends. - The drum-type washer of claim 6, wherein
the water circulation channel is made of chemical and heat resistant resin. - The drum-type washer of claim 6, wherein
the water circulation channel is formed by blow molding. - The drum-type washer of claim 6, wherein
the water circulation channel is made of ethylene-propylene rubber. - The drum-type washer of claim 1, wherein
the controller turns on and off the motor in a wash cycle so as to circulate the water to and from the water circulation channel. - The drum-type washer of claim 10, wherein
when a predetermined time has passed after a start of the wash cycle, the controller controls an ON time of the motor to be longer than an ON time set at the start of the wash cycle. - The drum-type washer of claim 10 or 11, wherein
when a predetermined time has passed after a start of the wash cycle, the controller controls an OFF time of the motor to be shorter than an OFF time set at the start of the wash cycle. - The drum-type washer of claim 10, further comprising:a heating unit for heating water, whereinthe controller controls the heating unit to be ON for a predetermined time after a start of the wash cycle, and to be OFF when the predetermined time has passed, and also controls an ON time of the motor to be longer than an ON time set at the start of the wash cycle.
- The drum-type washer of claim 10 or 13, further comprising:a heating unit for heating water, whereinthe controller controls the heating unit to be ON for a predetermined time after a start of the wash cycle, and to be OFF when the predetermined time has passed, and also controls an OFF time of the motor to be shorter than an OFF time set at the start of the wash cycle.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2009054542A JP4868011B2 (en) | 2009-03-09 | 2009-03-09 | Drum washing machine |
JP2009054541A JP4868010B2 (en) | 2009-03-09 | 2009-03-09 | Drum washing machine |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2228478A1 true EP2228478A1 (en) | 2010-09-15 |
EP2228478B1 EP2228478B1 (en) | 2011-07-20 |
Family
ID=42238580
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP10154187A Not-in-force EP2228478B1 (en) | 2009-03-09 | 2010-02-22 | Drum-type washer |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP2228478B1 (en) |
CN (2) | CN101831777B (en) |
AT (1) | ATE517205T1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2228478B1 (en) * | 2009-03-09 | 2011-07-20 | Panasonic Corporation | Drum-type washer |
JP2013223551A (en) * | 2012-04-20 | 2013-10-31 | Hitachi Appliances Inc | Washing machine |
CN102733155B (en) * | 2012-06-02 | 2015-03-11 | 松下家电研究开发(杭州)有限公司 | Washing machine with preposed water inlet drum |
JP6937467B2 (en) * | 2018-02-27 | 2021-09-22 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Washing machine |
CN109338677B (en) * | 2018-11-01 | 2023-06-13 | 合肥海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Washing machine |
KR102638188B1 (en) | 2019-02-01 | 2024-02-16 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Washing machine with a conduit for supplying water to nozzles at gasket and manufacturing method of the conduit |
CN115679573A (en) * | 2021-07-29 | 2023-02-03 | 香港纺织及成衣研发中心有限公司 | Drum washing machine for fading textiles and washing method |
Citations (4)
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EP0182364A2 (en) * | 1984-11-20 | 1986-05-28 | INDUSTRIE ZANUSSI S.p.A. | Laundry washing machine |
EP0716178A2 (en) * | 1994-12-06 | 1996-06-12 | SHARP Corporation | Drum type washing machine and drier |
JP2006061431A (en) | 2004-08-27 | 2006-03-09 | Hitachi Home & Life Solutions Inc | Drum type washing machine |
EP1983094A1 (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2008-10-22 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Drying unit and laundry washing/drying machine equipped with the drying unit |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP3812533B2 (en) * | 2002-11-25 | 2006-08-23 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Drum washing machine |
KR100531367B1 (en) * | 2002-12-02 | 2005-11-28 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | drum washing machine |
KR100765277B1 (en) * | 2005-01-10 | 2007-10-09 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | drum type washer |
CN101046053B (en) * | 2006-03-31 | 2011-02-16 | 海尔集团公司 | Washing machine capable of utilizing washing powder and its operation mode |
EP2228478B1 (en) * | 2009-03-09 | 2011-07-20 | Panasonic Corporation | Drum-type washer |
-
2010
- 2010-02-22 EP EP10154187A patent/EP2228478B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2010-02-22 AT AT10154187T patent/ATE517205T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-03-09 CN CN2010101322216A patent/CN101831777B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-03-09 CN CN2010201366205U patent/CN201620278U/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0182364A2 (en) * | 1984-11-20 | 1986-05-28 | INDUSTRIE ZANUSSI S.p.A. | Laundry washing machine |
EP0716178A2 (en) * | 1994-12-06 | 1996-06-12 | SHARP Corporation | Drum type washing machine and drier |
JP2006061431A (en) | 2004-08-27 | 2006-03-09 | Hitachi Home & Life Solutions Inc | Drum type washing machine |
EP1983094A1 (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2008-10-22 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Drying unit and laundry washing/drying machine equipped with the drying unit |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN201620278U (en) | 2010-11-03 |
CN101831777B (en) | 2012-07-04 |
ATE517205T1 (en) | 2011-08-15 |
CN101831777A (en) | 2010-09-15 |
EP2228478B1 (en) | 2011-07-20 |
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