EP2458061A1 - Drum-type washing machine - Google Patents
Drum-type washing machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2458061A1 EP2458061A1 EP11188720A EP11188720A EP2458061A1 EP 2458061 A1 EP2458061 A1 EP 2458061A1 EP 11188720 A EP11188720 A EP 11188720A EP 11188720 A EP11188720 A EP 11188720A EP 2458061 A1 EP2458061 A1 EP 2458061A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- bubble
- drum
- air duct
- air
- detecting portion
- 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
- D06F39/06—Arrangements for preventing or destroying scum
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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
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/206—Heat pump arrangements
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a drum-type washing machine for washing and drying laundry.
- a conventional drum-type washing machine with a drying function has a drying device which communicates with an inner part of a drum for sending air into the drum accommodating laundry.
- the drying device generally includes a dehumidifying portion for dehumidifying moist air carrying out dehumidification in contact with the laundry in the drum, a heating portion for heating the cooled and dehumidified air, a blower for sending the heated air into the drum, and an air duct for circulating the air in the drum.
- the drum-type washing machine generates a bubble when the drum is rotated in a state in which washing water having a detergent dissolved therein is stored in a water tab at a washing step.
- a user puts the detergent in a proper quantity or more for a degree of dirt or the case in which a rotating speed of the drum is high, a large quantity of bubbles are generated.
- the bubble enters through a blowing port for sending air into the drum, thereby causing a defect on a drying device having an electric component such as a fan motor. Therefore, it is demanded to prevent the entrance of the bubble into the drying device.
- Patent Document 1 discloses a drum-type washing machine for stopping a water supply and changing a time required for stirring or reducing a rotating speed of a drum to prevent an increase in a bubble, thereby preventing an entrance of the bubble into an air duct when detecting the generation of the bubble by turning on an electrode.
- Patent Document 2 discloses a drum-type washing machine provided with a first conductivity sensor for detecting a concentration of a detergent and a second conductivity sensor for detecting a bubble entering an air duct, for example. If the concentration of the detergent is high, it is reduced through a water supply and drainage to prevent foaming. In the case in which the entrance of the bubble into the air duct is detected, furthermore, a rotation of a drum is stopped to prevent the entrance of the bubble into a blasting mechanism provided in the air duct.
- Patent Document 3 Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-73126
- Fig. 5 is a schematic structure view of the conventional drum-type washing machine.
- the drum-type washing machine includes heater unit 60, draft air duct 55 for circulating air in drum 51, and foaming detecting sensor 56 provided in an upper part at a back side in water tab 53.
- Heater unit 60 has heater 61 for heating air and blasting fan 59 for sending the heated air into drum 51.
- Patent Document 4 a drum-type washing machine for driving an air blower to prevent an entrance of a bubble into an air duct at a washing step is disclosed in Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-6063 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 4"), for example.
- a duct for a drying unit is large-sized and an air blower is therefore provided in a lower part, for example. Consequently, a bubble entering an air duct and a liquefied bubble falls along an inside wall of an air duct by gravity. For this reason, the falling bubble is sent and returned to a water tab by means of the air blower. Therefore, efficiency is poor.
- a drum-type washing machine includes a housing, a water tab supported in the housing, a drum provided rotatably in the water tab, a motor for rotating and driving the drum, an air duct having a sucking port and a blowing port which introduce air into the drum, a blower provided in the air duct for sending the air into the drum, a bubble detecting portion for detecting a bubble entering the air duct, and a control portion for controlling at least one of a washing step of washing laundry with a low speed rotation in which the laundry is subjected to beat washing in the drum and a high speed rotation in which the laundry sticks to an inner peripheral surface of the drum, a rinsing step and a dewatering step, and at the washing step, the control portion operates the bubble detecting portion, operates the blower to send air to the blowing port from above the blowing port when the bubble detecting portion detects the entrance of the bubble, and causes the bubble to flow from the blowing port toward the water tab side.
- Fig. 1 is a sectional view showing a drum-type washing machine according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of an air duct in the drum-type washing machine.
- Fig. 3 is a time chart showing an operation of a washing step in the drum-type washing machine.
- an arrow a indicates a direction in which air flows and an arrow b indicates a direction in which a bubble entering air duct 10 flows.
- the drum-type washing machine includes at least housing 1, water tab 3, drum 4, motor 9, air duct 10, blasting fan 13 to be a blower, bubble detecting portion 21, and control portion 25.
- Water tank 3 is swingably supported into housing 1 by means of damper 2 or the like.
- Cylindrical bottomed drum 4 is rotatably provided in water tab 3.
- Drum 4 has rotating shaft 5 which is downward inclined from an opened front side toward a back side to be a bottomed portion (for example, approximately 10 degrees).
- Openable door 24 is provided on an inclined surface at the front side of housing 1 opposite to opening portion 8 of drum 4.
- Door 24 serves to put laundry A in/out of drum 4.
- a plurality of baffles 6 and a large number of water passing holes 7 are provided on an inner peripheral surface of drum 4.
- Baffles 6 are protruded inward in a direction of rotating shaft 5.
- Water passing holes 7 communicate with an inner part of water tab 3.
- Washing water is supplied into water tab 3 by means of a water supply valve (not shown) to be a water supply portion for supplying the washing water into water tab 3, and the washing water supplied into water tab 3 is supplied from water passing hole 7 into drum 4.
- the washing water in water tab 3 is discharged to an outside of the washing machine via drainage passage 23 by opening drainage valve 22 provided below drum 4 after washing laundry A.
- Motor 9 for rotating and driving drum 4 is attached to a rear surface of water tab 3.
- Motor 9 is constituted by a brushless DC motor, for example, and is rotated and driven with a rotating speed varied freely by an inverter control.
- Heat pump device 17 is provided above water tab 3.
- Heat pump device 17 is constituted by compressor 18, condenser 16, expansion portion 19 and evaporator 15, and conduit 20 and heat pump device 17 are coupled to each other in order to circulate a refrigerant.
- Compressor 18 compresses the refrigerant.
- Condenser 16 is a heating portion for radiating heat of the compressed refrigerant having a high temperature and a high pressure, thereby heating passing air.
- Expansion portion 19 is constituted by a capillary tube or the like, for example, and reduces a pressure of the refrigerant having a high pressure.
- Evaporator 15 serves as a dehumidifying portion in which the refrigerant having the pressure reduced dehumidifies air drawing heat from surroundings and passing.
- Air duct 10 for introducing the air from the rear surface of water tab 3 into drum 4 is provided to reach the rear surface of water tab 3 from above water tab 3.
- Air duct 10 has sucking port 12 provided in front of an upper surface of water tab 3 and blowing port 11 provided on the rear surface of water tab 3, and sucking port 12 is disposed above blowing port 11.
- the air in water tab 3 and drum 4 is supplied from sucking port 12 of water tab 3 to air duct 10, and is blown toward blowing port 11 from above blowing port 11 provided on an outlet side of air duct 10 and is thus supplied into water tab 3 and drum 4.
- air duct 10 includes evaporator 15 and condenser 16 in heat pump device 17, blasting fan 13 to be driven by fan motor 14, and bubble detecting portion 21.
- Evaporator 15, condenser 16 and blasting fan 13 are provided sequentially from sucking port 12 along an air flow above water tab 3.
- the air sent by blasting fan 13 is cooled and dehumidified in evaporator 15 of heat pump device 17 and is heated in condenser 16. Then, the air heated in the condenser 16 is sent by blasting fan 13 so as to be blown down from above blowing port 11 provided on the rear surface of water tab 3 through air duct 10 which is downward extended toward blowing port 11. Consequently, the air circulates into water tab 3 and drum 4.
- the air which draws moisture in contact with laundry A in drum 4 and thus becomes moist returns from sucking port 12 to air duct 10, and flows from a forward part toward a rear part above water tab 3 and thus circulates.
- control portion 25 provided in housing 1 drives motor 9, compressor 18 of heat pump device 17, fan motor 14 to be a blower and the like, and successively controls each of washing, rinsing, dewatering and drying steps.
- Control portion 25 includes a signal processing portion for processing a bubble detection signal output from bubble detecting portion 21 which will be described below in detail.
- Bubble detecting portion 21 to be a main object of the present exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 2 .
- bubble detecting portion 21 is constituted by at least one pair of electrodes provided close to each other at predetermined interval K on an inner peripheral surface of air duct 10 opposite to each other in a perpendicular direction to an axial direction of air duct 10, and is formed to take a shape of a plate or a needle.
- Bubble detecting portion 21 is provided in the vicinity of blowing port 11 of air duct 10 and detects a bubble entering air duct 10. When the bubble entering air duct 10 comes in contact with the electrodes, the electrodes are conducted to each other so that a current flows to detect the bubble.
- the present invention is not restricted thereto.
- the electrodes may be provided vertically or transversely on a substrate so as to be separated hollowly in air duct 10 and placed in close positions.
- bubble detecting portion 21 may detect a bubble according to a quantity of light transmission other than an electrical conduction.
- door 24 provided openably on the front surface side of housing 1 is opened to put laundry A into drum 4 through opening portion 8.
- a power switch (not shown) of operating portion 26 provided in a front part of an upper surface of housing 1 is turned ON.
- a start switch (not shown) is manipulated to start an operation, a quantity of a cloth in laundry A which is put in is detected by cloth quantity detecting portion 27.
- washing is executed in order of a washing step, a rinsing step and a dewatering step. Based on a time chart of Fig. 3 , an operation of the washing step will be described below in detail.
- the washing step is started subsequently to the decision of the quantity of the cloth in laundry A which is put in.
- control portion 25 drives motor 9 and rotates drum 4 at a low speed. Consequently, laundry A is lifted up in a rotating direction of drum 4 by means of baffle 6 provided in drum 4 and falls from an upper part in drum 4 by gravity.
- the rotating speed of drum 4 is set to be 30 r/min to 50 r/min, for example, and a mechanical force such as a shock in the fall is effectively applied to laundry A to carry out washing.
- the rotating speed of drum 4 also depends on the quantity of laundry A, it is preferably 40 r/min.
- the rotating speed of drum 4 in the high speed rotation is set to be 150 r/min to 300 r/min, for example, and washing water contained in laundry A is forcedly discharged by a centrifugal force. It is preferable that the rotating speed of drum 4 should be 200 r/min.
- the high speed rotation is executed at least once at the washing step, it may be executed at plural times. While a time required for the high speed rotation is set to be shorter than a time required for the low speed rotation, the low speed rotation and the high speed rotation are repetitively carried out. Consequently, drum 4 is rotated at a high speed to remove the washing water between fibers of laundry A by a centrifugal force and to continuously substitute the washing water between the fibers. Thus, a washing effect can be enhanced.
- the washing water having a detergent dissolved therein is stored in a bottom part of water tab 3.
- the rotating speed of drum 4 is set to be 200 r/min, for example, and drum 4 is thus rotated at a high speed, therefore, the washing water is stirred so that a bubble is generated.
- control portion 25 rotates drum 4 at a high speed, and at the same time, turns ON bubble detecting portion 21 to bring a state in which the bubble entering air duct 10 can be detected.
- blasting fan 13 is operated. Then, the air is sent to be blown down toward blowing port 11 from above blowing port 11, so that the bubble entering air duct 10 is caused to flow out of blowing port 11 toward water tab 3 side.
- bubble detecting portion 21 makes a transition from the high speed rotation (for example, 200 r/min) to the low speed rotation (for example, 40 r/min) over drum 4 to turn OFF a power supply of bubble detecting portion 21 as shown in Fig. 3 .
- blasting fan 13 is stopped after predetermined time t1 passes since the transition from the high speed rotation to the low speed rotation in drum 4. Consequently, bubble detecting portion 21 is turned ON to bring a state in which the entrance of the bubble can be detected only in the high speed rotation of drum 4 in which the generation of the bubble is increased at the washing step. As a result, power consumption is lessened as compared with the case in which bubble detecting portion 21 is usually turned ON, and furthermore, the bubble in air duct 10 is caused to flow toward water tab 3 side more reliably, thereby preventing the entrance of the bubble into heat pump device 17 or the like.
- control portion 25 rotates drum 4 at a high speed, and at the same time, turns ON bubble detecting portion 21 to bring a state in which the bubble entering air duct 10 can be detected.
- bubble detecting portion 21 is turned ON to bring a state in which the entrance of the bubble can be detected.
- power consumption can be lessened as compared with the case in which bubble detecting portion 21 is usually turned ON, and furthermore, the entrance of the bubble into air duct 10 can be prevented precisely.
- the drum-type washing machine operates bubble detecting portion 21 to detect the bubble entering air duct 10 in the high speed rotation of drum 4 in at least the washing step.
- bubble detecting portion 21 detects the entrance of the bubble into air duct 10
- blasting fan 13 is operated to send air so as to be downward blown toward blowing port 11 from above blowing port 11 so that the bubble in air duct 10 is pushed and returned toward water tab 3 side.
- the entrance of the bubble into air duct 10 can be prevented efficiently. Therefore, the high speed rotation of drum 4 can be carried out at the washing step. Consequently, it is possible to sufficiently discharge a large quantity of washing water contained in laundry A from the laundry by a centrifugal force generated with the high speed rotation and to effectively remove the washing water having dirt dissolved therein from a fiber, thereby enhancing the washing effect. As a result, it is possible to simultaneously implement the prevention of the entrance of the bubble into air duct 10 and the high washing effect.
- control portion 25 rotates drum 4 at a high speed, and at the same time, bubble detecting portion 21 is turned ON to bring a state in which the bubble entering air duct 10 can be detected in the present exemplary embodiment, the present invention is not restricted thereto. Also when control portion 25 rotates drum 4 at a low speed, bubble detecting portion 21 may be turned ON to bring a state in which the bubble entering air duct 10 can be detected. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the bubble from entering air duct 10 irrespective of the rotating speed of drum 4.
- Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a main part of air duct according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the present exemplary embodiment is different from the first exemplary embodiment in that a plurality of bubble detecting portions 21 is provided in air duct 10 from air blowing port 11 to blasting fan 13.
- the other structures are the same as those of the first exemplary embodiment and the same structures have the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the first exemplary embodiment will be incorporated by reference.
- a plurality of bubble detecting portions 21 is correspondingly provided at predetermined interval L with respect to a direction (a direction of arrow b) in which a bubble entering air duct 10 flows in order of first sensor 21a, second sensor 21b and third sensor 21c upward from blowing port 11 in three places in air duct 10.
- control portion 25 varies a quantity of air to be sent by blasting fan 13 according to a time interval between signals detected by bubble detecting portion 21 (first sensor 21a, second sensor 21b or third sensor 21c). Consequently, unnecessary blasting can be reduced and the bubble can be efficiently pushed out of air duct 10 reliably.
- control portion 25 sets the quantity of air to be sent by blasting fan 13 to be larger than a predetermined value when the time interval between signal detected by bubble detecting portion 21 (for example, a time internal from first sensor 21a to second sensor 21b or from second sensor 21b to third sensor 21c) is shorter.
- the predetermined value is set to be a quantity of blast obtained immediately before the air is sent by blasting fan 13. Consequently, time intervals from a start of detection to first sensor 21a, from first sensor 21a to second sensor 21b and from second sensor 21b to third sensor 21c are measured. As a result, a bubble is pushed back in an optimum quantity of blast in which an entrance is prevented against an increase situation of the bubble so that the entrance of the bubble into the air duct can be prevented precisely.
- Table 1 shows the relationship between the time intervals between signals detected by first sensor 21a, second sensor 21b and third sensor 21c and the quantity of the air sent by blasting fan 13. Referring to the quantity of blast, for example, an output of 100% of a blast capability in blasting fan 13 is set to be “large”, an output of 50% is set to be “middle” and an output of 20% is set to be “small”.
- drum 4 is rotated at a high speed, and at the same time, a time that first to third sensors 21a to 21c are turned ON is set to be a detection starting time.
- duration t from the start of the detection to an entrance of a bubble generated in water tab 3 and drum 4 into air duct 10 through blowing port 11 and a contact with first sensor 21a is detected by control portion 25.
- control portion 25 duration t from the start of the detection to an entrance of a bubble generated in water tab 3 and drum 4 into air duct 10 through blowing port 11 and a contact with first sensor 21a is detected by control portion 25.
- the quantity of blast through blasting fan 13 is set to be "small" and the air is sent.
- blasting fan 13 is not driven but a stopping state is maintained.
- control portion 25 increases the quantity of blast through blasting fan 13 from "small" to "middle".
- control portion 25 controls to set the quantity of blast into "small” and to continuously carry out blasting until the detection signal from first sensor 21a is eliminated, and to push the bubble back.
- control portion 25 controls to maintain the quantity of blast to be "small” and to continuously carry out the blasting until the detection signal from first sensor 21a is eliminated, and to push the bubble back.
- control portion 25 controls to set the quantity of blast through blasting fan 13 from “middle” to "large” and to push the bubble out of air duct 10 in the quantity of blast at a maximum output (100 %).
- control portion 25 increases the quantity of blast through blasting fan 13 from "small" to "middle".
- control portion 25 controls to maintain the quantity of blast through blasting fan 13 to be "small” and to continuously carry out the blasting until the detection signal from first sensor 21a is eliminated, and to push the bubble back.
- the time intervals for the detection of the bubble through bubble detecting portions 21 are measured. Consequently, it is possible to push the bubble back from air duct 10 in an optimum quantity of blast which prevents the entrance of the bubble according to the time interval. As a result, the entrance of the bubble into air duct 10 can be prevented more efficiently.
- the quantity of blast is controlled according to the time interval of the detection signal in Table 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the present invention is not restricted thereto.
- the control may be carried out according to a speed at which the bubble reaches each bubble detecting portion 21. Consequently, it is possible to reliably prevent the bubble from entering air duct 10.
- blasting fan 13 may be driven by setting the case in which the bubble reaches first sensor 21a in one second or less into “large” and setting the case in which the bubble reaches first sensor 21a in two seconds or less into “middle". Consequently, it is possible to detect the bubble with higher precision.
- the quantity of blast is varied according to the time interval between signals detected by bubble detecting portions 21 (first sensor 21a, second sensor 21b and third sensor 21c) in the present exemplary embodiment, moreover, the present invention is not restricted thereto.
- the quantity of blast may be varied according to an arrival time from when detecting is started to when the bubble arrives at bubble detecting portion 21 of first sensor 21a, second sensor 21b and third sensor 21c, or speed during the time. Consequently, air in the quantity of blast according to the arrival duration or speed of the bubble can be blown onto the bubble. As a result, power consumption can be lessened and the entrance of the bubble into the air duct can be prevented reliably.
- bubble detecting portions 21 are provided in the vicinity of blowing port 11 of air duct 10 in the present exemplary embodiment, furthermore, the present invention is not restricted thereto.
- first sensor 21a is provided on blowing port 11 of air duct 10 and second sensor 21b is provided in a position at a predetermined interval in a blasting direction (a direction of arrow b), and third sensor 21c is not provided.
- control portion 25 controls to vary the quantity of blast according to a time interval or a speed for the detection of the entrance of the bubble in contact with second sensor 21b by setting, as a starting point, a time that the bubble is detected through first sensor 21a provided on blowing port 11. Consequently, the air in the quantity of blast according to the arrival time or speed of the bubble can be blown onto the bubble. As a result, the power consumption can be lessened and the entrance of the bubble into air duct 10 can be prevented more precisely.
- control portion 25 controls to continuously carry out sending air until the detection signal from bubble detecting portion 21 is eliminated if it is decided that the increase in the bubble entering air duct 10 is suppressed in the exemplary embodiment, moreover, the present invention is not restricted thereto. For example, if a resistance value or a current which is detected by bubble detecting portion 21 has a certain value, the blasting may be stopped. Consequently, a duration for driving blasting fan 13 is shortened. Therefore, the power consumption can be reduced more greatly.
- blower 13 is operated when bubble detecting portion 21 detects the entrance of the bubble in the exemplary embodiment, moreover, the present invention is not restricted thereto.
- the air can be sent from blowing port 11 before the entrance of the bubble is detected by bubble detecting portion 21.
- the generation of the bubble is increased, consequently, it is possible to prevent the entrance of the bubble from blowing port 11 into air duct 10.
- a pair of electrodes in bubble detecting portion 21 is provided close to each other in air duct 10.
- the entrance of the bubble can be reliably detected even if the bubble is not linked to washing water in water tab 3.
- the bubble can be discharged from air duct 10 to an outside of blowing port 11 through blasting.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
- Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a drum-type washing machine for washing and drying laundry.
- A conventional drum-type washing machine with a drying function has a drying device which communicates with an inner part of a drum for sending air into the drum accommodating laundry. The drying device generally includes a dehumidifying portion for dehumidifying moist air carrying out dehumidification in contact with the laundry in the drum, a heating portion for heating the cooled and dehumidified air, a blower for sending the heated air into the drum, and an air duct for circulating the air in the drum.
- The drum-type washing machine generates a bubble when the drum is rotated in a state in which washing water having a detergent dissolved therein is stored in a water tab at a washing step. In particular, in the case in which a user puts the detergent in a proper quantity or more for a degree of dirt or the case in which a rotating speed of the drum is high, a large quantity of bubbles are generated. For this reason, the bubble enters through a blowing port for sending air into the drum, thereby causing a defect on a drying device having an electric component such as a fan motor. Therefore, it is demanded to prevent the entrance of the bubble into the drying device.
- For example, Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No.
2006-136601 Patent Document 1") discloses a drum-type washing machine for stopping a water supply and changing a time required for stirring or reducing a rotating speed of a drum to prevent an increase in a bubble, thereby preventing an entrance of the bubble into an air duct when detecting the generation of the bubble by turning on an electrode. - Moreover, Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No.
2008-110002 Patent Document 2") discloses a drum-type washing machine provided with a first conductivity sensor for detecting a concentration of a detergent and a second conductivity sensor for detecting a bubble entering an air duct, for example. If the concentration of the detergent is high, it is reduced through a water supply and drainage to prevent foaming. In the case in which the entrance of the bubble into the air duct is detected, furthermore, a rotation of a drum is stopped to prevent the entrance of the bubble into a blasting mechanism provided in the air duct. - In addition, a drum-type washing machine for blowing hot air onto the generated bubble, thereby disappearing the bubble is disclosed in Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No.
2008-73126 Patent Document 3"), for example. - The conventional drum-type washing machine described in
Patent Document 3 will be described below with reference toFig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic structure view of the conventional drum-type washing machine. - As shown in
Fig. 5 , the drum-type washing machine includesheater unit 60,draft air duct 55 for circulating air indrum 51, andfoaming detecting sensor 56 provided in an upper part at a back side inwater tab 53.Heater unit 60 hasheater 61 for heating air and blastingfan 59 for sending the heated air intodrum 51. - Brief description will be given to an operation to be carried out when a bubble is generated at a washing step of the drum-type washing machine.
- First of all, a proper quantity of water for a quantity of
clothes 52 to be washed which are put indrum 51 is supplied intowater tab 53 anddrum 51 is then rotated to start washing. At this time, if a quantity of a detergent is larger as compared with the dirt ofclothes 52 to be washed, a large quantity ofbubbles 54 are generated and enterdraft air duct 55 through which warm air is sent in drying. - When
bubble 54 generated inwater tab 53 anddrum 51 comes in contact withfoaming detecting sensor 56 and is thus detected, an air duct communicates fromoutside air inlet 58 to draftair duct 55 by means ofintake control valve 57. Consequently, outside air is introduced intodraft air duct 55 by means of blastingfan 59 so that the outside air is heated byheater 61 inheater unit 60 provided in the middle of an inner part ofdraft air duct 55. Then, the heated air is sent in a direction of an arrow shown inFig. 5 and hot air is blown intodrum 51 fromblasting hole 62. At this time, when generatedbubble 54 is heated by the hot air, the air inbubble 54 expands. For this reason, the shape ofbubble 54 cannot be maintained so thatbubble 54 is broken and disappeared. Consequently, an entrance of the bubble into the air duct is prevented. - Furthermore, a drum-type washing machine for driving an air blower to prevent an entrance of a bubble into an air duct at a washing step is disclosed in Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No.
2008-6063 Patent Document 4"), for example. - However, the drum-type washing machines described in
Patent Documents - Referring to the drum-type washing machine described in
Patent Document 3, furthermore, there is a problem in that a quantity of power consumption in washing is increased because a large energy is required for heating to generate defoaming hot air. - In addition, referring to the drum-type washing machine described in
Patent Document 4, a duct for a drying unit is large-sized and an air blower is therefore provided in a lower part, for example. Consequently, a bubble entering an air duct and a liquefied bubble falls along an inside wall of an air duct by gravity. For this reason, the falling bubble is sent and returned to a water tab by means of the air blower. Therefore, efficiency is poor. - When a drum is rotated at such a high speed that laundry sticks to an inner peripheral surface of the drum at a washing step, a washing effect can be enhanced. On the other hand, when the high speed rotation is carried out, a bubble tends to be generated and is apt to enter an air duct. For this reason, it is necessary to simultaneously implement contrary functions for preventing the entrance of the bubble causing deterioration in reliability while enhancing the washing effect.
- A drum-type washing machine according to the present invention includes a housing, a water tab supported in the housing, a drum provided rotatably in the water tab, a motor for rotating and driving the drum, an air duct having a sucking port and a blowing port which introduce air into the drum, a blower provided in the air duct for sending the air into the drum, a bubble detecting portion for detecting a bubble entering the air duct, and a control portion for controlling at least one of a washing step of washing laundry with
a low speed rotation in which the laundry is subjected to beat washing in the drum and a high speed rotation in which the laundry sticks to an inner peripheral surface of the drum, a rinsing step and a dewatering step, and at the washing step, the control portion operates the bubble detecting portion, operates the blower to send air to the blowing port from above the blowing port when the bubble detecting portion detects the entrance of the bubble, and causes the bubble to flow from the blowing port toward the water tab side. - Consequently, it is not necessary to prolong a time required for washing also in the case in which the bubble is detected at the washing step. Therefore, it is possible to lessen power consumption. Moreover, it is possible to efficiently prevent the entrance of the bubble into the air duct and to enhance a washing effect with the high speed rotation of the rotating drum.
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Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a drum-type washing machine according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a main part of an air duct of the drum-type washing machine according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
Fig. 3 shows a time chart for explaining a washing step of the drum-type washing machine according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a main part of an air duct of a drum-type washing machine according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and -
Fig. 5 shows a schematic structure view of a drum-type washing machine according to the related art. - An exemplary embodiment according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, the present invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiment.
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Fig. 1 is a sectional view showing a drum-type washing machine according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of an air duct in the drum-type washing machine.Fig. 3 is a time chart showing an operation of a washing step in the drum-type washing machine. InFigs. 1 and2 , an arrow a indicates a direction in which air flows and an arrow b indicates a direction in which a bubble enteringair duct 10 flows. - As shown in
Figs. 1 to 3 , the drum-type washing machine according to the present exemplary embodiment includes at leasthousing 1,water tab 3,drum 4,motor 9,air duct 10,blasting fan 13 to be a blower,bubble detecting portion 21, andcontrol portion 25. -
Water tank 3 is swingably supported intohousing 1 by means ofdamper 2 or the like. Cylindrical bottomeddrum 4 is rotatably provided inwater tab 3.Drum 4 has rotatingshaft 5 which is downward inclined from an opened front side toward a back side to be a bottomed portion (for example, approximately 10 degrees). -
Openable door 24 is provided on an inclined surface at the front side ofhousing 1 opposite to opening portion 8 ofdrum 4.Door 24 serves to put laundry A in/out ofdrum 4. For example, a plurality ofbaffles 6 and a large number ofwater passing holes 7 are provided on an inner peripheral surface ofdrum 4.Baffles 6 are protruded inward in a direction ofrotating shaft 5.Water passing holes 7 communicate with an inner part ofwater tab 3. - Washing water is supplied into
water tab 3 by means of a water supply valve (not shown) to be a water supply portion for supplying the washing water intowater tab 3, and the washing water supplied intowater tab 3 is supplied fromwater passing hole 7 intodrum 4. On the other hand, the washing water inwater tab 3 is discharged to an outside of the washing machine viadrainage passage 23 by openingdrainage valve 22 provided belowdrum 4 after washing laundry A. -
Motor 9 for rotating and drivingdrum 4 is attached to a rear surface ofwater tab 3.Motor 9 is constituted by a brushless DC motor, for example, and is rotated and driven with a rotating speed varied freely by an inverter control. -
Heat pump device 17 is provided abovewater tab 3.Heat pump device 17 is constituted bycompressor 18,condenser 16,expansion portion 19 andevaporator 15, andconduit 20 andheat pump device 17 are coupled to each other in order to circulate a refrigerant.Compressor 18 compresses the refrigerant.Condenser 16 is a heating portion for radiating heat of the compressed refrigerant having a high temperature and a high pressure, thereby heating passing air.Expansion portion 19 is constituted by a capillary tube or the like, for example, and reduces a pressure of the refrigerant having a high pressure.Evaporator 15 serves as a dehumidifying portion in which the refrigerant having the pressure reduced dehumidifies air drawing heat from surroundings and passing. -
Air duct 10 for introducing the air from the rear surface ofwater tab 3 intodrum 4 is provided to reach the rear surface ofwater tab 3 from abovewater tab 3.Air duct 10 has suckingport 12 provided in front of an upper surface ofwater tab 3 and blowingport 11 provided on the rear surface ofwater tab 3, and suckingport 12 is disposed above blowingport 11. The air inwater tab 3 anddrum 4 is supplied from suckingport 12 ofwater tab 3 toair duct 10, and is blown toward blowingport 11 from above blowingport 11 provided on an outlet side ofair duct 10 and is thus supplied intowater tab 3 anddrum 4. - Moreover,
air duct 10 includesevaporator 15 andcondenser 16 inheat pump device 17, blastingfan 13 to be driven byfan motor 14, andbubble detecting portion 21.Evaporator 15,condenser 16 and blastingfan 13 are provided sequentially from suckingport 12 along an air flow abovewater tab 3. - The air sent by blasting
fan 13 is cooled and dehumidified inevaporator 15 ofheat pump device 17 and is heated incondenser 16. Then, the air heated in thecondenser 16 is sent by blastingfan 13 so as to be blown down from above blowingport 11 provided on the rear surface ofwater tab 3 throughair duct 10 which is downward extended toward blowingport 11. Consequently, the air circulates intowater tab 3 anddrum 4. The air which draws moisture in contact with laundry A indrum 4 and thus becomes moist returns from suckingport 12 toair duct 10, and flows from a forward part toward a rear part abovewater tab 3 and thus circulates. - Moreover,
control portion 25 provided inhousing 1 drivesmotor 9,compressor 18 ofheat pump device 17,fan motor 14 to be a blower and the like, and successively controls each of washing, rinsing, dewatering and drying steps.Control portion 25 includes a signal processing portion for processing a bubble detection signal output frombubble detecting portion 21 which will be described below in detail. -
Bubble detecting portion 21 to be a main object of the present exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference toFig. 2 . - As shown in
Fig. 2 ,bubble detecting portion 21 is constituted by at least one pair of electrodes provided close to each other at predetermined interval K on an inner peripheral surface ofair duct 10 opposite to each other in a perpendicular direction to an axial direction ofair duct 10, and is formed to take a shape of a plate or a needle.Bubble detecting portion 21 is provided in the vicinity of blowingport 11 ofair duct 10 and detects a bubble enteringair duct 10. When the bubble enteringair duct 10 comes in contact with the electrodes, the electrodes are conducted to each other so that a current flows to detect the bubble. - Although the description has been given to the example in which the electrodes are provided on the inner peripheral surface of
air duct 10, the present invention is not restricted thereto. For example, the electrodes may be provided vertically or transversely on a substrate so as to be separated hollowly inair duct 10 and placed in close positions. Furthermore,bubble detecting portion 21 may detect a bubble according to a quantity of light transmission other than an electrical conduction. - In the drum-type washing machine having the structure described above, the operation and function will be described below with reference to
Fig. 1 . - First of all,
door 24 provided openably on the front surface side ofhousing 1 is opened to put laundry A intodrum 4 through opening portion 8. Next, a power switch (not shown) of operatingportion 26 provided in a front part of an upper surface ofhousing 1 is turned ON. When a start switch (not shown) is manipulated to start an operation, a quantity of a cloth in laundry A which is put in is detected by clothquantity detecting portion 27. - Subsequently, washing is executed in order of a washing step, a rinsing step and a dewatering step. Based on a time chart of
Fig. 3 , an operation of the washing step will be described below in detail. The washing step is started subsequently to the decision of the quantity of the cloth in laundry A which is put in. - First of all, when a quantity of water which is preset by the detected quantity of a cloth in the laundry A is introduced into
water tab 3, a user puts a detergent in a predetermined quantity. At this time, the washing water supplied intowater tab 3 is fed fromwater passing hole 7 intodrum 4. - Next,
control portion 25 drives motor 9 and rotatesdrum 4 at a low speed. Consequently, laundry A is lifted up in a rotating direction ofdrum 4 by means ofbaffle 6 provided indrum 4 and falls from an upper part indrum 4 by gravity. At this time, the rotating speed ofdrum 4 is set to be 30 r/min to 50 r/min, for example, and a mechanical force such as a shock in the fall is effectively applied to laundry A to carry out washing. Although the rotating speed ofdrum 4 also depends on the quantity of laundry A, it is preferably 40 r/min. - As shown in
Fig. 3 , next, normal and reverse rotating operations ofdrum 4 are alternately repeated so that laundry A is rotated at a low speed indrum 4 and is thus subjected to beat washing. - At the washing step, subsequently, the low speed rotation for carrying out the beat washing over laundry A is carried out and high speed rotation washing in which laundry A sticks to the inner peripheral surface of
drum 4 which will be described below is then performed. - The rotating speed of
drum 4 in the high speed rotation is set to be 150 r/min to 300 r/min, for example, and washing water contained in laundry A is forcedly discharged by a centrifugal force. It is preferable that the rotating speed ofdrum 4 should be 200 r/min. Although the high speed rotation is executed at least once at the washing step, it may be executed at plural times. While a time required for the high speed rotation is set to be shorter than a time required for the low speed rotation, the low speed rotation and the high speed rotation are repetitively carried out. Consequently,drum 4 is rotated at a high speed to remove the washing water between fibers of laundry A by a centrifugal force and to continuously substitute the washing water between the fibers. Thus, a washing effect can be enhanced. - At the washing step, however, the washing water having a detergent dissolved therein is stored in a bottom part of
water tab 3. When the rotating speed ofdrum 4 is set to be 200 r/min, for example, anddrum 4 is thus rotated at a high speed, therefore, the washing water is stirred so that a bubble is generated. - Therefore,
control portion 25 rotatesdrum 4 at a high speed, and at the same time, turns ONbubble detecting portion 21 to bring a state in which the bubble enteringair duct 10 can be detected. At this time, when the entering bubble comes in contact with the electrodes to carry out a conduction so thatbubble detecting portion 21 detects the entrance of the bubble, blastingfan 13 is operated. Then, the air is sent to be blown down toward blowingport 11 from above blowingport 11, so that the bubble enteringair duct 10 is caused to flow out of blowingport 11 towardwater tab 3 side. - Also in the case in which the bubble entering
air duct 10 is liquefied inair duct 10, consequently, the liquefied bubble is prevented from flowing toward blastingfan 13 provided inair duct 10 or the like. Consequently, it is possible to easily push the bubble out ofair duct 10 towardwater tab 3 side by sending the air. - Then, the air is sent so that the bubble is pushed back toward
water tab 3 side. Consequently, the bubble is no longer present between the electrodes inbubble detecting portion 21. Therefore, the bubble is not detected bybubble detecting portion 21. When the bubble is not detected,bubble detecting portion 21 makes a transition from the high speed rotation (for example, 200 r/min) to the low speed rotation (for example, 40 r/min) overdrum 4 to turn OFF a power supply ofbubble detecting portion 21 as shown inFig. 3 . - Thereafter, blasting
fan 13 is stopped after predetermined time t1 passes since the transition from the high speed rotation to the low speed rotation indrum 4. Consequently,bubble detecting portion 21 is turned ON to bring a state in which the entrance of the bubble can be detected only in the high speed rotation ofdrum 4 in which the generation of the bubble is increased at the washing step. As a result, power consumption is lessened as compared with the case in whichbubble detecting portion 21 is usually turned ON, and furthermore, the bubble inair duct 10 is caused to flow towardwater tab 3 side more reliably, thereby preventing the entrance of the bubble intoheat pump device 17 or the like. - Next, the rinsing step is executed subsequently to the washing step. The rinsing step is the same as the washing step. More specifically,
control portion 25 rotatesdrum 4 at a high speed, and at the same time, turns ONbubble detecting portion 21 to bring a state in which the bubble enteringair duct 10 can be detected. In only the high speed rotation ofdrum 4 in which the generation of the bubble is increased at the rinsing step, consequently,bubble detecting portion 21 is turned ON to bring a state in which the entrance of the bubble can be detected. As a result, power consumption can be lessened as compared with the case in whichbubble detecting portion 21 is usually turned ON, and furthermore, the entrance of the bubble intoair duct 10 can be prevented precisely. - As described above, the drum-type washing machine according to the present invention operates
bubble detecting portion 21 to detect the bubble enteringair duct 10 in the high speed rotation ofdrum 4 in at least the washing step. Whenbubble detecting portion 21 detects the entrance of the bubble intoair duct 10, then, blastingfan 13 is operated to send air so as to be downward blown toward blowingport 11 from above blowingport 11 so that the bubble inair duct 10 is pushed and returned towardwater tab 3 side. - Also in the case in which the bubble entering
air duct 10 is liquefied inair duct 10, consequently, the liquefied bubble falls along an inside wall of anair duct 10 by gravity and flows towardwater tank 3 side. Therefore, the bubble is hindered from being liquefied to enterair duct 10. Thus, it is possible to efficiently prevent the bubble from entering blastingfan 13 provided inair duct 10 or the like. - Moreover, the entrance of the bubble into
air duct 10 can be prevented efficiently. Therefore, the high speed rotation ofdrum 4 can be carried out at the washing step. Consequently, it is possible to sufficiently discharge a large quantity of washing water contained in laundry A from the laundry by a centrifugal force generated with the high speed rotation and to effectively remove the washing water having dirt dissolved therein from a fiber, thereby enhancing the washing effect. As a result, it is possible to simultaneously implement the prevention of the entrance of the bubble intoair duct 10 and the high washing effect. - Although
control portion 25 rotatesdrum 4 at a high speed, and at the same time,bubble detecting portion 21 is turned ON to bring a state in which the bubble enteringair duct 10 can be detected in the present exemplary embodiment, the present invention is not restricted thereto. Also whencontrol portion 25 rotatesdrum 4 at a low speed,bubble detecting portion 21 may be turned ON to bring a state in which the bubble enteringair duct 10 can be detected. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the bubble from enteringair duct 10 irrespective of the rotating speed ofdrum 4. -
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a main part of air duct according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The present exemplary embodiment is different from the first exemplary embodiment in that a plurality ofbubble detecting portions 21 is provided inair duct 10 fromair blowing port 11 to blastingfan 13. The other structures are the same as those of the first exemplary embodiment and the same structures have the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the first exemplary embodiment will be incorporated by reference. - As shown in
Fig. 4 , a plurality ofbubble detecting portions 21 is correspondingly provided at predetermined interval L with respect to a direction (a direction of arrow b) in which a bubble enteringair duct 10 flows in order offirst sensor 21a,second sensor 21b andthird sensor 21c upward from blowingport 11 in three places inair duct 10. - In general, if a quantity of generation of the bubble is large, the bubble enters blasting
fan 13 ofair duct 10 in a short time. Therefore,control portion 25 varies a quantity of air to be sent by blastingfan 13 according to a time interval between signals detected by bubble detecting portion 21 (first sensor 21a,second sensor 21b orthird sensor 21c). Consequently, unnecessary blasting can be reduced and the bubble can be efficiently pushed out ofair duct 10 reliably. - More specifically,
control portion 25 sets the quantity of air to be sent by blastingfan 13 to be larger than a predetermined value when the time interval between signal detected by bubble detecting portion 21 (for example, a time internal fromfirst sensor 21a tosecond sensor 21b or fromsecond sensor 21b tothird sensor 21c) is shorter. Herein, it is assumed that the predetermined value is set to be a quantity of blast obtained immediately before the air is sent by blastingfan 13. Consequently, time intervals from a start of detection tofirst sensor 21a, fromfirst sensor 21a tosecond sensor 21b and fromsecond sensor 21b tothird sensor 21c are measured. As a result, a bubble is pushed back in an optimum quantity of blast in which an entrance is prevented against an increase situation of the bubble so that the entrance of the bubble into the air duct can be prevented precisely. - A relationship between time intervals of detection signals in the sensors and a quantity of blast will be described below with reference to Table 1.
- Table 1 shows the relationship between the time intervals between signals detected by
first sensor 21a,second sensor 21b andthird sensor 21c and the quantity of the air sent by blastingfan 13. Referring to the quantity of blast, for example, an output of 100% of a blast capability in blastingfan 13 is set to be "large", an output of 50% is set to be "middle" and an output of 20% is set to be "small". -
Table 1 Time interval of detection signal (sec) 0<t≤3 3<t≤5 5<t Bubble detecting portion First sensor Small - - First to second sensors Middle Small Small Second to third sensors Large Middle Small - First of all,
drum 4 is rotated at a high speed, and at the same time, a time that first tothird sensors 21a to 21c are turned ON is set to be a detection starting time. - Next, duration t from the start of the detection to an entrance of a bubble generated in
water tab 3 anddrum 4 intoair duct 10 through blowingport 11 and a contact withfirst sensor 21a is detected bycontrol portion 25. At this time, as shown in Table 1, if a duration from the start of the detection to the contact withfirst sensor 21a and the detection of the entrance of the bubble throughfirst sensor 21a is equal to or less than three seconds, the quantity of blast through blastingfan 13 is set to be "small" and the air is sent. On the other hand, if a duration from the start of the detection to the contact withfirst sensor 21a and the detection of the entrance of the bubble throughfirst sensor 21a is more than three seconds, blastingfan 13 is not driven but a stopping state is maintained. - Subsequently, the entrance of the bubble is detected by
first sensor 21a and is then detected bysecond sensor 21b provided in an upper part ofair duct 10 at interval L. At this time, if a duration from the detection of the bubble throughfirst sensor 21a to the detection of the bubble throughsecond sensor 21b is equal to or less than three seconds, it can be decided that the bubble is continuously increased speedy and entersair duct 10. Therefore,control portion 25 increases the quantity of blast through blastingfan 13 from "small" to "middle". - If a duration from the detection of the bubble through
first sensor 21a to the detection of the bubble throughsecond sensor 21b is more than three seconds and is equal to or less than five seconds, it can be decided that an increase in the bubble enteringair duct 10 is suppressed. Therefore,control portion 25 controls to set the quantity of blast into "small" and to continuously carry out blasting until the detection signal fromfirst sensor 21a is eliminated, and to push the bubble back. On the other hand, if a duration from the detection of the bubble throughfirst sensor 21a to the detection of the bubble throughsecond sensor 21b is more than five seconds, it can be decided that the entrance of the bubble is suppressed. Therefore,control portion 25 controls to maintain the quantity of blast to be "small" and to continuously carry out the blasting until the detection signal fromfirst sensor 21a is eliminated, and to push the bubble back. - If a duration from the detection of the bubble through
first sensor 21a to the detection of the bubble throughsecond sensor 21b is equal to or less than three seconds, then, it is decided that the entrance speed of the bubble is greater. Therefore, the entrance of the bubble is detected throughsecond sensor 21b and is thereafter detected throughthird sensor 21c provided in the upper part ofair duct 10 at interval L. At this time, if a time interval of the detection of the bubble fromsecond sensor 21b tothird sensor 21c is equal to or less than three seconds, it can be decided that the bubble is further increased continuously and speedy and entersair duct 10 even if the output is "middle" under blasting. Therefore,control portion 25 controls to set the quantity of blast through blastingfan 13 from "middle" to "large" and to push the bubble out ofair duct 10 in the quantity of blast at a maximum output (100 %). - If a duration from the detection of the bubble through
second sensor 21b to the detection of the bubble throughthird sensor 21c is more than three seconds and is equal to or less than five seconds, moreover, it can be decided that the entrance speed of the bubble enteringair duct 10 is increased and the bubble entersair duct 10 even if the blasting is carried out at an output of "small". Therefore,control portion 25 increases the quantity of blast through blastingfan 13 from "small" to "middle". - On the other hand, if a duration from the detection of the bubble through
second sensor 21b to the detection of the bubble throughthird sensor 21c is more than five seconds, it can be decided that the entrance of the bubble intoair duct 10 is suppressed. Therefore,control portion 25 controls to maintain the quantity of blast through blastingfan 13 to be "small" and to continuously carry out the blasting until the detection signal fromfirst sensor 21a is eliminated, and to push the bubble back. - As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the time intervals for the detection of the bubble through
bubble detecting portions 21 are measured. Consequently, it is possible to push the bubble back fromair duct 10 in an optimum quantity of blast which prevents the entrance of the bubble according to the time interval. As a result, the entrance of the bubble intoair duct 10 can be prevented more efficiently. - Although the quantity of blast is controlled according to the time interval of the detection signal in Table 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the present invention is not restricted thereto. In the present invention, for example, the control may be carried out according to a speed at which the bubble reaches each
bubble detecting portion 21. Consequently, it is possible to reliably prevent the bubble from enteringair duct 10. - Although the quantity of blast is set to be "small" if the bubble reaches
first sensor 21a in three seconds or less in Table 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, moreover, the present invention is not restricted thereto. For example, blastingfan 13 may be driven by setting the case in which the bubble reachesfirst sensor 21a in one second or less into "large" and setting the case in which the bubble reachesfirst sensor 21a in two seconds or less into "middle". Consequently, it is possible to detect the bubble with higher precision. - Although the quantity of blast is varied according to the time interval between signals detected by bubble detecting portions 21 (
first sensor 21a,second sensor 21b andthird sensor 21c) in the present exemplary embodiment, moreover, the present invention is not restricted thereto. For example, the quantity of blast may be varied according to an arrival time from when detecting is started to when the bubble arrives atbubble detecting portion 21 offirst sensor 21a,second sensor 21b andthird sensor 21c, or speed during the time. Consequently, air in the quantity of blast according to the arrival duration or speed of the bubble can be blown onto the bubble. As a result, power consumption can be lessened and the entrance of the bubble into the air duct can be prevented reliably. At this time, moreover, it is also possible to carry out a control to detect the bubble throughfirst sensor 21a and to then turn ONsecond sensor 21b, and to detect the bubble throughsecond sensor 21b and to thereafter turn ONthird sensor 21c, thereby starting the detection. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the power consumption more greatly. - Although bubble detecting portions 21 (
first sensor 21a,second sensor 21b andthird sensor 21c) are provided in the vicinity of blowingport 11 ofair duct 10 in the present exemplary embodiment, furthermore, the present invention is not restricted thereto. For example, it is also possible to employ a structure in whichfirst sensor 21a is provided on blowingport 11 ofair duct 10 andsecond sensor 21b is provided in a position at a predetermined interval in a blasting direction (a direction of arrow b), andthird sensor 21c is not provided. At this time,control portion 25 controls to vary the quantity of blast according to a time interval or a speed for the detection of the entrance of the bubble in contact withsecond sensor 21b by setting, as a starting point, a time that the bubble is detected throughfirst sensor 21a provided on blowingport 11. Consequently, the air in the quantity of blast according to the arrival time or speed of the bubble can be blown onto the bubble. As a result, the power consumption can be lessened and the entrance of the bubble intoair duct 10 can be prevented more precisely. - Although there is employed the structure in which control
portion 25 controls to continuously carry out sending air until the detection signal frombubble detecting portion 21 is eliminated if it is decided that the increase in the bubble enteringair duct 10 is suppressed in the exemplary embodiment, moreover, the present invention is not restricted thereto. For example, if a resistance value or a current which is detected bybubble detecting portion 21 has a certain value, the blasting may be stopped. Consequently, a duration for driving blastingfan 13 is shortened. Therefore, the power consumption can be reduced more greatly. - Although
blower 13 is operated whenbubble detecting portion 21 detects the entrance of the bubble in the exemplary embodiment, moreover, the present invention is not restricted thereto. For example, whendrum 4 makes a transition to a high speed rotation andblower 13 is simultaneously operated, the air can be sent from blowingport 11 before the entrance of the bubble is detected bybubble detecting portion 21. Also in the case in which the generation of the bubble is increased, consequently, it is possible to prevent the entrance of the bubble from blowingport 11 intoair duct 10. - In the exemplary embodiment, moreover, a pair of electrodes in
bubble detecting portion 21 is provided close to each other inair duct 10. In the case in which the bubble is scattered in the high speed rotation ofdrum 4 and entersair duct 10 from blowingport 11, consequently, the entrance of the bubble can be reliably detected even if the bubble is not linked to washing water inwater tab 3. As a result, even if the bubble entersair duct 10, it can be discharged fromair duct 10 to an outside of blowingport 11 through blasting.
Claims (6)
- A drum-type washing machine comprising:a housing;a water tab supported in the housing;a drum provided rotatably in the water tab;a motor for rotating and driving the drum;an air duct having a sucking port and a blowing port which introduce air into the drum;a blower provided in the air duct for sending the air into the drum;a bubble detecting portion for detecting a bubble entering the air duct; anda control portion for controlling at least one of a washing step of washing laundry with a low speed rotation in which the laundry is subjected to beat washing in the drum and a high speed rotation in which the laundry sticks to an inner peripheral surface of the drum, a rinsing step and a dewatering step,wherein at the washing step, the control portion operates the bubble detecting portion, operates the blower to send air to the blowing port from above the blowing port when the bubble detecting portion detects the entrance of the bubble, and causes the bubble to flow from the blowing port toward the water tab side.
- The drum-type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein at the washing step with the high speed rotation, the control portion operates the bubble detecting portion, and operates the blower to cause the bubble to flow toward the water tab side when the bubble detecting portion detects the entrance of the bubble.
- The drum-type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the bubble detecting portion comprises a plurality of detecting portions provided in a direction in which the bubble entering the air duct flows.
- The drum-type washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the control portion varies a quantity of air to be sent by the blower according to a time interval between signals detected by the bubble detecting portion.
- The drum-type washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the control portion sets the quantity of air to be sent by the blower to be larger than a predetermined value when the time interval between the signal detected by the bubble detecting portions is shorter.
- The drum-type washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at the rinsing step of rinsing the laundry with the low speed rotation in which the laundry is subjected to beat washing in the drum and the high speed rotation in which the laundry sticks to the inner peripheral surface of the drum, the control portion activates the bubble detecting portion in the high speed rotation of the drum to detect the bubble.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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JP2010260861A JP5598283B2 (en) | 2010-11-24 | 2010-11-24 | Drum washing machine |
JP2010260860A JP2012110461A (en) | 2010-11-24 | 2010-11-24 | Drum type washing machine |
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EP2458061A1 true EP2458061A1 (en) | 2012-05-30 |
EP2458061B1 EP2458061B1 (en) | 2016-06-15 |
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EP11188720.4A Not-in-force EP2458061B1 (en) | 2010-11-24 | 2011-11-11 | Drum-type washing machine |
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EP2889421A1 (en) * | 2013-12-26 | 2015-07-01 | Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation | Drum type washing machine and operating method of the same |
EP3453797A4 (en) * | 2016-05-04 | 2020-01-01 | LG Electronics Inc. -1- | Method for controlling dryer |
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CN107227598A (en) * | 2016-03-24 | 2017-10-03 | 杭州三花家电热管理系统有限公司 | Drying system and the device for clothing processing with it |
CN105951351A (en) * | 2016-06-16 | 2016-09-21 | 无锡小天鹅股份有限公司 | Washing machine control method |
CN109797523B (en) * | 2017-11-16 | 2022-07-29 | 青岛海尔洗涤电器有限公司 | Roller washing machine and control method |
CN109944029B (en) * | 2017-12-21 | 2023-07-04 | 青岛海尔洗涤电器有限公司 | Foam eliminating method for washing machine and washing machine |
CN110158279B (en) * | 2018-02-13 | 2023-11-14 | 佛山海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Water storage structure of washing machine and control method of water storage structure |
CN116356522A (en) * | 2021-12-27 | 2023-06-30 | 青岛海尔洗涤电器有限公司 | Clothes treatment equipment control method and clothes treatment equipment |
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CN102535087A (en) | 2012-07-04 |
CN102535087B (en) | 2014-09-10 |
EP2458061B1 (en) | 2016-06-15 |
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