JP2002035468A - Washing machine and drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine and a drying machine capable of washing or rinsing having sufficient capability and preventing shrinkage or deformation of washings made of special cloth such as wool or the like. SOLUTION: In the case of the objects to be washed such as wool or the like prone to be damaged, washing, rinsing or drying is conducted by a drum 8 being rotated at the number of revolutions of Nf0 or more at which the objects to be washed are sticked onto an inner wall of the drum by centrifugal force, maintaining a constant state where the objects to be washed are sticked onto the inner wall, not moved and not subjected to torsional force or tensional force. As a result, the shrinkage or the deformation of the objects to be washed is prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a washing machine and a dryer having a rotating drum.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional washing machine, a bottomed cylindrical drum into which laundry is loaded is rotatably arranged in a fixed bottomed cylindrical water tub. A rotatable pulsator is provided on the bottom surface of the drum, and a rotation of the pulsator generates a water flow in the drum to which the washing water is supplied, so that the laundry rotates to wash and rinse. . After draining the washing water in the drum, the washing water contained in the laundry is discharged by centrifugal force by rotating the drum at a high speed, whereby the laundry is dehydrated.

In the above-mentioned washing machine, the laundry is rotated by the rotation of the pulsator, and the laundry is pulled or twisted and a large physical force is applied. For this reason, when the laundry is a special fragile fabric such as wool or silk, the fabric itself changes and shrinks or deforms.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Nos. Hei 3-170198 and Hei 3-222992 disclose washing machines in which measures are taken to prevent shrinkage and deformation occurring in the special cloth.
In the former washing machine, the rotation of the pulsator is stopped, and the washing water is circulated in the drum by the circulating means to wash and rinse the laundry on the special fabric. In the latter washing machine, the pulsator is rotated in one direction, and the rotation speed is changed at a predetermined cycle to wash and rinse the laundry of the special cloth.

[0005]

However, the washing machine disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-170198 has the following problems.
Since the rotation of the pulsator is stopped, a water flow is generated by the circulation means. This water flow has a problem that the flow velocity is low and sufficient washing power cannot be obtained for laundry of special fabric. Further, the washing machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 3-222992 has a problem that the laundry is twisted by the rotation of the laundry in the drum, so that shrinkage and deformation cannot be completely prevented.

On the other hand, a washing machine for washing or rinsing laundry loaded in a horizontally disposed drum is lifted by a baffle protruding from a rotating drum and dropped into washing water stored in the drum. Are also commonly known. Similarly, in this washing machine, since the laundry moves in the drum, a strong force due to twisting or deformation is applied to the laundry. For this reason, the laundry of the special fabric shrinks or deforms.

Further, when the washing machine is used as a dryer for drying by supplying warm air into the drum and rotating the drum, the laundry is dropped by the baffle and then dropped. As described above, the laundry moves inside the drum and a strong force due to twisting or deformation is applied to the laundry. Therefore, even in the drying step, the laundry of the special fabric shrinks or deforms.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of washing or rinsing while ensuring sufficient detergency and preventing shrinkage or deformation of a laundry made of a special cloth such as wool. I do. Another object of the present invention is to provide a dryer capable of drying a laundry made of a special cloth such as wool while preventing shrinkage and deformation thereof.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a washing machine according to the present invention comprises: a drum which is loaded with laundry and rotates; and a water supply means for supplying washing water into the drum. The washing step or the rinsing step is performed by setting the rotation speed of the drum to be higher than the rotation speed at which the laundry sticks to the inner wall by centrifugal force in a state where the washing water is supplied into the drum.

According to this configuration, when the laundry is a special cloth such as wool or silk and the washing water is supplied into the drum, the drum rotates while the laundry adheres to the inner wall of the drum. A washing step or a rinsing step is performed.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the washing machine having the above structure, a circulating means for supplying the washing water discharged from the peripheral surface of the drum into the drum is provided. According to this configuration, the washing water stored in the drum passes through the laundry, is guided to the outside of the drum, and is returned to the inside of the drum by the circulation means.

According to the present invention, in the washing machine having the above-mentioned structure, the washing step or the rinsing step can be performed by setting the rotation speed of the drum to be lower than the rotation speed at which the laundry adheres to the inner wall by centrifugal force. It is characterized by: According to this configuration, when the laundry is a normal cloth such as cotton or synthetic fiber, when washing water is supplied into the drum, for example, after the drum rotates at a low speed and the laundry is lifted,
The washing step or the rinsing step is performed by dropping into the stored washing water. Alternatively, the laundry is rotated according to the water flow generated in the drum by the pulsator or the like without rotating the drum, and the washing step or the rinsing step is performed.

[0013] The dryer of the present invention includes a drum into which laundry is loaded and rotated, and hot air supply means for supplying warm air into the drum to dry the laundry. A high-speed rotation course is provided in which the rotation speed of the drum is set to be higher than the rotation speed at which the laundry sticks to the inner wall by centrifugal force while the wind is supplied.

According to this configuration, when the laundry is a special fabric such as wool or silk, the high-speed rotation course is selected, and the hot air is applied to the drum while the laundry is attached to the inner wall of the drum and rotated integrally with the drum. It is supplied to the inside and drying is performed.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the dryer having the above-mentioned structure, a low-speed rotation course is provided in which the rotation speed of the drum is lower than the rotation speed at which the laundry adheres to the inner wall by centrifugal force. According to this configuration, when the laundry is a normal cloth such as cotton or synthetic fiber, the low-speed rotation course is selected, the drum rotates at a low speed, the laundry is lifted, and then the laundry is dropped and dried.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the dryer having the above-mentioned structure, the temperature in the drum during the high-speed rotation course is lower than the temperature in the drum during the low-speed rotation course.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the execution time of the high-speed rotation course is shorter than the execution time of the low-speed rotation course in the dryer having the above configuration.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the dryer having the above-mentioned structure, the degree of drying of the laundry at the end of the high-speed rotation course is lower than the degree of drying of the laundry at the end of the low-speed rotation course. .

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1A and 1B show a first embodiment of the present invention.
It is the appearance perspective view which looked at the drum type washing machine of an embodiment from the front and the back. FIGS. 2A and 2B are a front view and a side view, respectively.

In the drum type washing machine, an outer box 1 is arranged on a bottom 2, and the upper surface of the outer box 1 is covered with a top plate 3. The outer box 1 is formed by bending a decorative steel plate into a substantially U-shape. Top plate 3
Is made of a compression board or the like, and is screwed to the outer case 1. An operation panel 4 on which a user operates is attached to an upper front portion of the outer box 1.

The operation panel 4 includes an operation section 52 and a display section 5.
1 and a control circuit 53 (see FIG. 3) is arranged on the back surface. The operation unit 52 includes a plurality of operation keys, and performs operations such as setting operation conditions provided in the drum type washing machine.
The display unit 51 includes a liquid crystal display device or the like, and displays input information and the like. The control unit 53 stores a control program for controlling the operation of the drum-type washing machine, and when the operation conditions are set by the operation unit 52, the operation of the drum-type washing machine is performed based on the operating conditions.

A panel cover 5 and a front panel 6 are attached to a lower front portion and a central portion of the outer box 1. The front panel 6 has an opening 6a for opening a laundry, and an opening / closing door 9 for opening and closing the opening 6a. The rear surface of the outer box 1 is closed by a rear lid 7.

The opening and closing door 9 is pivotally supported by a hinge 9b, and is opened and closed by gripping a handle 9c. Lock claw 9 on handle 9c
d are provided integrally, and a lock mechanism 10
Is provided. When the door 9 is closed, the lock claw 9d engages with the lock mechanism 10 and is locked by an operation program described later. This prevents the opening / closing door 9 from opening when the drum-type washing machine is operating.

Inside the outer box 1, a water tank 7 having an opening 7a opened toward the front face is disposed so as to be inclined so that the rear part is lowered. A rotating drum 8 is coaxially inclined in the water tank 7. This inclination improves the visibility of the inside of the drum 8 from the front side.

The lower part of the water tank 7 is supported by a damping device 13 having a damper function. Further, angles 63 and 64 are attached to the water tank 7, and the angle 6
1, 62 are attached. The angles 63 and 64 and the angles 61 and 62 are connected by first and second suspension devices 11 and 12 composed of springs and the like, and the water tank 7 is elastically supported.

Thus, the water tank 7 can freely swing in the outer box 1. The first and second suspension devices 11, 1
Numeral 2 is attached so as to be inclined by an angle θ3 in a direction opposite to the vertical direction, so as to suppress swinging of the water tank 7 in the front-rear direction.

FIG. 3 shows a side sectional view of the drum type washing machine. A driving mechanism 14 is attached to the outer surface of the bottom of the water tub 7. The drive mechanism 14 has a motor 15 inside a case 14a. The motor 15 includes a stator 15a fixed to the case 14a and a rotor 15b fixed to the tank shaft 16 of the drum 8.

The tank shaft 16 is supported by bearings 17 fixed to the case 14a, and one end is fixed to the drum 8, so that the drum 8 is rotatable. Thereby, the drive mechanism 14 directly connected to the drum 8 is configured,
The rotation of the rotor 15b directly drives the rotation of the drum 8. The motor 15 is provided with rotation detecting means 15d for detecting the number of rotations of the rotor 15b, and the motor 15 is an inverter motor whose rotation speed is controlled based on the detection result of the rotation detecting means 15d.

A small hole 8c is provided in the peripheral wall of the drum 8. The small hole 8c communicates the water tank 7 and the drum 8,
The washing water can flow between the water tub 7 and the drum 8. A baffle 8b is formed on the inner wall surface of the drum 8 so as to protrude therefrom. The rotation of the drum 8 catches and lifts the laundry and drops it into the washing liquid to perform washing. The baffle 8 b is fixed to the inner wall of the drum 8 or is formed integrally with the drum 8.

A fluid balancer 8e is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the opening 8a on the front surface of the drum 8. The fluid balancer 8e is filled with a fluid having a large specific gravity, such as salt water, and the fluid moves when the drum 8 rotates, thereby canceling the shift of the center of gravity due to the bias of the laundry and the washing water. The fluid balancer 8e may be provided on the inner peripheral edge of the drum 8.

A packing 1 made of an elastic material such as rubber or soft resin is provided around the laundry inlet 6a and the periphery of the opening 7a of the water tub 7.
8 are attached to form an access path for taking in and out laundry. The opening / closing door 9 is provided with a window 9 a that is in close contact with the packing 18. Part of the opening and closing door 9 and the window 9a are preferably formed of a transparent member such as glass so that the inside of the drum 8 can be visually recognized.

When the opening / closing door 9 is closed, the inner periphery 18a of the packing 18 comes into close contact with the periphery of the window 9a to close the access path. This prevents the washing water in the water tub 7 from leaking to the outside. Further, a bellows or the like is provided on the packing 18 so that the packing 18 bends in accordance with the swing of the water tank 7 and follows the tank.

A water supply pipe 21 communicating with a water pipe is provided in an upper portion of the outer box 1. When a water supply valve 22 provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 21 is opened, water is supplied into the water tank 7 from a water supply nozzle 24 attached to the door packing 18 via a detergent case 23 containing detergent.

The drain duct 2 led out from the bottom of the water tank 7
5 is connected to a connection case 27 containing a lint filter 26 and communicates with a suction side of a drain pump 28 via a drain duct 25. The discharge side of the drain pump 28 is connected to a drain pipe 29b erected outside the outer box 1 by a drain pipe 29a. The rotation of the impeller 28b disposed in the pump chamber 28a of the drain pump 28 causes the washing water in the water tub 7 to be drained by the drain duct 25 and the drain pipe 29.
a, and is drained to the outside of the outer box 1 via the 29b.

The drain pipe 29b is provided upright above the rated water level of the washing water supplied to the water tub 7.
This prevents the washing water in the tub 7 from flowing out through the drain pump 28 having no water stopping function. A drain valve may be used instead of the drain pump 28.

The lint filter 26 is made of, for example, a resin formed in a lattice or fine fibers formed in a bag shape, and accumulates lint in the washing water as the washing water passes. It has become. Further, the lint filter 26 is detachably mounted in the connection case 27, and is removed together with the cap 26a from the lower front surface of the outer box 1 so that the lint filter 26 can be easily cleaned.

An air trap 30 communicating with the water tank 7 is provided below the water tank 7. The water level sensor 32 communicates with the water tank 7 via the pressure guiding pipe 31 and the air trap 30, and the pressure (water pressure) due to the water level in the water tank 7 is transmitted to the water level sensor 32. The water level sensor 32 incorporates a coil and a magnetic body, and the magnetic body moves in the coil according to a pressure change due to the water level in the water tank 7. Then, the inductance of the coil generated by the position of the magnetic body in the coil is detected as the transmission frequency, and the water level in the water tank 7 is detected. The water level sensor 32 may be provided at any position communicating with the inside of the water tank 7.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the drum type washing machine different from FIG. 3, and a drain duct 25 is provided with a circulation duct 35 in a branched manner. The circulation duct 35 is connected to the packing 18 so as to face the opening 7 a of the water tank 7.
A circulation pump 36 is provided in the middle of the path.

When the drainage pump 28 is stopped and the circulation pump 36 is driven, a circulation path is formed through the water tank 7, the circulation duct 35, and the circulation pump 36 to reach the water tank 7 again. Thereby, the washing water in the water tub 7 is circulated through the circulation path, and the detergent in the washing water is efficiently dissolved in a short time while circulating through the circulation path.

The circulation duct 35 branches off from the outflow side (here, the drain pipe 29a) of the waste thread filter 26.
May be provided. By doing so, the lint and the like can be removed by the lint filter 26 while the washing water is circulating, and reattachment of the lint to the laundry can be prevented. At this time, a switching valve for switching the flow path of the washing water between the drain pipe 29b side and the circulation duct 35 side is connected to the drain pump 28.
When the drainage pump 28 is provided, the washing water can be circulated through the circulation duct 35 by driving the drainage pump 28, and the circulation pump 36 can be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a sectional side view showing still another example. A hot air unit 43 for drying laundry, comprising a blower fan 41 and a heater 42, is provided above the water tub 7.
Is provided. The hot air unit 43 is arranged in the middle of the path of the drying duct 44 connecting the outlet 7b facing the opening 7a of the water tank 7 and the circulation port 7c provided at the lower part of the water tank 7.

The air heated by the heater 42 is sent out of the outlet 7b into the water tank 7 by driving the blower fan 41, and forms a circulation path returning to the drying duct 44 from the circulation port 7c. A cooler 44a is disposed in the middle of the drying duct 44 to condense and remove moisture from the air flowing from the inside of the water tank 7.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the display unit 51 and the operation unit 52 provided on the operation panel 4. As described above, the operation conditions of the drum type washing machine are set by operating the operation keys (52a to 52k) of the operation unit 52, and the operation is performed by the control circuit 53 (see FIG. 3) based on the operation conditions.

First, when the power key 52a is pressed, the power is turned on, and the conditions of the standard course are displayed on the display unit 51. In the standard course, optimal conditions for laundry such as cotton and synthetic fiber are set in advance. Here, as shown by hatching in the figure, “medium water flow”, “10 minutes”, “twice”,
“Strong 6 minutes” and “Auto” are blinking. It may be displayed in a different color from the other parts. The user operates the upper operation key (52
d-52k).

The water volume key 52d is used to manually set the water volume in the water tank 7. In the standard course, the amount of water is automatically set as described later, so that it is not initially blinking. Each time the water volume key 52d is pressed, “20L” →
The blinking of the display unit 52 is switched in the order of “30L” → “40L” → light off → “20L”.

The water flow key 52e changes the rotation speed of the drum 8 to set the strength of the water flow in the washing step and the rinsing step. Thereby, the water flow can be set according to the degree of contamination and the type of the laundry. And the water flow key 52e
Each time you press, "strong water flow" → "wool" → "blanket" →
Display part 5 like "weak water flow" → "medium water flow" → "strong water flow"
The blinking of 2 is switched in order.

The washing key 52f sets the operating time of the washing process. And every time the wash key 52f is pressed,
"15 minutes" → turn off → "5 minutes" → "8 minutes" → "10 minutes" →
The blinking of the display unit 51 is sequentially switched as in “15 minutes”. When the light is turned off, the washing process is not performed.

The rinsing key 52g is used to set whether the rinsing process is a water rinsing (displaying “water injection” on the display unit 51) or a pool rinsing (displaying “reserved” on the display unit 51). In the water injection rinsing, rinsing is performed while tap water is injected from the water supply nozzle 24 (see FIG. 3). When the amount of water exceeds the rated amount of water, the rinsing overflows the drainage duct 29b and is drained.

For the rinsing, the amount of water set by the water flow key 52e is stored in the water tank 7, and rinsing is performed. And every time the rinse key 52g is pressed,
"Once once" → "Once twice" → Turn off → "Once" →
The blinking of the display unit 51 is switched in order, such as “Twice twice”. When the light is turned off, the rinsing process is not performed.

The dehydration key 52h sets the number of rotations of the drum 8 in the dehydration step (displayed as "strong" and "weak" on the display unit 51) and the operation time. Then, every time the dehydration key 52h is pressed, the light turns off → “weak 1 minute” → “weak 3 minutes” → “strong 1 minute” →
Display part 5 like "strong 3 minutes" → "strong 6 minutes" → "weak 1 minute"
1 blinks in order. When the light is turned off, the dehydration step is not performed.

High-temperature drying key 52i, low-temperature drying key 52
j, When any of the cold air drying keys 52k is pressed, the temperature of the hot air sent from the outlet 7b (see FIG. 5) into the drum 8 in the drying process is set to "high temperature", "low temperature", and "cold air" ( Stop the heater and blow air). Each time the key is pressed, the operation time of the drying process is switched.

The conditions for the drying step are "automatic", which automatically sets the drying conditions according to the amount of laundry, and "wool", which is a condition suitable for special fragile fabrics such as wool and silk. Are provided, and can be switched by pressing the high-temperature drying key 52i.

When the strength of the water flow is sequentially switched by the water flow key 52e, the type of laundry suitable for the strength of the water flow is displayed in the comment section 51a. This allows the user to easily set the optimum washing and drying conditions for the laundry.

When "blanket" is selected, a blanket course recommended for the blanket is called, and washing "10 minutes",
The conditions of rinsing “twice injection”, dehydration “strong 6 minutes”, and drying “automatic” are set. When "Wool" is selected, a wool course (high-speed rotation course) recommended for special fabrics such as wool and silk is called, and the washing is performed for "5 minutes", the rinsing is performed once for watering, and the dehydration is set to "1". Minute ”and dry“ wool ”. Some changes may be made to the recommended conditions for the blanket course or wool course.

When the washing and drying conditions are set, a message notifying that the operation can be started is displayed in the message section 51b, and when the user presses the start key 52b, the operation of the drum type washing machine is performed according to the set conditions. Is started. Further, when the temporary stop key 52c is pressed, the operation can be temporarily stopped, and the restart can be performed by pressing the start key 52b.

Operation keys (52d to 52d) for setting conditions
Instead of k), “Strength 6 minutes” or the like displayed on the display unit 51 may be configured by a touch panel, and the setting may be made by directly touching the display unit 51 with a finger.

The operation of the drum-type washing machine having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 12 and the operation chart of FIG. First, in step # 101 of FIG. 7, when the power key 52a is pressed, the power of the drum-type washing machine is turned on, and the operation conditions of the standard course are displayed on the display unit 51 in step # 102.

In step # 103, when the laundry is thrown in from the laundry inlet 6a and the opening and closing door 9 is closed, the inner peripheral edge 18a of the packing 18 comes into close contact with the peripheral edge of the window 9a of the opening and closing door 9, and the water tub 7 is sealed. Is stopped. At the same time, if there is a change in the operating conditions, the conditions are set by operating the operation unit 52. When the start key 52b is turned on in step # 104, the door 9 is locked by the lock mechanism 10 in step # 105.

When the condition of the water amount in the washing step and the rinsing step is set to “automatic”, or when the condition of the drying step is set to “automatic” (step # 10)
5A, Yes), the amount of laundry in the drum 8 needs to be detected. For this reason, it is determined in step # 106 whether or not it is necessary to detect the amount of the laundry. If necessary, the automatic laundry amount detection process in FIG. 8 is called in # 107. If not necessary, the process proceeds to step # 108. In addition, the condition of the amount of water in the washing process and the rinsing process, and the condition of the drying process are “automatic”.
Is not set to (N in step # 105a)
o), indicated steps (rinse, dehydrate or dry)
The process proceeds to (Step # 109).

In the cloth amount automatic detection process, step # 121
To rotate the drum 8 according to the load detection chart, and
At 22, the load of the motor 15 is detected. As shown in FIG. 14, the load detection chart includes a predetermined rotation speed N1 and a time t1.
After rotating the drum 8, the power supply to the motor 15 is cut off. At this time, if the amount of laundry is large, the rotating drum 8 is gradually decelerated by inertia, and if the amount is small, it is rapidly decelerated.

Accordingly, when the rotation speed of the drum 8 after the elapse of the predetermined time t2 is equal to or less than n1, no load is applied, and the rotation speed becomes n1.
It can be detected that the amount of laundry is small when the number of rotations is n2, that the amount of laundry is medium when the number of rotations is n2 to n3, and that the amount of laundry is large when the number of rotations is n3 or more.

As shown in FIG. 15, the amount of cloth may be detected based on the rise when the drum 8 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed N1. That is, when the drum 8 is rotated from the stopped state, the drum 8 rises gently when the amount of laundry is large, and rises sharply when the amount is small.

Therefore, when the rotation speed of the drum 8 after the lapse of the predetermined time t3 from the power supply is equal to or more than n1, no load is applied, and when the rotation speed is n1 to n2, the amount of laundry is small and the rotation speed is n2.
If the number of rotations is n3 or less, it can be detected that the amount of laundry is large. Further, the amount of cloth may be detected based on the time required to reach a predetermined number of rotations when the drum 8 is started or when power is interrupted. 14 and 15, the vertical axis represents the number of rotations of the drum 8, and the horizontal axis represents time.

Based on the detection result of the cloth amount detection, the amount of water at the time of washing and rinsing, the drainage time, the dehydration time according to the amount of water,
Conditions such as the drying time are automatically set in # 123 “condition setting”. If the amount of water in the washing step and the rinsing step is not automatically set, the determination in # 106 indicates that # in FIG.
Return to 108.

In the case of automatically setting the water amount in the washing step and the rinsing step, the process proceeds to step # 125 according to the judgment in step # 123, and the water amount automatically set based on the detection result in # 122 is displayed on the display unit 51. Will be displayed. The user may change the setting of the water amount in step # 126 as necessary. A quantity of detergent corresponding to the displayed amount of water is put in the detergent case 23, and in step # 127, the start key 5
Turn on 2b. Then, returning to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the processing of the washing step of FIG. 9 is called in step # 108.

When performing the washing operation, step # 14
2, the water supply valve 22 is opened, and the tap water is supplied to the water tank 7 through the water supply nozzle 24 through the detergent case 23 along with the detergent.
And flows into the drum 8. When the water level in the water tank 7 reaches the predetermined water level, the water level sensor 32 detects and the water supply valve 22 is closed. Then, in step # 143, the driving mechanism 14
Is driven to control the rotation of the drum 8 according to a predetermined washing chart, and the washing operation is performed for a predetermined time.

As shown in FIGS. 16 (a) to 16 (e), the washing chart is such that the drum 8 rotates at different rotation speeds and inversion times according to the setting conditions of the water flow by the water flow key 52e (see FIG. 6). Has become. In these figures, the vertical axis indicates the number of rotations of the drum 8 and the horizontal axis indicates time.

FIGS. 16 (a), (b) and (c) are washing charts when "strong water flow", "medium water flow" and "weak water flow" are selected, respectively. In “strong water flow”, the drum 8 rotates at a rotation speed N20 and a reversal cycle T20. In the “medium water flow”, the drum 8 rotates at a rotation speed N30 and a reversal cycle T30. In the “weak water flow”, the drum 8 rotates at a rotation speed N40 and a reversal cycle T40. Thus, the laundry is lifted by the baffle 8d protruding from the rotating drum 8 and dropped into the washing water stored in the drum 8 for washing or rinsing.

Then, N20>N30> N40 and T2
0>T30> T40, the intensity of the water flow generated in the drum 8 is varied, and a water flow according to the degree of soiling of the laundry is obtained. Before the end of the washing operation, a loosening period Y having a small number of rotations and a reversal cycle is provided, so that the laundry is reversed little by little to loosen the twist of the laundry.

FIG. 16D shows a washing chart when “blanket” is selected as the water flow setting condition. When the laundry is a blanket, the laundry is folded in the drum 8, so that the rotation of the drum 8 is stopped for a predetermined time.
Is provided so that the blanket is sufficiently filled with washing water to remove dirt.

FIG. 16 (e) shows a washing chart when "wool" is selected as the setting condition of the water flow. When the laundry is a special cloth such as wool or silk, the laundry sticks to the inner wall of the drum 8 due to centrifugal force.
The washing operation is performed by rotating in one direction for a predetermined time T1 at a rotation speed Nf1 higher than 0, N30, and N40. As a result, the laundry rotates integrally with the drum 8 and does not move in the drum 8, so that twisting and pulling do not occur. Therefore, since no strong force is applied to the laundry, shrinkage and deformation can be prevented.

When the washing operation is completed, step # in FIG.
After draining in 143a, it is determined in step # 144 whether or not to perform the next step. If the washing operation is to be completed, the end of the washing is notified by a buzzer or the like in step # 145, and the lock of the opening / closing door 9 is released in step # 146, and the washing is ended.

When the rinsing process is performed, the process proceeds to step # 147 according to the determination in step # 144, and the process proceeds to step # 147.
The process of the rinsing process of 0 is called. In step # 161 of FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not to perform the rinsing operation. That is, if it is set so as to perform only the dehydrating step or later or only the drying step, the process proceeds to the next step in step # 172 without performing the following processing of the rinsing step.

In step # 163, the set number of rinsing operations is input to the counter i. In the case of the standard course, “2 times” and therefore i = 2. Next, in step # 164, the drum 8 rotates in the first dehydration chart,
A rinse dehydration operation is performed.

The first dehydration chart is as shown in FIG. In the figure, the vertical axis indicates the number of rotations of the drum 8, and the horizontal axis indicates time. When "strong" is selected in the dehydration condition of the dehydration step, the drum 8 rotates at the rotation speed Nh. When "weak" is selected, the drum 8 rotates at the rotation speed Ns.

In the initial stage of dehydration, the amount of washing water contained in the laundry is large, so that if the rotation speed of the drum 8 is increased, the washing water follows the outer periphery of the drum 8 and cannot be sufficiently drained. For this reason, a startup period Ts for intermittently varying the rotation speed of the drum 8 is provided. Further, as described later, under the recommended condition of the wool course, the motor rotates at a rotation speed lower than Ns.

The washing water contained in the laundry is discharged to the inner wall of the water tub 7 through the small holes 8a formed in the peripheral wall of the drum 8 by the centrifugal force of the rotating drum 8 in the first dehydration chart.
The washing water flowing down to the lower part of the water tub 7 along the inner wall is drained through the drain duct 25 and the drain pipes 29a and 29b.

During this rinsing and dewatering operation, the water supply valve 22 may be opened and tap water may be injected from the water supply nozzle 24 into the water tank 7. By doing so, the tap water can permeate the laundry by centrifugal force, and the detergent remaining on the laundry can be efficiently removed.

When the rinsing dehydration operation is completed, step #
At 165, the drain pump 18 is stopped, the water supply valve 22 is opened, and a water supply operation is performed. When the water level in the water tank 7 reaches a predetermined level with the opening of the water supply valve 22, the water supply valve 22 is closed,
In step # 166, the driving mechanism 14 drives the drum 8
Rotates in the rinsing chart, and the rinsing operation is performed.
The rinsing chart is different from the respective washing charts in FIG. 16 in the operation time and the rotation speed is the same.

During the rinsing operation, a soft finish agent storage box (not shown) and a rinse water supply path communicating with the soft finish agent storage box may be separately provided, and water may be supplied from the rinse water supply route together with the soft finish agent.

Further, during the washing operation or the rinsing operation, the circulating pump 36 (see FIG. 4) may be driven to circulate the washing water in the water tub 7. In this way, the clean washing liquid between the water tub 7 and the drum 8 is fed into the drum 8, so that the stain or the detergent can be efficiently removed.

At step # 167, the counter i is decremented. At step # 168, it is determined whether or not the counter i is 0. If the counter i is not 0, steps # 164 to # 167 are repeated to perform the rinsing operation again. If the counter i is 0, the rinsing operation has been completed the set number of times, and it is determined in step # 169 whether or not to perform the next step.

When the washing is completed by the rinsing process, the completion of the washing is notified by a buzzer or the like in step # 170, and the opening / closing door 9 is unlocked in step # 171, and the washing is completed.

When the dehydration process is performed, step #
169, the process proceeds to step # 172, and FIG.
Is called.

In step # 183, the finish dewatering operation is performed according to the second dewatering chart. In the present embodiment, the second
The dehydration chart has a different operation time from that of the first dehydration chart (see FIG. 17), and has the same rotation speed.

Then, the washing water is supplied by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the drum 8 through the small holes 8 a formed in the peripheral wall of the drum 8.
To the inner wall of Thereafter, the washing water flowing down the inner wall of the water tub 7 along the inner wall is drained through the drain duct 25 and the drain pipes 29a and 29b.

When the finish dewatering operation is completed, step #
At 184, it is determined whether or not to perform a drying step. If the washing is completed by the dehydrating step, the completion of the washing is notified by a buzzer or the like in Step # 185, and Step # 186 is performed.
Then, the lock of the door 9 is released, and the washing is completed.

When the drying step is performed, step #
When the determination at step 184 is made, the process proceeds to step # 187, and FIG.
Is called. Step # 2 in FIG.
In 01, it is determined whether or not the condition of the drying operation is “cool air”. Step # 20 for "high temperature" or "low temperature"
In step # 2, the heater 41 (see FIG. 5) is turned on, and
At 03, the hot air unit 43 and the cooler 44a are driven to perform the drying operation.

By driving the blower fan 42, the drum 8
The air that has absorbed the moisture in the laundry inside is
a, circulation port 7c of water tank 7, drying duct 44, heater 4
1. After passing through the blower fan 42, the drum 8
Circulates inside. The air containing moisture is cooled by a cooler 44a provided in the drying duct 44 while passing through the drying duct 44, so that the temperature of the air is reduced. As a result, the air in the drying duct 44 is dehumidified by the dew condensation of water, and becomes air with low humidity to reach the heater 41.

The air heated by the heater 41 becomes warm air (the temperature is not raised in the case of "cold air"), is blown into the water tub 7 from the outlet 7a, and comes into contact with the laundry again to absorb moisture. . It is again sucked into the drying duct 44 from the circulation port 7c and is similarly cooled and dehumidified by the cooler 44a. By repeating this operation, the laundry is dried.

Then, the drying degree in the drum 8 is detected by a drying sensor (not shown), and when the drying value reaches a predetermined value, the drying operation is terminated. The water condensed by the dehumidification descends in the drying duct 44 and is discharged from the circulation port 7c to the outside through the drain duct 25 and the drain pipes 29a and 29b.

When the drying operation is completed, step # 204
The end of washing is notified by a buzzer or the like, and the lock of the opening / closing door 9 is released in step # 205, and the washing is ended. As described above, the steps of washing, rinsing, dehydrating, and drying are performed, and the laundry is washed and dried. Further, as described above, each of the steps of washing, rinsing, dehydrating, and drying can be independently executed by setting by the operation unit 52.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a rotation chart of the drum 8 in all steps under the recommended conditions in the wool course. The vertical axis indicates the number of rotations of the drum 8 and the horizontal axis indicates time. The washing chart in the washing step is the same as that in FIG. Accordingly, the washing operation is performed by rotating in one direction for a predetermined time T1 at a rotation speed Nf1 at which the laundry sticks to the inner wall of the drum 8 due to the centrifugal force, so that the laundry is not twisted or pulled.

In the rinsing chart in the rinsing operation periods T4 and T7 and the drying chart in the drying operation period T10, the drum 8 is rotated at the same rotation speed Nf1. This prevents the laundry from twisting or pulling during rinsing and drying.

Immediately after the start of the washing operation, the laundry does not contain the washing water and is light, so that the laundry adheres to the inner wall of the drum 8 at a rotation speed Nf0 lower than Nf1. Therefore, the broken line G
As shown in FIG. 1, the rotation speed of the drum 8 immediately after the start of the washing operation may be set to Nf0. Similarly, immediately before the end of the drying step, since the laundry does not contain the washing water and is light, the rotation speed of the drum 8 may be set to Nf0 as shown by a broken line G3.

When the rotation speed Nf2 is higher than Nf1 immediately before the end of the washing operation as shown by the broken line G2, the laundry sticks to the inner wall of the drum 8 with a strong force. Therefore, even during the drainage period T2 during which the rotation of the drum 8 is stopped, the laundry does not separate from the drum 8 and is maintained in a constant state, so that twisting and pulling can be further prevented. As shown in the wool chart of FIG. 13, the drum 8 may be rotated during the drain periods T2, T5, and T8 so that the laundry does not separate from the inner wall of the drum 8.

In the first and second dehydration charts executed during the rinse dehydration operation periods T3 and T6 and the dehydration operation period T9, the drum 8 rotates at the rotation speed Nf2. The number of rotations in the normal rinsing dehydration operation and the dehydration operation is Nh when the condition is “strong” and Ns when the condition is “weak”, and Nf2 is set lower than these. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the special fabric from being damaged by being pressed against the inner wall of the drum due to the strong centrifugal force applied to the laundry.

Further, in the drying operation of the wool course, the laundry is dried while sticking to the drum 8, so that when completely dried, wrinkles and damages occur. For this reason, the temperature of the heater 42 is controlled to be lower than that of the standard course or blanket course, and the drying operation period T10 is shorter than the standard course. Thereby, the drying degree of the laundry is reduced and the laundry is not completely dried, so that wrinkles and damage can be prevented. Further, by reducing the temperature of the heater 42, shrinkage and deformation due to heat can be prevented. After the drying operation at the rotation speed Nf1, the drum 8 may be rotated at a lower rotation speed Nw to completely dry the laundry.

In this embodiment, the drum type washing machine capable of performing the washing operation and the drying operation has been described. However, the drying machine capable of performing only the drying operation can be configured in the same manner. The laundry adheres to the inner wall of the drum to maintain a constant shape, and since the laundry is not completely dried, shrinkage and deformation of the laundry can be prevented.

FIG. 19 is a side sectional view showing a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, FIG.
5 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. In the washing machine of the present embodiment, the outer box 1 is disposed on the bottom 2, and the water tub 7 is erected inside the outer box 1 with its upper part opened. A laundry inlet 1a is formed in the outer box 1, and an opening / closing door 9 for opening and closing the laundry inlet 1a is pivotally supported.
An operation panel 4 having a control unit 53 on the back is disposed on the upper front side of the outer box 1, and the operation panel 4 is provided with a display unit 51 and an operation unit 52 similar to those in FIG. There are no conditions.)

The water tank 7 is swingably suspended by a suspension device 77, and has a bottomed cylindrical drum 8 therein. A hollow cylindrical tank shaft 16 is integrated with the drum 8 and supported by a bearing 17. A pulsator 71 that generates a water flow by rotation is arranged at the bottom of the inner surface of the drum 8, and a pulsator shaft 72 integrated with the pulsator 71 is rotatably fitted to the tank shaft 16.

In the water tank 7, the stator 1 is fixed by an angle 74.
5a is attached. The rotor 15b is attached to the pulsator shaft 72 by an angle 75 so as to face the stator 15a. Thus, the motor 15 is configured, and when power is supplied to the motor 15, the pulsator 71 rotates.

A clutch mechanism 73 having an electromagnetic solenoid is provided below the pulsator shaft 72.
By supplying power to the electromagnetic solenoid, the pulsator shaft 51 and the tank shaft 16 are connected, and the pulsator 71 and the drum 8 can rotate integrally. Incidentally, 7
Reference numeral 6 denotes a drain valve for communicating the drain duct 25 with the drain pipe 29b during drainage.

In the washing machine having the above structure, when the start key 52b is pressed after setting the recommended conditions of the standard course, for example, by operating the operation section 52, the washing process is started. In the washing process, the drum 8 is fixed, and the pulsator 71 rotates in a predetermined washing chart to perform the washing operation. When the washing process is completed, the process proceeds to a rinsing process.

In the rinsing step, the pulsator shaft 72 and the tank shaft 16 are connected by the clutch mechanism 73, and the drum 8 and the pulsator 71 rotate integrally with the first dehydration chart to perform the rinsing dehydration operation. When the rinsing dehydration operation is completed, the connection between the pulsator shaft 72 and the tank shaft 16 is cut off by the clutch mechanism 73, the drum 8 is fixed, and the pulsator 71 rotates in a predetermined rinsing chart to perform the rinsing operation. The rinsing dehydration operation and the rinsing operation are repeatedly performed a predetermined number of times.

When the rinsing process is completed, the process proceeds to the dewatering process, and the pulsator shaft 72 and the tub shaft 1 are moved by the clutch mechanism 73.
6 and the drum 8 and the pulsator 71 are integrally rotated at a predetermined second dehydration chart to perform a finish dehydration operation.

When the laundry is a special cloth such as wool or silk, "wool" is designated as the condition of the water flow, and when the wool course is selected, the clutch mechanism 73 performs the washing operation and the rinsing operation. Pulsator shaft 72 and tank shaft 1
6 and the drum 8 and the pulsator 71 rotate integrally. The operation chart at this time is similar to the operation chart shown in FIG. 18 described above.
It is designed to rotate.

Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, since the laundry of the special cloth rotates together with the drum and does not move in the drum 8, no twisting or pulling occurs, so that a strong force is not applied to the laundry. Shrinkage and deformation can be prevented.

[0109]

According to the present invention, when the laundry is a special cloth such as wool or silk, the washing, rinsing, and drying operations are performed with the laundry stuck to the inner wall of the drum by centrifugal force. However, the laundry rotates together with the drum and does not move in the drum. Accordingly, the laundry is not twisted or pulled, and a strong force is not applied, so that shrinkage and deformation can be prevented.

Further, according to the present invention, since the washing water in the drum is circulated, the washing water in the drum sufficiently passes through the laundry stuck to the inner wall of the drum by the suction force of the circulating means to efficiently remove dirt or detergent. Can do well.

Further, according to the present invention, when the laundry is dried with the centrifugal force attached to the inner wall of the drum,
Since the drying operation can be performed at a low drying temperature, a short drying time, or a low drying degree, the laundry is not completely dried with wool or silk or other special cloth stuck to the inner wall of the drum, and wrinkles and damages are not generated. In addition, shrinkage and deformation due to heat can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drum type washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view and a side view of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is another side sectional view of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is still another side sectional view of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an operation panel of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a start operation of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of automatic detection of a cloth amount of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a washing process of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a rinsing step of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a dehydrating step of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a drying process of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an operation chart showing an operation of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a method for detecting a cloth amount of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a cloth amount detection method of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a washing chart showing drum rotation in a washing operation of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a dehydration chart showing drum rotation in a dehydration operation of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a chart showing drum rotation in each step of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a side sectional view showing a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Outer box 2 Bottom board 3 Top plate 4 Operation panel 6 Front panel 6a Laundry loading port 7 Water tank 8 Drum 9 Opening door 10 Lock mechanism 11 First suspension device 12 Second suspension device 14 Drive device 15 Motor 16 Tank shaft 18 Packing Reference Signs List 22 water supply valve 23 detergent case 25 drain duct 26 lint filter 27 connection case 28 drain pump 29a, 29b drain pipe 32 water level sensor 41 blower fan 42 heater 43 warm air unit 44 drying duct 51 display unit 52 operation unit 53 control unit 71 Pulsator 72 Pulsator shaft 73 Clutch mechanism

Claims (8)

[Claims] A drum that is loaded with laundry and rotates;
A water supply means for supplying washing water into the drum, and in a state in which the washing water is supplied into the drum, the rotation speed of the drum is set to be higher than the rotation speed at which the laundry adheres to the inner wall by centrifugal force. Or a washing machine characterized by performing a rinsing step. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a circulating means for supplying washing water discharged from a peripheral surface of the drum into the drum. 3. The washing process or the rinsing process according to claim 1, wherein the rotation speed of the drum is lower than the rotation speed at which the laundry sticks to the inner wall by centrifugal force. Item 3. The washing machine according to item 2. 4. A drum which is loaded with laundry and rotates.
Hot air supply means for supplying hot air into the drum to dry the laundry, and in a state where the hot air is supplied into the drum, the rotation speed of the drum is increased by centrifugal force so that the laundry is applied to the inner wall. A dryer characterized by having a high-speed rotation course with a rotation speed higher than the number of rotations to be stuck. 5. A low-speed rotation course for drying the drum by lowering the rotation speed of the drum by centrifugal force to be lower than the rotation speed at which the laundry sticks to the inner wall of the drum. Dryer. 6. The dryer according to claim 5, wherein the temperature in the drum during the high-speed rotation course is lower than the temperature in the drum during the low-speed rotation course. 7. The dryer according to claim 5, wherein an execution time of the high-speed rotation course is shorter than an execution time of the low-speed rotation course. 8. The dryer according to claim 5, wherein the degree of drying of the laundry at the end of the high-speed rotation course is lower than the degree of drying of the laundry at the end of the low-speed rotation course.