JP2002136793A - Washing machine and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine for sufficiently performing rinsing even when the curtain of clothes is formed inside a spinning tub. SOLUTION: 'Mist rinsing dehydration' by a mist water supply nozzle 12 is performed in a rinsing process. When the curtain 20 of the clothes is detected by a thermistor 17 for curtain formation detection in the rinsing process, by performing the 'accumulation rinsing' of accumulating water inside the spinning tub 3 and rotating a rotary blade 4, rinsing insufficiency is eliminated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, washing machines having "mist rinse dewatering" in a rinsing process have been provided on the market. In this rinsing method, the rinsing water is converted into fine mist water by a mist water supply device, and the mist water is rinsed while falling on the laundry in the washing dehydration tub rotating at a high speed. This is a rinsing method with a high water saving effect that can obtain a predetermined rinsing performance.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of a conventional washing machine.
In the figure, 1 is an outer box, 2 is a water tank suspended from the outer box 1,
Reference numeral 3 denotes a washing and dewatering tub rotatably supported inside the water tub 2,
Has many dehydration holes on the wall. Reference numeral 4 denotes a rotating blade that is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 3. Reference numeral 5 denotes a mechanism that includes a speed reducer, a clutch, and a brake that is disposed at the bottom of the water tub 2.
Reference numeral 6 denotes a motor disposed at the bottom of the water tank 2, and reference numeral 7 denotes a drain valve to which a drain hose 8 is connected. Reference numeral 9 denotes a water supply valve A provided at the upper part of the washing / dewatering tub 3; 10 denotes a water supply port connected to the water supply valve A9; 11 denotes a water supply valve B provided at the upper part of the washing / dewatering tub 3;
Is a mist water supply nozzle connected to the water supply valve B11, 13 is a top cover, 14 is a control device disposed on the back of the top cover 13, 15 is a lid, and 16 is washing put into the washing and dewatering tub 3. Things.

The operation of such a conventional washing machine will be described with reference to FIG. When the laundry 16 and the detergent (not shown) are put into the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and a start switch (not shown) is pressed, the washing process (the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydrating process) is automatically performed by the control device 14. Be advanced. First, a washing process is performed. Water supply valve A9 opens, water supply port 1
From 0, a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the washing / dewatering tub 3. The rotating blades 4 agitate the laundry 16 to remove dirt from the laundry 16 and the washing process ends (step 101).

Next, the process shifts to a rinsing process (step 102). The drain valve 7 is opened to drain the washing liquid in the water tub 2 (step 103), and thereafter, the intermediate dehydration for rotating the laundry dewatering tub 3 at a high speed is performed for a predetermined time to remove most of the detergent liquid contained in the laundry 16. (Steps 104, 10
5). Thereafter, "mist rinse dewatering" is performed. This is because, while rotating the washing / dewatering tub 3 at a high speed, mist water which has been turned into fine particles from the mist water supply nozzle 12 disposed below the water supply port 10 is directed toward the laundry 16 in the washing / dewatering tub 3 for a predetermined time. (Steps 106 and 107). The mist water injected from the mist supply nozzle 12 hits the laundry 16, dilutes the detergent absorbed by the laundry 16 when passing through the laundry 16, and centrifugally removes the diluted detergent. To remove from the laundry 16.

In this "mist rinsing and dewatering", since fine mist water can uniformly fall on the laundry 16, less water flows out without falling onto the laundry 16, and the water droplets are collected. It is possible to perform rinsing with a smaller amount of water than in “shower rinsing” in which water in a washed state is supplied into the washing / dewatering tub 3. Even if water is supplied while rotating at high speed, laundry is
In this case, there is no danger of splashing out of the washing / dewatering tub 3 and less risk of wetting the floor and the like.

[0007] After the "mist rinsing dehydration" is completed, a "tanning rinse" is subsequently performed. The rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is stopped and the drain valve 7 is closed (steps 108, 10).
9) Supply a predetermined amount of water to the washing / dewatering tub 3 (step 1).
10), rotating the rotor 4 to stir the laundry 16 (step 111), further dilute the detergent remaining in the laundry 16, and open the drain valve 7 to drain (step 11).
2). Such “spin rinsing” is performed a predetermined number of times (step 113), and the rinsing process ends (step 11).
4).

Then, the process shifts to a dehydration process (step 1).
15) Open the drain valve 7 to drain the water in the water tub 2 and then rotate the washing / dewatering tub 3 at a high speed to remove most of the water contained in the laundry 16 and complete the entire washing process.

[0009]

In the conventional washing machine as described above, the mist water of the fine particles falls on the laundry 16 by the mist water supply nozzle 12 while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3 at a high speed in the rinsing process, and is rinsed. We perform "mist rinse dehydration". However, if clothes having a large area such as a shirt or a sheet are contained in the laundry 16, the large-sized shirt or the sheet may be centrifugally applied during the intermediate dehydration performed before the “mist rinse dehydration”. As shown in FIG. 22, there is a case where the curtain spreads to the inside of the washing and dewatering tub 3 and forms the curtain A (curtain) of the clothes. When the curtain A (makuhari) of such clothes is formed on the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub 3, even if the mist water is dropped from the mist supply nozzle 12, as shown in FIG. ), There is a problem that the laundry 16 at the lower part of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is insufficiently rinsed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and laundry having a large area such as a shirt or sheets containing water is washed and dewatered by centrifugal force caused by rotation of a washing and dewatering tub. It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine in which rinsing is sufficiently performed even when curtains extending in a curtain shape are formed in a tub, and a control method thereof.

[0011]

In a washing machine according to the present invention, a washing and dewatering tub is rotatably disposed in a water tub provided in an outer box, and a rotating blade is provided at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub. Washing, rinsing, in a washing machine that automatically progresses a washing process consisting of spin-drying, in a washing machine that is loaded into the spin-drying tub, a wrapping-sensing device that detects an awning formed in the spin-drying tub by centrifugal force, When the curtain covering detection device detects the formation of the laundry curtain, control means is provided for changing the process of the washing process being performed to a process of removing the curtain covering of the laundry.

Also, a washing and dewatering tub is rotatably arranged in a water tub provided in the outer box, and a rotating blade and a drain valve for draining the water in the water tub are provided at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub. In a washing machine that automatically advances a washing step of spin-drying, a Makuhari detection device for detecting a drape formed in the spin-drying tub due to centrifugal force of the laundry put into the spin-drying tub; A mist supply device is provided, in the rinsing process, the drain valve is opened, and the mist supply device performs mist rinse dehydration while rotating the washing / dewatering tub, and the mist rinse dehydration is performed. While the curtain is being detected by the curtain detection device during the laundry, and the curtain is detected, the rinsing process stops the rinsing process by the mist rinse dewatering, and In which switching by the reservoir rinsed reservoir water into the drying tub performs wastewater after rotating the rotary blade.

Further, the Makuhari detecting device includes a self-heating type thermistor disposed on an inner wall of the washing and dewatering tub above an upper end portion of the washing and dewatering tub, and a resistance change of the self-heating thermistor causes the inside of the washing and dewatering tub to change. This is to determine whether or not the laundry is covered.

Further, the Makuhari detecting device is provided with a dehydrating liquid receiving portion having an upper surface opened at a lower portion of an inner wall surface of the water tank and a drain hole formed at a lower surface, and an electrode is provided inside the dehydrating liquid receiving portion. And determining whether or not the laundry in the washing / dewatering tub is covered by curtains based on the change speed of the inter-electrode resistance value.

Further, the Makuhari detecting device comprises a video photographing device arranged at a position facing the rotary wing, and a video processing device for receiving a video signal from the video photographing device. Stores a reference image pattern in the washing and dewatering tub in which laundry is not loaded in advance, compares the image pattern in the washing and dewatering tub by the image capturing device with the reference image pattern, The presence / absence of curtaining of the laundry in the washing / dewatering tub is determined based on the matching ratio of the rotating blades.

[0016] The Makuhari detecting device may further comprise a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element arranged at a position facing an upper surface of the washing and dewatering tub, and a retroreflective plate mounted on the rotary wing.
The light-emitting element emits light toward the retroreflective plate, and the presence or absence of curtaining of the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub is determined based on the amount of light emitted to the light-receiving element.

Further, in the Makuhari detection device, a transmitting ultrasonic element and a receiving ultrasonic element are disposed at positions facing the upper surface of the washing and dewatering tub, and the laundry forms a curtain in the washing and dewatering tub. And an arithmetic unit in which a reference time Ts from transmission of an ultrasonic wave from the transmitting ultrasonic element to reception of the ultrasonic wave by the receiving ultrasonic element in a state where the ultrasonic wave is not stored is stored in advance. The arithmetic unit performs a comparison process between the time T from transmitting the ultrasonic wave from the transmitting ultrasonic element to the reception of the ultrasonic wave by the receiving ultrasonic element and the reference time Ts, and calculates a difference between the two times. It is for judging whether or not the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub is covered.

Further, in the rinsing step of the washing step including washing, rinsing, and dehydrating, the curtain containing moisture contained in the washing and dehydrating tub formed in the washing and dehydrating tub by centrifugal force is detected. When the curtain is formed, the operation under execution is stopped or switched, and the operation for removing the curtain is started.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an electric circuit diagram. In the figure, reference numerals 1 to 16 are the same as those of the above-described conventional technology, and the description thereof is omitted. Reference numeral 17 denotes a curtain-covering thermistor (self-heating type thermistor referred to in the claims) that is electrically heated so as to be higher than the ambient temperature. The thermistor is installed near the peripheral surface of the water tank 2 on the back surface of the top cover 13. ing. Reference numeral 18 denotes an ambient temperature correction thermistor which is electrically heated so as to be higher than the ambient temperature. The thermistor 18 is fixed to a drip-proof cover 19 provided on the inner wall of the outer box 1 near the curtain detection thermistor 17. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the thermistor 17 for detecting curtain covering and the thermistor 18 for correcting the ambient temperature constitute a bridge circuit as an electric circuit.

FIG. 3 shows the operation of the washing machine constructed as described above.
This will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, after the washing process similar to the above-described conventional technology is completed (step 1), the process proceeds to a rinsing process (step 2). The drain valve 7 is opened (step 3), the washing liquid in the water tub 2 is drained, and then the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated at a high speed to perform intermediate dehydration for removing most of the detergent liquid contained in the laundry 16. (Step 4).

After the intermediate dehydration has been performed for a predetermined time, the mist supply nozzle 12 is
"Mist rinsing dewatering" is started by injecting mist water in fine particles from. Here, as described in the related art, at the time of the intermediate dehydration, the curtain A (clothes) of the clothes may be formed in the washing and dewatering tub 3 by the centrifugal force (see FIG. 4). Clothes curtain A (makuhari) during intermediate dehydration
When the “mist rinsing and dewatering” is performed subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4, fine mist water injected from the mist supply nozzle 12 is applied to the curtain A (clothes) of the clothes. Then, the water splashes off and scatters from the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub 3, so that the mist water does not splash on the laundry 16 at the lower part in the washing and dewatering tub 3.

Therefore, after the intermediate dehydration in the rinsing process, the presence or absence of curtain A (clothing) of clothing is detected. If the curtain A (clothes) of the clothes is not formed in the washing and dewatering tub 3 and fine mist water is injected from the mist supply nozzle 12 (step 5), as shown in FIG. Aquarium 3
The mist water does not fall on the curtain-covering thermistor 17, and the output signal voltage Es of the curtain-covering thermistor 17 remains unchanged. That is, the resistance of the curtain detection thermistor 17 remains unchanged without change. The controller 14 determines that the curtain A (clothing) of the clothes is not formed in the washing and dewatering tub 3 because the resistance change of the thermistor 17 for detecting the curtain is not more than a predetermined value (step 6). ),
"Mist rinse dehydration" is continued (step 8). After the “mist rinsing and dehydration” is completed, a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the washing and dehydrating tub 3 to perform a “tanning rinse” (Steps 9 to 9).
Step 12), end the rinsing process (Step 1)
3).

When the curtain A of the clothing is formed, the mist of fine particles injected from the mist supply nozzle 12 is blocked by the curtain A of the clothing, as shown in FIG. The mist is splashed off from the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub 3, and the splashed mist water falls on the curtain detection thermistor 17. Then, the curtain thermistor 17 is cooled by the mist water, the temperature is lowered, and the output signal voltage Es of the curtain detection thermistor 17 is increased. That is, the resistance of the curtain detection thermistor 17 has increased.
7 is equal to or more than the predetermined value (Step 6), it is determined that the curtain A (clothing) of the clothes is formed in the washing and dewatering tub 3 (Step 14), and the "mist rinse dewatering" is stopped. Then (step 15), the mode is switched to the "rinse". The drain valve 7 is closed (step 16), a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the washing / dewatering tub 3, and the laundry 16 is
(Steps 17 and 18). After performing such “tear rinsing” instead of “mist rinsing dehydration”, drain the water and perform “tear rinsing” again (step 1).
9, Steps 10 to 12), and the rinsing process ends (Step 13).

As described above, the thermistor for detecting whether the curtain A (clothing) of the clothes is formed in the washing and dewatering tub 3 by the centrifugal force at the time of intermediate dewatering in the rinsing process by "mist rinse dewatering". 17 is determined by the resistance change, and when the curtain A (clothing) of the clothing is formed, the mode is switched to the “tanning rinse”, so that the curtain A (clothing) of the clothing formed in the washing and dewatering tub 3 is performed. Shortage due to rinsing can be prevented.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an electric circuit diagram. In the figure, reference numerals 1 to 16 are the same as those of the above-described conventional technology, and the description thereof is omitted. Reference numeral 21 denotes a dehydrating liquid receiver provided at the bottom of the inner wall of the water tank 2, which has an upper opening and a lower drain hole 22.
Is formed. Reference numerals 23a and 23b denote electrodes disposed inside the dehydrating liquid receiver 21 so as to face each other, as shown in FIG.
It is connected in series with a resistor as an electric circuit, and its output signal voltage Es is input to the control means 14.

FIG. 7 shows the operation of the washing machine constructed as described above.
This will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, after the washing process similar to the above-described conventional technology is completed (step 21), the process proceeds to a rinsing process (step 22). The drain valve 7 is opened (step 23), the washing liquid in the water tub 2 is drained, and then the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated at high speed to perform intermediate dehydration for removing most of the detergent liquid contained in the laundry 16. (Step 24).

After the intermediate dehydration is performed for a predetermined time, the mist supply nozzle 12 is
"Mist rinsing dewatering" of injecting mist water in the form of fine particles is started (step 25). Here, as described in the first embodiment, the presence or absence of the formation of the curtain A (clothes) of the clothes in the washing and dewatering tub 3 is detected by the centrifugal force during the intermediate dehydration (step 26).

In the second embodiment, when the mist supply nozzle 12 starts injecting the mist,
Dewatering holes (not shown) formed in the side wall surface of the washing dewatering tub 3
The detergent liquid contained in the laundry 16, that is, the rinsing water, is released, and a part thereof is accumulated in the dehydrating liquid receiver 21. The conductivity of the accumulated rinse water is measured by the electrodes 23a and 23b. For example, the conductivity is measured at intervals of 5 seconds, and the control unit 14 measures the change in the concentration of the rinsing water. Dehydration holder 2
The rinse water accumulated in 1 is drained from the lower drain hole 22 and is sequentially replaced with new rinse water. Therefore, by measuring the conductivity of the rinsing water with the electrodes 23a and 23b in the dehydration receiver 21, the concentration change of the rinsing water can be measured, and the presence or absence of the curtain A (clotting) of the clothing is detected based on the concentration change. .

When the curtain A (clothes) of the clothes is not formed, the mist water injected from the mist supply nozzle 12 spreads the laundry 16 spread on the inner wall surface of the washing and dewatering tub 3 as shown in FIG. Dehydration catch 2
Rinse water 1 containing a sufficient amount of detergent in the laundry 16 is discharged from a dehydration hole (not shown) and discharged from the dehydration hole (not shown) until the detergent in the laundry 16 is removed. The rinse water contains detergent liquid. Therefore, the rinsing water containing the detergent liquid sequentially accumulates in the dehydration receiver 21, and the rate of decrease in the electrical conductivity of the rinsing water is small. As described above, when the change rate of the change in the concentration of the rinse water measured by the electrodes 23a and 23b is equal to or less than the predetermined value, it is determined that the curtain A (clotting) of the clothing is not formed (step 27), and the "mist The “rinse dehydration” is continued (step 28). After the “mist rinse dewatering” is completed, a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the washing dewatering tub 3 to perform a “rinse” (step 29 to step 3).
2) The rinsing process ends (step 33).

When a curtain A of clothes is formed in the washing and dewatering tub 3, as shown in FIG.
It is blocked by (makuhari) and scatters without reaching the laundry 16 at the lower part.
It is discharged from an upper dehydration hole (not shown) and accumulates in the dehydration receiver 21. As described above, the rinsing water accumulated in the dehydration receiver 21 when the curtain A (clothing) of the clothing is formed is initially the detergent in the laundry 16 under the curtain A (clothing) of the clothing. Rinsing water containing liquid discharged from a dehydration hole (not shown) accumulates. However, since mist water is not applied to the laundry 16, the rinsing water is immediately discharged from the laundry 16 after intermediate dehydration. And then curtain A of clothing
Rinsing water containing almost no detergent liquid that does not pass through the laundry 16 bounced back (in the curtain) accumulates, so that the time required for the electrical conductivity measured by the electrodes 23a and 23b to fall is short. That is, when the change rate of the density change measured from the electric conductivity is large and the density change in the dehydration receiver 21 is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the curtain A (clotting) of the clothes is placed in the washing and dewatering tub 3.
Is determined (step 34), the "mist rinsing dehydration" is stopped (step 35), and instead of the "mist rinsing and dehydrating", the "mist rinsing and dehydrating" is switched to the "tanse rinsing" (step 34). 36 to step 38). Then, the drainage is performed and the “rinsing” is performed again (step 39, steps 30 to 32), and the rinsing process is completed (step 33).

As described above, in the rinsing process by “mist rinsing and dewatering”, the presence or absence of the formation of the curtain A (clothing) of the clothing is determined based on the change rate of the conductivity of the rinsing water. In the case where is formed, it is possible to prevent shortage of rinsing due to the curtain A (clotting) of the clothing by switching to “flush rinsing”.

Embodiment 3 FIG. FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a washing machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram. In the figure, reference numerals 1 to 16 are the same as those of the above-described conventional technology, and the description thereof is omitted. Reference numeral 24 denotes an image photographing device such as a CCD, which is disposed on the inner wall surface of the lid 15 together with the illuminating means 25 at a position substantially opposed to the rotating blades 4 in the washing and dewatering tub 3. 2
Reference numeral 6 denotes a video processing device. The output is input to the control device 14 to control the motor 6, the water supply valve A9, the water supply valve B11, the drain valve 7, and the illumination means 24.

The operation of the washing machine thus constructed is shown in FIG.
1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, after the completion of the washing process as in the first embodiment (step 4
1) The process proceeds to a rinsing process (step 42). The drain valve 7 is opened (step 43) to drain the washing liquid in the water tub 2, and then the laundry dewatering tub 3 is rotated at a high speed to wash the laundry 16
Intermediate dehydration is performed to remove most of the detergent solution contained in (step 44).

After the intermediate dehydration is performed for a predetermined time, the mist supply nozzle 12 is
"Mist rinsing dewatering" is started by injecting mist water in fine particles from. Before that, as described in the first embodiment, it is detected whether or not the curtain A (clothes) of the clothes is formed in the washing and dewatering tub 3 by the centrifugal force during the intermediate dehydration.

Before starting the "mist rinse dewatering", the rotation of the washing dewatering tub 3 is stopped (step 45). Then, the inside of the washing dewatering tub 3 is illuminated by the lighting means 25, and the laundry 1
6 is photographed by the video photographing device 24. The video signal is sent to the video processing device 26. Video processing device 26
Is stored in advance as reference data image data of the rotary wings 4 as viewed from the upper opening of the washing and dewatering tub 3 in which no laundry is contained. That is, a comparison process is performed between the reference data stored in advance and the video data captured by the video capturing device 24, and the ratio of coincidence is measured to detect the presence or absence of the curtain A (clotting) of the clothing ( Step 46).

When the curtain A (closing) of the clothing is not formed, the matching ratio between the reference data and the video data is equal to or more than a predetermined value. That is, when the matching rate is equal to or more than the predetermined value, it is determined that the curtain A (clothing) of the clothing is not formed (step 47), and the mist water is supplied from the mist water supply device 12 while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3 at a high speed. A “mist rinse dehydration” for water injection is performed (steps 48 to 49), and after a “mist rinse dehydration” is completed, a predetermined amount of water is stored in the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and a “rinse” is performed (step 50 to a step). 53) The rinsing process ends (step 54).
However, when the curtain A (clothing) of the clothing is formed, as shown in FIG. Can not. That is, the matching ratio with the reference data becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value, it is determined that the curtain A (clothing) of the clothing is formed (step 55), the drain valve 7 is closed, and a predetermined amount of water is supplied from the water supply port 10. Then, the washing 16 is agitated by the rotating wings 4 to perform a “rinse” (steps 56 to 5).
8). Then, the drainage is performed and the “tanning rinse” is performed again (step 59, steps 51 to 53), and the rinsing process is completed (step 54).
Insufficient rinsing due to (makuten) can be prevented.

Embodiment 4 FIG. FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a washing machine according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the figure,
Reference numerals 1 to 16 are the same as those of the above-described conventional technique, and the description thereof is omitted. 27 is a retroreflective plate attached on the surface of the rotary wing 4; 28 is a light emitting element such as a laser, for example; 29 is a light receiving element;
It is arranged on the inner wall surface of the lid 15 at a position facing the retroreflective plate 27 so that the light is reflected by the light 7 and enters the light receiving element 29. In addition,
The output signal of the light receiving element 29 is input to the control means 14.

FIG. 1 shows the operation of the washing machine constructed as described above.
4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, after the completion of the washing process similar to the above-described prior art (step 61), the process proceeds to the rinsing process (step 62). The drain valve 7 is opened (step 63), the washing liquid in the water tub 2 is drained, and then the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated at a high speed to perform intermediate dehydration for removing most of the detergent liquid contained in the laundry 16. (Step 64).

When the intermediate dewatering is performed for a predetermined time, the mist water supply nozzle 12 is
"Mist rinsing dewatering" is started by injecting mist water in fine particles from. Before that, as described in the first embodiment, it is detected whether or not the curtain A (clothes) of the clothes is formed in the washing and dewatering tub 3 by the centrifugal force during the intermediate dehydration.

Before the "mist rinse dewatering" is started, the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated at a low speed (step 65). Then, light is emitted from the light emitting element 28, and it is detected from the amount of light received by the light receiving element 29 whether the curtain A (closing) of the clothing is formed (step 66). When the light emitted from the light emitting element 28 is reflected by the retroreflective plate 27 without irregular reflection, a large amount of light enters the light receiving element 29. Therefore, when the control means 14 receives an input signal of a light amount equal to or more than the predetermined value from the light receiving element 29, it determines that the curtain A (clothing) of the clothing is not formed (step 67), and performs "mist rinse dehydration". (Steps 68 to 69) After the “mist rinsing and dehydration” is completed, a “rinse” is performed (steps 70 to 69).
Step 73) End the rinsing process (Step 7)
4).

However, as shown in FIG. 15, when the curtain A (clothing) of the clothing is formed, the light emitted from the light emitting element 28 is diffusely reflected by the curtain A (clothing) of the clothing, and the light receiving element is formed. 29, the amount of light falling therethrough decreases. That is, the control unit 14
Then, when the input signal of the light amount from the light receiving element 29 is equal to or less than the predetermined value, it is determined that the curtain A (clothing) of the clothing is formed (step 75), and the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is stopped. The drain valve 7 is closed, a predetermined amount of water is supplied from the water supply port 10, and the washing 16 is agitated by the rotating blades 4 to perform a “rinse” (steps 76 to 79). Then, the drainage is performed and the “rinse” is performed again (step 8).
0, Steps 71 to 73) Since the rinsing process is completed (Step 74), it is possible to prevent insufficient rinsing due to the curtain A (clotting) of the clothing.

Embodiment 5 FIG. FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing a washing machine according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a block diagram. In the figure, reference numerals 1 to 16 are the same as those of the above-described conventional technology, and the description thereof is omitted. Reference numeral 30 denotes a transmitting ultrasonic element that emits ultrasonic waves intermittently, and is disposed on the inner wall surface of the lid 15 so as to face the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 3. Numeral 31 is a receiving ultrasonic element for receiving ultrasonic waves radiated from the transmitting ultrasonic element 30 and reflected by the rotary wings 4, and is disposed on the inner wall surface of the lid 15 so as to face the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 3. . 32 is a signal processing device, which measures the time until the ultrasonic wave radiated from the transmitting ultrasonic element 30 is received by the receiving ultrasonic element 31,
The comparison processing is performed with the reference value Ts, and the result of the calculation is input to the control means 14 and the motor 6, the water supply valve A9,
The water supply valve B11 and the drain valve 7 are controlled.

FIG. 1 shows the operation of the washing machine constructed as described above.
8 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, after the washing process similar to the above-described conventional technology is completed (step 81), the process proceeds to a rinsing process (step 82). The drain valve 7 is opened (step 83), and the washing liquid in the water tub 2 is drained. Thereafter, the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated at a high speed to perform intermediate dehydration for removing most of the detergent liquid contained in the laundry 16. (Step 84).

When the intermediate dewatering is performed for a predetermined time, the mist supply nozzle 12 is
"Mist rinsing dewatering" is started by injecting mist water in fine particles from. Before that, as described in the first embodiment, it is detected whether or not the curtain A (clothes) of the clothes is formed in the washing and dewatering tub 3 by the centrifugal force during the intermediate dehydration.

Before the "mist rinse dewatering" is started, the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated at a low speed (step 85). Then, ultrasonic waves are emitted from the transmitting ultrasonic element 30, the time T is measured until the ultrasonic wave is received by the receiving ultrasonic element 31, compared with a reference value Ts stored in advance, and the curtain A (Makuhari ) Is detected (step 86).

When the curtain A (closing) of the garment is not formed, there is no obstacle, and the radiated ultrasonic wave is reflected by the rotor 4 without any hindrance. Therefore, the time Ta from when the ultrasonic wave is emitted to when the ultrasonic wave is received by the receiving ultrasonic element 31 is equal to the reference value Ts. That is, the time Ta from the emission of the ultrasonic wave to the reception is measured and compared with the reference value Ts,
If it is the same time, it is determined that the curtain A (clotting) of the clothing is not formed (step 87), and "mist rinsing and dewatering" is performed (step 88 to step 89). After the “mist rinsing and dehydration” is completed, a predetermined amount of water is stored in the washing and dehydrating tub 3 and a “rinse” is performed (steps 90 to 90).
(Step 93), end the rinsing process (Step 9)
4).

However, as shown in FIG. 19, when the curtain A (clothing) of the clothing is formed, the ultrasonic wave radiated from the transmitting ultrasonic element 30 is reflected by the curtain A (clothing) of the clothing. As a result, since the ultrasonic wave is received by the receiving ultrasonic element 31, the propagation distance of the ultrasonic wave is shortened, and the time Tb from the emission of the ultrasonic wave to the reception thereof is shorter than the reference value Ts. That is, the signal processing device 32 compares the time Tb with the reference value Ts, and as a result,
When the result signal of b <Ts is transmitted to the control means 14,
The control means 14 determines that the curtain A (clothing) of the clothing is formed (step 95), closes the drain valve 7, and sets the water inlet 1
A predetermined amount of water is supplied from 0, and the “rotary rinsing” of stirring the laundry 16 by rotating the rotor 4 is performed (steps 96 to 99). Then, after draining, a “tanning rinse” is performed again (step 100, step 9).
1 to Step 93) End the rinsing process (Step 9)
4) Therefore, shortage of rinsing due to the curtain A (clotting) of the clothing can be prevented.

[0048]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

A washing and dewatering tub is rotatably arranged in a water tub provided in the outer box, and a rotating blade is provided at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub.
Washing, rinsing, in a washing machine that automatically progresses a washing process consisting of spin-drying, in a washing machine that is loaded into the spin-drying tub, a wrapping-sensing device that detects an awning formed in the spin-drying tub by centrifugal force, Control means for changing the step of the washing process in progress to a step of removing the curtain of the laundry when the formation of the curtain of the laundry is detected by the Makuhari detection device. Even if a curtain is formed in the inside, it can be detected and removed, so that the washing process can be completed without knowing the formation of the curtain and the problem that the washing performance is reduced can be eliminated, and stable washing performance can be obtained. .

Further, a washing and dewatering tub is rotatably arranged in a water tub provided in the outer box, and a rotating blade is provided at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub, and a drain valve for draining the water in the water tub is provided. In a washing machine that automatically advances a washing step of spin-drying, a Makuhari detection device for detecting a drape formed in the spin-drying tub due to centrifugal force of the laundry put into the spin-drying tub; A mist supply device is provided, in the rinsing process, the drain valve is opened, and the mist supply device performs mist rinse dehydration while rotating the washing / dewatering tub, and the mist rinse dehydration is performed. While the curtain is being detected by the curtain detection device during the laundry, and the curtain is detected, the rinsing process stops the rinsing process by the mist rinse dewatering, and Since the water is switched in the dehydration tub and the rotary wings are rotated and the drainage is rotated, the drainage is switched by a rinsing rinse. Therefore, even if a curtain is formed in the dehydration tub, the rinsing is not insufficient, and a stable rinsing performance is obtained. be able to.

Further, the Makuhari detecting device is provided with a self-heating type thermistor on the inner wall of the washing and dewatering tub above the upper end of the washing and dewatering tub, and the resistance of the self-heating thermistor changes the resistance in the washing and dewatering tub. Since the presence or absence of the curtain of the laundry is determined, the presence or absence of the curtain can be reliably detected.

Further, the Makuhari detection device is provided with a dehydrating liquid receiving portion having an upper surface opened at the lower portion of the inner wall surface on the side of the water tank and a drain hole formed at the lower surface, and an electrode is provided inside the dehydrating liquid receiving portion. Since the presence / absence of the curtain of the laundry in the washing / dewatering tub is determined based on the change speed of the resistance value between the electrodes, the presence / absence of the curtain can be easily and reliably detected.

Further, the Makuhari detection device comprises a video photographing device arranged at a position facing the rotary wing, and a video processing device for receiving a video signal from the video photographing device. Stores a reference image pattern in the washing and dewatering tub in which laundry is not loaded in advance, compares the image pattern in the washing and dewatering tub by the image capturing device with the reference image pattern, Since the presence / absence of curtains of the laundry in the washing / dewatering tub is determined based on the matching ratio of the rotating blades, the presence / absence of curtains can be easily and reliably detected.

Further, the Makuhari detection device is configured by disposing a light emitting element and a light receiving element at a position facing the upper surface of the washing and dewatering tub, and mounting a retroreflective plate on the rotating blade.
The light emitting element emits light toward the retroreflective plate, and the presence or absence of the curtain of the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub is determined based on the amount of light that enters the light receiving element. Therefore, the presence or absence of the curtain is easily and reliably detected. can do.

Further, in the Makuhari detection device, a transmitting ultrasonic element and a receiving ultrasonic element are arranged at positions facing the upper surface of the washing and dewatering tub, and the laundry forms a curtain in the washing and dewatering tub. And an arithmetic unit in which a reference time Ts from transmission of an ultrasonic wave from the transmitting ultrasonic element to reception of the ultrasonic wave by the receiving ultrasonic element in a state where the ultrasonic wave is not stored is stored in advance. The arithmetic unit performs a comparison process between the time T from transmitting the ultrasonic wave from the transmitting ultrasonic element to the reception of the ultrasonic wave by the receiving ultrasonic element and the reference time Ts, and calculates a difference between the two times. Since the presence or absence of the curtain of the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub is determined, the presence or absence of the curtain can be easily and reliably detected.

Further, in the rinsing step of the washing step consisting of washing, rinsing and dewatering, the dampness formed in the washing and dewatering tub by the centrifugal force of the laundry containing water in the washing and dewatering tub is detected. When the curtain was formed, the operation in progress was stopped or switched, and the operation of removing the curtain was started, so that even if the curtain was formed in the washing and dewatering tub, rinsing was insufficient. And a stable rinsing performance can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an electric circuit diagram of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an electric circuit diagram of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a washing machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a washing machine according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a washing machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a washing machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a washing machine according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

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

FIG. 20 is a sectional view showing a conventional washing machine.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a conventional washing machine.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing a conventional washing machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 outer box, 2 water tank, 3 washing and dewatering tank, 4 rotors, 5
Mechanism, 6 motor, 7 drain valve, 8 drain hose,
9 Drain valve A, 10 Water supply port, 11 Water supply valve B, 12
Mist water supply nozzle, 13 top cover, 14 control device, 15 lid, 16 laundry, 17 curtain thermistor, 18 ambient temperature correction thermistor, 19 drip-proof cover, 21 dehydrating liquid receiver, 22 drain hole, 23a,
23b electrode, 24 illumination means, 25 image capturing device, 2
6 image processing apparatus, 27 retroreflective plate, 28 light emitting element, 29 light receiving element, 30 transmitting ultrasonic element, 31
Received ultrasound, 32 signal processor.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kazuhiko Manya 2-3-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Mitsubishi Electric Corporation F-term (reference) 3B155 AA03 AA08 AA17 BB09 CB51 CB62 FA21 FC02 KA25 KB14 KB16 LA11 LB29 MA01 MA02 MA06 MA08 MA09

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A washing and dewatering tub is rotatably arranged in a water tub provided in an outer box, and a rotating blade is provided at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub to automatically advance a washing process including washing, rinsing, and dewatering. A washing machine that detects the drapery formed in the washing / dewatering tub by centrifugal force due to the laundry put into the washing / dewatering tub, and detects the formation of drapery of the laundry by the dangling detection device. And a control unit for changing a step of the washing step being performed to a step of removing the curtain of the laundry. 2. A washing and dewatering tub is rotatably arranged in a water tub provided in an outer box, and a rotating blade is provided at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub, and a drain valve for draining the water in the water tub is provided. In a washing machine that automatically advances a washing step of spin-drying, a Makuhari detection device for detecting a drape formed in the spin-drying tub due to centrifugal force of the laundry put into the spin-drying tub; A mist supply device is provided, in the rinsing process, the drain valve is opened, and the mist supply device performs mist rinse dehydration while rotating the washing / dewatering tub, and the mist rinse dehydration is performed. During the washing, the curtain is detected by the Makuhari detection device, and when the Makuhari is detected, the rinsing process stops the rinsing process by the mist rinse dehydration, and the laundry dehydration is performed. A washing machine characterized in that the washing machine is switched by a pool rinse in which water is stored in a tub and the rotary wings are rotated and then drainage is performed. 3. The washing and dewatering tub according to claim 3, wherein the self-heating type thermistor is disposed on an inner wall of the washing and dewatering tub above an upper end of the washing and dewatering tub, and a resistance change of the self-heating thermistor causes the inside of the washing and dewatering tub to change. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the presence or absence of a curtain of the laundry is determined. 4. The Makuhari detecting device is provided with a dehydrating liquid receiving portion having an upper surface opened at a lower portion of an inner wall surface of the water tank and a drain hole formed at a lower surface, and an electrode is provided inside the dehydrating liquid receiving portion. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the washing and dewatering tub is configured to determine the presence or absence of curtaining of the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub based on a changing speed of the inter-electrode resistance value. 5. The video processing device according to claim 1, wherein the Makuhari detection device includes a video shooting device disposed at a position facing the rotary wing, and a video processing device receiving a video signal from the video shooting device. Stores a reference image pattern in the washing and dewatering tub in which laundry is not loaded in advance, compares the image pattern in the washing and dewatering tub by the image capturing device with the reference image pattern, The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the presence or absence of curtaining of the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub is determined based on the matching ratio of the rotating blades. 6. The Makuhari detection device, wherein a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are disposed at a position facing an upper surface of the washing and dewatering tub, and a retroreflective plate is mounted on the rotary wing. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the washing machine emits light toward the retroreflective plate, and determines whether or not the laundry in the washing / dewatering tub is covered by the amount of light emitted to the light receiving element. . 7. The washing and dewatering tub is provided with a transmitting ultrasonic element and a receiving ultrasonic element at a position facing an upper surface of the washing and dewatering tub, and the laundry forms a curtain in the washing and dewatering tub. And an arithmetic unit in which a reference time Ts from transmission of an ultrasonic wave from the transmitting ultrasonic element to reception of the ultrasonic wave by the receiving ultrasonic element in a state where the ultrasonic wave is not stored is stored in advance. The arithmetic unit performs a comparison process between the time T from transmitting the ultrasonic wave from the transmitting ultrasonic element to the reception of the ultrasonic wave by the receiving ultrasonic element and the reference time Ts, and calculates a difference between the two times. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub is covered. 8. In a rinsing step of a washing step including washing, rinsing, and dehydrating, a dampness formed in the washing and dehydrating tub by the centrifugal force of the laundry containing water in the washing and dehydrating tub is detected. When the curtain was formed,
A method for controlling a washing machine, wherein an operation under execution is stopped or switched, and an operation to remove the curtain is started.