JP2003024687A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect a proper water feeding temperature speedily with high responsiveness and to facilitate setting of washing time suited to this water feeding temperature. SOLUTION: In a water pouring case 46 for pouring water into a spinning tub 16 by receiving water from a feed valve 48 connected to the water source of tapped water, or the like, a water feeding temperature detecting means 61 is provided for detecting the temperature of water fed from the feed valve 48.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine equipped with a water supply temperature detecting means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, an elastically supported water tub 2 and a dehydrating washing tub 3 having an agitator 4 are disposed inside the casing 1 of the washing machine. The agitator 4 is a drive motor 5 mounted on the outer bottom of the water tank 2.
It is configured to be rotationally driven by. A drain hose 7 is connected to the bottom of the water tub 2 through a drain valve 6 so that the water in the water tub 2 and the washing tub 3 can be discharged to the outside of the machine. In addition, a detergent dispenser 8 is provided in the upper rear part of the housing 1 so that an amount of powder detergent according to the amount of laundry can be automatically dispensed into the washing tub 3. The detergent drives a motor (not shown). As a source, it is sent out by driving a detergent delivery body and put into the washing tub 3.

By the way, in this type of washing machine, in order to obtain efficient washing performance, in the case of determining the washing time such as basic washing and rinsing, and the washing machine including the detergent throwing device 8 as described above, It is necessary to properly determine the drive time of the motor (not shown) for setting the amount of the detergent. One of the things to keep in mind in order to determine these times is the influence of the temperature of the water supplied as wash water.
As is well known, when the temperature of the washing water is high, the solubility of the detergent is promoted, the activation of the enzyme contained in the detergent is promoted, and good washing power can be expected. Therefore, in this case, the set time can be appropriately shortened so that the washing time and the amount of detergent are not excessively wasted, and efficient washing operation can be executed.

On the other hand, when the water supply temperature is low, the solubility and the cleaning power of the detergent are unavoidably deteriorated. To compensate for this, it is desirable to set a large amount of detergent or set a long washing time. However, if a large amount of detergent is added, there is also a problem that the detergent components are not sufficiently dissolved and remain attached to the laundry, so that it cannot be easily set. Moreover, such a change in the water supply temperature easily fluctuates according to the local environment of the water supply source, a change in the season, or the like, or, in a washing machine equipped with a water supply pump (not shown), residual hot water such as bath water is used. Since the water can be used easily, the influence of the feed water temperature will be even higher. In addition to the basic time setting based on the water supply temperature, various conditions for actual washing, such as the amount of laundry and the degree of dirt, and an appropriate washing time according to the setting input of various washing courses, etc. Is determined, and the detergent is added and the washing operation is performed based on this.

However, in consideration of the fact that the washing time and the amount of detergent are greatly affected by the water supply temperature as described above, in recent years, the temperature of the washing water is measured, and the washing time and the amount of detergent corresponding to the result are measured. It is considered that the drive time for setting can be determined to control the washing operation efficiently.
In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, a thermistor 9 is used as the temperature detecting means, and the thermistor 9 is brought into close contact with the valve case 6a of the drainage valve 6 and is molded with a silicon member to have a moisture-proof structure.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned configuration, the temperature detection by the thermistor 9 is affected by the temperature of the valve case 6a itself and the temperature change until the initially supplied water reaches the bottom of the water tank 2. However, it takes a considerable amount of time to detect a stable temperature, and in some cases, there is a deviation from the actual water supply temperature, which is a problem for promptly and accurately determining the washing time and the detergent amount.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of detecting an appropriate water supply temperature, improving the response thereof, and accurately determining the washing time. To provide.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the washing machine of the present invention is provided with a washing tub, a water supply valve connected to a water supply source, and the washing tub receiving water from the water supply valve. And a water injection case for injecting into the inside, wherein the water injection case,
A water supply temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of water supplied from the water supply valve is provided (the invention of claim 1).

According to this structure, since the water supply temperature detecting means is provided in the water injection case for receiving the water from the water supply valve, the water supply temperature before being supplied to the washing tub can be detected.
An accurate and stable water supply temperature can be detected quickly, an appropriate washing time can be set according to the water supply temperature, and efficient and excellent cleaning performance can be expected.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the water supply temperature detecting means is a thermistor having a structure in which the temperature detecting portion is covered with a metal member (the invention of the second aspect).

According to this structure, since the temperature measuring portion is covered with the metal member, the thermal conductivity is good and the strength can be improved, and the temperature measuring portion can be directly placed in the water to be measured.
More accurate temperature can be detected quickly.

Further, according to the first or second aspect, a water supply pump is provided so that water supplied from the pump can be injected into the washing tub through the water injection case, and the water injection case is provided with the water supply pump. A water supply passage from the water supply pump and a water supply passage from the water supply valve are provided, and the water supply temperature detecting means is provided at a communicating portion of these water passages (the invention of claim 3).

According to such a configuration, even if the bath water or the like is effectively used and the system is provided with the water supply pump, the water supply temperature for any water supply from the water supply pump and the water supply valve such as tap water. Can be detected, and the washing operation suitable for each water supply temperature can be executed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a detergent dispenser for automatically depositing the detergent is provided, and the detergent from the detergent dispenser is dispensed into a water passage through which water from the water supply valve flows. It is characterized in that (the invention of claim 4).

According to such a construction, the detergent provided in the water passage is put into the washing tub by using the water supply from the water supply valve, so that the detergent is welded by steam when bath water is used. The detergent can be smoothly added without causing any trouble. In addition, the solubility of detergent is highly dependent on the water supply temperature, so an appropriate amount of detergent can be set according to the water supply temperature, improving the cleaning power and suppressing excessive use of detergent for efficient washing operation. Can be expected.

Further, in the third aspect of the present invention, the communicating portion provided with the water supply temperature detecting means has a concave portion capable of storing water and a drain hole at the bottom thereof. Invention of Item 5).

According to this structure, since the temperature can be detected while the water is stored, the temperature can be detected stably and with high accuracy, and the water drainage hole is provided, which affects the next temperature detection due to the residual water. In addition, it is possible to avoid the problem that the residual water in the recess is frozen during use in winter without receiving it.

Further, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the drainage hole of the concave portion is smaller than the opening area of the communication port for entering water into the concave portion (the invention of the sixth aspect).

According to this structure, since water can be always drained into the recessed portion while water is quickly stored, accurate temperature detection can be performed without impeding the detection speed.

Further, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the lead wire of the water supply temperature detecting means has a relay connector, and the connector can be fixedly held in the water injection case ( Invention of claim 7).

According to this structure, the lead wire of the feed water temperature detecting means can be easily treated, and the connection with the lead wire of the main body of the washing machine can be facilitated. In addition, it can be integrated as a unit configuration incorporated in the water injection case, and in this unitized state, the electricity supply inspection of the water supply temperature detecting means can be performed, and the handling at the time of assembly can be simplified.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. First, referring to FIG. 7, which shows a schematic configuration of a washing machine, a housing 11 forming an outer shell is composed of a rectangular box-shaped outer box 12 and a top cover 13 attached to the upper part thereof. . A water tank 14 having a bottomed cylindrical shape and capable of storing water is suspended in the housing 11 through an elastic support mechanism 15, and a cylindrical bottomed washing tub 16 is also provided inside the water tank 14. Are installed. The washing tub 16 is rotatably provided with a large number of through holes 16a in the peripheral wall, which also serves as a dehydrating tub, and an agitator 17 is rotatably provided at the inner bottom portion.

On the other hand, in the center of the outer bottom of the water tub 14, a drive motor 18 composed of, for example, an outer rotor type DC brushless motor is provided, and the washing tub 16 and the agitator 17 directly connected to the drive motor 18 are provided. It is driven in rotation, and the transmission of its rotational power is automatically switched by a clutch mechanism (not shown). Although not shown, a rotation sensor is provided on the outer rotor of the drive motor 18, and a laundry amount detecting means for detecting the amount of laundry based on the rotation characteristics of the motor 18 is provided.

A drain valve 19 is provided in communication with the drain port at the bottom of the water tank 14 so that it can be drained to the outside of the machine and an air trap 20 and an air tube 21 formed in the vicinity of the drain valve 19. Water level sensor 2 connected together
2 is provided in the top cover 13, and these constitute so-called water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the washing tub 16.

The top cover 13 that covers the water tub 14 and the washing tub 16 is formed with a laundry inlet / outlet port 13a facing the inside of the washing tub 16, and the inlet / outlet port 13a is folded in two, for example. A possible lid 23 is provided so that it can be opened and closed. An operation panel 24 is provided at the front part of the top cover 13, and although a detailed description thereof is omitted, an operation section and an LED for selecting various washing courses related to the operation of the washing machine and setting operation conditions and the like. Is provided with a display unit and the like. Further, inside the back surface of the operation panel 24, there is provided a control device 25 having a circuit configuration mainly composed of a microcomputer, which is provided from the operation panel 24, the laundry amount detecting means, the water level detecting means and the like. Based on the input of the detection signal, the washing operation is executed and controlled according to a control program stored in advance.

A detergent dispenser 26 is provided behind the top cover 13 for automatically depositing detergent into the washing tub 16. Specifically, this detergent dispenser 26 is configured as follows, as shown in the longitudinal sectional views in which the main parts of FIGS. 8 and 9 are broken. First, as shown in FIG. 8, the hopper 27 containing the detergent is
A container-shaped inner case 27a having an open top surface and an outer case 27b around the outer periphery of the inner case 27a are integrally formed, and the claw portions 28 and 2 formed on the lower portions on both the left and right sides of the outer case 27b.
The hopper 27 is detachably attached to the top cover 13 by elastically engaging the claw engagement portions 30 and 31 formed on both left and right sides of the attachment opening portion 13b of the top cover 13 with each other. Then, at the upper opening of the hopper 27, the lid portion 32 has an appropriate hinge mechanism 33 (see FIG. 9).
The upper opening of the hopper 27 is opened and closed by the vertical rotation.

A detergent agitator 34 having a large number of projections is rotatably supported on the inner lower portion of the hopper 27 so as to be rotatable about the horizontal axis, and the lowermost bottom portion thereof is formed in an arc shape in cross section. This is provided with a circular detergent delivery body 35. The detergent delivery body 35 has a coil shape, and in particular, the diameter gradually increases from the base end portion on the left side in the drawing to the middle portion, and is composed of a coil wire material having a straight diameter from the middle portion to the tip end on the right side in the drawing. The detergent agitator 34 is provided between the coils in the middle of the detergent agitator 34.
One of the protrusions is engaged. Therefore, the detergent delivery body 3
When 5 is rotated, the detergent agitator 34 is also rotated by sequentially changing the protrusions engaged with the detergent delivery body 35.

Further, a cylindrical detergent outlet 36 is formed at the rightmost end of the lowermost portion of the hopper 27, and the straight tip portion of the detergent delivery body 35 is positioned inside this. There is. A cap 37 for opening and closing the detergent outlet 36 is rotatably provided on the detergent outlet 36. As shown in FIG. 9, the cap 37 is provided on the back portion of the hopper 27, for example, a geared motor as the main opening and closing. Drive device 3
It is configured to be opened and closed by being rotated left and right (in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG. 9) about the support shaft 39 by the 8.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the lowermost left end portion of the hopper 27 has a bearing portion 40, and a shaft integrated with the base end portion of the detergent delivery body 35 is provided inside the bearing portion 40. 41 are arranged. The driven gear 4 is provided on the left side of the shaft 41.
2 is provided, and a drive gear 43 that engages with the driven gear 42 in a disengageable manner and transmits a rotational force is attached to the rotation shaft of the motor 44. However, the motor 44 is located in the top cover 13 and is located at the rear left end of the laundry inlet / outlet 13a, and is fixed to the mounting base 45.
Has a structure in which the lower part of the hopper 27 and the like of the detergent feeder 26 is incorporated. Thus, the detergent dispenser 26 is configured, and the energization is controlled by the control device 25 described above.

The mounting base 45, which will be described in detail later, has a water injection case 46 and a water supply pump 47 at a substantially central portion.
Is provided, and a so-called water injection unit 49 in which a water supply valve 48 is disposed on the right side is assembled and configured, and on the right side, the water level sensor 22 including the water level sensor 22 disclosed in FIG. 7 is arranged and fixed in the top cover 13. . Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the water injection unit 49 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. Of these, first, FIG. 3 and FIG.
9 is a perspective view showing an overall schematic configuration of 9, and FIG. 4 shows a specific configuration of a single auxiliary case 50 constituting the water injection case 46,
Although details will be described later, this is configured to be slidable in the front-back direction and separable from the water injection chamber 51 of FIG. 3, and therefore, in FIG. 3, the water injection case 46 with the auxiliary case 50 removed is shown. Shows.

As shown in FIG. 3, the water injection case 46 constituting the water injection unit 49 is arranged on the front side, and the water supply pump 47 and the adjacent water supply valve 48 are arranged on the rear side.
The water supply pump 47 and the water supply valve 48 are mounted on the water injection case 46. Therefore, first of all, a concrete structure of the water injection case 46 will be described. It is made of synthetic resin as a whole and forms a hollow container-like water injection chamber 51 having a large front opening as described above.
A water passage which will be described later and is closed by a canopy portion 52 is formed above it.

However, FIG. 1 is a plan view of the water injection unit 49, and in particular, in order to explain the structure of the water passage of the water injection case 46, the canopy portion 52 is removed, and The shaded portion in the figure represents the contact portion where the canopy portion 52 is watertightly joined. Thus, the water passages are provided with first, second, and third water passages 53, 54, 55 having a horizontally long shape that is long in the left-right direction and has a rectangular flow passage cross section, for example.

Specifically, the first water passage 53 is arranged at the forefront portion, the second water passage 54 is arranged at the rear side thereof, and the third water passage 55 is formed by these first and second water passages. Waterways 53,5
4 are arranged so as to be sandwiched between them, and the upper surfaces thereof are watertightly closed by the canopy portion 52, and the bottom surface is also the ceiling wall of the water injection chamber 51. Therefore, the hatched portions shown in the drawing indicate the respective constituent areas of the first to third water passages 53 to 55. Among them, in the first water passage 53, a water passage hole 56 composed of a plurality of through holes is formed on the bottom surface of the left end portion in the figure.
It is provided so as to communicate with the lower water injection chamber 51, and a long hole-shaped adjustment hole 58 is provided at the midway portion through the low bank portion 57 so as to also communicate with the water injection chamber 51. Such a right end portion of the first water passage 53 shown in the figure is connected to the water supply valve 48 so that water from a water supply source such as a tap may supply the water supply valve 48 to the first water passage 53. Supplied through.

Further, in the second water passage 54, a water passage 59 having a shape obtained by dividing the elongated hole into two at the left end portion in the drawing is also provided.
Is connected to the lower water injection chamber 51, and the other end is connected to the water supply pump 47. The second water passage 54 is supplied with water from a water supply source such as bath water. Supplied via 47. Furthermore, the third water passage 55 is also provided with a water passage hole 60 composed of two circular through holes (may be one) at the left end portion in the drawing, and communicates with the lower water injection chamber 51. At the same time, the other end portion on the right side is connected to the water supply valve 48 for communication, and the third water passage 5
Water such as tap water is supplied to 5 through a water supply valve 48. Therefore, the water supplied through the first to third water passages 53 to 55 flows into the water injection chamber 51 through the water passage holes 56, 59, 60 and then is injected into the washing tub 16. .

A temperature detecting means is provided in the water passage having the above structure so that the temperature of the supplied water can be detected. Specifically, the first and second of the water passages
The temperature of the water flowing through the water passages 53 and 54 can be measured respectively. In the present embodiment, the thermistor 61 that detects the temperature change using the characteristic of the electrical resistance value is adopted as the temperature detecting means. As shown in FIG. 6, the component is connected with a lead wire 62 and has a connector 63 at the other end.
The thermistor 61 has a structure in which the temperature measuring portion 61a at the tip end is cylindrically packaged with a metal member 61b made of stainless steel (copper, aluminum or the like may be used) together with a filler such as an epoxy resin, and has good heat conduction and rust. In addition to having a structure excellent in strength, a flange portion 61c having a large diameter is formed at the other end.

However, in the present embodiment, the thermistor 61 having the above-described structure is provided in the second water passage 54, and is shown by a two-dot chain line in the vicinity of the water passage hole 59 in FIG. This Figure 1
Water case 46 cut at the installation site of the thermistor 61
2 is a vertical sectional side view of a main part of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the installation location of the thermistor 61 is a recessed portion 64 in which water can be stored, which is recessed below the bottom surface of the second water passage 54, and the temperature measuring portion 61a is incorporated therein. Has been. As the fixing means,
The thermistor 61 is inserted from above the canopy portion 52, is received by the flange portion 61c via a sealing material, and is fixed in this state, is gripped by one end of an L-shaped attachment tool 65 as shown in FIG. The fixture 65 is fixed to the canopy portion 52 by tightening a screw 78.

Then, the lead wire 62 of the thermistor 61.
Is wired with the upper surface of the canopy portion 52 facing rearward, and in particular, as shown in FIG.
As shown in the rear view of the water injection unit 49, after being sandwiched in the groove 52a of the canopy 52 on the way, the forked connector 79 is integrally provided on the back of the water injection chamber 51, and the connector 63 at the tip is provided. The wiring process is performed by elastically engaging the engaging pieces 63a and removably fixedly holding them.

Further, as is apparent from FIG. 2, the recessed portion 64 having the above-described configuration has a communication passage 66 with the communication opening 66a formed at the bottom of the adjacent first water passage 53 as the inlet.
It is configured to communicate via. Further, at the bottom of the concave portion 64, a drainage hole 68 having a small diameter is provided on the rear side of the thermistor 61.
Is formed to communicate with the lower water injection chamber 51. The diameter D of the water draining hole 68 is set to a relationship (d <D) in which the diameter D of the communication port 66a is increased, that is, the opening area on the outlet side is smaller than that on the inlet side. As a result, the water that has flowed into the recess 64 can be stored.

Thus, the thermistor 61 is installed in the second water passage 54, but since the temperature detecting portion 61a is arranged in the recessed portion 64 which is a communicating portion that also communicates with the first water passage 53, It is possible to measure the temperature of the water flowing through the respective water passages 53, 54. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication passage 66 has a shape that extends forward and is opened. However, this has an opening shape for die cutting for molding the communication passage 66 in the lateral direction. It has no special effect.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 8, since the water injection chamber 51 has a structure in which the water supply pump 47 is placed at the rear of the substantially central portion thereof, a part including a flat portion is included. It is formed deep in the back and forth direction, and its front opening end is exposed at the entrance 13a of the top cover 13 and faces the washing tub 16. And this water injection chamber 51
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a detergent passage 67 is formed in the top surface portion on the back left side of the detergent outlet 67 of the detergent feeder 26. The bottom portion of the water injection chamber 51 as described above is gradually inclined downward toward the washing tub 16 which is the front, and particularly, as shown in FIG. 3, two beads 69a and 69b having both reinforcing and rectifying functions, and the tips of the beads. A substantially central portion forms a stepped notch 70 as a water injection port.

Then, as described above, the auxiliary case 50 shown in FIG. 4 is fitted in the water injection chamber 51 having the above-described structure so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. That is, in FIG. 4, the auxiliary case 50 has a closing plate portion 71 having a size capable of substantially closing the front opening portion of the water injection chamber 51, and a handle portion 72 (particularly in FIGS.
(See) is integrally formed of synthetic resin. By closing the closing plate portion 71, only the cutout portion 70 is opened downward to form a water injection port.

On the other hand, on the inner surface side that is fitted inward, a detergent chute 73 that gradually inclines downward toward the rear, which is the rear portion.
And a bottomed container-like finishing agent accommodating portion 74 for storing the softening finishing agent is provided on the opposite side. Of these, the detergent chute 73 is located below the water passage hole 56 and the detergent passage 67 in the first water passage 53 in a state where the detergent chute 73 is incorporated in the water injection chamber 51, as shown in FIGS. It has the shape of a correspondingly arranged water passage.

As shown in FIG. 4, the finishing agent accommodating portion 74 is provided with a siphon pipe 75 inside, and the pouring chamber 5
1 (see FIG. 8) to the right of 1 and is arranged corresponding to the lower side of the water passage hole 60 in the third water passage 55 (FIG. 1).
(See, for example, a soft finish agent is temporarily stored, and when it is combined with the subsequent water supply to reach a predetermined water level, it can be poured from the siphon pipe 75 into the water injection chamber 51 below.

Between the detergent chute 73 and the finishing agent accommodating portion 74, a water collecting portion 76 in the shape of a bottomed container is connected.
Is formed, and the outflow port 77 is formed at the ridge at the bottom.
As shown in FIG. 1, the adjusting hole 58 of the first water passage 53, the water hole 59 of the second water passage 54, and the concave portion 64 (water Hole 6
6) is located so that water passing through these is received by the water collecting portion 76 and discharged from the outflow port 77.

Next, the water supply pump 47 will be described. As described above, first, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the water supply pump 47 is placed and mounted by utilizing a partially flat upper wall of the water injection chamber 51. Has been done. That is, the pump case 80 is placed on a plurality of support bases 79 such as rubber cushions provided on the upper surface of the water injection chamber 51, and the upper surface wall of the water injection chamber 51 is extended rearward to provide a flange by the engagement piece 81. Part 80a
Is elastically engaged and held to be fixed.

As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 8, a pump motor 82 and an impeller 83 rotatably driven by the pump motor 82 are provided inside the pump case 80 to form the water supply pump 47. ing. And the water supply pump 47
Has a water intake port portion 84 that absorbs water from a water storage source such as bath water by the rotation of the impeller 83.
Is exposed on the upper surface of the top cover 13.

Further, on the right side of the pump case 80, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, there are provided a discharge conduit 85 for discharging the above-mentioned absorbed water and a priming water intake conduit 86. . The discharge pipe line 85 is connected to the rear end portion on the right side of the second water passage 54 via the canopy portion 52 of the water injection case 46, and the priming water suction pipe line 8 is connected.
6 is also the first water passage 53 through the canopy portion 52.
Is connected to the upper end of the right side end of the.

Next, the water supply valve 48 will be described. This is provided adjacent to the right side of the water supply pump 47 as shown in FIGS. Has one water inlet 87 connected to the first and second two water outlets 8 at the front.
A valve case 90 having 8 and 89, and opening a flow path from the water inlet port 87 to the first water outlet port 88, and opening a flow channel from the water inlet port 87 to the second water outlet port 89. To
It is configured by a three-way valve that is switched by electric power of a solenoid, a motor, or the like.

However, the water inlet 87 is projected upward from the top cover 13, and in particular, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
Is connected to the first water passage 53, while the second outlet port 89 is connected to the third water passage 55. The front end of the valve case 90 is screwed to the right end of the first water passage 53 of the water injection case 46,
The water supply valve 48 is connected and fixed to the water injection case 46.

Thus, the water injection unit 49 is provided at the rear portion of the top cover 13, and is located at the upper rear portion of the washing tub 16 on the left and right rear sides of the water injection case 46, and the detergent dispenser 26 and the water supply valve. 48 and the water supply pump 47 is arranged at an intermediate portion thereof to be integrally assembled, and a thermistor 61 as a water supply temperature detecting means is arranged in the water passage of the water injection case 46. The water supplied from the water supply pump 47 and the water supply valve 48 both form a water supply path that reaches the washing tub 16 via the water injection chamber 51.

Next, the operation of the washing machine having the above structure will be described. First, prior to using the washing machine, as described with reference to FIG. 8, a water supply hose (not shown) connected to, for example, a tap of a water supply is connected to a water inlet 87 of the water supply valve 48 as a water supply source. . In addition, the water intake port 84 of the water supply pump 47
Is connected to one end of a water absorption hose (not shown), and the other end of the water absorption hose is immersed in, for example, bath water (not shown) in a bath. In the hopper 27 of the detergent dispenser 26,
Contains detergent (powder) required for multiple washings.

Thus, laundry (not shown) is put in the washing tub 16 shown in FIG. 7, the lid 23 is closed, and the operation panel 24 is closed.
The power switch key (not shown) is turned on, and a desired washing course is set to start the washing machine. After that, generally, in accordance with the setting of the washing course, water is supplied into the washing tub 16 based on the control device 25 and the detergent is added, and the washing operation, the rinsing operation of plural times, and the dehydration operation are automatically executed. To be controlled.

However, the execution of the detergent supply and the water supply operation associated therewith in this embodiment are specifically controlled as follows. When started, first, the amount of laundry put in the washing tub 16 is measured, that is, so-called laundry amount detection is performed. This laundry amount detecting means is, for example, a method in which a rotation sensor (not shown) provided in the drive motor 18 measures the amount of laundry which is a load according to the rotation characteristics when the stirring body 7 is rotated. Be seen. Based on the detection result of the laundry amount, the water level required for the washing operation is determined, and the required detergent input amount is also automatically determined. In this case, the detergent input amount is controlled by the energization time of the motor 44 that rotates the detergent delivery body 35 that directly delivers the detergent as shown in FIG. 8, and additionally the opening / closing drive device 38 that opens / closes the cap 37 of the detergent outlet 36. (See FIG. 9) is also energized and driven. Further, the washing time such as washing and rinsing is initially set to a time stored in advance based on the selection operation of the washing course.

Subsequently, the water supply valve 48 is activated to activate the water inlet port 8
By opening the flow path on the side of the first outlet port 88 from 7, water is started to be injected into the washing tub 16 through a predetermined water supply path. That is, in the present embodiment, as clearly shown in FIG. 1, the tap of the water supply valve 48
The water supplied via the water outlet portion 88 of the above flows into the first water passage 53 of the water injection case 46 as indicated by the arrow A. The water supplied to the first water passage 53 flows down from the water passage hole 56 at the left end toward the lower water injection chamber 51, but below the water passage hole 56, the detergent chute of the auxiliary case 50 is provided. 73
As shown in FIG. 9, the flow-down water is received by the base side of the detergent chute 73, flows down along the inclination of the detergent chute 73, and is cut out as a water injection port 70 at the front end of the bottom of the water injection chamber 51. Is poured into the washing tub 16.

However, in FIG. 1, the first water passage 53
Excessive water supplied to the above flows over the low bank portion 57 and flows into the adjusting hole 58, and this water flows down into the water collecting portion 76 of the auxiliary case 50 and flows out from the outlet 77 (see FIG. 4). The water is poured into the washing tub 16 through the cutout portion 70 of the water injection chamber 51.
At this time, a part of the water from the first water passage 53 is supplied as priming water into the water supply pump 47 through the priming water suction conduit 86, but only the water supply operation from the water supply valve 48 is executed here. .

In this way, the water supply operation is started and supplied to the first water passage 53, and at the same time, a part of the water is discharged from the communication port 66a formed at the bottom as shown in FIG.
After passing through 6, the water flows into the concave portion 64 located on the second water passage 54 side. The drainage hole 68 of the recess 64 has a smaller diameter (diameter d <D) and a smaller opening area than the communication port 66a, so that the amount of water discharged is small and the water is quickly stored and overflows in the recess 64. Water flows down from the adjacent water passage holes 59 (see FIG. 1) into the lower water collecting portion 76.

However, since the temperature detecting portion 61a of the thermistor 61, which is a water supply temperature detecting means, is arranged in the recess 64, the temperature of the water in the recess 64, that is, the so-called water supply temperature is measured. In this case, since the water drain hole 68 is provided at the rear of the thermistor 61 and is located on the opposite side of the communication passage 66, the water flowing from the communication passage 66 into the concave portion 64 does not flow. The water flows toward the drainage hole 68, and at this time, the temperature can be positively contacted with the temperature detecting portion 61a of the thermistor 61 located in front of the drainage hole 68, and the water supply temperature can be reliably measured from the beginning of inflow of water.

The water supply temperature thus measured is input as a detection signal to the control device 25, whereby the control device 25 reviews the amount of detergent and the washing time based on the preset temperature coefficient, and determines the water supply temperature. The setting value is adjusted to an appropriate value. That is, when the amount of detergent is greatly affected by the supply water temperature, the energization time of the motor 44 for driving the detergent delivery body 35 and the opening / closing drive device 38 for driving the cap 37 of the detergent outlet 36 to open / close as shown in FIGS. Is reset, and the washing operation time with detergent, which has a particular effect on the washing time, is reset. Since the detection of the water supply temperature by the thermistor 61 is measured at the position immediately after passing through the water supply valve 48, it can be detected immediately after the start of the water supply and the temperature of the supplied water can be accurately measured.

However, when the water supply to the washing tub 16 is continued and the stored water level does not reach the determined predetermined water level, for example, when the intermediate water level is reached, the detergent thrower 26 is driven to be determined first. Then, the prescribed amount of detergent is added. Specifically, when the motor 44 of the detergent dispenser 26 shown in FIG. 8 is electrically driven, the rotational force in the coil screwing direction is transmitted from the drive gear 43 to the detergent delivery body 35 via the driven gear 42, As a result, the detergent contained in the hopper 27 is automatically delivered little by little toward the detergent outlet 36. By the rotation of the detergent delivery body 35, the detergent agitating body 34 is also rotated by sequentially feeding the protrusions engaging with the detergent delivery body 35, and the detergent in the hopper 27 is agitated each time, and the detergent is hardened by vibration or the like. It maintains a smooth and uniform feed operation. Further, in substantially the same manner, the opening / closing drive device 38 (see FIG. 9) is energized and the cap 37 of the detergent outlet 36 is pivotally opened about the support shaft 39 as a fulcrum.

Therefore, the detergent delivered by the detergent delivery body 35 is delivered downward from the detergent outlet 36 with the cap 37 opened, and passes through the detergent passage 67 as shown by the arrow S in FIGS. 9 and 1. It is dropped on the detergent chute 73. The detergent chute 73 is located in the water passage that continues from the first water passage 53 through the water passage hole 56, so that the detergent is pushed and dissolved by the water flowing down on the detergent chute 73. Then, it is sent into the water injection chamber 51 together with the water, and is thrown into the washing tub 16 through the notch 70.

The detergent feeding operation as described above is continued until the amount of detergent determined after the adjustment based on the detection result of the feed water temperature is finished, and accordingly, the controller 2
5 controls the motor 44 and the opening / closing drive device 38 at the reset proper time. Thus, the suspension of detergent supply
After a predetermined time, the motor 44 is stopped to stop the detergent from being delivered by the detergent delivery body 35, and the open state of the cap 37 is rotationally controlled by re-driving the opening / closing drive device 38 to close the detergent outlet 36. After that, when the predetermined amount of detergent corresponding to the determined time has been added, only the water supply operation by the above-described first water passage 53 is performed until the determined water level according to the previous detection result of the laundry amount is reached. Is continuously executed, and the water level sensor 22 as a water level detecting means.
Is performed until a predetermined water level is detected by.

When the water is supplied to the predetermined water level, the washing operation to the dehydration operation are automatically performed as described above. First, in the washing operation, the water level is set according to the initial laundry amount as described above. For the detergent amount, the detergent amount is reviewed based on the subsequent detection result of the water supply temperature by the thermistor 61, and the adjusted detergent amount is added. In addition, the washing operation time is also reviewed based on the detection result of the feed water temperature, and the operation time is reset so that the stirring operation by the stirring member 17 is given together with the detergent power of the detergent to obtain an efficient cleaning performance. There is. Therefore, in this washing operation, the drive motor 18 is energized based on the time setting in consideration of the feed water temperature, and the stirring operation is performed by the rotation of the stirring body 17.

After that, although detailed description is omitted, well-known rinsing is performed a plurality of times, and then dehydration operation is sequentially performed.
Among them, the water supply operation during the rinsing operation is the same as the above-described washing operation except that there is no detergent injection operation.
As shown in, the water is supplied from the water supply valve 48 to the washing tub 16 through the first water passage 53, mainly through the detergent chute 73 and the same water supply path that reaches the water injection chamber 51. Here, the thermistor 61 is used. The detection control of the feed water temperature is not performed.

Here, the case of using the third water passage 55 connected to the second water outlet portion 89 of the water supply valve 48 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. This is because in the final rinsing of the above-described multiple times of rinsing, the flow path on the side of the second water outlet 89 is opened, and the third water is indicated by the arrow C.
Is supplied to the water passage 55. And this water is the water passage hole 6
Although it flows down from 0 to the lower water injection chamber 51, at this position, the finishing agent storage portion 74 of the auxiliary case 50 (see also FIG. 4).
Is installed, the water that has flowed down is stored in the finishing agent storage section 74.
Can be received by

However, since the siphon pipe 75 is provided here as the drainage means, when the water in the finish agent accommodating portion 74 is stored up to a predetermined water level, it flows out into the water injection chamber 51 below the siphon pipe 75. . Therefore, at this time, for example, if a softening agent is placed in the finishing agent accommodating portion 74 and set, the softening agent dissolved in the water flowing into and stored therein can be injected into the washing tub 16. . In order to put such a softening agent, it is possible to easily store it by sliding the auxiliary case 50 back and forth in advance before performing a washing operation.

By the way, in the present embodiment, the water supply pump 47 is provided, and it is possible to use the remaining hot water of the bath water as the washing water in the washing tub 16 in order to save tap water.
In this case, the operation is performed by selecting a washing course (water-saving course) using the water supply pump 47 on the operation panel 24, and the tap water and the water supply pump 47 are partially supplied by the water supply valve 48.
The water supply operation using the bath water is executed. That is, in the washing machine provided with the detergent dispenser 26 as in the present embodiment, tap water is used to supply the detergent, and in addition, clean tap water is used during the final rinsing. It Especially when the detergent is added,
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, since the water flows down near the lower portion of the detergent outlet 36, if the remaining hot water in the bath is used, the steam may cause the detergent near the detergent outlet 36 to melt and solidify. , Tap water is used directly to ensure smooth supply of detergent.

Thus, when starting, the laundry amount is detected in the same manner as described above, and the water level and the detergent amount are determined based on the detection result. The priming water for the water supply pump 47 has already been supplied to the water supply pump 47 through the priming water suction pipe line 86 in the previous washing, and thereafter the water supply pump 4
The water supply operation by 7 is possible. Therefore, first, the water supply pump 47 is operated to absorb the bath water through the water suction hose (not shown), and the water is discharged from the water suction port 84 to the discharge pipe line 8.
It is supplied to the second water passage 54 indicated by the arrow B via 5.

This water flows into the water passage hole 59 at the left end and flows down to the water collecting portion 76 of the lower auxiliary case 50, and from the outlet 77 through the notch 70 of the water injection chamber 51 to the washing tub 16
Water is poured inside. At the same time, a part of the water is poured into the recess 64, and the drain hole 68 has a small diameter, so that the amount of water supplied is greater, so that the water is substantially stored in the recess 64. Be maintained in a closed state. And this recess 64
The temperature of the supplied water (bath water) is measured by the temperature measuring unit 61a of the thermistor 61 arranged inside, and the amount of detergent and the washing time (detergent washing time) that are predetermined based on the detection result are reviewed. Then, it is reset to an appropriate value corresponding to the feed water temperature.

However, when the water supply by the water supply pump 47 progresses to reach the substantially intermediate water level of the predetermined water level, the water supply pump 47
Is stopped, and instead the water supply valve 48 is actuated to open the flow path of the first outlet port 88, and tap water is supplied to the first water passage 53.
Is supplied to. Also, the detergent dispenser 26 operates in accordance with the switching of the water supply operation. That is, the detergent is delivered by the rotation of the detergent delivery body 35 by driving the motor 44, and the cap 37 is opened by the opening / closing drive device 38, whereby the detergent is discharged from the detergent outlet 36 in the arrow S direction (see FIGS. 8 and 9).
(Refer to FIG. 3) and is dropped on the lower detergent chute 73 as described above. However, the water supplied to the first water passage 53 excludes a part of excess water (overflows from the adjustment hole 58), and mainly from the water passage 56 to the lower detergent chute 73.
Run down to the base side of.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the detergent chute 7
The detergent delivered to the washing machine 3 is carried by the water flowing down on the detergent chute 73 so as to be swept away, and is poured into the washing tub 16 from the notch 70 of the water injection chamber 51 while being melted. However, the operating time of the detergent dispenser 26 is controlled to the set time reviewed based on the detection result of the water supply temperature as described above, and correspondingly, the first water outlet portion 88 of the water supply valve 48 is controlled. The water supply operation with the open is also controlled at the required time.

In this way, when the predetermined amount of detergent, that is, the predetermined amount of detergent is completely added, the water supply valve 48 is closed and the water supply pump 47 is restarted, and the sucked bath water is supplied to the second water passage 54. Is supplied to the washing tank 16 through the water passage hole 59 and the lower water injection chamber 51. The re-water supply operation by the water supply pump 47 is continuously executed until the water level sensor 22 detects a predetermined water level.

Then, after the water supply is completed and the washing operation is started, this operation time is also controlled by the time set based on the detection result of the water supply temperature, and the operation time suitable for the detergent washing is executed. Further, the washing process progresses and the operation shifts to the rinse operation. Normally, two rinses are set, the first rinse of which allows the use of bath water using the water supply pump 48 described above, and the final rinse of the second rinse with clean tap water. I try to get the effect. As a result, the bath water can be used substantially in the washing operation with the detergent and the first rinsing, and the washing course in which tap water is saved can be executed in particular, and the detection result by the thermistor 61, which is the water supply temperature detection means, can be obtained. Based on this, it is possible to set an appropriate detergent amount and washing time suitable for the water supply temperature.

In this washing course using bath water, tap water is partially used when the detergent is put into the washing tub 1.
6 is supplied. Strictly speaking, this means that the temperature of the washing water in the washing tub 16 tends to be slightly lower than the temperature of the water supplied by the thermistor 61 (bath water). Therefore, in consideration of such a situation, by setting the time based on the temperature coefficient according to the washing course, an appropriate time setting according to the temperature of the water used for the actual washing operation can be set. it can.

As described above, according to the above embodiment, the following effects are obtained. That is, the water supply temperature detection for detecting the temperature of the water supplied from the water supply valve 48 to the water injection case 46 which receives the water from the water supply valve 48 connected to the water supply source such as water supply and injects the water into the washing tub 16. Since the thermistor 61 as a means is provided, it is possible to detect the feed water temperature before being supplied to the washing tub 16, and it is possible to quickly and accurately detect an accurate and stable feed water temperature. Therefore, since an appropriate washing time suitable for the feed water temperature can be set, in the washing operation using the detergent, the activation of the enzyme contained in the detergent is promoted, and the stirring body 1
Efficient and excellent cleaning performance can be expected in combination with the stirring operation by 7.

Further, since the thermistor 61 is constructed such that the temperature detecting portion 61a is covered with a metal member 61b such as stainless steel, copper or aluminum, the thermal conductivity is good and the strength can be improved. The temperature measuring unit 61a can be easily arranged in water for direct measurement, and can be easily incorporated into the water injection case 46 made of synthetic resin. For example, a more accurate water supply temperature can be quickly obtained without complicating the structure. Can be detected.

Further, the water supply pump 4 is used to use bath water or the like.
In the washing machine equipped with 7, the water injection case 46 has a second water passage 54 which is a water passage from the water supply pump 47.
And a first water passage 53 which is a water passage from the water supply valve 48.
And are separately provided, but a recessed portion 64 is formed at a communication site communicated by a communication passage 66 between these water passages,
The temperature measuring portion 61a of the thermistor 61 is arranged in the concave portion 64.

Therefore, the water supply temperature can be detected regardless of the water supply from the water supply pump 47 for bath water or the like, and the water supply valve 48 for tap water or the like. Washing time can be set and executed. Moreover, the recessed portion 64, which is a communicating portion, has a structure capable of storing water, and the drainage hole 68 is provided in the bottom portion thereof.
The diameter d of the water draining hole 68 is smaller than the diameter D of the communication port 66a corresponding to the inlet for entering water into the concave portion 64, that is, the so-called opening area is smaller.

As a result, the temperature can be detected while the water is stored in the concave portion 64, and the temperature can be detected stably and with high accuracy, and the water can be drained while the water drain hole 68 is provided so that the water can be stored. Therefore, the residual water does not affect the next temperature detection, and it is possible to avoid the problem that the residual water in the recess 64 is frozen during winter use.

In addition, the present embodiment is provided with a detergent dispenser 26 for automatically depositing the detergent, and the detergent dispensed from the detergent dispenser 26 is in the water passage through which tap water from the water supply valve 48 flows. Since the water is supplied to the washing tub 16 by using the water supply from the water supply valve 48, there is no problem such as welding of detergent due to steam when bath water is used, and smooth use even for a long time. The detergent loading operation can be maintained. Further, the solubility of the detergent is highly dependent on the water supply temperature, and therefore, the proper detergent amount (driving time of the motor 44 etc.) can be set by inputting the detection result of the water supply temperature.
The detergent solubility can be improved, the activation of enzymes can be promoted, the washing power can be improved, and excessive use of detergent can be suppressed, so that efficient washing operation can be expected.

A relay connector 63 is provided at the end of the lead wire 62 of the thermistor 61, and the connector 63 can be fixedly held on a support base 79 formed on the back of the water injection case 46. Therefore, the lead wire 62 of the thermistor 61, which is the water supply temperature detecting means, can be easily treated, and the connection with the lead wire on the main body of the washing machine (not shown) can be facilitated. In addition, the water injection unit 49 incorporated in the water injection case 46 can be integrated, and the thermistor 61 can be inspected for electricity in this unitized state, and the handling at the time of assembly can be simplified.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings. For example, an auxiliary case 50 slidable with respect to the water injection chamber 51 of the water injection case 46 is provided. The composition is mainly limited to use as the finishing agent storage section 74.
A washing machine that does not include the auxiliary case 50 does not necessarily require the auxiliary case 50, and thus the water injection case 46 can have a simpler configuration.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the thermistor 61 is provided by forming a communication part in the middle of the first and second water passages 53 and 54. The communication part is, for example, the tip side of the water supply path. In the water injection chamber 51 immediately before being poured into the washing tub 16, it can be dealt with by providing it in the vicinity of the notch 70 which is one water injection port through which water from any water passage can be dealt with. Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope.

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention, the water supplied from the water supply valve is supplied to the water injection case which receives the water from the water supply valve connected to the water supply source such as a water supply and injects the water into the washing tub. The water supply temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature is provided.
Therefore, it is possible to detect the temperature of the water supply before being supplied to the washing tub, and it is possible to quickly and accurately detect the temperature of the water supply that is stable and stable. This makes it possible to set an appropriate washing time suitable for the water supply temperature, and to provide a washing machine that is efficient and can expect excellent washing performance and is suitable for practical use.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the present invention with a canopy portion of a water injection case constituting a water injection unit removed.

[Fig. 2] Vertical side view of the main part of the water injection case

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a water injection unit

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an auxiliary case.

[Figure 5] Rear view of the water injection unit

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of temperature detecting means.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the entire washing machine.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a main part in a broken manner.

FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of the main part of a different water injection case.

FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7 showing a conventional example.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference numeral 11 is a housing, 12 is an outer box, 13 is a top cover, 14 is a water tank, 16 is a washing tank, 24 is an operation panel, 25 is a control device, 26 is a detergent dispenser, 27 is a hopper, 35 is a detergent delivery body, 36 is a detergent outlet, 37 is a cap, 44 is a motor,
46 is a water injection case, 47 is a water supply pump, 48 is a water supply valve,
49 is a water injection unit, 50 is an auxiliary case, 51 is a water injection chamber, 52 is a canopy, 53 is a first water passage (water passage), 5
4 is a second water passage (water passage), 55 is a third water passage (water passage), 56, 59, 60 are water passage holes, 61 is a thermistor (supply water temperature detecting means), 61a is a temperature detecting portion, 61b Is a metal member, 62 is a lead wire, 63 is a connector, 64 is a recess (communication site), 66 is a communication passage, 66a is a communication port, 67 is a detergent port, 70 is a notch (water injection port), and 73 is a detergent. Chute, 79 is a support, 80 is a pump case, 82 is a pump motor, 84 is a water inlet, 87 is a water inlet, and 88 is a first
The water outlet part and 90 are valve cases.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A washing tub, a water supply valve connected to a water supply source, and a water injection case for receiving water from the water supply valve and injecting the water into the washing tank. A washing machine comprising a water supply temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of water supplied from a valve. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water supply temperature detecting means is a thermistor having a structure in which the temperature detecting portion is covered with a metal member. 3. A water supply pump is provided so that water supplied from the pump can be injected into a washing tub through a water injection case, and the water injection case is provided with a water passage from the water supply pump and a water supply valve. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a water passage, and water supply temperature detecting means provided at a communicating portion of these water passages. 4. A detergent dispenser for automatically depositing detergent is provided, and the detergent from the detergent dispenser is configured to be dispensed into a water passage through which water from a water supply valve flows. The washing machine described in 3. 5. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the communicating portion provided with the water supply temperature detecting means has a recess for storing water and a drain hole at the bottom thereof. 6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the drainage hole of the recessed portion is smaller than the opening area of the communication port through which water enters the recessed portion. 7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the lead wire of the water supply temperature detecting means has a relay connector, and the connector can be fixedly held in the water injection case.