JP2003159492A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent bad influence on the drain piping of a washing machine or the existing drain system, caused by the hot drain water drained after it is used in hot water washing cycle of a washing machine. <P>SOLUTION: A control circuit 41 heats the laundry water (tap water) fed from a feed valve 46 into a water tank 4 by a hot water heater 6, and then powers a motor 15 to rotate a drum in which laundry is stored. By this, hot water washing operation is performed. After the hot water washing operation is finished, a control circuit 41 immediately drives a drain valve 7 to start the drain operation, when the temperature of the washing water has been set below the reference temperature specified in the memory in advance. However, when the temperature of the washing water is higher than the specified temperature, drain operation is performed after a washing water cooling operation is performed, in which specified quantity of water is provided via a feed valve 46 to lower the temperature of the washing water. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine in which a washing operation is performed with hot water stored in a washing tub.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a washing machine, a washing operation is performed while hot water is supplied into the washing tub or water supplied into the washing tub is heated by a heater or the like. It is considered to improve the

[0003]

In recent years, it has been considered that the washing water temperature at the time of washing with warm water is set to a high temperature of about 60 ° C. or higher to further improve the washing performance. However, when washing with warm water at such a temperature is performed,
If the hot washing water in the washing tub is drained as it is,
The drainage pipe of the washing machine and the existing domestic drainage system will be adversely affected, and in some cases, there will be a problem of damaging the pipe and its sealing part.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to reliably prevent a situation in which a drainage pipe or the like is adversely affected even when the temperature during hot water washing is increased. To provide.

[0005]

The invention according to claim 1 is
In order to achieve the above object, a washing tub for performing a warm water washing operation, a water supply means for supplying water into the washing tub, and a drainage operation for discharging the washing water during the warm water washing operation to the outside of the washing tub are performed. The operation control means for executing a water supply operation by the water supply means to reduce the temperature of the wash water is previously provided. According to this configuration, since the wash water during the warm water washing operation is discharged to the outside of the washing tub through the water supply means, the temperature of the washing water can be lowered. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the drainage pipe of the washing machine and the existing drainage system are adversely affected by the warm drainage, and there is no fear of damaging the pipe or the seal portion thereof.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the operation control means may be configured to execute an operation of stirring the washing water in the washing tub by the stirring means during the washing water cooling operation. According to this configuration, the warm water in the washing tub and the water supplied through the water supply means are mixed at an early stage, and the temperature lowering rate becomes faster. For this reason, the time required until the drainage operation is started can be shortened.

In this case, as in the invention described in claim 3,
The operation control means may be configured to perform a stirring operation during the washing water cooling operation with a weaker force than a stirring operation during a washing operation. According to this configuration, when stirring the wash water during the wash water cooling operation, it is possible to suppress the foaming phenomenon caused by the detergent component in the wash water. In particular, when the temperature of the washing water is relatively high, foaming due to the detergent content becomes large, which is beneficial.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, water temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the washing water in the washing tub in a plurality of stages is provided, and the operation control means is controlled by the water temperature control means. The washing water cooling operation may be executed only when the temperature is equal to or higher than a preset reference temperature. According to this configuration, when the temperature of the washing water in the washing tub is lower than the reference temperature, the washing water cooling operation is not executed and the drainage operation is immediately started. Therefore, if the reference temperature is set to a temperature lower than the temperature at which the drainage pipe of the washing machine is adversely affected, the water supply operation into the washing tub will not be performed unnecessarily. In addition, wasteful time is not wasted before the start of drainage operation.

In this case, as in the invention according to claim 5,
A configuration may be provided in which a function of switching the high and low of the reference temperature is added to an operation unit for performing a warm water washing operation start operation and the like. With this configuration, it is possible to switch the reference temperature between high and low by operating the operation unit. Therefore, for example, if the user changes the reference temperature to a higher temperature, the washing water cooling operation can be omitted. That is, whether or not to perform the wash water cooling operation can be set according to the usage environment of the washing machine. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the situation in which the washing water cooling operation is wastefully performed in an environment where there is no problem even if high-temperature drainage is caused to flow.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, water temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the washing water in the washing tub in a plurality of stages is provided, and the operation control means is controlled by the water temperature control means. In accordance with the above, it may be configured to control to increase or decrease the amount of water supply during the washing water cooling operation. With this configuration, since the amount of water supplied during the washing water cooling operation is increased or decreased according to the temperature of the washing water, it is possible to prevent the situation where the water for cooling the washing water is consumed more than necessary.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the washing water is provided with a water amount determining means for determining the amount of water in the washing tub, and the operation control means controls the washing water in accordance with the amount of water determined by the water amount determining means. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which control is performed to increase or decrease the amount of water supply during the cooling operation. According to this configuration, since the amount of water supplied during the washing water cooling operation is increased or decreased according to the amount of hot water in the washing tub, it is possible to prevent the situation in which the water for cooling the washing water is consumed more than necessary.

In order to achieve the above object, a washing tub for performing a warm water washing operation, a water temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of washing water in the washing tub, and a hot water washing operation are provided. After the execution, the water temperature detecting means is provided with an operation control means for executing a drainage operation for discharging the wash water out of the washing tub after the temperature detected by the water temperature detecting means falls below a preset drainage start temperature. . According to this configuration, the operation of draining the wash water during the warm water washing operation is started only when the temperature drops below the drainage start temperature. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the drainage pipe of the washing machine and the existing drainage system are adversely affected by the warm drainage, and there is no fear of damaging the pipe or the seal portion thereof.

In this case, as in the invention described in claim 9,
A configuration may be provided in which a function for switching the high and low of the drainage start temperature is added to an operation unit for performing a warm water washing operation start operation and the like. According to this configuration, the drainage start temperature can be switched between high and low by operating the operation unit. Therefore, for example, if the user switches the drainage start temperature to a higher temperature, the drainage operation can be started relatively early after the hot water washing operation is completed. That is,
It is possible to set the washing water temperature when the drainage operation is started according to the usage environment of the washing machine. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the time-consuming situation from occurring in an environment where there is no problem even if the high-temperature drainage flows.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, the water supply means for supplying water into the washing tub is provided, and the operation control means detects the temperature detected by the water temperature detection means for a predetermined time. In the case where the temperature does not drop below the drainage start temperature during the period, the water supply operation by the water supply means may be performed to execute the wash water cooling operation for lowering the temperature of the wash water. According to this configuration, after the warm water washing operation is completed, if the time until the washing water falls below the drainage start temperature is carelessly prolonged due to the ambient temperature, etc., the water is supplied from the water supply means into the washing tub. Will be done.
For this reason, it becomes possible to promote the cooling of the wash water while preventing waste of time.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the operation control means executes the water supply operation during the washing water cooling operation while monitoring the allowable upper limit water amount of the washing tub, thereby the inside of the washing tub It may be configured to prevent the situation where the washing water overflows. According to this configuration, it is possible to reliably prevent the situation where the wash water accidentally overflows from the washing tub during the washing water cooling operation.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the washing tub and the water temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the washing water in the washing tub are provided.
When the residual water in the washing tub is detected by the water level detecting means and the temperature detected by the water temperature detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the operation control means executes the drainage operation after executing the washing water cooling operation. It may be configured.
According to this configuration, even when the drainage operation of discharging the wash water to the outside of the washing tub is performed from the state where the warm water washing operation is interrupted, the wash water cooling operation is executed before the drainage operation. Therefore, also in this case, it is possible to prevent the drainage pipe of the washing machine and the existing drainage system from being adversely affected by the warm drainage.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION (First Embodiment) A first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a drum type washing machine with a drying function will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 2 shows a vertical sectional structure of a drum type washing machine having a drying function. In FIG. 2, a rectangular outer box 1 forming an outer shell of a washing machine has a loading port 2 for loading and unloading laundry (not shown) in a front plate 1a thereof.
Further, the front plate 1a is provided with a door 3 for opening and closing the insertion port 2. A rear face plate 1b is detachably attached to the rear face of the outer box 1, and the rear face can be used as an inspection opening by removing the rear face plate 1b.

A cylindrical water tub 4 (corresponding to a washing tub) is provided inside the outer box 1. The water tank 4 is of a horizontal axis type and is arranged in an inclined state in which it rises forward, and its front face is connected to the charging port 2 in a watertight manner by a bellows 5. A groove-shaped recess 4a is formed at the bottom of the water tub 4, and a hot water heater 6 for heating washing water is provided inside the recess. A drain hose 8 provided with a drain valve 7 is connected to the lowest part in the recess 4a.

The water tank 4 is vibration-proof supported by a vibration-proof damper 9 incorporating an oil damper. This anti-vibration damper 9
Are provided at two locations on the left and right sides of the water tank 4, and the tank support base 4b attached to the lower portion of the water tank 4 and the outer box 1
Is attached to the bottom plate 1c of the. Also, the aquarium 4
The upper part of the tension spring 10 against the top plate 1d of the outer box 1.
It is elastically supported through a and 10b.

Inside the water tub 4, a cylindrical drum 11 (corresponding to a stirring means) for storing laundry is rotatably provided in a horizontal axis state. The drum 11 is arranged coaxially with the water tank 4, that is, in a state where the drum 11 is inclined forward and upward, and the opening 11a on the front surface communicates with the charging port 2.
The drum 11 has a large number of through holes 11b on the peripheral side wall. Further, the drum 11 is provided with a plurality of baffles 11c for scraping up laundry on its inner peripheral portion, and is configured to function as a washing tub and a dehydrating tub and further as a drying tub by being rotationally driven. Has become.

At the center of the rear part of the water tank 4, the bearing housing 1
2 are integrally provided. This bearing housing 12
Has a stator 1 concentrically arranged and fixed on the outer periphery thereof.
A motor 15 including a rotor 3 and a rotor 14 arranged so as to surround the stator 13 is provided. The motor 15 is composed of an inverter-controlled three-phase brushless motor, and has a rotating shaft 14 a supported by a bearing housing 12 via a bearing 16. The rotary shaft 14a is connected and fixed to the central portion of the rear surface plate 11d of the drum 11 via a connecting unit 17, so that the motor 15 directly drives the drum 11.

Although not shown in FIG. 2, a water supply valve (indicated by reference numeral 46 in FIG. 1) connected to the faucet of the water supply and the water supply valve 46 are supplied into the outer box 1. A water supply path including a conduit for guiding tap water into the water tank 4 is provided. In the middle of this water supply path, for example, a detergent accommodating portion for temporarily storing detergent introduced from a detergent inlet (not shown) provided in the front plate 1a of the outer box 1 is installed. When the detergent stored in the detergent accommodating portion is supplied from the water supply valve 46 into the water tank 4 through the water supply path, the detergent is supplied into the water tank 4 together with the water.

Although only the upper end portion is shown in FIG. 2, a dehumidifier 18 for assisting the drying function is provided on the rear surface side of the water tank 4 in a state of being arranged laterally of the motor 15. The dehumidifier 18 has a hollow duct shape as a whole, and its lower end communicates with the inside of the water tank 4. The dehumidifier 18 causes the air in the water tank 4 and further the air discharged from the drum 11 to flow upward from the lower end, and exchanges heat with the exhaust flow and external air or cooling water to remove the moisture contained in the exhaust. Cool and condense to dehumidify.

The upper end of the dehumidifier 18 has a blower duct 21 through a drying fan device 19 and a heater device 20 in that order.
Is in communication with. The blower duct 21 extends from above the water tank 4 to the front, and the opening at the tip thereof is located inside the water tank 4 to form the drum 1.
1 is communicated with the front opening 11a.
Therefore, during the drying process, the airflow generated in response to the driving of the fan device 19 is heated and warmed by the heater device 20 and is supplied from the front side into the water tank 4 through the blower duct 21. The drum 1 is heated by the hot air thus supplied.
The laundry in 1 is dried.

The warm air (exhaust air) after contributing to this drying is
From the inside of the drum 11 with a large amount of water, the through hole 11b
Is discharged from the rear part of the water tank 4 after passing through the dehumidifier 18
Taken in. Then, the exhaust gas that has flowed into the dehumidifier 18 is cooled and dehumidified here, and is then re-heated as dry air through the fan device 19 and the heater device 20. Further, the warm air is supplied into the water tank 4 and the drum 11 via the air duct 21. In this way, warm air circulation operation is performed.

The front panel 1a of the outer box 1 is provided with an operation unit 22 (corresponding to an operation section) at its upper portion and a control unit 23 at its lower portion. FIG. 3 shows the front appearance of the operation unit 22. In this FIG.
An operation panel 24 is provided on the front surface of the operation unit 22. The operation panel 24 is provided with the following switch groups.・ Power switch 25 for selecting power on / off of the washing machine ・ Reservation setting switch 26 for setting the operation start time ・ Temperature setting switch 27 for setting the temperature during hot water washing ・ Washing course "standard" or "susaya" , "Solid", "Blanket", "Dry" to select the course selection switch 28 ・ To set the dry course to "shrinkage reduction", "Y shirt", "heater weak" Drying changeover switch 29 ・ Start / stop switch 30 for starting / temporarily stopping operation ・ Washing stroke selection switch 31 with ring-shaped indicator 31 a ・ Rinsing stroke selection switch 32 with ring-shaped indicator 32 a ・ Ring Dehydration process selection switch 33 having a ring-shaped indicator 33a-Drying process selection switch having a ring-shaped indicator 34a Pitch 34

On the operation panel 24, the setting state display sections 35, 36 for displaying the selection / setting results of the reservation setting switch 26, the temperature setting switch 27, the course selection switch 28, and the drying changeover switch 29 described above. 37
Is provided. In this case, in particular, the setting status display unit 3
5 is provided with a digital display unit 35a for displaying the remaining time of the washing operation, the remaining time until the start of the reserved operation, and the temperature of the washing water in the water tank 4. Further, the setting state display unit 35 is provided with a content display unit 35b group showing the display contents (“remaining”, “reservation”, “hot water”) above the digital display unit 35a, and below the digital display unit 35a. The unit display showing the unit of the displayed numerical value (“hour” corresponding to the remaining time of the washing operation, “after time” corresponding to the remaining time until the start of the reserved operation, “° C” corresponding to the temperature of the washing water) A group 35c group is provided.

When the reservation setting switch 26 is turned on, "remaining" in the content display section 35b and "after time" in the unit display section 35c are turned on. From this state, when the reservation setting switch 26 is repeatedly turned on and continuously turned on, the numerical value displayed on the digital display unit 35a (that is, the remaining time until the start of the reserved operation) is within a predetermined range. Change to click. When the temperature setting switch 27 is turned on, "warm water" in the content display section 35b and "° C" in the unit display section 35c are turned on.
From this state, when the temperature setting switch 27 is repeatedly turned on and continuously turned on, the numerical value displayed on the digital display unit 35a (that is, the set temperature of the washing water)
, Cyclically changes in the order of, for example, “30”, “40”, “60”, “85”. In short, the temperature setting switch 27 sets the temperature of the washing water to 30 ° C, 40 ° C, 60 ° C,
It is provided to set the temperature to either 85 ° C.

On the operation panel 24, "DO" is provided below each of the reservation setting switch 26 and the course selecting switch 28.
The letters "WN" and "UP" are given respectively, and the letter "decision" is given below the temperature setting switch 27, the meaning of which will become clear from the description below.

On the other hand, the control unit 23 is configured to include a microcomputer, and the entire electrical configuration including the control unit 23 will be described below with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, the control unit 23 includes a DC power supply circuit 39 fed from an AC power supply (commercial AC power supply) 38, an inverter main circuit 40 using the DC power supply circuit 39 as a power supply, and a control circuit mainly composed of a microcomputer. 41 (corresponding to operation control means, water temperature control means, water quantity determination means), a control power supply circuit 42 for stepping down the output of the DC power supply circuit 39 and supplying it to the control circuit 41 as a power supply, and the like.

The inverter circuit 40 is provided to drive the motor 15 at a variable speed by its output. The motor 15 is provided with a position sensor 43 that detects the rotational position of the rotor 14 (see FIG. 2), and a position detection signal from this position sensor 43 is given to the control circuit 41. The position sensor 43 has a two-sensor configuration using, for example, two Hall ICs. In addition, the control circuit 41
Then, the rotational speed of the motor 15 can be detected based on the position detection signal from the position sensor 43.

The control circuit 41 incorporates a motor drive circuit (not shown) for PWM-controlling the inverter circuit 40 to generate an output voltage having a variable voltage and a variable frequency. In order to perform such PWM control, the control circuit 41 creates a PWM signal based on the position signal from the position sensor 43, and supplies the PWM signal to the inverter main circuit 40 through the motor drive circuit (not shown). Has become.

Further, the control circuit 41 includes a position sensor 43.
In addition to the position detection signal from the operation unit 22, an operation signal from the operation unit 22, a water level detection signal from the water level detecting means 44 for detecting the water level in the water tank 4, and a temperature of the washing water in the water tank 4 are detected. A temperature detection signal from the water temperature detection means 45 is input.

In the control circuit 41, the output voltage and the output frequency of the inverter main circuit 40 are controlled (the rotation speed control of the motor 15) on the basis of the above-mentioned input signals and a preset program. The hot water heater 6, the drain valve 7, the fan device 19, and the heater device 2
0, drive control of a water supply valve 46 (corresponding to water supply means) for supplying tap water into the water tank 4 is performed through a drive circuit (not shown). The hot water heater 6, the drain valve 7, the fan device 19, the heater device 20, and the water supply valve 46 are supplied with power from the AC power supply 38 through the drive circuit (not shown).

The flow charts of FIGS. 4 and 5 show the part of the control contents of the control circuit 41 which is relevant to the gist of the present invention.
The process will be described with reference to the process timing chart.
FIG. 6 shows an example of the operation progress state of the washing machine. The transition state of the water level and the washing water temperature in the water tub 4, the energization current and interruption state of the motor 15, the water supply valve 46, It is a schematic representation of the hot and cold water heater 6 and the drainage valve 7 in the on / off state.

FIG. 4 shows the control contents in the washing process for the warm water washing operation. In FIG. 4, the warm water washing operation is started when the start / stop switch 30 is turned on while the laundry is put in the drum 11. Before the start / stop switch 30 is turned on, a predetermined amount of detergent is put in from a detergent inlet (not shown) provided in the front plate 1a of the outer box 1. It is in a state of being stored in the detergent accommodating portion installed in the water supply route through the.

At the time of this warm water washing operation, first, a cloth amount determination routine A1 for determining the amount of cloth in the drum 11 (the amount of laundry put in) is executed. In this routine A1, the cloth amount is determined as follows, for example. That is, by supplying constant power to the motor 15 and monitoring the number of rotations of the motor 15 based on the position detection signal from the position sensor 43, the motor 15 is changed from the first number of rotations to the second number of rotations.
Measure the time required to start up to the number of revolutions. Next, the energization of the motor 15 is stopped and the drum 11 is inertially rotated. At this time, the time required for the motor 15 to fall from the third rotation speed to the fourth rotation speed is measured.
In this case, since the measured rise time and fall time are in proportion to the cloth amount, respectively, by referring to both of them in the time / cloth amount data table stored in advance, ], "Medium", "Small"
It is judged in three stages. In the “Cloth amount determination” column in FIG. 6, the changing state of the rotation speed of the motor 15 is schematically shown.

After the cloth amount determination routine A1 is executed, the tap water is supplied to the water tank 4 by driving the water supply valve 46 (step A2). The water supply amount at this time is, for example, 20 liters (cloth amount “large”), 15 liters (cloth amount “medium”), 1 according to the cloth amount determined by the cloth amount determination routine A1.
It is set to either 0 liters (cloth volume "small"). In this case, in response to the above water supply operation, the detergent in the detergent accommodating portion (not shown) installed in the water supply path is poured into the water tank 4. In addition, in such a water supply step A2, the motor 15 is rotated forward / reversely for a short period of time in a predetermined cycle to rotate the drum 11 forward / reversely. Promotes melting. The forward / reverse rotation operation of the motor 15 in the water supply step A2 is, for example, a sequence of energizing in the forward rotation direction for 5 seconds, disconnecting for 10 seconds, energizing for 5 seconds in the reverse rotation direction, and disconnecting for 10 seconds as one cycle. It is performed by repeating the above-described power interruption control (the "energization timing" is schematically shown in the "water supply" column in FIG. 6).

After the set amount of washing water is supplied to the water tank 4 in response to the execution of the water supply step A2, the hot water heater 6 is energized and the energization period is based on the temperature detection signal from the water temperature detecting means 45. By performing feedback control, the wash water in the water tub 4 is heated to the set temperature (step A3). This set temperature is set through the temperature setting switch 27 provided in the operation unit 22 as described above, and can be set in four stages of 30 ° C., 40 ° C., 60 ° C. and 85 ° C., for example. Also in the washing water heating step A3 as described above, the drum 15 is normally and reversely rotated by rotating the motor 15 forward and backward for a short period of time in a predetermined cycle, and the stirring of the washing water in the water tub 4 is accompanied by this. A situation in which the temperature of the washing water partially rises in accordance with the operation (occurrence of temperature unevenness) is suppressed. The forward / reverse rotation operation of the motor 15 in the washing water heating step A3 is, for example, energization in the forward rotation direction for 2 seconds → disconnection for 88 seconds →
It is performed by repeating the power interruption control with a sequence of energization in the reverse rotation direction for 2 seconds → power interruption for 88 seconds as one cycle (the energization timing is schematically shown in the “Washing water heating” column in FIG. 6). .

After the washing water is heated to the set temperature according to the execution of the washing water heating step A3, the hot water washing operation is executed by rotating the motor 15 forward and backward (step A4). This warm water washing step A4 is a time preset for each washing course selected by the course selection switch 28 (for example, 10 in the case of the "standard" selection course).
Minutes) only. The forward / reverse rotation operation of the motor 15 in the warm water washing step A4 is energized in the forward rotation direction for 20 seconds when, for example, the "standard" selection course is selected.
It is carried out by repeating the power interruption control with a sequence of power interruption for 2 seconds → energization in the reverse rotation direction for 20 seconds → electricity interruption for 2 seconds as one cycle (the energization timing is schematically shown in the "warm water washing" column in FIG. Shown in).

After the step A4 of washing with warm water is completed,
It is determined whether or not the temperature set by the temperature setting switch 27 (the control temperature of the washing water in the washing water heating step A3) is equal to or higher than a preset reference temperature TS (for example, 60 ° C.) (step A5). If "NO" is determined here,
That is, the temperature set by the temperature setting switch 27 is 30 ° C.
Alternatively, when the temperature is 40 ° C., the drainage valve 7 is operated to perform the drainage operation step A6 of discharging the wash water until the water level in the water tank 4 becomes zero (step A7), and the water level becomes zero. Sometimes the warm water washing operation is terminated. The water level detection at this time is performed by the water level detection means 44.

On the other hand, if "YES" is determined in the step A5, that is, if the temperature set by the temperature setting switch 27 is 60 ° C or 85 ° C, the wash water cooling routine A8 is executed. In the wash water cooling routine A8, the wash water cooling operation is performed in which the temperature of the wash water is lowered by driving the water supply valve 46 to supply tap water into the water tank 4. The amount of water supplied at this time is determined in accordance with the amount of cloth (corresponding to the amount of water supplied to the water tank 4) determined by the cloth amount determination routine A1 and the set temperature of washing water (60 ° C. or 85 ° C.). For example, if the set temperature is 60 ° C,
It is set to any of 5 liters (cloth amount "large"), 3.75 liters (cloth amount "medium"), and 2.5 liters (cloth amount "small"). When the set temperature is 85 ° C, 10 liters (cloth volume "large"), 7.5 liters (cloth volume "medium"), 5
It is set to any of liters (cloth amount "small"). Needless to say, the set value of the water supply amount is not limited to the above-mentioned numerical value.

In the wash water cooling routine A8,
The drum 11 is rotated forward and backward by rotating the motor 15 forward and backward for a short period of time in a predetermined cycle, and the temperature of the washing water is partially changed according to the stirring operation of the washing water in the water tub 4 accompanying this. Suppresses the situation of occurrence (temperature unevenness). The forward / reverse rotation operation of the motor 15 in the wash water cooling routine A8 is, for example, a sequence of energizing in the forward rotation direction for 5 seconds, disconnecting for 10 seconds, energizing in the reverse rotation direction for 5 seconds, and disconnecting for 10 seconds. It is performed by repeating the on / off control as a cycle (“cooling of washing water” in FIG. 6).
The timing of energization is schematically shown in the column). That is, the stirring operation of the wash water during the washing water cooling operation is performed with a weaker force than the stirring operation during the warm water washing operation.

After the washing water cooling routine A8 is completed, it is judged whether or not the temperature of the washing water has dropped below a preset drain start temperature TL (for example, 55 ° C.) (step A9). If it has not decreased, it is determined whether or not a preset time limit has elapsed (step A
10). When the time limit has not elapsed, the washing water is agitated (operating conditions are the same as the washing water cooling routine A8)
Is continued (step A11).

Then, the temperature of the washing water is the drainage start temperature TL.
When it is decreased below (“YES” in step A9), the execution of the stirring operation step A11 is ended and the flow proceeds to the drainage operation step A6, whereby the warm water washing operation is ended. Further, when the limit time has passed without lowering the temperature of the wash water to the drainage start temperature TL or lower (“YES” in step A10), the execution of the stirring operation step A11 is ended and the additional water supply operation step A1.
Execute 2. In step A12, the water supply valve 46 is driven to supply a predetermined amount of tap water into the water tank 4. The water supply amount at this time may be determined to be a unique value, but may be determined to be an amount proportional to the washing water temperature detected by the water temperature detecting means 45, for example. It should be noted that, also in this additional water supply operation step A12, it is desirable to carry out the stirring operation of the wash water in the same manner as in the wash water cooling routine A8.

After the additional water supply operation step A12 is completed, it is judged again whether or not the temperature of the washing water has dropped below the drainage start temperature TL (step A13). It is determined whether or not there is a margin for additional water supply to (step A14). Specifically, the control circuit 4
1 is an allowable upper limit amount of water in the water tank 4 (for example, 50 liters to 6
(Within the range of 0 liters) and the cumulative amount of water supplied to the water tank 4 are monitored.
It is determined whether or not the allowable upper limit water amount is less than or equal to the amount obtained by subtracting the additional water supply amount in step A12.
When it is judged in this step A14 that there is a margin for additional water supply, the operation returns to the additional water supply operation step A12 and the water tank 4
Although the additional water supply to the inside is re-executed, when it is determined that there is no margin, the process returns to step A13 and waits until the temperature of the wash water falls below the drainage start temperature TL. The drum 11 may be intermittently rotated in the forward and reverse directions during this waiting period to perform the stirring operation of the wash water.

Finally, when the temperature of the washing water falls below the drainage start temperature TL ("YE" in step A13).
S ”), the drainage operation step A6 is entered and the warm water washing operation is terminated.

The reference temperature TS used for comparison with the temperature set by the temperature setting switch 27 in step A5 is stored in the control circuit 41 in advance. It is possible to switch at any time by operating the operation panel 24 of the operation unit 22. Specifically, the control circuit 41 switches to the reference temperature setting mode when the washing machine power is turned on by the power switch 25 while turning on the temperature setting switch 27 on the operation panel 24, for example. The control circuit 41 displays the currently stored reference temperature TS in the digital display section 3 of the setting state display section 35 in the state where the control circuit 41 is switched to the reference temperature setting mode.
5a is displayed. The initial value of this reference temperature TS is 60 ° C. described in this embodiment. From this display state, the control circuit 41 changes the display value of the digital display section 35a to "59 → 58 → 57 → ..." when the reservation setting switch 26 marked with "DOWN" is turned on. Control to decrement. Similarly, when the course selection switch 28 marked with "UP" is turned on, the display value of the digital display portion 35a is changed to "61 → 62 → 63 → ...
"" Is incremented. Then, with the display value of the digital display unit 35a being set to an arbitrary numerical value, the temperature setting switch 2 provided with the letters "OK".
When 7 is turned on, the control circuit 41 stores the display value at that time as a new reference temperature TS.

On the other hand, in FIG. 5, for example, the power switch 2
5 shows the control content of the residual water discharge process performed when the washing machine power is turned on. In FIG. 5, first, the presence / absence of residual water in the water tank 4 is determined based on the water level detection signal from the water level detection means 44 (step B).
1). In addition, such a situation where the residual water exists in the water tank 4 occurs, for example, when the operation is stopped midway after the start of the hot water washing operation. When it is determined in step B1 that there is no residual water, the residual water discharge process is ended as it is.

When there is residual water, it is judged whether or not the temperature of the residual water is below the drainage start temperature TL (step B).
2). When the temperature of the residual water is equal to or lower than the drainage start temperature TL, the drainage valve 7 is operated to perform the drainage operation step B3 of discharging the residual water until the water level in the water tank 4 becomes zero (step B4). , When the water level reaches zero, the residual water discharge process ends. The water level at this time is detected by the water level detecting means 44.
By.

On the other hand, when the temperature of the residual water exceeds the drainage start temperature TL ("NO" in step B2), the water supply valve 46 is driven to supply a predetermined amount of tap water into the water tank 4. By rotating the motor 15 forward and backward for a short period of time in a predetermined cycle, the drum 11 is rotated forward and backward to stir the residual water (step B5). As a result, the wash water cooling operation is performed. The forward / reverse rotation operation of the motor 15 at this time may be performed in the same sequence as the above-described washing water cooling routine A8. The amount of water supplied to the water tank 4 in step B5 may be a fixed amount of, for example, several liters, or may be increased or decreased according to the temperature of the residual water.

After the execution of the water supply / stirring operation step B5 as described above, it is re-determined whether or not the temperature of the residual water has dropped below the drainage start temperature TL (step B6). It is determined whether or not the set limit time has elapsed (step B7). When the temperature of the residual water falls below the drainage start temperature TL (“Y” in step B6).
"ES") is to move to the drainage operation step B3, which terminates the warm water washing operation. Also,
When the time limit has elapsed without the temperature of the residual water falling below the drainage start temperature TL (“YES” in step B7)
For this, the control after the water supply / stirring operation step B5 is executed again. In this case as well, similar to the control example of FIG. 4 described above, the allowable upper limit amount of water in the water tank 4 and the cumulative amount of water supplied to the water tank 4 are monitored, and additional water supply is performed based on the monitoring result. It is desirable to determine whether or not there is a margin and determine whether or not to execute the water supply / stirring operation step B5 based on the result of the determination.

As a result of the control as described above, the following actions and effects are obtained in this embodiment. The temperature of the washing water in the aquarium 4 in the warm water washing operation is
Four stages (30 ° C,
It can be set to 40 ° C., 60 ° C., 85 ° C.). Therefore, the warm water washing operation can be performed at the washing water temperature in consideration of the stain quality of the laundry and the washing performance can be improved.

When the washing water temperature during the warm water washing operation is set to 60 ° C. or 85 ° C., which is higher than the reference temperature TS (60 ° C.) stored in the control circuit 41, the washing water is drained. The water supply valve 4 is installed in the water tank 4 before the operation.
A washing water cooling operation of supplying cold water (tap water) through 6 is performed. Therefore, by such operation, the water tank 4
The temperature of the washing water inside can be lowered. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the drainage pipe of the washing machine and the existing drainage system are adversely affected by the warm drainage, and there is no fear of damaging the pipe or the seal portion thereof.

When the washing water temperature during the warm water washing operation is set to 30 ° C. or 40 ° C. lower than the reference temperature TS, that is, even if the washing water is drained, the drain pipe of the washing machine is adversely affected. If there is no fear, the drainage operation is immediately started without executing the wash water cooling operation. Therefore, the water supply operation into the water tank 4 is not performed unnecessarily. In addition, wasteful time is not wasted before the start of drainage operation.

The amount of water supplied during the washing water cooling operation as described above is increased or decreased in accordance with the set temperature of the washing water during the hot water washing operation, and the amount of cloth detected in three stages (the amount of water supplied to the water tank 4). It is also increased or decreased by). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the situation in which the water for cooling the wash water is consumed more than necessary.

During the washing water cooling operation as described above, the drum 11 is intermittently rotated forward and backward to stir the washing water in the water tub 4. As a result, the warm water in the water tank 4 and the cold water supplied through the water supply valve 46 are mixed with each other at an early stage, and the rate of temperature decrease is accelerated. For this reason,
The time required until the drainage operation is started can be shortened. The stirring operation of the wash water in this case is performed with a weaker force than the stirring operation during the warm water washing operation. Therefore, when stirring the wash water during the wash water cooling operation, it is possible to suppress the foaming phenomenon caused by the detergent component in the wash water. In particular, when the temperature of the washing water is relatively high, foaming due to the detergent content becomes large, which is beneficial.

The control circuit 41 is provided with a function of switching the level of the reference temperature TS by operating the operation panel 24 of the operation unit 22. So, for example,
If the reference temperature TS is switched to a temperature higher than 85 ° C. on the user side, “N” is always set in step A5 in FIG.
It will be judged as "O". Therefore, the wash water cooling operation can be omitted regardless of the temperature of the wash water. Further, if the reference temperature TS is switched to a temperature higher than 60 ° C. and lower than 85 ° C., when the washing water temperature is set to 60 ° C. or lower, it is determined as “NO” in step A5 in FIG. Become so. Therefore, the washing water cooling operation can be set to be executed only when the temperature of the washing water is set to 85 ° C. That is, whether or not to perform the wash water cooling operation can be set according to the usage environment of the washing machine. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the situation in which the washing water cooling operation is wastefully performed in an environment where there is no problem even if high-temperature drainage is caused to flow.

The control circuit 41 executes a water supply operation during the washing water cooling operation while monitoring the allowable upper limit amount of water in the water tub 4, thereby preventing the wash water in the water tub 4 from overflowing. There is. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the situation in which the wash water inadvertently overflows from the water tub 4 during the wash water cooling operation.

Under the condition that residual water exists in the water tank 4, when the temperature of the residual water is equal to or higher than the drainage start temperature TL, the wash water cooling operation is executed and then the drainage operation is executed. That is, for example, even when the drainage operation of discharging the wash water to the outside of the water tank 4 is performed from the state where the warm water washing operation is interrupted, the wash water cooling operation is executed prior to the drainage operation. Therefore, also in this case, it is possible to prevent the drainage pipe of the washing machine and the existing drainage system from being adversely affected by the warm drainage.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and only the portions different from the first embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment, a part of control contents by the control circuit 41 is different from that of the first embodiment. That is, in FIG. 7 showing the control contents in the washing process for the warm water washing operation, after the warm water washing step A4 is finished, the wash water temperature detected by the water temperature detecting means 45 is the drainage start temperature TL (55 ° C.). It is determined whether or not it exceeds (step A5 '). If "NO" is determined here, the process proceeds to the drainage operation step A6 to end the warm water washing operation.

On the other hand, "YES" in step A5 '.
If it is determined, that is, if the wash water temperature exceeds 55 ° C., the wash water cooling routine A8 ′ is executed. In the wash water cooling routine A8 ', a wash water cooling operation is performed in which the temperature of the wash water is lowered by driving the water supply valve 46 to supply tap water into the water tank 4. The amount of water supplied at this time is determined according to the amount of cloth determined by the cloth amount determination routine A1 (corresponding to the amount of water supplied into the water tub 4) and the temperature of the washing water detected by the water temperature detecting means 45. For example, if the washing water temperature is higher than 55 ° C. and lower than 75 ° C., 5 liters (cloth volume “large”), 3.75 liters (cloth volume “medium”),
It is set to either 2.5 liters (cloth volume "small").
When the washing water temperature is 75 ° C or higher and lower than 85 ° C, 7.5 liters (cloth volume "large"), 5.63 liters (cloth volume "medium"), 3.75 liters (cloth volume "small" )). Furthermore, when the set temperature is 85 ° C. or higher, it is set to any of 10 liters (cloth amount “large”), 7.5 liters (cloth amount “medium”), and 5 liters (cloth amount “small”). The set value of the water supply amount is not limited to the above example, and can be set in multiple stages. Further, in the washing water cooling routine A8 ', similarly to the first embodiment, the control for rotating the drum 11 in the normal and reverse directions is performed by rotating the motor 15 in the predetermined cycle for a short time in the normal and reverse directions.

In this embodiment having such a structure, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. In particular, in the present embodiment, the amount of water supplied in the washing water cooling process is taken into consideration in consideration of the actual washing water temperature detected by the water temperature detecting means 45.
Since the configuration is set in stages, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which the water supply is wastefully performed.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, and only the portions different from the first embodiment will be described below. That is, this third embodiment also
A part of the control contents by the control circuit 41 is different from that of the first embodiment. That is, in FIG. 8 showing the control contents in the washing process for the warm water washing operation, after the warm water washing step A4 is finished, the wash water temperature detected by the water temperature detecting means 45 is equal to or lower than the drainage start temperature TL (55 ° C.). It is determined whether or not (step A5 ″). If it is determined to be “YES” here, the process proceeds to the drainage operation step A6 to end the warm water washing operation.

On the other hand, when it is judged "NO" in step A5 ", that is, when the washing water temperature exceeds 55 ° C, a predetermined time (for example, about 30 minutes to 1 hour)
The above step A5 ″ is continuously executed until the time elapses (step A15). Even if the predetermined time elapses, if “NO” is determined in the step A5 ″, that is, the washing water temperature is within the predetermined time. If the temperature does not drop below 55 ° C. (“YES” in step A15), the same wash water cooling routine A8 ′ as in the second embodiment is executed.

In this embodiment having such a structure, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.
In particular, in the present embodiment, after the warm water washing operation is completed, the apparatus waits for a predetermined time and the drain operation is started when the temperature of the washing water naturally drops below the drain start temperature TL (55 ° C.) within the predetermined time. Has become. Therefore, in some cases, the water supply operation for the wash water cooling operation becomes unnecessary, and the consumption of excess water can be suppressed. In addition, in this embodiment, the time until the drainage operation is started may be prolonged, which is preferable when performing the laundry operation using the reservation function at night when there is time to spare.

If the washing water temperature does not drop below the drainage start temperature TL before the elapse of the predetermined time, the washing water cooling operation is performed. Therefore, after the washing operation with warm water is finished, if the time until the washing water falls below the drainage start temperature TL is carelessly prolonged due to the influence of the ambient temperature or the like, the washing water cooling operation is performed and the water tank 4 is cooled. Cold water (tap water) will be supplied to. For this reason, it becomes possible to promote the cooling of the wash water while preventing waste of time.

In this embodiment, the operation panel 22 may be provided with a function of switching the drain start temperature TL between high and low. When configured in this way, for example, the drain start temperature TL on the user side is set to 55 in this embodiment.
If the temperature is switched to a temperature higher than 0 ° C, the drainage operation can be started relatively early after the hot water washing operation is completed. That is, it is possible to set the washing water temperature when the drainage operation is started according to the usage environment of the washing machine. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent the time-consuming situation from occurring in an environment where there is no problem even if the high-temperature drainage flows.

(Other Embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the following modifications or expansions are possible. In the first embodiment, the amount of water supplied during the washing water cooling operation is determined by the amount of cloth detected in three stages (corresponding to the amount of water supplied to the water tank 4) and the set temperature of the washing water (60 ° C. or 85 ° C.). The water supply amount is determined by the water level (water amount) detected by the water level detection means 44,
A configuration may be adopted in which the washing water temperature detected by the water temperature detecting means 45 is determined in a plurality of stages. Further, the configuration is determined based on the amount of cloth detected in three stages and the temperature of the washing water detected by the water temperature detecting means 45, and is determined by the water level (amount of water) detected by the water level detecting means 44 and the set temperature of the washing water. It may be configured. Further, the water supply amount may be calculated by a function calculation using the water level detected by the water level detection means 44 and the washing water temperature detected by the water temperature detection means 45 as variables.

In each of the embodiments, the function of determining the water level in the water tank 4 based on the detection result of the cloth amount is used as the water amount determining means, but the water level detecting means 44 is also used as the water amount determining means. It is possible. Although a drum type washing machine with a horizontal axis type drum and a drying function is given as an example, the present invention is also applicable to a washing machine having a vertical axis type rotating tub as a washing tub. Although the tap water is supplied to the water tank 4 and then heated by the hot water heater 6 to heat the water, the hot water supply valve directly supplies hot water into the water tank 4, and the hot water supply valve A configuration in which the hot water heater 6 is used together is also possible. It is also possible to provide a means for supplying bath water in the water tank 4.

[0071]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the temperature of the washing water is controlled by performing the water supply operation into the washing tub before the draining operation for discharging the washing water to the outside of the washing tub during the warm water washing operation. The washing water cooling operation is performed to reduce the As a result, the temperature of the wash water can be lowered at the stage before the wash water is discharged to the outside of the washing tub during the warm water washing operation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the drainage pipe of the washing machine and the existing drainage system are adversely affected by the warm drainage, and there is no fear of damaging the pipe or the seal portion thereof.

In the eighth aspect of the present invention, after the hot water washing operation is performed, the drainage operation in which the temperature of the washing water during the hot water washing operation falls below the preset drainage start temperature and then the water is discharged to the outside of the washing tub. It is configured to execute. As a result, the operation of draining the wash water during the warm water washing operation is started only when the temperature drops below the drainage start temperature. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the drainage pipe of the washing machine and the existing drainage system are adversely affected by the warm drainage, and there is no fear of damaging the pipe or the seal portion thereof.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall electrical configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of a drum type washing machine.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the operation unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control content by the control circuit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a control content by the control circuit, part 2

FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining operation contents during a warm water washing operation.

FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is an outer box, 4 is a water tank (washing tub), 6 is a hot water heater, 7 is a drain valve, 11 is a drum (stirring means), 15 is a motor, 1
6 is a bearing, 22 is an operation unit (operation unit), 23 is a control unit, and 24 is an operation panel. DC power supply circuit (motor power supply circuit), 25 is an inverter main circuit, 41 is a control circuit (corresponding to operation control means, water temperature control means, water amount determination means), 44 is water level detection means, 45 is water temperature detection means, 46
Indicates a water supply valve (water supply means).

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Masumi Ito             991, Anada-cho, Seto-shi, Aichi Higashi Co., Ltd.             Shiba Aichi Factory (72) Inventor Fumihiro Imamura             991, Anada-cho, Seto-shi, Aichi Higashi Co., Ltd.             Shiba Aichi Factory (72) Inventor Morimasa Komatsu             991, Anada-cho, Seto-shi, Aichi Higashi Co., Ltd.             Shiba Aichi Factory F term (reference) 3B155 AA18 BA01 BB14 CA02 CB32                       FA38 JC12 KA12 LB04 LB28                       LC33 MA01 MA05 MA06 MA08                       MA10

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A washing tub for performing a warm water washing operation, a water supply means for supplying water into the washing tub, and a draining operation for discharging the washing water during the warm water washing operation to the outside of the washing tub, A washing machine, comprising: an operation control unit that performs a water supply operation by the water supply unit to reduce a temperature of the wash water. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the operation control means executes an operation of stirring the washing water in the washing tub by the stirring means during the washing water cooling operation. 3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the operation control means performs the stirring operation during the washing water cooling operation with a force weaker than the stirring operation during the washing operation. 4. A water temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the washing water in the washing tub in a plurality of stages, wherein the operation control means is in a state where the control temperature by the water temperature control means is equal to or higher than a preset reference temperature. 4. The washing water cooling operation is executed only for the washing water.
The washing machine according to any one of 1. 5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein a function for switching between high and low of the reference temperature is added to an operation unit for starting a warm water washing operation. 6. A water temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the washing water in the washing tub in a plurality of stages, wherein the operation control means supplies water in the washing water cooling operation according to the control temperature of the water temperature control means. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein control is performed to increase or decrease the amount. 7. A water amount determination means for determining the amount of water in the washing tub is provided, and the operation control means performs control to increase or decrease the amount of water supplied during the washing water cooling operation in accordance with the amount of water determined by the water amount determination means. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is performed. 8. A washing tub performing a hot water washing operation, a water temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of washing water in the washing tub, and a temperature detected by the water temperature detecting means is preset after the hot water washing operation is executed. A washing machine, further comprising operation control means for executing a drainage operation of discharging wash water to the outside of the washing tub after the temperature has dropped below the drainage start temperature. 9. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein an operation section for performing a start operation of a warm water washing operation is provided with a function of switching the drain start temperature from high to low. 10. The washing machine according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising water supply means for supplying water into the washing tub, wherein the operation control means operates until the temperature detected by the water temperature detection means reaches a predetermined time. A washing machine which performs a water supply operation by the water supply means to reduce the temperature of the wash water when the temperature does not drop below the drainage start temperature in the meantime. 11. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 10, wherein the operation control means executes a water supply operation during the washing water cooling operation while monitoring an allowable upper limit water amount of the washing tub. By doing so, the washing machine in the washing tub can be prevented from overflowing. 12. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 10 and 11, wherein water level detecting means for detecting a water level in the washing tub, and temperature of washing water in the washing tub are detected. Water temperature detection means, the operation control means performs the washing water cooling operation when the water level detection means detects residual water in the washing tub and the temperature detected by the water temperature detection means is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. A washing machine characterized by performing a drainage operation after being carried out.