JP2004141394A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve washing performance by effectively utilizing detergency of detergent while suppressing the damage of cloth. <P>SOLUTION: This washing machine is so constituted as to perform a plurality number of water feeding operations till reaching a set water level by a water feed control means in a washing process driving a pulsator 14, generate water currents by different turn-on/off times of the pulsator 14 according to respective prescribed water levels of the water feeding operations and perform the washing operation so that, at least, the lower the prescribed water level is, the longer the turn-on time is set. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a washing machine in which a stirrer provided in a washing tub is rotationally driven to wash laundry with a stream of water generated by washing water into which a detergent has been introduced, and then to perform rinsing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a general household washing machine is provided with a pulsator as a stirrer at the bottom of the washing tub, and in a washing operation, water is supplied to a water level according to the amount of laundry by a water supply means such as a water supply valve, and then the pulsator is corrected. Water is generated by reverse rotation to wash the laundry together with the detergent. Therefore, in order to enhance the washing performance in this type of washing machine, it is important to make the washing water obtained by dissolving the detergent penetrate into the laundry so as to sufficiently exert the detergency of the enzyme contained in the detergent. Needless to say, it is desirable to use a large amount of water and a large amount of detergent to avoid waste, and also to suppress damage to the laundry due to mechanical contact with the pulsator (hereinafter referred to as cloth damage).
[0003]
Therefore, as means for improving the washing performance, for example, a partitioning body that covers the upper part of the pulsator is provided, and a pump chamber is formed by the back blade of the pulsator, and further, a water supply channel for supplying water from the pump chamber to the upper part of the washing tub. There has been proposed a configuration in which washing water is circulated through a water supply channel under a pump action, and a pulsator is intermittently driven at a plurality of predetermined water levels halfway to a set water level (for example, Patent Document 1).
According to this, while the washing water permeates from the lower part of the clothes, the washing water which circulates by preventing the air pool between the clothes can clean the dirt of the clothes.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-225175 (pages 4, 5; FIGS. 1 and 2)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the configuration using the circulating water flow as described above, it is necessary to add complicated mechanisms such as a partition body around the pulsator, a pump chamber and a water supply channel functioning as a circulating water channel to the washing tub, and the number of assembly steps and There are many disadvantages in practical use, such as a rise in manufacturing cost, and a configuration in which a pump chamber is provided at the lower part of the washing tub and furthermore, the washing capacity is inevitably reduced due to the configuration of being covered with a partition.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the permeability of washing water into laundry by using a simple configuration without using cloth for preventing damage to the cloth or wasting water. An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of promoting washing performance.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a washing machine of the present invention drives an agitator provided in a washing tub on and off to wash laundry with washing water in which detergent is dissolved, and to perform a subsequent rinsing process. In the washing step, the water supply control means performs a plurality of water supply operations stepwise until the set water level is reached, and the agitator is operated in accordance with each predetermined water level of the water supply operation. A water flow having different on / off time periods is generated, and at least the lower the predetermined water level, the longer the on time period of the agitator is set to perform a washing operation (the invention of claim 1).
[0008]
According to such a configuration, the movement of the laundry can be activated from the low water level to sufficiently permeate the washing water, and the washing operation can be performed under the optimal water flow according to the gradually rising water level. Therefore, efficient cleaning performance that fully utilizes the cleaning power of the detergent while suppressing damage to the cloth can be expected.
[0009]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the water flow by the stirrer at a predetermined water level is set to be weaker as the water level is lower (the invention of the second aspect).
[0010]
According to such a configuration, even when the water level is low, the damage to the cloth can be effectively suppressed, so that the movement of the laundry is activated and the washing water sufficiently spreads even at the low water level, and an efficient cleaning action is achieved. can get.
[0011]
Further, in the device according to claim 1, a water supply valve is provided as water supply control means, and a plurality of rinsing operations can be selectively set in a rinsing stroke. The number of water supply operations by the water supply valve in a stroke is reduced (the invention of claim 3).
[0012]
According to such a configuration, by using the water supply control means according to the number of times of rinsing, the water supply valve does not become unusable early due to excessive use frequency, and has a specially structured valve mechanism for long-term use. Alternatively, the cleaning performance can be improved while taking into account the durability of the water supply valve, for example, by not increasing the cost by arranging a plurality of water supply valves.
[0013]
Further, in the apparatus according to claim 3, when a water supply pump is selectively used as a water supply control means for supplying bath water or the like into the washing tub, and the water supply pump is used for water supply in a washing process, The number of water supply operations is set to be smaller than the number of water supply operations by the water supply valve (the invention of claim 4).
[0014]
According to such a configuration, the water supply pump does not become unusable early due to excessive use frequency, and has a strong special structure for long-term use, or high cost such as arranging a plurality of water supply pumps. The cleaning performance can be improved while taking into account the durability of the water supply pump without inducing.
[0015]
In the first aspect, at the start of water supply in the washing step, the stirring body is driven to rotate in one direction (the invention of claim 5).
[0016]
According to such a configuration, by rotating the stirrer in one direction in synchronization with the start of water supply in the washing process, the laundry in the washing tub can be evenly poured with water and sprinkled, so that water can quickly penetrate. . Therefore, although the water level in the washing tub gradually rises due to the subsequent water supply, the rising of the laundry to the water level can be effectively suppressed, and the washing water can be sufficiently and promptly soaked. Therefore, the stirring performance of the stirring body can be effectively utilized, and the cleaning power of the enzyme contained in the detergent can be sufficiently exhibited. In addition, the cleaning effect that effectively utilizes the detergent from the initial stage of the cleaning process can be obtained. can get.
[0017]
Further, in the apparatus according to the first aspect, after the washing step, the soaking step is executed (the invention of claim 6).
[0018]
According to such a configuration, the washing operation is performed by the water flow according to the water level in the preceding stage of the soaking process, so that the washing water can be transferred to the soaking process in a state where the washing water is sufficiently soaked in the laundry, and the efficiency is improved. A good soaking effect can be obtained, and the washing operation by the stirring body in this case can be performed in a short time, so that the washing effect can be expected to be improved while minimizing damage to the cloth of the laundry.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a washing machine with both dehydration will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, FIG. 2 is a side view in which a principal part showing a schematic configuration of the entire washing machine is cut away. The schematic configuration of the washing machine will be described. The top cover 3 has an input port (not shown) for inputting laundry such as clothes, and a lid 4 for opening and closing the input port is provided at a substantially central portion of the top cover 3. . At the rear of the top cover 3, for example, an electric detergent feeding device 5 capable of automatically feeding a detergent, although not described in detail, an electromagnetic water supply valve 6 as water supply means, and an electric water supply pump. 7 are provided.
[0020]
A cylindrical bottomed water receiving tub 8 is elastically supported by an elastic suspension mechanism 9 inside the outer box 2, and a washing tub 10 also serving as a bottomed cylindrical dewatering tub is vertically provided therein. It is provided so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis. In the present embodiment, the washing tub 10 has a so-called double tub configuration including an inner tub body 11 and an outer tub body 12 provided on the outer periphery thereof with a slight gap therebetween. A large number of through-holes 11a are formed in almost the entire area, and the outer tank body 12 has a substantially non-porous tank body having a through-hole 12a only at the upper end.
A balance ring 13 is provided at an upper end opening of the washing tub 10, and a pulsator 14 as a stirring body is rotatably provided at an inner bottom portion. During the washing process, only the pulsator 14 is driven forward and reverse. In the dehydration process, the washing tub 10 is driven to rotate integrally with the pulsator 14 in one direction at a high speed.
[0021]
On the other hand, in the water receiving tub 8, a drain passage 22 communicating the drain port 8a formed at the bottom thereof with the inside of the washing tub 10 is formed, and the drain valve 15 is communicated with the drain port 8a. Drain pipe 16 is connected, and can be drained outside the machine.
Further, an auxiliary drain port 8b is provided on the opposite side of the drain port 8a, and a communication passage thereof is connected to the drain pipe 16 downstream of the drain valve 15 (not shown). Water can be directly drained out of the machine.
[0022]
A drive motor 17 is mounted at the center of the outer bottom of the water receiving tank 8, which is, for example, a direct drive type outer rotor type, and a stator (not shown) is fixed to the water receiving tank 8, and a clutch mechanism (not shown) is provided. In the washing and rinsing operation, the pulsator 14 is driven forward and reverse through a rotating shaft 18 connected to the outer rotor, while in the dewatering operation, the washing tub 10 and the pulsator 14 are driven through a hollow shaft 19. It is configured to rotate in one direction.
[0023]
Further, an operation panel 20 is provided in front of the top cover 3 for setting various washing driving courses, setting washing conditions such as washing time and the number of times of rinsing, and displaying an operation state and the like. Is provided with a control device 21 having a circuit configuration mainly composed of a microcomputer. The control device 21 inputs a detection result of a water level detection unit and a laundry amount detection unit (not shown) in response to an input operation from the operation panel 20, and supplies water to the detergent input device 5 and the water supply unit. The entire operation of the washing machine is controlled, such as water supply control by the valve 6 or the water supply pump 7 and inverter control of the drive motor 17 to enable high-precision variable speed control.
[0024]
FIG. 3A shows the entire process contents of the "standard course" of the washing operation course in the present embodiment, and FIG. 3B shows the specific operation contents of the washing process. Is shown. In other words, as is well known as the operation contents of the "standard course", each of the washing, intermediate dehydration, rinsing, and final dehydration steps is automatically advanced. In the rinsing step, a plurality of normal three rinsing operations are set. For example, two shower rinsing (rinsing the washing tub 10 at a low speed while pouring water) and one rinsing (agitating rinsing at a set water level) are executed.
[0025]
The specific contents of the washing process shown in FIG. 3B will be described with reference to FIGS. In the washing process according to the present embodiment, a washing operation is performed in which the drive motor 17 is driven and the five types of water flows (water flow (1) to water flow (5)) generated by the pulsator 14 shown in FIG. .
For example, “water flow {circle around (1)}” shown in FIG. 4A has requirements a, b, c, and d, ie, requirement a: the ON time is 1.0 second, and requirement b: the OFF time 1 The washing operation of the water flow is performed by the forward / reverse rotation for 1 second, and the requirement d is set to a low rotation speed of 110 rpm, and the requirement c is set to a long time of 0.6 seconds for the rise time. is there.
The above requirements a, b, c, and d are apparent from FIG. 4B in which the same reference numerals are assigned based on the forward and reverse rotation waveforms.
[0026]
On the other hand, in the “water flow (5)”, the times of the requirements a, b, and c are the shortest, and the rotation speed of the requirement (d) is set to be the highest. Although the rotation operation (ON time period) by the pulsator 14 is short, the OFF time period is short and the rising speed is fast, so that the forward / reverse rotation operation is performed quickly and a strong stirring water flow is obtained. Therefore, in the above “water flow {circle around (1)}”, the on / off time is long under a gentle rise, and a so-called weak stirring water flow is generated. As is apparent from FIG. Constitutes a water flow pattern that is weakest and gradually becomes stronger toward “water flow (5)”.
[0027]
However, each of these water flows is selectively used according to the level of water supplied to the washing tub 10.
That is, FIG. 1 shows the relationship between the water level in the washing tub 10 and the water flow over time in the washing process (excluding the drainage process). In this embodiment, among the water levels shown on the vertical axis, the “set water level” "Indicates a water level (water amount) necessary for the original washing according to the amount of laundry, and" predetermined water levels 1 to 4 "are the respective water levels controlled in a plurality of steps until reaching the" set water level ". Shows the predetermined water level.
[0028]
First, when roughly described with reference to FIG. 1, the water level rises stepwise by the water supply from the water supply valve 6 by the water supply control means, and firstly reaches the “predetermined water level 1” of the lowest water level at the beginning of the water supply start. When it reaches, "water supply 1" is stopped, and the washing operation by the "water flow (1)" of the weak water flow disclosed in FIG. 4A is performed, and "water supply 2" is started after a predetermined time. For "predetermined water level 2", "water flow (2)", for "predetermined water level 3", "water flow (3)", and for "predetermined water level 4 and set water level", "combined water flow of water flows (4) and (5)" Is used, and the washing operation is sequentially performed by the water flow according to the water level.
In the “predetermined water level 4”, the washing operation mainly based on the “water flow 4” in which the “water flow 4 →→ 5 5 → 4” is performed for a predetermined time, and the “set water level” In, control is performed such that the washing operation mainly based on “water flow (5)”, which is “water flow (5) → (4) → (5)”, is performed.
[0029]
As described above, the washing operation by the water flow according to the water level (indicated as water level / water flow washing in the figure) is performed, and the lower the water level, the weaker the water flow is generated, and accordingly, the predetermined water level increases stepwise. As a result, the water flow becomes stronger, the water reaches the “set water level”, and the washing operation with the strong stirring water flow is performed under the originally appropriate amount of water, whereby the operation of the washing process is performed for a preset time. .
[0030]
Therefore, as the water supply control means including the water supply valve 6, the operation of temporarily stopping water supply when each predetermined water level is reached, repeating the operation of starting water supply again after a period of stirring by each water flow, and in this case, " Water supply start and stop are executed in five stages of "water supply 1" to "water supply 5".
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 (b), in the "water supply 1" at the beginning of the washing process start, the pulsator 14 is intermittently operated by one-way rotation (on / off) at the start of water supply. Off driving) is performed for a preset time (for example, 40 seconds), and its significance and operation will be described later.
[0031]
Next, the operation of the washing machine configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 5 based on the washing process in the “standard course”. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a main part for explaining the control contents based on the control device 21, and the description will be made along this flow.
First, after the laundry (not shown) is put into the washing tub 10 and the lid 4 is closed, and the faucet for water supply is prepared, the power is turned on and the operation panel 20 is operated to operate as shown in FIG. A "standard course" having a driving process is set and a start operation is performed. Then, first, as is well known, the laundry amount is detected by a laundry amount detecting means (not shown), and a set water level and a detergent amount corresponding to the laundry amount are determined.
As the above-mentioned known laundry amount detecting means, for example, a rotation sensor for detecting the number of rotations of the drive motor 17 is provided, and the pulsator 14 is rotated in a constant energizing pattern, and changes according to the laundry amount before water supply. The laundry amount is calculated based on the rotation speed.
[0032]
Thus, “water supply 1” (see FIGS. 1 and 3 (b)) shown in step S1 of FIG. 5 is started, and the water supply by the water supply valve 6 fills the drainage channel 22 at the bottom of the water receiving tank 8, and then the washing tub The water level rises as the water level in 10, and the detergent amount determined above is supplied from the detergent supplying device 5 together with the water supply. In addition, the drive motor 17 is energized and driven in accordance with the water supply, and rotates the pulsator 14 in one direction at a predetermined low speed as shown in FIGS. For example, in this embodiment, the operation is performed for 40 seconds as an intermittent operation by on / off driving (step S2). Due to the intermittent and slow one-way driving of the pulsator 14, the water supply from the water supply valve 6 to the inside of the washing tub 10 can evenly spread over the laundry, so that the water can quickly penetrate. This is effective in suppressing the rising of the water and in soaking the so-called washing water in which the detergent is dissolved.
[0033]
Then, the water supply operation is continuously performed after the intermittent operation for 40 seconds, and in the next step S3, it is determined whether or not the water level has reached the first "predetermined water level 1" shown in FIG. Is detected and determined. As a result, when the "predetermined water level 1" has been reached (YES), the process proceeds to step S4, where "water supply 1" is stopped, and the water level at this time, "predetermined water level 1", is shown in FIG. Agitation by the indicated “water flow {circle around (1)}” is started (step S5), and a so-called weak washing operation is performed in a state where the amount of water is still small to move the laundry.
[0034]
It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) has elapsed for the washing operation according to the water level due to the “water flow {circle around (1)}” (step S6), and if it has elapsed (YES), the water supply valve 6 is opened again. When activated, "water supply 2" is started (step S7), and the water flow pattern is changed from "water flow {circle around (1)} to" water flow {circle over (2)} "to continue the washing operation (step S8). .
[0035]
Then, in the next step S9, it is determined via the water level detection means whether or not the water supply by the above-mentioned "water supply 2" has advanced to the "predetermined water level 2". In this case, there is no problem as long as the tap water pressure is within the normal range. However, for example, in a state where the tap water pressure is extremely low, the water supply time until reaching the “predetermined water level 2” is greatly prolonged. The washing operation based on the “water flow {circle around (2)}” set as the water flow pattern is performed for a long time from the start of “water supply 2”, which may be different from the expected stirring action that should be originally required.
[0036]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, assuming the above-described inconvenience, if the "predetermined water level 2" is not reached in step S9, the process proceeds to step S13, and the water supply time by the "water supply 2" is checked. ing. That is, the water supply time, which is the upper limit of the normal range, is set in advance, and is compared with the actually required time, for example, when the water supply operation continues even if the set time is exceeded. (YES), the washing operation by the "water flow (2)" is immediately stopped (step S14), the subsequent operation is stopped, and an alarm is displayed on the operation panel 29 (step S15) to notify the user. I try to deal with it.
[0037]
Therefore, normally, when it is detected that the water supply time within the range expected in step S9 has reached the “predetermined water level 2”, which is the second-stage low water level, the process proceeds to the next step S10. "Water supply 2" is stopped. Then, it is determined whether or not the washing operation by “water flow {circle around (2)” ”started in the previous step S8 has been performed for a predetermined time (for example, 80 seconds) (step S11). ), The process proceeds to step S12, and it is determined whether or not the final “water supply 5” that reaches the “set water level” has been performed. In this determination, the end of “water supply 5” can be determined based on, for example, whether or not the “set water level” determined according to the laundry amount has been reached.
[0038]
In this case, since the above “water supply 2” is completed, the process proceeds to step S7 based on the determination of “NO”, and water supply by “water supply 3” is started. In addition, from the start of each water supply of "water supply 4" and "water supply 5" including "water supply 3" of this step S7 to the end determination of "water supply 5" of step S12, the above-mentioned "water supply 2". Substantially the same as the related steps after the start, the same step codes are used in parentheses to simplify the description. Needless to say, steps S13 to S15 in which the problem of the water supply situation during that time can be dealt with also function in the same manner.
[0039]
Therefore, the water supply by "water supply 4" and "water supply 5" after "water supply 3" in step S7, and the washing operation for a predetermined time (for example, 80 seconds) by the above water flow (3) set according to each predetermined water level. , And a washing operation for a predetermined time (for example, 4 minutes) by a combination of the water flows (4) and (5), etc., respectively, and particularly, a stirring operation by a strong water flow is performed as the water level becomes higher.
[0040]
Then, the washing operation by the “water flow (5) → (4) → (5)” at the “set water level” has passed a predetermined time (the above four minutes) in step S11, and the final “water supply 5” in step S12. Is completed (YES), the washing operation is ended (step S16), and the process proceeds to the next step. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. Rinsing operation) and the final dehydration process are performed, and all the processes of the “standard course” are completed.
[0041]
As described above, the above embodiment has the following effects.
First, the drive motor 17 is turned on and off at the same time as the start of "water supply 1" in the washing process, so that the pulsator 14 as a stirring body is intermittently driven at a low speed in one direction for a predetermined time. Therefore, by the intermittent and slow rotation in one direction, the laundry is moved without giving a mechanical force such as a sudden impact to the laundry before the water is still stored in the washing tub 10. Water can be sprinkled all over the water and sprinkled, so that the water can quickly penetrate while suppressing so-called fabric damage.
[0042]
As a result, although the water level gradually rises in the washing tub 10 due to the subsequent water supply, the rising of the laundry to the water level upper surface can be effectively suppressed, and the washing water in which the detergent is dissolved is sufficiently and promptly supplied. It can be easily soaked. Therefore, the stirring performance of the pulsator 14 can be effectively utilized, and the detergency of the enzyme possessed by the detergent can be sufficiently exhibited, which is extremely effective in effectively utilizing the detergent amount.
[0043]
In addition, in the present embodiment, the water level is increased stepwise while performing a so-called water supply operation of starting and stopping water supply a plurality of times before reaching the “set water level” determined according to the amount of laundry. A different water flow pattern is set for each of the "predetermined water levels 1 to 4 and the set water level", and the washing operation is performed. In particular, the lower the water level, the longer the on / off period (see FIG. 4).
[0044]
Generally, the lower the water level and the longer the ON time of the pulsator 14, the more the fabric damage tends to be. However, the movement of the laundry is good, and it is effective in sufficiently penetrating the detergent. Therefore, in order to remove only the cloth damage phenomenon, it is necessary to sufficiently reduce the mechanical action exerted on the laundry by making the requirement c: elongate the rise time and d: reduce the number of rotations as shown in FIG. it can.
[0045]
As a result, the lower the water level, the longer the on-time is to activate the movement of the laundry, while suppressing the damage to the cloth and allowing the detergent to sufficiently penetrate, and an efficient cleaning action that effectively utilizes the cleaning power of the detergent is expected. The cleaning is performed stepwise under an optimum water flow according to each water level, so that it is possible to further improve the cleaning performance while suppressing damage to the cloth. Needless to say, the water level is merely controlled in a plurality of stages to increase the water level to the originally required "set water level", so that water is not wasted. Further, the washing machine having the above-mentioned effect can be provided by simple control means such as water supply control by the water supply valve 6 and drive control of the pulsator 14 without making the structure of the washing machine complicated. It is extremely effective for practical use.
[0046]
By the way, when the so-called water supply operation of starting and stopping water supply is repeatedly performed as described above, the number of times that the electromagnetic water supply valve 6 is turned on and off is increased as compared with the related art. However, this type of electromagnetic water supply valve 6 is normally designed to open and start water supply when energized, and the durability in that case largely depends on the number of operations for starting water supply when energized. is there. However, the durability (lifetime) of the water supply valve 6 is designed and manufactured in consideration of the service life of the washing machine. If the water supply valve 6 is used as it is, the life of the water supply valve 6 is short and the water supply valve 6 cannot be used early. there is a possibility.
[0047]
In particular, as described above, the water supply operation is performed five times in the washing process. However, in this type of washing machine, the increase or decrease in the number of times of rinsing can be arbitrarily set from the operation panel 20. , Or even five times. According to the operation course set as described above, at least one water supply operation is naturally performed for each rinsing operation, and the number of times of adding the water supply operation and five washing operations is one washing operation. The water supply valve 6 may be used too frequently.
[0048]
Therefore, in the rinsing process of this embodiment, if the number of times of rinsing is set to a course larger than normal (for example, three times), the number of water supply operations in the washing process is reduced.
Hereinafter, description will be given based on FIGS. 6 and 7. First, FIG. 6 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1, and a solid line in FIG. 6 obtains a plurality of predetermined water levels in, for example, a “standard course” where the number of times of rinsing is three as described above. Therefore, in this case, the water supply operation (start and stop) is performed five times in total.
[0049]
On the other hand, in the case of the operation course or the condition setting in which the number of times of rinsing is set to four times, the water level control different from the “standard course” is performed only in the section indicated by the broken line in FIG. That is, in such a case, the water supply is controlled such that the "water supply 3 (predetermined water level 2)" is skipped and the "water supply 2" is continued until the "water supply 3", and therefore, the washing step in which the water supply operation is reduced by one is executed. .
When the number of times of rinsing is set to five, “water supply 2” is skipped to “predetermined water level 4” by skipping “water supply 3 and 4 (predetermined water levels 2 and 3)” as shown by a dashed line in FIG. Continuous water supply control is performed. In this case, the number of water supply operations is reduced by two times compared to the “standard course”.
[0050]
However, if the number of times of rinsing is set to be smaller than the standard three times, there is no adverse effect on the service life of the water supply valve 6, so that the water supply operation is performed with the number of water supply operations in the “standard course”. Further, as described above, after "water supply 2", water supply control in which "water supply 3" or "water supply 4" is skipped is performed, but the water flow in the skipped area is switched and executed every predetermined time as described above. In order to obtain the same cleaning effect as possible.
[0051]
7 summarizes the above results. The number of times of rinsing can be set from 1 to 5 times. In the case of 3 times of rinsing, the number of times of rinsing is from “water supply 1 to water supply 5” in the washing process. When the water supply operation of a total of five times (indicated by the water supply execution) is combined, the total number of water supply operations in one cycle is eight times. In the present embodiment, this is set as a standard setting. And Therefore, as the water supply control means, water supply is controlled so as not to exceed a total of eight times, and in the case of five times exceeding the specified number of times of rinsing as described above, a corresponding point in FIG. In addition, the water supply control is performed by skipping the "water supply 3" and the "water supply 4" so that the water supply operation is performed eight times in total.
[0052]
In this way, by using the water supply control means according to the number of times of rinsing, the electromagnetic water supply valve 6 serving as the water supply means can be used for a long time, for example, a valve mechanism having a special structure for long-term use, or This can be dealt with without increasing the cost by arranging a plurality of water supply valves, and the cleaning performance can be improved while considering the durability of the water supply valve 6.
[0053]
In addition, in many cases, in addition to the above-described permanent water supply valve 6 as a water supply means, an electric water supply pump 7 is selectively provided so as to be able to absorb water from a water source such as bath water. However, when water is supplied by using the water supply pump 7 during the washing step in which the water supply operation is performed in a plurality of stages, there is a problem of durability due to excessive use of the water supply valve 6 or more.
As the water supply pump 7, a spiral pump is generally used. Although not shown, when the number of on / off operations increases, the durability (wear resistance) of the shaft sealing member mounted between the motor and the rotating shaft as well as the electric motor increases. ) Affect the life of the pump 7.
[0054]
Therefore, FIG. 8 (corresponding to FIG. 1) shows that when the water supply pump 7 is selectively used in the washing process to supply water, two water supply operations using the water supply valve 6 are performed twice. This is an example of water supply control means when the number of times is set.
That is, as is apparent from this figure, when the water supply pump 7 is used, “water supply 2 to 4 (predetermined water levels 1 to 3)” is skipped and “predetermined water level 4” is shown as shown by a two-dot chain line in the figure. Water supply control in which “water supply 1” is continued until the water supply valve 6 of the “standard course” shown by the solid line is reduced to three times, and two water supply operations are performed by two water supply operations. It is executed at the stage water level setting. Therefore, it is possible to improve the cleaning performance in consideration of the durability of the water supply pump 7 while utilizing the water supply from another water source such as bath water by the water supply pump 7.
[0055]
Further, an operation course in which a “placement course” of this type of washing machine is set will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.
This “soaking” is a well-known cleaning method mainly based on the detergency of an enzyme possessed by the detergent, and the pulsator 14 is used only as a supplement and avoids so-called mechanical cloth damage while reducing yellowing. It is characterized by being effective in removing sebum dirt, which is a factor, and requires a long cleaning time. For example, when the soaking is performed for one hour, the laundry is immersed in the washing water for one hour, and the pulsator 14 is turned on and off at intervals of 10 minutes in order to activate the washing action by the enzyme during the washing. It is driven (for example, intermittently driven on: 1 minute, off: 9 minutes) so as to promote the penetration of the detergent into the laundry, and the soaking time is generally 1 hour to 8 hours. It is possible to set within the range.
[0056]
FIG. 11 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the amount of detergent (concentration) and the soaking time in order to obtain a predetermined degree of washing. The longer the time, the greater the amount of detergent (concentration) in proportion to the soaking time. It is possible to bring out the expected cleaning performance at a minimum.
FIG. 10 shows an example of the entire process of the “placement course”. In this example, the placement process is incorporated during the washing process, and the number of times of rinsing is set to two. In particular, regarding the washing process, first, a washing operation by a water flow according to the water level is performed for a predetermined time. This is set in accordance with each predetermined water level (five stages) shown in FIG. 9 (FIG. 1) and the washing operation by each water flow disclosed in FIG. 4 is performed. Is performed in substantially the same steps as in the “standard course”, except that the washing operation time by stirring is reduced to less than half.
[0057]
Next, the process proceeds to the soaking process, and the setting of the soaking time of 1 to 8 hours shown in FIG. 11 and the intermittent pulsator 14 under the washing water in which a detergent amount corresponding to the setting is set in advance. Thus, the washing operation is performed while receiving a temporary stirring operation. When the soaking process is completed, the washing operation normally performed by the forward and reverse rotation drive of the pulsator 14 is performed for a short time, and after the draining operation, the washing process in the “soaking course” is completed. The description of the operation after the next step will be omitted.
[0058]
As described above, also in the “placement course”, the washing operation is performed by the water flow according to the water level in the preceding stage of the placement stage, and the washing water shifts to the placement stage in a state where the washing water is sufficiently soaked in the laundry. Therefore, an effective soaking washing effect can be obtained, and the washing operation is performed before and after the soaking process. However, since the washing operation can be performed in a short time, the stirring time by the pulsator 14 is generally reduced, and the laundry cloth is washed. A cleaning effect that minimizes damage can be expected.
[0059]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings. In this way, the washing operation can be performed efficiently without unnecessary downtime (this is performed in the same way from the water supply 2 to the water supply 5), but is not limited thereto, and for example, the water level reaches a predetermined water level. The stirring by the water flow corresponding to the water level may be started later.In this case, the water supply time, which tends to be unstable, is not included in the washing operation, and therefore, the operation time required for the washing is accurately controlled. It is advantageous.
[0060]
Further, the water supply operation is not limited to the above-described five steps, and may be set to an appropriate number of times according to the amount of laundry. The amount may be displayed on the operation panel 20, and the user may manually input the detergent.
In addition, various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, for example, the present invention can be applied to a washing machine provided with a stirrer in a single-tub washing tub having no dewatering function, instead of the washing machine with dehydration function. It can be implemented.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, the washing machine of the present invention performs a plurality of water supply operations stepwise until the set water level is reached by the water supply control means during the washing process in which the stirring body is driven. A water flow in which the on / off time of the agitator is different according to each predetermined water level of these water supply operations, and at least the lower the predetermined water level, the longer the on time is set, the longer the washing operation is performed. It is. Thus, since the movement of the laundry can be activated from the low water level and the washing water can be sufficiently permeated, and the washing operation is performed under the optimal water flow according to the gradually rising water level, It is possible to provide a washing machine that can expect efficient washing performance utilizing the washing power of the detergent while suppressing damage to the cloth.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a relationship between a water level and a water flow in a washing process according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the entire washing machine with a main part cut away.
FIG. 3 (a) is an entire stroke diagram for a standard course for explaining operation details, and FIG. 3 (b) is a washing stroke diagram for explaining specific contents thereof.
FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a configuration of a water flow pattern, and FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining reference numerals of components.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the main part for explaining the operation.
FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in a different driving course.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining water supply control means according to the number of times of rinsing;
FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 in a further different driving course.
FIG. 9 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 in still another driving course.
FIG. 10 is a full-stroke diagram for explaining the operation contents of a standing course.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between detergent concentration and soaking time;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 is a housing, 2 is an outer box, 3 is a top cover, 5 is a detergent injection device, 6 is a water supply valve (water supply means), 7 is a water supply pump (water supply means), 10 is a washing tub, and 14 is a pulsator (stirring). ), And 21 indicate control devices.

Claims (6)

In the one in which the stirrer provided in the washing tub is driven on and off to wash the laundry with the washing water in which the detergent is dissolved, and to continuously perform the subsequent rinsing process,
In the washing step, a plurality of water supply operations are performed stepwise until the set water level is reached by the water supply control means, and a water flow in which the on / off time of the stirring body is different according to each predetermined water level of the water supply operation is generated. A washing machine wherein at least the lower the predetermined water level is, the longer the on-time of the stirring body is set to perform the washing operation. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the lower the water level, the weaker the water flow by the stirrer at the predetermined water level. A water supply valve is provided as the water supply control means, and in the rinsing process, a plurality of rinsing operations can be selectively set. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein said washing machine is reduced. As a water supply control means, a water supply pump for selectively supplying bath water or the like into the washing tub is provided so as to be selectively usable. 4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the number is set to be smaller than the number of times. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the agitator is driven to rotate in one direction at the start of water supply in the washing process. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a soaking step is performed after the washing step.

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