JP2004313232A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the re-adhesion of detergent dusts onto the washing by removing the detergent dusts sticking on the external surface of a washing/spin-drying tub and the internal surface of the water receiving tub in a washing machine which has the function of removing the detergent dusts sticking on the external surface of the washing/spin-drying tub and the internal surface of the water receiving tub. <P>SOLUTION: The washing/spin-drying tub 3 is disposed within the water receiving tub 1 and driven to rotate with a motor 6. With the rotation of the washing/spin-drying tub 3 by the motor 6, the centrifugal force is applied to the washing solution within the water receiving tub 1 to execute the process of stirring up the washing solution between the washing/spin-drying tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1 at the end of the rinsing process. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a washing machine having a function of removing detergent scum adhered to an outer surface of a washing and dewatering tub and an inner surface of a water receiving tub.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a typical washing machine rotates a pulsator for washing, and the configuration of this type of washing machine will be described with reference to FIG.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 5, the water receiving tub 1 includes a washing and dewatering tub 3 in which a pulsator 2 is rotatably arranged at the bottom, and is suspended from the housing 5 by a hanging rod 4. The motor 6 drives the pulsator 2 or the washing and spin-drying tub 3 via a speed reduction mechanism / clutch 7. The drain valve 8 drains the washing liquid in the washing and dewatering tub 3, and the water supply valve 9 supplies water to the washing and dewatering tub 3.
[0004]
The washing and dewatering tub 3 is provided with a fluid balancer 10 for reducing vibration during dehydration, and a lid 11 is provided above the washing and dewatering tub 3. The control device 12 controls the motor 6, the drain valve 8, the water supply valve 9, and the like to sequentially control a series of steps of washing, rinsing, and dewatering (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
The operation will be described in the above configuration. After the laundry 13 and a predetermined amount of the detergent 14 are put into the washing and dewatering tub 3, when the washing is started, the water supply valve 9 is controlled by the control device 12 to enter the washing and dewatering tub 3. After a predetermined amount of water is supplied, the controller 6 controls the motor 6 to drive the pulsator 2. The rotation of the pulsator 2 stirs the laundry 13 and the water in the washing and dewatering tub 3, and the stirring gradually dissolves the detergent to form a washing liquid, thereby removing dirt attached to the laundry 13.
[0006]
Next, in order to remove the detergent 14 component adhering to the laundry 13, the laundry 8 containing the dirt and the detergent 7 component is drained once, supplied with water again, and the pulsator 2 is rotated to remove the detergent 14 component from the laundry 13. Perform the rinsing process to get rid of. After the rinsing, the washing liquid used for rinsing is drained, the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated, and a dehydrating step of discharging the washing liquid contained in the laundry 13 by centrifugal force is performed.
[0007]
As a conventional means for washing the washing and dewatering tub, a stirring body such as a pulsator is used in a dedicated tub washing course separately from the washing course (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-37826 A [Patent Document 2]
JP-A-9-56972
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When washing is performed in such a conventional configuration, the detergent waste 15 generated in the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1 may remain without being discharged out of the tub, and the detergent waste 15 has viscosity. Small lump floating in the washing liquid. Moreover, the detergent residue 15 has lipophilicity. Therefore, since the material of the water receiving tank 1 is mainly made of a resin material, it is very compatible with oil and oil, and is strongly adsorbed.
[0010]
The washing and dewatering tub 3 is made of a resin material or a stainless steel material. In the case of a stainless steel material, it seems that it is difficult to adhere at first glance, but the viscosity of the detergent residue 15 is high, and factors such as oils such as sebum contained in the laundry are overlapped, and the efficiency of adsorption is lower than that of the resin. Gradually adsorbs. Once the highly viscous detergent residue 15 is adsorbed, there is a problem that it cannot be removed only by the flow force of the washing liquid because the adsorbing power is strong.
[0011]
The highly viscous detergent scum 15 dries in only about one hour, and solidifies more firmly. In addition, the detergent residue 15 floats in the washing liquid as a viscous small lump, and the specific gravity of the detergent residue 15 is lighter than that of water. In addition, a large amount of water is adsorbed on the walls of the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1 near the waterline.
[0012]
In addition, the detergent residue 15 becomes a bait for microorganisms, bacteria, and the like, and furthermore, since the humidity in the tank is high, it promotes the growth of bacteria and may cause mold. Therefore, it is necessary to remove immediately after adsorption.
[0013]
However, in the conventional configuration, the detergent scum 15 generated in the washing and dewatering tub 3 causes the washing liquid to be disturbed by the agitation of the pulsator 2 in addition to the force of the washing liquid flowing by the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3. The detergent scum 15 adsorbed on the wall surface in the washing and dewatering tub 3 can be removed by the combined force, but the detergent scum generated between the outer surface of the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the inner surface of the water receiving tub 1 can be removed. In No. 15, since only the flow of the washing liquid generated by the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3 during this period, a force for removing the detergent residue 15 adsorbed on the wall surface was not obtained, and a part remained. In addition, there is a problem that even when the washing liquid is drained, the detergent residue 15 adheres to the wall surface, and the detergent residue 15 cannot be removed and remains as attached.
[0014]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and it is an object of the present invention to remove detergent scum adhered to the outer surface of a washing and dewatering tub and the inner surface of a water receiving tub, and to prevent the detergent scum from re-adhering to laundry. I have.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a washing and dewatering tub disposed inside a water receiving tub, and the washing and dewatering tub is configured to be rotationally driven by a driving means. By the rotation, a centrifugal force acts on the washing liquid in the water receiving tub, and a step of disturbing the washing liquid between the washing / dewatering tub and the water receiving tank is executed at the end of the rinsing step.
[0016]
As a result, in the conventional washing step and rinsing step, a sufficient force to remove the detergent residue adsorbed on the outer surface of the washing and dewatering tub and the inner wall surface of the water receiving tub cannot be obtained, and the outer surface of the washing and dewatering tub is not obtained. The detergent scum adsorbed on the inner wall surface of the water receiving tub is again rotated to rotate the washing and dewatering tub, thereby applying a centrifugal force to the washing liquid in the water receiving tub to cause the washing and dewatering tub to act. Since the step of disturbing the washing liquid between the washing tank and the water receiving tub is performed at the end of the rinsing step, the remaining detergent residue can be removed, and the reattachment of the detergent residue to the laundry can be prevented.
[0017]
The step of disturbing the washing liquid is a step of creating a turbulent flow with a vortex, etc., and the turbulent flow exerts a centrifugal force on the washing liquid to cause a gap between the washing and dewatering tank and the water receiving tank. It is generated when it is rotated, and also occurs due to slight irregularities on the wall surface of the washing / dewatering tub and the water receiving tub. Moreover, since the turbulent flow has both rotational energy, the action is further enhanced.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a water receiving tub having a washing and dewatering tub disposed therein, and a driving means for rotating and driving the washing and dewatering tub, wherein the washing and dewatering by the driving means is performed. By rotating the water tub, a process of applying a centrifugal force to the washing liquid in the water receiving tub and disturbing the washing liquid between the washing and dewatering tub and the water receiving tub is performed at the end of the rinsing process. In the conventional washing and rinsing steps, the washing and dewatering tub does not have enough power to remove the detergent residue adsorbed on the outer surface of the washing and dewatering tub and the inner wall of the water receiving tub. Detergent scum adsorbed on the outer surface of the water and the inner wall surface of the water receiving tank can also be removed by the force of the turbulent water flow. The effect of this removal is that at the end of the rinsing process, the washing and dewatering tub is again rotationally driven so that centrifugal force acts on the washing liquid in the water receiving tub, and the washing and dehydrating tub is washed between the water and receiving tub. Obtained by stirring the liquid.
[0019]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, in the step of disturbing the washing liquid between the washing and dewatering tub and the water receiving tub, the washing liquid is supplied during the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub. It is configured to start draining and drain while rotating the washing and dewatering tub, and the washing and dewatering is carried out while removing detergent scum by a disturbing force for disturbing the washing liquid between the washing and dewatering tub and the water receiving tub. Since the liquid is drained, it is possible to prevent the adhesion of detergent residue.In addition, during rotation of the washing and dewatering tub, centrifugal force is applied to the washing liquid, and the force acts in the outer circumferential direction, so that it is outward. By draining while applying force, it is possible to prevent the removed detergent waste from entering the washing and dewatering tub, so that the detergent waste does not adhere to the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub. can do.
[0020]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, water is supplied from the middle of the process of draining while rotating the washing and dewatering tub, and rinsing the laundry, Since the detergent residue can be removed, it is possible to prevent the washing time from being longer than that of a conventional washing machine.
[0021]
【Example】
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The components having the same configuration as the conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 16 controls the motor 6, the drain valve 8, the water supply valve 9, and the like to sequentially control a series of steps of washing, rinsing, and dehydration. At the end of the rinsing process, the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated to apply a centrifugal force to the washing liquid in the water receiving tub 1 to perform a process of disturbing the washing liquid between the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1. It is configured to A water supply port 17 is provided in the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub 3.
[0023]
In addition, the control device 16 sets the speed of the washing and dewatering tub 3 to the rotation speed N as shown in FIG. 3 (a) during a disturbance step of disturbing the washing liquid between the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1. 3 (b), the drain valve 8 is turned on to start the drainage of the washing liquid, and the washing and dewatering tub 3 is drained while rotating. As shown in FIG. 3C, the water supply valve 9 is turned on to supply water. Here, the water supply valve 9 may be turned on during the course of draining while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3.
[0024]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. The laundry 13 and the detergent 14 are put into the washing / dewatering tub 3, the washing liquid is filled up to a predetermined water level, the motor 6 is rotated by the control device 16, and the washing / dewatering tub 3 or the pulsator 2 is rotated. A washing process for removing dirt attached to the laundry 13 is performed.
[0025]
Next, in order to remove the detergent 14 component adhering to the laundry 13, the washing liquid containing the dirt and the detergent 14 component is drained once, supplied again with water, and the washing / dewatering tub 3 or the pulsator 2 is rotated to wash the laundry. A rinsing step for removing the detergent 14 component from the object 13 is performed. After the rinsing, the washing liquid used for rinsing is drained, the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated, and a dehydrating step of discharging the washing liquid contained in the laundry 13 by centrifugal force is performed.
[0026]
At the end of the rinsing process, the drainage is stopped at a predetermined water level during the drainage of the washing liquid, and centrifugal force is applied to the washing liquid in the water receiving tank 1 again by the rotation of the washing and dewatering tank 3 to disturb the washing liquid. Perform the disturbing process. This disturbance of the washing liquid causes centrifugal force to act on the washing liquid, and when rotating between the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1, the unevenness of the wall surface of the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1 causes Also occur.
[0027]
This turbulent flow has a higher rotational energy, so that the action is more enhanced. For example, this disturbance is caused by the small holes 18 provided in the washing and dewatering tub 3 and, as shown in FIG. This also occurs due to a cause such as a case where the gap d is narrow and not uniform. That is, as the washing and dewatering tub 3 rotates in the direction of arrow a in FIG. 4, a vortex occurs as shown by arrow b at the deformed portion 19 of the water receiving tub 1, and the turbulence of the flow occurs to apply a disturbance force. .
[0028]
In the washing and rinsing steps of the conventional washing machine, the power of this disturbance is only the flow of the washing liquid generated by the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3 on the inner surface of the water receiving tub 1. A sufficient force to remove the detergent residue 15 adsorbed on the wall surface between the inner surfaces of the water receiving tub 1 cannot be obtained, and the detergent residue 15 is formed on the outer surface of the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the inner wall surface of the water receiving tub 1. Some remained adsorbed.
[0029]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, at the end of the rinsing process, the drainage is stopped at a predetermined water level in the middle of the drainage of the washing liquid, and centrifugal force acts on the washing liquid in the water receiving tank 1 again by the rotation of the washing and dewatering tank 3. Then, a step of disturbing the washing liquid between the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1 is performed, so that the remaining detergent residue 15 can be removed by the force of the turbulent water flow.
[0030]
The higher the number of revolutions of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is, the greater the force of the turbulence of the flow is, which is effective for removing the detergent residue 15. Therefore, in order to suppress the output of the motor 6, the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated, and the water level of the washing liquid for applying the centrifugal force to the washing liquid in the water receiving tub 1 is performed at a lower water level than ordinary washing. Set to a higher speed.
[0031]
In addition, the disturbing process controls the rotation of the motor 6 according to the magnitude of the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3, and applies the centrifugal force to the washing liquid in the water receiving tub 1. The rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is controlled so that the water level does not exceed the upper surface of the washing and dewatering tub 3 so that the water level of this disturbance stroke has a plurality of water level settings according to the amount of the laundry 13. The set water level may be lowered as the amount of the laundry 13 increases. By doing so, it is also possible to prevent a problem that the removed detergent waste 15 goes over the upper part of the washing tub 3 and enters the inside of the washing and dewatering tub 3 and adheres to the laundry 13 in the washing and dewatering tub 3. Can be.
[0032]
In the present embodiment, in the step of disturbing the washing liquid between the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1, the washing and dewatering tub 3 starts draining the washing liquid while the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotating. By draining while rotating, in the conventional washing machine, when the washing liquid is drained at the end of the rinsing process, the specific gravity of the detergent scum 15 is lighter than that of the water, so that it floats near the upper surface of the washing liquid, and the detergent on the wall surface during draining. Although a large amount of the scum 15 is adhered, the washing liquid is drained while removing the detergent scum 15 by the force of the disturbance, so that the adhesion of the detergent scum 15 can be prevented.
[0033]
In the conventional washing machine, a large amount of the detergent scum 15 is adsorbed on the wall surface of the washing / dewatering tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1 near the water line because the detergent scum 15 has a low specific gravity, so that the detergent scum 15 floats on the water, and the waving of the water causes Since the water adheres above the water line and cannot be washed away when the washing liquid is drained, the water line portion is more frequently adhered.
[0034]
In addition, during the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3, the force of the centrifugal force is applied to the washing liquid, so that the force acts in the outer peripheral direction. However, when the rotation is suddenly stopped, the outward force disappears, The washing liquid from which dirt has been removed may enter into the washing and dewatering tub 3 together with the detergent waste 15. Therefore, by draining while applying an outward force, the removed detergent waste 15 can be prevented from entering the washing and dewatering tub 3, and the laundry 13 in the washing and dewatering tub 3 can be prevented. The problem that the detergent residue 15 adheres to the surface can also be prevented.
[0035]
Here, the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is set to a low rotation speed enough to give rotation to the washing liquid, and the power consumption of the motor 6 can be reduced. In addition, after the washing liquid is disturbed, the detergent scum 15 does not adhere again after the removal because of the dehydration step.
[0036]
Further, in the present embodiment, by supplying water from the middle of the process of draining while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3, the detergent waste 15 can be removed while rinsing the laundry 13. In other words, by supplying clean tap water or the like having no detergent component from the water supply port 17 on the upper portion of the washing and dewatering tub 3, the washing component 13 falls on the laundry 13, passes between the laundry components 13, and simultaneously removes the detergent component. Can be.
[0037]
This clean tap water or the like then flows between the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1 by the force of the centrifugal force. In addition, since water is supplied while draining, the amount of water in the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1 is not increased, so that the output of the motor 6 for rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3 is not increased.
[0038]
Moreover, the detergent residue 15 once removed does not adhere to the upper wall surface again. Furthermore, since the detergent residue 15 can be removed while rinsing the laundry 13, the rinsing process can be shortened by the water supply process, so that the washing time does not become longer than in the conventional washing machine.
[0039]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3 by the motor 6 causes a centrifugal force to act on the washing liquid in the water receiving tub 1, and the rotation between the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1 is performed. Since the step of disturbing the washing liquid is performed at the end of the rinsing step, the centrifugal force is applied to the washing liquid in the water receiving tank 1 by rotating the washing and dewatering tank 3 again at the end of the rinsing step. In the conventional washing process and rinsing process, the outer surface of the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the inner wall of the water receiving tub 1 are disturbed by disturbing the washing liquid between the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1. The detergent residue 15 remaining by the adsorption can be removed by the force of the turbulent water flow, and the detergent residue 15 can be prevented from re-adhering to the laundry.
[0040]
In the step of disturbing the washing liquid between the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1, the washing and draining of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is started while the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotating, and the washing and dewatering tub 3 is drained while rotating. With such a configuration, the washing liquid is drained while removing the detergent residue 15 by the disturbing force that disturbs the washing liquid between the washing and spin-drying tub 3 and the water receiving tub 1, so that the adhesion of the detergent residue 15 is prevented. In addition, during the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3, the centrifugal force is applied to the washing liquid, and the force acts in the outer circumferential direction. It is possible to prevent the detergent scum from entering the washing and dewatering tub 3 and prevent the detergent scum 15 from adhering to the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub 3.
[0041]
In addition, since water is supplied from the middle of the process of draining while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3, the detergent residue 15 can be removed while rinsing the laundry, so that the washing time is shorter than that of the conventional washing machine. It can be eliminated from becoming too long.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the invention described in the claims of the present invention, rotation of the washing and dewatering tub by the driving means causes centrifugal force to act on the washing liquid in the water receiving tub, and the washing and dewatering tub and the water receiving tub During the rinsing step, the washing and dewatering tub is rotated again, so that the washing liquid in the water receiving tub is centrifuged. By applying force to disturb the washing liquid between the washing and dewatering tub and the water receiving tub, it is adsorbed on the outer surface of the washing and dewatering tub and the inner wall of the water receiving tub during the conventional washing and rinsing steps. The remaining detergent residue can be removed by the force of the turbulent water flow, and the detergent residue can be prevented from re-adhering to the laundry. Furthermore, by removing the detergent scum, the detergent scum becomes feed for microorganisms, bacteria, etc., and since the humidity in the tank is high, it promotes the growth of bacteria and prevents it from becoming mold. Can be.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a main part stroke diagram of the washing machine. FIG. 3 is a main part operation time chart of a disturbance step of the washing machine. Enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the washing machine with a partially cutout. [FIG. 5] Cross-sectional view of a conventional washing machine.
1 water receiving tank 3 washing and dewatering tank 6 motor (drive means)

Claims (3)

A water receiving tub having a washing and dewatering tub disposed therein; and a driving means for rotating the washing and dewatering tub, wherein the washing and dehydrating tub is rotated by the driving means to wash the water in the water receiving tub. A washing machine in which a step of applying a centrifugal force to the liquid to disturb the washing liquid between the washing and dewatering tub and the water receiving tub is performed at the end of the rinsing step. In the step of disturbing the washing liquid between the washing and dewatering tub and the water receiving tub, the washing and dewatering tub is configured to start draining the washing liquid during the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub, and to drain while rotating the washing and dewatering tub. The washing machine according to claim 1. 3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein water is supplied from the middle of a process of draining while rotating the washing and dewatering tub.

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