JP2004344594A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase the clogging detection accuracy of a lint collecting device in a washing machine in which the lint collecting device is provided in a water draining pathway from a washing tub. <P>SOLUTION: When it is judged that a water level in an external tub 10 has reached a first specified water level, a time counting is started, and when it is judged that the water level has reached a second specified water level, the time counting is stopped. If it is under a first water draining process, the time counting is stored in an EEPROM 74 as a reference counted time T1. In the meantime, if it is not under the first water draining process, when a difference between the counted time T detected this time and the reference counted time T1 is less than 10 seconds, it is judged that there is no clogging, and the washing operation is continued. When the difference is from 10 seconds to 20 seconds, a clogging display apparatus 51 is turned on, and a clogging alarming is performed, and at the same time, the washing operation is continued. When T-T1 is more than 20 seconds, the clogging alarming is performed, and at the same time, the washing operation is paused. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a washing machine such as a drum-type washing machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a drum type washing machine, a lint filter is provided in a drainage path from a washing tub to collect lint in the drainage, and the amount of water level change in the washing tub per predetermined time at the time of drainage is detected. In some cases, it is determined that the lint filter is clogged when the amount of change becomes equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, and this is reported. (For example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-262595, paragraphs 0048 to 0056
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, such a drum type washing machine has a problem that clogging of a lint filter cannot be accurately determined. That is, the drainage capacity of the washing machine differs depending on the installation state of the washing machine. For example, when the drain hose is long because the distance from the washing machine to the drain port of the house is long, the drainage capacity is low because the flow path resistance is large. Also, in the case where the drain hose is slightly lifted up and then connected to the drain outlet, the drainage capacity is reduced. As described above, since the drainage capacity at the beginning of use when the filter is not clogged changes depending on the installation state of the washing machine, if the reference value is constant as in the conventional case, it depends on the installation state of the washing machine. It is not possible to accurately detect clogging.
[0005]
The present invention relates to a washing machine, and aims to solve such a problem.
[0006]
Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a lint collecting device in a drainage path from a washing tub, and in a washing machine for collecting lint in drainage,
First drainage means for detecting a drainage capacity from the washing tub at the time of drainage of a washing operation in an early stage of use of a washing machine; storage means for storing drainage capacity detected by the first detector as a reference drainage capacity; At the time of drainage after storing the reference drainage capacity in the storage means, a second detection means for detecting the drainage capacity from the washing tub, and a notification means for notifying that the inside of the lint collection device is clogged, If it is determined that the drainage capacity detected by the second detecting means is lower than a predetermined amount or ratio with respect to the reference drainage capacity, it is determined that the inside of the lint recovery device is clogged and the notification means is notified. Operation control means for notifying the clogging.
[0007]
In this configuration, at the time of drainage of the washing operation at the beginning of use of the washing machine, preferably, at the time of first drainage in the first washing operation after the washing machine is installed (drainage after washing), drainage from the washing tub is performed. Detect ability. This is the drainage capacity when there is no clogging in the filter collection device, and this is stored in the storage means as the reference drainage capacity. For example, the drainage capacity can be determined from the water level decrease per unit time in the washing tub. Preferably, the storage means is a non-volatile memory so that the reference drainage capacity can be maintained even when the power to the washing machine is cut off.
[0008]
After the reference drainage capacity is stored, the drainage capacity is detected, for example, every time or at a predetermined cycle during drainage. When the washing operation is repeated, the lint accumulates in the lint collecting device. As a result, the drainage capacity in the washing tub gradually decreases. In this way, when the lint collection device is in a state requiring lint removal, that is, in a clogged state, it is determined that the drainage capacity detected at this time is lower than a predetermined amount or ratio with respect to the reference drainage capacity, and the clogging notification is issued. Done.
[0009]
As described above, according to the above configuration, the drainage capacity is detected in the early stage of use of the washing machine, and the clogging in the lint collection device is determined in consideration of the drainage capacity. Even if the drainage capacity changes depending on the installation state of the washing machine, the drainage capacity is not affected by the change, and the clogging detection accuracy is improved.
[0010]
Further, in the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, a first predetermined value and a second predetermined value are provided as the predetermined amount and ratio, and the operation control means includes a drainage capacity detected by the second detection means. If it is determined that the reference drainage capacity is lower than the first predetermined value amount or ratio, the notifying unit is notified of clogging and the washing operation is continued. When it is determined that the temperature has decreased, it is preferable that the notifying unit notifies the clogging to stop the washing operation.
[0011]
In this configuration, the first predetermined value for determining that the clogging in the lint collection device has reached the alarm level at which the washing operation can be continued but the lint needs to be removed, and the washing operation cannot be continued. And a second predetermined value for determining that the abnormal level has been reached. When it is determined that the clogging in the lint collection device has reached the alarm level, the clogging is notified while the washing operation is continued. If the user removes the lint after the washing operation is completed by this notification, the washing operation is not interrupted thereafter. On the other hand, if the user continues the washing operation without removing the lint, clogging is further increased. If it is determined that the abnormal level has been reached, clogging is notified and the washing operation is stopped at this time. Therefore, dehydration and water supply are not performed without being drained from the washing tub, and water leakage from the washing tub is prevented.
[0012]
According to this configuration, since the clogging is notified while the washing operation is continued from the stage where the clogging is relatively light, unnecessary interruption of the washing operation can be prevented, and when the clogging becomes severe, the washing operation is stopped. As a result, water leakage from the washing tub can be reliably prevented.
[0013]
Further, in the present invention, in addition to the above-described configuration, the apparatus further comprises operating means for instructing re-detection of the reference drainage capacity, and the first detecting means performs washing when the re-instruction is instructed by the operating means. Preferably, the drainage capacity from the tank is detected, and the storage means re-stores the detected drainage capacity as a reference drainage capacity.
[0014]
If the installation location of the washing machine changes on the way, the drainage capacity without clogging in the lint collection device changes, and it is necessary to change the reference drainage capacity.
[0015]
In this configuration, when an operation of a redo instruction to detect the reference drainage capacity is performed, for example, the drainage capacity is detected at the first drainage after the operation is performed, and this is stored as a new reference drainage capacity. Therefore, even if the installation location of the washing machine changes in the middle, it is possible to accurately determine clogging in the lint collecting device thereafter.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a drum type washing machine which is an embodiment of the washing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
1 is an external perspective view of the drum type washing machine of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front vertical sectional view of main parts inside the drum type washing machine, and FIG. 4 is a configuration drawing mainly showing a water supply part, FIG. 5 is a right side view, and FIG. 6 is an external plan view of an operation panel.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, in this drum-type washing machine, the outer box 1 has a front surface of the upper surface 1a inclined downward and forward, and a large vertically long laundry inlet 3 is opened from the inclined portion 1b to the rear. are doing. An upper lid 2 is provided for opening and closing the laundry inlet 3. The upper lid 2 is composed of a first lid member 2a and a second lid member 2b that can freely swing around an intermediate rotation shaft 2d extending substantially horizontally in the left-right direction, and the rear end of the second lid member 2b has an upper surface. 1a, and is attached to a rear rotating shaft 2c extending substantially horizontally in the left-right direction. Thus, when the upper lid 2 is opened, the upper lid 2 stands up behind the laundry inlet 3 in a folded state (see FIG. 3).
[0019]
On the left side of the upper lid 2, a detergent container 4 that can be pulled out forward is provided, and on the right side, an operation panel 5 is provided extending in the front-rear direction. Since almost the entire operation panel 5 is directed obliquely upward, when the user looks down diagonally downward while standing in front of the washing machine, the surface of the operation panel 5 is perpendicular to the line of sight. Consideration is given that the display is in a close state, the display is easy to see, and the operation keys are easy to press.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 6, on the operation panel 5, as an operation key, a power key 5a, a start key 5b for instructing start and stop of a washing process, and execution of disinfection rinsing using electrolytic water are set. Plus selection key 5c for cleaning, bath water selection key 5d for setting use of bath water, course selection key 5e for selecting a driving course in washing using a normal detergent, electrolyzed water is used. A detergent zero course selection key 5f for selecting a detergent zero course for performing washing, and a plurality of process selection keys 5g for allowing the user to specify execution of only a specific process instead of continuous operation of all washing and drying processes. And so on. As a display, a numerical display group 5h for displaying numerical values such as a washing time and a number of times of rinsing in a designated specific process, a numerical display 5j for displaying remaining time and reserved time, and automatically detected. Detergent amount indicator 5k for displaying an indication of the detergent amount according to the load amount, and a clogging indicator 51 for notifying that a filter in a lint recovery device described later is clogged (notifying means of the present invention). In addition, various indicators for lighting up in accordance with the setting of the above-mentioned driving course and for notifying the progress of the washing process are appropriately arranged.
[0021]
Next, the internal configuration will be schematically described with reference to FIGS. Inside the outer case 1, an outer tub 10 (corresponding to a washing tub of the present invention) whose peripheral surface is substantially cylindrical and both end surfaces are substantially closed is opposed to the left and right side surfaces of the outer case 1. In this state, two springs 11 suspended from the upper left and right sides and three dampers 12 supporting the lower portion of the outer tub 10 in the front-rear direction are held so as to be freely swingable. Inside the outer tub 10, as an inner tub for storing laundry therein, a horizontal type having a substantially cylindrical peripheral surface having a number of water holes 13 a perforated and both end surfaces substantially closed. A drum 13 is provided rotatably about a horizontal axis C extending in the left-right direction. On the inner peripheral surface of the drum 13, baffles 13 b for scraping up the laundry with the rotation are provided at an angular interval of about 120 ° around the horizontal axis C.
[0022]
The main shaft 14 fixed to the center of the left end surface of the drum 13 is supported by a bearing 17 held by a first bearing case 16 fixed to the left end surface of the outer tub 10. On the other hand, the auxiliary shaft 15 fixed to the center of the right end face of the drum 13 is supported by a bearing 19 held in a second bearing case 18 fixed to the right end face of the outer tub 10. The horizontal axis C is formed by the main shaft 14 and the auxiliary shaft 15. A rotor 20b of an outer rotor type drum motor 20 is fixed to a tip of a main shaft 14 protruding laterally from a left end surface of the outer tub 10, and a stator 20 of the motor 20 is mounted on a first bearing case 16 also serving as a motor base. 20a is fixed. When a driving current is supplied from a control circuit (not shown) to the stator 20a, the rotor 20b rotates by this, and the drum 13 is driven to rotate via the main shaft 14 at the same rotation speed as the rotor 20b.
[0023]
An outer tub opening 100 for taking in and out the laundry is provided at a position coinciding with the laundry input port 3 of the outer box 1 from the upper part of the peripheral surface of the outer tub 10 to the diagonally forward direction. The outer tank door 101 is provided rotatably about an axis extending in the direction, and can be opened and closed freely. A drum opening 130 for taking in and out the laundry is also provided on the peripheral surface (body portion) of the drum 13. The drum opening 130 includes two door bodies 131 a and 131 b having a double door opening structure in the front-rear direction. The door 131 can be opened and closed freely. However, since the drum 13 is rotatable, a drum lock device 21 is provided below the stator 20a so that the drum 13 maintains a stopped state at a position where the drum opening 130 radially coincides with the outer tank opening 100. When the drum 13 is stopped, the pin protruding from the drum lock device 21 is engaged with an engagement recess formed in the rotor 20b, so that the stop position of the drum 13 is determined.
[0024]
A drain port 22 is provided on the right bottom of the outer tub 10, and the drain port 22 is connected to an external drain groove through a drain hose 40 via a drain valve 23 that opens and closes by the operation of a torque motor. Further, a recessed portion 10 a is formed at the bottom of the outer tub 10, and is provided with a water heater 24 that extends substantially horizontally, and is stored in the outer tub 10. The water can be heated to an appropriate temperature.
[0025]
A plurality of plate-like electrolysis electrodes 25a are provided inside the electrolysis chamber 25b at the bottom of the outer tub 10 on the front side of the recessed portion 10a in order to electrolyze water stored in the outer tub 10. The water generation unit 25 is provided detachably with respect to the outer tub 10. The electrolysis chamber 25b of the electrolyzed water generation unit 25 and the outer tank 10 are connected by two communication pipes 25c and 25d extending substantially horizontally in the up and down directions, respectively. The electrode 25a for electrolysis is formed by coating platinum on the surface of titanium so as to have corrosion resistance. When a predetermined voltage is applied between the electrodes 25a for electrolysis in a state where the electrode 25a is submerged in water, as will be described later. In addition, electrolyzed water containing a chlorine-containing substance such as hypochlorous acid and an active oxygen species is generated, whereby the washing performance can be improved and a disinfecting action can be exhibited.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 1, at the rear of the upper surface of the outer box 1, a tap water supply port 6 to which one end is connected to a tap water tap is connected to the other end of the tap water supply hose, and one end is, for example, inside a bath tub. And a bath water supply port 7 to which the other end of the bath water hose immersed in the water stored in the bath water is connected. As shown in FIG. 4, the tap water inlet 6 is connected to the water inlet of the water supply valve 30, and the bath water inlet 7 is connected to the inlet of the bath water pump 31. A plurality of water outlets of the water supply valve 30 are roughly connected to a detergent water supply passage 32 and a soft finish water supply passage 33, respectively. It is configured to discharge water to the softener storage section 4b. Further, the detergent water supply channel 32 is branched, and forms a priming pipe 34 for supplying priming water to the bath water pump 31. The bath water supply passage 36 connected to the outlet of the bath water pump 31 is also configured to discharge water to the detergent container 4a of the detergent container 4. Although not shown, a dehumidification water passage through which cooling water for dehumidification during the drying operation flows from the water supply valve 30 is also provided.
[0027]
All of the water discharged into the detergent container 4 finally flows from the detergent dispenser 35 through the water supply pipe 37 and flows into the outer tub 10 from the water inlet on the rear side of the outer tub 10. Tap water is supplied from the water supply pipe 37 to the outer tub 10 via the detergent feeder 35 in accordance with valve opening / closing control of the water supply valve 30 and bath water is supplied in accordance with the operation of the bath water pump 31. Is done.
[0028]
On the rear side of the concave portion 10a of the outer tub 10, a tubular pipe 10c extending rightward from an opening 10b provided substantially near the center of the outer tub 10 in the left-right direction is formed integrally with the outer tub 10. The pipe 10c is a part of a drying circulation air path for supplying heated air to the outer tank 10 in a circulating manner during the drying operation. Although not shown, the other main parts of the drying circulation air passage are disposed on the right end face of the outer tub 10 and outside and behind the second bearing case 18. 10b, a dehumidifier for dehumidifying the humid air taken out, a drying heater for heating the dehumidified air, and a circulating air flow of outer tub → dehumidifier → heater → outer tub A blower fan and the like are provided.
[0029]
A lint recovery device 41 is provided in the middle of the drain hose 40 drawn out of the machine. A filter (not shown) is built in the lint collecting device 41 so that the lint can be taken out by the user, and the lint that has flowed together with the drainage from the outer tank 10 is collected by the filter. The lint collecting device 41 is fixed to the lower part of the side surface of the outer box 1.
[0030]
FIG. 7 is an electrical configuration diagram of a main part of the drum type washing machine of the present embodiment. The control unit 70 (corresponding to the first detection unit, the second detection unit, and the operation control unit of the present invention) mainly includes a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a timer, and the like, and is stored in the ROM. Based on the control program, various controls for performing the operation of each of the washing, rinsing, dehydrating, and drying steps are executed. The control unit 70 receives a key input signal from various operation keys provided on the operation panel 5, and detects a water level sensor 71 for detecting a water level of water stored in the outer tub 10. A drum outlet temperature sensor 72 for detecting the temperature of the drum outlet side during the drying process; a cooling water temperature sensor 73 for detecting the temperature of the cooling water during the drying process; and a drum motor 20 for detecting the rotational position of the motor 20. A detection signal is input from the rotation sensor 20c including a Hall element and the like.
[0031]
Further, a load drive unit 76 is connected to the control unit 70, and the drum motor 20, the fan motor 77, the water heater 24, the drying heater 78, the water supply valve 30, and the drain valve 23 are connected through the load drive unit 76. The operation of the torque motor 211 of the drum lock device 21 is controlled.
[0032]
Further, an EEPROM 74 (corresponding to a storage unit of the present invention) which is a nonvolatile memory is connected to the control unit 70.
[0033]
This drum-type washing machine is characterized in that it has a function of automatically detecting clogging in the lint collecting device 41 at the time of drainage after washing and rinsing and informing the user of the clogging. The operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0034]
First, in the drainage process, when drainage is started by opening the drainage valve 23, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the water level in the outer tub 10 has reached the first specified water level based on a signal from the water level sensor 71 (see FIG. Step S1). The first specified water level is a water level set at a position slightly lower than a predetermined washing water level. When it is determined that the first specified water level has been reached, time counting is started (step S2). The controller 70 determines whether or not the water level in the outer tub 10 has reached a second specified water level lower than the first specified water level (step S3). Is stopped (step S4).
[0035]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the first specified water level has not been reached even after a lapse of a time limit, for example, 8 minutes, from the start of drainage, the control unit 70 determines that there is a drainage abnormality and displays the number of the drainage abnormality on the numerical display 5j. Is displayed (steps S14 to S16).
[0036]
When the time counting is stopped in step S4, it is next determined whether or not the current drainage step is the first drainage step after using the washing machine (step S5). If it is determined that this is the first drainage stroke, the time count value at this time is set as an EEPROM 74 as a reference count time T1 indicating the drainage capacity (standard drainage capacity) when the filter in the lint recovery device 41 is not clogged at all. (Step S6).
[0037]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the process is not the first drainage process, the control unit 70 determines whether the lint recovery device 41 is clogged by using the reference count time T1 because the reference count time T1 has already been set. That is, first, the difference “T−T1” between the currently detected count time T (indicating the drainage capacity at the present time) and the reference count time T1 is compared with a first predetermined value, for example, 10 seconds (step). S7). If it is less than 10 seconds, it is determined that there is no clogging in the lint collection device 41, and the washing operation is continued (step S8). On the other hand, if TT1 is longer than 10 seconds, it is compared with a second predetermined value, for example, 20 seconds (step S9). If the time is less than 20 seconds, it is determined that the alarm level is such that the washing operation can be continued but the lint of the filter needs to be removed, the clogging indicator 51 is turned on to notify the clogging, and the washing operation is performed. (Steps S10 and S11). If T-T1 is longer than 20 seconds, it is determined that the drainage capacity is extremely low and the washing operation is at an abnormal level at which the washing operation cannot be continued, and the clogging indicator 51 is turned on to notify the clogging and the washing operation is performed. Pause (steps S12, S13). At this time, if the drain valve 23 is kept open, when the user removes the filter from the lint collecting device 41, the water remaining in the outer tank 10 is discharged at a stretch, and the lint collecting device 41 Since there is a risk of leakage, the drain valve 23 is closed.
[0038]
When it is determined in step S9 that the warning level is set and the clogging is notified, it is preferable to continue the clogging notification in the next drainage process until it is determined that there is no clogging. Further, in step S9, when it is determined that the level is abnormal, the clogging is notified, and when the washing operation is stopped, whether the lint has been removed is checked as follows, and the washing operation is started. Preferably, it can be restarted. That is, when the user presses an operation key (for example, a start key) for canceling the abnormality, the drainage capability is detected again, and the determination of clogging is executed. Specifically, after the water is again supplied to the first specified water level, the processing from step S1 to step S7 is performed. If it is determined in step S7 that there is no clogging, the washing operation is restarted and the notification of the clogging is stopped. In this way, the washing operation can be restarted without clogging. In this configuration, instead of supplying water to the first specified water level, the third specified water level and the fourth specified water level that are equal to or less than the second specified water level and equal to the water amount between the first specified water level and the second specified water level are used. A specified water level may be set, and clogging may be determined from the difference between the count time T (drainage capacity) and the reference count time T1 (reference drainage capacity) between the water levels.
[0039]
As described above, in the present drum-type washing machine, the drainage capacity is obtained by detecting the water level decrease amount per unit time, and it is determined whether or not the inside of the lint collection device 41 is clogged by the degree of the decrease in the drainage capacity. Since the notification of clogging is performed, it is possible to notify the user of the timing of removing the lint from the lint collecting device 41. This can prevent the washing operation from being performed in the clogged state, and prevent water leakage from the outer tub 10 and unnecessary interruption of the washing operation.
[0040]
In addition, the drainage process is the first drainage process after using the washing machine, and the drainage capacity is detected without any clogging in the lint recovery device 41. Since the clogging in the inside is determined, even if the drainage capacity changes depending on the installation state of the washing machine, the clogging can be accurately detected without being affected by the change.
[0041]
Furthermore, since the clogging is notified while the washing operation is continued from the stage where the clogging is relatively light, unnecessary interruption of the washing operation can be prevented, and when the clogging becomes severe, the washing operation is stopped. Therefore, water leakage from the outer tank 10 can be reliably prevented.
[0042]
By the way, there is a possibility that the installation location of the washing machine may change on the way, such as when the user moves. In this case, the drainage capacity in a state where there is no clogging in the lint recovery device 41 changes, so that it is necessary to change the reference drainage capacity (reference count time).
[0043]
In order to cope with such a situation, in the present drum-type washing machine, for example, a special operation or the like in which two operation keys (corresponding to the operation means of the present invention) are simultaneously pressed for a predetermined time is performed, so that the standard drainage capacity is improved. Is issued, it is preferable to perform the operations from step S1 to step S6 in the first drainage stroke after this operation, and store the new reference count time T1 in the EEPROM. In this way, even if the installation location of the washing machine changes in the middle, the clogging in the lint collection device 41 can be accurately determined thereafter.
[0044]
Further, when at least the first specified water level is set to a level at which the water reaches the inside of the drum 13, the water level lowering speed at the time of drainage also changes depending on the amount of laundry in the drum 3. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable that the amount of laundry (load amount) is detected in advance, and the reference count time T or the count time T1 is corrected in accordance with the load amount so that the greater the load amount, the longer the reference count time T or the count time T1. When the water level sensor 71 capable of detecting a considerably low water level is adopted, setting the first specified water level and the second specified water level to a level at which water does not reach the inside of the drum 13 does not affect the amount of laundry. ,preferable.
[0045]
As described above, one embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed or modified within the scope of the present invention.
[0046]
For example, the above embodiment is a drum type washing machine, but may be a fully automatic washing machine having a vertical axis type washing and dewatering tub.
[0047]
Further, in the above embodiment, as a method of determining whether the current drainage capacity is lower than the reference drainage capacity by a predetermined amount, a difference between the currently detected count time T and the reference count time T1 is obtained. Is compared with a first predetermined value or a second predetermined value which is a reference value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a value obtained by adding the first predetermined value or the second predetermined value to the reference count time T1 is set as the reference value, and the detected count time T is compared with the reference value thus set. You may do it.
[0048]
Further, in the above embodiment, it is determined whether the current drainage capacity is lower than a predetermined amount with respect to the standard drainage capacity, but the current drainage capacity is lower than a predetermined rate with respect to the standard drainage capacity. May be determined. In this case, for example, the count time T / reference count time T1 is compared with a predetermined reference value.
[0049]
Another embodiment related to the detection of clogging of the lint filter of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0050]
First, FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the general washing course. Step S20 is a water supply routine for supplying water from the tap water supply port 6 or the bath water supply port 7 while the detergent is contained in the outer tub 10 via the detergent accommodating portion 4a. In the water supply routine, when the water amount corresponding to the amount of the laundry stored in the drum 13 is supplied, that is, when the water level sensor 71 detects the water level corresponding to the amount of the laundry, the water supply valve 30 is closed or the bath water is supplied. The pump 31 is stopped to stop the water supply operation. In step S21, after supplying a predetermined amount of water into the outer tub 10, the drum motor 20 is started to start washing by stirring the laundry. In this washing routine, for example, the washing is terminated when the stirring time of the laundry exceeds a predetermined time.
[0051]
Next, the process proceeds to step S22, in which the drain valve 23 is opened, and a drain 1 routine for draining the washing water containing the detergent in the outer tub 10 is executed. Step S23 is a dehydration routine in which the drum motor 20 is rotated at a high speed to dehydrate the washing water containing the detergent contained in the laundry in order to shorten the rinsing time. Step S24 is a water supply routine for supplying rinse water containing no detergent through the tap water supply port 6 or the bath water supply port 7 after closing the drain valve 23. The operation of the water supply routine is stopped when the predetermined water amount according to the amount of the laundry is reached, as in step S20. Step S25 is a rinse 1 routine for driving the drum motor 20 to stir the laundry and extract the detergent components contained in the laundry.
[0052]
After the end of the first rinsing routine, the flow shifts to step S26 to execute a second rinsing. In step S26, the drain valve 23 is opened, and a drain 2 routine for draining the rinse water containing the detergent in the outer tub 10 is executed. The drain 2 routine is a routine in which the drain valve 23 is opened for a predetermined time to drain the water in the outer tub 10.
[0053]
Step S27 is a dehydration routine in which the drum motor 20 is rotated at a high speed to dehydrate the washing water containing the detergent contained in the laundry in order to shorten the rinsing time. Step S28 is a water supply routine for supplying rinse water containing no detergent through the tap water supply port 6 or the bath water supply port 7 after closing the drain valve 23. The operation of the water supply routine is stopped when the predetermined water amount according to the amount of the laundry is reached, as in step S24. Step S29 is a rinse 2 routine for driving the drum motor 20 to stir the laundry and extract the detergent components contained in the laundry. The above-described rinsing 1 routine and rinsing 2 routine have been completed, for example, by executing for a predetermined time.
[0054]
After the operation in step S29 is completed, the process proceeds to step S30, in which the drain valve 23 is opened, and a drain 2 routine for draining the rinse water containing the detergent in the outer tub 10 is executed. Step S31 is a dehydration routine in which the drum motor 20 is rotated at a high speed to dehydrate the rinse water contained in the laundry.
[0055]
The washing course is completed by sequentially executing the above routines.
[0056]
Steps S20 and S21 are called a washing step, steps S22 to S25 are called one rinsing step, steps S26 to S29 are called two rinsing steps, and steps S30 and S31 are called a final dewatering step.
[0057]
The detailed operation of the drainage 1 routine in step S22 among the respective routines will be described with reference to FIG.
[0058]
First, in step S50, when drainage is started by opening the drainage valve 23, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the water level in the outer tub 10 has reached the first specified water level based on a signal from the water level sensor 71. The first specified water level is a water level set at a position slightly lower than a predetermined washing water level. If it is determined in step S51 that the first specified water level has been reached, the process proceeds to step S52 to start time counting. In step S52, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the water level in the outer tub 10 has reached the second specified water level, which is lower than the first specified water level. If it is determined that the water level has reached the second specified water level, the control unit 70 proceeds to step S53. Transition and stop time counting.
[0059]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S61 that the first specified water level has not been reached even after the elapse of the time limit, for example, eight minutes, from the start of drainage, the process proceeds to step S62 and the control unit 70 determines that the drainage is abnormal. Judgment is made and abnormality notification such as displaying the number of the drainage abnormality on the numerical value display 5j is performed, and the operation of the washing course is temporarily stopped in step S63.
[0060]
When the time counting is stopped in step S53, the process proceeds to step S54, and it is determined whether or not the current drainage step is the first drainage step after purchasing the drum type washing machine. If it is determined in step S54 that this is the first drainage step, the process proceeds to step S55, and the time count value when the operation is stopped in step S53 is changed to the drainage capacity when the filter in the lint recovery device 41 is not clogged at all. It is stored in the EEPROM 74 as a reference count time T1 indicating (reference drainage capacity).
[0061]
If it is determined in step S54 that the process is not the first drainage process, the process proceeds to step S56. In step S56, since the reference count time T1 has already been set, the control unit 70 uses this to determine whether the lint collection device 41 is clogged. That is, first, the difference "T-T1" between the currently detected count time T (indicating the current drainage capacity) and the reference count time T1 is compared with a first predetermined value, for example, 10 seconds. As a result of the comparison in step S56, if it is determined that the time is less than 10 seconds, it is determined that there is no clogging in the lint collection device 41, and the process proceeds to step S57 to set the clogging flag to 1. The clogging flag is a storage unit provided in the RAM of the control unit 70. Then, in step S58, the operation of the drainage routine is continued until, for example, the predetermined drainage time ends, and for example, when the time has elapsed, the operation is ended, and the drainage routine is ended.
[0062]
If it is determined in step S56 that TT1 is longer than 10 seconds, the process proceeds to step S59, and it is determined whether it is smaller than a second predetermined value, for example, 20 seconds. If it is determined in step S59 that the time is less than 20 seconds, it is determined that the alarm level is such that the washing operation can be continued, but the lint of the filter needs to be removed, and the process proceeds to step S60 to set the clogging flag to 1. . If it is determined in step S59 that it is 20 seconds or longer, it is determined that the drainage capacity is extremely low and the washing operation cannot be continued, and the process proceeds to step S61 to set the clogging flag to 0. After performing either step S60 or step S61, the process proceeds to step S58, and the operation of the drainage routine is continued.
[0063]
Next, the dehydration routine will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
First, the drain valve 23 is opened, and the drum motor 20 starts rotating at high speed. In step S100, the process waits until a predetermined time shorter than the dehydration time elapses. In step S101, a rotation speed sensor (not shown) detects the rotation speed of the drum 13 and determines whether the detected rotation speed has reached a specified rotation speed. If it is determined in step S101 that the rotation speed has reached the specified number of revolutions, the process proceeds to step S102, where the drum motor 20 is continuously rotated at a high speed, and a dehydration routine is executed.
[0064]
If it is determined in step S101 that the rotation speed has not reached the specified speed, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, first, a dehydration start error is determined, and the drum motor 20 is stopped. The dewatering start error includes an unbalance detection error of the drum 13, an error caused by too much foaming of the detergent component in the drum 13, and a clogging error of the lint filter. In step S104, the number of occurrences of the dehydration start error is counted, and it is determined whether or not the total has reached five times.
[0065]
If it is determined that the number of times has not reached five in step S104, the process proceeds to step S105, and a defoaming rinsing step is performed. Specifically, this is a step of removing foamed bubbles in a step of supplying water and performing a short-time rinsing. Thereafter, the flow returns to step S100, and the dehydration operation is restarted.
[0066]
If it is determined in step S104 that the number of occurrences of the dehydration start error has reached five, the process proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the content of the clogging flag set in step S59 or step S60 of the above-described drainage routine based on FIG. 10 is determined, and it is determined whether the lint filter is in a clogged state. If it is determined in step S106 that the clogging flag is 0, the process proceeds to step S107, in which the lint filter is not clogged, and it is determined that a dehydration start error such as imbalance has occurred. And suspend the washing course.
[0067]
If it is determined in step S106 that the clogging flag is not 0, the process proceeds to step S108, in which it is determined that the lint filter is clogged, the fact is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 5, and the washing course is displayed. Pause.
[0068]
The above-described suspended state of the washing course is continued until the user cancels the cause of the error and performs a restart operation.
[0069]
By adopting such a configuration, conventionally, only a rough error display called a dehydration start error display could be performed.In particular, an error of a clogged lint filter can be selectively displayed, and an error display of a content suitable for a user can be performed. , The usability can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a drum type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front vertical sectional view of a main part inside the drum type washing machine of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a right side longitudinal sectional view of a main part inside the drum type washing machine of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram mainly illustrating a water supply unit of the drum type washing machine of the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a right side view of the drum type washing machine of the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an external plan view of an operation panel of the drum type washing machine of the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an electrical configuration diagram of a main part of the drum type washing machine of the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control operation for detecting clogging in the lint collecting device in the drum type washing machine of the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic operation flowchart of a washing course of the drum type washing machine.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a detailed operation flowchart of a drainage 1 routine in FIG. 9;
11 is a diagram showing a detailed operation flowchart of a dehydration routine in FIG. 9;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Outer tub (washing tub)
5l Clogging indicator (notification means)
41 Lint collection device
70 control section (first detection means, second detection means, operation control means)
74 EEPROM (storage means)

Claims (3)

In a washing machine provided with a lint collection device in a drainage path from a washing tub to collect lint in drainage,
First drainage means for detecting a drainage capacity from the washing tub at the time of drainage of a washing operation in an early stage of use of a washing machine; storage means for storing drainage capacity detected by the first detector means as a reference drainage capacity; At the time of draining after storing the reference drainage capacity in the storage means, a second detecting means for detecting the drainage capacity from the washing tub, and a notifying means for notifying that the inside of the lint collection device is clogged, If it is determined that the drainage capacity detected by the second detection means is lower than a predetermined amount or ratio with respect to the reference drainage capacity, it is determined that the inside of the lint recovery device is clogged, and the notification means is notified. A washing machine comprising: operation control means for notifying clogging. A first predetermined value and a second predetermined value are provided as the predetermined amount and ratio, and the operation control unit determines that the drainage capacity detected by the second detection unit is a first predetermined value with respect to the reference drainage capacity. When it is determined that the amount is lower than the amount or the ratio, the notifying unit is notified of the clogging, and the washing operation is continued. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the washing operation is stopped by notifying the clogging. Operating means for instructing re-detection of the reference drainage capacity, wherein the first detecting means detects the drainage capacity from the washing tub when the re-instruction is performed by the operating means, and the storage means 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the drainage capacity thus detected is stored again as a reference drainage capacity.

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