JP2005177070A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve washing performance under a condition of a low supply water temperature without taking a long time and increasing a product price. <P>SOLUTION: This washing machine is provided with a hot air feeder feeding a hot air in the interior of a washing tub and feeds the hot air to the interior of the washing tub by the hot air feeder in a laundry washing or rinsing process (S6 and S11). This constitution heats the laundry (especially, those exposed upward from the water level) and consequently heats the wash water. As a result, even if the initial water temperature is low, enzyme in detergent is sufficiently activated, and the detergent solution sufficiently penetrates the laundry without taking a long period of time. This machine requires no special device such as a conventional steam generator but just a simple hot air feeder. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an improved washing machine that improves cleaning performance.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a washing machine, as means for improving cleaning performance, methods such as increasing the amount of detergent, using bath water, or soaking are generally employed.
In addition, since it is preferable that the detergent liquid penetrates into the laundry quickly, a method of causing the detergent liquid to penetrate into the laundry by centrifugal force by rotating the washing tub has been adopted.
Furthermore, in order to improve the removal of dirt attached to the laundry, it has been considered to apply steam to the laundry (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-93775).
JP 2003-93775 A

Among the conventional methods described above, the method of increasing the amount of detergent, using bath water, or soaking is particularly effective for the enzyme in the detergent, but if the water temperature is low, the enzyme is activated. Is not sufficient and is not effective.
Further, in the method in which the detergent liquid is permeated into the laundry by centrifugal force by rotating the washing tub, it takes time to sufficiently permeate the detergent liquid.
And in the method of applying steam to the laundry, a steam generator is specially required, and the washing machine becomes expensive.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and therefore, the object thereof is to improve the cleaning performance without spending time even under conditions where the feed water temperature is low, and without further increasing the product price. To provide a washing machine that can.

  In order to achieve the above object, the washing machine of the present invention includes a warm air supply device for supplying warm air into the washing tub, and in the process of washing or rinsing the laundry, The warm air is supplied into the washing tub (invention of claim 1).

  According to the above means, in the process of washing or rinsing the laundry, the laundry (particularly, exposed from the water surface) is warmed by the warm air supplied from the warm air supply device into the washing tub, Washing water is also warmed based on that. As a result, the enzyme in the detergent is sufficiently activated even if the initial water temperature is low, and the detergent liquid can sufficiently penetrate into the laundry without taking much time. Moreover, they do not require a special device such as a conventional steam generator, and need only have a simple hot air supply device. Thus, it is possible to improve the cleaning performance without spending time and increasing the product price even under conditions where the feed water temperature is low.

A first embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
First, in the overall configuration of the washing machine shown in FIG. 3, the outer tub 2 is supported and arranged inside the outer box 1 by an elastic support mechanism 3 (only a part is shown). The inner tank 4 is rotatably arranged.

  The inner tank 4 has a double wall with a water / ventilating space 5 in the periphery, and a large number of water / ventilating holes 6 are formed in the inner wall 4a, and the outer wall 4b is dewatered at the top. The deaeration holes 7 are formed in a horizontal row, for example, so that the inner tub 4 functions as a washing tub, a dewatering tub, and a drying tub.

  A washing body 8 for washing (washing and rinsing) is rotatably disposed in the lower part of the inner tub 4, and the stirring body 8 and the inner tub 4 are separately provided for washing, dehydration and drying. A motor 9, which is a drive device that rotates, is disposed in the outer lower portion of the outer tank 2. In addition, a first drain valve 11 for discharging the water in the inner tub 4 through the drain / exhaust passage 10 in the outer tub 2 and the water in the outer tub 2 are provided in the outer lower portion of the outer tub 2. A second drain valve 12 for directly discharging is disposed, and further, a drain hose 13 connected to the first drain valve 11 and a second drain valve 12 to the drain hose 13 are connected. A connecting hose 14 is provided.

  On the outer side of the outer tub 2, an overflow hose 16 that connects the overflow port 15 formed in the upper part of the outer tub 2 to the connection hose 14 is disposed. A duct 17 is also provided on the outer side of the outer tub 2. The duct 17 has a lower end connected to the drainage / exhaust passage 10 and an upper end connected to the upper edge of the outer tub 2 by a bellows-like hose 17a. The rear part of the cover 18 passes through and communicates with the inside of the outer tank 2 (inside the inner tank 4). The tank cover 18 is provided with an inner lid 19 that can be opened and closed.

  A fan 20 and a heater 21 are provided in the upper part of the duct 17. Among them, the fan 20 circulates the air in the inner tub 4 through the drainage / exhaust passage 10 and the duct 17 as indicated by the arrows, and the heater 21 heats the circulating air. Wind is generated, and this warm air is supplied into the inner tank 4. Accordingly, the drainage / exhaust passage 10, the duct 17, the fan 20, and the heater 21 constitute a warm air supply device 22 that supplies warm air into the inner tub (washing tub) 4. The air in the inner tub 4 passing through the duct 17 is cooled by the air outside the duct 17 and dehumidified.

  A top cover 23 is mounted on the outer box 1, and a portion from the portion where the fan 20 and the heater 21 of the duct 17 are disposed to the front of the top cover 23 and a water supply valve. 24 is arranged. The water supply valve 24 is connected to a tap faucet (not shown) and supplies the water into the inner tank 4. The outlet is connected to a water supply hose 25 inserted into the bellows-like hose 17 a of the duct 17. ing.

  In addition, an operation panel 26 is provided at the front portion of the top cover 23, and a control device 27 is provided below the operation panel 26. Among these, the operation panel 26 is for the user to perform operations related to the operation of the washing machine, and has various operation switches and various display parts, although not shown in detail. The control device 27 controls the overall operation of the washing machine, and is composed of, for example, a microcomputer.

  FIG. 4 shows an electrical configuration centering on the control device 27, and various operation signals from various operation switches 28 of the operation panel 26 are output from a rotation sensor 29 which is a laundry amount detection means provided in the motor 9. Water level detection means provided so that the water temperature detection signal is detected from the water temperature sensor 30 which is a water temperature detection means provided in the water supply hose 25 or the inner tub 4. Each of the water level detection signals from the water level sensor 31 is input to the control device 27.

  The control device 27 controls the various display units 32 of the operation panel 26 based on those inputs and a prestored control program, and also supplies the water supply valve 24, the motor 9, and the first drain valve 11. The second drain valve 12, the fan 20, and the heater 21 are controlled via a drive circuit 33.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
When the control device 27 is turned on, a standard course is selected by various operation switches 28 of the operation panel 26, and a start of operation is instructed, as shown in FIG. Detection is performed (step S1). The amount of laundry is detected by, for example, starting the motor 9 with a predetermined input and reading the detection result of the rotation sensor 29 at that time. If the motor 9 is started, the inner tub 4 is rotated. The rotation is detected by the rotation sensor 29 because the rotation load increases as the amount of the laundry accommodated in the inner tub 4 increases, so that the rotation sensor 29 reads the detection result. The amount of laundry is detected.

  Thereafter, the water supply valve 24 is opened to start “water supply 1” (step S2), and then water supplied into the inner tank 4 or supplied into the inner tank 4 from the detection output of the water temperature sensor 30. It is determined whether or not the detected temperature of the detected water is not more than a predetermined value (for example, 40 [° C.]) (step S3). Here, if it is determined that the temperature is not less than the predetermined value (NO), the process proceeds to a washing process in which the supply of hot air is not performed (step S4). The process proceeds to the washing step in which the water level is supplied, and it is determined from the detection output of the water level sensor 31 whether or not the water level in the inner tank 4 has reached “water level 1” (step S5).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the “water level 1” is a water level (water level 1, water level) obtained by dividing the water supply water level (“set water level”) set in accordance with the amount of laundry detected in step S1 into 5 minutes in this case. 2, water level 3, water level 4, set water level), and if it is determined that it has been reached (YES) in step S 5, “water supply 1” is stopped and replaced with a hot air supply device By operating the fan 20 and the heater 21 of 22, supply of warm air into the inner tank 4 is started (step S6).

  At the same time, the stirring body 8 is rotated by the motor 9 to start “stirring 1” for stirring the contents (laundry, water, detergent, etc.) in the inner tub 4 (step S7). Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed (step S8), and if it is determined that (YES) has elapsed, "stirring 1" is stopped and The supply of warm air is also stopped, and instead, the water supply valve 24 is opened again to start “water supply 2” (step S9).

Thereafter, it is determined from the detection output of the water level sensor 31 whether or not the water level in the inner tub 4 has reached “water level 2” (step S10). 2 "is stopped and, instead, the supply of warm air into the inner tank 4 is started (step S11).
At the same time, the agitator 8 is again rotated by the motor 9 to start “stirring 2” in which the contents in the inner tank 4 are agitated (step S12). It is determined whether or not it has elapsed (step S13), and if it is determined that it has elapsed (YES), the “stirring 2” is stopped and the supply of hot air into the inner tank 4 is also stopped. Then, the water supply valve 24 is further opened to start “water supply 3” (step S14).

  Thereafter, although omitted in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 2, “water supply 3” is performed until it is determined that the water level in the inner tank 4 has reached “water level 3”, and then into the inner tank 4. While the supply of warm air is started, "stirring 3" that stirs the contents in the inner tank 4 is started and executed until it is determined that a predetermined time (also 1 minute, for example) has elapsed.

  Then, “water supply 4” is performed until it is determined that the water level in the inner tank 4 has reached “water level 4”, and then “stirring 4” for stirring the contents in the inner tank 4 is started. It is executed until it is determined that a predetermined time (also 1 minute, for example) has elapsed, and “water supply 5” is performed until it is determined that the water level in the inner tank 4 has reached the “set water level”. “Stirring 5” for stirring the contents in the inner tank 4 is started and executed until it is determined that a predetermined time (this is a set time) has elapsed. At these times, the temperature into the inner tank 4 is increased. No wind is supplied.

  And after that, for example, after draining to discharge the water in the inner tank 4, dehydration and water supply are alternately repeated, and water is supplied to the set water level in the inner tank 4 to stir the contents in the inner tank 4. By performing a “rinse” process for diluting the detergent solution contained in the laundry, and further draining to discharge the water in the inner tub 4, the centrifugal force generated by rotating the inner tub 4 at a high speed Executes a “dehydration” process in which the water contained in the laundry is shaken off, and then performs a “drying” process in which the inner tub 4 is rotated at a low speed and hot air is supplied into the inner tub 4 to dry the laundry. Then, the driving is finished.

  Thus, in this configuration, the warm air supply device 22 that supplies warm air into the inner tub 4 is provided, and in the process of washing the laundry, the warm air supply device 22 enters the inner tub 4. The hot air is supplied. As a result, the laundry (particularly, the one exposed upward from the water surface) is warmed, and the washing water is also warmed based on the warmed laundry. As a result, the enzyme in the detergent is sufficiently activated even if the initial water temperature is low, and the detergent liquid can sufficiently penetrate into the laundry without taking much time.

FIG. 5 shows the relationship between temperature and enzyme activation. As is apparent from FIG. 5, the enzyme is most activated under the condition of a temperature of 30 to 40 [° C.]. Therefore, in order to raise the temperature of the laundry and the washing water in the inner tub 4 by the supply of the warm air described above, it is best to set the temperature to 30 to 40 [° C.].
FIG. 6 shows the relationship between temperature and the surface tension of water. As apparent from FIG. 6, the surface tension of water decreases as the temperature increases. The permeability of the detergent liquid into the laundry is better as the surface tension of the water is smaller. Therefore, the permeability of the detergent liquid into the laundry is improved as the temperature is higher.

  Accordingly, if the enzyme in the detergent is sufficiently activated and the detergent liquid is sufficiently permeated into the laundry, the washing performance is improved. Thus, in the case of the present configuration, the washing performance can be improved even under a condition where the feed water temperature is low, and furthermore, the detergent solution is permeated into the laundry by the centrifugal force by rotating the inner tub 4. This can be achieved without spending time as by the method.

  Furthermore, in the case of this configuration, a special device such as a conventional steam generator is not required, and only a simple hot air supply device 22 is required. In particular, if it has a drying function, the warm air supply device 22 for that purpose can be used to supply the warm air in the washing process, and no new device is required. Thus, in the case of this configuration, the cleaning performance can be improved without causing an increase in the product price.

  In addition, in the present configuration, when the water level in the inner tub 4 is low during the process of washing the laundry ("water levels 1 to 3"), the warm air supply device 22 supplies the temperature into the laundry tub. The wind is supplied. When the water level in the inner tub 4 is low, the detergent concentration of the washing water is high, and the detergent solution having a high detergent concentration can sufficiently penetrate the laundry by increasing its temperature, and the enzyme is fully activated. Is more effective in improving cleaning performance.

  In the process of washing the laundry, the water supply to the inner tub 4 is changed from “water level 1” to “water level 2”, “water level 2” to “water level 3”, “water level 3” to “water level 4”. It is performed intermittently in sequence, and the hot air is supplied into the inner tank 4 by the hot air supply device 22 between the water supplies. In other words, even if hot air is supplied into the inner tub 4 during water supply, the water temperature rises and cannot be expected as new water continues to be supplied, so this is avoided. As a result, it is possible to accelerate the increase in water temperature and achieve an improvement in cleaning performance without taking much time.

  Further, when the hot air is supplied into the inner tank 4 by the hot air supply device 22, the contents in the inner tank 4 are stirred as in the stirring 1, 2, and 3. Thereby, since the temperature of the laundry in the inner tub 4 and washing water can be raised uniformly, a washing | cleaning performance can be improved uniformly with respect to all the laundry. In this case, the inner tank 4 may be rotated instead of stirring the contents in the inner tank 4. Further, the agitation of the contents in the inner tank 4 and the rotation of the inner tank 4 may be performed alternately. Furthermore, they may be performed independently, alternately, or not intermittently in each operation period, but intermittently.

  And when the water temperature sensor 30 is provided as a water temperature detection means which detects the temperature of the water supplied in the inner tank 4 or the temperature of the water supplied in the inner tank 4, and the detected temperature is below a predetermined value In addition, warm air is supplied into the inner tank 4 by the warm air supply device 22. By doing so, for example, when supplying hot water from a water heater or supplying warm bath water, the supply of hot air into the inner tub 4 when the water temperature is sufficiently high is avoided to save power. be able to.

On the other hand, FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention, and only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described.
In this case, in the process of washing the laundry (washing process), “stirring” for stirring the contents in the inner tub 4 is intermittently performed, for example, every 5 minutes. During each period of time, “dipping” in which the laundry is immersed in water in the inner tub 4 in a stationary state is performed, for example, every 25 minutes, and each “stirring” except for the last “stirring” is performed. The hot air is supplied into the inner tub 4 by the hot air supply device 22 during and during each “dipping”.

Among these, the action of the enzyme in the detergent, which is the main washing action of the “dipping”, is achieved by supplying hot air into the inner tank 4 by the hot air supply device 22 in each “dipping”. It can be increased by increasing the temperature of the laundry and the water temperature due to the supply. Therefore, even in the case where the temperature of the water supply water is low, the washing effect does not take time and the product price does not increase. Can be improved.
In addition, the effect by the supply of warm air into the inner tank 4 by the warm air supply device 22 during each “stirring” in this case is the same as in the first embodiment.

  Furthermore, in this case, the hot air is supplied into the inner tank 4 by the hot air supply device 22 even in the “rinsing” process. This increases the laundry temperature and water temperature during the rinsing process, thereby causing the laundry fibers to swell and draining the detergent liquid and improving the penetration of the washing water. it can. Therefore, also in this case, it is possible to improve the cleaning effect without spending time and increasing the product price even under conditions where the feed water temperature is low. In addition, by increasing the temperature of the laundry in the rinsing process, it is possible to improve the dehydration rate in the next dehydration process and further improve the drying efficiency in the next drying process.

The supply of warm air into the inner tank 4 by the warm air supply device 22 in this “rinsing” process may be performed in the “rinsing” process in the first embodiment. The supply of warm air into the inner tub 4 by the warm air supply device 22 in the “rinsing” process and “washing” process in the second embodiment is the same as the method in the “washing” process of the first embodiment. Further, the supply of warm air into the inner tank 4 in those cases may be performed intermittently.
In addition, the supply of warm air into the inner tank 4 in the “washing” process of the first embodiment may be performed intermittently instead of continuously in each operation period.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings. In particular, the “soaking” may be performed separately from the washing process, such as before the washing process. The washing machine as a whole may be a drum-type washing machine in which the washing tub has a horizontal axis or an oblique axis shape with a drum, and may further have no drying function. For example, the hot air supply device 22 does not always have to be used for the drying function, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the scope of the invention.

The flowchart which shows 1st Example of this invention. Time chart of hot air supply shown along with changes in water supply level Broken side view of entire washing machine Electrical configuration block diagram Diagram showing the relationship between temperature and enzyme activation Diagram showing the relationship between temperature and surface tension of water Hot air supply time chart showing a second embodiment of the present invention

Explanation of symbols

In the drawings, 4 is an inner tub (washing tub), 8 is an agitator, 9 is a motor, 22 is a hot air supply device, 27 is a control device, 30 is a water temperature sensor (water temperature detection means), and 31 is a water level sensor (water level detection). Means).

Claims (6)

  A hot air supply device for supplying hot air into the washing tub is provided, and in the process of washing or rinsing the laundry, the hot air is supplied into the washing tub by the hot air supply device. Features a washing machine.   The hot air is supplied into the washing tub by the hot air supply device when the water level in the washing tub is low during the washing or rinsing of the laundry. Washing machine.   During the process of washing or rinsing the laundry, water is intermittently supplied into the washing tub, and hot air is supplied into the washing tub with the hot air supply device between the water supply and the water supply. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.   4. The hot air supply device according to claim 1, wherein when the hot air is supplied into the washing tub, the contents in the washing tub are agitated or the washing tub is rotated. The washing machine according to crab.   Washing by the hot air supply device is provided when the temperature of the water supplied into the washing tub or the temperature of the water supplied into the washing tub is detected and the detected temperature is not more than a predetermined value. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein warm air is supplied into the tank. During the process of washing the laundry, or separately, in which the laundry is soaked in water in the washing tub, the warm air into the washing tub by the warm air supply device during the soaking The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the washing machine is supplied.

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