JP2005334345A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine which makes detergent permeate laundry articles sufficiently by only utilizing basic constitution. <P>SOLUTION: A controller of the washing machine foams the detergent supplied into a rotary tub by rotating a pulsator (step S5) simultaneously with starting supply of water (step S4) into the rotary tub. Thereafter, the washing process is carried out while stopping the supply of water a plurality of times (steps S6 to S19). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine that rotates a stirrer disposed in a washing tub to generate a water flow in the tub and stirs the laundry to perform a washing operation.

In a washing machine, it is general that a detergent is put in accordance with the amount of laundry put into a washing tub by a user, and then a washing operation is started by supplying water. By the way, in order to obtain a sufficient washing effect in the washing machine, it is preferable that the detergent put into the washing tub is sufficiently permeated into the laundry.
As a prior art configured for the purpose of performing such an action, Patent Document 1 discloses a laundry that utilizes a centrifugal force generated by rotating a laundry dewatering tub so that a detergent liquid can penetrate into the laundry. A machine is disclosed. Patent Document 2 discloses a washing machine provided with a dedicated device for foaming detergent liquid.
JP 2004-121872 A JP 2003-326090 A

However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since it takes time to rotate the laundry dewatering tub at a rotational speed at which a necessary centrifugal force can be obtained separately from the washing process, the time until the washing operation is completed is long. There is a problem of becoming. Further, in the technique of Patent Document 2, since a dedicated device is provided, an increase in cost cannot be avoided and cannot be easily introduced.
This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, The objective is to provide the washing machine which can fully infiltrate a laundry into a laundry only by utilizing a basic composition.

In order to achieve the above object, the washing machine of the present invention includes a stirring body arranged in a washing tub,
A water level sensor for detecting the water level in the washing tub,
When the water supply into the washing tub is started, the detergent is bubbled by rotating the agitator, and then the washing process is performed while water supply is stopped a plurality of times.

  That is, since the amount of water is small at the initial stage when water supply to the washing tub is started, if the stirring body is rotated during that period, the washing water supplied with the detergent put in the washing tub is supplied. It can be sufficiently diffused and dissolved, so that the detergent penetrates the laundry sufficiently. Moreover, since the density | concentration of a detergent becomes high with respect to little water, a cleaning power improves. And if the washing process is carried out while stopping water supply multiple times thereafter, the amount of water increases stepwise, so that the laundry is less likely to be damaged, and in addition, the time for stirring by the stirrer becomes longer, It is difficult for detergent to remain undissolved.

  According to the present invention, the detergent can sufficiently penetrate into the laundry without adding a dedicated structure to the washing machine. In addition, the laundry can be washed with higher detergency, and damage to the laundry can be suppressed.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 4, which is a longitudinal side view of the washing machine, a water tank 2 is elastically supported by an elastic suspension mechanism 3 in the outer box 1. A mechanism portion 4 and a washing machine motor 5 are attached to the bottom outer surface of the water tank 2. Further, a drain port 6 is formed at the bottom of the water tank 2, and a drain valve 7 and a drain hose 8 are connected thereto.

  Inside the water tank 2, a rotating tank 9 as a tank is disposed. The rotary tank 9 includes a cylinder body 10 and a bottom plate 11 which are cylinder parts. As shown in FIG. 4, the cylindrical body 10 is configured by bending a metal plate, for example, a stainless steel plate into a cylindrical shape and joining the joint by welding. A large number of water passage holes 10 a are formed in the cylindrical body 10. The bottom plate 11 is formed of a synthetic resin in a shallow container shape. A stepped portion 11a is formed at the periphery of the bottom plate 11, and a tapered peripheral wall portion 11b is formed upward from the stepped portion 11a. Yes. A balance ring 12 is attached to the upper end of the rotating tub (washing tub) 9.

  Further, a pulsator (stirring body) 13 is disposed on the bottom plate 11 of the rotating tub 9, and the pulsator 13 is connected to the rotating shaft 5 a of the washing machine motor 5 and is driven to rotate. A pump blade 14 is formed on the back surface of the pulsator 13. The mechanism unit 4 is provided with a clutch (not shown), and transmits the rotation of the washing machine motor 5 only to the pulsator 13 during washing, and transmits it to the pulsator 13 and the rotating tub 9 during dehydration. It has become. In this case, the pulsator 13 is rotated forward and reverse alternately during washing, and the pulsator 13 and the rotating tank 9 are integrally rotated at high speed during dehydration.

  A detergent charging path 15 is provided on the inner surface of the rotary tank 9. The detergent charging path 15 will be described with reference to FIG. The detergent charging path 15 includes a recess 11 c of the bottom plate 11 and a cover member 18. The concave portion 11c is formed by denting a portion from the step portion 11a to the peripheral wall portion 11b. A portion of the concave portion 11 c that is open toward the center of the bottom plate 11 is a lower water inlet 19. In the step portion 11a, rib arrangement portions 11d and 11e are formed at the upper portions on both sides of the water inlet 19. Insertion engagement holes 11d 'and 11e' are formed in the rib placement portions 11d and 11e.

  On the other hand, the cover member 18 is a lower portion that covers the concave portion 11c of the bottom plate 11 of the rotating tub 9, a filter portion 18a in which a lattice-like filter is formed, and a cylinder formed on the upper portion of the filter portion 18a. The main part 18b which forms a channel | path with the part 10 and the rib part 18c formed in the lower end of the filter part 18a are comprised. Further, protrusions 18d are formed on the lower surfaces of both end portions of the rib portion 18c. The filter portion 18a and the main portion 18b have a flat plate shape, and a plurality of engaging claws 18e 'and 18e are formed at both ends of the main portion 18b. Further, a bulging portion 18f is formed at the upper portion of the main portion 18b so as to further bulge toward the center of the rotary tub 9.

  The cover member 18 inserts the projections 18d and 18d of the rib portion 18c into the insertion engagement holes 11d ′ and 11e ′ of the rib arrangement portions 11d and 11e, and also engages downward as shown in FIG. 6 (b). The claw 18 e is attached to the inner surface of the rotating tub 9 by engaging with an engaging hole 10 c formed in the cylindrical portion 10 of the rotating tub 9. As a result, the detergent charging path 15 is formed by the gap between the cover member 18 and the rotating tub 9. Further, the upward engaging claw 18e ′ has a protruding shape whose claw length is shorter than that of the engaging claw 18e, and the engaging hole 10c is moderated by the protruding claw. It will be in the engaged state.

  Further, in the cover member 18, a self hinge 18g is formed at an intermediate portion of the main portion 18b, and the bulging portion 18f is formed with a concave portion 18h for the user to put on a finger and open to the front. That is, the upper half of the bulging portion 18f and the main portion 18b is formed as a loading port cover 18i, and the detergent loading port 20 appears when the user opens the loading port cover 18i.

  The detergent introduced from the detergent inlet 20 by the user is introduced to the bottom plate 11 side, that is, the back side of the pulsator 13 as shown by a broken line in FIG. 5 which is a partially enlarged view of FIG. Then, as will be described later, the filter portion 18a of the cover member 18 is mixed with air when the washing liquid in which the detergent is dissolved passes through the filter portion 18a, so as to promote “foaming” of the detergent. Is provided.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. The control device 30 serving as a control means is composed of, for example, a circuit mainly composed of a microcomputer, and stores a control program for controlling the overall washing operation. The control device 30 is configured to receive operation signals from various operation switches 31 and lid switches 32 of the operation panel, and detection signals from the water level sensor 33 and the rotation sensor 34. Note that a plurality of water level sensors 33 are arranged so as to detect different water levels at a plurality of stages in the rotary tank 9 as described later.

  The lid switch 32 outputs an operation signal corresponding to an opening / closing operation of an opening / closing lid provided on the upper surface side of the washing machine. Various display units 35 and a buzzer 36 are connected to the control device 30. Further, a water supply pump 37, a water supply valve unit 38, a drain valve 7, and a motor 5 are connected to the control device 30 via a drive circuit 39. The control device 30 includes a display unit 35, a water supply pump 37, a water supply valve 38, a drain valve 7, The motor 5 and the buzzer 41 are driven and controlled.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the control contents performed by the control device 30 for the washing process in the washing operation, and FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing the state of water supply and agitation executed in accordance with the control of the flowchart of FIG. . When the control device 30 is turned on and started up (Start, Step S1), the control device 30 is first put into the rotating tub 9 based on the load state when the motor 5 is driven and the pulsator 13 is rotated under predetermined conditions. The weight of the laundry is estimated (weight sensor, step S2). And the control apparatus 30 displays the amount of detergents required for washing on the display part 35 according to the estimated weight.

  The user opens the insertion port cover 18i of the cover member 18 and inputs the displayed amount of detergent from the detergent insertion port 20, and then turns on the switch 31 for starting the washing operation. Then, the control apparatus 30 starts water supply (1) (step S4). In FIG. 2, the vertical axis indicates the water level supplied to the rotating tub 9. Then, the control device 30 rotates the pulsator 13 in the normal rotation direction at a low speed (for example, about 10 rpm to 15 rpm), for example, for 40 seconds, so that the water supplied into the rotating tub 9 is uniformly permeated into the laundry (step) S5). In this case, the pulsator 13 may be intermittently rotated.

When the above 40 seconds have elapsed, the control device 30 alternately reverses the pulsator 13 in the same manner as in a normal washing operation to generate a water flow for dissolving the detergent (step S6). Then, referring to the output signal of the water level sensor 33, the “detergent-dissolved water flow” is continued until the water level (1) is reached (step S7, “NO”).
In this step S6, the detergent introduced to the back side of the pulsator 13 is sent to the detergent charging path 15 side by the water flow generated by the pulsator 13 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 5, and part of it passes through the filter 18a. Then, it circulates along the route leading to the inside of the rotary tank 9. That is, a water flow circulation path 22 in the vertical direction is formed on the lower end side of the detergent charging path 15. As the water stream circulates along this path 22, the detergent is sufficiently dissolved in the water. And since the washing | cleaning liquid in which the detergent melt | dissolved passes the filter part 18a, since air is mixed, foaming of a detergent is accelerated | stimulated. The detergent becomes easy to spread throughout the laundry by foaming. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the cleaning power by allowing the detergent to reach the soiled portion of the laundry faster.

  In addition, although a part of the water sent to the detergent charging path 15 side rises along the detergent charging path 15 without passing through the filter portion 18a, the water that has risen as the rotational speed of the pulsator 13 decreases. When descending again along the detergent charging path 15, a part thereof passes through the filter portion 18 a and is sent into the rotary tank 9.

  If it is determined in step S7 that the water level (1) has been reached ("YES"), the control device 30 stops water supply (1) (step S8) and rotates the pulsator 13 in the same manner as "detergent-dissolved water flow". Water flow (1) is started (step S9). This water stream (1) further promotes foaming of the detergent. For example, when 20 seconds elapse as the set time of the water flow (1) (step S10, "YES"), in steps S11 to S18, water is supplied (2 to 5) and a water flow (2 to 5) is generated. Let

  That is, in the subsequent step S11, when the control device 30 starts water supply (2 to 5), in the next step S12, a water flow (2 to 5) is generated. Then, referring to the output signal of the water level sensor 33, it is determined whether or not each water level (2 to 5) corresponding to the water supply (2 to 5) has been reached (step S13). "YES") Water supply (2-5) is stopped (step S14).

  Then, each water flow (2-5) is continued until the set time corresponding to each water flow (2-5) passes ("NO"). Each set time is 80 seconds, 80 seconds, 4 minutes, and 4 minutes, for example, as shown in FIG. When the set time corresponding to each water flow (2 to 5) has elapsed ("YES"), the control device 30 determines whether or not the last water supply (5) has already been completed (step S16), and is completed. If not ("NO"), the process returns to step S11 to execute the next level of water supply and water flow treatment. Moreover, if the last water supply (5) is completed ("YES"), a washing process will be complete | finished and the following processes, such as a rinse, will be implemented (step S19).

On the other hand, in step S13, until reaching each water level (2-5) ("NO"), the control device 30 has passed a standard time expected to reach each water level (2-5). It is determined in parallel (step S17). When the estimated time has elapsed (“YES”), the water flow (2 to 5) being executed at that time is stopped (step S18), and the process returns to step S13.
That is, when the water pressure of the water supply is lower than the standard water pressure, it takes a longer time for water supply. In that case, since the time for generating a water flow and stirring the laundry also becomes long, there is a possibility that the damage of the cloth may progress. Accordingly, when the estimated water level arrival time has elapsed, the water flow (2 to 5) is stopped to prevent the progress of the fabric damage.

In addition, as described above, the water supply is divided into (1) to (5), and the water level in the rotary tank 9 is increased stepwise so that the amount of water supply is small relative to the amount of detergent added. In this case, since the detergent concentration in the washing liquid is in a high state, the cleaning power is high. Therefore, if the washing operation is performed in this state, it is possible to promote the removal of dirt from the laundry. On the other hand, if the washing operation is performed for a long time in a state where the water level is low, the fabric may be damaged, so the water level is lowered only during the initial period of the washing operation, and thereafter the water level is increased stepwise. ing.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the controller 30 rotates the pulsator 13 together with the start of water supply into the rotary tank 9 to foam the detergent put into the rotary tank 9, and then supplies water. The washing process was carried out while stopping several times. Accordingly, the detergent can be sufficiently diffused and dissolved in the supplied washing water and sufficiently penetrated into the laundry. In addition, the cleaning power is improved because the concentration of the detergent increases in a state where the water level is low. And since a washing process is implemented after stopping water supply several times after that, cloth damage of a laundry can be controlled. In addition, since the time during which stirring is performed by the pulsator 13 becomes longer, undissolved detergent remains less likely to occur.

Further, since the control device 30 rotates the pulsator 13 in one direction at a low speed from the time when the water supply into the rotary tub 9 is started to a predetermined time, the entire laundry put into the rotary tub 9 is also controlled. The water can be turned to facilitate the penetration of the detergent in the subsequent stroke.
Further, since the detergent charging path 15 is formed by disposing the cover member 18 on the inner surface of the rotary tank 9, the detergent charged from the upper detergent charging port 20 is led out to the back side of the pulsator 13. The detergent can be circulated by the water flow generated by rotating the pulsator 13 so that it can easily penetrate the entire laundry. And since the circulation path 22 of the water flow was comprised in the lower end side of the detergent injection | throwing-in path 15, and the filter part 18a which is the exit of the washing liquid in the circulation path 22 was arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the pulsator 13, it accompanies stirring operation of the pulsator 13 The detergent can be made easier to foam.

(Second embodiment)
7 to 9 show a second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and only different parts will be described below. In the second embodiment, the detergent charging path 15 and the detergent charging port 20 are not formed. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, only the circulation path 22 is formed only by the portion corresponding to the filter portion 18a of the cover member. Is formed. Therefore, in the configuration of the second embodiment, the user directly puts the detergent into the rotary tank 9. And the prevention wall 42 is formed in the upper end side of the filter part 18a, and the rise which the water which rose along the circulation path 22 because the pulsator 13 rotates comes to be prevented by the prevention wall 42. Yes. Other basic configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a partial equivalent diagram of FIG. 1 in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the control device 30 is configured to execute, for example, a stirring process before water supply for 20 seconds between steps S2 and S4 (step S3). In this agitation process before water supply, the pulsator 13 is rotated at a low speed as compared with the rotation speed at which the water flow (1 to 5) corresponding to the substantial washing process is generated, as in step S5.

  That is, in the case where the user directly puts the detergent into the rotating tub 9, the detergent distribution tends to be biased with respect to the laundry in the tub before the start of water supply. Therefore, by performing a stirring process before water supply, the detergent directly put into the rotating tub 9 by the user is diffused throughout the laundry. At that time, since the pulsator 13 is rotated at a lower speed than the rotation speed corresponding to the water flow generated during the washing process, it is possible to prevent the fabric from being damaged.

  Further, since only the circulation path 22 is formed in the rotary tank 9, the water which is going to rise along the circulation path 22 by the rotation of the pulsator 13 is prevented from rising by the deterring wall 42. As shown, most of them reach the inside of the rotary tank 9 through the filter portion 18a. Accordingly, foaming of the detergent is further promoted. The configuration of the second embodiment is simply the filter portion 18a as a mechanical feature, and the other basic configuration is the same as that of a general washing machine. Since it can be realized only by adding a simple control content, it can be implemented very easily.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, and the following modifications are possible.
Steps S3 and S5 may be performed as necessary.
A plurality of circulation paths 22 may be formed.
For example, the filter unit 18a may be provided as necessary. For example, the filter portion 18 may be replaced by a set of a large number of small holes, or an opening may be simply provided.

  In addition, as described above, the circulation path does not necessarily need to be positively provided with the filter portion 18a or the opening as the outlet of the water flow. For example, even if the filter portion 18a is deleted in the configuration of the second embodiment, the gap between the outer peripheral end of the pulsator 13 and the rotating tub 9 exists mechanically. That is, even in a washing machine having a general configuration, a circulation path having the gap portion as the outlet of the water flow is formed. Therefore, even in such a configuration, it is possible to dissolve the detergent in water earlier and make it foam by controlling the pulsator 13 to rotate at the start of the first water supply.

The flowchart which is 1st Example of this invention and shows the control content which the control apparatus of a washing machine performs about the washing process in a washing operation. The timing chart which shows the state of the water supply and stirring performed with the flowchart of FIG. Functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the washing machine Longitudinal side view of washing machine Enlarged view centered on the bottom of the rotating tank in FIG. (A) is a perspective view of the lower water inlet with the cover member removed, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the cover member attached FIG. 4 equivalent view showing a second embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view which shows the filter part which is the water outlet of a circulation path Partial equivalent diagram of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

In the drawing, 5 is a washing machine motor, 9 is a rotating tub (washing tub), 13 is a pulsator (stirring body), 15 is a detergent charging path, 18a is a filter unit, 20 is a detergent charging port, 22 is a circulation path, and 30 is A control device 33 is a water level sensor.

Claims (7)

An agitator disposed in the washing tub;
A water level sensor for detecting the water level in the washing tub,
The detergent put into the washing tub is agitated by rotating the agitator together with the start of water supply into the washing tub, and then the washing process is performed while stopping the water supply a plurality of times. Washing machine.   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the stirring body is rotated in one direction at a low speed from a point in time when water supply to the washing tub is started to a predetermined time.   The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detergent put in the washing tub is diffused by rotating the agitator for a predetermined time before the water supply to the washing tub is started.   The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the rotation speed of the stirring member is set to be lower than the rotation speed corresponding to the washing water flow during the washing process. Along with the rotation of the stirring body, a circulation path for circulating the washing liquid in the washing tub in the vertical direction,
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an outlet of the washing liquid in the circulation path is arranged in the vicinity of the stirring body.   6. A washing machine according to claim 5, wherein a filter is disposed at an outlet of the washing liquid. A detergent inlet is provided above the circulation path,
The washing machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the detergent introduced from the insertion port is led out to the back side of the stirring member.

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