JP2006014752A - Fully automatic washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fully automatic washing machine to prevent an overflow of water from a washing machine to wet a floor due to a foreign matter which clogs a supply duct and stops the water to be supplied to a washing and dehydration tank. <P>SOLUTION: The fully automatic washing machine includes a cleanser dissolving box 16 which dissolves a cleanser and makes a highly concentrated cleanser liquid, water supply means 15a and 15b which execute water supply into the cleanser dissolving box, and a supply duct 17 which guides the cleansing liquid and the water from the cleanser dissolving box to an outer tank, wherein a means to sense the overflow in the cleanser dissolving box 16 is disposed. The overflow sensing means is equipped with metal electrode plates 42a and 42b disposed in the cleanser dissolving box 16 with a certain interval and converts the resistance between the electrodes 42a and 42b by a CR oscillator to the frequency to detect. When the electrode plates are immersed in the supplied water, anything unusual is sensed by the difference of the oscillation frequencies in the air and in the water and the water supply is suspended. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a fully automatic washing machine that has a detergent dissolution box, dissolves the detergent, puts it in a washing and dewatering tub, and performs washing.

  A conventional washing machine is provided with a detergent dissolution box, and the detergent dissolution box dissolves the detergent in a small amount of water to produce a high concentration detergent solution, which is then supplied to the washing and dehydrating tub. Some do laundry. (For example, see Patent Document 1)

JP 2002-360981 A

  However, consideration must be given when the detergent solution supply path connecting the detergent dissolution box to the washing and dewatering tank is clogged with foreign matters such as detergent that has not been dissolved. Since there was no means for detecting the clogging of foreign matter in the detergent solution supply path and controlling the water supply stop, it was not possible to cope with water overflow due to the clogging of the water supply path to the washing and dewatering tank.

  The object of the present invention is a disadvantage of the prior art, that is, the water supplied to the washing / dehydration tub overflows when the water is supplied due to clogging of the water supply path from the detergent dissolution box to the washing / dehydration tub. It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine that prevents wetting.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a washing / dehydrating tub into which laundry is put, an outer tub containing the washing / dehydrating tub, rotational driving means for driving the washing / dehydrating tub, and a detergent. A detergent dissolution box for producing a detergent liquid by dissolving the detergent, water supply means for supplying water to the detergent dissolution box, and a water supply path for guiding the generated detergent liquid and the supplied water into the outer tub A fully automatic washing machine comprising: a means for detecting that the water level in the detergent dissolution box has exceeded a predetermined position.

  The present invention also provides a washing and dewatering tub into which laundry is put, an outer tub containing the washing and dewatering tub, and a rotation drive means for driving the washing and dewatering tub for solving the above-described problems. Detergent dissolving box for dissolving detergent in water to generate detergent liquid, water supply means for supplying water to the detergent dissolving box, water supply for introducing the generated detergent liquid and the supplied water into the outer tub In a fully automatic washing machine having a path, two electrodes are installed in the detergent dissolution box, and water supply is stopped when both of the electrodes come into contact with the water or detergent liquid. It is an automatic washing machine.

  When water is supplied into the washing tub via the detergent dissolution box with a detergent dissolution box installed, if water overflows due to a clogged water channel, etc., water supply is stopped and water is discharged from the detergent dissolution box. There is an effect that can prevent the overflowing floor surface from getting wet.

  FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an embodiment of a fully automatic washing machine according to the present invention.

  The outer frame 1 is a frame of a fully automatic washing machine that encloses the periphery of the internal mechanism. There is an outer tub 5 inside the outer frame 1, and a washing and dewatering tub 2 is provided inside the outer tub 5. The washing / dehydrating tub 2 is used for washing or rinsing the laundry and dehydrating it.

  At the time of dehydration, the washing and dewatering tub 2 rotates at a high speed in one direction, and the water contained in the laundry is removed from the dewatering holes 2a provided on the inner peripheral side wall of the washing and dewatering tub 2 by centrifugal force. It is dehydrated in the tank 5. The dehydrated water is drained from the drain hose 21 to the outside of the washing machine by opening / closing the drain solenoid valve 20. Further, if the laundry during dehydration is dehydrated in a state where the laundry is deviated on the inner periphery of the washing and dehydrating tub 2, the vibration of the outer tub 5 increases. For this reason, the balancer 3 is provided in the upper part of the washing and dewatering tank 2 to reduce vibration and noise. Further, when washing the laundry, the laundry is moved by the rotation of the blades 4 located at the center bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 2 for washing.

  The outer tub 5 is provided with an electric drive device 6 on the bottom surface thereof. A switching mechanism (not shown) for rotating the blades 4 during washing and rotating the washing and dehydrating tub 2 in one direction during dehydration or a driving motor ( (Not shown) is built in and attached to the bottom surface of the outer tub 5 via a steel plate mounting base 7. The outer tub 5 is suspended and supported at the upper four corners of the outer frame 1 by a vibration isolating support device 8 with an oscillating spring 8a interposed therebetween.

  The upper cover 9a formed with the clothing input port 9 is positioned at the upper part of the outer frame 1 and fitted into the edge of the opening so as to cover the upper opening of the outer frame 1, thereby constituting the front panel 10 and the back panel 11. It is attached to the outer frame 1 with a mounting screw (not shown).

  A front panel box 12 formed inside the front panel 10 includes a power switch 13, an input switch group (not shown) that is an operation switch, a display element group (not shown), and a microcomputer that instructs a washing operation process (not shown). ) And other control devices. Further, inside the front panel 10, a water level sensor 14 for generating a water level signal corresponding to the amount of washing water supplied is connected to the outer tub 5 via a tube 14a.

  A water supply electromagnetic valve 15 is provided inside the back panel 11 at the rear edge of the upper cover 9 a and is connected to the detergent dissolution box 16. After the detergent is dissolved in the detergent dissolution box 16 before the start of washing, the washing water is automatically supplied into the washing and dewatering tank 2 via the flexible hose 17 which is a water supply path connected to the outer tank cover 5a.

  When washing, the user opens the clothes charging lid 18 provided on the upper cover 9a, and puts the laundry into the washing and dehydrating tub 2 from the clothes loading port 9. Next, in order to put the detergent into the detergent dissolution box 16 provided in the back panel 11, the drawer portion 16a of the detergent dissolution box 16 is pulled forward, and a predetermined amount of detergent is put therein to dissolve the detergent. Box 16 is closed.

  When the user presses and starts the power switch 13 installed on the front panel 10, the water supply valve electromagnetic valve 15 is opened and about 0.1 to 0.3 L of water is supplied to the detergent dissolution box 16. In the detergent dissolution box 16, the supplied water and detergent are mixed to produce a highly concentrated detergent liquid, and the detergent liquid is passed through a flexible hose 17 that connects the outer tank cover 5 a and the detergent dissolution box 16. And put into the washing and dewatering tub 2.

  When automatically supplying the detergent liquid, water necessary for washing is simultaneously supplied with the water supply electromagnetic valve 15 opened. The amount of water supplied at this time is detected by the water level sensor 14 through the tube 14a as a change in the water pressure of the washing water accumulated in the washing and dewatering tub 2. The amount of water supply is about 60 L if the washing machine has a rated capacity of 8 kg.

  When washing water necessary for washing is supplied, a washing mechanism is provided by a switching mechanism provided in the electric drive device 6 at the time of washing in accordance with a command from a microcomputer in the front panel box 12 located on the front panel 10. By switching and rotating a motor built in the electric drive device 6, the blade 4 located at the center bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 2 is driven to perform washing. The same operation is performed during rinsing.

  When washing and rinsing are completed, the drain electromagnetic valve 20 is opened to drain the water in the washing / dehydrating tub 2 from the drain hose 21 to the outside of the washing machine. After draining is completed, the clutch built in the electric drive device 6 is switched to dehydration, and the motor in the electric drive device 6 is driven to rotate the washing and dehydration tub 2 in one direction at a high speed to be included in the laundry. Water is removed from the dewatering hole 2a by centrifugal force.

  Next, the operation control of the washing machine will be described based on FIG. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a control device that operates the washing machine under the control of the microcomputer.

  The microcomputer 22 includes a timer 23, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 24, a memory 25, an input port 26, and an output port 27. The processing in the microcomputer 22 is performed by exchanging data through the data bus between the CPU 24 and the memory 25 by the clock signal from the timer 23.

  The CPU 24 includes a calculation unit 24a and a control unit 24b, and forms the center of the system. The CPU 24 controls the flow of the entire program processing of the washing machine, such as arithmetic operation, logical operation, read / write control of the contents of the designated address in the memory 25, input / output control to the designated address of the input / output ports (26, 27) The

  The memory 25 stores both a program and data for operating the washing machine, and has two types of RAM 25a having both reading and writing functions and ROM 25b having only a reading function. The RAM 25a stores data necessary for processing and is used as a work area when the program is operated on the CPU 24. The ROM 25b stores fixed programs and fixed data, and is always used in the same case.

  The input port 26 and the output port 27 are circuits that mediate when data is exchanged between the CPU 24 and each input device and output device, and are generally called I / O ports.

  Electrical command signals from various switches and sensors provided in the washing machine are input to the input port 26. For example, a power switch 13 for transmitting a washing machine start command to the CPU, a water level sensor 14 for detecting the amount of water in the washing tub 5 of the washing machine, and a program selection for selecting a washing course such as a standard course, a soft course, and a quick course Switch 30, start / stop water supply, start / stop switch 31 with the function of temporarily stopping during the washing, rinsing, draining, and dehydration operation process, and a rough standard of detergent by measuring the amount of laundry A cloth amount sensor 28, a lid switch 29 for detecting opening / closing of the lid, a program selection switch 30 serving as input means for the user to select a program, and the like are connected. Further, in response to a signal from the water overflow sensor 33 that detects an abnormal water overflow from the detergent dissolution box 16 during water supply, control is performed to stop the water supply electromagnetic valve in the event of an abnormality.

  The output port 27 includes a drive motor 6 for washing and dehydration, a water supply electromagnetic valve 15 for supplying water to the washing machine, a drain valve 20 for controlling drainage of washing / rinsing water to the outside of the machine, and completion of washing or dehydration. An alarm 33 for informing the operator is connected. In addition, a display panel 32 is connected to notify the progress of the washing machine.

  Based on information from input devices such as sensors and switches connected to these input ports 26, the CPU 24 processes the program stored in the memory 25 and sends it to each control device via the output port 27. Issue a command. Accordingly, the operation of the washing machine is controlled.

  Next, the process of automatic operation from washing to rinsing and dehydration in a general washing machine will be described in the order of the process based on the block diagram of the washing process of FIG.

  [S101 / Water Supply Process] When the user presses the power switch 13 instructing the start of washing, the program selection switch 30 selects a standard course, for example, and presses the start / stop switch 31, the water supply connected to the faucet Washing water is supplied from the hose 19 through the water supply solenoid valve 15 to the washing and dewatering tub 2 from the detergent dissolution box 16 through the flexible hose 17. The water level sensor 14 detects that a specified amount of water necessary for washing has been supplied, and information from the water level sensor 14 is sent to the CPU 24 via the input port 26. The CPU 24 stops the water supply by electrically stopping the water supply electromagnetic valve 15 based on the signal indicating the specified water level from the water level sensor 14.

  [S102 / Washing Process] After the water necessary for washing is supplied, the blade 4 provided at the center bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 2 is rotated and washed, for example, in the required time programmed in advance as a standard course. drive.

  [S103 / Draining Process] After the washing operation is completed, the drain valve 20 is opened to drain the washing water from the drain hose 21 to the outside of the washing machine.

  [S104 · Dehydration 1 step] Next, after the washing water in the outer tub 2 is completely drained, the water containing the detergent contained in the laundry is rotated at a high speed by the washing and dehydration tub 2. Dewatering from the dewatering hole 2a to the outer tub 5 by centrifugal force. This is the dehydration process 1 after washing, and the main purpose of the dehydration process 1 is to remove as much detergent as possible from the laundry and increase the rinsing effect.

  [S105 / Water Supply Process] After the dehydration is completed, the washing and dewatering tub 2 is stopped, the drain valve 20 is closed, and water for rinsing is supplied. The water supply control at this time is the same as the water supply before washing in S101, but in order to improve the rinsing efficiency, the water supply amount at the time of rinsing is made larger than the water supply amount at the time of washing, and the detergent amount at the time of washing is diluted. That is, the water level at the time of rinsing is also detected by the water level sensor 14, but the detection at this time is controlled to increase the water level and increase the amount of water compared to during washing.

  [S106 / Rinsing Step 1] The driving operation of the rinsing step 1 is controlled in the same manner as the washing driving operation in S102, but the rinsing step 1 is not intended to remove dirt attached to the laundry but is included in the laundry. Since the portion is rinsed away, the rotational force of the blades 4 is weaker than that during washing to prevent cloth damage and the like.

  [S107 / Draining Process] In this draining process, the rinsing water in the rinsing process 1 is drained outside the washing machine, and its control is the same as the draining process in S103.

  [S108—Dehydration Step 2] The dehydration step 2 performs the same operation as the dehydration step 1 of S104 and dehydrates the water of the rinse water contained in the laundry.

  [S109, Rinse 2 Stroke] The rinse 2 stroke is operated under the same control as the rinse stroke 1 in S106.

  [S110 / Drainage Process] The drainage process of S110 is operated under the same control as the drainage process of S103 and S107.

  [S111 / Final Dehydration Process] In the final dehydration process S111, the water contained in the laundry is dehydrated by rotating the washing and dehydrating tub 2 at a high speed for a longer time than the dehydration process of S104 and S108, and the pre-programmed required time When the operation is completed, the notification is given by the notification device 33 to rinse from a series of washing, and the washing course leading to dehydration is finished.

  Next, a description will be given based on FIGS. 4 and 5 are views in which the back panel 11 of the washing machine is removed, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the detergent dissolution box 16.

  In FIG. 4, a power switch 13, a course selection switch 36, a display unit 35, and the like are installed on the surface of the front panel 10 of the washing machine, and a detergent dissolution box 16 is provided inside the back panel 11. It has been.

  In FIG. 5, the detergent dissolution box 16 includes a detergent dissolution case 16b for dissolving the detergent and a finishing agent case 16c for storing a soft finish, which are partitioned by a partition plate 16d. Before the start of washing, the amount of detergent necessary for washing is put into the detergent dissolution case 16b of the detergent dissolution box 16. In addition, a specified amount of soft finish is put into the finish case 16c. Before the start of washing, the detergent is stirred and dissolved by the rotation of the runner 37 with a small amount of water of about 100 to 300 CC supplied from the detergent water supply port 15a of the detergent dissolution case 16b. At the start of washing, water is supplied from the flexible hose 17 into the washing and dewatering tub 2 together with the amount of water necessary for washing. Further, the finishing agent stored in the soft finishing agent case 16C is put into the washing and dewatering tub 2 from the flexible hose 17 together with the rinsing water supplied from the finishing agent water supply port 15b at the start of rinsing.

  Next, FIGS. 6 and 7 will be described. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the periphery of the detergent dissolution case 16 b of the detergent dissolution box 16.

  In order to dissolve the detergent necessary for washing put in the detergent dissolution case 16b, about 100 to 300 CC of water is supplied from the detergent water supply port 15a, and then the runner 37 is located almost at the center of the detergent dissolution case 16b. Is rotated to dissolve the detergent in the detergent dissolution case 16b. After the runner 37 is rotated for a certain period of time to dissolve the detergent, the water supply solenoid valve 15 is opened as shown in FIG. 7, the detergent water supply port 15a and the water supply electromagnetic valve 38 are opened, and washing is required from the water supply port 38a. Supply a sufficient amount of water. When the water supplied from the detergent water supply port 15a reaches a specified water level or higher, the water is supplied into the washing and dewatering tank 2 through the flexible hose 17 from the siphon tube 39 provided in the detergent dissolution case 16b. At this time, when the discharge amount from the siphon tube 39 provided in the detergent dissolution case 16b is larger than the water supply amount from the detergent water supply port 15a, the drainage from the siphon tube is not in time, and the water surface 40 gradually rises. It overflows from the front of the detergent dissolution case 16b and is put into the washing and dewatering tank 2 from the flexible hose 17.

  Since the amount of water supplied from the detergent water supply port 15a is limited by the water supply electromagnetic valve 15, it is about 5 L / min, and it takes about 12 minutes to accumulate about 60 L of water necessary for washing. Therefore, for the purpose of shortening the water supply time, the water supply electromagnetic valve 38 with a water supply amount of about 20 L / min is opened, and fresh water necessary for washing is supplied from the water supply port 38a.

  Next, a description will be given based on FIGS. 8 and 9 are views in which electrode plates 42a and 42b are provided on both sides of the front end outlet of the detergent case 16b.

  In FIG. 8, the detergent is dissolved by the runner 35 located in the center in the detergent dissolving case 16b, and then the detergent liquid is put into the washing and dewatering tank 2 through the flexible hose 40a. At this time, the detergent dissolution case 16b is continuously supplied with water at a rate of about 5 L / min from the detergent water supply port 15a, and a high-concentration detergent solution in the detergent dissolution case 16b is supplied through the siphon tube 39. ing. When the amount supplied from the siphon 39 is smaller than the supply from the detergent water supply port 15a, the water 40a overflows from the tip of the detergent dissolution case 16b as indicated by the arrow, and the flexible hose 17 enters the washing and dehydration tank 2. It is configured to be thrown in. Here, the water 40a overflowing from the tip of the detergent dissolution case 16b comes into contact with the electrode plates 42a provided on both side walls of the detergent dissolution case 16b and is poured from the flexible hose 17 into the washing and dewatering tub. Since the overflowing water does not come into contact with the electrode plate 42b, the resistance between the electrodes is kept at substantially the same level as in the atmosphere.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of charging into the washing and dewatering tank 2 from the finisher case 16c via the flexible hose 17 at the time of rinsing and pouring performed after the completion of dehydration after washing. The finishing agent case 16c is preliminarily filled with a softening finishing agent that improves the finishing of the laundry. At the same time as rinsing water is supplied to the finishing agent case 16c, about 5 L of water is supplied from the finishing agent supply port 15b. The supplied water is discharged from the siphon tube 39a provided in the finishing agent case 16c and is fed into the washing and dehydrating tank 2 from the flexible hose 17, but the finishing agent water supply port is the same as in the detergent dissolving case 16b. If the discharge amount from the siphon tube 39a is less than the supply water of 15b, the water 40a overflows from the end of the finisher case 16c, and the finisher is put into the washing and dewatering tank via the flexible hose 17. At this time, the overflowing water contacts the electrode plate 42b, but flows from the flexible hose 17 into the washing and dewatering tub 2 without contacting the opposite electrode plate 42a, so the resistance between the two electrode plates is It is almost the same level as the resistance in the atmosphere.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the detergent (particularly powder detergent) introduced in the detergent dissolution case 16 flows out without being dissolved well, and the detergent 41 is clogged in the middle of the flexible hose 17. The undissolved detergent 41 blocks the passage of the flexible hose 17 so that water supplied to the washing / dehydrating tub 2 does not flow out, and the water supply electromagnetic valve 15 does not stop and water is continuously supplied from the detergent water supply port 15a. When supplied, the supplied water 40 a overflows from the leading edge of the detergent dissolution case 16. The overflowing water reaches the outside of the washing machine and wets the floor.

  FIG. 11 is a view showing a state where water is continuously supplied while the flexible hose 17 is clogged with the detergent 41 and overflows from the detergent dissolution case 16. If the supplied water is not supplied into the washing / dehydrating tub 2 via the flexible hose 17, the water level sensor 14 for controlling the amount of water supplied via the tube 14a connected to the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is normally operated. It does not operate and water supply is supplied continuously. As a result, a huge amount of water overflows and the area around the washing machine is flooded. At this time, since the front walls of the detergent dissolution case 16b and the finishing agent dissolution case 16c are lower than the front wall of the detergent dissolution box 16, before the water overflows outside the detergent dissolution box 16, the detergent dissolution case 16b and the finishing agent. Water flows into both dissolution cases 16c. Furthermore, since the detergent dissolution box 16 overflows with water, the electrode plates 42a and 42b are electrically connected with water due to the water flowing into the detergent dissolution case 16b and the finisher case 16c, and the resistance Falls.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of water overflow detection by the electrode plates 42a and 42b provided on the side walls of the detergent dissolution case 16 and the finishing agent case 16c. As described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, when the water 40 overflows, the water 40 mixed with the detergent solution soaks both electrode plates, and the electric resistance between the two electrode plates 42a and 42b increases in the atmosphere. Lower than electrical resistance. This resistance change is processed by the CR circuit 42, and a signal is sent to the water overflow electrode sensor of the input port 26 of the microcomputer 22. When the signal in the atmosphere and the gap between both electrodes shown in FIG. Is determined to be a water overflow phenomenon, and a stop of the water supply solenoid valve is commanded from the microcomputer to stop the water. Since the overflow is electrically detected, the time until the overflow is detected is shorter than that of the mechanical type, and the water supply can be stopped before the water flows out of the washing machine. Further, since the overflow is detected only when the electrode plates 42a and 42b are immersed in water or a detergent solution and the resistance value is lowered, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of water used in a normal washing operation as overflow. . The electrodes are not limited to plate-like electrode plates.

  One embodiment of the present invention includes a washing / dehydrating tub 2 into which laundry is put, an outer tub 5 containing the washing / dehydrating tub 2, a rotation driving means 6 for driving the washing / dehydrating tub 2, and a detergent. A detergent dissolution box 16 that dissolves in water to generate a detergent liquid, a water supply means that supplies water to the detergent dissolution box 16, and a water supply path 17 that guides the generated detergent liquid and the supplied water into the outer tub 5. The fully automatic washing machine provided is provided with means for detecting that the water level in the detergent dissolution box 16 has exceeded a predetermined position.

  With this configuration, it is possible to detect an abnormality such that the water supply path 17 is clogged or the amount of water supplied to the detergent dissolution box 16 is too large. In this embodiment, the predetermined position is the lowest position of the walls that form the detergent dissolution case 16b and the finisher case 16c.

  One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the supply of water is stopped when it is detected that the water level has exceeded a predetermined position.

  With this configuration, when an abnormality such as that described above occurs, the supply of water can be stopped, and it can be prevented in advance that water overflows and wets the floor around the washing machine.

  One embodiment of the present invention includes a washing / dehydrating tub 2 into which laundry is put, an outer tub 5 containing the washing / dehydrating tub 2, a rotation driving means 6 for driving the washing / dehydrating tub 2, and a detergent. Detergent dissolution box 16 that dissolves in water to generate detergent liquid, water supply means for supplying water to the detergent dissolution box 16, and water supply path 17 that guides the generated detergent liquid and the supplied water into the outer tub 5. In the fully automatic washing machine equipped with the above, two electrodes 42a and 42b are installed in the detergent dissolution box 16, and water supply is stopped when both of the electrodes 42a and 42b come into contact with water or detergent liquid. To do.

  With this configuration, when the water level in the detergent dissolution box 16 exceeds a predetermined position and the two electrodes 42a and 42b come into contact with water or detergent liquid, water supply is stopped to prevent the water from overflowing. Can do.

  One embodiment of the present invention is characterized by detecting that the electrodes 42a and 42b are in contact with water or a detergent solution based on a resistance value between the two electrodes 42a and 42b.

  With this configuration, water overflow can be detected quickly and accurately to stop water supply.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dissolution box 16 has a detergent dissolution case 16b for dissolving the detergent therein, and a finisher case 16c for storing the soft finish inside, and the two electrodes 42a, 42b are One is provided in the detergent dissolution case 16b and the other is provided in the finisher case 16c.

  With this configuration, in a normal detergent dissolving operation or finishing agent injection operation, only one of the electrode plates 42a and 42b is in contact with water or a detergent solution, and the gap between the electrode plates 42a and 42b is not connected with water or a detergent solution. It works only when water is overflowing, and can improve the reliability of overflow detection.

  FIG. 13 is a circuit explanatory diagram of the CR block 42. The CR circuit is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-38089. The electrode plates 42a and 42b are connected via an insulating transformer 70, and an equivalent resistance 71 is provided as a fine adjustment of the resistance between the two electrode plates. The resistance change between the electrode plates 42a and 42b is caused by two operational amplifiers 75 and 76 and a resistor 77 (R1), a resistor 72 (R2), a resistor 73 (R3), a resistor 74 (R4) and a capacitor 78 (C1) provided in the circuit. ) Is converted into a frequency and output, and a signal is sent to the input port of the microcomputer 22. A theoretical calculation formula for converting a resistance change between two electrode plates into a frequency is generally converted by f = 1.1.97 × C1 {(R2 + R1) / r} [kHz]. Captured from the output to the microcomputer.

  FIG. 14 shows experimental values of the water level at which overflowing water is immersed in both electrode plates and the frequency output by the CR circuit.

  The horizontal axis is the water level where water is immersed in the electrode plate. At this water level, the zero point is the state where water is not immersed in the electrode plate, that is, the state between the electrodes in the atmosphere. The output frequency from the CR circuit at this time is about 20 kHz, and the output frequency increases as the water level where water is immersed in the electrode plate increases. That is, if the water level rises where the electrode plate of the detergent dissolution case 16b is located due to the amount of overflowing water, the output frequency will increase. For example, if a frequency of 150 kHz is obtained, the water level will be 60 mm. The microcomputer determines that there is a risk of overflowing the floor surface and wetting the floor surface, and performs control to stop energization of the water supply solenoid valve and stop the water supply.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the resistance between the electrodes 42a and 42b is converted into a frequency by a CR oscillation circuit and is taken into the microcomputer 22, and the value in the air is compared with the value in water or detergent solution for processing. Features.

  With this configuration, water overflow can be detected quickly and accurately to stop water supply.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of control by the microcomputer based on a signal from the water overflow detection sensor 42.

  First, when the power switch 13 is pressed and the washing machine is energized, it is confirmed whether or not the frequency Hz1 from the CR oscillation circuit is in the range of k1 to k2 in the failure diagnosis determination (step 53) of the overflow sensor 42. If it is out of this range, it is determined that the water overflow sensor 42 has failed (step 54), and an error warning is issued. The error warning continues for an appropriate T1 time recognized by the user (step 55), and then the energization of the washing machine is stopped 56 (step 56).

  In the failure diagnosis determination 53, when Hz1 is in the range of k1 to k2, the process proceeds to the initial determination 57 of the water overflow sensor 42 which is the next step. In the determination of the frequency Hz2 here, it is confirmed that the frequency from the CR oscillation circuit of the overflow sensor 42 is in the range of k3 to k4 when the electrode plates 42a and 42b of the overflow sensor 42 are in the atmosphere. Step 57). Here, when Hz2 is outside the range of k3 to k4, it is because the electrode plates 42a and 42b of the overflow sensor 42 are contaminated with detergent or the like. In this case, the electrode plates 42a and 42b are cleaned. After the electrode plate contamination error 64 is output from the display panel 32 for T2 time (step 65), the energization stop 66 of the washing machine is stopped (step 66). If the electrode plates 42a and 42b are cleaned while the electrode plate contamination error is reported and it can be confirmed that the frequency of Hz2 enters between K3 and K4, the process proceeds to the next step, water supply start (step 58). .

  After the start of water supply, if the water supply path 17 normally conducts water as shown in FIG. 7 and the water supplied into the detergent dissolution box 16 does not overflow, the CR circuit of the water overflow sensor 42 Therefore, it is judged by the “shikiichi” judgment 59 that the frequency oscillated from “shikiichi” is lower than the “shikiichi”, and a normal washing operation is performed (step 59). However, as shown in FIG. 10, when the flexible hose 17 is clogged with detergent and the water supplied from the detergent dissolution box 16 overflows the detergent dissolution case 16b, the overflowed water comes into contact with the electrode plates 42a and 42b. The oscillation frequency from the CR oscillation circuit incorporated in the water overflow sensor 42 exceeds “Shikiichi”. If the microcomputer determines that the threshold has been exceeded, the oscillation frequency is measured again after T3 has elapsed (step 62). If the threshold is exceeded, the energization of the water supply solenoid valves 15 and 38 is stopped. Water supply is stopped (step 63). Since the time for determining “shikiichi” after water has soaked in the electrode plates 42a and 42b can be detected at a speed of about 30 to 50 ms, it can be controlled without the risk of delaying water supply due to a detection delay.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fully automatic washing machine concerning one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram of the control means of the washing machine concerning one example of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows progress of the washing course of the washing machine concerning one Example of this invention. It is a perspective view of the upper part of the washing machine concerning one example of the present invention. It is a figure of the detergent dissolution box concerning one Example of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows operation | movement of the detergent melt | dissolution box concerning one Example of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows operation | movement of the detergent melt | dissolution box concerning one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which supplies water to the washing tub from the detergent melt | dissolution case of the detergent melt | dissolution box concerning one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which supplies water to the washing tub from the finishing agent case of the detergent melt | dissolution box concerning one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the water overflow from the detergent melt | dissolution case of the detergent melt | dissolution box concerning one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the water overflow from the detergent melt | dissolution case of the detergent melt | dissolution box concerning one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the overflow detection by the overflow sensor concerning one Example of this invention. It is a figure of CR circuit concerning one example of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the water immersion height of the electrode plate concerning one Example of this invention, and an oscillation frequency. It is a flowchart which performs water overflow detection with the water overflow sensor concerning one Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... Laundry and dehydration tank,
15 ... Water supply solenoid valve 15a ... Detergent water supply port 15b ... Finishing agent water supply port 16 ... Detergent dissolution box
16b ... Detergent dissolving case 16c ... Finishing agent case 17 ... Flexible hose 38 ... Solenoid valve 38a ... Water supply port 42 ... Water overflow sensor 39, 39a ... Siphon 42a, 42b ... Electrode sensor

Claims (6)

A laundry and dehydration tank into which the laundry is put;
An outer tub containing a washing and dewatering tub;
Rotational drive means for driving the washing and dewatering tub;
A detergent dissolution box that dissolves the detergent in water to produce a detergent solution;
Water supply means for supplying water to the detergent dissolution box;
In a fully automatic washing machine comprising the generated detergent solution and the water supply path for guiding the supplied water into the outer tub,
A fully automatic washing machine comprising means for detecting that the water level in the detergent dissolution box has exceeded a predetermined position. In claim 1,
A fully automatic washing machine, wherein the water supply is stopped when it is detected that the water level has exceeded a predetermined position. A laundry and dehydration tank into which the laundry is put;
An outer tub containing a washing and dewatering tub;
Rotational drive means for driving the washing and dewatering tub;
A detergent dissolution box that dissolves the detergent in water to produce a detergent solution;
Water supply means for supplying water to the detergent dissolution box;
In a fully automatic washing machine comprising the generated detergent solution and the water supply path for guiding the supplied water into the outer tub,
A fully automatic washing machine, wherein two electrodes are installed in the detergent dissolution box, and water supply is stopped when both of the electrodes come into contact with the water or the detergent solution. In claim 3,
A fully automatic washing machine that detects that the electrode is in contact with the water or the detergent solution based on a resistance value between the two electrodes. In claim 4,
A fully automatic washing machine characterized in that a resistance between the electrodes is converted into a frequency by a CR oscillation circuit and taken into a microcomputer, and a value in the air is compared with a value in the water or the detergent solution for processing. In any of claims 3 to 5,
The detergent dissolution box has a detergent dissolution case for dissolving the detergent therein, and a finishing agent case for storing a softening finish inside.
One of the two electrodes is provided in the detergent dissolution case, and the other is provided in the finisher case.

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