JP2007044229A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promote the dissolution of a detergent put into a detergent supply opening provided on the inside periphery of a washing spin-drying tub and quickly supply the detergent to the washing spin-drying tub even if the level of stored water in the washing spin-drying tub is low. <P>SOLUTION: The washing machine has a detergent supply duct 60 having the detergent supply opening 63 at the upper part and provided with a water through hole 66 opened into the washing spin-drying tub 21 arranged at the lower part, separately from a circulating water channel 41 having a lint filter 43. Opening the detergent supply opening cover 64, supplying the detergent and closing the cover 64 make the detergent drop through the detergent supply duct 60, get out from a lower end opening 62 and drop below a pulsator 23. After that, water is supplied to the washing spin-drying tub 21 and the pulsator 23 is driven and turned. When detergent water and water accompanied by an undissolved detergent are moved upward in the detergent supply duct 60 by the pump action of rear blades of the pulsator 23, is strongly discharged from the water through hole 66 located near to the lower end opening 62, and supplied into the washing spin-drying tub 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a vertical (spiral) washing machine in which a rotatable pulsator is disposed on the inner bottom of a bottomed cylindrical washing tub.

  In fully automatic washing machines (including washing and drying machines with a drying function), reserved operation is generally possible, and detergents and softeners are put into the washing tub at appropriate times during such reserved operation. Equipped with a detergent charging device. Conventionally, a washing machine as described in Patent Document 1 is known as such a washing machine.

  In this washing machine, a circulating water channel extending in the vertical direction from the bottom of the washing tub to directly below the balance ring is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the washing tub, and when the pulsator disposed rotatably on the inner bottom of the washing tub rotates, The water is pushed up into the circulation channel by the pumping action of the back blade provided on the lower surface of the pulsator. And the detergent injection | throwing-in part which has a cover which can be opened and closed freely is provided under the spout at the upper end of this circulation channel. When the user opens the cover of the detergent inlet and puts the detergent before the washing operation, the detergent falls in the circulation channel and falls to the bottom of the washing tub. When water is stored in the washing tub and the pulsator is rotated, the detergent is pushed up into the circulation channel along with the water by the pumping action of the back blade, and is poured into the washing tub from the water outlet at the upper end.

  However, the amount and pressure of water rising in the circulation channel depends on the amount (water level) of water stored in the washing tub, and if the water level is low, the amount of water pushed up to the spout decreases, so detergents and detergents In some cases, the detergent water in which is dissolved is not smoothly supplied into the washing tub. In particular, when providing a function that promotes the removal of dirt from laundry with a high concentration of detergent water at the beginning of the washing operation, the amount of water supplied to the washing tub is small at the initial stage. Water may not sufficiently flow into the circulation channel, and it takes time for the detergent to reach the water in the washing tub, and as a result, it may be difficult to improve the cleaning performance.

  Moreover, when providing a detergent insertion part in a part of inner peripheral surface of a washing tub, depending on the rotation stop position of a washing tub, a detergent insertion part may come to the back, and it may be difficult to put a detergent. In this type of fully automatic washing machine in recent years, rotation is restricted by a band brake etc. so that the washing tub does not rotate before starting operation, and the user turns the washing tub by hand to position the detergent charging part If you try to move it, you can't do this. Therefore, for example, in the washing machine described in Non-Patent Document 1, the washing tub is intentionally performed by performing an operation that results in an error of selecting a course only for dehydration and pressing the start key with the upper lid open after turning on the power. The rotation is made possible, and the error is canceled by turning off the power after the user appropriately turns the washing tub.

  However, it is difficult for the user to perform such an operation that causes an error. In addition, since the state that has been set so far is generally released when the power is turned off, after performing various settings such as selection of the driving course, the operation of turning the washing tub by hand as described above, Again, it is necessary to make various settings such as selection of the driving course, which is cumbersome and inconvenient.

JP 2004-121588 A "Instruction Manual for Toshiba Washer / Dryer (for Home) Model Name AW-80VA AW-70VA", "When changing the position of the slot", [online], Toshiba Corporation, [Search August 5, 2005] , Internet, <URL: http://www.toshiba-living.jp/pdf/m/008294.pdf>

  The present invention has been made in order to solve these problems, and the object of the present invention is to allow washing to be performed quickly by dissolving the detergent in the washing tub even at a low water level. Is to provide a machine.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of improving the usability by making the operation when moving the rotational position of the detergent charging portion provided in the inner periphery of the washing tub simple and easy to understand. It is to provide.

The present invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, comprises an outer tub, a bottomed cylindrical inner tub that is rotatably disposed in the outer tub, and a rotatable inner tub. A pulsator provided in the inner tank and a circulating water channel extending in a vertical direction from the periphery of the pulsator on the inner peripheral surface of the inner tank, and the pulsator rotates in a state where water is stored in the outer tank When driven, water is sent to the opening at the lower end of the circulating water channel using the pumping action of the back blade formed on the lower surface of the pulsator, and the inside of the inner tank is discharged from the water outlet to raise the inside of the circulating water channel. In a washing machine that discharges towards
Separately from the circulating water channel, a pipe line extending in the vertical direction from the lower end opening around the pulsator is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner tub, and a detergent inlet is provided at the upper part of the pipe line. Between the opening and the lower end opening, a water passage hole is provided at a position closer to the lower end opening than the detergent charging opening to communicate the inside of the pipe and the inner tank.

  In the washing machine according to the present invention, when a user inputs a predetermined amount of detergent from the detergent inlet before the start of operation, the detergent falls in the pipeline, exits from the lower end opening, and is stored in the bottom of the inner tub. When the pulsator is driven to rotate after supplying water to the inner tank, the water mixed with the detergent is stirred under the pulsator to promote the dissolution of the detergent, and the detergent water containing the dissolved detergent and undissolved detergent is included. Water is fed into the opening at the lower end of the pipeline by the pumping action of the back blades of the pulsator. Since the water passage hole is located closer to the lower end opening than the detergent inlet, even if the amount of water in the inner tank is small, the water pushed up into the pipeline is vigorously pushed through the water hole. Discharged. Thereby, the supplied detergent can be quickly supplied into the inner tub, and the detergent concentration of the detergent water in contact with the laundry can be increased to exhibit high cleaning performance.

  As a preferred aspect of the washing machine according to the present invention, the water passage hole may be provided at a position lower than the lowest water level during the washing operation. According to this configuration, for example, even when the amount of laundry stored in the inner tub is small and the washing water level is low, the detergent introduced from the detergent inlet can be quickly supplied to the inner tub.

  Further, as an aspect of the washing machine according to the present invention, the detergent charging port is provided with an openable / closable cover having a structure that opens so as to fall down inward of the inner tub with the horizontal axis at the lower end as a center. It is good also as a structure which is the detergent accommodating part divided into multiple right and left.

  For example, one detergent container can be defined for powder detergent and the other for liquid detergent. According to this, when the liquid detergent is put on the exposed inner surface when the cover is opened, the liquid detergent does not spread over the entire inner surface of the cover, and the amount of detergent adhering to the inner surface of the cover is reduced and smoothly flows down into the pipeline. Can do. Also, when powder detergent and liquid detergent are used together, or when powder detergent and liquid bleach are used together, powder can be put into one detergent container and liquid can be put into the other detergent container. . Thereby, it can prevent that powder and a liquid mix and powder adheres to the cover inner surface and becomes difficult to fall.

  Moreover, in the said structure, when the said cover is the open state, it is good for the lower edge end to protrude in the pipe line rather than the inner wall face of a pipe line.

  According to this configuration, when the liquid detergent or bleach flows down from the lower edge of the cover, the liquid detergent or the bleaching agent is difficult to be transferred to the inner wall of the pipe line, and therefore, the liquid detergent or the bleaching agent comes out directly into the inner tank from the water passage hole provided below. This can be prevented.

  Furthermore, preferably, a foreign matter intrusion preventing member is provided in a pipe line near the detergent inlet. As a specific configuration of the foreign matter intrusion preventing member, for example, a plurality of rod-like bodies (pins) that protrude from the inner wall of the pipeline and are provided at predetermined intervals can be used. By providing such a foreign matter intrusion prevention member, foreign matters that are not intended by the user, such as coins, can be prevented from falling into the pipeline.

Further, as another aspect of the washing machine according to the present invention, the washing state in which only the pulsator can rotate while fixing the position of the inner tub, and the dehydration in which the inner tub and the pulsator can rotate integrally Switching means for mechanically switching between time states,
After the amount of washing water according to the load amount reflecting the amount of laundry accommodated in the inner tub is determined or after the amount of washing water is determined by the user's operation, the period until water supply to the inner tub is started It is preferable to include a control unit that controls the switching unit so as to temporarily switch from the washing state to the dehydration state during at least a part of the period, and then return to the washing state again.

  That is, when the amount of washing water is determined, the amount of detergent to be put into the inner tub is fixed, and then the user puts the detergent into the detergent inlet provided in the inner tub. At this time, if it is temporarily switched to the dehydrating state by the switching means and the inner tank and the pulsator can rotate together, the user turns the inner tank by hand, and in the direction of rotation of the inner tank. The position of the detergent inlet can be moved to an arbitrary position. Therefore, for example, when the detergent inlet is first located at the back and it is difficult for the user to reach it, turn the inner tank by hand and move the detergent inlet to the front side to feed the detergent. Can do. Thereby, for example, it is possible to improve usability even for a short person or the like.

  In a washing machine in which switching between the washing state and the dehydrating state as described above is linked to the opening / closing operation of the drain valve, the drain valve is open in the dehydrating state and closed in the washing state. State. Therefore, even when temporarily switching the relationship between the inner tank and the pulsator to the dehydrating state, the drain valve is open during that period, for example, the user himself injected water into the inner tank using a bucket or the like. However, the water is discharged outside the machine. In other words, the injected water is wasted. Therefore, temporary switching to the dehydrating state is not always desirable for users who regularly perform such water injection.

  Therefore, in the washing machine configured as described above, the control means executes a temporary switching to the dehydrating state when a specific key operation is performed, and temporarily when the specific key operation is not performed. The washing state may be maintained without switching to the dehydrating state.

  According to this configuration, only the user who wants to adjust the rotational position of the detergent inlet needs to perform a specific key operation, and it is not necessary to adjust the rotational position of the detergent inlet (or even such adjustment is troublesome). ) Many users can proceed with the work as usual without performing specific key operations.

  Hereinafter, a washing and drying machine which is an embodiment of a washing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is an external perspective view of the washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an external top view of the washing and drying machine of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the rear decorative cover and the upper lid of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic side sectional view showing the internal configuration of the washing / drying machine of the present embodiment.

  First, the overall configuration of the washing / drying machine of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the outer box 1 that forms the outer shape of the washing and drying machine has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape as a whole, a pedestal part 2 having legs formed at the four corners of the bottom surface, both side surfaces and the front surface. A front side plate 3 having a U-shaped cross-section formed integrally, a top plate 4 mounted so as to close the top opening of the front side plate 3, and a rear plate 5 covering the back side of the front side plate 3. Including.

  2 and 3, the top plate 4 is divided into three in the front-rear direction, that is, a front section 4a, a central section 4b, and a rear section 4c, and a laundry input port 6 is provided in the central section 4b. In order to open and close the laundry insertion opening 6, a bi-foldable upper lid 7 is attached that rotates about a horizontal axis in the lateral direction. On the other hand, each of the front section 4a and the rear section 4c is formed with a recess for storing a predetermined part, and the front decorative cover 10 on which the operation panel is printed is formed on the upper surface of the recess of the front section 4a. The upper surface and the back surface of the recess of the rear section 4 c are covered with the rear decorative cover 11.

  A water supply hose connection port 12 is provided in the middle of the rear part of the rear decorative cover 11 to be slightly recessed and connected to a water supply hose, and a bath water absorption hose connection port 13 is provided in front of the water supply hose connection port 13. On the left side of the water supply hose connection port 12 is a dehumidified water drain port 14 for connecting a dehumidified water discharge hose of the clothes dryer when another clothes dryer is installed in the upper space of the laundry dryer by the unit base. Is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a bottomed cylindrical outer tub 20 is suspended inside the outer box 1 by a plurality of springs (not shown) so as to be appropriately swingable. A bottomed cylindrical laundry dewatering tub 21 (corresponding to the inner tub in the present invention) 21 also serving as a drying tub is rotatably supported around a main shaft 22. A pulsator 23 for agitating the laundry is disposed at the inner bottom of the laundry dewatering tub 21, and the pulsator 23 is rotatable by a drive shaft 24 inserted into the main shaft 22. A main motor 25 for direct drive and a power transmission mechanism 26 including a power switching clutch 261, a speed reduction mechanism, a band brake, and the like are installed below the bottom surface of the outer tub 20.

  The clutch 261 releases the connection between the main shaft 22 and the drive shaft 24 so that only the pulsator 23 is rotated in the washing operation and the rinsing operation by the operation of the torque motor 27, and the washing and dewatering tank 21 and the pulsator in the dehydration operation and the drying operation. Mechanical switching is performed so that the main shaft 22 and the drive shaft 24 are connected to rotate the motor 23 together. When the connection between the main shaft 22 and the drive shaft 24 is released, the rotation of the main shaft 22 is restrained by a band brake (not shown). Therefore, the washing / dehydrating tub 21 does not rotate and only the pulsator 23 can rotate.

  A drain opening 30 is formed at the bottom of the outer tub 20, and one end of a drain pipe 31 is connected to the drain opening 30. The drain pipe 31 is opened and closed by a drain valve 32. The other end of the drainage pipe 31 is connected to an external drainage groove through a standing drainage hose (not shown). The opening / closing operation of the drain valve 32 is linked to the operation of the torque motor 27 in the same manner as the connection switching operation of the clutch 261. That is, by driving the torque motor 27, the drainage valve 32 is opened when the washing and dewatering tub 21 and the pulsator 23 are connected to rotate integrally by the clutch 261, and the washing and dewatering tub 21 and the pulsator are opened by the clutch 261. When the connection with 23 is released so that only the pulsator 23 rotates, the drain valve 32 is closed.

  The upper surface opening of the outer tub 20 is covered with an outer tub cover 34 having an openable / closable inner lid 35. When the inner lid 35 is closed, the outer tub 20 is substantially sealed. The outer tub cover 34 has two pipes arranged side by side, that is, a water supply duct 36 for supplying water into the washing / dehydrating tub 21 and a high-temperature air introduced into the washing / dehydrating tub 21 during drying operation. The warm air duct 37 is connected. The inner lid 35 is formed with an exhaust hole 38 for exhaust. Both the ducts 36 and 37 have a bellows shape, and even if the outer tub 20 swings, the pipes can be bent appropriately.

  The washing / dehydrating tub 21 is composed of a substantially cylindrical body made of stainless steel having a large number of water passage holes and a bottom made of synthetic resin that closes one end surface of the body. A balance ring 40 is attached to the upper edge portion of the washing / dehydrating tub 21 to suppress a large vibration of the head during high-speed rotation. A circulation water channel 41 extending in the vertical direction from the bottom of the laundry dewatering tank 21 to the bottom of the balance ring 40 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the laundry dewatering tank 21, and the circulation water channel 41 is directed vertically toward the inside of the laundry dewatering tank 21. A slender water discharge port 42 is provided on the water discharge port 42, and a lint filter 43 is detachably attached to the water discharge port 42. When the pulsator 23 is rotationally driven in a state where appropriate water is stored in the outer tub 20, water between the bottom surface of the outer tub 20 and the bottom surface of the washing / dehydrating tub 21 is pumped by the back blades on the lower surface of the pulsator 23. Is sucked into the washing / dehydrating tub 21 through the water passage hole 44 formed in the bottom surface of the washing / dehydrating tub 21, pushed out to the surroundings, and fed into the lower end opening 45 of the circulation water channel 41. Then, water is pushed up into the circulation water channel 41 and discharged from the water outlet 42 into the washing and dewatering tank 21. At this time, dust such as yarn waste mixed in the water is collected by the lint filter 43.

  On the other hand, on the inner peripheral surface of the laundry dewatering tank 21 and at a position facing the circulation water channel 41, as with the circulation water channel 41, a detergent introduction duct (pipeway in the present invention) that extends vertically from the bottom of the laundry dewatering tank 21. 60). The configuration of the detergent charging duct 60 will be described in detail later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped water injection port 50 elongated in the front-rear direction is provided in the rear section 4 c of the upper surface plate 4, and a hot air supply unit 52 is disposed on the left side. ing. On the other hand, a bath water pump 53 that is thin in the depth direction is disposed on the right side of the water inlet 50, and a water supply valve 54 is arranged behind the water supply valve 54. A water level sensor 55 for detecting the water level stored in the water is disposed. Although not shown, an air trap is formed at the bottom of the outer tub 20, and the other end of the air hose connected to the air trap is connected to the water level sensor 55.

  The water injection port 50 includes a tray 51 serving as a softening agent container so that the tray 51 can be pulled forward. The water supply valve 54 is a double valve, and in response to a control signal from the outside, a flow path for flowing water supplied to the water supply hose connection port 12 through the tray 51 in the water injection port 50, and the tray 51 It flows in either of the flow paths that flow without going through, or interrupts the flow. In general, when supplying water for washing or for rinsing other than the final rinse, water is supplied without passing through the tray 51, and water is supplied into the washing and dewatering tub 21 through the water supply duct 36. On the other hand, at the time of water supply for the final rinse, water flows through the tray 51, and water is supplied into the washing and dewatering tub 21 through the water supply duct 36 with the softening finish previously stored in the tray 51. The bath water pump 53 sucks in hot water remaining in the bath from the outside via the bath water absorption hose connection port 13 and discharges water to the water injection port 50.

  The hot air supply unit 52 includes a fan driven by a fan motor and a PTC heater (semiconductor heater) inside. When the fan is driven to rotate, the outside air is sucked in from the back side, and the outside air heated by the PTC heater is heated to the hot air duct. 37 is sent into the outer tub 20.

  In addition, in the washing / drying machine of the present embodiment, although not shown in the drawing, an electrolytic device for electrolyzing the stored water (for example, water added with saline) in the outer tub 20 is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 20. The electrolyzed water is electrolyzed to produce chlorine-containing substances such as hypochlorite ions that have bleaching action, and this can be used for washing without detergent (detergent zero course). Yes.

  The configuration of the detergent charging duct 60 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 in addition to FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a state in which the inside of the laundry dewatering tub is looked into, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the line E-E ′ in FIG. 5.

  The detergent charging duct 60 is formed by attaching a synthetic resin duct cover 61 to the inner peripheral surface of the body portion of the washing and dewatering tub 21, and the lower end of the duct 60 for the detergent is around the pulsator 23, similar to the circulating water channel 41. An open lower end opening 62 is formed. Further, the upper end of the duct 60 opens toward the inside of the washing / dehydrating tub 21 to form a detergent inlet 63, and the detergent inlet 63 falls into the inside of the washing / dehydrating tub 21 around a substantially horizontal axis. Thus, it can be opened and closed freely by the detergent inlet cover 64 which is opened by rotating. This detergent inlet cover (corresponding to a cover in the present invention) 64 is shaped so as to be dish-shaped when opened, and the surface that is visible when the detergent inlet cover 64 is opened (that is, the inner surface) is vertically oriented. A rib 641 is provided so as to be divided into a powder detergent container 642 and a liquid detergent container 643 by the rib 641.

  In addition, a water passage hole 66 is formed in a lower part of the duct cover 61 (position closer to the lower end opening 62 than the laundry insertion opening 63) and lower than the lowest washing water level. Thus, the inside of the detergent charging duct 60 and the inside of the washing and dewatering tank 21 are communicated with each other. The water passage hole 66 has a shape in which one vertically long hole is partitioned into a plurality in the vertical direction by a horizontal bar, and a plurality of the holes are arranged in the horizontal direction.

  Furthermore, a plurality of pins 65 protruding from the inner wall of the duct cover 61 toward the inner surface of the washing and dewatering tub 21 are arranged in the lateral direction in the vicinity of the detergent inlet 63 in the detergent inlet duct 60. Yes. The tip of each pin 65 is in contact with the inner surface of the body of the washing / dehydrating tub 21 or close so as to have a very narrow gap (for example, a gap narrower than the thickness of a coin or the like). Here, the plurality of pins 65 correspond to the foreign matter intrusion preventing member in the present invention.

  Prior to the washing operation, the user opens the detergent inlet cover 64, accommodates the detergent in the powder detergent container 642 or the liquid detergent container 643, and closes the detergent inlet cover 64. When a powder detergent and a liquid agent such as a bleaching agent are used in combination, powder may be put in the powder detergent container 642 and the liquid agent may be put in the liquid detergent container 643. As shown in FIG. 6, since the lower end portion 644 of the cover 64 protrudes into the detergent charging duct 60 in a state where the detergent charging port cover 64 is opened, and is separated from at least the inner wall surface of the duct cover 61, When the cover 64 is closed and the detergent (particularly liquid detergent) falls, it hardly adheres to the inner wall surface of the duct cover 61. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid detergent that has fallen along the inner wall surface of the duct cover 61 from flowing out to the washing / dehydrating tank 21 side through the water passage hole 66, and the liquid detergent adheres directly to the laundry (without being diluted). Can be prevented. Further, the plurality of pins 65 provided in the vicinity of the detergent charging port 63 prevents large foreign matters such as coins from falling into the detergent charging duct 60.

  As described above, the detergent stored in the powder detergent container 642 or the liquid detergent container 643 on the inner surface of the detergent inlet cover 64 falls in the detergent charging duct 60 as the detergent inlet cover 64 is closed. It falls from the lower end opening 62 to the bottom of the washing and dewatering tank 21 (below the pulsator 23). When water is poured into the washing and dewatering tank 21 and the pulsator 23 is driven to rotate, dissolution of the detergent into the water is promoted, and the water accompanying the detergent is opened at the lower end by the pumping action of the back blades of the pulsator 23 as described above. 62 is fed into the detergent charging duct 60, and water is discharged into the washing and dewatering tub 21 through the water passage hole 66 immediately above. Therefore, even when the amount of water stored in the laundry dewatering tank 21 is small, the detergent accumulated on the lower surface of the pulsator 23 can be reliably and rapidly supplied into the laundry dewatering tank 21.

  FIG. 7 is an electric system configuration diagram of a main part of the washing / drying machine of this embodiment. At the center of control, a control unit 70 including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a timer and the like is installed as a control means in the present invention. The control unit 70 receives a key signal from an operation unit 72 having a plurality of operation keys such as a course selection key and a start key, and a water level detection signal corresponding to the water level stored in the outer tub 20 from the water level sensor 55. A lid opening / closing signal interlocked with opening / closing of the top lid 7 is input from the top lid switch 74. The control unit 70 rotates the main motor 25, opens / closes the water supply valve 54, operates the torque motor 27, operates the bath water pump 53, and heats the heater 522 in the hot air supply unit 52 via the load driving unit 71. The operation of the fan motor 521 is controlled. As described above, the connecting / disengaging operation of the main shaft 22 and the driving shaft 24 by the clutch 261 and the opening / closing operation of the drain valve 32 are achieved by the torque motor 27. Furthermore, the control unit 70 causes the display unit 73 to display the key input acceptance state of the operation unit 72 and the progress of washing.

  Operation programs corresponding to various courses are stored in advance in the ROM of the control unit 70, and the control unit 70 controls each unit according to the operation program corresponding to the course selected by the user using the course selection key of the operation unit 72. By doing so, washing operation and drying operation corresponding to each course are performed.

  In the washing / drying machine of the present embodiment, it is necessary to open the detergent inlet cover 64 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the washing / dehydrating tub 21 and store the detergent in the inside thereof during the reserved operation, as described above. There is. Since the stop position of the laundry dewatering tub 21 that is rotatable is not determined, the position of the detergent inlet cover 64 also varies. In some cases, the laundry dewatering tank 21 stops at a position where the detergent inlet cover 64 is at the back. Sometimes. In that case, since it may be difficult for the user to put in the detergent, in this washing and drying machine, when the user tries to put in the detergent, the laundry dewatering tank 21 is easily manually rotated to bring the detergent inlet to the front side. The cover 64 (that is, the detergent charging duct 60) can be moved.

  In order to perform such work, the washing dryer of the present embodiment executes characteristic control as described below. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of this control. Before the start of operation, the connection between the main shaft 22 and the drive shaft 24, that is, the connection between the pulsator 23 and the washing / dehydrating tub 21 is released, and the drain valve 32 is in a closed state. This is generally the standard state before the start of operation (or when the power is off).

  When the user turns on the power of the washing / drying machine and stores the laundry in the washing / dehydrating tub 21, when the user presses the start key on the operation unit 72, the control unit 70 that detects this starts operation. First, it is determined whether or not a load amount detection process is necessary (step S1). The load amount detection process is not required when the user manually sets the amount of water or when a course with a predetermined amount of water (such as a blanket washing course) is selected even if it is an automatic driving course. Etc. In a standard automatic driving course, load amount detection processing is executed (step S2), and the amount of laundry accommodated in the laundry dewatering tub 21 is detected.

  Specifically, the pulsator 23 is rotated for a short time by driving the main motor 25 in a state in which the connection between the washing and dewatering tub 21 and the pulsator 23 is released, and the load according to the time during which the inertial rotation continues. Determine the amount. Of course, the load amount detection is not limited to this method, and any method may be used.

  Thereafter, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the course is one in which the detergent is to be introduced (step S3). As described above, this washing / drying machine has a function of electrolyzing water to generate a chlorine-containing substance, and when a detergent zero course using the same is selected, it is not a course to which a detergent should be added. . In that case, the process described later is passed and the process proceeds to step S16.

  When the course is one in which the detergent is to be introduced, the control unit 70 next determines whether water has accumulated in the washing / dehydrating tub 21 based on a detection signal from the water level sensor 55 (step S4). In general, water is not stored in the laundry dewatering tank 21 at the start of operation. For example, when a user transports the remaining hot water of a bath by a bucket and directly pours it into the laundry dewatering tank 21. In step S4, it is determined that water is stored in the washing and dewatering tank 21. In this case, similarly to step S3, the process described later is passed and the process proceeds to step S16.

  When it is determined that water is not stored in the washing / dehydrating tub 21, the control unit 70 is determined in advance without depending on the washing water level determined according to the load amount detected in step S2 or the load amount detection. The display unit 73 displays the amount of water corresponding to the wash water level (determination input of detergent amount), but here the display is blinked (step S5). By this display, the user can know the amount of detergent to be put into the washing / dehydrating tank 21. Note that the blinking of the water amount here means that the water supply standby period, which is a period in which the detergent before the water supply is to be performed, should be added.

  Next, the control unit 70 determines whether or not a setting by special key operation is made (step S7). The special key operation referred to here is a method of pressing a key that is not executed in a normal course setting. For example, a specific key can be continuously pressed for several seconds or more, or a plurality of keys can be pressed simultaneously. The user performs the special key operation when he / she wants to turn the washing / dehydrating tub 21 by hand so as to move the detergent inlet cover 64 to the front.

  When this special key operation is set, the control unit 70 operates the torque motor 27 to open the drain valve 32 and connects the washing dewatering tub 21 and the pulsator 23 by the clutch 261 (step S8). . Then, since the restraint of the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tank 21 by the band brake is released, the washing / dehydrating tank 21 can be rotated integrally with the pulsator 23. In this state, the user can easily turn the laundry dewatering tub 21 by hand, and can move the position of the detergent charging port cover 64 to an appropriate rotational position.

  Thereafter, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the upper lid 7 is opened based on the detection signal of the upper lid switch 74 (step S9). If it is determined that the upper lid 7 is opened, the upper lid 7 is then closed. It is determined whether or not (step S10). If the upper lid 7 has not been opened, or if the upper lid 7 has not yet been closed after the upper lid 7 has been opened, it is determined whether or not one minute has passed since the start of the water amount blinking display (step S11). If 1 minute has not elapsed, it is next determined whether or not the start key has been pressed after the start of the blinking display of the water amount (step S12). If the start key is not pressed, it is next determined whether or not water is stored in the washing / dehydrating tub 21 based on the water level detection signal from the water level sensor 55 (step S13). If one minute has not elapsed since the start of the blinking display of the water amount, the start key has not been pressed, and no water is stored in the washing / dehydrating tub 21, the process returns to step S9.

  As a standard operation of the user, the upper lid 7 and the inner lid 35 are opened, the washing and dewatering tank 21 is appropriately rotated by hand, the detergent inlet cover 64 is moved to an easy-to-handle position, and the cover 64 is opened to remove the detergent. The powder detergent container 642 or the liquid detergent container 643 behind the cover 64 is placed. Then, the cover 64 is closed, and the inner lid 35 and the upper lid 7 are closed. During these operations, the process is repeated in steps S9 → S10 → S11 → S12 → S13 → S9 →... When the upper lid 7 is closed, the process proceeds from step S10 to S14.

  On the other hand, if the user has opened the upper lid 7 or has opened the upper lid 7 but has not been closed for one minute, the user has pressed the start key, or a bucket or the like, for example. When a user puts a large amount of water into the washing and dewatering tank 21 at a stroke (however, since the drain valve 32 is open at this time, the flow rate is sufficiently larger than the drainage capacity through the drain pipe 31). In the case of water injection), etc., the process proceeds from step S11, S12, S13 to S14.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that the special key operation is not set, the process proceeds to step S9 without performing the process of step S8. That is, at this time, the connection between the washing and dewatering tank 21 and the pulsator 23 is released, and the rotation of the washing and dewatering tank 21 is restricted by the band brake. Therefore, even if the user tries to turn the laundry dewatering tub 21 by hand, it does not turn. However, in this case, since the drain valve 32 is closed, all of the water poured into the washing and dewatering tank 21 is not drained at all and is accumulated in the outer tank 20. Also in this case, since the processes of steps S9 to S13 are the same as described above, there is a time margin of at least one minute for the user to store the detergent in the detergent charging duct 60.

  When the upper lid 7 is closed in step S14 or each condition is satisfied in steps S11 to S13, it is determined whether or not the drain valve 32 is open (step S14), and the drain valve 32 is opened. If so, the torque motor 27 is operated to close the drain valve 32 and the connection between the washing dewatering tub 21 and the pulsator 23 is released (step S15). Thereafter, the display of the water amount notification on the display unit 73 is changed from blinking to lighting (step S16), the user is informed that the water supply standby period is over and water supply is started, and then the water supply valve 54 is opened. Or the bath water pump 53 is operated to start water supply into the washing and dewatering tank 21.

  As described above, in the washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment, the laundry dewatering tub 21 is manually rotated during the water supply waiting period by performing a special key operation by the user. Can move the detergent inlet 63) to a desired position to accommodate the detergent. However, in this case, since the drain valve 32 is open during the water supply waiting period, there is a possibility that the water that the user tried to put into the washing and dewatering tank 21 will be discharged outside the machine through the drain pipe 31. There is.

  On the other hand, when it is not necessary to move the detergent inlet cover 64 to a desired position, the detergent inlet cover 64 is opened during the water supply waiting period and the detergent is accommodated in the conventional procedure. That's fine. In this case, since the drain valve 32 is closed during the water supply standby period, all the water that the user has put into the washing / dehydrating tub 21 using a bucket or the like is accumulated in the outer tub 20 and is effective for the washing operation. Used. In the case of reserved operation, this state is a standby state, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, the water supply valve 54 is opened and water supply is started.

  It should be noted that the above embodiment is merely an example, and it is obvious that even if changes, modifications, and additions are made as appropriate within the scope of the present invention, they are included in the scope of the claims of the present application.

1 is an external perspective view of a washing / drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The external appearance top view of the washing-drying machine of a present Example. The top view which shows the state which removed the rear part cover and upper cover of FIG. The schematic side surface sectional view which shows the internal structure of the washing-drying machine of a present Example. The perspective view of the state which looked into the inside of the washing-drying tank single-piece | unit in the washing-drying machine of a present Example. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line E-E ′ in FIG. 5. The electric system block diagram of the principal part of the washing-drying machine of a present Example. The flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the control at the time of the water supply waiting period in the washing / drying machine of a present Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Outer box 2 ... Base part 3 ... Front side plate 4 ... Top plate 5 ... Rear plate 6 ... Laundry input 7 ... Upper lid 10 ... Front cosmetic cover 11 ... Rear cosmetic cover 12 ... Water supply hose connection port 13 ... Bath water Water absorption hose connection port 14 Dehumidifying water drain port 20 Outer tub 21 Washing dewatering tub 22 Main shaft 23 Pulsator 24 Drive shaft 25 Power motor 26 Power transmission mechanism 261 Clutch 27 Torque motor 30 Drain opening 31 ... Drain pipe 32 ... Drain valve 34 ... Outer tank cover 35 ... Inner cover 36 ... Water supply duct 37 ... Hot air duct 38 ... Exhaust hole 40 ... Balance ring 41 ... Circulating water channel 42 ... Water outlet 43 ... Lint filter 44 ... Water passage hole 45 ... Lower end opening 50 ... Water injection port 51 ... Tray 52 ... Warm air supply unit 521 ... Fan motor 522 ... Heater 53 ... Bath water pump 54 ... Water supply valve 55 ... Water level sensor 60 ... Detergent supply Duct 61 ... Duct cover 62 ... Lower end opening 63 ... Detergent inlet 64 ... Detergent inlet cover 641 ... Rib 642 ... Powder detergent container 643 ... Liquid detergent container 644 ... Lower edge 65 ... Pin 66 ... Water passage hole 70 ... Control Unit 71 ... Load drive unit 72 ... Operation unit 73 ... Display unit 74 ... Top cover switch

Claims (7)

An outer tub, a bottomed cylindrical inner tub rotatably disposed in the outer tub, a pulsator rotatably disposed on the inner bottom of the inner tub, and an inner peripheral surface of the inner tub A circulation water channel extending in the vertical direction from the periphery of the pulsator, and formed on the lower surface of the pulsator when the pulsator is rotated in a state where water is stored in the outer tank. In the washing machine that uses the pumping action of the back blades to send water to the opening at the lower end of the circulating water channel, raise the inside of the circulating water channel, and discharge the water from the water outlet toward the inside of the inner tub,
Apart from the circulating water channel, a pipe line extending in the vertical direction from the lower end opening around the pulsator is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner tank, and a detergent inlet is provided at the upper part of the pipe line. A washing machine, characterized in that a water passage hole is provided between the mouth and the lower end opening at a position closer to the lower end opening than the detergent charging port.   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water passage hole is provided at a position lower than a minimum water level during a washing operation.   The detergent inlet is provided with an openable / closable cover having a structure that opens so as to fall down inward of the inner tub with the horizontal axis at the lower end as a center, and the inner surface of the cover contains a detergent compartment divided into a plurality of left and right sides The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the washing machine is a part.   4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein when the cover is in an open state, a lower edge of the cover protrudes into the pipeline from the inner wall surface of the pipeline.   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a foreign matter intrusion preventing member is provided in a pipe line near the detergent charging port. Switching means for mechanically switching between a washing state in which only the pulsator can rotate with the position of the inner tank fixed, and a dehydrating state in which the inner tank and the pulsator can rotate together; ,
After the amount of washing water according to the load amount reflecting the amount of laundry accommodated in the inner tub is determined or after the amount of washing water is determined by the user's operation, the period until water supply to the inner tub is started Control means for controlling the switching means so as to temporarily switch from the washing state to the dehydrating state during at least a part of the period, and then return to the washing state again;
The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: The control means executes a temporary dehydrating state switching when a specific key operation is performed, and does not perform a temporary dehydrating state switching when the specific key operation is not performed. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the washing state is maintained.

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