JP2010155015A - Drum type washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To sense water leakage and prevent the damage of water leakage from spreading, and further notify the user of an abnormality. <P>SOLUTION: A water leakage sensing means 14 to sense water leakage to the interior of a body is arranged on the bottom plate of the washing machine. A control means 12 immediately stops operations (water supply and rotation of the drum) when the water leakage sensing means 14 senses water leakage and drains water in a water receiving tub 2 and announces the abnormality. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine having means for detecting water leakage.

  As in the conventional washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the electric washing machine is disposed on a waterproof pan that has a drainage port, and a drainage hose of the washing machine is inserted into the drainage port so that the drainage can be drained. ing.

  The outer box of the electric washing machine is a frame of the electric washing machine that encloses the periphery of the internal mechanism. The outer box has an opening at the bottom, and communicates with the inside of the waterproof pan through the opening. Inside the outer box, there is a tank composed of an outer tank and an inner tank. In particular, the outer tank is supported and arranged by a plurality of sets of elastic suspension mechanisms. Each of the elastic suspension mechanisms includes a suspension rod and a spring, and allows the tank to swing and allows the descent according to the weight of the contents of the tank.

  In the inner tank, a stirring body is disposed at the bottom, and in the outer tank, support plates are attached to a plurality of boss portions at the outer lower part. A motor, a mechanism, and a water level detection device are attached to the support plate. And the signal from a water level detection apparatus is input into the control apparatus.

With the above configuration, the water remaining due to clogging of the indoor drain pipe from the drain outlet of the waterproof pan or the water due to water leakage from the inside of the washing machine is accumulated in the waterproof pan, and the water level is gradually raised. The water level detection device detects the water level and sends a signal to the control device. Based on the input signal from the water level detection device, the control device stops the operation (stops the drainage) and notifies the abnormality.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-685

  However, in the above-described conventional configuration, for example, in a place where a kitchen is installed side by side with a drum-type washing machine (such as a one-room apartment kitchen) or in a bathroom, a waterproof pan is used. In the case where the environment cannot be installed, the water level cannot be collected, so that the water level may not be detected.

  In addition, water leaking from the inside of the washing machine may drop on the floor surface, causing damage such as wetting or rotting of the floor surface.

  In addition, even if you install a part to collect water in place of the waterproof pan, if you stop the drainage with water in the tank when the water level (water leakage) is detected, the tank will be damaged. In the case of a water leak, there is a problem that the water leak continues and eventually the water may overflow.

The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and a water leakage detection means for detecting water leakage into the main body is disposed on the bottom plate of the washing machine, and the control means detects water leakage when the water leakage detection means detects water leakage. Immediately stop operation (water supply, drum rotation, etc.), drain the water in the water receiving tub, and notify the abnormality by detecting any water leakage inside the washing machine. To provide a washing machine that can prevent the spread of water leakage from the washing machine, can notify the user of the occurrence of an abnormality without leaking water from the main body of the washing machine, and can prevent the damage from spreading the water leakage. It is aimed.

  In order to solve the conventional problem, the washing machine of the present invention immediately stops operation when the water leakage detection means detects water leakage, drains the water in the water receiving tank, and notifies the abnormality. Like to do.

  As a result, any water leaks inside the washing machine can be detected and drained to prevent further damage from water leaks and to prevent abnormalities in the user without leaking water from the washing machine body to the outside. I can inform you.

  In the washing machine of the present invention, a water leakage detection means for detecting water leakage into the main body is disposed on the bottom plate of the washing machine, and the control means immediately starts operation (water supply and drum) when the water leakage detection means detects water leakage. Rotation, etc.), water in the water receiving tub is drained, and an abnormality is notified, so that any water leaks into the washing machine can be detected, and draining further increases the damage caused by water leaks. In addition, it is possible to notify the user of the occurrence of abnormality without causing water leakage from the washing machine main body to the outside, and to provide a throttle shape on the bottom plate so that water is collected in the portion where the water leakage detection means is provided. Therefore, it is possible to reliably notify the user of the occurrence of the abnormality at an earlier stage, and to prevent the spread of damage caused by water leakage.

  A first invention includes a rotating drum having a horizontal or oblique rotation center axis, a water receiving tub that is elastically supported by a washing machine body and encloses the rotating drum, and a motor that rotationally drives the rotating drum. Water supply means for supplying tap water into the water receiving tank, water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the water receiving tank, drainage means for draining the washing water in the water receiving tank, washing, Input setting / display means for setting the contents of a series of processes such as rinsing and dehydration, water leakage detecting means for detecting water leakage into the main body of the bottom plate of the washing machine, and the process set by the input setting / display means Control means for controlling the motor, the water supply means, the water level detection means, the drainage means and the like based on the contents, and the control means, when the water leakage detection means detects water leakage, Immediately stop operation In addition, by draining the water in the water receiving tank and notifying abnormality, any water leak into the washing machine can be detected, and draining can prevent further damage from the water leak and washing. It is possible to notify the user of the occurrence of an abnormality without causing water leakage from the machine body to the outside.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the bottom plate at the lower part of the washing machine is provided with a throttle shape so that water leaking inside the main body is accumulated in the portion where the water leakage detection means is disposed. It is possible to reliably notify the user of the occurrence of an abnormality at an earlier stage and to prevent the spread of damage caused by water leakage.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, a heating unit provided in the water receiving tank for heating the supplied water, and a temperature detection for detecting a water temperature disposed in the vicinity of the heating unit. And when the water leakage detecting means detects water leakage during operation with high temperature water using the heating means, the operation is immediately stopped and water is supplied, so that the water temperature falls below a predetermined temperature. If it becomes, by draining the water in the said water-receiving tank and performing abnormality alert | reporting, the high temperature water in a water-receiving tank can be cooled, and it can drain safely.

According to a fourth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions, when the water leakage detection means detects a water leak during operation with high temperature water using the heating means, the operation is immediately stopped. Then, after the water supply, the stirring operation is performed, and when the water temperature becomes a predetermined temperature or less, the water in the water receiving tank is drained, and the abnormality is notified, thereby cooling the high temperature water in the water receiving tank. Drainage can be performed more safely.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the rotating drum 1 is rotatably disposed in the water receiving tank 2, and a rotating shaft (rotating center shaft) 3 is provided in a substantially inclined direction at the rotating center of the rotating drum 1 to rotate. The drum 1 is arranged such that the axial direction of the drum 1 is inclined downward from the front side toward the back side. A motor 4 attached to the back surface of the water receiving tank 2 is connected to the rotating shaft 3 to rotate the rotating drum 1 in the normal direction and the reverse direction.

  An opening provided on the upward inclined surface on the front side of the water receiving tub 2 is covered with a lid 5 so as to be freely opened and closed, and the laundry can be taken in and out of the rotary drum 1 by opening the lid 5. Since the lid 5 is provided on the upward inclined surface, the laundry can be carried out without bending the waist.

  The water receiving tub 2 is suspended from the washing machine body 6 by a spring body 7 and a damper 8 so as to be oscillated and supported by vibration proofing. A draining means 9 is disposed in the drainage path from the bottom of the water receiving tub 2 to provide water. The washing water in the receiving tank 2 is drained.

  The water supply means 10 supplies tap water into the water receiving tank 2. The water level detection means 11 detects the water level in the water receiving tank 2.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation shaft 3 is provided in a substantially inclined direction at the rotation center of the rotary drum 1, and the axial center direction of the rotary drum 1 is inclined downward from the front side to the back side. However, the rotating shaft 3 may be provided in the substantially horizontal direction at the rotation center of the rotating drum 1, and the axial center direction of the rotating drum 1 may be disposed in the substantially horizontal direction.

  The control means 12 is disposed below the washing machine body 6 and the input setting / display means 13 is disposed on the upper front surface.

  When the operation is started based on the information from the input setting / display means 13, the control means 12 controls the operation of the motor 4, the drainage means 9, the water supply means 10, the water level detection means 11, and the like. , Rinse, dehydrate, etc.

  Examples of the drain means 9 include a drain valve, but a drain pump may be used. Both may be used. What is necessary is just to set it as the combination according to the environment where a washing machine is used.

  The bottom plate at the lower part of the washing machine main body 6 is provided with a water leakage detection means 14 at a position optimal for detecting water leakage. This water leak detection means 14 is comprised by two electrodes, for example, and it is comprised so that a water leak may be detected with the electrical potential difference between this electrode. That is, when leaked water adheres between the electrodes, there is no potential difference, and water leak can be detected.

FIG. 2 is a partial block diagram of a drum-type washing machine. The control circuit 15 includes a control means 12 constituted by a microcomputer, an input circuit 16, a motor drive circuit 17, and a switching means drive circuit 18. The control means 12 sends various display signals to the input setting / display means 13. While outputting, the rotation control of the motor 4 is performed via the motor drive circuit. Further, the switching means 19 is controlled via the switching means drive circuit 18 to control the operation of the water supply means 10, the drain means 9, the lid lock device 20, and the like. The lid lock device 20 prohibits the opening and closing of the lid 5 that covers the opening serving as a clothing inlet provided in the water receiving tub 2 during operation, and is constituted by a solenoid and a lever. In addition, various control signals from the input setting / display unit 13 are input to the control unit 12, and detection signals from the water level detection unit 11 and the water leakage detection unit 14 are input via the input circuit 16.

  About the washing machine comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  After the lid body 5 is opened, the laundry is put into the rotary drum 1 and the lid body 5 is closed, the content of the stroke is set by the input setting / display means 13 and the operation is started. The control means 12 sets an optimal water level according to the amount of laundry and controls the water supply means 10 to supply water into the rotary drum 1 and the water receiving tub 2. Then, when the water level is detected by the water level detection means 11 and reaches the set water level, the water supply is terminated, the motor 4 is controlled, the rotating drum 1 is rotated, and the washing process is performed. After the washing process is completed, the drainage means 9 is controlled to drain the washing water, and after dehydration, the water supply means 10 is controlled again to supply water into the rotary drum 1 and the water receiving tub 2. Then, when the water level is detected by the water level detection means 11 and reaches the set water level, the water supply is terminated, the motor 4 is controlled, the rotating drum 1 is rotated, and the rinsing process is performed. After the rinsing process is completed, the draining means 9 is controlled to drain the water after rinsing, the final dehydration is performed, and the operation is terminated. The control means 12 constantly monitors the input signal from the water leakage detection means 14 from the start of operation until the end of operation and the power is turned off, including during the initial standby after the power switch is pressed. When a state detection signal is received, water supply and drum rotation are stopped immediately, drainage is performed, and abnormality notification is performed.

  In addition, the position of the water leakage detection means 14 may be disposed not only on the bottom plate but at an optimal position in accordance with the state of each product. Further, even if the input signal from the water leakage detection means 14 is not always monitored, the input signal may be monitored at an optimal timing as long as water leakage can be reliably detected.

  In this way, the water leakage detection means 14 for detecting water leakage into the inside of the main body is disposed on the bottom plate of the washing machine, and the control means 12 immediately starts operation (water supply and drum) when the water leakage detection means 14 detects water leakage. Rotation, etc.) is stopped, water in the water receiving tank 2 is drained, and an abnormality is notified, so that any water leak into the washing machine can be detected. While preventing expansion, it is possible to notify the user of the occurrence of an abnormality without causing water leakage from the washing machine body to the outside.

(Embodiment 2)
As shown in FIG. 1, a throttle shape 21 is provided on the bottom plate of the lower part of the washing machine so that the water leaked into the main body is likely to accumulate in the portion where the water leak detection means 14 is disposed. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In the above configuration, water leaked due to cracks or breakage of the water receiving tank 2 or the water supply means 10, or a pressure hose with a water supply valve (this has a double structure, water supply hose, water supply hose inside Between the outer cover and the outer cover, there is a wiring for controlling the water supply valve on the faucet side, so that if the water supply hose is cracked, the leaked water will be connected to the outer cover. Therefore, the water leaked due to the crack in the inside of the washing machine dripped onto the bottom plate, flows into the throttle-shaped portion 21 provided on the bottom plate, and the water is collected in the portion where the leakage detection means 14 is disposed. To go. The control means 12 constantly monitors the input signal from the water leakage detection means 14 from the start of operation until the end of operation and the power is turned off, including during the initial standby after the power switch is pressed. When a state detection signal is received, water supply and drum rotation are stopped immediately, drainage is performed, and abnormality notification is performed.

  In addition, what is necessary is just to make the aperture | diaphragm | squeeze shape 21 of a baseplate into an optimal shape according to the state of each product so that water may collect easily in the intended place. Further, if necessary, a guide-like throttle may be provided on the side surface so that water can easily flow in, not limited to the bottom plate.

  In this way, by providing the throttle shape 21 so that the water is collected in the portion where the water leakage detection means 14 is provided on the bottom plate, the occurrence of abnormality is surely notified to the user earlier, and the spread of damage due to water leakage is prevented. be able to.

(Embodiment 3)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, heating means 22 for warming water supplied into the water receiving tank 2 is provided below the rotating drum 1, and the control means 12 operates the heating means 22. I have control. Further, a temperature detection means 23 for detecting the temperature of the heated water is provided in the vicinity of the heating means 22, and the detected signal is input to the control means 12 via the input circuit 16. Other configurations are the same as those in the first or second embodiment.

  In the above configuration, after the laundry is put in, the content of the process of washing with warm water is set by the input setting / display means 13, and the operation is started. The control means 12 controls the water supply means 10 to supply water into the rotary drum 1 and the water receiving tank 2. Then, when the water level is detected by the water level detection means 11 and reaches the set water level, the water supply is terminated, the motor 4 is controlled, the rotating drum 1 is rotated, and the washing process is performed. During the washing process, the control means 12 controls the heating means 22 based on the detection signal from the temperature detection means 23 so that the set water temperature is reached. When the water leakage detection means 14 detects water leakage during the washing process at such a high temperature, the control means 12 immediately stops the operation and controls the water supply means 10 to control the inside of the rotary drum 1 and the water receiving tub 2. When the water temperature falls below a predetermined temperature according to the detection signal from the temperature detection means 23, the water is drained to notify the abnormality.

  At that time, if the washing water becomes hot as it is, there is a risk of scalding depending on the installation environment of the washing machine. In other words, if a washing machine is installed in a bathroom, etc., and the drainage hose is used without being inserted into the drainage outlet, the drained hot washing water will flow into the bathroom and may cause burns. is there. Therefore, when a water leak is detected during the washing process with warm water, the operation is immediately stopped, water is supplied, and the washing water is cooled to a predetermined temperature or lower, and then drained.

  The determination of the water temperature of the washing water may be an optimal determination condition such as a temperature lower than a predetermined temperature.

  As described above, during the washing operation with high-temperature water, when the water leakage detection means 14 detects a water leakage, the operation is immediately stopped and the water supply is performed. By draining the water in the tank 2 and notifying the abnormality, it is possible to drain the water safely without giving the user damage to the body such as burns, and can notify the occurrence of the abnormality. .

(Embodiment 4)
The configuration is the same as in the first to third embodiments.

In the above configuration, after the laundry is put in, the content of the process of washing with warm water is set by the input setting / display means 13, and the operation is started. The control means 12 controls the water supply means 10 to supply water into the rotary drum 1 and the water receiving tank 2. Then, when the water level is detected by the water level detection means 11 and reaches the set water level, the water supply is terminated, the motor 4 is controlled, the rotating drum 1 is rotated, and the washing process is performed. During the washing process, the control means 12 controls the heating means 22 based on the detection signal from the temperature detection means 23 so that the set water temperature is reached. When the water leakage detection means 14 detects water leakage during the washing process at such a high temperature, the control means 12 immediately stops the operation and controls the water supply means 10 so that the inside of the rotary drum 1 and the water receiving tank 2 Supply water. Further, the rotating drum 1 is rotated by controlling the motor 4 to perform a stirring operation. Then, according to the detection signal from the temperature detection means 23, when the water temperature falls below a predetermined temperature, drainage is performed to notify the abnormality.

  Note that the water supply / stirring operation after detection of water leakage may be repeated. Moreover, what is necessary is just to set water supply time and stirring time to time which becomes an optimal operation | movement.

  As described above, during the washing operation with high-temperature water, when the water leakage detection means 14 detects water leakage, the operation is immediately stopped, and the water supply and the stirring operation are performed, and the water temperature becomes lower than the predetermined temperature. By draining the water in the water receiving tank 2 and notifying the abnormality, draining the body quickly and safely without causing damage to the user such as burns, I can inform you.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention is provided with the water leakage detection means for detecting water leakage into the main body on the bottom plate of the washing machine, and the control means detects when the water leakage detection means detects water leakage. Immediately stop operation (water supply, drum rotation, etc.), drain the water in the water receiving tub, and notify the abnormality by detecting any water leakage inside the washing machine. As a result, it is possible to notify the user of the occurrence of an abnormality without leaking water from the washing machine main body to the outside, and to collect water on the bottom plate where water leakage detection means is provided. By providing the shape of the aperture, it is possible to notify the user of the occurrence of the abnormality reliably at an earlier stage and to prevent the expansion of the damage caused by water leakage. Therefore, the present invention can also be used in a washing dryer having a drying function.

Sectional drawing of the drum type washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention Block diagram of a part of the drum type washing machine

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Rotating drum 2 Water receiving tank 4 Motor 9 Drainage means 10 Water supply means 11 Water level detection means 12 Control means 13 Input setting / display means 14 Water leakage detection means

Claims (4)

A rotating drum having a horizontal or oblique rotation center axis; a water receiving tub that is elastically supported by a washing machine body and rotatably includes the rotating drum; a motor that rotationally drives the rotating drum; and the water receiving tub A series of water supply means for supplying tap water, water level detection means for detecting the water level in the water receiving tank, drainage means for draining the washing water in the water receiving tank, washing, rinsing, dehydration, etc. Based on the content of the stroke set by the input setting / display means, the water leakage detection means for detecting water leakage into the main body of the washing machine bottom plate, and the stroke setting set by the input setting / display means And a control means for controlling the motor, the water supply means, the water level detection means, the drainage means, etc. to perform a washing operation, and the control means immediately stops the operation when the water leakage detection means detects a water leak. The above Drain water receiving tank, to perform the abnormality notification drum type washing machine. The drum-type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the bottom plate of the lower part of the washing machine is provided with a throttle shape so that water leaking into the main body is accumulated in a portion where the water leakage detection means is disposed. A heating means for warming the supplied water provided in the water receiving tank; and a temperature detection means for detecting the water temperature provided in the vicinity of the heating means, and using the heating means, During operation, when the water leakage detection means detects a water leak, the operation is immediately stopped and water is supplied, and when the water temperature falls below a predetermined temperature, the water in the water receiving tank is drained and abnormal The drum type washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein notification is performed. During operation with high-temperature water using the heating means, when the water leakage detection means detects a water leak, the operation is immediately stopped, and after the water supply, a stirring operation is performed, so that the water temperature falls below a predetermined temperature. Then, the drum type washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water in the water receiving tub is drained to report an abnormality.