JP2011045433A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of detecting quickly and accurately a degree of foaming in the washing machine. <P>SOLUTION: The washing machine includes a washing tub provided with a flow-in port making a cleaning liquid flow in, and a discharge port discharging the cleaning liquid, a pipe line connected to the flow-in port and the discharge port, a flow device for making the cleaning liquid flow from the discharge port toward the flow-in port through the pipe line, a photosensor for detecting luminous energy passing the cleaning liquid in the pipe line, and a control unit for determining the degree of foaming of the cleaning liquid, and for controlling a washing operation, based on a detection signal from the photosensor, and the photosensor detects and outputs first luminous energy during operation of the flow device and second luminous energy during the stop of the flow device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine that can quickly and accurately detect the degree of washing liquid foaming.

  In the washing operation, the degree of foaming of the washing liquid is an important parameter. For example, when the degree of foaming of the washing liquid is high, it is necessary to increase the amount of water for rinsing the laundry. On the other hand, when the degree of foaming is small, it is preferable to reduce the amount of water for rinsing the laundry from the viewpoint of saving water resources.

  In Patent Document 1, by driving the washing tub, the change in light transmittance over time after the foam of the washing liquid is introduced into the water guide groove provided near the optical sensor until the foam disappears. A washing machine for determining the degree of foaming is disclosed.

JP 2009-28113 A

  In the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to wait until the bubbles introduced into the water guide grooves disappear in order to determine foaming. For this reason, it takes a relatively long time to determine the degree of foaming. Therefore, when the washing time is short, there is a problem that the degree of foaming cannot be determined. Further, when water is replenished during washing, there is a problem that the degree of foaming cannot be accurately determined because the light transmittance changes.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can quickly and accurately detect the degree of washing liquid foaming.

  The washing machine according to the present invention that achieves the above object is connected to a washing tub that includes an inflow port through which washing liquid flows and a discharge port through which the washing liquid is discharged, and the inflow port and the discharge port. A flow path through which the washing liquid flows from the discharge port toward the inflow port, a light sensor that detects the amount of light that passes through the washing liquid in the pipe, and the light And a control unit that controls a washing operation based on a detection signal of the sensor, wherein the optical sensor includes a first light amount while the flow device is in operation and a second light amount while the flow device is stopped. It is characterized by detecting and outputting the amount of light.

  According to the said structure, the washing liquid foamed in the washing tub is discharged | emitted from the discharge port of a washing tub to a pipe line, and returns to the inside of a washing tub again from the inflow port of a washing tub. Foam in the washing liquid generated in the washing tub does not disappear immediately even in the pipeline, and affects the amount of light passing through the washing liquid. Can be measured. The optical sensor detects a first light amount while the flow device is in operation and a second light amount while the flow device is stopped, and controls a detection signal for the first light amount and the second light amount. Output to. The control unit determines the degree of foaming based on the detection signal and controls the washing operation. Therefore, the control unit can determine the degree of foaming of the washing liquid without waiting for the foam in the washing liquid to disappear. Further, as the determination time is shortened, the possibility that water is replenished during the determination by the control unit is reduced, and the determination of foaming is less affected by the makeup water. Therefore, the said structure provides the washing machine which can detect the extent of foaming of a washing liquid quickly and correctly.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said control part determines the said foaming degree based on the difference of the detection signal with respect to the said 1st light quantity, and the detection signal with respect to the said 2nd light quantity, and controls the said washing operation | movement.

  According to the above configuration, the control unit determines the degree of washing liquid foaming based on the difference between the detection signal for the first light quantity and the detection signal for the second light quantity, and controls the washing operation. It is possible to determine the degree of foaming without requiring complicated calculation and signal processing, and it is possible to detect the degree of foaming of the washing liquid more quickly and accurately.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said washing machine is further provided with the water supply apparatus which supplies water to the said washing tub, and the said control part is provided with the memory | storage part which memorize | stores the 1st threshold value with respect to the said difference, and the said difference is below the said 1st threshold value. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit controls the water supply device so that the amount of water supplied from the water supply device is smaller than when the difference is larger than the first threshold value.

  According to the above configuration, when the difference between the detection signals of the optical sensors is equal to or less than the first threshold stored in the storage unit, the control unit controls the water supply device so that the amount of water supplied from the water supply device is reduced. . The smaller the difference between the detection signals of the optical sensors, the smaller the degree of foaming of the washing liquid. When the degree of foaming of the washing liquid is small, the required amount of water supply is small. Therefore, according to the above configuration, when the difference between the detection signals is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the amount of water supply is reduced to reduce unnecessary water supply. Can be avoided, and a suitable water-saving effect can be obtained.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said memory | storage part further memorize | stores the 2nd threshold value larger than the said 1st threshold value, and when the said difference is more than the said 2nd threshold value, the said difference is less than the said 2nd threshold value. It is preferable that the control unit controls the water supply device so that the amount of water supplied from the water supply device becomes larger than the time.

  According to the above configuration, when the difference between the detection signals of the optical sensors is equal to or greater than the second threshold stored in the storage unit, the control unit controls the water supply device so that the amount of water supplied from the water supply device increases. . The greater the difference between the detection signals of the optical sensors, the greater the degree of washing liquid foaming. When the degree of foaming of the washing liquid is large, the required amount of water supply is large. Therefore, according to the above configuration, when the difference in the detection signal is equal to or larger than the second threshold, the amount of water supply is increased as necessary. Therefore, you can supply more water to the washing tub. Therefore, it is possible to bring a suitable washing operation to the laundry.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said memory | storage part memorize | stores the data regarding the said light quantity corresponding to the detergent kind contained in the said washing | cleaning liquid, The said control part compares the output signal from the said optical sensor with the said data, and the said washing | cleaning The detergent type included in the liquid is determined, and the second threshold value includes a third threshold value corresponding to when the detergent type is a powder detergent, and the control unit is configured such that the detergent type is a powder detergent. In the case of the determination, when the difference is greater than or equal to the third threshold, the control unit is configured so that the amount of water supplied from the water supply device is greater than when the difference is less than the third threshold. It is preferable to control the water supply device.

  According to the above configuration, the control unit can determine the type of detergent contained in the laundry liquid in addition to the degree of foaming of the laundry liquid. When the control unit determines that the detergent type included in the washing liquid is a powder detergent, when the difference in the detection signal of the optical sensor is larger than the third threshold set for the powder detergent, the water supply is increased. Can be done. Therefore, it becomes possible to reduce the alkalinity of the washing liquid and the concentration of zeolite in the washing liquid as necessary, and damage to the laundry can be suppressed.

  In the above configuration, the washing operation includes a washing step of washing the laundry in the washing tub, and the control unit is configured such that the detergent type is a liquid detergent based on a comparison between the output signal from the optical sensor and the data. When it determines with being, it is preferable to make the said washing | cleaning process run long rather than when determining with the said detergent seed | species being detergents other than the said liquid detergent.

  According to the above configuration, when the control unit determines that the detergent type included in the laundry liquid is a liquid detergent, the laundry can be washed in a long washing process. Therefore, even if it is a liquid detergent with a low emulsification power and a small cleaning effect, sufficient washing action can be obtained.

  The above configuration further includes a conductive sensor that detects the conductivity of the washing liquid and outputs a detection signal to the control unit, and the storage unit conducts the washing liquid corresponding to a detergent type included in the washing liquid. Further stores data relating to the combination of the degree of light and the light quantity, and the control unit compares the output signal from the conductive sensor and the output signal from the optical sensor with the data, and the detergent type contained in the washing liquid Is preferably determined.

  According to the above configuration, by comparing the data relating to the combination of the conductivity and the light quantity of the washing liquid stored in the storage unit with the detection signal from the conductive sensor and the optical sensor, the control unit causes the washing liquid to foam. In addition to this degree, it is possible to more accurately determine the type of detergent contained in the laundry liquid in consideration of the conductivity of the laundry liquid. Normally, when the same amount of liquid detergent and powder detergent are used, the detergent type tends to have a higher conductivity of the washing liquid than the liquid detergent. Accurate judgment can be made.

  In the above configuration, the flow device performs an intermittent operation that repeats operation and stop, the optical sensor outputs the detection signal while the flow device performs the intermittent operation, and the control unit includes: Averaging the difference between the detection signals in the operation cycle consisting of the operation and the stop of the fluidizing device, and determining the degree of foaming of the washing liquid based on the difference between the averaged detection signals. preferable.

  According to the above configuration, the detection signal for the first light amount and the detection signal for the second light amount are repeatedly and alternately output to the control unit. A control part averages the difference of the detection signal sent continuously, and determines the grade of the foaming of a washing liquid. Therefore, the noise component contained in the detection signal becomes relatively small, and it is possible to improve the accuracy of determination of the degree of washing liquid foaming.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It is preferable to further provide the filter part which removes the stain | pollution | contamination component contained in the said washing | cleaning liquid between the said flow apparatus and the said optical sensor.

  According to the said structure, the filter part distribute | arranged upstream of a flow apparatus acts as resistance with respect to the flow of a washing liquid. In addition, since the filter unit is located downstream of the optical sensor, the influence on the light amount detection by the optical sensor is relatively small. Therefore, while the flow device is in operation, the optical sensor can suitably detect the first light amount, and after the flow device stops, the flow of the washing liquid is suppressed relatively early, and the optical sensor detects the second light amount. It becomes possible to detect stably. Therefore, the determination unit can determine the degree of foaming more quickly and with high accuracy.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can quickly and accurately detect the degree of washing liquid foaming.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the drum type washing machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the housing | casing used for the waste_water | drain control unit of the drum type washing machine shown by FIG. It is a top view of the waste_water | drain control unit of the drum type washing machine shown by FIG. It is a front view of the waste_water | drain control unit of the drum type washing machine shown by FIG. It is a side view of the drainage control unit of the drum type washing machine shown in FIG. It is the side view which looked at the waste_water | drain control unit shown by FIG. 5 from the opposite side. It is a figure which shows the attachment structure of the optical sensor used for the waste_water | drain control unit shown by FIG. 3 thru | or FIG. It is a figure which shows the optical sensor shown by FIG. It is a figure explaining the structure of the bracket of the optical sensor shown by FIG. It is a figure which shows the electrode sensor used for the waste_water | drain control unit shown by FIG. 3 thru | or FIG. It is a figure which shows the attachment structure of the electrode sensor shown by FIG. It is a figure explaining the flow of the washing liquid around the electrode sensor shown by FIG. It is a figure explaining the flow of the washing | cleaning liquid in the flow path from the optical sensor shown in FIG. 7 to the electrode sensor shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the flow of the washing liquid which goes to the circulation pump from the electrode sensor of the waste_water | drain control unit shown by FIG. 3 thru | or FIG. It is a figure explaining the flow of the washing | cleaning liquid around an electrode sensor at the time of the action | operation of the circulation pump of the waste_water | drain control unit shown by FIG. 3 thru | or FIG. It is the schematic of the circulation pump of the waste_water | drain control unit shown by FIG. 3 thru | or FIG. It is a figure explaining the structure around the inflow port of the water tank of the drum type washing machine shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the function structure of the control circuit part of the drum type washing machine shown by FIG. It is a graph which shows the signal transmitted from the optical sensor while the circulation pump is intermittently operating. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure with respect to the upper limit threshold value and lower limit threshold value of the optical sensor with which a memory | storage part is provided.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that terms used in the following description, such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right” and the like, are merely for the purpose of clarifying the explanation and do not limit the present invention. Not what you want. In addition, the terms “upstream” and / or “downstream” used in the following description refer to the flow of the washing liquid from the discharge port of the washing tub described later to the drainage control unit unless otherwise specified. Means “upstream” and / or “downstream”.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drum type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The principle of the present invention can be applied not only to the drum type washing machine shown in FIG. 1 but also to other washing machines (for example, a pulsator type washing machine or a stirring type washing machine).

  The drum type washing machine 1 includes a housing 2. A washing tub 3 is disposed inside the housing 2. The washing tub 3 has a cylindrical water tank 31 with one end and a bottom end that is supported in a swingable manner inside the housing 2, a rotating drum 32 with a cylindrical structure with one end and a bottom that is rotatably supported in the water tank 31, and And a motor 33 for rotating the drum 32. The motor 33 is attached to the bottom outer surface of the water tank 31. The water tank 31 includes a discharge port 311 for discharging the washing liquid and an inflow port 312 into which the washing liquid flows, and has a structure in which the washing liquid can be circulated and used.

  Further, the housing 2 further includes a water supply system 4 for supplying water into the water tank 31, a drainage system 5 for draining or circulating the washing liquid in the water tank 31, and drying for sending warm air for drying the laundry to the laundry tank 3. The system 6 is accommodated. The drying system 6 is not necessarily required.

  The drying system 6 includes a circulation pipe 61 having one end connected to the exhaust port 313 of the water tank 31 and a vent hole for sending drying air from the bottom of the water tank 31. And a blower 62 that causes air to flow in the circulation pipe 61. The drying system 6 includes a filter that collects dust and removes dust as needed, a dehumidifying unit that dehumidifies the introduced air after dust removal, a heating unit that heats the air after dust removal and creates dry high-temperature air; Can be included.

  The drum type washing machine 1 includes an operation panel 8 disposed on the upper front surface of the housing 2. The operation panel 8 allows the user to select a mode such as an operation course of the drum type washing machine 1 and various functions. The operation panel 8 includes a control circuit unit 81. The control circuit unit 81 displays information input by the user on a display unit included in the operation panel 8. Further, when the operation start of the drum type washing machine 1 is set through the operation panel 8, it is used as, for example, a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level in the water tub 3 and a turbidity sensor for detecting the turbidity of the washing liquid. A detection signal is received from the optical sensor 72 or an electrode sensor 73 used as a conductivity sensor for detecting the conductivity of the washing liquid, and based on these detection signals, an electromagnetic valve included in the water supply system 4 and a wastewater included in the drainage system 5 Control for the valve 75 and the like is executed. The motor 33, the water supply system 4, the drainage system 5, and the drying system 6 are automatically controlled by the control circuit unit 81 according to the mode setting and control program, and at least the washing process, the rinsing process, the dehydrating process, and the drying process can be executed. it can.

  The water supply system 4 includes a water supply pipe 41 connected to the water tank 31 and a detergent storage portion 42 that stores the detergent. The water supply system 4 can supply water to the water tank 31 in a timely manner through the water supply pipe 41 by the opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve (see solid line arrows in FIG. 1). Further, the drum type washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 uses the water supply of the water supply system 4 to put the detergent in the detergent container 42 disposed partially across the water supply pipe 41 into the water tank 31. It can be introduced in a timely manner.

  The drainage system 5 is connected to the first pipe 51 having one end connected to the discharge port 311 of the water tank 31 and the drainage control for receiving the washing liquid from the water tank 31 while being connected to the other end of the first pipe 51. A unit 7 and a second pipe 52 extending between the circulation pump 71 and the water tank 31 provided in the drainage control unit 7 are included. In the drum type washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, the circulation pump 71 is fixed to the base plate 712. One end of the second pipe 52 is connected to the discharge port of the circulation pump 71, and the other end of the second pipe 52 is connected to the inlet 312 of the water tank 31. The water tank 31, the first pipe 51, the drainage control unit 7, and the second pipe 52 form a circulation path for the washing liquid. The circulation pump 71 causes the washing liquid to flow and circulate from the discharge port 311 toward the inflow port 312 in the circulation path.

  The drainage control unit 7 includes, in addition to the circulation pump 71, an optical sensor 72 used as a turbidity sensor for detecting the turbidity of the washing liquid, an electrode sensor 73 used as a conductive sensor for detecting the conductivity of the washing liquid, and the washing liquid. Drainage pipe 74 for draining water to the outside, a drain valve 75 that is disposed in the middle of the drain pipe line 74 and that opens and closes the drain pipe line 74, and a lint contained in the washing liquid flowing in from the first pipe line 72 The filter part 76 which collects (lint etc.) is included.

  The drain valve 75 is opened as necessary, for example, at the end of the washing process or at the end of the rinsing process. As a result, the wash water that has flowed into the drainage control unit 7 from the first pipeline 51 is subjected to lint removal processing through the filter unit 76 and then discharged to the outside.

  By closing the drain valve 75 and operating the circulation pump 71, the washing liquid existing in the water tank 31 flows into the drain control unit 7 through the first pipe 51. Thereafter, the washing liquid passes through the filter unit 76 disposed in the drainage control unit 7, and the dirt component is removed. After passing through the filter unit 76, the washing liquid flows into the circulation pump 71 through the suction line 711 connected to the suction port of the circulation pump 71 and is connected to the discharge port of the circulation pump 71. It is returned to the water tank 31 through 52. While performing the washing process and the rinsing process, it is possible to improve the functions of the washing process and the rinsing process by repeating the circulation of the washing liquid as necessary.

  The rotation speed of the circulation pump 71 can be made variable. When the number of revolutions of the circulation pump 71 is set high (for example, 3500 rpm), the washing liquid that has flowed into the inlet 312 of the water tank 31 moves along a locus toward the inside of the rotating drum 32 (in FIG. 1, an arrow Fi). reference). On the other hand, when the number of rotations of the circulation pump 71 is set low (for example, 1000 rpm), the washing liquid that has flowed into the inlet 312 of the water tank 31 enters the space formed between the rotating drum 32 and the water tank 31. Head (see arrow Fo in FIG. 1).

  For example, the circulation pump 71 is rotated at a low speed at the start of at least one of a washing process and a rinsing process. As a result, it is possible to prevent the unconcentrated detergent at the end of the washing or the high-concentration softening agent immediately after the softening agent from being poured into the laundry in the rotary drum 32.

  The washing liquid that has flowed into the space between the rotary drum 32 and the water tank 31 is discharged from the discharge port 311 to the circulation system 5 and returns to the inlet 312 of the water tank 31 again (circulation process in the water tank). By repeating the circulation process in the water tank, the detergent is completely dissolved, and the concentration of the softening agent is made uniform. As a result, it becomes possible to avoid problems such as stains on the laundry caused by undissolved detergent and high-concentration softening agent.

  It is preferable that the water tank circulation step is set, for example, about 10 seconds after the water supply step of the washing step and / or the rinsing step. Alternatively, for example, when a liquid level of about 40 mm is detected from the lower end of the water tank 3, the water tank circulation step is preferably started. As a result, it is possible to avoid the operation of the circulation pump 71 in a state where the washing liquid is not sufficiently filled in the circulation pump 71. As a result, abnormal noise such as foaming noise of the circulation pump 71, abnormal temperature of the circulation pump 71 due to an insufficient amount of washing liquid, and operation of the circulation pump 71 under the abnormal temperature can be avoided.

  The drum type washing machine 1 may further include a pump for supplying bath water to the water tank 31. In this case, it is preferable that the water tank circulation step is performed after the bath water is supplied to the water tank by the bath water supply pump. As a result, the bath water supply pump and the circulation pump 71 do not operate at the same time, and it is possible to prevent the generation of loud noise that makes the user uncomfortable.

  The drum type washing machine 1 can set a reserved operation by operating the operation panel 8. When the drum type washing machine 1 is reserved for operation, the water tank circulation step is preferably performed, for example, for a period twice as long as normal. As a result, it is possible to reliably dissolve the detergent that has solidified during the reservation standby (the period from when the reservation is set to when the drum type washing machine 1 actually starts operating). As a result, sufficient cleaning power can be obtained during the reserved operation, and the problem of remaining detergent can be avoided.

  The drum type washing machine 1 can include a temperature sensor as necessary. Depending on the temperature of the wash water measured using the temperature sensor, the length of the water tank circulation step may be changed. For example, when the temperature sensor detects the temperature of 5 ° C. washing water, for example, a water tank circulation step twice as long as when the temperature of 20 ° C. washing water is detected can be executed. This makes it possible to sufficiently dissolve the detergent even at a low water temperature.

  FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the housing of the drainage control unit 7 shown in FIG. FIG. 2A shows one cross section of the casing, and FIG. 2B shows a cross section on the opposite side of the casing.

  The drainage control unit 7 includes a housing 70. 1, the circulation pump 71, the optical sensor 72, the electrode sensor 73, the drain pipe 74, the drain valve 75, the filter unit 76, and the like shown in FIG. The housing 70 includes one end connected to the first pipe 51 and a horizontal pipe 701 extending in the horizontal direction, and connected to the other end of the straight pipe 701 and connected to the straight pipe 701. And a filter portion 76 that is accommodated in the storage tube portion 702 and removes lint. The straight pipe part 701 and the accommodating pipe part 702 are integrally molded to constitute one pipe line.

  The straight pipe portion 701 is formed in a substantially circular tubular shape, but a flat inner surface 772 is formed from the middle portion of the straight pipe portion 701 toward the accommodation pipe portion 702 located downstream. The flat inner surface 772 extends along a horizontal plane that passes through the central axis of the straight pipe portion 701, and forms a flat band-like region that extends toward the accommodation pipe portion 702. The flat inner surface 772 is used for light emission and light reception of the optical sensor 72 and prevents unnecessary refraction of infrared rays used by the optical sensor 72.

  The straight pipe portion 701 further includes a pair of through holes 773. The through-hole 773 is provided to project the electrode portion of the electrode sensor 73 into the straight pipe 701 and to contact the washing liquid contained in the straight pipe 701.

  A first opening 774 connected to the drain pipe 74 and a second opening 771 connected to the suction port of the circulation pump 71 are formed below the internal space of the storage pipe 702. The first opening 774 and the second opening 771 are provided on the surface of the straight pipe portion 701 facing the through hole 773. The first opening 774 serves as a connection part with the drain pipe 74, and the second opening 771 serves as a connection part with the circulation pump 71.

  The filter portion 76 includes a filter 776 formed in a mesh shape and a lid portion 704 that is connected to the filter 776 and is connected to the distal end opening of the housing tube portion 702 in a sealable manner. The filter 776 is responsible for removing lint. From the outer surface of the lid portion 704, a knob portion 705 extending outward along the axis of the housing tube portion 702 is formed. The filter unit 76 is detachable from the housing tube unit 702. Therefore, the user can easily remove the filter unit 76 from the accommodating tube unit 702 using the knob unit 705.

  3 is a plan view of the drainage control unit 7, FIG. 4 is a front view of the drainage control unit 7, and FIG. 5 is a side view of the drainage control unit 7 viewed from the circulation pump 71 side. 6 is a side view of the drainage control unit 7 as viewed from the electrode sensor 73 side.

  3, 5, and 6 partially show the first conduit 51. The washing liquid flows into the drainage control unit 7 from the water tank 31 through the first pipeline 51. The washing liquid flowing into the drainage control unit 7 is detected for turbidity by the optical sensor 72.

  FIG. 7 shows an optical sensor 72 attached to the straight pipe portion 701 of the casing 70 of the drainage control unit 7. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view (FIG. 8A), a front view (FIG. 8B), a right side view (FIG. 8C), and a left side view (FIG. 8D) of the optical sensor 72. FIG. 8 is a plan view (FIG. 8E). FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view (FIG. 9A), a front view (FIG. 9B), a right side view (FIG. 9C), and a left side view (FIG. 9) of a support provided in the optical sensor 72. FIG. 9D is a plan view (FIG. 9E) and a bottom view (FIG. 9F).

  The optical sensor 72 includes a light emitting element 721 that emits infrared light, and a light receiving element 722 that receives infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 721. The light emitting element 721 and the light receiving element 722 are located outside the straight pipe portion 701 and face each other. Therefore, since the optical axis of the infrared ray is formed between the light emitting element 721 and the light receiving element 722, the straight tube portion 701 includes a material that transmits the infrared ray at least partially. The infrared ray from the light emitting element 721 passes through the washing liquid filled in the space surrounded by the tube wall portion of the straight tube portion 701. When the washing liquid is highly turbid, the amount of infrared light reaching the light receiving element 722 is small, and when the washing liquid is small, the amount of infrared light reaching the light receiving element 722 is large. Therefore, the optical sensor 72 can function as a turbidity sensor that detects the turbidity of the washing liquid.

  The optical sensor 72 further includes a support 723 for holding the light emitting element 721 and the light receiving element 722. The support 723 connects the first support part 724 that supports the light emitting element 721, the second support part 725 that supports the light receiving element 722, the first support part 724, and the second support part 725, and the light emitting element. And a bridging portion 726 that holds the light receiving element 722 and the light receiving element 722 at positions facing each other. The bridging portion is disposed above the straight pipe portion 701 so as to cross in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the straight pipe portion 701. The support body 723 has a substantially U-shaped solid shape when viewed from the front as a whole.

  In addition to the light emitting element 721, a circuit board 727 for emitting infrared rays from the light emitting element 721 is disposed in the first support portion 724. In addition to the light receiving element 722, a circuit board 728 for generating a voltage signal according to the amount of infrared light received by the light receiving element 722 is disposed in the second support portion 725. Further, the optical sensor 72 includes an electric wire 729 for supplying power to the circuit boards 727 and 728. The circuit boards 727 and 728 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 have a thin plate shape, and the longitudinal axes of the circuit boards 727 and 728 extend in the vertical direction.

  The first support portion 724 includes an inner surface 241 that faces the second support portion 725. The inner side surface 241 includes the lens part 211 of the light emitting element 721, and the infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 721 goes to the second support part 725 through the lens part 211. The lens part 211 is slightly raised with respect to the other part of the inner surface 241. A first rib 242 is formed along an edge of the inner surface 241 that extends in the vertical direction. The first rib 242 protrudes inward (in the axial direction of the straight pipe portion 701) from the inner side surface 241.

  The second support part 725 includes an inner surface 251 that faces the first support part 724. The inner side surface 251 includes the lens portion 221 of the light receiving element 722, and the infrared ray emitted from the light emitting element 721 reaches the light receiving element 722 through the lens portion 221. The lens portion 221 is slightly raised with respect to other portions of the inner surface 251. A second second rib 252 is formed along an edge of the inner surface 251 that extends in the vertical direction. The second rib 252 protrudes inward (in the axial direction of the straight pipe portion 701) from the inner side surface 251.

  The outer surface of the tube wall portion of the straight tube portion 701 that forms the flat inner surface 772 is also formed flat. Therefore, the infrared rays emitted from the light emitting element 721 are not unnecessarily refracted by both wall surfaces of the straight tube portion 701. The support body 723 is externally fitted toward the straight pipe portion 701 from above. Accordingly, the light emitting element 721 emits infrared rays from the outside of the straight tube portion 701, and the light receiving element 722 receives infrared rays from the outside of the straight tube portion 701. When the support body 723 is fitted to the straight pipe portion 701, the first rib 242 of the first support portion 724 and the second rib 252 of the second support portion 725 contact the flat outer surface of the straight pipe portion 701. Touch. The ribs 242 and 252 separate the inner side surfaces 241 and 251 of the first support part 724 and the second support part 725 from the flat outer surface of the straight pipe part 701. As a result, damage to the lens portions 211 and 221 and the straight pipe portion 701 due to the fitting between the support 723 and the straight pipe portion 701 can be prevented. For this reason, the pressure (fitting force) between the ribs 242 and 252 and the outer surface of the straight pipe portion 701 can be set high, and the support 723 can be firmly attached to the straight pipe portion 701.

  An annular housing wall 261 extending in the vertical direction is formed at the center of the bridging portion 726 of the support 723. The annular housing wall 261 forms a cylindrical housing space 263 together with the receiving plate 262 that forms the upper surface of the bridging portion 726. The receiving plate 262 includes a through hole 264. The through hole 264 communicates with the accommodation space 263. The straight pipe portion 701 includes a columnar protrusion 265 extending upward. When the support 723 and the straight pipe portion 701 are fitted, the protruding portion 265 is inserted into the accommodation space 263, and the upper surface of the protruding portion 265 contacts the lower surface of the receiving plate 262. The protruding portion 265 includes a screw hole extending downward. The screw is screwed into the screw hole of the projecting portion 265 through the through hole 264 of the receiving plate 262, and the support body 723 is surely fixed to the straight pipe portion 701. The receiving plate 262 can receive falling objects such as dust and water droplets that cross over the light emitting element 721 and the light receiving element 722 and head toward the straight pipe portion 701 to which the support 723 is attached.

  Please refer to FIGS. 2 to 6 again. A drain valve 75 is disposed slightly downstream of the optical sensor 72. The drain valve 75 is connected to the housing 70 of the drain control unit 7 via the drain pipe 74. When the drain valve 75 is opened, the washing liquid contained in the straight pipe portion 701 and the housing pipe portion 702 is drained to the outside through the drain pipe line 74. The connection position between the drain pipe 74 and the housing 70 can be in the vicinity of the base end of the storage pipe 702. As a result, when the drain valve 75 is opened, the washing liquid flows in the direction opposite to that when the circulation pump 71 is operating around the storage pipe 702 and the connection between the storage pipe 702 and the straight pipe 701. Will occur.

  The electrode sensor 73 is disposed slightly downstream from the connection position between the drain pipe 74 and the housing pipe 702. The electrode sensor 73 is disposed on the downstream side of the optical sensor 72. The optical sensor 72 functions as a turbidity sensor that detects the turbidity of the washing liquid, and the electrode sensor 73 functions as a conductive sensor that detects the conductivity of the washing liquid.

  The electrode sensor 73 includes a pair of terminal plates 731 and 732. The terminal plate 732 is disposed on the downstream side of the terminal plate 731. An electric wire 733 is connected to each of the terminal plates 731 and 732, and a high-frequency AC voltage is supplied to the terminal plates 731 and 732. The applied voltage frequency and amplitude are not particularly limited as long as the conductivity of the washing liquid can be measured.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the terminal board 731. FIG. 10A is a side view of the terminal plate 731, and FIG. 10B is a front view of the terminal plate 731. 3 and 6 will be referred to in conjunction with FIG. The terminal plate 732 disposed on the downstream side described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6 can have the same shape and size as the terminal plate 731.

  The terminal plate 731 can be formed from one metal plate. The terminal plate 731 has a bent structure, and edges 735 and 736 of the terminal plate 731 are bent in the same direction with a bending line 734 extending in the vertical direction as a boundary. Therefore, the terminal plate 731 has a structure having high rigidity with respect to a bending moment around an axis crossing the bending line 734. A connection part 737 with the electric wire 733 is formed on the upper part of the terminal plate 731.

  A disk-shaped thick portion 738 and a columnar electrode portion 739 are formed on the surface opposite to the bending direction of the edge portions 735 and 736 of the terminal plate 731. The terminal plate 731 is connected to the proximal end portion of the electrode portion 739 through the thick portion 738. An O-ring 371 is fitted to the base end portion of the electrode portion 739. The electrode part 739 is inserted into a through hole 773 (see FIG. 2) formed in the straight pipe part 701 of the casing 70 of the drainage control unit 7.

  The terminal board 731 includes a pair of through holes 311. One through hole 311 is positioned above the electrode portion 739, and the other through hole 311 is positioned below the electrode portion 739. The pair of through holes 311 and the electrode portion 739 are aligned in the vertical direction. The folding line 734 is parallel to a line connecting the center points of the pair of through holes 311. A fixing tool such as a bolt is inserted into the through hole 311, and the through hole 311 functions as a fixing part for attaching the terminal plate 731 to the outer surface of the straight pipe part 701.

  When the terminal plate 731 is brought into pressure contact with the outer surface of the straight tube portion 701 using a fixture, the O-ring 371 attached to the proximal end portion of the electrode portion 739 is compressed. The restoring force of the O-ring 371 and the fixture inserted through the through hole 311 cause a bending moment in the terminal plate 731. The bend line extends along the alignment direction of the pair of through holes 311, and the left and right edges of the terminal plate are bent along the bend line, whereby the terminal plate 731 has high rigidity against the bending moment. . Accordingly, the terminal plate 731 can be attached to the outer surface of the straight pipe portion 701 with a strong force. As a result, the O-ring 371 disposed at the base end portion of the electrode portion 739 is compressed with a strong force and can exhibit high sealing performance. Accordingly, the washing liquid is prevented from leaking through the through hole 773 formed in the straight pipe portion 701. In the present embodiment, the fold line 734 is orthogonal to the axis Ma, but the intersecting angle between the fold line 734 and the axis Ma is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the through hole 311 is shown as the fixing portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the terminal plate 731 is pressed against the outer wall of the straight pipe portion 701 using a clamp, for example. It is possible to apply other fixing methods that can press the terminal plate 731 against the outer wall of the straight pipe portion 701 with sufficient force to cause the O-ring to exert a sealing function. In addition, when using a clamp, the part of the terminal board 731 clamped by a clamp functions as a fixing | fixed part.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the straight pipe portion 701 to which the terminal plates 731 and 732 are attached. 11A is a cross-sectional view around the terminal plate 731 and the electrode portion 739 located on the upstream side, and FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view around the terminal 732 and the electrode portion 739 located on the downstream side. .

  The electrode portion 739 protrudes into the straight tube portion 701 across the flat inner surface 772 of the straight tube portion 701 and comes into contact with the washing liquid contained in the straight tube portion 701. A high-frequency AC voltage is applied to the terminal plates 731 and 732 through the electric wire 733, and the conductivity (impedance) of the washing liquid existing between the pair of electrode portions 739 is measured.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of the washing liquid around the electrode portion 739. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 739a is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the upstream side, and reference numeral 739b is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the downstream side.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the pair of electrode portions 739 a and 739 b are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the straight tube portion 701. A plane P defined by the axes of the pair of electrode portions 739a and 739b is parallel to the axis of the straight tube portion 701. The electrode portion 739a located on the upstream side diverts the washing liquid flowing along the axis of the straight pipe portion 701 in the vertical direction, so that the flow rate of the washing liquid crossing the plane P is reduced. Accordingly, in the range of the interval between the electrode portions 739a and 739b appropriate for measuring the conductivity of the washing liquid (for example, 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less), the fluidity of the washing liquid is reduced, and the washing suitable for the measurement of the conductivity is performed. Liquid flow is obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the plane P including the axes of the pair of electrode portions 739a and 739b forms a horizontal plane. The pair of electrode portions 739a and 739b are both arranged in the upper part of the internal space of the straight pipe part 701 (a space in which air accumulation may occur due to the design of the drainage control unit 7 (for example, the upper part of the internal space of the straight pipe part 701). 1/5 region)) and the lower part of the internal space of the straight pipe part 701 (in the design of the drainage control unit 7, there is a possibility that dirt components are deposited (for example, the lower side 1 of the internal space of the straight pipe part 701) / 5 area)). As a result, it is possible to suppress the entire surface of the protruding portions of the electrode portions 739a and 739b from coming into contact with the washing liquid in the straight tube portion 701 and the air in the straight tube portion 701 from affecting the measurement of conductivity. . Further, since the electrode portions 739a and 739b protrude in the upper 4/5 region of the internal space of the straight pipe portion 701, dirt components accumulated in the straight pipe portion 701 affect the measurement of conductivity. Can be suppressed.

  FIG. 13 schematically shows the flow of the washing liquid around the optical sensor 72 and the electrode sensor 73. In FIG. 13, the optical axis 250 of the infrared ray between the light emitting element 721 and the light receiving element 722 of the optical sensor 72 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 is shown. Similarly to FIG. 12, reference numeral 739a is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the upstream side, and reference numeral 739b is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the downstream side.

  In order to prevent unnecessary refraction of infrared rays forming the optical axis 250, the upstream end 277 of the flat inner surface 772 formed on the inner wall surface of the straight tube portion 701 rises from the other inner wall surface. Therefore, the upstream end 277 disturbs the flow of the washing liquid. For this reason, in order to arrange the flow of the washing liquid before reaching the optical axis 250, it is preferable that the washing liquid is formed at a position sufficiently separated from the optical axis 250 on the upstream side. At this time, the washing liquid crossing the optical axis 250 has the turbidity of the washing liquid determined based on the amount of infrared light reaching the light receiving element 722 of the optical sensor 72 described with reference to FIGS. The flow is suitable for measurement. The infrared light from the optical sensor 72 does not affect the flow of the washing liquid. Therefore, the flow of the washing liquid reaches the electrode portions 739a and 739b in a rectified state.

  As described with reference to FIG. 12, a part of the flow parallel to the axial direction of the straight pipe portion 701 is divided up and down by the upstream electrode portion 739a. As a result, the flow of the washing liquid is disturbed. The disturbance in the flow of the washing liquid caused by the electrode portion 739a occurs on the downstream side of the optical sensor 72 described in relation to FIGS. 7 to 9, and thus has no influence on the turbidity measurement by the optical sensor 72. Never give.

  As described with reference to FIG. 12, the plane P defined by the axes of the electrode portions 739 a and 739 b is parallel to the axis of the straight tube portion 701. Therefore, for example, in the case where the washing liquid is made to flow backward (in the direction from the straight pipe portion 701 toward the discharge port 311 of the water tank 31 (see FIG. 1)) in the straight pipe portion 701, the electrode portion 739b causes the washing liquid to flow. The electrode portion 739a overlaps the electrode portion 739b in the flow direction of the washing liquid, but does not excessively disturb the flow of the washing liquid. Therefore, even when the washing liquid is made to flow backward, the turbidity of the washing liquid passing through the optical axis 250 can be detected with relatively high accuracy.

  At the upper edge 391 that defines the upper boundary of the flat inner surface 772 and the lower edge 392 that defines the lower boundary of the flat inner surface 772, the straight pipe portion 701 has a cross-sectional contour shape bent in a concave shape (see FIG. 7). . In the portion having the bent cross-sectional contour shape, the flow of the washing liquid tends to stay as compared with other portions. As shown in FIG. 13, the electrode portions 739a and 739b are arranged so that a part of the cross section of the electrode portions 739a and 739b enters the flat inner surface 772. In the vicinity of the upper edge 391 sandwiched between the electrode portions 739a and 739b, the washing liquid is particularly liable to stay, so that a low fluidity flow suitable for measuring the conductivity of the washing liquid can be obtained. Further, by making the plane P defined between the electrode portions 739a and 739b parallel to the upper edge 391, the measurement accuracy of the conductivity can be further improved.

  Please refer to FIGS. 1 to 5 again. A circulation pump 71 is disposed downstream of the electrode sensor 73. Between the circulation pump 71 and the casing 70 of the drainage control unit 7, there are one end connected to the suction port of the circulation pump 71 and a second opening 771 formed in the casing 70 of the drainage control unit 7. A suction line 711 including the other end to be connected is provided. A second pipe 52 extends from the discharge port of the circulation pump 71. The second pipeline 52 is connected to an inlet 312 formed in the water tank 31.

  FIG. 14 is a plan view schematically showing the flow of the washing liquid from the electrode sensor 73 to the circulation pump 71. 1 and 2 will be referred to in conjunction with FIG. In FIG. 14, a suction line 711 is shown. As shown in FIG. 14, the electrode sensor 73 is positioned upstream of the connection portion 771 (shown as the second opening portion 771 in FIG. 2) between the suction conduit 711 and the drainage control unit 7. Yes. Similarly to FIG. 12, reference numeral 739a is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the upstream side, and reference numeral 739b is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the downstream side.

  The straight pipe part 701 and the accommodation pipe part 702 constituting the casing 70 of the drainage control unit 7 form a straight channel in plan view (in FIG. 14, the straight pipe part 701 and the accommodation pipe part 702 The boundaries are shown using dotted lines). The suction pipe 711 is connected to a straight channel formed by the straight pipe portion 701 and the accommodating pipe portion 702. The suction pipe line 711 extends in a direction different from the extending direction of the straight flow path formed by the straight pipe part 701 and the accommodating pipe part 702 (in the structure of the drainage control unit 7 shown in FIG. 14, the right-angle direction). Put out. The washing liquid flowing along the straight flow path receives the suction force from the circulation pump 71, changes the flow direction, and flows toward the suction pipe 711. The electrode sensor 73 protrudes from the inner surface of the straight pipe portion on the side facing the connection portion 771. The “inner surface on the side facing the connecting portion 771” means the connecting portion when the straight pipe portion 701 and the accommodating tube portion 702 are partitioned along the longitudinal axis of the straight tube portion 701 and the accommodating tube portion 702. 771, the inner surface that is located farther from 771, and is located upstream and / or downstream by a length that is, for example, three to four times the inner diameter of the suction line 711, with the axis of the suction line 711 as a base point It refers to the inner surface area of the accommodation tube portion 702 and / or the straight tube portion. More preferably, the inner surface region of the receiving tube portion 702 and / or the straight tube portion positioned upstream and / or downstream by a length 3.5 times the inner diameter of the suction conduit 711 with the axis of the suction conduit 711 as a base point More preferably, the housing tube 702 and / or the straight tube portion located upstream and / or downstream by a length three times the inner diameter of the suction conduit 711 with the axis of the suction conduit 711 as a base point. Refers to the inner surface area. The electrode portions 739a and 739b of the electrode sensor 73 protrude from such an inner surface region.

  FIG. 14 shows an arbitrary point P1 on the cross section C that crosses the pipe line in the vicinity of the electrode sensor 73. The point P1 is an arbitrary point at a position separated from the connection portion 711 (that is, in the vicinity of the surface facing the connection portion 711). At the point P1, the washing fluid flow force V1 in the direction from the base end portion of the electrode portions 739a and 739b toward the tip end portion is applied. Therefore, by disposing the electrode sensor 73 at a position facing the connecting portion 771, removal of lint caught on the electrode sensor 73 is promoted.

  As described above, the electrode portions 739a and 739b form protrusions in the straight tube portion 701. For this reason, the lint contained in the washing | cleaning liquid which flows in into the waste_water | drain control unit 7 is easy to be caught in electrode part 739a, 739b. However, in the electrode parts 739a and 739b of the electrode sensor 73, the lint caught on the electrode parts 739a and 739b by the fluid force V1 is relatively easily removed from the electrode parts 739a and 739b. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing tube portion 702 houses the filter portion 76, so that a part of the filter portion 76 (see FIG. 1) exists between the electrode sensor 73 and the connection portion 771. become. In FIG. 14, the filter unit 76 is schematically shown in a shaded area. For this reason, the washing liquid passes through the electrode sensor 73 existing at the upstream position of the filter section 76 and is then disposed in the accommodation pipe line 702 before reaching the suction pipe line 711 existing at the downstream position of the filter section 76. Passes through the filter unit 76. Accordingly, lint is removed from the electrode portions 739a and 739b and then captured by the filter portion 76. Further, since the filter unit 76 functions as a resistance against the flow of the washing liquid, the filter unit 76 exhibits a function of rapidly suppressing the flow of the washing liquid around the electrode unit immediately after the circulation pump 71 is stopped.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining lint removal using the circulation pump 71 and the drain valve 75. FIG. 15A is a plan view schematically showing the flow of the washing liquid from the electrode sensor 73 to the circulation pump 71, and FIG. 15B is the flow of the washing liquid from the electrode sensor 73 to the drain valve 75. It is a top view which shows typically. Please refer to FIG. 1 in conjunction with FIG. In FIG. 15, a suction pipe 711 that forms a flow path to the circulation pump 71 and a drain pipe 74 that forms a flow path to the drain valve 75 are shown. Similarly to FIG. 12, reference numeral 739a is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the upstream side, and reference numeral 739b is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the downstream side. FIG. 15A is the same as the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 14 and is shown for comparison with the flow form of the washing liquid shown in FIG. 15B.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, the electrode sensor 73 is downstream with respect to the connecting portion 774 (first opening 774) of the drain pipe 74 and is connected to the connecting portion 771 (second) of the suction pipe 711. Preferably, it is disposed upstream of the opening 771). By disposing the electrode sensor 73 at such a position, in the pipeline portion where the electrode portions 739a and 739b protrude, when the drain valve 75 is opened, as shown in FIG. The flow of the washing liquid in the direction opposite to that during operation occurs. For this reason, lint caught on the electrode portions 739a and 739b is easily removed from the electrode portions 739a and 739b.

  FIG. 16 shows the circulation pump 71. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the circulation pump 71, FIG. 16B is a plan view of the circulation pump 71, and FIG. 16C is a view of the circulation pump 71 from the suction port side. FIG.

  The circulation pump 71 includes a pump casing 713 that forms the outer wall of the circulation pump 71. A bearing partition 714 is disposed inside the pump casing 713. The bearing partition 714 partitions the internal space of the pump casing 713 into two spaces. An impeller 717 is disposed in a space communicating with the suction port 715. A motor 718 is disposed in a space adjacent to the space where the impeller 717 is disposed. For example, a DC brushless motor can be used as the motor 718. The shaft 719 of the motor 718 extends across the bearing partition 714 and into a space where the impeller 714 is disposed. The impeller 717 is integrated with the bearing partition 714 and supported by the motor shaft 718. By driving the motor 718, the impeller 717 rotates together with the bearing partition wall 714.

  The pump casing 713 is formed with a suction port 715 connected to the suction line 711 and a discharge port 716 connected to the second line 52. The suction port 715 and the discharge port 716 communicate with a space in which the impeller 717 is disposed.

  A mounting seat 131 projects in the radial direction from the outer surface of the pump casing 713. The mounting seat 131 of the circulation pump 71 shown in FIG. 16 includes three C-shaped mounting pieces 132 that protrude greatly outward. The attachment piece 132 is fixed to the boss portion of the base plate 712 (see FIG. 1) using a bolt.

  FIG. 17 shows the structure of the connecting portion between the water tank 31 and the second pipeline 52. 17 (a) is a plan view of a duct constituting the connecting portion, FIG. 17 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the duct shown in FIG. 17 (a), and FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the duct shown by 17 (a).

  The inflow port 312 of the water tank 31 is formed by an annular rib 121 protruding upward from the outer wall of the water tank 31. An O-ring 122 is disposed along the inner peripheral surface of the annular rib 121. The O-ring 121 is pressed by the duct 520.

  The duct 520 includes a main body 521 bent in an L shape. The main body 521 includes a duct pipe 522 connected to the second duct 52 and a lower half duct 523 extending from the duct pipe 522 toward the inflow port 312. The tip of the lower half pipe 523 includes an annular protrusion 525 that forms an outer peripheral contour that is complementary to the opening of the inlet 312. A throttle wall 123 is disposed inside the annular protrusion 525. The throttle wall 123 is curved downward in an arc shape from a substantially central position of the inner space of the annular projecting portion 525 and has a cross section toward the rotation center of the rotary drum 32. Both ends of the throttle wall 123 are connected to the inner wall surface of the annular protrusion 525. An O-ring 122 is disposed between the annular protrusion 525 and the annular rib 121. The O-ring 122 is compressed between the annular protrusion 525 and the annular rib 121 and functions as a seal member.

  The lower half pipe 523 of the duct 520 is adjacent to the annular rib 121 and is fixed to a thick portion 124 formed on the wall portion of the water tank 31 (in FIG. 17, a screw is shown as the fixture 125). Is fixed).

  Duct 520 further includes a cover 524. The cover 524 is bent from the flow path formed by the duct pipe 522 together with the lower half pipe line 523 to form a flow path toward the inflow port 312. By the operation of the circulation pump 71, the washing liquid flows into the inflow port 312 through the duct 520 from the second pipeline 52. The circulation pump 71 can rotate at a rotation speed of 3500 rpm, for example.

  A rotating drum 32 is disposed inside the water tank 31. A receiving wall 126 is disposed between the upper surface of the rotating drum 32 and the inlet 312. The receiving wall 126 is supported by a connection wall 127 connected to the outer wall of the water tank 31. The receiving wall 126 forms a narrow flow path together with the throttle wall 123. This narrow flow path functions as an injection port 129 for injecting the washing liquid into the washing tub 3.

  The washing liquid that has passed through the injection port 129 formed by the receiving wall 126 and the throttle wall 123 then forms a part of the outer surface of the water tank 31 and presses the O-ring 122 in cooperation with the throttle wall 126. It passes through a flow path 281 formed between the front end wall 128 and the front end wall 321 of the rotary drum 32, and is supplied to the inside of the rotary drum 32.

  The ejection port 129 is formed separately from the rotary drum 32. Therefore, the laundry in the rotating drum 32 does not come into contact with the ejection port 129, and the ejection port 129 has no adverse effect on the washing process, the rinsing process, or the drying process. Further, the injection port 129 does not damage or tear the laundry, and does not impair the appearance of the laundry. Furthermore, since the flow path 281 formed downstream of the injection port 129 is formed by the front end wall 128 of the water tank 31 and the front end wall 321 of the rotary drum 32, an additional structure for preventing water leakage is provided. do not need. In the structure shown in FIG. 17, only an O-ring 122 is used as a seal member.

  The front end wall 128 of the water tank 31 and the front end wall 321 of the rotating drum 32 form an annular outlet 282. The washing liquid that has passed through the flow path 281 passes through the annular outlet 282 and is jetted toward the rotation center axis of the rotary drum 32. The washing liquid injected through the outlet portion 282 is efficiently injected into the inner rotation area of the rotary drum 32. For this reason, the washing liquid is efficiently supplied to the laundry regardless of the amount of the laundry accommodated in the rotary drum 32.

  The back surface of the front end wall 128 of the water tank 31 (surface that forms the flow path 281) includes an inclined surface 283 and a curved surface 284. Since the inclined surface 283 gradually decreases the cross-sectional area of the flow path 281 toward the downstream side, the flow rate of the washing liquid passing through the flow path 281 gradually increases. Therefore, the washing liquid passing through the flow path 281 moves toward the curved surface 284 while increasing the speed. The curved surface 284 changes the flow direction of the washing liquid in a direction toward the bottom of the rotary drum 32. For this reason, the washing liquid sprayed from the outlet portion 282 goes to the bottom of the rotary drum 32. As a result, the washing liquid is efficiently supplied to the laundry.

  The injection port 129 opens over a predetermined range in the circumferential direction of the washing tub 3. The connection plate 127 and the receiving wall 126 open the injection port 129 toward the rotation center axis direction. The connection plate 127 and the receiving wall 126 guide the washing liquid flowing into the inflow port 312 to the flow path 281 without being disturbed. The washing liquid spreads in the circumferential direction before reaching the injection port 129 and stably flows into the flow path 281. Thereafter, the washing liquid flows while spreading further in the circumferential direction until reaching the annular outlet 282. For this reason, the washing liquid is sprayed from the entire outlet portion 282 and is stably supplied to the laundry regardless of the amount of the laundry stored in the rotary drum 32.

  The cover 524 of the duct 520 can form a flow path toward the inflow port 312 using a simple mounting structure. The shape and size of the cover 524 covering the inflow port 312, the shape and size of the connection wall 127, and the shape and size of the receiving wall 126 can be used to ensure proper inflow of washing water into the rotating drum 32. . By appropriately determining the design parameters of the cover 524, the connection wall 127, and the receiving wall 126, the flow width, flow thickness, and flow rate of the washing liquid injected from the jet outlet 129 can be set to appropriate values. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently supply the washing liquid to the laundry regardless of the amount of the laundry stored in the rotary drum 32.

  The mounting structure of the cover 524 of the duct 520 and the structure of the connection wall 127 and the receiving wall 126 shown in FIG. 17 are very simple, minimizing the risk of water leakage and contributing to lower manufacturing costs. To do.

  As described above, the duct 520 forms a flow path toward the inflow port 312 with the lower half pipe 523 and the cover 524. As shown in FIG. 1, the flow path extends along the outer surface of the water tank 31. Therefore, the pipe cross section formed by the lower half pipe 523 and the cover 524 is rectangular, and a flat pipe is formed to form a pipe in a small gap between the water tank 31 and the housing 2. be able to. Further, by forming a flat pipe line, it is possible to form a flow of washing liquid having a flow width and thickness suitable for the shape and size of the injection port 129. As the washing liquid passes through the flat conduit, the washing liquid is rectified and travels toward the injection port 129.

  A plurality of protrusions 322 are formed on the front end wall 321 of the rotating drum 32. The protrusion 322 extends in a range of a predetermined length in the circumferential direction of the front end wall 321 of the rotary drum 32. The circumferential position and / or the radial position of the plurality of protrusions 322 may be different from each other. The protrusion 322 locally reduces the cross-sectional area of the flow path 281 downstream of the injection port 129. When the channel cross-sectional area is narrowed by the ridge 322 near the outlet 282 and when the channel cross-sectional area is narrowed by the ridge 322 at a location away from the outlet 282, the jet 282 is ejected from the outlet 282. The movement trajectory of the washing liquid is different. For this reason, the laundry liquid discharged | emitted from the exit part 282 will be sprinkled over the wide range in the rotating drum 32, and it will become possible to supply a laundry liquid with high efficiency to a laundry.

  The shape of the protrusion 322 is not limited to that shown in FIG. For example, the protrusion 322 may have a wave shape or a blade shape. It is possible to employ a protrusion 322 having any shape that can change the movement trajectory of the washing liquid discharged from the outlet portion 282. Moreover, the arrangement | positioning of the arbitrary protrusions 322 which can fluctuate the movement locus | trajectory of the washing liquid discharged | emitted from the exit part 282 may be employ | adopted.

  A gap 261 is formed between the receiving wall 126 and the rotating drum 32. When the circulation pump 71 is operated at a low speed (for example, 1000 rpm), the washing liquid flows into the gap 261 from the injection port 129. The washing liquid that has flowed into the gap 261 travels through the space between the rotating drum 32 and the water tank 31 and travels toward the discharge port 311 of the water tank 31.

  FIG. 18 shows an example of the functional configuration of the control circuit unit 81.

  The control circuit unit 81 includes a calculation unit 813, a determination unit 814, and a storage unit 816. For example, when the user operates the operation panel 8, the calculation unit 813 uses the timer stored in the control circuit unit 81 and the program stored in the storage unit 816 to specify the washing mode specified by the user. It is possible to calculate which of the processes is being performed by the washing machine 1 and cause the determination unit 814 to determine whether or not a predetermined operation is required in the process being executed. Note that the result calculated by the calculation unit 813 may be temporarily stored in the storage unit 816. For example, when the calculation unit 813 transmits information related to the elapsed time from the start of the rinsing process to the determination unit 814, the determination unit 814 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the rinsing process. If it has elapsed, a control signal for opening the drain valve 75 is transmitted toward the drain valve 75. Similarly, the solenoid valve of the water supply system 4 and the circulation pump 71 of the drainage system 5 can also execute a predetermined operation in each step of the washing mode by transmitting a signal with the calculation unit 813 as a base point.

  The determination unit 814 receives information on the start time of the washing process and / or the rinsing process and / or the elapsed time of the washing process and / or the rinsing process from the calculation unit 813, and the predetermined period of the washing process and / or the rinsing process. A control signal is transmitted to the circulation pump 71 so that the circulation pump 71 operates intermittently during the period, and the circulation pump 71 performs an intermittent operation that repeats operation and stop.

  FIG. 19 is a graph showing a signal transmitted from the optical sensor 72 while the circulation pump 71 is intermittently operated. FIG. 19A shows a signal from the optical sensor 72 when the washing liquid foaming is large, and FIG. 19B shows a signal from the optical sensor 72 when the washing liquid foaming is small. In FIG. 19, the left vertical axis represents the rotation speed of the circulation pump 71, and the right vertical axis represents the output from the optical sensor 72 in bits. In the graph, each point representing the output from the optical sensor 72 is an average value of five samples. The output from the optical sensor 72 here is an output represented by the following operation. That is, when the turbidity of the washing liquid is low, the light receiving element 722 of the optical sensor 72 receives more light than when the turbidity is high. Therefore, when the turbidity of the washing liquid is low, a larger amount of current flows through the light receiving element 722 than when the turbidity is high, the voltage applied to the resistance decreases, and the output of the optical sensor 72 decreases. Further, when the turbidity of the washing liquid is high, the light receiving element 722 of the optical sensor 72 receives less light than when the turbidity is low. Therefore, when the turbidity of the washing liquid is high, a smaller current flows through the light receiving element 722 than when the turbidity is low, the voltage applied to the resistance is increased, and the output of the optical sensor 72 is increased.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the output of the optical sensor 72 varies substantially in synchronization with the intermittent motion of the circulation pump 71. As the rotational speed of the circulation pump 71 increases, the output of the optical sensor 72 also increases. When the circulation pump 71 stops, the output of the optical sensor 72 decreases. Comparing FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B, it can be seen that the amplitude of the change in the output of the optical sensor 72 increases when the washing liquid foaming is large. Since the washing liquid bubbles diffusely reflect infrared rays from the light emitting element 721 of the optical sensor 72, the output of the optical sensor 72 is small when there are many bubbles, and the output of the optical sensor 72 is large when there are few bubbles. . When the circulation pump 71 is operated, a lot of bubbles are generated in the straight pipe portion 701 due to the water flow, and the amount of bubbles flowing in the straight pipe portion 701 is relatively large, and the light receiving element 722 is less in order to diffusely reflect the light beam of the optical sensor 72. Since the current flows and the voltage applied to the resistance increases, the output of the optical sensor 72 increases. On the other hand, when the circulation pump 71 is stopped, the flow state of the washing liquid is lowered, so that the bubbles in the straight pipe portion 701 are lifted upward, and the amount of bubbles that diffusely reflect the light beam of the optical sensor 72 is reduced. As a result, a large amount of current flows, the voltage applied to the resistance decreases, and the output of the optical sensor 72 decreases. As described above, the degree of foaming of the washing liquid is directly related to the amount of diffuse reflection of the light beam of the optical sensor 72 and can be defined as the amount of foam that diffusely reflects the light beam of the optical sensor 72.

  18 is, for example, a difference between the output of the optical sensor 72 while the circulating pump 71 is operating and the output of the optical sensor 72 while the circulating pump 71 is stopped (hereinafter, (Referred to as output difference). In order to reduce the influence of noise included in the output of the optical sensor 72, the period during which the circulation pump 71 is operating and the period during which the circulation pump 71 is stopped are set as one operation cycle, and the output difference is calculated for each operation cycle. It is preferable to average the calculated output difference. For example, the determination unit 814 can compare the threshold for the output difference of the optical sensor 72 stored in the storage unit 816 with the calculation result of the calculation unit 813 to determine the degree of washing liquid foaming. . In particular, by comparing the averaged output difference against a threshold value, it is possible to reduce the influence of noise on the determination of foaming. Note that the calculation by the calculation unit 813 is limited to the calculation of the difference between the output of the optical sensor 72 while the circulating pump 71 is operating and the output of the optical sensor 72 while the circulating pump 71 is stopped. Instead, other calculation that can determine the rate of change of the output of the optical sensor 72 immediately after the start of the operation of the circulation pump 71 or immediately after the stop and the output fluctuation of the optical sensor 72 may be used.

  The storage unit 816 included in the control circuit unit 81 may store, for example, a first threshold used as a lower limit threshold for an output difference of the optical sensor 72 and a second threshold used as an upper limit threshold. The determination unit 814 calls the first threshold value and / or the second threshold value from the storage unit 816, and compares them with the output difference of the optical sensor 72 calculated by the calculation unit 813. When the output difference of the optical sensor 72 is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the amount of water supplied when supplying water in the washing process and / or the rinsing process is smaller than when the output difference of the optical sensor 72 is greater than the first threshold value. A control signal is transmitted to the electromagnetic valve of the water supply system 4 so that it becomes. As a result, an unnecessarily large amount of water is not supplied, and water can be saved appropriately. When the output difference of the optical sensor 72 is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the amount of water supplied when supplying water in the washing process and / or the rinsing process is greater than when the output difference of the optical sensor 72 is less than the second threshold. The determination unit 814 transmits a control signal to the electromagnetic valve of the water supply system 4 so as to increase. Thereby, the liquid level of the washing | cleaning liquid in the washing tub 3 goes up, and a washing process and / or a rinse process can be performed under a suitable foaming state.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure for the upper limit threshold and the lower limit threshold of the optical sensor 72 included in the storage unit 816. With reference to FIG. 20 in conjunction with FIG. 18, an example of a method for determining foaming of the washing liquid using different threshold values according to the type of detergent will be described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 20, the storage unit 816 can store an upper threshold and a lower threshold that are different for each detergent type with respect to the output difference of the optical sensor 72. Moreover, the memory | storage part 816 can store beforehand the data regarding the change of the output of the electrode sensor 73 and the output of the optical sensor 72 for every detergent kind in the water supply process at the time of washing start. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of water supply, the control circuit unit 81 transmits a control signal to the circulation pump 71 to operate the circulation pump 71. While operating the circulation pump 71, the calculation unit 813 stores the outputs of the electrode sensor 73 and the optical sensor 72 in the storage unit 816 every predetermined time. The determination unit 814 compares the data stored in advance in the storage unit 816 with the outputs of the electrode sensor 73 and the optical sensor 72 stored in the calculation unit 813, determines the type of detergent, and stores the determination result in the storage unit 816. Remember me. However, as a method for discriminating between the powder detergent and the liquid detergent, the powder detergent containing zeolite and the liquid detergent not containing zeolite generally have higher white turbidity than the powder detergent containing zeolite. It is also possible to determine the type of detergent only by comparing the outputs.

  For example, it is assumed that the detergent indicated by “A1” in FIG. 20 is a powder detergent, and the detergents indicated by “A2” and “A3” are liquid detergents. At this time, it is preferable that the upper limit threshold UL1 assigned to the detergent A1 is set larger than the upper limit threshold UL2 or UL3 assigned to the other detergent A2 or A3. Thereby, when the determination unit 814 determines that the detergent used is a powder detergent, the determination unit 814 reads the upper limit threshold UL1 from the storage unit 816, and the output of the optical sensor 72 calculated by the calculation unit 813. The difference is compared with the upper threshold UL1. When the output difference of the optical sensor 72 is greater than the upper limit threshold UL1 or greater than or equal to the upper limit threshold UL1, a control signal is transmitted to the electromagnetic valve of the water supply system 4. As a result, the rinsing process can be executed while saving water more than other detergents. Therefore, suitable rinsing conditions can be provided for a powder detergent having a high alkalinity and containing zeolite.

  The storage unit 816 may further store a washing time corresponding to the type of detergent. For example, a longer washing time than the powder detergent A1 is assigned to the liquid detergents A2 and A3. When the determination unit 814 determines that the detergent used is the liquid detergent A2 or A3, the calculation unit 813 reads out the data of the long washing time stored in the storage unit 816, and stores it in the washing machine 1. Let the laundry wash for a long wash time. Thereby, even if it is liquid detergent A2 or A3 with comparatively small emulsification power and a small washing | cleaning effect, a washing process can be performed for a long time and sufficient washing | cleaning effect can be exhibited.

  In the case where the determination unit 814 determines whether the detergent used is a powder detergent or a liquid detergent and then determines the degree of foaming of the detergent liquid based on the output of the optical sensor 72, it depends on the amount of the detergent. May have the same degree of foaming as determined by the optical sensor 72 between the powder detergent and the liquid detergent, but in this case, when it is determined that the liquid detergent is a liquid detergent, If the control signal is transmitted to the electromagnetic valve of the water supply system 4 so as to reduce the amount of water supply in the washing process and / or the rinsing process, it is possible to save water depending on the type of detergent even if the degree of foaming is the same. is there. Further, at this time, the washing process may be performed for a longer time than when it is determined that the detergent is a powder detergent.

  In the above description, the electrode sensor 73 for measuring conductivity is exemplified as a sensor protruding into the flow path. However, the principle of the present invention is not limited to this, and the washing liquid is used to detect the physical properties of the washing liquid. It can be applied to washing machines that use any sensor that requires direct contact.

  In the above description, the optical sensor 72 is used to measure the turbidity of the washing liquid, but may be used for other measurement purposes. The principle of the present invention can be applied to the optical sensor 72 used for detecting the accumulation of dirt components and other physical properties or environmental changes that can be suitably measured using the optical sensor 72.

  In the above description, the pump is exemplified as the fluidizing device for flowing the washing liquid. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the washing liquid is supplied using a screw or the like disposed in the circulation path or the flow path. You may make it flow.

  In the above description, the drainage valve is exemplified as the drainage device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any device that can open and close the drainage pipe 74 can be used for the drainage device in accordance with an electrical signal. . Moreover, although the solenoid valve was illustrated as a water supply apparatus, this invention is not limited to this, Arbitrary apparatuses which can open and close the water supply line 41 according to an electrical signal can be utilized for a water supply apparatus. .

  The present invention is suitably used for various washing machines such as a pulsator type washing machine and an agitation type washing machine in addition to the drum type washing machine described above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Washing machine 3 ... Washing tub 311 ... Discharge port 312 ... Inlet 7 ... Drainage control unit 71 ... Circulation pump 72 ... Light Sensor 73 ... Electrode sensor 75 ... Drain valve 81 ... Control circuit unit 813 ... Calculation unit 814 ... Determination unit 816 ... Storage unit

Claims (9)

A washing tub comprising an inlet into which the washing liquid flows and an outlet through which the washing liquid is discharged;
A conduit connected to the inlet and the outlet;
A flow device for flowing the washing liquid from the discharge port toward the inflow port through the pipe line;
An optical sensor for detecting the amount of light passing through the washing liquid in the conduit;
A control unit for controlling a washing operation based on a detection signal of the optical sensor,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensor detects and outputs a first light quantity while the fluidizer is operating and a second light quantity while the fluidizer is stopped.   The control unit determines the degree of foaming based on a difference between a detection signal for the first light amount and a detection signal for the second light amount, and controls the washing operation. The washing machine described. The washing machine further includes a water supply device for supplying water to the washing tub,
The control unit includes a storage unit that stores a first threshold for the difference,
When the difference is equal to or less than the first threshold, the control unit controls the water supply device so that the amount of water supplied from the water supply device is smaller than when the difference is greater than the first threshold. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein: The storage unit further stores a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value,
When the difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the control unit controls the water supply device such that the amount of water supplied from the water supply device is greater than when the difference is less than the second threshold. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein: The storage unit stores data relating to the light amount corresponding to the detergent type contained in the washing liquid,
The control unit compares the output signal from the optical sensor with the data, determines the type of detergent contained in the washing liquid,
The second threshold includes a third threshold corresponding to when the detergent type is a powder detergent;
When the control unit determines that the detergent type is a powder detergent, when the difference is equal to or greater than the third threshold, the water supply device is more than when the difference is less than the third threshold. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the water supply device so that a water supply amount from the water increases. The washing operation includes a washing step of washing the laundry in the washing tub,
When the controller determines that the detergent type is a liquid detergent based on a comparison between the output signal from the optical sensor and the data, the controller determines that the detergent type is a detergent other than the liquid detergent 6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the washing step is executed for a longer time. A conductive sensor for detecting the conductivity of the washing liquid and outputting a detection signal to the control unit;
The storage unit further stores data relating to a combination of the conductivity of the washing liquid corresponding to the detergent type contained in the washing liquid and the light amount,
The said control part compares the output signal from the said electroconductivity sensor and the output signal from the said optical sensor with the said data, and determines the detergent kind contained in the said washing | cleaning liquid. Washing machine. The flow device performs intermittent operation that repeats operation and stop,
The optical sensor outputs the detection signal while the flow device performs the intermittent operation,
The control unit averages the difference between the detection signals in the operation cycle including the operation and the stop of the flow device, and the degree of foaming of the washing liquid based on the difference between the averaged detection signals The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the washing machine is determined.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a filter unit that removes a soil component contained in the washing liquid between the flow device and the optical sensor.