JP2011200522A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To carry out time reduction control for the process by reducing the time for detecting the turbidity and improving the accuracy.SOLUTION: The washing machine includes: a water supply valve 70; turbidity detecting means 92 disposed in a drain duct 75 set on the bottom of an outer tub 43; conductivity detecting means 78 disposed at a position at an inside lower part of an outer peripheral part of the outer tub 43 and lower than the upper surface of the outer periphery of a pulsator 46; a washing hose 72 for connecting the water supply valve 70 to the drain duct 75; and control means for controlling a series of process. The control means makes the turbidity detecting means 92 detect the turbidity of tap water supplied in advance to the drain duct 75 only, and operates the water supply valve 70 to feed water into the outer tub 43 via the washing hose 72 and the drain duct 75. Then, after making the conductivity detecting means 78 detect a washing liquid at a level lower than the upper surface of the outer periphery of the pulsator 46, the control means makes the turbidity detecting means 92 detect the turbidity of the washing liquid, by which a kind of a detergent is determined based on comparison between the turbidity of tap water and the turbidity of the washing liquid. In this way, highly reliable determination is possible, and the processes thereafter can be easily controlled.

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine that performs washing control in accordance with the soiling of a washing liquid and performs operation control of a rinsing operation.

  Conventionally, in this type of washing machine, a method of detecting the turbidity of the washing liquid and detecting the washing state has been adopted (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Moreover, after detecting turbidity, the control which readjusts the sensitivity of a turbidity detector is proposed when a temporary washing machine is stopped and restarted (for example, refer patent document 2).

  In addition, there is a configuration that avoids false detection of turbidity so as not to mistakenly detect whether the turbidity of washing water changes due to dirt removed from clothing or turbidity changes due to suspended matter such as lint. It has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a change in output voltage in the washing process of the washing machine described in Patent Document 1. In FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, as washing progresses, dirt is removed from the clothing, the turbidity of the washing liquid increases, the output voltage increases, and the turbidity change is detected to detect the end of washing. Is.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the control operation of the washing machine described in Patent Document 2. As shown in FIG. 6, when a stop signal is input from the temporary stop means during the washing operation, the washing operation is stopped and further restarted. At this time, the turbidity detector responds to the turbidity at that time. Then, the sensitivity is automatically adjusted again to accurately detect the subsequent turbidity change.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the turbidity change of the washing machine described in Patent Document 3. As shown in FIG.

  It shows that lint entered the turbidity sensor detection part and the output of the turbidity sensor greatly decreased at time T2, and in this case, the calculated value ΔVT ′ of the turbidity change of washing water at time T1 is normal Therefore, the washing process execution time is erroneously set longer than that at the normal time (end time T3), as indicated by the end time T4.

  Turbidity detection is carried out a predetermined time before the set end time T4, and if the rate of change is less than a predetermined value, the washing process is terminated.

  That is, the actual turbidity of the washing water is as indicated by the normal output, and the end level determination is made quickly without waiting for the erroneous end time T4. By performing the check of the end level determination starting from the minute), the washing process can be completed at the shortest time (for example, time T3) before the end time T4, so that excessive washing can be avoided. It is a proposal.

JP-A-57-66793 JP 61-159998 A JP-A-6-279

  However, in such a conventional configuration, it is assumed that the turbidity is detected in a state where water is supplied to the washing / dehydrating tub to the rated water level at the beginning of washing. That is, the washing water is in a state in which the detergent is dissolved, and it detects the initial state including dirt that is eluted in the washing water, which takes time to detect and has a problem in detection accuracy.

  Moreover, the control method of detecting the type of detergent and setting the subsequent washing and rinsing process according to the type of detergent becomes difficult in the conventional configuration of supplying water to the rated water level and detecting turbidity.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and can detect the type of detergent, detect turbidity at an early stage, and improve the detection accuracy, thereby making it possible to reduce washing time and energy saving. The purpose is to provide a machine.

  In order to achieve the above object, a washing machine of the present invention includes an outer tub elastically suspended in a housing, an inner tub rotatably supported in the outer tub, and an inner bottom portion of the inner tub. A pulsator provided, a driving means for rotationally driving the inner tank or the pulsator, a water supply valve provided at the upper part of the housing, a drainage duct communicating with the bottom of the outer tank, and the outer tank via the drainage duct A drain valve for draining, a turbidity detecting means for detecting the turbidity of the washing liquid by the degree of light transmission provided in the drain duct, a conductivity detecting means provided in the vicinity of the bottom of the outer tub, and the water supply valve And a cleaning hose connecting the drainage duct and a control means for controlling operations of the driving means, a water supply valve, etc., and sequentially controlling a series of steps of washing, rinsing and dewatering, the control means comprising the water supply Operate the valve for a predetermined time to After detecting the turbidity of the tap water supplied to the tank by the turbidity detecting means, water is supplied to the tank, and the water level is detected by the conductivity detecting means and also detected by the conductivity detecting means. By detecting the turbidity of the washing liquid containing the detergent at the water level, the turbidity of the tap water and the washing liquid containing the detergent are compared to determine the type of the detergent, and the time in the washing process or rinsing process Alternatively, it is determined whether to change the number of times.

  This makes it possible to determine the type of detergent and detect the turbidity early and accurately, so that the time and number of times for the washing process and the rinsing process can be set appropriately, leading to shortening of the rinsing process and the energy saving. .

  The washing machine of the present invention appropriately sets the time and number of times of washing process and rinsing process by accurately determining the type of detergent and detecting turbidity at an early stage. Can be connected.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Block diagram of the washing machine Diagram showing the sequence from washing to dehydration of the washing machine Flow chart from washing to rinsing of the washing machine Turbidity change diagram showing change of output voltage in washing process of conventional washing machine (Patent Document 1) Operation explanatory diagram of a conventional washing machine (Patent Document 2) The figure which shows the turbidity change of the washing water of the conventional washing machine (patent document 3)

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an outer tank that is elastically suspended in a housing, an inner tank that is rotatably supported in the outer tank, a pulsator provided at an inner bottom of the inner tank, and the inner tank Alternatively, driving means for rotationally driving the pulsator, a water supply valve provided at the upper part of the housing, a drainage duct communicating with the bottom of the outer tub, a drainage valve for draining from the outer tub via the drainage duct, and the drainage duct A turbidity detecting means for detecting the turbidity of the washing liquid by the degree of light transmission, a conductivity detecting means provided in the vicinity of the bottom of the outer tub, and a cleaning hose connecting the water supply valve and the drain duct And control means for controlling the operation of the drive means, the water supply valve, etc., and sequentially controlling a series of steps of washing, rinsing and dehydration, the control means operating the water supply valve for a predetermined time to Turbidity of tap water supplied in the duct After detecting by the turbidity detecting means, water is supplied into the tank, the water level is detected by the conductivity detecting means, and the turbidity of the washing liquid containing the detergent is detected at the water level detected by the conductivity detecting means. By detecting the degree, the turbidity of tap water and the washing liquid containing detergent are compared to determine the type of detergent, and whether to change the time or number of times in the washing or rinsing process This makes it possible to determine the type of detergent in a state in which dirt components are not eluted in the washing water so much that it can be judged with high reliability, and the time and number of times for the subsequent washing process and the excessive process can be set. Can be performed appropriately, and it can reduce the time of washing and rinsing process and save energy.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the first aspect of the invention, after the control means determines the type of detergent, the turbidity of the washing liquid after stirring the high concentration detergent in which the detergent is stirred at a water level lower than the set rated water level. By detecting the degree, it is possible to determine the degree of contamination at an early stage of the washing process, so that it is possible to control the time of the subsequent process, thereby reducing the time of the rinsing process and saving energy. Can do.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the thing of the same structure as a prior art example attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description. Further, the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of the washing machine.

  In FIG. 1, a housing 41 is provided with an outer tub 43 that is elastically suspended by a plurality of suspensions 42 and absorbs vibration during dehydration by the suspensions 42. Inside the outer tub 43, an inner tub 44 for storing clothes and objects to be dried is disposed rotatably around a washing / dehydrating shaft 45 having a hollow and double structure. Further, a pulsator 46 that stirs the object to be dried is rotatably arranged.

  In addition, the inner peripheral wall of the inner tank 44 is provided with a number of drain holes for dehydration and a plurality of vent holes 44a, and a fluid balancer 47 is provided above. A motor (driving means) 48 is attached to the outer bottom of the outer tub 43 and is connected to the inner tub 44 or the pulsator via the clutch 49 and the washing / dehydrating shaft 45 for switching the transmission of rotational force to the washing / dehydrating shaft 45 during washing or dehydrating. 46 is connected. The pulsator 46 has a substantially pan-like shape having an inclined surface 50 on the outer periphery, and forms a stirring protrusion 51. The clothes are stirred during the washing process, and the object to be dried is rotated by the pulsator 46 during the drying process. It is easy to soar upward along the inclined surface by centrifugal force. In other words, the clothes are configured to move left and right (in the rotational direction) and also move up and down by stirring.

  The heat exchange duct 52 having a drying function dehumidifies the circulating hot air (circulating air), and one end of the heat exchange duct 52 is connected to a drainage passage port 54 provided at the lower portion of the outer tub 43 through the connection duct 53. The other end is connected to one end of a circulating air receiving chamber 59 located below the drying fan 55 on the inlet side of the hot air circulation path 57.

  A heater 56 is provided at the upper part of the drying fan 55, and the outlet side of the hot air circulation path 57 is connected to an upper bellows-like hose 58 having a hot air blowing hole 60. A hot air circulation path 57 that is connected to the tank 44 and circulates is constituted, and the hot air blowing means 61 is constituted by the parts including the hot air circulation path 57.

  A temperature detector 62 is provided on the inlet side of the hot air circulation path 57 and a temperature detector 63 is provided on the outlet side to detect the circulating air temperature during the drying process.

  A filter 64 is provided in the circulating wind receiving chamber 59, and the circulating wind circulates through the filter 64, and the filter 64 collects lint generated from the clothing.

  The outer tub 43 is provided with an outer tub cover 65 that hermetically covers the upper surface of the outer tub 43, and the outer tub cover 65 is provided with a hot air blowing hole 60 from the upper and lower bellows-like hose 58 that can be expanded and contracted. Yes. Further, an inner lid 66 is provided on the outer tank cover 65 so as to be freely opened and closed so that clothes can be taken in and out.

  An upper frame body 68 having a clothing insertion port 67 is attached to the upper portion of the housing 41 at a substantially central portion, and an outer lid 69 is provided so as to be able to open and close so as to cover the clothing insertion port 67.

  A support member 71 equipped with a hot air blowing means 61, a water supply valve 70, and the like is provided inside the rear portion of the upper frame 68.

  The water supply valve 70 has a multi-valve configuration in which two or more water channels can be opened and closed, and is supplied from tap water or a bath water absorption mechanism (not shown) or the like. The structure is such that a small flow rate of water flows with the discharge port area reduced, and the cleaning hose 72 is connected to the cleaning pipe 77 formed in the drain duct 75 at the outer bottom of the outer tub 43, and the other water channel is the open area of the valve or The discharge port area on the water supply hose 73 side is increased to allow water to flow at a large flow rate, and washing water is supplied to the inner tub 44 via a water injection member (not shown) provided on the support member 71 by the water supply hose 73. Connected to allow water supply.

  A drain valve 74 for draining the water in the outer tub 43 is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 43 and connected to the heat exchange duct 52 and the connection duct 53 via the drain duct 75, and the connection duct 53 and the heat exchange duct are connected. The drainage from 52 is guided to the drainage duct 75 and the drainage valve 74 and drained from the drainage hose 76 to the outside of the machine. The drain duct 75 is formed with a cleaning pipe 77 to which one end of a cleaning hose 72 connected to the water supply valve 70 is connected.

  The drainage duct 75 also emits and receives light at a position upstream of the drainage valve 74 and in the vicinity of the bottom of the drainage duct. The turbidity of the washing water is detected based on the degree of transmission and the rate of change. Turbidity detecting means 92 for detecting the degree of contamination is attached.

  In the vicinity of the bottom of the outer tub 43, there is provided a conductivity detecting means 78 having a pair of electrodes 94 for detecting the conductivity of the washing water and detecting the presence or absence of water and the type of detergent. Since it is below the upper surface of the outer periphery of the pulsator 46 in the vicinity of the bottom, it is difficult to be affected by the water flow caused by the rotation of the pulsator 46, and the conductivity can be detected stably.

  Further, an air trap 95 is formed on the outer peripheral side wall of the outer tub 43, connected to a water level detecting means 90 configured by a pressure sensor or the like with an air pipe 96, and by the water pressure of the washing water supplied into the outer tub 43. Multiple levels of water level can be detected.

  The cooling blower 79 is attached to the side surface of the housing 41 and is configured to blow air so as to cool the outer tub 43, the heat exchange duct 52, and the like inside the housing 41.

  The control device 80 is integrally formed, and is disposed substantially vertically on the back surface (back cover) 81 of the housing 41, and a cooling blower 79 is provided below the control device 80. The control device 80 is covered and protected by a cover 82.

  An operation display unit 85 including an input setting unit 83 and a display unit 84 which will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In the block circuit diagram of FIG. 2, the control device 80 includes a motor (drive means) 48, a clutch 49, a drying fan 55 and a heater 56 that constitute the hot air blowing means 61, and a drain valve via a load drive means 86. 74, control means 87 for controlling the operation of the cooling fan (cooling means) 79, the water supply valve 70, etc., and controlling the steps of washing, rinsing, dehydration and drying, and the sterilization / deodorization process.

  The control means 87 is constituted by a microcomputer or the like, and starts operating when power is supplied from the commercial power supply 88 when the power switch 89 is turned on. The cloth amount detection means 93, the water level detection means 90, and the temperature detection means 62 and 63 Based on the contents set by the user's input in the input setting means 83, the setting contents are displayed on the display means 84, and through the load driving means 86 composed of a bidirectional thyristor, a relay and the like. The operation of the motor 48, the clutch 49, the drying fan 55, the heater 56, the drain valve 74, the cooling fan 79, the water supply valve 70, the water absorption pump 91, etc. is controlled, and the steps of washing, rinsing, dehydration and drying are controlled. Control. The input setting unit 83 and the display unit 84 constitute an operation display unit 85.

  Further, the control means 87 determines the presence or absence of the washing water and the detergent based on the conductivity of the washing liquid obtained from the conductivity detection means 78, the light transmittance obtained from the turbidity detection means 92, and the rate of change thereof. Detects the type, degree of dirt on clothes, etc., and controls each process.

  Then, the control means 87 turns off the heater 56 when the temperature detected by the temperature detection means 63 reaches a first predetermined temperature (for example, 110 ° C.) during the drying process, and the temperature detection means 62 at that time. When the second predetermined temperature (for example, 2k) falls from the temperature due to the above, the heater 56 is operated to adjust the temperature of the circulating air.

  In the above configuration, basic operations from washing, rinsing, dehydration to drying steps will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows a sequence table of washing to dehydration of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart of washing to rinsing control.

  In the washing process, the user opens the outer lid 69, opens the inner lid 66, puts clothes into the inner tub 44, sets an operation course with the input setting means 83, and starts operation (S101). The cloth amount detected by the cloth amount detection and fixing means 93 is detected (S102), the control means 87 determines the water level and the detergent amount according to the cloth amount, and tentatively determines the subsequent sequence. Are displayed (S103).

  At the same time, the small flow rate water supply valve 70 is operated to start water supply to the cleaning hose 72 side (water supply b), and the amount of water sufficient to fill the drainage duct 75 from the cleaning pipe 77 into the drainage duct 75 is maintained for a predetermined time. (S104). Then, D0 determination of turbidity detection (S105) is performed, the turbidity of the supplied tap water is detected by the turbidity detecting means 92, and the data is input to the control means 87.

  Here, when the water supply valve 70 having a large flow rate is operated and tap water is supplied into the inner tank 44 via the water supply hose 73 (water supply a), the tap water passes through dirty clothes and accumulates in the drain duct 75. Although accurate tap water turbidity is not detected due to clothing stains, since a small amount of water is supplied from the washing pipe 77 side (water supply b), accurate turbidity can be detected without contamination of clothing.

  The water level is set so that the water level increases from rank 1 to rank 9 in order, rank 3 is a lower water level than the upper surface of the outer peripheral portion of pulsator 46, and rank 4 to rank 9 are cloths. Depending on the amount, it is a water level where normal washing stirring b and rinsing stirring c described later are performed, and rank 9 is the highest water level. 3 and 4 show an example in which the amount of cloth is large and it is detected so as to set the high water level of rank 9.

  Then, when the user puts in the detergent according to the detergent amount display (S106), or although not shown, when the detergent is automatically put in, at the water supply b, that is, the small flow rate water supply valve 70. Is operated, passes through the drainage duct 75 and the connection duct 53 via the cleaning hose 72 and the cleaning pipe 77, and is supplied from the lower side into the tank up to rank 1 (S107). Rank 1 is a water level that is approximately 100 mm lower than the upper surface of the outer peripheral portion of the pulsator 46, and the conductivity detecting means 78 is immersed in water. The water level is detected by the conductivity detecting means 78 (S108), and the water supply is stopped (S109). ).

  The water level detecting means 90 described above is an inexpensive method generally used in washing machines, in which the water pressure received by the air trap 95 provided in the outer tub 43 is detected. It is difficult to accurately detect the water level of the lowest rank which is approximately 100 mm lower than the outer peripheral upper surface of the pulsator 46 because the water pressure is very small. However, by detecting with the conductivity detecting means 78, when the water touches the pair of electrodes 94 of the conductivity detecting means 78, it is accurately detected that the water level has reached the lowest rank (rank 1). Can do.

  Next, with the drain valve 74 closed, the clutch 49 of the transmission mechanism is switched to the dehydrating side, and the power of the motor 48 is transmitted to the inner tank 44 through the dehydrating shaft and rotated, so that the inner tank 44 and the pulsator are rotated. 46 are rotated together at a low speed of about 100 r / min (tank rotation operation) (S110). As a result, the washing liquid in the tub slowly rotates between the inner tub 44 and the outer tub 43 by the action of centrifugal force, and the detergent is sufficiently dissolved without the washing liquid adhering to the dirt on the clothes. Then, the turbidity detection D1 determination (S111) is performed, the turbidity initial value of the washing liquid detergent is detected by the turbidity detection means 92, and the data is input to the control means 87, and the powder The type of detergent such as detergent or liquid detergent is determined by comparing D1 and D0 (D1-D0) (S112).

  Next, while supplying water up to rank 2, with the drain valve 74 closed, the clutch 49 of the transmission mechanism is switched to the dewatering side, and the power of the motor 48 is transmitted to the inner tank 44 via the dewatering shaft. The inner tank 44 and the pulsator 46 are rotated together at a lower speed around 35 r / min than the above (water supply & tank rotation). Then, after stopping, water is supplied to rank 3 (S113), and the power of the motor 48 is transmitted to the pulsator 46 through the washing shaft by the clutch 49 of the transmission mechanism, and the agitation that the pulsator 46 rotates is performed. Further, water is supplied up to rank 5 (S114), and stirring a is performed (S115). A plurality of water level detection of rank 2 or higher at the time of water supply is performed by the pressure type water level detection means 90.

  By these operations, the so-called detergent high-concentration agitation is performed at a water level lower than the rated water level (here, the water level of rank 9 set by the cloth amount detection), in this case, at a water level 4 ranks below the highest water level (rank 9). And foaming is sufficiently performed, and dirt on clothes is also eluted in the washing liquid. Then, it stops and D2 determination of turbidity detection is performed (S116), and the turbidity of the washing liquid is detected by the turbidity detection means 92, and data indicating whether the clothes are dirty or small is the control means 87. And is calculated together with the values of D0 determination and D1 determination described above (S117).

  Based on the calculation result, it is determined whether or not the time for washing and stirring b (S119) can be shortened and whether or not the time for rinsing and stirring c (S123) in the rinsing process can be shortened, and the subsequent sequence is determined. That is, when it is determined that the liquid detergent is used, the liquid detergent is good in foaming, so that the rinsing time once determined by the detected amount of cloth can be shortened or the number of times of rinsing can be reduced. When it is determined that the amount is less than that, it is possible to shorten the time of washing and stirring b in the washing process once determined by the detected amount of cloth.

  When the sequence is determined, the water supply valve 70 with a large flow rate is operated, and water supply into the inner tank 44 is started via the water supply hose 73, and water is supplied up to the rated water level, in the case of FIG. 3, up to the maximum water level (rank 9). (S118). When the water supply is finished, the washing and stirring b (S119) for the determined time starts, and the pulsator 46 rotates, whereby the clothes are caught by the stirring protrusion 11 of the pulsator 46 and drawn into the center. The clothing at the center lower layer portion of the inner tub 44 is pushed up to the upper layer portion of the inner tub 44 by the drawn-in clothing. In this way, the clothes in the inner tub 44 are agitated, and the dirt contained in the garments is performed by the mechanical force acting by the contact between the clothes, or the inner wall of the inner tub 44 and the pulsator 46, and the hydrodynamic force. The turbidity of the washing water gradually changes as it elutes into the washing water.

  The turbidity detecting means 92 performs D3 determination (S120) for detecting the turbidity of the washing liquid even after the start of washing and stirring b in the washing process at a predetermined rated water level (ranks 6 to 9), and the determination is made at D2. It is verified whether the control based on the detection has reasonableness (S121), and the subsequent washing time (S122) and the number of times of rinsing and time correction (S123) (S124) can be performed.

  Table 1 below summarizes the relationship between the above-described determinations (D0 to D3), detection contents, water level detection means, and water level.

  In the next rinsing step (1), the drain valve 74 is opened to drain the water in the inner tank 44 from the drain hose 76, and then the clutch 49 of the transmission mechanism is switched to the dehydrating side to power the motor 48. The moisture is separated from the clothing by transmitting it to the inner tub 44 through the dehydrating shaft and rotating it to apply centrifugal force to the clothing. Then, after the motor 48 and the clutch 49 are turned off, the water supply valve 70 is operated with a large flow rate in the water supply a to supply water to a high water level, and the motor 48 is driven again to discharge detergent liquid from the clothes. Rinse stirring c is started.

  In the rinsing process (2), that is, the final rinsing process, drainage and dewatering are performed in the same manner as in the rinsing process (1).

  The rinsing (1) process can be omitted depending on the degree of dirt on the clothes and the amount of clothes.

  In the dehydration process, after rinsing is completed, the drain valve 74 is opened and the water in the inner tub 44 is drained from the drain hose 76, and then the clutch 49 of the transmission mechanism is switched to the dehydration side to This is performed by separating the moisture from the garment by transmitting it to the inner tub 44 via the rotator and rotating it to apply centrifugal force to the garment.

  Although omitted in the sequence table of FIG. 3, in the drying process, the clutch 49 is switched to the washing side, the motor 48 is driven and transmitted to the pulsator 46, and the pulsator 46 is rapidly rotated forward and reverse. After dehydration, the clothes attached to the inner wall of the inner tank 44 are peeled off. Next, while the pulsator 46 is rotated forward and reversely and the clothes are caught by the stirring protrusion 11 and stirred, the hot air is blown out by the hot air blowing means 61 including the drying fan 55 and the heater 56. Send to. The warm air blown into the inner tub 44 from the warm air blast hole 60 evaporates moisture from the clothing, then exits from the inner tub 44 to the inside of the outer tub 43, and then passes through the connection duct 53 from the drainage passage port 54. Then, the heat exchange duct 52 is reached.

  When warm air containing moisture from the clothing deprived of moisture passes through the inner wall of the outer tub 43 and the heat exchange duct 52, the outside air flows in by the cooling blower 79 installed on the side surface of the housing 41. The outer walls of the tank 43 and the heat exchange duct 52 are cooled. In the interior, moisture condensation occurs, and the wet warm air is dehumidified and enters the circulating air receiving chamber 59 and passes through the filter 64. To the drying fan 55. By circulating hot air in this circulation path, the clothes in the inner tub 44 can be dried.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, as shown in Table 1, the control means supplies tap water only to the inside of the drain duct in advance and detects the turbidity of the tap water by the turbidity detection means (D0). After the detergent is put in, the water supply valve is operated to supply water into the outer tub from the lower side of the outer tub through the connected cleaning hose and drainage duct. Washing water that does not contain dirt on clothes is detected by the conductivity detection means installed at a low position in the outer tub, and the turbidity detection means detects the turbidity of the washing liquid at the lowest rank water level ( D1), and based on the D0 detection value and the D1 detection value, the type of detergent is determined by comparing the turbidity of the specific electrolyte or the like of the liquid detergent or powder detergent.

  This makes it possible to determine the type of detergent in a state where almost no soil components are eluted from the clothes, so the type of detergent can be determined accurately in a short time, and the subsequent steps can be controlled. Can do.

  The water level detection means employed in the washing machine is generally a pressure sensor system that detects the water pressure received by the air trap provided in the outer tub, and is an effective function in that it can detect multiple water levels. However, since the water pressure is detected, it is difficult to accurately detect a water level lower than the pulsator outer peripheral surface because the water pressure is very small. However, as in the above configuration, in the present embodiment, the detection by the conductivity detection means accurately detects that the water level has reached the lowest rank when the water touches the electrode of the conductivity detection means. Since it was detected, it was possible to detect the detergent liquid in a state where it did not come into contact with clothes and dirt attached to the clothes.

  In addition, as shown in the D2 determination column of Table 1, the control means used the turbidity detection means to elute soil from clothes after high concentration stirring of the detergent at a water level lower than the rated water level (ranks 2 and 3). The turbidity of the washing liquid in the state is detected (D2).

  This does not detect the turbidity by supplying the wash water over time until the rated water level as before, but detects the turbidity at an early stage of the process to determine the degree of dirt, and makes the washing time easier. Since the optimum time of the rinsing time, the number of times of rinsing, and the like can be set, it is possible to perform time reduction control for the subsequent strokes, thereby achieving energy saving.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can determine the type of the detergent in a state where the stain component does not elute from the clothes into the washing water, and can detect the turbidity of the washing liquid at a water level lower than the rated water level. Since it becomes possible, it is applicable also to uses, such as various washing machines, such as a drum type washing machine.

43 Outer tank 44 Inner tank 46 Pulsator 48 Motor (drive means)
53 Connection duct 68 Upper frame 70 Water supply valve 71 Support member 72 Washing hose 74 Drain valve 75 Drain duct 78 Conductivity detection means 87 Control means 90 Water level detection means 92 Turbidity detection means 95 Air trap

Claims (2)

An outer tank that is elastically suspended in the housing, an inner tank that is rotatably supported in the outer tank, a pulsator provided on the inner bottom of the inner tank, and the inner tank or the pulsator is driven to rotate. Drive means, a water supply valve provided at the upper part of the housing, a drainage duct communicating with the bottom of the outer tub, a drainage valve for draining from the outer tub via the drainage duct, and a light transmission provided in the drainage duct Turbidity detection means for detecting the turbidity of the washing liquid according to the degree, conductivity detection means provided near the bottom of the outer tub, a cleaning hose connecting the water supply valve and the drainage duct, the drive means, Control means for controlling the operation of the water supply valve and the like, and sequentially controlling a series of steps of washing, rinsing and dehydration, and the control means operates the water supply valve for a predetermined time to supply water into the drainage duct. The turbidity detection hand After detecting by the above, water is supplied into the tank, the water level is detected by the conductivity detecting means, and the turbidity of the washing liquid containing the detergent is detected at the water level detected by the conductivity detecting means. By comparing the turbidity of tap water with the turbidity of washing liquid containing detergent, the type of detergent is judged, and whether or not the time or number of times in the washing process or the rinsing process is changed is determined. . 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means detects the turbidity of the washing liquid after stirring the high-concentration detergent in which the detergent is stirred at a water level lower than the set rated water level after determining the type of the detergent.

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