JP2011224074A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine with a structure in which detergent hardly enter a drain pipe, so detergent put in a water tank can be efficiently used.SOLUTION: After water is retained in a drain pipe connected to a water tank, the amount of detergent appropriate for the amount of laundry is displayed, then detergent is put in a detergent housing case provided inside a water supply pipe and the detergent is controlled to be put into the water tank when water is supplied later.

Description

  The present embodiment relates to a washing machine capable of supplying detergent together with water supply.

  Conventionally, in a washing machine that automatically performs a washing operation including steps such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration, a required water level (water amount) and a detergent amount are determined according to the laundry volume (weight). . For example, the user stores the detergent in the detergent storage case provided on the water supply pipe to the washing tub, and then squeezes the detergent together with the water supply by supplying water to the washing tub. (See Patent Document 1).

  According to the above configuration, the detergent is charged using the water supplied at the start of the washing operation, and is effective as a simple detergent charging means. However, when the water is supplied, of course, the water in the washing tub and the water tub arranged outside the drain is discharged, and the drain valve provided in the middle of the drain pipe leading out of the machine from the water tub is blocked. Is in a state. Therefore, a part of the detergent supplied with the start of water supply first enters and stays in the drain line closed by the drain valve. After that, even if water is supplied to a predetermined water level and the washing operation is started, the detergent component in the drainage pipe tends to stay in the pipe, and at least it takes a considerable amount of time to flow into the water tank. For this reason, the detergent in the pipeline is not effectively used from the start of the washing operation, and there is a possibility that the expected washing performance based on the amount of detergent originally required cannot be obtained.

JP 2003-245491 A

  Accordingly, a washing machine is provided that makes it difficult for the detergent to enter the drain pipe and effectively uses the detergent introduced into the water tank.

  According to the washing machine of the present embodiment, after the inside of the drainage pipe connected to the water tub is stored with water, the amount of detergent corresponding to the laundry volume is displayed, and located in the water supply pipe The detergent is accommodated in the provided detergent storage case, and the detergent is controlled to be put into the water tank together with the subsequent water supply.

The flowchart which shows the control content of the washing machine in 1st Embodiment. Action explanatory diagram for specifically explaining a part of the control contents mainly with the water supply valve FIG. 2 equivalent view showing a modification Longitudinal side view showing the schematic configuration of the entire washing machine Exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the detergent charging means FIG. 1 equivalent diagram showing the second embodiment 2 equivalent diagram FIG. 1 equivalent view showing a modification FIG. 6 equivalent view showing the third embodiment Action explanatory diagram for specifically explaining a part of the control contents of the drain valve FIG. 5 equivalent view showing the fourth embodiment 1 equivalent diagram

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, the washing machine showing the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, a description will be given based on a longitudinal side view showing a schematic configuration of the entire washing machine of FIG. 4. A washing machine body 1 forming an outline of the washing machine includes an outer box 2 having a substantially rectangular box shape with a bottom open, The base plate 3 is mounted so as to cover the bottom surface. A laundry doorway 4 is formed on the front side (the left side in the figure) of the outer box 2 that is the front side of the washing machine, and a door 5 that opens and closes the laundry doorway 4 rotates in the left-right direction via a hinge (not shown). It is provided as possible.

  A water tank 6 that is substantially non-porous and can store water is elastically supported by the suspension 7 so as to absorb vibrations. The water tank 6 has a bottomed cylindrical shape whose front surface is opened for taking in and out of laundry and whose rear surface is closed, and is arranged so that the axial direction is inclined upwards from the horizontal direction. A bellows 8 having a cylindrical tube shape is attached to the front open end of the water tub 6, and the front end is connected to the open end of the laundry doorway 4, and the back side of the door 5 in the closed state. By being in close contact with the water tank, a watertight and airtight structure on the front open side of the water tank 6 is applied to prevent leakage of water and the like to the outside of the tank.

  A drum 9 as a washing tub is rotatably disposed inside the water tub 6. Similarly to the water tank 6, the drum 9 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with the front surface open and the rear surface closed, and is disposed so that the axial direction is inclined upward from the horizontal direction. The washing machine has a drum 9 around the shaft. The peripheral wall portion of the drum 9 is formed with a large number of through holes 10 through which water and air can be passed, and three baffles 11 (only one is shown in FIG. 4) are provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion. . An annular balance ring 12 is provided at the front end of the drum 9, and an opening 13 in the inner periphery of the balance ring 12 is opposed to and communicates with the laundry entrance 4 as an opening of the drum 9. ing.

  The drum 9 is constituted by, for example, an outer rotor type DC brushless motor so as to be directly rotated by a drive motor 14 provided on the back side of the water tank 6, and functions as a drive unit of the drum 9. The drum 9 accommodates the laundry so that the laundry can be taken in and out from the laundry entrance 4, and the drum 9 functions as a washing tub shared for washing, rinsing and dehydrating the laundry.

  One end of a drain pipe 16 having the other end led out of the machine is connected to the drain port 15 provided at the lowermost part of the rear part of the water tank 6. A lint capturing device 17 and a drain valve 18 are provided on the downstream side of the drain pipe 16 at an intermediate position. The lint capturing device 17 includes a filter unit 19b that is detachable from the outside of the front surface of the outer box 2 in a filter case 19a that is connected and fixed to the drain pipe 16.

  In this case, when water is supplied into the aquarium 6 with the drain valve 18 closed, the water flows from the drain port 15 to the drain pipe 16, the filter case 19 a, and the drain valve 18 (upstream side). The water that has been infiltrated and stored and then supplied more than that is gradually stored in the water tank 6. When the drain valve 18 is opened while water is stored in the water tank 6, the water in the water tank 6 passes through the drain port 16, the filter case 19 a, and the drain valve 18 from the drain port 15. It is discharged out of the machine through a drain line 16 communicating with the outside. Since the filter device 17 is disposed upstream of the drain valve 18, the water after lint such as lint in the drainage has been captured reaches the drain valve 18 to cause a clogging phenomenon or water leakage at the time of closing. It is effective to prevent such as.

  An operation panel 21 is provided in the upper part of the front surface of the outer box 2, and a control device 22 mainly composed of a microcomputer is provided on the back side thereof. Further, a water supply valve 23 whose one end is connected to an external water source such as a water supply is provided at the upper rear side in the outer box 2. Although details will be described later, a connecting pipe 24, a water supply case 25, and a water supply hose 20 are connected to the other end in the outer box 2 of the water supply valve 23, and the other end of the water supply hose 20 is connected to the water tank. 6 is connected to the inside of the water tank 6, that is, a water supply pipe for supplying tap water or the like from the water supply valve 23 into the water tank 6 through the water supply case 25 or the like. In this case, the water supply from the water supply hose 20 into the water tank 6 is supplied along, for example, the inner wall surface of the water tank 6, that is, supplied directly to the water tank 6 without being supplied directly into the drum 9.

  A detergent charging means is provided in the water supply pipe so that it can be supplied into the aquarium 6 by washing away the detergent together with the water supply. Hereinafter, with reference to an exploded perspective view of the detergent charging means shown in FIG. 5, a detergent storage case 26 is slidably movable in and out of the water supply case 25 fixedly provided in the outer box 2. Is provided.

  The detergent storage case 26 is made of a synthetic resin having hydrophobicity and has a rectangular container shape extending in the front-rear direction along the upper portion in the water supply case 25. The detergent storage case 26 is partitioned and formed by a partition wall 27 that divides the interior into the front, rear, left, and right, and includes a first storage portion 28, a second storage portion 29, and a third storage portion 30, and the detergent storage case 26 includes An opening 31 common to the first to third reservoirs 28 to 30 is provided on the upper surface.

  For example, a liquid laundry treatment agent is stored in the right-half reservoirs 28 and 29. Specifically, a soft finish is stored in the first reservoir 28 on the right front and a right-hand side. The rear second storage unit 29 can store and store a liquid detergent or a liquid bleach. Further, for example, the third storage section 30 in the left half can store and store a powder detergent (or powder bleach) which is a powdery processing agent, and detailed description thereof is omitted. For example, for example, the bleaching agent in the second storage unit 29 flows out together with the detergent in the third storage unit 30 when water is supplied in the washing process, and the soft finish in the first storage unit 28 flows out when water is supplied in the rinsing process. Opening and closing control of first and second outlets 23a and 23b, which will be described later, provided in the valve 23 is selectively performed and supplied to the water tank 6 as appropriate.

  Siphon mechanisms 32 and 33 serving as liquid agent discharge units are disposed at the bottom of the detergent storage case 26 and are located in the first storage unit 28 and the second storage unit 29, respectively, and the lower surfaces of the siphon mechanisms 32 and 33. On the side, a water conduit (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction along the first reservoir 28 and the second reservoir 29 is integrally provided, and is open to the rear in the water supply case 25 in the stored state. Yes. Note that the siphon mechanisms 32 and 33 are both in a simple configuration that is generally employed, and when the water level exceeds a predetermined height, drainage is started by siphon action and can flow out to the water conduit. And as a powder agent discharge | emission part of the 3rd storage part 11, the fence-shaped part 34 is formed in the rear wall side, and is open | released in the back in the water supply case 25 similarly.

  A rectangular plate-like front cover 35 is attached to the front surface of the detergent storage case 26. The front cover 35 includes a handle portion 35a for operating the detergent storage case 26 in and out of the main body 1 (outer box 2), and when the case 26 is stored in the main body 1, And is arranged adjacent to the operation panel 21 (see FIG. 4). The detergent storage case 26 is directly inserted into and removed from the water supply case 25, and the detailed operation thereof will be described later.

  Here, a specific configuration of the detergent charging means provided in the water supply valve 23 and the water supply pipe line extending to the water tank 6 will be described with reference to FIG. The water supply valve 23 has a plurality of (for example, two) valve functions integrated, and has two outlets, which are the first and second outlets 23a and 23b. The inlet 23c also serves as a hose connection part that connects to a tap water source. However, the water supply valve 23 can be selectively opened and closed in a state in which both of the two outlets 23a and 23b are closed, a state in which only the first outlet 23a is opened, and a state in which only the second outlet 23b is opened. It is like that.

  The water supply case 25 that constitutes the water supply pipe line includes a cover member 36 that closes the rectangular container-shaped upper surface opening 25a, and is fixed to the main body 1 with the cover member 36 coupled and closed. The The cover member 36 has a double lid structure with a lower cover 37 and an upper cover 38, which will be described in detail later, and allows water to be poured from above into the detergent storage case 26 in the stored state.

  And it is integrally formed in the rear wall side (water supply valve 23 side) of the water supply case 25, and is provided with two inflow ducts 25b and 25c for supplying water from the water supply valve 23 separately to the cover member 36 side. . Among these, one inflow duct 25c having an L shape in plan view is connected to the second outlet 23b of the water supply valve 23 via the second pipe 24b constituting the connection pipe 24, and the other inflow duct 25c is connected. The duct 25 b is connected to the first outlet 23 a of the water supply valve 23 via the first pipe 24 a that constitutes the connection pipe 24.

  Note that the front side of the water supply case 25 that is in the shape of a container has a large opening so that the detergent storage case 26 can be taken in and out. In the stored state, the cover member 36 opens the top surface of the detergent storage case 26. 31, the detergent storage case 26 is configured to be kept horizontal with its upper surface opened in the pulled-out state.

  As described above, the cover member 36 is configured such that water can be poured from above into the detergent storage case 26. Specifically, the lower cover 37 has a first water inlet 39 facing the first reservoir 28 of the detergent storage case 26, a second water inlet 40 facing the second reservoir 29, and the same. The 3rd water inlet 41 which opposes the said 3rd storage part 30 is each formed, and these water inlets 39-41 are each comprised from the single thru | or several small hole (small hole group).

  In addition, a first inflow port 42a facing the inflow duct 25b and a second inflow port 42b facing the inflow duct 25c are formed at one end of the lower cover 37 on the water supply valve 23 side. The cover 37 includes a first water channel (indicated by an arrow A1) continuous from the first inlet 42a to the first water inlet 39 and a second water inlet 40b and a third water inlet 41 connected from the second inlet 42b. A two-flow channel (indicated by an arrow A <b> 2) is formed by being partitioned by a rib 43. Furthermore, in the vicinity of the third water inlet 41, there is an auxiliary rib 44 bent in a labyrinth, and the auxiliary rib 44 forms an independent water channel A3 that is separate from the water channels A1 and A2, and the third reservoir. It is set as the structure which can perform the water injection to the part 30 separately.

  On the other hand, the upper cover 38 has a plate shape that covers the lower cover 37 from above, and in a state where the covers 37 and 38 are coupled to each other, the lower surface of the upper cover 38 is watertight to the upper edges of the ribs 43 and the auxiliary ribs 44. To come in contact with. Accordingly, the cover member 36 is configured so that water does not go back and forth between the flow channels A <b> 1 to A <b> 3 beyond the ribs 43 and the auxiliary ribs 44.

  The bottom of the water supply case 25 is provided with an outlet 25d at a lower end inclined downward, and one end of the water supply hose 20 is connected to the outlet 25d and communicates with the inside of the water tank 6. In addition, even if water supply is performed in a state where the detergent storage case 26 is pulled out from the main body 1 or removed, water does not leak outside the water supply case 25, and in this case, the water flows in from the water supply valve 23. The water that has passed through the ducts 25 b and 25 c flows so as to drop directly into the lower water supply case 25 from the water injection ports 39, 40, and 41 of the lower cover 37, and is supplied to the water tank 6 through the water supply hose 20.

  Thus, the water from the water supply valve 23 connected to the water supply serving as the water source enters the water tank 6 through the connecting pipe 25, the cover member 36, the detergent storage case 26, the water supply case 25, and the water supply hose 20 constituting the water supply line. Supplied. In the detergent storage case 26, bleaching agents, finishes, detergents, and the like stored and stored in the storage units 28, 29, and 30 are appropriately poured together with water based on the opening / closing control of the water supply valve 23, and put into the water tank 6. The

  Here, an example in which a powder detergent is specifically introduced will be described. First, the second outlet 23b side of the water supply valve 23 is opened. The water reaches the second flowing water channel A2 through the second pipe 24b, the inflow duct 25c, and the second inlet 42b of the cover member 36 in order. The water flowing through the second water channel A <b> 2 is injected from the second water inlet 40 into the second reservoir 29 and is also injected into the third reservoir 30 from the third water inlet 41. If the powder detergent is stored in the third reservoir 30, the water is washed away from the fence-like part 34 into the water supply case 25, and supplied to the water tank 6 through the water supply hose 20. . On the other hand, if the water injected into the second reservoir 29 contains liquid detergent or liquid bleaching agent, it is diluted and passed from the siphon mechanism 33 through a bottom water conduit (not shown). Then, it flows out into the water supply case 25 and is supplied to the water tank 2 in the same manner.

  The drum type washing machine shown in the embodiment automatically performs a series of steps such as washing, rinsing, and dehydrating in the washing operation based on a control program stored in advance in the control device 22, and is not particularly illustrated. Usually has various sensors. For example, as a sensor which this kind of washing machine always has, a weight sensor as a laundry volume detecting means and a water level sensor for water level detection are provided. For example, the weight sensor is a state in which the laundry is accommodated in the drum 9 The drive motor 14 is energized and driven in a predetermined energization mode, the rotation speed is detected by a rotation sensor provided in the motor 14, and the motor load is detected based on the data stored in the control device 22 in response to the detection signal. It detects the weight of a certain laundry. The control device 22 determines the water level according to the laundry volume and the amount of detergent based on the weight detection result, and displays it on a corresponding display section (not shown) provided on the operation panel 21 for the user. For example, the amount of detergent can be easily handled with an attached measuring cup or the like. In addition, the laundry capacity can be detected by a weight sensor having a weighing function for measuring the weight of the elastically supported water tank 6.

  On the other hand, as the water level sensor, a pressure type water level sensor or the like that normally provides an air trap in communication with the bottom portion of the water tank 6 and detects pressure fluctuation due to the water level through the air trap is well known. When the predetermined water level is detected by the sensor, based on this input signal, the control device 22 closes the water supply valve 23 to stop the water supply operation and control to start the washing operation. In addition, as a water level sensor, a conductive pole that slides according to the water level is inserted in the inner peripheral part of the cylindrical coil, and the water level is detected by outputting a water level signal having a frequency corresponding to the amount of lap of both. You may do it.

  Next, the operation of the washing machine of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. 1 is a flowchart showing the control content of the washing operation, and FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory diagram for specifically explaining a part of the control content based on the specification of the water supply valve 23.

  1 will be described below. When the operation is started by operating an operation button (not shown) or the like of the operation panel 21, the control device 22 energizes the water supply valve 23 (also referred to as an ON operation). Is opened for a predetermined time (step S1). In the ON operation immediately after the start shown in FIG. 2, for example, opening control is performed for 6 seconds. This ON time is set so as to obtain the amount of water filled in the drainage pipe line 16 on the water tank 6 side closed by the drainage valve 18. In this state, the detergent storage case 26 has not yet stored the powder detergent, so even if the two valve functions of the water supply valve 23 are turned on, both the first and second outlets 23a and 23b are open. However, in many cases, for example, the first reservoir 28 is often filled with a soft finish that is charged during rinsing, and in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the powder accommodated in the third reservoir 30 is used. It will be described along the flow of water in the water supply line for the introduction of detergent.

  Accordingly, here, the ON operation of the water supply valve 23 shown in FIG. 2 specifically opens, for example, only the second outlet 23b side, and the water is supplied from the second pipe 24b, the inflow duct 25c shown in FIG. The water supply pipe line which reaches the 3rd water inlet 41, the 3rd storage part 30, the fence-shaped part 34, the water supply case 25, and the water supply hose 20 through the 2nd inlet 42b of the lower cover 37, 2nd water flow path A2 in order. Then, it is supplied into the water tank 6.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 1, when the water supply of a predetermined amount of water for a predetermined time in step S1 is completed, the weight of the laundry is then measured by the weight sensor as the laundry volume detecting means (step S2). The predetermined amount of water supply is a small amount of water that can be filled and stored in the drain pipe 16 including the inside of the filter case 19a, and the water supply from the water supply hose 20 to the water tank 6 is supplied along the tank wall surface. In addition, water does not splash on the drum 9 or the dry laundry housed inside. In addition, since the water level sensor for detecting the water level is difficult to detect accurately due to the small amount of water, the water supply is controlled to obtain a necessary amount of water by setting the time. Thus, the weight measurement in step S2 can be performed properly. Upon receiving the result of the weight measurement, the control device 22 sets the water level according to the capacity of the laundry and the necessary amount of detergent (here, powder detergent). Set.

  And it transfers to step S3 and the control apparatus 22 displays the set amount of detergents on the corresponding display part of the operation panel 21, and notifies a user. Although this display time can be set arbitrarily, for example, it is set to 60 seconds as shown in FIG. In addition, you may be made to alert | report an audio | voice by a buzzer etc. with this display. During this time, the user stores a predetermined amount of detergent in the third storage section 30 of the detergent storage case 26. That is, the detergent storage case 26 is put on the handle 35 a of the front cover 35 and pulled out to the front outside the main body 1, the detergent is stored at the position where the third reservoir 30 is exposed, and stored in the main body 1 again. To do.

  When the display time (60 seconds) elapses, the water supply valve 23 is turned on again and supplied into the water tank 6 through the same water supply pipe as described above (step S4). However, at this time, since a predetermined amount of powder detergent is stored in the third reservoir 30 in the water supply pipe, the detergent flows out so as to be pushed into the water and slightly dissolved. The water hose 20 is charged into the water tank 6. Part of the detergent or high-concentration detergent liquid is already filled with water in the drain pipe 16, so that it is difficult to enter the drain pipe 16, and most of the detergent liquid is in the water tank 6. Supplied with water. When the water supply continues and reaches a set water level soaking the lower region of the drum 9 and the laundry inside, the water level sensor (not shown) detects this, and the control device 22 having input this detection signal turns off the water supply valve 23. Thus, the water supply operation is terminated by closing the valve function.

  At the same time, the control device 22 starts a washing process (step S5). That is, the drive motor 14 is energized and the drum 9 is rotated at a low speed, whereby a washing and washing operation for lifting and dropping the laundry is performed, and all of the introduced detergent is stirred and dissolved in the aquarium 6, and the washing process is performed. Effectively contributes to cleaning performance from the beginning.

  When the washing process is performed for a predetermined time, the control device 22 stops the drive motor 14, energizes and opens the drain valve 18, and discharges the water in the water tank 6 to the outside (step S6). Hereinafter, in brief, the detergent component is extracted through the first dehydration process (step S7), the rinsing and dehydration process (step S8) is performed as appropriate, and the series of washing operations is completed.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, a predetermined amount of water is supplied by supplying water for a predetermined time immediately after the start of operation, and water is filled in the drain pipe 16 leading to the drain valve 18. Thereafter, the capacity of the laundry by the weight sensor was measured, and the amount of detergent set according to the capacity was displayed on the operation panel 21. While this display is performed for a predetermined time, the user pulls out the detergent storage case 26 from the main body 1, stores a predetermined amount of powder detergent in the third reservoir 30, and stores the detergent storage case 26 in its original state. . Then, by supplying water to a set water level necessary for the subsequent washing operation, the detergent stored in the detergent storage case 26 (specifically, the third storage unit 30) located in the water supply pipe is washed with water. Then, the water is poured into the water tank 6 through the water supply case 25.

  As a result, since the water is already filled in the drain pipe 16 at the time when the detergent is introduced, the detergent component (high concentration detergent liquid) enters the drain pipe 16 from the drain port 15. Therefore, all of the predetermined amount of detergent can be effectively used for the cleaning action, and the expected cleaning performance can be expected.

  Moreover, in the configuration in which the filter device 17 is provided in the middle of the drainage pipe 16 as shown in the above embodiment, water is also infiltrated and stored in the filter case 19a. The amount of water also increases, and many detergent components easily enter with water supply. For this reason, it is difficult for water to move to the water tank 6 side in the subsequent washing operation, or a considerable time is required. As a result, the detergent cannot be effectively used in the washing operation for a predetermined time. However, according to the above embodiment, the present invention is very effective even for a configuration in which the drainage pipe 16 is complicated.

  In this way, if the drain pipe 16 is filled with water first, and then the detergent is introduced together with the water supply, the detergent can be effectively used. That is, the user stores the detergent in the detergent storage case 26 based on the display of the detergent amount (the detergent amount required by the user with reference to the display), so that at least before the detergent amount is displayed, Water may be supplied into the pipeline 16. Therefore, specifically, it is possible to carry out the modification as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2 showing a modified example, and immediately after the start, the capacity of the laundry is measured by the weight sensor corresponding to step S2. Although the required amount of detergent is determined by the control device 22, the display is not immediately performed, and control is performed so that water supply for filling the drainage pipe 16 is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 6 seconds). After the water supply, the previously set amount of detergent is displayed on the operation panel 21 (for example, displayed for 60 seconds). Then, based on this display, the user stores a predetermined amount of detergent in the detergent storage case 26 while being displayed. Hereinafter, similarly to the above-described embodiment, by introducing detergent together with water for the subsequent washing process, it is possible to suppress the penetration of the detergent components into the drain pipe 16 previously filled with water as much as possible. All of the amount of detergent necessary for the washing operation according to the volume can be effectively used, and the same effect as the above embodiment can be expected.

  Note that the water supply time for filling the drain pipe 16 with water can be easily determined as a predetermined amount of water by setting the time according to the volume in the pipe 16. However, due to circumstances on the user's side, there are areas where water source water pressure such as water supply is different, so there are cases where the water supply amount is excessive or insufficient during the standard water supply time. Therefore, for example, a water pressure gauge that operates by energization control is provided in the vicinity of the water supply valve 23 in the water supply line, and a signal due to fluctuations in the water pressure is input, and the control device 22 sets and stores an appropriate water supply time, and this is used to supply the detergent. It is used as the water supply time to the drainage pipe 16 ahead.

  Accordingly, the water supply time can be set according to the amount of water supplied from the water source, and a predetermined amount of water sufficient to always fill the drain pipe 16 can be ensured. The water pressure may be measured by using a water supply operation in another washing process or an excessive process, measuring the water pressure each time, storing and updating the time, and setting the time.

  However, the water supply is not necessarily limited to the above time setting (equivalent to step S1). For example, a water level sensor that detects a set water level in a washing process can detect the water level even at a low water level. If a predetermined amount of water supply control that fills the inside of the drain pipe 16 is performed using the water level sensor, an appropriate water supply amount can be secured without being influenced by the water source water pressure or the flow rate. Of course, the present invention can be similarly adopted in each embodiment in which water is supplied by time setting to be described later.

  Further, in this embodiment, the detergent storage case 26 is configured to be able to be inserted into and removed from the main body 1, specifically, the water supply case 25. Alternatively, the detergent storage case 26 can be installed from the outside of the main body 1 with the case 26 installed. It is good also as a structure which can accommodate a detergent etc.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, a means for supplying water for a predetermined time after the start of operation and filling the drain pipe 16 with a predetermined amount of water is adopted, whereas in the second embodiment, a series of washing operations is completed. At that time, it is different in that water is supplied for a predetermined time.

FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing the second embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and different parts will be described. FIG. 7 is also equivalent to FIG.
As is apparent from FIG. 6 described above, the water supply control for a predetermined time after the start is not performed, the process starts from the measurement of the laundry volume by the weight sensor (step S2), and the series of washing operations is terminated. . This step S8 specifically clarifies the stroke division. That is, water supply for rinsing (step S8-1) and rinsing process (step S8-2) are performed in the same manner as the washing process, and the drain valve 18 is opened to drain (step S8-3) and final dewatering (step S8). -4) is performed for a predetermined time, for example, the drain valve 18 is closed, and a series of washing operations related to the washing action of the laundry is completed.

  However, the control device 22 controls opening / closing of the water supply valve 23 after the end of the final dehydration operation. That is, the water supply valve 23 is opened (ON operation) for a predetermined time, and water is supplied into the water tank 6 through the detergent storage case 26 and the water supply case 25 in which no detergent is stored (step S1). Then, after a predetermined time when water is supplied and stored up to a predetermined amount in a state where the drain pipe 16 is filled with water, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the water supply valve 23 is closed (OFF operation) by supplying water for 25 seconds. End driving.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, water is always supplied for a predetermined time at the end of a series of washing operations so that the drain pipe 16 is filled with water. It is possible to suppress the intrusion into the drain pipe 16 as much as possible, and the same effect as the first embodiment can be expected, such as expected cleaning performance based on a predetermined amount of detergent that is originally required. can get. Rather, in this embodiment, the water supply operation after the start is only one water supply for the washing process as in the case of a normal washing machine, and therefore there is no sense of incongruity in that the subsequent washing operation can be started quickly. .

  However, the water supply control for a predetermined time that is executed after the end of the washing operation is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified and expanded as follows. That is, in the above embodiment, the control unit performs water supply for a predetermined time after the end of the final dehydration process of the washing operation, whereas in this modification, the water supply control for a predetermined time is performed based on the opening / closing operation of the door 5 after the end of the washing operation. It is different in that it is done.

  Specifically, referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a diagram equivalent to FIG. 1, but is particularly a diagram similar to FIG. 6, and the final dehydration is performed from step S2 of the weight measurement after the start. The steps up to step S8-4 are the same as in the above embodiment. And in this modification, when a series of washing operation (final dehydration process) is completed, it is good to notify completion by a buzzer, for example. In response to the end of the washing operation, the user takes out the laundry. In this case, of course, the door 5 closing the laundry entrance 4 is opened and closed. Normally, a door switch (not shown) that responds to the opening and closing of the door is provided, and the control device 22 can execute a series of washing operations by checking the closed state with the switch.

  Thus, when the washing operation is completed, the process proceeds to step P1 to determine whether or not the opening / closing of the door 5 has been detected. In other words, the door switch is used to constantly monitor whether the door 5 has been opened or closed after the washing operation. Here, when the door 5 is opened and closed (YES), it is assumed that the laundry has been taken out from the drum 9, and the process proceeds to step S1 to supply a predetermined amount of water sufficient to fill the drain pipe 16 with water. And all operations are finished after a predetermined time.

  According to this modification, the same effect as that of the second embodiment can be obtained, and since the laundry is taken out from the drum 9 and then supplied into the water tub 6, the supplied water is supplied to the laundry after dehydration. It is excellent in that there is no worry about getting wet by getting down.

(Third embodiment)
9 and 10 show the third embodiment, of which FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 showing the second embodiment, and FIG. 10 shows a part of the control contents of the drain valve 18. It is action explanatory drawing for demonstrating concretely. Incidentally, the steps from the weight measurement step S2 after the start to the step S8-4 for performing the final dewatering are substantially the same as those of the second embodiment. However, the difference is that in the third embodiment, the drain valve 18 opens (ON operation) immediately before the end of the final dehydration process.

  That is, the so-called dehydration time from the start of the final dehydration in step S8-4a to the end of step S8-4b is set to 5 minutes as shown in FIG. During this time, the drain valve 18 is normally open, but here, after a lapse of 80% of the total time (after 4 minutes) as illustrated in FIG. 10 as a fixed time, in other words, 1 minute before the end. The drain valve 18 is controlled to be closed (OFF operation).

  In the setting of the predetermined time, since the drain valve 18 is closed while the dehydration action of the laundry is continued, a part of the dehydration is stored in the water tank 6 without being discharged out of the machine. This means that it is stored in the drainage pipe 16 on the upstream side (water tank 6 side) closed by the drainage valve 18, and the above time setting is for obtaining a sufficient amount of water to fill the pipeline 16. It is obtained based on experimental data and the like and is stored in the control device 22 in advance.

  As described above, also in the third embodiment, the detergent component can be prevented from entering the drainage pipe 16 as in the above embodiments, and the expected cleaning performance can be expected. In addition, the water that fills the drain line 16 uses dehydrated water as washing water, so there is a water-saving effect compared to newly supplying water, and a special water supply process and water supply time are required. It is also advantageous in that a series of washing operations can be performed smoothly without being necessary.

(Fourth embodiment)
As described in each of the above embodiments, in order to allow the detergent or the like to be added together with the water supply, the user stores 1 in each of the storage units 28 to 30 with the detergent storage case 26 pulled out from the main body 1 in advance. After storing and storing a batch of detergent or the like, it is necessary to store it in the main body 1 again. In the fourth embodiment, water supply control is performed to determine whether or not water supply (step S1) can be performed for a predetermined time in accordance with the state in which the detergent storage case 26 is taken in and out of the main body 1.

  Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. The exploded perspective view of FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 5, and the flowchart of FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. First, in FIG. 11, a configuration (different reference numeral) different from that of the first embodiment will be described. A detergent storage case provided with a reed switch 45 on the front side of the water supply case 25 and operated to slide in and out. 26 is different in that the magnet 46 is provided in the side front portion of the 26, and the other configuration is the same.

  That is, the reed switch 45 and the magnet 46 are close to each other when the detergent storage case 26 is stored in the main body 1, specifically, when the detergent storage case 26 is stored in the water supply case 25. A signal based on the on / off operation of the reed switch 45 that is provided at the position facing the magnet 46 on the side of the detergent storage case 26 is input to the control device 22 so that the detergent storage case 26 is put in and out. It can be detected. That is, it functions as the case state detection means 47 that can detect whether or not the detergent storage case 26 is in the main body 1 (presence / absence). The detection signal is input to the control device 22, and water supply is controlled as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 12, after the start, it is determined whether or not the detergent storage case 26 is in the main body 1 (water supply case 25) (step T1). If it is determined that there is no change in the detection signal from the case state detection means 47 and the detergent storage case 26 is in the main body 1 (YES), the process proceeds to step T2 and whether or not the detergent storage case 26 has been changed. Judgment is made. If it is detected that there is a change in the detection signal (YES), it is determined that the detergent has been accommodated based on the fact that the detergent storage case 26 has been taken in and out. In this case, the reed switch 45 and the magnet 46 can be easily detected by changing from the ON state (stored state) to the OFF state (drawn state) and then to the ON state (stored state) again.

  For this reason, water supply for a predetermined time in a state where the detergent is stored (step S1) is controlled so as not to supply water, and the process proceeds to next step S2 to measure the laundry capacity by the weight sensor. The flow after step S2 is omitted because it is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  However, if there is no change in loading / unloading and there is no change in the detection signal in step T2, the determination is “NO”, indicating that the detergent storage case 26 is still stored in the main body 1. ing. Accordingly, it is determined that the detergent is not stored in the detergent storage case 26, and the process proceeds to the next step S1 to enable a predetermined amount of water supply based on a predetermined time. However, there may be a case where the detergent storage case 26 is just pulled out due to an erroneous operation or the like in Step T2 (the reed switch 45 is switched from ON to OFF). However, in this case as well, since it is not a change signal “in / out”, the process proceeds to step S1 based on the “NO” determination, and a predetermined amount of water is supplied. In the state where the detergent storage case 26 is pulled out, the water immediately flows into the water supply case 25 from the cover member 36 and is supplied into the water tank 6 without passing through the detergent storage case 26.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the previous step T1 that the detergent storage case 26 is not present in the main body 1 (NO), that is, if a signal due to the ON operation by the reed switch 45 is not detected, the flow proceeds to step S1 and water can be supplied. Yes. Naturally, this is controlled so that water can be supplied based on the fact that no detergent is prepared. The case state detecting means 47 is composed of the reed switch 45 and the magnet 46. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one microswitch is operated to be turned on and off using the sliding movement of the detergent storage case 26. Various detection means are conceivable.

  Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, for example, when the user accidentally stores the detergent in the detergent storage case 26 first, the water supply operation is stopped, so that the detergent is not thrown in. Intrusion of the detergent into the drain pipe 16 can be prevented more reliably.

  As described above, according to the washing machine of the present embodiment, since the detergent is supplied together with the water supply in a state where the drain pipe is filled with water, a part of the detergent component directly enters the drain pipe. It is possible to provide a washing machine that can be prevented from entering and that can be effectively used for a cleaning operation without waste based on a predetermined amount of detergent that is originally required and that can be expected to have a desired cleaning performance.

  The washing machine described above is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings. For example, the washing machine is not limited to a drum-type washing machine around the horizontal axis, and includes a washing tub serving as a dehydrating tub around the vertical axis. It can also be applied to the vertical washing machine provided. Further, the detergent storage case can be taken in and out of the main body, specifically, the water supply case. However, this may be configured so that it can be taken in and out of an appropriate part in the water supply pipe. The case may be implemented with various modifications without departing from the gist of the invention, for example, as long as it can accommodate at least a detergent.

  In the drawings, 1 is a washing machine body, 6 is a water tub, 9 is a drum (washing tub), 14 is a drive motor, 16 is a drain pipe, 18 is a drain valve, 21 is an operation panel, 22 is a control device, and 23 is water supply. A valve, 25 is a water supply case, 26 is a detergent storage case, 45 is a reed switch, 46 is a magnet, and 47 is a case state detection means.

Claims (8)

A washing tub provided in the washing machine main body for storing laundry, a water tub provided around the outside of the washing tub and capable of storing water, and a water supply valve connected to an external water source for supplying water into the water tub A water supply pipe provided, a drain pipe provided in the lower part of the water tank and led to the outside through a drain valve, a laundry volume detection means, and a detection result of the laundry volume detection means. A control device for determining and displaying a predetermined amount of detergent, and a detergent storage case provided in the water supply pipeline,
The control device controls to automatically perform washing operations such as washing, rinsing and dehydration,
At the start of operation, the water supply valve is opened and water is supplied to fill the drain pipe closed by the drain valve with water, and then the amount of detergent is controlled based on the laundry volume detecting means. A washing machine characterized in that the detergent stored in the detergent storage case is supplied into a water tank together with subsequent water supply. A washing tub provided in the washing machine main body for storing laundry, a water tub provided around the outside of the washing tub and capable of storing water, and a water supply valve connected to an external water source for supplying water into the water tub A water supply pipe provided, a drain pipe provided in the lower part of the water tank and led to the outside through a drain valve, a laundry volume detection means, and a detection result of the laundry volume detection means. A control device for determining and displaying a predetermined amount of detergent, and a detergent storage case provided in the water supply pipeline,
The control device controls to automatically perform washing operations such as washing, rinsing and dehydration,
Open the water supply valve after the washing operation is finished, and control to supply water to fill the drain pipe line closed by the drain valve with water,
A washing machine characterized by displaying the amount of detergent based on the laundry capacity detecting means at the start of operation and supplying the detergent contained in the detergent storage case into the water tank together with water supply.   A door for opening and closing the opening and a door opening / closing detecting means for detecting the opening and closing operation of the door are provided opposite to the opening for loading and unloading the laundry in the washing tub and the water tub. 3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein water is supplied to the drain pipe in response to the result of detecting the opening / closing of the door by the door opening / closing detection means.   The water supply to the drain pipe is controlled by setting the time, and means for detecting the water pressure from the external water source is provided in the water pipe so that the water supply time to the drain pipe can be varied according to the water pressure. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the washing machine is configured as described above. A washing tub provided in the washing machine main body for storing laundry, a water tub provided around the outside of the washing tub and capable of storing water, and a water supply valve connected to an external water source for supplying water into the water tub A water supply pipe provided, a drain pipe provided in the lower part of the water tank and led to the outside through a drain valve, a laundry volume detection means, and a detection result of the laundry volume detection means. A control device for determining and displaying a predetermined amount of detergent, and a detergent storage case provided in the water supply pipeline,
The control device controls to automatically perform washing operations such as washing, rinsing and dehydration,
Controlling the washing water in the final stroke of the washing operation stroke to be finished in a state where the washing water is stored in the drainage pipe with the drainage valve closed;
A washing machine characterized by displaying the amount of detergent based on the laundry capacity detecting means at the start of operation and supplying the detergent contained in the detergent storage case into the water tank together with water supply. A washing tub provided in the washing machine main body for storing laundry, a water tub provided around the outside of the washing tub and capable of storing water, and a water supply valve connected to an external water source for supplying water into the water tub A water supply pipe provided, a drain pipe provided in the lower part of the water tank and led to the outside through a drain valve, a laundry volume detection means, and a detection result of the laundry volume detection means. A control device that determines and displays a predetermined amount of detergent, a detergent storage case that is located in the water supply pipe and is provided so as to be able to be taken in and out, and a case state detecting means for detecting the state of taking in and out of the detergent storage case. Prepared,
The control device controls to automatically perform washing operations such as washing, rinsing and dehydration,
At the start of operation, when there is no change in the detection signal by the case state detection means, the water supply valve is opened and water is supplied to fill the drain pipe closed by the drain valve with water, and then the laundry volume is detected. The washing machine is controlled so that the amount of detergent based on the means is displayed, and the detergent contained in the detergent storage case is supplied into the water tank together with the subsequent water supply.   7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the control device controls to stop water supply by the water supply valve when the detection signal by the case state detection means is changed. A washing tub provided in the washing machine main body for storing laundry, a water tub provided around the outside of the washing tub and capable of storing water, and a water supply valve connected to an external water source for supplying water into the water tub A water supply pipe provided, a drain pipe provided in the lower part of the water tank and led to the outside through a drain valve, a laundry volume detection means, and a detection result of the laundry volume detection means. A control device that determines and displays a predetermined amount of detergent, a detergent storage case that is located in the water supply pipe and is provided so as to be able to be taken in and out, and a case state detecting means for detecting the state of taking in and out of the detergent storage case. Prepared,
The control device controls to automatically perform washing operations such as washing, rinsing and dehydration,
When a detection signal from the case state detection means is not detected at the start of operation, the water supply valve is opened and water is supplied to fill the drain pipe closed by the drain valve with water, and then the laundry capacity detection means The washing machine is controlled so as to display the amount of detergent based on the detergent, and the detergent stored in the detergent storage case is supplied into the water tank along with the subsequent water supply.

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