JP2011244885A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine which can efficiently perform washing by measuring the hardness (electric conductivity) of water to be used for washing with high accuracy.SOLUTION: The washing machine includes a housing 2, an outer tub 9, a washing/dewatering tub 8, a drive unit 10, water supply means 12, laundry amount determination means 114, electric conductivity detection means 40 for detecting the electric conductivity of water to be used for washing, temperature detection means 26b for detecting a water temperature, and operation control means 112 capable of performing a washing operation. In the washing machine, the operation control means 112 controls a detergent amount and/or washing time on the basis of the laundry amount determined by the laundry amount determination means 114, the electric conductivity of water detected by the electric conductivity detection means 40, and the water temperature detected by the temperature detection means 26b.

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a washing machine capable of measuring the hardness of washing water.

A washing machine (washing and drying machine) performs washing operation of clothes with washing water in which detergent is dissolved with tap water. Tap water supplied to a washing machine (washing and drying machine) contains hardness components such as calcium and magnesium. Since the hardness component is combined with the surfactant, which is the main component of the detergent, to form soap scum, the amount of the surfactant in the wash water is reduced, which causes a reduction in cleaning power. In addition, the hardness of tap water varies from region to region and varies from season to season.
For this reason, a washing machine (washing and drying machine) that performs a washing operation in consideration of the hardness of tap water is required.

  In Patent Document 1, a pair of electrodes for measuring the electrical conductivity of the washing water is provided in the outer tub in which the washing water is accumulated, and the hardness of the washing water is converted from the measured electrical conductivity of the washing water. A washing machine that performs a washing process according to the hardness of the machine is disclosed.

JP 2009-195737 A

However, the washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with a pair of electrodes so as to protrude into the outer tub from the bottom surface of the air chamber provided in the outer tub. For this reason, soap scum, lint, etc. may accumulate between a pair of electrodes.
If soap debris, lint, etc. accumulates on the bottom surface, the surface area of the electrode in contact with the wash water will decrease, the electrical conductivity of the wash water will not be measured correctly, and the hardness of the wash water will not be converted correctly. .
In addition, if lint or the like is clogged between a pair of electrodes, current flows through the lint etc. when measuring the electrical conductivity, and the electrical conductivity of the washing water cannot be measured correctly, and the hardness of the washing water is reduced. It cannot be converted correctly.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can measure the hardness (electric conductivity) of water used for washing with high accuracy and perform washing efficiently.

  In order to solve such a problem, the present invention provides a washing machine according to claim 1, a casing, an outer tub that is supported in a vibration-proof manner in the casing, and stores washing water therein, and the outer tub. A washing / dehydrating tub that is rotatably supported in the laundry and stores the laundry, a driving device that rotationally drives the washing / dehydrating tub, water supply means for supplying water into the outer tub, and an amount of the laundry A laundry amount determination means for determining, an electrical conductivity detection means for detecting electrical conductivity of water used for washing, a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the water, the drive device, and the water supply means; The operation control means includes at least an operation control means capable of executing a washing operation, wherein the operation control means includes the amount of laundry determined by the laundry amount determination means and the water detected by the conductivity detection means. Electric conductivity and water detected by the temperature detecting means Based on the degree, amount of detergent, and / or, and controlling the washing time.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the washing machine which measures the hardness (electrical conductivity) of the water used for washing with high precision, and can wash efficiently can be provided.

It is an external appearance perspective view of the washing machine (washing dryer) concerning a 1st embodiment. It is right side sectional drawing which cut and showed a part of housing | casing and the outer tank in order to show the internal structure of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the water supply unit of the washing machine (washing dryer) concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure explaining the water supply path | route unit of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (a) is a front view, (b) is a top view, (c) is (a). It is a CC line section arrow view, (d) is a DD line section arrow view of (a), and (e) is an EE line section arrow view of (b). It is a functional diagram of a hardness sensor. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the control apparatus of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is process drawing explaining the driving | operation process of the washing driving | operation (washing-rinsing-dehydration) of the washing machine (washing dryer) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a table which determines the amount of detergent and washing time from the hardness and temperature of tap water. It is a flowchart which determines the amount of detergents and operation time from the hardness measurement of tap water. It is a flowchart which changes the time of washing operation from the water temperature in an outer tank. It is a figure explaining the water supply path | route unit of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, (a) is a front view, (b) is a top view, (c) is (a). It is a CC line section arrow view, (d) is a DD line section arrow view of (a), and (e) is an EE line section arrow view of (b).

  Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the present description, the same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

<< First Embodiment >>
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) according to the first embodiment.
<Vertical washing and drying machine>
The washing / drying machine 1 is a vertical washing machine (vertical washing / drying machine) in which the rotation axis of the washing and dewatering tub 8 (see FIG. 2) is substantially vertical.
An upper surface cover 2a is provided on the upper portion of the housing 2 of the washing / drying machine 1, and an outer lid 3 is provided on the upper surface cover 2a. The outer lid 3 is folded in a mountain shape and opened to the rear side, thereby opening the opening 2b (see FIG. 2) and allowing clothes (laundry) to be taken in and out of the washing and dewatering tub 8 (see FIG. 2). ing.
A water supply hose connection port 4 from the water tap and a water absorption hose connection port 5 for remaining hot water in the bath are provided on the back side of the upper surface cover 2a.
A power switch 6 is provided on the front side of the top cover 2a, and an operation display panel 7 including an operation switch 7a and a display 7b is provided on the front side of the outer lid 3.

FIG. 2 is a right-side cross-sectional view showing a part of the casing and an outer tub cut away in order to show the internal structure of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) according to the first embodiment.
The bottomed cylindrical washing / dehydrating tub 8 is rotatably supported by the outer tub 9, and has a large number of through holes for water flow and ventilation on the outer peripheral wall thereof, and the upper side is open.
The bottomed cylindrical outer tub 9 encloses the washing and dewatering tub 8 on the same axis and is open on the upper side. In addition, an inner lid 9 a is provided on the upper part of the outer tub 9.
The user of the washing / drying machine 1 can put clothes in and out of the washing and dewatering tub 8 through the opening 2b by opening the outer lid 3 and the inner lid 9a.

A rotary blade 8 a is provided on the inner bottom surface of the washing and dewatering tub 8. In addition, a driving device 10 is provided at the outer center of the bottom surface of the outer tub 9.
The driving device 10 includes a motor 10a and a clutch mechanism 10b, and a rotating shaft 10c of the driving device 10 passes through the outer tub 9 and is coupled to the washing / dehydrating tub 8 and the rotary blade 8a. The clutch mechanism 10b transmits the rotational power of the motor 10a to the washing and dewatering tub 8 and / or the rotary blade 8a. The motor 10a includes a rotation detection device 28 configured by a Hall element or a photo interrupter that detects the rotation, and a motor current detection device 29 that detects a current flowing through the motor 10a.

The detergent / finishing agent charging device 11 is provided on the front side of the top cover 2a. The detergent and the finishing agent are charged between the outer tub 9 and the washing / dehydrating tub 8 by the charging hose 11a.
The water supply unit 12 is provided on the back side of the top cover 2a. The water supply unit 12 supplies tap water from the water supply hose connection port 4 to a detergent / finishing agent input device 11 and a water-cooled dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) described later. Further, the water supply unit 12 supplies the tap water from the water supply hose connection port 4 and the bath water from the water absorption hose connection port 5 (see FIG. 1) to the outer tub 9 and the washing and dehydration tub 8 through the water injection hose 11b. Water can be poured into the outer tub 9 from between. The water supply unit 12 includes a hardness sensor (electric conductivity sensor) 40 for detecting the hardness of tap water.
In addition, the detailed description of the water supply unit 12 is later mentioned using FIG.3 and FIG.4.

A drop portion 9 b provided on the bottom surface of the outer tub 9 is connected to communicate with the lower communication pipe 13.
The lower communication pipe 13 is connected so as to communicate with the washing water drainage path 15 via the drain valve 14. By closing the drain valve 14, washing water and rinsing water can be stored in the outer tub 9. Further, by opening the drain valve 14, the water in the outer tub 9 can be drained outside the washing / drying machine 1 through the washing water drainage channel 15.

Further, the lower communication pipe 13 is connected so as to communicate with the washing water circulation channel 18 via a foreign matter removing device 16 and a circulation pump 17 installed at the lower part of the housing 2. The washing water circulation channel 18 is connected so as to communicate with a lint removing device 19 provided above the washing and dewatering tub 8.
When the circulation pump 17 is driven, the water in the outer tub 9 flows into the foreign matter removing device 16 through the drop portion 9 b and the lower communication pipe 13 to remove the foreign matter, and flows into the suction port of the circulation pump 17.
The water discharged from the discharge port of the circulation pump 17 flows into the waste thread removing device 19 through the washing water circulation channel 18 to remove the waste thread, and the water from which the waste thread has been removed (circulated water) is the waste thread removing device. Water is poured from 19 to spray into the washing and dewatering tank 8.

The drying duct 20 is installed in the vertical direction inside the back surface of the housing 2, and the lower part of the duct is connected to the drop portion 9 b of the outer tub 9 by a rubber bellows tube 20 a. A water cooling / dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) is built in the drying duct 20, and cooling water is supplied from the water supply unit 12 to the water cooling / dehumidifying mechanism. The cooling water flows down the wall surface of the drying duct 20 and enters the drop portion 9b, and is discharged outside the machine through the lower communication pipe 13 and the washing water drainage path 15.
The outlet of the drying duct 20 is connected to the air inlet of the fan 21, and the outlet of the fan 21 is connected to the heater 22. The outlet of the heater 22 is connected to the blowout nozzle 24 via a blower duct 23 and a rubber bellows tube 23a.
Thus, in the drying process, the air in the outer tub 9 is water-cooled and dehumidified by the drying duct 20 and sucked from the suction port of the fan 21, and the air discharged from the discharge port of the fan 21 is heated by the heater 22. The high-temperature and low-humidity wind can be blown out from the blowing nozzle 24 into the washing / dehydrating tub 8.

The outer tub 9 is provided with a pneumatic chamber 25a, and a water level sensor 25 for detecting the water level of the washing water stored in the outer tub 9 is provided on the upper side thereof.
The air duct 23 is provided with a temperature sensor 26a for detecting the temperature of the air blown toward the washing and dewatering tub 8 during the drying operation.
The drop-in part 9b of the outer tub 9 is provided with a temperature sensor 26b that detects the temperature of the washing water and the temperature of the air sucked into the drying duct 20 during the drying operation.
Between the lower communication pipe 13 and the drain valve 14, a temperature sensor 26c for detecting the temperature of the washing water and the temperature of the air discharged from the washing water drainage path 15 during the drying operation is provided.
An acceleration sensor 27 that detects vibration acceleration due to vibration of the outer tub 9 is provided on the upper side of the outer tub 9.
Note that signals detected by the water level sensor 25, the temperature sensors 26a, 26b, 26c, and the acceleration sensor 27 are transmitted to the control device 100.

<Water supply unit>
Next, the water supply unit 12 is further demonstrated using FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a water supply unit of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) according to the first embodiment.
The water supply unit 12 includes a detergent water supply electromagnetic valve 12a, a finishing agent water supply electromagnetic valve 12b, a cooling water supply electromagnetic valve 12c, an outer tank water supply electromagnetic valve 12d, a bath water electromagnetic valve 12e, a bath water pump 12f, and a water supply. A route unit 30.

  The detergent water supply solenoid valve 12a is configured to supply tap water from the water supply hose connection port 4 via the hose 12i (see FIG. 2) connected from the water inlet 31 through the water supply path unit 30 to the water outlet 32. Water is supplied to a detergent charging chamber (not shown) 11 (see FIG. 2). The tap water poured into the detergent charging chamber is poured into the outer tub 9 through the charging hose 11a (see FIG. 2) together with the detergent introduced.

  The finishing agent water supply solenoid valve 12b inputs tap water from the water supply hose connection port 4 via the hose 12j (see FIG. 2) connected from the water inlet 33 through the water supply path unit 30 to the water outlet 34. Water is supplied to a finishing agent charging chamber (not shown) of the apparatus 11 (see FIG. 2). The tap water poured into the finishing agent charging chamber is poured into the outer tub 9 through the charging hose 11a (see FIG. 2) together with the finished finishing agent.

  The cooling water supply electromagnetic valve 12c supplies tap water from the water supply hose connection port 4 to a water cooling / dehumidification mechanism (not shown) of the drying duct 20 (see FIG. 2) via a hose connected to the flow path 12g. To do.

The outer tank water supply electromagnetic valve 12d supplies tap water from the water supply hose connection port 4 into the outer tank 9 from a water injection hose 11b (see FIG. 2) connected to the flow path 12h.
The bath water solenoid valve 12e supplies the bath water from the water absorption hose connection port 5 pumped up by the bath water pump 12 into the outer tub 9 from the water injection hose 11b (see FIG. 2) connected to the flow path 12h.

<Water supply path unit>
The water supply path unit 30 with which the water supply unit 12 is provided is further demonstrated using FIG.
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a water supply path unit of the washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the first embodiment, (a) is a front view, and (b) is a top view.
The water supply path unit 30 includes a water inlet 31 connected to the detergent water supply electromagnetic valve 12a, a water outlet 32 connected to the hose 12i (see FIG. 2), and a water inlet 33 connected to the finishing agent water supply electromagnetic valve 12b. And a water outlet 34 to which the hose 12j (see FIG. 2) is connected.

FIG.4 (c) is CC sectional view taken on the line of FIG.4 (a) of a water supply path | route unit.
The water inlet 31 and the water outlet 32 communicate with each other through a water supply path 35, and the water inlet 33 and the water outlet 34 communicate with each other through a water supply path 36.
Further, a pair of electrodes 41 and 42 of a hardness sensor (electrical conductivity sensor) 40 (see FIG. 2) are provided so as to protrude into the water supply path 35 from the side wall surface of the water supply path 35.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the electrode 41 is fixed to the conductive support plate 43a so as to be energized, and the support plate 43a is fixed to the casing of the water supply path unit 30 with two screws 44a and 45a. Has been. A connection terminal 46a is provided at the lower end of the support plate 43a.
The electrode 42 is fixed to the conductive support plate 43b so as to be energized, and the support plate 43b is fixed to the casing of the water supply path unit 30 with two screws 44b and 45b. A connection terminal 46b is provided at the lower end of the support plate 43b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4 (d), which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D in FIG. 4 (a), the electrode 41 is sealed with respect to the water supply path 35 by an O-ring 47a. It prevents that the water of the water supply path 35 leaks from the attachment location of 30 electrodes 41.

  Thus, by arranging the electrodes 41 and 42 so as to protrude from the side wall surface into the water supply path 35, even if residues in tap water accumulate on the bottom surface of the water supply path 35, they are directly applied to the electrodes 41 and 42. Accumulation can be prevented, and electrical conductivity (hardness) can be detected with higher accuracy.

  Further, since the electrodes 41 and 42 are provided on the downstream side of the detergent water supply electromagnetic valve 12a (see FIG. 3), the electrodes 41 and 42 are not submerged in the state where the detergent water supply electromagnetic valve 12a is closed, Deterioration of the electrode can be suppressed.

Moreover, the electrical conductivity can be directly measured for tap water, and the hardness can be calculated.
In the case where an electrode is provided in the outer tub as in Patent Document 1 shown as the prior art, if the undissolved detergent remaining in the outer tub is in the outer tub, the remaining undissolved detergent dissolves when water is supplied. There is a possibility that the electrical conductivity changes and the hardness is erroneously detected.
In contrast, in the washing machine (vertical washer / dryer) according to the present embodiment, the electric conductivity is directly detected for tap water before supplying water to the outer tub. The erroneous detection of the degree (hardness) can be prevented, and the electrical conductivity (hardness) of water can be calculated with higher accuracy.
In addition, since no soap residue or lint is deposited between the electrodes, it is possible to detect the electrical conductivity (hardness) of water used for washing with high accuracy. It can be calculated with higher accuracy.

FIG.4 (e) is the EE sectional view taken on the line of FIG.4 (b) of a water supply path | route unit.
The electrodes 41 and 42 are arranged so that the line connecting the pair of electrodes 41 and 42 is parallel to the direction of water flow in the water supply path 35.
By arranging the electrodes 41 and 42 in this way, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of electrical conductivity (hardness) by preventing that only one electrode is submerged and the other electrode is not in contact with water. Can be prevented.

In addition, the bottom surface 37 in the water supply path 35 provided with the electrodes 41 and 42 has a bottom surface 38 in the water supply path 35 provided with the water inlet 31 on the upstream side and a water supply path provided with the water outlet 32 on the downstream side. It is formed so as to be higher than the bottom surface 39 in 35.
As will be described later, one or both of the electrodes are in contact with the remaining water in order to detect the electrical conductivity relatively with reference to the measurement value in a state where the electrodes 41 and 42 are not in contact with water (open state). If it is in a state, an error may occur in the measured electrical conductivity.
On the other hand, by forming the bottom surface 37 higher than the bottom surfaces 38 and 39, even when water remains in the water supply path 35 in the state where the detergent water supply electromagnetic valve 12 a is closed, the electrodes 41, Water does not collect in the vicinity of 42, and the electrodes 41 and 42 can be prevented from coming into contact with water.

  In the water supply path unit 30, the water supply path 35 of the detergent water supply electromagnetic valve 12 a and the water supply path 36 of the finish agent water supply electromagnetic valve 12 b are integrally formed. The path 36 may be formed separately.

In addition, the pair of electrodes 41 and 42 has been described as being provided so as to protrude horizontally from the side wall surface of the water supply path 35 into the water supply path 35, but the present invention is not limited thereto. You may provide so that it may protrude below in the water supply path 35 from an upper wall surface.
When the electrodes 41 and 42 are provided from the upper wall surface, the flow direction of the water in the water supply path 35 and the line connecting the pair of electrodes 41 and 42 are arranged in parallel when viewed from above. Alternatively, they may be arranged at right angles.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4D, the channel cross section of the water supply path 35 is substantially rectangular, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the channel cross section of the water supply path 35 may be circular. Good.
In addition, when the flow path cross section of a water supply path | route is circular shape, it is good to provide a pair of electrodes 41 and 42 so that it may protrude in a water supply path | route from the upper side from a horizontal position.

  Moreover, although the shape of the electrodes 41 and 42 is formed as a circular cylinder with a circular cross section, it is not restricted to this, You may provide as a quadratic prism with a square cross section.

<Hardness sensor>
The hardness sensor (electric conductivity sensor) 40 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a functional diagram of the hardness sensor.
The pair of electrodes 41 and 42 is connected to the coil 48 a to form a resonance circuit 48. The coil 48 a is magnetically coupled to the coil 49 a, and the coil 49 a is connected to the oscillation circuit 49.
The pair of electrodes 41 and 42, the coil 48a, the coil 49a, and the oscillation circuit 49 form a hardness sensor (electric conductivity sensor) 40.
The oscillation circuit 49 transmits a signal corresponding to electrical conductivity (that is, hardness) to a microcomputer 110 (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 110 of the control device 100 (see FIG. 2).

<Control device>
As shown in FIG. 2, the washing / drying machine 1 includes a control device 100. The control device 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control device of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) according to the first embodiment.
The control device 100 is configured around a microcomputer 110.
The microcomputer 110 includes an operation pattern database 111, a process control unit 112, a rotation speed calculation unit 113, a clothing weight calculation unit 114, a hardness measurement unit 115, and a detergent amount / wash time determination unit 116.

The microcomputer 110 has a function of calling a driving pattern corresponding to the driving course input from the operation switch 7a from the driving pattern database 111 and starting washing or / and drying. The process control unit 112 has a function of performing operation control of each process of the washing process, the rinsing process, the dehydration process, and the drying process based on the operation pattern called from the operation pattern database 111.
In each process, the process control unit 112 has a function of controlling the water supply unit 12 and the drain valve 14. Further, the process control unit 112 controls driving of the motor 10 a of the driving device 10 via the motor driving circuit 121, switches the clutch mechanism 10 b via the clutch control circuit 122, and controls ON / OFF of the heater switch 123. Thus, the energization of the heater 22 is controlled, the fan 21 is controlled via the fan drive circuit 124, and the circulation pump 17 is driven and controlled via the circulation pump drive circuit 125.

The rotation speed calculation unit 113 has a function of calculating the rotation speed of the motor 10a based on the detection value from the rotation detection device 28 that detects the rotation of the motor 10a.
The clothing weight calculation unit 114 has a function of calculating the weight of clothing in the washing and dewatering tub 8 based on the rotation speed calculated by the rotation speed calculation unit 113 and the detection value of the motor current detection device 29. Since the load for rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 8 is increased due to the increase in the weight of the clothes and a large motor current is required to flow through the motor 10a, the weight of the clothes is determined by the motor current and the rotation speed of the motor 10a. Can be calculated.
The hardness measuring unit 115 has a function of measuring the hardness of tap water using a detection value from the hardness sensor (electrical conductivity sensor) 40.
The detergent amount / washing time determination unit 116 has a function of determining the amount of detergent and the washing time of clothes based on the hardness measured by the hardness measurement unit 115, and will be described in detail later.

<Operation process of washing machine>
Next, an operation process of the washing machine (washing / drying machine 1) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a process diagram illustrating an operation process of a washing operation (washing-rinsing-dehydration) of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) according to the first embodiment.

  In the cloth amount sensing step S1, the process control unit 112 rotates the washing and dewatering tub 8, and the clothing weight calculation unit 114 of the microcomputer 110 calculates the amount of cloth for the clothing before water injection.

In the piping air venting operation process S2, the process control unit 112 opens the outer tank water supply electromagnetic valve 12d of the water supply unit 12.
When the water supply electromagnetic valves 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are closed, air may be contained in the hose connected to the water supply hose connection port 4. This air is compressed with tap water pressure. When the water supply solenoid valves 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are opened, the high tap water pressure is released to the atmospheric pressure, and the air in the tap water is rapidly expanded and blown out. When the equipment provided in the water supply flow path is damaged or when water is supplied to the detergent / finishing agent charging device 11, the detergent may be blown off.
Therefore, the process control unit 112 opens the outer tank water supply electromagnetic valve 12 d in which no sensor or the like is provided in the water supply path, and discharges compressed air into the outer tank 9 together with tap water.

In the tap water hardness measurement step S3, the hardness measurement unit 115 first detects the signal by operating the hardness sensor 40 in a state where the electrodes 41 and 42 are not in contact with tap water (open state). From this detected value as an initial value, the electrical conductivity is relatively calculated thereafter.
The process control unit 112 opens the detergent water supply electromagnetic valve 12 a and pours tap water into the water supply path 35. And the hardness measurement part 115 operates the hardness sensor 40, detects a signal, and measures the electrical conductivity (hardness) of tap water. After the measurement, the hardness sensor 40 is stopped again.

The microcomputer 110 detects whether the water supply path 35 provided with the electrodes 41 and 42 has been submerged, that is, whether water has been injected into the outer tub 9 by observing the change in electrical conductivity with the open state. Can do.
If there is no change in the electrical conductivity for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds after the solenoid valve is released), a water supply failure error can be displayed on the display 7b to notify the user.
Conventionally, the water injection error determination is made based on whether or not the water level sensor 25 provided in the outer tub 9 has injected water to a specified water level within a specified time (for example, 15 minutes). For this reason, even if the user operates the washing operation with the water tap closed, it takes about 15 minutes to determine the water injection error.
On the other hand, according to the washing machine (vertical washer / dryer) according to the present embodiment, the water injection error can be determined in a short time (for example, 2 seconds) after the detergent water supply electromagnetic valve 12a is opened.
By displaying such a water injection error due to water tap closure at an early stage, the user can be alerted and the washing time can be prevented from being extended.

In the detergent amount / remaining time display step S4, the detergent amount / wash time determination unit 116 displays the amount of detergent to be put in and the time required for completion of washing based on the amount of clothes and the hardness of tap water. To display.
The user throws in the detergent based on the displayed amount of detergent.

Here, the detergent amount / washing time determination unit 116 in the detergent amount / remaining time display step S4 will be further described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 8 is a table for determining the amount of detergent and the washing time from the hardness and temperature of tap water.
The detergent amount / washing time determination unit 116 stores in advance a table for determining the detergent amount and the washing time from the water hardness and water temperature as shown in FIG.
In FIG. 8, the determination is divided into nine states by using the water hardness determination threshold values h1 and h2 and the water temperature determination threshold values T1 and T2.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for determining the amount of detergent and the operation time from the hardness measurement of tap water.
The detergent amount / washing time determination unit 116 acquires the water hardness measured by the hardness measurement unit 115 in the tap water hardness measurement step S3 (see FIG. 7) (step S41).
The detergent amount / washing time determination unit 116 uses the water hardness acquired in step S41, the water temperature during the previous washing operation stored in the detergent amount / washing time determination unit 116, and the table shown in FIG. The amount of detergent and the washing time are determined (step S42).
Since the water temperature of the tap water changes only slowly with respect to the change in the outside air temperature, the hardness can be calculated using the water temperature at the time of the previous washing.
Note that an initial value (for example, 15 degrees) is used during the first operation after installing the washing machine (washing / drying machine).

If it is determined in step S42 that k0, the process proceeds to step S43, where the detergent amount is set to V0 and the washing time is set to t0, and is displayed on the display 7b.
If it is determined at step S42 that k1 is greater than the state of k0, the process proceeds to step S44, where the detergent amount is V0 and the washing time is t1 shorter than t0, and is displayed on the display 7b. To do.
If it is determined at step S42 that k2 is greater than the state of k1, the process proceeds to step S45, the amount of detergent is set to V1, which is less than V0, the washing time is t1, and the display 7b is displayed. indicate.

  Returning to FIG. 7, in the detergent melt water supply step S <b> 5, first, the process control unit 112 opens the detergent water supply electromagnetic valve 12 a and supplies detergent and water along the outer tub 9. And the process control part 112 drives the circulation pump 17, dissolves detergent with a small amount of water, and produces | generates a highly concentrated detergent solution.

In the tank rotation water supply process S6, the process control unit 112 drives the circulation pump 17 while rotating the washing and dewatering tank 8 and / or the rotary blade 8a to wash the high-concentration detergent solution from the lint removing device 19. It sprays on the clothes in the cum dewatering tank 8.
In the pre-washing step S7, the clothes are washed with this high-concentration detergent solution.

  In the cloth quality sensing step S8, first, the clothing weight calculation unit 114 calculates the weight of the clothing containing water. Then, the cloth quality (water absorption) of the clothes is determined from the weight of the clothes calculated in the cloth amount sensing step S1 and the weight of the clothes including water calculated in the cloth quality sensing step S8. The following steps are controlled according to the determined clothing quality.

When the washing machine was operated including the drying process, the air in the washing / dehydrating tub, the outer tub, and the casing was warmed in the drying process because hot air was blown to the clothes in the washing / dehydrating tub. It becomes a state. If the washing operation is continued in this warmed state, the supplied water may be warmed by the heat of the washing / dehydrating tub or the outer tub, and the water temperature during the washing process may increase. As the water temperature rises, the chemical action of the detergent is improved and the cleaning power is improved.
For this reason, the detergent amount / washing time determination unit 116 performs control to correct the washing time according to the water temperature.

Here, the detergent amount / wash time determination unit 116 in the detergent amount / water temperature determination step S9 will be further described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for changing the washing operation time from the water temperature in the outer tub.
In the water temperature determination step S9, first, the detergent amount / wash time determination unit 116 detects the temperature of the washing water stored in the outer tub 9 using the temperature sensor 26b (or the temperature sensor 26c) (step S91). .
Then, the detergent amount / wash time determination unit 116 determines whether or not the water temperature detected in step S91 is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature T1 (step S92).
When the water temperature is equal to or higher than T1 (Yes in step S92), the detergent amount / washing time determination unit 116 transmits a command to skip the main washing 1 step (S11) to the process control unit 112 (step S93).
If the water temperature is lower than T1 (No in step S92), or after step S93, the detergent amount / washing time determination unit 116 stores the water temperature (step S94).
The stored water temperature is used as the previous water temperature in step S42 (see FIG. 9) during the next washing operation.

Returning to FIG. 7, the process control unit 112 supplies water into the outer tub 9 in accordance with the weight of the clothes calculated in the cloth amount sensing step S1 and the cloth quality of the clothes determined in the cloth quality sensing step S8 (water supply process). S10) Rotate the rotor 8a to wash the clothes (main wash 1 step S11, main wash 2 step S12).
In addition, the process control unit 112 performs an operation of loosening clothes by alternately rotating the rotary blades 8a in the forward and reverse directions (unraveling step S13).
The process control unit 112 repeats the main washing process and the loosening process several times (main washing 3 process S14, unraveling process S15, main washing 4 process S16, and loosening process S17).

  When the main washing is completed, the unbalanced state of the clothing is monitored and it is determined whether or not to shift to dehydration (balance step S18).

The process control unit 112 opens the drain valve 14 and drains the wash water in the outer tub 9 (drainage process S19). After the end of drainage, the process control unit 112 rotates the washing and dehydrating tank 8 to dehydrate water (washing water) contained in the clothes (dehydration process S20).
The process control unit 112 closes the drain valve 14 and opens the outer tank water supply electromagnetic valve 12 d to supply rinse water to the outer tank 9. Then, while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 8, the circulation pump 17 is driven, and the rinse water is sprayed from the lint removing device 19 to the clothes in the washing and dewatering tub 8 (rotating shower rinsing 1 step S21).
The process control unit 112 stops the circulation pump 17 while rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 8 to dehydrate the rinse water from the clothes (dehydration process S22).
The process control unit 112 drives the circulation pump 17 again while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 8, and sprays rinsing water from the lint removal device 19 onto the clothes in the washing and dewatering tub 8 (rotating shower rinse 2 Step S23).
The process control unit 112 stops the washing / dehydrating tub 8 and the circulation pump 17, closes the drain valve 14, and drains the rinsing water in the outer tub 9 (drainage process S24). After the end of drainage, the process control unit 112 rotates the washing / dehydrating tank 8 to dehydrate water (rinse water) contained in the clothing (dehydration process S25).

The process control unit 112 closes the drain valve 14, opens the finishing agent water supply electromagnetic valve 12b, and supplies rinse water to the outer tub 9 (water supply process S26).
The process control unit 112 rotates the washing / dehydrating tub 8 while rinsing water is accumulated in the outer tub 9 to stir the clothes. (Reservoir rinse (stirring) step S27).

  When the reservoir rinsing is completed, the unbalanced state of the clothing is monitored to determine whether or not to proceed to final dehydration (balance step S28).

  The process control unit 112 opens the drain valve 14 and drains the rinsing water in the outer tub 9 (drainage process S29). After draining is completed, the process control unit 112 rotates the washing / dehydrating tub 8 at high speed to dehydrate water contained in the clothing (final dehydration process S30).

<< Second Embodiment >>
Next, a washing machine according to the second embodiment will be described. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the location which is common in 1st Embodiment.
The washing machine according to the second embodiment is different from the washing machine according to the first embodiment in the shape of a water supply path provided with a pair of electrodes.
The water supply path provided with the electrode of the washing machine according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a water supply path unit of the washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the second embodiment, (a) is a front view, (b) is a top view, and (c) is a top view. It is a CC line section arrow view of (a), (d) is a DD line section arrow view of (a), (e) is an EE line section arrow view of (b). It is.
A water supply path 35 (see FIG. 4) provided with a pair of electrodes 41, 42 of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, and a water supply path 35 (provided with a pair of electrodes 41, 42 of the washing machine according to the second embodiment). 9) is different in that ribs 51 and 52 are formed on the downstream side of the electrodes 41 and 42, respectively.

The rib 51 is formed on the downstream side of the electrode 41, and is formed in a length substantially equal to the length direction of the electrode 41 as shown in FIG. 11 (c). As shown in FIG. The electrode 11 is formed to a height substantially equal to the center of the electrode 41 with respect to the height direction of the electrode 11.
Further, as shown in FIG. 11C, the bottom surface 37 has a region where the ribs 51 are not provided in the length direction of the electrode 41. This prevents residual water from accumulating between the ribs 51 and 52.

Prior to the start of water supply, air flows into the water supply path 35. When the detergent water supply electromagnetic valve 12a (see FIG. 3) is opened and water is injected into the water supply path 35, the air in the water supply path 35 is pushed out together with the water.
Here, depending on the flow rate of the supplied water, bubbles stay from the downstream surface of the electrodes 41 and 42 toward the downstream.
When such bubbles are generated on the electrode surface, the contact area between the electrodes 41 and 42 and water decreases, and there is a possibility that an error may occur in the measured electrical conductivity (hardness) of water.
In contrast, ribs 51 and 52 are provided in the water supply path 35 of the washing machine according to the second embodiment.
Bubbles generated on the downstream side of the electrodes 41 and 42 are separated from the electrodes 41 and 42 when they touch the ribs 51 and 52 and stay on the downstream side of the ribs 51 and 52. For this reason, it can prevent that the contact area of the electrodes 41 and 42 and water reduces, and can detect the electrical conductivity (altitude) of water with higher precision.

As described above, as the washing machine according to the second embodiment, the ribs 51 and 52 provided downstream of the pair of electrodes 41 and 42 provided in the water supply path 35 have been described. However, the attachment positions of the ribs 51 and 52 are limited to this. It is not a thing.
For example, you may form a rib so that it may protrude from the upper wall surface of a water supply flow path. By forming the ribs in this way, the bottom of the water supply channel provided with the electrodes can flow, and water can be prevented from staying near the electrodes.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment has been described by using the vertical type washing and drying machine in which the rotation axis of the washing and dewatering tub is substantially vertical, but the present invention is not limited to this. The drum (washing and dewatering tub) may be a drum type washing and drying machine having a substantially horizontal rotation axis, or may be a vertical type washing machine or a drum type washing machine having no drying function.

  In addition, the pair of electrodes for measuring the electrical conductivity (hardness) has been described as being provided in the water supply path 35 downstream of the detergent water supply electromagnetic valve 12a for supplying water to the detergent charging chamber, but is not limited thereto. An electrode may be provided in another water supply path, for example, a water supply path (for example, the flow path 12h) downstream of the outer tank water supply electromagnetic valve 12d for supplying water directly to the outer tank, and the finishing agent for supplying water to the finishing agent charging chamber It may be provided in the water supply path 36 downstream of the water supply electromagnetic valve 12b, and the water supply path (for example, the flow path 12g) downstream of the cooling water supply electromagnetic valve 12c supplying water to the water cooling / dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) provided in the drying duct 20 ).

Moreover, the electrodes 41 and 42 for detecting the electrical conductivity (hardness) of water may be provided on the side wall surface of the drop portion 9b (see FIG. 2) of the outer tub 9, and the lower communication pipe 13 (see FIG. 2) may be provided on the side wall surface or the upper wall surface.
By providing the electrodes 41 and 42 on the side wall surface or the upper wall surface, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of an error in electrical conductivity due to the accumulation of soap residue or lint.

By providing the electrodes 41 and 42 at the bottom of the outer tub 9, by detecting the electrical conductivity (hardness) of the water poured in the piping air venting operation step S2 (see FIG. 7), the electrical conductivity of tap water (Hardness) can be detected, and operation control according to the hardness is also possible.
Moreover, electric conductivity changes by dissolving detergent in tap water. That is, by detecting the electrical conductivity of the rinsing water during the rinsing process and comparing it with the hardness of tap water detected before the rinsing process, it becomes possible to measure the amount of detergent remaining in the rinsing water, and the washing of the laundry It can be determined whether or not it has been completed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing dryer 2 Case 4 Water supply hose connection port 5 Water absorption hose connection port 7 Operation display panel 8 Washing and dehydration tank 8a Rotor blade 9 Outer tank 9b Drop part 10 Drive device (drive means)
10a Motor 10b Clutch mechanism 10c Rotating shaft 11 Input device 12 Water supply unit (water supply means)
12a Detergent water supply electromagnetic valve 12b Finishing agent water supply electromagnetic valve 12c Cooling water water supply electromagnetic valve 12d Outer tank water supply electromagnetic valve 12e Bath water electromagnetic valve 12f Bath water pump 12g Flow path 12h Flow path 13 Lower communication pipe 14 Drain valve 15 Washing water drainage path 25 Water pressure sensors 26a, 26b, 26c Temperature sensor (temperature detection means)
27 Acceleration sensor 28 Rotation detection device 29 Motor current detection device 30 Water supply path unit 35, 36 Water supply path 37, 38, 39 Bottom surface 40 Hardness sensor (conductivity detection means)
41, 42 electrodes (a pair of electrodes)
51, 52 Rib 100 Control device 110 Microcomputer 111 Operation pattern database 112 Process control unit (operation control means)
113 Rotational speed calculation unit 114 Clothing weight calculation unit (laundry amount determination means)
115 Hardness measurement unit (conductivity detection means)
116 Detergent amount and washing time determination unit (operation control means)

Claims (10)

A housing,
Anti-vibration support in the housing, and an outer tub for storing washing water inside,
A washing and dehydrating tub that is rotatably supported in the outer tub and in which the laundry is stored,
A driving device for rotationally driving the washing and dewatering tub;
Water supply means for supplying water into the outer tub;
Laundry amount determination means for determining the amount of laundry;
Conductivity detecting means for detecting the electrical conductivity of water used for washing;
Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the water;
In a washing machine comprising: an operation control unit capable of controlling at least the washing operation by controlling the driving device and the water supply unit,
The operation control means includes
Based on the amount of laundry determined by the laundry amount determining means, the electrical conductivity of the water detected by the conductivity detecting means, and the temperature of the water detected by the temperature detecting means, and / or A washing machine characterized by controlling washing time. The conductivity detecting means has a pair of electrodes,
The pair of electrodes are provided in a water supply path of the water supply means,
2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the pair of electrodes is provided to protrude from a side surface or an upper surface of the water supply path into the water supply path. The pair of electrodes are:
The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the washing machine is arranged in parallel to a flow path direction of the water supply path. The bottom surface of the water supply path where the pair of electrodes is arranged is
The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the washing machine is formed so as to rise above the bottom surface on the upstream side and the bottom surface on the downstream side. The conductivity detecting means is
At the time of detection, a voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a voltage is not applied to the pair of electrodes during non-detection. The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a rib is formed on a downstream side of the electrode. The operation control means includes
The air venting operation for discharging the air in the supplied water is performed before the electrical conductivity is measured using the electrical conductivity detecting means. The washing machine described. The temperature detecting means includes
After pouring water into the outer tub and before starting the washing process, the temperature of the washing water in the outer tub is detected,
The operation control means includes
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein an operation time of the washing process is changed based on the detected temperature. The conductivity detecting means is
The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the electrical conductivity is relatively detected by using a detection value in a state where the pair of electrodes are not in contact with water as an initial value. The operation control means includes
The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein it is determined whether or not water is being supplied into the outer tub based on a detection result of the conductivity detecting means.

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