JP2012024510A - Drum-type washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a drum-type washing machine capable of accurately detecting the change state of the degree of dirt in washing water and precisely detecting the degree of dirt in washing water.SOLUTION: A drum-type washing machine comprises: a cylindrical drum 3 with a bottom having a water conduction hole at the circumferential side face; an outer tank 2 housing the drum 3 so as to rotate relative to the outer tank 2; a motor 4 rotatably driving the drum 3; detecting means of the state of washing water 10 disposed at an inner circumferential side face of the outer tank 2 for detecting the state of the washing water; and a baffle plate of flowing water 9 for blocking the water flow in the outer tank 2. The baffle plate of flowing water 9 is disposed adjacent to the detecting means 10 in the circumferential direction of the outer tank 2 so that the baffle plate 9 blocks the water flow due to the rotation of the drum 3 near the detecting means 10 and thereby allowing the precise measurements of the state of the washing water while suppressing the effects of the water flow.

Description

  The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine for washing clothes and the like.

  Conventionally, this type of drum-type washing machine has been considered to detect the degree of contamination of the washing liquid with a turbidity sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, an auxiliary tank provided with a turbidity sensor is provided so as to communicate with the inside of the outer tub, and washing liquid in the outer tub is circulated in the auxiliary tank so that washing water is contaminated. It is intended to be detected. In addition, a drum-type washing machine having a turbidity sensor provided in a water tank is also considered (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP-A-5-154278 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-314689

  However, in the conventional configuration described in Patent Document 1, since a sensor for detecting dirt is provided in the auxiliary tank formed outside the outer tub, it is difficult to replace the washing liquid flowing in the outer tub. There was a problem that it was impossible to accurately detect the change state of the dirt.

  Further, in the conventional configuration described in Patent Document 2, since the dirt detection sensor is housed in the recess provided on the back surface in the water tank, the flow of the washing liquid in the recess in contact with the dirt detection sensor is slow, There has been a problem that it is impossible to accurately detect the change state of the stain of the washing liquid flowing in the water tank.

  In order to solve the above problem, it is conceivable to provide a sensor in the water flow generated by the rotation of the drum. However, the influence of the water flow due to the rotation of the drum becomes large, and the new output that the contamination detection sensor output is likely to vary. There's a problem.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a drum-type washing machine that can accurately and accurately detect a change state of the stain of the washing liquid.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a drum type washing machine of the present invention is provided on an outer tub in which a drum is rotatably accommodated, a motor that rotationally drives the drum, and an inner peripheral side surface of the outer tub. Washing liquid state detecting means for detecting the state of the washing liquid, and a water flow obstruction plate that blocks running water in the outer tub, and the water flow obstruction plate is a circumference of the outer tub with respect to the washing liquid state detection means. It is arranged close to the direction.

  As a result, it is possible to accurately detect the state of change in the stain of the washing liquid flowing in the water tank, and it is possible to stably measure the state of the washing liquid by reducing the influence of the water flow caused by the rotation of the drum.

The drum type washing machine of the present invention can accurately detect the change state of the stain of the washing liquid, and can restrict the water flow at the time of drum rotation by the flowing water obstruction plate, thereby accurately detecting the state of the washing liquid. can do.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drum-type washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. (A) Top view of the main part of the drum type washing machine (b) Side view of the main part Side view of washing liquid state detection means of the drum type washing machine (A) (b) Top view of essential parts of a drum-type washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Side view of essential parts of drum-type washing machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention

  A first invention includes a bottomed cylindrical drum provided with a water passage hole on a peripheral side surface, an outer tub that rotatably accommodates the drum, a motor that rotationally drives the drum, and an inner periphery of the outer tub A washing liquid state detecting means installed on the side surface for detecting the state of the washing liquid; and a running water blocking plate for blocking running water in the outer tub. By arranging it in the circumferential direction of the outer tub, the water flow due to the rotation of the drum is less likely to flow near the washing liquid state detection means by the water flow obstruction plate, so the influence of the water flow is reduced and the state of the washing liquid is reduced. It can be measured with high accuracy.

  In the second invention, in particular, the water flow obstruction plate of the first invention is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the rotation direction of the drum, so that the water flow due to the rotation of the drum is further weakened at the position of the washing liquid state detection means. In addition, the state of the washing liquid can be detected more accurately by the washing liquid state detecting means.

  In the third aspect of the invention, in particular, the water flow obstruction plate of the first or second invention is formed by inclining the upper end toward the washing liquid state detection means side, so that the water flow due to the rotation of the drum is along the water flow obstruction plate. By flowing, the water flow due to the rotation of the drum is further weakened at the position of the washing liquid state detecting means, so that the state of the washing liquid can be detected more accurately by the washing liquid state detecting means.

  In the fourth invention, in particular, the running water obstruction plate and the washing liquid state detection means of any one of the first to third inventions are installed at positions shifted in the circumferential direction from the lowermost part in the outer tub. When the rotation of the drum stops, dirt such as solids and the hardened component of the detergent fall to the lowest part, so the detergent liquid components tend to be uniform around the washing liquid state detection means. The state of the detergent liquid can be measured more accurately.

  In the fifth invention, in particular, the running water obstruction plate according to any one of the first to fourth inventions is provided on both sides in the circumferential direction of the outer tub with respect to the washing liquid state detecting means. Regardless of the rotation direction, the running water obstruction plate makes it difficult for the running water to flow in the vicinity of the washing liquid state detection means, so the state of the washing liquid should be measured with less influence of the water flow at any time. Can do.

  In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, a control means for controlling the motor is provided, and the control means is configured such that the drum faces the washing liquid state detection means from the flowing water blocking plate side. By detecting the state of the washing liquid when it rotates or stops, the water flow due to the rotation of the drum hits the water flow obstruction plate, and the water flowing to the washing liquid state detection means is limited, so that it is more stable. The state of the washing liquid can be measured.

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

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drum-type washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 (a) is a top view of the main part of the drum-type washing machine, and FIG. 2 (b) is a side view of the main part. 3 and 3 are side views of the washing liquid state detecting means.

  In FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, reference numeral 1 denotes an outer box of the entire drum-type washing machine, in which an outer tub 2 is disposed, and a drum 3 as a washing tub rises forward from the horizontal direction inside the outer tub 2. It is arranged in a rotatable state by a slightly inclined rotating shaft 4a. The drum 3 is rotated forward and backward by the rotational drive of the motor 4 attached to the back surface of the outer tub 2. The drum 3 is provided with a plurality of water holes (not shown) on the outer peripheral surface, and functions as a washing tub, a dewatering tub, and a drying tub.

  A drain port 5 is connected to the lowest part of the outer tub 2 and is connected to a drain valve 7 through a drain channel 6. The drain valve 7 is connected to a drain pipe 8 to discharge the washing liquid.

  A running water obstruction plate 9 is installed at a lower position on the inner peripheral side surface of the outer tub 2 at least at the time of washing. The running water obstruction plate 9 is formed long in the front-rear direction (rotation axis direction) of the drum 3, and a part of the running water due to the rotation of the drum 3 is blocked by the running water obstruction plate 9.

  Further, a washing liquid state detecting means 10 for detecting the state of the washing liquid is provided at a position close to the circumferential direction of the flowing water obstruction plate 9 provided on the inner peripheral side surface of the outer tub 2. The washing liquid state detection means 10 is installed at the lower position where the inner peripheral side surface of the outer tub 2 is submerged at least during the washing step, like the running water obstruction plate 9.

  As shown in the top view which looked at the inner peripheral side of outer tub 2 of Drawing 2 (a) from the top, and the side view which looked at outer tub 2 of Drawing 2 (b) from the front, as shown in FIG. When viewed from the front of the drum 3 that rotates in the left-right direction about the rotation shaft 4 a, the flowing water from one side due to the rotation of the drum 3 is blocked from directly hitting the washing liquid state detection means 10.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the washing liquid state detection means 10 is configured such that a transmittance sensor composed of a light emitting element 11 such as an LED and a light receiving element 12 such as a phototransistor is opposed to the front and rear direction of the inner peripheral side surface of the outer tub 2. The washing liquid state detection means 10 in the portion sandwiched between the light emitting element 11 and the light receiving element 12 is made of a translucent material, and the light emitted from the light emitting element 11 is transmitted to the outer tub 2. The light is received by the light receiving element 12 through the washing liquid, converted into a voltage and output.

  The light emission control of the light emitting element 11 and the capture of the output of the light receiving element 12 are performed by the control means 13 including a control circuit (not shown) such as a microcomputer, and the output value from the light receiving element 12 is changed to the washing liquid in the outer tub 2. Processing is performed as the permeability, and the washing process and the rinsing process are controlled based on the permeability.

  The washing liquid in the washing process gradually becomes cloudy as the dirt from the laundry is dissolved by the detergent and stirring. For this reason, it is possible to determine the amount of dirt and the completion of cleaning by observing changes in the permeability of the detergent liquid and the permeability with time.

  The control means 13 controls the motor 4, the drain valve 7, etc., sequentially controls processes such as washing, rinsing and dehydration, and based on the state of the washing liquid detected by the washing liquid state detecting means 10, the washing process and the rinsing Control the process.

Next, the operation | movement which detects the permeability of the drum type washing machine of this Embodiment is demonstrated. At the time of washing and rinsing, the drum 3 and the washing liquid in the outer tub 2 are agitated by rotating the drum 3 in the direction from arrow B to A in FIG. The water near is always equal to the state of the washing liquid in the drum 3.

  Next, when the drum 3 is rotated counterclockwise in the direction of the arrow A to B, the running water obstruction plate 9 is positioned on the upstream side of the washing liquid state detecting means 10, and the water flow is directly applied to the washing liquid state detecting means 10 by the running water obstruction plate 9. It circulates in the drum 3 and the outer tub 2 without flowing to the part. For this reason, there is little water flow in the vicinity by the washing liquid state detecting means 10, and the washing liquid state detecting means 10 measures the permeability of the washing liquid at this timing.

  For example, if the rotation of the drum 3 is switched to the left and right rotations every minute, the washing liquid state detecting means 10 stops at the timing when the rotation of the drum 3 is turned to the left or the rotation of the left and right is switched. Light is emitted from the light emitting element 11 every 2 minutes, which is the timing at which it is performed, and the output received by the light receiving element 12 is used as control of the washing process and the rinsing process as the permeability of the washing liquid at that time.

  As described above, the water flow during rotation of the drum 3 in the vicinity of the washing liquid state detecting means 10 can be restricted by the water flow obstruction plate 9 of the outer tub 2, so that the water flow caused by the rotation of the drum 3 There is no need to worry about measurement variations in the condition of the washing liquid.

  When the drum 3 is rotating leftward from the flowing water obstruction plate 9 side toward the washing liquid state detecting means 10 side in the direction of the arrow A to B, or because the left and right rotation directions are switched, the drum 3 is stopped. Since the washing liquid state detecting means 10 measures the permeability of the washing liquid at the timing when the washing liquid state is detected, the influence of the water flow on the washing liquid state detecting means 10 is reduced, and the state of the washing liquid can be measured more accurately. .

  In addition, although the flowing water obstruction board 9 of FIG. 2 of this Embodiment has the shape as a component different from the outer tub 2, it changes the shape of the periphery of the washing liquid state detection means 10 of the outer tub 2. Thus, if the outer tub 2 itself has a shape that works as the running water obstruction plate 9, the same effect as the present embodiment can be obtained without installing another part.

  Further, in this embodiment, the transmittance is used as the detection content of the washing liquid state detection means 10 in the state of the washing liquid. However, a conductivity sensor having a pair of electrodes is installed in the outer tub 2 to wash the washing liquid. If the method of measuring the electrical conductivity of the laundry is used, the electrical conductivity is measured at the same timing as in the present embodiment, and the electrical conductivity of the washing liquid at that time is used for controlling the washing process and the rinsing process. Can do.

  The conductivity may be measured by, for example, configuring an RC oscillation circuit with the impedance of the washing liquid between the electrodes and a capacitor, outputting the change in the impedance of the washing liquid as a frequency change, and converting this to a voltage value. Measuring the conductivity of the washing liquid can determine the type of detergent and the amount of detergent in the washing liquid, and can also determine the amount of dirt of conductive components, mainly sweat that has melted from the laundry. Control can be performed.

  Moreover, the washing | cleaning-liquid state detection means 10 which detects the state of a washing | cleaning liquid is good also as installing a permeability sensor and a conductivity sensor simultaneously. By detecting the two states of permeability and conductivity, for example, if the conductivity is lower than a predetermined value but the permeability is higher than another predetermined value, the liquid detergent is introduced Judging and controlling the washing process, if the conductivity is higher than the standard value even if the permeability reaches the same level as tap water, it is judged that the rinse is insufficient and the rinse is extended, or the conductivity is the standard value If it is less than, it can be used for control such as ending the rinsing step.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a top view of the water flow obstruction plate 9 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. (A) is formed by inclining the flowing water blocking plate 9 with respect to the rotation direction of the drum 3. (B) shows another example, in which the running water obstruction plate 9 is formed to be inclined in a substantially square shape with respect to the rotation direction of the drum 3 so as to spread toward the washing liquid state detecting means 10 side. Is formed. Both ends of the water flow obstruction plate 9 are formed so as to protrude outward from both ends of the washing liquid state detecting means 10 so that the water flow can be effectively blocked. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is used.

  According to the above configuration, since the water flow caused by the rotation of the drum 3 flows along the water flow obstruction plate 9 and the water flow caused by the rotation of the drum 3 is further weakened at the position of the washing liquid state detecting means 10, the state of the washing liquid is changed to the washing state. It can be detected more accurately by the liquid state detection means 10. Moreover, the resistance of the water flow by the water flow obstruction plate 9 can be reduced, and the load on the motor 4 can be reduced.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 5 is a side view of the water flow obstruction plate 9 in the third embodiment of the present invention. The feature of the present embodiment is that the upper end of the water flow obstruction plate 9 having the lower end fixed to the inner peripheral side surface of the outer tub 2 is inclined toward the washing liquid state detecting means 10 side. The upper end portion of the water flow obstruction plate 9 is formed so as to protrude upward from the upper end portion of the washing liquid state detection means 10 so that the water flow can be effectively blocked. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is used.

  According to the above configuration, since the water flow caused by the rotation of the drum 3 flows along the water flow obstruction plate 9 and the water flow caused by the rotation of the drum 3 is further weakened at the position of the washing liquid state detecting means 10, the state of the washing liquid is changed to the washing state. It can be detected more accurately by the liquid state detection means 10. Moreover, the resistance of the water flow by the water flow obstruction plate 9 can be reduced, and the load on the motor 4 can be reduced.

  In addition, in this Embodiment 1-3, although the flowing water obstruction board 9 and the washing | cleaning liquid state detection means 10 are installed in the lowest part of the inner peripheral side surface of the outer tub 2, from the lowest part of the outer tub 2 You may install in the position shifted to either the left or right to the circumferential direction. In this case, when the rotation of the drum 3 is stopped, dirt such as solids and the components in which the detergent is solid fall to the lowest part, so that the components of the detergent liquid are uniformly around the washing liquid state detecting means 10. Therefore, the state of the detergent solution at that time can be measured more accurately.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments, the running water obstruction plate 9 is installed in any one of the circumferential directions of the outer tub 2 of the washing liquid state detection means 10, but the running water obstruction plate 9 detects the washing liquid state. If the running water obstruction plates 9 are provided on both sides of the outer tub 2 in the circumferential direction of the means 10, it is difficult for the running water to flow near the washing liquid state detection means 10 by the running water obstruction plates 9 regardless of which direction the outer tub 2 rotates. Therefore, the state of the washing liquid can be measured with less influence of the water flow at any time of measurement.

  As described above, the drum type washing machine according to the present invention can accurately detect the change state of the stain of the washing liquid and can restrict the water flow at the time of drum rotation with the flowing water obstruction plate. This state is useful as a drum-type washing machine.

2 Outer tub 3 Drum 4 Motor 9 Running water obstruction plate 10 Washing liquid state detection means 13 Control means

Claims (6)

A cylindrical drum with a bottom provided with a water passage hole on the peripheral side surface, an outer tub in which the drum is rotatably accommodated, a motor for rotationally driving the drum, and a laundry installed on the inner peripheral side surface of the outer tub A washing liquid state detecting means for detecting the state of the liquid, and a running water obstructing plate that blocks running water in the outer tub, the flowing water obstructing plate being in the circumferential direction of the outer tub with respect to the washing liquid state detecting means Drum-type washing machine placed close to The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the running water obstruction plate is formed to be inclined with respect to the rotation direction of the drum. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the running water obstructing plate is formed with an upper end inclined toward the washing liquid state detecting means. The drum type washing machine according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the running water obstruction plate and the washing liquid state detection means are installed at positions shifted in the circumferential direction from the lowermost portion in the outer tub. The drum type washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the running water obstruction plates are provided on both sides in the circumferential direction of the outer tub with respect to the washing liquid state detection means. Control means for controlling a motor, wherein the control means detects the state of the washing liquid when the drum rotates from the flowing water obstruction plate side toward the washing liquid state detection means or stops. The drum type washing machine according to any one of 1 to 5.

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