JP2016043171A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To wash inner and outer surfaces of a rotary tub and the entire inner surface of a water tub with good efficiency.SOLUTION: A tub washing course combines a first step of rotating a rotary tub at a first rotation speed in a state where water is in a water tub, and a second step of rotating the rotary tub at a second rotation speed which is higher than the first rotation speed, in which a centrifugal force acting on water adhered to the rotary tub is larger than gravity and lower than a resonance point, and executes it.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present embodiment relates to a washing machine.

  For example, in a drum-type washing machine, a rotating tub (drum) whose axial direction is horizontal is rotatably accommodated in a water tub whose axial direction is horizontal, and laundry is accommodated in the rotating tub, Washing is performed by rotating the rotating tub in a state where water is contained in the container. In recent years, many water tanks and rotating tanks have their axes inclined upward. In the drum-type washing machine having such a configuration, the upper inner surface of the aquarium has few opportunities to come into contact with water, and there is a problem that when dirt such as detergent residue adheres thereto, it is difficult to fall off and mold is likely to occur. .

  In order to cope with this, a tank cleaning course has been proposed in which the inside of the tub is washed without putting laundry in the rotating tub, but the dirt that is hard to reach is difficult to remove, and the cleaning effect is sufficient. That wasn't true.

Japanese Patent No. 3540666

  Therefore, a washing machine capable of efficiently washing the inner and outer surfaces of the rotating tub and the entire inner surface of the water tub is provided.

  The washing machine according to the present embodiment includes a water tank, a rotating tank accommodated in the water tank so as to be rotatable, and a driving means for rotating the rotating tank, and has a tank cleaning course for cleaning the water tank and the rotating tank. The tank cleaning course acts on the first step of rotating the rotating tank at the first rotation speed and the water that is higher than the first rotation speed and attached to the rotating tank with water in the water tank. The centrifugal force is larger than the gravity and is executed in combination with the second step of rotating the rotating tub at the second rotation speed lower than the resonance point.

Broken side view schematically showing a schematic configuration of the washing machine in the first embodiment Broken rear view schematically showing the schematic configuration of the washing machine Longitudinal front view schematically showing a water tank and a rotating tank Block diagram schematically showing the electrical configuration centering on the controller Diagram showing the process of the tank cleaning course Flow chart of parts related to weight detection process in tank cleaning course Flowchart of the part related to the washing process in the tank washing course FIG. 7 equivalent view showing the second embodiment

Hereinafter, washing machines according to a plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the substantially same component, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
(First embodiment)
A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine 1 is a drum type washing machine having a drying function. The casing 2 of the washing machine 1 has a rectangular box shape, and the front surface 2a (left side in FIG. 1) is slightly inclined forward and downward. A laundry doorway 3 is formed on the front surface 2a, and a door 4 for opening and closing the laundry doorway 3 is rotatably provided. A water tank 5 is disposed inside the housing 2. This aquarium 5 has a horizontal axis shape in which the axial direction is the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1), has a cylindrical shape with the rear surface closed, and is disposed in an upwardly inclined state via a suspension (not shown). Has been. The front opening of the water tub 5 is connected to the laundry entrance 3 via a bellows 6.

  In the water tank 5, a drum 7 as a rotating tank is rotatably accommodated. Similarly to the water tank 5, the drum 7 also has a horizontal axis shape in which the axial direction faces the front-rear direction, has a cylindrical shape with the rear surface closed, and is disposed in an upwardly inclined state. A number of holes 8 through which water and air can be passed are formed in the peripheral wall portion and the back surface portion of the drum 7. Although not shown, a baffle for lifting and stirring the laundry as the drum 7 rotates is provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion of the drum 7. The front opening of the drum 7 communicates with the laundry entrance 3 together with the front opening of the water tank 5. In this drum 7, the laundry (clothing) is accommodated through the laundry entrance 3 so as to be put in and out.

  A washing machine motor 9 is provided on the back surface of the water tank 5 as a driving means for rotating the drum 7. The washing machine motor 9 is composed of, for example, an outer rotor type DC brushless motor, and is configured to directly rotate and drive the drum 7 via the rotating shaft 10. The washing machine motor 9 can rotate forward and reverse, and can control speed. The drum 7 functions as a washing tub during washing, as a dehydrating tub during dehydration, and as a drying tub during drying.

  A water supply device 11 is provided in the upper part of the housing 2. The water supply device 11 is disposed on the right side (left side when viewed from the front) in FIG. 2 and includes a water supply valve 12 and a water injection case 13. The water supply valve 12 has a hose connection part 12a and a discharge port (not shown). One end of a water supply hose 14 is connected to the hose connection part 12a. The other end of the water supply hose 14 is connected to a faucet (not shown). The discharge port of the water supply valve 12 is connected to the water injection case 13. A water outlet (not shown) of the water injection case 13 is connected to an upper water inlet (not shown) in the peripheral wall portion of the water tank 5. Therefore, with the opening of the water supply valve 12, tap water is supplied from the discharge port of the water supply valve 12 through the water injection case 13 and into the water tank 5 from the water supply port.

  A drain port 16 is provided at the rear of the bottom of the water tank 5, and a drain channel 18 having a drain valve 17 is connected to the drain port 16. In addition, one end of a circulating water channel 19 is connected to the drain port 16 on the upstream side of the drain valve 17. The other end of the circulation channel 19 extends upward through the front opening of the water tank 5, and is connected to a water discharge port 20 provided at the upper front of the water tank 5. A circulation pump 21 is provided in the middle of the circulation water channel 19. Here, in the state where the drain valve 17 is closed and the water is stored in the water tank 5, the water in the water tank 5 passes through the circulation water channel 19 from the drain port 16 by driving the circulation pump 21. The water is discharged from the water discharge port 20 into the drum 7. By repeating this, the water in the water tank 5 is circulated through the circulation water channel 19. Accordingly, the drain port 16 is also an inlet of the circulation water channel 19. Further, when the drain valve 17 is opened while the operation of the circulation pump 21 is stopped, the water in the water tank 5 is discharged out of the apparatus through the drain path 18.

  A guide wall 16 a is provided on the back surface of the water tank 5 so as to be positioned around the drain port 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the guide wall 16a is located on the left side of the drain port 16 when viewed from the front (right side when viewed from the back in FIG. 2), and is formed in an approximately L shape. In this case, when the drum 7 is rotated in the direction of arrow A in FIGS. 2 and 3 while water is stored in the water tank 5, the water in the water tank 5 flows into the drain port 16 by the guide wall 16a. It is easy to do.

  A first vent 22 is formed in the water tank 5 so as to be positioned closer to the front portion of the upper portion of the peripheral wall portion, and a second vent port 23 is formed at the upper portion of the back surface portion. As shown in FIG. 3, the first vent 22 is formed on the right side of the upper portion of the peripheral wall portion of the water tank 5 when viewed from the front. The second vent 23 is formed on the back surface of the water tub 5 above the washing machine motor 9.

  A drying air passage 24 is provided outside the water tank 5 so as to be positioned in the housing 2. The drying air passage 24 is for connecting the first vent 22 and the second vent 23 of the water tank 5 functioning as a drying chamber during the drying operation, and circulating the air in the water tank 5. is there. The drying air passage 24 includes an exhaust duct 27 connected to the first vent 22 via a bellows-like duct 25 and a filter case 26, and a drying unit duct 28 disposed at the rear of the housing 2. An air supply duct 29 having one end connected to the second vent 23 at the back of the water tank 5 is provided.

  The rear part of the exhaust duct 27 extends downward from the rear part of the water tank 5, and the lower end part thereof is connected to one end part of the drying unit duct 28. The drying unit duct 28 extends in the left-right direction at the lower part in the housing 2, and a blower 30 is provided at the other end. The blower 30 includes a fan casing 31, a blower blade 32 disposed in the fan casing 31, and a fan motor 33 that rotationally drives the blower blade 32. The air inlet of the fan casing 31 is for a drying unit. The other end of the duct 28 is connected. The discharge port of the fan casing 31 faces upward and is connected to the lower end of the air supply duct 29 via the bellows-shaped duct 34. The air supply duct 29 extends upward while curving so as to circumvent the washing machine motor 9 on the back side of the water tub 5 so as to avoid the right side (left side when viewed from the front side) in FIG. Is connected to the second vent 23.

  A lint filter (not shown) is provided in the filter case 26. The lint filter captures lint and the like contained in the air when the air in the water tank 5 is discharged from the first vent 22 toward the drying air passage 24 during the drying operation. In the drying unit duct 28, a condenser 36 that functions as a heating means during a drying operation and an evaporator 37 that functions as a dehumidifying means are disposed. Among these, the condenser 36 is disposed between the evaporator 37 and the blower 30, and the evaporator 37 is disposed near the exhaust duct 27 on the upstream side of the condenser 36. The condenser 36 and the evaporator 37 constitute a part of the heat pump 38. As is well known, the heat pump 38 compresses and discharges a refrigerant 39, a condenser 36 that radiates and condenses the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 39, and passes through the condenser 36. A refrigerating cycle is configured by connecting a throttling device (not shown) that controls the flow rate of the refrigerant and an evaporator 37 that evaporates the refrigerant that has passed through the throttling device and absorbs heat by piping.

  Here, during the drying operation for drying the laundry stored in the drum 7, the drum 7 is alternately reversed at a relatively low speed by the washing machine motor 9, and the blower 30 and the compressor 39 of the heat pump 38 are also reversed. Is driven. Among these, the laundry is agitated as the drum 7 is normally reversed. As the blower 30 is driven, air in the drying unit duct 28 is sucked into the fan casing 31, and the sucked air passes through the air supply duct 29 from the second vent 23. It is supplied into the water tank 5 and thus into the drum 7. Further, the air in the drum 7 is discharged from the first vent 22 of the water tank 5 to the drying air passage 24 side. The air discharged to the drying air passage 24 side passes through the bellows-shaped duct 25, the filter case 26, and the exhaust duct 27, is returned to the drying unit duct 28, and is again sucked into the fan casing 31. In this manner, the air in the water tank 5 and thus the air in the drum 7 is circulated through the drying air passage 24.

  As the compressor 39 of the heat pump 38 is driven, the air passing through the drying unit duct 28 is heated by the condenser 36 to be warmed, and the warm air is supplied into the drum 7. The laundry in the drum 7 is heated. The air deprived of moisture from the laundry is discharged from the first vent 22 to the drying air passage 24 side, and is cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator 37 in the drying unit duct 28. The dehumidified air is heated again by the condenser 36 and supplied into the drum 7. By repeating this, the laundry is dried.

  For example, two vibration sensors 40 are provided on the outer surface side of the peripheral wall portion of the water tank 5 as vibration detection means. The vibration sensor 40 detects the degree of shaking of the water tank 5 when the drum 7 rotates. An overflow port 41 is formed at the upper part of the back surface of the water tank 5. The overflow port 41 is formed at a position slightly lower than the second vent port 23 in the back surface portion of the water tank 5. One end of an overflow channel 42 is connected to the overflow port 41 on the back side of the water tank 5. The other end of the overflow channel 42 is connected to the drain channel 18 on the downstream side of the drain valve 17. Therefore, when the water level in the water tank 5 exceeds the overflow port 41, the excess water passes through the overflow channel 42 from the overflow port 41 and is discharged to the outside through the drainage channel 18.

  A bubble sensor 43 is provided in the upper part of the air supply duct 29 as a bubble detection means, located in the vicinity of the second vent 23. The foam sensor 43 is composed of a pressure sensor, and detects the degree of foaming by detecting a change in pressure due to foaming in the water tank 5.

  An operation panel 44 is provided above the front surface 2 a of the housing 2. Although not shown, the operation panel 44 is provided with a key for setting a course, a water level, a start key for starting operation, and a display unit for displaying setting contents, and a buzzer 50 ( For example). A control device 45 constituting control means is provided at the lower part of the front part in the housing 2. The control device 45 is mainly composed of a microcomputer and has a function of controlling the overall operation of the washing machine.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration centering on the control device 45. In FIG. 4, the water level sensor 46 detects the water level in the water tank 5. The rotation sensor 47 detects the rotation speed of the washing machine motor 9. The current sensor 48 detects a current flowing through the washing machine motor 9 when the washing machine motor 9 is driven. The door switch 49 detects opening / closing of the door 4. The control device 45 receives input signals of keys on the operation panel 44 and detection signals from the water level sensor 46, vibration sensor 40, rotation sensor 47, current sensor 48, bubble sensor 43, door switch 49, and the like. The control device 45 is based on these input signals and a control program prepared in advance, the display unit of the operation panel 44, the water supply valve 12, the drain valve 17, the circulation pump 21, the washing machine motor 9, the compressor 39, the blower 30, A function for controlling the buzzer 50 and the like is provided.

  Next, the tank cleaning course will be described. The tank cleaning course is a course for mainly cleaning the inner surface of the water tank 5 and the inner and outer surfaces of the drum 7. FIG. 5 shows an outline of the process of the tank cleaning course. 6 and 7 show a part of the control contents of the control device 45. FIG. In this case, there are a 3-hour course and a 12-hour course in the tank washing course, and the difference is mainly the time of the washing process and the presence or absence of supplementary water in the middle of the washing process. In the case of a 3-hour course, the washing process takes about 2 hours and there is no supplementary water in the middle of the washing process. In the case of a 12-hour course, the washing process takes about 11 hours, and supplementary water is supplied during the washing process. Supplementary water is water supply to make up for the lack of water.

  When performing the tank cleaning course, the user puts a tank cleaning detergent into the water injection case 13 or the drum 7 (in the water tank 5) in advance. When the user sets the tank cleaning course on the operation panel 44, the control device 45 waits until the start key is pressed as shown in FIG. 6 (step S1). When the start key is pressed, the control device 45 performs weight detection (step S2). Since the tank cleaning course is basically performed without putting the laundry in the drum 7, it is confirmed by this weight detection whether the laundry is stored in the drum 7. The weight detection is performed by the same method as the weight detection at the washing course. Specifically, the drum 7 is rapidly rotated to a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 170 rpm) by the washing machine motor 9, and the current value flowing through the washing machine motor 9 is detected by the current sensor 48 during the rapid rotation. The weight in the drum 7 is determined based on the current value. Therefore, the current sensor 48 and the control device 45 constitute weight detection means for detecting the weight of the laundry accommodated in the drum 7.

  The control device 45 determines whether or not the detected weight is greater than or equal to a predetermined weight (step S3). As a result, if the weight is less than the predetermined weight, it is determined that there is no laundry in the drum 7, and the process proceeds to step S4 according to “NO” to supply water, and thereafter a normal washing process is performed (step S5). ). The water supply and washing process will be described later. If it is determined in step S3 that the detected weight is equal to or greater than the predetermined weight, it is determined that the laundry remains in the drum 7, and the process proceeds to step S6 according to “YES”, and the weight is over. Inform you. This notification is performed by sounding by the buzzer 50 and display by the display unit. Normally, these notifications indicate that the user has left the laundry, so the user takes out the laundry. In order to take out the laundry, the door 4 is opened once, taken out, and then the door 4 is closed.

  Therefore, the control device 45 waits for a predetermined time until the door 4 is opened and closed (steps S7 and S8). When the control device 45 detects that the door 4 has been opened or closed based on the signal from the door switch 49, the control device 45 determines that the laundry has been taken out, proceeds to step S9 according to “YES” in step S7, and performs weight detection again. Do. And it is judged whether the detected weight is more than predetermined weight (step S10). As a result, if the detected weight is less than the predetermined weight, it is determined that the laundry in the drum 7 has been taken out, and the process proceeds to step S4 according to “NO”.

  In step S10, if the detected weight is equal to or greater than the predetermined weight again, it is determined that there is no problem even if the user operates with the laundry remaining, and the process proceeds to step S11 according to “YES”. After the transition, water supply is performed, and then the washing process without the second process is performed (step S12). The washing process without the second process will be described later. If the door 4 is not opened / closed even after a predetermined time has elapsed after notifying that the weight is over in step S6, the process proceeds to step S11 according to “YES” in step S8.

  In the water supply process of step S4 and step S11, tap water is supplied into the water tank 5 through the water injection case 13 by opening the water supply valve 12 with the drain valve 17 closed, and a predetermined set water level W1 (FIG. 1). In addition, when the tank detergent is accommodated in the water injection case 13, the tank detergent is also thrown into the water tank 5 together with water. The set water level W1 in the tank washing course is set higher than the water level W2 in the washing course for washing ordinary laundry, for example, near the lower end of the laundry entrance 3. The water level in the water tank 5 is detected by a water level sensor 46. In this water supply stroke, when the water level in the water tank 5 reaches a preset pump driving start water level (a water level lower than the set water level W1), the circulation pump 21 is driven as shown in FIG. Circulate through circulation channel 19.

  Next, a normal washing process will be described with reference to FIG. In the washing process, the control device 45 first starts the first process (step T1). The first stroke is performed for a predetermined time, for example, 6 minutes, while the drum 7 is rotated at the first rotational speed, in this case, at a low speed of 30 rpm, by the washing machine motor 9 while alternately rotating forward and reverse. Although not shown in FIG. 7, in the washing process, the circulation pump 21 is repeatedly operated for a predetermined time ON and a predetermined time OFF throughout the entire process (see FIG. 5). By performing this first step, the water in the water tank 5 is agitated, and along with this, the dirt adhering to the inner surface of the water tank 5 and the inner and outer surfaces of the drum 7 is removed and decomposed.

  After starting the first stroke, the control device 45 looks at the foaming state in the water tank 5 until the time for the first stroke to end (steps T2 and T3). The state of foaming is performed based on detection of the foam sensor 43. If there is no problem with less foaming even when it is time to finish the first process, the process proceeds to step T4 according to “YES” in step T3, and the first process is completed. Next, the control device 45 starts the second stroke (step T5).

  The second stroke is an operation in which the washing machine motor 9 rotates the drum 7 in one direction (in the direction of arrow A in FIGS. 2 and 3) at a second rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed (30 rpm), in this case 150 rpm. Is repeated for a predetermined time ON and for a predetermined time OFF, for example, for 6 minutes. At this time, the second rotational speed is such that the centrifugal force acting on the water adhering to the drum 7 is greater than the gravity and the resonance point of so-called whirling vibration unique to the drum type washing machine rotating around the horizontal axis (for example, no load) The rotation speed is set lower than the vicinity of 160 rpm. The second rotation speed is preferably in the range of 120 rpm or more and less than 160 rpm. By performing the second stroke of rotating the drum 7 at the second rotation speed, the water blown from the drum 7 can easily reach the inner surface of the upper part of the front portion of the water tank 5 that is difficult to reach, Water can be distributed over the entire inner surface of the water tank 5 as well as the inner and outer surfaces of the drum 7. In this case, the rotation speed in the washing process of the course for washing ordinary clothes is generally 100 rpm or less, and the second rotation speed in the second process in the tank washing course of 150 rpm is for washing ordinary clothes. The rotation speed is higher than the rotation speed in the course washing process.

  Here, in FIG. 3, the rotation direction of the drum 7 in the second stroke is the direction of arrow A (the clockwise direction in FIG. 3), so that the water blown from the drum 7 is in the upper right part of the peripheral wall of the water tank 5. Even if it is hung near the entrance of the first ventilation port 22 positioned, it is difficult to enter the bellows-shaped duct 25 in the drying air passage 24 in the back direction. Similarly, even if the water blown from the drum 7 is applied to the vicinity of the entrance of the second vent 23 located at the upper part of the rear surface of the water tank 5, the air supply duct 29 in the drying air passage 24 is located on the front surface. Since it extends in the left direction when viewed from the side, it is difficult to enter the back direction of the air supply duct 29. Further, in the second stroke, the rotation speed of the drum 7 is high and the water level in the water tank 5 is likely to fluctuate, so that the water level in the water tank 5 easily exceeds the overflow port 41. When the water in the water tank 5 overflows beyond the overflow port 41, the water is discharged out of the machine through the overflow channel 42. At this time, it can be expected that the water flowing in the overflow channel 42 is washed inside the overflow channel 42.

  When starting the second stroke, the control device 45 checks whether or not the vibration of the water tank 5 has become large until the time for the second stroke to end (steps T6 and T7). The vibration state of the water tank 5 is performed based on detection by the vibration sensor 40. If there is no problem because the vibration is small even when it is time to finish the second process, the process proceeds to step T8 according to “YES” in step T7, and the second process is completed. Next, the control device 45 determines whether or not supplementary water is necessary (step T9). As described above, the supplementary water is not used in the 3-hour course, but only in the 12-hour course. In the case of a 12-hour course, for example, 5 hours after the water supply process before the washing process ends. When it is determined that supplementary water is not necessary, the control device 45 proceeds to step T10, determines whether it is time to end the washing process, and if not, returns to step T1 according to “NO”. The first stroke is executed again. In the second stroke, no foaming is detected.

  The control device 45 repeats the first stroke and the second stroke alternately for a set time when no foaming is detected in the first stroke and no large vibration is detected in the second stroke. And if the control apparatus 45 judges that the time which needs supplementary water has come, it will transfer to step T11 according to "YES" at step T9, and supplementary water will be performed. This supplementary water is used to supplement the amount of water because the water level in the water tank 5 is lowered as the water in the water tank 5 overflows and is discharged to the outside of the apparatus. Then, when it is time to finish the washing process, the control device 45 proceeds to step T12 according to “YES” in step T10, ends the washing process, and returns to the main routine.

  On the other hand, when the control device 45 determines that there is much foaming in the water tank 5 by the detection of the foam sensor 43 during the first process, the process proceeds to step T13 according to “YES” in step T2, and the foam extinguishing process. I do. The defoaming process is the same as the defoaming process in, for example, a normal washing operation, and performs control to dilute the detergent component in the water tank 5 while draining and supplying water to discharge the foam in the water tank 5. After this bubble elimination process, a washing process without a second process with high-speed rotation, that is, a washing process using only the first process is performed until the end time (steps T14 and T15). When the end time of the washing process is reached, the process proceeds to step T12 according to “YES” in step T15, and the washing process is completed.

  Further, when the control device 45 determines that the vibration of the water tank 5 is large by the detection of the vibration sensor 40 during execution of the second stroke, the process proceeds to step T16 according to “YES” in step T6, Similarly to the case, the washing process without the second process with high-speed rotation, that is, the washing process using only the first process is performed until the end time (step T15). Therefore, when the control device 45 determines that the vibration of the water tank 5 is large by the detection of the vibration sensor 40 during the second stroke, the controller 45 does not perform the second stroke and performs the washing stroke only in the first stroke. Do. When the end time of the washing process is reached, the process proceeds to step T12 according to “YES” in step T15, and the washing process is completed.

  When the above-described washing process is completed, the control device 45 performs a drainage process and an intermediate dehydration process as shown in FIG. In the drainage process, the drain valve 17 is opened and the water in the water tank 5 is discharged outside the apparatus. In the intermediate dehydration, the drum 7 is centrifugally dehydrated by rotating the drum 7 in one direction at a high speed (for example, a maximum of 950 rpm) by the washing machine motor 9.

  After the intermediate dehydration, the control device 45 performs a water supply stroke for the rinse 1. Also in this water supply stroke, tap water is supplied into the water tank 5 by opening the water supply valve 12 with the drain valve 17 closed, and stored to the same predetermined water level W1 as in the washing step. Also in this water supply stroke, when the water level in the water tank 5 reaches the preset pump drive start water level, the circulation pump 21 is driven to circulate the water in the water tank 5 through the circulation water channel 19.

  In the first rinsing process, a first rinsing process, a pause, and a second rinsing process are performed. In the first rinsing process, the drum 7 is driven by the washing machine motor 9 for a predetermined time while alternately rotating forward and reverse at a rotational speed of 45 rpm, which is slightly higher than the first rotational speed of 30 rpm in the washing process. For example, it is performed for 1 minute 30 seconds. The pause is a period during which the rotation of the drum 7 is stopped, and the time is, for example, 10 seconds. In the second rinsing process, the operation of rotating the drum 7 in one direction (the direction of arrow A in FIGS. 2 and 3) at the same rotational speed of 150 rpm as the second rotational speed in the washing process is ON for a predetermined time. The time OFF is repeated, for example, for 30 seconds. In the first rinsing stroke, the circulation pump 21 is continuously operated. By performing the process of rinsing 1, it is possible to mainly rinse both the inner and outer surfaces of the drum 7 and the entire inner surface of the water tank 5.

  The control device 45 performs the drainage process when the process of rinsing 1 is completed. In this drainage process, the circulation pump 21 is operated halfway. After the drainage process is completed, an intermediate dehydration process is performed. In the intermediate dehydration process, the maximum rotation speed of the drum 7 is increased to, for example, 1300 rpm.

  Thereafter, the control device 45 sequentially performs a water supply stroke for the rinse 2, a stroke 2 stroke, a drainage stroke, and an intermediate dewatering stroke. The contents of these steps are the same as in the case of rinse 1. Thereafter, the control device 45 sequentially performs the water supply process for the rinse 3, the process of the rinse 3, the drainage process, and the final dewatering process. These steps of the rinse 3 are the same as the case of the rinse 1. Thus, the tank cleaning course is completed. Thereby, the inner and outer surfaces of the drum 7 and the entire inner surface of the water tank 5 can be mainly cleaned.

According to the above-described embodiment, the following operational effects can be obtained.
The washing process of the tank cleaning course includes a first process in which the drum 7 is rotated at a first rotational speed, for example, 30 rpm, with water being put in the water tank 5, and is higher than the first rotational speed and the drum 7. The second process of rotating the drum 7 at a second rotational speed, for example, 150 rpm, which has a centrifugal force acting on the water adhering to the water, which is greater than the gravity and lower than the resonance point, is executed in combination. As a result, in the first stroke where the rotational speed of the drum 7 is low, the dirt adhering mainly to the inner surface of the water tank 5 and both the inner and outer surfaces of the drum 7 is removed and decomposed, and in the second stroke where the rotational speed of the drum 7 is high, the drum 7 The water blown from 7 can easily reach the inner surface of the upper part of the front part of the water tank 5 that is difficult to reach, so that the water can be distributed not only on the inner and outer surfaces of the drum 7 but also on the entire inner surface of the water tank 5. Can be efficiently cleaned.

  150 rpm which is the second rotation speed in the second stroke is higher than 100 rpm which is the rotation speed in the washing stroke of a course for washing ordinary clothes. By setting the rotational speed of the drum 7 higher than that in the normal washing course, the drum 7 can scoop up the water higher than the case in the normal washing course and fly away. In the case of the water tank 5, it is difficult to clean the upper inner surface of the front part of the water tank 5 at a rotation speed of 100 rpm or less, but it is possible to effectively wash at 150 rpm.

  The direction of rotation at the second rotational speed in the second stroke is only one direction, and the direction of arrow A, which is the direction of rotation, indicates that the water blown from the drum 7 when the drum 7 rotates is the upper part of the peripheral wall portion of the water tank 5. It is difficult to flow into the drying air passage 24 from the first vent 22 provided in the air. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent water from flowing into a place where a problem may occur when water enters the drying air passage 24.

  The direction of the arrow A is also a direction in which water blown from the drum 7 when the drum 7 rotates does not easily flow into the drying air passage 24 from the second vent 23 provided on the back of the water tank 5. Also by this, it is possible to prevent water from flowing into a place where there is a possibility that a malfunction may occur when water enters the drying air passage 24.

  Further, the direction of the arrow A is a direction in which water in the water tank 5 easily flows into the drain port 16 serving as the inlet of the circulation water channel 19 when the drum 7 rotates. Thereby, the water supply to the circulation pump 21 provided in the circulation water channel 19 can be promoted, and the water circulation effect by the circulation pump 21 can be improved.

  In the tank cleaning course, a weight detection operation is performed before the washing process, and when the detection result is equal to or greater than a predetermined weight, a notification is given by the buzzer 50 as a notification means and a display unit. By notifying the user that the laundry remains in the drum 7 by this notification, it becomes possible to have the remaining laundry taken out. Thereby, it is possible to execute the tank cleaning course in a state where there is no laundry in the drum 7.

  When the vibration sensor 40 provided in the water tank 5 detects abnormal vibration in the second process of the tank cleaning course, the subsequent second process is not performed and the cleaning process is performed only by the first process. According to this, by not performing the second stroke at a high rotational speed at which vibration is likely to increase, the operation can be completed thereafter without causing abnormal vibration.

  In the tank cleaning course, foaming detection is performed by the foam sensor 43 in the first process. As a result, if it is determined that foaming is present, the process proceeds to the foam extinguishing process, and foaming detection by the foam sensor 43 is not performed in the second process. . When foam detection is performed by the foam sensor 43 even during the second stroke, strong pressure is generated by a strong water flow due to the high-speed rotation of the drum 7, and there is a possibility that the foam sensor 43 may erroneously detect that foam is present even if there is no foam. Yes, there is a possibility that the process proceeds to the bubble elimination process based on the erroneous detection. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, since the foaming detection by the foam sensor 43 is not performed in the second process, erroneous detection by the foam sensor 43 can be prevented.

  The set water level W1 in the water tank 5 in the tank cleaning course is set to be higher than the normal water level W2 in the washing course for washing clothes. According to this, by driving at a higher water level than the normal washing course, the water can reach even a portion where it is difficult to reach the water in the normal washing course, and the tank cleaning can be performed more effectively.

  The second rotation speed (150 rpm) in the second stroke is a rotation speed at which the water in the water tank 5 overflows from the overflow port 41 as the drum 7 rotates. According to this, since the water overflowing from the overflow port 41 is discharged outside the machine through the overflow channel 42, it can be expected that the overflow channel 42 that cannot be normally cleaned is washed with the water.

  In the tank cleaning course, in the case of a 12-hour course, supplementary water is supplied during the washing process. According to this, since the water level in the water tank 5 can be kept at a high water level, the tank cleaning can always be performed with a large amount of water, and the tank cleaning by the first process and the second process can be more effectively performed. it can. You may make it perform supplementary water also in a 3-hour course.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, in the washing process of the tank cleaning course, when the vibration sensor 40 detects that the vibration of the water tank 5 is large during execution of the second process (step T6), the control after the first implementation described above is performed. It is different from the form.

  That is, when it is detected by the vibration sensor 40 that the vibration of the water tank 5 is large during execution of the second stroke with high-speed rotation, the process proceeds to step S20 according to “YES” in step T6, and the rotation of the drum 7 is stopped. The operation of the circulation pump 21 is stopped, and thereafter, it is notified that the vibration of the water tank 5 is large (step T21). Notification in this case is also performed by ringing by the buzzer 50 and display by the display unit. The tank cleaning course is assumed to cause no abnormal vibration when operated without the laundry in the drum 7, so when the abnormal vibration occurs, the laundry remains in the drum 7. It is predicted that In such a case, the control device 45 determines whether or not the door 4 has been opened and closed within a predetermined time, and waits for the laundry to be taken out (steps T22 and T23). If the door 4 is opened and closed, it is determined that the laundry has been taken out, the process proceeds to step T24 according to "YES" in step T22, the second process is resumed, and the process returns to step T6. If the door 4 is not opened / closed even after a predetermined time has passed after the notification, the process proceeds to step T16 in accordance with “YES” in step T23, and the process is performed only in the first process, ie, the process without the second process with high speed rotation. The process is performed until the end time (steps T16 and T17). When the end time of the washing process is reached, the process proceeds to step T12 according to “YES” in step T17, and the washing process is completed.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the vibration sensor 40 detects that the vibration of the water tank 5 is large during execution of the second stroke, the buzzer 50 and the display unit notify the user. According to this, by notifying the user, it is possible to solve problems such as having the laundry left in the drum 7 taken out.

(Other embodiments)
Although the water tank 5 and the drum 7 illustrated what the axial direction inclined to the front rise, it is applicable also to the axial direction horizontal state.

  As described above, according to the washing machine of the present embodiment, in the tank cleaning course, the first step of rotating the rotating tub at the first rotational speed, and higher than the first rotational speed and attached to the rotating tub. The centrifugal force acting on the water is greater than the gravity, and is executed in combination with the second step of rotating the rotating tank at the second rotation speed lower than the resonance point. As a result, water can be distributed not only on the inner and outer surfaces of the rotating tank but also on the entire inner surface of the water tank, thereby enabling efficient cleaning.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  In the drawings, 1 is a washing machine, 5 is a water tub, 7 is a drum (rotary tub), 9 is a washing machine motor (driving means), 16 is a drain port (inlet of the circulation channel), 16a is a guide wall, and 19 is a circulation channel. , 21 is a circulation pump, 22 is a first vent, 23 is a second vent, 24 is a drying air passage, 30 is a blower, 36 is a condenser, 37 is an evaporator, 38 is a heat pump, and 39 is a compressor. , 40 is a vibration sensor (vibration detection means), 41 is an overflow port, 42 is an overflow channel, 43 is a bubble sensor (bubble detection means), 45 is a control device (control means, weight detection means), and 48 is a current sensor (weight). Detection means), 50 indicates a buzzer (notification means).

Claims (12)

In a washing machine having a water tank, a rotating tank accommodated rotatably in the water tank, and a driving means for rotating the rotating tank, and having a tank cleaning course for cleaning the water tank and the rotating tank,
The tank cleaning course has a first step of rotating the rotating tank at a first rotation speed with water in the water tank, and is higher than the first rotation speed and attached to the rotating tank. A washing machine that executes a combination of a second step of rotating the rotating tub at a second rotational speed at which a centrifugal force acting on water is greater than gravity and lower than a resonance point.   2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the second rotation speed is higher than a rotation speed in a washing process of a course for washing clothes. A first vent of a dry air passage is provided on the upper peripheral wall of the water tank;
The rotation direction of the second rotation speed is only one direction, and the rotation direction of the second rotation speed is that the water blown from the rotation tank when the rotation tank rotates is the dry air from the first vent. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the washing machine is in a direction that hardly flows into the road. A weight detecting means for detecting the weight of the laundry stored in the rotating tub, and a notification means,
The weight detection operation by the weight detection unit is performed before the washing operation in the tank cleaning course, and when the detection result is a predetermined weight or more, notification by the notification unit is performed. A washing machine according to claim 1. Comprising vibration detection means for detecting the vibration of the aquarium,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the vibration detection means detects abnormal vibration in the second stroke, the subsequent second stroke is not performed. Comprising foam detection means for detecting foaming in the water tank,
In the tank cleaning course, the foam detection by the foam detection means is performed in the first process, and as a result, when it is determined that there is foaming, the process proceeds to the foam extinction process, and in the second process, the foam detection means The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein foaming detection is not performed.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the water level in the water tank in the tank washing course is higher than the water level in the course of washing clothes. Comprising vibration detecting means for detecting the vibration of the water tank, and notification means,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the vibration detection unit detects abnormal vibration in the second stroke, the notification unit performs notification. An overflow channel that overflows and discharges water in the water tank from an overflow port provided in the water tank;
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second rotation speed is a rotation speed at which water in the water tank overflows from the overflow port as the rotation tank rotates.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in the tank washing course, supplementary water is supplied after water supply. A second vent of a dry air passage is provided at the back of the aquarium,
The rotation direction of the second rotation speed is only one direction. The rotation direction of the second rotation speed is such that water blown from the rotation tank at the time of rotation of the rotation tank is transferred from the second vent to the drying air. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the washing machine is in a direction that hardly flows into the road. A circulation water channel is provided outside the water tank for circulating the water in the water tank by a circulation pump,
The rotation direction of the second rotation speed is only one direction, and the rotation direction of the second rotation speed is a direction in which water in the water tank easily flows into the inlet of the circulation channel when the rotation tank rotates. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images