JP2018143570A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform tub washing effectively in a washing machine which can execute tub washing during a step of a washing operation.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a water tub; a washing tub which is provided in the water tub and in which clothing is stored; an agitation body provided at a bottom part of the washing tub; a water supply mechanism for supplying water to the washing tub; a fine bubble generation device for generating fine bubble water in which fine bubbles are mixed; a drainage mechanism for performing drainage from the washing tub; a drive mechanism for rotationally driving the agitation body and the washing tub; and a control device for executing washing, rinsing and dewatering steps by controlling each mechanism. Before shifting to a dewatering step after a rinse step, the control device executes residual water draining operation in which the washing tub is rotated to predetermined rotational frequency in a state where water including fine bubble water generated by the fine bubble generation device is stored to a predetermined water level in the washing tub.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a washing machine.

  For example, in a so-called vertical axis type washing machine in which a washing tub also serving as a dehydration tub is provided in the water tub so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis, dirt is present in places that are difficult for the user to see such as the outer peripheral surface of the washing tub and the inner surface of the water tub. And there is a problem that the detergent residue adheres. If such dirt is left unattended, black mold or the like is generated, causing problems such as generation of odors and reattachment to the laundry. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a so-called horizontal shaft type drum-type washing machine, it has been considered to perform a rotary drum cleaning process during a dehydration process (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this rotating drum cleaning process, the outer peripheral wall of the rotating drum is moved by rotating the rotating drum at a predetermined rotation speed (400 rpm) equal to or lower than the dewatering rotation speed with the drain valve closed and water stored in the water receiving tank. I try to wash it.

JP 2005-143533 A

  In the case where the tank cleaning process is incorporated during the washing operation process as described above, the tank cleaning is performed using water (generally tap water) supplied to the tank. Therefore, it cannot be said that the cleaning effect is so high, and it is desired for the user to perform the tank cleaning effectively in a short time.

  Therefore, a washing machine that can perform tank cleaning during the washing operation and can effectively perform tank cleaning is provided.

  The washing machine of the embodiment includes a water tub, a washing tub provided inside the water tub and storing clothes, an agitator provided at the bottom of the washing tub, a water supply mechanism for supplying water into the laundry tub, A fine bubble generator that generates fine bubble water mixed with fine bubbles, a drainage mechanism that drains water from the inside of the washing tub, a drive mechanism that rotationally drives the agitator and the washing tub, and controls each of the mechanisms And a control device that executes a process of washing, rinsing, and dewatering, and the control device is generated by the microbubble generator in the washing tub before the process proceeds to the dewatering process after the rinsing process. In the state where the water containing fine bubble water is stored at a predetermined water level, a residual water dehydrating operation for rotating the washing tub to a predetermined number of revolutions is executed.

  The “fine bubbles” or “fine bubbles” in the embodiment are concepts including, for example, microbubbles having a diameter of about 1 μm to several hundred μm and ultrafine bubbles having a diameter of about 50 nm to 1 μm. Fine bubble water refers to water containing a large amount of such fine bubbles.

1 is a longitudinal side view schematically showing a configuration of a washing machine according to the first embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the assembly | attachment part of a UFB unit Diagram showing electrical configuration schematically The figure which shows the control state in the dehydration process from the rinse process which a control apparatus performs The 2nd Embodiment shows the control state in the dehydration process from the rinse process which a control device performs. The 3rd Embodiment shows the control state in the dehydration process from the rinse process which a control device performs. The 4th Embodiment shows the control state in the dehydration process from the rinse process which a control device performs.

  Hereinafter, some embodiments applied to a so-called vertical washing machine will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, between several embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part and new illustration and repeated description are abbreviate | omitted.

(1) First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 schematically shows the internal configuration of the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment. First, the overall configuration of the washing machine 1 will be described. Here, the washing machine 1 includes a top cover 3 made of a synthetic resin, for example, on an upper portion of an outer box 2 that is configured as a rectangular box as a whole from a steel plate.

  A water tub 4 capable of storing washing water is provided in the outer box 2 by being elastically suspended and supported by an elastic suspension mechanism 5 having a well-known configuration. A drain port 6 is formed at the bottom of the water tank 4. A drainage channel 8 having an electronically controlled drainage valve 7 is connected to the drainage port 6. A drainage mechanism is constituted by the drainage valve 7 and the like. Although not shown in detail, an air trap is provided at the bottom of the water tub 4, and a water level sensor 9 (for detecting the water level in the water tub 4 (washing tub 10) through an air tube connected to the air trap). 3) is provided.

  In the water tank 4, a vertical washing tank 10 also serving as a dewatering tank is rotatably provided. The washing tub 10 has a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a large number of dewatering holes 10a are formed in the peripheral wall portion. For example, a liquid-filled rotary balancer 11 is attached to the upper end of the washing tub 10. Further, a pulsator 12 as a stirring body is disposed at the inner bottom of the washing tub 10. Clothes (not shown) are accommodated in the washing tub 10, and a washing operation including processes such as washing, rinsing and dehydration of clothes is performed.

  At this time, a water tank cover 13 is mounted on the upper part of the water tank 4. The water tank cover 13 is provided with an opening 13a for loading and unloading the laundry substantially at the center, and an inner lid 14 for opening and closing the opening 13a is attached. Further, a water supply port 20 for supplying water into the water tank 4 by a water supply mechanism which will be described later is provided in a portion near the rear part of the water tank cover 13. An overflow port 4 a is provided at a position higher than the highest water level of the washing tub 10 at the upper part of the back wall portion of the water tub 4. On the outside of the water tank 4, an overflow hose 22 is provided continuously to the overflow port 4a for discharging the overflowed water from the overflow port 4a. Although not shown in detail, the tip of the overflow hose 22 is connected to the drainage channel 8.

  A drive mechanism 15 having a known configuration is disposed on the outer bottom of the water tank 4. Although detailed illustration and description are omitted, the drive mechanism 15 includes, for example, a washing machine motor 16 (see FIG. 3) formed of an outer rotor type DC three-phase brushless motor, a hollow tank shaft 18, and a stirring penetrating through the tank shaft 18. A shaft 19 and a clutch mechanism 17 (see FIG. 3) for selectively transmitting the rotational driving force of the washing machine motor 16 to the shafts 18 and 19 are provided. The washing tub 10 is connected to the upper end of the tank shaft 18, and the pulsator 12 is connected to the upper end of the stirring shaft 19. As shown only in FIG. 3, the drive mechanism 15 includes a rotation sensor 33 that detects the rotation position (and hence the rotation speed) of the washing machine motor 16, and a current sensor 34 that detects a current flowing through the washing machine motor 16. Is also provided.

  The clutch mechanism 17 has a well-known configuration using, for example, a solenoid as a drive source, and is switched and controlled by a control device 21 configured mainly with a computer. As is well known, the clutch mechanism 17 makes the washing tub 10 rotatable with respect to the water tub 4, and transmits the rotational force of the washing machine motor 16 to both the tub shaft 18 and the stirring shaft 19. Is switched to a state in which the rotational force of the washing machine motor 16 is transmitted only to the stirring shaft 19.

  Thus, the drive mechanism 15 causes the clutch mechanism 17 to apply the driving force of the washing machine motor 16 via the stirring shaft 19 to the pulsator 12 while the washing tub 10 is fixed (stopped) in the washing process and the rinsing process. And the pulsator 12 is directly driven in forward and reverse rotation. Further, the drive mechanism 15 is configured to apply the driving force of the washing machine motor 16 to the tub while the tub shaft 18 and the agitation shaft 19 are connected by the clutch mechanism 17 during the dehydration process (and during the residual water dehydration operation described later). This is transmitted to the washing tub 10 via the shaft 18 so that the washing tub 10 (and the pulsator 12) is directly rotated at a high speed in one direction.

  The top cover 3 has a thin hollow box shape whose lower surface is opened and whose upper surface is inclined downward toward the front, and has a central portion above the washing tub 10 (water tank cover 13). A substantially circular laundry entrance / exit 3a is formed at a position above the opening 13a. On the upper surface of the top cover 3, a rectangular panel is formed as a whole, and a lid 23 for opening and closing the entrance 3a is provided.

  A horizontally long operation panel 24 is provided on the front side of the top surface of the top cover 3. Although not shown in detail, the operation panel 24 includes an operation unit for the user to turn on and off the washing machine 1 and various settings / instructions, a display unit for performing necessary display, and the like. Yes. On the back side of the operation panel 24, the control device 21 (electronic unit) is provided.

  A water supply mechanism 25 is provided at the rear of the top cover 3 to supply water supplied from a water supply source, in this case, water, into the water tank 4 (washing tub 10) through a water supply path. In the present embodiment, the water supply mechanism 25 opens and closes the connection port 26, the first and second two water supply paths 27 and 28 that extend in a bifurcated manner from the connection port 26, and the water supply paths 27 and 28, respectively. First and second water supply valves 29 and 30, a UFB unit 31 as a fine bubble generator provided in the first water supply path 27, a water injection case 32, and the like are provided.

  Among them, the connection port 26 is connected to a tip end of a connection hose connected to a tap faucet (not shown), so that a predetermined household water pressure (for example, 1.0 to 3.0 kgf / cm 2 (0.1 to 0.29 MPa) is used. ) Grade), water is supplied. The first water supply path 27 and the second water supply path 28 are each connected to the water injection case 32 at the tip. At this time, the water injection case 32 is provided with a first inlet pipe 35 (shown only in FIG. 2) and a second inlet pipe (not shown) as the water inlet, and the first water supply path 27, that is, the first inlet shown in FIG. An outlet pipe 37 as an outlet portion of the water supply valve 29 is connected to the first inlet pipe 35. Although not shown, the outlet of the second water supply valve 30 of the second water supply path 28 is connected to the second inlet pipe.

  The first water supply valve 29 and the second water supply valve 30 are open / close valves that open and close electromagnetically, and are controlled by the control device 21 so as to open and close the first water supply path 27 and the second water supply path 28, respectively. It has become. As is well known, the water injection case 32 has a box shape, and a detergent storage case (not shown) is provided in the interior thereof so that it can be drawn out. As shown in FIG. 1, the base end side of the flexible water supply hose 36 is connected to the outlet portion 32 a at the lower part of the water injection case 32, and the distal end portion of the water supply hose 36 is connected to the water supply port 20 of the water tank cover 13. It is connected.

  Thus, when the first water supply valve 29 is opened, tap water is supplied from the first inlet pipe 35 to the water injection case 32 through the first water supply path 27. When the detergent is stored in the detergent storage case 33, the detergent flows while being dissolved, and is supplied from the outlet portion 32 a into the water tank 4 through the water supply hose 36. At this time, as will be described later, the water flowing through the first water supply path 27 passes through the UFB unit 31 to become fine bubble water mixed with a large amount of fine bubbles, and is supplied into the water injection case 32. It has become.

  On the other hand, when the second water supply valve 30 is opened, tap water is supplied to the water injection case 32 through the second water supply path 28. When the detergent is stored in the detergent storage case, the detergent flows while being dissolved, and is supplied into the water tank 4 through the water supply hose 36 from the outlet 32a. In this case, tap water not containing fine bubbles is supplied directly into the water tank 4 through the second water supply path 28. At this time, the flow rate of the water in the second water supply path 28 is configured to be larger than the flow rate of the water in the first water supply path 27.

  In this embodiment, the UFB unit 31, which is located between the first water supply valve 29 of the first water supply path 27 and the inlet portion of the water injection case 32, is a fine bubble generator using the venturi pipe principle. Provided. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, the UFB unit 31 is positioned between the outlet pipe 37 of the first water supply valve 29 and the first inlet pipe 35 of the water injection case 32 so as to be sandwiched between them. It is attached. That is, the UFB unit 31 is provided at the outlet of the first water supply valve 29, and the outlet of the UFB unit 31 is connected to the water inlet of the water injection case 32. Hereinafter, the UFB unit 31 will be described with reference to FIG.

  That is, the outlet pipe 37 of the first water supply valve 29 has a tubular shape and extends toward the first inlet pipe 35 of the water injection case 32 (left side in the drawing). The front end portion of the outlet pipe 37 is formed with a step so that the outer peripheral surface thereof is reduced in diameter in two steps. These steps are arranged in order from the right side (larger diameter side) to the first small diameter portion 37a and the first small diameter portion 37a. This is referred to as a two-diameter small portion 37b. On the other hand, the first inlet pipe 35 of the water injection case 32 extends rightward in the drawing toward the first water supply valve 29 side, and the inner peripheral portion of the first inlet pipe 35 is located on the distal end side and has an inner diameter. The thin portion 35a is formed to be slightly larger in diameter (thinner). Of the inner peripheral portion of the first inlet pipe 35, the inside of the thin portion 35a is a small-diameter portion 35c via a step portion 35b.

  At this time, the inner diameter dimension of the thin portion 35 a corresponds to the outer diameter dimension of the first small diameter portion 37 a of the outlet pipe 37. The inner diameter dimension of the small-diameter portion 35 c corresponds to the outer dimension on the outlet side of the UFB unit 31. In the state where the UFB unit 31 is inserted from the right side in the drawing in the first inlet pipe 35 of the water injection case 32, the outer periphery of the first small diameter portion 37a is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the thin portion 35a. Thus, the outlet pipe 37 of the first water supply valve 29 is connected. Further, in this state, an O-ring 38 is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the second small diameter portion 37b of the outlet pipe 37 and the inner peripheral surface of the thin portion 35a.

  The UFB unit 31 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and has a cylindrical shape with the axial direction as a horizontal direction in the drawing as a whole, and a central portion (axial center portion) that passes through in the horizontal direction in FIG. 39 is formed. Water flows in the flow path 39 in the direction of arrow A (from right to left in FIG. 2). The outer diameter dimension of the UFB unit 31 corresponds to the inner diameter dimension of the first inlet pipe 35 and is located at two positions on the right side of the middle part of the outer peripheral wall of the UFB unit 31 at slight intervals in the axial direction. Thus, ring-shaped convex portions 41, 41 are integrally formed.

  The UFB unit 31 is inserted and attached into the first inlet pipe 35 from the opening side (right side in the figure). At this time, one convex part 41 (left side in the figure) The stopper is engaged with the step 35b in the one inlet pipe 35. Further, at this time, an O-ring 42 is provided between the two convex portions 41 and 41 between the outer peripheral surface of the UFB unit 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the thin portion 35a of the first inlet pipe 35. .

  The flow path 39 is opened at both left and right end surfaces of the UFB unit 31 in the figure, and the right opening in the figure is an inflow port 39a, and the left opening in the figure is an outflow port 39b. A narrowed portion 39c having the smallest channel cross-sectional area is formed in the middle portion of the channel 39 with a certain length. The flow path 39 is configured in a tapered shape from the inlet 39a to the throttle portion 39c so that the cross-sectional area of the flow path gradually decreases, and the flow path cross-sectional area from the throttle portion 39c to the outlet 39b is increased. It is configured in a cylindrical shape having the same inner diameter as the throttle portion 39c.

  Further, the UFB unit 31 is provided with four projecting portions 40 (only two are shown) so as to further narrow the flow path of the throttle portion 39c. These protrusions 40 have sharp tips, and are provided so as to protrude inward from the outer peripheral side of the throttle portion 39c at intervals of 90 degrees. The sharp portions of the tips of these protrusions 40 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. By facing each other, the gap is formed into a slit shape of ten characters (x character). In the present embodiment, the protrusion 40 is made of synthetic resin and is provided integrally with the UFB unit 31. It is also possible to configure the protrusion 40 from a separate member.

  In such a UFB unit 31, when water flows into the flow path 39 from the inflow port 39a by opening the first water supply valve 29, the flow path cross-sectional area is reduced to the throttle portion 39c, so-called venturi of hydrodynamics. The flow rate is increased by the effect, and the pressure is rapidly reduced by passing through the cross-shaped gap at the tip of the protrusion 40. Thereby, a large amount of air dissolved in water can be deposited as fine bubbles. In this case, the flow direction of the water discharged from the outlet pipe 37 of the first water supply valve 29 and the flow direction of the water in the flow path 39 of the UFB unit 31 are configured in the same direction (arrow A direction). Yes.

  The UFB unit 31 of the present embodiment can generate a large amount of fine bubbles (fine bubbles) including ultrafine bubbles having a diameter of about 50 nm to 1 μm and microbubbles having a diameter of about 1 μm to several hundred μm. . By passing through the UFB unit 31 in this way, water mixed with a large amount of fine bubbles (hereinafter referred to as fine bubble water) flows out from the outflow port 39b and flows into the water injection case 32 (detergent housing case). Water is poured into the water tank 4 from the water supply port 20. The UFB unit 31 is detailed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-129097 related to the earlier application of the present applicant.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows an electrical configuration of the washing machine 1 with the above-described control device 21 as a center. The control device 21 is mainly configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls the entire washing machine 1 to execute each step of the washing operation. The control device 21 receives an operation signal from the operation panel 24 and controls display on each display unit of the operation panel 24. Further, the control device 21 receives a water level detection signal in the washing tub 10 detected by the water level sensor 9 and detection signals from the rotation sensor 33 and the current sensor 34.

  The control device 21 drives and controls the washing machine motor 16 and the clutch mechanism 17 and controls the first water supply valve 29, the second water supply valve 30, and the drain valve 7. With the above configuration, the control device 21 controls each mechanism of the washing machine 1 based on input signals from each sensor and a pre-stored control program in accordance with a user's setting operation of the washing course on the operation panel 24. Control. In the course of automatic operation, a washing operation consisting of washing, rinsing and dehydration processes is automatically executed. At this time, in this embodiment, in the course of automatic operation, it is possible to select a course including a residual water dehydrating operation (tank cleaning) described later and a course not including tank cleaning.

  In the rinsing process in the course of automatic operation, for example, a dehydration rinsing (intermediate dehydration) operation and a rinsing operation for one time are executed in order. Therefore, after the rinsing operation, the draining operation is performed and the final dehydration process is started. In the course of automatic driving, the cloth amount detection operation of the clothes in the washing tub 10 is executed at the start of driving. Based on the result of the cloth amount detection operation, the water level at the time of washing and rinsing is set in a plurality of stages, and the execution time of each process is automatically set. Water supply control into the washing tub 10 is performed based on the water level detection of the water level sensor 9. As is well known, the cloth amount detection operation is performed based on the fact that the pulsator 12 is rotationally driven for a short time by the drive mechanism 15 and the current flowing through the washing machine motor 16 is detected by the current sensor 34 at that time.

  Now, in this embodiment, as will be described in detail in the next operation description (description of FIG. 4), the control device 21 is an automatic operation course including a residual water dewatering operation (tank cleaning) mainly by its software configuration. Is selected, a residual water dewatering operation for washing the tank (washing the outer circumferential surface of the washing tub and the inner surface of the water tub 4) is performed before the dehydration process after the rinsing process (reservoir) is performed. This residual water dewatering operation is performed by rotating the washing tub 10 to a predetermined number of revolutions in a state where water containing fine bubble water generated by the UFB unit 31 is stored in a predetermined water level in the washing tub 10. Done.

  More specifically, in the present embodiment, when the control device 21 executes the rinsing operation for the rinsing process, the rinsing water level (the amount of the cloth amount is large) in the washing tub 10 (water tub 4) according to the amount of cloth. For example, water is supplied up to 58 liters. Water supply at this time includes the supply of fine bubble water through the first water supply path 27 by opening the first water supply valve 29, and the supply of tap water through the second water supply path 28 by opening the second water supply valve 30. Are performed in order, and tap water and fine bubble water are mixed. In this case, the mixing ratio of fine bubble water is, for example, 25% or more. After the water supply, the pulsator 12 is intermittently rotated forward and backward to perform rinsing for the set time.

  Then, after the end of rinsing, the control device 21 opens the drain valve 7 and drains until the inside of the washing tub 10 reaches a predetermined water level (for example, 25 liters in capacity). When the inside of the washing tub 10 reaches a predetermined water level, the drain valve 7 is closed. At the same time, the clutch mechanism 12 is switched from the pulsator 12 side to the washing tub 10 side, and the washing machine motor 16 is rotated at a predetermined number of rotations (for example, 150 rpm), thereby performing a residual water dehydrating operation for a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute). Is called. Further, the predetermined water level in the washing tub 10 and the predetermined rotation speed of the washing tub 10 in the residual water dewatering operation described above are the centrifugal force in the residual water dewatering operation, and the water in the washing tub 10 is in the vicinity of the overflow port 4a. It is set in advance so as to rise to the height of.

  After the residual water dewatering operation is performed, the control device 21 opens the drain valve 7 to drain the water from the washing tub 10, and further increases the number of rotations of the washing tub 10 to, for example, several hundred rpm. The dehydration process is performed for a predetermined time. Even in the water supply at the start of the washing process, fine bubble water is supplied into the washing tub 10 through the first water supply path 27, and the washing process is executed using the fine bubble water. Also in this case, tap water and fine bubble water may be mixed and used.

  Next, the operation of the washing machine 1 configured as described above will be described mainly with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows a state of control from the rinsing process to the final dehydration process, which is executed by the control device 21. That is, it shows how the first water supply valve 29 and the second water supply valve 30 are opened / closed, the drain valve 7 is opened / closed, the water level in the washing tub 10 and the rotation speed of the washing tub 10 change with time. . Here, at the start of rinsing, the water level in the washing tub 10 is set to the reset water level (0 liter), and the drain valve 7 is closed. The clutch mechanism 17 is on the pulsator 12 side, and the washing tub 10 is in a stopped (fixed) state.

  Therefore, when rinsing is started (time T0), first, the first water supply valve 29 is opened, and fine bubble water is supplied into the washing tub 10 (water tub 4) by the first water supply path 27 of the water supply mechanism 25. It becomes like this. At this time, the second water supply valve 30 is closed. When a certain time elapses or the inside of the washing tub 10 reaches a predetermined water level (time T1), the first water supply valve 29 is closed and this time the second water supply valve 30 is opened. Thereby, water (tap water) is supplied into the washing tub 10 (water tank 4) by the second water supply path 28 this time.

  By these water supply operations, the water level in the washing tub 10 gradually rises, and when the set rinse water level (high water level) is detected by the water level sensor 9, the second water supply valve 30 is closed and the water supply ends. (Time T2). At this time, in the washing tub 10, water in which tap water and fine bubble water are mixed is stored. Note that the order of opening the first water supply valve 29 and opening the second water supply valve 30 may be reversed. The rinsing is performed for a predetermined time by intermittently rotating the pulsator 12 forward and backward. Thus, a water flow is generated by the pulsator 12 in the state where the clothes are immersed in the water of the rinsing water level in the washing tub 10, and the rinsing is performed.

  Therefore, when the rinsing operation is completed (time T3), the residual water dewatering operation is started. In this residual water dewatering operation, the drain valve 7 is opened and the clutch mechanism 17 is switched to the washing tub 10 side. When the drain valve 7 is opened, the water level in the washing tub 10 gradually decreases. When a predetermined water level (for example, 25 liters) is detected by the water level sensor 9 (time T4), the drain valve 7 is closed and the washing machine The washing tub 10 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 150 rpm) by driving the motor 16.

  Thereby, the washing tub 10 rotates, a water flow is generated between the inner wall surface of the water tub 4 and the outer peripheral surface of the washing tub 10, and the outer peripheral surface of the washing tub 10 and the inner surface of the water tub 4 are washed with the water flow. The tank is cleaned. Further, due to the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the washing tub 10, the pressure of water toward the outer peripheral side of the washing tub 10 and hence the inner surface of the water tub 4 is increased, and effective cleaning is performed. At this time, even if the water level at the start of the residual water dewatering operation is relatively low, during the residual water dewatering operation, a phenomenon occurs in which the water surface in the washing tub 10 is lifted up like a bowl by the centrifugal force. In this case, the higher the rotation speed of the washing tub 10, the greater the centrifugal force, and the higher the water surface lifting height on the outer peripheral side.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined water level and the predetermined rotation speed during the residual water dewatering operation are set so that the water in the washing tub 10 rises to a height near the overflow port 4a. The overflow port 4a is provided at a position higher than the highest water level when the washing operation is performed, and it is mainly below the overflow port 4a that the dirt adheres to the inner surface of the water tub 4 and the outer surface of the washing tub 10. Therefore, at the time of residual water dewatering operation, the water surface on the outer peripheral side is lifted to the extent that it reaches the overflow port 4a, and the entire height direction of the water tub 4 and the washing tub 10 is suppressed while preventing the water from overflowing and wasting. It is possible to perform an effective cleaning for.

  Here, at the start of the residual water dewatering operation, water containing fine bubble water generated by the UFB unit 31 is stored in the washing tub 10 (water tub 4). Fine bubble water mixed with a large amount of bubbles is used. Fine bubbles have a property of staying in the liquid for a long time because they cause Brownian motion that causes irregular motion in the liquid, for example, in water, and the speed is higher than the flying speed. The surface of the fine bubble is negatively charged, and the fine bubbles repel each other and do not bond.

  By using such fine bubble water for the residual water dehydration operation, for example, the effect of washing the tank can be enhanced as compared with the case where only tap water is used. The reason is presumed to be as follows. 1stly, the effect | action which removes dirt compared with the case of only water is acquired by the physical impact by a fine bubble hitting the surface of the water tub 4 or the washing tub 10. FIG. Secondly, it can be expected that the dirt is removed from the surface of the water tub 4 or the washing tub 10 also by the cavitation effect caused by the fine bubbles repelling. Third, since the surface of the fine bubble is negatively charged, it functions to absorb dirt.

  When the residual water dewatering operation is performed for a certain time (for example, 1 minute) (time T5), the residual water dewatering operation is finished and the process proceeds to the final dewatering process. The dewatering process is performed by opening the drain valve 7 and draining the water, and increasing the rotational speed of the washing tub 10 to a high speed (for example, several hundred rpm). This dehydration process is executed for a predetermined time, and the washing operation ends. If an automatic operation course that does not include tank washing is set at the start of the washing operation, the above-described residual water dewatering operation is omitted, and after rinsing, drainage is performed, and the dewatering process is continued. In this case, rinsing may be performed using only tap water.

  Thus, according to the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the following operations and effects can be obtained. That is, in the above configuration, the control device 21 performs the residual water dewatering operation between the rinsing process and the subsequent dewatering process in the rinsing process. As a result, parts such as the outer peripheral surface of the washing tub 10 and the inner surface of the water tub 4 that are easily contaminated are washed with a water flow, so that the tub cleaning is automatically performed. The residual water dewatering operation is not performed in a separate tank cleaning course but in a normal washing operation course, so that troublesome operations for the user are unnecessary. The remaining water dewatering operation is performed using the water (in other words, the remaining water) stored in the washing tub 10 at the time of rinsing, so that washing of the tub can be performed while saving water compared to the case where all the water is replaced with new water. It can be carried out.

  At this time, since the water containing fine bubble water mixed with fine bubbles generated by the UFB unit 31 is used for the residual water dewatering operation, for example, the effect of washing the tank as compared with the case of using only tap water. Can be increased. As a result, according to the present embodiment, the tank cleaning can be executed during the washing operation, and the tank cleaning can be effectively performed. In addition, in this embodiment, the effect of the stain | pollution | contamination removal of clothing can be heightened more by using a fine bubble water also in the washing | cleaning process and the rinse process.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the water in the washing tub 10 overflows with the predetermined water level in the washing tub 10 during the remaining water dewatering operation and the predetermined rotation speed of the washing tub 10 by the centrifugal force in the remaining water dewatering operation. The position and numerical value rising to the height near the mouth 4a were set. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform the effective washing | cleaning with respect to the whole height direction of the water tub 4 and the washing tub 10, suppressing the overflow of water from the overflow opening 4a.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when performing the rinsing process, fine bubble water generated by the UFB unit 31 through the first water supply path 27 and water through the second water supply path 28 in the washing tub 10. Water mixed with (tap water) was used, and after the rinsing process, a portion of the water in the washing tub 10 was drained, and the remaining water dewatering operation was executed. Thereby, in performing residual water dehydration operation, fine bubble water (or water) is not added, and water can be eliminated.

  If only fine bubble water is used at 100% in the rinsing process, there is a situation that it takes a relatively long time to supply water up to a high water level. Therefore, by using the mixed water with tap water, the water supply time as a whole can be shortened by the amount of supplying normal tap water. By the way, according to the research of the present inventor, it was possible to obtain a high rinsing effect and a sufficient tank washing effect by containing at least 25% fine bubble water (tap water is 75% or less).

(2) Second Embodiment FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the control from the rinsing process to the final dehydration process, which is executed by the control device 21. That is, in the present embodiment, the control device 21 performs a rinsing process by supplying tap water through the second water supply path 28, and after the rinsing process, the drain valve 7 is opened and the washing tub 10 (water tank 4) is opened. After that, the first water supply valve 29 is opened and fine bubble water is supplied into the washing tub 10 to a predetermined water level (25 liters) through the first water supply path 27, and the remaining water dewatering operation is executed. To do.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when rinsing is started (time T0), the second water supply valve 30 is opened with the drain valve 7 closed, and the second water supply of the water supply mechanism 25 is performed. The tap water is supplied into the washing tub 10 (water tank 4) by the path 28. At this time, the first water supply valve 29 is closed. When the inside of the washing tub 10 reaches the set rinsing water level (high water level), the second water supply valve 30 is closed and the water supply ends (time T11). Thereafter, rinsing is performed for a certain time.

  Therefore, when the rinsing operation is completed (time T12), the residual water dewatering operation is started. In this residual water dewatering operation, first, the drain valve 7 is opened, and the clutch mechanism 17 is switched to the washing tub 10 side. By opening the drain valve 7, the water level in the washing tub 10 gradually decreases, and in this case, drainage is performed until the water level becomes zero. When drainage ends (time T13), the drain valve 7 is closed, the first water supply valve 29 is opened, and fine bubble water is supplied into the washing tub 10 through the first water supply path 27.

  Thus, fine bubble water can be stored in the washing tub 10, and when a predetermined water level (for example, 25 liters) is detected by the water level sensor 9, the first water supply valve 29 is closed and the water supply ends ( Time T14). And the washing tub 10 is rotated by predetermined rotation speed (for example, 150 rpm) by the drive of the washing machine motor 16, and effective tank washing | cleaning using fine bubble water comes to be performed. When the residual water dewatering operation is performed for a certain time (for example, 1 minute) (time T15), the residual water dewatering operation is finished, and the process proceeds to the final dewatering process.

  According to such 2nd Embodiment, after the water (tap water) used for the rinse is drained, the newly produced fine bubble water is supplied and the residual water dehydrating operation is performed. Can do. Therefore, the tank cleaning can be effectively performed using fine bubble water, and in addition, the tank cleaning can be performed with clean water. In addition, regarding the rinsing process, it is a matter of course that the water supply time at the time of rinsing can be shortened by using water (tap water) that has passed through the second water supply path 28.

(3) Third Embodiment FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment, and shows a control state from the rinsing process to the final dehydration process, which is also executed by the control device 21. The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in the following point. That is, the control device 21 opens the drain valve 7 after the rinsing process, and the inside of the washing tub 10 (water tub 4). After all the water is drained, water in a state where fine bubble water and tap water are mixed is supplied to the washing tub 10 to a predetermined water level (25 liters), and a residual water dehydrating operation is executed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the rinsing process is executed in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and when the rinsing operation is completed (time T12), the residual water dewatering operation is started. In this residual water dewatering operation, first, the drain valve 7 is opened, and the clutch mechanism 17 is switched to the washing tub 10 side. By opening the drain valve 7, the water level in the washing tub 10 gradually decreases, and in this case, drainage is performed until the water level becomes zero. When drainage is completed (time T21), the drain valve 7 is closed, and first, the first water supply valve 29 is opened, and fine bubble water is supplied into the washing tub 10 through the first water supply path 27.

  When a certain time elapses or the inside of the washing tub 10 reaches a predetermined water level (time T22), the first water supply valve 29 is closed, and this time the second water supply valve 30 is opened. Thereby, water (tap water) is supplied into the washing tub 10 (water tank 4) by the second water supply path 28 this time. With these water supply operations, the water level in the washing tub 10 gradually rises from zero, and when the water level sensor 9 detects a predetermined water level, the second water supply valve 30 is closed and the water supply ends (time T23). At this time, in the washing tub 10, water in which tap water and fine bubble water are mixed, for example, mixed water containing 25% or more of fine bubble water, can be stored at a predetermined water level.

  Then, the washing tub 10 is driven at a predetermined number of rotations (for example, 150 rpm) by driving the washing machine motor 16, and effective tub cleaning using the mixed water of fine bubble water is performed. When the residual water dewatering operation is performed for a certain time (for example, 1 minute) (time T24), the residual water dewatering operation is finished and the process proceeds to the final dewatering process.

  According to the third embodiment, after the water (tap water) used for rinsing is drained, the newly generated fine bubble water and the newly supplied tap water are mixed. Residual water dehydration can be performed with water. Therefore, the tank cleaning can be effectively performed using the mixed water of fine bubble water, and in addition, the tank cleaning can be performed using cleaner mixed water. The time required for water supply for the residual water dewatering operation can also be made relatively short (compared to the case where fine bubble water is used at 100%). Therefore, it goes without saying that the water supply time in the rinsing process can be shortened.

(4) Fourth Embodiment FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment, and shows a control state from the rinsing process to the final dehydration process, which is also executed by the control device 21. The fourth embodiment is different from the first to third embodiments in the following points. That is, in the present embodiment, the control device 21 performs a rinsing process by supplying tap water through the second water supply path 28, and after the rinsing process, the drain valve 7 is opened and the washing tub 10 (water tank 4) is opened. A portion of the water is drained, and the water remaining in the washing tub 10 is opened by opening the first water supply valve 29 and supplying the fine bubble water to the predetermined water level (25 liters) through the first water supply path 27, and the mixed water The residual water dewatering operation is executed using

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the rinsing process is executed in the same manner as in the second and third embodiments, and when the rinsing operation is completed (time T12), the residual water dewatering operation is started. Is done. In this residual water dewatering operation, first, the drain valve 7 is opened, and the clutch mechanism 17 is switched to the washing tub 10 side. By opening the drain valve 7, the water level in the washing tub 10 gradually decreases. In this case, drainage is performed to a level lower than a predetermined level (for example, about 15 liters, indicated as “very low” level in FIG. 7). Is called. When drainage is completed (time T31), the drain valve 7 is closed, the first water supply valve 29 is opened, and fine bubble water is supplied into the washing tub 10 through the first water supply path 27.

  As a result, fine bubble water is added to the water remaining in the washing tub 10 while being mixed, and when the water level sensor 9 detects a predetermined water level (for example, 25 liters), the first water supply valve 29 is closed and water supply ends (time T32). In this state, in the washing tub 10, mixed water in which tap water and fine bubble water are mixed is stored at a predetermined water level. Then, the washing tub 10 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 150 rpm) by driving the washing machine motor 16, and effective tub cleaning using mixed water containing 25% or more of fine bubble water is performed. When the residual water dewatering operation is performed for a certain time (for example, 1 minute) (time T33), the residual water dewatering operation is finished and the process proceeds to the final dewatering process.

  According to such a fourth embodiment, the waste water after rinsing ends with the water (tap water) used for rinsing partially remaining in the washing tub 10, and newly generated from that state. Fine bubble water is supplied, and the residual water dewatering operation can be performed with the mixed water. Therefore, tank cleaning can be performed effectively using the mixed water of fine bubble water. When performing the residual water dewatering operation, part of the water used for rinsing is left, so that the waste of water can be reduced by that amount, and the time required for water supply for the residual water dewatering operation can be shortened relatively. Can do. Of course, by using tap water for the rinsing process, the water supply time at the time of rinsing can be shortened.

(5) Fifth Embodiment and Other Embodiments Hereinafter, although not shown, the fifth embodiment and other embodiments will be described. First, the fifth embodiment can be configured as follows.

  That is, in the first to fourth embodiments, the predetermined water level at which the residual water dewatering operation is performed is set so that the water in the washing tub 10 rises to a height near the overflow port 4a by the centrifugal force in the residual water dewatering operation. Pre-set. In the fifth embodiment, instead of this, the predetermined water level in the residual water dewatering operation is set to a water level that does not exceed the upper end of the pulsator 12 in the washing tub 10. According to this, at the end of the residual water dewatering operation, since the water level in the washing tub 10 is lower than the clothing housed above the pulsator 12, the clothing is immersed in the water in the washing tub 10. It is possible to prevent reattachment of dirt to clothing.

  In each of the above embodiments, the predetermined number of rotations of the washing tub 10 in the residual water dewatering operation is fixedly provided. However, when the amount of cloth is small (light) based on the detection of the amount of cloth, the target number of rotations is set. It is also possible to make a change such that the value is higher than usual (for example, 180 rpm). Moreover, when the possibility of unbalanced rotation of the washing tub 10 is detected during the residual water dewatering operation, it is possible to perform control to reduce the rotational speed below a predetermined rotational speed (for example, 120 rpm).

  As water to be supplied by the water supply mechanism 25 (second water supply path 28), not only simple tap water but also water from the external water supply source (water storage tank, bathtub, etc.) is pumped up and supplied. Alternatively, warm water or antibacterial water containing, for example, silver ions may be used. In each said embodiment, when supplying both tap water and fine bubble water in the washing tub 10, the structure which makes the 1st water supply valve 29 and the 2nd water supply valve 30 open alternately (either one), However, if water pressure sufficient to generate fine bubble water is obtained in the first water path 27, it is possible to open both water supply valves at the same time.

  In addition, the specific numerical values such as the operation time, the number of rotations of the washing tub 10 and the water level (water amount) described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and can be changed as appropriate. Various changes can be made to the contents of the washing driving course, such as multiple rinsings. Furthermore, various changes can be made to the hardware configuration of each mechanism of the washing machine, the specific structure of the fine bubble generating device, and the like. The above embodiments are presented as examples, 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. This embodiment and its modifications 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, 4 is a water tank, 7 is a drain valve (drainage mechanism), 9 is a water level sensor, 10 is a washing tank, 12 is a pulsator (stirring body), 15 is a drive mechanism, 16 is a washing machine motor, 17 is a clutch mechanism, 21 is a control device, 24 is an operation panel, 25 is a water supply mechanism, 27 is a first water supply path, 28 is a second water supply path, 29 is a first water supply valve, 30 is a second water supply valve, and 31 is A UFB unit (microbubble generator) is shown.

Claims (7)

A tank,
A washing tub provided inside the water tub for storing clothes;
A stirring body provided at the bottom of the washing tub;
A water supply mechanism for supplying water into the washing tub;
A fine bubble generator for generating fine bubble water mixed with fine bubbles;
A drainage mechanism for draining from the washing tub;
A drive mechanism for rotationally driving the agitator and the washing tub;
A control device that controls each of the mechanisms to perform washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes;
In the state in which the water containing fine bubble water generated by the fine bubble generating device is stored in a predetermined water level in the washing tub before the control device shifts to the dehydration step after the rinsing step, A washing machine that performs a residual water dewatering operation for rotating the washing tub to a predetermined number of rotations. An overflow port is provided in the upper part of the water tank,
The predetermined water level and the predetermined number of revolutions during the residual water dewatering operation are set so that the water in the washing tub rises to a height near the overflow port by centrifugal force in the residual water dewatering operation. The washing machine described.   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined water level in the residual water dewatering operation is a water level not exceeding an upper end of the stirring body.   The control device feeds water containing fine bubble water generated by the fine bubble generating device into the washing tub when the rinsing process is performed, and after the rinsing process, the drainage mechanism performs the washing process. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a residual water dewatering operation is performed after draining a part of the water in the tank.   The control device performs a rinsing process by supplying water by the water supply mechanism, drains water in the washing tub by the drainage mechanism after the rinsing process, and then fine bubbles generated by the microbubble generator The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a residual water dewatering operation is performed after water is supplied.   The control device performs the rinsing process by supplying water by the water supply mechanism, and after the rinsing process, draining by the drainage mechanism, and then generating water and the fine bubbles in the washing tub. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a residual water dewatering operation is performed after supplying the fine bubble water generated by the apparatus so as to be mixed.   The control device performs a rinsing process by supplying water by the water supply mechanism, and after the rinsing process, drains a part of the water in the washing tub by the drainage mechanism, and then the water remaining in the washing tub. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the remaining water dewatering operation is performed after mixing fine bubble water generated by the fine bubble generator.

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