JP2018143711A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent water from overflowing during a residual water draining operation while capable of performing tub washing effectively by the residual water draining 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 drainage mechanism for performing drainage from the washing tub; a drive mechanism for rotationally driving the agitation body and the washing tub; a water level detection device for detecting a water level in the washing tub; determination means for determining drainage capacity in the drainage mechanism; and a control device for executing washing, rinsing and dewatering steps by controlling each mechanism. During the execution of drainage after the rinse step, the control device executes residual water draining operation in which the washing tub is rotated to target rotational frequency in a state where the washing tub has a water level equal to or lower than a first predetermined water level, and starts the residual water draining operation with the water level according to the determination of the determination means.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. Therefore, conventionally, a tank cleaning course is provided, and a tank cleaning course is executed based on an instruction on a user's operation panel (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-4-108494

  Since the tank cleaning course is performed separately from the normal washing operation, the user needs to perform it consciously. Therefore, depending on the user, dirt may be accumulated on the outer peripheral surface of the washing tub or the inner surface of the water tub without executing the tub cleaning course for a long time.

  On the other hand, the present inventors have performed washing of the tub by performing an operation of rotating the washing tub at a relatively high speed during drainage after the end of the rinsing, that is, a so-called residual water dewatering operation, during a course of normal washing operation. I thought of a technique to execute without taking a separate course. However, during the residual water dewatering operation, a phenomenon occurs in which the water surface in the washing tub is shaped like a mortar and the outer peripheral side is lifted by centrifugal force. Therefore, it is predicted that the water level in the washing tub will exceed the overflow water level and overflow from the overflow port.

  Accordingly, a washing machine is provided that can effectively wash the tank by the residual water dewatering operation and can prevent the water from overflowing during the residual water dewatering operation.

  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 drainage mechanism that drains water from the inside of the washing tub, a drive mechanism that rotationally drives the agitator and the washing tub, a water level detection device that detects a water level in the washing tub, and a drainage capacity in the drainage mechanism is determined. And a control unit that controls the respective mechanisms to perform washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes. The control apparatus is configured such that the inside of the washing tub is in a first predetermined state during drainage after the rinsing process. In the state below the water level, a residual water dewatering operation for rotating the washing tub to the target rotational speed is executed, and the residual water dewatering operation is started at a water level corresponding to the determination by the determination means.

1 is a longitudinal side view schematically showing a configuration of a washing machine according to the first embodiment. Diagram showing electrical configuration schematically The figure which shows typically the surface state of the water in the tank before rotation of a washing tub The figure which shows typically the surface state of the water in a tank at the time of the rotation start of a washing tub The figure which shows typically the surface state of the water in a tank during rotation with the target rotation speed of a washing tub Flow chart showing the whole process of washing operation The flowchart which shows the control procedure of the residual water dehydration operation which a control apparatus performs The figure which shows the control state of the residual water dehydration operation after the rinse process which a control apparatus performs The figure which shows 2nd Embodiment and shows the control state of the residual water dehydration operation | movement after the rinse process which a control apparatus performs. The 3rd Embodiment is a figure showing the control state in residual water dehydration operation 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). 2).

  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. 2) 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. 2) 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. 2, the drive mechanism 15 includes a rotation sensor 31 that detects the rotation position (and hence the rotation speed) of the washing machine motor 16, and a current sensor 32 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 allows the washing tub 10 to rotate and transmits the rotational force of the washing machine motor 16 to both the tub shaft 18 and the agitation shaft 19 (in the washing tub 10 side). The tank 10 is locked in a fixed state with respect to the water tank 4, and the state (the pulsator 12 side) is switched between transmitting the rotational force of the washing machine motor 16 only to the stirring shaft 19. The mechanism for locking / unlocking the washing tub 10 in a fixed state is connected / disengaged by the meshing of the tooth portions, so that the resistance of the washing tub 10 in the rotational direction is smaller (smoothly rotates) and the clutch is switched. The structure is easy to break.

  Thus, the drive mechanism 15 causes the driving force of the washing machine motor 16 to pass through the stirring shaft 19 while the washing tub 10 is fixed (stopped) by the clutch mechanism 17 during washing and rinsing (washing process). And transmitted to the pulsator 12 to directly drive the pulsator 12 forward and reverse. Further, the drive mechanism 15 is configured to apply the driving force of the washing machine motor 16 via the tank shaft 18 while the tank shaft 18 and the stirring shaft 19 are connected by the clutch mechanism 17 during dehydration (dehydration process) or the like. The washing tub 10 (and the pulsator 12) is directly driven to rotate in one direction at a high speed.

  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 for supplying water supplied from a water supply source, in this case water supply, into the water tank 4 (washing tub 10) through the water supply path is provided at the rear portion of the top cover 3. The water supply mechanism 25 includes a connection port 26, a water supply valve 27, a water injection case 28, a water supply hose 29, and the like. Of these, the connection port 26 is connected to the tip of a connection hose connected to a water tap (not shown). The water supply valve 27 is an open / close valve that opens and closes electromagnetically, and is controlled by the control device 21. The tip of the water supply hose 29 is connected to the water supply port 20 of the water tank cover 13.

  Thus, when the water supply valve 27 is opened, water passes through the water supply case 28 and the water supply hose 29 in order, and is supplied into the water tank 4 from the water supply port 20. Although not shown in the drawings, a drawer-type detergent container or the like is provided in the water injection case 28, and when detergent is stored in the detergent container, water is supplied while dissolving the detergent.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows the electrical configuration of the washing machine 1 with the above-described control device 21 as the 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. The control device 21 is supplied with a water level detection signal in the washing tub 10 detected by the water level sensor 9 and detection signals from the rotation sensor 31 and the current sensor 32.

  The control device 21 drives and controls the washing machine motor 16 and the clutch mechanism 17 and controls the water supply valve 27 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. For example, in a well-known automatic driving course, a washing operation including washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes is executed. In this case, in the rinsing process, for example, a dehydration rinsing (intermediate dehydration) operation and a rinsing operation are sequentially executed. Therefore, after the rinsing operation, the draining operation is performed and the final dehydration process is started.

  In the course of automatic operation, the operation for detecting the amount of laundry in the laundry tub 10 is executed at the start of operation. Then, 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 at that time is detected by the current sensor 32.

  In the present embodiment, as will be described in detail in the following description of the operation, the control device 21 executes the residual water dewatering operation for washing the tank mainly during the drainage after the rinsing process by the software configuration. To do. This residual water dewatering operation is based on the detection of the water level sensor 9, and the laundry tub 10 is rotated to a target rotational speed (for example, 130 rpm) while the inside of the laundry tub 10 is at a first predetermined water level (for example, 45 liters) or less. Is done. In the present embodiment, the control device 21 also functions as a determination unit that determines the drainage capacity of the drainage mechanism including the drainage valve 7 and the like, and starts the residual water dehydration operation from the water level corresponding to the determination.

  At this time, in this embodiment, the control device 21 is based on measuring the time during which the water level in the washing tub 10 decreases by a predetermined height at a water level higher than the first predetermined water level during drainage after the rinsing process. It is configured to judge the drainage capacity. More specifically, the required time (timer value t) required to decrease from the high water level (for example, 62 liters) to the first predetermined water level (45 liters) is measured.

  When the required time (timer value t) is less than a threshold value (for example, 1 minute 15 seconds), that is, when the first predetermined water level has already been detected before the timer value t reaches the threshold value. It is determined that the drainage capacity is high. On the other hand, when the required time (timer value t) is equal to or greater than a threshold value (for example, 1 minute 15 seconds), that is, when the first predetermined water level is detected, the timer value t is equal to or greater than the threshold value. If so, it is determined that the drainage capacity is low. When the controller 21 determines that the drainage capacity is high, the controller 21 starts the residual water dehydration operation from the first predetermined water level. When the controller 21 determines that the drainage capacity is low, the controller 21 starts from the first predetermined water level. The residual water dewatering operation is started from a lower second predetermined water level (for example, 27 liters). The residual water dewatering operation is performed for a certain time (for example, 2 minutes), and then the final dewatering process is started.

  Next, the operation of the washing machine 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. The flowchart in FIG. 6 sequentially shows the steps executed by the control device 21 when, for example, a normal washing operation course is executed. FIG. 7 shows a detailed processing procedure executed by the control device 21 in the drainage process after the rinsing process (step S9 in FIG. 6). Further, FIG. 8 shows a state of control in the drainage process (step S9 in FIG. 6) after the rinsing process, which is executed by the control device 21. That is, with the passage of time, the water level of the washing tub 10, the open / close state of the drain valve 7, the switching state of the clutch mechanism 17 (whether the washing tub 10 side or the pulsator 12 side), the rotation speed of the washing tub 10 (washing machine motor 16) The state of change is shown.

  Now, when the user wants to execute the washing operation, the user puts clothes into the drum 10 and puts the detergent into the detergent container of the water injection case 28. Then, the washing operation course (for example, the automatic operation course) is selected and set on the operation panel 24, and the operation is started. Then, the control apparatus 21 performs the process shown in FIG. 6 in order, and advances the washing operation. Since the overall process of the washing operation is well known except for the process of draining in step S9, it will be described briefly. Although not shown, at the start of the washing operation, first, the cloth amount of the clothes in the drum 10 is determined, and the water level and time are determined based on the cloth amount determination. Here, as an example, the water level for washing and rinsing is set to a high water level (62 liters).

  When the washing operation is started, first, in step S1, a water supply process for supplying water to the set water level in the washing tub 10 (water tank 4) is executed, and in step S2, the washing process is executed. When the washing process is completed, a draining process is performed in step S3. In step S4, an intermediate dehydration process is performed, and in step S5, a shower rinsing process is performed. In step S6, the process of intermediate dehydration is performed again. In step S7, water is supplied to the set rinse water level, and in step S8, a rinsing process is executed. Therefore, when the rinsing process is completed, a draining process is performed in step S9, and then a final dehydrating process is performed in step S10.

  Now, in the process of draining in step S9, the process is performed in detail according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, first, at step U1, the drain valve 7 is opened, and at the same time, at step U2, the timer starts counting. In the next step U3, it is determined whether or not the water level in the washing tub 10 has reached the first predetermined water level (45 liters). Then, when the first predetermined water level is reached (Yes in Step U3), in Step U4, the value measured by the timer at that time is set as the timer value t.

  At this time, the timer value t is the time required for the water level in the washing tub 10 to drop from the high water level (62 liters) to the first predetermined water level (45 liters) due to the opening of the water supply valve 7. It is a value according to the drainage capacity, that is, the amount of drainage per unit time. In step U5, it is determined whether the timer value t is less than a threshold value (in this case, 1 minute 15 seconds). When timer value t is less than the threshold value (Yes in step U5), it is determined that the drainage capacity is high, and in the next step U6, the first remaining water dewatering operation is performed. The residual water dewatering operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, when timer value t is equal to or greater than the threshold value (No in step U5), it is determined that the drainage capacity is low, and in next step U8, the water level in washing tub 10 is the second predetermined value. It is determined whether the water level has dropped to 27 liters. When the second predetermined water level is reached (Yes in step U8), the second residual water dewatering operation is executed in step U9. This residual water dewatering operation is executed for a certain operation time (for example, 2 minutes) (step U7), and the drainage process is completed. Although not shown in detail, if the arrival at the second predetermined water level is not detected within a predetermined time from the start of drainage (No in step U8), it is determined that there is an abnormality and the remaining water is dewatered. No action is taken and the process is forcibly terminated.

  In the residual water dewatering operation, control as shown in FIG. 8 is performed. That is, when the drainage stroke is started (time T0), the drainage valve 7 is opened. At this time, the clutch mechanism 17 is switched from the pulsator 12 side to the washing tub 10 side. At this time, the rotation speed of the washing tub 10 (washing machine motor 16) is zero. Therefore, at the end of rinsing, the water level in the washing tub 10 is high (62 liters), and when the drain valve 7 is opened, drainage from the washing tub 10 (water tub 4) is performed. The water level gradually decreases.

  When the water level in the washing tub 10 reaches the first predetermined water level (time T1), the time (timer value t) required up to that time is compared with a threshold value (1 minute 15 seconds). If the timer value t is less than the threshold value, the first remaining water dewatering operation is executed from that time (time T1). This first residual water dewatering operation is performed by increasing the rotation speed of the washing tub 10 to, for example, 130 rpm, which is a target rotation speed while accelerating the rotation speed by 25 rpm per second, and continuing the rotation at 130 rpm for a certain period of time. After that, the washing machine motor 16 is turned off and the washing tub 10 is stopped.

  On the other hand, when the time required for the water level in the washing tub 10 to reach the first predetermined water level (timer value t) is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the water level in the washing tub 10 is the second level. Continue to drain until it reaches the predetermined water level (27 liters). Then, the second remaining water dewatering operation is performed from the time (time T2) when the water level in the washing tub 10 reaches the second predetermined water level. Similarly, the second residual water dewatering operation is performed by increasing the rotation speed of the washing tub 10 to, for example, 130 rpm that is a target rotation speed while accelerating the rotation speed by 25 rpm per second. After continuing for a certain time, the washing machine motor 16 is turned off and the washing tub 10 is stopped.

  By executing the residual water dewatering operation as described above, the washing tub 10 rotates, and a water flow is generated between the inner wall surface of the water tub 4 and the outer peripheral surface of the dewatering tub 10, and the outer peripheral surface of the washing tub 10 and the water tub 4. The inner surface is washed with water. 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.

  Here, even when 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 outer surface of the water surface in the washing tub 10 is raised in a so-called bowl shape due to centrifugal force. In this case, before the washing tub 10 is rotated (when stopped), the water surface S1 in the washing tub 10 is relatively low and horizontal as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the washing tub 10 starts rotating, as shown in FIG. 4, the water surface S <b> 2 in the washing tub 10 is lifted up like a mortar. Further, when the washing tub 10 is rotated at the target rotational speed, as shown in FIG. 5, the lifting height on the outer peripheral side of the water surface S3 is increased to reach the overflow port 4a. Since dirt adheres mainly to the inner surface of the water tub 4 and the outer surface of the washing tub 10 below the overflow port 4a, the entire water tank 4 and the entire washing tub 10 in the height direction can be effectively cleaned.

  Since the residual water dehydrating operation is performed while the drain valve 7 is opened and drains, the water level in the washing tub 10 can be prevented from rising more than necessary. However, if the drainage capacity of the drainage mechanism is low, such as when the drainage channel 8 is clogged, the drainage does not proceed smoothly and the method of reducing the water in the washing tub 10 is abnormally slow (or It is conceivable that the water level does not decrease at all. If there is such an abnormality, the water level on the outer peripheral side becomes higher than necessary, and the overflow water level (the overflow port 4a) may be exceeded.

  However, in the above configuration, the drainage capacity of the drainage mechanism is determined, and the residual water dewatering operation is started from the level of water according to the determination. When the drainage capacity is high, even if the residual water dewatering operation is started from the relatively high first predetermined water level, the drainage proceeds in a relatively short time, so that it is possible to prevent overflow. Further, when the drainage capacity is relatively low, it is possible to prevent the overflow from occurring by starting the residual water dewatering operation from the relatively low second predetermined water level. Accordingly, during the residual water dewatering operation, it is possible to effectively wash the entire height of the water tub 4 and the washing tub 10, while preventing the water from overflowing from the overflow port 4a. it can.

  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 during the draining operation after the rinsing process. Thereby, the site | parts with which dirts, such as the outer peripheral surface of the washing tub 10, and the inner surface of the water tank 4, adhere, come to be washed with a water flow, and adhesion of dirt is prevented. In other words, tank washing is automatically performed when a normal washing operation course is executed instead of a separate course, so that the user is not bothered. Therefore, since the residual water used in the rinsing process is used, the tank can be washed while saving water.

  And the control apparatus 21 determines the drainage capacity in a drainage mechanism, and starts residual water dehydration operation | movement from the water level of the height according to the determination. When the drainage capacity is high, overflowing can be prevented even if the residual water dewatering operation is started from a relatively high water level. Further, when the drainage capacity is relatively low, it is possible to prevent the overflow from occurring by starting the residual water dewatering operation from a relatively low water level. As a result, according to the present embodiment, there is an excellent effect that water can be prevented from overflowing during the residual water dewatering operation while the tank can be effectively washed by the residual water dewatering operation.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, when draining after the rinsing process, the drainage capacity is determined based on measuring the time during which the water level in the washing tub 10 decreases by a predetermined height at a level higher than the first predetermined level. It was configured as follows. Thereby, the drainage capacity of the drainage mechanism can be reliably determined. In addition, the determination can be made before the water level drops to the first predetermined water level during the drainage after the rinsing process, and the drainage capacity immediately before the residual water dewatering operation can be determined in real time. By performing the residual water dehydrating operation while controlling the starting water level according to the determination, it is possible to reliably prevent overflow while obtaining the effect of washing the tank.

(2) Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the state of control of the residual water dewatering operation executed by the control device 21 in the drainage process after the rinsing process. That is, in this embodiment, the control device 21 performs at least one of the operation execution time, the rotational speed, the acceleration, and the rotation method of the washing tub 10 when performing the residual water dewatering operation according to the determination of the drainage capacity of the drainage mechanism. It is configured to make them different.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, after the rinsing process, when the drain valve 7 is opened and the process of draining starts, for example, from a high water level (62 liters) (time T0), the timer counts. Be started. When the water level in the washing tub 10 reaches the first predetermined water level (time T1), the time required until that time (timer value t) is compared with a threshold value (1 minute 15 seconds) to determine the drainage capacity. The When the timer value t is less than the threshold value (1 minute 15 seconds), it is determined that the drainage capacity is high, and the first remaining water dewatering operation is performed from that time (time T1).

  As in the first embodiment, the first residual water dewatering operation is performed by increasing the rotation speed of the washing tub 10 to a target rotation speed of 130 rpm while accelerating the rotation speed by, for example, 25 rpm per second. After the rotation at 130 rpm is continued for a certain time, the washing machine motor 16 is turned off, and the washing tub 10 is stopped at time T3. The total operation time of the residual water dehydration is, for example, 2 minutes.

  On the other hand, when the timer value t is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the drainage capacity is low, the drainage is continued as it is, and the time when the water level in the washing tub 10 reaches the second predetermined water level (time) From T2), the second residual water dewatering operation is performed. In the present embodiment, the second residual water dewatering operation is performed by increasing the rotational speed of the washing tub 10 to 150 rpm, which is the target rotational speed, while accelerating the rotational speed by, for example, 20 rpm per second. Further, immediately after the rotation speed of the washing tub 10 reaches the target rotation speed, the washing machine motor 16 is turned off, and the washing tub 10 is stopped at time TT. The total operation time of the residual water dehydration is, for example, 1.75 minutes.

  By executing the residual water dewatering operation as described above, the washing tub 10 rotates, and a water flow is generated between the inner wall surface of the water tub 4 and the outer peripheral surface of the dewatering tub 10, and the outer peripheral surface of the washing tub 10 and the water tub 4. The inner surface of the tank is washed with water flow, and effective tank cleaning is performed. In this embodiment, when it is determined that the drainage capacity is low, the target rotation speed of the washing tub 10 during the residual water dewatering operation is increased and the target rotation is compared with the case where it is determined that the drainage capacity is low. The acceleration to the number was made smaller. In addition, the operation time was slightly shortened.

  Here, in the residual water dewatering operation, the higher the rotational speed of the washing tub 10, the higher the effect of the tub cleaning. When the rotation speed is lowered, the effect of washing the tank is reduced, but lifting on the outer peripheral side can be suppressed, and the overflow prevention effect can be enhanced. Even if the rotation speed of the washing tub 10 is low, if the operation execution time is lengthened correspondingly, the cleaning effect equivalent to that when the rotation speed is high and the operation execution time is short can be obtained. When the acceleration is reduced and the apparatus is slowly started up, it is possible to prevent the water level from rising on the outer peripheral side of the washing tub 10 and prevent overflow. When the acceleration is increased, the target rotational speed can be reached in a short time, and the effect of washing the tank can be increased, or the operation execution time can be shortened.

  According to the second embodiment, while the tank can be effectively washed by the residual water dehydrating operation, it is possible to prevent the water from overflowing during the residual water dewatering operation. Similar actions and effects can be obtained. And in addition to that, according to the determination of the drainage capacity, the drainage capacity is made different by changing at least one of the operation execution time, the rotation speed, the acceleration, and the rotation method of the washing tub 10 when performing the residual water dewatering operation. Even when the temperature is low, it is possible to obtain a predetermined tank cleaning effect while preventing overflow.

(3) Third Embodiment and Other Embodiments FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment, and shows the state of control in the residual water dewatering operation from the rinsing process performed by the control device 21. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, in this third embodiment, when the rinsing process is performed at a rinsing water level lower than the high water level (for example, 53 liters), the final stage of the rinsing process (second half) In the washing tub 10 (water tub 4), additional water supply (supplemented water) is performed up to a high water level (for example, 62 liters). At the same time, a loosening operation for loosening clothes is performed during the additional water supply, and then the process proceeds to the drainage process.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, in the washing tub 10 (water tub 4), water is stored in a predetermined rinsing water level (in this case, for example, 53 liters) according to the amount of cloth. The stroke is started (time T11). In the rinsing process, the pulsator 12 is driven at a relatively low speed (for example, 50 rpm) by the washing machine motor 16 while the clutch mechanism 17 is switched to the pulsator 12 side.

  When the rinsing process proceeds for a certain period of time (time T2), the water supply valve 27 is opened, and supplementary water is poured into the washing tub 10 (water tub 4). During this supplementary water period, the pulsator 12 is driven to rotate forward and reverse intermittently at a relatively low speed (for example, 50 rpm), whereby the clothes in the washing tub 10 are loosened. And when the water level of the washing tub 10 reaches a high water level (62 liters), supplementary water is completed, the water supply valve 27 is closed, and the pulsator 12 is stopped (time T13).

  After this, the drain valve 7 is opened and the process of draining is started. At this time, the clutch mechanism 17 is switched to the washing tub 10 side. In this drainage process, as in the first embodiment, the time (timer value t) required for the water level in the washing tub 10 to reach the first predetermined water level is measured and the threshold value (1 minute) is reached. 15 seconds) and the drainage capacity is determined. The first or second residual water dewatering operation is started from the water level corresponding to the determined drainage capacity (time T14). When the remaining water dewatering operation for a predetermined time is completed, the process proceeds to a final dewatering process.

  In the third embodiment as well, similarly to the first embodiment, the tank can be effectively washed by the residual water dehydration operation, but the water is prevented from overflowing during the residual water dehydration operation. The effect that it can be obtained. In addition, in the final stage of the rinsing process, the rinsing including the loosening operation of the clothes is performed in a state where the water level in the washing tub 10 is higher than the original by supplementary water.

  As a result, in the rinsing process, the clothes in the washing tub 10 are loosened so as to float evenly in the water, so that the state where the clothes are present in a lump in the washing tub 10 is eliminated, and the next residual water dehydration is performed. Occurrence of unbalanced rotation of the washing tub 10 during operation can be prevented in advance. At the same time, as the rotational resistance of the washing tub 10 decreases, there is also an advantage that the clutch mechanism 17 can be easily switched to the washing tub 10 side during drainage.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the drainage capacity is determined in two stages, high and low. However, the drainage capacity is determined in three or more stages, and the predetermined water level at which the residual water dewatering operation is started is determined. You may provide in three steps or more. In this case, the target rotational speed of the washing tub 10 and the operation execution time in the residual water dewatering operation can be changed in three or more stages.

  At this time, in consideration of the case where the drainage channel 8 is completely clogged, even if the residual water dewatering operation is started from the lowest water level, the target in which the water in the washing tub 10 does not overflow from the overflow port 4a. It is desirable to set the number of rotations (for example, 100 rpm) and the water level in advance. Moreover, in each said embodiment, although the water level used for judging drainage capacity and the water level which starts a 1st residual dehydration operation were made into the same water level (1st predetermined water level), 1st predetermined The drainage capacity may be determined up to a predetermined water level slightly above the water level.

  In each of the above embodiments, the drainage capacity is determined at the time of draining after the rinsing process. Similarly, at the time of draining after the washing process, the time during which the water level in the washing tub decreases by a predetermined height is measured. Based on this, the drainage capacity may be determined, and the result may be used for the residual water dehydration operation after the rinsing process. Furthermore, the result determined in the previous (or further past) washing operation may be stored, and the result may be used for the current residual water dewatering operation. However, in this case, for example, it is desirable to periodically determine the drainage capacity and update the determination result.

  If the washing machine is configured to supply not only tap water but also functional water, the residual water dehydration operation and the rinsing process may be performed while the functional water is supplied into the washing tub 10. Functional water may be mixed with tap water. In this case, the functional water includes fine bubble water containing a large number of fine bubbles (ultra fine bubbles or micro bubbles) having a diameter of, for example, several tens to several hundreds of nanometers, for example, antibacterial water containing silver ions, hot water, and the like. , Both can enhance the effect of washing the tank.

  In each of the above embodiments, the target rotational speed of the washing tub 10 in the residual water dewatering operation is fixedly provided. However, based on the cloth amount detection, when the cloth amount is small (light), the target rotational speed is normally set. It is also possible to change it to be higher (for example, 180 rpm). In addition, when an unbalanced rotation of the washing tub 10 is detected during the residual water dehydrating operation, it is possible to perform a control such that the target rotational speed is reduced below normal (for example, 120 rpm). In addition, the specific numerical values such as time, rotational speed, acceleration, and water level described in each of the above embodiments are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed. Furthermore, various modifications can be made to the hardware configuration of each mechanism of the washing machine, such as a configuration in which the drain valve and the clutch mechanism are interlocked.

  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, 4a is an overflow port, 7 is a drain valve (drainage mechanism), 9 is a water level sensor (water level detection device), 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 (determination means), 24 is an operation panel, 25 is a water supply mechanism, and 27 is a water supply valve.

Claims (3)

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 drainage mechanism for draining from the washing tub;
A drive mechanism for rotationally driving the agitator and the washing tub;
A water level detection device for detecting the water level in the washing tub;
Determining means for determining drainage capacity in the drainage mechanism;
A control device that controls each of the mechanisms to perform washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes;
The control device performs a residual water dehydration operation for rotating the washing tub to a target rotation speed while the inside of the washing tub is at a first predetermined water level or less during drainage after the rinsing process, and the determination A washing machine which starts the residual water dewatering operation at a water level of a height according to the determination of the means. The determination means determines the drainage capacity based on measuring a time during which the water level in the washing tub decreases by a predetermined height at a water level higher than the first predetermined water level during drainage after the rinsing process. Configured as
The control device starts the residual water dewatering operation from the first predetermined water level when the determination means determines that the drainage capacity is high, and when the determination means determines that the drainage capacity is low. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the residual water dewatering operation is started from a second predetermined water level lower than the first predetermined water level.   The said control apparatus makes at least any one of operation | movement execution time, the rotational speed of the said washing tub, an acceleration, and the rotation method at the time of performing residual water dehydration operation | movement according to determination of the said determination means differ. The washing machine described.

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