JP2019111035A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of effectively washing by properly wetting laundry.SOLUTION: A washing machine 1 includes a washing tub 4, a height dimension detection unit 28 for detecting a height dimension D in an internal space of the washing tub 4, a water level detection unit for detecting a water level L in the washing tub 4, a control unit, and a pulsator. The control unit determines a positional relationship between laundry Q and a water surface W in the washing tub 4 based on a first height dimension Da when the washing tub 4 is empty, a second height dimension Db when the washing tub 4 accommodates the laundry Q, and a water level L of the washing tub 4 when the laundry Q is accommodated and water is pooled. Based on the determination result that the laundry Q is in a submerged position which is lower than the water surface W by a predetermined distance or greater, the control unit generates a water flow with a first force in the washing tub 4 by the pulsator during washing. Based on the determination result that the laundry Q is not in the submerged position, the control unit generates a water flow with a second force stronger than the first force in the washing tub 4 during washing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine.

  In the washing machine described in Patent Document 1 below, an imaging device is provided above the washing tub in the housing. The control unit of the washing machine photographs the inside of the washing tub with the imaging device at each timing before and after water supply, compares the image data before water supply and the image data after water supply, and performs the washing in the washing tank. It is determined whether or not there is a part of the object that has poor water wetting. The control unit performs water injection from the water supply port after the washing tank is rotated by a motor such that a portion with poor wetness in the laundry comes near the lower side of the water supply port. As a result, since water from the water supply port is likely to be applied to the portion of the laundry with poor degree of wetness, it is possible to improve the degree of wetness.

JP, 2016-83106, A

  Even when using image data as in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the degree of wetness in the laundry can not be accurately determined. In addition, even if water is repeatedly injected from the water supply port, if the water from the water supply port does not contact the portion of the laundry with poor wet condition, the wet condition is not improved and the amount of water used may increase more than necessary. In addition, when the laundry whose wettability is improved by the water from the water supply port floats up in the laundry tub, the wet condition of the portion of the laundry that has run out of the water surface is deteriorated in this state. It is difficult to wash effectively.

  The present invention has been made under such background, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine that can be effectively washed by appropriately wetting the laundry.

  The present invention includes a washing tub for containing laundry and storing water, a height dimension detection unit for detecting a height dimension of an internal space of the washing tub, and a water level detection unit for detecting a water level in the washing tub. And a first height dimension detected by the height dimension detection unit when the washing tub is empty, and a second height dimension detected by the height dimension detection unit when the laundry tub accommodates the laundry. A determination unit that determines the positional relationship between the laundry and the water surface in the washing tank based on the dimensions and the water level detected by the water level detection unit when water is stored in the washing tank containing the laundry And, based on the judgment result of the judgment unit that the laundry in the washing tank is in the submersion position lower than the water surface by a predetermined distance or more, the first momentum water flow is generated in the washing tank at the time of washing, At the time of washing based on the determination result of the determination unit that it is not in the submerged position, the first And a water flow generator which generates a strong flow of the second momentum than momentum into the washing tub, a washing machine.

  Further, according to the present invention, the washing machine further includes a water supply unit for supplying water into the washing tub, the determination unit makes a determination during water supply by the water supply unit, and the determination is completed according to the determination by the determination unit. The method is characterized in that the water supply by the water supply unit is stopped.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the determination unit performs determination also during washing after water supply by the water supply unit.

  Further, according to the present invention, the difference between the second height dimension detected by the height dimension detection unit and the first height dimension before the start of water supply by the water supply unit is the amount of laundry in the washing tub. The difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the plurality of height dimensions of the laundry by the washing machine corresponding to the height dimension and the height dimension detecting unit detecting the second height dimension multiple times The method further includes an agitator for agitating the laundry in the washing tub when the value of s does not fall below a predetermined threshold.

  According to the present invention, in the washing machine, the first height dimension of the inner space of the washing tub when empty, the second height dimension of the inner space of the washing tub when the laundry is accommodated, and the laundry The positional relationship between the laundry and the water surface in the washing tank is determined based on the water level in the washing tank when the water is stored. The laundry which is determined to be in the submersion position lower than the water surface by a predetermined distance or more in the washing tank can be effectively washed even by the first momentum water flow since the whole is in a wet state. On the other hand, the laundry which is judged not to be in the submersion position may have a portion with poor wettability by coming out of the water surface, so that the second momentum water flow stronger than the first momentum causes the whole to get wet Be washed away. In this way, the laundry can be effectively washed by properly wetting the laundry, whether or not the laundry is in the submerged position.

  Further, according to the present invention, the determination as to whether the laundry is in the submerged position is performed during the water supply, and the water supply is stopped in response to the completion of the determination. As a result, when the laundry is in the submersion position, water is not supplied more than necessary, and even if the laundry is not in the submersion position, additional water supply is not performed after the determination. The laundry that is not in the submersion position is washed so that the second momentum water stream wets the whole, even without additional water supply. Therefore, it is possible to effectively wash the laundry by appropriately wetting the laundry while suppressing an increase in the amount of water used, regardless of whether the laundry is in the submerged position or not.

  Further, according to the present invention, since it is also determined during washing after water supply whether the laundry is in the submersion position, it is initially in the submersion position and the washing by the first momentum water flow starts The laundry which is determined not to be in the submerged position during the washing is washed so as to be entirely wetted by the second momentum water flow stronger than the first momentum. In this way, even if the laundry moves from the submerged position during the washing, the laundry can be effectively washed by appropriately wetting the laundry.

  Further, according to the present invention, even if the height dimension of the laundry corresponding to the difference between the second height dimension and the first height dimension varies due to the unevenness on the upper surface portion of the laundry, the stirring portion The unevenness is reduced by stirring the laundry. Thereby, since the variation in the height dimension of the laundry is reduced, the variation in the second height dimension is also reduced. Therefore, based on the second height dimension whose value is stable, the positional relationship between the laundry and the water surface in the washing tub can be accurately determined.

FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional right side view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the washing machine. FIG. 3 is a schematic view for explaining changes in the washing machine accompanying water supply. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the washing process performed in the washing machine. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process in the middle of the washing process. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the rinsing step after the washing step.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional right side view of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vertical direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the vertical direction Z of the washing machine 1, and the horizontal direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the longitudinal direction Y of the washing machine 1. In the vertical direction Z, the upper side is referred to as the upper side Z1, and the lower side is referred to as the lower side Z2. Of the front-rear direction Y, the left side in FIG. 1 is referred to as the front side Y1, and the right side in FIG. 1 is referred to as the rear side Y2. The washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, a washing tub 4, a pulsator 5 as an example of a water flow generation unit and a stirring unit, a motor 6, and a transmission mechanism 7.

  The housing 2 is made of, for example, metal and is formed in a box shape. In the upper surface 2A of the housing 2, an opening 2B for communicating the inside and the outside of the housing 2 is formed. The door 10 which opens and closes the opening part 2B is provided in 2 A of upper surfaces. An operation unit 11 configured of a liquid crystal operation panel or the like is provided in the upper surface 2A around the opening 2B, specifically in the region of the front side Y1. The user of the washing machine 1 selects the operating conditions for the washing operation to be performed by the washing machine 1 by operating the operation unit 11, and instructs the washing machine 1 to start or stop the washing operation. You can do it.

  The outer tank 3 is made of, for example, a resin, and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer tank 3 has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 3A disposed along the vertical direction Z, a bottom wall 3B blocking the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A from the lower side Z2, and an end on the upper side Z1 of the circumferential wall 3A And a ring-shaped annular wall 3C protruding to the center of the circle of the circumferential wall 3A with a rim. Inside the annular wall 3C, an outlet 3D communicating with the upper side Z1 is formed in the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A. The inlet / outlet 3D faces the opening 2B of the housing 2 from the lower side Z2 and is in communication. The annular wall 3C is provided with a door 12 for opening and closing the entrance 3D. The bottom wall 3B is formed in a substantially horizontal disk shape, and a through hole 3E penetrating the bottom wall 3B is formed at the circle center position of the bottom wall 3B.

  A water supply passage 13 connected to a tap of tap water is connected to the annular wall 3C of the outer tank 3 from the upper side Z1. In the middle of the water supply passage 13, a water supply valve 14 as an example of a water supply unit is provided. A drainage 15 is connected to the bottom wall 3B of the outer tank 3 from the lower side Z2. A drain valve 16 is provided in the middle of the drain 15. When the water supply valve 14 is opened in a state where the drain valve 16 is closed, water is stored in the outer tank 3 by being supplied with water from the water supply passage 13 into the outer tank 3. When the water supply valve 14 is closed, the water supply is stopped. When the drain valve 16 is opened, the water in the outer tank 3 is drained from the drain 15 to the outside of the machine.

  The washing tub 4 is made of metal, for example, and is formed in a cylindrical shape having a bottom which is slightly smaller than the outer tub 3 and can accommodate laundry inside. The washing tub 4 is coaxially accommodated in the outer tub 3. The washing tub 4 in the state accommodated in the outer tub 3 is rotatable about an axis J which extends in the vertical direction Z about the central axis. The washing tub 4 has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 4A disposed along the vertical direction Z, and a bottom wall 4B that blocks the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A from the lower side Z2.

  The inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 4 </ b> A is the inner circumferential surface of the washing tub 4. The upper end portion of the inner peripheral surface of the circumferential wall 4A is a port 4C that exposes the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A to the upper side Z1. The inlet / outlet 4C faces the inlet / outlet 3D of the outer tub 3 from the lower side Z2 and is in communication. The user carries out the laundry from the upper side Z1 with respect to the washing tub 4 through the opened opening 2B, the entrance 3D and the entrance 4C.

  A plurality of through holes 4D are formed in the circumferential wall 4A and the bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4, and the water in the outer tub 3 moves back and forth between the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 through the through holes 4D. , It is also stored in the washing tank 4. Therefore, the water level in the outer tub 3 and the water level in the washing tub 4 coincide with each other.

  Bottom wall 4B of washing tub 4 is formed in a disk shape extending substantially in parallel to bottom wall 3B of outer tub 3 at a distance on upper side Z1 at a circle center position coincident with axis J in bottom wall 4B. A through hole 4E is formed through the bottom wall 4B. The bottom wall 4B is provided with a tubular support shaft 17 which extends to the lower side Z2 along the axis J while surrounding the through hole 4E. The support shaft 17 is inserted into the through hole 3E of the bottom wall 3B of the outer tank 3, and the lower end portion of the support shaft 17 is located on the lower side Z2 than the bottom wall 3B.

  The pulsator 5 is a so-called pulsator, which is formed in a disk shape whose center is the axis J and is arranged concentrically with the washing tub 4 along the bottom wall 4B in the washing tub 4. On the upper surface of the pulsator 5 facing the entrance 4C of the washing tub 4, a plurality of radially arranged blades 5A are provided. The pulsator 5 is provided with a rotary shaft 18 extending from the center of the circle along the axis J to the lower side Z2. The rotation shaft 18 is inserted into the hollow portion of the support shaft 17, and the lower end portion of the rotation shaft 18 is located on the lower side Z 2 of the bottom wall 3 B of the outer tank 3.

  The motor 6 is an electric motor such as an inverter motor. The motor 6 is disposed on the lower side Z2 of the outer tank 3 in the housing 2. The motor 6 has an output shaft 19 that rotates about an axis J, and outputs the generated driving force from the output shaft 19. The transmission mechanism 7 is interposed between the lower ends of the support shaft 17 and the rotary shaft 18 and the upper end of the output shaft 19 projecting from the motor 6 to the upper side Z1. The transmission mechanism 7 selectively transmits the driving force output from the output shaft 19 by the motor 6 to one or both of the support shaft 17 and the rotation shaft 18. A publicly known one is used as the transmission mechanism 7. When the driving force from the motor 6 is transmitted to the support shaft 17 and the rotating shaft 18, the washing tub 4 and the pulsator 5 receive the driving force of the motor 6 and rotate around the axis J.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 includes a determination unit, a water flow generation unit, a water supply unit, and a control unit 21 as an example of a stirring unit. The control unit 21 is configured as a microcomputer including, for example, a CPU 22, a memory 23 such as a ROM or a RAM, and a timer 24, and is incorporated in the housing 2 (see FIG. 1).

  Each of the motor 6, the transmission mechanism 7, the operation unit 11, the water supply valve 14, and the drain valve 16 described above is electrically connected to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 drives or stops the motor 6. The control unit 21 switches the transmission destination of the driving force of the motor 6 to one or both of the support shaft 17 and the rotation shaft 18 by controlling the transmission mechanism 7. When the user operates the operation unit 11 to select operation conditions and the like, the control unit 21 receives the selection. The control unit 21 controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve 14 and the drain valve 16. The washing machine 1 further includes a door lock mechanism 25 electrically connected to the control unit 21, a rotation speed reader 26, a water level detection unit 27, and a height dimension detection unit 28.

  The door lock mechanism 25 is provided in the vicinity of the opening 2B in the housing 2 and includes a claw (not shown) and an actuator (not shown) such as a solenoid for advancing and retracting the claw (see FIG. 1) . The control unit 21 advances and retracts the claw by controlling the operation of the solenoid. When the claw is advanced, it engages with the closed door 10, so the door 10 is locked in a closed state. When the claws retract, they do not engage with the door 10, and the lock of the door 10 is released.

  The rotation number reader 26 is a device that reads the number of rotations of the motor 6, strictly speaking, the number of rotations of the output shaft 19 of the motor 6, and is, for example, a Hall IC. The rotational speed read by the rotational speed reader 26 is input to the control unit 21 in real time. The control unit 21 controls the motor 6 to rotate at a desired number of rotations by controlling the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the motor 6 based on the input number of rotations. The rotational speed of each of the washing tank 4 and the pulsator 5 may be the same as the rotational speed of the motor 6, or the rotational speed of the motor 6 may be multiplied by a predetermined constant such as a reduction ratio in the transmission mechanism 7. It may be a value obtained. In any case, the rotation speed reader 26 also reads the rotation speeds of the washing tub 4 and the pulsator 5 by reading the rotation speed of the motor 6.

  The water level detection unit 27 is a water level sensor that detects the water level in the outer tub 3, that is, the water level in the washing tub 4, and is attached to the outer tub 3 (see FIG. 1). A general water level sensor can be used as the water level detection unit 27. The water level detection unit 27 in this embodiment is, for example, a pressure type water level sensor that detects the water level in the washing tank 4 based on the pressure in the outer tank 3.

  The height dimension detection unit 28 is a distance sensor using ultrasonic waves or infrared rays. The height dimension detection unit 28 is disposed at a position facing the inner space of the washing tub 4 from the upper side Z1, and is fixed to, for example, the circumferential wall 3A of the outer tub 3 via a stay 29 (see FIG. 1). The height dimension detection unit 28 detects the height dimension D of the internal space of the washing tub 4 from the upper side Z1. The internal space of the washing tub 4 is a space above the object present in the washing tub 4 and the height dimension D is the distance in the vertical direction Z from the height dimension detection unit 28 to the object . The height dimension D may be the distance between the upper end of the washing tub 4, that is, the entrance 4C and the object in the vertical direction Z.

  Regarding the height dimension D, the pulsator 5 may be regarded as a part of the bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4 below. Referring to FIG. 3, the height dimension D when the washing tub 4 is empty, ie, no load, is the distance between the height dimension detection unit 28 and the bottom wall 4B in the vertical direction Z, and the distance is the first height It is referred to as “dimension Da” (see washing machine 1A). When a load is generated by storing the laundry Q in the washing tub 4, the height dimension D becomes smaller according to the size of the laundry Q. The height dimension D in this case is the distance between the height dimension detection unit 28 and the laundry Q in the vertical direction Z when the washing tub 4 contains the laundry Q, and the distance is the second height dimension Db. (See washing machine 1B). Thus, the difference between the second height dimension Db and the first height dimension Da in the state in which the laundry Q is only stored in the washing tub 4, that is, in the state before the start of water supply is It corresponds to the height dimension H. The height dimension H is the distance from the bottom wall 4B in the vertical direction Z to the upper end of the laundry Q. The laundry Q may indicate a group of a plurality of clothes as well as a single clothes.

  When the water supply valve 14 is opened and water supply starts in the state where the washing tank 4 contains the laundry Q, the water surface W rises as water is accumulated in the washing tank 4, and the water level L is detected by the water level detection unit 27. (See washing machine 1C). The state in the washing tank 4 when the water surface W of the water accumulated in the washing tank 4 is at a position higher than the upper end of the laundry Q is referred to as a state A (see washing machine 1D). In the state A, the second height dimension Db described above is the distance between the height dimension detection unit 28 and the water surface W in the vertical direction Z, and the sum of the second height dimension Db and the water level L is the first height It corresponds to the dimension Da. The laundry Q in the state A is in a submerged state without being separated from the bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4.

  On the other hand, the state in the washing tank 4 when the water surface W is at a lower position than the upper end of the laundry Q is referred to as state B (see washing machines 1C and 1E). In the state B, the second height dimension Db described above remains the distance between the height dimension detection unit 28 and the laundry Q in the vertical direction Z, and the sum of the second height dimension Db and the water level L is the second 1 smaller than height dimension Da. The laundry Q in the state B is in a state of being separated from the bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4 and floating up to the water surface W.

  The control unit 21 executes the washing operation by controlling the operations of the motor 6, the transmission mechanism 7, the water supply valve 14, and the drain valve 16. The washing operation has a washing step of washing the laundry Q, a rinsing step of rinsing the laundry Q after the washing step, and a dewatering step of spinning the laundry tub 4 to dehydrate the laundry Q after the rinsing step. In addition, the washing machine 1 may be a washing / drying machine which also executes a drying step of drying the laundry Q after the dehydration step.

  Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 4, the washing machine 1 immediately after the start of the washing process is empty (see washing machine 1A of FIG. 3), and the control unit 21 controls the height dimension detection unit 28 to measure the first height dimension. Detection or measurement of Da is performed (step S1). When the user opens the door 10 and the door 12 to put the laundry Q into the washing tub 4 and closes these doors, and the door lock mechanism 25 locks the door 10 in the closed position, the control unit 21 A height dimension H of Q, and an initial value Si and an upper limit value Smax for the set value S of the momentum of the water flow to be generated in the washing tank 4 in the present washing step are determined (step S2). The user may throw the detergent into the washing tub 4 before or after the laundry Q is fed.

  With regard to the procedure for determining H, Si and Smax, specifically, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 5, first, control unit 21 first performs height dimension detection unit 28 to measure the second height dimension Db (washing of FIG. The device 1B is detected a plurality of times (step S21). At this time, the control unit 21 may cause the motor 6 to rotate the washing tub 4 at a low speed, and in this case, the stationary height dimension detection unit 28 may rotate the washing tub 4 at a plurality of different positions. The second height dimension Db at is detected. Next, the control unit 21 makes the height dimension H (= Da−Db) plural times by the second height dimension Db detected plural times in step S21 and the first height dimension Da measured in step S1. Calculate (step S22).

  Next, the control unit 21 extracts the maximum value Hmax and the minimum value Hmin from among the calculated plurality of height dimensions H, and whether or not the difference between the maximum value Hmax and the minimum value Hmin falls below a predetermined threshold value γ. (Step S23). The threshold value γ is obtained in advance by experiments or the like and stored in the memory 23. When the unevenness on the upper surface portion of the laundry Q is small, the difference between the maximum value Hmax and the minimum value Hmin falls below the threshold value γ (YES in step S23), so the control unit 21 sets the maximum value Hmax to the current height. The dimension H is determined (step S24).

  On the other hand, when the unevenness on the upper surface portion of the laundry Q is large, the difference between the maximum value Hmax and the minimum value Hmin does not fall below the threshold value γ (NO in step S23). Is rotated (step S25). As a result, when the laundry Q on the pulsator 5 is agitated, the unevenness on the upper surface portion of the laundry Q is smoothed and becomes smaller. Thereafter, the control unit 21 performs the processes of steps S21 to S23 again. If the difference between the maximum value Hmax and the minimum value Hmin obtained again after the rotation of the pulsator 5 falls below the threshold value γ (YES in step S23), the control unit 21 determines the maximum value Hmax as the current height dimension H. (Step S24). The processes in steps S21 to S23 and S25 are repeated until the difference between the maximum value Hmax and the minimum value Hmin falls below the threshold value γ.

  The control unit 21 determines the amount of the laundry Q, that is, the so-called load amount, based on the height dimension H of the laundry Q determined in step S24 (step S26). The relationship between the height dimension H of the laundry Q and the load amount is obtained in advance by experiments and stored in the memory 23. The control unit 21 determines the initial value Si and the upper limit value Smax for the set value S of the momentum of the water flow generated in the present washing process based on the load amount of the laundry Q determined in step S26 (step S27) . The set value S can be set from, for example, five levels from level 1 to level 5 with the lower limit value Smin as level 1 and the upper limit value Smax as level 5. Specifically, the set value S corresponds to the number of rotations of the motor 6, that is, the energization time to the motor 6, and whenever the set value S is pulled up to the upper limit Smax side, the energization time becomes longer and the number of revolutions is increased. As it increases, the momentum of the water flow becomes stronger gradually. The relationship between the load amount of the laundry Q and the set value S of each level from the lower limit value Smin to the upper limit value Smax is obtained in advance by experiment and stored in the memory 23. As the initial value Si, the lower limit value Smin of the level 1 may be adopted, or the setting value S of the level 3 which is an intermediate strength may be adopted.

  Returning to FIG. 4, when the height dimension H, the initial value Si and the upper limit value Smax are determined as described above, the water supply valve 14 is opened to start water supply into the washing tub 4 (step S3). Since the drain valve 16 is in a closed state, the water level L in the washing tank 4 rises (see washing machine 1C in FIG. 3). During the water supply, the control unit 21 repeatedly detects the latest second height dimension Db by the height dimension detection unit 28 and repeatedly detects the latest water level L by the water level detection unit 27, and the first height dimension Da and Based on the second height dimension Db and the water level L, it is monitored whether or not the inside of the washing tub 4 has reached the state A (see the washing machine 1D in FIG. 3) (step S4).

  When the inside of the washing tub 4 becomes the state A (YES in step S4), the control unit 21 determines whether the water level L exceeds a position higher than the height dimension H of the laundry Q by the predetermined height α. (Step S5). The height α is a positive value obtained in advance as a threshold value for determining whether or not the laundry Q is completely submerged, and is stored in the memory 23. If the water level L is larger than the sum of the height dimension H and the height α (YES in step S5), the necessary amount of water is collected in the washing tub 4, and the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is The water is in a submerged position lower than a predetermined distance from the water surface W and completely submerged. There is almost no possibility of floating away from the bottom wall 4B of the washing tank 4.

  In this case, the control unit 21 closes the water supply valve 14 to stop the water supply to the washing tank 4 and causes the motor 6 to rotate the pulsator 5 with the washing tank 4 stationary (step S6). As a result, in the washing tub 4, a water flow of momentum corresponding to the initial value Si is generated. The laundry Q in the washing tank 4 is agitated by the rotating pulsator 5 and the water flow. Therefore, the dirt is removed from the laundry Q. That is, the laundry Q can be washed. When the detergent is introduced into the washing tub 4, the dirt of the laundry Q is decomposed by the detergent.

  When the inside of the washing tub 4 is not the state A, that is, when the state B (see the washing machine 1E in FIG. 3) remains (NO in step S4), the control unit 21 controls the water level L to be high for the laundry Q It is checked whether it exceeds a position corresponding to the sum of the dimension H and the predetermined height β (step S7). The height β is a positive value obtained in advance as a threshold value for determining whether or not the laundry Q floats close to the water surface W, and is stored in the memory 23. The height β and the height α described above may have the same value or different values. When the water level L is equal to or less than the sum of the height dimension H and the height β (NO in step S7), the necessary amount of water is not in the washing tank 4 and the water level in the washing tank 4 Since L is low, the control unit 21 continues the water supply.

  When the necessary amount of water is accumulated in the washing tank 4 while the inside of the washing tank 4 is in the state B, the upper end of the laundry Q which floats away from the bottom wall 4B of the washing tank 4 is near the water surface W. Is larger than the sum of the height dimension H and the height β. In this case (YES in step S7), the control unit 21 raises the set value S for the momentum of the water flow by one step from the initial value Si initially (step S8). And control part 21 stops water supply in Step S6, and starts washing with a stream of momentum according to setting value S after pulling up.

  Thus, in steps S4, S5, S7 and S8, the control unit 21 performs the laundry Q and the water surface in the laundry tub 4 based on the first height dimension Da, the second height dimension Db, and the water level L. Determine the positional relationship with W during water supply. And control part 21 stops water supply according to completion of judgment (Step S6). Based on the determination result that the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is in the submerged position, in the washing from step S6, a water flow of the first momentum corresponding to the initial value Si is generated in the washing tub 4. On the other hand, based on the determination result that the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is not at the submersion position, the control unit 21 performs the washing from step S6 according to the set value S pulled from the initial value Si in step S8. The second force of water flow is generated in the washing tank 4. The second momentum is stronger than the first momentum. In addition, the water level L at the start of washing in step S6 is not determined in advance, but is determined individually for each determination.

  The control unit 21 uses the timer 24 to measure the elapsed time from the start of washing in step S6. When the washing time set as the present washing process has elapsed (YES in step S9), the control unit 21 stops the rotation of the pulsator 5 by the motor 6, opens the drain valve 16, and drains the washing tub 4 (Step S10). This completes the washing process.

  Before the washing time elapses (NO in step S9), control unit 21 checks whether or not the inside of washing tub 4 is in state A each time predetermined time ΔT elapses (YES in step S11) ( Step S12). If the inside of the washing tub 4 is in the state A (YES in step S12), the control unit 21 may continue the washing with the momentum of the water flow as it is, and the set value S for the momentum of the water flow is the lower limit Smin. The side may be lowered to the initial value Si in detail, and then the washing may be continued. If the inside of the washing tub 4 is not in the state A (NO in step S12), the control unit 21 changes the predetermined flag set in the memory 23 from 0 to 1 (step S13), and about the current water flow momentum It is checked whether or not the set value S of is smaller than the upper limit value Smax (step S14). If set value S is upper limit value Smax (NO in step S14), control unit 21 maintains the current state. If set value S is smaller than upper limit value Smax (YES in step S14), control unit 21 pulls up set value S by one step from the current state (step S15). Thereby, the washing of the laundry Q is continued until the lapse of the washing time by the water flow in which the momentum is increased by one step. If the inside of the washing tub 4 is not in the state A even after pulling up the set value S, the set value S may be further pulled up.

  As described above, the control unit 21 determines the positional relationship between the laundry Q and the water surface W in the washing tank 4 not only during water supply but also during washing after water supply (step S12). Then, based on the determination result that the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is in the submersion position (YES in step S12), in the subsequent washing, the strength is equal to or less than the current flow of the first momentum washing tub Continue to occur in 4 On the other hand, based on the determination result that the laundry Q in the washing tank 4 is not at the submersion position (NO in step S12), the control unit 21 performs the second washing according to the pulled-up set value S in the subsequent washing. A forceful stream of water is generated in the washing tank 4 (step S15). The second momentum here is stronger than the first momentum.

  Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 6, when the rinsing process after the washing process starts, the control unit 21 determines whether the flag described above is 1 or not, that is, the inside of the washing tub 4 being washed is in the state B The presence or absence of a history is confirmed (step S31). If the flag is not 1 (ie, 0) (NO in step S31), the inside of the washing tub 4 being washed is always in the state A, so the control unit 21 starts the washing tub 4 in this rinse step. After setting the set value S of the momentum of the water flow to be generated at the initial value Si (step S32), water supply is started (step S33). If the flag is 1 (YES in step S31), the control unit 21 raises the set value S of the momentum of the water flow to be generated in the washing tank 4 from the initial value Si by one step (step S34), Water supply is started (step S33). That is, control part 21 sets up initial set value S in a rinse process using a decision result in a washing process. In step S34, the control unit 21 resets the flag from 1 to 0.

  After the water supply start, when the water level L in the washing tank 4 reaches the same rinse start water level as the water level at the water supply stop time in the washing process, that is, the washing start time (step S6) (YES in step S35), the control unit 21 The water supply to the washing tub 4 is stopped, and the pulsator 5 is rotated by the motor 6 in a state where the washing tub 4 stands still (step S36). As a result, in the washing tub 4, a water flow of momentum corresponding to the set value S is generated. The laundry Q in the washing tank 4 is rinsed by being agitated by the rotating pulsator 5 and the water stream.

  The control unit 21 uses the timer 24 to measure the elapsed time from the start of the rinse in step S36. When the rinse time set as the present rinse process has elapsed (YES in step S37), control unit 21 stops the rotation of pulsator 5 by motor 6 and drains washing tub 4 (step S38). This completes the rinsing process.

  Before the rinse time elapses (NO in step S37), control unit 21 confirms whether or not the inside of laundry tub 4 is in state A each time predetermined time ΔT elapses (YES in step S39) ( Step S40). If the inside of the washing tub 4 is in the state A (YES in step S40), the control unit 21 may continue the rinsing without changing the momentum of the water flow, or may set the set value S for the momentum of the water flow to an initial value, for example. Rinsing may be continued after lowering to Si. If the inside of the washing tub 4 is not in the state A (NO in step S40), it is checked whether the set value S of the current flow momentum is smaller than the upper limit value Smax (step S41). If set value S is upper limit value Smax (NO in step S41), control unit 21 maintains the current state. If set value S is smaller than upper limit value Smax (YES in step S41), control unit 21 pulls up set value S by one step from the current state (step S42). Thereby, the rinse of the laundry Q is continued until the lapse of the rinse time by the water flow in which the momentum is increased by one step. If the inside of the washing tub 4 is not in the state A even after pulling up the set value S, the set value S may be further pulled up.

  As described above, the control unit 21 determines the positional relationship between the laundry Q and the water surface W in the washing tub 4 during the rinsing (step S40). Then, based on the determination result that the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is in the submersion position (YES in step S40), in the subsequent rinse, the first strength water flow whose strength is equal to or less than the current is washed Continue to occur in 4 On the other hand, based on the determination result that the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is not at the submersion position (NO in step S40), the control unit 21 performs a second rinse operation according to the pulled-up set value S in the subsequent rinse. A vigorous water flow is generated in the washing tank 4 (step S42). The second momentum here is stronger than the first momentum.

  The rinsing step may be performed multiple times. In the dewatering process after the rinsing process, the control unit 21 rotates the washing tank 4 at high speed with the drainage valve 16 open. The centrifugal force generated by the high speed rotation dewaters the laundry in the washing tub 4. Water that has exuded from the laundry due to dewatering is discharged from the drainage channel 15 to the outside of the machine. The dewatering process may be performed after each of the washing process and the rinsing process as an intermediate dewatering process separate from the final dewatering process performed at the end of the washing operation.

  As described above, in the washing machine 1, the first height dimension Da of the inner space of the washing tub 4 when empty and the second height dimension Db of the inner space of the washing tub 4 when the laundry Q is accommodated. The positional relationship between the laundry Q and the water surface W in the laundry tub 4 is determined based on the water level L in the laundry tub 4 when the laundry Q is stored and water is stored. The laundry Q determined to be in the submersion position which is lower than the water surface W by a predetermined distance or more in the washing tank 4 can be effectively washed even with the first momentum water flow because the whole is in a wet state. On the other hand, since the laundry Q determined not to be in the submersion position may have a portion with poor wettability due to protruding from the water surface W, the second momentum water flow stronger than the first momentum causes the whole It is washed to get wet.

  Then, in the washing machine 1, the floating condition of the laundry Q in the washing tank 4 is estimated by the above-mentioned determination, and the momentum of the water flow is adjusted according to the floating condition, and the wet condition of the laundry Q is improved. Ru. Therefore, whether or not the laundry Q is in the submerged position can be effectively laundered by appropriately wetting the laundry Q so that there is no poor wetness. In addition, since the detergent effectively dissolves in water by such water flow, the undissolved matter of the detergent can be suppressed. Furthermore, since washing can be performed in a state where the laundry Q is submerged by the water flow, residual foam on the water surface W can also be suppressed.

  In the washing step, it is judged during the water supply whether the laundry Q is in the submerged position (steps S4, S5 and S7), and the water supply is stopped according to the completion of the judgment (step S6). As a result, when the laundry Q is in the submersion position, water is not supplied more than necessary, and even if the laundry Q is not in the submersion position, additional water supply is not performed after the determination. The laundry Q which is not in the submersion position is laundered so that the second momentum water stream wets the whole even without additional water supply. Therefore, it is possible to effectively wash the laundry Q by appropriately wetting the laundry Q while suppressing an increase in the amount of water used, regardless of whether the laundry Q is in the submerged position or not.

  The determination as to whether or not the laundry Q is in the submerged position is also periodically performed during washing after water supply (steps S12 and S40). Therefore, although the washing by the water flow of the first force is initially started at the submersion position, the laundry Q determined not to be in the water submersion position during the washing has a second momentum that is stronger than the first momentum. The entire stream is washed so as to be wet by the water flow (steps S15 and S42). As described above, even if the laundry Q moves from the submerged position during washing, the laundry Q can be effectively washed by appropriately wetting the laundry Q.

  Even if the height dimension H of the laundry Q corresponding to the difference between the second height dimension Db and the first height dimension Da varies due to the unevenness on the upper surface portion of the laundry Q, the stirring unit The unevenness is reduced by stirring (step S25). Thereby, the variation in the height dimension H of the laundry Q is reduced, so the variation in the second height dimension Db is also reduced. Therefore, based on the second height dimension Db whose value is stable, the positional relationship between the laundry Q and the water surface W in the washing tub 4 can be accurately determined (steps S4, S5 and S7).

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

  For example, when the laundry Q is left without being taken out even after the washing operation is finished, the height dimension D detected by the height dimension detection unit 28 is the first height dimension Da (see the washing machine 1A in FIG. 3). It becomes a different value from). Therefore, when the height dimension detection unit 28 does not detect the first height dimension Da even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the washing operation, the control unit 21 determines that the laundry Q has been left out. The notification may be notified to the user by a display on the operation unit 11, a buzzer or the like. Further, when the height dimension D changes in a state where the washing tub 4 and the pulsator 5 are stopped, the control unit 21 determines that an animal or the like is present in the washing tub 4 and notifies the user to that effect. You may

  In the above-described steps S21 to S23 and S25 (see FIG. 5), the height dimension H of the laundry Q in the washing tank 4 is measured a plurality of times, and the laundry Q is adjusted so that the variation falls within a predetermined range. The treatment may be performed at the start of the dewatering process or at the end of the washing operation. In this case, in the dewatering process, the unevenness of the height dimension H corresponds to the bias of the laundry Q, so that the bias of the laundry Q can be reduced by loosening the laundry Q. At the end of the washing operation, the wrinkles of the laundry Q can be reduced by loosening the laundry Q.

  There is a possibility that the vertical direction Z of the washing tub 4 may shift to the lower side Z2 according to the input of the laundry Q and the water supply, but in the embodiment described above, the height dimension detection unit 28 supports the outer tub supporting the washing tub 4 Since it is fixed to 3, even if the position of the washing tub 4 shifts, the height dimension D can be accurately detected. If the positional deviation of the washing tub 4 does not affect the detection accuracy of the height dimension detection unit 28, the height dimension detection unit 28 may be fixed to the housing 2 instead of the outer tub 3. Good. Further, in order to detect the second height dimension Db at each of a plurality of different positions in the rotational direction of the washing tub 4 in step S21 described above, a plurality of height dimension detection units 28 are arranged side by side in the rotational direction. May be In this case, the height dimension detection unit 28 may be fixed to the washing tub 4 instead of the outer tub 3 or the housing 2 and integrally rotate with the washing tub 4.

  The washing machine 1 is a vertical washing and drying machine arranged so that the axis J of the washing tub 4 extends vertically along the vertical direction Z (see FIG. 1). Also included is a configuration in which J is arranged slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing machine 4 Washing tank 5 Pulsator 14 Water supply valve 21 Control part 27 Water level detection part 28 Height dimension detection part D Height dimension of internal space of washing tub Da 1st height dimension Db 2nd height dimension H of laundry Height dimension Hmax Maximum value Hmin Minimum value L Water level Q Laundry W Surface γ threshold

Claims (4)

A washing tub for containing laundry and storing water;
A height dimension detection unit that detects the height dimension of the internal space of the washing tub;
A water level detection unit that detects the water level in the washing tank;
The first height dimension detected by the height dimension detection unit when the washing tub is empty, and the second height dimension detected by the height dimension detection unit when the laundry tub accommodates the laundry. A determination unit that determines the positional relationship between the laundry and the water surface in the washing tank based on the water level detected by the water level detection unit when water is stored in the washing tank containing the laundry;
A first force of water flow is generated in the washing tub during washing based on the judgment result of the judgment unit that the washing in the washing tub is at a submerged position lower than a predetermined distance from the water surface, and the washing is submerged And a water flow generation unit that generates a water flow of a second force stronger than the first force in the washing tub during washing based on the determination result of the determination unit that the position is not located. The system further includes a water supply unit for supplying water into the washing tub,
The determination unit makes a determination during water supply by the water supply unit,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water supply by the water supply unit is stopped in response to the completion of the determination by the determination unit.   The said determination part is a washing machine of Claim 2 which determines also during washing after water supply by the said water supply part. The difference between the second height dimension detected by the height dimension detection unit and the first height dimension before the start of water supply by the water supply unit corresponds to the height dimension of the laundry in the washing tub ,
When the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value for the plurality of height dimensions of the laundry caused by the height dimension detection unit detecting the second height dimension multiple times does not fall below a predetermined threshold value, The washing machine according to claim 2, further comprising a stirring unit for stirring the laundry in the bath.

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