JP2020000404A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of notifying a user of occurrence of clogging in the feed channel of a detergent.SOLUTION: The washing machine comprises a washing tub to accommodate laundry, a detergent feeder to automatically feed a detergent into the washing tub, a control unit to control the detergent feeder, and a concentration detector to detect the concentration of the detergent contained in washing water used in the washing operation and input a detection signal to the control unit. The control unit notifies a user when the concentration of the detergent detected after washing operation is less than a threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  An embodiment of the present invention relates to a washing machine provided with a device for automatically pouring a detergent into a washing tub.

  For example, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, there is a washing machine provided with a device for automatically pouring a detergent into a washing tub.

JP-A-2017-158602

In the above-described apparatus, in the process of repeating the washing operation, clogging may occur in a path for introducing the detergent. Therefore, if the user uses the washing machine without noticing the occurrence of clogging, there is a problem that the amount of the supplied detergent is insufficient or the washing operation is performed without the detergent being supplied at all.
Therefore, a washing machine capable of notifying a user that clogging has occurred in a detergent introduction path is provided.

  A washing machine according to an embodiment includes a washing tub that stores laundry, a detergent dispenser that automatically dispenses a detergent into the washing tub, a control unit that controls the detergent dispenser, and a washing water that is used for a washing operation. And a concentration detection unit that detects a concentration of the detergent contained in the washing unit and inputs a detection signal to the control unit.If the concentration of the detergent detected after the start of the washing operation is less than a threshold value, the control unit To inform.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing a configuration of a washing machine according to the first embodiment. Functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the washing machine for a portion related to the gist Flow chart showing the steps of the entire washing operation Flow chart showing the detergent charging process 10 is a flow chart showing a process of the entire washing operation according to a second embodiment. Flowchart showing detergent input method determination process (Part 1) Flowchart showing detergent input method determination process (part 2) 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the entire washing operation according to a third embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the entire washing operation according to a fourth embodiment.

(1st Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment applied to a drum-type washing and drying machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 schematically shows the entire configuration of a washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The washing machine 1 has a main body 2 having a substantially rectangular box shape, and a cylindrical water tub 3 is supported in the main body 2 via an elastic support mechanism 6 only partially shown in a state of being slightly inclined backward and downward. Have been. In the water tub 3, a cylindrical drum 4, which is a washing tub in which clothes as laundry are stored, is rotatably supported. The drum 4 is configured so as to extend in the front-rear direction and rotate around a tilt axis slightly inclined downward.

  A large number of holes 5 for water passage and ventilation, only a part of which is shown, are formed in the peripheral wall of the drum 4. A plurality of baffles 7 for agitating the laundry are provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the drum 4. A plurality of vents (not shown) are provided in the rear wall of the drum 4. An opening 8 through which clothes are taken in and out is provided on the front surface of the drum 4. In the front part of the water tank 3, an inlet 9 connected to the opening 8 is formed. On the front surface of the main body 2, a door 10 for opening and closing the insertion port 9 is provided.

  A washing machine motor 11 composed of, for example, an outer rotor type brushless motor is disposed behind the water tub 3. The tip of the rotating shaft 11 a of the washing machine motor 11 penetrates through the back of the water tub 3 and protrudes into the water tub 3, and is connected and fixed to the center of the rear part of the drum 4. Thus, the drum 4 is directly driven to rotate by the washing machine motor 11. The washing machine motor 11 is provided with a rotation sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation of the rotor and thus the drum 4.

  A drain pipe 13 is connected to a lower portion of the water tank 3, and a drain valve 14 is provided at an intermediate portion of the drain pipe 13. Although not shown in detail, the drain pipe 13 extends to the outside of the main body 2, and water in the water tank 3 is drained to a predetermined drain place such as a washroom. Although not shown, an air trap communicating with the inside of the water tank 3 is provided below the rear surface of the water tank 3, and this air trap is provided to a water level sensor (not shown) disposed at the top inside the main body 2 via an air tube. It is connected.

  In the main body 2, a drying unit 16 and an air circulation duct 17 for supplying hot air into the water tank 3 during a drying process are provided. As a whole, the air circulation duct 17 extends upward from the inlet 17a at the lower end of the back of the water tank 3 to the back of the water tank 3 and then forwards to the upper part of the water tank 3, and the outlet at the upper front end of the water tank 3 17b. The drying unit 16 includes a blower fan 18 and a heater 19, and is disposed in a middle part of the air circulation duct 17, for example, above the water tank 3.

  In the drying process, the blower fan 18 is driven so that the air in the water tank 3 and the drum 4 is sucked into the air circulation duct 17 from the inlet 17a, heated by the heater 19, and then supplied into the water tank 3 from the outlet 17b. A circulation is performed such as being performed. Note that a dehumidifier may be provided in the middle of the air circulation duct 17. Further, instead of the heater-type drying unit 16, a drying unit including a heat pump having a well-known configuration may be provided.

  An operation / display panel 20 is provided on the upper front surface of the main body 2. The operation / display panel 20 is provided with, for example, various keys for selecting various driving courses and starting driving, a display unit for performing necessary display for a user, and the like. The control unit 21 shown in FIG. 2 is provided on the back side of the operation / display panel 20. The control unit 21 is mainly configured by a microcomputer, and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 based on various input signals and a control program stored in advance. As will be described in detail later, the control unit 21 controls operations of water supply and automatic introduction of the liquid detergent.

  A water supply mechanism 22 for supplying water from a tap to the water tank 3 and the drum 4 is provided at an upper portion of the main body 2. A mechanism for automatically pouring the liquid detergent into the water tank 3 is incorporated in the water supply mechanism 22. A water injection case 23 is provided at an upper part in the main body 2 at a front portion. The water injection case 23 is connected to the upper front part of the water tank 3 via a water supply hose 23a. Although not shown, the water injection case 23 is provided with a drawer-type detergent charging section, and the detergents such as a powder detergent, a finishing agent, and a bleaching agent are previously charged in the detergent charging section. The detergents are supplied into the water tank 3 together with tap water.

  A hose connection portion 24 is provided on the rear end side of the upper portion of the main body 2. Although not shown, a hose connected to a water tap is connected to the hose connection portion 24. A water supply path 25 extending from the hose connection part 24 to the water injection case 23 is provided in the main body 2. The water supply path 25 is provided with an electromagnetic water injection valve 26. An aspirator 27 made of, for example, a plastic is inserted in a part of the water supply path 25 downstream of the water injection valve 26.

  As is well known, the aspirator 27 uses the Venturi effect to create a decompressed state. The aspirator 27 integrally includes a straight pipe extending in the left-right direction in the figure and a branch pipe extending at a right angle from the center thereof, that is, upward in the figure. It has a T-shape. A check valve (not shown) for preventing backflow is provided in the branch pipe. The aspirator 27 has an inlet 27a on the right side, an outlet 27b on the left side, a suction portion 27c on the left side, an inlet 27c extending upward, an inlet 27a having an upstream water supply source side in the water supply path 25, and an outlet 27b having a downstream side. It is on the water injection case 23 side. When the water injection valve 26 is opened and the water flows in the water supply path 25, the water flows from the inlet 27a to the outlet 27b, the flow velocity increases at the outlet of the throttle pipe 28, and the pressure in the suction part 27c is reduced. State.

  On the rear side of the upper part of the main body 2, there is provided a detergent automatic dispenser 30 which stores a liquid detergent and serves as a liquid detergent supply source. In the present embodiment, the detergent automatic dispenser 30 is configured such that a commercially available liquid detergent bottle 31 is directly connectable, the bottle connection port 32 to which the bottle 30 is connected in a downward state, and a bottle in that state. And a bottle holding portion 33 that supports the bottle 31. Note that a configuration in which the bottle 31 is housed in the main body 2 may be adopted.

  In the main body 2, there is provided a liquid detergent storage section 34 for temporarily storing the liquid detergent flowing down from the bottle 31 connected to the bottle connection port 32, and a base end portion is provided in the liquid detergent storage section 34. A connected detergent supply path 35 is provided. The tip of the detergent supply path 35 is connected to the suction part 27 c of the aspirator 27, and an opening / closing valve 36 for opening and closing the detergent supply path 35 is provided in the middle of the detergent supply path 35.

  In a state where the bottle 31 is connected to the bottle connection port 32 and the liquid detergent is stored in the liquid detergent reservoir 34, the water injection valve 26 is opened and the on-off valve 36 is opened when water flows through the water supply path 25. Then, the liquid detergent is sucked into the aspirator 27 from the suction part 27c through the detergent supply path 35. The sucked liquid detergent flows out of the outlet 27b while being mixed with water, and is automatically charged into the water tank 3 through the water injection case 23. The water injection valve 26 and the on-off valve 36 are controlled to open and close by the control unit 21. Note that, instead of the aspirator 27, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-509264, a mechanism for introducing a detergent using a pump or an electromagnetic valve may be used.

  In the liquid detergent storage section 34, a detergent remaining amount detecting section 37 is disposed. The liquid detergent storage section 34 is formed of a transparent member, and the detergent remaining amount detection section 37 is disposed coaxially outside the liquid detergent storage section 34, for example, with a light emitting element 37a such as an LED or the like, and And a light receiving element 37b composed of a photodiode or the like.

  In the state where the liquid detergent is filled inside the liquid detergent storage section 34 beyond the attachment portion of the detergent remaining amount detecting section 37, the amount of light received by the light emitting element 37a received by the light receiving element 37b is reduced. When the liquid level of the liquid detergent falls below the mounting position of the detergent remaining amount detection unit 37, the amount of light received by the light receiving element 37b increases. Although not shown, the detergent remaining amount detecting unit 37 detects the remaining amount of the liquid detergent stored in the liquid detergent storing unit 34 by providing a plurality of sets of the light emitting element 37a and the light receiving element 37b.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an operation signal of the operation / display panel 20 is input to the control unit 21. Further, the control unit 21 controls display on the display unit of the operation / display panel 20. In addition, detection signals from the water temperature detection unit 37, the weight detection unit 38, and the washing water determination unit 39 are input to the control unit 21. And the control part 21 controls the washing machine motor 11, the drain valve 14, the water injection valve 26, the opening / closing valve 36 of the detergent automatic dispenser 30, and the like.

  The weight detection unit 38 detects the amount of the cloth stored in the drum 4 according to the time from when the drum 4 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed to when the rotation is stopped before the control unit 21 supplies water at the start of the washing operation, for example. This is a functional block in which the function of detecting weight is externalized. The washing water determining unit 39 includes, for example, an electric conductivity sensor that detects the electric conductivity of the washing water. In addition, a water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the washing water and a transmittance sensor for detecting the transmittance of the washing water may be combined. The washing water judging section 39 is arranged, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, at the lowest point of the water tub 3, and detects the concentration of the detergent in the washing water based on the conductivity. The washing water determination unit 39 corresponds to a density detection unit.

  The detergent outflow detection unit 40 is arranged at a portion where the detergent flows out from the detergent storage unit 34, and is configured by a set of a light emitting element 40a and a light receiving element 37b, like the detergent remaining amount detection unit 37. The detergent outflow detection unit 40 detects that the detergent has flowed out of the liquid detergent storage unit 34, and the principle of detection is the same as that of the detergent remaining amount detection unit 37. The calendar function unit 41 is configured by a real-time clock IC or the like, and outputs to the control unit 21 data of the year, month, day, and time; hour, minute, and second.

  With the above configuration, the control unit 21 controls each mechanism of the washing machine 1 based on an input signal from each sensor or a control program stored in advance according to a driving course set by the user on the operation / display panel 20. Under control, the washing operation including the well-known washing, rinsing, and dehydration steps and the subsequent drying operation are automatically executed. Then, the control unit 21 controls the on-off valve 36 at the time of water supply so that a predetermined amount of detergent according to the amount of cloth in the drum 4 is automatically supplied at the time of the first water supply during the washing operation.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a main routine showing a procedure of the entire washing operation. When the weight of the cloth is detected by the weight detection unit 38 (S1), the control unit 21 determines the amount of the detergent to be supplied according to the detected weight, performs the supply (S2), and performs the washing process (S3). Then, a rinsing step is performed (S4), and finally a dewatering step is performed (S5).

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the detergent supply step of step S2, when water supply is started, the control unit 21 detects the concentration of the detergent in the wash water by the wash water determination unit 39 before supplying the detergent. Then, when the detergent is introduced into the automatic detergent dispenser 30 (S10), the detergent outflow detection unit 40 determines whether the detergent has flowed out of the liquid detergent storage unit 34 (S11). If the content has not changed (NO), the fact that the bottle 31 is clogged is displayed on the operation / display panel 20 to notify the user (S17). The notification here may be made by displaying a text message such as "detergent clogging" or "cleaning the detergent dispenser", or by outputting the message as a voice signal. If the content has changed (S11; YES), the concentration of the detergent in the washing water is detected again (S12).

  Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the washing water has changed based on whether or not the difference in concentration of the detergent detected in each of steps S12 and S10b is equal to or greater than the threshold A (S12a). Here, when there is no change in the washing water (NO), it is assumed that the detergent is completely clogged or leaks in the path from the liquid detergent storage section 34 to the water tub 3. Then, the occurrence of the "clogging of the supply path / leakage of the detergent" is displayed on the operation / display panel 20 to notify the user (S12b).

  If it is determined in step S12a that there is a change in the washing water (YES), it is determined whether or not at least the detergent has been introduced into the washing water based on the concentration value of the detergent detected in step S1 (S13). Here, when it is determined that the detergent is supplied (S13; YES), it is determined whether the detected concentration is equal to or greater than a set value corresponding to a threshold value B corresponding to an appropriate amount of the detergent (S14). . Note that the threshold value B is a value larger than the threshold value A. If the concentration is equal to or higher than the set value (YES), the process returns to the main routine, and if the concentration is lower than the set value (NO), the operation / display panel 20 informs the user via the operation / display panel 20 after the end of the washing operation that there is an abnormality in the detergent supply path. A notification is issued (S15). Then, additional detergent is added (S16), and the process returns to step S13.

  If it is not determined in step S13 that the detected substance is a detergent (NO), the user is notified that what is contained in the bottle 31 is other than the detergent (S18). In this case, since the user has inserted something other than the detergent, the user is notified of erroneous input. The notification here is made by displaying a text message such as "There is something other than detergent" or "Is there anything other than detergent?" Is also good. Further, it is determined whether or not the detected one can safely perform the washing operation (S19). If it is possible (YES), the process returns to the main routine. End the routine.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the washing machine 1 including the automatic detergent dispenser 30, the washing water determination unit 39 controls the detection signal by detecting the concentration of the detergent contained in the washing water used for the washing operation. The control unit 21 informs the user if the concentration of the detergent detected after the start of the washing operation is less than the threshold value. Thus, it is possible to notify the user of the occurrence of clogging in the detergent supply path, and to prompt maintenance.

  If the concentration of the detergent is equal to or more than the threshold but does not reach the appropriate concentration, the control unit 21 causes the detergent automatic dispenser 30 to additionally supply the detergent, and notifies the user after the washing operation is completed. Also in this case, it is possible to notify the user that slight clogging has occurred in the detergent supply path, and to prompt maintenance. Further, when the control unit 21 determines that a substance other than the detergent has been supplied from the state of change in the concentration of the detergent, it notifies the user of the erroneous supply. This allows the user to recognize the erroneous insertion and take measures such as restarting the washing operation.

(2nd Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the same portions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different portions will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, in the second embodiment, in the main routine of the washing operation, before executing step S1, it is determined whether or not the course selected by the user is a “tub washing course” (S0). Then, if a course other than the “tank cleaning course” is selected (NO), step S1 is executed.

  In the second embodiment, a detergent input method determining step (S6) is performed instead of the detergent input step of step S3. As shown in FIG. 6, in the detergent input method determination step, first, the detergent remaining amount detection unit 37 determines whether or not the detergent is stored in the liquid detergent storage unit 34 (S20a). If the detergent is stored (YES), it is determined whether the use setting of the automatic detergent dispenser 30 is ON (S20b). If the use setting is ON (YES), it is determined whether or not the course selected by the user is to automatically feed detergent (S21). If the automatic feeding is performed (YES), the counter N for counting the number of times the detergent automatic feeding device 30 is not used is cleared to zero (S22) and the process returns. If "NO" is determined in the step S20a, the process proceeds to a step S27, and if "NO" is determined in the step S20b, the process proceeds to a step S23.

  On the other hand, if the course selected by the user does not automatically feed detergent (S21; NO), the counter N is incremented (S23). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the counter N is less than a predetermined number of equivalent values Nmax (S24). If (N <Nmax), the process returns (YES), and if (N ≧ Nmax) (NO), it is determined whether or not the course selected by the user uses a normal detergent (S25). For example, if a normal detergent is not used (NO), as in the case of "fashionable washing" which is a washing course corresponding to a specific laundry (NO), the process returns. On the other hand, if a normal detergent is used (YES), a small amount of detergent is introduced by the automatic detergent dispenser 30 (S26).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the inner capacity of the bottle 31 has changed when a small amount of detergent is introduced (S27). If the content of the bottle 31 has changed (YES), the same processing as in step S22 is performed (S28), and if the content of the bottle 31 has not changed (NO), the same processing as in step S17 is performed (S29). ).

  Further, in step S0 shown in FIG. 5, if the course selected by the user is “tank cleaning course” (YES), the same processing as steps S26 and S22 is performed (S7, S8), and the tank cleaning process is performed. Perform (S9).

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the control unit 21 measures a period in which the detergent automatic dispenser 30 is not used, and when the period exceeds a certain period, every time a predetermined condition is satisfied, the detergent dispenser 30 is used. A small amount of detergent is put into the container 30. Specifically, the control unit 21 counts the number N of executions of the washing operation in which the detergent automatic dispenser 30 is not used, and when the number N reaches a certain number Nmax, the course selected by the user uses a normal detergent. Add a small amount of detergent under the condition that it is Thereby, even if the period during which the detergent automatic dispenser 30 is not used becomes a certain length, it is possible to prevent the detergent from being fixed in the dispensing path.
In addition, the control unit 21 causes the user to input a small amount of detergent during a normal washing operation that is not a “fashionable dressing” course. Thereby, a small amount of detergent is introduced according to the case where an appropriate course is selected, and it is possible to prevent the detergent from being fixed in the introduction path.

(Third embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 8, in the third embodiment, steps S22D to S24D are executed instead of steps S22 to S24 of the second embodiment. 8 and 9, illustration of steps S20a and S20b is omitted. In the third embodiment, the number of unused days D is counted using the calendar information of the calendar function unit 42 instead of using the counter N. In step S23D, the number of unused days D is updated with the number of days obtained from the calendar function unit 42 at that time. When the number of unused days D is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of days Dmax (S24D; NO), the process proceeds to step S25.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the calendar function unit 42 that outputs calendar information is provided, and the control unit 21 measures a period during which the detergent automatic dispenser 30 is not used based on the calendar information. Thereby, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

(Fourth embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 9, in the fourth embodiment, steps S31 and S32 are executed before execution of step S21. When information indicating the type of detergent used for washing is input by the user in step S31, the value of the number of times Nmax is set according to the information of the detergent (S32). For example, Nmax = 50 times for the detergent of Company A, Nmax = 30 times for the detergent of Company B, and Nmax = 40 times for the detergent of Company C, depending on the viscosity of the detergent of each company. The predetermined number Nmax is set to an appropriate value. If there is no information input by the user in step S31, a default set number is used.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the number of times Nmax is changed and set in the control unit 21 in accordance with the information on the detergent input by the user. Therefore, the number of times Nmax is appropriately set in accordance with the characteristics of the detergent used. Can be set to Also, as in the third embodiment, the predetermined number of days Dmax may be changed according to the characteristics of the detergent used. For example, Dmax = 50 days for the detergent of Company A, Dmax = 30 days for the detergent of Company B, and Dmax = 40 days for the detergent of Company C.

(Other embodiments)
Specific numerical values such as the respective predetermined values are merely examples, and may be appropriately changed according to individual designs.
The determinations in steps S13 and S19 may be made as needed.
The present invention is not limited to a liquid detergent, and may be applied to a configuration in which a powder detergent is automatically supplied.
The invention is not limited to the drum type washing machine, but may be applied to a vertical washing machine.
The respective embodiments may be implemented in combination as appropriate.
When a circulation flow path for circulating the washing liquid stored in the water tub 3 using a circulation pump or the like is provided, the washing water determination unit 39 may be provided at an intermediate portion of the circulation flow path.

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

  In the drawings, 1 is a washing machine, 3 is a water tub, 4 is a drum, 21 is a control unit, 30 is a detergent automatic dispenser, 37 is a detergent remaining amount detection unit, 39 is a washing water determination unit, and 40 is a calendar function unit. .

Claims (9)

A washing tub for storing laundry,
A detergent dispenser for automatically dispensing detergent into the washing tub,
A control unit for controlling the detergent dispenser;
A concentration detection unit that detects the concentration of the detergent contained in the washing water used for the washing operation and inputs a detection signal to the control unit;
A washing machine that notifies the user if the concentration of the detergent detected after the start of the washing operation is less than a threshold.   2. The control unit, when the concentration of the detergent is equal to or more than the threshold but does not reach an appropriate concentration, causes the detergent dispenser to additionally supply detergent and notifies the user after the end of the washing operation. 3. Washing machine.   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit notifies the user of an erroneous input when the control unit determines that anything other than the detergent has been input based on a change in the concentration of the detergent.   The control unit measures a period in which the detergent dispenser is not used, and when the period exceeds a certain period, causes the detergent dispenser to supply a small amount of detergent every time a predetermined condition is satisfied. The washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims.   The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the control unit measures the certain period based on the number of times of the washing operation in which the detergent dispenser is not used. Equipped with a calendar function unit that outputs calendar information,
The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the condition that the control unit measures the certain period based on the calendar information is the condition.   The controller may input a small amount of detergent into the detergent dispenser during a normal washing operation in which information on a washing course designated by a user is input and the user does not designate a washing course corresponding to a specific laundry. The washing machine according to any one of items 4 to 6. In the control unit, information of the washing course specified by the user is input,
The control unit according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, when a user designates a cleaning course for cleaning the washing tub, a small amount of detergent is supplied to the detergent dispenser during execution of the cleaning course. The washing machine as described. The control unit is provided with information on the detergent input by the user,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the control unit changes the condition according to the information.

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