JP2023004592A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which has suppressed deterioration in washing performance, while achieving water saving.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: an outer tub 2 for storing water; an inner tub 1 which is provided inside the outer tub 2, and in which laundry 7 is inputted; a circulation path 5 which is provided so as to connect the outer tub 2 and the inner tub 1 and which circulates the water in the outer tub 2 in the inner tub 1; and a circulation pump 4 arranged in the circulation path 5. The washing machine includes a sticking operation for rotating the inner tub 1 so that the laundry 7 sticks to the inside of the inner tub 1, in a washing step. During the sticking operation, the circulation pump 4 is operated and the water is circulated from the outer tub 2 to the inner tub 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing clothes and the like.

Washer/dryers generally have a wash mode in which the laundry is put into a rotatable inner tub, and the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes, a drying mode in which only the drying process is performed, and the washing mode to the drying process. It has a continuous wash and dry mode. There are two types of washing and drying machines: a vertical type in which the rotation axis of the inner tub is substantially perpendicular to the installation surface, and a drum type in which the axis is horizontal or slightly inclined. Below, it demonstrates as a washing machine.

In the drum-type washing machine, the washing liquid accumulated in the outer tub is drawn up by a pump and applied to the laundry, so that the washing water in which the detergent and the like are dissolved is evenly permeated into the laundry. In this way, the drum-type washing machine can ensure washing performance with less water by tumbling and circulation of the wash water by the circulation pump, so it can save water compared to the vertical washing machine. .

As a means for saving water for washing, the drum-type washing machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a tub for storing washing water, a circulation channel pipe for providing a circulation channel for the washing water in the tub, and a The washing machine has a circulation pump for circulating the washing water in the circulation pipe, and comprises the steps of sensing the amount of laundry put into the drum, setting the water level according to the sensed amount of laundry, and setting the water level. supplying a small amount of washing water through the circulation pump and the circulation channel pipe into the tub, which is lower than the washing amount, but sufficiently wets the laundry and allows pumping circulation to occur; A primary washing step of washing while circulating water through the circulation pump and the circulation channel pipe, a step of resupplying the washing water up to the set water level, and rotating the drum in a state where pumping circulation does not occur. and a secondary washing step of washing while washing.

In addition, the drum-type washing machine described in Patent Document 2 has a drum that rotates around a horizontal axis in a water tank, and a circulating water path that communicates with the upper and lower parts of the water tank through a water discharge port and a water intake port. and a circulating pump provided in the middle of the circulating water channel, wherein the drum is rotated during the washing operation and the circulating pump is driven to circulate the washing water, and during the circulation of the washing water, the water suction port is discharged. The main feature is that the circulation flow rate by the circulation pump is controlled in order to maintain the water level at which air is not sucked.

Japanese Patent No. 5144276 JP-A-2005-87466

The drum-type washing machine described in Patent Document 1 resupplies water up to a set water level corresponding to the amount of laundry sensed during the washing process, so there is a problem that the amount of water saved is small.

Further, in the drum-type washing machine described in Patent Document 2, the water level detection means is arranged above the bottom of the outer tub, and there is a possibility that the water level cannot be measured during washing when water is conserved. Moreover, when water is saved, the amount of washing liquid that can move freely in the outer tub decreases, so there is a problem that the degree of cleanliness is lowered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to provide a washing machine that is capable of saving water while suppressing deterioration in washing performance.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is provided with an outer tub for storing water, an inner tub provided inside the outer tub into which laundry is put, and a structure connecting the outer tub and the inner tub. and a circulation path for circulating water in the outer tub to the inner tub; A sticking operation is provided for rotating the inner tank so as to stick to the inside of the inner tank, and the circulation pump is operated during the sticking operation to circulate water from the outer tank to the inner tank. characterized by

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the washing machine which suppressed the fall of washing|cleaning performance can be provided, aiming at water saving.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drum-type washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation flow of the washing process which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining operation|movement of the water level sensor 3 which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, and the circulation pump 4. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a drum-type washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; It is a figure which shows the operation flow of the washing process which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drum-type washing machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; It is a figure which shows the operation flow of the washing process which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram showing a state in which laundry 70 is put into the inner tub 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a gap 80 is created by rotating the inner tub 1 at a maximum of about 600 rpm after loading laundry 70 into the inner tub 1; It is a figure which shows the operation flow of the washing process which concerns on Example 4 of this invention.

A washing machine is generally equipped with washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes in which laundry is put into a rotatable inner tub. Further, the washing and drying machine has a drying process in addition to each process of the washing machine. The present invention is characterized in the washing step among the steps.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drum-type washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Although a drum-type washing machine will be described in the following embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the drum-type washing machine, and can also be applied to a drum-type washing/drying machine with a drying function.

A drum-type washing machine 10 is provided with an outer tub 2 for storing water inside a housing (not shown) constituting an outer shell, and an inner tub 1 into which laundry 7 is put. . A space S is provided between the outer tub 2 and the inner tub 1 . A plurality of through-holes are formed around the inner tank 1, and water passes through the through-holes. The inner tub 1 of the drum-type washing machine 10 is arranged so that the rotation axis is oriented horizontally.

Washing water is stored in the bottom of the outer tub 2 in the washing process. A circulation path 5 is formed between the bottom of the outer tub 2 and the top of the inner tub 1 . A circulation path 5 is provided to connect the outer tub 2 and the inner tub 1 . A circulation pump 4 is provided in the circulation path 5 , and by driving the circulation pump 4 , washing water accumulated at the bottom of the outer tub 2 is absorbed and discharged into the inner tub 1 . That is, the circulation pump 4 circulates the washing water through the circulation path 5 .

A water level sensor 3 is provided on the bottom of the outer tub 2 at a position lower than the water surface 6 . The water level sensor 3 measures the water level using pressure, electrical conductivity, and the like.

The laundry 7 is accommodated in the inner tub 1, and the laundry 7 is washed by pouring the circulated washing water over the laundry 7 while rotating the inner tub 1. - 特許庁

Next, the washing process will be explained. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation flow of a washing process according to Example 1 of the present invention. The operation flow is executed according to a control program stored in a control device (not shown).

When the washing process of the washing machine starts (step S100), the inner tub 1 is rotated and the amount of laundry 7 put into the inner tub 1 is detected (step S101).

After the amount of laundry is detected, the inner tub 1 is rotated to start the attaching operation in order to attach the laundry 7 to the inner tub 1 (step S102). The number of revolutions of the inner tub 1 is sufficient so long as the laundry 7 sticks to it. The rotation speed of the inner tank 1 in the general washing process is 40 to 60 rpm, and the rotation speed of the inner tank 1 in the sticking operation of this embodiment is higher than the rotation speed of the inner tank 1 in the general washing process. It is set to rpm. Further, the rotation speed of the inner tub 1 in the sticking operation is lower than the rotation speed of about 1000 rpm of the inner tub 1 in the dehydration process.

Next, water supply to the outer tank 2 is started (step S103), and the water level sensor 3 detects the water level (step S104). If the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 has not reached the second set water level (upper limit) (NO in step S104), water level detection by the water level sensor 3 is repeated. When the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 reaches the second set water level (YES in step S104), water supply is stopped (step S105). If the inner tub 1 is rotated while the inner tub 1 is in contact with the washing water, a load is applied to the motor that rotates the inner tub 1, increasing power consumption and possibly shortening the life of the motor. . Therefore, it is preferable that the second set water level (upper limit) is set at a position that does not touch the lower surface of the inner tank 1 . In this embodiment, the inner tank 1 is rotated at about 80 to 150 rpm for the sticking operation. It is positioned so as not to touch the lower surface of the tank 1 .

After the water supply is stopped, the circulation pump 4 is driven (step S106), and the wash water collected at the bottom of the outer tub 2 is introduced into the inner tub 1.

Since the water level drops when the laundry 7 absorbs the washing water, the water level sensor 3 detects the water level (step S107). When the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 drops below the first set water level (lower limit), the circulation pump 4 is stopped (step S108), and water supply to the outer tank 2 is started (step S109). When the water level falls below a predetermined level, the circulation pump 4 is stopped because the circulation pump 4 sucks in air and causes cavitation.

The water level sensor 3 detects the water level (step S110), and when the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 reaches the second set water level (upper limit) (YES in step S110), water supply is stopped (step S111 ). If the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 has not reached the second set water level (NO in step S110), water level detection by the water level sensor 3 is repeated.

After stopping the water supply in step S111, the circulation pump 4 is driven again (step S112). Since the water level drops when the circulation pump 4 is driven, the water level is detected by the water level sensor 3 (step S113). When the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 falls below the first set water level (lower limit) (YES in step S113), the circulation pump 4 is stopped (step S114). After stopping the circulation pump 4, the rotational speed of the inner tank 1 is increased from 100 rpm to, for example, 200 rpm, and the dehydration operation is started (step S115). The washing water is removed from the laundry 7 by the dehydrating operation, and the washing water is collected in the bottom portion of the outer tub 2 . Then, the water level at the bottom of the outer tub 2 rises. In this embodiment, the dehydration operation is performed at a rotation speed of 200 rpm, but other rotation speeds such as 150 rpm and 300 rpm may be used.

The water level sensor 3 detects the water level (step S116), and when the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 reaches the second set water level (YES in step S116), the circulation pump 4 is driven (step S117). When the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 has not reached the second set water level (NO in step S117), the water level detection by the water level sensor 3 is repeated.

After driving the circulation pump 4 in step S117, the rotation speed of the inner tank 1 is reduced from 200 rpm to 100 rpm, and the sticking operation is performed (step S118). That is, the number of revolutions of the inner tub 1 is shifted from the dewatering operation to the sticking operation.

After execution of the sticking operation, it is determined whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed (step S119), and if the predetermined period of time has elapsed (YES in step S119), the operation is terminated (step S120). In step S119, if the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S119), the operations from step S113 are repeated.

Here, the operations of the water level sensor 3 and the circulation pump 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the water level sensor 3 and the circulation pump 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, as described above, the second set water level (upper limit) of the washing water supplied to the outer tub 2 is set at a position where it does not touch the lower surface of the inner tub 1 . This reduces the amount of water used and improves water conservation. However, since the amount of water used is small, when the circulation pump 4 is driven, there is a possibility that the circulation pump 4 will suck in air and cause cavitation. At this time, by additionally supplying water to the outer tank 2, cavitation of the circulation pump 4 can be suppressed, but the amount of water used increases and the water saving performance decreases. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 drops, the number of revolutions of the inner tub 1 is increased to carry out the dehydration operation to recover the water level.

In FIG. 3, the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 falls below the set water level (lower limit) (YES in step S113), the circulation pump 4 is stopped (step S114), and the rotation speed of the inner tank 1 is changed from 100 rpm to 200 rpm. (step S115), the washing water absorbed by the laundry 7 is dehydrated and the water level rises. Then, when the water level reaches the set water level (upper limit), the circulation pump 4 is driven again. Furthermore, the circulation pump 4 is driven, and when the water level drops, the circulation pump 4 is stopped. These operations are repeated to perform the washing process.

In this embodiment, the inner tub 1 is rotated at a rotation speed of 100 rpm, and then the rotation speed is increased to 200 rpm, so that the washing water absorbed by the laundry 7 is dehydrated, so that the washing water to be circulated is obtained. be able to. When the rotation speed of the inner tub 1 is returned to 100 rpm, the amount of water supplied to the laundry 7 can be increased, thereby improving the detergency. If the rotation speed of the inner tub 1 is kept at 100 rpm, the water level for operating the circulation pump 4 is insufficient, so by increasing the rotation speed again, the washing water for circulation can be obtained. By circulating the washing water, the detergent and dirt can react with each other, improving the detergency. In addition, since friction between the laundry 7 hardly occurs, cloth damage can be reduced.

According to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a washing machine capable of saving water and improving detergency. Further, according to the present embodiment, cavitation due to entrainment of air into the circulation pump 4 can be suppressed.

A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. Configurations common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drum-type washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a plurality of water level sensors are provided.

The bottom of the outer tank 2 is provided with a first water level sensor 3a and a second water level sensor 3b at a position higher than the first water level sensor 3a.

Next, the washing process will be explained. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation flow of the washing process according to Example 2 of the present invention.

When the washing process of the washing machine starts (step S200), the inner tub 1 is rotated and the amount of laundry 7 put into the inner tub 1 is detected (step S201).

After the amount of laundry is detected, the inner tub 1 is rotated at about 100 rpm to start the attaching operation in order to attach the laundry 7 to the inner tub 1 (step S202).

Next, water supply to the outer tank 2 is started (step S203), and the second water level sensor 3b detects the second set water level (step S204). If the water level b detected by the second water level sensor 3b has not reached the second set water level (NO in step S204), the water level detection by the second water level sensor 3b is repeated. When the water level b detected by the second water level sensor 3b reaches the second set water level (upper limit) (YES in step S204), water supply is stopped (step S205). The second set water level (upper limit) is set at a position where the lower surface of the inner tank 1 is not touched, as in the first embodiment.

After the water supply is stopped, the circulation pump 4 is driven (step S206), and the wash water collected at the bottom of the outer tub 2 is introduced into the inner tub 1.

Since the water level drops when the laundry 7 absorbs the wash water, the first water level sensor 3a detects the water level (step S207). When the water level a detected by the first water level sensor 3a falls below the first set water level (lower limit), the circulation pump 4 is stopped (step S208), and water supply to the outer tank 2 is started (step S209). When the water level falls below a predetermined level, the circulation pump 4 is stopped because the circulation pump 4 sucks in air and causes cavitation.

The second water level sensor 3b detects the water level (step S210), and when the water level b detected by the second water level sensor 3b reaches the second set water level (YES in step S210), water supply is stopped (step S211). If the water level b detected by the second water level sensor 3b has not reached the second set water level (NO in step S210), the water level detection by the second water level sensor 3b is repeated.

After water supply is stopped in step S211, the circulation pump 4 is driven again (step S212). Since the water level drops when the circulation pump 4 is driven, the water level a is detected by the first water level sensor 3a (step S213). When the water level a detected by the first water level sensor 3a falls below the first set water level (lower limit) (YES in step S213), the circulation pump 4 is stopped (step S214). After stopping the circulation pump 4, the rotation speed of the inner tank 1 is increased from 100 rpm to, for example, 200 rpm, and the dehydration operation is started (step S215). The washing water is removed from the laundry 7 by the dehydrating operation, and the washing water is collected in the bottom portion of the outer tub 2 . Then, the water level at the bottom of the outer tub 2 rises. In this embodiment, the dehydration operation is performed at a rotation speed of 200 rpm, but other rotation speeds such as 150 rpm and 300 rpm may be used.

When the first water level sensor 3a detects the water level (step S216) and the water level a detected by the first water level sensor 3a exceeds the first set water level (YES in step S216), the circulation pump 4 is driven. (Step S217). When the water level a detected by the first water level sensor 3a has not reached the first set water level (NO in step S216), the water level detection by the first water level sensor 3a is repeated.

After driving the circulation pump 4 in step S217, the rotation speed of the inner tank 1 is reduced from 200 rpm to 100 rpm, and the sticking operation is executed (step S218). That is, the number of revolutions of the inner tub 1 is shifted from the dewatering operation to the sticking operation.

After execution of the sticking operation, it is determined whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed (step S219), and if the predetermined period of time has elapsed (YES in step S219), the operation is terminated (step S220). In step S219, if the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S219), the operations from step S213 are repeated.

According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, since a plurality of water level sensors are provided, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the water level.

Example 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. Configurations common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drum-type washing machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The difference between Example 3 and Example 1 is that a stirring operation is provided.

As shown in FIG. 6, in Example 3, in addition to the sticking operation in which the rotation speed of the inner tub 1 is about 100 rpm, the stirring operation in which the rotation speed of the inner tub 1 is about 40 rpm is provided. In the stirring operation, the washing 7 lifted up by a lifter (not shown) provided in the inner tub 1 is repeatedly dropped downward.

Next, the washing process will be explained. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation flow of a washing process according to Example 3 of the present invention.

When the washing process of the washing machine starts (step S300), the inner tub 1 is rotated and the amount of laundry 7 put into the inner tub 1 is detected (step S301).

After the amount of laundry is detected, the inner tub 1 is rotated at about 100 rpm to start the attaching operation in order to attach the laundry 7 to the inner tub 1 (step S302).

Next, water supply to the outer tank 2 is started (step S303), and the water level sensor 3 detects the water level (step S304). If the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 has not reached the second set water level (NO in step S304), water level detection by the water level sensor 3 is repeated. When the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 reaches the second set water level (upper limit) (YES in step S304), water supply is stopped (step S305). The second set water level (upper limit) is set at a position where the lower surface of the inner tank 1 is not touched, as in the first embodiment.

After the water supply is stopped, the circulation pump 4 is driven (step S306), and the wash water collected at the bottom of the outer tub 2 is introduced into the inner tub 1.

Since the water level drops when the laundry 7 absorbs the washing water, the water level sensor 3 detects the water level (step S307). When the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 drops below the first set water level (lower limit), the circulation pump 4 is stopped (step S308), and water supply to the outer tank 2 is started (step S309). When the water level falls below a predetermined level, the circulation pump 4 is stopped because the circulation pump 4 sucks in air and causes cavitation.

The water level sensor 3 detects the water level (step S310), and when the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 reaches the second set water level (YES in step S310), water supply is stopped (step S311). If the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 has not reached the second set water level (NO in step S310), water level detection by the water level sensor 3 is repeated.

After water supply is stopped in step S311, the circulation pump 4 is driven again (step S312). Further, the rotational speed of the inner tank 1 is reduced from 100 rpm to 40 rpm, and the stirring operation is executed (step S313). Since the water level drops when the circulation pump 4 is driven, the water level is detected by the water level sensor 3 (step S314). When the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 falls below the first set water level (lower limit) (YES in step S314), the circulation pump 4 is stopped (step S315). After stopping the circulation pump 4, the rotation speed of the inner tank 1 is increased from 40 rpm to 100 rpm, and the sticking operation is started (step S316). That is, the rotational speed of the inner tub 1 is shifted from the stirring operation to the sticking operation.

When the water level sensor 3 detects the water level (step S317) and the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 reaches the first set water level (YES in step S317), the circulation pump 4 is driven (step S318). If the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 has not reached the first set water level (NO in step S317), the water level detection by the water level sensor 3 is repeated.

After driving the circulation pump 4 in step S318, the rotation speed of the inner tank 1 is decreased from 100 rpm to 40 rpm, and the stirring operation is performed (step S319).

After the stirring operation is executed, it is determined whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed (step S320), and if the predetermined period of time has elapsed (YES in step S320), the operation is terminated (step S321). In step S320, if the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S320), the operations from step S314 are repeated.

In Example 3, the laundry 7 is rubbed against each other by agitation, so the detergency is improved. In addition, in Example 3, since the position of the laundry 7 is changed by agitating the laundry 7, variations in the degree of cleanliness within the laundry 7 can be reduced.

In Example 3, a stirring operation is provided in which the rotational speed of the inner tank 1 is set to about 40 rpm. When executing the washing process with a small amount of washing water to save water, it may not be possible to obtain enough washing liquid to circulate during the stirring operation at the rotational speed of the inner tub 1 of about 40 rpm. , the circulation pump 4 may be stopped. By stopping the circulation pump 4, the load on the circulation pump 4 can be reduced and the life of the circulation pump 4 can be extended.

The sticking operation and the stirring operation should be repeated several times. For example, 100 rpm of sticking operation→40 rpm of stirring operation→100 rpm of sticking operation→40 rpm of stirring operation→100 rpm of sticking operation→40 rpm of stirring operation are repeated. By repeating the process multiple times, the friction between the cloths and the action of beating and washing can be added, and the degree of cleaning can be further improved.

Moreover, in Example 3, the sticking operation was performed first, but the stirring operation may be performed first. In this case, after starting and detecting the cloth amount, the stirring operation is performed at 40 rpm. When water is supplied and reaches a predetermined water level, the circulation pump 4 is driven to pour washing water onto the laundry 7 to absorb it. After the laundry 7 is made to absorb the washing water, it is dehydrated by performing a sticking operation at 100 rpm. By performing the stirring operation first, the washing water can be circulated by the circulation pump 4 during the stirring operation, and the washing water can be applied to the moving laundry, so that the washing water can be applied to the entire laundry. It can absorb water. Further, the stirring operation and the sticking operation may be repeated multiple times such as the stirring operation 40 rpm → the sticking operation 100 rpm → the stirring operation 40 rpm → the sticking operation 100 rpm → the stirring operation 40 rpm. By repeating the process multiple times, the friction between cloths and the action of beating and washing can be added, and the degree of cleaning can be further improved.

Example 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. Configurations common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the laundry 70 is put into the inner tub 1. FIG. FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the inner tub 1 is rotated at a maximum of about 600 rpm to create a gap 80 after the laundry 70 is put into the inner tub 1 .

The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a clearance forming operation is provided.

After the laundry 70 is put into the inner tub 1, when the rotation speed of the inner tub 1 is rotated at about 600 rpm, a gap 80 is formed in the center of the laundry 70 by centrifugal force.

In Example 1, the washing water is circulated after the sticking operation is performed, but in Example 4, a gap 80 is formed in the central portion of the laundry 70 put into the inner tub 1 before the sticking operation is performed. For this reason, the gap preparation operation is performed. The number of rotations of the inner tub 1 in the gap creation operation is higher than the number of rotations of the inner tub 1 in the sticking operation. By providing the gap 80, the washing water can pass through the gap 80, so that the washing water can be delivered to the inner side of the inner tub 1.例文帳に追加By forming the gap 80, the washing water reaches the inner side of the inner tub 1, so that the washing water can be absorbed by the whole laundry, the unevenness of the washing degree in the washing can be reduced, and the washing degree can be improved.

Next, the washing process will be explained. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the operation flow of the washing process according to Example 4 of the present invention.

When the washing process of the washing machine starts (step S100), the inner tub 1 is rotated and the amount of laundry 7 put into the inner tub 1 is detected (step S101).

After the amount of cloth is detected, the inner tank 1 is rotated at about 600 rpm to create the gap 80, and the gap forming operation is started (step S400).

After the gap forming operation has been completed for a predetermined time, the rotation speed of the inner tank 1 is set to about 100 rpm, and the sticking operation is started (step S102).

Next, water supply to the outer tank 2 is started (step S103), and the water level sensor 3 detects the water level (step S104). If the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 has not reached the second set water level (upper limit) (NO in step S104), water level detection by the water level sensor 3 is repeated. When the water level detected by the water level sensor 3 reaches the second set water level (YES in step S104), water supply is stopped (step S105).

After the water supply is stopped, the circulation pump 4 is driven (step S106), and the wash water collected at the bottom of the outer tub 2 is introduced into the inner tub 1.

According to the fourth embodiment, by pouring the washing water through the gaps 80 of the laundry 70 created by the gap creating operation, the washing water can be absorbed by the entire laundry, and the unevenness of the degree of cleanliness in the laundry can be reduced. can be reduced and cleaning can be improved.

Since steps S107 to S120 are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

Further, in the washing process of the fourth embodiment, the stirring operation described in the third embodiment may be incorporated. For example, the sticking operation is performed at about 100 rpm, and after driving the circulation pump in step S312, the rotation speed of the inner tank 1 is set to about 40 rpm and the stirring operation is performed (gap creation operation 600 rpm → sticking operation 100 rpm → stirring operation 40 rpm). . In addition, the 100 rpm sticking operation and 40 rpm stirring operation after the 600 rpm gap creating operation may be repeated multiple times (for example, 600 rpm gap creating operation → 100 rpm sticking operation → 40 rpm stirring operation → 100 rpm sticking operation → 40 rpm stirring operation. → Sticking operation 100 rpm → Stirring operation 40 rpm). By repeating the sticking operation and the stirring operation multiple times, the friction between the cloths and the action of beating and washing are added, and the degree of washing can be improved.

The gap creation operation is effective in improving the degree of cleaning when there is a large amount of laundry, but when the laundry is almost at the rated capacity, the laundry is uneven, so the inner tub 1 is rotated at high speed. Production operation is difficult. In this case, after detecting the amount of cloth, it is preferable to perform the stirring operation at about 40 rpm, and then increase the rotational speed to 100 rpm and perform the sticking operation.

The number of rotations of the inner tub 1 in each of the above-described embodiments is an example, and the number of rotations of the inner tub 1 is not limited to the above numerical values.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Inner tank, 2... Outer tank, 3... Water level sensor, 3a... First water level sensor, 3b... Second water level sensor, 4... Circulation pump, 5... Circulation path, 6... Water surface, 7, 70... Laundry, 10... Drum type washing machine, 80... Gap

Claims (10)

An outer tank for storing water, an inner tank provided inside the outer tank and into which laundry is put, and a water tank provided so as to connect the outer tank and the inner tank, and the water in the outer tank is supplied to the inner tank. and a circulation pump arranged in the circulation path,
The washing machine has a sticking operation that rotates the inner tub so that the laundry sticks to the inside of the inner tub in the washing process,
A washing machine according to claim 1, wherein said circulation pump is operated during said sticking operation to circulate water from said outer tub to said inner tub. In claim 1,
A water level sensor that detects the water level of the outer tank,
A washing machine, wherein when the water level detected by the water level sensor falls below a first set water level, the circulation pump is stopped and water supply to the outer tub is started. In claim 2,
The washing machine is characterized in that, when the water level detected by the water level sensor reaches a second set water level, water supply to the outer tub is stopped and the circulation pump is driven. In claim 3,
When the water level detected by the water level sensor falls below the first set water level, the circulation pump is stopped, and a dehydration operation is performed in which the inner tank is rotated at a higher rotation speed than that of the sticking operation. A washing machine characterized by: In claim 4,
When the water level detected by the water level sensor reaches the second set water level, the circulation pump is driven to shift the rotation speed of the inner tub from the dehydration operation to the sticking operation. machine. In any one of claims 3 to 5,
The washing machine, wherein the second set water level is set at a position where the water stored in the outer tub does not touch the lower surface of the inner tub. In any one of claims 3 to 5,
The washing machine, wherein the water level sensor comprises a first water level sensor for detecting the first set water level and a second water level sensor for detecting the second set water level. In claim 3,
A washing machine characterized in that, after driving the circulation pump, a stirring operation is performed in which the inner tub is rotated at a rotation speed lower than that of the stretching operation. In claim 8,
When the water level detected by the water level sensor falls below the first set water level, the circulation pump is stopped and the rotation speed of the inner tank is shifted from the stirring operation to the sticking operation. Washing machine. In claim 1,
a gap-creating operation in which the inner tub is rotated at a rotation speed higher than the rotation speed of the sticking operation to form a gap in the central portion of the laundry thrown into the inner tub;
A washing machine characterized in that the gap-creating operation is performed before the sticking operation is performed.

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