JP3152842B2 - Dehydration combined washing machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine equipped with a turbidity detecting means for detecting turbidity of washing water.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a washing machine for both dehydration and dehydration has a dehydration rinsing step. As is well known, this dehydration rinsing step is performed to effectively remove the detergent from the laundry after the detergent washing step and the like, and the content of the step is to rotate the dehydration tub containing the laundry. Water is supplied to the inside while the water is being supplied, and then the water supply is stopped and the dewatering tub is rotated. As a result, the water permeates into the laundry, and the water containing the detergent is shaken off from the laundry by the rotational centrifugal force of the dewatering tub.

[0003]

However, in the prior art, the dehydration rinsing step is executed in a predetermined constant dehydration rinsing step mode (the execution time and the number of executions are constant). Since the rinsing stroke mode is set to the execution time or the number of times that the rinsing effect does not run short, the dehydration rinsing process may take too much time or the water usage may be wastefully increased. There is a problem that the dewatering and rinsing efficiency is poor and the washing effect is not so improved.

[0004] In addition, although the amount of detergent may be insufficient with respect to the amount of dirt on the laundry, there is no means for determining whether or not the amount is insufficient. There was also a problem that it did not rise much.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a first object of the present invention is to improve a washing effect by improving a dewatering and rinsing efficiency, and a second object is to use a detergent amount. It is intended to improve the washing effect as much as possible even if the amount of detergent is insufficient by judging whether or not the amount is insufficient.

[0006]

In order to achieve the first object, laundry is detected by means of turbidity detecting means for detecting the turbidity of washing water, water supply into the dewatering tub and rotation of the dewatering tub. and dehydrating the rinsing process control means for controlling the dewatering rinsing process where rinsing, large more detected turbidity in the turbidity detecting means
And a dehydrating rinsing stroke mode changing means for changing a stroke mode of the dehydrating rinsing stroke so as to increase the number of executions of the dehydrating rinsing stroke (the invention of claim 1).

[0007] The second means is a turbidity detecting washing water turbidity.
Degree detection means, water supply into the dehydration tank and rotation of the dehydration tank.
Control the dewatering and rinsing process where more laundry is rinsed
And dehydrating the rinsing process control means, more test the turbidity detection means
The greater the turbidity emitted, the longer the run time of the dehydration and rinsing process
Change the stroke mode of the dehydration rinsing process to make it longer
Dehydration and rinsing stroke mode change means.
That (the invention of claim 2).

[0008]

[0009]

In order to achieve the second object, the third means comprises a turbidity detecting means for detecting the turbidity of the washing water, and a turbidity detecting means for detecting when the turbidity detected by the turbidity detecting means is small. Selecting means for selecting and executing a washing course having a pickling step, and selecting and executing a washing course having no pickling step (the invention of claim 3 ).

A fourth means is that, in the third means, when the selecting means executes a washing course having a pickling step, the execution time of the pickling step becomes longer as the degree of change in turbidity is smaller. This is the feature (the invention of claim 4 ).

[0012]

In the case where the dewatering and rinsing step is always performed in the fixed stroke mode, when the turbidity of the washing water is small, the amount of water used in the dehydrating and rinsing step is often excessive,
Also, the time of the dewatering and rinsing process is considerably long with respect to the turbidity.

[0013] However in the first means to detect turbidity of the washing water, because is adapted to increase the number of times of execution of the dehydration rinsing operation as test out the turbidity is high, dehydration rinsing cycle time Shortening and reduction of water consumption can be favorably achieved.

[0014] In the second means, the dehydration rinsing step mode changing means is adapted to extend the execution time of the dehydrating rinsing step as the detected turbidity is larger. Ru can be achieved in good to reduce usage.

Whether the amount of detergent is insufficient with respect to the amount of soiling of the laundry can be determined by the degree of change in the turbidity of the washing water. In other words, when the amount of the detergent is slightly insufficient, the appearance of dirt on the washing water decreases.

In the third means, when the degree of change in the turbidity detected by the turbidity detecting means is small, a washing course having a pickling process is selected and executed, and the detected turbidity is detected. When the degree of change is large, a washing course having no pickling process is selected and executed.By executing a washing course having a pickling process, dirt can be easily removed by the pickling process, and the detergent Even if the amount is short, the washing effect can be improved.

In the fourth means, when the selecting means executes a washing course having a pickling step, the execution time of the pickling step is longer as the degree of change in turbidity is smaller. According to the degree of the shortage of the detergent, the execution time of the pickling process is increased, and the washing effect is further improved.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the entire dehydrating / washing machine. A tub 2 is provided in an outer box 1 while being supported by an elastic suspension mechanism 3 (only part of which is shown). A rotating tub 4 serving as a dewatering tub is provided.
Further, a stirring body 5 is disposed at the bottom in the rotating tank 4, and a drain valve 6 and a drain hose 7 for draining from the inside of the tub 2 and the rotating tank 4 are arranged outside the tub 2 below the stirring body 5. And a drive mechanism 9 mainly composed of a motor 8. The drive mechanism 9 stops the rotary tub 4 during washing and rinsing to rotate the stirrer 5. 4
Is rotated together with the stirring body 5.

The rotary tub 4 has a dewatering hole 11 only at an upper portion where the balance ring 10 is mounted, and dewaters from the dewatering hole 11 through a gap between the balance ring 10 and the upper portion. . On the other hand, a flat ring-shaped tub cover 12 is mounted on the upper portion of the tub 2, and an inner lid 13 is pivotally supported on the tub cover 12 by a rear support shaft 14 so as to be vertically rotatable. The opening inside 12 is opened and closed. Therefore, the inner lid 13 is located above the rotary tub 4 and covers the upper portion of the rotary tub 4 in a closed state.

A concave portion 15 is formed in the center of the rear portion which is a part of the peripheral portion of the inner lid 13. This concave portion 15
The bottom has a slope that gradually decreases from the front part to the rear part, and a large number of water passage holes 16 are formed in the rear part, which is the lowest part, so that the concave part 15 functions as a water passage part. In addition, a concave portion cover 17 that covers the open upper surface portion of the concave portion 15 except for a portion above the water hole 16 is attached to the open upper surface portion of the concave portion 15. The portion is provided with a handle 18 for opening the lid.

Further, a top cover 19 is mounted above the inner lid 13 and the tub cover 12, and an outer lid 20 is provided on the top cover 19, and a concave portion 15 of the inner lid 13 is provided.
There is provided a water supply device 22 mainly including a water supply valve 21 which is located at the rear upper side and supplies water into the concave portion 15 therefrom.
An operation panel 23 as shown in FIG. 3 is provided at the front of the top cover 19, and includes a course selection switch 24a, a favorite rinsing switch 24b, a washing time setting switch 24c, a start switch 24d, and the like. A switch input unit 24 is provided, and a display unit 25 and the like are provided.

A water passage 26 is formed in the lower part of the rotary tub 4, and the water passage 26 is communicated with the drain valve 6 through a water passage 27 formed at the bottom of the tub 2. I have.
When the water is stored in the rotary tank 4, the water is stored up to the water passage 27, but is not stored in the tub 2. At the time of drainage, the water in the rotary tub 4 is discharged through the water hole 26 and the water passage 27, the drain valve 6, and the drain hose 7. In addition, at the time of spin-drying, the spinning tub 2
The water that has flowed in is passed through a drainage hole 28 formed at the bottom of the tub 2 to the drainage hose 7 via a connecting pipe (not shown), and is discharged to the outside.

The water passage 27 is provided with an optical sensor 29 as turbidity detecting means. As shown in FIG. 4, the optical sensor 29 includes a light emitting element 29a and a light receiving element 29b.
The washing water can pass between a and 29b. Therefore, the turbidity of the washing water can be detected by the optical sensor 29.

Next, the electrical configuration will be described. In FIG. 1, a control circuit 30 includes a microcomputer and various A / D converters. The control circuit 30 receives a switch signal from the switch input unit 24 and a lid open / close signal from a lid switch 31 responsive to the opening / closing of the outer lid 20.
A water level detection signal is input from a water level sensor 32 that detects a water level in the inside, and a turbidity detection signal from the optical sensor 29 is input.

As shown in FIG. 6, the control circuit 30 controls the water supply valve 21, the motor 8, and the drain valve 6 to drive the drive circuit 32 based on the above-mentioned inputs and a control program stored in advance. The display unit 25 is driven and controlled via the control unit.

The control circuit 30 functions as a dehydrating / rinsing stroke control means and a dehydrating / rinsing stroke mode changing means and also as a selecting means. First, the dehydrating / rinsing stroke controlling means and the dehydrating / rinsing stroke mode changing means are operated. The control contents of the means will be described with reference to FIG.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 6 starts when, for example, a “standard” washing course is set and the start switch 24d is operated. The control circuit 30 first executes a laundry amount determination process (step S1). In this laundry amount determination process, before supplying water into the rotating tub 4, the motor 8 is turned on / off in a predetermined cutoff pattern, and the motor 8 at that time is turned off.
A signal Sm (see FIG. 1) indicating the motor characteristics such as the number of rotations of the motor or the voltage across the terminals of the running capacitor of the motor 8 is read, and according to the detection result, the laundry amount is changed to, for example, “large laundry amount”, “medium laundry amount”. , "A little amount of laundry", and "a little amount of laundry".

Then, the water supply water level is determined according to the result of this determination (step S2). In this case, the water level “high”, the water level “medium”, the water level “low”, and the water level “small” are determined according to the above-described ranks of the laundry amounts. Thereafter, the washing process is executed at this water level (step S3). When this is completed, the drainage process is executed and the turbidity detection result (detection signal) is read from the optical sensor 29, as shown in step S4. Next, other processes including the dehydration rinsing process are controlled in accordance with the turbidity detection result. In this case, the turbidity level is one of four levels of “large”, “medium”, “small”, and “very small”. First, when the turbidity is “large” (“YES” in step S5), the first
The dehydration process is performed in "3 minutes" (step S8). In this dehydration step, the motor 8 is driven to rotate the rotary tub 4 in one direction at a high speed.

Next, a dehydration rinsing step is performed (steps S9 to S14). This dehydration rinsing process
It consists of a water injection dehydration operation and a dehydration operation, and the water injection dehydration operation of step S9 and the dehydration operation of step S10 constitute a single dehydration rinsing step. Therefore, in this case, the first dehydration rinsing step is performed in steps S9 and S10, the second dehydration rinsing step is performed in steps S11 and S12, and the third dehydration rinsing step is performed in steps S13 and S14. A rinsing operation is performed in each case. FIG. 5 shows a driving state of the motor 8, a power supply / disconnection state of the water supply valve 21 (opening / closing state), and a rotating state of the rotary tub 4 in the dehydration rinsing process.

As can be seen from the figure, in the water injection / dehydration operation in the first dehydration / rinsing step, the water supply valve 21 is energized and opened, and the motor 8 is driven at a low speed to rotate the rotary tub 4 at a low speed (for example, 100 rpm). .pm). The execution time of the water injection dehydration operation, in other words, the water supply time is one minute. In the next dehydration operation, the water supply valve 21 is cut off and closed, and the motor 8 is driven at a high speed to drive the rotary tub 4 at a high speed (for example, 1000 rpm).
The execution time of this dehydration operation is 2 minutes, and therefore, the execution time of the first dehydration rinsing step is 3 minutes. After this, 1
After the motor 8 is turned off for 0 seconds, the second dehydration rinsing step is executed in the same manner as the first dehydration rinsing step, and after the motor 8 is turned off for 10 seconds, the third dehydration rinsing step is performed. This is performed in the same manner as the first dehydration rinsing step.

In the water-supplying and dehydrating operation in each dehydrating and rinsing step, water is supplied into the rotating tub 4 so that water permeates into the laundry in the rotating tub 4 and the rotating tub 4 is rotated by the next dehydrating operation. By rotating at a high speed, water is shaken off from the laundry inside. As a result, the detergent in the laundry is effectively removed.

Thereafter, as shown in step S15, a rinsing stroke is performed for a predetermined time. For this reason, in the rinsing process, the stirring body 5 is rotated while water is stored in the rotary tank 4. Next, a final dehydration step is performed for a predetermined time (step S16), and the washing is ended.

On the other hand, when the turbidity is "medium"("YES" in step S6), the stroke control in steps S17 to S23 is executed. In this case, when the turbidity is “large” (step S8 to step S16)
The first dehydration step (step S17) has an execution time of 1.5 minutes. The dehydration rinsing process is performed twice (step S
18, step S19, step S20 and step S21), in each dehydration rinsing step, the water injection dehydration operation is 0.5 minutes (30 seconds), and the dehydration operation is 1 minute.

Further, when the turbidity is "small"("YES" in step S7), the stroke control in steps S24 to S30 is executed. In this case, when the turbidity is “large” (steps S8 to S1)
Describing a part different from 6), the execution time of the first dehydration step (step S24) is 1 minute. And
The dehydration rinsing step is performed twice (step S25, step S26, step S27, and step S28). In each dehydration rinsing step, the water injection dehydration operation is set to 0.5 minutes, and the dehydration operation is also performed at 0. It is 5 minutes.

When the turbidity is "very small"("NO" in step S7), the stroke control in steps S31 to S35 is executed. In this case, when the turbidity is “large” (steps S8 to S1)
Describing a part different from 6), the execution time of the first dehydration step (step S31) is set to one minute. And
The dehydration rinsing step is performed once (steps S32 and S33). In this dehydration rinsing step, the water injection dehydration operation is set to 0.5 minutes, and the dehydration operation is also set to 0.5 minutes. .

According to the present embodiment, the turbidity of the washing water is detected, and the process mode of the dehydration rinsing process is changed according to the detection result. Thus, problems such as excessive time in the dehydration rinsing step and wasted water consumption can be eliminated, and dehydration rinsing efficiency is improved.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the larger the detected turbidity, the larger the number of executions of the dehydration rinsing step. Therefore, the number of executions in accordance with the detected turbidity can be set. It is possible to satisfactorily reduce time and water consumption.

Further, the longer the detected turbidity is, the longer the execution time of the dewatering and rinsing step is. Therefore, the time for the dewatering and rinsing step can be shortened and the amount of water used can be reduced satisfactorily. The higher the turbidity is, the longer the water supply time in the dehydration and rinsing step is, so that it is also possible to satisfactorily reduce the time for the dehydrating and rinsing step and reduce the amount of water used.

Next, the contents of control as selection means in the control circuit 30 will be described. The flowchart of FIG. 7 is started, for example, when the “big game” washing course is set and the start switch 24d is operated. In addition,
The detergent has been charged in the rotary tank 4 in advance. First, in step G1, the washing process is performed for 3 minutes and the degree of change in turbidity is detected. That is, after a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the rotating tank 4, the stirring body 5 is driven for 3 minutes in the predetermined mode. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, at the start time T0 of the above-mentioned stirring body 5, the detection voltage V (initial turbidity) (this voltage V
Is inversely proportional to the magnitude of the turbidity), and the detection voltage V is read again at the predetermined time T1 at the above-mentioned three minutes, and as the degree of change is smaller, that is, the detection voltage V after the above three minutes elapses. The larger the amount, the more the amount of detergent can be determined to be insufficient with respect to the amount of dirt.

If it is determined in step G2 that the degree of change is large (the detection voltage V is equal to or less than Vc), that is, the detergent amount is "appropriate amount or more", the pickling process is not performed. A washing course is performed. This washing course has a washing step of step G3, a dehydration rinsing step of step G4, and a dehydration step of step G5.

When it is determined in step G6 that the degree of change is slightly large (the detected voltage V is higher than Vc and lower than Vb), that is, the detergent amount is "slightly insufficient", the pickling process is performed. Is executed. This washing course includes a soaking step of 10 minutes in execution time shown in step G7, a washing step of step G3, a dehydration rinsing step of step G4, and a dehydration step of step G5. In the immersion process, intermittent driving of the stirrer 5 after a relatively long rest period is repeated. This allows
Even when the detergent is slightly insufficient, the stains on the laundry are easily removed.

Further, if it is determined in step G8 that the degree of change is slightly small (the detected voltage V is higher than Vb and lower than Va), that is, it is determined that the amount of detergent is "insufficient", the pickling process is performed. Is executed. This washing course has a pickling step of an execution time of 15 minutes shown in step G9, a washing step of step G3, a dehydration rinsing step of step G4, and a dehydration step of step G5. Due to the long execution time of the pickling step, even if the detergent is slightly insufficient, the stains on the laundry are easily removed.

Further, if it is determined in step G8 that the degree of change is small (the detected voltage V is higher than Va), that is, it is determined that the detergent amount is "substantially insufficient",
A washing course having a pickling process is performed. This washing course has an execution time of 2 shown in step G10.
It has a 5-minute immersion step, the washing step in step G3, the dehydration rinsing step in step G4, and the dehydration step in step G5. Due to the longer execution time of the pickling step, even when the detergent is relatively short, the stains on the laundry are easily removed.

According to the present embodiment, when the degree of change in turbidity detected by the optical sensor 29 is small, a washing course having a pickling process is selected and executed, and the degree of change in turbidity is reduced. When it is large, a washing course having no pickling process is selected and executed, so by executing a washing course having a pickling process, dirt is easily removed by the pickling process, and thus the amount of detergent tends to be insufficient. However, the washing effect can be improved.

In particular, when a washing course having a pickling process is performed, the smaller the degree of change in turbidity, the longer the execution time of the pickling process. The execution time of the process becomes longer, and the washing effect can be further improved.

In the above-described embodiment, a washing machine having both the spinning tub 4 and the spinning tub 4 having a spin-drying hole 11 only at the upper portion is illustrated as a spin-drying tub. However, FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the present invention can also be applied to a dehydrating / washing machine having a rotating tub 42 as a dehydrating tub having a large number of dehydrating holes 41 formed in a peripheral wall. In this case, an optical sensor 44 as turbidity detecting means may be provided at the bottom of the tub 43. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the number of executions, the execution time, and the water supply time of the dehydration rinsing process are changed, but only one of them or two of them may be changed. Further, when the shortage of the detergent is detected, the notification by the notification means may be performed.

[0046]

As apparent from the above description, the present invention has the following effects. According to the invention of claim 1, the turbidity of the washing water is detected, and the detected turbidity is large.
The more times the dehydration and rinsing steps are performed,
The number of runs according to the turbidity
Properly reduce the time required for the rinsing process and reduce the amount of water used
be able to.

[0047]

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the turbidity of the washing water is detected, and the longer the detected turbidity, the longer the execution time of the dehydration rinsing step. Thus, it is possible to satisfactorily shorten the time of the dehydration rinsing step and reduce the amount of water used.

[0049]

According to the third aspect of the invention, when the degree of change in the turbidity detected by the turbidity detecting means is small, a washing course having a pickling process is selected and executed, and the detected turbidity is measured. When the degree of change is large, a washing course having no pickling process is selected and executed, so that the washing effect can be improved even when the amount of detergent tends to be insufficient.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the washing course having the pickling step is executed, the execution time of the pickling step becomes longer as the degree of change in the turbidity is smaller. The execution time of the pickling process is changed according to the degree of the shortage, and the washing effect can be further improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electrical configuration showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view of a washing machine for both dehydration.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an operation panel.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an optical sensor portion.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a driving state of a motor, an opening / closing state of a water supply valve, and a changing state of a rotation speed of a rotary tank.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of control contents.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of control contents.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of detergent and turbidity.

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional side view of a washing machine with dehydration showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

4 is a rotary tank (dehydration tank), 5 is a stirring body, 21 is a water supply valve, 2
7 is a water passage, 29 is an optical sensor (turbidity detecting means), 30 is a control circuit (dehydrating rinsing stroke control means, dehydrating rinsing stroke mode changing means), 42 is a rotary tank (dehydrating tank), and 44 is an optical sensor (turbidity tank). Degree detecting means).

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-5-49785 (JP, A) JP-A-3-140194 (JP, A) JP-A-59-71778 (JP, A) JP-A-54-66566 (JP) , A) Shokai Sho 55-78093 (JP, U) JP 4-17080 (JP, B2) JP 3-6837 (JP, B2) JP 4-9559 (JP, B2) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) D06F 33/02 D06F 41/00

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A turbidity detecting means for detecting turbidity of washing water, and a dehydrating rinsing stroke controlling means for controlling a dehydrating rinsing stroke for rinsing the laundry by supplying water into the dehydrating tub and rotating the dehydrating tub. If, de more more detected turbidity in the turbidity detecting means is greater
A dehydration-washing machine comprising: a dehydration-rinsing-stroke mode changing means for changing a stroke mode of the dehydrating-rinsing step so as to increase the number of times of the water-rinsing step . 2. A turbidity detecting means for detecting turbidity of washing water.
When, to the laundry by the rotation of the feed water and dehydration water tub into the dewatering tank
Dehydration rinsing process that controls the immediate dehydration rinsing process
The control means and the turbidity detected by the turbidity detecting means increase as the turbidity increases.
The dewatering soot is performed so as to extend the execution time of the water rinsing process.
Change the stroke mode of the dewatering process Change the dewatering rinse process mode
A dehydration / washing machine comprising: 3. A turbidity detecting means for detecting turbidity of washing water.
And the degree of change in turbidity detected by the turbidity detecting means
When small, choose a washing course with a pickling process
If the detected turbidity changes greatly,
A washing course that does not have a pickling process
A dehydrating / washing machine comprising: a selection unit to be executed . 4. The washing means having a pickling process.
When running the course, the degree of change in turbidity is small
It is designed to increase the execution time of the pickling process
4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the washing machine is used.