JP3540688B2

JP3540688B2 - Fully automatic washing machine

Info

Publication number: JP3540688B2
Application number: JP28780199A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 修司堀田
Original assignee: Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Priority date: 1999-10-08
Filing date: 1999-10-08
Publication date: 2004-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 2019-10-08
Also published as: JP2001104683A; CN1292442A; CN1213187C

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は全自動洗濯機に関し、更に詳しくは、最終濯ぎ行程時に柔軟仕上げ剤等の液剤を洗濯脱水槽内に自動的に投入する液剤投入器を洗濯脱水槽の上部に備えた全自動洗濯機に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
全自動洗濯機では、予約した時刻に洗濯を開始するタイマ式の予約洗濯を行うために、洗い行程の給水時に外部の給水栓等から供給された水と共に洗濯脱水槽内に粉末又は液状の洗剤を投入し、最終濯ぎ行程の給水時には洗濯脱水槽内に柔軟仕上げ剤などの液剤を投入することができる自動投入器が設けられている。
【０００３】
最終濯ぎ行程の直前に液剤を投入するための自動投入器として、従来、特公昭６０−５０４７９号公報に記載のものが知られている。この自動液剤投入器は洗濯脱水槽の上縁端に周設した環状のバランスリングの一部に形成され、液剤を収容するための容器と１乃至複数の液剤保持室とを備えている。洗い行程や濯ぎ行程のあとの中間脱水行程において、予め容器内に収容されていた液剤は洗濯脱水槽に作用する遠心力によって、液剤容器から液剤保持室へ、更にその液剤保持室からに他の液剤保持室へと順次移動し、最終濯ぎ行程の直前に洗濯脱水槽内に流れ落ちる。流下した液剤は最終濯ぎのために給水された水に溶解する。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、この種の洗濯機では、水資源の節約を図るために、給水水量は洗濯物の量（負荷量）に応じて自動的に設定されるようになっている。最終濯ぎ行程時の給水水位が高水位である場合には、洗濯脱水槽の側周壁の大部分が水に浸るため、上述したような自動液剤投入器から流下した柔軟仕上げ液剤はその殆どが水に溶解する。しかしながら、給水水位が比較的低い場合には洗濯脱水槽の側周壁の上部が水に浸らないため、粘性の高い柔軟仕上げ液剤の一部が洗濯脱水槽の側周壁上部に付着したまま水に溶解せずに残ることがある。このように残留した液剤がカビの発生の原因となり、悪臭を生じたり甚だしくは洗濯物を汚すことがあった。また、実際に水の中に溶け込む柔軟仕上げ液剤の量はユーザによって容器に収容された液剤の量よりも少なくなるため、液剤が無駄になるのみならず、十分な柔軟仕上げの効果を得られないこともあった。
【０００５】
本発明は上記課題を解決するために成されたものであり、その目的とするところは、洗いや濯ぎのために適正に設定された給水水位の高低に拘わらず、最終濯ぎ行程時に投入される液剤の残留を防止することができる全自動洗濯機を提供することにある。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するために成された本発明の第１の全自動洗濯機は、洗濯脱水槽の上部にバランスリングと一体に、柔軟仕上げ液剤等の各種液剤を投入する液剤投入器を設置するとともに、液剤投入器は、その内部に、バランスリングの内周側に位置する第１保持室及び第３保持室と、第１保持室及び第３保持室の外周側に位置する第２保持室及び第４保持室とが設けられ、液剤注入口から注入された液剤は、第１保持室に溜まり、洗いが終了して中間脱水になり、洗濯脱水槽が高速で回転して、液剤にも大きな遠心力が作用すると、第２保持室へと入り、洗濯脱水槽の回転速度が落ちると、第３保持室内へと溜まり、１回目の濯ぎの後の中間脱水時に遠心力によって第３保持室から第４保持室へ入り、遠心力が作用しなくなると、液剤排出口から外部に排出される構造とし、最終濯ぎ時に給水された水に液剤投入器から流下した液剤が溶解する全自動洗濯機において、
a)洗濯脱水槽内に給水を行う給水手段と、
b)洗濯脱水槽内に給水された水の水位を検知する水位検知手段と、
c)洗い及び濯ぎ時に洗濯脱水槽内に貯留される水の給水水位を設定する水位設定手段と、
d)前記水位検知手段により水位を検知しつつ、洗い及び最終濯ぎ以外の濯ぎ時には前記水位設定手段により設定された給水水位まで給水を行うべく前記給水手段を制御し、最終濯ぎ時には該設定された給水水位に拘わらず所定水位まで給水を行うべく該給水手段を制御する給水制御手段と、
を備えることを特徴としている。
【０００７】
また、本発明の第２の全自動洗濯機は、上記第１の全自動洗濯機において、予め用意された複数の運転コースをユーザが選択するために操作される入力手段を備え、前記給水制御手段は該入力手段により１乃至複数の特定の運転コースが指定された場合にのみ最終濯ぎ時に所定水位まで給水を行い、該特定の運転コース以外の運転コースが指定された場合には前記水位設定手段により設定された給水水位までの給水を行うことを特徴としている。
【０００８】
また、本発明の第３の全自動洗濯機は、上記第１の全自動洗濯機において、前記給水制御手段が最終濯ぎ時に給水水位に拘わらず所定水位まで給水を行うという制御を実行するか否かをユーザが選択するために操作される入力手段を備えることを特徴としている。
【０００９】
また、本発明の第４の全自動洗濯機は、洗濯脱水槽の上部にバランスリングと一体に、柔軟仕上げ液剤等の各種液剤を投入する液剤投入器を設置するとともに、液剤投入器は、その内部に、バランスリングの内周側に位置する第１保持室及び第３保持室と、第１保持室及び第３保持室の外周側に位置する第２保持室及び第４保持室とが設けられ、液剤注入口から注入された液剤は、第１保持室に溜まり、洗いが終了して中間脱水になり、洗濯脱水槽が高速で回転して、液剤にも大きな遠心力が作用すると、第２保持室へと入り、洗濯脱水槽の回転速度が落ちると、第３保持室内へと溜まり、１回目の濯ぎの後の中間脱水時に遠心力によって第３保持室から第４保持室へ入り、遠心力が作用しなくなると、液剤排出口から外部に排出される構造とし、最終濯ぎ時に給水された水に液剤投入器から流下した液剤が溶解する全自動洗濯機において、洗い及び最終濯ぎ以外の濯ぎ時に洗濯脱水槽内の相対的に低い位置に設定された給水水位まで給水を行った場合でも、最終濯ぎ時には前記液剤投入器の取付位置又はその近傍まで給水を行うことを特徴としている。
【００１０】
また、本発明の第５の全自動洗濯機は、上記第４の全自動洗濯機において、最終濯ぎ時の水位は、複数段階に設定された給水水位の中で最も高い位置に設定された水位であることを特徴としている。
【００１１】
【発明の実施の形態、及び発明の効果】
本発明に係る第１の全自動洗濯機では、水位設定手段は、例えば洗濯脱水槽に収容された洗濯物の量つまり負荷量を自動的に検知し、その負荷量に応じて給水水位を設定する。或いは、複数段階に設けられた給水水位をユーザが選択するために操作される手段を含み、ユーザの指定により給水水位が設定されるようにしてもよい。更には、予め用意された複数の運転コースのうちの少なくとの一つの運転コースに対応して給水水位が定められており、その運転コースの指定に伴って該給水水位を設定するものであってもよい。
【００１２】
例えば負荷量に応じて給水水位が設定される場合、負荷量が少ないときには少量の水で十分な洗いや濯ぎ効果が得られるので、給水水位が相対的に低めに設定される。給水制御手段は、洗い行程や最終濯ぎ以外の濯ぎ行程の給水時には、上述のように設定された給水水位までの給水を行うべく給水手段を制御する。従って、例えば負荷量が少ない場合には少量の水が洗濯脱水槽に貯留され、それによって十分な洗いや濯ぎが実行される。一方、最終濯ぎ行程の給水時には、上記給水水位に拘わらず、給水制御手段は例えば複数段階の給水水位の中で最も高い位置に定められた給水水位まで給水を行うべく給水手段を制御する。つまり、負荷量が少ない場合であっても、最終濯ぎ時には多量の水が洗濯脱水槽内に貯留される。このため、洗濯脱水槽の側周壁は上部（通常バランスリング）を残して殆どが水に浸り、液剤投入器から流下した液剤は確実に水に溶解する。
【００１３】
このように本発明の全自動洗濯機によれば、液剤投入器から放出された液剤が確実に水に溶解するので、液剤が無駄にならず、例えば柔軟仕上げ液剤を用いる場合には所望の仕上げ効果が得られる。また、洗濯脱水槽の側周壁に液剤が付着したまま残ることがなくなるので、カビの発生を抑えることができる。
【００１４】
この発明の全自動洗濯機において、液剤を使用しないにも拘わらず、低水位で濯ぎが十分に行えるものを高水位まで給水してしまうと、節水という点では不利である。柔軟仕上げ液剤を使用するか否かはユーザによる選択であるが、一般的には、ドライクリーニング指定表示や手洗い指定表示のある衣類（以下「ドライマーク衣類」という）など、布傷みを生じやすい衣類を洗濯する場合に柔軟仕上げ剤が利用されることが多い。そこで、本発明の第２の全自動洗濯機では、例えばドライマーク衣類専用の運転コースなど、柔軟仕上げ剤を利用する頻度が高いと想定される運転コースが指定された場合にのみ、給水制御手段は上述のような特徴的な制御を実行する。
【００１５】
これにより、液剤が使用されない多くの場合には、最終濯ぎの給水時にも設定された給水水位までしか給水が行われないため、不所望に多くの水が利用されることがなくなり節水を図ることができる。
【００１６】
更に、本発明の第３の全自動洗濯機では、柔軟仕上げ液剤を使用する場合にユーザ自らが上記入力手段を操作すれば、液剤が利用される場合にのみ高水位までの給水が実行される。従って、液剤を溶解させるという効果を確実に得ることができると共に、液剤を利用しない場合には水を無駄に利用することがない。
【００１７】
本発明の第４の全自動洗濯機では、洗いや最終濯ぎ以外の濯ぎ時に洗濯脱水槽内に貯留される水量が相対的に少ない場合であっても、その水量とは無関係に、最終濯ぎ時には液剤投入器の取付位置又はその下方近傍まで水が貯留された状態で濯ぎが実行される。従って、第１の全自動洗濯機と同様に、液剤投入器から放出された液剤の流下経路の全て又は殆どが水面下になるので、液剤が確実に水に溶解し、洗濯脱水槽の側周壁に液剤が残ることを回避できる。なお、洗濯脱水槽の底部に配設されたパルセータの回転により濯ぎが実行される場合、パルセータの回転に伴って洗濯脱水槽の側周壁近傍では回転軸側よりも水位が上昇するから、給水時の水位は液剤投入器より或る程度下方であっても本発明として十分な効果が得られる。
【００１８】
また、本発明の第５の全自動洗濯機では、洗いや最終濯ぎ以外の濯ぎ時に、洗濯脱水槽内で最も高い位置に設定された給水水位（以下「高水位」という）よりも低い水位までの給水しか行われなくても、最終濯ぎ時には高水位までの給水が実行される。勿論、洗いや最終濯ぎ以外の濯ぎ時に高水位までの給水が行われた場合でも、最終濯ぎ時には高水位までの給水が実行される。一般に、この高水位は洗濯脱水槽の上縁端に近い位置に設定されるから、高水位までの給水を行っておけば、液剤投入器から放出された液剤の流下経路は殆ど水面下となり上述の効果を達成し得る。
【００１９】
【実施例】
以下、本発明に係る全自動洗濯機の一実施例を図面を参照して説明する。
図１はこの洗濯機の全体構成を示す縦断面図である。
【００２０】
洗濯機の筐体１の内部には有底円筒形状の外槽２が図示しない４本の吊棒により懸垂支持されており、外槽２の内部には周壁に多数の脱水孔を有する洗濯脱水槽３が主軸４を中心に回転自在に軸支されている。洗濯脱水槽３の上縁端には環状のバランスリング５が取り付けられ、これにより洗濯脱水槽３の首振り振動が抑制されるようになっている。洗濯脱水槽３の底部には洗濯物を撹拌するためのパルセータ６が配置されており、外槽２の下面に取り付けられたモータ７の回転動力は、モータプーリ８、Ｖベルト９、主プーリ１０などから成る伝達機構と動力切換機構１１とを介して洗濯脱水槽３とパルセータ６とに伝達される。動力切換機構１１はブレーキやクラッチを含み、主として洗い運転や濯ぎ運転時にはパルセータ６のみを一方向又は両方向に回転させ、脱水時には洗濯脱水槽３とパルセータ６とを一体に一方向に回転させるべく機械的な切換えを行う。
【００２１】
外槽２の上部後方には、外部の給水栓に一端が接続され、他端が洗剤容器１４に接続された給水管１２が設けられている。給水管１２の途中に設けられた給水バルブ１３が開かれると、給水管１２を通して洗剤容器１４に水が流入し、洗剤容器１４内に予め洗剤が収容されている場合にはその洗剤と共に洗濯脱水槽３内に水が供給される。外槽２の底部には排水口１５が設けられ、排水口１５には途中に排水バルブ１６を備えた排水管１７が接続されている。更に、外槽２の底部にはエアートラップ１８が形成されており、圧力ホース１９を介して水位センサ２０に接続されている。外槽２内に貯留された水の水位が上下するとそれに応じて圧力ホース１９内の空気圧が変化するから、水位センサ２０はこの圧力を検知することにより水位を検知する。筐体１の上面前部には複数の操作キーと表示器とを備えた操作パネル２３が設けられている。
【００２２】
また、バランスリング５の一部には、最終濯ぎの際に洗濯脱水槽３に柔軟仕上げ剤等の液剤を投入するための、液剤注入口４１と液剤排出口５５とを有する液剤投入器４０が設けられている。この液剤投入器４０の構造については後に詳述する。
【００２３】
図２はこの洗濯機の要部の電気系構成図である。マイクロコンピュータを含んで構成される制御部３０は運転プログラムを格納したメモリ３１やタイマ３２を備えており、その運転プログラムを実行することにより後述の如き洗濯の動作処理を進める。制御部３０には、操作パネル２３を含む操作部３５からキー入力信号が入力されると共に水位センサ２０から水位検知信号が入力される。また制御部３０は、モータ７を駆動するインバータ回路等を含むモータ駆動部３３と、給水バルブ１３及び排水バルブ１６を開閉駆動するバルブ駆動部３４に対しそれぞれ制御信号を出力する。更に制御部３０は、表示部３６に対してキー入力の受付状態や運転状態のモニタのための表示制御信号を出力する。
【００２４】
図３（ａ）は本洗濯機の標準的な洗濯行程の流れを示すフローチャートである。ユーザは洗濯脱水槽３に洗濯物を投入すると共に、洗剤容器１４に洗剤を、液剤投入器４０に柔軟仕上げ液剤を収容し、操作パネル２３より洗濯開始の指示を行う。すると、まず、洗濯物の量を自動的に検知するための負荷量検知処理が実行され、それにより検知された負荷量に応じて給水水位が決定される（ステップＳ１）。本洗濯機では、給水水位としては図１中に示した、極低水位Ｌ1、低水位Ｌ2、中水位Ｌ3、高水位Ｌ4の４段階の何れかが選択されるようになっている。その給水水位まで洗濯脱水槽３に水が貯留され、その注水の際に洗剤容器１４に収容されている洗剤が水と共に洗濯脱水槽３に流入する。そして、パルセータ６を回転させて洗い行程が実行される（ステップＳ２）。
【００２５】
洗い行程が終了すると水は排出され、洗濯脱水槽３とパルセータ６とが一体で高速回転されて中間脱水行程が実行される（ステップＳ３）。そのあと、上記給水水位まで洗濯脱水槽３に水が貯留され、パルセータ６を回転させて１回目の濯ぎ行程が実行される（ステップＳ４）。１回目の濯ぎ行程が終了すると水は排出され、ステップＳ３と同様にして中間脱水行程が実行される（ステップＳ５）。そのあと、２回目、つまり最終濯ぎ行程が行われ（ステップＳ６）、最後に最終脱水行程が行われる（ステップＳ７）。なお、最終濯ぎ行程は溜め濯ぎ又は注水濯ぎの何れかを選択できるようになっている。溜めすすぎは洗い濯ぎや１回目の濯ぎと同様に所定量の水を洗濯脱水槽３に貯留した状態で行う濯ぎであって、注水濯ぎは給水を継続し溢水水位Ｌ5以上に上昇した水を溢水口２１から排出しながら行う濯ぎである。
【００２６】
図５〜図１１は液剤投入器４０の構造を示す図である。液剤投入器４０は合成樹脂から成るバランスリング５と一体に成形され、バランスリング５は上部部材５Ａと下部部材５Ｂとが熱溶着により一体化された構造を有している。図５は上部部材５Ａに形成された液剤注入口４１の上面図、図６は図５中のＡ−Ａ’線断面図、図７は下部部材５Ｂに形成された液剤投入器４０の内部構造を示す平面図、図８は図７中のＢ−Ｂ’線断面図、図９は図７中のＣ−Ｃ’線断面図、図１０は図７中のＤ−Ｄ’線断面図、図１１は図７中のＥ−Ｅ’線断面図である。
【００２７】
図５及び図６に示すように、液剤投入器４０は上面に液剤注入口４１を有しており、液剤注入口４１はバランスリング５の上部部材５Ａの内周側に蝶動自在の蓋体４２により覆われるようになっている。
【００２８】
図７に示すように、液剤投入器４０の内部には、バランスリング５の内周側に位置する第１保持室４３及び第３保持室４８と、その第１、第３保持室４３、４８とそれぞれ第１及び第２隔壁４５、５０で隔てられ外周側に位置する第２保持室４４及び第４保持室４９とが設けられている。また、周方向に隣接する第２保持室４４と第４保持室４９とは第３隔壁５２により隔てられている。
【００２９】
図９に示すように第１隔壁４５の上端は低くなっており、上部部材５Ａと下部部材５Ｂとが溶着された状態では隙間が形成される。この隙間が第１保持室４３と第２保持室４４とを連通する液剤通過口４６となる。同様に、第２隔壁５０の上部には、第３保持室４８と第４保持室４９とを連通する液剤通過口が形成される。図８に示すように、第２保持室４４及び第４保持室４９の底壁はそれぞれ同一方向に下傾斜している。また、図１０に示すように、第２保持室４４と第３保持室４８とは大きな段差をもって連通している。更に、図１１に示すように、第４保持室４９の最低部には液剤落下口５３が開口しており、バランスリング５の外周側に開口した液剤排出口５５と液剤流出路５４を介して接続されている。
【００３０】
図３（ｂ）は、図３（ａ）に示した各洗濯行程における柔軟仕上げ液剤の移動状況を示す図である。即ち、柔軟仕上げ液剤を使用する場合、ユーザが洗濯に先立って液剤注入口４１から所定量の柔軟仕上げ液剤を注入すると、この液剤は第１保持室４３内に貯留される。ステップＳ２の洗い行程時には洗濯脱水槽３の回転速度は低いため、第１保持室内４３内の液剤に作用する遠心力は小さく、液剤は第１保持室４３内に引き続き保持される。洗い行程が終了してステップＳ３の中間脱水行程になると、洗濯脱水槽３は高速（最高１０００ｒｐｍ程度）で回転され、液剤にも大きな遠心力が作用する。すると、液剤は第１隔壁４５に張り付きつつ液剤通過口４６から第２保持室４４内へと入り、第２保持室４４の外周壁４７に張り付く。ステップＳ３の中間脱水行程が終了して洗濯脱水槽３の回転速度が落ちると、第２保持室４４の外周壁４７に張り付いていた液剤は重力によって底壁の傾斜に沿って流れ、第３保持室４８内へと溜まる。
【００３１】
ステップＳ４の１回目の濯ぎ行程時には、先の洗い行程時と同様に第３保持室４８内の液剤に作用する遠心力は小さく、液剤は第３保持室４８内に保持される。更に、ステップＳ５の中間脱水行程時に遠心力によって第３保持室４８から第４保持室４９へ入り、第４保持室４９の外周壁５１に張り付く。そして、ステップＳ５の中間脱水行程が終了すると遠心力が作用しなくなり、第４保持室４９の底壁の傾斜に沿って液剤落下口５３から落下し、液剤流出路５４を通って液剤排出口５５から外部に排出される。而して、ステップＳ５の中間脱水行程の終了後には、柔軟仕上げ剤は液剤排出口５５から吐き出されて洗濯脱水槽３の外周壁を伝い落ちる。なお、上記液剤投入器４０は中間脱水行程を２回行ったあとに最終濯ぎ行程に移行する場合の例であるが、例えば濯ぎを全部で３回繰り返し、各濯ぎのあとに中間脱水を行う場合にはその分だけ保持室の数を増やせばよい。
【００３２】
既に述べたように、洗い行程及び１回目の濯ぎ行程時には予め設定された給水水位（Ｌ1〜Ｌ4の何れか）まで給水が行われ、そのように給水水位まで水が貯留した状態で洗いや濯ぎが実行される。これに対し、ステップＳ６の最終濯ぎ行程においてのみ、次に説明するような特徴的な制御が実行される。
【００３３】
図４は本実施例の洗濯機における最終濯ぎ時の制御フローチャートである。
最終濯ぎ行程が開始されると、まず制御部３０はバルブ駆動部３４を介して給水バルブ１３をＯＮさせ、洗濯脱水槽３内への給水を開始する（ステップＳ１０）。そのあと、水位センサ２０により洗濯脱水槽３内の水位を検出し、予め設定されていた給水水位（つまりＬ1〜Ｌ4の何れか）に到達したならば（ステップＳ１１で「Ｙ」）、給水を継続しつつタイマ３２による計時を開始する（ステップＳ１２）。更に、モータ駆動部３３を介してモータ７を作動させ、パルセータ６を所定時間毎に左右反転回転させる（ステップＳ１３）。これにより、洗濯脱水槽３内に貯留された水には水流が発生し、実質的な濯ぎが開始される。
【００３４】
タイマ３２による計時が２分に達するまでは（ステップＳ１４で「Ｎ」）、濯ぎの種類が溜め濯ぎであるか否かを判定し（ステップＳ１５）、溜め濯ぎである場合には、水位センサ２０により検出される水位が高水位Ｌ4に到達したか否かを判定する（ステップＳ１６）。そして、高水位Ｌ4に達したならば給水バルブ１３をＯＦＦさせて給水を停止する（ステップＳ１７）。ステップＳ１５で溜め濯ぎでないと判定された場合には注水濯ぎであるので、給水を継続したままステップ１４へ戻る。この場合、水位が溢水水位Ｌ5以上になると、溢水口２１から水が排出され、それ以上の水位上昇は停止する。このようにしてパルセータ６が回転され始めてから２分が経過すると（ステップＳ１４で「Ｙ」）、給水バルブ１３が開かれている場合には閉鎖され（ステップＳ１８）、モータ７が停止されると共に（ステップＳ１９）排水バルブ１６が開放されて洗濯脱水槽３内の水が排出される（ステップＳ２０）。そして次行程、つまり最終脱水行程へと進む。
【００３５】
而して、負荷量に応じて、或いはユーザの選択に応じて設定された給水水位が極低水位Ｌ1、低水位Ｌ2、中水位Ｌ3、高水位Ｌ4の何れであっても、最終濯ぎ時の給水水位は溜め濯ぎにおいては高水位Ｌ4に設定される。溜め濯ぎ、注水濯ぎの何れの場合でも、水位は高水位Ｌ4以上になるから、洗濯脱水槽３の側周壁は上端の一部を除いて水に浸かる。実際上、液剤投入器４０の液剤排出口５５よりも高水位Ｌ4の位置が或る程度低くても、パルセータ６が回転されることにより洗濯脱水槽３の側周壁近傍では水位が高水位Ｌ4の位置よりも高くなるため、液剤投入器４０の液剤排出口５５から流下した液剤のほぼ全てが水面下となり、確実に溶解する。
【００３６】
上述したような最終濯ぎ行程時の制御は常に実行されるのではなく、或る特定の運転コースが選択された場合にのみ実行されるようにしてもよい。即ち、一般に全自動洗濯機では、標準的な洗濯の運転コース以外に、例えば、ドライマーク衣類を洗濯するのに適したドライ運転コースなどの複数の運転コースが用意されている。通常、柔軟仕上げ剤はウール製品等、ドライマーク衣類に対して使用されることが多い。換言すれば、標準運転コースなどの他の運転コースを指定して洗濯が行われる場合には、柔軟仕上げ剤が使用されることは稀である。そこで上記実施例の洗濯機では、制御部３０は操作部３５においてユーザによりドライ運転コースが指定された上で洗濯開始が指示された場合にのみ、最終濯ぎ行程で図４に示したような制御を実行し、それ以外の運転コースが指定されている場合には給水水位まで給水した時点で給水バルブ１３をＯＦＦ（溜め濯ぎの場合）する制御を実行すればよい。
【００３７】
勿論、全てのユーザがドライ運転コースでのみ柔軟仕上げ剤を使用するとは限らないから、より好ましくは、例えば柔軟仕上げ剤使用の選択を指示するキーを操作パネル２３に設けておき、そのキーの操作に応じて制御部３０は上記制御を行うか否かを決めるようにするとよい。
【００３８】
なお、上記ドライ運転コースは単に一例であって、柔軟仕上剤の使用頻度が高いと想定される他の運転コース、例えばランジェリー類などの布傷みのし易い洗濯物を想定した弱洗い運転コース（デリケート運転コース、手洗い運転コース等と呼ばれることもある）に対して上述のような制御を行うようにしてもよいし、複数の運転コースに対して上述のような制御を行うようにしてもよい。
【００３９】
また、上記実施例は一例であり、本発明の趣旨の範囲で適宜修正及び変更を行えることは明らかである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施例による洗濯機の全体構成を示す縦断面図。
【図２】本実施例による洗濯機の電気系構成図。
【図３】本実施例による洗濯機の標準的な洗濯行程の流れを示すフローチャート及び各洗濯行程における柔軟仕上げ液剤の移動状況を示す図。
【図４】本実施例による洗濯機の最終濯ぎ行程時の制御フローチャート。
【図５】バランスリングの上部部材に形成された液剤注入口の上面図。
【図６】図５中のＡ−Ａ’線断面図。
【図７】バランスリングの下部部材に形成された液剤投入器の内部構造を示す平面図。
【図８】図７中のＢ−Ｂ’線断面図。
【図９】図７中のＣ−Ｃ’線断面図。
【図１０】図７中のＤ−Ｄ’線断面図。
【図１１】図７中のＥ−Ｅ’線断面図。
【符号の説明】
１…筐体２…外槽
３…洗濯脱水槽４…主軸
５…バランスリング５Ａ…上部部材
５Ｂ…下部部材６…パルセータ
７…モータ１２…給水管
１３…給水バルブ１４…洗剤容器
１５…排水口１６…排水バルブ
１７…排水管１８…エアートラップ
１９…圧力ホース２０…水位センサ
２１…溢水口２３…操作パネル
３０…制御部３１…メモリ
３２…タイマ３３…モータ駆動部
３４…バルブ駆動部３５…操作部
３６…表示部４０…液剤投入器
４１…液剤注入口４３、４４、４８、４９…保持室
４５、５０、５２…隔壁４６…液剤通過口
４７、５１…外周壁５３…液剤落下口
５４…液剤流出路５５…液剤排出口[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fully automatic washing machine, and more particularly, to a fully automatic washing machine having a liquid dispenser at an upper portion of a washing and dewatering tub for automatically dispensing a liquid such as a softening agent into a washing and dewatering tub during a final rinsing process. About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a fully automatic washing machine, in order to perform timer-type scheduled washing in which washing is started at a reserved time, a powdered or liquid detergent is placed in a washing / dehydrating tub together with water supplied from an external water tap at the time of water supply during a washing process. There is provided an automatic dispenser capable of dispensing a liquid material such as a softening agent into the washing / dewatering tub when water is supplied in a final rinsing step.
[0003]
2. Description of the Related Art As an automatic dispenser for dispensing a liquid agent immediately before a final rinsing process, a device disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 50479/1985 has been known. The automatic liquid dispenser is formed on a part of an annular balance ring provided around the upper edge of the washing and dewatering tub, and includes a container for accommodating a liquid agent and one or more liquid agent holding chambers. In the intermediate dehydration step after the washing step and the rinsing step, the liquid material previously stored in the container is transferred from the liquid material container to the liquid material holding chamber by the centrifugal force acting on the washing and dewatering tub, and then from the liquid material holding chamber to the other liquid material holding chamber. It moves sequentially to the liquid agent holding chamber, and flows down into the washing / dewatering tub just before the final rinsing step. The dropped solution dissolves in the water supplied for the final rinse.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in this type of washing machine, the amount of water supply is automatically set according to the amount of laundry (load amount) in order to save water resources. When the water supply level during the final rinsing step is high, most of the side peripheral wall of the washing and dewatering tub is immersed in water. Dissolve in However, when the water supply level is relatively low, the upper part of the side wall of the washing and dewatering tub does not become immersed in water, so a part of the highly viscous soft finishing liquid dissolves in water while adhering to the upper part of the side wall of the washing and dewatering tub. It may remain without doing so. The remaining liquid agent causes mold to be generated, resulting in a bad smell and severely soiling the laundry. In addition, since the amount of the soft finishing liquid that actually dissolves in water is smaller than the amount of the liquid stored in the container by the user, not only the liquid is wasted, but also a sufficient soft finishing effect cannot be obtained. There were things.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, and an object thereof is to be supplied at the time of the final rinsing process regardless of the level of the water supply level properly set for washing and rinsing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fully automatic washing machine capable of preventing a liquid agent from remaining.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first fully automatic washing machine of the present invention made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, At the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub, a liquid dispenser for dispensing various liquids such as a soft finishing liquid is installed integrally with the balance ring, and the liquid dispenser is disposed inside the first dispenser located on the inner peripheral side of the balance ring. A holding chamber and a third holding chamber, and a second holding chamber and a fourth holding chamber located on the outer peripheral side of the first holding chamber and the third holding chamber are provided. When the water is accumulated in the holding chamber, the washing is completed and intermediate dewatering is performed, the washing dewatering tub rotates at a high speed, and when a large centrifugal force acts on the liquid material, the liquid enters the second holding chamber and the rotation speed of the washing dewatering tub is reduced. When it falls, it accumulates in the third holding chamber and enters the fourth holding chamber from the third holding chamber due to centrifugal force during the intermediate dehydration after the first rinsing. It is structured to be drained, and liquid is added to the water supplied at the time of final rinsing. A stream of the liquid is dissolved from the inhaler In a fully automatic washing machine,
a) a water supply means for supplying water into the washing and dewatering tub,
b) water level detecting means for detecting the level of water supplied to the washing and dewatering tub,
c) water level setting means for setting a water supply level of water stored in the washing and dewatering tub during washing and rinsing,
d) While detecting the water level by the water level detection means, during the rinsing other than washing and final rinsing, the water supply means is controlled to supply water to the water supply water level set by the water level setting means, and the water level is set at the final rinsing. Water supply control means for controlling the water supply means to supply water to a predetermined water level regardless of the water supply water level,
It is characterized by having.
[0007]
Further, the second fully automatic washing machine of the present invention, in the first fully automatic washing machine, further comprises an input unit operated by a user to select a plurality of operation courses prepared in advance, wherein the water supply control is performed. The means supplies water to a predetermined water level at the time of final rinsing only when one or a plurality of specific operation courses are designated by the input means. When an operation course other than the specific operation course is designated, the water level setting is performed. Water is supplied up to the water supply level set by the means.
[0008]
In a third fully automatic washing machine according to the present invention, in the first fully automatic washing machine, it is determined whether or not the water supply control means executes control of performing water supply to a predetermined water level at the time of final rinsing regardless of the water supply water level. It is characterized by having an input means operated by a user to select the above.
[0009]
Further, the fourth fully automatic washing machine of the present invention comprises: At the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub, a liquid dispenser for dispensing various liquids such as a soft finishing liquid is installed integrally with the balance ring, and the liquid dispenser is disposed inside the first dispenser located on the inner peripheral side of the balance ring. A holding chamber and a third holding chamber, and a second holding chamber and a fourth holding chamber located on the outer peripheral side of the first holding chamber and the third holding chamber are provided. When the water is accumulated in the holding chamber, the washing is completed and intermediate dewatering is performed, the washing dewatering tub rotates at a high speed, and when a large centrifugal force acts on the liquid material, the liquid enters the second holding chamber and the rotation speed of the washing dewatering tub is reduced. When it falls, it accumulates in the third holding chamber and enters the fourth holding chamber from the third holding chamber due to centrifugal force during the intermediate dehydration after the first rinsing. It is structured to be drained, and liquid is added to the water supplied at the time of final rinsing. A stream of the liquid is dissolved from the inhaler In a fully automatic washing machine, even when water is supplied to a water supply level set at a relatively low position in the washing and dewatering tub during rinsing other than washing and final rinsing, at the final rinsing, the mounting position of the liquid injector or its position. It is characterized by supplying water to the vicinity.
[0010]
Further, in the fifth fully automatic washing machine of the present invention, in the fourth fully automatic washing machine, the water level at the time of the final rinsing is the water level set at the highest position among the supply water levels set in a plurality of stages. It is characterized by being.
[0011]
Embodiments of the present invention and effects of the present invention
In the first fully automatic washing machine according to the present invention, the water level setting means automatically detects, for example, the amount of the laundry stored in the washing and dewatering tub, that is, the load amount, and sets the water supply level according to the load amount. I do. Alternatively, means for operating the user to select a water supply level provided in a plurality of stages may be included, and the water supply level may be set by the user's specification. Further, the water supply level is determined corresponding to at least one of a plurality of operation courses prepared in advance, and the water supply level is set in accordance with the designation of the operation course. You may.
[0012]
For example, when the water supply level is set according to the load amount, when the load amount is small, a small amount of water can provide a sufficient washing and rinsing effect, so that the water supply level is set relatively low. The water supply control means controls the water supply means to supply water up to the water supply level set as described above during the water supply in the rinsing process other than the washing process and the final rinsing process. Therefore, for example, when the load is small, a small amount of water is stored in the washing and dewatering tub, whereby sufficient washing and rinsing are performed. On the other hand, at the time of water supply in the final rinsing step, the water supply control means controls the water supply means so as to supply water to a water supply water level set at the highest position among the water supply water levels in a plurality of stages, regardless of the water supply water level. That is, even when the load is small, a large amount of water is stored in the washing and dewatering tub during the final rinsing. For this reason, most of the side peripheral wall of the washing and dewatering tub is immersed in water except for the upper part (usually a balance ring), and the liquid agent flowing down from the liquid agent dispenser is surely dissolved in water.
[0013]
As described above, according to the fully automatic washing machine of the present invention, the liquid agent discharged from the liquid agent dispenser is surely dissolved in water, so that the liquid agent is not wasted. The effect is obtained. In addition, since the liquid agent does not remain on the side peripheral wall of the washing and dewatering tub while being adhered, generation of mold can be suppressed.
[0014]
In the fully automatic washing machine of the present invention, it is disadvantageous in terms of water saving if water that can be sufficiently rinsed at a low water level is supplied to a high water level even though no liquid agent is used. Whether or not to use the softening finish is a choice of the user, but in general, clothing that is susceptible to fabric damage, such as clothing with dry cleaning designation or hand wash designation (hereinafter referred to as "dry mark clothing"). Softeners are often used to wash garments. Therefore, in the second fully automatic washing machine of the present invention, the water supply control means is used only when an operation course which is assumed to frequently use the softening agent such as an operation course exclusively for dry mark clothing is designated. Performs the characteristic control as described above.
[0015]
As a result, in many cases where the liquid agent is not used, the water is supplied only up to the set water supply level even at the time of the final rinsing water supply, so that undesirably much water is not used and water is saved. Can be.
[0016]
Furthermore, in the third fully automatic washing machine of the present invention, if the user operates the input means when using the flexible finishing liquid, water supply to the high water level is performed only when the liquid is used. . Therefore, the effect of dissolving the liquid agent can be reliably obtained, and water is not wasted when the liquid agent is not used.
[0017]
In the fourth fully automatic washing machine of the present invention, even when the amount of water stored in the washing and dewatering tub during rinsing other than washing and final rinsing is relatively small, regardless of the amount of water, the final rinsing is performed. The rinsing is performed in a state where the water is stored up to the mounting position of the liquid medicine dispenser or the vicinity below the mounting position. Therefore, similarly to the first fully automatic washing machine, all or almost all of the flow path of the liquid discharged from the liquid dispenser is below the surface of the water, so that the liquid is surely dissolved in water, and the side peripheral wall of the washing dewatering tub. Liquid can be prevented from remaining on the surface. When rinsing is performed by rotation of the pulsator arranged at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub, the water level rises near the rotating shaft side near the side peripheral wall of the washing and dewatering tub with the rotation of the pulsator. Even if the water level is lower than the liquid injector by a certain degree, a sufficient effect can be obtained as the present invention.
[0018]
Further, in the fifth fully automatic washing machine of the present invention, at the time of rinsing other than washing and final rinsing, the water level is lower than the water supply water level set at the highest position in the washing and dewatering tub (hereinafter referred to as “high water level”). Even when only water supply is performed, water supply up to a high water level is performed at the time of final rinsing. Of course, even when water is supplied to a high water level during rinsing other than washing and final rinsing, water supply to a high water level is performed at the time of final rinsing. Generally, this high water level is set at a position near the upper edge of the washing and dewatering tub, so that if the water is supplied to the high water level, the flow path of the liquid discharged from the liquid dispenser becomes almost under the water surface. The effect of can be achieved.
[0019]
【Example】
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a fully automatic washing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the entire configuration of the washing machine.
[0020]
Inside the casing 1 of the washing machine, a cylindrical outer tub 2 with a bottom is suspended and supported by four hanging rods (not shown). The water tank 3 is rotatably supported about the main shaft 4. An annular balance ring 5 is attached to the upper edge of the washing and dewatering tub 3 so that swing vibration of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is suppressed. A pulsator 6 for stirring the laundry is disposed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 3. The rotating power of a motor 7 attached to the lower surface of the outer tub 2 is a motor pulley 8, a V belt 9, a main pulley 10, and the like. Is transmitted to the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the pulsator 6 via a transmission mechanism composed of The power switching mechanism 11 includes a brake and a clutch, and mainly rotates the pulsator 6 in one direction or both directions during a washing operation or a rinsing operation, and rotates the washing / dewatering tub 3 and the pulsator 6 integrally in one direction during dehydration. Perform a dynamic switching.
[0021]
A water supply pipe 12 having one end connected to an external water tap and the other end connected to a detergent container 14 is provided at the upper rear of the outer tub 2. When the water supply valve 13 provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 12 is opened, water flows into the detergent container 14 through the water supply pipe 12, and when the detergent is stored in the detergent container 14 in advance, the laundry is removed together with the detergent. Water is supplied into the water tank 3. A drain port 15 is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 2, and a drain pipe 17 provided with a drain valve 16 on the way is connected to the drain port 15. Further, an air trap 18 is formed at the bottom of the outer tank 2, and is connected to a water level sensor 20 via a pressure hose 19. When the water level of the water stored in the outer tub 2 rises and falls, the air pressure in the pressure hose 19 changes accordingly, and the water level sensor 20 detects the water level by detecting this pressure. An operation panel 23 having a plurality of operation keys and a display is provided at a front portion of an upper surface of the housing 1.
[0022]
Also, a part of the balance ring 5 is provided with a liquid material injector 40 having a liquid material inlet 41 and a liquid material outlet 55 for charging a liquid material such as a softening agent into the washing and dewatering tub 3 at the time of final rinsing. Is provided. The structure of the liquid material injector 40 will be described later in detail.
[0023]
FIG. 2 is an electric system configuration diagram of a main part of the washing machine. The control unit 30 including the microcomputer has a memory 31 and a timer 32 in which an operation program is stored, and executes the operation program to advance a washing operation process as described later. The control unit 30 receives a key input signal from the operation unit 35 including the operation panel 23 and a water level detection signal from the water level sensor 20. The control unit 30 outputs control signals to a motor drive unit 33 including an inverter circuit and the like for driving the motor 7 and a valve drive unit 34 for opening and closing the water supply valve 13 and the drain valve 16. Further, the control unit 30 outputs a display control signal to the display unit 36 to monitor a reception state of a key input and an operation state.
[0024]
FIG. 3A is a flowchart showing a flow of a standard washing process of the washing machine. The user puts the laundry into the washing / dehydrating tub 3, stores the detergent in the detergent container 14, the softener in the liquid dispenser 40, and gives an instruction to start the washing from the operation panel 23. Then, first, a load amount detection process for automatically detecting the amount of laundry is performed, and the water supply water level is determined according to the detected load amount (step S1). In this washing machine, any one of four levels of the extremely low water level L1, the low water level L2, the middle water level L3, and the high water level L4 shown in FIG. 1 is selected as the water supply water level. Water is stored in the washing and dewatering tub 3 up to the supply water level, and the detergent contained in the detergent container 14 flows into the washing and dewatering tub 3 together with the water when the water is injected. Then, the pulsator 6 is rotated to execute the washing process (step S2).
[0025]
When the washing process is completed, the water is drained, and the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the pulsator 6 are integrally rotated at a high speed to execute an intermediate dewatering process (step S3). Thereafter, water is stored in the washing / dewatering tub 3 up to the above-mentioned water supply level, and the rinsing step is executed by rotating the pulsator 6 (step S4). When the first rinsing step is completed, the water is drained, and an intermediate dewatering step is performed in the same manner as in step S3 (step S5). After that, the second time, that is, the final rinsing step is performed (step S6), and finally, the final dewatering step is performed (step S7). In the final rinsing process, either rinsing with a reservoir or rinsing with water can be selected. The pool rinsing is a rinsing in which a predetermined amount of water is stored in the washing and dewatering tub 3 in the same manner as the washing rinsing and the first rinsing, and the water rinsing is to continue the water supply and to overflow the water which has risen above the overflow water level L5. This is a rinsing performed while discharging from the mouth 21.
[0026]
FIGS. 5 to 11 are views showing the structure of the liquid agent injector 40. The liquid injector 40 is integrally formed with a balance ring 5 made of a synthetic resin, and the balance ring 5 has a structure in which an upper member 5A and a lower member 5B are integrated by heat welding. 5 is a top view of the liquid material inlet 41 formed in the upper member 5A, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA 'in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is an internal structure of the liquid material injector 40 formed in the lower member 5B. 8, FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line BB 'in FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line CC' in FIG. 7, FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line DD 'in FIG. FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line EE ′ in FIG.
[0027]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the liquid material injector 40 has a liquid material inlet 41 on the upper surface, and the liquid material inlet 41 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the upper member 5 </ b> A of the balance ring 5 so as to be able to swing freely. 42.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 7, a first holding chamber 43 and a third holding chamber 48 located on the inner peripheral side of the balance ring 5, and the first and third holding chambers 43 and 48 are provided inside the liquid medicine dispenser 40. And a second holding chamber 44 and a fourth holding chamber 49 which are located on the outer peripheral side and separated by the first and second partition walls 45 and 50, respectively. Further, the second holding chamber 44 and the fourth holding chamber 49 which are adjacent in the circumferential direction are separated by the third partition 52.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 9, the upper end of the first partition wall 45 is lower, and a gap is formed when the upper member 5A and the lower member 5B are welded. This gap serves as a liquid agent passage port 46 that connects the first holding chamber 43 and the second holding chamber 44. Similarly, a liquid agent passage opening that connects the third holding chamber 48 and the fourth holding chamber 49 is formed above the second partition 50. As shown in FIG. 8, the bottom walls of the second holding chamber 44 and the fourth holding chamber 49 are respectively inclined downward in the same direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the second holding chamber 44 and the third holding chamber 48 communicate with a large step. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a liquid material dropout port 53 is opened at the lowest part of the fourth holding chamber 49, and the liquid material discharge port 55 and the liquid material outflow passage 54 opened on the outer peripheral side of the balance ring 5 are provided. It is connected.
[0030]
FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a movement state of the soft finish liquid in each washing step shown in FIG. 3A. That is, in the case of using the soft finishing liquid, when the user injects a predetermined amount of the soft finishing liquid from the liquid inlet 41 prior to washing, the liquid is stored in the first holding chamber 43. Since the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is low during the washing process in step S2, the centrifugal force acting on the liquid agent in the first holding chamber 43 is small, and the liquid agent is continuously held in the first holding chamber 43. When the washing step is completed and the intermediate dewatering step of step S3 is started, the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated at a high speed (up to about 1000 rpm), and a large centrifugal force acts on the liquid agent. Then, the liquid material enters the second holding chamber 44 from the liquid material passage port 46 while adhering to the first partition 45, and adheres to the outer peripheral wall 47 of the second holding chamber 44. When the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is reduced after the intermediate dewatering process of step S3 is completed, the liquid agent stuck to the outer peripheral wall 47 of the second holding chamber 44 flows along the inclination of the bottom wall by gravity, and It accumulates in the holding chamber 48.
[0031]
During the first rinsing step of step S4, the centrifugal force acting on the liquid agent in the third holding chamber 48 is small, as in the previous washing step, and the liquid agent is held in the third holding chamber 48. Furthermore, during the intermediate dewatering process in step S5, the liquid enters the fourth holding chamber 49 from the third holding chamber 48 by centrifugal force and sticks to the outer peripheral wall 51 of the fourth holding chamber 49. When the intermediate dewatering process in step S5 is completed, the centrifugal force is no longer applied, the centrifugal force stops acting, the liquid drops from the liquid material dropping port 53 along the slope of the bottom wall of the fourth holding chamber 49, passes through the liquid material outflow path 54, and the liquid material discharging port 55 Is discharged to the outside. Thus, after the completion of the intermediate dewatering process in step S5, the softening agent is discharged from the liquid agent discharge port 55 and runs down the outer peripheral wall of the washing and dewatering tub 3. In addition, the above-mentioned liquid material feeder 40 is an example of a case where the intermediate dehydration step is performed twice and then the final rinsing step is performed. For example, a case where the rinsing is repeated three times in total and the intermediate dehydration is performed after each rinsing is performed. In this case, the number of holding chambers may be increased accordingly.
[0032]
As described above, during the washing step and the first rinsing step, water is supplied to a predetermined water supply level (any of L1 to L4), and washing and rinsing are performed in a state where water is stored up to the water supply level. Is executed. On the other hand, only in the final rinsing step of step S6, the following characteristic control is executed.
[0033]
FIG. 4 is a control flowchart at the time of final rinsing in the washing machine of the present embodiment.
When the final rinsing process is started, first, the control unit 30 turns on the water supply valve 13 via the valve drive unit 34, and starts water supply into the washing and dewatering tub 3 (step S10). Thereafter, the water level in the washing and dewatering tub 3 is detected by the water level sensor 20, and when the water level reaches a preset water level (that is, any of L1 to L4) ("Y" in step S11), water is supplied. The timer 32 starts counting while continuing (step S12). Further, the motor 7 is operated via the motor driving unit 33, and the pulsator 6 is rotated left and right at predetermined time intervals (step S13). As a result, a water flow is generated in the water stored in the washing and dewatering tub 3, and substantial rinsing is started.
[0034]
Until the time counted by the timer 32 reaches 2 minutes ("N" in step S14), it is determined whether or not the type of rinsing is the pool rinsing (step S15). It is determined whether or not the water level detected by the above has reached the high water level L4 (step S16). When the water level reaches the high water level L4, the water supply valve 13 is turned off to stop the water supply (step S17). If it is determined in step S15 that the rinsing operation is not the rinsing operation, it is determined that the rinsing operation is the injection rinsing operation. In this case, when the water level becomes equal to or higher than the overflow water level L5, water is discharged from the overflow port 21 and further rise of the water level stops. When two minutes have elapsed since the pulsator 6 started rotating in this way ("Y" in step S14), if the water supply valve 13 was open (step S18), the motor 7 was stopped and the water supply valve 13 was closed. (Step S19) The drain valve 16 is opened and the water in the washing and dewatering tub 3 is discharged (Step S20). Then, the process proceeds to the next step, that is, the final dehydration step.
[0035]
Thus, even if the water supply level set according to the load amount or according to the user's selection is any of the extremely low water level L1, the low water level L2, the medium water level L3, and the high water level L4, the final rinsing is performed. The supply water level is set to the high water level L4 during pool rinsing. In both cases of pool rinsing and water rinsing, since the water level is higher than the high water level L4, the side peripheral wall of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is immersed in water except for a part of the upper end. Actually, even if the position of the high water level L4 is lower than the liquid discharge port 55 of the liquid discharger 40 by a certain degree, the pulsator 6 is rotated so that the water level becomes high near the side peripheral wall of the washing and dewatering tub 3. Since the liquid material is higher than the position, almost all of the liquid material flowing down from the liquid material outlet 55 of the liquid material input device 40 is below the water surface, and is reliably dissolved.
[0036]
The control at the time of the final rinsing process as described above is not always executed, but may be executed only when a certain specific operation course is selected. That is, in general, in a fully automatic washing machine, a plurality of operation courses such as a dry operation course suitable for washing dry mark clothing are prepared in addition to a standard operation course for washing. Usually, softeners are often used on dry-marked garments, such as wool products. In other words, when washing is performed by designating another operation course such as a standard operation course, a softening agent is rarely used. Therefore, in the washing machine of the above-described embodiment, the control unit 30 performs the control as shown in FIG. 4 in the final rinsing process only when the user specifies the dry driving course and instructs the start of the washing on the operation unit 35. If the other operation course is designated, control may be executed to turn off the water supply valve 13 (in the case of pool rinsing) when water is supplied to the water supply level.
[0037]
Of course, not all users use the softening agent only in the dry driving course, so more preferably, for example, a key for instructing selection of using the softening agent is provided on the operation panel 23, and operation of the key is performed. The control unit 30 may determine whether or not to perform the above-described control in accordance with.
[0038]
Note that the above-mentioned dry operation course is merely an example, and other operation courses in which the use frequency of the softening agent is assumed to be high, for example, a weak washing operation course in which laundry such as lingerie is easily damaged by cloth damage ( The above-described control may be performed on a delicate driving course, a hand-washing driving course, or the like), or the above-described control may be performed on a plurality of driving courses. .
[0039]
The above embodiment is merely an example, and it is apparent that modifications and changes can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the entire configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an electrical configuration diagram of the washing machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of a standard washing process of the washing machine according to the embodiment, and a diagram showing a movement state of a softening liquid agent in each washing process.
FIG. 4 is a control flowchart during a final rinsing step of the washing machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a top view of a liquid injection port formed in an upper member of the balance ring.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an internal structure of a liquid medicine dispenser formed on a lower member of the balance ring.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line BB ′ in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line CC ′ in FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line DD ′ in FIG. 7;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line EE ′ in FIG. 7;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... housing 2 ... outer tank
3 ... Washing and dewatering tank 4 ... Spindle
5 ... Balance ring 5A ... Top member
5B: Lower part 6: Pulsator
7 ... motor 12 ... water supply pipe
13: Water supply valve 14: Detergent container
15 ... Drainage port 16 ... Drainage valve
17 ... drain pipe 18 ... air trap
19: Pressure hose 20: Water level sensor
21: Overflow port 23: Operation panel
30 ... Control unit 31 ... Memory
32: timer 33: motor drive unit
34: Valve drive unit 35: Operation unit
36 ... Display unit 40 ... Liquid dispenser
41 ... liquid material inlet 43, 44, 48, 49 ... holding chamber
45, 50, 52: Partition wall 46: Liquid material passage port
47, 51: outer peripheral wall 53: liquid material drop port
54: Liquid material outlet 55: Liquid material outlet

Claims

At the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub, a liquid dispenser for dispensing various liquids such as a soft finishing liquid is installed integrally with the balance ring, and the liquid dispenser is disposed inside the first dispenser located on the inner peripheral side of the balance ring. A holding chamber and a third holding chamber, and a second holding chamber and a fourth holding chamber located on the outer peripheral side of the first holding chamber and the third holding chamber are provided. When the water is accumulated in the holding chamber, the washing is completed and intermediate dewatering is performed, the washing dewatering tub rotates at a high speed, and when a large centrifugal force acts on the liquid material, the liquid enters the second holding chamber and the rotation speed of the washing dewatering tub is reduced. When it falls, it accumulates in the third holding chamber and enters the fourth holding chamber from the third holding chamber due to centrifugal force during the intermediate dehydration after the first rinsing. It is structured to be drained, and liquid is added to the water supplied at the time of final rinsing. In the fully automatic washing machine liquid is dissolved flowing down from the inhaler,
a) a water supply means for supplying water into the washing and dewatering tub,
b) water level detecting means for detecting the level of water supplied to the washing and dewatering tub,
c) water level setting means for setting a water supply level of water stored in the washing and dewatering tub during washing and rinsing,
d) While detecting the water level by the water level detection means, during the rinsing other than washing and final rinsing, the water supply means is controlled to supply water to the water supply water level set by the water level setting means, and the water level is set at the final rinsing. Water supply control means for controlling the water supply means to supply water to a predetermined water level regardless of the water supply water level,
A fully automatic washing machine comprising:

Input means operated by the user to select a plurality of driving courses prepared in advance, the water supply control means at the time of final rinsing only when one or more specific driving courses are specified by the input means The water supply up to a predetermined water level, and when an operation course other than the specific operation course is designated, water supply up to the water supply level set by the water level setting means is performed. Automatic washing machine.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit operated by a user to select whether or not the water supply control unit executes a control of supplying water to a predetermined water level regardless of the water supply level at the time of final rinsing. Fully automatic washing machine as described.

At the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub, a liquid dispenser for dispensing various liquids such as a soft finishing liquid is installed integrally with the balance ring, and the liquid dispenser is disposed inside the first dispenser located on the inner peripheral side of the balance ring. A holding chamber and a third holding chamber, and a second holding chamber and a fourth holding chamber located on the outer peripheral side of the first holding chamber and the third holding chamber are provided. When the water is accumulated in the holding chamber, the washing is completed and intermediate dewatering is performed, the washing dewatering tub rotates at a high speed, and when a large centrifugal force acts on the liquid material, the liquid enters the second holding chamber and the rotation speed of the washing dewatering tub is reduced. When it falls, it accumulates in the third holding chamber and enters the fourth holding chamber from the third holding chamber due to centrifugal force during the intermediate dehydration after the first rinsing. It is structured to be drained, and liquid is added to the water supplied at the time of final rinsing. In fully automatic washing machine flowed down liquide is dissolved from the inhaler, even when a water supply to the water supply level, which is set to a relatively low position of the laundry in the dehydrating tank during rinsing than washing and final rinse, during the final rinse A fully automatic washing machine characterized in that water is supplied to or near a mounting position of the liquid material dispenser.

The fully automatic washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the water level at the time of final rinsing is a water level set at the highest position among the water supply levels set in a plurality of stages.