JP3629414B2 - Electric washing machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electric washing machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Washing water used for washing (washing and rinsing) in an electric washing machine is supplied to the electric washing machine by a hose from a water source represented by water, and is supplied to the washing tub according to the user's instructions for washing clothes. Used.
[0003]
However, for example, tap water contains anions such as hypochlorite ions for the purpose of sterilizing various bacteria, and cations such as calcium ions, magnesium ions and iron ions contained in the water source. These ions have various adverse effects on washing, such as reduced detergency and coloring of clothes.
[0004]
A divalent cation such as calcium ion or magnesium ion contained as a hardness component has a great influence on the cleaning power of the detergent. Since these react with the surfactant in the detergent to form a water-insoluble metal soap, the amount of the surfactant that contributes to the cleaning is reduced and the cleaning power is lowered. Further, the produced metal soap is insoluble in water, and if it is not sufficiently rinsed, it remains on the clothing and appears as white spots, which causes yellowing and off-flavors. Furthermore, when it adheres and accumulates on the outer wall etc. of a washing tub, mold etc. may propagate there.
[0005]
These adverse effects are particularly noticeable when using soap as a detergent, and it is inappropriate to use soap in areas where water hardness is high.
[0006]
As a method for removing the harmful effects of these ions, a washing machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-20395 has a washing tub in which detergent is introduced after ions are removed (softened) from supplied washing water. The water is supplied to the laundries.
[0007]
The washing machine described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-20395 includes a washing tub for washing clothes and a water supply means for supplying water into the washing tub, and ions are removed in the middle of the water supply path of the water supply means. Means are provided. Further, ion exchange resin or activated carbon is used as the ion removing means.
[0008]
Since an ion exchange resin loses its ion removal effect after adsorbing a certain amount of ions, it needs to be regenerated after treating a certain amount of washing water. This regeneration can be realized by allowing salt water to act on an ion exchange resin that has adsorbed ions. The regeneration means for regenerating the ion exchange resin by causing the salt water to act on the ion exchange resin is integrated with the ion removing means and formed inside the top cover of the electric washing machine in order to streamline the water supply piping system Installed in a box.
[0009]
In addition, a general electric washing machine suspends and supports an outer tub by an anti-vibration support mechanism in an outer frame, and a washing / dehydrating tub and a stirring blade are rotatably installed inside the outer tub. The electric drive device installed outside the bottom is configured to rotationally drive the stirring blade alone or the washing / dehydrating tub and the stirring blade integrally. Then, by opening and closing the water supply electromagnetic valve, water is supplied into the washing and dewatering tub (outer tub) from the water supply port, and the laundry is stirred in the state where the washing water is stored in the outer tub by rotating the stirring blade. Execute the washing process (washing and rinsing), drain the washing water in the outer tub by opening and closing the drain solenoid valve, and rotate the washing / dehydration tub and the stirring blade integrally at high speed to wash the laundry A dehydration step of centrifugal dehydration is performed.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
It is desirable that the ion removing means has a treatment capacity to remove (soften) the washing water used in one wash into a preferable water quality, but this requires a large amount of ion exchange resin and is expensive. However, there is a problem that the size is increased.
[0011]
Further, in such an electric washing machine, in the rinsing step, the washing water in the laundry (detergent component and soil component) is stirred by rotating the stirring blade while the rinsing water is retained in the tub. )) In the rinsing water and then draining the garment in a rinsing manner, or by continuously supplying the rinsing water into the tub and causing the excess rinsing water to overflow and draining the laundry An overflow rinsing method is adopted in which the washing water (detergent component and dirt component) in the laundry is dissolved in the rinsing water by stirring and drained.
[0012]
The problem in the rinsing process of such an electric washing machine is to increase the rinsing efficiency so that the detergent component and the soil component can be removed with a small amount of rinsing water since the consumption of rinsing water is large.
[0013]
One object of the present invention is to provide an electric washing machine capable of producing and washing washing water having a preferable water quality softened by effectively using a small ion removing means.
[0014]
Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric washing machine capable of reducing the consumption of the salt by rationally using the salt for regenerating the ion removing means.
[0015]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an electric washing machine capable of improving the rinsing efficiency and removing the detergent component and the soil component with a small amount of rinsing water.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to an ion removing water supply having ion removing means for removing ions from tap water and supplying water into a tank, and regenerating means for bringing the regenerated salt water into contact with the ion exchange resin of the ion removing means to regenerate the ion exchange resin. The apparatus, the washing / dehydration tub and the stirring blade for washing and dewatering the laundry in the tub, the electric drive device for driving the washing / dehydration tub and the stirring wing, and the washing water in the tub is drained from the drain to the drain hose In an electric washing machine equipped with a drain electromagnetic valve and a control device for controlling these, the control device interrupts the supply of the wash water and performs water supply regeneration to regenerate the ion exchange resin, and then supplies water again. In the rinsing step, the washing and dewatering tub is rotated to rotate the rinsing water in the outer tub, and the rinsing water is made to approach the inner surface of the outer tub by centrifugal force. By recirculating a part of the washing / dehydration tank to sprinkle water into the washing / dehydration tank, and to drain the other part that has swung up from the overflow port to the outside of the outer tank. It is characterized by that.
[0017]
The ion-removal water supply device is provided with a reclaimed water discharge valve that closes when water is supplied and opens when the water supply is regenerated, and drains regenerated salt water and cleaning water to a drain hose through a reclaimed water drain pipe.
[0018]
The reclaimed water discharge valve is an automatic on-off valve that opens or closes according to the flowing water flow.
[0019]
In addition, the ion removal water supply device includes a reclaimed water drain pipe that discharges the regenerated salt water and the cleaning water to the vicinity of the drain port in the tank, and the control device drains the regenerated salt water and the cleaning water collected near the drain port. It is characterized by opening the drainage solenoid valve to drain into the hose.
[0020]
The drain outlet is provided in a drain recess formed at the bottom of the tank, and the reclaimed water drain pipe discharges the regenerated salt water and cleaning water into the drain recess.
[0021]
The rinsing step repeats the control of rotating the washing and dewatering tub to stop the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub and supplying the replenishing water after a predetermined period of irrigation and overflow drainage of the rinsing water in the outer tub. It is characterized by doing so.
[0022]
The rotation and stop of the washing / dehydrating tub and the replenishing water in the rinsing step are repeated while monitoring the degree of contamination of the rinsing water with a conductivity sensor.
[0023]
Further, the water level in the rinsing step is set to be lower than the water level in the reservoir rinsing.
[0024]
The rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub in the rinsing step is set to be lower than the rotation speed at which primary resonance occurs in the washing / dehydrating tub.
[0025]
The present invention also provides an ion removing means for removing ions from tap water and supplying the water into the tank, and an ion regenerating means for regenerating the ion exchange resin by bringing the regenerated salt water into contact with the ion exchange resin of the ion removing means. Removal water supply device, washing and dewatering tub and washing blade for washing and dewatering the laundry in the tub, electric drive device for driving the washing and dewatering tub and the stirring wing, and washing water in the tub to the drainage hose In an electric washing machine having a drain electromagnetic valve and a control device for controlling these, the control device controls the ion-removing water supply device so as to perform rinsing regeneration for regenerating the ion exchange resin before supplying the rinsing water. In the rinsing step, the washing and dewatering tub is rotated to rotate the rinsing water in the outer tub, and the rinsing water is swung up along the inner surface of the side wall of the outer tub by centrifugal force. Cum portion from the top of the dewatering tank approaching rose more brought to reflux such that the water spray to the washing and de-water tank is flooded out the outer tank from overflow outlet, characterized in that so as to drainage.
[0026]
The ion-removal water supply device is provided with a reclaimed water discharge valve that closes when water is supplied and opens when the rinse is regenerated, and drains regenerated salt water and cleaning water to a drain hose through a reclaimed water drain pipe.
[0027]
The reclaimed water discharge valve is an automatic on-off valve that opens or closes according to the flowing water flow.
[0028]
The ion removing water supply device includes a reclaimed water drain pipe that discharges regenerated salt water and cleaning water to the vicinity of a drain outlet in the tank, and the control device performs rinsing regeneration when draining the wash water to regenerate the regenerated salt water and cleaning water. The ion removing water supply device is controlled so as to drain the water together with the washing water into the drain hose.
[0029]
The rinsing step repeats the control of rotating the washing and dewatering tub to stop the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub and supplying the replenishing water after a predetermined period of irrigation and overflow drainage of the rinsing water in the outer tub. It is characterized by doing so.
[0030]
The rotation and stop of the washing / dehydrating tub and the replenishing water in the rinsing step are repeated while monitoring the degree of contamination of the rinsing water with a conductivity sensor.
[0031]
Further, the water level in the rinsing step is set to be lower than the water level in the reservoir rinsing.
[0032]
The rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub in the rinsing step is set to be lower than the rotation speed at which primary resonance occurs in the washing / dehydrating tub.
[0033]
The present invention also provides an ion removing means for removing ions from tap water and supplying the water into the tank, and an ion regenerating means for regenerating the ion exchange resin by bringing the regenerated salt water into contact with the ion exchange resin of the ion removing means. Removal water supply device, washing / dehydration tub and washing blade for washing and dewatering the laundry in the tub, electric drive device for driving the washing / dehydration tub and the stirring wing, and drainage hose for washing water in the tub from the drain outlet In an electric washing machine equipped with a drain electromagnetic valve for draining and a control device for controlling them, the washing and dewatering tub is rotated in the rinsing step to rotate the rinsing water in the outer tub and to centrifuge the rinsing water. By squeezing along the inner wall of the outer tub by force, a part is recirculated so as to sprinkle into the washing / dehydrating tub from above the washing / dehydrating tub, and the other part squeezed is overflowed. From outside tank The final regeneration, in which the ion exchange resin is regenerated after overflowing and draining and rinsing water is supplied, is regenerated by generating saturated salt water in a salt water container and then diluting to generate regenerated salt water and supplying it to the ion exchange resin. And regenerating salt water to generate and supply to the ion exchange resin in order.
[0034]
The final regeneration is performed when the rinsing water in the tank is drained.
[0035]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0036]
Reference numeral 1 denotes an outer frame of the electric washing machine, which constitutes a casing that surrounds the periphery of the internal mechanism. Reference numeral 2 denotes a washing tub / dehydration tub provided in the outer frame 1 and is provided with a balance ring 3 at the upper edge thereof. A stirring blade 4 is rotatably provided inside the bottom of the washing tub / dehydration tub 2.
[0037]
Reference numeral 5 denotes an outer tub in which the washing tub / dehydration tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 are rotatably accommodated. At the upper end of the outer tub 5, an annular tub cover 6 in which the collar portion 6 a is annularly protruded is fitted and attached. The flange portion 6a of the tank cover 6 protrudes toward the upper side of the balance ring 3, and the lower surface thereof faces the upper surface of the balance ring 3, and is moved upward while rotating along the inner wall surface of the outer tank 5. A sprinkling guide path 7 and a sprinkling port 7a for guiding the rinsing water toward the inside of the washing and dewatering tank 2 are formed. Further, an overflow port 5 a is provided at the upper part of the outer tub 5 to allow a part of the rinsing water rising along the inner wall surface of the outer tub 5 to overflow to the outside of the tub.
[0038]
Here, the rinsing water circulation system and the overflow system constituted by the outer tub 5, the tub cover 6, and the balance ring 3 at the upper end of the washing and dewatering tub 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A is a plan view of the outer tub 5, FIG. 2B is a longitudinal side view thereof, FIG. 3A is a plan view of the tank cover 6, and FIG. 2B is a partial bottom view thereof. c) is a longitudinal side view of the same, and FIG. 4 is a longitudinal side view of the rinsing water circulation system and the overflow system constituted by the outer tub 5, the tub cover 6, and the balance ring 3 at the upper end of the washing and dewatering tub 2.
[0039]
The lower surface of the flange portion 6a of the annular tank cover 6 extends along the lower surface by suppressing further upward movement of the upper end portion of the rinsing water that has swung up while rotating along the inner wall surface of the outer tank 5 by the lower surface. Rotate. On the lower surface of the flange portion 6a, the outer side is hung so as to bend toward the center so as to suppress the rotational movement of the rinsing water that has come up and to change the direction toward the inner sprinkling port 7a. By providing the water guiding rib 6b and the inner water guiding rib 6c having a plurality of sprinkling ports 7a that hang down along the inner peripheral edge of the flange portion 6a and allow the rinsing water whose direction has been changed to pass therethrough, the watering guide path 7 is provided. Form. The outer water guiding rib 6b has a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the rotational direction so that the rinsing water can be turned toward the sprinkling port 7a with respect to the rotational movement in either the forward direction or the reverse direction. Curve.
[0040]
In this embodiment, six water spouts 7a are formed in the inner water guiding rib 6c, and corresponding direction changing portions are also formed in the outer water guiding rib 6b.
[0041]
On the outside of the bottom of the outer tub 5, an electric drive device 8 incorporating a brushless electric motor is attached by a steel plate attachment base 9. The electric drive device 8 is covered with a waterproof cover to be waterproof. The outer tub 5 is suspended and supported by vibration-proof support devices 10 from the upper four corners of the outer frame 1.
[0042]
The upper cover 11 provided with the clothing input opening 11 a is provided on the outer tub 5. The upper cover 11 is fitted to the opening edge so as to cover the upper opening of the frame 1 and is attached to the frame 1 together with the front panel 12 and the back panel 13 by using mounting screws (not shown).
[0043]
A front panel box 14 formed at the front portion of the upper cover 11 and below the front panel 12 includes an input switch group as operation switches, a display element group as notification means, and a buzzer. The first control device 16 and a water level sensor 17 that generates a water level detection signal corresponding to the water level in the outer tub 5 are accommodated. The illustration of the input switch group is omitted, but the power switch, the switch for setting the degree of dirt on the laundry (more dirt, standard dirt, less dirt), the switch for setting dry-mark clothing washing, and the careful rinsing And a start switch. In addition, a switch for selecting the strength of the water flow for washing or rinsing is provided, and a switch representing the cloth quality is provided.
[0044]
A back panel box 18 formed between the upper cover 11 and the back panel 13 has a water inlet side connected to a water supply port 19, a soft water outlet side connected to a water supply port 20, and used recycled salt water and cleaning water. A deionized water supply device 23 having a reclaimed water drain pipe 22 for draining water through a reclaimed water discharge valve 21 is incorporated.
[0045]
The clothing input opening 11a formed in the upper cover 11 is covered with a lid 24 so as to be freely opened and closed.
[0046]
A drain port 5 c provided in a drain recess 5 b locally formed on the bottom wall of the outer tub 5 is connected to a drain hose 26 via a drain solenoid valve 25, and the overflow port 5 a is a drain hose via an overflow hose 27. 26. The tip of the recycled water drain pipe 22 is also connected to the drain hose 26. In addition, a conductivity sensor 28 for converting the degree of dirt of the washing water into an electric signal is installed in the vicinity of the drain outlet 5c in the drain recess 5b. As the conductivity sensor 28, for example, a sensor as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2753387 is used. The air trap 5d is connected to the water level sensor 17 through an air tube 5e.
[0047]
A synthetic resin base 29 with legs attached to the four corners is attached to the lower edge of the frame 1.
[0048]
Power supply to the brushless motor of the electric drive device 8 is performed by a second control device 30 that incorporates an inverter circuit as a power control circuit. The second control device 30 includes the electric drive device 8, the ion removal water supply device 23, and the drainage electromagnetic valve 25 in response to an instruction from the first control device 16 and detection signals from the water level sensor 17 and the conductivity sensor 28. The washing and dehydration process is executed by controlling the above. The power supply control to the brushless motor of the electric drive device 8 performs PWM (pulse width modulation) control and PAM (pulse voltage modulation) control to perform a wide range of output adjustment. The second control device 30 is installed on a mounting base 29 a formed on the base 29.
[0049]
In this embodiment, the control device is divided into the first control device 16 and the second control device 30, but may be configured as a single control device in which these are combined.
[0050]
Next, the ion removal water supply device 23 will be described.
[0051]
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal side view of the ion removing water supply device 23. This ion removing water supply device 23 removes ions from tap water supplied from the water supply connection port 19 through the first water supply electromagnetic valve 31 and softens the washing water from the water supply port 20 to the washing and dewatering tub 2. Ion removal means 32 for supplying water, second salt water electromagnetic valve 33 and constant flow rate supply device 34 are used to generate regenerated salt water by dissolving salt with tap water supplied to salt water generation means 35 to generate said ion removal means 32. The reproduction | regeneration means supplied to is provided.
[0052]
The ion removing means 32 has a tubular ion exchange resin container 38 filled with an ion exchange resin 37 inside a bottomed cylindrical container 36 opened on the upper side, fitted in a watertight state, and fitted on the upper end thereof. An upper chamber 40a is formed between the upper lid 39 and the upper side wall 38a from the peripheral discharge port 38b to the water supply port 19, and the water supply electromagnetic valve 31 and the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 are provided between the lower side wall 38c and the bottom of the container 36. The lower chamber 40b which continues to the reclaimed water drain pipe 22 is formed. The ion exchange resin container 38 is configured to be water-permeable through a layer of ion exchange resin 37 in the direction of the upper and lower chambers 40a and 40b by forming a large number of water passage holes in the upper side wall 38a and the lower side wall 38c.
[0053]
The upper lid 39 is provided with a salt water receiving port 39a for receiving the regenerated salt water supplied from the salt water generating unit 35 of the regenerating unit, and the salt water receiving port 39a has a floating check valve 41 provided between the upper side wall 38a. Prepare.
[0054]
The salt water generating means 35 detachably installs a water-permeable salt container 43 in a rectangular box-shaped salt water container 42 having an upper opening, and the salt water generating means 35 is internally connected to a predetermined amount of tap water supplied from the constant flow rate supply device 34. Saturated salt water is made by immersing and dissolving the salt, and is diluted to a predetermined concentration with a predetermined amount of tap water supplied thereafter, and the ion removing means 32 is provided by a siphon portion 44 provided at the bottom of the salt water container 42. The ion removal (softening) ability that has been reduced is restored by supplying the salt water to the salt water receiving port 39a and acting on the ion exchange resin 37 in the ion removing means 32.
[0055]
In order to efficiently recover the ion removing ability of the ion exchange resin 37 of the ion removing means 32, it is necessary to supply a predetermined amount of regenerated salt water having a predetermined concentration. For this purpose, it is practical to make a predetermined amount of saturated salt water and dilute the saturated salt water with a predetermined amount of tap water. The amount of tap water supplied to the salt water container 42 is controlled by the valve opening (opening) time of the second water supply electromagnetic valve 33. However, since the water pressure of the tap water supplied from the water connection port 19 varies depending on the installation location and the use time, and the water supply characteristics of the second water supply electromagnetic valve 33 also vary, It is difficult to supply a predetermined amount of tap water to the salt water container only by controlling the valve opening time of the water supply electromagnetic valve 33. The constant flow rate supply unit 34 is provided side by side with the salt water container 42 to suppress a change in the water supply flow rate due to a change in tap water pressure or a variation in water flow characteristics of the water supply electromagnetic valve 33, thereby realizing a predetermined amount of water supply. A fixed amount of saturated salt water is prepared, diluted to a predetermined concentration, and supplied to the ion removing means 32.
[0056]
The salt water container 42 is provided with an inlet 42a for receiving water supplied from the outlet of the constant flow rate supply 34 on the side wall and an overflow port for overflowing when an abnormal water level occurs in the container, and the salt water on the bottom wall. The siphon part 44 fitted to the receiving port 39a is provided.
[0057]
The siphon portion 44 forms a recess in a part of the central portion of the bottom wall of the salt water container 42 to form an outflow cylinder 42b that rises through the bottom wall of the recess, and the upper end of the outflow cylinder 42b is The cap 44a is covered so as to surround the gap. The lower protrusion of the outflow tube 42 b is fitted into the salt water receiving port 39 a of the ion removing means 32.
[0058]
Next, the salt container 43 will be described. The salt container main body 43a is a substantially square water-permeable box-shaped container in which the skeleton 43b and the fine mesh member 43c are integrated by insert molding to form an upper opening, and contains about 500 grams of salt. Make up as much volume as possible. In this embodiment, the mesh member 43c uses a cloth formed of 135 mesh using a fiber member (cotton or a blended material of cotton and synthetic fiber), and surrounds the four sides and the bottom surface inside the skeleton 43b. It was attached by insert molding. In addition, an airtight cover portion 43 d that opens downward and surrounds the siphon portion 44 is formed at the bottom of the salt container main body 43 a.
[0059]
The skeleton 43b of the salt container main body 43a is provided with a plurality of legs 43e so as to form a predetermined gap between the mesh member 43c on the bottom surface and the bottom surface of the salt water container.
[0060]
The handle 43f is attached to the upper edge of the salt container main body 43a so as to be able to undulate by turning toward the front side.
[0061]
The salt container 43 configured in this manner opens the cover formed on a part of the back panel 13, raises the handle 33f, takes out from the salt water container 42, and puts about 500 grams of commercially available salt (preferably purified salt). (Replenishment) and then housed in the salt water container 42 again, and the handle 43f is turned to the front side and turned down, and then the cover is closed and detached.
[0062]
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal side view of the reclaimed water discharge valve 21. The reclaimed water discharge valve 21 is an automatic open / close valve that operates to close when supplying wash water, open when reclaimed water is discharged, and discharge the reclaimed water to the drainage hose 26. It functions to prevent being discharged through the drain pipe 22.
[0063]
The reclaimed water discharge valve 21 has a ball valve container 21b fitted to the container 36 so that the water inlet hole 21a is connected to the lower chamber 40b of the container 36 of the ion removing means 32, and a drain hole 21c connected to the reclaimed water drain pipe 22. A drain valve seat 21d fitted to the ball valve container 21b, and a ball valve chamber 21e formed by the ball valve container 21b and the drain valve seat 21d, and the water flowing into the water inlet hole 21a. When the momentum of the water is weak, the drainage hole 21c is opened under the ball part chamber 21e due to its own weight, and when the momentum of the water flowing in from the inlet hole 21a is strong, the drainage hole 21c is closed by being pushed up by the water force. It has a ball 21f that moves.
[0064]
The reclaimed water discharge valve 21 may be a valve or a solenoid valve configured to open and close the stopper by sag and water pressure.
[0065]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control system of the electric washing machine, and shows a configuration in which the second control device 30 is integrated with the first control device 16.
[0066]
The first control device 16 includes a microcomputer 16a and a load driving device 16b. The microcomputer 16a incorporates a control program for controlling washing, dehydration and ion exchange resin regeneration processes. When the power switch 15a provided on the operation panel 15 is turned on, the input switch group 15b, the water level sensor 17 and the conductivity sensor are provided. 28, the washing, dehydration and ion exchange resin regeneration control program is executed to control the first and second water supply solenoid valves 31, 33, the drain solenoid valve 24, and the electric drive device 8. The washing, dehydration and ion exchange resin regeneration steps are executed, and the control state is notified by controlling the display element group 15c provided on the operation panel 15 to be turned on / off.
[0067]
In the configuration described above, the microcomputer 16a of the first control device 16 has the washing process and rinsing as shown in the time chart of FIG. 8 when the standard washing course switch in the input switch group 15b of the operation panel 15 is selected. A control process is performed in which the process and the dehydration process are sequentially performed, and a plurality of ion exchange resin regeneration processes are performed in the meantime.
[0068]
In the washing step, washing water is supplied, water supply is interrupted, water supply is regenerated, washing water is supplied again, and washing is performed. It is difficult to use the small ion removing means 32 continuously to sufficiently soften (ion remove) all the washing water at once. Therefore, in this embodiment, the water supply is regenerated by interrupting the water supply during the supply of the washing water.
[0069]
To supply the washing water, the first water supply electromagnetic valve 31 is opened to feed the tap water flowing from the water connection port 19 into the lower chamber 40b of the container 36 in the ion removing means 32. Since the water supply to the lower chamber 40b at this time is strong, the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 connected to the lower chamber 40b is closed, and a part of the supplied tap water is discharged from the reclaimed water drain pipe 21. To prevent. Then, the tap water in the lower chamber 40b enters the upper chamber 40a while being ion-removed (softened) through the layer of the ion exchange resin 37, and enters the tank as wash water softened from the discharge port 38b through the water supply port 20. To be supplied with water. The check valve 41 prevents the water in the upper chamber 40 a from entering the salt water container 42.
[0070]
During the water supply, the water level detection signal output from the water level sensor 17 is monitored, and when the water level reaches a predetermined level, the first water supply electromagnetic valve 31 is closed to interrupt the water supply, and the water supply regeneration is performed to regenerate the ion exchange resin 37. Do. Since the water supply time to this predetermined water level is proportional to the tap water pressure, the time from the start of water supply to the predetermined water level is measured to detect the tap water pressure, and based on this tap water pressure, the amount of water supply per unit time is calculated. This is used to control the valve opening time when a predetermined amount of water is supplied.
[0071]
In this water supply regeneration, before the water supply is interrupted, the second water supply electromagnetic valve 33 is opened and water is supplied into the salt water container 42 of the salt water generating means 32 to generate salt water having a saturated concentration. The amount of water supplied at this time is set so that the water in the salt water container 42 is equal to or lower than the siphon operation start level of the siphon unit 44. Then, after the water supply is interrupted, the first water supply electromagnetic valve 31 is opened for a short time so that the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 does not close, and the air is released. Next, the second water supply electromagnetic valve 33 is opened to supply water to the salt water container 42, thereby diluting the salt water in the salt water container 42 to obtain a regenerated salt water having a predetermined concentration and siphoning the siphon unit 44 to generate the regenerated salt water. Is allowed to flow down to the upper chamber 40a through the salt water receiving port 39a. The regenerated salt water that has flowed down into the upper chamber 40 a enters the ion exchange resin container 38 through a large number of water holes formed in the upper side wall 38 a and flows down while in contact with the ion exchange resin 37. And flows out into the lower chamber 40b from a large number of water holes formed in the lower side wall 38c.
[0072]
Since the regenerated salt water flowing out to the lower chamber 40b has a relatively weak water flow, the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 remains open. Therefore, the regenerated salt water that has flowed into the lower chamber 40b flows into the reclaimed water discharge valve 20 and the reclaimed water drain pipe. It drains to the drainage hose 26 through 21.
[0073]
After the regeneration of the ion exchange resin 37 with the regenerated salt water is completed, the ion removing means 32 is cleaned by opening the first water supply electromagnetic valve 31 for a short time and supplying water. At this time, the cleaning water supply amount is set such that the cleaning water enters the upper chamber 40a of the ion exchange resin container 38 and does not overflow from the discharge port 38b. At this time as well, the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 remains open, so that the cleaning water is drained to the drain hose 26 via the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 and the reclaimed water drain pipe 22. This cleaning is performed three times.
[0074]
After performing the water supply regeneration in this way, the first water supply electromagnetic valve 31 is opened again to resume the supply of the wash water, and the tap water softened by the ion exchange resin 37 whose ion removal capability has been recovered is supplied.
[0075]
When the water is supplied to a predetermined washing water level, the first water supply electromagnetic valve 31 is closed to finish the washing water supply, and the electric drive device 6 is supplied with power, and the stirring blade 4 is rotated forward, stopped, and reversely rotated. Execute.
[0076]
When the washing process is completed, the process proceeds to a rinsing process. This rinsing process is divided into two rinsings of rinsing (1) and rinsing (2). In rinsing (1), washing water drainage and rinsing regeneration, rinsing dehydration, rinsing water supply, rinsing, and rinsing water draining are performed. Water drainage and final regeneration.
[0077]
In rinsing (1), first, the drain electromagnetic valve 25 is opened to drain the wash water in the outer tub 5 and the second water supply electromagnetic valve 33 is opened to supply water into the salt water container 42 of the salt water generating means 32. The amount of water supplied at this time is such that the water in the salt water container 42 is equal to or higher than the siphon operation start level of the siphon unit 44 to generate salt water and the salt water generated by siphoning the siphon unit 44 to regenerate salt water. As shown below, it flows down to the upper chamber 40a through the salt water receiving port 39a. The regenerated salt water generated at this time has a low concentration because the generation time is short.
[0078]
The regenerated salt water that has flowed down into the upper chamber 40a enters the ion exchange resin container 38 through a large number of water holes formed in the upper side wall 38a and comes into contact with the ion exchange resin 37 in the same manner as the water supply regeneration. The ion exchange resin 37 is regenerated and flows out into the lower chamber 40b from a number of water holes formed in the lower side wall 38c.
[0079]
Since the regenerated salt water flowing out into the lower chamber 40b has a relatively weak water flow, the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 remains open. Therefore, the regenerated salt water that has flowed into the lower chamber 40b flows into the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 and the reclaimed water drain pipe. The water is drained to the drainage hose 26 through 22.
[0080]
After the regeneration of the ion exchange resin 37 with the regenerated salt water is completed, the ion removing means 32 is cleaned by opening the first water supply electromagnetic valve 31 for a short time and supplying water in the same manner as the water supply regeneration. At this time, the cleaning water supply amount is set such that the cleaning water enters the upper chamber 40a of the ion exchange resin container 38 and does not overflow from the discharge port 38b. At this time as well, the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 remains open, so that the cleaning water is drained to the drain hose 26 via the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 and the reclaimed water drain pipe 22. At this time, cleaning is performed once.
[0081]
Next, rinsing dehydration is performed by supplying power to the electric drive device 8 and rotating the washing and dewatering tub 2 in one direction to dehydrate the washing water. This rinsing dehydration is performed at a relatively high rotational speed.
[0082]
Thereafter, the first water supply electromagnetic valve 31 is opened to supply rinsing water. Since the rinsing water is also supplied through the ion exchange resin 37 whose ion removing ability has been recovered, it is possible to supply rinsing water that has been softened significantly. Then, after supplying water to a predetermined rinsing water level, the first water supply electromagnetic valve 31 is closed to end the water supply, and rinsing stirring is performed to feed power to the electric drive device 8 to rotate, stop, and reversely rotate the stirring blade 4. Then, rinse water is drained.
[0083]
In the rinsing (2), similarly to the rinsing (1), rinsing dehydration, rinsing water supply and rinsing are performed, and final regeneration is performed when the rinsing water is drained. This final regeneration is a regeneration process for restoring the ion removal ability of the ion exchange resin 37 to the initial state.
[0084]
In this final regeneration, the second water supply electromagnetic valve 33 is opened during the rinsing and agitation in the rinsing (2) to supply water to the salt water container 42 of the salt water generating means 35 to generate saturated concentration salt water. Then, when rinsing water is drained, the second water supply electromagnetic valve 33 is opened to supply water to the salt water container 42, thereby diluting the salt water in the salt water container 42 to obtain a regenerated salt water having a predetermined concentration, and the siphon unit 44. The regenerated salt water is caused to flow down to the upper chamber 40a through the salt water receiving port 39a by operating a siphon. The regenerated salt water that has flowed down into the upper chamber 40a regenerates the ion exchange resin 37 by entering the ion exchange resin container 38 through a large number of water holes formed in the upper side wall 38a and coming into contact with the ion exchange resin 37. Then, it flows out into the lower chamber 40b from a large number of water passage holes formed in the lower side wall 38c.
[0085]
Since the regenerated salt water flowing out into the lower chamber 40b has a relatively weak water flow, the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 remains open. Therefore, the regenerated salt water that has flowed into the lower chamber 40b flows into the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 and the reclaimed water drain pipe. The water is drained to the drainage hose 26 through 22.
[0086]
Next, the second water supply electromagnetic valve 33 is opened again to supply water into the salt water container 42 of the salt water generating means 32. The amount of water supplied at this time is such that the water in the salt water container 42 is equal to or higher than the siphon operation start level of the siphon unit 44, thereby generating salt water and siphoning the siphon unit 44. As shown below, it flows down to the upper chamber 40a through the salt water receiving port 39a. The regenerated salt water generated at this time has a low concentration because the generation time is short.
[0087]
The regenerated salt water that has flowed down into the upper chamber 40a enters the ion exchange resin container 38 through a large number of water holes formed in the upper side wall 38a and comes into contact with the ion exchange resin 37 in the same manner as the water supply regeneration. The ion exchange resin 37 is regenerated and flows out into the lower chamber 40b from a number of water holes formed in the lower side wall 38c.
[0088]
Since the regenerated salt water flowing out into the lower chamber 40b has a relatively weak water flow, the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 remains open. Therefore, the regenerated salt water that has flowed into the lower chamber 40b flows into the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 and the reclaimed water drain pipe. The water is drained to the drainage hose 26 through 22.
[0089]
After the regeneration of the ion exchange resin 37 with the regenerated salt water is completed, the ion removing means 32 is cleaned by opening the first water supply electromagnetic valve 31 for a short time and supplying water in the same manner as the water supply regeneration. At this time, the cleaning water supply amount is set such that the cleaning water enters the upper chamber 40a of the ion exchange resin container 38 and does not overflow from the discharge port 38b. At this time as well, the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 remains open, so that the cleaning water is drained to the drain hose 26 via the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 and the reclaimed water drain pipe 22. This cleaning is performed three times.
[0090]
Thus, the final regeneration in which the regeneration process is performed twice can regenerate the ion exchange resin 37 more efficiently than the regeneration using a large amount of salt water at a time.
[0091]
The rinsing stirring in the rinsings (1) and (2) can be changed to other rinsing methods.
[0092]
The dehydration process is started by supplying power to the electric drive device 8 in the remaining water state before the rinse water drainage of the rinse (2) is completed.
[0093]
In this embodiment, since the rinsing regeneration and the final regeneration are performed in synchronization with the timing of washing water drainage, the recycled salt water and the cleaning water are diluted with the washing water and drained to the drain hose 26. Therefore, high-concentration salt water is not discharged into sewage. However, if the regeneration time is long, the progress of the washing and dehydration process may be delayed.
[0094]
In order not to delay the progress of the washing and dehydration process by the regeneration process, the rinsing regeneration and the final regeneration process in the above-described embodiment are performed by supplying water while softening tap water using the ion exchange resin 37. It may be modified so as to be carried out in an early period after.
[0095]
By using the ion exchange resin 37 while regenerating it as described above, the ion removal ability of the ion exchange resin 37 is restored, so that the hardness of the wash water supplied is as shown in FIG. It can be kept low.
[0096]
Next, a modification in which the ion exchange resin 37 is efficiently regenerated without using the reclaimed water drain valve 21 will be described.
[0097]
In this modified example, the reclaimed water discharge valve 21 is omitted, the lower chamber 40b is connected to the reclaimed water drain pipe 22, the tip of the reclaimed water drain pipe 22 is connected to open to the drain recess 5b of the outer tank 5, and the regenerated salt water The drainage solenoid valve 25 is opened at the time of discharge and cleaning water discharge, and drained to the drainage hose 26 together with the wash water in the outer tub 5 to prevent the regenerated salt water and cleaning water from diffusing and remaining in the outer tub 5. is there. Other configurations are the same as those in the above embodiment.
[0098]
In this modification, the microcomputer 16a of the first control device 16 sequentially executes a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and a plurality of times of ion exchange resin between them. A control process for executing the regeneration process is performed.
[0099]
Here, the water supply regeneration is performed when the drain electromagnetic valve 25 is closed. In this state, when the regenerated salt water and cleaning water flow from the reclaimed water drain pipe 22 into the outer tub 5 and diffuse, the water is softened and the hardness of the supplied wash water is increased. Therefore, in this modification, as shown in FIG. 10, the regeneration salt water and the cleaning water at the time of regeneration are caused to flow into the drain recess 5b provided with the drain port 5c of the outer tub 5 to suppress the diffusion, and the drain solenoid valve 25 is opened for a short time to drain the water in and around the drain recess 5b, so that the regenerated salt water and cleaning water accumulated in and around the drain recess 5b are discharged out of the outer tub 5.
[0100]
In this way, it is possible to prevent the recycled salt water and the cleaning water from diffusing into the washing water and increasing the hardness of the washing water without using the recycled water drain valve.
[0101]
The rinsing regeneration and the final regeneration are performed at the timing when the washing water and the rinsing water in the outer tub 5 are drained, so that the regenerated salt water and the cleaning water are discharged outside the tub together with the washing water in the outer tub 5. There is no such thing as increasing the hardness of the wash water.
[0102]
In this variation, when washing water is supplied, tap water that does not pass through the ion exchange resin 37 flows into the outer tub 5 from the lower chamber 40 b of the container 36 of the ion removing means 32 through the recycled water drain pipe 22. For this reason, the degree of softening of the washing water is reduced, and when the recycled salt water and cleaning water are drained, a part of the washing water in the outer tub 5 is drained and consumed. There is an advantage that a reclaimed water discharge valve that must be constructed in a high water pressure resistant structure can be omitted.
[0103]
In the embodiment described above, the ion removal water supply device 23 performs the ion exchange resin regeneration twice during washing, but the desired washing water hardness and the ion removal of the ion exchange resin 37 (softening of water) ) Considering the relationship between capacity and regeneration capacity, one of water supply regeneration and rinse regeneration can be omitted.
[0104]
By the way, when the careful rinsing course switch in the input switch group 15b of the operation panel 15 is selected, the first microcomputer 16a performs a washing process and a rinsing process in which the rinsing process is changed as shown in the time chart of FIG. In addition, a control process is performed in which the dehydration process is sequentially performed, and a plurality of ion exchange resin regeneration processes are performed in the meantime. Since there is no change except the rinsing process, the illustration is simplified and the description is omitted.
[0105]
In the rinsing step (1), first, the drain electromagnetic valve 25 is opened to drain the wash water in the outer tub 5 and the washing and dewatering tub 2 from the drain port 5c to the drain hose 26. By controlling, the agitating blade 4 and the washing / dehydrating tub 2 are integrally rotated to strongly centrifugally dehydrate the washing water contained in the laundry. This dehydration is started with some wash water remaining. Thereafter, the drain electromagnetic valve 25 is closed, the water supply electromagnetic valve 31 is opened and water is supplied to a predetermined rinsing water level while monitoring the detection signal of the water level sensor 17, and the washing and dewatering tub 2 is brought into a stationary state in the same manner as the washing process. Holding and rotating the agitation blade 4 (repetition of forward rotation, stop, and reverse rotation) to perform a rinsing rinse that agitates the laundry. At the end of the rinsing, balance agitation is performed to unwind the laundry.
[0106]
Thereafter, the rotation of the stirring blade 4 is stopped, the electromagnetic solenoid valve 25 is opened, the rinsing water is stored, and the rinsing water is drained to a water level lower than the rinsing water level (about 1/2 of the rinsing water level). Then, the stirring blade 4 and the washing / dehydrating tub 2 are integrally rotated. The rotational drive speed at this time is set to a rotational speed lower than the rotational speed at which primary resonance occurs in the washing and dewatering tub 2. In this embodiment, it was set to 150 rpm.
[0107]
When the washing / dehydrating tub 2 rotates in the rinsing water stored in the outer tub 5, the rinsing water rotates as the washing / dehydrating tub 2 rotates, and the centrifugal force generated by this rotation causes the inside of the outer tub 5 to rotate. It rises along the inner wall of the wall. In this way, most of the rinsing water swollen while rotating along the inner surface of the side wall in the outer tub 5 is guided by the inner and outer water guiding ribs 6b and 6c and guided from the watering guide path 7 to the water outlet 7a. The water is discharged (sprinkled) into the washing / dehydrating tub 2 from the water port 7a and circulates, and the other part overflows from the water outlet 5a and is drained to the drain pipe 26 through the overflow pipe 27 to overflow and circulate rinsing. It becomes.
[0108]
When rinsing is performed to rotate the washing and dewatering tub 2 in this way, a part of the rinsing water is drained from the overflow port 5a, and thus the rinsing water in the outer tub 5 is reduced. Therefore, the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is stopped rotating, the water supply electromagnetic valve 31 is controlled to be opened and closed to supply water, and such rinsing for rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is repeated a plurality of times. In this embodiment, the washing and dewatering tub 2 is rotated for 30 seconds and stopped for 10 seconds, and the rotation drive is repeated three times so that water is replenished during the 10-second stop. Perform unbalanced agitation.
[0109]
In this embodiment, the same rinsing step (2) as described above is performed and two rinsings are performed. However, a preferable rinsing result can be obtained while monitoring the detection signal from the conductivity sensor 28. As described above, the contents of each control process (such as the rotation time of the stirring blades, the rotation time of the washing and dewatering tub, the makeup water time, and the number of repetitions) may be appropriately changed.
[0110]
In such a rinsing step, overflow / circulation rinsing can be performed in which a portion of the rinsing water in the outer tub 5 and the washing and dewatering tub 2 is circulated as a whole while being partially circulated and drained. Therefore, the laundry can be efficiently rinsed with a small amount of rinsing water.
[0111]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since the ion exchange resin is regenerated in the middle of washing, it is possible to produce and wash washing water having a preferable water quality softened by effectively using a small ion removing means.
[0112]
In particular, the regeneration performed by interrupting the water supply of the washing water and the regeneration performed before the water supply in the rinsing (1) can reduce the hardness of the washing water in the washing and rinsing (1) in which metal soap is easily generated. The production of metal soap can be greatly reduced.
[0113]
In addition, the rinsing regeneration performed before rinsing is performed by supplying the salt water container at a level higher than the siphon operation start level and generating salt water while pouring the salt water into the ion exchange resin as the regenerated salt water. Can be reduced.
[0114]
In addition, the final regeneration is performed by performing a regeneration process in which a saturated salt water is generated and then diluted to obtain a regenerated salt water, and a regeneration process in which the salt water is poured into an ion exchange resin while generating a low concentration salt water. The regeneration efficiency of the exchange resin can be increased.
[0115]
In the rinsing step, the washing and dewatering tub is rotated to rotate the rinsing water in the outer tub, and a part of the rinsing water is swung up along the inner wall of the outer tub by centrifugal force. Rinsing efficiency is improved by allowing the water to flow back into the washing and dehydrating tub from the top of the washing and dehydrating tub and draining the other part that has swung up from the overflow port to the outside of the outer tub. Detergent and dirt components can be removed with a high amount of rinsing water.
[0116]
And the outer side water conveyance rib provided in the tank cover and the inner side water conveyance rib can recirculate rinsing water efficiently.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal side view showing an embodiment of an electric washing machine according to the present invention.
2 is a plan view and a longitudinal side view of an outer tub of the electric washing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
3 is a plan view, a partial bottom view, and a longitudinal side view of a tub cover of the electric washing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
4 is a longitudinal side view of a rinsing water circulation system and an overflow system in the electric washing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal side view of the ion removing water supply device in the electric washing machine shown in FIG. 1;
6 is a longitudinal side view of a reclaimed water discharge valve in the ion removing water supply device shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. FIG.
7 is a block diagram of a control system in the electric washing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a time chart of control executed by the control device of the electric washing machine shown in FIG. 1 in a washing process, a rinsing process, a dehydrating process, and an ion exchange resin regeneration process.
9 is a water hardness characteristic diagram of the electric washing machine shown in FIG.
10 is a time chart showing a modified example of the control executed by the controller of the electric washing machine shown in FIG. 1 in the ion exchange resin regeneration step.
FIG. 11 is a time chart showing a modification of the washing process executed by the electric washing machine shown in FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
2 ... Washing and dewatering tank, 4 ... Stirring blade, 5 ... Outer tank, 5a ... Overflow port, 5e ... Overflow hose, 6 ... Tank cover, 7 ... Sprinkling guideway, 7a ... Sprinkling port, 8 ... Electric drive device, 15 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Operation panel, 16 ... 1st control apparatus, 21 ... Reclaimed water discharge valve, 22 ... Reclaimed water drain pipe, 23 ... Ion removal water supply apparatus, 25 ... Drainage solenoid valve, 26 ... Drainage hose, 32 ... Ion removal means, 35 ... Salt water generating means, 37 ... ion exchange resin.

Claims (8)

An ion removing water supply device having ion removing means for removing ions from tap water and supplying water into the tank, and a regeneration means for regenerating the ion exchange resin by bringing the regenerated salt water into contact with the ion exchange resin of the ion removing means, and the tank Washing / dehydration tub and agitation blades for washing and dewatering the laundry inside, an electric drive device for driving the washing / dehydration tub and the agitation blades, and a drainage solenoid valve for draining the washing water in the tub from the drainage port to the drainage hose And in an electric washing machine equipped with a control device for controlling these,
The control device interrupts washing water supply and performs water supply regeneration to regenerate the ion exchange resin, then controls the ion removal water supply device to supply water again, and rotates the washing and dewatering tank in the rinsing process. The rinsing water in the outer tub is rotated by rotating the rinsing water along the inner surface of the side wall of the outer tub by centrifugal force, so that a portion of the rinsing water in the washing / dehydrating tub It is configured to recirculate to sprinkle water and to drain the other part that has swung up from the overflow outlet to the outside of the outer tub ,
2. The electric washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the ion-removing water supply device includes a reclaimed water discharge valve that closes when water is supplied and opens when the water supply is regenerated and drains regenerated salt water and cleaning water to a drain hose through a reclaimed water drain pipe . 2. The electric washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the reclaimed water discharge valve is an automatic opening / closing valve that opens or closes depending on a flowing water flow . The regeneration water drain pipe in the ion removing water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the regeneration water drain pipe is provided so as to discharge the regenerated salt water and the cleaning water to the vicinity of the drain outlet in the tank, and the control device is a regeneration collected near the drain outlet. An electric washing machine , wherein a drain electromagnetic valve is opened to drain salt water and cleaning water to a drain hose . The electric drain according to claim 3, wherein the drain port is provided in a drain recess formed at the bottom of the tank, and the recycled water drain pipe discharges the regenerated salt water and cleaning water into the drain recess. Washing machine. 5. The rinsing step according to claim 1, wherein the rinsing step rotates the washing and dewatering tub to stop the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub after performing a sprinkling and overflow drainage of the rinsing water in the outer tub for a predetermined time. The electric washing machine is characterized in that the control for replenishing water is repeated . 6. The electric washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the rotation and stop of the washing and dewatering tub and the replenishing water in the rinsing step are repeated while monitoring the degree of contamination of the rinsing water with a conductivity sensor . The electric washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water level in the rinsing step is set to be lower than the water level in the reservoir rinsing . 8. The electric power according to claim 1, wherein a rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub in the rinsing step is set to a lower rotation speed than a rotation speed at which primary resonance occurs in the washing / dehydrating tub. Washing machine.

Images