JP4107854B2 - Drum washing machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a drum-type washing machine, and more particularly to a technique for suppressing generation of excessive foam by a detergent in a drum-type washing machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a drum-type washing / drying machine, washing is performed by rotating the drum in a state where detergent water is stored in an outer tub equipped with the drum, and striking the laundry stored in the drum against the water surface. For this reason, the detergent water tends to foam more than the so-called spiral washing machine. If excessive bubbles are generated in the drum, the cleaning performance and rinsing performance will be reduced, and the circulating air passage for drying will be filled with bubbles, causing failure such as corrosion of the heater, or connecting parts. There is also a risk of bubbles leaking out of the machine. For this reason, in this type of drum-type washing and drying machine, conventionally, the use of a dedicated detergent (low foaming detergent) with less foaming has been often specified.
[0003]
However, the user often mistakenly uses a normal detergent with a lot of foaming, and even if a low foaming detergent is used, if the amount used is not appropriate, bubbles may be generated abnormally. For these reasons, recently, a drum-type washing / drying machine has been proposed which performs control so that foam is positively extinguished when foaming becomes excessive in the outer tub. For example, in the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-33878, when foam is abnormally increased during a washing operation, water is used for eliminating foam or replenishing water to the outer tub.
[0004]
In order to perform such control, it is first necessary to detect that bubbles are abnormally generated. Conventionally, as what is known as a foam sensor for detecting foam caused by a detergent, there is one in which two electrode rods are separated by a predetermined distance. When bubbles are filled between the two electrode rods, a current flows between the electrode rods through the bubbles. Therefore, the presence or absence of bubbles can be determined by detecting the current.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  These foam detection electrodesOnce the bubbles have adhered to the electrode, the bubbles may cling around the electrode and remain for a while even if water is sprayed to dissipate the bubbles. Even if it tries to detect bubbles again in this state, there is a possibility that bubbles cannot be detected accurately. Moreover, if the cycle of drying with bubbles attached to the electrode is repeated, the detergent may accumulate on the electrode surface, leading to poor detection.
[0008]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above points.Yes, its purposeRelates to a drum-type washing machine that can reliably drop the foam adhering to the foam detection unit, accurately detect the next foam and prevent the accumulation of detergent components.The
[0009]
[Means for solving the problems and effects]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises an outer tub provided in an outer box and a drum rotatably disposed in the outer tub, and stores water in the outer tub. In this state, the laundry stored in the drum is washed by rotating the drum, and further includes a blowing unit, a heating unit, and a dehumidifying unit, and sends heated air into the outer tub. A drying circulation air passage for heating and circulating again after taking out the air containing water vapor discharged from the laundry to the outside of the outer tub and dehumidifying itAnd carry out the drying process following the washing process including washing, rinsing and dewateringIn drum-type washing machines,
  A conductive first electrode portion provided at a position to be immersed in the detergent water stored in the outer tub, and a first electrode portion attached to the inside of the drying circulation air passage and provided at a position where it is desired to detect the rise of bubbles. A two-electrode portion, and a bubble determination means for recognizing the occurrence of a bubble abnormality by detecting electrical continuity between the first and second electrode portions,
  The dehumidifying means allows cooling water to flow through a part of the drying circulation air path, and the second electrode portion is disposed below the cooling water supply port of the dehumidifying means via the cooling water supply port. To the position where the supplied cooling water is applied.Place and
  A cleaning process for supplying cooling water from the cooling water supply port to wash the second electrode part is performed at the time of final dehydration during the washing process,
  When the cleaning process is performed, the air blowing unit is operated to blow air into the drying circulation air passage, and the air blowing amount at that time is larger than the air blowing amount during the drying process.It is characterized by that.
[0016]
  BookIn the drum-type washing machine according to the invention, for example, bubbles enter the drying circulation air passage during washing operation, intermediate dehydration, or rinsing operation.Second electrode partWhen reaching to, the occurrence of excessive bubbles is detected. As a result of such foam detection, even if the foam is settled by additional water supply into the outer tank,Second electrode partThe foam that touched theSecond electrode partThere are times when it stays around. Even in such a case, when the drying operation is performed and cooling water is supplied from the cooling water supply port into the drying circulation air passage, a part of the water is supplied.Second electrode partIt is possible to wash away bubbles, that is, detergent components. Therefore, according to the drum type washing machine according to the present invention,Second electrode partAt the same time when performing the drying operation, without providing a dedicated means to wash the foam attached to theSecond electrode partCan be washed. Therefore, the configuration is simple and the cost can be reduced.Second electrode partSince water is not used only for cleaning, it also contributes to water saving. Also,Second electrode partThe detergent components attached to the are surely removed every wash and are not carried over until the next wash,Second electrode partIn this case, it is possible to prevent the detergent from being accumulated on the surface, and to detect bubbles reliably.
[0018]
  BookIn the drum type washing machine according to the invention, during the drying operationSecond electrode partHowever, in some cases, an operation course may be executed in which the operation is terminated only by a washing process including washing, rinsing, and dehydration without performing the drying operation. Therefore, even if such a driving course is selected, surelySecond electrode partIn order to perform cleaning, supply cooling water from the cooling water supply port.Second electrode partIt is preferable that the cleaning process for cleaning is performed before the drying process. Of course, it is possible to perform switching so that the cleaning process is performed simultaneously with the drying operation in the operation course executed until the drying process, and the cleaning process is performed at an appropriate time during the washing process in the operation course where only the washing process is performed.
[0019]
  Also, when it is too easy to wash during the washing processSecond electrode partIn the case where the cleaning process is performed before the drying process, it is preferable to perform the cleaning process at the final final dehydration in the washing process. According to this,Second electrode partIt is possible to reliably prevent sticking of detergent to the skin.
[0021]
  Furthermore,BookIn the drum-type washing machine according to the invention, even when the washing process is performed at a time other than during the drying process, the blowing means is operated to blow air into the drying circulation air path when the washing process is performed, and It is good to set it as the structure which makes the ventilation volume at that time larger than the ventilation volume at the time of a drying process. That is, if air is blown when flowing the cooling water through the drying circulation air passage, the cooling water is finely divided by the air flow, and water droplets are wound up. Therefore, the cooling water supplied from the cooling water supply portSecond electrode partEven if it is difficult to apply directly to theSecond electrode partWater droplets from various directions, not just one directionSecond electrode partIn order to make sureSecond electrode partCan be washed. In addition, the effect of rolling up the cooling water becomes stronger as the amount of air flow increases, so by increasing the air flow rate during the cleaning process than during the drying process,Second electrode partThe cleaning effect on can be further enhanced.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a drum-type washing and drying machine which is an embodiment of a drum-type washing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0027]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the drum type washing and drying machine of the present embodiment, and FIG. In this drum type washing and drying machine, the outer case 1 has an inclined shape (hereinafter referred to as “inclined portion 1c”) in which a corner portion between the upper surface portion 1a and the front surface portion 1b is slightly rounded and is lowered forward. A large laundry inlet 3 is opened from the inclined portion 1c to the upper surface portion 1a behind the inclined portion 1c, and the upper lid 2 for opening and closing the laundry inlet 3 is horizontally arranged as shown in FIG. It is possible to stand in a folded state behind the laundry insertion port 3 by the shafts 2a and 2b extending in a straight line.
[0028]
A detergent container 4 that can be pulled forward is provided on the left side of the upper lid 2, and an operation panel 5 is provided on the right side so as to extend in the front-rear direction. The operation panel 5 has various operation keys for setting the driving course, reservation time, etc., and lights according to these settings, notifies the progress of the washing process, or the remaining time for reservation and driving Various displays for displaying such as are appropriately distributed. Since almost the entire operation panel 5 is oriented obliquely upward, when the user looks down obliquely downward while standing in front of the present washing and drying machine, the surface of the operation panel 5 is perpendicular to the line of sight. Consideration is given that the display is close, the display is easy to see, and the operation keys are easy to press.
[0029]
Next, based on FIGS. 3-7, the internal structure of this drum type washing-drying machine is demonstrated roughly. 3 is a front longitudinal sectional view of the main part inside the washing / drying machine, FIG. 4 is a left side view of the interior, FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the right side of the interior, FIG. 6 is a right side view of the interior, and FIG. It is a front longitudinal cross-sectional view drawn centering on an internal dry circulation air path.
[0030]
Inside the outer box 1, the outer tub 10 whose peripheral surface is substantially cylindrical and whose both end surfaces are substantially closed is suspended from the upper left and right sides with the end faces facing the left and right side surfaces of the outer box 1. The two springs 11 to be supported and the damper 12 to support the lower part of the outer tub 10 in the front-rear direction are held so as to be moderately swingable. Inside the outer tub 10, as an inner tub for storing laundry, a horizontal drum 13 in which both end surfaces of a substantially cylindrical peripheral surface with a large number of water passage holes are substantially closed. Is provided so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis C extending in the left-right direction.
[0031]
The main shaft 14 fixed to the center of the left end surface of the drum 13 is supported by a bearing 17 held by a first bearing case 16 fixed to the left end surface of the outer tub 10. On the other hand, the auxiliary shaft 15 fixed to the center of the right end surface of the drum 13 is supported by a second bearing 19 held by a second bearing case 18 fixed to the right end surface of the outer tub 10. The main axis 14 and the auxiliary axis 15 form the horizontal axis C. The rotor 20b of the outer rotor type motor 20 is fixed to the tip of the main shaft 14 projecting sideways from the left end surface of the outer tub 10, while the stator 20a of the motor 20 is fixed to the first bearing case 16 that also serves as a motor base. Is fixed. When a drive current is supplied to the stator 20a from a control circuit (not shown), the rotor 20b rotates thereby, and the drum 13 is rotationally driven via the main shaft 14 at the same rotational speed as the rotor 20b.
[0032]
An outer tub opening 100 for taking in and out the laundry is provided at a position that coincides with the laundry input port 3 of the outer box 1 from the upper part of the outer peripheral surface of the outer tub 10 to the diagonally forward direction. It can be opened and closed by an outer tub door 101 provided so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the direction. A drum opening 130 for taking in and out the laundry is also provided on the peripheral surface (body portion) of the drum 13, and the drum opening 130 is a drum composed of two door bodies 131a and 131b having a double door structure in the front-rear direction. The door 131 can be opened and closed freely. However, since the drum 13 is rotatable, a drum lock device 21 is provided below the stator 20a so that the drum 13 maintains a stopped state at a position where the drum opening 130 coincides with the outer tank opening 100 in the radial direction. Thus, when the drum 13 is stopped, the engaging convex portion protruding from the drum lock device 21 and the engaging concave portion formed in the rotor 20b mesh with each other, and the stop position of the drum 13 is determined.
[0033]
Further, a drain port 22 is provided on the right bottom of the outer tub 10, and the drain port 22 is connected to an external drain groove through a drain hose (not shown) through a drain valve 23 that is opened and closed by the operation of a torque motor. In addition, a recessed portion that is recessed by one step is formed at the bottom of the outer tub 10, and a water heater 24 that extends substantially horizontally is disposed there, and the water stored in the outer tub 10 is stored. It can be heated. In addition, a plurality of plate-like electrodes are provided on the bottom of the outer tub 10 (a position lower than the lowest washing water level L) on the front side of the recessed portion in order to electrolyze the water stored in the outer tub 10. The electrolyzed water generating unit 25 including the is detachably disposed. The plate-like electrode of the electrolyzed water generating unit 25 is obtained by coating platinum on the surface of titanium so as to have corrosion resistance. When a predetermined voltage is applied between the electrodes while the electrode is immersed in water, hypochlorous acid is used. And electrolyzed water containing active oxygen are generated, thereby improving the cleaning performance and sterilization effect.
[0034]
Drying for circulatingly supplying heated air into the outer tub 10 during the drying operation on the right end surface of the outer tub 10 and the outer and rear sides of the second bearing case 18 on the opposite side of the motor 20 across the drum 13. A circulation air passage is provided. That is, the drying circulation air passage is formed integrally with the body portion of the outer tub 10, and has a bottom air passage 31 having an opening 30 at the rear bottom of the outer tub 10, and a dehumidifying pipe 32 attached to the outer side of the right end surface of the outer tub 10. A fan chamber in which a vertical air passage 33 formed in the upper portion, a rear air passage 34 connected to an upper portion of the vertical air passage 33 and extending slightly diagonally upward, and a fan 36 rotated by a fan motor 37 is provided. 35 and a heater cover 38 attached to the upper part of the right end surface of the outer tub 10, extends substantially horizontally from the right side of the fan chamber 35, bends forward on the outer end surface of the outer tub 10, and further downwards And a bent lateral air passage 39. A drying heater 40, which is a sheathed heater, is disposed as a heating means in the heater cover 38, and the end of the lateral ventilation passage 39 is placed in the outer tub 10 through an opening 18a formed in the second bearing case 18. Communicate.
[0035]
A cooling water supply port 41 is provided in the upper part of the vertical ventilation path 33, and a cooling water splashing part 42 in which the cross section of the pipe is narrowed inward is provided below the cooling water supply port 41. Further, in the middle, a bubble detection electrode 26a having a tip directed obliquely downward is provided so as to protrude from the wall surface of the dehumidifying pipe 32 into the pipe. A cooling water pipe led from a water supply valve (not shown) (cooling water valve 57a described later) is connected to the cooling water supply port 41, and cooling water is supplied from the cooling water supply port 41 into the vertical air passage 33. Then, most of the dropped water hits the cooling water rebound portion 42 and rebounds while being finely divided, so that a cooling layer of water droplets is formed in the upper space. This cooling layer mainly functions as a dehumidifying unit for dehumidifying the air discharged from the outer tub 10.
[0036]
In the above configuration, when the fan 36 is rotationally driven by the fan motor 37, the fan 36 discharges the air sucked from the rear ventilation path 34 toward the lateral ventilation path 39. Therefore, an air flow is formed from the fan chamber 35 to the opening 18a through the lateral air passage 39, and the air heated by heat exchange with the drying heater 40 in the middle of the air flows into the outer tub 10 through the opening 18a. It is sent. The right end surface of the drum 13 has a plurality of openings radially around the auxiliary shaft 15, and heated air mainly flows into the drum 13 from the openings. When wet laundry is stored in the drum 13, the heated air passes through the gap between the laundry and the gap between the fibers of the laundry, and at that time, takes away moisture from the laundry. Air containing moisture mainly exits the drum 13 through a water passage hole, and passes through a gap between the drum 13 and the outer tub 10 toward an opening 30 serving as an exhaust outlet.
[0037]
The air containing a large amount of water vapor taken out from the opening 30 to the outside of the outer tub 10 reaches the dehumidifying section through the bottom air passage 31 and is rapidly cooled by heat exchange with the cooling water. As a result, the water vapor contained in the air condenses into water, and the dehumidified dry air returns to the fan chamber 35 and is circulated so as to be heated by the drying heater 40 again. The water condensed and liquefied (condensed) in the dehumidifying section flows down the inner wall of the dehumidifying pipe 32 together with the cooling water, and flows from the lower end thereof mainly through the bottom air passage 31 to the outer tub 10 side to the drain port. 22 is discharged outside the machine.
[0038]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the electric system of the drum type washer / dryer of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration. The control unit 50 is mainly composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, timer, and the like. Based on a control program stored in the ROM, each process of washing, rinsing, dehydration and drying is performed. Various controls are performed to perform driving operations. The control unit 50 receives a key input signal from various operation keys 52 provided on the operation panel 5 in order for the user to give various settings and instructions, and also detects the water level stored in the outer tub 10. A water level sensor 54 that detects the temperature of the water at the time of the rinsing process, a drum outlet temperature sensor 55 that detects the temperature at the outlet side of the drum 13 during the drying process, a cooling water temperature sensor 56 that detects the temperature of the dehumidified cooling water during the drying process, Detection signals are respectively input from the bubble detection unit 26 including the bubble detection electrode 26a and configured as described below.
[0039]
Further, a load driving unit 51 is connected to the control unit 50, and water supply including the drum motor 20, the fan motor 37, the water heater 24, the drying heater 40, and the cooling water valve 57a is connected via the load driving unit 51. The operation of the valve 57, the drain valve 23, the electrolyzed water generator 25, the drum lock device 21 and the like is controlled. In the drum type washing and drying machine of the present embodiment, all the steps of washing and drying can be performed continuously by setting from the operation key 52, and only one of the steps can be selectively performed. You can also
[0040]
Next, characteristic components in the drum type washer / dryer of this embodiment will be described in detail.
[0041]
In the drum type washer / dryer of this embodiment, detergent water is stored in the outer tub 10 during washing operation, and the drum 13 is rotated at a low speed in this state to wash the laundry contained in the drum 13. Execute. At that time, if a detergent that is not a low-foaming detergent is used, or if the amount is too large even if it is a low-foaming detergent, abnormal bubbles are generated in the outer tub 10 and the inside of the vertical air passage 33 is reached. Bubbles will rise. Therefore, a bubble detection unit 26 is provided for detecting that bubbles generated from the detergent water are excessive. The bubble detection unit 26 includes a rod-shaped bubble detection electrode 26a provided in the vertical air passage 33 as a means for detecting bubbles by contacting the bubbles, and is a part of the electrolyzed water generation unit 25. A plate-like electrode is used. Next, the configuration and specific operation of the bubble detection unit 26 will be described.
[0042]
FIG. 9 is a circuit configuration diagram centering on the bubble detector 26, and FIG. 10 is a waveform diagram showing the operation of this circuit. In FIG. 9, 25 a and 25 b are electrodes included in the electrolyzed water generating unit 25.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 9, the output (point A) of the oscillator 70 oscillating at a predetermined frequency is connected to the bubble detection electrode 26 a via the capacitor 71 and input to the control unit 50 via the comparator 72. Yes. On the other hand, the electrolyzed water generating electrode 25b is connected to a power source having a voltage of 20V via a switch 73, and the other electrolyzed water generating electrode 25a paired with the power source is grounded. When electrolyzing water in the electrolyzed water generating unit 25, the switch 73 is closed, and a DC voltage of 20V is applied between the electrolyzed water generating electrodes 25a and 25b.
[0044]
When bubbles are not filled in the vertical ventilation passage 33 of the drying circulation air passage, that is, when the bubbles are not raised to the position of the bubble detection electrode 26a, the bubble detection electrode 26a is an open end, so that electricity Specifically, it can be considered that the capacitor 71 is not provided. Therefore, a rectangular wave signal as shown in FIG. The comparator 72 compares the potential at point A with the potential at point B (4 V), and outputs 5 V when the potential at point A is lower than the potential at point B, and outputs 0 V otherwise. Therefore, a rectangular wave signal of 0-5V is input to the control unit 50.
[0045]
On the other hand, when the vertical aeration path 33 of the dry circulation air path is filled with bubbles, the bubble detection electrode 26a and the electrolyzed water generation electrode 25a are electrically connected via the bubbles and water. 26a is equivalent to being grounded. For this reason, a charging / discharging current flows through the capacitor 71, and if the capacity is set to an appropriate value with respect to the period of the rectangular wave signal, the capacitor 71 is not completely charged / discharged. As shown in FIG. 10B, the amplitude is very small centered around 2.5V. Therefore, a continuous signal of 5V is input to the control unit 50. Therefore, the control unit 50 determines whether the input signal is continuously in the “H (= 5 V)” state or in the repeated state of “H” and “L (= 0 V)”, thereby increasing the excess. Presence or absence of bubbles can be determined.
[0046]
When bubbles are present, the voltage across the capacitor 71 fluctuates at the moment when the switch 73 is switched on and off, but after a while after switching, the DC component of the capacitor 71 shuts off to a substantially constant value. Calm down. Therefore, the waveform is input to the control unit 50 regardless of whether the switch 73 is on or off.
[0047]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a bubble detection process including a determination process for the presence / absence of bubbles, which is executed by the control unit 50.
[0048]
The control unit 50 first resets the bubble detection count value C (step S100), and then sets the bubble detection flag F to 0 (step S101). Then, it is determined whether or not the above input signal is “H” (step S102). If it is “H”, the bubble detection count value C is increased by 1 (step S103), and the value is increased. It is determined whether or not has reached 100 (step S104). If it is determined that the bubble detection count value C has not reached 100, it is determined whether or not the bubble detection flag F is 1 (step S107). If the flag F is not 1, that is, 0, step is performed. Return to S102.
[0049]
Therefore, when the input signal is continuously “H” as shown in FIG. 10B, the processing of steps S102 → S103 → S104 → S107 is repeated, and the bubble detection count value C is 100. When the value reaches the bubble detection flag F, the bubble detection flag F is set to 1 (step S105), and the bubble detection count value C is reset to zero (step S106). At this time, since the flag F is 1, the process proceeds from step S107 to step S108, and the bubble extinction process is executed.
[0050]
As an example of the foam dissipation process, the rotation of the drum 13 is stopped, the cooling water valve 57a is opened, and the cooling water is caused to flow from the cooling water supply port 41 into the vertical ventilation path 33. As a result, water is sprayed on the foam filled in the lower part of the vertical air passage 33, so that the foam disappears, and a part of the cooling water travels down the foam detection electrode 26a and is gathered together. Be sure to wash away any foam that has clinged. Furthermore, since the cooling water flows into the outer tub 10, the detergent water stored in the outer tub 10 is diluted, so that not only the bubbles are dissipated but also the subsequent generation of bubbles is suppressed. However, since the water level in the outer tub 10 will rise if only additional cooling water is supplied, the drain valve 23 is opened and a part of the detergent water is discharged outside the apparatus. Such a foam dissipation process is continuously performed for a predetermined time. Then, after executing the foam dissipation process, the process returns to step S101, the flag F is reset, and the process returns to the same determination process.
[0051]
On the other hand, when there is no excessive bubble, the input signal repeats “H” and “L”, and the repetition cycle is 100 times the processing of the above steps S102 → S103 → S104 → S107 in the control unit 50. The cycle is set to be shorter than the repetition. Therefore, even when the input signal is determined to be “H” continuously several times at a certain time, the input signal becomes “L” before the bubble detection count value C reaches 100. In steps S102 → S109 → S106, the bubble detection flag F becomes 0, and the bubble detection count value C is reset to zero. Therefore, the flag F is always 0 when the flag F is determined in step S107, and the bubble extinction process is not executed.
[0052]
By the operation as described above, it is possible to reliably detect that the bubbles have risen to a predetermined position in the drying circulation air passage, and at the time of detection, the cooling water can be flowed to reliably dissipate the bubbles. Furthermore, even after the foam has been dissipated, if the foam is filled again by restarting the washing operation, the foam can be dissipated again by flowing cooling water.
[0053]
The generation of excessive bubbles as described above is highly likely to occur during the first intermediate dehydration performed during the washing operation using the detergent water and after the detergent water is discharged after the washing operation is completed. In particular, since the drum 13 is rotated at a high speed during intermediate dehydration, the detergent water discharged from the laundry is vigorously stirred, and foaming is remarkable. Therefore, in the drum type washing / drying machine of the present embodiment, the characteristic control during the washing operation is performed to suppress the generation of excessive foam during the subsequent intermediate dehydration.
[0054]
FIG. 12 is a partial control flowchart during the characteristic washing process. The operation will be described with reference to FIG.
[0055]
In the control unit 50, when the washing operation is executed by rotating the drum 13 at a low speed while the detergent water is stored in the outer tub 10 (step S10), it is determined whether or not the washing operation time has ended. If the washing operation time has not ended (step S11), the presence or absence of excessive bubbles is determined by the above-described method (step S12). If it is determined that bubbles are present, the above-described bubble extinction process is performed ( Step S13).
[0056]
When the predetermined washing operation time is completed, the drain valve 23 is opened and drainage from the outer tub 10 to the outside of the apparatus is started (step S14). Thereafter, the water level detection signal from the water level sensor 54 is monitored to determine whether or not the water level in the outer tub 10 has been lowered to the reset water level (step S15). The reset water level is a water level set at a considerably low position in the outer tub 10, and can be, for example, the lowest water level that can be detected by the water level sensor 54.
[0057]
When it is detected that the water level has dropped to the reset water level, it is determined whether or not the foam extinguishing process has been executed at least once during the washing operation (step S16). After reaching the reset water level, the apparatus waits for one minute in that state (step S17), and then proceeds to an intermediate dehydration process to start high-speed rotation driving of the drum 13 (step S19). On the other hand, when the foam dissipation process is not executed, after waiting for 30 seconds after reaching the reset water level (step S18), the process proceeds to the intermediate dehydration process. That is, when the foam extinction process is executed, the detergent water is likely to foam, and bubbles that are difficult to be discharged are likely to remain as compared with water. Therefore, the longer the standby time after reaching the reset water level, that is, the drainage time, the detergent water and bubbles remaining in the outer tub 10 are more reliably discharged out of the machine. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of an excessive bubble can be suppressed in the case of intermediate | middle dehydration.
[0058]
Although it is less likely than during the washing operation, excessive foam may be generated during the rinsing operation or the subsequent intermediate dehydration, so the control described above should be performed during the rinsing operation. It may be.
[0059]
As described above, when the generation of excessive bubbles is detected during the washing operation (and the rinsing operation), the foam extinguishing process is performed, and at the same time, the foam detection electrode 26a is cleaned (hereinafter referred to as "electrode cleaning process"). )It can be performed. However, the purpose of the electrode cleaning treatment is to wash away the foam (detergent component) adhering to the foam detection electrode 26a. Therefore, the electrode cleaning process is not limited to the case where the foam is detected, and is suitable for the washing process and the drying process. Just do it at the moment. However, if it is determined that the electrode cleaning process is performed during the drying process, the electrode cleaning process is not executed when the operation course is set so as to end the operation only in the washing process. Therefore, it is preferable that the electrode cleaning process can be performed during the washing process before the drying process.
[0060]
In addition, the detergent component adhering to the foam detection electrode 26a may not be completely washed away only by the electrode cleaning process performed simultaneously with the foam extinction process as described above. Therefore, in the drum type washing and drying machine of this embodiment, an electrode cleaning process as described below is executed separately from the foam extinguishing process in the washing operation. FIG. 13 is a control flowchart regarding this electrode cleaning process.
[0061]
In the electrode cleaning process, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the final dehydration process is started (step S60), and if it is not the final dehydration process, the process ends. If it is the final dehydration process, it is then determined whether or not excessive bubbles are detected by the bubble detection process during the washing process or during the rinsing process (step S61). If bubbles are not detected, the possibility of bubbles adhering to the bubble detection electrode 26a is very low, and the process is terminated as it is. If excessive bubbles are detected even once during the washing process or during the rinsing process, the fan motor 37 is activated and the cooling water valve 57a is opened (step S62). Thereby, the cooling water flows into the vertical ventilation path 33 from the cooling water supply port 41. When the fan 36 is driven to rotate, an air flow from the bottom to the top is generated in the vertical air passage 33 in the same manner as in the drying operation. Therefore, the cooling water flowing into the vertical air passage 33 is divided into fine water droplets. Rolled up into a mist. Therefore, even when the flowing cooling water is not directly applied to the foam detection electrode 26a, the soaring water droplets come into contact with the foam detection electrode 26a from various directions, and the detergent components adhered to the electrode 26a It is dripped with.
[0062]
Here, the rotational speed of the fan motor 37 in this electrode cleaning process is set to 4700 rpm which is higher than 4500 rpm which is the rotational speed of the fan motor 37 during the drying operation. As a result, the amount of air that rises in the vertical air passage 33 is increased as compared with that during the drying operation, so that the effect of raising the cooling water becomes more remarkable, and the bubble detection electrode 26a provided at a relatively high position can be surely provided. Water droplets come into contact with Further, if the air flow rate is increased too much, water droplets from the cooling water may reach the fan 36 and further to the drying heater 40. However, if the air flow rate increases to the extent described above, such a risk is small. When a predetermined electrode cleaning time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed since the start of the electrode cleaning (“Y” in step S63), the fan motor 37 is stopped and the cooling water valve 57a is closed ( Step S64) The process is terminated.
[0063]
After the final dehydration process, there is almost no possibility that bubbles will newly adhere to the foam detection electrode 26a. Therefore, by performing the electrode cleaning process as described above during the final dehydration process, the foam detection electrode 26a is used during washing. There is an advantage that the detergent components adhering to the water are surely washed away and are not carried over to the next washing.
[0064]
In addition, when an operation course is set such that the drying process is performed after the washing process, the above-described electrode cleaning process is not performed during the final dehydration process, and the flow is caused to flow through the vertical ventilation path 33 during the drying operation. The foam detection electrode 26a should be washed away by the cooling water. Accordingly, whether or not to perform the electrode cleaning process during the final dehydration process may be selected according to the setting content of the operation course. If the cooling water supplied for dehumidification during the drying operation is also used for cleaning the foam detection electrode 26a, the amount of water used can be reduced accordingly. Of course, from the viewpoint of only the reliability of cleaning, it goes without saying that it is preferable to increase the opportunities for electrode cleaning treatment.
[0065]
Next, similarly to the above embodiment, a control method according to another embodiment that can suppress the generation of excessive bubbles during intermediate dehydration after the washing operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0066]
When the washing process is started, the replenishment water count value C is reset to zero (step S30), the water supply valve 57 is opened, and water supply into the outer tub 10 is started (step S31). When the water is supplied, the detergent previously stored in the detergent container 4 is dissolved in water and supplied to the outer tub 10. After the water supply is started, it is determined whether or not the water level in the outer tub 10 has reached the set water level based on a detection signal from the water level sensor 54 (step S32). In automatic operation, the set water level is automatically determined based on the result of load amount detection performed prior to the washing process.
[0067]
When water is supplied to the set water level, the water supply valve 57 is closed to stop water supply (step S33), and the drum motor 20 is driven to rotate the drum 13 at a low speed (step S34). As a result, the laundry stored in the drum 13 is scraped up and dropped onto the water surface. When one minute has elapsed from the start of rotation of the drum 13 (“Y” in step S35), the rotation of the drum 13 is temporarily stopped (step S36), and the water level Lx at that time is measured (step S37). At the time of the previous water supply, the laundry has not yet completely absorbed water, and water is infiltrated into the laundry while the drum 13 is rotated. Therefore, the water level in the outer tub 10 is lowered by the amount that the laundry absorbs water at the beginning.
[0068]
The measured water level Lx is compared with the set water level (step S38), and when the water level Lx is lowered, the water supply valve 57 is opened again to start makeup water (step S39). Then, the makeup water count value C is increased by 1 (step S40), and the process returns to step S32. Accordingly, the amount of water is increased by the amount of water absorbed by the laundry and the water level being lowered by the processing of steps S39 → S40 → S32 → S33.
[0069]
Then, once the replenishing water is performed one or more times and the laundry sufficiently absorbs water, the water level does not decrease any more, so the process proceeds from step S38 to S41, the drum 13 is rotated to perform a predetermined washing operation, This is continued until the washing operation time elapses (step S42). When the washing operation time has elapsed, the drain valve 23 is opened and drainage from the outer tub 10 to the outside of the apparatus is started (step S43). Thereafter, the water level detection signal from the water level sensor 54 is monitored to determine whether or not the water level in the outer tub 10 has been lowered to the reset water level (step S44).
[0070]
When it is detected that the water level has fallen to the reset water level, the replenishment water count value C is determined, and when it is 0, that is, when no replenishment water is used, the state is maintained for 30 seconds after reaching the reset water level. After waiting (step S46), the process proceeds to an intermediate dehydration process, and high-speed rotation driving of the drum 13 is started (step S50). If the replenishment water count value C is not less than 1 and not more than 4 (“Y” in step S47), it waits for 60 seconds after reaching the reset water level (step S48), and then proceeds to the intermediate dehydration process. . If the replenishment water count value C is 5 or more (“N” in step S47), the system waits for 90 seconds after reaching the reset water level (step S49), and then proceeds to the intermediate dehydration process.
[0071]
That is, as the number of makeup waters increases, the standby time after reaching the reset water level, that is, the drainage time is set longer. It is considered that the amount of detergent water soaked into the laundry increases as the amount of makeup water increases, and the detergent water is gradually discharged from the laundry even after the water level in the outer tub 10 has dropped to the reset water level. Therefore, when it is assumed that the amount of water soaked in the laundry is large, the amount of detergent water remaining in the outer tub 10 is reduced by increasing the drainage time. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of an excessive bubble can be suppressed in the case of intermediate | middle dehydration.
[0072]
In addition, in the said Example, since the electrode for electrolyzed water production | generation is arrange | positioned in the position immersed in the water stored in the outer tank 10, this electrode is shared for foam | bubble detection. However, even in a drum-type washing machine that does not include an electrode for generating electrolyzed water, an electrode dedicated to foam detection (mainly a metal part) that is electrically connected to water stored in the outer tub 10 ( In the above embodiment, only one electrode 26a) needs to be provided.
[0073]
Specifically, for example, when the drum 13 is made of stainless steel, the lower portion of the drum 13 is always immersed in the detergent water during the washing operation, and thus is in conduction with the detergent water. Further, the main shaft 14 and the auxiliary shaft 15 that are electrically connected to the drum 13 are electrically connected to the bearing cases 16 and 18 through metal bearings 17 and 19. Therefore, for example, by drawing out a lead wire from a screw or the like that fixes the bearing cases 16 and 18 to the outer tub 10, it can be used as an electrode that conducts with the detergent water in the outer tub 10.
[0074]
It should be noted that the above embodiment is merely an example of the present invention, and it is obvious that modifications and corrections can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a drum type washing and drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a right side view of the upper part of the drum type washing and drying machine of the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a front longitudinal sectional view of a main part inside the drum type washing and drying machine of the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a left side view of the inside of the drum type washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the right side inside the drum type washing and drying machine of the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a right side view of the inside of the drum type washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a front longitudinal sectional view depicting a drying circulation air passage in the drum type washing and drying machine of the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an electric system of the drum type washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a circuit configuration diagram centering on a bubble detection unit.
10 is a waveform chart showing the operation of the circuit shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a bubble detection process including a bubble presence / absence determination process executed by a control unit.
FIG. 12 is a partial control flowchart during the washing process in the drum type washing and drying machine of the present embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a control flowchart of electrode cleaning processing in the drum type washing and drying machine of the present embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a partial control flowchart during a washing process in a drum type laundry dryer according to another embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a partial control flowchart during a washing process in a drum type laundry dryer according to another embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Outer box
2 ... Upper lid
3 ... Laundry slot
4 ... Detergent container
10 ... Outer tank
100 ... Outer tank opening
101 ... Outer tank door
13 ... Drum
130 ... Drum opening
131 ... Drum door
14 ... Spindle
15 ... Auxiliary shaft
16, 18 ... Bearing case
17, 19 ... Bearing
20 ... Drum motor
22 ... Drain outlet
23 ... Drain valve
24 ... Water heater
25 ... Electrolyzed water generator
25a, 25b ... Electrolyzed water generating electrodes
26 ... Bubble detection unit
26a ... Bubble detection electrode
31 ... Bottom ventilation passage
32 ... Dehumidification pipe
33 ... Vertical air passage
34 ... Rear air passage
35 ... Fan room
36 ... Fan
37 ... Fan motor
38 ... Heater cover
39 ... Lateral air passage
40 ... Drying heater
41 ... Cooling water supply port
50. Control unit
51. Load drive unit
54 ... Water level sensor
57 ... Water supply valve
57a ... Cooling water valve
70: Oscillator
71: Capacitor
72 ... Comparator

Claims (1)

An outer tub provided in the outer tub and a drum rotatably disposed inside the outer tub, and the drum is rotated by rotating the drum while water is stored in the outer tub. It is configured to wash the stored laundry, and further includes a blowing means, a heating means, and a dehumidifying means, and sends heated air into the outer tub, and air containing water vapor discharged from the laundry. In a drum-type washing machine comprising a drying circulation air path for heating and circulating after taking it out and dehumidifying , and performing a drying process following a washing process including washing, rinsing, and dehydration ,
A conductive first electrode portion provided at a position to be immersed in the detergent water stored in the outer tub, and a first electrode portion attached to the inside of the drying circulation air passage and provided at a position where it is desired to detect the rise of bubbles. A two-electrode portion, and a bubble determination means for recognizing the occurrence of a bubble abnormality by detecting electrical continuity between the first and second electrode portions,
The dehumidifying means allows cooling water to flow through a part of the drying circulation air passage, and the second electrode portion is disposed below the cooling water supply port of the dehumidifying means via the cooling water supply port. Placed in a position where the supplied cooling water is applied ,
A cleaning process for supplying cooling water from the cooling water supply port to wash the second electrode part is performed at the time of final dehydration during the washing process,
Drum-type washing characterized in that when the cleaning process is performed, the air blowing means is operated to blow air into the drying circulation air passage, and the air blowing amount at that time is larger than the air blowing amount during the drying process. Machine.

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