JP4115141B2 - Drum washing machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine that accommodates laundry in a drum and performs washing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a drum type washing machine that stores laundry in a hollow cylindrical drum rotatable around an axis extending in a substantially horizontal direction and performs washing. This type of washing machine has, for example, an outer tub that surrounds the outside of the drum. By rotating the drum in a state where a predetermined amount of water is stored in the outer tub, the laundry in the drum is moved to the inner surface of the drum. It is possible to carry out washing by repeatedly performing an operation (tapping) by lifting it with a baffle projecting from the base and dropping it naturally from a certain height toward the water surface.
[0003]
Usually, at the time of washing, a detergent is mixed in the water in the outer tub in order to improve the washing performance. When washing is performed using a detergent, the water in the outer tub is stirred as the drum rotates, and bubbles are generated in the outer tub.
Some drum-type washing machines detect the amount of water level in the outer tub during washing, and supply water to the outer tub when the water level is lower than a predetermined value. When the water level lowering amount in the outer tub is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the water level in the outer tub is low. Therefore, when the drum is rotated in this state, the water in the outer tub is agitated more than necessary, resulting in the detergent. Bubbles are likely to occur.
[0004]
On the other hand, some drum type washing machines have a function of drying laundry after dehydration. In this type of drum type washing machine, for example, a drying unit for a drying function is attached to an end wall of an outer tub. The drying unit takes in the air in the outer tub, warms the air with a heater, and then sends it to the outer tub again, thereby drying the laundry stored in the drum. For example, the drying unit communicates with the inside of the outer tub from a substantially central portion in the left-right direction of the peripheral wall of the outer tub.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the cross-sectional area of the part where the drying unit communicates with the outer tub is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the outer tub, if bubbles are generated in the outer tub, the cross-sectional area is higher than the height of the bubbles in the outer tub. Foam enters the drying unit. When the drying unit communicates with the peripheral wall of the outer tub, depending on the rotation direction of the drum, there are directions in which bubbles in the outer tub are likely to enter and directions that are difficult to enter. Sometimes the foam that has entered the drying unit reaches a higher position. In particular, when the water level in the outer tub is low and the water in the outer tub is replenished with water more than necessary, a large amount of bubbles are generated in the outer tub, so that the bubbles easily enter the drying unit.
[0006]
When the bubbles that have entered the drying unit reach the heater provided in the drying unit, there is a possibility that a harmful effect such as deteriorating the function of the heater may occur.
In addition, the drum type washing machine includes a foam detection sensor for detecting the amount of foam generated in the outer tub. When this foam detection sensor detects a large amount of foam, There is a thing which can perform the operation (foam removal processing) which sprinkles water in a tank and removes foam. Since this bubble detection sensor is usually provided in a member (for example, a drying unit) that communicates with the outer tub having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outer tub, the bubble in the outer tub is contained in this member. There is a possibility that the amount of bubbles may be erroneously detected when the bubbles enter a position higher than the height of the bubbles.
[0007]
The present invention has been made under such a background, and a drum-type washing machine in which bubbles generated in the outer tub due to detergent during replenishing water do not easily enter a member communicating with the outer tub such as a drying unit. The purpose is to provide.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 provides:An outer tub that can store water during washing, and an inner tub provided in the outer tub and rotated about a rotation axis that is set within a predetermined angle range with respect to the horizontal direction or the horizontal direction. A drum-type washing machine having a drum capable of washing laundry stored in
  Replenishing water control means for periodically detecting the water level in the outer tub at the time of washing, and controlling the replenishment of water in the outer tub when the water level lowering amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined value at which bubbles due to detergent are likely to occur When,
  When the drum is rotated in a predetermined direction and communicated with the outer tub, bubbles generated in the outer tub due to the detergent are more likely to enter compared to the case where the drum rotates in the reverse direction. A drying device for drying the laundry housed in the drum disposed,
  Drum rotation control means for rotating the drum alternately in the predetermined direction and the reverse direction during washing,
  When the water level lowering amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the drum rotation control unit is configured to supply drum water until the water level lowering amount in the outer tank is less than the predetermined value after the replenishing water is supplied by the replenishing water control unit. It is a drum type washing machine characterized by rotating the machine only in the reverse direction.
[0009]
  thisThe drum-type washing machine is provided with a drying device for drying the dehydrated laundry. The drying device takes in the air in the outer tub, warms the air with a heater, and then sends the air to the outer tub again, thereby drying the laundry stored in the drum. For example, the drying device communicates with the inside of the outer tub from the substantially central portion in the left-right direction of the peripheral wall of the outer tub.
[0010]
  The present inventionAccording to the configuration, the drum is rotated only in the direction in which bubbles do not easily enter (reverse direction) until the water level lowering amount in the outer tub becomes less than a predetermined value (for example, 20 mm). Then, bubbles generated in the outer tank communicate with the outer tank.Drying equipmentHard to get into. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bubbles that have entered the drying apparatus from reaching the heater provided in the drying apparatus and degrading the function of the heater.
[0011]
  ClaimThe invention described in 2An outer tub that can store water during washing, and an inner tub provided in the outer tub and rotated about a rotation axis that is set within a predetermined angle range with respect to the horizontal direction or the horizontal direction. A drum-type washing machine having a drum capable of washing laundry stored in
  Replenishing water control means for periodically detecting the water level in the outer tub at the time of washing, and controlling the replenishment of water in the outer tub when the water level lowering amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined value at which bubbles due to detergent are likely to occur When,
  When the drum is rotated in a predetermined direction and communicated with the outer tub, bubbles generated in the outer tub due to the detergent are more likely to enter compared to the case where the drum rotates in the reverse direction. A drying device for drying the laundry housed in the drum disposed,
  Drum rotation control means for rotating the drum alternately in the predetermined direction and the reverse direction during washing,
  When the water level lowering amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the drum rotation control unit performs the above-described period of time until the water level lowering amount in the outer tub becomes less than the predetermined value after the replenishing water is supplied by the replenishing water control unit. The drum-type washing machine is characterized in that the rotation of the drum is controlled such that the rotation speed of the drum is lower than the rotation speed after the water level lowering amount in the outer tub becomes less than the predetermined value.
[0012]
  According to this configuration, the rotational speed of the drum until the water level lowering amount in the outer tub becomes less than a predetermined value (for example, 20 mm) is equal to the predetermined value.Less thanBecause it is lower than the rotation speed after becoming, it communicates with the outer tub at the time of makeup waterDrying equipmentIt is difficult for bubbles to enter. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bubbles that have entered the drying apparatus from reaching the heater provided in the drying apparatus and degrading the function of the heater.
[0013]
  ClaimThe invention described in 3 isAn outer tub that can store water during washing, and an inner tub provided in the outer tub and rotated about a rotation axis that is set within a predetermined angle range with respect to the horizontal direction or the horizontal direction. A drum-type washing machine having a drum capable of washing laundry stored in
  Replenishing water control means for periodically detecting the water level in the outer tub at the time of washing, and controlling the replenishment of water in the outer tub when the water level lowering amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined value at which bubbles due to detergent are likely to occur When,
  When the drum is rotated in a predetermined direction and communicated with the outer tub, bubbles generated in the outer tub due to the detergent are more likely to enter compared to the case where the drum rotates in the reverse direction. A drying device for drying the laundry housed in the drum disposed,
  A drum rotation control means that alternately rotates the drum in the predetermined direction and the reverse direction during washing, and alternately repeats an on period for energization to rotate the drum and an off period for energization stop,
  When the water level lowering amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the drum rotation control unit performs the above-described period of time until the water level lowering amount in the outer tub becomes less than the predetermined value after the replenishing water is supplied by the replenishing water control unit. In the drum type washing machine, the rotation of the drum is controlled so that the ratio of the on period to the off period becomes smaller than the ratio after the water level lowering amount in the outer tub becomes less than the predetermined value. is there.
[0014]
  According to this configuration, the ratio of the on period to the off period until the water level lowering amount in the outer tub becomes less than the predetermined value (for example, 20 mm), the water level lowering amount in the outer tub is the predetermined value.Less thanSince it is smaller than the ratio after it becomes, it communicates in the outer tank at the time of makeup waterDrying equipmentIt is difficult for bubbles to enter. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bubbles that have entered the drying apparatus from reaching the heater provided in the drying apparatus and degrading the function of the heater.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drum type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from above. In FIG. 1, the left front side will be described as the front, and the right back side will be described as the rear.
The casing 1 constituting the external appearance of the drum type washing machine can be installed in a washing machine pan for a spiral type vertical washing machine having a pulsator for generating a water flow in a tub for storing laundry, for example. It is formed in size. In addition, the height (the height from the floor surface to the upper surface 1A of the housing 1) when installed on the floor is designed to be about the height of the user's waist.
[0020]
On the front side of the upper surface 1A of the housing 1, an inclined surface 1B is formed so as to be lowered toward the front side, and can be opened and closed by the opening / closing lid 14 from the upper surface 1A of the housing 1 to the inclined surface 1B. An opening 15 is formed. The opening / closing lid 14 includes a rear lid 14A that covers a portion of the opening 15 formed on the upper surface 1A of the housing 1, and a front lid 14B that covers a portion formed on the inclined surface 1B. The rear lid 14A has a rear end rotatably attached to the upper surface 1A of the housing 1. The front lid 14B has a rear end rotatably attached to the front end of the rear lid 14A. The left and right sides of the front end portion of the front lid 14B are attached to be slidable in the front-rear direction along the left and right edges of the opening 15.
[0021]
The user grasps the grip portion 16 formed on the front lid 14B and slides it backward while lifting the rear portion of the front lid 14B, so that the front lid 14B and the rear lid 14A protrude upward from the upper surface 1A. Thus, the opening 15 can be opened.
On the right side of the opening 15 in the inclined surface 1B, an operation display panel 17 for displaying various settings regarding the operation of the drum-type washing machine and various operating conditions is arranged.
[0022]
In addition, a substantially circular opening 18 is formed at substantially the center of the left and right side surfaces of the housing 1, and a lid 19 is fitted in each opening 18 (only the right side surface is visible in FIG. 1). ). The opening 18 is a so-called service hatch, and the inside of the machine can be maintained by removing the lid 19 and putting the hand inside the housing 1.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the entire configuration of the drum-type washing machine, and is a view of a section taken from the front side when cut along a vertical plane along the left-right direction. FIGS. 3 and 4 are longitudinal sectional views of the drum type washing machine, and are views of the cross section when viewed from the left or right side when cut along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction.
[0023]
Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a substantially hollow cylindrical outer tub 2 is provided inside the housing 1 with the end surfaces on the left and right. Both end faces of the outer tub 2 are constituted by end face walls 21L and 21R.
The outer tub 2 is supported by a pair of dampers 3F and 3B and a pair of coil springs (not shown). Specifically, the pair of dampers 3 </ b> F and 3 </ b> B connect the inner bottom surface of the housing 1 and the outer tub 2, and respectively support the lower front position and the lower rear position of the outer tub 2. is doing. Further, the pair of coil springs respectively connect the left and right side surfaces of the housing 1 and the outer tub 2, and support the positions of the end surface walls 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R closer to the rear of the upper end portions of the outer tub 2.
[0024]
Inside the outer tub 2, a substantially hollow cylindrical drum 4 for accommodating the laundry therein is provided with end faces on the left and right sides (however, in FIG. 2, one peripheral wall 42 of the drum 4 is provided). (The lower part of the drum 4 is shown cut away). The drum 4 is arranged so that its axis is substantially coaxial with the axis of the outer tub 2. Both end faces of the drum 4 are constituted by end face walls 41L and 41R, and rotary shafts 51L and 51R are connected to the centers of these end face walls 41L and 41R, respectively. The rotation shafts 51L and 51R extend outward from the end surface walls 41L and 41R along the same rotation axis set in a direction substantially orthogonal to the left and right side surfaces of the housing 1, respectively. The attached bearings 52L and 52R are rotatably held.
[0025]
On the left side of the outer tub 2, a motor 6 for rotating the drum 4 is attached to the left end wall 21L of the outer tub 2 via a stator 6A. The motor 6 is a so-called DD motor that is coupled to the left end of the rotating shaft 51L by a DD (direct drive) method. When the outer rotor 6B of the motor 6 is rotated, the rotating shaft 51L is rotated, The drum 4 is rotated around the axis in the outer tub 2.
[0026]
An opening 43 for taking in and out the laundry is formed in the peripheral wall 42 of the drum 4. An opening 22 is formed in the peripheral wall 21 of the outer tub 2 at a position facing the opening 15 of the housing 1. The opening 22 of the outer tub 2 and the opening 43 of the drum 4 can be opened and closed by, for example, opening and closing lids 22A and 43A that can be rotated outward (upward in FIG. 2). The laundry can be taken in and out with 43A open. The open / close lid 43 </ b> A of the drum 4 may be configured to automatically open and close in conjunction with opening / closing the open / close lid 22 </ b> A of the outer tub 2.
[0027]
A lock mechanism 10 for stopping the rotation of the drum 2 at a predetermined timing is attached to the lower portion of the left end surface wall 21L of the outer tub 2. By the action of the lock mechanism 10, the stop position of the drum 4 is controlled so that the opening 43 is positioned at a position facing the opening 22 of the outer tub 2. Thereby, with the rotation of the drum 4 stopped, the opening / closing lids 14, 22 </ b> A, 43 </ b> A are opened, and the laundry is taken in / out through the openings 15, 22, 43 with respect to the drum 4 obliquely from above. Can do.
[0028]
A hose connection port 71 for connecting a water supply hose reaching an external water supply facility or the like is provided on the left side of the rear portion of the upper surface 1A of the housing 1 (see FIG. 3). A water supply pipe 72 extends toward the inside. A water supply valve 73 is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 72. Normally, the water supply valve 73 is closed (turned off), so that the tap water supplied through the water supply hose ( Hereinafter, it is simply referred to as “water”) so that it does not flow downstream from the water supply valve 73. At the time of water supply, the water supplied through the water supply hose can be supplied into the outer tub 2 through the water supply pipe 72 by opening (turning on) the water supply valve 73.
[0029]
A drain port 76 is formed on the right side of the lower end portion of the peripheral wall 21 of the outer tub 2 (see FIG. 2), and a drain pipe 75 is connected to the drain port 76. A drainage valve 77 is provided in the middle of the drainage pipe 75. By supplying water with the drainage valve 77 closed (turned off), water supplied through the water supply pipe 72 is supplied to the outer tub 2. Can be stored within. Further, the water stored in the outer tub 2 can be drained outside the machine through the drain port 76 and the drain pipe 75 by opening (turning on) the drain valve 77.
[0030]
A number of water passage holes (not shown) are formed in the peripheral wall 42 of the drum 4, and water supplied into the outer tub 2 flows into the drum 4 through these water passage holes. It is supposed to be. Also, on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 42 of the drum 4, one baffle (not shown) for lifting the laundry is provided at predetermined equal angles in the circumferential direction (for example, every 120 °) (three in total). These are provided so as to extend in the left-right direction.
In the present embodiment, in the washing process, the on / off control of the water supply valve 73 and the drainage valve 77 and the rotation control of the motor 6 are combined to lift the laundry in the drum 4 by the baffle and to a certain height. It is possible to carry out washing by repeating the operation (striking) such that the water stored in the outer tub 2 is naturally dropped toward the water surface. Usually, during the washing process, the rotation direction of the motor 6 is switched at a constant cycle, and the drum 4 rotates in the clockwise direction (forward rotation) and the counterclockwise rotation (inversion) in FIG. Repeated alternately.
[0031]
Normally, when washing is performed, a detergent is mixed in the water in the outer tub 2 in order to improve the cleaning performance. When washing is performed using a detergent, the water in the outer tub 2 is stirred as the drum 4 rotates, and bubbles are generated in the outer tub 2.
The drum type washing machine according to the present embodiment periodically detects the amount of water level in the outer tub 2 during the washing process, and when the water level has decreased by a predetermined value (for example, 20 mm) or more, the outer tub 2 It is designed to supply water inside. When the water level lowering amount in the outer tub 2 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the water level in the outer tub 2 is low, so when the drum 4 is rotated in this state, the water in the outer tub 2 is stirred more than necessary. Foam caused by detergent is likely to occur.
[0032]
When the washing process is finished, the water in the outer tub 2 is once drained and then rinsed. At the start of rinsing, as a stage before rinsing, the drum 4 is rotated at a high speed (for example, 300 to 1000 rpm) for a predetermined time (for example, about 2 minutes), so that the detergent-concentrated water contained in the laundry is caused by centrifugal force. Squeezed (interim dehydration). Thereby, since a rinse is performed after removing a detergent component to some extent, the amount of water and time which are required at the time of a rinse can be reduced. At the time of rinsing, for example, after water is stored in the outer tub 2 up to a higher water level than at the time of the washing process, the forward / reverse rotation of the drum 4 is alternately repeated for a predetermined time and drained for a plurality of rinsing processes. By being performed once, the detergent component can be removed from the laundry.
[0033]
In the dehydration process performed after the rinsing is completed, the drum 4 is rotated at a high speed (for example, 300 to 1000 rpm) for a predetermined time (for example, about 5 minutes), and water contained in the laundry in the drum 4 is squeezed out by centrifugal force, Moisture from the laundry is scattered to the outer tub 2 side through the water passage hole.
In the drum type washing machine according to the present embodiment, washing can be performed at various washing courses by appropriately setting the combination of each step of the washing step, the rinsing step, the dehydration step, and the execution time of each step. It can be done. Among these laundry courses, in addition to the standard “standard course”, the “necessary course” takes longer than the standard course, and the “hurry course” takes less time than the standard course. included. These washing courses can be washed, for example, by the user operating the operation display panel 17.
[0034]
The drain pipe 75 branches to the right side in the middle. An air trap 11 is attached to the lower end portion of the right end surface wall 21 </ b> R of the outer tub 2, and the air trap 11 is connected to a branched drain pipe 75. The air trap 11 is provided with a water level sensor (not shown), and the water level in the outer tub 2 can be detected by detecting the pressure of the air in the air trap 11 with this water level sensor. It has become.
[0035]
A hot water heater 12 is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 2. By warming the water stored in the outer tub 2 using the hot water heater 12, washing can be performed at an appropriate water temperature.
In order to reduce the vibration of the drum 4 during dehydration, a plurality (for example, eight) of water storage boxes 8 are attached to the outer peripheral side (right side) of the right end surface wall 41R of the drum 4 at the peripheral edge thereof. These water storage boxes 8 are formed in, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape having openings 81 on one surface, and are substantially equiangularly spaced (for example, every 45 °) with each opening 81 facing the rotation center (rotating shaft 51R). Has been placed. A part of the water supplied into the outer tub 2 from the water supply pipe 72 can be discharged toward the track drawn by the opening 81 of each water storage box 8 as the drum 4 rotates. By discharging water while rotating at a predetermined speed (for example, 80 to 100 rpm), water can be stored in each water storage box 8 by centrifugal force.
[0036]
When an eccentric load is generated on the drum 4 due to the uneven distribution of the laundry, each of the water storage boxes 8 stores almost full water, and from that state, water is discharged from the water storage box 8 that is closest to the eccentric load. Control is performed to instantaneously reduce the rotational speed of the drum 4 (eg, from 100 rpm to 50 rpm) so as to spill. If the decrease in weight due to water spilling from the water storage box 8 is enough to meet the eccentric load, the two cancel each other out, and the eccentric load generated in the drum 4 becomes smaller, resulting in an eccentric load (unevenness of the laundry). The resulting vibration can be reduced.
[0037]
In order to further suppress vibration of the drum 4 during dehydration, an annular fluid balancer 9 is attached to the outer peripheral (left side) surface of the left end surface wall 41L of the drum 4 at the periphery. Four fluid passages 91 are formed in the fluid balancer 9 along the circumferential direction, and a predetermined amount of liquid is sealed in each fluid passage 91. In addition, a partition plate (not shown) is provided in each flow path 91 at every predetermined angle in the circumferential direction (for example, approximately every 60 °), and the liquid in each flow path 91 And the inner surface of the fluid balancer 9 can be freely circulated through a gap. As a result, the liquid in the fluid balancer 9 vibrates in substantially the same phase as the vibration caused by the uneven distribution of the laundry while the drum 4 rotates at a relatively low predetermined speed (about 100 rpm). If it is unevenly distributed and the rotational speed of the drum 4 exceeds a relatively high predetermined speed (about 300 rpm), the drum 4 is unevenly distributed so as to generate a vibration having a phase opposite to that due to the uneven distribution of the laundry. Therefore, when the drum 4 rotates at a high speed, the vibration caused by the uneven distribution of the laundry can be canceled by the vibration due to the uneven distribution of the liquid in the fluid balancer 9, and the vibration of the drum 4 can be suppressed.
[0038]
This drum type washing machine also has a function of drying the dehydrated laundry, and a drying unit U for a drying function is attached to the outside (right side) surface of the right end face wall 21R of the outer tub 2. ing. As shown in FIG. 4, the drying unit U includes an air passage member 31 that constitutes an air passage for guiding the air in the outer tub 2 sucked from the suction port 30 communicating with the inside of the outer tub 2 upward, A fan 32 that is disposed at the terminal end (upper end) of the air passage member 31 and that feeds air from the air passage member 31 into the outer tub 2 and guides air from the fan 32 into the outer tub 2. A drying hood 33 and a warm air heater 34 disposed in the drying hood 33 for heating the air fed into the outer tub 2. The suction port 30 communicates with the inside of the outer tub 2 via, for example, an introduction path 35 (see FIG. 2) that extends to the back side in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the introduction path 35 is connected from the rear to an exhaust port 26 formed, for example, in a substantially central portion in the left-right direction below the peripheral wall 21 of the outer tub 2.
[0039]
At the time of drying, the operation of rotating the drum 4 while blowing warm air from the drying unit U into the outer tub 2 to lift the laundry in the drum 4 by the baffle and let it fall naturally from a certain height is repeated. Thereby, a laundry can be dried favorably.
Since the cross-sectional area of the portion (exhaust port 26) where the introduction path 35 of the drying unit U communicates with the outer tank 2 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the outer tank 2, when bubbles are generated in the outer tank 2, The foam enters the drying unit U up to a position higher than the height of the foam in the outer tub 2.
[0040]
Further, when the suction port 30 communicates with the outer tub 2 in the above-described manner, the direction toward the direction (backward) inclined with respect to the direction in which the exhaust port 26 faces into the outer tub 2 (the direction toward the center of the drum 4). Therefore, when the drum 4 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 4 (reverses), the introduction path 35 extends in the outer tub 2 as compared with the case where the drum 4 rotates clockwise (forward rotation). Foam tends to enter the drying unit U. Therefore, when the drum 4 is reversed (the direction in which bubbles easily enter), the bubbles that have entered the drying unit U reach a higher position.
[0041]
In particular, when the water level in the outer tub 2 is low and the water in the outer tub 2 is replenished with water more than necessary, a large amount of bubbles are generated in the outer tub 2, so that the bubbles easily enter the drying unit U. .
When the bubbles that have entered the drying unit U reach the hot air heater 34 provided in the drying unit U, there is a possibility that a bad effect such as deteriorating the function of the hot air heater 34 may occur.
[0042]
The drum type washing machine according to the present embodiment is provided with a foam detection sensor 36 for detecting the amount of foam generated in the outer tub 2 (see FIG. 4). When the foam detection sensor 36 detects the generation of a large amount of foam, an operation (defoaming process) for removing the foam by dispersing water in the outer tub 2 is performed. This foam detection sensor 36 is in a member communicating with the outer tub 2 having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outer tub 2 (for example, slightly higher than the center in the vertical direction in the air passage member 31 of the drying unit U). Therefore, the amount of the foam may be erroneously detected when the foam enters the member to a position higher than the height of the foam in the outer tub.
[0043]
Therefore, in the drum type washing machine according to the present embodiment, the drum 4 is rotationally controlled so that bubbles generated in the outer tub 2 due to the detergent at the time of replenishing water do not easily enter the drying unit U. . Before describing the contents of the rotation control of the drum 4, the electrical configuration of the drum type washing machine will be described first.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the drum type washing machine according to the present embodiment. A microcomputer 80 that controls the entire drum type washing machine includes a CPU 84, an A / D converter 85, a RAM 86, a ROM 87, and the like. The ROM 87 rotates the drum 4 during washing. An operation program for controlling the operation is stored in advance.
[0044]
The operation display panel 17 is connected to the microcomputer 80 so that input / output is possible. As a result, an input signal corresponding to the user's operation is given to the microcomputer 80, and various information such as the driving situation is displayed on the display unit of the operation display panel 17 according to the output signal from the microcomputer 80. It has become.
The water supply valve 73 and the drainage valve 77 are connected to the microcomputer 80 via a valve drive unit 78. The valve drive unit 78 opens and closes the water supply valve 73 and the drain valve 77 in accordance with an output signal from the microcomputer 80.
[0045]
The microcomputer 80 functionally includes a rotation speed control unit 81 and a water level measurement unit 82.
The motor 6 is connected to the microcomputer 80 via the inverter control unit 6C. The rotation speed control unit 81 of the microcomputer 80 transmits a rotation speed instruction signal to the inverter control unit 6C, and the inverter control unit 6C converts the instruction signal into a PWM signal and generates a drive voltage corresponding to the PWM signal. Applied to the motor 6. Thereby, the outer rotor 6B of the motor 6 rotates at a desired rotation speed, and the drum 4 rotates.
[0046]
The water level sensor 11A provided in the air trap 11 is connected to the microcomputer 80 so that input is possible. The water level measurement unit 82 determines the pressure of air in the air trap 11 based on the input signal from the water level sensor. Detect and measure the water level in the outer tub 2. The microcomputer 80 controls the valve drive unit 78 based on the measurement result by the water level measurement unit 82 and opens and closes the water supply valve 73 and the drain valve 77 to set the water in the outer tub 2 to a desired water level. Can do.
[0047]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of control by the microcomputer during washing.
Referring to FIG. 6, when the user operates operation display panel 17 to start washing in the drum type washing machine, first, water supply valve 73 is turned on and water supply is started (step S1). When the water in the outer tub 2 reaches a water level (set water level) corresponding to, for example, 30 liters of water (YES in step S2), the water supply valve 73 is turned off and the water supply is stopped (step S3).
[0048]
Thereafter, a series of rotation control (first sequence) of the drum 4 is executed (step S4). In the present embodiment, in the first sequence, for example, the forward rotation of the drum 4 for 5 seconds and the 5-second interval (period in which the motor 6 is de-energized) are alternately performed. When 1 minute has elapsed since the first sequence started (YES in step S5), the rotation of the drum 4 is stopped (step S6), and the water level in the outer tub 2 is measured using the water level sensor 11A. (Step S7).
[0049]
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the water level lowering amount A (set water level−measured water level) obtained based on the measured water level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 20 mm) (step S8). In the case of laundry that is difficult to absorb water (for example, chemical fibers), since the laundry does not absorb much water during the first sequence in step S4, the water level lowering amount A is relatively small, but is easy to absorb water (for example, cotton) ), Since the laundry sufficiently absorbs water during the first sequence, the water level lowering amount A is relatively large.
[0050]
When the water level lowering amount A is less than 20 mm (NO in step S8), a series of rotation control (second sequence) of the drum 4 different from the first sequence is executed. In the present embodiment, in the second sequence, for example, the normal rotation of the drum 4 for 20 seconds and the inversion of 20 seconds are alternately performed with an interval of 3 seconds. At this time, the rotation speed at the time of forward / reverse rotation of the drum 4 is, for example, 50 rpm. Then, when the second sequence is executed for a predetermined time, the process proceeds to a rinsing process.
[0051]
On the other hand, when the water level lowering amount A is 20 mm or more (YES in step S8), makeup water is started (step S11). During this make-up water, the water level sensor 11A always detects the water level in the outer tub 2 and when the water level drop amount A becomes less than 0 mm, that is, when the measured water level exceeds the set water level (step S11). YES), water supply is stopped (step S3), and the control after step S4 is performed again. In this way, makeup water is supplied until the water level drop amount A is less than 20 mm in step S8, and when the water level drop amount A is less than 20 mm (NO in step S8), the process proceeds to the second sequence. (Step S9).
[0052]
In this embodiment, since the drum 4 is rotated only in the forward rotation direction (the direction in which bubbles do not easily enter) in the first sequence, the bubbles generated in the outer tub 2 due to the detergent during the replenishing water are generated in the outer tub 2. It is difficult to enter the drying unit U communicating with Therefore, it is possible to prevent bubbles that have entered the drying unit U from reaching the warm air heater 34 provided in the drying unit U and degrading the function of the warm air heater 34.
[0053]
Further, when the foam enters the drying unit U to a position higher than the height of the foam in the outer tub 2, the foam detection sensor 36 provided in the drying unit U erroneously detects the amount of foam. Since it can prevent, the time spent for an antifoaming process and the water used for an antifoaming process can be saved.
In order to obtain the above effect, various modifications can be considered in the first and second sequences in addition to the first sequence being controlled only in the normal rotation direction of the drum 4 as described above. For example, in the first sequence, the normal rotation of the drum 4 for 5 seconds and the reversal for 5 seconds (the rotation speed during normal rotation / reversal is, for example, 40 rpm) are alternately performed with an interval of 5 seconds therebetween. Even if the sequence is such that the drum 4 is rotated forward for 20 seconds and reversed for 20 seconds (the rotation speed during forward rotation / reversal is, for example, 50 rpm) alternately in a sequence with an interval of 3 seconds. Good. In this case, since the rotation speed of the drum 4 in the first sequence is lower than the rotation speed in the second sequence, the drying unit communicated in the outer tub 2 during the first sequence as compared with the second sequence. It is difficult for bubbles to enter U.
[0054]
In another modification, for example, in the first sequence, the drum 4 is rotated forward for 2 seconds and reversed for 2 seconds (the rotational speed during forward rotation / reversal is, for example, 50 rpm) across an interval of 3 seconds. In the second sequence, the normal rotation of the drum 4 for 20 seconds and the reversal of 20 seconds (the rotation speed during normal rotation / reversal is, for example, 50 rpm) are alternately performed with an interval of 3 seconds. Such a configuration may be used. In this case, the ratio of the ON period (forward / inversion period; 2 seconds) to the OFF period (interval period; 3 seconds) of the drum 4 in the first sequence is the ON ratio with respect to the OFF period (3 seconds) in the second sequence. Since it is smaller than the ratio of the period (20 seconds), bubbles are less likely to enter the drying unit U communicating with the outer tub 2 during the first sequence as compared with the second sequence.
[0055]
In still another modification, for example, in the first sequence, the drum 4 normal rotation for 10 seconds and the reversal for 5 seconds (the rotation speed at the time of normal rotation / reversal is, for example, 50 rpm) sandwich the interval of 3 seconds. In the second sequence, the drum 4 is normally rotated for 20 seconds and inverted for 20 seconds (the rotation speed during normal rotation / reversal is, for example, 50 rpm) alternately with an interval of 3 seconds. Such a configuration may be adopted. In this case, in the first sequence, the ON period (5 seconds) in the reversing direction of the drum 4 (the direction in which bubbles tend to enter) is shorter than the ON period (10 seconds) in the normal rotation direction. Thus, bubbles generated in the outer tub 2 are unlikely to enter the drying unit U communicating with the outer tub 2. In this case, the rotational speed of the drum 4 in the first sequence may be set lower than the rotational speed in the second sequence.
[0056]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of control by the microcomputer at the time of washing in a drum type washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the replenishing water is not necessarily supplied until the water level lowering amount A becomes less than a predetermined value (for example, 20 mm) as in the first embodiment, but according to the weight of the laundry stored in the drum 4. When the replenishment water is performed X times, even if the water level lowering amount A is not less than the predetermined value, no further replenishment water is performed. For this purpose, the RAM 86 of the microcomputer 80 is provided with a replenishment frequency counter (not shown) for counting the number of replenishment water.
[0057]
Referring to FIG. 7, when the user operates operation display panel 17 to start washing in the drum type washing machine, first, water supply valve 73 is turned on and water supply is started (step T1). When the water in the outer tub 2 reaches a water level (set water level) corresponding to, for example, 30 liters (YES in step T2), the count number C of the replenishment frequency counter is reset (step T3), and then the water supply valve 73 is turned off and water supply is stopped (step T4).
[0058]
Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, after the first sequence is executed for one minute (steps T5 and T6), the rotation of the drum 4 is stopped (step T7), and the water level in the outer tub 2 is measured. (Step T8).
When the water level lowering amount A (set water level−measured water level) is less than 20 mm (NO in step T9), the second sequence is executed (step T10), and then the process proceeds to the rinsing process, as in the first embodiment. .
[0059]
On the other hand, when the water level lowering amount A is 20 mm or more (YES in step T9), after the count number C of the replenishment number counter is incremented (step T11), replenishment water is started (step T12). During this makeup water, the water level sensor 11A always detects the water level in the outer tub 2 and when the water level drop amount A becomes less than 0 mm, that is, when the measured water level exceeds the set water level (step T13). YES), water supply is stopped (step T14).
[0060]
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the count number C of the replenishment number counter has reached a number X (upper limit replenishment number) corresponding to the weight of the laundry stored in the drum 4 (step T15). The microcomputer 80 is connected to a weight sensor (not shown) for detecting the weight of the laundry stored in the drum 4, and the upper limit replenishment count X is set based on the detection result of the weight sensor. Is done. The upper limit replenishment frequency X is, for example, “1” when the weight of the laundry is 2.0 kg or less, “3” when the weight is greater than 2.0 kg and 4.5 kg or less, and greater than 4.5 kg and 8.0 kg. In the following cases, it is set to “5”.
[0061]
When the count number C of the replenishment number counter is equal to or greater than the upper limit replenishment number X (NO in step T15), after the second sequence is executed (step T10), the process proceeds to the rinsing process. On the other hand, when the count number C of the replenishment number counter is less than the upper limit replenishment number X (YES in step T15), the control after step T5 is performed again. In this way, the replenishing water is performed with the upper limit replenishment count X as the upper limit until the water level lowering amount A is less than 20 mm in step T9. That is, until the number of replenishing water reaches the upper limit replenishing number X, when the water level lowering amount A becomes less than 20 mm (NO in step T9), the process proceeds to the second sequence (step T10). ) When the number of replenishing water reaches the upper limit replenishing number X (NO in step T15), even if the water level lowering amount A is 20 mm or more, the subsequent replenishing water is not performed and the second sequence is started. (Step T10).
[0062]
In the present embodiment, since the upper limit is set for the number of make-up water, even if the water level drop amount A is not less than 20 mm, if the make-up water reaches the upper limit make-up number X, no more make-up water is used. It is possible to proceed to the next step. Therefore, since the amount of water used for make-up water can be suppressed to a predetermined amount or less, the water used can be saved.
The upper limit replenishment count X is not different depending on the weight of the laundry, but may be different depending on the laundry course (standard course, meticulous course, rush course, etc.), for example. Alternatively, a different value may be used depending on other conditions.
[0063]
The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.
For example, the drying unit U is not limited to the configuration communicating from the rear side to the substantially horizontal center of the outer tub 2, and may be configured to communicate from the front side of the outer tub 2 into the outer tub 2. In this case, when the drum 4 rotates in the forward direction (clockwise in FIG. 4), the bubbles enter the drying unit U more easily than when the drum 4 rotates in the reverse direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 4). In the first sequence, the drum 4 may be controlled to rotate only in the reverse direction (the direction in which bubbles do not easily enter). Further, in the first sequence, the drum 4 may be controlled such that the ON period in the normal rotation direction (the direction in which bubbles easily enter) is shorter than the ON period in the reverse direction.
[0064]
The foam detection sensor 36 is not limited to the configuration provided in the drying unit U, and may be provided in a member that communicates with the outer tub 2 provided separately from the drying unit U. In this case, in the first sequence, the rotation of the drum 4 may be controlled so that the bubbles are less likely to enter the member provided with the bubble detection sensor 36.
During the interval between the drums 4 in the first and second sequences, the drum 4 may be rotated by inertial force or may be completely stopped.
[0065]
The drum 4 is not limited to rotating about the rotation shafts 51L and 51R extending in the horizontal direction, and may be configured to rotate about the rotation shaft set within a predetermined angle range with respect to the horizontal direction. Good.
In the above embodiment, the so-called top loading drum type washing machine in which the opening 15 for taking out the laundry is formed on the upper surface 1A of the housing 1 has been described, but for example, for taking out the laundry to the front of the housing. The present invention can also be applied to a drum-type washing machine in which the opening is formed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drum type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from above.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the overall configuration of the drum-type washing machine, and is a view of a section when viewed from the front side when cut along a vertical plane along the left-right direction.
FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a drum type washing machine, and is a cross-sectional view taken from the left side when cut along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a drum-type washing machine, and is a view of a cross-section viewed from the right side when cut along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the drum type washing machine according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of control by the microcomputer during washing.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of control by a microcomputer during washing in a drum type washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Outer tank
4 drums
36 Bubble detection sensor
51L, 51R Rotating shaft
80 Microcomputer
86 RAM
A Water level drop
C count
U Drying unit
X Upper limit supply count

Claims (3)

An outer tub that can store water during washing, and an inner tub provided in the outer tub and rotated about a rotation axis that is set within a predetermined angle range with respect to the horizontal direction or the horizontal direction. A drum-type washing machine having a drum capable of washing laundry stored in
Replenishing water control means for periodically detecting the water level in the outer tub at the time of washing, and controlling the replenishment of water in the outer tub when the water level lowering amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined value at which bubbles caused by detergents are likely to occur. When,
Communicating with the outer vessel, towards the case of the drum rotates in a predetermined direction, as compared with the case where the rotation in the opposite direction, due to the detergent as susceptible foam enters the said outer tank A drying device for drying the laundry housed in the drum disposed,
Drum rotation control means for rotating the drum alternately in the predetermined direction and the reverse direction during washing,
When the water level lowering amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the drum rotation control unit is configured to supply drum water until the water level lowering amount in the outer tank is less than the predetermined value after the replenishing water is supplied by the replenishing water control unit. A drum-type washing machine characterized in that it is rotated only in the reverse direction . An outer tub that can store water during washing, and an inner tub provided in the outer tub and rotated about a rotation axis that is set within a predetermined angle range with respect to the horizontal direction or the horizontal direction. A drum-type washing machine having a drum capable of washing laundry stored in
Replenishing water control means for periodically detecting the water level in the outer tub at the time of washing, and controlling the replenishment of water in the outer tub when the water level lowering amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined value at which bubbles caused by detergents are likely to occur. When,
Communicating with the outer vessel, towards the case of the drum rotates in a predetermined direction, as compared with the case where the rotation in the opposite direction, due to the detergent as susceptible foam enters the said outer tank A drying device for drying the laundry housed in the drum disposed,
Drum rotation control means for rotating the drum alternately in the predetermined direction and the reverse direction during washing,
When the water level lowering amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the drum rotation control unit performs the above-described period of time until the water level lowering amount in the outer tub becomes less than the predetermined value after the replenishing water is supplied by the replenishing water control unit. A drum type washing machine, characterized in that the rotation of the drum is controlled so that the rotation speed of the drum is lower than the rotation speed after the water level lowering amount in the outer tub becomes less than the predetermined value . An outer tub that can store water during washing, and an inner tub provided in the outer tub and rotated about a rotation axis that is set within a predetermined angle range with respect to the horizontal direction or the horizontal direction. A drum-type washing machine having a drum capable of washing laundry stored in
Replenishing water control means for periodically detecting the water level in the outer tub at the time of washing, and controlling the replenishment of water in the outer tub when the water level lowering amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined value at which bubbles caused by detergents are likely to occur. When,
Communicating with the outer vessel, towards the case of the drum rotates in a predetermined direction, as compared with the case where the rotation in the opposite direction, due to the detergent as susceptible foam enters the said outer tank A drying device for drying the laundry housed in the drum disposed,
A drum rotation control means that alternately rotates the drum in the predetermined direction and the reverse direction during washing, and alternately repeats an on period for energization to rotate the drum and an off period for energization stop,
When the water level lowering amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the drum rotation control unit performs the above-described period of time until the water level lowering amount in the outer tub becomes less than the predetermined value after the replenishing water is supplied by the replenishing water control unit. A drum type washing machine, characterized in that the rotation of the drum is controlled such that the ratio of the on period to the off period is smaller than the ratio after the water level lowering amount in the outer tub becomes less than the predetermined value .

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