JP4448843B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine including a powder detergent dissolving means and a washing water circulation means.

  When the powder detergent is dissolved and then subjected to washing, it can be washed at a desired detergent concentration from the beginning of washing, so that it is effective for enhancing the washing power. In addition, there is an effect of preventing the detergent from remaining undissolved even in winter when the water temperature is low and the detergent is difficult to dissolve. Furthermore, the detergent is dissolved in a small amount of water to produce a high-concentration detergent solution (detergent concentration is preferably 10 to 15 times). Since it becomes easy to remove dirt touching the detergent solution, the cleaning power can be greatly improved.

  As the powder detergent dissolving means, a method using a dedicated detergent melting device, a method of dissolving the detergent by rotating the washing tub, a method of dissolving the detergent with a stirring blade provided at the bottom of the washing tub, and the like are used.

  As a method using a dedicated detergent dissolver, detergent and water are put in a box-shaped detergent dissolution container having a stirring blade at the bottom, and the detergent is dissolved by rotating the stirring blade to produce a high-concentration detergent solution. There is a method of supplying a detergent solution to a washing tub while diluting with water.

  The method of dissolving the detergent by rotating the outer tub is to put the detergent into the bottom of the outer tub, supply water to the outer tub until the bottom of the washing tub touches the water, and rotate the washing tub to stir the water and detergent. There is a way to dissolve the detergent.

  As a method of dissolving detergent with a stirring blade, put the detergent between the bottom of the washing tub and the back of the stirring blade, supply water until the back of the stirring blade is immersed in water, and reverse the stirring blade to reverse the water and detergent. There is a method to dissolve detergent.

  There is also a washing machine that has a circulation pump, draws up a small amount of washing water stored in the outer tub, spreads it on the laundry in the washing tub, and evenly soaks the washing liquid into the laundry to save water. is there.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-355489 JP 2005-304667 A JP 2004-209109 A

  The method using the dedicated detergent dissolving apparatus has the advantage that the detergent concentration can be easily controlled because the detergent can be surely dissolved and the dissolved high-concentration detergent solution is diluted with water and supplied. However, the cost is increased due to the detergent melting apparatus, and the installation space for the detergent dissolving container (with a stirring device of about 500 mL in volume) is required.

  In the method using the rotation of the washing tub and the method using the forward and reverse rotation of the stirring blade, it is necessary to put water up to the bottom of the washing tub or the back surface of the stirring blade. For this reason, when the amount of laundry is large (the amount of detergent is large), a thick detergent solution is formed. When the amount of laundry is small (the amount of detergent is small), the detergent concentration is reduced, and the detergent concentration at the time of melting is reduced. It cannot be made constant.

  In addition, in a drum-type washing machine where the rotation axis of the washing tub is horizontal or slightly inclined, water is collected on the inner periphery of the cylinder, and a small amount of water is needed to dissolve the detergent when the amount of water supply is sufficient to touch the washing tub. It is not possible to dissolve sufficiently by rotating the washing tub. Further, when the washing tub is rotated, undissolved detergent or water enters from the dewatering hole of the washing tub and adheres to the laundry and absorbs water, so that the amount of water becomes smaller. Furthermore, since it does not have a stirring blade, a method using a stirring blade is impossible.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can realize the dissolution of detergent and the circulation of detergent liquid with a simple configuration, and can control the concentration of the detergent during dissolution.

  In order to achieve the above object, the washing machine according to the present invention is characterized by an inner tub which is a washing and dewatering tub provided rotatably in an outer tub for storing washing water, and a drive for rotating the inner tub. An apparatus, a water supply mechanism for supplying wash water to the outer tub, a wash water circulation mechanism for circulating wash water stored in the bottom of the outer tub, a drainage mechanism for draining water in the outer tub, and the inner tub A water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the water, a cloth amount detecting means for detecting the amount of laundry put in the inner tub, a control device for controlling the drive mechanism, the water supply mechanism, the drainage mechanism, and the washing water circulation mechanism. In the washing machine, the washing water circulation mechanism includes a circulation pump and a flow path connecting the circulation pump and the bottom of the outer tub, and the flow path is a first that extends from the bottom of the outer tub to the circulation pump. And a second channel extending from the circulation pump to the bottom of the outer tank And a third flow path from the circulation pump to the upper part of the outer tub, and the control means changes the rotation direction of the circulation pump to change the second flow path and the third flow path. And to switch between.

  The circulation pump includes a motor, a runner fastened to the motor shaft, and a cylindrical casing that covers the runner. The casing has a suction port at the center of the opposite end surface of the motor and protrudes to the inside of the inner peripheral surface. A first discharge port and a second discharge port sandwiching the partition wall, the first discharge port being connected to the second flow path, and the second discharge port being The third channel is configured to be connected.

  Further, the outer tub is provided with a concave water receiving portion at the bottom, and is configured to connect the first channel inlet and the second channel outlet to the water receiving portion.

  Further, the water receiving portion has a partition that covers approximately half of the upper surface, and the outlet of the second flow path is provided at the lower portion of the partition.

  Further, a rectifying member is provided at the outlet of the second channel to direct water discharged from the outlet to the inlet of the first channel.

  Furthermore, the bottom surface of the water receiving portion is configured to be an inclined surface in which the second channel outlet portion is high and the first channel inlet portion is low.

  More preferably, the water supply mechanism includes a water supply electromagnetic valve and a detergent container that contains detergent and pushes the detergent with water from the water supply electromagnetic valve, and a water supply pipe that connects the detergent container and a water supply port provided on the outer periphery of the outer tub. It is comprised, and it comprises so that the rectification | straightening member which rectifies | straightens water along the inner peripheral surface of an outer tank may be provided in this water supply path.

  The rectifying member is formed of an elastic member and is provided so as to open and close the water supply port. When water flows through the water supply port, the elastic member separates from the water supply port and opens the water supply port, and the pressure in the outer tub When the pressure is higher than the pressure in the detergent container, the rectifying member is configured to close the water supply port.

  Further, the control device controls the water supply mechanism to supply a predetermined amount of water and detergent to the bottom of the outer tub, and the runner moves from the first discharge port to the second discharge port. The circulation pump is controlled so as to rotate, and the water and detergent at the bottom of the outer tub are circulated back from the first flow path to the bottom of the outer tub through the second flow path to generate a high concentration detergent solution. The detergent dissolving step, and the circulation pump is controlled so as to rotate the runner in the opposite direction to the detergent dissolving step, and the detergent liquid generated at the bottom of the outer tub is transferred from the first channel to the third channel. And a detergent liquid spraying step of spraying water into the washing tub from the upper part of the outer tub.

  Furthermore, the control means is configured to control the amount of water supplied in the detergent supply step in accordance with the result of detection of the laundry amount by the cloth amount detection means.

  Furthermore, the control means is configured to repeat the operation of temporarily stopping and rotating the circulation pump a plurality of times in the detergent dissolving step.

  Further, the control means is configured to continuously rotate or rotate and stop the driving device in the detergent dissolving step.

  The washing machine configured in this manner rotates the circulation pump when the detergent is melted and sucks and stirs the water and detergent put in the bottom of the outer tank from the first flow path into the circulation pump, and then from the second flow path to the bottom of the outer tank. Circulate to return, rotate the circulation pump in the opposite direction to washing detergent when washing, suck the washing water at the bottom of the outer tub into the circulation pump and push it up from the third flow path to the top of the outer tub Since it circulates so as to sprinkle water into the washing tub, it is possible to achieve detergent dissolution and washing water circulation with one circulation pump, and it is not necessary to add a special device for dissolution.

  Moreover, the partition provided between the 1st discharge port provided in the casing of the circulation pump and the 2nd discharge port functions to block the water swirling in the casing as the runner of the circulation pump rotates. For this reason, when the pump is rotating so as to discharge water from the first discharge port when the detergent is melted, the pressure of the second discharge port is lowered, so that undissolved detergent is discharged from the second discharge port. There is no entry into the washing tub from the top of the outer tub.

  Furthermore, since the concave water receiving portion at the bottom of the outer tub is provided, the amount of water when the detergent is dissolved can be secured.

  Furthermore, since the partition is provided at the upper part of the second flow path outlet of the water receiving portion, undissolved detergent ejected from the second flow path outlet when the detergent is melted does not enter the washing tub.

  Furthermore, since the flow regulating member directed to the first flow path inlet is provided at the second flow path outlet, water and detergent discharged from the second flow path are surely sucked from the first flow path inlet when the detergent is melted. The undissolved detergent does not accumulate in the water receiving part.

  In addition, since the bottom surface of the water receiving portion has an inclined surface that faces down to the first flow path inlet, the water and the detergent discharged from the second flow path outlet when the detergent is melted smoothly flow to the first flow path inlet, There is no accumulation of undissolved detergent in the part.

  In addition, a rectifying member is provided at the water supply port provided in the outer tub so that water and detergent are placed along the inner wall surface of the outer tub, so that undissolved detergent and water will not enter the washing tub when water and detergent are supplied to the outer tub. There is no entry. Furthermore, since the rectifying member is formed of an elastic member so as to open and close the water supply port, the water supply port is opened by the power of water flowing down during water supply, and the water flows along the wall surface without the outer brain at the rectifying member. Rectified. When drying, the pressure inside the outer tub becomes higher than in the detergent container, so the flow control member closes the water supply port due to the pressure difference, and the steam generated by the drying passes through the detergent container and is released outside the washing machine, causing condensation and Prevent occurrence.

  In addition, since the amount of water supplied in the detergent supply process is controlled according to the result of detection of the amount of laundry by the cloth amount detection means (in accordance with the amount of detergent input), the detergent dissolution process is substantially constant regardless of the amount of laundry. A detergent solution having a concentration of the detergent can be produced. And it can be set as the detergent density | concentration suitable for raising dirt.

  Further, since the circulation pump is stopped once in the detergent dissolving step and then rotated again, the undissolved detergent that has entered the second discharge port returns to the pump casing, and the residue of the undissolved detergent can be eliminated. .

  Moreover, since the washing tub is rotated in the detergent dissolving step, the dissolved detergent solution can be permeated into the laundry from the outside of the washing tub. And a detergent liquid can be spread over the whole laundry by spraying a detergent liquid to the center part of a washing tub at a detergent liquid sprinkling process.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of a drum type washing / drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a side view showing the internal structure, FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the internal structure (a part of the upper reinforcing member 36 is cut), and FIG. 4 is cut along the two-dot chain line in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the washing tub, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6 and viewed from the arrow BB.

  Reference numeral 1 denotes a housing constituting the outer shell. The housing 1 is mounted on a base 1h, and includes left and right side plates 1a and 1b, a front cover 1c, a back cover 1d, a top cover 1e, and a lower front cover 1f. The left and right side plates 1a and 1b are connected by a U-shaped upper reinforcing member 36, a front reinforcing member 37, and a rear reinforcing member (not shown), and form a box-shaped casing 1 including a base 1h. However, it has sufficient strength as a housing.

  Reference numeral 9 denotes a door that closes a slot for loading and unloading the laundry provided in the approximate center of the front cover 1c, and is supported by a hinge 9c provided in the front reinforcing member 37 so as to be opened and closed. When the door opening button 9d is pressed, a lock mechanism (not shown) is released and opened, and the door is locked and closed by pressing the door against the front cover 1c. The front reinforcing member 37 has a circular opening for taking in and out the laundry concentrically with an opening of the outer tub described later.

  Reference numeral 6 denotes an operation panel provided in the upper center of the housing 1 and includes a power switch 39, operation buttons 12 and 13, and a display 14. The operation panel 6 is electrically connected to a control device 38 provided at the lower part of the housing 1.

  Reference numeral 19 denotes a detergent container having an opening at the upper part and the front part provided on the upper left side in the housing 1, and a drawer-type detergent tray 7 is mounted from the front opening 19b. When putting in detergents, the detergent tray 7 is pulled out as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The detergent container 19 is fixed to the upper reinforcing member 36 of the housing 1. The detergent container 19 has a water outlet 19a on the left side or slightly rearward. Accordingly, the bottom surface of the detergent container 19 is formed in a mortar shape so that the position of the water outlet 19a is lowest.

  On the back side of the detergent container 19, components related to water supply such as a water supply electromagnetic valve 16, a bath water supply pump 17, and a water level sensor 34 are provided. The upper opening 19c of the detergent container 19 includes a water supply unit 15 to which a water supply electromagnetic valve 16 is attached. The top cover 1e is provided with a water supply hose connection port 16a from a water tap and a water absorption hose connection port 17a for remaining hot water in the bath.

A cylindrical washing / dehydrating tub 3 is rotatably supported and has a large number of through holes 3b for water flow and ventilation on its outer peripheral wall and bottom wall, and puts laundry in and out of the front end face. An opening 3a is provided for this purpose. A fluid balancer 3c integrated with the washing and dewatering tub 3 is provided outside the opening 3a. Further, the rotation center axis of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is inclined so that the horizontal or opening side is higher.

  Reference numeral 2 denotes a cylindrical outer tub, which coaxially encloses the washing / dehydrating tub 3, opens on the front surface, and attaches the motor 4 to the outer center of the rear end surface. The rotating shaft of the motor 4 passes through the outer tub 2 and is connected to the washing and dewatering tub 3. An outer tub cover 2d is provided at the opening on the front surface, and water can be stored in the outer tub. The outer tub 4 is supported by a damper 5 whose lower side is fixed to the base 1h. Further, the upper side of the outer tub 4 is supported by an auxiliary spring 33 attached to the upper reinforcing member 36, and prevents the outer tub 4 from falling in the front-rear direction. In the center of the front side of the outer tub cover 4d, there is an opening 2c for taking in and out the laundry. The opening provided in the main opening 2c and the front reinforcing member 37 is connected by a rubber bellows 10, and the outer tub 2 is sealed with water by closing the door 9.

  A water supply port 2 a for supplying water and detergents into the outer tub 2 is provided at the rear side of the left outer surface of the outer tub 2. The water supply port 2a and the water outlet 19a of the detergent container 19 are connected by a rubber bellows tube A20. The water supply port 2 a has a built-in steam valve 11.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the steam valve 11. The steam valve 11 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and has a flange portion attached to the water supply port 2a of the outer tub 2 at the outer diameter portion. The inner diameter portion is larger in the downstream inner diameter φd2 than in the upstream inner diameter φd1, and both inner diameter portions are connected by a ring-shaped inclined surface 11a. The inclined surface 11a is formed so that the washing / dehydrating tub 3 side is high and the outer peripheral side of the outer tub 2 is low. The uppermost portion of the inclined surface 11a has a protruding portion 11b protruding inward, and the protruding portion 11b is provided with a plurality of pins 11c. An elliptical sheet 11d is attached to the inclined surface 11a so as to close the inclined surface 11a. A hole having the same arrangement as that of the pin 11c is provided at the end on the long axis side of the sheet 11d, and the sheet 11d is fixed to the inclined surface 11a by inserting the hole into the pin 11c and caulking. Accordingly, the sheet 11d is fixed to the inclined surface 11a by cantilever support.

The sheet 11d is made of flexible rubber or synthetic resin. When force is applied to the seat 11d from above (during water supply), the steam valve 11 is opened as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 7, and water flows. On the other hand, when the pressure in the outer tub is higher than the pressure (atmospheric pressure) in the detergent container 19 as during drying, a force acts on the sheet 11d from below, the sheet 11d is pressed against the inclined surface 11c, and the steam valve 11 Is closed.

  On the bottom surface of the outer tub 2, a concave recess 2 a is provided in the axial direction. The bottom surface of the recessed portion 2a is an inclined surface that descends from the front side to the rear side, and a drain port 21 is provided at the lowermost rear side of the recessed portion 2a. A drain hose 22 is connected to the drain port 21. A bottom circulating water inlet 18 is provided on the front side of the recess 2a. Moreover, the upper part of the hollow part 2a has the partition 2b continuous from the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall of the outer tub 2 so as to cover substantially half of the width of the hollow part 2a. The partition wall 2b is provided in a direction opposite to the rotation direction when the washing and dewatering tub 3 is dehydrated. The drain port 21 and the inflow port 18 are installed at positions shifted in the rotational direction of the washing and dewatering tub 3 from the center in the width direction of the recess 2a. For this reason, there is a partition wall 2 b above the drain port 21 and the inflow port 18.

  The depression 2a receives the water flowing out in the same direction as the rotation direction of the washing and dehydrating tub 3 from the through hole 3b to the inner peripheral surface of the outer tub 2 by centrifugal force due to the rotation of the washing and dehydrating tub 3 during dehydration, Guide to drain 21. The partition wall 2b has a function of blocking the water that has entered the recess 2a so as not to circulate again into the outer tub 2.

  An air trap 36 is provided at the lowermost portion of the rear end face of the outer tub 9 and is connected to a water level sensor 34 by a tube 35 to detect the water level in the outer tub 2.

A circulation pump 24, a filter case 23, and a drain valve 25 are provided between the outer tub 2 and the base 1h. The filter case 23 has a cylindrical shape having an opening on the front side, and a removable filter 23c is attached to the inside of the filter case 23. The filter case 23 collects foreign matter and lint in the washing water. The filter case 23 is inclined so that the front side is raised so that the filter 23c can be easily attached and detached by turning the handle 23d by opening the door 1g provided on the lower front cover 1f. The washing water circulation system centering on the circulation pump 24 will be described in detail later.

  8 is a drawer-type dry filter provided on the upper right side of the housing 1, and the mesh-type filter 8a is taken out when the filter is cleaned. A drying duct 29 is connected to the drying filter 8. The drying duct 29 is installed inside the back surface of the housing 1 and is connected to an intake port provided below the rear end face of the outer tub 2 through a rubber bellows tube B29a. A water cooling and dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) is built in the drying duct 29, and cooling water is supplied from the water supply electromagnetic valve 16d to the water cooling and dehumidifying mechanism by the water supply hose 32.

  Reference numeral 28 denotes a blower fan provided on the rear side of the drying filter 8, which connects the intake port to the dry filter 8 and the discharge port to the hot air duct 31 in which a heater (not shown) is built. The hot air duct 31 is connected to the front opening of the outer tub 2 via a rubber bellows tube (not shown).

  When the blower fan 28 is operated during the drying operation and the heater is energized, warm air blows into the washing and dewatering tub 3, warming the laundry and evaporating moisture. The air that has become hot and humid is sucked into the drying duct 29, cooled and dehumidified with cooling water flowing down the water-cooled dehumidifying mechanism, becomes dry low-temperature air, is heated again by the heater through the filter 8a, and the inside of the washing and dehydrating tank 3 Circulate to blow.

  The washing water circulation system centering on the circulation pump 24 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 8 to 11. 8 is a perspective view showing the circulation pump and piping, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the piping connection portion of the circulation pump and the filter case, FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the inside of the circulation pump casing, and FIG. It is a perspective view which shows a motor.

A water inlet 23 a, a water outlet 23 b, and a suction port 43 of the circulation pump 24 are provided on the bottom side of the filter case 23. The drain port 21 and the water inlet 23 a of the outer tub 2 are connected by a hose 22, and the drain valve 25 and the water outlet 23 b are connected by a hose 49. Further, a drain hose 26 is connected to the drain valve 25 and drains washing water outside the machine.

  The circulation pump 24 includes a casing 42, a runner 46, and a circulation pump motor 47. The casing 42 is formed integrally with the filter case 23, and a suction port 43 is provided at the center of the side wall 42 a of the casing 42. A discharge port A44a and a discharge port B45a are opened on the inner peripheral surface of the casing with the partition walls 46a and 46b interposed therebetween, and the discharge port A44 and the discharge port B45 are connected to each other. The partition walls 46a and 46b have a mountain shape protruding inside the casing 42, the back side is in contact with the casing side wall 42a, and the axial length is substantially the same as the blade height described below. Further, the discharge port side walls of the partition walls 46a and 46b are substantially vertical. In this embodiment, the partition walls 46a and 46b have two chevron shapes, but may be trapezoidal chevron shapes having no central valley.

  A runner 46 is attached to the shaft of the circulation pump motor 47. The runner 46 is formed with cross-shaped blades 46a and 46b. The blade 46a has a central portion substantially the same height as the blade boss 46c and has a lower outer peripheral portion, and the blade 46b has a lower height than the blade 46a. By doing so, even if the yarn waste flows so as to straddle the blades 46a and 46b, the blade 46a height decreases toward the outer periphery, so that the yarn waste is easily splashed by centrifugal force. It is possible to prevent lint from being entangled in the blade.

  When the runner 46 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the runner (hereinafter referred to as forward rotation), the water flowing in from the suction port 43 is pushed out toward the inner peripheral wall of the casing 42 by the pumping action by the centrifugal force of the runner 46, and the inside of the casing 42 is moved to the right. Although it flows while rotating, it collides with the partition wall 46a where the gap in the radial direction between the casing and the blades becomes narrow, changes the flow direction, and flows out from the discharge port A44a. When the runner 46 rotates counterclockwise (hereinafter referred to as reverse rotation), the water collides with the partition wall 46b and flows out from the discharge port B45a. Thus, by changing the rotation direction of the pump, the discharge direction of the pump can be changed without using a special flow path switching mechanism.

The outer periphery of the casing 42 has a plurality of protrusions 42 b. The protrusions 42 b are inserted into the ring-shaped gaps 48 b of the circulation pump base 48, the casing 42 is rotated, and the protrusions 42 b are provided on the circulation pump base 48. The casing is fixed by holding the lock portion 48a.

  The discharge port A44 is connected to the circulation hose 27 attached to the front outer peripheral wall of the outer tank cover 2d via the bellows tube C41. The circulation hose 27 is connected to a nozzle 27a provided on the upper side of the outer tank cover 2d. The nozzle 27 a has a shape (for example, a slit shape) that spreads water in a thin film shape in the horizontal direction, and sprays the washing water into the washing and dewatering tub 3.

  The discharge port B45 is connected to the inflow port 18 provided in the hollow portion 2a at the bottom of the outer tub 2 via the bellows tube D40.

  When the circulation pump 24 is rotated forward with the drain valve 25 closed, the washing water in the outer tub 2 passes through the hose 22 from the drain port 21 to remove foreign matter by the filter 23c, enters the circulation pump 24, and is discharged from the discharge port A44. It is discharged and sprinkled through the circulation hose 27 and sprinkled into the washing and dewatering tub 3 from the nozzle 27a.

  When the circulation pump 24 is rotated in the reverse direction, the washing water in the outer tub 2 passes through the hose 22 from the drain port 21 and is removed by the filter 23c, enters the circulation pump 24, is ejected from the discharge port B45, and is removed from the inlet 18 Circulate so as to return to the tank 2 (flow indicated by a thick arrow in FIG. 5).

  When the drain valve 25 is opened, the washing water in the outer tub 2 passes through the filter 23c, passes through the drain valve 25 from the hose 45, and drains out of the machine from the drain hose 22.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the control device 38 of the washing / drying machine. A microcomputer 50 is connected to an operation button input circuit 51, a water level sensor 34, a temperature sensor 52, and a vibration sensor 53 connected to the switches 13 and 13a. Receive information signals. The output from the microcomputer 50 is connected to the drive circuit 54 and connected to the water supply solenoid valve 16, the drain valve 25, the circulation pump motor 47, the motor 4, the blower fan 28, the heater 55, etc. To control. Further, it is connected to a 7-segment light emitting diode display 14, a light emitting diode 56 and a buzzer 57 for notifying the user of the operating state of the washing machine.

  The microcomputer 50 is activated when the power switch 39 is pressed and the power is turned on, and executes a basic control processing program for washing and drying as shown in FIGS.

Step S101
Check the condition of the washer / dryer and make initial settings.

Step S102
The indicator 14 of the operation panel 6 is turned on and a washing course is set according to an instruction input from the operation button switch 13. When no instruction is input, the standard washing course or the previous washing course is automatically set.

Step S103
The process branches after monitoring the instruction input from the start switch 12 of the operation panel 6.

Step S104
The detergent amount detection process is executed. This detergent amount detection is performed by a motor that increases speed from a specified rotational speed 1 to a specified rotational speed 2 when the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated in one direction in a dry cloth state before supplying washing water. 4 is performed by controlling the motor 4 to detect the amount of laundry based on the integrated drive current value of 4, and obtaining an appropriate amount of detergent (detergent amount) based on the detected amount of cloth. The detergent amount is determined by referring to a preset table of cloth amount and detergent amount.

  Further, the washing time is obtained and set based on the detection result (cloth amount). When the amount of cloth is not detected, a standard washing time is set.

Step S105
The determined amount of detergent is displayed on the display 25 of the operation panel 8.

Step S106
The user pulls out the detergent tray 7 and puts the displayed amount of the powder detergent into the detergent tray 7. The microcomputer 50 waits for a time required for the user to put the detergent into the detergent tray 7 (for example, 1 minute), then opens the water supply electromagnetic valve 16b, sprinkles water into the detergent tray 7, and puts the powder detergent into the detergent container 19. Execute water supply to flow to The powder detergent flows together with water from the outlet 19a of the detergent container 19 through the bellows tube A20 and flows down from the water inlet 2a of the outer tub 2 to the bottom recess 2a of the outer tub 2.

  Water is rectified in the water supply port 2a so that the flow direction is directed toward the inner peripheral surface of the outer tub 2 by the seat 11d of the steam valve 11 (flows as indicated by arrows in FIGS. 4 and 7). Since it flows along the peripheral surface, water and detergent do not flow into the washing and dewatering tub 3. As described above, the rectifying action of the sheet 11d can prevent the occurrence of discoloration and uneven color due to the undissolved powder detergent directly touching the laundry.

  When the detergent is a liquid detergent, a liquid detergent room is provided in the detergent tray 7 in order to prevent the high concentration liquid detergent from flowing into the outer tub 2 before the water supply electromagnetic valve 16b is opened. In general, the water is once stored and supplied to the outer tub 4 while being diluted with water supplied from the water supply electromagnetic valve 16b. In the present embodiment, since the detergent does not flow directly into the washing and dewatering tank 3 due to the rectifying action of the sheet 11d, it is not necessary to provide a room for liquid detergent in the detergent tray, and the structure of the detergent tray 7 is simplified. And cost reduction can be achieved.

Step S107
Stop water supply when the detergent is dissolved and water is supplied. In this embodiment, the amount of water supply is controlled according to the amount of detergent (cloth amount). Specifically, the amount of detergent is 17 grams to 44 grams, and the amount of water is about 3 liters to about 7 liters. The water supply amount is controlled by the water level sensor 34. This amount of water is set so that the detergent concentration of the wash water generated in the subsequent detergent dissolving step (step S108) becomes 10 times at maximum. Here, the detergent concentration is defined as 1 times the standard concentration designated by the detergent manufacturer (in a general powder synthetic detergent, the concentration when 20 grams of detergent is dissolved in 30 liters of water). The reason why the detergent concentration is 10 times at maximum is as follows.

  In general powder synthetic detergents, in addition to surfactants, enzymes, alkali agents, water softeners, fluorescent brighteners and the like are included as auxiliary agents. If the detergent concentration is too high, there is a problem that uneven color of clothes (particularly noticeable when exposed to ultraviolet rays) due to the fluorescent brightener. In order to make this uneven color inconspicuous, it is necessary to suppress the detergent concentration to 10 times or less.

Step S108
The circulation pump motor 47 is energized, and the circulation pump 24 is rotated in the reverse direction to dissolve the detergent. Water and detergent accumulated in the bottom of the outer tub 2 and the recess 2b enter the casing 42 from the drain port 21 through the hose 22 and the filter 23c and from the suction port 43. Then, it is ejected from the discharge port B45, circulates through the bellows tube D40 and returns from the inflow port 18 to the recessed portion 2a. The detergent is stirred and dissolved by the blades 46a and 46b of the runner 46, and washing water having a high detergent concentration is generated. The time for dissolving the detergent is 1 to 2 minutes.

  The flow direction when flowing out from the inflow port 18 to the hollow portion 2a is upward, but hits the partition wall 2b and changes the flow direction to the drain port 21 side (thick arrow in FIG. 5). For this reason, it is possible to prevent the undissolved detergent from directly flowing into the washing tub 3 even when the detergent is melted and water containing a large amount of undissolved detergent is circulating. However, part of the water hitting the partition wall 2b may flow to the outer tank cover 2d side. If there is a staying part of the flow on the outer tank cover 2b side, undissolved detergent may deposit on this part.

  Therefore, a rectifying member may be provided to ensure that the water returned to the hollow portion 2a is directed toward the drain outlet 21 side. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the outer tub 2 in which the flow straightening member 18 a is provided at the inlet 18. FIG. 16 is a hollow 2a cut along the two-dot chain line CC in FIG. 15 and viewed from the direction of the arrow. The rectifying member 18a has a cylindrical shape and is provided so as to protrude into the recess 2a. The upper part is closed with a lid 18b, and the cylindrical surface has an opening 18b toward the drain port side. The opening 18c is formed by cutting out about half of the cylindrical surface. Moreover, the opening direction of the opening part 18c is facing the longitudinal direction of the hollow part 2a or the side wall 2a1 side of the hollow part 2a. The water exiting from the inflow port 18 flows from the opening 18c of the rectifying member 18a toward the drain port 21 as indicated by a thick arrow. Since there is a cylindrical surface of the straightening member 18a on the outer tank cover 2d side, water does not flow to the outer tank cover 2d side, and undissolved detergent does not accumulate.

  Moreover, the filter 23c is a lattice-shaped filter, and the undissolved powder detergent to pass through does not accumulate.

  During the dissolution of the detergent (when the circulation pump is rotating in reverse), the pressure of the discharge port A44a is significantly lower than the pressure of the discharge port B45a due to the action of the partition wall 46b, so that water or undissolved detergent is washed from the nozzle 27a. It does not go into the dehydration tank 3. However, undissolved detergent may enter the middle of the bellows tube C41 or the circulation hose 27. Therefore, the circulation pump 24 is temporarily stopped while the detergent is dissolved. When the circulation pump 24 stops, the undissolved detergent that has entered the bellows tube C41 and the circulation hose 27 returns to the casing 42. The undissolved detergent can be eliminated by operating the circulation pump 24 again. The circulation pump 24 is temporarily stopped 3 to 4 times during the dissolution of the detergent. Further, it is sufficient that the stop time of the circulation pump 24 is one second.

  The amount of water in the detergent melt is 3 to 7 liters as described above. In the drum type washing and drying machine of this embodiment, the water level enters the washing and dewatering tank 3 when this amount of water is supplied. For this reason, washing water with a high detergent concentration infiltrates into the laundry while dissolving the detergent. At this time, the washing water may be uniformly permeated into the laundry by energizing the motor 4 and rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3 at a low speed (30 to 40 rotations per minute).

  When the detergent concentration exceeds about 1 times, the surfactant contained in the detergent forms an aggregate called micelle. The micelle is a spherical body in which the hydrophobic group of the surfactant faces the center and the hydrophilic group faces the outside, and its diameter is about 10 nm. The central part of the micelle surrounded by the hydrophobic group has a large solubilizing action and has a very high ability to dissolve oily substances and lipids. Moreover, the number of micelles increases as the detergent concentration increases.

Step S109
Perform pre-washing. In this pre-washing, washing water at the bottom of the outer tub 3 is nozzled by rotating the circulation pump 24 forward to the circulation pump motor 47 while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3 forward and backward (35 to 45 rotations per minute). From 27a, hang down on the laundry. The laundry is lifted by a lifter provided on the inner peripheral wall surface of the washing and dewatering tub 3, and repeats the falling motion. The rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and the operation of the circulation pump 24 are performed intermittently, and the water supply electromagnetic valve 16b is opened while referring to the detection signal of the water level sensor 34 during the stop period of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and the circulation pump 24. Supply water so that does not exceed the set water level. By repeating this operation a plurality of times, the washing is soaked evenly.

  At the time of forward and reverse rotation of the first washing / dehydrating tub 3, washing water having a detergent concentration of about 10 times falls on the laundry and penetrates into the laundry. Since the high-concentration washing water is sprayed while spreading in a thin film form from the nozzle 27a, it penetrates the laundry evenly by the penetration action of the detergent. When there is a lot of laundry, the washing water from the nozzle 27a does not easily reach the laundry near the outer periphery of the washing and dewatering tub 3. However, the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated while the detergent is melted in step S108. Since the washing water penetrates into the laundry from the outer peripheral side of the cum dehydration tank 3, the washing water penetrates the entire laundry.

  Since the above-described micelles are contained in the high-concentration washing water that has permeated into the laundry, the effect of dissolving the oil stain and raising the stain from the laundry is very large, and a high detergency is obtained.

  The nozzle 27a is in the upper part on the front side of the outer tank cover 2d. Therefore, by changing the flow rate by increasing / decreasing the number of revolutions of the circulation pump 24, the reach distance of the shower can be changed, and the laundry can be more evenly sprayed. That is, if the number of rotations is reduced and the flow rate is reduced, the shower can be sprayed on the laundry on the front side of the washing and dehydrating tub 3, and if the number of rotations is increased and the flow rate is increased, Can be applied to the laundry on the side.

  By repeating the replenishing water, the detergent concentration of the washing water falling on the laundry decreases, and at the end of the pre-washing, it becomes about twice the standard concentration.

Step S110
Perform the main wash. While the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated forward and backward (35 to 45 rotations per minute), the circulation pump 24 is rotated forward and the washing water accumulated at the bottom of the outer tub 3 is dropped onto the laundry from the nozzle 27a.

  Finally, the operation of the washing water circulation pump 24 is stopped to stop the circulation of the washing water, and the operation for loosening the laundry is performed while the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated forward and backward in a short cycle so as to end the main washing time. To do.

Step S111
The first rinsing rinse is performed. In this rinsing, first, the drain valve 25 is opened to drain the water in the outer tub 3, and the water level sensor 34 detects that the drainage is completed, and then the washing and dewatering tub 3 is moved in one direction (in this embodiment, The washing water contained in the laundry is centrifugally dehydrated by rotating it counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the washing machine.

  Thereafter, the water supply electromagnetic valve 16b is opened, tap water is supplied to the detergent container 19, and water is supplied from the water supply port 2a to the bottom of the outer tub 3 until the set water level is reached. Next, as in the main washing, while the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated in the reverse direction (from 35 to 45 rotations per minute), the circulation pump 24 is rotated in the forward direction so that the rinsing water accumulated at the bottom of the outer tub 3 is removed from the nozzle 27a. Cycle to sprinkle on the laundry and rinse.

  Next, while the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the operation of the circulation pump 24 are stopped, the water level is replenished so that the water level does not exceed the set water level while the water level sensor 34 detects the water level of the rinse water accumulated at the bottom of the outer tub 3. Do water.

  Next, while the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated in the reverse direction (from 35 to 45 rotations per minute), the circulation pump 24 is rotated forward, and the rinse water accumulated at the bottom of the outer tub 3 is sprinkled on the laundry from the nozzle 27a. Cycle so that the rinse is performed. Since the rinse water coming out from the nozzle 27a is formed into a thin film and sprayed on the laundry, the rinse water is uniformly applied to the laundry, so that the detergent component contained in the laundry can be efficiently diluted and the rinse performance can be improved.

  Thereafter, in a state where the electric circulation pump 24 is stopped and the circulation of the rinse water is stopped, the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated forward and backward in a short cycle to perform a loosening operation.

Step S112
Perform a second rinsing rinse. In the second rinsing, the soft finish agent water supply solenoid valve 16c is opened and water is supplied to the soft finish agent input chamber of the detergent tray 7, whereby the soft finish agent in the soft finish agent input chamber is placed at the bottom of the outer tub 3. Add control to be introduced. Other operations are performed in the same manner as the first rinsing.

Step S113
Perform final dehydration. In final dehydration, the motor 4 is operated so as to rotate the washing and dehydration tub 3 in one direction (in this embodiment, counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the washing machine) with the drain valve 25 opened. Then, the laundry in the washing and dewatering tank 3 is centrifugally dehydrated. The operation time for the final dehydration is set to a time for obtaining a desired dehydration rate.

Step S114
The process branches after confirming whether the washing / drying course is set.

Step S115
When the washing / drying course is set, the drying is executed. This drying is performed by operating the blower fan 28 provided in the middle of the drying duct 29 while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3 forward and backward in the same manner as in the washing process with the drain valve 25 kept open. The air in the tank 3 is sucked into the drying duct 29, and touches the cooling water (opening and supplying the cooling water supply electromagnetic valve) flowing from the dehumidifying mechanism installed in the drying duct 29 when passing through the drying duct 29. Then, after dehumidifying by cooling, yarn waste is collected through the lint filter 8, heated by a heater, and then blown into the washing and dewatering tub 3 from the hot air outlet.

  Drying is performed while monitoring the temperature of the hot air with a temperature sensor, and ends when the rate of temperature change reaches a predetermined value.

  The washing and drying machine configured as described above has the following operational effects.

  The amount of water corresponding to the amount of laundry (the amount of detergent) detected by the detergent amount (cloth amount) detection means is supplied to the bottom of the outer tub together with the detergent, and the circulation pump is rotated in the reverse direction. The detergent is dissolved while the water is circulated from the bottom of the outer tank to the bottom of the outer tank via a circulation pump, thereby generating washing water having a high detergent concentration. The detergent concentration at this time can be made almost constant regardless of the amount of laundry. Then, by rotating the circulation pump forward and backward, the washing water having a high detergent concentration is guided to the upper part of the outer tub, spreads in a thin film shape with a nozzle, falls on the laundry, and permeates the laundry evenly. In this way, by changing the direction of rotation of the circulation pump, the two operations of dissolving detergent and generating washing water with high detergent concentration and circulating watering of the generated washing water can be realized with a single circulation pump. And the circulation route of washing water can be simplified.

  In addition, by rotating the washing / dehydrating tub at a low speed while dissolving the detergent, the generated washing water penetrates into the laundry from the outer peripheral side of the washing / dehydrating tub, and then water is sprayed from the front side of the washing / dehydrating tub with a circulation pump. By doing so, the washing water can be evenly distributed to the laundry. The stains are lifted from the laundry by chemical detergency such as penetration of high-concentration detergent solution and solubilization of oil stains by micelles of surfactant. Then, replenish the water and circulate the washing water so that it falls on the laundry. It can be removed and high cleaning efficiency can be obtained.

  Furthermore, the undissolved detergent that enters the pipe can be eliminated by temporarily stopping the rotation of the circulation pump while dissolving the detergent and repeating the operation.

It is an external view which shows the drum type washing machine of this invention. It is a side view which removes a side plate and shows schematic structure of the drum type washing machine of this invention. It is a top view which removes an upper cover and shows schematic structure of the drum type washing machine of the present invention. It is AA sectional drawing of the outer tank in FIG. 2, and a washing and dehydrating tank. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the bottom part of an outer tub and a washing / dehydrating tub. It is BB sectional drawing of the outer tank in FIG. 5, and a washing and dehydrating tank. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a steam valve. It is a perspective view which shows a circulation pump, a filter, and a piping system. It is a perspective view which shows the piping connection part of a circulation pump and a filter case. It is a perspective view which shows the casing internal shape of a circulation pump. It is a perspective view which shows the runner of a circulation pump. It is a block diagram of the control system of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of control process which the microcomputer in the controller of the control system shown in FIG. 12 performs. 13 is a flowchart showing another part of the control process executed by the microcomputer in the controller of the control system shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the bottom part of an outer tank at the time of providing a rectification | straightening member in an inflow port, and a washing / dehydrating tank. It is CC arrow line view of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 2 Outer tub 2a Indentation part 3 Washing / dehydration tub 4 Motor 6 Operation panel 7 Detergent tray 9 Door 11 Steam valve 16 Water supply solenoid valve 18 Inlet 19 Detergent container 19a Outlet 20, 40, 41 Bellows tube 21 Drain 23 Filter case 24 Circulating pump 38 Control device 42 Casing 43 Suction port 44, 45 Discharge port 44a, 45a Discharge port 46a, 46b Partition wall 46 Runner 46a, 46b Blade

Claims (13)

An inner tub that is a washing and dewatering tub provided so that the rotation center axis is horizontal or can be rotated so that the opening side is high, and a cylindrical shape that encloses the inner tub and is coaxial with the inner tub and stores washing water An outer tub, a driving device that rotationally drives the inner tub, a water supply mechanism that supplies washing water to the outer tub, a washing water circulation mechanism that circulates the washing water stored in the bottom of the outer tub, A drainage mechanism for draining the wash water, a water level detection means for detecting the water level in the outer tub, a cloth amount detection means for detecting the amount of laundry put into the inner tub, the drive mechanism and the water supply mechanism, In a washing machine equipped with a control device for controlling the drainage mechanism and the washing water circulation mechanism,
The washing water circulation mechanism includes a circulation pump and a flow path connecting the circulation pump and the outer tub. The flow path includes a first flow path from the bottom of the outer tub to the circulation pump, and the circulation. A second flow path from the pump to the bottom of the outer tank, and a third flow path from the circulation pump to the top of the outer tank,
In the detergent dissolution step for generating a detergent liquid, the means for switching between the second flow path and the third flow path is provided. The water and detergent supplied to the bottom of the outer tub are transferred from the first flow path to the first flow path. The washing machine is circulated so as to return to the bottom of the outer tub through two flow paths. In claim 1,
The control device switches the second flow path and the third flow path by changing a rotation direction of the circulation pump.   2. The circulation pump according to claim 1, wherein the circulation pump is composed of a motor, a runner fastened to the motor shaft, and a cylindrical casing that covers the runner, and the casing includes a suction port at the center of the opposite end surface of the motor. A partition wall protruding inside the peripheral surface, the partition wall including a first discharge port and a second discharge port, the first discharge port connected to the second flow path, A washing machine, wherein a second discharge port is connected to the third flow path.   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the outer tub includes a concave water receiving portion at a bottom portion, and the first flow channel inlet and the second flow channel outlet are connected to the water receiving portion. An inner tub which is a washing and dewatering tub provided rotatably in an outer tub for storing washing water, a driving device for rotationally driving the inner tub, a water supply mechanism for supplying washing water to the outer tub, and the outer tub A washing water circulation mechanism for circulating the washing water stored in the bottom, a drainage mechanism for draining the washing water in the outer tub, a water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the outer tub, and the washing put in the inner tub In a washing machine comprising a cloth amount detection means for detecting the amount of an object, and a control device for controlling the drive mechanism, the water supply mechanism, the drainage mechanism, and the washing water circulation mechanism,
The washing water circulation mechanism includes a circulation pump and a flow path connecting the circulation pump and the outer tub. The flow path includes a first flow path from the bottom of the outer tub to the circulation pump, and the circulation. A second flow path from the pump to the bottom of the outer tank, and a third flow path from the circulation pump to the top of the outer tank,
Means for switching between the second flow path and the third flow path;
The outer tub has a concave water receiving portion at the bottom, and the water receiving portion connects the first flow path inlet and the second flow path outlet,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water receiving portion has a partition wall that substantially covers the upper surface, and an outlet of the second flow path is provided at a lower portion of the partition wall.   5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein a rectifying member is provided at the outlet of the second flow path to direct water discharged from the outlet toward the first flow path inlet.   5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the bottom surface of the water receiving portion is an inclined surface in which the second channel outlet portion is high and the first channel inlet portion is low.   2. The water supply mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the water supply mechanism contains a water supply electromagnetic valve and a detergent, and a detergent container that sweeps the detergent with water from the water supply electromagnetic valve and a water supply pipe that connects the detergent container and a water supply port provided on the outer periphery of the outer tub. A washing machine comprising: a rectifying member that rectifies water along the inner peripheral surface of the outer tub at the water supply port.   9. The rectifying member according to claim 8, wherein the rectifying member is formed of an elastic member and is provided so as to open and close the water supply port. When water flows through the water supply port, the elastic member separates from the water supply port and opens the water supply port, The washing machine is characterized in that the rectifying member closes the water supply port when the pressure inside is higher than the pressure inside the detergent container. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the control device controls the water supply mechanism to supply a predetermined amount of water and detergent to the bottom of the outer tub, and the runner is connected to the second discharge port from the first discharge port. The circulation pump is controlled to rotate toward the outlet, and the water and detergent supplied to the bottom of the outer tub are circulated from the first flow path to the bottom of the outer tub through the second flow path. A detergent dissolution process for producing a high-concentration detergent liquid, and the detergent pump produced at the bottom of the outer tub by controlling the circulation pump to rotate the runner in the opposite direction to the detergent dissolution process from the first flow path A washing machine that performs a detergent liquid sprinkling step of sprinkling water from the upper part of the outer tub into the washing tub through the third flow path. 11. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the control device controls the amount of water supplied in the detergent supply process in accordance with a result of detection of the amount of laundry by the cloth amount detection means. An inner tub which is a washing and dewatering tub provided rotatably in an outer tub for storing washing water, a driving device for rotationally driving the inner tub, a water supply mechanism for supplying washing water to the outer tub, and the outer tub A washing water circulation mechanism for circulating the washing water stored in the bottom, a drainage mechanism for draining the washing water in the outer tub, a water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the outer tub, and the washing put in the inner tub In a washing machine comprising a cloth amount detection means for detecting the amount of an object, and a control device for controlling the drive mechanism, the water supply mechanism, the drainage mechanism, and the washing water circulation mechanism,
The washing water circulation mechanism includes a circulation pump and a flow path connecting the circulation pump and the outer tub. The flow path includes a first flow path from the bottom of the outer tub to the circulation pump, and the circulation. A second flow path from the pump to the bottom of the outer tank, and a third flow path from the circulation pump to the top of the outer tank,
Means for switching between the second flow path and the third flow path;
The circulation pump includes a motor, a runner fastened to the motor shaft, and a cylindrical casing that covers the runner. The casing includes a suction port at the center of the opposite end surface of the motor, and the casing is located on the inner peripheral surface. And a first discharge port and a second discharge port sandwiched between the partition walls, the first discharge port connected to the second flow path, and the second discharge port. To the third flow path,
The control device controls the water supply mechanism to supply a predetermined amount of water and detergent to the bottom of the outer tub, and the runner rotates from the first discharge port toward the second discharge port. The circulation pump is controlled so that the water and detergent supplied to the bottom of the outer tub are circulated from the first flow path to the bottom of the outer tub through the second flow path, and a high concentration detergent solution is circulated. The detergent dissolving process to be generated, and the circulation pump is controlled so as to rotate the runner in the opposite direction to the detergent dissolving process, and the detergent liquid generated at the bottom of the outer tub is transferred from the first flow path to the third flow. Performing a detergent liquid sprinkling step of sprinkling water from the upper part of the outer tub into the washing tub through the road
The said control apparatus is controlled to repeat the driving | operation which stops rotation of the said circulation pump once in the said detergent melt | dissolution process, and rotates again several times. 11. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the control device controls the drive device to continuously rotate or repeat rotation and stop in the detergent dissolving step.

Images