JP4718509B2 - Drum washing machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine.

  Conventional drum-type washing machines are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-105250. As shown in FIG. 10, the drum type washing machine includes an outer box 801, a water tank 803 disposed in the outer box 801, and a rotating drum 804 rotatably disposed in the water tank 803. Yes.

  A plurality of small holes 809 penetrating the peripheral wall are provided in substantially the entire peripheral wall of the rotating drum 804. The small holes 809 are used for circulating washing water between the space between the water tank 803 and the rotating drum 804 and the space inside the rotating drum 804.

  In addition, 820 of FIG. 10 is a baffle.

  The drum-type washing machine having the above-described configuration picks up and lifts the laundry by the baffle 820, drops the lifted laundry into the washing water, and wash the laundry. For this reason, in order to wash the laundry, washing water must be stored in the rotating drum 804.

  On the other hand, since a plurality of small holes 809 are provided over substantially the entire peripheral wall of the rotating drum 804, the washing water in the rotating drum 804 easily flows out of the rotating drum 804.

  Therefore, in order to store the wash water in the rotary drum 804, the wash water must also be stored between the rotary drum 804 and the water tank 803 (the hatched portion in FIG. 10).

As a result, there is a problem that the amount of washing water supplied to the water tank 803 must be increased, and the water-saving effect cannot be increased.
JP 2004-105250 A

  Then, the subject of this invention is providing the drum type washing machine which can make a water-saving effect high.

In order to solve the above problems, the drum-type washing machine of the present invention is
An outer box having an outer box opening for taking in and out the laundry at the front;
A water tank disposed in the outer box and having a water tank opening facing the outer box opening;
A rotating drum that is rotatably arranged in the water tank and whose central axis is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the rear part is lower than the front part,
A driving device for rotationally driving the rotating drum;
A circulation device for supplying washing water in the water tank into the rotating drum;
A controller for operating the circulation device intermittently or continuously,
The rotating drum is
A peripheral wall provided with a plurality of through holes;
A rear end wall connected to the rear end of the peripheral wall,
Compared to the density of the through holes in the peripheral wall in the vicinity of the rear end wall, the density of the through holes in the peripheral wall other than in the vicinity of the rear end wall is small,
The control device
The operation of the circulation device is performed so that the level of the washing water in the rotating drum during the operation of the circulation device is higher than the level of the washing water in the rotation drum before the operation of the circulation device. It has a circulation device control means for controlling.

  According to the drum type washing machine having the above-described configuration, when washing the laundry in the rotating drum, the washing water in the water tub is supplied into the rotating drum by the circulation device. At this time, the circulation device control means controls the operation of the circulation device, whereby the water level of the washing water in the rotating drum rises more than before the operation of the circulation device.

  Therefore, even if a large amount of washing water is not supplied to the water tank, the washing water can be stored in the rotating drum and the laundry in the rotating drum can be sufficiently washed.

  Therefore, the amount of washing water supplied into the water tank can be reduced to enhance the water-saving effect.

In the drum type washing machine of one embodiment,
A drying system is provided for drying the laundry in the rotating drum by dehumidifying and heating the air sucked from the rotating drum and blowing the dehumidified and heated air into the rotating drum. .

  According to the drum type washing machine of the said embodiment, after the laundry in the said rotating drum is dehydrated, drying of the laundry by a drying system starts normally.

  When dewatering the laundry in the rotary drum, even if the rotational speed of the rotary drum is increased, the density of the through holes in the peripheral wall near the rear end wall of the rotary drum is different from that near the rear end wall of the rotary drum. Since the density of the through holes in the peripheral wall is small, the laundry is difficult to stick to the peripheral wall other than the vicinity of the rear end wall of the rotating drum.

  Accordingly, the rotational speed of the rotating drum can be increased to improve the degree of dehydration of the laundry, and as a result, the drying time of the laundry can be shortened.

  Moreover, since the power consumption can be reduced by the amount that the drying time of the laundry can be shortened, an energy saving effect can be obtained.

  Moreover, since it is difficult for the laundry to stick to the peripheral wall other than the vicinity of the rear end wall of the rotating drum, it is possible to reduce the burden on the control for preventing and releasing the sticking of the laundry.

  The drying system dehumidifies and heats the air sucked from the rotating drum, and blows the dehumidified and heated air (hereinafter referred to as “high temperature and low humidity air”) into the rotating drum. Dry the laundry in the rotating drum. Thus, when the laundry is dried, the rotating drum is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the rear part is lower than the front part, so that most of the laundry is the rear end wall of the rotating drum. It is gathered in the vicinity. And since the density of the through holes in the peripheral wall other than the vicinity of the rear end wall of the rotating drum is smaller than the density of the through holes in the peripheral wall near the rear end wall of the rotating drum, the rotating drum rotates before reaching the laundry. High-temperature and low-humidity air that goes out of the rotating drum from the through holes in the peripheral wall other than the vicinity of the rear end wall of the drum is reduced. That is, the so-called shortcut of the high temperature and low humidity air can be prevented.

  Therefore, the high-temperature and low-humidity air can be efficiently applied to the laundry, so that the laundry drying time can be further reduced.

  Moreover, since the power consumption can be further reduced by the amount that the laundry drying time can be further reduced, the energy saving effect can be further enhanced.

In the drum type washing machine of one embodiment,
The through hole is provided only in the peripheral wall in the vicinity of the rear end wall.

  According to the drum type washing machine of the above embodiment, since the first through hole is provided only in the peripheral wall near the rear end wall of the rotating drum, the effect of reducing the sticking of the laundry to the peripheral wall of the rotating drum can be enhanced. In addition, the manufacturing cost of the rotating drum can be reduced.

In the drum type washing machine of one embodiment,
The circulating device control means controls the operation of the circulating device so that the rotating drum is not immersed in the washing water between the rotating drum and the water tank during the operation of the circulating device.

  According to the drum type washing machine of the above embodiment, even if the washing water between the rotating drum and the water tank is accumulated during the operation of the circulation device, the circulation device control means controls the operation of the circulation device. The rotating drum does not soak in the wash water.

  Therefore, the rotational resistance of the rotating drum can be reduced by rotating the rotating drum during the operation of the circulation device.

In the drum type washing machine of one embodiment,
A laundry amount detector for detecting the amount of laundry in the rotating drum;
When the laundry amount detection unit determines that the amount of laundry in the rotating drum is relatively large, the circulation device control means makes the circulation device ON time relatively long and the amount of laundry. When the detection unit determines that the amount of laundry in the rotating drum is relatively small, the operation of the circulation device is controlled so that the ON time of the circulation device is relatively short.

  According to the drum type washing machine of the embodiment, the circulation device control means determines the amount of laundry in the rotating drum using the laundry amount detection unit, and based on the determination result, the operation of the circulation device is determined. To control. At this time, if it is determined that the amount of laundry in the rotating drum is relatively large, the operation of the circulating device is controlled so that the ON time of the circulating device is relatively long, while the laundry in the rotating drum is If it is determined that the amount is relatively small, the operation of the circulation device is controlled so that the ON time of the circulation device is relatively short.

  Therefore, when the amount of laundry in the rotating drum is relatively large, it is possible to prevent the lack of washing water in the rotating drum.

  When the amount of laundry in the rotating drum is relatively small, the circulation device is not turned on more than necessary, and the power consumption of the circulation device can be reduced.

The drum type washing machine of one embodiment
A water level sensor for detecting the level of washing water collected between the rotating drum and the water tank;
The circulating device control means turns off the circulating device for a predetermined time when the water level sensor detects that no washing water is accumulated between the rotating drum and the water tub when the circulating device is turned on. After that, the operation of the circulation device is controlled so that the circulation device is turned on again.

  According to the drum type washing machine of the above embodiment, the circulating device control means determines the water level of the washing water between the rotating drum and the water tank using the water level sensor when the circulating device is turned on. Based on the determination result, the operation of the circulation device is controlled. At this time, if it is determined that no washing water is accumulated between the rotating drum and the water tank, the circulation device is turned OFF for a predetermined time.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the circulation device from malfunctioning and to extend the life of the circulation device by preventing the idle operation of the circulation device.

  Further, since the circulation device is turned on again after being turned off for a predetermined time, it is possible to prevent the lack of washing water from occurring in the rotating drum.

The drum type washing machine of one embodiment
A water level sensor for detecting the level of washing water collected between the rotating drum and the water tank;
When the circulation device is turned off, the circulation device control means detects that the water level of the washing water reaches a predetermined water level between the rotating drum and the water tank by the water level sensor. The operation of the circulating device is controlled so that is turned from OFF to ON.

  According to the drum type washing machine of the above embodiment, the circulation device control means determines the water level of the washing water between the rotating drum and the water tank using the water level sensor when the circulation device is turned off. Based on the determination result, the operation of the circulation device is controlled. At this time, the circulation device is not turned on until the water level of the washing water reaches a predetermined water level between the rotating drum and the water tank.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the circulation device from malfunctioning and to extend the life of the circulation device by preventing the idle operation of the circulation device.

The drum type washing machine of one embodiment
A laundry amount detector for detecting the amount of laundry in the rotating drum;
The circulation device control means changes the ON time or OFF time of the circulation device by the laundry amount detection unit.

  According to the drum type washing machine of the above embodiment, since the circulation device control means changes the ON time or OFF time of the circulation device by the laundry amount detection unit, the ON time or OFF time of the circulation device is set to an appropriate time. Can be.

  Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the circulation device by preventing the circulation device from operating wastefully.

  According to the drum type washing machine of the present invention, the level of the washing water in the rotating drum rises more than before the operation of the circulation device by the circulation device control means controlling the operation of the circulation device. Even if the washing water is not supplied, the washing water can be stored in the rotating drum and the laundry in the rotating drum can be sufficiently washed.

  Therefore, the amount of washing water supplied into the water tank can be reduced to enhance the water-saving effect.

  Hereinafter, the drum type washing machine of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a drum type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The drum-type washing machine includes an outer box 101, a bottomed cylindrical water tank 103 disposed in the outer box 101, and a bottomed cylindrical rotary drum 104 rotatably disposed in the water tank 103. A motor 119 for rotating the rotating drum 104, a drying system 200 for drying the laundry in the rotating drum 104, and a suspension 118 for elastically supporting the water tank 103 are provided. The motor 119 is an example of a driving device.

  The outer box 101 has an outer box opening 106 for taking in and out the laundry on the front side. The upper portion of the outer box 101 is formed of a top plate 115, while the lower portion of the outer box 101 is formed of a bottom base 116.

  The outer box opening 106 is opened and closed by sliding the outer door 102 with respect to the outer box 1. A part of the outer door 102 is made of a transparent member so that the inside of the rotary drum 104 can be visually recognized.

  Further, an operation panel 117 having operation keys K (see FIG. 4) and a display unit 400 (see FIG. 4) is provided on the upper portion of the front surface portion of the outer box 101. On the back side (water tank 103 side) of the operation panel 117, a control unit 114 for controlling the operation of the drum type washing machine is installed. And by the input to the said operation panel 117, a washing process, a rinse process, a dehydration process, and a drying process are performed continuously, or each process is performed independently.

  The central axis of the water tank 103 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the rear part is lower than the front part. More specifically, the water tank 103 is inclined such that the central axis forms an angle of 5 ° to 30 ° with respect to the horizontal direction. The central axis passes through the position of the center of gravity in a cross section obtained by cutting the water tank 103 along a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the rotating drum 104. The central axis is substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the rotary drum 104. Further, a water tank opening 107 that opens to face the outer box opening 106 is provided on the front surface of the water tank 103. The water tank opening 107 can be opened and closed by a hinged inner door 159 attached to the front surface of the water tank 103.

  A packing 105 made of an elastic material such as rubber or soft resin is fixed to the water tank opening 107. Accordingly, when the inner door 159 is closed, the inner door 159 comes into close contact with the packing 105, so that the liquid in the water tank 103 can be prevented from leaking out of the water tank 103.

  Further, a lower end portion of a water supply duct 112 for supplying washing water into the water tank 103 is connected to the upper part of the water tank 103. On the other hand, the upper end of the water supply duct 112 is connected to the lower part of the detergent case 111.

  The detergent case 111 contains a detergent, a bleaching agent, and a softening agent. Further, tap water from the water supply connection port 122 is supplied into the detergent case 111.

  The water supply connection port 122 is supplied with tap water from a tap (not shown). The tap water that has entered the water supply connection port 122 flows through the washing water supply channel 124 when the washing water supply valve 123 is opened, and flows through the drying water supply channel 126 when the drying water supply valve 125 is opened.

  The washing water supply channel 124 has one end connected to the washing water supply valve 123 and the other end connected to the detergent case 111.

  The drying water supply passage 126 has one end connected to the drying water supply valve 125 and the other end connected to a cooling nozzle (not shown).

  On the other hand, a drainage port 128 is provided at the lower part of the water tank 103 to communicate with the air duct 203 and drain the washing water in the water tank 103. The drain port 128 is connected to the upper end of a drain duct 129. On the other hand, the lower end portion of the drainage duct 129 is connected to the drainage hose 131 via the filter device 130. The liquid flowing through the drain duct 129 can flow into the drain hose 131 or the circulation hose 132 after passing through the filter device 130. Since the filter device 130 removes foreign matter such as lint in the liquid flowing in the drain duct 129, foreign matter can be prevented from entering the drain hose 131 or the circulation hose 132.

  The drain hose 131 is provided with a drain valve 134 that is opened and closed by a drain motor 133. The drain valve 134 is controlled to open when the washing water in the drain duct 129 flows to the drain hose 131 and to close when the washing water in the drain duct 129 flows to the circulation hose 132.

  The upper end of the circulation hose 132 is connected to the circulation nozzle 135. The circulation nozzle 135 is located at the lower part of the front surface of the water tank 103 and is directed toward the rotary drum 104. On the other hand, the lower end portion of the circulation hose 132 is connected to a circulation pump 110 disposed behind the filter device 130. The circulation pump 110 is an example of a circulation device.

  The circulation pump 110 is a metering pump, and sucks the washing water in the drainage duct 129 through the filter device 130 and discharges the sucked washing water to the circulation hose 132. By operating such a circulation pump 110, the washing water that has flowed out of the water tank 103 from the drain port 128 can be discharged into the rotating drum 104 after passing through the filter device 130.

  The motor 119 is an inverter motor and is attached to the rear end surface (bottom outer surface) of the water tank 103. The motor 119 has a case 136 and a rotor 137 and a stator 138 disposed in the case 136. The stator 138 is fixed to the case 136, and the rotor 137 is fixed to the drive shaft 139 of the rotating drum 104.

  The drive shaft 139 is supported by a bearing 140 fixed to the case 136, and the tip is fixed to the rotary drum 104. Thereby, the rotation of the drive shaft 139 is directly transmitted to the rotary drum 104.

  The rotating drum 104 has a peripheral wall 152, a rear end wall 153 that is continuous with the rear end of the peripheral wall 152, and a front end wall 154 that is continuous with the front end of the peripheral wall 152. The rotating drum 104 is inclined such that a central axis L which is the same axis as the rotating shaft forms an angle of 5 ° to 30 ° with respect to the horizontal direction, and the rear portion is lowered from the front portion.

  The peripheral wall 152 has a plurality of small holes 109. A plurality of baffles 120 and grooves 155 are provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 152. The small hole 109 is an example of a through hole.

  Each of the plurality of small holes 109 is provided only in the peripheral wall 152 in the vicinity of the rear end wall 153. The plurality of small holes 109 are arranged on a straight line in the circumferential direction. The small hole 109 passes through the peripheral wall 152. Thereby, between the space between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104 and the space in the rotating drum 104, washing water (water such as tap water or bath water, or water containing detergent) or air Can be distributed. Further, the amount of washing water discharged from the small hole 109 is smaller than the amount of washing water discharged by the circulation pump 110.

  Here, the circulation of the washing water through the small holes 109 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, illustration of the baffle 120 is abbreviate | omitted in FIG.

  When the rotating drum 104 rotates and dehydrates, the washing water contained in the laundry is shaken off by centrifugal force. At this time, the washing water is directed toward the rear end wall 153 along the inner surface of the peripheral wall 152 by a component of gravity in the direction of the central axis L (referred to as “gravity drum axis direction component” in FIG. 2). Moving. As a result, the washing water that has reached the vicinity of the rear end wall 153 goes out of the drum 104 through the small hole 109.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the baffle 120 protrudes radially inward from the peripheral wall 152. In addition, the baffle 120 is arranged at three places, for example, at 120 ° intervals in the circumferential direction. With such a baffle 120, the lifting and dropping of the laundry are repeated as the rotating drum 104 rotates. For example, when the rotating drum 104 is rotated in the washing process, the laundry can be washed by being pulled by the baffle 120 and dropped into the washing water. Such a baffle 120 is formed separately from the rotary drum 104 and then fixed to the peripheral wall 152.

  Each of the plurality of grooves 155 extends in a direction parallel to the central axis L of the rotating drum 104 from the front end of the peripheral wall 152 toward the rear end of the peripheral wall 152.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the rear end wall 153 of the rotary drum 104 as viewed from the outside.

  The rear end wall 153 is provided with a plurality of small holes 156 so as to be positioned higher than the washing water level in the rotary drum 104 during washing. In addition, in FIG. 3, the water surface of the washing water at the time of the said washing is shown by the dotted line.

  Each of the plurality of small holes 156 passes through the rear end wall 153. Thereby, air can flow between the space between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104 and the space in the rotating drum 104.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front end wall 154 is provided with a drum opening 108 that opens to face the water tank opening 107. A fluid balancer 121 is attached to the front end wall 154 so as to surround the drum opening 108 from the outside.

  The fluid balancer 121 is filled with a liquid having a large specific gravity, such as salt water, and the liquid moves when the rotating drum 104 rotates, thereby canceling the movement of the center of gravity due to the deviation of the laundry and the washing water. The fluid balancer 121 may be provided so as to face the inner peripheral edge of the drum opening 108.

  The drying system 200 includes a blower 201, a heating device 202, a blower duct 203, and a dehumidifying heat exchanger. This dehumidifying heat exchanger is disposed on the far side in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1 and is hidden by the heating device 202 and the air duct 203, and therefore cannot be seen in FIG.

  The blower 201 is located on the downstream side of the heat exchanger for dehumidification, and sucks air dehumidified by the heat exchanger for dehumidification.

  The heating device 202 is disposed on the downstream side of the blower 201. The heating device 202 includes a heater case 208 and a sheathed heater 209 that is mostly accommodated in the heater case 208.

  The heater case 208 includes a metal main body and a heat-resistant resin frame that fixes the main body. This frame is connected to the air duct 203.

  Since the sheathed heater 209 is arranged so that a part thereof is immersed in the washing water in the water tank 103, the washing water in the water tank 103 can be heated.

  The air duct 203 is disposed in a lower space in the water tank 103. The front end of the air duct 203 serves as an air outlet 205 located between the lower edge of the water tank opening 107 and the lower edge of the drum opening 108.

  The dehumidifying heat exchanger is disposed in the lower part of the space in the water tank 103. The dehumidifying heat exchanger is cooled with tap water ejected from the cooling nozzle. The tap water and the heat exchanger for dehumidification cooled with tap water can cool and dehumidify the air in the water tank 103.

  The suspension 118 is arranged so that the central axis thereof and the center of gravity of the vibrating body are included in the same vertical plane. Here, the vibrating body refers to one configured by the water tank 103, the rotating drum 104, the motor 119, and the drying system 200.

  FIG. 4 shows a control block diagram of the drum type washing machine.

  The drum type washing machine includes a microcomputer 142 (hereinafter, abbreviated as “microcomputer 142”) that is provided in the control unit 114 and serves as the center of the control operation. The microcomputer 142 includes a capacity detection unit 143, an unbalance detection unit 144, a bubble restraint detection unit 145, a timer 146, and a water level detection unit 158. The capacity detection unit 143 is an example of a laundry amount detection unit.

  The microcomputer 142 receives outputs from the operation key K, the water level sensor 113, the power supply circuit 147, the reset circuit 148, the rotation detection unit 149, and the temperature detection unit 150. The temperature detection unit 150 detects the temperature of the heating device 202.

  The microcomputer 142 detects the load capacity of the clothes detected by the capacity detection unit 143, the load unbalance at the time of intermediate dehydration detected by the unbalance detection unit 144, the bubble restriction at the time of intermediate dehydration detected by the bubble restriction detection unit 145, and the timer 146. Based on the counted process time and the water level of the washing water detected by the water level detection unit 158, the load drive circuit 151, the buzzer 152, and the display unit 400 are controlled. The process time is determined by capacity determination. The washing water level is a washing water level accumulated between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104.

  The load drive circuit 151 operates the blower 201, the heating device 202, the washing water supply valve 123, the drying water supply valve 125, the motor 119, the drainage motor 133, and the circulation pump 110 based on the signal received from the microcomputer 142, The drum type washing machine is operated under the operating conditions set by the user. The details of the operation at this time are displayed on the display unit 400, and the end of the operation or an error is notified to the user by the buzzer 152.

  Hereinafter, the washing process performed by the drum type washing machine will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6.

  In the washing process, first, after steps S101 to S103 in FIG. 5 are performed, the washing process after step S104 starts.

  In step S <b> 101, the user puts laundry into the rotating drum 104 and closes the outer door 102 and the inner door 159. As a result, the inner door 159 comes into close contact with the packing 105 and the water tank 103 is sealed.

  In step S102, the user operates the operation key K. More specifically, after the user presses the power key, the user presses the start key.

  In step S103, capacitive sensing is performed. That is, the amount of laundry stored in the rotating drum 104 is detected. The amount of laundry detected in step S103 is stored in the control unit 114. In addition, the operation time corresponding to the amount of laundry is displayed on the display unit 400.

  Next, when the washing process is started, the washing water supply valve 123 is opened in step S104, and tap water flows into the detergent case 111. Thereby, the tap water becomes, for example, washing water containing detergent in the detergent case 111 and flows into the water tank 103 from the water supply duct 112.

  Next, in step S105, based on the output of the water level sensor 113, the water level of the wash water in the water tank 103 (the water level of the wash water accumulated in the space between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104) has reached a predetermined water level. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined in step S105 that the water level of the washing water in the water tank 103 has reached the predetermined water level, the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the water level of the washing water in the water tank 103 has not reached the predetermined water level, the process returns to step S104.

  Next, in step S106, the washing water supply valve 123 is closed, and the inflow of the washing water into the water tank 103 is stopped.

  Next, in step S <b> 107 in FIG. 6, the circulation pump 110 is turned on, and the wash water accumulated in the space between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104 is supplied into the rotating drum 104. Then, a part of the washing water supplied into the rotating drum 104 flows out of the rotating drum 104 from the small hole 109 of the peripheral wall 152, but compared with the amount of the washing water flowing out of the rotating drum 104 through the small hole 109. As a result, the amount of wash water supplied to the rotary drum 104 by the circulation pump 110 is large, so that the wash water accumulates in the rotary drum 104.

  Next, in step S108, the motor 119 is turned on, and the rotation of the rotating drum 104 is controlled according to a predetermined washing chart.

  Next, in step S109, the amount of laundry in the rotating drum 104 is determined. If it is determined in step S109 that the amount of laundry is small, the process proceeds to step S110. If it is determined that the amount of laundry is standard, the process proceeds to step S111. If it is determined that the amount of laundry is large, step S112 is performed. Proceed to

  In step S110, the energization setting of the circulation pump 110 is set to ON for 5 minutes and OFF for 1 minute. Thereby, the circulating pump 110 alternately repeats ON for 5 minutes and OFF for 1 minute. At this time, the rotating drum 104 is not immersed in the washing water between the rotating drum 104 and the water tank 103.

  In step S111, the energization setting of the circulation pump 110 is turned on for 10 minutes and turned off for 1 minute. Thereby, the circulation pump 110 repeats alternately for 10 minutes and OFF for 1 minute. At this time, the rotating drum 104 is not immersed in the washing water between the rotating drum 104 and the water tank 103.

  In step S112, the energization setting of the circulation pump 110 is ON for 15 minutes and OFF for 1 minute. As a result, the circulation pump 110 alternately repeats ON for 15 minutes and OFF for 1 minute. At this time, the rotating drum 104 is not immersed in the washing water between the rotating drum 104 and the water tank 103.

  Next, in step S113, it is determined whether or not a predetermined washing time has elapsed since the start of the washing process. If it is determined in step S113 that the predetermined washing time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S114. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S113 that the predetermined washing time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S109.

  Next, in step S114, the motor 119 and the circulation pump 110 are turned off, and the drain motor 133 is turned on. Thereby, the washing water in the water tank 103 is drained, the washing process is finished, and the process proceeds to the rinsing process.

  That is, in the washing step, step S107 and steps S109 to S114 constitute an example of the circulation pump control means.

  As described above, in the washing step, the wash water accumulated in the space between the rotary drum 104 and the water tank 103 is discharged into the rotary drum 104 by the circulation pump 110, whereby the circulation pump 110 is turned on in step S107. Just before the rotating drum 104 is not immersed in the washing water in the water tank 103, the washing water accumulates in the rotating drum 104.

  Therefore, even if the amount of washing water supplied into the water tank 103 is reduced in steps S104 to S106, the washing water can be stored in the rotating drum 104 and the laundry can be sufficiently washed.

  Therefore, the amount of washing water supplied into the water tank 103 in steps S104 to S106 can be reduced, and the water saving effect can be enhanced.

  In addition, while the above steps S109 to S114 are performed, the rotating drum 104 is not immersed in the washing water between the rotating drum 104 and the water tank 103, so that the rotational resistance of the rotating drum 104 can be reduced.

  Further, according to the above steps S109 to S112, the ON time of the circulation pump 110 is 5 minutes when the amount of laundry in the rotating drum 104 is small, and 10 minutes when the amount of laundry in the rotating drum 104 is standard. If the amount of laundry in 104 is large, it takes 15 minutes.

  Therefore, when there is a lot of laundry in the rotating drum 104, it is possible to prevent a lack of washing water from occurring in the rotating drum 104.

  Further, when the amount of laundry in the rotating drum 104 is small, the circulation pump 110 is not turned on more than necessary, and the power consumption of the circulation pump 110 can be reduced.

  Moreover, a water-saving effect can be heightened also in a rinse process by performing the same step as said step S107 and said step S109-S114 at the following rinse process.

  Further, when the laundry in the rotating drum 104 is dehydrated, the small holes 109 are not provided in the peripheral wall 152 other than the vicinity of the rear end wall 153 even if the rotational speed of the rotating drum 104 is increased. It is possible to prevent the laundry from sticking to the peripheral wall 152 other than the vicinity of the wall 153.

  Therefore, since the rotational speed of the rotating drum 104 can be increased to improve the degree of dehydration of the laundry, the laundry can be dried in a short time. That is, the drying time of the laundry can be shortened.

  Moreover, since the power consumption can be reduced by the amount that the drying time of the laundry can be shortened, an energy saving effect can be obtained.

  When the laundry in the rotating drum 104 is dried, the drying water supply valve 125 is opened and the blower 201 and the heating device 202 are energized. If it does so, the humid air containing the water | moisture content in the said water tank 103 will be dehumidified by the heat exchanger for dehumidification, and will become low temperature low humidity. This low-temperature and low-humidity air is sent to the heating device 202 by the blower 201. The air heated by the heating device 202 to become high temperature and low humidity is guided to the blower duct 203 and blown out into the rotary drum 104. This high-temperature, low-humidity air takes away moisture from the laundry in the rotating drum 104 and becomes high-temperature and high-humidity toward the dehumidifying heat exchanger. The laundry is dried by such air circulation.

  When the laundry is being dried, since the small holes 109 are not provided in the peripheral wall 152 other than the vicinity of the rear end wall 153, the high-temperature and low-humidity air rotates before contacting the laundry near the rear end wall 153. It is possible to prevent the drum 104 from going out. That is, most of the high-temperature and low-humidity air blown into the rotary drum 104 can be brought out of the rotary drum 104 after being brought into contact with the laundry.

  Therefore, since the high-temperature and low-humidity air can be efficiently brought into contact with the laundry, the drying time of the laundry can be further reduced.

  Moreover, since the power consumption can be further reduced by the amount that the laundry drying time can be further reduced, the energy saving effect can be further enhanced.

  The drum type washing machine may perform a washing process including steps S104 to S106 in FIG. 5 and steps S207 to S214 in FIG.

  In the washing process including steps S104 to S106 and steps S207 to S214, after the above-described steps S104 to S108 are sequentially performed, the circulation pump 110 is turned on in step S207 of FIG. Wash water accumulated in the space between the two is supplied into the rotating drum 104. Then, a part of the washing water supplied into the rotating drum 104 flows out of the rotating drum 104 from the small hole 109 of the peripheral wall 152, but compared with the amount of the washing water flowing out of the rotating drum 104 through the small hole 109. As a result, the amount of wash water supplied to the rotary drum 104 by the circulation pump 110 is large, so that the wash water accumulates in the rotary drum 104.

  Next, in step S208, the motor 119 is turned on, and the rotation of the rotating drum 104 is controlled according to a predetermined washing chart.

  Next, in step S <b> 209, it is determined whether washing water is accumulated between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104. If it is determined in this step S209 that no washing water has accumulated between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104, the process proceeds to step S210, while it is determined that washing water has accumulated between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104. The process proceeds to step S213.

  When the process proceeds to step S210, after turning off the circulation pump 110, it is determined in step S211 whether a predetermined OFF time has elapsed since the circulation pump 110 was turned off. If it is determined in step S211 that the predetermined OFF time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S210. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S211 that the predetermined OFF time has elapsed, the circulation pump 110 is turned on in step S212, and the process proceeds to step S213.

  In step S213, it is determined whether or not a predetermined washing time has elapsed since the start of the washing process. If it is determined in step S213 that the predetermined washing time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S214. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S213 that the predetermined washing time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S209.

  When the process proceeds to step S214, the motor 119 and the circulation pump 110 are turned off, and the drain motor 133 is turned on. Thereby, the washing water in the water tank 103 is drained, the washing process is finished, and the process proceeds to the rinsing process.

  That is, in the washing process including steps S104 to S106 and steps S207 to S214, steps S207 and steps S209 to S214 constitute an example of the circulation pump control means.

  As described above, even in the washing process including steps S104 to S106 and steps S207 to S214, the wash water accumulated in the space between the rotary drum 104 and the water tank 103 is discharged into the rotary drum 104 by the circulation pump 110. Thus, immediately before the circulation pump 110 is turned on in step S107, the washing water accumulates in the rotating drum 104 even if the rotating drum 104 is not immersed in the washing water in the water tank 103.

  Therefore, even if the amount of washing water supplied into the water tank 103 is reduced in steps S104 to S106, the washing water can be stored in the rotating drum 104 and the laundry can be sufficiently washed.

  Therefore, the amount of washing water supplied into the water tank 103 in steps S104 to S106 can be reduced, and the water saving effect can be enhanced.

  Further, when the washing water is not accumulated between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104 by the steps S209 to S211, the circulation pump 110 is turned off for a predetermined time, so that the circulation pump 110 is not idle. Thus, it is possible to prevent the circulation pump 110 from failing and to extend the life of the circulation pump 110.

  Further, since the circulation pump 110 is turned off for a predetermined time and then turned on again in step S212, it is possible to prevent a lack of washing water from occurring in the rotary drum 110.

  Moreover, a water-saving effect can be heightened also in a rinse process by performing the same step as said step S207 and step S209-S214 by the following rinse process.

  The drum type washing machine may perform a washing process including steps S104 to S106 in FIG. 5 and steps S307 to S316 in FIG.

  In the washing process composed of steps S104 to S106 and steps S307 to S316, after the above-described steps S104 to S108 are sequentially performed, the circulation pump 110 is turned on in step S207 of FIG. Wash water accumulated in the space between the two is supplied into the rotating drum 104. Then, a part of the washing water supplied into the rotating drum 104 flows out of the rotating drum 104 from the small hole 109 of the peripheral wall 152, but compared with the amount of the washing water flowing out of the rotating drum 104 through the small hole 109. As a result, the amount of wash water supplied to the rotary drum 104 by the circulation pump 110 is large, so that the wash water accumulates in the rotary drum 104.

  Next, in step S308, the motor 119 is turned on, and the rotation of the rotating drum 104 is controlled according to a predetermined washing chart.

  Next, in step S <b> 309, it is determined whether washing water has accumulated between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104. If it is determined in this step S309 that no washing water has accumulated between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104, the process proceeds to step S310, while it is determined that washing water has accumulated between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104. The process proceeds to step S315.

  When the process proceeds to step S310, the amount of laundry in the rotating drum 104 is determined. If it is determined in step S310 that the amount of laundry is small, the process proceeds to step S311. If the amount of laundry is determined to be standard, the process proceeds to step S312. If it is determined that the amount of laundry is large, step S313 is performed. Proceed to

  When the process proceeds to step S311, after the circulation pump 110 is turned off for 30 seconds, the circulation pump 110 is turned on again in step S314, and the process proceeds to step S315.

  When the process proceeds to step S312, after the circulation pump 110 is turned off for 40 seconds, the circulation pump 110 is turned on again in step S314, and the process proceeds to step S315.

  When the process proceeds to step S313, after the circulation pump 110 is turned off for 60 seconds, the circulation pump 110 is turned on again at step S314, and the process proceeds to step S315.

  In step S315, it is determined whether or not a predetermined washing time has elapsed since the start of the washing process. If it is determined in step S315 that the predetermined washing time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S316. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S315 that the predetermined washing time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S309.

  When the process proceeds to step S316, the motor 119 and the circulation pump 110 are turned off, and the drain motor 133 is turned on. Thereby, the washing water in the water tank 103 is drained, the washing process is finished, and the process proceeds to the rinsing process.

  That is, in the washing process composed of steps S104 to S106 and steps S307 to S316, step S307 and steps S309 to S316 constitute an example of a circulation pump control means.

  As described above, even in the washing process including steps S104 to S106 and steps S307 to S316, the wash water accumulated in the space between the rotary drum 104 and the water tank 103 is discharged into the rotary drum 104 by the circulation pump 110. Thus, immediately before the circulation pump 110 is turned on in step S107, the washing water accumulates in the rotating drum 104 even if the rotating drum 104 is not immersed in the washing water in the water tank 103.

  Therefore, even if the amount of washing water supplied into the water tank 103 is reduced in steps S104 to S106, the washing water can be stored in the rotating drum 104 and the laundry can be sufficiently washed.

  Therefore, the amount of washing water supplied into the water tank 103 in steps S104 to S106 can be reduced, and the water saving effect can be enhanced.

  Further, when it is detected in steps S309 to S313 that no washing water is accumulated between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104, the circulation pump 110 is turned off for 30 seconds, 40 seconds, or 60 seconds. By preventing idling, it is possible to prevent the circulation pump 110 from failing and to extend the life of the circulation pump 110.

  In addition, since the circulation pump 110 is turned off for 30 seconds, 40 seconds, or 60 seconds and then turned on again in step S314, it is possible to prevent a lack of washing water from occurring in the rotating drum 110.

  Moreover, since the OFF time of the circulation pump 110 is changed according to the amount of the laundry in the rotating drum 104 by the steps S310 to S313, the OFF time of the circulation pump 110 is too long, or the circulation pump 110 is turned OFF. The time is not too short.

  Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the washing water from being insufficient in the rotating drum 104 and the idling of the circulation pump 110.

  If the OFF time of the circulation pump 110 is too long, a shortage of washing water occurs in the rotating drum 104.

  If the OFF time of the circulation pump 110 is too short, the idling operation of the circulation pump 110 occurs.

  Moreover, a water-saving effect can be heightened also in a rinse process by performing the same step as said step S307 and step S309-S316 at the next rinse process.

  The drum type washing machine may perform a washing process including steps S104 to S106 in FIG. 5 and steps S407 to S418 in FIG.

  In the washing process composed of steps S104 to S106 and steps S407 to S416, after the above-described steps S104 to S108 are sequentially performed, the circulation pump 110 is turned on in step S207 of FIG. Wash water accumulated in the space between the two is supplied into the rotating drum 104. Then, a part of the washing water supplied into the rotating drum 104 flows out of the rotating drum 104 from the small hole 109 of the peripheral wall 152, but compared with the amount of the washing water flowing out of the rotating drum 104 through the small hole 109. As a result, the amount of wash water supplied to the rotary drum 104 by the circulation pump 110 is large, so that the wash water accumulates in the rotary drum 104.

  Next, in step S408, the motor 119 is turned on, and the rotation of the rotating drum 104 is controlled according to a predetermined washing chart.

  Next, in step S409, it is determined whether washing water has accumulated between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104 or not. If it is determined in this step S409 that no washing water has accumulated between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104, the process proceeds to step S410, while it is determined that washing water has accumulated between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104. The process proceeds to step S417.

  When the process proceeds to step S410, after the circulation pump 110 is turned off, it is determined in step S411 whether or not a predetermined OFF time has elapsed since the circulation pump 110 was turned off. If it is determined in step S411 that the predetermined OFF time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S410. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S411 that the predetermined OFF time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S412.

  When the process proceeds to step S <b> 412, it is determined whether or not the washing water level between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104 is equal to or higher than a predetermined circulating pump ON water level. If it is determined in step S412 that the level of the washing water between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104 is equal to or higher than the predetermined circulating pump ON water level, the process proceeds to step S416, and the circulating pump 110 is turned on, and then step S417 is performed. Proceed to On the other hand, if it is determined in step S412 that the water level of the wash water between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104 is lower than the predetermined circulating pump ON water level, steps S413 to S415 are sequentially performed, and in step S416, the circulating pump After turning on 110, the process proceeds to step S417.

  In step S 413, the washing water supply valve 123 is opened, and washing water is added to the water tank 103.

  In step S414, it is determined whether or not the wash water level between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104 is equal to or higher than a predetermined circulating pump ON water level. If it is determined in step S414 that the level of the washing water between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104 is equal to or higher than the predetermined circulating pump ON water level, the process proceeds to step S415, while the water level between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104 is increased. If it is determined that the wash water level is less than the predetermined circulating pump ON water level, the flow returns to step S413.

  In step S415, the washing water supply valve 123 is closed, and the inflow of washing water into the water tank 103 is stopped.

  In step S417, it is determined whether or not a predetermined washing time has elapsed since the start of the washing process. If it is determined in step S415 that the predetermined washing time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S416. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S415 that the predetermined washing time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S409.

  When the process proceeds to step S418, the motor 119 and the circulation pump 110 are turned off, and the drain motor 133 is turned on. Thereby, the washing water in the water tank 103 is drained, the washing process is finished, and the process proceeds to the rinsing process.

  That is, in the washing process composed of steps S104 to S106 and steps S407 to S418, step S407 and steps S409 to S418 constitute an example of the circulation device control means.

  As described above, even in the washing process including steps S104 to S106 and steps S407 to S418, the wash water accumulated in the space between the rotary drum 104 and the water tank 103 is discharged into the rotary drum 104 by the circulation pump 110. Thus, immediately before the circulation pump 110 is turned on in step S107, the washing water accumulates in the rotating drum 104 even if the rotating drum 104 is not immersed in the washing water in the water tank 103.

  Therefore, even if the amount of washing water supplied into the water tank 103 is reduced in steps S104 to S106, the washing water can be stored in the rotating drum 104 and the laundry can be sufficiently washed.

  Therefore, the amount of washing water supplied into the water tank 103 in steps S104 to S106 can be reduced, and the water saving effect can be enhanced.

  Further, when it is detected in steps S409 to S416 that no washing water is accumulated between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104, the water level of the washing water between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104 is set to a predetermined circulation pump. Since the circulation pump 110 is turned off until it is determined that the water level is equal to or higher than the ON water level, the idling operation of the circulation pump 110 can be reliably prevented.

  Moreover, a water-saving effect can be heightened also in a rinse process by performing the same step as said step S407 and step S409-S418 by the following rinse process.

  In the above embodiment, the small hole 109 is not provided in the peripheral wall 152 other than the vicinity of the rear end wall 153, but a small hole similar to the small hole 109 may be provided in the peripheral wall 152 other than the vicinity of the rear end wall 153. However, the density of the small holes provided in the peripheral wall 152 other than the vicinity of the rear end wall 153 is set to be smaller than the density of the small holes 109 provided in the peripheral wall 152 near the rear end wall 153.

  In the above embodiment, the baffle 120 formed separately from the rotating drum 104 is used, but a baffle formed integrally with the peripheral wall 152 of the rotating drum 104 may be used.

  In the embodiment described above, the packing 105 that is not connected to the outer box opening 106 is used, but a packing that is connected to the outer box opening 106 may be used.

  When the packing is used, the outer box opening 106 is connected to the water tank opening 107 via the packing, and the laundry passes through the space inside the packing. That is, the packing forms an access path for taking in and out the laundry. In addition, a bellows or the like may be provided on the packing so as to cause a deflection in accordance with the swing of the water tank 103 and follow it.

  In the above embodiment, the structure is such that water is supplied to the space between the water tank 103 and the rotating drum 104, but the structure may be such that water is supplied directly to the space in the rotating drum 104.

  In the above embodiment, the outer door opening 106 is opened and closed by the outer door 102, and the water tank opening 107 is opened and closed by the inner door 109. However, the outer box opening 106 and the water tank opening are opened by one door. The unit 107 may be opened and closed. In other words, the drum-type washing machine of the present invention may be one that opens and closes two doors to put in and out laundry, or one door that opens and closes to put in and out laundry. May be.

  In the above embodiment, the bottomed cylindrical rotary drum 104 is used, but a conical rotary drum may be used.

  The conical rotating drum gradually increases in diameter from the front end of the peripheral wall toward the rear end of the peripheral wall 752, and a small hole is provided only in the peripheral wall near the rear end wall. The rear end wall is continuous with the rear end of the peripheral wall.

  The present invention can be applied not only to a drum type washing machine having a drying function but also to a drum type washing machine having no drying function.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a drum type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the force that the washing water in the rotating drum receives during dehydration. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the rear end wall of the rotating drum as viewed from the outside. FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the drum type washing machine. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of the washing process of the drum type washing machine. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a part of the washing process of the drum type washing machine. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of the washing process of the drum type washing machine. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of the washing process of the drum type washing machine. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a part of the washing process of the drum type washing machine. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional drum type washing machine.

Explanation of symbols

101 Outer box 103 Water tank 104 Rotating drum 106 Outer box opening 107 Water tank opening 108 Drum opening 109 Small hole 110 Circulation pump 113 Water level sensor 114 Control unit 119 Motor 143 Capacity detection unit 152 Perimeter wall 153 Rear end wall L Center axis

Claims (3)

An outer box having an outer box opening for taking in and out the laundry at the front;
A water tank disposed in the outer box and having a water tank opening facing the outer box opening;
A rotating drum that is rotatably arranged in the water tank and whose central axis is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the rear part is lower than the front part,
A driving device for rotationally driving the rotating drum;
A circulation device for supplying washing water in the water tank into the rotating drum;
A controller for operating the circulation device intermittently or continuously,
The rotating drum is
A peripheral wall provided with a plurality of through holes;
A rear end wall connected to the rear end of the peripheral wall ,
Above Symbol control device,
The operation of the circulation device is performed so that the level of the washing water in the rotating drum during the operation of the circulation device is higher than the level of the washing water in the rotation drum before the operation of the circulation device. A drum-type washing machine comprising a circulation device control means for controlling. In the drum type washing machine according to claim 1,
The circulation device control means controls the operation of the circulation device so that the rotation drum is not immersed in washing water between the rotation drum and the water tank during the operation of the circulation device. Drum-type washing machine. In the drum type washing machine according to claim 1,
A laundry amount detector for detecting the amount of laundry in the rotating drum;
When the laundry amount detection unit determines that the amount of laundry in the rotating drum is relatively large, the circulation device control means makes the circulation device ON time relatively long and the amount of laundry. When the detection unit determines that the amount of laundry in the rotating drum is relatively small, the operation of the circulating device is controlled so that the ON time of the circulating device is relatively short. Washing machine.

Images