JP4909391B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A laundry machine includes a pipeline (701,702) in which washing water is filled; a feeder (71) configured to feed the washing water in the pipeline; an optical sensor (72) including a light emitter (721) disposed outside the pipeline to emit light to the washing water and a light receiver (722) disposed outside the pipeline to receive the light emitted from the light emitter; and an electrode sensor (73) protruding into the pipeline, wherein the optical sensor (72) is disposed at an upstream side with respect to the electrode sensor (73).

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine including a plurality of sensors that detect the physical properties of a washing liquid with high accuracy.

  In recent years, various types of washing machines have been supplied to the market. Some types of washing machines use an optical sensor to detect the turbidity of the washing liquid. This type of washing machine determines the type of dirt based on the detected turbidity. Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine including a conductivity sensor that detects the conductivity of the washing liquid in addition to the optical sensor. The washing machine determines the concentration of the detergent contained in the washing liquid based on the detected conductivity, and determines the amount of the soil component contained in the washing liquid based on the turbidity detected by the optical sensor.

  Similarly to Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2 discloses a washing machine including an optical sensor and a conductivity sensor. This washing machine determines the activity of the detergent based on signals from both sensors.

JP-A-6-218183 JP-A-7-144090

  Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose structures in which an optical sensor and a conductivity sensor are brought close to each other. Patent Document 1 refers to the fact that it is possible to detect the turbidity and conductivity of the washing liquid at the same location by arranging the conductivity sensor and the optical sensor close to each other. However, these patent documents do not mention any problems caused by the proximity arrangement of the conductivity sensor and the optical sensor.

  The conductivity sensor detects a change in impedance of the washing liquid by causing a pair of electrodes to protrude into the washing liquid and applying a high frequency voltage to the electrodes. Therefore, the proximity arrangement of the conductivity sensor and the optical sensor disturbs the flow of the washing liquid flowing through the pipe line, resulting in instability of the detection signal of the optical sensor.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine including a plurality of sensors that detect the physical properties of the washing liquid with high accuracy.

  A washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention that achieves the above object includes a conduit that contains a washing liquid, a flow device that causes the washing liquid to flow in the conduit, and light that is washed from outside the conduit. An optical sensor comprising: a light emitting element that emits light to the liquid; a light receiving element that receives light emitted from the light emitting element outside the pipe; and an electrode sensor that protrudes into the pipe; Is arranged at a position upstream of the electrode sensor.

  According to the above configuration, the optical sensor that emits light from outside the pipeline and receives the light outside the pipeline to the washing liquid flowing in the pipeline is positioned upstream of the electrode sensor. Since the optical sensor is located outside the pipeline, it does not affect the flow of the washing liquid inside the pipeline. Since the electrode sensor protrudes into the flow path, it has an influence on the flow of the washing liquid in the flow path. However, since the electrode sensor is located downstream of the light sensor, the detection accuracy of the light sensor is not lowered. .

  In the above-described configuration, the conduit includes a flat inner surface through which the light traveling from the light emitting element toward the light receiving element passes, the flat inner surface extends toward the downstream side, and the electrode sensor includes the flat inner surface. It preferably projects from the inside of the conduit. According to this configuration, since the flow path includes a flat inner surface, unnecessary refraction of light traveling from the light emitting element to the light receiving element can be avoided. Further, since the flat inner surface extends in the downstream direction, the flow of the washing liquid is adjusted before reaching the electrode sensor, and the detection accuracy of the electrode sensor can be improved.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said electrode sensor is arrange | positioned so that a part of cross section of the said electrode sensor may enter into the said flat inner surface. According to this configuration, the cross-sectional contour of the pipe line is bent in a concave shape at the edge of the flat inner surface. Therefore, the flow of the washing liquid tends to stay at the boundary of the flat inner surface, and the flow of the washing liquid becomes relatively small. For this reason, the detection accuracy of an electrode sensor can be improved by arrange | positioning an electrode sensor so that the cross section of an electrode sensor may interfere with a flat inner surface.

  In the above configuration, the electrode sensor includes a first electrode portion projecting into the conduit, and a second electrode portion projecting into the conduit downstream of the first electrode portion, Preferably, the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the conduit. According to this configuration, when the flow of the washing liquid in the pipe is reversed, the electrode portion located downstream before the reversal of the flow first disturbs the flow of the washing liquid. The disturbance in the flow of the washing liquid caused by the electrode portion located upstream before the flow reversal is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in detection accuracy of the optical sensor after the washing liquid flow is reversed.

  In the above configuration, the electrode sensor includes a first electrode portion projecting into the conduit, and a second electrode portion projecting into the conduit downstream of the first electrode portion, Preferably, the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are arranged side by side along an edge of the flat inner surface extending toward the downstream side. According to this configuration, a linear region in which the flow of the washing liquid is likely to stay is formed between one electrode portion and the other electrode portion, and the energization direction between the electrodes and the linear region are substantially the same. Since they match, the detection accuracy of the electrode sensor can be improved.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It is preferable to provide the filter part which removes the stain | pollution | contamination component contained in the said washing | cleaning liquid, and this filter part is arrange | positioned between the said electrode sensor and the said flow apparatus. The filter portion acts as a resistance against the flow of the washing liquid between the electrode sensor and the flow device. Therefore, the influence from the flow device transmitted through the washing liquid (for example, due to unnecessary washing liquid flow or vibration of the flow device due to inertial movement of the flow device after transmitting a signal to stop the flow device) Unnecessary washing liquid flow, etc.) can be eased. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of measuring the physical properties of the washing liquid by the electrode sensor and the optical sensor located upstream of the electrode sensor.

  In the above-described configuration, the pipe line includes the optical sensor, a straight pipe part to which the electrode sensor is attached, and a containing pipe part connected to the straight pipe part and containing the filter part. It is preferable that the part extends upward with respect to the straight pipe part. According to this configuration, the air bubbles that have flowed into the straight pipe portion are pushed away by the storage tube portion and are not returned from the storage tube portion. Therefore, it is difficult for bubbles to accumulate in the straight pipe portion, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in detection accuracy of the electrode sensor and the optical sensor due to the bubbles. In addition, the head of the washing liquid in the storage pipe portion is used to prevent unnecessary washing liquid flow caused by the inertial movement of the flow device after transmitting a signal for stopping the flow device. It becomes possible to measure the physical properties of the liquid with high accuracy.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can detect the state of the washing liquid with high accuracy.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the drum type washing machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the housing | casing used for the waste_water | drain control unit of the drum type washing machine shown by FIG. It is a top view of the waste_water | drain control unit of the drum type washing machine shown by FIG. It is a front view of the waste_water | drain control unit of the drum type washing machine shown by FIG. It is a side view of the drainage control unit of the drum type washing machine shown in FIG. It is the side view which looked at the waste_water | drain control unit shown by FIG. 5 from the opposite side. It is a figure which shows the attachment structure of the optical sensor used for the waste_water | drain control unit shown by FIG. 3 thru | or FIG. It is a figure which shows the optical sensor shown by FIG. It is a figure explaining the structure of the bracket of the optical sensor shown by FIG. It is a figure which shows the electrode sensor used for the waste_water | drain control unit shown by FIG. 3 thru | or FIG. It is a figure which shows the attachment structure of the electrode sensor shown by FIG. It is a figure explaining the flow of the washing liquid around the electrode sensor shown by FIG. It is a figure explaining the flow of the washing | cleaning liquid in the flow path from the optical sensor shown in FIG. 7 to the electrode sensor shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the flow of the washing liquid which goes to the circulation pump from the electrode sensor of the waste_water | drain control unit shown by FIG. 3 thru | or FIG. It is a figure explaining the flow of the washing | cleaning liquid around an electrode sensor at the time of the action | operation of the circulation pump of the waste_water | drain control unit shown by FIG. 3 thru | or FIG. It is the schematic of the circulation pump of the waste_water | drain control unit shown by FIG. 3 thru | or FIG. It is a figure explaining the structure around the inflow port of the water tank of the drum type washing machine shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the functional structure of the control system of the drum type washing machine shown by FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that terms used in the following description, such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right” and the like, are merely for the purpose of clarifying the explanation and do not limit the present invention. Not what you want. In addition, the terms “upstream” and / or “downstream” used in the following description refer to the flow of the washing liquid from the discharge port of the washing tub described later to the drainage control unit unless otherwise specified. Means “upstream” and / or “downstream”.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drum type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The principle of the present invention can be applied not only to the drum type washing machine shown in FIG. 1 but also to other washing machines (for example, a pulsator type washing machine or a stirring type washing machine).

  The drum type washing machine 1 includes a housing 2. A washing tub 3 is disposed inside the housing 2. The washing tub 3 has a cylindrical water tank 31 with one end and a bottom end that is supported in a swingable manner inside the housing 2, a rotating drum 32 with a cylindrical structure with one end and a bottom that is rotatably supported in the water tank 31, and And a motor 33 for rotating the drum 32. The motor 33 is attached to the bottom outer surface of the water tank 31. The water tank 31 includes a discharge port 311 for discharging the washing liquid and an inflow port 312 into which the washing liquid flows, and has a structure in which the washing liquid can be circulated and used.

  Further, the housing 2 further includes a water supply system 4 for supplying water into the water tank 31, a drainage system 5 for draining or circulating the washing liquid in the water tank 31, and drying for sending warm air for drying the laundry to the laundry tank 3. The system 6 is accommodated. The drying system 6 is not necessarily required.

  The drying system 6 includes a circulation pipe 61 having one end connected to the exhaust port 313 of the water tank 31 and a vent hole for sending drying air from the bottom of the water tank 31. And a blower 62 that causes air to flow in the circulation pipe 61. The drying system 6 includes a filter that collects dust and removes dust as needed, a dehumidifying unit that dehumidifies the introduced air after dust removal, a heating unit that heats the air after dust removal and creates dry high-temperature air; Can be included.

The drum type washing machine 1 includes an operation panel 8 disposed on the upper front surface of the housing 2. The operation panel 8 allows the user to select a mode such as an operation course of the drum type washing machine 1 and various functions. The operation panel 8 includes a control circuit unit 81. The control circuit unit 81 displays information input by the user on a display unit included in the operation panel 8. Also, used throughout the operation panel 8, the operation start of the drum-type washing machine 1 is set, for example, a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level of the water tank 3 in 1, a turbidity sensor for detecting the turbidity of the washing liquid Detection signals are received from the optical sensor 72 and the electrode sensor 73 used as a conductivity sensor for detecting the conductivity of the washing liquid, and are included in the electromagnetic valve and the drainage system 5 included in the water supply system 4 based on these detection signals. Control is performed on the drain valve 75 and the like. The motor 33, the water supply system 4, the drainage system 5, and the drying system 6 are automatically controlled by the control circuit unit 81 according to the mode setting and control program, and at least the washing process, the rinsing process, the dehydrating process, and the drying process can be executed. it can.

  The water supply system 4 includes a water supply pipe 41 connected to the water tank 31 and a detergent storage portion 42 that stores the detergent. The water supply system 4 can supply water to the water tank 31 in a timely manner through the water supply pipe 41 by the opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve (see solid line arrows in FIG. 1). Further, the drum type washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 uses the water supply of the water supply system 4 to put the detergent in the detergent container 42 disposed partially across the water supply pipe 41 into the water tank 31. It can be introduced in a timely manner.

  The drainage system 5 is connected to the first pipe 51 having one end connected to the discharge port 311 of the water tank 31 and the drainage control for receiving the washing liquid from the water tank 31 while being connected to the other end of the first pipe 51. A unit 7 and a second pipe 52 extending between the circulation pump 71 and the water tank 31 provided in the drainage control unit 7 are included. In the drum type washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, the circulation pump 71 is fixed to the base plate 712. One end of the second pipe 52 is connected to the discharge port of the circulation pump 71, and the other end of the second pipe 52 is connected to the inlet 312 of the water tank 31. The water tank 31, the first pipe 51, the drainage control unit 7, and the second pipe 52 form a circulation path for the washing liquid. The circulation pump 71 causes the washing liquid to flow and circulate from the discharge port 311 toward the inflow port 312 in the circulation path.

The drainage control unit 7 includes, in addition to the circulation pump 71, an optical sensor 72 used as a turbidity sensor for detecting the turbidity of the washing liquid, an electrode sensor 73 used as a conductive sensor for detecting the conductivity of the washing liquid, and the washing liquid. Drainage pipe 74 for draining water to the outside, a drain valve 75 that is disposed in the middle of the drain pipe line 74 and that opens and closes the drain pipe line 74, and a lint contained in the washing liquid flowing in from the first pipe line 51 The filter part 76 which collects (lint etc.) is included.

  The drain valve 75 is opened as necessary, for example, at the end of the washing process or at the end of the rinsing process. As a result, the wash water that has flowed into the drainage control unit 7 from the first pipeline 51 is subjected to lint removal processing through the filter unit 76 and then discharged to the outside.

  By closing the drain valve 75 and operating the circulation pump 71, the washing liquid existing in the water tank 31 flows into the drain control unit 7 through the first pipe 51. Thereafter, the washing liquid passes through the filter unit 76 disposed in the drainage control unit 7, and the dirt component is removed. After passing through the filter unit 76, the washing liquid flows into the circulation pump 71 through the suction line 711 connected to the suction port of the circulation pump 71 and is connected to the discharge port of the circulation pump 71. It is returned to the water tank 31 through 52. While performing the washing process and the rinsing process, it is possible to improve the functions of the washing process and the rinsing process by repeating the circulation of the washing liquid as necessary.

  The rotation speed of the circulation pump 71 can be made variable. When the number of revolutions of the circulation pump 71 is set high (for example, 3500 rpm), the washing liquid that has flowed into the inlet 312 of the water tank 31 moves along a locus toward the inside of the rotating drum 32 (in FIG. 1, an arrow Fi). reference). On the other hand, when the number of rotations of the circulation pump 71 is set low (for example, 1000 rpm), the washing liquid that has flowed into the inlet 312 of the water tank 31 enters the space formed between the rotating drum 32 and the water tank 31. Head (see arrow Fo in FIG. 1).

  For example, the circulation pump 71 is rotated at a low speed at the start of at least one of a washing process and a rinsing process. As a result, it is possible to prevent the unconcentrated detergent at the end of the washing or the high-concentration softening agent immediately after the softening agent from being poured into the laundry in the rotary drum 32.

The washing liquid that has flowed into the space between the rotating drum 32 and the water tank 31 is discharged from the discharge port 311 to the drainage system 5 and returns again to the inlet 312 of the water tank 31 (in-water tank circulation step). By repeating the circulation process in the water tank, the detergent is completely dissolved, and the concentration of the softening agent is made uniform. As a result, it becomes possible to avoid problems such as stains on the laundry caused by undissolved detergent and high-concentration softening agent.

  It is preferable that the water tank circulation step is set, for example, about 10 seconds after the water supply step of the washing step and / or the rinsing step. Alternatively, for example, when a liquid level of about 40 mm is detected from the lower end of the water tank 3, the water tank circulation step is preferably started. As a result, it is possible to avoid the operation of the circulation pump 71 in a state where the washing liquid is not sufficiently filled in the circulation pump 71. As a result, abnormal noise such as foaming noise of the circulation pump 71, abnormal temperature of the circulation pump 71 due to an insufficient amount of washing liquid, and operation of the circulation pump 71 under the abnormal temperature can be avoided.

  The drum type washing machine 1 may further include a pump for supplying bath water to the water tank 31. In this case, it is preferable that the water tank circulation step is performed after the bath water is supplied to the water tank by the bath water supply pump. As a result, the bath water supply pump and the circulation pump 71 do not operate at the same time, and it is possible to prevent the generation of loud noise that makes the user uncomfortable.

  The drum type washing machine 1 can set a reserved operation by operating the operation panel 8. When the drum type washing machine 1 is reserved for operation, the water tank circulation step is preferably performed, for example, for a period twice as long as normal. As a result, it is possible to reliably dissolve the detergent that has solidified during the reservation standby (the period from when the reservation is set to when the drum type washing machine 1 actually starts operating). As a result, sufficient cleaning power can be obtained during the reserved operation, and the problem of remaining detergent can be avoided.

  The drum type washing machine 1 can include a temperature sensor as necessary. Depending on the temperature of the wash water measured using the temperature sensor, the length of the water tank circulation step may be changed. For example, when the temperature sensor detects the temperature of 5 ° C. washing water, for example, a water tank circulation step twice as long as when the temperature of 20 ° C. washing water is detected can be executed. This makes it possible to sufficiently dissolve the detergent even at a low water temperature.

  FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the housing of the drainage control unit 7 shown in FIG. FIG. 2A shows one cross section of the casing, and FIG. 2B shows a cross section on the opposite side of the casing.

  The drainage control unit 7 includes a housing 70. 1, the circulation pump 71, the optical sensor 72, the electrode sensor 73, the drain pipe 74, the drain valve 75, the filter unit 76, and the like shown in FIG. The housing 70 includes one end connected to the first pipe 51 and a horizontal pipe 701 extending in the horizontal direction, and connected to the other end of the straight pipe 701 and connected to the straight pipe 701. And a filter portion 76 that is accommodated in the storage tube portion 702 and removes lint. The straight pipe part 701 and the accommodating pipe part 702 are integrally molded to constitute one pipe line.

  The straight pipe portion 701 is formed in a substantially circular tubular shape, but a flat inner surface 772 is formed from the middle portion of the straight pipe portion 701 toward the accommodation pipe portion 702 located downstream. The flat inner surface 772 extends along a horizontal plane that passes through the central axis of the straight pipe portion 701, and forms a flat band-like region that extends toward the accommodation pipe portion 702. The flat inner surface 772 is used for light emission and light reception of the optical sensor 72 and prevents unnecessary refraction of infrared rays used by the optical sensor 72.

  The straight pipe portion 701 further includes a pair of through holes 773. The through-hole 773 is provided to project the electrode portion of the electrode sensor 73 into the straight pipe 701 and to contact the washing liquid contained in the straight pipe 701.

  A first opening 774 connected to the drain pipe 74 and a second opening 771 connected to the suction port of the circulation pump 71 are formed below the internal space of the storage pipe 702. The first opening 774 and the second opening 771 are provided on the surface of the straight pipe portion 701 facing the through hole 773. The first opening 774 serves as a connection part with the drain pipe 74, and the second opening 771 serves as a connection part with the circulation pump 71.

  The filter portion 76 includes a filter 776 formed in a mesh shape and a lid portion 704 that is connected to the filter 776 and is connected to the distal end opening of the housing tube portion 702 in a sealable manner. The filter 776 is responsible for removing lint. From the outer surface of the lid portion 704, a knob portion 705 extending outward along the axis of the housing tube portion 702 is formed. The filter unit 76 is detachable from the housing tube unit 702. Therefore, the user can easily remove the filter unit 76 from the accommodating tube unit 702 using the knob unit 705.

  3 is a plan view of the drainage control unit 7, FIG. 4 is a front view of the drainage control unit 7, and FIG. 5 is a side view of the drainage control unit 7 viewed from the circulation pump 71 side. 6 is a side view of the drainage control unit 7 as viewed from the electrode sensor 73 side.

  3, 5, and 6 partially show the first conduit 51. The washing liquid flows into the drainage control unit 7 from the water tank 31 through the first pipeline 51. The washing liquid flowing into the drainage control unit 7 is detected for turbidity by the optical sensor 72.

  FIG. 7 shows an optical sensor 72 attached to the straight pipe portion 701 of the casing 70 of the drainage control unit 7. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view (FIG. 8A), a front view (FIG. 8B), a right side view (FIG. 8C), and a left side view (FIG. 8D) of the optical sensor 72. FIG. 8 is a plan view (FIG. 8E). FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view (FIG. 9A), a front view (FIG. 9B), a right side view (FIG. 9C), and a left side view (FIG. 9) of a support provided in the optical sensor 72. FIG. 9D is a plan view (FIG. 9E) and a bottom view (FIG. 9F).

  The optical sensor 72 includes a light emitting element 721 that emits infrared light, and a light receiving element 722 that receives infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 721. The light emitting element 721 and the light receiving element 722 are located outside the straight pipe portion 701 and face each other. Therefore, since the optical axis of the infrared ray is formed between the light emitting element 721 and the light receiving element 722, the straight tube portion 701 includes a material that transmits the infrared ray at least partially. The infrared ray from the light emitting element 721 passes through the washing liquid filled in the space surrounded by the tube wall portion of the straight tube portion 701. When the washing liquid is highly turbid, the amount of infrared light reaching the light receiving element 722 is small, and when the washing liquid is small, the amount of infrared light reaching the light receiving element 722 is large. Therefore, the optical sensor 72 can function as a turbidity sensor that detects the turbidity of the washing liquid.

  The optical sensor 72 further includes a support 723 for holding the light emitting element 721 and the light receiving element 722. The support 723 connects the first support part 724 that supports the light emitting element 721, the second support part 725 that supports the light receiving element 722, the first support part 724, and the second support part 725, and the light emitting element. And a bridging portion 726 that holds the light receiving element 722 and the light receiving element 722 at positions facing each other. The bridging portion is disposed above the straight pipe portion 701 so as to cross in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the straight pipe portion 701. The support body 723 has a substantially U-shaped solid shape when viewed from the front as a whole.

  In addition to the light emitting element 721, a circuit board 727 for emitting infrared rays from the light emitting element 721 is disposed in the first support portion 724. In addition to the light receiving element 722, a circuit board 728 for generating a voltage signal according to the amount of infrared light received by the light receiving element 722 is disposed in the second support portion 725. Further, the optical sensor 72 includes an electric wire 729 for supplying power to the circuit boards 727 and 728. The circuit boards 727 and 728 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 have a thin plate shape, and the longitudinal axes of the circuit boards 727 and 728 extend in the vertical direction.

  The first support portion 724 includes an inner surface 241 that faces the second support portion 725. The inner side surface 241 includes the lens part 211 of the light emitting element 721, and the infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 721 goes to the second support part 725 through the lens part 211. The lens part 211 is slightly raised with respect to the other part of the inner surface 241. A first rib 242 is formed along an edge of the inner surface 241 that extends in the vertical direction. The first rib 242 protrudes inward (in the axial direction of the straight pipe portion 701) from the inner side surface 241.

The second support part 725 includes an inner surface 251 that faces the first support part 724. The inner side surface 251 includes the lens portion 221 of the light receiving element 722, and the infrared ray emitted from the light emitting element 721 reaches the light receiving element 722 through the lens portion 221. The lens portion 221 is slightly raised with respect to other portions of the inner surface 251. A second rib 252 is formed along an edge of the inner surface 251 that extends in the vertical direction. The second rib 252 protrudes inward (in the axial direction of the straight pipe portion 701) from the inner side surface 251.

  The outer surface of the tube wall portion of the straight tube portion 701 that forms the flat inner surface 772 is also formed flat. Therefore, the infrared rays emitted from the light emitting element 721 are not unnecessarily refracted by both wall surfaces of the straight tube portion 701. The support body 723 is externally fitted toward the straight pipe portion 701 from above. Accordingly, the light emitting element 721 emits infrared rays from the outside of the straight tube portion 701, and the light receiving element 722 receives infrared rays from the outside of the straight tube portion 701. When the support body 723 is fitted to the straight pipe portion 701, the first rib 242 of the first support portion 724 and the second rib 252 of the second support portion 725 contact the flat outer surface of the straight pipe portion 701. Touch. The ribs 242 and 252 separate the inner side surfaces 241 and 251 of the first support part 724 and the second support part 725 from the flat outer surface of the straight pipe part 701. As a result, damage to the lens portions 211 and 221 and the straight pipe portion 701 due to the fitting between the support 723 and the straight pipe portion 701 can be prevented. For this reason, the pressure (fitting force) between the ribs 242 and 252 and the outer surface of the straight pipe portion 701 can be set high, and the support 723 can be firmly attached to the straight pipe portion 701.

  An annular housing wall 261 extending in the vertical direction is formed at the center of the bridging portion 726 of the support 723. The annular housing wall 261 forms a cylindrical housing space 263 together with the receiving plate 262 that forms the upper surface of the bridging portion 726. The receiving plate 262 includes a through hole 264. The through hole 264 communicates with the accommodation space 263. The straight pipe portion 701 includes a columnar protrusion 265 extending upward. When the support 723 and the straight pipe portion 701 are fitted, the protruding portion 265 is inserted into the accommodation space 263, and the upper surface of the protruding portion 265 contacts the lower surface of the receiving plate 262. The protruding portion 265 includes a screw hole extending downward. The screw is screwed into the screw hole of the projecting portion 265 through the through hole 264 of the receiving plate 262, and the support body 723 is surely fixed to the straight pipe portion 701. The receiving plate 262 can receive falling objects such as dust and water droplets that cross over the light emitting element 721 and the light receiving element 722 and head toward the straight pipe portion 701 to which the support 723 is attached.

  Please refer to FIGS. 2 to 6 again. A drain valve 75 is disposed slightly downstream of the optical sensor 72. The drain valve 75 is connected to the housing 70 of the drain control unit 7 via the drain pipe 74. When the drain valve 75 is opened, the washing liquid contained in the straight pipe portion 701 and the housing pipe portion 702 is drained to the outside through the drain pipe line 74. The connection position between the drain pipe 74 and the housing 70 can be in the vicinity of the base end of the storage pipe 702. As a result, when the drain valve 75 is opened, the washing liquid flows in the direction opposite to that when the circulation pump 71 is operating around the storage pipe 702 and the connection between the storage pipe 702 and the straight pipe 701. Will occur.

  The electrode sensor 73 is disposed slightly downstream from the connection position between the drain pipe 74 and the housing pipe 702. The electrode sensor 73 is disposed on the downstream side of the optical sensor 72. The optical sensor 72 functions as a turbidity sensor that detects the turbidity of the washing liquid, and the electrode sensor 73 functions as a conductive sensor that detects the conductivity of the washing liquid.

  The electrode sensor 73 includes a pair of terminal plates 731 and 732. The terminal plate 732 is disposed on the downstream side of the terminal plate 731. An electric wire 733 is connected to each of the terminal plates 731 and 732, and a high-frequency AC voltage is supplied to the terminal plates 731 and 732. The applied voltage frequency and amplitude are not particularly limited as long as the conductivity of the washing liquid can be measured.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the terminal board 731. FIG. 10A is a side view of the terminal plate 731, and FIG. 10B is a front view of the terminal plate 731. 3 and 6 will be referred to in conjunction with FIG. The terminal plate 732 disposed on the downstream side described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6 can have the same shape and size as the terminal plate 731.

  The terminal plate 731 can be formed from one metal plate. The terminal board 731 has a bent structure, and edges 735 and 736 of the terminal board 731 are bent in the same direction with a bending line 734 extending in the vertical direction as a boundary. Therefore, the terminal board 731 has a structure having high rigidity with respect to a bending moment around an axis crossing the bending line 734. A connection part 737 with the electric wire 733 is formed on the upper part of the terminal plate 731.

  A disk-shaped thick portion 738 and a columnar electrode portion 739 are formed on the surface opposite to the bending direction of the edge portions 735 and 736 of the terminal plate 731. The terminal plate 731 is connected to the proximal end portion of the electrode portion 739 through the thick portion 738. An O-ring 371 is fitted to the base end portion of the electrode portion 739. The electrode part 739 is inserted into a through hole 773 (see FIG. 2) formed in the straight pipe part 701 of the casing 70 of the drainage control unit 7.

  The terminal board 731 includes a pair of through holes 311. One through hole 311 is positioned above the electrode portion 739, and the other through hole 311 is positioned below the electrode portion 739. The pair of through holes 311 and the electrode portion 739 are aligned in the vertical direction. The folding line 734 is parallel to a line connecting the center points of the pair of through holes 311. A fixing tool such as a bolt is inserted into the through hole 311, and the through hole 311 functions as a fixing part for attaching the terminal plate 731 to the outer surface of the straight pipe part 701.

  When the terminal plate 731 is brought into pressure contact with the outer surface of the straight tube portion 701 using a fixture, the O-ring 371 attached to the proximal end portion of the electrode portion 739 is compressed. The restoring force of the O-ring 371 and the fixture inserted through the through hole 311 cause a bending moment in the terminal plate 731. The bend line extends along the alignment direction of the pair of through holes 311, and the left and right edges of the terminal plate are bent along the bend line, whereby the terminal plate 731 has high rigidity against the bending moment. . Accordingly, the terminal plate 731 can be attached to the outer surface of the straight pipe portion 701 with a strong force. As a result, the O-ring 371 disposed at the base end portion of the electrode portion 739 is compressed with a strong force and can exhibit high sealing performance. Accordingly, the washing liquid is prevented from leaking through the through hole 773 formed in the straight pipe portion 701. In the present embodiment, the fold line 734 is orthogonal to the axis Ma, but the intersecting angle between the fold line 734 and the axis Ma is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the through hole 311 is shown as the fixing portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the terminal plate 731 is pressed against the outer wall of the straight pipe portion 701 using a clamp, for example. It is possible to apply other fixing methods that can press the terminal plate 731 against the outer wall of the straight pipe portion 701 with sufficient force to cause the O-ring to exert a sealing function. In addition, when using a clamp, the part of the terminal board 731 clamped by a clamp functions as a fixing | fixed part.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the straight pipe portion 701 to which the terminal plates 731 and 732 are attached. 11A is a cross-sectional view around the terminal plate 731 and the electrode portion 739 located on the upstream side, and FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view around the terminal 732 and the electrode portion 739 located on the downstream side. .

  The electrode portion 739 protrudes into the straight tube portion 701 across the flat inner surface 772 of the straight tube portion 701 and comes into contact with the washing liquid contained in the straight tube portion 701. A high-frequency AC voltage is applied to the terminal plates 731 and 732 through the electric wire 733, and the conductivity (impedance) of the washing liquid existing between the pair of electrode portions 739 is measured.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of the washing liquid around the electrode portion 739. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 739a is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the upstream side, and reference numeral 739b is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the downstream side.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the pair of electrode portions 739 a and 739 b are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the straight tube portion 701. A plane P defined by the axes of the pair of electrode portions 739a and 739b is parallel to the axis of the straight tube portion 701. The electrode portion 739a located on the upstream side diverts the washing liquid flowing along the axis of the straight pipe portion 701 in the vertical direction, so that the flow rate of the washing liquid crossing the plane P is reduced. Accordingly, in the range of the interval between the electrode portions 739a and 739b appropriate for measuring the conductivity of the washing liquid (for example, 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less), the fluidity of the washing liquid is reduced, and the washing suitable for the measurement of the conductivity is performed. Liquid flow is obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the plane P including the axes of the pair of electrode portions 739a and 739b forms a horizontal plane. The pair of electrode portions 739a and 739b are both arranged in the upper part of the internal space of the straight pipe part 701 (a space in which air accumulation may occur due to the design of the drainage control unit 7 (for example, the upper part of the internal space of the straight pipe part 701). 1/5 region)) and the lower part of the internal space of the straight pipe part 701 (in the design of the drainage control unit 7, there is a possibility that dirt components are deposited (for example, the lower side 1 of the internal space of the straight pipe part 701). / 5 area)). As a result, it is possible to suppress the entire surface of the protruding portions of the electrode portions 739a and 739b from coming into contact with the washing liquid in the straight tube portion 701 and the air in the straight tube portion 701 from affecting the measurement of conductivity. . Further, since the electrode portions 739a and 739b protrude in the upper 4/5 region of the internal space of the straight pipe portion 701, dirt components accumulated in the straight pipe portion 701 affect the measurement of conductivity. Can be suppressed.

  FIG. 13 schematically shows the flow of the washing liquid around the optical sensor 72 and the electrode sensor 73. In FIG. 13, the optical axis 250 of the infrared ray between the light emitting element 721 and the light receiving element 722 of the optical sensor 72 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 is shown. Similarly to FIG. 12, reference numeral 739a is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the upstream side, and reference numeral 739b is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the downstream side.

  In order to prevent unnecessary refraction of infrared rays forming the optical axis 250, the upstream end 277 of the flat inner surface 772 formed on the inner wall surface of the straight tube portion 701 rises from the other inner wall surface. Therefore, the upstream end 277 disturbs the flow of the washing liquid. For this reason, in order to arrange the flow of the washing liquid before reaching the optical axis 250, it is preferable that the washing liquid is formed at a position sufficiently separated from the optical axis 250 on the upstream side. At this time, the washing liquid crossing the optical axis 250 has the turbidity of the washing liquid determined based on the amount of infrared light reaching the light receiving element 722 of the optical sensor 72 described with reference to FIGS. The flow is suitable for measurement. The infrared light from the optical sensor 72 does not affect the flow of the washing liquid. Therefore, the flow of the washing liquid reaches the electrode portions 739a and 739b in a rectified state.

  As described with reference to FIG. 12, a part of the flow parallel to the axial direction of the straight pipe portion 701 is divided up and down by the upstream electrode portion 739a. As a result, the flow of the washing liquid is disturbed. The disturbance in the flow of the washing liquid caused by the electrode portion 739a occurs on the downstream side of the optical sensor 72 described in relation to FIGS. 7 to 9, and thus has no influence on the turbidity measurement by the optical sensor 72. Never give.

  As described with reference to FIG. 12, the plane P defined by the axes of the electrode portions 739 a and 739 b is parallel to the axis of the straight tube portion 701. Therefore, for example, in the case where the washing liquid is made to flow backward (in the direction from the straight pipe portion 701 toward the discharge port 311 of the water tank 31 (see FIG. 1)) in the straight pipe portion 701, the electrode portion 739b causes the washing liquid to flow. The electrode portion 739a overlaps the electrode portion 739b in the flow direction of the washing liquid, but does not excessively disturb the flow of the washing liquid. Therefore, even when the washing liquid is made to flow backward, the turbidity of the washing liquid passing through the optical axis 250 can be detected with relatively high accuracy.

  At the upper edge 391 that defines the upper boundary of the flat inner surface 772 and the lower edge 392 that defines the lower boundary of the flat inner surface 772, the straight pipe portion 701 has a cross-sectional contour shape that is bent concavely (see FIG. 7). . In the portion having the bent cross-sectional contour shape, the flow of the washing liquid tends to stay as compared with other portions. As shown in FIG. 13, the electrode portions 739a and 739b are arranged so that a part of the cross section of the electrode portions 739a and 739b enters the flat inner surface 772. In the vicinity of the upper edge 391 sandwiched between the electrode portions 739a and 739b, the washing liquid is particularly likely to stay, so that a low fluidity flow suitable for measuring the conductivity of the washing liquid can be obtained. Further, by making the plane P defined between the electrode portions 739a and 739b parallel to the upper edge 391, the measurement accuracy of the conductivity can be further improved.

  Please refer to FIGS. 1 to 5 again. A circulation pump 71 is disposed downstream of the electrode sensor 73. Between the circulation pump 71 and the casing 70 of the drainage control unit 7, there are one end connected to the suction port of the circulation pump 71 and a second opening 771 formed in the casing 70 of the drainage control unit 7. A suction line 711 including the other end to be connected is provided. A second pipe 52 extends from the discharge port of the circulation pump 71. The second pipeline 52 is connected to an inlet 312 formed in the water tank 31.

  FIG. 14 is a plan view schematically showing the flow of the washing liquid from the electrode sensor 73 to the circulation pump 71. 1 and 2 will be referred to in conjunction with FIG. In FIG. 14, a suction line 711 is shown. As shown in FIG. 14, the electrode sensor 73 is positioned upstream of the connection portion 771 (shown as the second opening portion 771 in FIG. 2) between the suction conduit 711 and the drainage control unit 7. Yes. Similarly to FIG. 12, reference numeral 739a is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the upstream side, and reference numeral 739b is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the downstream side.

  The straight pipe part 701 and the accommodation pipe part 702 constituting the casing 70 of the drainage control unit 7 form a straight channel in plan view (in FIG. 14, the straight pipe part 701 and the accommodation pipe part 702 The boundaries are shown using dotted lines). The suction pipe 711 is connected to a straight channel formed by the straight pipe portion 701 and the accommodating pipe portion 702. The suction pipe line 711 extends in a direction different from the extending direction of the straight flow path formed by the straight pipe part 701 and the accommodating pipe part 702 (in the structure of the drainage control unit 7 shown in FIG. 14, the direction is a right angle). Put out. The washing liquid flowing along the straight flow path receives the suction force from the circulation pump 71, changes the flow direction, and flows toward the suction pipe 711. The electrode sensor 73 protrudes from the inner surface of the straight pipe portion on the side facing the connection portion 771. The “inner surface on the side facing the connecting portion 771” means the connecting portion when the straight pipe portion 701 and the accommodating tube portion 702 are partitioned along the longitudinal axis of the straight tube portion 701 and the accommodating tube portion 702. 771, the inner surface that is located far from 771, and is located upstream and / or downstream by a length that is, for example, three to four times the inner diameter of the suction line 711, with the axis of the suction line 711 as a base point It refers to the inner surface area of the accommodation tube portion 702 and / or the straight tube portion. More preferably, the inner surface region of the receiving tube portion 702 and / or the straight tube portion positioned upstream and / or downstream by a length 3.5 times the inner diameter of the suction conduit 711 with the axis of the suction conduit 711 as a base point More preferably, the housing tube 702 and / or the straight tube portion located upstream and / or downstream by a length three times the inner diameter of the suction conduit 711 with the axis of the suction conduit 711 as a base point. Refers to the inner area. The electrode portions 739a and 739b of the electrode sensor 73 protrude from such an inner surface region.

FIG. 14 shows an arbitrary point P1 on the cross section C that crosses the pipe line in the vicinity of the electrode sensor 73. Point P1, a position separated from the connecting part 7 7 1 (i.e., the surface near facing the connecting part 7 7 1) is any point. At the point P1, the washing fluid flow force V1 in the direction from the base end portion of the electrode portions 739a and 739b toward the tip end portion is applied. Therefore, by disposing the electrode sensor 73 at a position facing the connecting portion 771, removal of lint caught on the electrode sensor 73 is promoted.

  As described above, the electrode portions 739a and 739b form protrusions in the straight tube portion 701. For this reason, the lint contained in the washing | cleaning liquid which flows in into the waste_water | drain control unit 7 is easy to be caught in electrode part 739a, 739b. However, in the electrode parts 739a and 739b of the electrode sensor 73, the lint caught on the electrode parts 739a and 739b by the fluid force V1 is relatively easily removed from the electrode parts 739a and 739b. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing tube portion 702 houses the filter portion 76, so that a part of the filter portion 76 (see FIG. 1) exists between the electrode sensor 73 and the connection portion 771. become. In FIG. 14, the filter unit 76 is schematically shown in a shaded area. For this reason, the washing liquid passes through the electrode sensor 73 existing at the upstream position of the filter section 76 and is then disposed in the accommodation pipe line 702 before reaching the suction pipe line 711 existing at the downstream position of the filter section 76. Passes through the filter unit 76. Accordingly, lint is removed from the electrode portions 739a and 739b and then captured by the filter portion 76. Further, since the filter unit 76 functions as a resistance against the flow of the washing liquid, the filter unit 76 exhibits a function of rapidly suppressing the flow of the washing liquid around the electrode unit immediately after the circulation pump 71 is stopped.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining lint removal using the circulation pump 71 and the drain valve 75. FIG. 15A is a plan view schematically showing the flow of the washing liquid from the electrode sensor 73 to the circulation pump 71, and FIG. 15B is the flow of the washing liquid from the electrode sensor 73 to the drain valve 75. It is a top view which shows typically. Please refer to FIG. 1 in conjunction with FIG. In FIG. 15, a suction pipe 711 that forms a flow path to the circulation pump 71 and a drain pipe 74 that forms a flow path to the drain valve 75 are shown. Similarly to FIG. 12, reference numeral 739a is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the upstream side, and reference numeral 739b is assigned to the electrode portion arranged on the downstream side. FIG. 15A is the same as the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 14 and is shown for comparison with the flow form of the washing liquid shown in FIG. 15B.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, the electrode sensor 73 is downstream with respect to the connecting portion 774 (first opening 774) of the drain pipe 74 and is connected to the connecting portion 771 (second) of the suction pipe 711. Preferably, it is disposed upstream of the opening 771). By disposing the electrode sensor 73 at such a position, in the pipeline portion where the electrode portions 739a and 739b protrude, when the drain valve 75 is opened, as shown in FIG. The flow of the washing liquid in the direction opposite to that during operation occurs. For this reason, lint caught on the electrode portions 739a and 739b is easily removed from the electrode portions 739a and 739b.

  FIG. 16 shows the circulation pump 71. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the circulation pump 71, FIG. 16B is a plan view of the circulation pump 71, and FIG. 16C is a view of the circulation pump 71 from the suction port side. FIG.

The circulation pump 71 includes a pump casing 713 that forms the outer wall of the circulation pump 71. A bearing partition 714 is disposed inside the pump casing 713. The bearing partition 714 partitions the internal space of the pump casing 713 into two spaces. An impeller 717 is disposed in a space communicating with the suction port 715. A motor 718 is disposed in a space adjacent to the space where the impeller 717 is disposed. For example, a DC brushless motor can be used as the motor 718. Shaft 719 of the motor 718 traverses the bearing bulkhead 714, extend into the space impeller 71 7 are arranged. The impeller 717, while being integrated with the bearing partition wall 714 is supported by the motor shaft 71 9. By driving the motor 718, the impeller 717 rotates together with the bearing partition wall 714.

  The pump casing 713 is formed with a suction port 715 connected to the suction line 711 and a discharge port 716 connected to the second line 52. The suction port 715 and the discharge port 716 communicate with a space in which the impeller 717 is disposed.

  A mounting seat 131 projects in the radial direction from the outer surface of the pump casing 713. The mounting seat 131 of the circulation pump 71 shown in FIG. 16 includes three C-shaped mounting pieces 132 that protrude greatly outward. The attachment piece 132 is fixed to the boss portion of the base plate 712 (see FIG. 1) using a bolt.

  FIG. 17 shows the structure of the connecting portion between the water tank 31 and the second pipeline 52. 17 (a) is a plan view of a duct constituting the connecting portion, FIG. 17 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the duct shown in FIG. 17 (a), and FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the duct shown by 17 (a).

The inflow port 312 of the water tank 31 is formed by an annular rib 121 protruding upward from the outer wall of the water tank 31. An O-ring 122 is disposed along the inner peripheral surface of the annular rib 121. O-ring 12 2 is pressed by a duct 520.

  The duct 520 includes a main body 521 bent in an L shape. The main body 521 includes a duct pipe 522 connected to the second duct 52 and a lower half duct 523 extending from the duct pipe 522 toward the inflow port 312. The tip of the lower half pipe 523 includes an annular protrusion 525 that forms an outer peripheral contour that is complementary to the opening of the inlet 312. A throttle wall 123 is disposed inside the annular protrusion 525. The throttle wall 123 is curved downward in an arc shape from a substantially central position of the inner space of the annular projecting portion 525 and has a cross section toward the rotation center of the rotary drum 32. Both ends of the throttle wall 123 are connected to the inner wall surface of the annular protrusion 525. An O-ring 122 is disposed between the annular protrusion 525 and the annular rib 121. The O-ring 122 is compressed between the annular protrusion 525 and the annular rib 121 and functions as a seal member.

  The lower half pipe 523 of the duct 520 is adjacent to the annular rib 121 and is fixed to a thick portion 124 formed on the wall portion of the water tank 31 (in FIG. 17, a screw is shown as the fixture 125). Is fixed).

  Duct 520 further includes a cover 524. The cover 524 is bent from the flow path formed by the duct pipe 522 together with the lower half pipe line 523 to form a flow path toward the inflow port 312. By the operation of the circulation pump 71, the washing liquid flows into the inflow port 312 through the duct 520 from the second pipeline 52. The circulation pump 71 can rotate at a rotation speed of 3500 rpm, for example.

  A rotating drum 32 is disposed inside the water tank 31. A receiving wall 126 is disposed between the upper surface of the rotating drum 32 and the inlet 312. The receiving wall 126 is supported by a connection wall 127 connected to the outer wall of the water tank 31. The receiving wall 126 forms a narrow flow path together with the throttle wall 123. This narrow flow path functions as an injection port 129 for injecting the washing liquid into the washing tub 3.

  The washing liquid that has passed through the injection port 129 formed by the receiving wall 126 and the throttle wall 123 then forms a part of the outer surface of the water tank 31 and presses the O-ring 122 in cooperation with the throttle wall 126. It passes through a flow path 281 formed between the front end wall 128 and the front end wall 321 of the rotary drum 32, and is supplied to the inside of the rotary drum 32.

  The ejection port 129 is formed separately from the rotary drum 32. Therefore, the laundry in the rotating drum 32 does not come into contact with the ejection port 129, and the ejection port 129 has no adverse effect on the washing process, the rinsing process, or the drying process. Further, the injection port 129 does not damage or tear the laundry, and does not impair the appearance of the laundry. Furthermore, since the flow path 281 formed downstream of the injection port 129 is formed by the front end wall 128 of the water tank 31 and the front end wall 321 of the rotary drum 32, an additional structure for preventing water leakage is provided. do not need. In the structure shown in FIG. 17, only an O-ring 122 is used as a seal member.

  The front end wall 128 of the water tank 31 and the front end wall 321 of the rotating drum 32 form an annular outlet 282. The washing liquid that has passed through the flow path 281 passes through the annular outlet 282 and is jetted toward the rotation center axis of the rotary drum 32. The washing liquid injected through the outlet portion 282 is efficiently injected into the inner rotation area of the rotary drum 32. For this reason, the washing liquid is efficiently supplied to the laundry regardless of the amount of the laundry accommodated in the rotary drum 32.

  The back surface of the front end wall 128 of the water tank 31 (surface that forms the flow path 281) includes an inclined surface 283 and a curved surface 284. Since the inclined surface 283 gradually decreases the cross-sectional area of the flow path 281 toward the downstream side, the flow rate of the washing liquid passing through the flow path 281 gradually increases. Therefore, the washing liquid passing through the flow path 281 moves toward the curved surface 284 while increasing the speed. The curved surface 284 changes the flow direction of the washing liquid in a direction toward the bottom of the rotary drum 32. For this reason, the washing liquid sprayed from the outlet portion 282 goes to the bottom of the rotary drum 32. As a result, the washing liquid is efficiently supplied to the laundry.

  The injection port 129 opens over a predetermined range in the circumferential direction of the washing tub 3. The connection plate 127 and the receiving wall 126 open the injection port 129 toward the rotation center axis direction. The connection plate 127 and the receiving wall 126 guide the washing liquid flowing into the inflow port 312 to the flow path 281 without being disturbed. The washing liquid spreads in the circumferential direction before reaching the injection port 129 and stably flows into the flow path 281. Thereafter, the washing liquid flows while spreading further in the circumferential direction until reaching the annular outlet 282. For this reason, the washing liquid is sprayed from the entire outlet portion 282 and is stably supplied to the laundry regardless of the amount of the laundry stored in the rotary drum 32.

  The cover 524 of the duct 520 can form a flow path toward the inflow port 312 using a simple mounting structure. The shape and size of the cover 524 covering the inflow port 312, the shape and size of the connection wall 127, and the shape and size of the receiving wall 126 can be used to ensure proper inflow of washing water into the rotating drum 32. . By appropriately determining the design parameters of the cover 524, the connection wall 127, and the receiving wall 126, the flow width, flow thickness, and flow rate of the washing liquid injected from the jet outlet 129 can be set to appropriate values. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently supply the washing liquid to the laundry regardless of the amount of the laundry stored in the rotary drum 32.

  The mounting structure of the cover 524 of the duct 520 and the structure of the connection wall 127 and the receiving wall 126 shown in FIG. 17 are very simple, minimizing the risk of water leakage and contributing to lower manufacturing costs. To do.

  As described above, the duct 520 forms a flow path toward the inflow port 312 with the lower half pipe 523 and the cover 524. As shown in FIG. 1, the flow path extends along the outer surface of the water tank 31. Therefore, the pipe cross section formed by the lower half pipe 523 and the cover 524 is rectangular, and a flat pipe is formed to form a pipe in a small gap between the water tank 31 and the housing 2. be able to. Further, by forming a flat pipe line, it is possible to form a flow of washing liquid having a flow width and thickness suitable for the shape and size of the injection port 129. As the washing liquid passes through the flat conduit, the washing liquid is rectified and travels toward the injection port 129.

  A plurality of protrusions 322 are formed on the front end wall 321 of the rotating drum 32. The protrusion 322 extends in a range of a predetermined length in the circumferential direction of the front end wall 321 of the rotary drum 32. The circumferential position and / or the radial position of the plurality of protrusions 322 may be different from each other. The protrusion 322 locally reduces the cross-sectional area of the flow path 281 downstream of the injection port 129. When the channel cross-sectional area is narrowed by the ridge 322 near the outlet 282 and when the channel cross-sectional area is narrowed by the ridge 322 at a location away from the outlet 282, the jet is ejected from the outlet 282. The movement trajectory of the washing liquid is different. For this reason, the laundry liquid discharged | emitted from the exit part 282 will be sprinkled over the wide range in the rotating drum 32, and it will become possible to supply a laundry liquid with high efficiency to a laundry.

  The shape of the protrusion 322 is not limited to that shown in FIG. For example, the protrusion 322 may have a wave shape or a blade shape. It is possible to employ a protrusion 322 having any shape that can change the movement trajectory of the washing liquid discharged from the outlet portion 282. Moreover, the arrangement | positioning of the arbitrary protrusions 322 which can fluctuate the movement locus | trajectory of the washing liquid discharged | emitted from the exit part 282 may be employ | adopted.

  A gap 261 is formed between the receiving wall 126 and the rotating drum 32. When the circulation pump 71 is operated at a low speed (for example, 1000 rpm), the washing liquid flows into the gap 261 from the injection port 129. The washing liquid that has flowed into the gap 261 travels through the space between the rotating drum 32 and the water tank 31 and travels toward the discharge port 311 of the water tank 31.

  FIG. 18 shows an example of the functional configuration of the control circuit unit 81.

  The control circuit unit 81 includes a calculation unit 813, a determination unit 814, and a signal transmission unit 815. Based on the signals from the optical sensor 72 and the electrode sensor 73, the calculation unit 813 calculates, for example, the type of detergent, the concentration of the detergent, and the amount of dirt components.

  The determination unit 814 determines whether to execute predetermined control based on the result calculated by the calculation unit 813. For example, when the amount of the dirt component calculated by the calculation unit 813 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 814 causes the signal transmission unit 815 to transmit a signal for operating the water supply system 4 and / or the drainage system 5.

  The signal transmission unit 815 receives a command from the determination unit 814 and transmits a signal for operating the water supply system 4 and / or the drainage system 5. For example, the signal transmission unit 815 transmits a signal to the electromagnetic valve of the water supply system 4 to open the electromagnetic valve, or transmits a signal to the drain valve 75 of the drainage system 5 to open the drain valve.

  1 is referred to in conjunction with FIG. During the washing process and / or the rinsing process, a period for measuring the state of the washing liquid can be provided. At this time, a signal (stop signal) for stopping the operation of the circulation pump 71 is transmitted from the control circuit unit 81 to the circulation pump 71. When the circulation pump 71 stops, the flow of the washing liquid in the drainage control unit 7 stops. Thereby, the state suitable for the measurement using the optical senner 72 and / or the electrode sensor 73 can be obtained. However, even after the stop signal is transmitted, the flow of the washing liquid in the drainage control unit 7 may continue for a predetermined period due to the inertial movement of the circulation pump 71 and the inertial flow of the washing liquid itself. In the above-described embodiment, since the filter unit 76 is disposed near the sensors 72 and 73, it is possible to suppress an undesirable flow of the washing liquid after the stop signal is transmitted relatively early. Therefore, it becomes possible to measure the turbidity and conductivity of the washing liquid with high accuracy in a relatively short period of time. In particular, in the present embodiment, the filter unit is located downstream of the sensors 72 and 73 and upstream of the second opening 771 (connection unit 771) used for connection to the water supply pipe line 711 shown in FIG. 76 will be arranged. Therefore, the influence of the inertial movement of the circulation pump 71 or the vibration of the circulation pump 71 is preferably alleviated by the filter unit 76. For this reason, it becomes possible to measure the turbidity and conductivity of the washing liquid with higher accuracy.

  In the above description, the electrode sensor 73 for measuring conductivity is exemplified as a sensor protruding into the flow path. However, the principle of the present invention is not limited to this, and the washing liquid is used to detect the physical properties of the washing liquid. It can be applied to washing machines that use any sensor that requires direct contact.

  In the above description, the optical sensor 72 is used to measure the turbidity of the washing liquid, but may be used for other measurement purposes. The principle of the present invention can be applied to the optical sensor 72 used for detecting the accumulation of dirt components and other physical properties or environmental changes that can be suitably measured using the optical sensor 72.

  In the above description, the pump is exemplified as the fluidizing device for flowing the washing liquid. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the washing liquid is supplied using a screw or the like disposed in the circulation path or the flow path. You may make it flow.

  The present invention is suitably used for various washing machines such as a pulsator type washing machine and an agitation type washing machine in addition to the drum type washing machine described above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Drum type washing machine 3 ... Laundry tub 311 ... Discharge port 312 ... Inlet 701 ... Straight pipe 71 ... Circulation flow apparatus 72 ... Light sensor 73 ... Electrode sensor 721 Light emitting element 722 Light receiving element 772 Flat inner surface

Claims (7)

A conduit containing the washing liquid;
A flow device for flowing the washing liquid in the pipe line;
A light sensor including a light emitting element that emits light from outside the pipe to the washing liquid, and a light receiving element that receives light emitted from the light emitting element outside the pipe;
An electrode sensor protruding into the conduit,
Washer said photosensor is arranged at an upstream position than before Symbol electrode sensor and the electrode sensor and the optical sensor is characterized by Rukoto juxtaposed.
The conduit includes a flat inner surface through which the light traveling from the light emitting element to the light receiving element passes;
The flat inner surface extends downstream;
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the electrode sensor protrudes from the flat inner surface into the pipe.   The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the electrode sensor is disposed so that a part of a cross section of the electrode sensor enters the flat inner surface. The electrode sensor includes a first electrode portion projecting into the conduit, and a second electrode portion projecting into the conduit downstream of the first electrode portion,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are arranged side by side along a longitudinal direction of the pipe line. The electrode sensor includes a first electrode portion projecting into the conduit, and a second electrode portion projecting into the conduit downstream of the first electrode portion,
The washing machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are arranged side by side along an edge of the flat inner surface extending toward the downstream side. A filter unit for removing dirt components contained in the washing liquid;
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the filter unit is disposed between the electrode sensor and the flow device. The pipe line includes the optical sensor, a straight pipe part to which the electrode sensor is attached, and a housing pipe part that is connected to the straight pipe part and accommodates the filter part,
The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the housing pipe part extends upward with respect to the straight pipe part.