JP5024344B2 - Drum washing machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a drum-type washing machine that controls a washing operation in accordance with the state of a washing liquid.

  In such a washing machine, conventionally, as a washing liquid state detection means of the washing machine, a dirt sensor for detecting the state of the washing liquid such as a turbidity sensor is installed in the vicinity of the lowermost part of the outer tub so that the washing liquid becomes dirty. It is considered to control the washing process by detecting the state (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  The dirt sensor determines the amount of dirt in the washing liquid by measuring the permeability and conductivity of the washing liquid. The dirt sensor output depends on the type of detergent used (powder detergent / liquid detergent). Absolute values, change trends, and cleaning power of detergents vary greatly. For this reason, it is very important to determine the type of detergent. As a result of the detergent determination, it is determined by the cloth amount detection means as before without extending the washing time for liquid detergent or rinsing operation without shortening the time. It is considered to perform an operation according to the amount of cloth that has been used.

  In addition, as the determination timing, when using the output of the dirt sensor after the water supply process is completed and the washing process is started and a certain time has elapsed, or when using the output of the dirt sensor after the washing process and before rinsing and stirring (For example, refer to Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  On the other hand, when using a bath water pump, the number of rinsings is controlled based on the turbidity of the priming water, ensuring the rinsing effect, or when the turbidity of the bath water is high, increasing the washing time, Techniques such as avoiding a reduction in cleaning effect due to dirt derived from the human body remaining in water are disclosed. (For example, see Patent Document 4)

JP-A-63-154196 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-146096 JP-A-4-35684 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-155094

  However, in the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, since the bath water absorption and the washing process are started and the detergent determination is performed after a certain time, bathing agent contained in the bath water, dirt derived from the human body, clothing There was a problem that the type of detergent could not be determined accurately due to the influence of stains and dyes eluted from the detergent.

  Moreover, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 4, when the supply flow rate of tap water is small, the water level rises, but the washing liquid state detection means is not sufficiently submerged, and the turbidity of tap water cannot be detected accurately. was there.

  The main object of the present invention is to provide a drum type washing machine capable of accurately determining the type of detergent even when washing is performed using bath water containing a bath agent.

  In order to achieve the above object, a drum-type washing machine according to the present invention includes a rotating drum formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a rotating shaft direction of the rotating drum from a front side opening to a back side serving as a bottom. A water tank disposed inside the water tank so as to be inclined downward from the horizontal or horizontal direction, a water supply means for supplying water into the water tank via a detergent case, and a water level detection means for detecting the level of the washing liquid in the water tank And a motor that rotationally drives the rotary drum, and a circulation pump that is provided in the circulation path through a circulation path that connects the washing liquid in the water tank to the water tank, and is provided in the rotation drum by a circulation motor that has a variable rotation speed. A water circulation system that circulates in the water, a washing liquid state detection means that is attached to the water circulation system and detects the state of the washing liquid, and takes bath water and supplies the bath water into the water tank through the detergent case Bath water absorption means, and control means for controlling at least one of a washing process and a rinsing process by controlling the motor or the like, and the control means is operated using bath water by the bath water absorption means. In the case of performing the priming water supply before bath water absorption, the washing liquid state detection means determines whether it is a powder detergent or a liquid detergent and then the bath water absorption means supplies water to the water tank. .

  This makes it possible to accurately determine the type of detergent even when the bath water contains a bath agent or human-derived dirt.

  According to the drum type washing machine of the present invention, even when washing is performed using bath water containing bathing agent, the detergent type can be accurately determined by the washing liquid state detecting means.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the drum type washing machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the housing | casing used for the waste_water | drain control unit of the drum type washing machine shown by FIG. The top view of the drainage control unit of the drum type washing machine shown in FIG. Front view of the drainage control unit of the drum type washing machine shown in FIG. Side view of the drainage control unit of the drum type washing machine shown in FIG. The side view which looked at the drainage control unit shown in FIG. 5 from the opposite side The 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. The figure which shows the optical sensor shown by FIG. The figure explaining the structure of the bracket of the optical sensor shown by FIG. The figure which shows the electrode sensor used for the waste_water | drain control unit shown by FIG. 3 thru | or FIG. The figure which shows the attachment structure of the electrode sensor shown by FIG. The figure explaining the flow of the washing | cleaning liquid around the electrode sensor shown by FIG. The figure explaining the flow of the washing liquid in the flow path from the optical sensor shown in FIG. 7 to the electrode sensor shown in FIG. The 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. The 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. Schematic of the circulation pump of the drainage control unit shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 The figure explaining the structure around the inflow port of the water tank of the drum type washing machine shown in FIG. The figure explaining the functional structure of the control circuit part of the drum type washing machine shown by FIG. Time chart showing control operation of washing machine and diagram showing permeability of washing water Time chart showing control operation of washing machine and other diagram showing permeability of washing water

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotating drum formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and the rotating drum is horizontally or downwardly inclined from the horizontal direction from the front side of the opening toward the back side of the bottom. A water tank disposed inside, a water supply means for supplying water into the water tank via a detergent case, a water level detection means for detecting the water level of the washing liquid in the water tank, and a motor for rotationally driving the rotating drum, A water circulation system in which the washing liquid in the water tank is circulated in the rotating drum by a circulation pump that is provided in the circulation path and includes a circulation motor having a variable rotation speed, through a circulation path connected to the water tank, and the water circulation system. Controlling the washing liquid state detecting means for detecting the state of the washing liquid attached, the bath water absorbing means for absorbing bath water and supplying the bath water into the water tank through the detergent case, and the motor, etc. Control means for executing at least one of a washing process and a rinsing process, and the control means performs washing when supplying priming water before bath water absorption when the bath water absorption means is operated using bath water. After determining whether the detergent is a powder detergent or a liquid detergent by the liquid state detection means, the drum-type washing machine is configured to supply water to the water tank by the bath water absorption means. However, it is not affected by bathing agent or dirt from the human body, and since it is determined in the priming water, it is accurately used without unnecessary use such as uselessly reducing the amount of bath water used by using tap water. Detergent type determination can be performed.

  In the second invention, in particular, in the first invention, when the priming water is supplied, the rotary drum or the circulation pump is driven, the priming water and the detergent are stirred, and then the washing liquid state detecting means determines whether the detergent is a powder detergent or a liquid detergent. Since the priming water and the detergent can be stirred sufficiently uniformly, the detergent itself is difficult to dissolve, the detergent is solidified, or the water temperature is low and the detergent is difficult to dissolve. However, the detergent type can be sufficiently dissolved to accurately determine the type of detergent.

  According to a third invention, in particular, in the first and second inventions, after the water level detecting means detects that the washing liquid state detecting means has reached the submerged water level, the washing liquid state detecting means uses the powder detergent or liquid detergent. The water level rises when the tap water supply flow rate is small, but the washing liquid state detection means is not sufficiently submerged and the turbidity of tap water accurately. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the detergent cannot be detected, and to accurately determine the type of detergent.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the first to third aspects of the invention, after the washing liquid state detecting means detects that the washing liquid state detecting means is submerged, it is discriminated whether it is a powder detergent or a liquid detergent. If the amount of water required for the washing liquid state detection means to be submerged is very small, the water level detection means cannot accurately detect the water level due to noise or the like, and the washing liquid state detection means Detergent type discrimination before submersion is sufficient, and as a result, it is possible to avoid misjudgment and accurately detect that the washing liquid state detection means is supplied with sufficient priming water for the detergent type discrimination. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the washing liquid can be increased.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the washing liquid state detecting means includes an optical sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and discriminates between powder detergent and liquid detergent from the permeability of the detergent liquid. Since the liquid detergent having a high permeability is generally included, the powder detergent having a low permeability can be reliably discriminated by containing zeolite.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the washing liquid state detecting means includes an electrode sensor having a pair of electrodes immersed in the circulation path. By distinguishing between liquid detergents, it is possible to reliably distinguish between powder detergents and liquid detergents depending on the amount of electrolyte.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
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 which is supported in a swingable manner inside the housing 2, and a rotating shaft direction from a horizontal or horizontal direction from the front side to the back side to the bottom. It includes a one-end-bottomed cylindrical rotating drum 32 that is rotatably supported in the water tank 31 so as to be inclined downward, and a motor 33 that rotates the rotating 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. Further, when the operation start of the drum type washing machine 1 is set through the operation panel 8, it is used as, for example, a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level in the water tub 3 and a turbidity sensor for detecting the turbidity of the washing liquid. A detection signal is received from the optical sensor 72 or an electrode sensor 73 used as a conductivity sensor for detecting the conductivity of the washing liquid, and based on these detection signals, an electromagnetic valve included in the water supply system 4 and a wastewater included in the drainage system 5 Control for the valve 75 and the like is executed. 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 (water supply means) 4 includes a water supply pipe 41 connected to the water tank 31, a detergent storage part (detergent case: not shown) for storing detergent, and a bath water absorption means 42 for absorbing bath water. Including. The water supply system 4 can supply water to the water tank 31 through the water supply pipe 41 in a timely manner by the opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve or the operation of the bath water absorption means 42 (see solid line arrows in FIG. 1). In addition, the drum type washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 uses the water supply of the water supply system 4 to allow the detergent in the detergent storage part, which is disposed partially across the water supply pipe 41, to enter the water tank 31 in a timely manner. Can be thrown in.

  Moreover, the lower end is open | released by the bottom part of the water tank 31, and the pressure detection pipe 43 which an internal pressure rises by the water level in the water tank 31 rising, and the upper end of the pressure detection pipe 43 and the hose 44 are connected, and the pressure in the pressure detection pipe 43 Is provided with a water level sensor (water level detection means) 45 for detecting the water level in the water tank 31.

  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 72 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 detergent or the softener of high concentration immediately after charging the softener that has not been sufficiently melted before the start of washing from being poured directly onto the laundry in the rotary drum 32. Further, the detergent or softening agent is sufficiently dissolved by rotating the rotary drum 32 without driving the circulation pump 71, and the concentration thereof becomes uniform.

  The washing liquid that has flowed into the space between the rotary drum 32 and the water tank 31 is discharged from the discharge port 311 to the circulation system 5 and returns to the inlet 312 of the water tank 31 again (circulation process in the water tank). 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 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 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 702 and the lower edge 392 that defines the lower boundary of the flat inner surface 702, the straight pipe portion 701 has a concave cross-sectional profile (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 702. 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. As a result, the flow of the washing liquid having the velocity distribution Vp1 that is symmetrical in plan view with respect to the straight flow path axis upstream is the accommodation pipe portion 702 and / or the straight pipe portion around the connection portion 771. In the internal space 701, an asymmetric velocity distribution Vp2 is obtained. The asymmetric velocity distribution Vp <b> 2 includes a region having a high velocity in the vicinity of the inner wall of the accommodation tube portion 702 and / or the straight tube portion 701 facing the connection portion 771. 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. A region with a high flow velocity is generated in the vicinity of such an inner surface region. The electrode portions 739a and 739b of the electrode sensor 73 protrude from such an inner surface region and cross a region where the flow velocity is high.

  FIG. 14 shows two arbitrary points P1 and P2 on the cross section C crossing the pipe line in the vicinity of the electrode sensor 73. The point P1 is an arbitrary point at a position separated from the connecting portion 711 (that is, near the surface facing the connecting portion 711), and the point P2 is an arbitrary point at a position closer to the connecting portion 711 than the point P1. It is. At the point P1, the speed component V1 of the washing liquid in the direction from the base end portion to the tip end portion of the electrode portions 739a and 739b is larger than the speed component V2 in the same direction at the point P2. 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, since the electrode portions 739a and 739b of the electrode sensor 73 cross the region of high flow velocity, the lint caught on the electrode portions 739a and 739b is relatively easily removed from the electrode portions 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. 15, the electrode sensor 73 is downstream of the connecting portion 774 (first opening 774) of the drainage pipe 74 and is connected to the connecting portion 771 (second opening) of the suction pipe 711. 771) is preferably arranged upstream. 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, the washing liquid in the direction opposite to the direction when the circulation pump 71 is operated is used. A flow will occur. 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. The shaft 719 of the motor 718 extends across the bearing partition 714 and into a space where the impeller 714 is disposed. The impeller 717 is integrated with the bearing partition 714 and supported by the motor shaft 718. 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. The O-ring 121 is pressed by the 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 274 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 (control unit) 81.

  The control circuit unit 81 includes a calculation unit 813, a determination unit 814, and a storage unit 816. For example, when the user operates the operation panel 8, the calculation unit 813 is a timer stored in the control circuit unit 81 and a program stored in the storage unit 816 and outputs from various sensors such as the water level sensor 45. Is used to calculate which step of the washing mode designated by the user is being executed by the washing machine 1, and the determination unit 814 needs to perform a predetermined operation in the step being executed. It can be determined whether or not. Note that the result calculated by the calculation unit 813 may be temporarily stored in the storage unit 816. For example, when the calculation unit 813 transmits information related to the elapsed time from the start of the rinsing process to the determination unit 814, the determination unit 814 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the rinsing process. If it has elapsed, a control signal for opening the drain valve 75 is transmitted to the drain valve 75. Similarly, the solenoid valve of the water supply system 4 and the bath water absorption means 42 and the circulation pump 71 of the drainage system 5 also perform predetermined operations in each step of the washing mode by transmitting signals based on the calculation unit 813. Can be executed.

The determination unit 814 receives the start time of the water supply process, the washing process, and / or the rinsing process from the calculation unit 813, and / or the elapsed time of the water supply process, the washing process, and / or the rinsing process, and various sensors such as the water level sensor 45. Control signal to the electromagnetic valve of the water supply system (water supply means) 4 and the bath water absorption means 42 and the circulation pump 71 of the drainage system 5 during a predetermined period of the water supply process, washing process and / or rinse process. The electromagnetic valve, bath water absorption means 42 and circulation pump 71 are
Operates such as operation and stop.

  FIG. 19 is a graph showing the water level height h obtained from the output of the water level sensor 45 and the permeability P of the washing water obtained from the output of the optical sensor 72 in the water supply process and the washing process, and the permeability P is high. It shows that the transparency of washing water is high. Further, the ON / OFF control of tap water (priming water) and the ON / OFF control of the bath water absorption means 42 when using the bath water absorption means 42 are shown in the graph. 19A is a graph when the tap water supply flow rate is a reference amount such as 15 L / min, for example, and FIG. 19B is a tap water supply flow rate of 5 L / min, for example. It is a graph when there are few such as the following.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the transmittance P obtained from the output of the optical sensor 72 is high in the state h (0) where there is no water at the beginning of operation, and P (AIR). Tap water and a detergent container (not shown) After t (1) when the washing liquid mixed with the detergent reaches the water level h (1) at which the optical sensor 72 is submerged, it once decreases and shows the minimum value P (MIN). As the thickness decreases, the permeability P increases, and shows a stable value P (W) after the water supply process is completed.

  18 determines, for example, the output P (a) of the optical sensor 72 when the optical sensor 72 reaches the detergent type determination water level h (a) higher than the water level h (1) at which the optical sensor 72 is submerged. By comparing with the threshold value stored in the storage unit 816, it is possible to determine whether the powder detergent or the liquid detergent has been introduced.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 19 (a), when bath water containing bathing agent is absorbed using the bath water absorbing means 42, the tap water is generally supplied after a fixed priming water supply time t (2). The supply of priming water by water is stopped, and the bath water absorption means 42 is driven. As a result, even if the amount of detergent put into the detergent container (not shown) is the same, the permeability P decreases due to the effect of the bathing agent and the like, and the permeability P after the completion of the water supply process is As indicated by the broken line, P (B) lower than P (W) is shown. However, since the detergent type discrimination uses, for example, the permeability P (a) when reaching the detergent type discrimination water level h (a), the value of P (a) is constant regardless of whether the bath water absorption means is driven or not. Thus, the type of detergent can be accurately determined.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19B, when the bath water absorption means 42 is used to absorb bath water or the like when the water supply flow rate of tap water is as low as 5 L or less per minute, Even when the priming time t (2), which is constant, elapses, the water level h (2) depends on the flow rate of the water supply flow, so that the detergent in the tap water and the detergent container (not shown) is detected by the optical sensor 72. May not reach the water level h (1) at which the water is submerged, stop supplying the tap water, and reach the water levels h (1) and h (a) after the bath water absorption means 42 is driven.

  In this case, the permeability P after the elapse of t (2) is lowered by the amount of the bathing agent in the bath water, so that the original permeability P (MIN) due only to tap water and detergent as shown by the broken line in the figure. A value P (MIN2) or P (a2) lower than or P (a) is indicated. As a result, the determination of the detergent type by the determination unit 814 may not be performed accurately.

Here, as shown in FIG. 20, if the detergent type is always determined at the time of priming water supply and then the bath water absorption means 42 is driven, when the tap water supply flow rate is a reference amount such as 15 L / min ( Even when a) is low, such as 5 L or less per minute (b), the permeability P (a) when reaching the detergent type discrimination water level h (a) is constant regardless of whether the bath water absorption means 42 is driven or not. Become. In other words, it is possible to always accurately determine the type of detergent regardless of the usage environment where the washing machine is placed, such as the supply flow rate of tap water at the user's house, and the user's usage of whether or not to use bath water. It becomes. In FIGS. 19 and 20, the water level sensor 45 detects the water level at which the optical sensor 72 is submerged and the water level for determining the type of the detergent, but the detergent type is determined. After the sensor 72 senses the detergent type, or after the optical sensor 72 senses whether or not the optical sensor 72 is submerged, the water level sensor 42 detects the water level for discriminating the detergent type and the detergent. The species may be determined. Further, the detergent type may be determined using the electrode sensor 73 instead of the optical sensor 72.

  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. Therefore, the optical sensor 72 is not limited to the one attached to the pipes constituting the flow path, and forms an arbitrary space filled with the washing liquid (for example, a part of the water tank wall forming the water tank 31). It may be fitted to the wall portion.

  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.

  In the above description, the drainage valve is exemplified as the drainage device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any device that can open and close the drainage pipe 74 can be used for the drainage device in accordance with an electrical signal. . Moreover, although the solenoid valve was illustrated as a water supply apparatus, this invention is not limited to this, Arbitrary apparatuses which can open and close the water supply line 41 according to an electrical signal can be utilized for a water supply apparatus. .

  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 Washing machine 3 Washing tub 311 Discharge port 312 Inflow port 42 Bath water absorption means 45 Water level sensor (water level detection means)
7 Drainage control unit 71 Circulation pump 72 Optical sensor (washing fluid detection means)
73 Electrode sensor (washing fluid detection means)
75 Drain valve 81 Control circuit section (control means)
813 Calculation unit 814 Determination unit 816 Storage unit

Claims (6)

A rotating drum formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and the rotating drum are arranged inside such that the rotating shaft direction is horizontal or inclined downward from the horizontal direction from the opening front side to the bottom rear side. A water tank, a water supply means for supplying water into the water tank via a detergent case, a water level detection means for detecting the water level of the washing liquid in the water tank, a motor for rotationally driving the rotary drum, and a washing in the water tank A water circulation system that circulates the liquid in the rotating drum by a circulation pump that is provided in the circulation path and is made up of a circulation motor having a variable rotation speed through a circulation path connected to the water tank, and a state of the washing liquid attached to the water circulation system Washing liquid state detection means for detecting, bath water absorption means for absorbing bath water and supplying bath water into the water tank through the detergent case, washing step by controlling the motor and the like, Control means for executing at least one of the rinsing steps, wherein the control means operates when the bath water is absorbed by the bath water absorption means and the washing liquid state detection means during priming water supply before bath water absorption The drum type washing machine is characterized in that the water detergent is supplied to the water tank by the bath water absorption means after determining whether it is a powder detergent or a liquid detergent. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the priming water is supplied, the rotary drum or the circulation pump is driven to agitate the priming water and the detergent, and then the washing liquid state detection means determines whether the detergent is a powder detergent or a liquid detergent. Drum type washing machine. 2. The washing liquid state detection means determines whether the washing liquid state detection means has reached a water level where the washing liquid state detection means is submerged, and then the washing liquid state detection means determines whether the washing liquid state detection means is a powder detergent or a liquid detergent. 2. A drum-type washing machine according to 2. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the washing liquid state detection unit detects whether the washing liquid state detection unit has been submerged, and then determines whether the washing liquid state detection unit is a powder detergent or a liquid detergent. 5. The drum type washing machine as described. 5. The washing liquid state detection means comprises an optical sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and determines whether it is a powder detergent or a liquid detergent from the permeability of the detergent liquid. The drum type washing machine according to any one of the above. The washing liquid state detecting means is composed of an electrode sensor having a pair of electrodes immersed in the circulation path, and distinguishes between powder detergent and liquid detergent from the conductivity of the detergent liquid. The drum type washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.