JP5259441B2 - Drum washing machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a drum-type washing machine in which laundry is put into a rotatable drum and washing is performed by sequentially controlling each process such as washing, rinsing and dehydration, and in particular, a drum having a function of generating foam. It relates to a washing machine.

In a drum-type washing machine, effective washing can be performed by quickly dissolving the detergent in water and quickly penetrating the clothes at the time of washing. Foaming the detergent solution in which the detergent is dissolved is an effective means for increasing the volume and diffusing the detergent throughout the garment.
Examples of using a so-called foam generating device for a washing machine are disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, for example. Patent Document 1 discloses means for generating bubbles by introducing a tank structure for generating bubbles in a circulation flow path and introducing air. Patent Document 2 discloses a means for generating foam by high-speed rotation of a drum and introducing the foam into clothing in the drum from the front surface of the drum.

JP 2005-7224 A Japanese Patent No. 3812517

In the example of Patent Document 1, washing water is circulated in a flow path using a circulation pump, and air is introduced in the middle of the flow. The foam disappears frequently, and when introduced into the washing tub, it is difficult to effectively diffuse the foam into the clothes at an early stage.
The example of patent document 2 produces | generates foam in the clearance gap between this drum and a water receiving tank by rotating a drum, and gives foam to the clothing in a drum from this drum front surface. In this case, there is an excessive generation of foam between the drum and the water tank, the ratio of foam acting on the clothes is low, and the foam acts as a cushion against the impact force of tapping washing in the washing process, which may hinder the washing action. there were.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, The objective is to provide the drum type washing machine which produces | generates a bubble effectively and can spread | diffuse a detergent efficiently to the clothing in a drum.

In order to achieve the above object, a drum type washing machine according to claim 1 is a water tank capable of storing water and having a water circulation outlet at the bottom, a drum rotatably provided inside the water tank, and the drum A circulation motor that is driven to rotate, a circulation pump, and a circulation path for returning the water in the water tank taken out from the water outlet through the water return port into the drum via the water return port, are, Ru with a foam generator equipped with an air pump for generating bubbles, the driving motor, and control means for controlling a washing operation by driving the circulating pump and the air pump or the like. The foam generating device has a foam generating portion in which a drain hole communicating with the water extraction side of the circulation path is formed at the bottom, and a water inlet portion for introducing water on the water extraction side of the circulation path into the foam generation portion And an air introduction part that is provided below the water inlet part in the foam generation part, introduces air from the air pump to generate bubbles, and is provided above the water inlet part. And a water outlet for supplying the foam from the foam generating part together with water to the water return side of the circulation path.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, in the foam generating portion, the wash water in the circulation path is stored at the bottom from the water inlet portion, and bubbles are generated by the air introduced from the air introducing portion. The bubbles float upward and are discharged from the water outlet. As described above, the foam generating unit can efficiently introduce the washing water into the inside, effectively generate the foam and discharge the foam to the outside, and can efficiently diffuse the detergent into the drum. .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the drum-type washing machine which produces | generates a bubble effectively and can spread | diffuse a detergent efficiently to the clothing in a drum can be provided.

The whole perspective view of the foam generator of the drum type washing machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. Longitudinal sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the entire drum type washing machine Exploded perspective view (a) and overall perspective view (b) of the bubble generator Block diagram showing electrical configuration Flow chart showing the washing process (1) Flow chart showing the washing process (part 2) Flow chart showing bubble discharge process Time chart showing the outline of the washing process Time chart showing the outline of the rinsing process FIG. 8 equivalent view of the drum type washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 equivalent view according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Enlarged perspective view of the main part of the foam generator

(First embodiment)
A drum type washing machine with a drying function according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the entire drum-type washing machine with a drying function, and a water tank 2 having a horizontal axis is appropriately elastically supported inside a casing 1 forming an outer shell. Elastic support is provided via the device 3. The water tank 2 is substantially non-porous and can store water, and can be drained to the outside through a drain valve 4 to be described later, and has a configuration with a large opening on the front side. A water outlet 2 a for water circulation is formed at the lower part of the water tank 2.

Inside the water tank 2 is provided a cylindrical drum 5 (corresponding to a rotating tank) that can rotate around the horizontal axis, specifically around the tilt axis, and the drum 5 has a large number of through holes in the peripheral wall. 5a and having a large opening on the front side as in the case of the water tank 2. Further, the drum 5 is rotationally driven by a drum motor (drive motor) 7 attached and fixed to the back portion of the water tank 2 via a drum shaft 6 that rotatably supports the drum 5. The drum motor 7 is composed of a brushless motor, and the rotation speed can be variably controlled by a control device 24 (control means) described later.
Opposing to the front opening of the drum 5 and the water tub 2, an input port 8 for taking in and out laundry (not shown) is formed on the front surface of the housing 1. A door 9 for opening and closing is attached to be rotatable.

  A bevelable bellows 10 that seals between the front opening of the water tank 2 and the inlet 8 so that washing water stored in the water tank 2 or splashed water droplets do not leak outside the water tank 2. When the door 9 is in a closed state, it contacts the back side of the door 9 to prevent leakage of water from the charging port 8 to the outside of the machine.

  And in this embodiment, the hot air supply means 11 and the heat exchanger 12 as a drying function are provided, and these hot air supply means 11 and the heat exchanger 12 are the circulation duct 13 connected to the upper and lower parts of the said water tank 2. It is formed in the middle part of. Specifically, the heat exchanger 12 and the blower fan mechanism 11a and the heater device 11b as the hot air supply means 11 are sequentially arranged from the upstream side in the path of the circulation duct 13.

  On the other hand, the heat exchanger 12 has a configuration utilizing a dehumidifying function by water cooling inside, and cools warm air containing so-called moisture so that moisture can be condensed and discharged. Air can be efficiently heated and warmed by the heater device 11 b and supplied to the water tank 2 and the drum 5 through the circulation duct 13.

  A circulation path 15 having a circulation pump 14 in the middle is provided at a portion from the inner bottom of the housing 1 to the upper part on the front side. The circulation path 15 is composed of a circulation pump 14, a water absorption pipe line 15a, and a discharge pipe line 15b. One end of the water absorption pipe line 15a is connected to the water absorption side of the circulation pump 14, and the other end is the above-mentioned. It is connected to the water outlet 2 a of the water tank 2. One end of the discharge pipe 15b is connected to the discharge side of the circulation pump 14, and the opening at the other end is connected to a water inlet 30 of a foam generation tank 29 of the foam generation device 28 described later. The lower part of the circulation pump 14 is communicated with a drain hose (not shown) through the drain valve 4.

Water such as washing water in the circulation path 15 is temporarily stored in the foam generating device 28 and discharged into the drum 5 from the water return port 16 connected to the water outlet 31 of the foam generating device 28. . The water return port 16 is disposed at a position facing the upper part in the drum. The circulation pump 14 is disposed at a site below the water tank 2.
On the other hand, the heat exchanger 12 is also provided with a bubble sensor 20 including a pressure sensor through a similar tube 19. The foam sensor 20 detects a fluctuation in air pressure based on the occurrence of a large amount of foam in the water tank 2 and eventually entering the heat exchanger 12.

  In addition, a water supply valve 21 which is a water supply means having two water outlets is provided in the upper part of the water tank 2, and one water outlet is connected to the upper part of the water tank 2 through a water supply line 22 and is washed. It functions as a water supply means for supplying water, and the other water outlet communicates with the upper part of the heat exchanger 12 via a water injection pipe 23 so that it can be supplied as cold water for the water cooling means.

  A detergent case 22 a is interposed in the middle of the water supply pipe 22. Water supply control is performed by the water supply valve 21, and water is supplied to the detergent case 22 a through the water supply line 22 connected to the water supply valve 21. The detergent in the detergent case 22a is dissolved by this water and is poured into the water tank 2 from the detergent inlet 22b as washing water.

  Next, the bubble generating device 28 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. The foam generation device 28 mainly includes an air pump 27, a foam generation tank 29, and a bubble generator (air introduction unit) 32.

  The air pump 27 is provided on the upper surface of a bubble generation tank 29 as a bubble generation unit, and the air discharged from the air pump 27 is sent to the bubble generator 32 through the pipe 33. The bubble generation tank 29 has a cylindrical shape, and a bubble generator 32 is disposed at the inner bottom of the bubble generation tank 29 so that bubbles are ejected laterally. A water inlet portion 30 is provided at an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the peripheral wall of the foam generating tank 29, and the end portion of the discharge pipe 15 b is communicated with the water inlet portion 30. A water outlet 31 is provided at the upper end of the peripheral wall of the foam generation tank 29, and the water outlet 31 has a water return port 16. A water drain hole 34 is provided in the bottom wall of the foam generation tank 29, and a water drain pipe 35 extending downward is connected to the drain hole 34. The water drain pipe 35 is connected to the water suction pipe 15a. It is communicated. The thickness of the water discharge pipe 35 is set narrower than that of the water inlet 30 so that the washing water remains in the foam generation tank 29 until a predetermined amount of foam is generated.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the bubble generator 32 mainly includes a porous material 36 such as ceramics and a case 37 that houses the porous material 36. The case 37 includes a storage portion 37a for storing the porous material 36, and a connection portion 37b to which a pipe 33 for sending air discharged from the air pump 27 to the bubble generator 32 is connected. As shown in FIG. 3B, the bubble generator 32 is formed by storing the porous material 36 in the storage portion 37 a of the case 37. The bubble generator 32 can generate bubbles having a diameter of 1 to 100 micrometers, for example.

FIG. 4 shows an electrical schematic configuration. In FIG. 4, a control device 24 as a control means includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, various drive circuits, and the like. On the input side, an operation unit 25, a water level sensor 18, a bubble sensor 20, and a rotation sensor. 26 is connected. Further, the display unit 17, the water supply valve 21, the drum motor 7, the circulation pump 14, the drain valve 4, and the air pump 27 are connected to the output side of the control device 24. The control device 24 is built in the lower front part of the housing 1.
The operation unit 25 is provided on the upper front surface of the housing 1 and includes an operation start switch, various setting switches, and the like. The rotation sensor 26 detects the rotation speed of the drum motor 7. The display unit 17 is provided on the upper front surface of the housing 1 together with the operation unit 25.

  Now, the operation of the present embodiment (the control content of the control device 24) will be described with reference to FIGS. As is well known, the control device 24 performs a washing process including water supply, washing (detergent washing), drainage, and dehydration (intermediate dehydration), a rinsing process in which water supply, rinsing, and drainage are repeated a plurality of times, and a dehydration (final dehydration) process. In addition, the load on the output side of the control device 24 is driven and controlled so that the drying process is sequentially executed.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, after the power switch is turned on, the operation course setting switch of the operation unit 25 is operated to select, for example, “standard washing course” and the start switch is operated (start), which is shown in step S1. As described above, it is determined whether or not the bubble detection flag is in the ON state. As will be described later, the bubble detection flag is turned ON when the amount of bubbles generated during the last washing process of the bubble sensor 20 exceeds a predetermined amount.

  When the amount of foam generated during washing in the previous washing process exceeds a predetermined amount and the foam detection flag is turned on (S1: YES), the operation time (tap) of the washing air pump during this washing process is In step S2, it is set to 100 seconds. When the amount of foam generated during the previous washing process is less than the predetermined value and the foam detection flag is OFF (S1: NO), the operation time (tap) of the air pump during the current washing process is 200 seconds in step S3. Is set.

  Next, in step S4, the weight of the laundry put in the drum 5 is detected. In this weight detection, a predetermined constant voltage is supplied to the drum motor 7 for a certain period of time, and the rotational speed of the drum 5 is measured and detected during that time. The rotation speed of the drum 5 is measured using the rotation sensor 26. When the weight of the laundry is detected, the water level for washing corresponding to the detected weight is set. For example, as the detected weight is heavier, the washing water level is set higher as shown in C, B or A in FIG.

  Next, the washing process starts. In steps S5 to S7, water is supplied to a predetermined water level in the water tank 2. In step S <b> 5, one water outlet (water supply pipe 22 side) of the water supply valve 21 is opened, and tap water is supplied into the water tank 2. At this time, the detergent previously put in the detergent case 22a is supplied into the water tank 2 together with the tap water. When the water supply is started, the drum motor 7 is started, and the drum 5 is rotated in a cycle of, for example, a forward rotation of 45 rpm at a rotation speed of 45 rpm, a stop of 2 seconds, and a reverse rotation of 20 seconds (step S6). The amount of tap water supplied into the aquarium 2 is detected by the water level sensor 18, and it is determined whether or not the water has reached a predetermined water level in the aquarium 2 in step S 7 until the water reaches a predetermined water level in the aquarium 2. Steps S5 to S7 are repeated. And if it becomes the water level for washing (for example, A, B, or C) set according to the detected weight of laundry, it will become step S6A and the water supply valve 21 will be closed. Step S6A is the same as step S6.

  Next, in step S8, the circulation pump 14 is driven (turned on) to circulate the wash water in the water tank 2 and the circulation path 15. Specifically, the washing water in the water tank 2 is sucked from the water outlet 2a and introduced into the circulation pump 14 through the water suction pipe 15a. The washing water discharged from the circulation pump 14 is discharged into the water tank 2 from the water return port 16 via the discharge pipe 15b and the foam generating device 28. The driving time T1 (see FIG. 8) of the circulation pump 14 is, for example, 90 seconds. In this way, the detergent can be sufficiently dissolved in the washing water by circulating the washing water in the water tank 2 and the circulation path 15.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the air pump 27 of the foam generating device 28 is driven (turned on) to introduce foam into the drum 5, and the detergent is diffused into the laundry. Specifically, it is shown in the time chart of FIG. FIG. 8A shows that the circulation pump 14 is turned on (vertical axis) during washing in the washing process, and FIG. 8B shows that the air pump 27 is turned on (vertical axis) during washing. FIG. 8C shows normal rotation and reverse rotation (vertical axis) of the drum 5 at the time of washing, and FIG. 8D shows a foam detection value (vertical axis) output from the foam sensor 20. The horizontal axis indicates time. Simultaneously with the stop of the circulation pump 14, the driving of the air pump 27 of the foam generating device 28 is started. While the air pump 27 is being driven, the circulation pump 14 is intermittently driven, and a cycle of T3 (for example, 10 seconds) driving after T2 (for example, 45 seconds) is stopped 3 to 4 times (fixed time T4).

  In the foam generation tank 29 of the foam generation device 28, bubbles are generated by driving the air pump 27. The generated foam is discharged into the upper part of the drum 5 together with the wash water by driving for 10 seconds in the intermittent drive of the circulation pump 14. While the circulation pump 14 is being driven, the drum motor 7 is stopped and the drum 5 is stopped. This is because if the drum 5 rotates while the foam is being discharged into the drum 5, the foam is blown off and the detergent does not diffuse efficiently into the laundry. Further, while the circulation pump 14 is being driven, the drum 5 may not be completely stopped, and the drum 5 may be oscillating forward and reverse at a low speed equal to or lower than a predetermined value. This is because the foam can be diffused more efficiently if the laundry is moderately swung while the foam is being discharged into the drum 5.

  Next, it transfers to step S10 and it is judged whether the washing process time passed, for example for 15 minutes. In step S5, timing of a washing process timer (not shown) is started. When 15 minutes have elapsed since the washing process timer started measuring time (S10: YES), the driving of the drum motor 7 is stopped, the rotation of the drum 5 is stopped, and the washing process is completed. When the washing process timer has not elapsed for 15 minutes (S10: NO), the process proceeds to the next step S11.

  In step S11, a large amount of bubbles are generated in the water tank 2, and the bubble sensor 20 including a pressure sensor detects a fluctuation in air pressure based on the bubbles, and detects whether or not the bubbles exceed a predetermined amount. If the foam does not exceed the predetermined amount (S11: NO), the process returns to step S10 and the subsequent processing is performed again. When the bubble exceeds the detection predetermined value (see FIG. 8, S11: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S12.

  In step S12, the rotational speed of the drum 5 is reduced. Specifically, the current rotational speed of the drum 5 is reduced from, for example, 45 rpm to 30 rpm (see FIG. 8). This is to prevent the viscosity due to the bubbles staying between the water tank 2 and the drum 5 from becoming an excessive load on the drum motor 7 when the foam in the water tank 2 exceeds a predetermined amount. Next, the process proceeds to step S13, where the fact that the bubble detection flag is turned on is stored in an EEPROM (not shown) provided in the control device 24, and the process returns to step S10 to perform the subsequent processing again.

After the above processing, washing in the washing process is completed, and the process proceeds to drainage after step S15 shown in FIG.
In steps S15 and S16, the drain valve 4 is opened and the washing water is drained. Drainage is continued until the water level sensor 18 detects that the water level in the water tank 2 is 0 (S16: NO). If the water level is detected by the water level sensor 18 (S16: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S17.

  In steps S17 to S20, the drum 5 is rotated in one direction at a high speed, and the rotational speed is accelerated until the rotational speed of the drum 5 reaches 900 rpm. Specifically, in step S17, the drum motor 7 is driven to rotate the drum 5 (dehydration). In step S18, the rotation speed of the drum 5 is detected by the rotation sensor 26, and it is determined whether or not the rotation speed of the drum 5 has reached 900 rpm. If the rotational speed of the drum 5 has not reached 900 rpm (S18: NO), the rotational speed of the drum 5 is increased in step S19. When the rotational speed of the drum 5 has reached 900 rpm (S18: YES), the process proceeds to step S21 and continues to rotate the drum 5 for 5 minutes. Then, the rotation of the drum 5 is stopped and the dehydration of the washing process is terminated. Proceed to the next rinsing process.

In step S20, the rotation sensor 26 determines whether or not the increase in the rotation speed of the drum 5 is 50 rpm or less. If the increase in the rotational speed of the drum 5 is larger than 50 rpm per minute (S20: NO), the process returns to step S18 and the drum motor 7 increases the rotational speed of the drum 5 in step S19 until the rotational speed of the drum 5 reaches 900 rpm. Raise. When the increase in the rotational speed of the drum 5 is 50 rpm or less (S20: YES), the driving of the drum motor 7 is stopped and the rotation of the drum 5 is stopped in step S22.
In step S23, it is determined that excessive bubbles are generated and the load due to the bubbles on the drum 5 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the bubble detection flag is turned on and recorded in the EEPROM. This is because the driving time of the air pump 27 is shortened during the washing process of the next washing operation to suppress the amount of foam generated (S1, S2).

  Next, bubble discharge is performed in step S24. Specifically, as shown in the subroutine of FIG. 7, in steps S25 to S27, water is supplied to the water tank 2 until the water level reaches a predetermined level while rotating the drum 5, and the excessively generated bubbles are washed away. That is, in step S25, the water supply valve 21 is opened to start water supply to the water tank 2, and the drum motor 7 is driven to rotate the drum 5 (step S26). In step S27, the water level sensor 18 determines whether or not the water in the water tank 2 has reached a predetermined water level. When the water in the water tank 2 has not reached the predetermined water level (S27: NO), the process returns to step S25, and the processes after step S25 are performed again. When the water in the aquarium 2 reaches a predetermined water level (S27: YES), the process after step S15 is performed, and the process proceeds to the rinsing process which is the next process.

  As described above, the foam generated by the foam generating device 28 in the washing process is put into the drum 5 and the detergent is diffused in the clothes in the drum (step S9). Further, depending on the user's usage mode, for example, the type and amount of detergent used by the user, foam may be excessively generated during washing or dehydration in the washing process. By storing the ON state in the EEPROM, it is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles in the washing process of the next washing operation.

  After the dehydration of the washing process is completed (step S21), the process proceeds to the rinsing process. In the rinsing process, as shown in FIG. 9, the drum 5 is rotated, for example, at a rotation speed of 45 rpm in a forward rotation 20 second, 2 second stop, reverse 20 second cycle, and the circulation pump 14 is continuously operated. In a predetermined period T5 at the time of rinsing, the air pump 27 is continuously driven while the circulation pump 14 is driven.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the foam generating device 28 includes the foam generating tank 29, the water inlet portion 30 for introducing water on the water extraction side of the circulation path 15 into the foam generating tank 29, and the foam generating tank 29. A bubble generator (air introduction part) 32 that is provided below the water inlet 30 and introduces air from the air pump 27 to generate bubbles, and is provided above the water inlet 30. And a water outlet 31 for supplying the foam from the foam generation tank 29 to the water return side of the circulation path 15 together with water.

  For this reason, when air is introduced into the bubble generator 32, bubbles are generated and accumulated in the space from the upper end of the water inlet portion 30 to the water outlet portion 31, and when bubbles are further generated, the bubbles are gradually generated from the water outlet portion 31. Is released. Here, the foam is better than the washing water because there is a predetermined space from the water inlet part 30 to the water outlet part 31 and there is a predetermined amount of washing liquid between the bottom surface of the foam generation tank 29 and the water inlet part 30. The specific gravity is small, and the bubble generator 28 can generate bubbles effectively.

Further, a drain hole 34 communicating with the water extraction side of the circulation path 15 is formed at the bottom of the foam generation tank 29.
For this reason, since the washing water stored in the foam generation tank 29 is drained from the drain hole 34 via the circulation path 15, the drum type washing machine with the drying function is not used for a long time. Corrosion of the washing water can be prevented.
Further, the water return port 16 of the circulation path 15 is disposed at a position facing the upper part in the drum 5.
For this reason, the foam discharged with the washing water from the water return port 16 can be reliably put into the drum 5 and the foam can adhere to the laundry.

  Further, the control device (control means) 24 continuously drives the circulation pump 14 for a predetermined time at the initial stage of washing in the washing operation, then continuously drives the air pump 27 for a certain period of time, and intermittently drives the circulation pump 14 for a certain period of time. When the circulating pump 14 is driven, the rotational speed of the drum 5 is controlled to a predetermined value or less.

  For this reason, the detergent can be sufficiently dissolved in the washing water by circulating the washing water in the water tank 2 and the circulation path 15. Furthermore, since the drum motor 7 is stopped and the drum 5 is in a stationary state while the circulation pump 14 is being driven, the bubbles are not blown off while the bubbles are being discharged into the drum 5. It can be efficiently diffused into the laundry. Further, when the drum 5 is swung forward and backward at low speed while the circulation pump 14 is being driven, the laundry is swung moderately and the bubbles are efficiently diffused while the bubbles are being discharged into the drum 5. be able to.

Furthermore, a foam sensor (foam detection means) 20 that detects the amount of foam generated in the water tank 2 is provided, and the control device (control means) 24 detects the next time when the foam sensor 20 detects a foam of a predetermined amount or more. The drive time of the air pump 27 during the washing operation is controlled to be short.
For this reason, depending on the type and amount of detergent used by the user, foam may be generated excessively during the washing process, but the generation of foam in the washing process of the next washing operation is suppressed. be able to.

Further, when the load of the drum 5 is determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value at the time of dehydration in the washing operation, the control device (control means) 24 controls the drive time of the air pump 5 to be shortened at the time of washing in the next washing operation.
For this reason, the amount of foam generated during the washing process of the next washing operation can be suppressed, and the amount of foam generated during the washing process can be appropriately adjusted according to the type and amount of detergent used by the user. .

Further, the control device (control means) 24 performs control so that the air pump 27 is driven while the circulation pump 14 is driven during a predetermined period when the washing operation is rinsed.
For this reason, by generating bubbles from the bubble generator 32 at the time of rinsing, it is possible to eliminate clogging of the porous material 36 of the bubble generator 32 such as lint and detergent.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described mainly with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a time chart corresponding to FIG. 8 according to the first embodiment. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the control method of the drum 5 and the air pump 27 by the control device 24 (see FIG. 4) after the foam sensor 20 detects the foam detection predetermined value.

  In this embodiment, when the bubble sensor 20 determines that the foam has exceeded a predetermined amount (see FIG. 5, S11: YES), the air pump 27 is driven when it is determined that the foam sensor 20 has exceeded the predetermined amount. Stop. By stopping the driving of the air pump 27, the bubble generating device 28 (see FIG. 1) stops the generation of bubbles. As a result, the foam in the drum 5 does not increase above the predetermined amount. In the first embodiment, when the bubble sensor 20 determines that the bubble exceeds a predetermined amount (S11: YES), the rotational speed of the drum 5 is reduced (S12). Do not change the rotation speed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the control device (control means) 24 controls the air pump 27 to stop when the bubble sensor 20 detects a predetermined amount or more of bubbles.
For this reason, the efficient washing | cleaning which does not reduce the rotational speed of the drum 5 can be performed, suppressing the excessive generation | occurrence | production of the bubble in a washing process. In such a case, in the generation of bubbles from the bubble generator 28, the bubbles are detected by the bubble sensor 20, and when the generation of a predetermined amount of bubbles is detected, the air pump 27 is stopped and the bubbles are generated to the bubble generator 28. Air introduction is stopped.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is an overall perspective view of the foam generating device 40 according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the foam generating container 41 and the bubble generator 32 which are main parts of the foam generating device 40. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. For convenience of explanation, reference is also made to FIGS. This embodiment differs in the structure of the foam generation apparatus 40 from the structure of the foam generation apparatus 28 which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

  The foam generation device 40 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a water storage tank 42, an air pump 27, a foam generation container 41 as a foam generation unit, and a bubble generator 32. A cup-shaped foam generating container 41 is disposed inside the water storage tank 42, the washing water storage part has a double pipe structure, and a bubble generator 32 serving as an air introduction part is disposed inside the foam generating container 41. ing.

  Specifically, a cup-shaped foam generating container 41 is disposed on the inner bottom surface of the water storage tank 42 with the opening portion facing upward. The opening constitutes a water inlet 43 of the foam generating container 41. A bubble generator 32 is disposed at the bottom of the bubble generation container 41 in an upright state with its opening facing upward. A water drain hole 44 is provided at the bottom of the peripheral wall of the foam generating container 41, and is provided to allow the water in the foam generating container 41 to flow out into the water storage tank 42 little by little. During the period in which the bubble generator 32 is generating bubbles, the drain hole 44 is set to have a small diameter so that the washing water remains in the bubble generating container 41 without hindering bubble generation.

  An air pump 27 is disposed on the upper surface of the water storage tank 42, and air discharged from the air pump 27 is introduced into the case 37 connection portion 37 b of the bubble generator 32 through the pipe 33. The upper end of the peripheral wall of the water storage tank 42 is provided with an opening hole serving as a water outlet 31, and the water outlet 31 has a water return port 16. An opening hole serving as a water supply / drain port 45 is provided at the lower end in the vertical direction of the peripheral wall of the water storage tank 42, a discharge pipe 15 b is connected to the water supply / drain port 45, and the water supply / drain port 45 communicates with the circulation pump 14. ing.

  As described above, the foam generating device 40 is provided with a water storage tank 42 communicating with the water outlet side of the circulation path 15 (see FIG. 2) via the water supply / drain port (water inlet port) 45 at the lower portion thereof. A cup-shaped foam generating container 41 having an upper surface opened in 42 to serve as a water inlet 43 and a drain hole 44 in the lower portion of the side wall is provided. A bubble generator (air introduction part) 32 is arranged in the foam generation container 41, and a water outlet part 31 is provided in the upper part of the water storage tank 42.

  With the configuration of the foam generating device 40, the wash water discharged from the circulation pump 14 and introduced from the water supply / drain port 45b through the discharge pipe 15b fills the water storage tank 42, and the water level is the water in the foam generating container 41. When the inlet 43 is reached, the foam generating container 41 is filled with washing water. Furthermore, after the washing water is introduced from the water supply / drain port 45 and the water level of the washing water reaches the upper end of the circulation pump 14, the washing water is discharged from the water outlet 31 and the washing water is put into the drum from the water return port 16. To do.

  When the circulation pump 14 is stopped, the washing water returns to the circulation pump 14 side from the water supply / drain port 45, the water level of the washing water in the water storage tank 42 is lowered, and the washing water remains only in the foam generating container 41. The washing water gradually drained from the drain hole 44 of the foam generating container 41 returns to the circulation pump 14 side through the water supply / drain port 45 and the discharge pipe 15b, and after a sufficient time has passed, the washing water in the water storage tank 42 is returned. There is no problem that the washing water remaining inside the drum type washing machine corrodes when the drum type washing machine is not used.

Further, since the bubble generator 32 generates bubbles in the state where the washing water remains only in the bubble generation container 41 in the water storage tank 42, the bubbles can be stored in a large volume space in the water storage tank 42. The generator 40 can generate bubbles efficiently.
Further, at the beginning of the washing process, the circulation pump 14 is intermittently driven while the air pump 27 is being driven, and a cycle of T3 (for example, 10 seconds) after stopping T2 (for example, 45 seconds) shown in FIG. By repeating about several times, sufficient foam can be supplied into the drum 5.

  In the drawings, 2 is a water tank, 2a is a water outlet, 4 is a drain valve, 5 is a drum, 7 is a drum motor (drive motor), 14 is a circulation pump, 15 is a circulation path, 16 is a water return port, and 20 is Foam sensor (foam detection means), 24 is a control device (control means), 27 is an air pump, 28 is a foam generation device, 29 is a foam generation tank (foam generation portion), 30 is a water inlet portion, 31 is a water outlet portion, 32 is a bubble generator (air introduction part), 34 is a water draining hole, 40 is a foam generating device, 41 is a foam generating container (foam generating part), 42 is a water storage tank, 43 is a water inlet, and 44 is a water draining hole. , 45 is a water supply / drainage port (water introduction port).

Claims (8)

A water tank capable of storing water and having a water circulation outlet at the bottom;
A drum rotatably provided in the water tank;
A drive motor for rotating the drum;
A circulation path provided with a circulation pump, and returning the water in the water tank taken out from the water outlet by driving to the drum through a water return port;
A foam generating device that is interposed in the circulation path and includes an air pump for generating foam;
Control means for controlling the washing operation by driving the drive motor, the circulation pump, the air pump and the like,
The foam generating device has a foam generating portion in which a drain hole communicating with the water extraction side of the circulation path is formed at the bottom, and a water inlet portion for introducing water on the water extraction side of the circulation path into the foam generation portion And an air introduction part that is provided below the water inlet part in the foam generation part, introduces air from the air pump to generate bubbles, and is provided above the water inlet part. And a water outlet portion for supplying the foam from the foam generating portion to the water return side of the circulation path together with water. A water tank capable of storing water and having a water circulation outlet at the bottom;
A drum rotatably provided in the water tank;
A drive motor for rotating the drum;
A circulation path provided with a circulation pump, and returning the water in the water tank taken out from the water outlet by driving to the drum through a water return port;
A foam generating device that is interposed in the circulation path and includes an air pump for generating foam;
Control means for controlling the washing operation by driving the drive motor, the circulation pump, the air pump and the like,
The foam generating device is provided with a foam generating section, a water inlet section for introducing water on the water extraction side of the circulation path into the foam generating section, and the foam generating section positioned below the water inlet section. An air introduction part that introduces air from the air pump to generate bubbles, and is positioned above the water inlet part, and the bubbles from the bubble generation part together with water return the water return side of the circulation path And a water storage tank whose lower part communicates with the water outlet side of the circulation path via a water inlet part, and the upper surface opens into the water tank as a water inlet part and the lower part of the side wall. A foam generating container as a cup-shaped foam generating part having a drain hole is provided, an air introducing part is disposed in the foam generating container, and a water outlet part is provided at the upper part of the water storage tank. drum-type washing machine shall be the feature. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water return port of the circulation path is arranged at a position facing an upper part in the drum. The control means continuously drives the circulation pump for a predetermined time at the initial stage of washing in the washing operation, continuously drives the air pump for a certain time and intermittently drives the circulation pump, and rotates the drum when the circulation pump is driven during the certain time. The drum type washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the speed is controlled to a predetermined value or less . Equipped with foam detection means for detecting the amount of foam generated in the aquarium,
The drum type washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the control means controls the air pump to stop when the foam detection means detects a foam of a predetermined amount or more . Equipped with foam detection means for detecting the amount of foam generated in the aquarium,
5. The drum type washing machine according to claim 4 , wherein when the foam detecting means detects a foam of a predetermined amount or more, the control means controls the drive time of the air pump at the time of washing in the next washing operation to be short. . Control means at the time of dehydration of the washing operation, the load of the drum when it is determined that the predetermined value or more, according to claim 4, characterized in that to control short driving time of the air pump in the washing of the next washing operation Drum type washing machine. The drum type washing machine according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the control means controls the air pump to be driven while the circulation pump is driven during a predetermined period at the time of rinsing in the washing operation. .

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