JP6202945B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine including a circulation path for circulating water drained from the bottom of a water tank back into the water tank by a circulation pump, and a dirt sensor for detecting dirt of water flowing through the circulation path.

  In a washing machine including a circulation pump, the circulation pump is operated when performing a washing operation and a rinsing operation. By operating the circulation pump, the wash water discharged from the water tank and flowing through the pump chamber of the circulation pump is pressurized and sent again into the water tank. By circulating the washing water, the washing water efficiently penetrates into the clothes and the cleaning power is improved.

  In such a washing machine, a dirt sensor such as an optical sensor is provided in the circulation path, the degree of dirt of the washing water is determined, and the time of washing operation and rinsing operation, the number of times of rinsing, etc. are determined according to the degree of dirt. Control to change is performed (for example, patent document 1).

Since washing water and dirt substances circulate, when these washing machines are used for a long period of time, there is a high possibility that the dirt sensor will become dirty and erroneously detected. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically remove dirt from the dirt sensor.
For example, in the case of the washing machine of Patent Document 1, the dirt sensor is disposed at a position where the dirt sensor can be visually recognized when a filter provided in the washing machine is removed in order to collect lint, and the user uses a cleaning tool such as a brush. It is configured to remove dirt.

JP 2011-62332 A

  In the case of the washing machine of Patent Document 1 or the like, the dirt sensor can be maintained directly, but there is a possibility that the dirt sensor may be accidentally damaged. The dirt sensor is, for example, an optical sensor including a light emitting element that emits infrared rays and a light receiving element that receives infrared rays emitted from the light emitting elements. It becomes impossible and may lead to false detection. Other dirt sensors may be erroneously detected as well.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can automatically clean the surface of the detection means for detecting dirt of washing water, and can accurately detect the degree of dirt of washing water. An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of performing a washing operation and a rinsing operation under appropriate conditions.

The washing machine according to the present invention includes an outer box, a water tank provided in the outer box, a circulation path for circulating water drained from the bottom of the water tank back into the water tank by a circulation pump, and the circulation Detection means for detecting contamination of water flowing through the path, a water supply valve connected to a water supply source and switched to the first water supply outlet or the second water supply outlet, a detergent case into which a detergent is introduced, and the first water supply A first water supply pipe connected to the outlet and supplying water to the water tank, a second water supply pipe connected to the second water supply outlet and supplying water to the detergent case, and water containing the detergent in the detergent case to the water tank and a water supply pipe for sending, conduit for the circulation pump, and the washing machine return pipe for returning the water to the water tank is connected, said detecting means, said circulation pump of the return pipe Provided on the connection side of the Water supply means for supplying water to at least the detection means before water is introduced, and the water supply means switches the water supply valve to the first water supply outlet when the start of operation is accepted. And a pump driving means for driving the circulation pump for a predetermined time when the predetermined time has elapsed after switching to the first water supply outlet by the first switching means, and the circulation pump by the pump driving means for a predetermined time. And a second switching means for switching the water supply valve to the second water supply outlet after being driven, so that the detection means is washed with water boosted by the circulation pump driven by the pump drive means. It is comprised by these.

The washing machine according to the present invention includes storage means for storing a detection value detected by the detection means after the circulating pump is driven by the pump drive means for a predetermined time .

The washing machine according to the present invention is characterized in that the second switching unit is configured to switch the water supply valve to the second water supply outlet after the storage unit stores the detected value.

  The washing machine according to the present invention is configured in advance to set the washing operation time, the rinsing operation time, and the number of times of rinsing, and based on values detected by the detection means during the washing operation or the rinsing operation. And a means for changing the washing operation time, the rinsing operation time, or the number of times of rinsing.

  According to the present invention, since the water is supplied to the detection means before the washing water containing the detergent is introduced, the surface of the detection means can be automatically washed with clean water that does not contain the detergent and the dirt substance. . Accordingly, the detection means can be kept clean, the degree of contamination can be accurately detected, the washing operation and the rinsing operation can be performed under appropriate conditions, and the operation time can be shortened and the power can be saved. Figured.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows a circulation pump and a dirt sensor. It is a side view which shows a circulation pump and a dirt sensor. It is a front view which shows a circulation pump and a dirt sensor. It is a top view which shows a circulation pump and a dirt sensor. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows a circulation pump and a dirt sensor. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows a circulation pump and a dirt sensor. It is a perspective view which shows a dirt sensor. It is a perspective view which shows the electrode sensor as a dirt sensor. It is a control block diagram of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of the washing operation by the CPU which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a rinse operation. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of the washing operation by the CPU which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a rinse operation.

<First embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an external appearance of a washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of the washing machine 100. The washing machine 100 includes a drying air passage and is configured to perform a drying operation. In addition, the washing machine of this invention is not limited when providing a dry air path.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine 100 includes a water tank 2 and a rotating drum 3 inside a housing 1 that constitutes an exterior. The water tank 2 has a large-diameter bottomed cylindrical shape having an opening 20 provided over the entire surface on one end side, and a plurality of support legs 21 (only one) standing on the bottom surface of the housing 1. As shown in the figure, the elastic body is elastically supported in an oblique lateral posture with the opening 20 side facing upward. In addition, the water tank 2 may be supported in a vertical posture or a horizontal posture.

  On the front surface of the housing 1 (left side surface in FIG. 2), a laundry input port 11 is opened at a position facing the opening 20 of the water tank 2 so as to be opened and closed by the lid body 10. The space between the opening 20 of the water tank 2 is liquid-tightly sealed by the bellows 12. As shown in FIG. 1, a door opening button 13 is provided near the lid 10 on the front surface of the housing 1. The lid 10 is opened by operating the door opening button 13.

  The rotating drum 3 has a bottomed cylindrical shape slightly smaller in diameter than the water tank 2. The bottom surface is fixed to the end of the output shaft 40 of the drum motor 4 fixed at the center of the bottom of the water tank 2, and the opening 30 is formed in the water tank 2. It is supported in a state where it faces the inside of the opening 20. The rotating drum 3 supported in this way rotates inside the water tank 2 by driving the drum motor 4. A large number of small holes 32 are formed through the entire surface of the peripheral wall of the rotary drum 3, and a plurality of baffles 33 extending in the axial direction are provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall so as to be evenly spaced in the peripheral direction. Has been. In FIG. 2, a part of the large number of small holes 32 and one baffle 33 are illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel 15 including an operation unit for various operations and a display unit for various displays is provided on the upper front of the housing 1. The operation panel 15 is connected to an operation control unit 16 (see FIG. 2) provided inside the upper portion of the housing 1. The washing machine 100 performs a washing operation, a dehydrating operation, and a drying operation by the operation of the operation control unit 16 according to the operation of the operation panel 15.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a connection portion 50 that can be connected to a water supply source such as water supply is provided on the upper surface of the rear portion of the housing 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the connection portion 50 is connected to a water supply valve 51 provided inside the housing 1. The water supply valve 51 is a multiple solenoid valve having a plurality of water supply outlets, and switches between a plurality of switching positions including a closed position in accordance with a command from the operation control unit 16.

  A first water supply outlet of the water supply valve 51 is connected to a water supply opening that opens on the upper peripheral surface of the water tank 2 through a water supply pipe 52. When the water supply valve 51 is switched to the first water supply outlet, the water from the water supply source is sent into the water tank 2 through the water supply pipe 52. A detergent case 14 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 1, and the connecting part 50 is connected to the lower part of the detergent case 14 via a water supply pipe 54. The bottom of the detergent case 14 and the water supply pipe 52 are connected by a water supply pipe 56. When the water supply valve 51 is switched to the second water supply outlet, the water from the water supply source is fed into the detergent case 14 via the water supply pipe 54, and the water and the detergent are mixed in the detergent case 14 and the washing water obtained. Is fed into the water supply pipe 52 through the water supply pipe 56. The water supply pipe 56 for sending the washing water may be directly connected to the water tank 2.

  The third water supply outlet of the water supply valve 51 is connected to the front lower part of the water tank 2 through the cooling water pipe 55. A concave groove 22 extending in the axial length direction is formed in the lower circumferential surface of the water tank 2, and a cooling plate 23 is installed so as to cover the upper portion of the concave groove 22. The cooling plate 23 is inclined with the rear part at the bottom, and a plurality of recesses are arranged in parallel on the upper surface.

  A drain port 24 is provided at the rear end of the groove 22, that is, the lowest portion of the water tank 2, and one end of a drain pipe 81 is connected to the drain port 24 via a drain unit 80. . The drain pipe 81 extends in the front-rear direction of the housing 1, and the other end of the drain pipe 81 is connected to a connection portion 82 a provided at a substantially central portion of the filter case 82. A recess 17 is provided at the front lower portion of the housing 1 in a tilted state with the front side up, and the filter case 82 has an end abutting against the back surface of the bottom surface of the recess 17 and is inclined with the front side up. It is being fixed to the bottom side front part of case 1 in the state. In the filter case 82, a drainage filter 83 that captures dust such as lint is accommodated in the recess 17 so as to be removable from the machine. Note that the present invention is not limited to the case where the filter case 82 is provided in an inclined state.

A drain valve 84 is connected to the rear end of the filter case 82. The drain valve 84 is fixed to the bottom front part of the housing 1. One end of a drain hose 85 is connected to the lower side of the drain valve 84. The drainage hose 85 extends along the front and back of the bottom surface of the housing 1, and the other end projects from the housing 1 and is connected to a drainage groove (not shown) connected to the sewer pipe.
A circulation pump 86 is connected to the lower side of the substantially central portion of the filter case 82. A return pipe 91 is connected to the circulation pump 86, and the return pipe 91 extends upward along the front portion of the water tank 2 and is connected to a nozzle 92 provided at the peripheral edge of the opening 20 of the water tank 2. The washing water in the filter case 82 is fed to the upper part of the water tank 2 through the return pipe 91 by the driving of the circulation pump 86, and is injected from the nozzle 92 into the rotating drum 3.
The drainage section 80, drainage pipe 81, connection part 82 a, drainage filter 83, circulation pump 86, return pipe 91, and nozzle 92 constitute a circulation path.

  A filter sensor 93 that detects insertion / removal of the drainage filter 83 is attached to the front upper end of the filter case 82. The filter sensor 93 is, for example, a limit switch, and is configured such that the switch is turned off / on according to the insertion / extraction of the drainage filter 83 and a signal is sent to the operation control unit 16.

An air trap 88 is connected to the drainage unit 80, and a water level sensor 89 is attached to the air trap 88. When the drain valve 84 is closed and the washing water fills the filter case 82 and the drain pipe 81, air remains in the air trap 88. When the water is supplied from the water supply pipe 52, the pressure of the air increases according to the rise in the water level of the washing water in the water tank 2. The water level sensor 89 detects the air pressure in the air trap 88 and sends a detection signal corresponding to the air pressure to the operation control unit 16. The operation control unit 16 recognizes the water level of the washing water based on the detection signal of the water level sensor 89.
When the drain valve 84 is opened, the washing water in the water tank 2 is discharged to the drain hose 85 through the drain pipe 81 and the filter case 82.

3 is a perspective view showing the circulation pump 86 and the dirt sensor 87, FIG. 4 is a side view showing the circulation pump 86 and the dirt sensor 87, FIG. 5 is a front view showing the circulation pump 86 and the dirt sensor 87, and FIG. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are longitudinal sectional views showing the circulation pump 86 and the dirt sensor 87. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the dirt sensor 87.
The circulation pump 86 includes a base portion 861, a pump chamber 862, a motor chamber 863, and a connection portion 864. The pump chamber 862 has a bottomed cylindrical shape, and the motor chamber 863 has a bottomed cylindrical shape whose diameter is larger than that of the pump chamber 862. The pump chamber 862 is connected to the motor chamber 863 in the axial direction via a cylindrical connection portion 864 having a diameter slightly larger than that of the pump chamber 862 after the side surface is supported by the plate-like base portion 861. Has been.

A water conduit 94 is provided outside the cylindrical bottom surface of the pump chamber 862. The water conduit 94 communicates with the pump chamber 862, and the pump chamber 862 is connected to the filter case 82 by the water conduit 94. The return pipe 91 is connected to the upper side surface of the pump chamber 862.
A sensor installation portion 96 is provided on a portion of the return pipe 91 that is connected to the circulation pump 86. The sensor installation portion 96 is formed by connecting a cylindrical portion 962 having a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion 961 to an axial portion in a small diameter cylindrical portion 961, and the cylindrical portion 962 is connected to the peripheral surface of the return pipe 91.

A bearing partition wall 866 is disposed inside the connection portion between the connection portion 864 and the motor chamber 863. The circulation pump 86 is divided into two spaces of a pump chamber 862 and a motor chamber 863 by a bearing partition wall 866. An impeller 865 is disposed in the pump chamber 862, and a motor 867 is disposed in the motor chamber 863. An example of the motor 867 is a DC brushless motor. The shaft 868 of the motor 867 extends through the bearing partition 866 to the pump chamber 862 and is attached to the impeller 865. The impeller 865 is supported by the shaft 868 and integrated with the bearing partition wall 866. By driving the motor 867, the impeller 865 rotates together with the bearing partition wall 866.
The water introduced from the filter case 82 by the water guide tube 94 is pressurized in the radial direction by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the impeller 865, discharged to the return pipe 91, and returned to the drum 3.

The dirt sensor 87 has a columnar support portion 871 and a U-shape in which legs are connected to a disc, and the detection portion 872 is coaxially connected to the support portion 871. , And are provided with locking projections 878 and 878 at two positions facing each other in the radial direction, and a locking portion 877 fitted to the support portion 871. The locking protrusion 878 has a rectangular frame shape. The dirt sensor 87 is made of a synthetic resin, and the detection unit 872 is made of a light-transmitting material.
The detection unit 872 includes a light emitting element 873 that emits infrared light and a light receiving element 874 that receives infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 873 at two opposite sides of the U-shape. A circuit board 875 for emitting infrared rays from the light emitting element 873 is provided outside the light emitting element 873. Outside the light receiving element 874, a circuit board 876 for generating a voltage signal according to the amount of infrared rays received by the light receiving element 874 is provided.

The light emitting element 873 includes a lens portion (not shown), and infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 873 travels to the light receiving element 874 through the lens portion. The light receiving element 874 includes a lens unit (not shown), and the infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 873 reaches the light receiving element 874 through the lens unit.
Infrared rays emitted from the light emitting element 873 pass through the water flowing through the return pipe 91. When the washing water stain (turbidity) is large, the amount of infrared light reaching the light receiving element 874 is small, and when the washing water stain (turbidity) is small, the amount of infrared light reaching the light receiving element 722 is small. Will grow. The circuit board 876 generates a voltage signal corresponding to the amount of infrared light received by the light receiving element 874 and transmits the voltage signal to the operation control unit 16.

  The dirt sensor 87 configured as described above has the detection portion 872 accommodated in the cylinder portion 961 of the sensor installation portion 96 and the support portion 871 accommodated in the cylinder portion 962, and the locking protrusion 878 of the locking portion 877. , 878 are engaged with the side surface of the cylindrical portion 962 to be attached to the return pipe 91.

An electrode sensor can also be used as the dirt sensor.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an electrode sensor 97 as a dirt sensor.
The electrode sensor 97 includes a columnar support portion 971, a disc-shaped detection portion 973 connected to the support portion 971, electrodes 972 and 972 connected to the bottom surface of the detection portion 973, and a bottomed surface. Locking protrusions 978 and 978 are provided at two positions that are cylindrical and opposed in the radial direction, and include a locking portion 977 that is fitted to the support portion 971. The locking protrusion 978 has a rectangular frame shape.

In the electrode sensor 97 configured as described above, the detecting portion 973 and the electrodes 972 and 972 are accommodated in the cylindrical portion 961 of the sensor installation portion 96 and the supporting portion 971 is accommodated in the cylindrical portion 962, and the locking portion 977. The locking projections 978 and 978 are locked to the side surface of the cylindrical portion 962, thereby being attached to the return pipe 91. The locking projection is not limited to the rectangular frame shape, and may be a shape that is fastened with a screw or the like.
The water flowing through the return pipe 91 flows between the electrodes 972 and 972. The resistance value when the electrodes 972 and 972 conduct is high when the stain (turbidity) of the washing water is large. The operation control unit 16 measures the resistance value and detects water contamination from the change amount of the resistance value.

  The washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a drying air path for circulating the drying air (see FIG. 2). The drying air passage has a lead-out duct 60 and an introduction duct 61 that extend along the bottom surface of the water tank 2 and are integrally formed with the water tank 2. The lower end portion of the outlet duct 60 communicates with the outlet port 62 that opens into the water tank 2 at the rear position of the cooling plate 23. The upper end portion of the lead-out duct 60 communicates with a lead-out pipe 63 that protrudes upward from the upper peripheral surface of the water tank 2.

  The upper end portion of the introduction duct 61 communicates with an introduction pipe 64 that protrudes upward from the upper peripheral surface of the water tank 2. Further, the output shaft 40 of the drum motor 4 protrudes at the lower end portion of the introduction duct 61, and an introduction port 65 having a circular cross section that opens toward the inside of the water tank 2 is opened coaxially with the protrusion portion.

A blower fan (not shown) for raising dry air is disposed on the upper part of the water tank 2. The blower fan is unitized with a suction-side filter and a discharge-side heater, and is fixedly supported inside the housing 1. The end of the outlet pipe 63 protruding from the upper part of the water tank 2 is connected to the suction side of the blower fan, and the end of the introduction pipe 64 is connected to the discharge side of the blower fan.
The unit may be provided with an ion generating device for generating ions in the dry air.

FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of the washing machine 100 configured as described above.
The operation control unit 16 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 161, a ROM 162 that stores a control program for controlling the entire washing machine 100, and a microcomputer (microcomputer) that includes a RAM 163 as a work area. The CPU 161 reads the control program stored in the ROM 162 onto the RAM 163, and executes the control program while temporarily storing the data being processed in the RAM 163.

  The operation control unit 16 is supplied with detection signals from the water level sensor 89, the filter sensor 93, the dirt sensor 87, and the operation key signal of the operation panel 15. In addition to the display signal for the operation panel 15, the operation control unit 16 outputs drive signals for the drum motor 4, the blower fan, the heater 72, the drain valve 84, the water supply valve 51, and the circulation pump 86.

  In the washing operation, the user opens the lid body 10, puts the laundry into the rotary drum 3 through the openings 20 and 30 located inside the insertion port 11, closes the lid body 10, and then the operation control unit 16. Is started by switching the water supply valve 51 to the first water supply outlet and supplying water from the water supply pipe 52 to the inside of the water tank 2.

At the time of water supply, the drain valve 84 is closed, and the wash water supplied into the water tank 2 enters the filter case 82 through the drain pipe 81 and fills the filter case 82 and the drain pipe 81.
Then, the circulation pump 86 connected to the filter case 82 is driven for several seconds, and the dirt sensor 87 is washed with the water sucked into the circulation pump 86 and pressurized.
Thereafter, the operation control unit 16 switches to the second water supply outlet by the water supply valve 51 and throws the wash water containing the cleaning agent into the drum 3.

The water level sensor 89 detects the air pressure in the air trap 88 and sends a detection signal corresponding to the air pressure to the operation control unit 16. The operation control unit 16 recognizes the water level of the washing water based on the detection signal of the water level sensor 89.
When the operation control unit 16 determines that the water level of the washing water has reached a predetermined value, the operation control unit 16 drives the drum motor 4 to rotate the rotating drum 3. As described above, the rotating drum 3 includes a large number of small holes 32 and a plurality of baffles 33, and water enters the rotating drum 3 through the small holes 32. The laundry in the rotating drum 3 is washed by being repeatedly lifted and dropped by the baffle 33.

  The circulation pump 86 connected to the filter case 82 is driven continuously or intermittently during the washing operation. By this driving, the washing water in the filter case 82 is sucked into the circulation pump 86 and pressurized, and is fed to the upper part of the water tank 2 through the return pipe 91 and rotated from the nozzle 92 connected to the tip of the return pipe 91. It is sprayed on the laundry in the drum 3. As described above, the washing water is circulated from the water tank 2 through the filter case 82 and back into the rotary drum 3, so that washing is performed efficiently with a small amount of water. Waste such as lint contained in the circulating washing water is captured and removed by the drainage filter 83 accommodated in the filter case 82, and clean washing water is poured into the drum 3 through the return pipe 91. It is.

After the above washing operation, the operation control unit 16 stops the rotation of the rotary drum 3 and opens the drain valve 84 provided at the lower part of the filter case 82. When the drain valve 84 is opened, the washing water in the water tank 2 is discharged to the drain hose 85 through the drain pipe 81 and the filter case 82. After draining is completed, the operation control unit 16 rotates the rotary drum 3 to perform the dehydration operation. Do. The water contained in the laundry is spun off by the centrifugal force by the rotation of the rotating drum 3, flows out of the water tank 2, and is discharged to the drainage hose 85 through the drainage pipe 81 and the filter case 82.

  After dehydration, the operation control unit 16 drives the blower fan 70, operates the heater, drives the drum motor, and repeatedly rotates the rotating drum 3 at a low speed to perform the drying operation. At this time, the water supply valve 51 is switched to the third water supply outlet, and the cooling water flows on the cooling plate 23. By driving the blower fan, dry air is sucked and pressurized from the outlet pipe 63 connected to the suction side, heated by the heater, and sent to the introduction duct 61 through the introduction pipe 64 connected to the discharge side. . The dry air sent into the introduction duct 61 flows from the outer periphery of the water tank 2 toward the center, reaches the introduction port 65, and is introduced into the rotating drum 3. The dry air introduced into the rotary drum 3 flows out into the water tank 2 through a large number of small holes 32 formed in the peripheral wall, is led out into the lead-out duct 60 through the lead-out port 62, and is sucked into the blower fan again. It is.

  The laundry inside the rotating drum 3 is repeatedly lifted and dropped by the rotation of the rotating drum 3. The drying air introduced into the rotating drum 3 hits the laundry in the rotating drum 3, deprives the laundry of moisture and flows out into the water tank 2, toward the outlet 62 that opens at the bottom of the bottom of the water tank 2. Flowing. The drying air flowing in this manner is cooled in contact with the cooling water on the cooling plate 23, reaches the outlet 62 as the low-humidity drying air from which the contained water is condensed and removed, and is sent out into the outlet duct 60.

  The low-humidity drying air rises in the lead-out duct 60, is sucked into the blower fan through the lead-out pipe 63 and is pressurized, and is heated again by the heater to fall in the introduction duct 61 as high-temperature and low-humidity hot air. It is introduced inside the rotating drum 3. Since the laundry in the rotary drum 3 is repeatedly lifted and dropped by the rotation of the rotary drum 3 as described above, the contact with the drying air circulating with cooling and heating is repeated, and the laundry is efficiently dried. .

Hereinafter, the washing operation and the rinsing operation will be described in detail.
12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the washing operation and rinsing operation by the CPU 161. FIG.
First, the CPU 161 determines whether or not the start key of the operation panel 15 is turned on (S1). When the CPU 161 determines that the start key is not turned on (S1: NO), the determination process is repeated.
When the CPU 161 determines that the start key is turned on (S1: YES), the water supply valve 51 switches to the first water supply outlet, and feeds water from the water supply source into the water tank 2 through the water supply pipe 52 (S2).

CPU161 determines whether the elapsed time t ₁ (S3). The time t ₁ is determined based on the time required for the water to reach the pump chamber 862 in advance after switching to the first water supply outlet. When the CPU 161 determines that the time t ₁ has not elapsed (S3: NO), the determination process is repeated.

When the CPU 161 determines that the time t ₁ has elapsed (S3: YES), the first water supply outlet is closed by the water supply valve 51, the circulation pump 86 is driven, and the dirt sensor is detected by the water sucked into the circulation pump 86 and pressurized. 87 is washed (S4).
CPU161 determines whether the elapsed time t ₂ (S5). Examples of the time t ₂ include 3 seconds. If the CPU 161 determines that the time t ₂ has not elapsed (S5: NO), the determination process is repeated.
When the CPU 161 determines that the time t ₂ has passed (S5: YES), the CPU 161 stops driving the circulation pump 86, and the voltage signal value generated by the circuit board 876 from the dirt sensor 87 according to the amount of light received by the light receiving element 874. Is determined (S6). When the CPU 161 determines that the voltage signal value has not been acquired (S6: NO), the first water supply outlet is opened to supply water for a predetermined time (S7), and the process returns to step S6.
When the CPU 161 determines that the voltage signal value has been acquired (S6: YES), the CPU 161 sets a value corresponding to the voltage signal value to an initial value, that is, 0 (S8).
By acquiring the voltage signal value, the CPU 161 can grasp that the water has reached the dirt sensor 87, and can prevent the circulation pump 86 from being idly driven.

The CPU 161 switches to the second water supply outlet by the water supply valve 51, and throws the wash water containing the cleaning agent into the drum 3 (S9).
The CPU 161 sets conditions for the washing operation and the rinsing operation (S10). The CPU 161 is based on the ratio of the time required to increase the rotational speed of the drum motor 4 from the predetermined rotational speed to a predetermined amount and the time required to decrease the predetermined rotational speed after applying the brake. The amount of cloth is detected, and based on this, conditions such as time for washing operation and rinsing operation, the number of times of rinsing are set. The cloth quality of the laundry may also be taken into account when setting the conditions.

CPU161 starts a washing operation process (S11). The CPU 161 rotates the drum 3 alternately in both forward and reverse directions by the drum motor 4 to perform a washing operation using a detergent.
The CPU 161 determines whether or not the time t ₃ has passed (S12). As the time t ₃ , for example, (the washing operation time set in step S10−1) minutes or the like can be mentioned. If the CPU 161 determines that the time t ₃ has not elapsed (S12: NO), it repeats the determination process.

When the CPU 161 determines that the time t ₃ has elapsed (S12: YES), the CPU 161 acquires the detection value of the dirt sensor 87 at a predetermined timing, and determines whether the detection value (turbidity) is equal to or less than the threshold value a. (S13). CPU161 If turbidity is determined not to be less than a (S13: NO), determines whether the elapsed time t ₄ (S14). For example, the time t ₄ min, etc. (washing operation time set in step S10), and the like. If the CPU 161 determines that the time t ₄ has not elapsed (S14: NO), the process returns to step S13.
If the CPU 161 determines that the time t ₄ has elapsed (S14: YES), the process proceeds to step S15.
In step S15, the CPU 161 ends the washing operation (S15), and determines whether the turbidity is equal to or less than the threshold value b (S16). If the CPU 161 determines that the turbidity is not less than b (S16: NO), the process proceeds to step S18. When the CPU 161 determines that the turbidity is less than or equal to b (S16: YES), the CPU 161 changes the setting conditions such as reducing the number of times of rinsing and the time set in step S10 (S17), and advances the process to step S18.

The CPU 161 switches to the first water supply outlet by the water supply valve 51, sends water from the water supply source into the water tank 2 through the water supply pipe 52, and starts the rinsing operation (S18).
The CPU 161 determines whether or not the time t ₅ has elapsed (S19). As the time t ₅ , for example, (for example, the rinsing operation time set in step S10) can be given. When the CPU 161 determines that the time t ₅ has not elapsed (S19: NO), the determination process is repeated.
When the CPU 161 determines that the time t ₅ has elapsed (S19: YES), the CPU 161 acquires the detection value of the dirt sensor 87 at a predetermined timing, and determines whether the turbidity is equal to or less than the threshold value c (S20). .

CPU161 If turbidity is determined not to be less than c (S20: NO), determines whether the elapsed time t ₆ (S21). For example, the time t ₆ may be (the rinsing operation time set in step S10). If the CPU 161 determines that the time t ₆ has not elapsed (S21: NO), the process returns to step S20.
When the CPU 161 determines that the time t ₆ has elapsed (S21: YES), the CPU 161 performs an intermediate dehydration process of rotating the drum 3 at the rotation speed and rotation time set in step S10, and returns the process to step S18. In other words, the water is replaced and rinsed again.
CPU161 complete | finishes a rinse operation, when it determines with turbidity being c or less in step S20 (S20: YES) (S22).
Note that the threshold values a, b, and c may be the same or different.

  Since the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment is configured as described above, the surface of the dirt sensor 87 can be automatically cleaned when the start key is pressed. Therefore, the dirt sensor 87 can be kept clean, the degree of dirt can be accurately detected, the washing operation and the rinsing operation can be performed under appropriate conditions, and the operation time can be shortened and the power can be saved. Is planned.

  As described above, the washing machine (100) according to the present invention includes an outer box (1), a water tank (2) provided in the outer box, and a circulation pump ( 86), a circulation path that is circulated back into the water tank, and detection means (87, 97) that detects dirt on the water flowing through the circulation path. The circulation pump includes a water conduit (94) and In the washing machine to which the drain pipe (91) is connected, the detection means is provided in a range from a connection side portion of the water conduit to the circulation pump to a connection side portion of the drain pipe to the circulation pump. And water supply means (161) for supplying water to at least the detection means before water containing detergent is introduced into the water tank.

  In the present invention, since the water is supplied to the detection means before the washing water containing the detergent is introduced, the surface of the detection means can be automatically washed with clean water that does not contain the detergent and the soiling substance. Accordingly, the detection means can be kept clean, the degree of contamination can be accurately detected, the washing operation and the rinsing operation can be performed under appropriate conditions, and the operation time can be shortened and the power can be saved. Figured.

<Second Embodiment>
The washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention is connected to a water supply source and is switched to the first water supply outlet or the second water supply outlet (51), the detergent case (14) into which the detergent is introduced, A first water supply pipe (52) connected to the first water supply outlet and supplying water to the water tank, a second water supply pipe (54) connected to the second water supply outlet and supplying water to the detergent case, and the inside of the detergent case And a water supply pipe (56 etc.) for sending water containing the detergent to the water tank, and the water supply means switches the water supply valve to the first water supply outlet when the start of operation is accepted. Means (161) and second switching means (161) for switching the water supply valve to the second water supply outlet when a predetermined time has elapsed after switching to the first water supply outlet by the first switching means. It is characterized by that.

  In the present invention, the detection means can be reliably washed before the washing water containing the detergent reaches the detection means.

<Third embodiment>
The washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes means (161) for driving the circulation pump for a predetermined time when a predetermined time has elapsed after switching to the first water supply outlet by the first switching means. It is characterized by that.

  In the present invention, since the circulation pump is driven for a predetermined time, the pressurized water flow hits the detection means, and the detection means is washed better.

  The washing machine according to the present invention includes means (163) for storing a detection value detected by the detection means after supplying water to the detection means.

  In the present invention, since the detection means can store the detection value detected in the absence of dirt as a reference value, the precision of dirt detection is good.

  The washing machine according to the present invention is characterized in that the second switching means is configured to switch the water supply valve to the second water supply outlet after the means stores the detected value.

  In the present invention, since the detection means stores the detection value detected in the absence of dirt as a reference value, the washing water containing the detergent is poured into the aquarium, so that the dirt detection accuracy is good.

  The washing machine according to the present invention is configured in advance to set the washing operation time, the rinsing operation time, and the number of times of rinsing, and based on values detected by the detection means during the washing operation or the rinsing operation. And a means (161) for changing the washing operation time, the rinsing operation time, or the number of times of rinsing.

  In the present invention, the detection value detected in the absence of dirt is stored as a reference value, and the washing water is detected based on the reference value, and the washing operation time, the rinsing operation time, or the number of times of rinsing are appropriately set. Can be changed to a value. Therefore, shortening of operation time and power saving are achieved.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is intended to include not only the above-described meaning but also a meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims.

For example, the dirt sensor 87 is not limited to the case where the dirt sensor 87 is provided on the connection side portion between the return pipe 91 and the circulation pump 86, and the return pipe 91 and the circulation pump 86 are connected from the connection side portion between the water conduit 94 and the circulation pump 86. It can be provided in any part within the range up to the connection side part. When the dirt sensor 87 is provided on the connection side portion between the water conduit 94 and the circulation pump 86, the detection portion 872 of the dirt sensor 87 can be cleaned without driving the circulation pump 86.
Further, the dirt sensor 87 is not limited to being an optical sensor.

1 Case (outer box)
2 Water tank 3 Rotating drum 4 Drum motor 15 Operation panel 16 Control unit 161 CPU
162 ROM
163 RAM
51 Water supply valve 52, 54 Water supply pipe 56 Water supply pipe 86 Circulating pump 862 Pump chamber 863 Motor chamber 87 Dirt sensor 97 Electrode sensor 871 Supporting part 872 Detection part 873 Light emitting element 874 Light receiving element 877 Locking part

Claims (3)

An outer box, a water tank provided in the outer box, a circulation path through which water drained from the bottom of the water tank is circulated back into the water tank by a circulation pump, and dirt of water flowing through the circulation path Detecting means for detecting water, a water supply valve connected to the water supply source and switched to the first water supply outlet or the second water supply outlet, a detergent case into which detergent is introduced, and the first water supply outlet connected to the water tank A first water supply pipe for supplying water; a second water supply pipe connected to the second water supply outlet for supplying water to the detergent case; and a water supply pipe for sending water containing the detergent in the detergent case to the water tank. , conduit for the circulation pump, and the washing machine return pipe for returning the water to the water tank is connected,
The detection means is provided at a connection side portion of the return pipe with the circulation pump,
Water supply means for supplying water to at least the detection means before water containing detergent is introduced into the water tank;
The water supply means
First switching means for switching the water supply valve to the first water supply outlet when the start of operation is received;
Pump driving means for driving the circulation pump for a predetermined time when a predetermined time has elapsed after switching to the first water supply outlet by the first switching means;
And second switching means for switching the water supply valve to the second water supply outlet after driving the circulating pump for a predetermined time by the pump driving means,
The washing machine, wherein the detection means is washed with water pressurized by the circulation pump driven by the pump drive means. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing a detection value detected by the detection means after the circulating pump is driven by the pump drive means for a predetermined time . The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the second switching unit is configured to switch the water supply valve to the second water supply outlet after the storage unit stores the detection value.

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