JP6931642B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing clothes and the like.

As a possible problem with the automatic detergent and fabric softener charging mechanism, if the automatic charging mechanism fails, the pipe is clogged, or the washing operation is performed with no remaining amount in the detergent or fabric softener tank, the detergent or fabric softener will actually be discharged. Is washed without being put into the washing tub, so there is a problem that insufficient washing and accompanying odor occur.

The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a washing treatment liquid remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid in the tank and a detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of the washing treatment liquid in the water tank. It is disclosed that when the determination result of the remaining amount detecting means is a positive determination and the determination result of the detecting means is no determination, an abnormality determination is made.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-127339

In the determination method based on the combination of the remaining amount detecting means disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the presence / absence detecting means of the washing treatment liquid in the water tank, when the remaining amount detecting means fails or malfunctions and no judgment is made, the washing treatment liquid is not judged. Since the abnormality is not determined by the presence / absence detection means, there is a possibility that an abnormal state such as clogging of the pipe may be overlooked.

In addition, the amount of detergent and fabric softener added varies depending on the amount of laundry and operation settings of the user, so if the amount of detergent added is small, the concentration of detergent and fabric softener in the washing treatment liquid will be low. Therefore, since the amount of change in the detection value by the washing treatment liquid presence / absence detection means becomes small, the judgment accuracy is lowered, and there is a possibility of erroneous judgment that there is no judgment even if the detergent / softener is normally supplied. rice field.

Further, under the above-mentioned situation, in the determination by only one determination of the washing operation, there is a possibility that the determination is erroneous due to the detection variation of the washing treatment liquid presence / absence detecting means itself.

Under such circumstances, if there is a failure or malfunction of the automatic loading mechanism, the user may not notice that the detergent is not supplied from the detergent tank and the washing is not performed normally.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable washing machine capable of suppressing erroneous determination and performing abnormality determination with high accuracy in a washing machine capable of charging a washing treatment liquid.

In order to solve such a problem, the washing machine of the present invention includes a housing, a water tank provided inside the housing, a washing treatment liquid supply means for supplying the washing treatment liquid into the water tank, and washing in the water tank. If the washing operation, which has a detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the treatment liquid and the judgment result of the detection means is undetermined, continues for a predetermined number of times, the washing treatment liquid is automatically more than the specified amount at the next washing operation. If the determination result of the detection means is undetermined at the time of the next washing operation, it is determined to be abnormal.

According to the present invention, in a washing machine capable of charging a washing treatment liquid, it is possible to provide a highly reliable washing machine capable of suppressing erroneous determination and performing abnormality determination with high accuracy.

It is a perspective view of the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 3 of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the washing process liquid automatic addition means which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the washing treatment liquid tank which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing BB which shows the structure of the washing process liquid automatic addition means which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the pump part of the washing process liquid automatic addition means which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a CC sectional view of FIG. 8 which shows the structure of the pump part which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. 8 of the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the washing process liquid automatic addition means which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the state which the motor is rotated forward and the detergent is supplied from the detergent tank. It is a top view of the washing process liquid automatic addition means which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the state which the motor is reversed and the softener is supplied from the softener tank. It is the schematic which shows an example of the residual amount detecting means of the washing process liquid which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows an example of the residual amount detecting means of the washing process liquid which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control circuit of the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart which shows the operation of the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view, in which the front cover 18 is virtually removed to show a part of the internal configuration. FIG. 3 shows a top view, and FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. And illustrated.

Further, in the following description, the directions of up, down, left, right, front and back are based on the directions of up, down, left, right, front and back shown in FIG.

An outer frame 2 formed by combining a steel plate and a resin molded product is placed on the upper portion of the base 1 to form a washing machine main body 4. A lid 3 and a front cover 18 which are doors for taking in and out the laundry 21 are provided on the front surface of the outer frame 2, and a back cover 19 is provided on the back surface.

A part of the front surface of the upper surface of the outer frame 2 is an operation panel 6 provided with switches and displays for selecting an operation course such as turning on / off the power supply, turning on / off the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30, washing, and drying. Yes, the other part is a detergent inlet 25 provided so as to be openable and closable.

A water tap 7 is provided on the upper surface near the back surface of the washing machine main body 4, and a water pipe is connected to supply water to the washing machine main body 4.

Since the configuration is the same as that of a conventional washing machine or washer / dryer, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

<Detergent inlet>
The detergent input port 25 includes, for example, a powder detergent input unit 25a, a liquid detergent input unit 25b, and a softener input unit 25c, and can charge one dose of powder detergent, softener, or liquid detergent, respectively. can. The powder detergent, fabric softener, or liquid detergent charged into the detergent inlet 25 is supplied with water via the first water supply pipe 9 at a predetermined time in the washing process, and is supplied with water via the first detergent supply pipe 14. Then, it is put into the water tank 17.

<Outline configuration on the main body side>
The water tank 17 is elastically supported on the base 1 via a support means 5 provided with a spring and damping.

Inside the water tank 17, a cylindrical rotating rotating drum 20 for putting laundry 21 into the washing and dehydrating is provided, and on the front end side of the rotating drum 20, fluid is confined in a plurality of layers concentrically provided inside. The fluid balancer 22 is provided and rotates integrally with the rotating drum 20 to reduce the vibration of the rotating drum 20 due to the imbalance of the laundry 21. The rotating drum 20 has a large number of small holes (not shown) for centrifugal dehydration on the side wall, and is rotated by the drum motor 8.

<Drain valve>
A drain pipe 11 is connected to the bottom surface of the water tank 17 via a drain valve 10, and the washing water in the water tank 17 can be drained. Further, in the case of a washer / dryer having a drying function, a drying air passage 13 is connected to the water tank 17, and moist air in the water tank 17 is discharged to provide, for example, a heater or a blowing means (not shown). Dry by drying means.

<Water supply solenoid valve>
When supplying the powder detergent, softener, or liquid detergent charged into the detergent inlet 25 into the water tank 17, the water supply electromagnetic valve 12 is opened to allow the water supply electromagnetic valve 12 and the detergent inlet 25 to be supplied from the water tap 7. Tap water is supplied to, for example, the liquid detergent inlet 25b of the detergent inlet 25 to dissolve the liquid detergent via the first water supply pipe 9 connected to the detergent inlet 25, and the water tank 17 and the water tank 17 descend from the detergent inlet 25. It is supplied to the inside of the water tank 17 through the connected first detergent supply pipe 14.

<Detection of the presence or absence of washing liquid>
An electrode sensor 93 is provided in the lower part of the water tank 17 as a detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the washing treatment liquid in the water tank in the present embodiment. The presence or absence of detergent or softener is determined from the conductivity detected by the electrode sensor 93. For example, a threshold value may be set and the presence or absence of a detergent or a softener may be determined using this threshold value. The present invention is not limited to conductivity detection.

<Check valve>
A check valve 16 is provided in the vicinity of the water tank 17 of the first detergent supply pipe 14, and the detergent liquid flowing from the detergent inlet 25 toward the water tank 17 passes through, but conversely, the detergent liquid flows from the water tank 17 toward the detergent inlet 25. It is possible to suppress the passage of air when the pressure in the water tank 17 rises, or in the case of a washing / drying machine, high humidity air.

<Automatic injection of washing liquid>
On the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4, a washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30, which will be described in detail later, is provided, and on the upper surface thereof, an opening / closing type tank lid 31 is provided. At least one or more washing treatment liquid tanks are provided in the lower part of the tank lid 31, and as an example, two sets of washing treatment liquid tanks are provided, one of which is an amount of liquid detergent capable of performing multiple washings. The detergent tank 32 (first tank) has a capacity to hold the fabric softener, and the other is a fabric softener tank 33 (second tank) having a capacity to hold, for example, a softener in an amount capable of performing a plurality of washings. Can be a tank).

In the state where the tank lid 31 is opened, the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be pulled out upward from the opening in which the tank lid 31 is opened, and can be set again.

Hereinafter, when the common configuration of the softener tank 33 and the detergent tank 32 is described, it may be simply referred to as a “tank”.

<Laundry processing liquid automatic injection means top surface arrangement>
In the present embodiment, since the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 is provided on the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4, the user does not have to bend down to attach / detach the washing treatment liquid tank, and an easy-to-use washing machine is provided. Can be done. Further, since both the detergent charging port 25 and the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 are arranged on the left side of the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4, they are arranged at a cohesive position, so that the usability of the user is further improved. Further, when the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 is arranged below the water tank 17, water may flow back to the treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 from the pipe connecting the washing processing liquid automatic charging means 30 and the water tank 17. However, in the present embodiment, since the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 is arranged above the water tank 17, there is no risk of such backflow, and a highly reliable washing machine can be provided. Further, since the washing processing liquid automatic charging means 30 can be inserted and removed in the vertical direction from the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4, usability is improved.

<The lid opens on the back side>
In the present embodiment, the tank lid 31 is pivotally supported around the lid fulcrum 42a, which is a rotation fulcrum, along the side on the rear surface side, and the front side is lifted toward the back side. It is a configuration to open. Since the opening of the tank lid 31 is open on the front side and the three sides on both the left and right sides, when inserting a hand through the opening to remove the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 upward. In addition, since neither the left or right hand comes into contact with the open tank lid 31, it is easy to insert the washing machine, and the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be easily removed to provide a convenient washing machine.

If the angle when the tank lid 31 is opened is larger than 90 °, for example, about 100 °, the center of gravity of the tank lid 31 moves to the rear of the rotation fulcrum, so that it is stable in the open state. Suitable.

<Details of automatic washing liquid injection means>
The washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 12. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the washing treatment liquid automatic filling means 30 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the washing treatment liquid tank, and FIG. 7 is a configuration of the washing treatment liquid automatic filling means 30. -B cross-sectional view, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pump portion of the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30, FIG. 9 is a CC cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a DD cross-sectional view, and FIG. 11 is a washing. It is a top view of the automatic processing liquid charging means, in which the motor is rotated in the normal direction to supply the detergent from the detergent tank 32, and FIG. 12 is a top view of the washing processing liquid automatic charging means, in which the motor is reversed and flexible. It shows the state where the softener is being supplied from the agent tank.

<Storage container>
The tank storage container 34 has a substantially box-like shape with an open upper surface, and is provided in the washing machine main body 4, and can store the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33. The detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 each include a detergent tank storage area 37 divided in the front-rear direction by a first partition wall 35, and a softener tank storage area 38. The left side surface of the tank storage container 34 is provided with a charging area 39 separated from the detergent tank storage area 37 and the softener tank storage area 38 by a second partition wall 36. The other end of the second water supply pipe 40, one end of which is connected to the water supply solenoid valve 12, is connected to the rear side surface of the input region 39, and when the water supply solenoid valve 12 is opened, the water is second. Water is supplied into the input area 39 via the water supply pipe 40 of the above.

One end of the second detergent supply pipe 41 is connected to the lower surface of the charging region 39, and the other end of the second detergent supply pipe 41 is connected to the first detergent supply pipe 14. That is, the detergent or fabric softener charged into the charging region 39 flows out to the inside of the first detergent supply pipe 14 via the second detergent supply pipe 41 together with the supplied water.

The timing at which the detergent and the softener are supplied into the water tank 17 is different from each other, and the detergent is supplied in the washing step and the softener is supplied in the final rinsing step, which will be described in detail later. By supplying water after supplying the detergent to the inside of the charging area 39, the inside of the charging area 39 becomes clean. Therefore, even if the softener is supplied to the inside of the same charging area 39, the detergent remains and becomes a softener. Not mixed. Therefore, only one input region 39 is required, and the water supply discharge unit 57 and the second water supply pipe 40 for supplying water to the input basin 39 do not need to be separately provided for the detergent and the softener, which is simple. It is suitable because it can be configured.

A lid support portion 43 provided with a support shaft hole 42 for pivotally supporting the lid body, which will be described later, is provided on the upper surface of the rear portion of the tank storage container 34.

<Tank>
In the tank storage container 34, two washing treatment liquid tanks are provided side by side in the front-rear direction, and a softener tank 33 is provided in the front and a detergent tank 32 is provided in the rear. The softener tank 33 and the detergent tank 32 are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the first partition wall 35. As an example, if the size of the detergent tank 32 in the front-rear direction is larger than the size of the softener tank 33 in the front-rear direction, the capacity of the detergent tank 32 can be made larger than that of the softener tank 33.

Since the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 have the same configuration except that they have a substantially symmetrical shape with the first partition wall 35 in between and the dimensions in the front-rear direction are different, the detergent tanks are shown in FIGS. 6 to 9. The configuration of 32 will be described in detail.

In the present embodiment, the detergent tank 32 is detachably divided into two parts, an upper tank lid 44 and a lower tank body 45, and the tank lid 44 is used when replenishing detergent or inside the detergent tank 32. When cleaning, it can be removed from the tank body 45 by releasing a locking means (not shown). The tank lid 44 is provided with a tank handle 44a for manually gripping the detergent tank 32 when it is attached or detached.

When the detergent tank 32 is replenished with a predetermined amount of detergent, the tank body 45 is configured so that the liquid level of the detergent reaches the maximum capacity at a height lower than the boundary between the tank body 45 and the tank lid 44. It is preferable because the detergent does not leak out of the detergent tank 32 from the boundary between the tank lid portion 44 and the tank lid portion 44.

If the tank body 45 is molded of a transparent resin such as acrylic resin or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, the remaining amount of detergent or fabric softener when the detergent tank 32 or fabric softener tank 33 is removed from the washing machine body 4. Is suitable because it can be visually confirmed.

The bottom surface 46 of the tank body 45 has a substantially V shape, and if the suction port 48 of the pump means 47 described later is provided at the lowest portion of the bottom surface, the detergent in the tank is sucked to the end. Since it can be formed, it is suitable because the detergent is not wasted.

<Vertical tank>
The detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are configured so that the depth dimension is the smallest among the depth dimension in the front-rear direction, the width in the left-right direction, and the height dimension in the vertical direction. With this configuration, the area where the detergent or fabric softener inside the tank comes into contact with the air in the tank can be reduced, so that moisture evaporates from the surface of the detergent or fabric softener and the viscosity of the surface increases. There is an effect that the influence of solidification can be minimized and the supply operation by the pump means 47 described later can be surely performed.

<Tank front and rear arrangement and tank depth>
The arrangement of the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33, and the preferable relationship between the dimensions and the volume will be described. Here, a case where it is desirable that the capacity of the detergent tank 32 is larger than the capacity of the softener tank 33 will be described. This corresponds to, for example, the case where the container size of each of the detergent and the softener on the market and the sales unit sold for refilling are larger for the detergent than for the softener.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the water tank 17 is arranged so as to be inclined so that the front lid 3 side is high and the rear is lower. In this case, the gap between the water tank 17 and the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4 is smaller toward the front and larger toward the rear. Therefore, when the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are juxtaposed in the front-rear direction, it is preferable to arrange a tank having a large capacity in the rear so that the depth in the vertical direction can be increased. It is preferable to arrange a tank having a small depth and a small capacity on the front side, and in this embodiment, it is preferable to arrange the detergent tank 32 in the rear and the softener tank 33 in the front.

Further, since the water tank 17 has a cylindrical shape, the gap between the water tank 17 and the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4 is larger as it is closer to both left and right ends, and is smaller as it is closer to the center. Therefore, when the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are juxtaposed in the left-right direction, a tank having a small capacity (softener tank 33) is arranged near the center, and a tank having a large capacity is arranged on the end side of the housing. It is desirable to arrange a tank (detergent tank 32). With such an arrangement, the height of the tank (detergent tank 32) arranged on the end side of the tank (softener tank 33) arranged near the center is increased to further expand the capacity of the detergent tank 32. It is suitable because it can be done.

<Pump>
The tank lid 44 is provided with a pump means 47 for sucking the washing treatment liquid from the tank body 45 and charging it into the above-mentioned charging area 39. In the present embodiment, a so-called gear pump is used as an example of the pump means 47.

The pump means 47 in the present embodiment has a substantially cylindrical shape and is provided inside the detergent tank 32, and has a pump case 49 extending downward from the tank lid 44 and further downward from the bottom surface of the pump case 49. A suction pipe 50 is provided whose lower end is close to the bottom surface of the tank body 45. The lower end of the suction pipe 50 is an open suction port 48.

As shown in FIG. 9, at the lower end of the pump case 49, one is rotatably supported by the drive gear 51a together with the pump drive shaft 60, and the other is rotatably supported around the pump driven shaft 91. It is a so-called gear pump 51 composed of a pair of gears which are driven gears 51b, and has a configuration in which detergent can be conveyed from one of the gear meshing portions 52 to the other by rotating while meshing.

The upper end of the suction pipe 50 is connected to one of the gear meshing portions 52, and the detergent can be sucked through the suction port 48.

A supply pipe 54 arranged in the vertical direction along the pump case 49 is provided on the other side of the gear meshing portion 52, and the lower end of the supply pipe 54 is connected to the other side of the gear meshing portion 52, and the detergent delivered from the gear pump 51. Is supplied.

By rotating the gear pump 51 in the direction of the arrow, the space formed by the gap between the adjacent teeth of the drive gear 51a and the driven gear 51b and the gear pump wall 55 provided close to the outer circumference of the gear is filled. The detergent is supplied by moving the detergent from the suction port 48 side toward the supply pipe 54 side. The operation of the gear pump 51 is generally well known, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The upper end of the pump case 49 is a pump cover 53 that covers the upper surface of the pump means 47.

The upper end of the supply pipe 54 is stretched substantially horizontally in a direction away from the pump cover 53, and the tip thereof is stretched downward, and the tip opens downward to form a detergent discharge port 56.

<Discharge port cleaning>
The second water supply pipe 40 is connected so as to discharge water from the water supply discharge unit 57 provided on the side surface of the charging area 39 of the tank storage container 34. If the water supply / discharge unit 57 is arranged near the discharge port 56 so that the water supplied from the water supply / discharge unit 57 hangs on the discharge port 56, the detergent or fabric softener adhering to the discharge port 56 dries and solidifies. Since there is no clogging of detergents and fabric softeners, it is highly reliable.

A suitable position of the water supply / discharge unit 57 will be described. When the height of the water supply discharge portion 57 is close to the second partition wall 36, the discharged water gets over the second partition wall 36 and flows into the detergent tank storage area 37 or the softener tank storage area 38. There is. On the other hand, if the height of the water supply / discharge unit 57 is too close to the bottom surface, the discharged water does not reach the discharge port 56, so that the discharge port 56 cannot be cleaned, and the detergent or softness adhering to the wall surface of the injection area 39. The agent cannot be washed. Therefore, it is preferable that the water supply / discharge unit 57 is provided near the discharge port 56 and at a position lower than the second partition wall 36.

Another example of a suitable position of the water supply / discharge unit 57 will be described. It is desirable that the water supply / discharge unit 57 is provided at a position higher than the discharge port 56. As a result, the water discharged from the water supply / discharge unit 57 can be reliably applied to the discharge port 56, the solidification of the detergent or the softener at the discharge port 56 is suppressed, and the reliability is improved. Further, the water discharged from the water supply / discharge unit 57 may be shower-shaped. As a result, solidification of the detergent or softener at the discharge port 56 is suppressed, and reliability is improved.

Further, since the water supply discharge unit 57 is connected to the second water supply pipe 40, every time water is supplied to the second water supply pipe 40, the water discharged from the water supply discharge unit 57 is applied to the discharge port 56. It is possible to further suppress the solidification of the detergent or the softener at the discharge port 56. Further, since a dedicated water supply path for cleaning the discharge port 56 is not required, water saving is improved.

<Gear pump height>
In the present embodiment, when the remaining amount of the detergent or the softener becomes small, the detergent or the softener is negative from the suction port 48 near the bottom surface of the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 to the gear pump 51. It is sucked by pressure. If the suction height is large, it becomes difficult to suck the detergent or the softener, so it is desirable that the height of the gear pump 51 is close to the bottom surface. On the other hand, in the configuration where the height of the gear pump 51 is close to the bottom surface, the volume of the pump case 49 submerged in the detergent or the softener becomes large, so that the tank capacity of the detergent or the softener decreases. Therefore, by providing the gear pump 51 at a height near the middle between the tank bottom surface 46 and the tank lid portion 44, the height from the suction port 48 to the gear pump 51 portion provided near the bottom surface of the pump case 49 can be reduced. , It is suitable because it can secure the capacity of detergent or softener.

Furthermore, if the height of the gear pump 51 is arranged at a position lower than the liquid level when the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33 is replenished with the detergent or the softener, when the detergent or the softener is replenished, the height of the gear pump 51 is lower than the liquid level. The gear pump 51 is in a state of being immersed in a detergent or a softener, that is, in a so-called "priming water" state. That is, since it is not necessary to suck the detergent or the softener to the height of the gear pump 51 by the negative pressure of air, the detergent or the softener can be reliably supplied, which is preferable.

If the gear pump 51 is provided close to the bottom surfaces of the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33, the liquid level height of the detergent or the softener is always higher than that of the gear pump 51, so that the detergent or the softener can be reliably supplied. Is.

<Filter structure>
In the present embodiment, the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are provided with a filter 58 in which the lower end of the suction port 48 close to the bottom surface is enlarged. The filter 58 has, for example, a disk shape, and a plurality of slits 59 having a width of, for example, about 0.5 mm are provided on the upper surface thereof. Since the filter 58 is provided close to the bottom surface 46 of the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33, the detergent in the detergent inlet 25 passes through the slit and then the suction port provided in the substantially central portion of the filter 58. It reaches 48 and is sucked by the gear pump 51. With such a configuration, when foreign matter is mixed in the detergent or softener, it is collected by the slit 59 of the filter 58, so that the foreign matter can enter the gear pump 51 from the suction port 48 through the suction pipe 50. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gear pump portion from being clogged with foreign matter, and to provide a highly reliable automatic washing treatment liquid charging means 30.

<Pump drive unit>
A configuration for driving the drive gear 51a will be described. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 8, the pump drive shaft 60 is rotatably supported by the pump case 49 and the pump cover 53, and a drive gear 51a is fixed to the lower end of the pump drive shaft 60 to provide a pump. The upper end of the drive shaft 60 protrudes from the upper surface of the pump case 49, and the coupling 61 is rotatably fixed integrally with the pump drive shaft 60. The coupling 61 has a configuration in which a rotational driving force is transmitted from a driving means 62 provided on the tank lid 31, which will be described later.

That is, when the coupling 61 is rotated by the drive means 62, the gear pump 51 rotates via the pump drive shaft 60, and the detergent in the detergent tank 32 is sucked from the suction port 48 by the action of the gear pump 51, and the gear pump 51 , It is configured to be delivered from the discharge port 56 via the supply pipe 54. The detergent delivered from the discharge port 56 is supplied to the charging area 39 of the tank storage container 34.

<Coupling>
The coupling 61 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and its upper surface has a tapered conical shape with a taper. Coupling protrusions 63 protruding toward the outer circumference are provided at a plurality of locations on the outer circumference of the coupling 61, and at three locations at every 120 ° in the present embodiment. In the upper part of the coupling 61 and the tapered conical portion, the coupling protrusion 63 also has a tapered shape that tapers upward along the conical surface.

<Cover / driving means>
The tank lid 31 is pivotally supported around a support shaft hole 42 provided in the lid support portion 43 so as to be openable and closable. Inside the tank lid 31, a supply motor 65 and gears, which are drive means 62, are provided. A speed reduction means 66 provided with a row, and a coupling receiving portion 64 that meshes with the coupling 61 and transmits a driving force to the coupling 61 are provided. The driving force of the supply motor 65 is reduced to an appropriate rotation speed via, for example, a worm gear 67 or a reduction means 66 including a reduction gear train including a plurality of spur gears to rotate the coupling receiving portion 64. Two sets of coupling receiving portions 64 are provided, and when the tank lid 31 is closed, the coupling 61 (detergent supply coupling) and the softener tank 33 provided in the detergent tank 32 are provided, respectively. It is arranged so as to mesh with the coupling 61 (coupling for supplying a softener). Since the coupling 61 and the coupling protrusion 63 have a tapered shape that tapers upward, when the coupling receiving portion 64 is fitted to the coupling 61 by closing the tank lid 31, they may hit or catch each other. There is no such thing, and it can be fitted smoothly.

<Coupling receiver>
The inner circumference of the coupling receiving portion 64 is a cylindrical recess 68 having a diameter larger than the outer circumference of the coupling projection 63 provided on the outer circumference of the coupling 61, and is centered on the inner circumference side of the cylindrical recess 68. A meshing protrusion 69 that protrudes toward the surface is provided. In the present embodiment, the meshing protrusions 69 are provided at six locations at every 60 °, and the inner peripheral diameter of the meshing protrusions 69 is larger than the diameter of the coupling 61.

That is, the coupling 61 has a dimensional relationship that can be fitted inside the coupling receiving portion 64, and the coupling projection 63 is arranged between the adjacent engaging projections 69 provided in the coupling receiving portion 64. Therefore, the coupling protrusion 63 and the meshing protrusion 69 do not interfere with each other.

<Coupling engagement>
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD showing a state in which the coupling 61 is fitted inside the coupling receiving portion 64. The coupling receiving portion 64 rotates counterclockwise as shown, and the engaging protrusion 69 is a coupling protrusion. It shows a state in which the driving force is transmitted from the coupling receiving portion 64 to the coupling 61 by abutting on the 63 to rotationally drive the coupling 61.

The coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64 are detachable from each other, and when they are fitted to each other, they form a driving force connecting means 29 capable of transmitting a rotational driving force.

The outer circumference of the coupling 61 is provided with three coupling protrusions 63 at every 120 °, and the inner circumference of the coupling receiving portion 64 is provided with six engagement protrusions 69 at every 60 °. By providing twice as many meshing protrusions 69 as the number of coupling protrusions 63 provided on the outer periphery of the coupling 61 on the inner circumference of the coupling receiving portion 64, the coupling protrusions 63 are adjacent to each other. Since it can be arranged between the 69s, the coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64 are securely and preferably fitted.

When the tank lid 31 is closed to fit the coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64, and then the supply motor 65 is energized to rotate the coupling receiving portion 64, the engaging projection 69 comes into contact with the coupling projection 63. Then, the coupling receiving portion 64 idles until the state as shown in FIG. 10 is reached, and then the coupling 61 rotates together with the coupling receiving portion 64. The maximum value of this idling angle is φ in FIG. 10, and in the present embodiment, the angle is smaller than the angle of 60 degrees of the adjacent engaging projection 69 by the thickness of the engaging projection 69 and the coupling projection 63 in the circumferential direction. Become. This angle φ is an angle region in which the gear pump 51 does not rotate even when the supply motor 65 is energized when the tank lid 31 is closed, which causes an error in the amount of detergent or softener supplied, but the angle is at most 60 °. The ratio of the error to the supply amount of the detergent or fabric softener used in one washing process is small enough not to be a problem.

With the above configuration, by rotationally driving the supply motor 65 with the openable and closable tank lid 31 closed, the gear pump 51 is rotationally driven via the coupling receiving portion 64 and the coupling 61, and the tank 32 is driven. , 33 can be supplied to the charging area 39 provided in the tank storage container 34.

In the present embodiment, the tank lid 31 provided with the driving means 62 above the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 is rotatably supported around the fulcrum 90. By rotating the tank lid 31 around the fulcrum, the coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64 can be separated from each other, and the upper surfaces of the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be opened. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 in order to disconnect the drive system connection, and the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be pulled out upward only by opening the tank lid 31. The structure makes it easy to replenish detergents and fabric softeners and clean the tank.

<Cover hinge wiring>
The tank lid 31 can be opened and closed, and a wiring 87 from the drive circuit 154 provided in the washing machine main body 4 to the supply motor 65 is provided. As a path for inserting the wiring 87 from the washing machine main body 4 to the inside of the tank lid 31, it is preferable to pass the wiring 87 through the support shaft hole 42 which is the center of opening / closing rotation of the tank lid 31. Even if the tank lid 31 is opened and closed, the wiring 87 is only twisted within the opening and closing angle range and is not pulled. Therefore, the reliability of the wiring 87 is ensured, and a highly reliable washing machine can be provided. ..

<Cover size and tank attachment / detachment>
The opening size when the tank lid 31 is opened is larger than the size in which the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are juxtaposed in the top view, and the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 32 and the softener are opened from the opening when the tank lid 31 is opened. The dimensions are such that the tank 33 can be removed and attached.

With the above configuration, when the tank lid 31 is opened, the coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64, which are the driving force connecting means 29, are separated from each other, and the detergent tank is opened from the opening when the tank lid 31 is opened. The detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be easily removed by simply pulling the 32 and the softener tank 33 upward.

On the contrary, the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be easily attached from above via the opening when the tank lid 31 is opened.

After that, when the tank lid 31 is closed, the coupling receiving portion 64 and the coupling 61 are fitted, and the driving force from the supply motor 65 is transmitted to the pump means 47 to drive the gear pump 51, and the detergent or fabric softener is used. Can be supplied from the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33 into the water tank 17 via the first detergent supply pipe 14, respectively.

<Quantitative supply>
As is well known, the gear pump 51 is a so-called metering pump, and the amount of fluid supplied is proportional to the rotation speed of the gear. That is, when supplying a predetermined amount of detergent, for example, the rotation speed of the supply motor 65 is determined by keeping the voltage applied to the supply motor 65 constant, and the drive time of the supply motor 65 is adjusted to the predetermined time to adjust the gear. By setting the rotation speed to a predetermined value, a desired amount of detergent can be supplied.

As an example, the supply motor 65 is used as a DC motor, and the rotation speed can be made constant by making the voltage applied to the supply motor 65 constant. Alternatively, the supply motor 65 may be a stepping motor, and the rotation speed may be constant by making the frequency of the pulse applied to the supply motor 65 constant.

<Switching operation>
Next, an example of a configuration in which the supply of the detergent and the supply of the softener are switched will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. 11 and 12 show a top view of the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30, which is provided on the tank lid 31 with a see-through view from the tank lid 31 to the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33. An example of the configuration of the drive means 62 is shown. In the present embodiment, the detergent and the softener can be selectively supplied by reversing the rotation direction of the supply motor 65 into forward rotation and reverse rotation, and the configuration and operation thereof will be described.

<Detergent supply>
FIG. 11 shows a state in which the supply motor 65 is operated in the forward rotation direction to supply detergent, and FIG. 12 shows a state in which the supply motor 65 is operated in the reverse direction to supply the softener. ..

In FIG. 11, a worm gear 67 is provided on the rotating shaft of the supply motor 65, and a worm wheel 70 rotatably supported on the shaft meshes with the worm gear 67 to decelerate the rotation of the supply motor 65 to reduce the rotation of the worm wheel. Communicate to 70. The first reduction gear 71 provided coaxially with the worm wheel 70 is a second gear 73 that is rotatable and has a rotation center shaft 77 movably supported along a swing groove 72. Are in mesh at the first mesh 74a. The swing gear 73 has a rotation center located at one end of the swing groove 72 close to the first pump drive gear 75, and meshes with the first pump drive gear 75. As shown in FIG. 8, the first pump drive gear 75 is configured to rotate integrally with the coupling receiving portion 64, and in FIG. 11, the worm wheel 70, the swing gear 73, and the first pump drive gear 75 are The pump means 47 provided in the detergent tank 32 is driven by rotating in the direction of the arrow shown to supply the detergent to the charging region 39.

<Softener supply>
In FIG. 12, the swing gear 73 has a rotation center located at the other end of the swing groove 72 and meshes with the third reduction gear 78. The third reduction gear 78 further meshes with the second pump drive gear 76. The second pump drive gear 76 has a configuration that rotates integrally with the coupling receiving portion 64 like the first pump drive gear 75, and in FIG. 12, the worm wheel 70, the swing gear 73, and the third reduction gear The 78 and the second pump drive gear 76 rotate in the directions shown by the arrows to drive the pump means 47 provided in the softener tank 33 to supply the softener to the charging region 39.

<Motor forward / reverse switching>
Here, at the time of normal rotation shown in FIG. 11, the swing gear 73 rotates from the first reduction gear 71 in the first meshing 74a by receiving a force in the substantially tangential direction in the rotation drive direction, and at the same time, the swing groove. Moving along 72, it meshes and rotates at the first pump drive gear 75 and the second mesh 74b. When the supply motor 65 is reversed from this state, the first reduction gear 71 also rotates in the reverse direction. At the same time, it moves from one end to the other along the swing groove 72, and the engagement with the first pump drive gear 75, that is, the second engagement 74b is disengaged, while the third reduction gear 78 is the fourth. The meshing 75d of the meshing 75d meshes and rotates. Since the oscillating gear 73 moves along the oscillating groove 72, the mesh with the first reduction gear 71 moves to the third meshing 74c. That is, when the supply motor 65 is reversed, the state of FIG. 11 shifts to the state of FIG. 12 and rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in the drawing, and the second pump drive gear 76 is rotationally driven to supply the softener from the softener tank 33. ..

When the supply motor 65 is rotated in the normal direction from the state shown in FIG. 12, the first reduction gear 71 also rotates in the positive direction, so that the swing gear 73 receives a force in the substantially tangential direction in the positive direction from the first reduction gear 71. Therefore, at the same time as rotating in the forward rotation direction, it moves from the other end to one end along the swing groove 72, and while being disengaged from the third reduction gear 78, it meshes with the first pump drive gear 75. Rotate. That is, when the supply motor 65 is rotated in the normal direction, the state of FIG. 12 shifts to FIG. 11, and the detergent is supplied from the detergent tank 32.

Here, the distance between one end and the other end of the swing groove 72 is separated from the swing gear 73 and the third reduction gear 78 when the swing gear 73 and the first pump drive gear 75 mesh with each other. When the oscillating gear 73 and the third reduction gear 78 are engaged with each other, the oscillating gear 73 and the first pump drive gear 75 may be separated from each other and do not mesh with each other. Such a condition can be obtained if the distance is equal to or greater than the height of the teeth.

<Swing gear meshing>
Since the oscillating gear 73 moves to the other end of the oscillating groove 72, the meshing position of the oscillating gear 73 and the first reduction gear 71 moves from the first meshing 74a to the third meshing 74c. Needless to say, since the distance between one end and the other end of the swing groove 72 is small in the swing gear 73, the distance between the first mesh 74a and the third mesh 74c is small, and the swing gear 73 and the first The meshing state with the reduction gear 71 of the above does not deteriorate.

Further, the straight line connecting one end and the other end of the swing groove 72 is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the straight line connecting the midpoint between one end and the other end of the swing groove 72 and the rotation center of the worm wheel 70. Then, the moving direction of the swing gear 73 along the swing groove 72 is the tangential direction of the engagement between the swing gear 73 and the worm wheel 70, so that even if the swing gear 73 moves, the swing gear 73 and the swing gear 73 It is more preferable because there is almost no change in the center-to-center distance from the first reduction gear 71.

<Pump rotates in the same direction>
In the normal rotation state of FIG. 11, the first pump drive gear 75 provided with the coupling 61 meshes with the swing gear 73 and rotates. Therefore, the pump drive shaft 60 provided in the detergent tank 32 is different from the swing gear 73. Rotate in the opposite direction.

On the other hand, in the reverse state of FIG. 12, the second pump drive gear 76 provided with the coupling 61 rotates from the swing gear 73 via the third reduction gear 78, so that the pump provided in the softener tank 33 The drive shaft 60 rotates in the same direction as the swing gear 73. Since the rotation directions of the swing gears are opposite to each other in the forward rotation state and the reverse rotation state, the first pump drive gear 75 and the second pump drive gear 76 rotate in the same direction. That is, the pump means 47 that supplies the detergent and the pump means 47 that supplies the softener may have the same configuration as long as they supply the detergent or the softener when they rotate in the same direction. Since the parts can be shared, there is an advantage that it can be configured at low cost.

<Summary of forward / reverse switching operation>
According to the present embodiment, when the supply motor 65 is rotated forward, only the pump means 47 provided in the detergent tank 32 is driven to supply the detergent, and when the supply motor 65 is reversed, the softener tank 33 is provided. Since only the pump means 47 can be driven to supply the softener, only one supply motor 65 can select and supply two types of detergent and softener, and the structure is simple and low-priced washing. The processing liquid automatic charging means 30 can be realized.

It should be noted that forward rotation and reverse rotation are for convenience of explaining the present embodiment, and are not limited to such expressions.

<Remaining amount detection>
13 and 14 are schematic views showing an example of the configuration of the remaining amount detecting means 79 of the washing treatment liquid in the present embodiment.

A light emitting element 80 such as an LED is provided on one surface of the detergent tank 32, and a light receiving element 81 is provided on the opposite side of the light emitting element 80 and coaxially with the light emitting element 80 with respect to the detergent tank 32. The light receiving element 81 is an element such as a phototube or a photodiode that converts the intensity of light into an electric signal.

Since the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are molded of a transparent resin, when the washing treatment liquid is not contained, the light from the light emitting element 80 passes through the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 and receives a light receiving element. Since it reaches 81, an electric signal is generated in the light receiving element 81. On the other hand, when the washing treatment liquid is charged into the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33, it is shielded from light, so that no electric signal is generated in the light receiving element 81. Therefore, by arranging the pair of the light emitting element 80 and the light receiving element 81 at a predetermined height from the bottom surface of the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33, the liquid level of the washing treatment liquid in the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be raised. The height can be detected.

In FIG. 14, the pair of the light emitting element 80 and the light receiving element 81 is arranged at two locations from the bottom surface 46 of the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 to a height h1 close to the bottom surface 46 and a height h2 above h1. The provided configuration is illustrated.

When there is sufficient washing liquid in the tank and the liquid level is at a position H2 higher than h2, both the first light receiving element and the second light receiving element, which are the light receiving elements 81, block light. Therefore, it can be seen that the liquid level height is higher than h2.

When the liquid level of the washing liquid is H1 between h1 and h2, the first light receiving element provided at the height h1 is shielded from light, and the second light receiving element provided at the height h2 is shielded from light. Since the light is received and an electric signal is generated, it can be seen that the liquid level height H1 is between h1 and h2.

When the liquid level height of the washing treatment liquid is lower than the height h1, both the first light receiving element and the second light receiving element receive the light from the light emitting element 80 to generate an electric signal, so that the liquid It can be seen that the surface height is near the bottom surface and there is almost no remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid.

When the liquid level height of the washing treatment liquid is H1, the first light receiving element is shielded from light, and the second light receiving element receives light to generate an electric signal. Here, when the washing treatment liquid is translucent, the first light receiving element is not completely shielded from light, but the amount of light is reduced, so that the generated electric signal is reduced. Therefore, if the difference from the electric signal generated in the second light receiving element is measured, the liquid level is more reliable than measuring only the increase or decrease of the signal of the single light receiving element. It can be determined that it is located between the element and the element.

Here, when the liquid level of the washing treatment liquid becomes H1, the heights of h1 and h2 are set so that the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid is, for example, 2-3 times of washing, and in that case, washing is performed. If a notification means for notifying that the remaining amount of the treatment liquid is low is provided, the user can be notified that it is time to replenish the washing treatment liquid, so that the detergent runs out without the user noticing. It is possible to realize a washing machine equipped with a highly reliable automatic washing liquid injection means.

<Tank removable>
According to the present embodiment, the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are not provided with a wiring connection portion for attaching / detaching wiring for driving the supply motor 65 to / from the main body, for example.

That is, the driving force for driving the gear pump 51 from the supply motor 65 is such that the pump means 47 is driven from the driving means 62 provided on the washing machine main body side via the coupling 61 which is the driving force attachment / detachment means. Further, the light emitting element 80 and the light receiving element 81, which are detection means for detecting the remaining amount of the washing processing liquid in the tanks 32 and 33, are provided on the washing machine main body 4 side. Therefore, when the user removes the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 in order to supply the washing treatment liquid, as shown in FIG. 1, if the tank lid 31 containing the driving means 62 is opened, the coupling 61 Is separated from the coupling receiving portion 64, so that the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be easily removed together with the pump means 47 by pulling the tank handle 44a upward while grasping the tank handle 44a.

<Prevention of detergent dripping>
Here, since the detergent tank 32, the softener tank 33, and the pump means 47 are integrally removed, the washing treatment liquid may drip when the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are taken out from the washing machine main body. It is suitable because it does not exist. When the detergent tank 32, the softener tank 33 and the pump means 47 are separated from each other and only the detergent tank 32, the softener tank 33 or only the pump means 47 are taken out, the suction port 48 of the pump means 47 is used. It is necessary to separate the pump means 47 from the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33, and the detergent may drip when the detergent tank 32, the softener tank 33 or the pump means 47 are removed.

<Tank cleanability>
The detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 in the present embodiment are divided into two parts that can be attached to and detached from the upper tank lid 44 and the lower tank body 45, and each of them has no wiring or electrical parts. 32. Since the outside of the softener tank 33 or the inside of the tank lid 44 and the tank body 45 can be freely washed with water, the inside of the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be kept clean.

Also, when replacing with a different washing treatment liquid, the remaining original washing treatment liquid can be washed away and then another new washing treatment liquid can be added, so that the different washing treatment liquids are mixed and solidified, or the cleaning power is reduced. There is nothing to do.

<Pump cleanability>
According to the present embodiment, since the pump means 47 is provided with the driving force connecting means 29 which can be connected and separated from the driving means 62, the tank and the pump means 47 can be detached and removed, and the tank and the pump means 47 can be detached from each other. Does not have a wiring for supplying power to drive the pump means 47, and can be removed because it can be constructed without a wiring connected to a detection means for detecting the remaining amount of detergent / softener. It is possible to easily clean the inside of the tank and the inside of the pump, and it is possible to provide a washing machine with improved cleanability and reliability.

Further, by manually rotating the coupling 61 while the suction port 48 of the pump means 47 is immersed in water, the gear pump 51 rotates and water is discharged from the suction port via the gear pump 51 and the supply pipe 54. By discharging from the outlet 56, the detergent remaining inside the pump can also be diluted and washed away.

According to the present embodiment, the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be easily washed with water, and even the inside of the pump means 47 can be easily washed with water, so that the detergent does not remain inside the pump means 47 and solidify. Alternatively, since the previously used washing treatment liquid and the new washing treatment liquid do not mix inside the pump means 47, it is possible to provide a washing machine provided with the highly reliable automatic washing treatment liquid charging means 30.

Further, if the case of the pump means 47 is molded with a transparent resin, it is preferable because it is possible to visually confirm whether the detergent or the softener remains in the pump and whether the cleaning is completed.

<Compatibility with manual supply>
According to the present embodiment, as described above, the detergent charging port 25 includes, for example, a powder detergent charging unit 25a, a liquid detergent charging unit 25b, and a softener charging unit 25c, each of which is a powder for one dose. A detergent, a softener, or a liquid detergent is charged, and the detergent, a softener, or a liquid detergent is charged into the water tank 17 via the first detergent supply pipe 14. Further, the detergent can be automatically charged into the water tank 17 from the detergent tank 32 via the second water supply pipe 40 and the first water supply pipe 9.

That is, it is possible to freely use the case of washing with the detergent in the detergent tank 32 or the case of washing with another detergent charged in the liquid detergent charging unit 25b according to the user's preference. It is possible to provide a washing machine equipped with a good automatic washing liquid injection means.

Similarly, when the softener in the softener tank 33 is used or when another softener charged in the softener charging section 25c is used, it is possible to freely use the washing. A washing machine provided with the processing liquid automatic charging means 30 can be provided.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the automatic washing liquid charging means 30 and the detergent charging port 25 are arranged independently, the cleanability of the tank and the pump and the replenishment of the washing liquid into the tank are improved. While washing with the washing treatment liquid charged into the detergent inlet 25, it is possible to take out the tank of the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 and the like, which improves usability.

Further, by detecting the detergent charged from the detergent charging port 25 with the electrode sensor 93, the control of the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 is turned off, so that excessive detergent and softener charging can be prevented. can.

<Control block diagram>
FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the washing machine control device 138. Reference numeral 150 denotes an operation button input circuit 151 connected to each switch (not shown), a water level sensor 134, a detergent remaining amount detecting means 79a, and a softener remaining amount detecting means 79b, which are connected to a user's button operation and washing. Receives various information signals in the process. The output from the microcomputer 150 is connected to the drive circuit 154 and is connected to the water supply solenoid valve 12, the drain valve 10, the drum motor 8, the supply motor 65, and the like, and controls their opening / closing, rotation, and energization. Further, it is connected to a display 114 such as a 7-segment light emitting diode, a light emitting diode 156, and a buzzer 157 for informing the user of the operating state of the washing machine.

The microcomputer 150 is activated when the power switch 139 is pressed and the power is turned on, and executes a basic washing control processing program as shown in FIG.

<Control processing program>
Step S101
Check the condition of the washer / dryer and make initial settings.

Step S102
The display 114 of the operation panel 106 is turned on, and it is set whether or not to automatically add the detergent and the softener according to the instruction input from the operation button switch (not shown). When automatic charging is set, detergent and fabric softener are automatically charged in the following washing process. On the other hand, when the automatic charging is not set, the user manually charges the detergent and the softener into the detergent charging port 25, and the detergent and the softener supply motor 65 is not driven.

Step S103
The process is branched by monitoring the instruction input from the start switch (not shown) on the operation panel 106.

Step S104
The process is branched depending on whether or not the automatic detergent injection is set.

Step S105
When the automatic detergent addition is set, the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid of the detergent or the softener is confirmed based on the output of the detergent remaining amount detecting means 79a and the softener remaining amount detecting means 79b, and the treatment is branched. When there is no remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid (N), "No remaining amount" is displayed in step S129.

Step S106
When the automatic detergent injection setting in step S104 is not set (N), or when there is a remaining amount of detergent and softener in step S105 (Y), the rotary drum 20 is rotated and the drum motor 8 is driven at that time. The rotational drive torque generated in the drum motor 8 is measured from the current value required for the operation to determine the amount of cloth charged in the rotary drum 20.

Step S107
The supply amount of detergent and softener is set based on the judgment value of the amount of cloth.

Step S108
The process is branched depending on whether or not the automatic detergent addition by the washing process liquid automatic addition means 30 is set.

Step S109
When the automatic detergent addition is set to off in step S108 (N), the detergent is not automatically added by the washing treatment liquid automatic addition means 30, the water supply solenoid valve 12 is opened to supply water, and the detergent is manually added to the detergent inlet 25. The detergent is dissolved in water and supplied to the inside of the water tank 17 as a detergent liquid.

Step S110
When the automatic detergent injection is set to ON in step S108 (Y), the process is branched depending on whether or not the count number of the detergent [no determination] operations during the previous operation is within a predetermined number of times.

Step S111-1
When the automatic detergent injection is set to ON in step S108 (Y), and when the count number of detergent [no judgment] operations during the previous operation is less than the specified number in step S110 (Y), the supply motor 65 is positive. The detergent in the detergent tank 32 is driven in the rolling direction for a predetermined time to supply the specified amount set in step S107 into the charging area 39.

Step S111-2
In step S108, when the automatic detergent injection is set to ON (Y), and in step S110, when the count number of detergent [no judgment] operations during the previous operation is equal to or greater than the specified number (N), the supply motor 65 is positive. It is driven in the rolling direction for a predetermined time to supply the detergent in the detergent tank 32 into the charging region 39 in a larger amount than the specified amount set in step S107 (for example, 1.1 times or more more).

Step S112
Water is supplied by opening the water supply solenoid valve 12, and the detergent supplied to the input region 39 is supplied to the inside of the water tank 17 via the first detergent supply pipe 14 while being dissolved in water.

Step S113
It is determined whether or not the detergent has been put into the water tank 17. This is determined from the conductivity detected by the electrode sensor 93.

Step S114-1
Detergent in the previous operation in step S110 [No determination] When the number of counts of the number of operations is less than the specified number (Y) and the determination result in step S113 is negative (No), that is, the detergent is in the water tank 17. If it is not supplied, it is judged as detergent [no judgment].

Step S114-2
Detergent in the previous operation in step S110 [No determination] When the number of counts of the number of operations is equal to or greater than the specified number (N) and the determination result in step S113 is negative (None), that is, the detergent is in the water tank 17. If it is not supplied, it can be determined with high probability that the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 is not operating normally (abnormality of the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means). When it is determined that the washing processing liquid automatic charging means is abnormal, for example, by notifying the user with an alarm or the like and prompting the user to manually add the detergent, it is possible to avoid the washing from being completed due to insufficient washing. Further, a waiting time for manually adding detergent may be provided during the alarm notification.

Step S115
When it is determined in step S113 that the detergent has been put into the water tank 17 (with), or when it is determined in step S113 that the detergent has not been put into the water tank 17 (none), and in step S114- If no judgment is made in 1 or if it is judged to be abnormal in step S114-2, the washing process is executed, and after the washing step is completed, the drain valve 10 is opened to drain the washing water, and then the rotary drum 20 is rotated at high speed. Perform centrifugal dehydration.

Step S116
Step S117 in which the water supply solenoid valve 12 is opened to supply water and the rinse water is supplied to the inside of the water tank 17.
The rinsing step is executed, and after completion, the drain valve 10 is opened to drain the rinse water, and then the rotary drum 20 is rotated at high speed to perform centrifugal dehydration.

Step S118
The process is branched depending on whether or not the automatic softener addition by the washing process liquid automatic addition means 30 is set.

Step S119
When the softener automatic charging is set to off in step S118 (N), the softener automatic charging means 30 does not perform the softener automatic charging, but the water supply solenoid valve 12 is opened to supply water to the softener charging port 25. The softener manually added is supplied as a detergent solution into the water tank 17 while being dissolved in water.

Step S120
When the automatic softener injection is set to ON in step S118 (Y), the process is branched depending on whether or not the count number of the softener [no determination] operations during the previous operation is within the specified number of times.

Step S121-1
In step S118, when the automatic softener injection is set to ON (Y), and in step S120, when the number of counts of the softener [no judgment] operation during the previous operation is less than the specified number (Y), the supply motor 65 is driven in the reverse direction for a predetermined time to supply the softener in the softener tank 33 into the charging region 39 in the specified amount set in step S107.

Step S121-2
In step S118, when the automatic softener injection is set to ON (Y), and in step S120, when the number of counts of the softener [no judgment] operation during the previous operation is equal to or greater than the specified number (N), the supply motor 65 is driven in the reverse direction for a predetermined time to supply the softener in the softener tank 33 into the charging region 39 in a larger amount than the specified amount set in step S107 (for example, 1.1 times or more).

Step S122
Water is supplied by opening the water supply solenoid valve 12, and the softener supplied to the input region 39 is supplied to the inside of the water tank 17 via the first detergent supply pipe 14 while being dissolved in water.

Step S123
It is determined whether or not the softener has been put into the water tank 17. This is determined from the conductivity detected by the electrode sensor 93.

Step S124-1
Softener in step S120 [No judgment] When the number of counts of the number of operations is less than the specified number (Y) and the judgment result in step S123 is negative (No), that is, the softener is in the water tank 17 If it is not supplied to the inside, it is judged as a softener [no judgment].

Step S124-2
Softener in step S120 [No determination] When the number of counts of the number of operations is equal to or greater than the specified number (N) and the determination result in step S123 is negative (None), that is, the softener is in the water tank 17 If it is not supplied to the inside, it can be determined with high probability that the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 is not operating normally (abnormality of the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means). When it is determined that the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means is abnormal, for example, by notifying the user of an alarm and prompting the user to manually charge the softener, it is possible to avoid the washing from being completed due to insufficient washing. Further, a waiting time for manually adding the softener may be provided during the alarm notification.

Step S125
The final rinsing step is executed, and after completion, the drain valve 10 is opened to drain the rinse water.

Step S126
The rotary drum 20 is rotated at high speed to perform final dehydration.

Step S127
When the detergent [no determination] is applied in step S114-1 and the softener [no determination] is applied in step S124-1, the cumulative number of operations of each [no determination] is counted and stored in the microcomputer 150.

When the detergent [determined] in step S114-1 and the softener [determined] in step S124-1, the cumulative number of operations of each [undetermined] is reset to zero, and the microcomputer 150 To memorize.

Step S128
Finish a series of washing processes.

As described above, in the present invention, the detergent and the softener supplied by the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means based on the result of the detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the washing treatment liquid in the water tank, and in the present embodiment, the electrode sensor 93. If it is determined that the product has been correctly supplied into the water tank 17 and the determination result is undetermined, and the washing operation continues for a predetermined number of times, the amount of detergent or softener washing treatment liquid exceeds the specified amount at the next washing operation. Is automatically turned on, and if the determination result of the detection means is undetermined during the next washing operation, it is determined to be abnormal, in other words, the electrode sensor 93 determines in a plurality of washing operations, and finally determines the abnormality. By adding more detergent than the specified amount during the washing operation, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30. That is, it is possible to provide a highly reliable washing machine capable of suppressing erroneous determination and performing abnormality determination with high accuracy.

Further, although the above embodiment has been described by taking a drum type washing machine as an example, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a vertical type washing machine.

1 base 2 outer frame
3 lid
4 Washing machine body 5 Support means 6 Operation panel 7 Water faucet 8 Drum motor 9 First water supply pipe 10 Drain valve 11 Drain pipe 12 Water supply electromagnetic valve 13 Dry air passage 16 Check valve 17 Water tank 18 Front cover 19 Back cover 20 rotation Drum 21 Laundry 22 Fluid balancer 25 Detergent inlet 25a Powder detergent inlet 25b Liquid detergent inlet 25c Softener inlet 29 Driving force connecting means 30 Washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 31 Tank lid 32 Detergent tank 33 Softener tank 34 Tank storage container 35 First partition 36 Second partition 37 Detergent tank storage area 38 Softener tank storage area 39 Input area 40 Second water supply pipe 41 Second detergent supply pipe 43 Lid support 44 Tank lid 44a Tank handle 45 Tank body 46 Tank bottom 47 Pump means 62 Drive means 79 Remaining amount detecting means 79a Detergent remaining amount detecting means 79b Softener remaining amount detecting means 93 Electrode sensor

Claims (2)

With the housing
The water tank provided inside the housing and
A washing treatment liquid supply means for supplying the washing treatment liquid into the water tank, and
It has a detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a washing treatment liquid in the water tank.
When the washing operation in which the determination result of the detection means is undetermined continues for a predetermined number of times, the washing treatment liquid is automatically added in a larger amount than the specified amount at the next washing operation, and the detection means is determined at the next washing operation. A washing machine characterized in that if the result is undetermined, it is determined to be abnormal. The washing machine according to claim 1.
A washing machine characterized in that when it is determined that there is an abnormality, it is notified.

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