JP6998645B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine having a dehydration treatment function, and more particularly to a technique for appropriately dealing with a case where the laundry contains waterproof clothes and the like.

In recent years, due to the diversification of clothes, the number of clothes using waterproof fabrics has increased, and the chances of washing waterproof clothes have tended to increase. In addition, although it is not originally washed in a washing machine, there is a tendency that the chances of washing waterproof sheets to be put on a mattress are increasing. In other words, waterproof sheets are often used in the care of the elderly, and as the number of elderly people increases, the opportunities for using them are increasing, and they are easily washed together with the mattress laid on them, so they are washed by mistake. There is a tendency for more opportunities to be used (these are also collectively referred to as waterproof laundry).

A fully automatic washing machine (also simply called a washing machine) usually has a rotatable cylindrical drum (dehydration tank) with a hole in the peripheral wall surface inside the tab (water receiving tank) that stores water. Has been done. In a washing machine, a series of processes from washing to rinsing and dehydration are automatically performed by putting laundry together with detergent and the like into the drum and operating various switches.

The dehydration treatment is performed by draining the rinsing water accumulated in the tab, rotating the drum, and shaking off the water contained in the laundry by centrifugal force. Therefore, waterproof laundry that does not allow water to pass through or is difficult for water to pass through cannot or is difficult to dehydrate itself, and may hinder the outflow of water from the drum. Not suitable.

That is, when the dehydration process is started in a fully automatic washing machine, most of the water in the drum usually flows out as soon as the drum starts to rotate, and the laundry moves to the wall surface of the drum as the rotation speed increases. Since it sticks to the drum and does not move, the drum rotates stably even at high speeds, and appropriate dehydration processing can be performed. Large vibrations and noise may occur due to imbalance in the weight balance of clothing, but since water does not remain in the drum, there is no risk of causing major trouble.

However, when the laundry contains waterproof laundry, the outflow of water is hindered by these, and water tends to remain in the drum, making it difficult to dehydrate (abnormal residual water state). If the dehydration treatment is performed in the state of abnormal residual water, the rotation of the drum becomes unbalanced due to the water being swung around, which may cause extremely large abnormal vibration or noise. In particular, waterproof sheets with a large area tend to store a large amount of water, so if the laundry contains waterproof sheets, unexpected abnormal vibrations will occur and the washing machine will be damaged. It may cause trouble.

Therefore, various studies have been conducted so far in order to deal with the problem of vibration generated during such dehydration treatment.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine in which an acceleration sensor is attached to a tab accommodating a drum, abnormal vibration is detected from the detected value, and the rotation of the drum is stopped. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a washing machine that detects abnormal vibration from a current waveform input to a motor that drives a drum.

In Patent Document 3, the time required for the water level between the drum and the tab to change by a predetermined amount during drainage before dehydration treatment is measured and compared with a preset standard reference drainage time to make an abnormality. A washing machine that detects a residual water state and notifies an abnormality is disclosed. Further, Patent Document 4 discloses a washing machine that detects an abnormal residual water state by measuring the dehydration rate and water content of laundry at the initial stage of the dehydration step and comparing it with the reference dehydration rate and water content. Has been done.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-45618 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-252390 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-104680 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-64919

The washing machines of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 cannot prevent abnormal vibration in advance. Therefore, even in the abnormal residual water state, the rotation of the drum has to be left unattended until abnormal vibration is generated and detected. Further, even if abnormal vibration is detected, the rotation of the drum cannot be stopped immediately, which may lead to troubles such as damage to the washing machine.

On the other hand, the washing machines of Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4 detect and notify the abnormal residual water state before or at the initial stage of the dehydration treatment, so that abnormal vibration can be prevented. However, the washing machines of Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4 have room for improvement in terms of detection accuracy and the like.

For example, in the washing machine of Patent Document 3, an abnormal residual water state is detected from the difference in drainage time, but since the amount of water discharged from the drain port is limited, the change in the water level is slow and the abnormal residual water state is present. Difficult to detect. Moreover, as an abnormal residual water state, it is assumed that waterproof laundry is stuck to the wall surface of the drum, but such a state will always occur at the stage of washing or rinsing where the drum does not rotate at high speed. Therefore, the conditions that can be properly detected are limited.

Even in the case of the washing machine of Patent Document 4, since the dehydration rate and the water content are greatly affected by the type and amount of laundry, high-precision detection cannot be expected. Further, in the washing machine of Patent Document 4, it is necessary to rotate and stop the drum a plurality of times in order to measure the dehydration rate and the water content of the laundry, and it takes time to detect the abnormal residual water state, and the dehydration step is performed. There is also the problem of inviting a significant increase in time.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can appropriately deal with even when the laundry contains waterproof clothes and the like.

The present invention relates to a washing machine having a function of dehydration treatment.

The washing machine related to the washing machine includes a water receiving tank (tab) capable of storing and draining water, a dehydration tank (drum) rotatably housed in the water receiving tank and having a peripheral wall through which water passes inside and outside. A drive device that rotationally drives the dehydration tank, a water level sensor that detects the water level of the inter-tank water that accumulates between the water receiving tank and the dehydration tank, and water that is supplied to the inside of the dehydration tank and stored inside the water receiving tank. A circulation pump for circulating water, a drive device, a water level sensor, and a control device for executing the dehydration process in cooperation with the circulation pump are provided, and the control device operates the circulation pump. It has a dehydration process determination unit that determines the process of the dehydration treatment based on the change in the water level between the tanks generated by the above (related washing machine).

That is, this washing machine is equipped with a circulation pump that supplies water to the inside of the drum and circulates the water stored inside the tab, and the control device that executes the dehydration process determines the dehydration process. It has a decision-making part. Then, the dehydration process determination unit determines the dehydration process based on the change in the inter-tank water generated by the operation of the circulation pump, that is, the water accumulated between the tab and the drum.

When the circulation pump is activated, if the laundry does not contain waterproof laundry, water will flow out from the drum without resistance, so even if the circulation pump is activated, the water level between the tanks will hardly change. On the other hand, when the laundry contains waterproof laundry, the water level between the tanks changes (decreases) significantly because the waterproof laundry hinders the outflow of water from the drum. Therefore, the dehydration process determination unit determines the dehydration process based on this change in water, which enables highly accurate detection of the abnormal residual water state. Therefore, the laundry includes waterproof clothes and the like. Even if it is, it can be dealt with appropriately.

On the other hand, the washing machine according to the present invention rotates and drives a water receiving tank capable of storing and draining water, a dehydration tank rotatably housed in the water receiving tank and having a peripheral wall through which water passes inside and outside, and the dehydration tank. A drive device, a water level sensor that measures the water level of the inter-tank water accumulated between the water receiving tank and the dehydration tank, and a control device that executes the dehydration process in cooperation with the drive device and the water level sensor. The control device is provided with a change in the water level between the tanks (water level difference) that rises due to the action of centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the dehydration tank with water stored in the water receiving tank. Based on the above, it is configured to have a dehydration process determination unit that determines whether or not the laundry put into the dehydration tank contains waterproof laundry and determines the process of the dehydration treatment. May be (the washing machine of the first embodiment).

That is, in this washing machine, the drum rotates with water stored in the tab so that the circulation pump does not have to be provided, and the dehydration process determination unit is based on the change in the water level between the tanks generated at that time. Therefore, the process of dehydration treatment is determined.

When the drum rotates, if the laundry does not contain waterproof laundry, the water inside the drum will flow out of the drum without resistance due to the action of centrifugal force, so the water level between the tanks will change significantly. On the other hand, when the laundry contains waterproof laundry, the water level between the tanks hardly changes because the waterproof laundry hinders the outflow of water from the drum. .. Therefore, the dehydration process determination unit determines the dehydration process based on this change in water, which enables highly accurate detection of the abnormal residual water state. Therefore, the laundry includes waterproof clothes and the like. Even if it is, it can be dealt with appropriately.

Further, the washing machine provided with the function of the dehydration treatment further includes a circulation pump, and the control device performs the dehydration treatment based on the change in the water level of the inter-tank water generated by the operation of the circulation pump. It may be further provided with a dehydration process determination unit for determining the process. In other words, it includes a circulation pump that circulates the water stored inside the water receiving tank, the drive device, the water level sensor, and a control device that executes the dehydration process in cooperation with the circulation pump. The control device stores water in the first dehydration process determination unit that determines the dehydration process step and the water receiving tank based on the change in the water level between the tanks generated by the operation of the circulation pump. It is configured to have a second dehydration process determination unit that determines the process of the dehydration treatment based on the change in the water level between the tanks generated by the rotation of the dehydration tank in the state of being in the state. It may be (the washing machine of the second embodiment).

That is, the control device of this washing machine corresponds to the first dehydration process determination unit corresponding to the dehydration process determination unit of the related washing machine described above and the dehydration process determination unit of the washing machine of the first embodiment. A second dehydration process determination unit is provided, and these dehydration process determination units determine the dehydration process based on the change in the water level between the tanks, which is different from each other. The accuracy can be greatly improved, and if the laundry contains waterproof laundry, it can be dealt with more appropriately.

The dehydration tank has a stirring device that stirs the water stored inside the dehydration tank. While the stirring device is stopped, the control device operates the circulation pump, and the water level sensor operates the inter-tank water. It is advisable to measure changes in the water level.

By doing so, it is possible to avoid the influence of water agitation when measuring the change in water level, so that highly accurate measurement can be performed.

Further, the dehydration tank has a stirring device that stirs the water stored inside the dehydration tank, the control device operates the circulation pump, and the water level sensor operates between the tanks while the stirring device is operating. The change in the water level may be measured.

By doing so, the measurement can be performed without waiting for the completion of the rinsing process, so that the time required for the entire process can be shortened.

In these washing machines, the change in the water level between the tanks is compared with a preset threshold value, and based on the comparison result, a low-speed dehydration step of limiting the rotation speed and performing dehydration processing is performed. Is preferable.

Then, by comparing with the threshold value, it becomes possible to determine when the laundry contains waterproof laundry with higher accuracy, and the dehydration treatment can be performed without causing a big trouble.

Further, in these washing machines, the change in the water level between the tanks is compared with a preset threshold value, and based on the comparison result, a high-speed dehydration step of dehydrating without limiting the rotation speed is performed. It is preferable to set it to.

Then, by comparing with the threshold value, it becomes possible to determine when the laundry does not contain waterproof laundry with higher accuracy, and the dehydration treatment having a high dehydration effect can be performed in a short time.

Further, in these washing machines, the change in the water level between the tanks may be compared with a preset threshold value, and the user may be notified based on the comparison result.

By doing so, it is possible to call the user an accurate attention, and the user can take appropriate measures, which is excellent in convenience.

According to the washing machine of the present invention, even when the laundry contains waterproof clothes and the like, it can be appropriately dealt with.

It is a schematic perspective view which shows the washing machine of this embodiment. It is a schematic cross-sectional view by X-ray in FIG. It is a simplified view which shows the main part of the washing machine shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the related washing machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the water level change of the inter-tank water before and after the operation of a circulation pump in the case of only water-permeable laundry. It is a simplified figure which shows the state at the time of operation of the circulation pump in the case of only water-permeable laundry. It is a figure which shows an example of the water level change of the inter-tank water before and after the operation of a circulation pump when the waterproof laundry is included. It is a simplified figure which shows the state at the time of operation of the circulation pump when the waterproof laundry is included. It is a simplified figure which shows the state at the time of operation of the circulation pump when the waterproof laundry is included. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the washing machine of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the water level change of the inter-tank water before and after the rotation of a drum in the case of only water-permeable laundry. It is a simplified figure which shows the state at the time of rotation of a drum in the case of only water-permeable laundry. It is a figure which shows an example of the water level change of the inter-tank water before and after the rotation of a drum when the waterproof laundry is included. It is a simplified diagram which shows the state at the time of rotation of a drum when a waterproof laundry is included. It is a simplified diagram which shows the state at the time of rotation of a drum when a waterproof laundry is included. It is a simplified diagram which shows the main part of the washing machine of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the washing machine of 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the following description is merely an example and does not limit the present invention, its application or its use.

<Washing machine configuration>
FIG. 1 shows the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment. The washing machine 1 is a fully automatic washing machine 1 in which each process of washing, rinsing, and dehydration can be performed by automatic control. The washing machine 1 has a vertically long rectangular box-shaped housing 2, and an input port 4 that opens and closes with a lid 3 is formed on the upper portion thereof. The laundry S is taken in and out through the loading port 4 (so-called vertical washing machine). Various switches and display units operated by the user are provided behind the slot 4.

In the explanation, if necessary, the laundry S mainly made of a fabric that does not allow water to pass through or is difficult to pass through, such as a raincoat, a wet suit, and a waterproof sheet, is called a waterproof laundry S2, and a shirt, a towel, etc. The laundry S mainly composed of a water-permeable fabric is also referred to as a normal water-permeable laundry S1.

As shown in FIG. 2, inside the housing 2, a tab 10 (water receiving tank), a drum 20 (dehydrating tank), a driving device 30, a pulsator 40 (stirring machine), a balancer 50, a water level sensor 60, and a control device 70 Etc. are installed. Further, as shown briefly in FIG. 3, a circulation pump 80 is also installed in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment.

The tab 10 is a bottomed cylindrical container, and is suspended inside the housing 2 by a plurality of suspending members 11 with the opening facing the upper input port 4. The tab 10 can store water by injecting water into the tab 10 through a water injection mechanism (not shown), and the water stored in the tab 10 can be drained to the outside of the washing machine 1 through a drainage mechanism (not shown). It has become.

The drum 20 is a bottomed cylindrical container that is slightly smaller than the tab 10 and receives the laundry S, and the tab 10 is rotatable around the vertical axis J extending in the vertical direction with the opening facing the input port 4. Is housed in. The washing, rinsing, and dehydrating processes of the laundry S are all performed inside the drum 20. A large number of drain holes 22 are formed over the entire surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall 21 of the drum 20 so that water can pass through the inside and outside of the drum 20 without resistance (only a part of the drum 20 is shown in the figure). At the bottom of the drum 20, a disk-shaped pulsator 40 having a stirring blade on the upper surface is rotatably installed.

The balancer 50 is an annular member containing a plurality of balls and viscous fluids therein. The balancer 50 is installed in the opening of the drum 20 in order to adjust the imbalance of the weight balance caused by the bias of the laundry S during the rotation of the drum 20.

The water level sensor 60 is installed at the upper end of the vertical pipe 61 arranged so as to extend upward from the lower corner of the tab 10. Since the upper end of the vertical pipe 61 is sealed and the lower end of the vertical pipe 61 communicates with the inside of the tab 10, water enters and exits the vertical pipe 61 in conjunction with the vertical movement of the water level in the tab 10. The internal pressure of the vertical pipe 61 changes. The water level sensor 60 detects the water level of the water stored inside the tab 10, specifically the water stored between the tab 10 and the drum 20 (inter-tank water IW), from the change in the internal pressure.

The drive device 30 is composed of a motor 31, a power transmission mechanism 32, and the like, and is installed on the outer surface of the bottom of the tab 10. The power transmission mechanism 32 has a first shaft 33 and a second shaft 34 protruding inside the tab 10. The first shaft 33 is attached to the drum 20, and the second shaft 34 further protrudes inside the drum 20 and is attached to the pulsator 40.

The drive device 30 rotates the tab 10 and the drum 20 in a forward / reverse direction via the first shaft 33 and the second shaft 34 by driving the motor 31. For example, in the washing and rinsing process, the driving device 30 rotates and drives the pulsator 40 while reversing the pulsator 40 at regular intervals, so that the laundry S is agitated together with water and detergent. In the dehydration process, the drive device 30 rotates and drives the drum 20 in a fixed direction at high speed, so that the laundry S is pressed against the peripheral wall 21, and the water accumulated inside the drum 20 and the water contained in the laundry S are centrifugal forces. Is discharged from the drum 20 through the drain hole 22.

As shown in FIG. 3, a circulation pump 80 is installed on the outer surface of the bottom of the tab 10 adjacent to the drive device 30. The circulation pump 80 is installed in the middle of a circulation channel 81 having a suction port 82 opening at the bottom of the tab 10 at one end and a water supply port 83 facing the inside of the drum 20 at the other end. When the circulation pump 80 operates, water is sucked from the suction port 82, and the water is discharged from the water supply port 83 to the inside of the drum 20, so that the water stored inside the tab 10 circulates.

The control device 70 is composed of hardware such as a CPU and ROM and software such as a control program, and has a function of comprehensively controlling each process performed in the washing machine 1. A drive device 30, a water level sensor 60, a circulation pump 80, and the like are electrically connected to the control device 70, and according to a user's instruction, washing, rinsing, and dehydration processing are performed in cooperation with these.

The control device 70 is provided with a washing processing unit 71 that controls each process of washing processing, a rinsing processing unit 72 that controls each process of rinsing processing, a dehydration processing unit 73 that controls each process of dehydration processing, and the like. .. In particular, the dehydration processing unit 73 is provided with a dehydration process determination unit 74 so that even when the laundry S contains the waterproof laundry S2, it can be appropriately dealt with.

(Washing machine related operation)
Next, the related operation of the disclosure technique in the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the user inputs the laundry S and the detergent from the charging port 4 and operates the switch to execute the fully automatic processing, so that the washing machine 1 is operated and a series of processing from washing to dehydration is started. ..

Then, after a predetermined amount of water is injected by the washing processing unit 71, the driving device 30 rotates and drives the pulsator 40 for a predetermined time, and the washing process is executed (step S1). After that, the rinsing processing unit 72 replaces the water, and the drive device 30 rotates and drives the pulsator 40 for a predetermined time to execute the rinsing process (step S2). As appropriate, the circulation pump 80 is operated for a predetermined time during these processes, and the process of circulating the water inside the tab 10 is executed.

In the rinsing treatment unit 72, it is determined whether or not the dehydration treatment can be performed (step S3), and the rinsing treatment is executed until the transition is possible. Then, when the rinsing process is completed and the process can be shifted to the dehydration process, the pulsator 40 gently rotates in the forward and reverse directions with water accumulated inside the tab 10, loosens the stored laundry S, and unravels the laundry S. A loosening process is performed to reduce the balance.

Then, along with the loosening process, a dehydration process determination process for determining the dehydration process is executed (YES in step S3). The dehydration process determination process may be executed separately from the loosening process, but by executing the dehydration process determination process together with the loosening process, the variation in the state of the laundry S inside the drum 20 is alleviated. More stable detection is possible.

The dehydration process determination process detects whether water remains inside the drum 20 due to the influence of the waterproof laundry S2 and makes dehydration difficult (abnormal residual water state), and the dehydration process is performed according to the detection result. It is a process of determining the process, and is performed by the dehydration process determination unit 74.

Specifically, the circulation pump 80 operates, and the water level sensor 60 measures the reference water level data W1 immediately after the start of operation of the circulation pump 80 (step S4).

After that, when a certain time elapses after the circulation pump 80 operates, for example, one minute after the start of the operation of the circulation pump 80, the water level data W2 for comparison is measured by the water level sensor 60. When the measurement is completed, the circulation pump 80 and the pulsator 40 are stopped, and the wastewater treatment to the outside of the washing machine 1 is executed (step S5).

The dehydration process determination unit 74 calculates the water level difference ΔW (difference between W2 and W1) using the water level data W1 and W2 input from the water level sensor 60 (step S6), and the water level difference ΔW is a predetermined threshold value. (For example, 60 mm) or more is determined (step S7).

The threshold value is a value that serves as a criterion for determining whether or not an abnormal residual water state can occur, and is set in advance in the dehydration process determination unit 74. The threshold value is set for each size and type of washing machine based on the results of dehydration tests and empirical rules. Further, the unit system of the water level data and the threshold value does not necessarily have to be a length, and may be a current value or a frequency value corresponding to the water level.

The determination by the dehydration process determination unit 74 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9. FIG. 5 shows an example of a change in the water level of the inter-tank water IW when the laundry S is only the water-permeable laundry S1. The water level fluctuation up to about 40 seconds before the circulation pump 80 starts operation is due to the influence of the water flow in the rinsing treatment, and the subsequent water level fluctuation is due to the influence of the loosening treatment.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the circulation pump 80 is operated, water is sucked from the bottom of the tab 10 and the water is returned to the inside of the drum 20, but when the laundry S is only the water-permeable laundry S1. Since water flows out from the drum 20 without resistance, the water level of the inter-tank water IW hardly changes even if the circulation pump 80 operates, as shown by the arrow in FIG. Therefore, the water level difference ΔW when the laundry S is only the water-permeable laundry S1 is an extremely small value. In addition, in FIG. 5 (the same applies to FIG. 7), the decrease in the water level after the circulation pump 80 is stopped is due to the execution of the wastewater treatment.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a change in the water level of the inter-tank water IW when the laundry S contains the waterproof laundry S2. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the waterproof laundry S2 sticks to the wall surface of the drum 20, the amount of water flowing out from the drum 20 decreases, so that the water level inside the drum 20 rises. On the other hand, the water level of the inter-tank water IW is lowered by the suction of the circulation pump 80 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 7. Therefore, the water level difference ΔW is a large value.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, when the waterproof laundry S2 does not stick to the wall surface of the drum 20 and the waterproof laundry S2 embraces water and floats, as in Patent Document 3 described above. Although it cannot be detected by the method based on the drainage time, in the case of this washing machine 1, since the water flow toward the side wall is generated inside the drum 20, the waterproof laundry S2 approaches the side wall and is from the drum 20. It will block the outflow of water. Therefore, even in such a case, the water level difference ΔW becomes a large value.

As described above, the water level difference ΔW when the laundry S contains the waterproof laundry S2 is significantly larger than the water level difference ΔW when only the water-permeable laundry S1 is contained. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the abnormal residual water state can be detected by setting the threshold value to 60 mm or the like.

The timing of measuring the reference and comparative water level data W1 and W2 is not limited to immediately after the start of operation of the circulation pump 80 and during operation. For example, the measurement of the reference water level data W1 may be performed before or after the operation of the circulation pump 80, and the measurement of the comparative water level data W2 may be performed after the circulation pump 80 is stopped. In short, both water level data W1 and W2 may be measured at a timing that sandwiches at least a part of the period during which the circulation pump 80 is operating. Further, three or more water level data may be measured, and an abnormal residual water state may be detected based on these.

Further, while the rinsing process in which the pulsator 40 is operated is being performed, the circulation pump 80 may be operated to measure the reference and / or comparative water level data. In this case, although the water level may fluctuate due to the influence of the water flow, the dehydration treatment can be started immediately after the rinsing treatment is completed, so that the time required for the entire treatment can be shortened.

Then, when the dehydration process determination unit 74 determines that the water level difference ΔW is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the low-speed dehydration process is selected, the rotation speed of the drum 20 is limited, and intermediate dehydration or final dehydration is performed. Dehydration treatment is performed (step S8). Specifically, the dehydration treatment is performed by limiting the rotation speed of the drum 20 to 200 rpm or less. By limiting the rotation speed of the drum 20 to 200 rpm or less, dehydration processing can be performed without causing unexpected abnormal vibration.

The inventors have conducted reproduction experiments under various conditions regarding dehydration treatment in an abnormal residual water state. According to them, although it depends on the amount of residual water, the sudden abnormal vibration in the abnormal residual water state is concentrated at 600 rpm or more, and it is a large amount of residual water of 10 L or more assuming waterproof sheets. However, no results below 400 rpm have been obtained so far.

Therefore, by limiting the rotation speed of the drum 20 to 200 rpm or less, which is half of the 400 rpm, and performing the dehydration treatment, unexpected abnormal vibration that causes trouble is generated even in an abnormal residual water state. Dehydration can be performed without this.

After the dehydration process is completed, a message calling attention to the user, such as a low dehydration effect or the inclusion of waterproof laundry S2, is notified by a buzzer, voice, display, or the like (step S9). Such notification may be given not only after the completion of the dehydration treatment but also before the dehydration treatment. If it is performed before the dehydration treatment, the user can take measures such as stopping the dehydration treatment or removing the waterproof laundry S2 to execute the dehydration treatment, which is more convenient.

On the other hand, when the dehydration process determination unit 74 determines that the water level difference ΔW is less than the threshold value, the high-speed dehydration process is selected, and the rotation speed exceeds 200 rpm as usual without limiting the rotation speed of the drum 20. The dehydration treatment of the intermediate dehydration and the final dehydration is performed in (step S10). That is, since it is detected that the water is not in an abnormal residual water state, the drum 20 is rotated at a high speed of 500 rpm or more, and the dehydration treatment is executed under the optimum conditions. Therefore, the dehydration treatment having a high dehydration effect can be performed in a short time.

Since the washing machines of Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above detect after an imbalance has occurred, dehydration control for selecting the high and low rotation speeds of the drum 20 is impossible, and Patent Document 3 Since the washing machine of No. 4 and 4 has low detection accuracy of the abnormal residual water state, many mistakes in process selection occur and appropriate dehydration treatment cannot be performed.

<First Embodiment>
(Washing machine configuration)
The configuration of the washing machine of the present embodiment is the same as that of the washing machine 1 described above, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the circulation pump 80 and the circulation water channel 81 are not installed. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for similar configurations including the reference numeral 1 of the washing machine, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In this washing machine 1, not the change in the water level of the inter-tank water IW generated by the circulation pump 80, but the change in the water level of the inter-tank water IW generated by the rotation of the drum 20 with the water stored in the drum 20. Based on this, the process of dehydration treatment is determined. Next, the operation of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Operation of washing machine)
From the start of washing, the washing process and the rinsing process are the same as the related operations described above. That is, the washing machine 1 is operated by the user throwing in the laundry S and the detergent and operating the switch. By doing so, the washing process is executed by the washing processing unit 71 (step S1), and the rinsing process is executed by the rinsing processing unit 72 (step S2). Since the washing machine 1 does not have a circulation function, the process of circulating the water inside the tab 10 is not executed.

Then, when the rinsing treatment is completed, the loosening treatment is executed, and along with the loosening treatment, the dehydration process determination unit 74 executes the dehydration process determination process of detecting the presence or absence of an abnormal residual water state and determining the dehydration process. To.

Specifically, first, the water level sensor 60 measures the reference water level data W3 (step S20).

After that, the drum 20 is rotationally driven at a rotation speed for detecting the water level, which is at least 200 rpm, such as 100 rpm, and the water level data W4 for comparison is measured by the water level sensor 60 during the rotation of the drum 20 (step S21). ). When the measurement is completed, the rotation of the drum 20 and the pulsator 40 is stopped, and the wastewater treatment is executed.

The dehydration process determination unit 74 calculates the water level difference ΔW (difference between W3 and W4) using these water level data W3 and W4 input from the water level sensor 60 (step S22), and the water level difference ΔW is a predetermined threshold value. (For example, 13 mm) or more is determined (step S23).

This point will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15. FIG. 11 shows an example of a change in the water level of the inter-tank water IW in the case of only the water-permeable laundry S1. The water level fluctuation until about 60 seconds before the drum 20 starts rotating is due to the influence of the water flow in the rinsing treatment, and thereafter, the water level rises due to the influence of the loosening treatment.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the drum 20 rotates, in the case of only the water-permeable laundry S1, the water inside the drum 20 is discharged from the drum 20 without resistance due to the action of the centrifugal force. As shown by, the water level of the inter-tank water IW rises significantly, and the water level difference ΔW becomes a large value.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a change in the water level of the inter-tank water IW when the laundry S contains the waterproof laundry S2. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the waterproof laundry S2 is attached to the wall surface of the drum 20, even if centrifugal force acts, the waterproof laundry S2 causes water from the inside of the drum 20. Since the outflow is hindered, as shown in FIG. 13, the water level of the inter-tank water IW does not rise significantly, and the water level difference ΔW becomes a small value.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, even when the waterproof laundry S2 is floating by holding water, the waterproof laundry S2 is pressed against the side wall by the action of centrifugal force, and the waterproof laundry S2 is also pressed. Since the water embraced in the water cannot move freely and cannot contribute to the change in the water level, the water level of the inter-tank water IW does not rise significantly in this case as well, and the water level difference ΔW is a small value. Will be.

As described above, the water level difference ΔW in the case of only the water-permeable laundry S1 is significantly larger than the water level difference ΔW in the case where the laundry S contains the waterproof laundry S2. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the abnormal residual water state can be detected by setting the threshold value to 13 mm or the like.

Then, when the dehydration process determination unit 74 determines that the water level difference ΔW is less than the threshold value, the low-speed dehydration process is selected and the dehydration process is performed at a low speed, as in the first embodiment. (Step S8) After the dehydration process is completed, the user is notified (step S9). When the dehydration process determination unit 74 determines that the water level difference ΔW is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the high-speed dehydration process is selected and the normal dehydration process is performed (step S10).

<Second embodiment>
(Washing machine configuration)
The configuration of the washing machine of this embodiment is the same as that of the washing machine 1 described above. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for similar configurations, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In this washing machine 1, dehydration is performed based on both the change in the water level of the inter-tank water IW generated by the operation of the circulation pump 80 and the change in the water level of the inter-tank water IW generated by the low rotation of the drum 20. The process of processing is determined.

That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the dehydration process determination unit 74 of the washing machine 1 has a first dehydration process determination unit 74a corresponding to the dehydration process determination unit 74 of the related washing machine 1, and the first embodiment. It has a second dehydration process determination unit 74b corresponding to the dehydration process determination unit 74 of the washing machine 1, and the dehydration process determination process is executed by combining these controls. Next, the operation of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Operation of washing machine)
From the start of washing, the washing process and the rinsing process are the same as the related operations described above. That is, the washing machine 1 is operated by the user throwing in the laundry S and the detergent and operating the switch. As a result, the washing process is executed under the control of the washing processing unit 71 (step S1), and then the rinsing process is executed under the control of the rinsing processing unit 72 (step S2). As appropriate, the circulation pump 80 is operated for a predetermined time during these processes, and the process of circulating the water inside the tab 10 is executed.

In the rinsing treatment unit 72, it is determined whether or not the dehydration treatment can be performed (step S3), and when the rinsing treatment is completed and the dehydration treatment can be performed, the first dehydration process determination unit 74a together with the loosening treatment determines. The first dehydration step determination process for determining the dehydration process is executed (YES in step S3). The content of the first dehydration process determination process is the same as the dehydration process determination process of the washing machine 1 described above.

That is, the circulation pump 80 operates, the water level sensor 60 measures the reference water level data W1 immediately after the start of operation of the circulation pump 80 (step S4), and then, during the operation of the circulation pump 80, the water level for comparison is measured. The data W2 is measured by the water level sensor 60, and when the measurement is completed, the circulation pump 80 is stopped (step S5).

The first dehydration process determination unit 74a calculates the water level difference ΔW (difference between W2 and W1) using these water level data input from the water level sensor 60 (step S6), and the water level difference ΔW is a predetermined threshold value. (For example, 60 mm) or more is determined (step S7).

When the first dehydration process determination unit 74a determines that the water level difference ΔW is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the low-speed dehydration process is selected after the wastewater treatment, and the low-speed dehydration treatment is performed (step). S8), after the dehydration process is completed, the user is notified (step S9).

On the other hand, when the water level difference ΔW is determined by the first dehydration process determination unit 74a to be less than the threshold value, the second dehydration process determination unit 74b further determines the second dehydration process together with the loosening process. The process is executed. The content of the second dehydration process determination process is the same as the dehydration process determination process of the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment.

That is, after the water level data W3 for reference is measured by the water level sensor 60, the drum 20 is rotationally driven at a low rotation speed for detecting the water level, and the water level data W4 for comparison is measured while the drum 20 is rotating. (Steps S20, S21). When the measurement is completed, the rotation of the drum 20 and the pulsator 40 is stopped, and the wastewater treatment is executed.

The second dehydration step determination unit 74b calculates the water level difference ΔW (difference between W4 and W3) using these water level data, and determines whether or not the water level difference ΔW is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 13 mm) (step). S22, S23).

Then, when the second dehydration process determination unit 74b determines that the water level difference ΔW is less than the threshold value, the dehydration process at a low speed and the notification to the user are performed (steps S8 and S9). When the second dehydration step determination unit 74b determines that the water level difference ΔW is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the high-speed dehydration step is selected and normal dehydration treatment is performed (step S10).

Even if the water level changes in the same way, the detection accuracy can be significantly improved by combining detections with different viewpoints. Therefore, in the washing machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the laundry S contains the waterproof laundry S2, more appropriate measures can be taken.

The washing machine of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but also includes various other configurations.

The water level sensor 60 is an example, and the detection method thereof is not particularly limited. For example, a sensor that detects by changing the oscillation frequency according to pressure, a sensor that measures the distance to the liquid surface in a non-contact manner by a sound wave or the like, and the like can be used.

When the dehydration treatment is performed a plurality of times, it is preferable to perform the dehydration process determination process for each dehydration treatment. Substantially the same effect can be obtained by finding the change in the water level per unit time instead of finding the water level difference at predetermined time intervals.

Depending on the degree of change in the water level, not only the low-speed dehydration step or the high-speed dehydration step may be selected, but also the dehydration stop step for stopping the dehydration operation may be selected. The water level difference may not only be compared with the threshold value as an absolute value, but may also be compared with the threshold value as a positive or negative value.

1 Washing machine 10 tabs (water receiving tank)
20 drum (dehydration tank)
21 Peripheral wall 40 Pulsator (stirring machine)
60 Water level sensor 70 Control device 71 Washing processing unit 72 Rinsing processing unit 73 Dehydration processing unit 74 Dehydration process determination unit 80 Circulation pump IW Inter-tank water S Laundry S1 Water-permeable laundry S2 Waterproof laundry

Claims (7)

A vertical washing machine with a dehydration function,
A water receiving tank that can store and drain water,
A dehydration tank that is rotatably housed in the water receiving tank and has a peripheral wall through which water passes inside and outside.
A drive device that rotationally drives the dehydration tank and
A water level sensor that measures the water level of the inter-tank water that accumulates between the water receiving tank and the dehydration tank, and
A control device that executes a dehydration process determination process for determining the content of the dehydration process in cooperation with the drive device and the water level sensor.
Equipped with
The control device in the dehydration tank is based on the difference in water level between the tanks, which rises due to the action of centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the dehydration tank with water stored in the water receiving tank. When shifting to the dehydration process, it is detected whether or not the added laundry is in an abnormal residual water state that makes dehydration difficult due to the inclusion of waterproof laundry, and the dehydration process determination process is performed according to the detection result. Has a dehydration process determination unit
The dehydration process determination unit uses the reference water level data measured by the water level sensor before the rotation of the dehydration tank and the comparative water level data measured during the rotation of the dehydration tank between the tanks. A washing machine that detects whether or not it is in the abnormal residual water state by calculating the water level difference of water and comparing the water level difference of the water between tanks with a preset threshold value. In the washing machine according to claim 1,
In addition to circulating the water stored inside the water receiving tank, the control device further includes a circulation pump for executing the second dehydration process determination process in cooperation with the water level sensor.
The control device further includes a second dehydration process determination unit that performs the second dehydration process determination process based on the water level difference between the tanks generated by the operation of the circulation pump .
The inter-tank water using the reference and comparative water level data measured by the water level sensor at the timing when the second dehydration process determination unit sandwiches at least a part of the period during which the circulation pump is operating. A washing machine that detects whether or not it is in the abnormal residual water state by calculating the water level difference between the tanks and comparing the water level difference between the tanks with a preset threshold value . In the washing machine according to claim 2,
The dehydration tank has a stirring device that agitates the water stored inside the dehydration tank.
A washing machine in which the control device operates the circulation pump while the stirring device is stopped, and the water level sensor is used to calculate the water level difference between the tanks. In the washing machine according to claim 2,
The dehydration tank has a stirring device that agitates the water stored inside the dehydration tank.
A washing machine in which the control device operates the circulation pump while the stirring device is operating, and the water level sensor is used to calculate the water level difference between the tanks. In the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
A washing machine in which a low-speed dehydration step is performed in which a rotation speed is limited and dehydration processing is performed based on a comparison result between the water level difference between tanks and the threshold value. In the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
A washing machine in which a high-speed dehydration process is performed in which dehydration treatment is performed without limiting the rotation speed based on the comparison result between the water level difference between the tanks and the threshold value. In the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A washing machine that notifies the user based on the comparison result between the water level difference between the tanks and the threshold value.

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