JPH04193295A - Washing controlling method for washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable the optimum control of washing, rinsing, and dehydrating to be performed by permitting electrodes to come in direct contact with washing solution, and by applying high-frequency voltage to a section between the electrodes, to grasp the state of the washing solution directly as the change of impedance between the electrodes. CONSTITUTION:To an electrification sensor 10, the high frequency of about 10KHz for example generated by a high-frequency oscillator via an insulating transformer 17a is applied, and the change of impedance to be changed according to a state (water only, detergent density, dirt degree, and the like) between the electrodes 10b of the electrification sensor 10 is grasped by the change of the primary side voltage of the insulating transformer 17a through a sensor reading circuit, and the input to a micro-computer is provided. Then, by the micro-computer, the kinds and states of washing solution in an external tank 4 and the kinds of clothing are detected through processing to be compared with a previously stored data. As a result, optimum washing, rinsing, and dehydrating control can be performed.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention provides a method for controlling the washing process by sensor output for detecting the state of washing liquid in a washing machine that washes clothes with detergent such as liquid or powder. Regarding.

[Conventional technology]

Conventional sensors for detecting the concentration and dirtiness of washing liquid use optical sensors used by manufacturers of washing machines and other machines to detect the turbidity of the washing liquid and detect the condition of the washing liquid. Are known.

The structure of the optical sensor is to place a light emitting part and a light receiving part on the outside of a transparent or semi-transparent case, and detect the state of the washing liquid based on the level of light transmittance due to the turbidity of the washing liquid inside the case. be.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

The above conventional technology detects the difference in the state of the washing liquid by looking at the turbidity of the liquid and detecting it by the transmittance of light. The light transmittance changes significantly, making it impossible to obtain accurate measurements.

2. Just adding detergent makes the washing liquid very cloudy, making it difficult to determine the amount of dirt.

3. No matter how many times you rinse clothes and detergent, a small amount of surfactant remains and this liquid is stirred with a stirring blade, causing foaming, which reduces light transmittance and creates a cloudy state. judge.

There are problems such as.

An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor for detecting the state of a washing liquid that can accurately detect the type of detergent, the degree of detergent, and the amount of dirt, and is less prone to errors in detection accuracy due to secular changes, and to reduce the sensor output during the washing process. It captures changes and performs optimal control of washing, rinsing, and dehydration.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the electrodes are brought into direct contact with the washing liquid, a high frequency voltage is applied between the electrodes, and the state of the washing liquid is directly detected as a change in impedance between the electrodes.

Furthermore, by setting the frequency of the applied high-frequency voltage in the range of 1 to 30 KHz, when considered as a washing machine, it is possible to detect the difference between the measured liquid (tap water or well water) and the detergent liquid at the concentration specified by the manufacturer due to frequency fluctuations. It is possible to obtain a highly accurate sensor for detecting the condition of the washing liquid with small variations in conductive dust.By comparing the sensor output immediately after washing and the sensor output immediately after rinsing, it is possible to determine the type of clothing (fabric quality). It is for discrimination.

[Effect]

By applying a high frequency voltage of 1 to 30 KHz between the electrodes and using the washing liquid condition detection sensor as a high frequency conductivity sensor that detects the condition of the washing liquid as an impedance change between the electrodes, changes in the sensor output during the washing process can be realized. By comparing these, the type (fabric quality) of the clothing can be determined, making it possible to perform rinsing control and dehydration control suitable for the clothing.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

A washing machine adopting the present invention is shown in FIG.

The outer tank 4 is suspended within an outer frame 1 made of a steel plate by means of hanging supports 2 and 34 vibration isolators.

A washing and dewatering tank 5 is rotatably provided in an outer tank 4 for storing water during washing. The washing and dehydration tank is provided with a large number of dehydration holes 5a. A pulsator 6 for stirring the washing is arranged in the center of the washing and dehydrating tank. On the bottom of the outer tank 4 is a motor 7 for movement,
A clutch 8 for dewatering and washing switching, a drain valve motor 9 for clutch operation and drain valve opening/closing are installed, and a high frequency conductivity sensor 10 (hereinafter referred to as conductivity sensor) for measuring high frequency conductivity of the washing liquid is installed on the bottom side wall. is installed so that it penetrates the bottom of the outer tank 4 and is immersed in water.

As shown in Fig. 2, the conductivity sensor 10 is made of stainless steel or brass with carbon printing applied to the surface, and the electrode part and external connection terminal part 10c are insert-molded into a synthetic resin sensor case 10a, which is then glued to the bottom of the outer tank 4. It is configured to be adhesively fixed with adhesive 11. At this time, electric +k 10
b and the sensor case 10a are substantially on the same plane.

Also, is the height H from the bottom of the outer tank 4 to the electrode the same as the residual water level in the residual water activation method, which dehydrates a small amount of water in the outer tank in order to reduce the relative unbalance during dehydration? It has a height of less than that.

Furthermore, there is a dehydration hole 5 of the washing and dehydration tank at a position lower than the height H.
The configuration is such that a is not provided.

1-An operation panel section 13 is provided at the rear of the tube cover 12, and within the operation panel 13 is provided a water supply electromagnetic jP14 for supplying water from a faucet into the tank. Water supply solenoid valve 1
The outlet 4 is branched into an in-tank water supply port 15a that directly supplies water to the washing/dehydration MJ5, and a sensor water supply port 15b that supplies water between the outer tub 4 provided on the tank cover 16 and the washing/dehydration tank. (The water supply solenoid valve 14 and the sensor water supply port 15b are connected with a flexible hose) Sensor water supply port 15
The conductivity sensor 10 is located substantially directly below b.

A water level sensor (not shown) for detecting the water level in the outer tub 4 and a control board 17 for controlling the washing machine are further disposed within the operation panel 13. As shown in FIG. 3, the control board includes a microcomputer for controlling via the power switch 18, a power supply circuit, an LED display circuit, an external operation switch circuit, and a solenoid output circuit.

It consists of an output circuit, a high frequency oscillation circuit for controlling the conductivity sensor 10, a sensor reading circuit, and the like.

A high frequency of about 10X+lz generated by a high frequency oscillator is applied to the conductivity sensor 1o via an isolation transformer 17a, and changes depending on the condition between the electrodes 10b of the conductivity sensor 10 (water only, detergent concentration, amount of dirt, etc.). The change in impedance is detected by the sensor reading circuit as a change in the primary side voltage of the isolation transformer 17a, and is input to the microcontroller.
The type and condition of the washing liquid in the outer tub 4 and the type of clothing are detected by comparison with data stored in advance.

Next, the operation of the washing machine and the control method using the conductivity sensor 10 will be explained. Add detergent and laundry and turn on the power switch.''
and by the outer tank operation switch.

Set the "Standard" fully automatic course and press the "Start" button to execute the fully automatic continuous rotation.

First, the water supply solenoid valve J4 opens to start water supply. The supplied water is branched into two parts, one of which is directly supplied to the washing and dehydrating tank 5, and the laundry is thoroughly soaked with water and detergent. On the other hand, the sensor water supply port 15b connects to the washing/dehydration tank 5.
Water is supplied between the tank and the outer tank 4. Since the electric sensor 10 is located almost directly below the sensor water supply port 15b, it comes into direct contact with tap water. Water supply is almost conductive sensor 1
The water level sensor detects that the upper end of the electrode 10b at 0 has been reached, and the conductivity at that time is set to 1 (II+ and this is the initial conductivity V. It is stored in the microcomputer as -Vo).
V for 3. -2, 5 or the value of Vo from the previous measurement. This allows accurate control by correcting the data measured by the conductivity sensor 10 due to differences in tap water hardness, temperature, and components. Approximately 3 seconds are required to stop the water supply, detect the amount of clothing, and determine the set water level.
Execute the cloth amount sensing step of stirring for 0 seconds. Measure the electrical conductivity Vw of the washing liquid after the cloth amount sensing step and store this value in the microcomputer. Next, water is supplied to the water level automatically set by cloth amount sensing, and after stirring for 1 minute, the agitation initial type conductivity V Measure □ and store it in the microcomputer. Furthermore, the conductivity Vz immediately before the end of washing and stirring is measured.

When the washing is completed, the first rinsing drain and dewatering steps are executed, then the rinsing water supply is started, and when the water supply reaches the specified water level, the rinsing agitation is executed.

The first rinsing conductivity Vs immediately before the end of rinsing and stirring is measured and stored in the microcomputer. Next, a second rinsing step is performed. In the second rinsing step, the same steps as the first rinsing step are performed, and the rinsing mold conductivity Vs2 immediately before the end of rinsing and stirring is measured and stored in the microcomputer. Once the rinsing is complete, the final dehydration process begins. During spin-drying, the water contained in the laundry is thrown out into the outer tub 4 by centrifugal force.
dl and descends to the wall surface of the conductive sensor 1o, and reaches between the electrode parts of the conductive sensor 1o. As the spin-drying time elapses, the amount of water coming out of the laundry gradually decreases, and the time during which the conductivity Vo during spin-drying becomes almost the same value as air or the sensor case 10a gradually increases. 'r is set to 4111.

As described above, the conductivity in each washing process of water supply, washing, rinsing, and dehydration is determined by nI, and each value is stored in the microcomputer.
By comparing with pre-programmed data and performing calculations, the execution time and steps of each process can be controlled as follows, and the optimum washing course can be executed.

When the standard course is set and the water level is set by sensing the amount of cloth, the standard course corresponding to the pre-programmed amount of cloth is determined.Now, when the amount of cloth is 4.0 - high water level is set, 9 minutes of washing, 1 rinse, 2 minutes of dehydration, 2 minutes of stirring, 2nd rinse, 2.5 minutes of stirring, 2.5 minutes of dehydration, and 5 minutes of dehydration.

1. Changing the washing time depending on the type of "detergent" Current liquid detergents have a small change in conductivity compared to water, and powder detergents have a large change, so we calculated Vwo Vo = VW and calculated the conductivity of water as shown in Figure 4. The washing time will be changed depending on the judgment.

2. Changing the washing time depending on the method of adding detergent Powdered detergent dissolves easily depending on the method of adding it.If it is dissolved in water beforehand or if it is added to the bottom of the barrel, it is easier to dissolve.
If the detergent is added to the upper part of the clothes, it is difficult to dissolve, so the calculation of V, -Vw=V1w is performed, and the method of adding the detergent is detected by the judgment in FIG. 5, and the washing time is changed.

3. Changing the washing time depending on the amount of dirt (large or small) Since the conductivity of the washing liquid changes depending on the amount of dirt, calculate V, V x = V 1i and determine the degree of dirt based on the judgment in Figure 6. Detect and change washing time. However, the comparison data of VW engineering at this time shall be kept for each water level.

4. Changing the rinsing method depending on detergent solution concentration (including soiling condition) and type of clothing When the same rinsing method is performed, the final rinsing solution concentration differs depending on the initial detergent concentration and the type of clothing to be washed. In other words, if the clothes are the same, if the detergent traces are thick, rinsing may not be sufficient, and if the detergent traces are thin, rinsing may be over-rinsed (water retention). In addition, when the detergent solution is the same, in the case of cotton clothes, the detergent does not easily remove the detergent, so it is necessary to rinse thoroughly, while in the case of fabrics, the detergent does not easily remove, so just rinsing lightly will result in sufficient rinsing. Become.

By detecting the conductivity of the rinsing agitation liquid and rinsing until it reaches a predetermined concentration, a satisfactory rinsing result can be obtained by optimizing the rinsing method according to the concentration of the washing liquid and the type of clothing. It is something.

Electrical conductivity of the rinsing stirring liquid Vs□. , Vs2o and control method・
The control for the first rinse is shown in Figure 7.The control for the second rinse is shown in Figure 8.The conductivity V S Z O measurement result just before the end of the second stirring is determined to be insufficient rinsing, and 2 minutes of water injection and rinsing are added. The conductivity is measured again 2 minutes after pouring and rinsing, and if it is determined that rinsing is insufficient, an additional 2 minutes of water pouring and rinsing can be added to achieve a more satisfactory rinse. When the two water injection rinses are completed, regardless of the degree of rinsing, the final dehydration is performed to prevent a large amount of wasted water from being used due to malfunction or malfunction of the conductivity sensor 10.

5. Changing the spin-drying time depending on the type of clothing (cotton, non-woven fabric) Considering the spin-drying time depending on the quality of the clothes being washed, for cotton materials that are difficult to remove water from, increasing the spin-drying time will further improve the spin-drying rate. can be done.

In addition, the dehydration rate of fabrics and blended fabrics that have good desorption properties tends to be saturated after a short dehydration time.

The quality of clothing is determined by the difference between the electrical conductivity just before the end of washing ■□ and the electrical conductivity Vs just before the end of the first stirring of the rinse ■LS = Vi-
■3. The final spin time can be determined based on this data.
It automatically sets the optimal dehydration time to improve the dehydration rate for cotton, and to obtain the highest dehydration rate with fewer wrinkles for cotton and blended fabrics.

FIG. 9 shows the dehydration time depending on the value of conductivity V z s□.

6. Correcting the spin-drying time depending on the amount and type of laundry, mechanical loss, etc. The spin-drying time is determined by the type of clothing in item 5, but in reality, the time required to reach constant speed rotation depends on the amount of laundry, mechanical loss, etc. Since the actual dehydration time differs, it is necessary to correct the required dehydration time. As a correction method, the flow of water during dehydration is detected by the conductivity sensor 10 using the method described above, and the time T during which the conductivity VO≧1 is measured. By detecting when T becomes longer than 20 seconds, determining that the dehydration rate is in a substantially stable state, and performing dehydration for +2 minutes from that state, it is possible to obtain the optimum dehydration state in the minimum necessary time.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, the type of clothing (fabric quality) can be detected and the optimal rinsing control and dehydration control can be automatically determined. It is possible to prevent wastage of water due to rinsing of the drain system and prevention of wrinkles during dehydration.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a washing machine equipped with one embodiment, Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along A-A of the washing liquid state detection sensor, Fig. 3 is a controller block circuit diagram, and Figs. 4 to 9 are washing machine. It is a figure showing one example of a sensor control method in each process. 4...Outer tank, 5.Washing/dehydration tank, 6...Pulsator. Exit Z 3rd day 1B Tea 40

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. In a washing machine in which a sensor for detecting the state of washing liquid during the washing process is installed in a water tank, the sensor output of the washing liquid immediately after washing and the rinsing liquid immediately after the first rinsing is completed. A washing control method for a washing machine characterized by determining the type (fabric quality) of clothing by comparison. 2. A washing control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the type (fabric quality) of the clothing is determined based on the difference in sensor output of the liquid before and after the end of washing and immediately after the end of the first rinse. 3. In claim 1 or 2, the type of clothing (
1. A washing control method for a washing machine, which comprises controlling the length of time or number of times of rinsing after the second rinse, and the number of rotations or length of time during spin-drying after determining the fabric quality. 4. In claim 1, 2, or 3, the washing liquid state detection sensor is configured to apply a high frequency voltage of 1 to 30 KHz between the electrodes, and detect the state of the washing liquid as an impedance change between the electrodes. A washing control method for a washing machine characterized by using a conductivity sensor.