JPH04367694A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:Firstly, to prevent the accumulation of foreign matters and dirt on the bottom of a water tank by a nozzle, secondly, to enhance a washing effect by foam irrespective of whether the capacity of the washing is large or small, and thirdly, to eliminate dirt in an air pipe and the nozzle. CONSTITUTION:In the washing machine, a distance between a nozzle 17 and the bottom face of a water tank 2 is made larger than the hole diameter of a dehydrating hole 4. Also, a variable discharge quantity air pump 11a is provided, and an air quantity control means for controlling this discharge quantity is provided. Moreover, an air leading-in line washing processing execution means is provided in an operation program.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine having a foam washing function.

0002

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years, foam cleaning has been attracting attention, which aims to improve the cleaning effect by generating air bubbles during washing to promote the dissolution of detergent into washing water and the penetration of washing liquid into clothes.

The invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-46233 will be described below with reference to the drawings as an example of a conventional washing machine having this foam cleaning function.

FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of a washing machine having a foam cleaning function disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-46233. This washing machine includes a water tank 2 housed in an outer tank 1, a washing/dehydration tank (hereinafter referred to as "washing tank") 3, a rotation transmission mechanism section 9, and an air supply section 10. The water tank 2 has a washing tub 3 inside. The washing tub 3 has a dehydration hole 4 on its outer circumferential surface.
It has a stirring blade 5 on the internal bottom surface.

The rotation transmission mechanism section 9 includes a motor 8 and a belt 7.
and a drive switching section 6, and is installed at the outer bottom of the water tank 2. Then, the rotation of the motor 8 is selectively transmitted to the stirring blade 5 and the washing tub 3. Air supply section 10
is composed of an air pump 11, an air pipe 12, and an automatic time switch 13. The automatic time switch 13 is connected to an operation panel 15 provided at the top of the washing machine body.
The air pump 11 is connected to the air pump 11. The air pipe 12 is connected to the air pump 11 and the bottom surface of the aquarium 2 in order to supply air obtained from the air pump 11 into the aquarium 2 . In the figure, 14 is an air discharge hole, and 16 is a drain pipe.

In the washing machine having the above structure, the air pump 11 is operated for a preset time by operating the automatic time switch 13 during washing to supply a fixed amount of air. The air is supplied into the water tank 2 from the air discharge hole 14 through the air pipe 12. The air supplied into the water tank 2 is distributed between the stirring blade 5 and the washing tank 3 and the dehydration hole 4.
The washing liquid is supplied into the washing tub 3 through the washing liquid, and bubbles are generated in the washing liquid. This promotes the dissolution of the detergent into the washing water and the penetration of the washing liquid into the clothes, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0007]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, the above conventional example has the following problems. Since the air pipe 12 is connected to the bottom of the water tank 2, it has a portion that is lower than the bottom of the water tank 2. Since the washing liquid containing dirt such as oil, dirt, sand, and lint remains in that area even after washing, dirt tends to accumulate inside the air pipe 12. As a result, air supply to the water tank 2 was hindered.

[0008] The same applicant as the present application submitted an improvement example for solving the problem in Japanese Patent Application No. 3-3449.
Disclosed in No. 8. An example of the improvement will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of this improved example. In this improved example, an air pipe 12 is installed at the bottom of the side of the water tank 2.
A nozzle 17 connected to is inserted. This nozzle 17 directs air from the air pump 11 to the air pipe 12.
It is supplied into the water tank 2 through. In the air pipe 12 and nozzle 17 of this improved example, since there is no part disposed below the bottom surface of the water tank 2, the problems described in the above-mentioned conventional example are significantly alleviated.

In FIG. 8, 18 is a drive circuit for the air pump 11, and 19 is a connection between the air pump 11 and the drive circuit 18.
This is the top panel with interior decoration. In addition, the same components as those in the conventional example are given the same numbers and their explanations are omitted.

However, even in the above-mentioned improved example, there are three problems that have not yet been solved. Below, these problems will be explained with reference to the figures.

Regarding the first problem, FIGS. 9 and 10
This is explained with reference to. This is a problem that presupposes an improved example. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing how the nozzle 17 attached to the water tank 2 becomes an obstacle and the foreign matter 20 remains without being discharged from the drain hole 16a.
and the drain pipe 16 are shown on the same cross section. In addition,
In the figure, 12 is an air pipe, and 2a is the bottom surface of the water tank. FIG. 10 is an illustrative plan view showing how the nozzle 17 becomes an obstacle and the foreign matter 20 remains without being discharged. Here, the term "foreign matter" refers to solid matter that exists in the washing liquid and has passed through the dehydration hole 4 and come out into the water tank 2. Referring to these figures, identify the foreign matter 2 that has passed through the dehydration hole 4 and has come out into the water tank 2.
0 is larger than the distance between the outer peripheral bottom surface of the nozzle 17 and the aquarium bottom surface 2a, the foreign object 20 remains in the aquarium 2 in a state caught by the nozzle 17. As such foreign matter 20 accumulates, the drainage capacity decreases. Further, as the foreign matter 20 is further deposited, it is assumed that, for example, the deposited foreign matter 20 comes into contact with the bottom of the washing tub 3, causing noise, or that the rotation of the washing tub 3 is restricted. be done.

Next, the second problem will be described with reference to FIG. This is a common problem in both the conventional example and the improved example. FIG. 11 shows the relationship between the rotational force of the stirring blade 5, the amount of air supplied by the air pump 11, and the capacity of the laundry. Here, the rotational force of the stirring blade 5 will be explained. The rotation time of the stirring blades 5 changes by changing the energization time to the motor 8, but if this time is long, a strong water flow can be generated in the washing liquid in the washing tub 3. This case is expressed as having a large rotational force. Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 11, the rotational force of the stirring blades 5 was changed depending on the volume of laundry, but the amount of air supplied by the air pump 11 was constant. Therefore, when the volume of laundry is small, since the amount of laundry is small, the amount of air bubbles that adhere to the laundry and remain in the washing liquid is also small. Therefore, the cleaning effect due to air bubbles is reduced. In addition, since the amount of air bubbles remaining in the washing liquid is small, washing is performed mainly using the rotational force of the stirring blade 5, which increases the damage to the fabric. When the volume of the laundry is large, the amount of laundry is large, so the amount of air bubbles that adhere to the laundry and remain in the washing liquid increases. However, because the washing water level is high, washing tub 3
There was a problem with air bubbles overflowing.

The third problem proposed is a problem common to the conventional example and the improved example. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, during washing, the washing water in the washing tub 3 also enters the air pipe 12 due to the structure of the washing machine. Therefore, water scale, detergent scum, etc. gradually adhere to the inside of the air pipe 12. Although there is a marked difference in degree between the conventional example and the improved example,
This is a problem that is acknowledged by both parties. If even the improved example is used for a long period of time, it is conceivable that the air pipe 12 will become blocked and air will not be supplied into the water tank 2.

[0015] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned three problems, and the first object of this invention is to
Although this is based on an improved example, the nozzle 17 removes foreign particles 20.
To provide a washing machine which can prevent water from accumulating on the bottom surface of a water tank 2. A second object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can enhance the cleaning effect of air bubbles regardless of the volume of laundry. Third part of this invention
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of removing dirt within the air pipe 12 and nozzle 17.

[0016]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention includes an aquarium, a washing tub disposed in the aquarium and having a dehydration hole, an air pump, and an air introduction path for feeding air discharged from the air pump into the aquarium. Assumes a washing machine.

[0017] In the first aspect, an air introduction path for feeding air into the aquarium is provided with a nozzle extending toward the center of the bottom surface of the aquarium. The distance between the nozzle and the bottom of the water tank is made larger than the diameter of the dehydration hole.

[0018] The second aspect includes a variable discharge amount air pump for feeding air into the water tank, and an air amount control means for controlling the discharge amount of the variable discharge amount air pump.

[0019] In the third aspect, the washing process completion detecting means is provided for detecting the completion of the washing process, and when the washing process completion detecting means detects that the washing process is finished, the rinsing process executing means is provided. Execute the rinsing process. After execution of the rinsing process, when the rinsing process end detection means detects that the rinsing process has been completed, the wastewater treatment execution means executes the waste water treatment. After the waste water treatment is executed, when the waste water treatment end detection means detects that the waste water treatment has ended, the air introduction passage cleaning process execution means executes a rinsing process for cleaning the air introduction passage.

[0020]

[Operation] In the first aspect, the distance between the nozzle and the bottom of the aquarium is larger than the diameter of the dehydration hole, so foreign objects and dirt that pass through the dehydration hole and come out into the aquarium are not blocked by the nozzle. Can be discharged.

In the second aspect, the amount of air sent into the water tank is changed by changing the discharge amount of the air pump depending on the volume of the laundry. Thereby, the amount of bubbles generated in the washing liquid can be made appropriate depending on the volume of the laundry.

[0022] In the third aspect, since the air introduction path cleaning process step is provided in advance in the operation program, the air introduction path is cleaned every time washing is carried out. Here, the air introduction path cleaning process will be explained. This can be done by performing a process similar to a normal rinsing process. When the rinsing process is executed, water is supplied into the washing tub. At this time, water also enters the air introduction path to the same level as the water level in the washing tub. Then, by performing a process similar to a normal rinsing process, the water in the air introduction passage rises and falls. Thereby, the inside of the air introduction path is cleaned. At this time, it is desirable that the water entering the air introduction passage be in a state close to fresh water, so this step is provided after the normal rinsing step.

[0023]

[Embodiments] Examples based on the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a washing machine incorporating the contents of the three embodiments described below. Although FIG. 1 will be referred to in the description of the three embodiments described below, it is sufficient that each of the three embodiments has its characteristic parts and is not restricted to the other embodiments. In addition, the same numbers are given to the same components as in the conventional example and the improved example.

The washing machine shown in FIG. 1 has an outer tub 1 and a water tub 2 installed therein. A washing tank 3 is installed inside the water tank 2.
A stirring blade 5 is attached to the inside bottom of the washing tub 3. The washing tub 3 has a dewatering hole 4 on its outer peripheral surface. A nozzle mounting hole 22 is formed at the bottom of the side of the water tank 2.
A nozzle 17 is inserted. The nozzle 17 is connected to a variable discharge amount air pump 11a via an air pipe 12. The variable discharge amount air pump 11a is housed together with a control circuit 18a in a top plate 19 provided at the top of the washing machine main body. The control circuit 18a is connected to the variable discharge amount air pump 11a and controls its discharge amount.

After the air discharged from the nozzle 17 passes through the passage hole 25 provided in the flange 26, it passes through the stirring blade 5.
It is supplied into the washing tub 3 through a hole 24 provided in the center of the washing tub 3. At the outer bottom of the water tank 2, there is a rotation transmission mechanism part 9 that selectively transmits the rotation of the motor 8 to the washing tank 3 and the stirring blades 5.
is provided. The rotation transmission mechanism section includes a motor 8, a belt 7, a driven pulley 21, and a drive switching section 6. The motor 8 is attached to the bottom of the water tank 2 and transmits its rotation to the drive switching section 6 via the belt 7 and the driven pulley 21. By the action of the drive switching unit 6, the stirring blade 5 rotates during washing, and the washing tub 3 rotates during dewatering.

A magnet 2 is attached to the bottom surface of the driven pulley 21.
3 is installed. A reed switch 20 is installed at a position facing the magnet 23 and spaced apart from it by a predetermined distance. The reed switch 20 is the control circuit 18
a, and detects the rotation of the driven pulley 21, that is, the rotation speed of the stirring blade 5 or the washing tub 3. and,
The detected signal is sent to control circuit 18a. In addition, in the figure, 16 is a drain pipe, and 28 is a drain valve.

The first embodiment will be explained below with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the nozzle 17 and its surrounding area in FIG.
This is a foreign object that passed through and came out into the aquarium 2. Also, 3
0 is a screw that fixes the nozzle 17 to the bottom surface 2a of the aquarium,
12 is an air pipe, and 16 is a drain pipe. In this embodiment, the distance H from the aquarium bottom surface 2a to the nozzle 17
is larger than the pore diameter of the dehydration hole 4. Therefore, the foreign matter 20 that has passed through the dehydration hole 4 is transferred to the nozzle 1.
7 and is discharged to the outside of the system through the drainage pipe 16 without accumulating on the bottom surface 2a of the water tank. Note that it is said that the diameter of the dehydration hole 4 is usually about 6 to 7 mm, so the distance H from the bottom surface 2a of the water tank to the nozzle 17 should be a larger value, in this case larger than 7 mm. Bye. Furthermore, if the diameter of the dehydration hole 4 is larger than the above-mentioned size, the value of H may be determined according to that value.

Next, a second embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 shows a block diagram for controlling the rotational force of the stirring blade 5 and the amount of air supplied. First, at the beginning of washing, in order to detect the volume of the laundry, the stirring blades 5 are rotated, which is controlled by a volume detection chart that is previously incorporated into the operation program. Thereby, the rotation speed of the stirring blade 5 changes depending on the volume of laundry. By detecting the rotation speed of the stirring blade 5, the volume of laundry is detected. The stirring blade 5 is connected to the driven pulley 2 via the drive switching unit 6.
1, the rotation speed of the stirring blade 5 is detected by detecting the rotation speed of the driven pulley 21 using the reed switch 20 as the sensor 50. and,
Based on the detected rotation speed, the motor control means 51 controls the energization time to the motor 8, and at the same time, the variable discharge amount air pump control means 53 controls the variable discharge amount air pump 11.
It also controls the discharge amount of a. Thereby, appropriate rotational force of the stirring blade 5 and air supply amount can be obtained according to the detected capacity.

Next, an example of a control method will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the volume of laundry, the rotational force of the stirring blade 5, and the amount of air supplied, which change accordingly. When the volume of laundry is small, the rotational force of the stirring blades 5 is reduced and the amount of air supplied is increased. In order to reduce the rotational force of the stirring blades 5, the time when the motor 8 is energized is shortened.
To increase the amount of air supplied, use a variable discharge air pump 1.
Control is performed to increase the discharge amount of 1a per unit time. Moreover, when the volume of laundry is large, the rotational force of the stirring blade 5 is increased and the amount of air supplied is decreased. This results in
When the volume of the laundry is small, the amount of air supplied is increased, which increases the amount of bubbles generated, and the cleaning effect due to the bubbles can be enhanced. When the volume of laundry is large, by reducing the amount of air supplied, the amount of air bubbles generated can be reduced, and overflow of air bubbles from the water tank 2 can be prevented.

In FIG. 4, the stirring blades 5 are
Although the rotational force and the air supply amount were changed continuously, they may be changed stepwise. Further, although the detected capacity is transmitted to each of the motor control means 51 and the variable discharge amount air pump control means 53, it may be transmitted to one and the other controlled accordingly. In the above case, a device equipped with a capacitance detection means was cited as an example of an embodiment, but a capacitance detection device is not provided and a capacitance setting switch etc. is provided in advance, and it is not possible to manually operate it. The capacity may be determined based on the following.

Next, regarding the third embodiment, FIGS. 5 and 6
Explain with reference to. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the control section of this embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow step by step from the washing process to the pipe washing and rinsing process. Here, the pipe cleaning and rinsing process refers to the air pipe 12 and the nozzle 17.
This is a process designed to clean the First, the control section of this embodiment shown in FIG. 5 will be explained. The control section includes a control circuit 18a, an external input section 60, and an external output section 6.
It consists of 1. Then, the signal detected by the external input section 60 is input to the control circuit 18a, and the control circuit 18a controls the operation of the external output section 61 based on the signal. The control circuit 18a includes an electronic timer 62 and an arithmetic processing unit 6.
3, a clock control circuit 64, a memory 65 storing control sequences for various washing processes, an input buffer control circuit 66, and an output buffer control circuit 67.

The external input section 60 includes a power switch 68 that supplies power to the entire device, a lid switch 69 that is linked to opening and closing of the lid, a water level switch 70 that detects the water level injected into the washing tub 3, and a washing process control switch 68 that supplies power to the entire device. It has a program switch 71 for selecting the combination contents and a rotation speed detection switch 72, and signals from each switch are input to the input buffer control circuit 66 of the control circuit 18a. The external output section 61 includes a drain valve 73 that opens and closes when washing water is stored in the washing tub 3 or drains it, a water supply valve 74 that opens and closes when water is supplied, a motor 8, and an alarm 75, and includes a control circuit 18a. The energization is controlled by the output buffer control circuit 67.

The steps from the washing process to the pipe washing and rinsing process of this embodiment, which are controlled by the above-mentioned control section, will be explained below with reference to FIG. First, after putting laundry and detergent into the washing tub 3, washing is started in step S1. Then, in step S2, water is supplied from the water supply valve 74. In step S3, the water level switch 70 detects that the water supplied into the washing tub 3 has reached a certain level, and the water supply valve 74 is closed. In step S4, the motor 8 is energized via the output buffer control circuit 67 to rotate the stirring blade 5 and perform the washing process. In step S5, after starting the washing process, the clock control circuit 64 and the electronic timer 62
The end of the washing time is detected by the operation of. In response to the end of the washing time being detected in step S5, the drain valve 73 is opened in S6 to drain water. In step S7, water is supplied again. In step S8,
The water level of the supplied water is detected by a water level switch 70. The water supply is stopped according to the detection result, and a rinsing process is performed in step S9.

In step S10, the end of the rinsing time is detected by the operation of the clock control circuit 64 and the electronic timer 62, and then in step S11, the drain valve 73 is opened and water is drained. In step S12, after the water level switch 70 detects that no water is left in the washing tub 3 after draining, a dewatering process is performed in step S13. In step S14,
After detecting the end of the dehydration time by the operation of the clock control circuit 64 and the electronic timer 62, step S15
By energizing the water supply valve 74 again, the water supply valve 74 opens and water is supplied. After a constant water level is detected by operating the water level switch 70 in step S16, a pipe cleaning rinsing process for cleaning the air pipe 12 and nozzle 17 is performed in step S17.

[0035] This makes it possible to clean the air pipe 12 and the inside of the nozzle 17 with water that is close to fresh water. Furthermore, since a pipe cleaning and rinsing process is incorporated into the operating program, it is possible to clean the air pipe 12 and nozzle 17 every time washing is performed. In the above embodiment, the pipe washing and rinsing process is performed after dehydration, but it may be performed after the rinsing process.

[0036]

[Effects of the Invention] The first effect based on this invention is that foreign matter and filth that have escaped from the dehydration hole are discharged from the drain hole without being obstructed by the nozzle provided along the bottom of the tank. It is possible to prevent a decrease in drainage capacity caused by the accumulation of foreign matter and filth. In addition, if the top surface of the aquarium comes into contact with the bottom of the dehydration tank due to accumulation of foreign matter or filth on the bottom of the aquarium, it prevents the rotation of the dehydration tank from being restricted or noise caused by contact, making it highly reliable. It becomes possible to provide products.

[0037] A second effect based on the present invention is that an appropriate amount of bubbles can be obtained depending on the volume of the laundry, so that the cleaning effect of the bubbles can be enhanced. Further, when the volume of laundry is small, the rotational force of the stirring blade is reduced, so that damage to the fabric can be reduced. Furthermore, since the rotational force of the stirring blade is reduced, the time during which the motor is energized can be shortened, resulting in power savings. Furthermore, since the rotational force of the stirring blade and the amount of air bubbles can be changed, it is possible to diversify the washing chart.

A third effect based on this invention is that it is possible to wash the inside of the air pipe and nozzle with water in a state close to fresh water after each wash, so the air pipe and air nozzle are free from dirt such as limescale and detergent scum. Foreign matter is much less likely to accumulate than in the past. As a result, even after many years of use, there is almost no concern that the air pipe or nozzle will become clogged and air bubbles will not be supplied to the aquarium.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 is a common sectional view of an embodiment according to the invention; FIG.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment based on the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the control principle of a second embodiment based on the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a control method of a second embodiment based on the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control section of a third embodiment based on the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of a washing process according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a conventional washing machine.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a washing machine as an improved example.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the first problem.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative plan view showing the first problem.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second problem.

[Explanation of symbols]

2　Aquarium 3. Washing tub 4 Dehydration hole 11 Air pump 11a Variable discharge amount air pump 12 Air pipe 17 Nozzle 18 Drive circuit 18a Control circuit

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A water tank, a dehydration tank disposed within the water tank and having a dehydration hole, an air pump for discharging air, and an air pump discharging air from the air pump into the water tank located below the dehydration tank. In the washing machine, the air introduction path includes a nozzle extending toward the center of the bottom surface of the water tank, and the distance between the nozzle and the bottom surface of the water tank is the distance between the nozzle and the bottom surface of the water tank. A washing machine characterized in that the diameter of the dehydration hole is larger than that of the dehydration hole. 2. A washing machine having a function of increasing the cleaning effect by sending air bubbles into a water tank during washing, the washing machine comprising: a variable discharge rate air pump for feeding air into the water tank; and controlling the discharge rate of the air pump. A washing machine equipped with an air volume control means for washing. 3. A washing machine having an air introduction path attached to the bottom of the water tank for supplying air into the water tank, the washing machine comprising: a washing process end detection means for detecting the end of the washing process; and a washing process end detection means for detecting the end of the washing process; a rinsing process execution means for executing a rinsing process in response to the detection means detecting that the washing process has been completed; a rinsing process completion detection unit for detecting the completion of the rinsing process; and a rinsing process completion detection unit. wastewater treatment execution means for executing wastewater treatment in response to detection that the rinsing treatment has been completed; wastewater treatment completion detection means for detecting the completion of the wastewater treatment; A washing machine comprising: an air introduction passage cleaning process execution means for executing a rinsing process for cleaning the air introduction passage in response to detection that the drainage treatment is completed.