JPH0663280A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To set the initial value accurately by a method wherein before water is fed in the washing vessel, it is adjusted so that a detected value of the turbidity detecting means may become a set initial value, and when the detected output during water is fed to a set water level changes higher than a set variation quantity, the detected output is re-adjusted so that the detected output may become the initial value again. CONSTITUTION:When a power source switch is turned on, a microcomputer 21 reads a detecting signal from a turbidity sensor 12, and the voltage level of the detecting signal is adjusted so that it may become an initial value which is previously set, e.g. 3.5V. By doing this, the initial value setting for a detected value of the turbidity sensor 12 prior to the water feeding from a water feeding valve 19 can be done. Then, the microcomputer 21 detects the voltage value variation of the detected signal until the start key is turned on, and when the variation reaches a set value or higher, it is adjusted to the initial value again. Then, the detected signal of the turbidity sensor 12 shows a variation which is a set quantity or higher while water is fed in the washing vessel from the water feeding valve 19 to a specified water level, it is re-adjusted to the initial value again.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine provided with water supply means for supplying water into a tub and turbidity detection means for detecting turbidity of washing water in the tub.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a washing machine of this type, it is necessary to adjust the detection output from the turbidity detecting means to a preset initial value when fresh water is supplied to the turbidity detecting means. There is. On the other hand, in the conventional configuration, at the time when the water level sensor detects that the water has been supplied into the tank, that is, at the time when the water level sensor has supplied water to the lowest detectable water level,
The initial value of the detection output of the turbidity detecting means is set.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional structure, since the water is supplied to the minimum water level that can be detected by the water level sensor, the detergent reaches the turbidity detecting means depending on the method of introducing the detergent. However, there is a case where the above initial value setting is executed with water mixed with a detergent, that is, the initial value setting is erroneous. In such a case, the determination of the type of detergent and the amount of detergent based on the detection output of the turbidity detection means becomes inaccurate, so that the settings such as the washing time and the strength of the wash water flow become inaccurate, There were problems such as damage and insufficient washing.

As a constitution for solving this problem, if the initial value of the turbidity detecting means is adjusted at the initial point of starting water supply, that is, before reaching the minimum water level detectable by the water level sensor, the detergent The above initial value adjustment can be performed with fresh water that does not mix with water, and the determination based on the detection output of the turbidity detection means becomes accurate. However, in this configuration, since the initial value adjustment is performed before the water level sensor reaches the minimum detectable water level, the water level sensor cannot detect the presence or absence of water in the tank during the initial value adjustment. There is a possibility that the initial value of the detection output of the turbidity detecting means may be set with air when there is no water inside, that is, with air. Therefore, the above configuration could not be actually used.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to ensure that the initial value of the turbidity detecting means can be set when fresh water containing no detergent is supplied, and the initial value of the turbidity detecting means can be set accurately. The purpose is to provide a washing machine that can be used.

[0006]

A washing machine of the present invention comprises a water supply means for supplying water into a tub and a turbidity detecting means for detecting turbidity of washing water in the tub, The initial value setting means for setting the initial value of the detection output output from the turbidity detection means is preset with the detection output output from the turbidity detection means before the water supply means supplies water into the tank. First adjust to the initial value
The adjusting output of the turbidity detecting means changes from the adjusting means of the first adjusting means until the washing water is supplied to the set water level in the tub after the adjustment by the first adjusting means. It is characterized in that it is composed of second adjusting means for readjusting the detection output outputted from the turbidity detecting means to the initial value again.

[0007]

The size of the detection output value output from the turbidity detection means when water is supplied and the value of the detection output output from the turbidity detection means when water is not supplied, that is, air is turbid. There is a considerable difference between the magnitude of the detection output output from the turbidity detecting means when the turbidity detecting means detects the turbidity. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not water has been supplied to the turbidity detection means, based on the change in the magnitude of the detection output value output from the turbidity detection means. The present invention is
This was done paying attention to this point.

According to the above means, before the water is supplied into the tub by the water supply means, the detection output outputted from the turbidity detection means is adjusted to a preset initial value, and after this adjustment, washing is performed. When the detection output output from the turbidity detection means changes by a set change amount or more until the water is supplied to the set water level in the tank, the detection output output from the turbidity detection means is again the initial value. Since it was configured to readjust the water, it was confirmed that water was supplied to the turbidity detection means at the initial point when water supply was started, that is, before reaching the minimum water level detectable by the water level sensor. Thus, it becomes possible to adjust the initial value of the turbidity detecting means.

Therefore, the initial value adjustment can be performed with fresh water in which the detergent is not mixed, and the determination based on the detection output of the turbidity detecting means becomes accurate. In this case, it can be confirmed that the water is supplied by the change in the detection output of the turbidity detecting unit, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the setting of the initial value of the detection output of the turbidity detecting unit with air.

Further, in the above construction, when the bath water or the like is manually put into the tank before the water is supplied to the tank by the water supplying means, the turbidity of the bath water or the like is adjusted by the first adjusting means. Initial value adjustment of the detection means is performed. Further, when the bath water or the like is manually put into the tank after the adjustment by the first adjusting means and before the water is supplied into the tank by the water supplying means, the bath water or the like is adjusted by the second adjusting means. Then, the initial value of the turbidity detecting means is adjusted again. Therefore, even when bath water or the like is manually put into the tank, the initial value of the turbidity detecting means can be reliably set with fresh water into which the detergent is not mixed.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a combined washing machine for dehydration will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, in FIG. 2 showing the entire structure of the washing machine for both dehydration and use, a water receiving tank 2 is elastically supported in an outer box 1 via an elastic suspension mechanism 3. Inside the water receiving tank 2, there is provided a rotating tank 4 which is a washing tank and a dehydration basket. An agitator 5 for washing is arranged on the inner bottom of the rotary tub 4.

A motor 6 for washing and dewatering operations and a drive mechanism section 7 are provided on the outer bottom of the water receiving tank 2. The motor 6 is composed of, for example, a single-phase induction motor. The drive mechanism section 7 decelerates the rotation of the motor 6 during washing and transmits it to only the stirring body 5 to rotate it, and transmits the rotation of the motor 6 to the stirring body 5 and the rotary tub 4 during dehydration. Then, both are integrally rotated at high speed.

A drain case 8, a drain valve 10 and a drain hose 11 are provided at a drain port 8 formed at the bottom of the water receiving tank 2.
Is provided. Then, the drainage case 9 is provided with a turbidity sensor 12 as a turbidity detecting means for detecting the turbidity of the washing water in the rotary tub 4 (water receiving tub 2).

The turbidity sensor 12 is composed of, for example, a transmission type optical sensor, and as shown in detail in FIG.
A light emitting element 13 including a light emitting diode and the like and a light receiving element 14 including a phototransistor and the like are provided in a facing state. In the turbidity sensor 12, the light receiving element 14 receives the light emitted from the light emitting element 13 through the wash water that has reached the inside of the drainage case 9 from the rotary tub 4, and the light receiving signal is output from the light receiving element 14 as a detection output. It is configured to be output. In this case, the higher the turbidity of the wash water, the lower the voltage level of the light receiving signal, and the turbidity of the wash water can be detected according to the magnitude of the voltage level. .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the air trap 1
5 is provided adjacent to the drainage port 8, and a water level sensor 16 (see FIG. 4) is connected to the air trap 15 via an air tube 17. The water level sensor 16 is arranged in the rear portion of the upper cover 18 of the outer box 1. Further, a water supply valve, for example, a water supply valve 19 (see FIG. 4) is provided at a rear portion of the upper cover 18. Further, various switches 2 are provided on the front portion of the upper cover 18.
Operation panel (not shown) with 0 (see FIG. 4)
Is provided.

In FIG. 4 showing the electrical structure, a control circuit, for example, a microcomputer 21 stores a control program for controlling the washing and dehydrating operations in general. The microcomputer 21 has a function as an initial value setting means, that is, each function as a first adjusting means and a second adjusting means.

The microcomputer 21 receives various switch signals from the various switches 20, a water level detection signal from the water level sensor 16, and a detection signal from the turbidity sensor 12. Then, the microcomputer 21 drives the display unit 22, the motor 6, the drain valve 10 and the water supply valve 19 provided on the operation panel, respectively, into the drive circuit 23.
Is configured to be drive-controlled via .about.26.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 1 shows the control content of the control part which sets the initial value of the detection signal (light reception signal) as the detection output output from the turbidity sensor 12 of the control program stored in the microcomputer 21. It is a thing.

When the user turns on the power switch to execute the washing operation, "YE" is displayed in step S1.
Then, the microcomputer 21 reads the detection signal from the turbidity sensor 12 (step S2). Subsequently, the microcomputer 21 determines that the voltage level of the detection signal from the turbidity sensor 12 is the preset initial value V0.
Adjustment is performed so as to be (for example, 3.5 V) (step S3).

Specifically, the light receiving element 1 of the turbidity sensor 12
Switching the adjustment resistor connected to the 4 side,
By changing the magnitude of the current that is passed through 3, the detection signal (the light reception signal output from the light receiving element 14)
The voltage level of is adjusted to the initial value V0. By this adjustment, the initial value of the detection output of the turbidity sensor 12 is set before opening the water supply valve 19 and starting water supply into the rotary tank 4 (water receiving tank 2). In this case, the rotary tank 4
Since water has not yet entered the (water receiving tank 2), the magnitude of the voltage value of the detection signal output when the turbidity sensor 12 detects air is adjusted to the initial value V0.
That is, the initial value of the detection output of the turbidity sensor 12 is set by air.

After this adjustment, the microcomputer 21 detects a change in the voltage value of the detection signal output from the turbidity sensor 12 until the start key is turned on by the user, and the detected change is detected. When the value exceeds the set change amount, control is performed to readjust the detection signal output from the turbidity sensor 12 again to the initial value V0 (steps S4, S5, S6, S7). This control part is a control for dealing with the case where the bath water or the like is thrown into the rotary tank 4 by the user after the power switch is turned on.

More specifically, the voltage value V of the detection signal from the turbidity sensor 12 is sampled (at a predetermined cycle) and read (step S4), and then the initial value V0 is obtained.
Is the set change amount, for example, 1
It is determined whether or not it is V or more (step S5).

In this case, since the water is not yet supplied to the rotary tank 4 (water receiving tank 2), the magnitude of the voltage value V of the detection signal output from the turbidity sensor 12 does not change from the initial value V0. Therefore, since the difference between the initial value V0 and the voltage value V is not 1 V or more, the process proceeds to "NO" in step S5 and it is determined whether or not the start key is turned on (step S).
7). If the start key is not turned on here,
In step S7, the process proceeds to "NO", returns to step S4, and repeats the above-described processing.

Regarding the control (re-adjustment of the initial value setting of the turbidity sensor 12) when the user puts bath water or the like into the rotary tank 4 after turning on the power switch,
It will be described later.

After the start key is turned on by the user and before the washing water is supplied to the set water level in the rotary tub 4 (water receiving tub 2), the microcomputer 21 operates the turbidity sensor 12 The change in the voltage value of the detection signal output from is detected, and when the detected change reaches or exceeds the set change amount, the detection signal output from the turbidity sensor 12 is readjusted to the initial value V0 again. Control (steps S8, S9, S10, S11, S12, S1)
3).

Specifically, when the start key is turned on by the user, the process proceeds to "YES" in step S7, the water supply valve 19 is energized and opened, and the rotary tank 4 (water receiving tank 2) is placed in the water tank. To start water supply (step S8). continue,
Since the water level in the rotary tank 4 (water receiving tank 2) has not yet reached the set water level, the process proceeds to “NO” in step S9 to determine whether or not the initial value of the turbidity sensor 12 has been readjusted (step S10).

In this case, since the initial value is not readjusted, the process proceeds to "NO" in step S10, and the turbidity sensor 1
The voltage value V of the detection signal from 2 is sampled (at a predetermined cycle) and read (step S11), and then the initial value V
It is determined whether or not the difference between 0 and the read voltage value V is equal to or larger than the set change amount, for example, 1 V (step S12).
Here, since the water supply to the rotary tank 4 (water receiving tank 2) is started, fresh water is supplied to the turbidity sensor 12 and the turbidity sensor 12 detects water.
The magnitude of the voltage value V of the detection signal output from the device changes considerably from the initial value V0 when air is detected.

As a result, since the difference between the initial value V0 and the voltage value V becomes 1 V or more, the process proceeds to "YES" in step S12. Then, after a lapse of a set time, for example, 5 seconds after the difference becomes 1 V or more, the voltage level of the detection signal from the turbidity sensor 12 is readjusted again to the initial value V0 (3.5 V) ( Step S13). As a result, at the initial point of time when the water supply is started, the initial value of the turbidity sensor 12 is adjusted with fresh water containing almost no detergent. Then, it is judged whether or not the water level in the rotary tank 4 (water receiving tank 2) has reached the set water level (step S9). If the water level has not reached the set water level, the process proceeds to "NO" in step S9. Then, since the initial value of the turbidity sensor 12 is readjusted,
In step S10, the process proceeds to "YES" and returns to step S9.

After this, when the water level in the rotary tank 4 (water receiving tank 2) reaches the set water level, the process proceeds to "YES" in step S9, the water supply valve 19 is turned off and closed, and the rotary tank 4 (water Water supply to the receiving tank 2) is stopped (step S14). Then, the process returns to the main routine (not shown) to start the washing process. Then, after the washing process is completed, the rinsing process and the dehydration process are sequentially executed.

On the other hand, after the user turns on the power switch and before operating the start key, bath water or the like is rotated in the rotating tank 4.
Since the turbidity sensor 12 detects the bath water when it is put into the (water receiving tank 2), the magnitude of the voltage value V of the detection signal output from the turbidity sensor 12 detects air. It changes considerably from the initial value V0. Therefore, step S
In step 5, the difference between the initial value V0 and the voltage value V becomes 1 V or more, so the process proceeds to "YES" in step S5. Then, after a lapse of a set time, for example, 5 seconds after the difference becomes 1 V or more, the voltage level of the detection signal from the turbidity sensor 12 is readjusted again to the initial value V0 (3.5 V) (step S6).

As a result, the initial value setting of the turbidity sensor 12 is adjusted with fresh water into which the detergent is hardly mixed at the initial stage of pouring bath water or the like into the rotary tank 4. After that, it is determined whether or not the start key is turned on (step S7), and if the start key is not turned on, the process returns to step S4.

When the user turns on the bath water before turning on the power switch, the user turns on the power switch at step S1 after that. The process proceeds to "YES" to read the detection signal from the turbidity sensor 12 (step S2). At this time, the turbidity sensor 12 detects the bath water poured into the rotary tank 4. Then, adjustment is performed so that the voltage level of the detection signal from the turbidity sensor 12 becomes the initial value V0 (3.5V) (step S3). By this adjustment, the initial value setting of the detection output of the turbidity sensor 12 is adjusted with the bath water put in the rotary tank 4 (water receiving tank 2).

In the case of the above configuration, steps S2 and S3 of the control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 1 correspond to the first adjusting means, and steps S4, S5 and S6 and steps S11, S12 and S13 are included. It is configured to correspond to the second adjusting means.

According to this embodiment having such a structure, before the water is supplied into the rotary tank 4 (water receiving tank 2) by the water supply valve 19, the voltage value V of the detection signal output from the turbidity sensor 12 is initially set. The washing water is adjusted to the value V0 (steps S2 and S3, which corresponds to the first adjusting means), and after this adjustment, the water supply valve 19 is opened to wash the washing water. ) The detection output from the turbidity sensor 12 when the voltage value V of the detection signal output from the turbidity sensor 12 changes by a set change amount (1V) or more until the water is supplied to the set water level Readjustment is performed so that the voltage value V of the signal becomes the initial value V0 again (step S11,
S12 and S13, which correspond to the second adjusting means), the water is turbidity sensor at the initial time when the water supply is started, that is, before the water level sensor 16 reaches the lowest detectable water level. After confirming that the turbidity sensor 12 has been supplied, the initial value setting of the turbidity sensor 12 can be adjusted.

Therefore, since the adjustment of the initial value setting can be executed with fresh water in which the detergent is not mixed, the determination based on the detection signal of the turbidity sensor 12 becomes more accurate than in the conventional configuration. Then, it is possible to surely prevent the air from being left with the initial value of the voltage value V of the detection signal of the turbidity sensor 12 being set.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the bath water or the like is manually put into the rotary tank 4 (water receiving tank 2) before the water is supplied into the rotary tank 4 (water receiving tank 2) by the water supply valve 19. For example, when bath water or the like is thrown into the rotary tank 4 before the power switch is turned on, the adjustment control of the steps S2 and S3 after the power switch is turned on (first The adjusting means) adjusts the initial value of the turbidity sensor 12 with bath water or the like.

Further, for example, when bath water or the like is manually put into the rotary tank 4 (water receiving tank 2) after the power switch is turned on and before the start key is operated, steps S4 and S5 are performed. And the initial value of the turbidity sensor 12 is adjusted again with bath water or the like by the adjustment control (second adjusting means) of the portion S6. Therefore, even when bath water or the like is manually put into the rotary tank 4 (water receiving tank 2), the initial value of the turbidity sensor 12 can be reliably set with fresh water into which the detergent is not mixed.

In the above embodiment, the set change amount for comparing the change amount of the voltage value of the detection signal output from the turbidity sensor 12 is set to 1 V. However, the set change amount is not limited to this and may be set appropriately. good. Further, although the initial value V0 for setting the turbidity sensor 12 is set to 3.5V, this value may be set appropriately. Furthermore, the configuration is such that the initial value setting of the turbidity sensor 12 is readjusted, for example, 5 seconds after the difference between the initial value V0 and the voltage value V becomes 1 V or more, but this elapsed time can also be set appropriately. good.

[0039]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention ensures that the detection output output from the turbidity detecting means becomes a preset initial value before the water is supplied into the tank by the water supplying means. After this adjustment, when the detection output output from the turbidity detecting means changes by a set change amount or more, the detection output output from the turbidity detecting means is readjusted to the initial value again. Since it is configured as described above, the initial value setting of the turbidity detecting means can be surely executed at the time when the clean water containing no detergent is supplied, and the initial value of the turbidity detecting means can be accurately set. Produce the effect.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the present invention.

[Figure 2] Vertical side view of the entire washing machine

[Fig. 3] Cross-sectional view around the turbidity sensor

FIG. 4 is a block diagram.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is an outer box, 2 is a water receiving tank, 4 is a rotating tank, 5 is an agitator, 6 is a motor, 10 is a drain valve, 12 is a turbidity sensor (turbidity detection means), 16 is a water level sensor, and 19 is a water supply valve. (Water supply means),
Reference numeral 21 denotes a microcomputer (initial value setting means, first adjusting means, second adjusting means).

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A washing machine comprising water supply means for supplying water into a tub and turbidity detection means for detecting turbidity of washing water in the tub, wherein a detection output output from the turbidity detection means Adjusting the initial value setting means for performing the initial value setting so that the detection output output from the turbidity detection means becomes a preset initial value before water is supplied into the tank by the water supply means. The adjusting output of the turbidity detecting unit changes between the adjusting unit of No. 1 and the adjustment of the first adjusting unit until the washing water is supplied to the set water level in the tub. A washing machine comprising: second adjusting means for adjusting again the detection output output from the turbidity detecting means to the initial value when the amount of change exceeds the amount.