JPH07289782A - Washing machine and feed valve therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable a washing machine to control water delivery rate according to the water pressure, simplify the pipe arrangement, and minimize the installation space. CONSTITUTION:A body 39 of a feed valve 34 is provided with motorized closing means 53 comprising a feed valve's motor 48 and a valve 50 being rotated by said motor 48 to control the status of a valve's opening 47. Also, the body 39 is provided with a discharge sensor 62 on the side of an inlet 44, the discharge sensor 62 comprising a vane 55, a permanent magnet 58 rotating in accordance with the vane 55, and a hall element 60 sensing the revolving rate of the vane 55 by sensing the change in the magnet field of the permanent magnet 58. As the body 39 is provided with motorized closing means 53 and a discharge sensor 62 to be part of a unit, unlike the system with a separate sensor, the pipe arrangement is simplified and installation space is minimized.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a water supply valve of a washing machine capable of controlling a water supply flow rate and a washing machine equipped with the water supply valve.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a water supply valve used in a washing machine is generally of a solenoid type as shown in FIG. This product has the following configuration. That is, the body 1 is provided with the valve opening 5 in the flow path 4 that connects the water inlet 2 and the water outlet 3. The body 1 is provided with a solenoid type opening / closing device 9 which uses a solenoid 8 having a coil 6 and a movable iron core 7 as a drive source. A diaphragm 10 for opening and closing the valve opening 5 is provided on the tip side of the movable iron core 7.
Is urged by the urging force of the compression coil spring 11 through the movable iron core 7 in the direction of closing the valve opening 5. Water inlet 2
A pressure hose (not shown) connected to the tap
Are connected.

In the water supply valve having such a structure, the valve opening 5 is closed by the diaphragm 10 when the coil 6 is in the disconnected state. When the coil 6 is energized, the movable iron core 7 is attracted by the coil 6 and moved in the direction of arrow a in the figure against the urging force of the compression coil spring 11 to open the valve opening 5,
Water is supplied from the water outlet 3 to the washing tub side of the washing machine through the valve opening 5. When the coil 6 is cut off, the movable iron core 7 is moved in the direction opposite to the arrow a by the urging force of the compression coil spring 11, the diaphragm 10 closes the valve port 5, and the water supply is stopped.

[0004]

With the water supply valve having the above-described structure, since it is only possible to control whether the valve port 5 is closed or opened, the flow rate of water supplied from the water outlet is small when the water pressure of the tap water is low. However, when the water pressure is high, the water supply flow rate increases, so that the water supply flow rate changes according to the water pressure. Therefore, it is desired to control the flow rate of the supplied water according to the water pressure.

In order to meet such a demand, it is necessary to detect the water pressure or the flow rate of the water supply. To detect the water pressure or the flow rate of the water supply, a sensor for detecting the water pressure or the flow rate is used as a water supply valve and the water supply. It will be installed between the faucet and. However, when the sensor is provided between the water supply valve and the tap, it is necessary to connect them with a pressure resistant hose, which causes a problem of complicated piping structure. Also,
Since the sensor cannot be provided outside the top cover or operation box of the washing machine, but rather inside the top cover or operation box, a large installation space must be secured on the washing machine side. There was a problem.

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a water supply valve for a washing machine, which can control the water supply flow rate according to the water pressure, simplify the piping structure, and reduce the installation space. Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can efficiently supply water using such a water supply valve.

[0007]

A water supply valve for a washing machine according to the present invention has a water inlet and a water outlet, and a body which has a flow passage for communicating these with each other, and a body having a valve mouth in the passage. A motor type opening / closing means for adjusting the opening degree of the valve opening by using a motor as a drive source, and provided on the body,
A sensor means for detecting the pressure or flow rate of water supplied to the flow path is provided (Claim 1).

In this case, the sensor means is preferably arranged on the water inlet side with respect to the motor type opening / closing means (claim 2).

A washing machine according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises the water supply valve and a control means for controlling a motor type opening / closing means of the water supply valve, and the control means has a higher pressure detected by the sensor means of the water supply valve, or The motor type opening / closing means is controlled so that the opening degree of the valve opening becomes smaller as the detected flow rate increases.

A washing machine according to a fourth aspect comprises the water supply valve and a control means for controlling a motor type opening / closing means of the water supply valve, wherein the control means reaches a preset water level at a water supply destination. The motor type opening / closing means is controlled so that the degree of opening of the valve opening is maximized halfway.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water supply valve for a washing machine, which has a water inlet, a first and a second water outlet, and a flow passage that connects them, and the first and second water passages are provided in the flow passage. A body having first and second valve openings corresponding to a water outlet, a motor type opening / closing means provided on the body for adjusting an opening degree of the first valve opening by using a motor as a drive source, and the body. And a solenoid type opening / closing means for opening and closing the second valve port by using a solenoid as a drive source, and a pressure or flow rate of water supplied to the flow path, the solenoid type opening / closing means being located on the water inlet side of the body. And a sensor means for detecting that the first water outlet is for supplying water to the washing tub side and the second water outlet is for supplying water to the dehydration tub side.

[0012]

According to the water supply valve of the washing machine of the first aspect, the flow rate of the water supply can be controlled according to the water pressure by adjusting the opening degree of the valve opening by the motor type opening / closing means based on the detection result of the sensor means. It will be possible. Also, according to this one,
Since the body is provided with the motor-type opening / closing means and the sensor means as a unit, unlike the case where the sensor means is separately provided, the piping structure can be simplified and the installation space can be reduced.

According to the means of the second aspect, since the water flow is less disturbed on the water inlet side, the water pressure or the flow rate can be accurately detected by the sensor means.

According to the washing machine of the third aspect, since the water supply flow rate can be made as constant as possible even if the water pressure changes, it is possible to control the set water level in time.

According to the washing machine of the fourth aspect, the water supply time can be shortened as much as possible by maximizing the opening degree of the valve opening until the set water level is reached.

According to the water supply valve of the washing machine of claim 5, water is supplied to both the washing tub side and the dehydration tub side.
One sensor means can be shared.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 4 shows the entire structure of a fully automatic washing machine 21 for combined dehydration. This Figure 4
In the outer box 22, a water receiving tank 23 is arranged in a state of being supported by a suspension rod 24 of an elastic supporting mechanism. In the water receiving tank 23, a rotating tank 25 which is a washing tank and a dehydrating tank is provided, and an agitator 26 is provided at the inner bottom of the rotating tank 25.
Is provided.

A motor 27 for a washing machine and a drive mechanism 28 are provided on the outer bottom of the water receiving tub 23, and the rotary tub 25 is kept stationary during washing and rinsing by the drive mechanism 28, and the agitator 26 is installed. Rotate and spin tank 2 for dehydration
5 is rotated together with the stirring body 26. Further, a drain case 29, a drain valve 30, and a drain hose 31 for discharging the water in the water receiving tank 23 to the outside of the machine are arranged below the water receiving tank 23.

A top cover 32 is mounted on the uppermost part of the outer box 22, an operation panel 33 is provided on the front part of the top cover 32, and a water supply valve 34 and a water injection case 35 which will be described later are provided on the rear part. Is provided. The water supply case 35 receives the water supplied from the water supply valve 34 from the water receiving tank 2
It leads to the 3rd side.

The operation panel 33 is provided with various switch input sections 36 and a display section 37 (see FIG. 5), and on the back side of the operation panel 33, a control circuit 38 mainly composed of a microcomputer is provided. (See FIG. 5) are provided.

Now, a specific structure of the water supply valve 34 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. This water valve 3
The body 39 of No. 4 is constructed by water-tightly connecting the body 40 and the case 41 with the screw 43 via the O-ring 42. The body body 40 is formed with a water inlet 44 that faces to the side, a water outlet 45 that faces downward, and a flow path 46 that connects these, and a valve on the water outlet 45 side in the flow path 46. A mouth 47 is formed.

A water supply valve motor 48 capable of rotating in the normal and reverse directions is attached to a side portion of the body 40 by a screw 49, and a valve body 50 for opening and closing a valve opening 47 is rotatably arranged in the flow path 46. The valve body 50 is provided so as to be rotated via the rotary shaft 48a of the water supply valve motor 48. The valve body 50 has a tubular shape having an opening 51, and adjusts the opening degree of the valve opening 47 in response to being rotated by the water supply valve motor 48. A pin 52 is attached to the rotary shaft 48a to regulate the rotation range of the rotary shaft 48a. Here, the water supply valve motor 48 and the valve body 5
0 constitutes a motor type opening / closing means 53 for adjusting the opening degree of the valve port 47.

A blade 55 having a rotating shaft 54 is rotatably disposed on the water inlet 44 side of the flow path 46. The lower end of the rotary shaft 54 is rotatably supported by a bearing 56 on the body 40 side, and the upper end is rotatably supported by a bearing plate 57. The upper end of the rotary shaft 54 penetrates the bearing plate 57 and projects upward, and a permanent magnet 58 is attached to the end thereof.

The case 41 is arranged so as to cover the permanent magnet 58 from above. A wiring board 59 is attached to the case 41, and a Hall element 60 disposed on the wiring board 59 is inserted into a groove 61 formed in the case 41 so as to face the permanent magnet 58. It is located in.

Here, the blade 55 and the permanent magnet 58 are used.
And the Hall element 60, the flow rate sensor 62 serving as a sensor means for detecting the flow rate of the water supplied to the flow path 46.
Are configured. In the flow rate sensor 62, the blade 55 is rotated by the water supplied to the flow path 46, and the blade 55 is rotated.
The number of rotations of the blades 55 is detected by detecting a change in the magnetic field by the permanent magnet 58 that rotates integrally with the Hall element 60.

The water supply valve 34 constructed as described above is installed such that the water inlet 44 faces rearward at the rear portion of the top cover 32 and the water outlet 45 faces the water injection case 35. Although it does not, a pressure-resistant hose connected to the tap is connected.

On the other hand, FIG. 5 shows an electrical structure of a portion related to the gist of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the control circuit 38 is supplied with input signals from various switch input sections 36 and the Hall element 60, controls the display section 37 according to a preset program, and controls the washing machine motor 27. , The drain valve 30, and the water supply valve motor 48 are controlled via the drive circuit 63. Therefore, the control circuit 38 is used for the motor type opening / closing means 5 in the water supply valve 34.
A control means for controlling the water supply valve motor 48 of FIG.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the start switch of the switch input unit 36 is operated after the laundry is stored in the rotary tub 25, the water supply valve motor 48 is energized and the valve body 5
0 is rotated so that its opening 51 corresponds to the valve opening 47, and the valve opening 47 is fully opened (step A).
1). Then, the water supplied from the tap water flows through the flow path 46.

When the water in the flow path 46 flows, the blade 55 is rotated, and the permanent magnet 58 is rotated together with the blade 55.
The rotation speed of the blade 55 is detected by detecting the change in the magnetic field due to the Hall element 60 (step A2).
The water pressure of the water supplied to the flow path 46 is obtained based on the data of the relationship between the rotational speed and the water pressure stored in advance, and it is determined whether the water pressure is high water pressure, normal water pressure, or low water pressure. In this case, high water pressure when exceeding 7 [kg / cm ² ]
Normal water pressure in the range of 4 to 7 [kg / cm ² ] is 4 [kg / cm ² ]
Less than 1 is low water pressure.

The water flowing through the flow path 46 is supplied from the water outlet 45 to the water receiving tank 22 via the water injection case 35 and is stored therein.

When it is determined in step A2 that the water pressure is high, the flow proceeds to step A4 according to "YES" in step A3, and the opening area of the valve port 47 is 1 /
The water supply valve motor 48 is controlled so as to be 4, and the water supply time for the preset water level is set (step A5). Then, when the set water supply time elapses (step A6), the water supply valve motor 48 is controlled so that the valve opening 47 is fully closed in 2 to 3 seconds (step A6).
7) After that, although not described, the process proceeds to the washing process and the dehydration process.

When it is determined that the water pressure is the normal water pressure in step A2, the process moves to step A9 according to "NO" in step A3 and "YES" in step A8, and the opening area of the valve port 47 is reduced to 1/2. The water supply valve motor 48 is controlled so that the water supply valve motor 48 is controlled so that the water supply time for the preset water level is set (step A10), and then the process proceeds to step A6.

If it is determined in step A2 that the water pressure is low, "N" is set in step A3.
O ”, step A8 according to“ NO ”, step A11
Then, the valve opening 47 is left fully open and the water supply time for the preset water level is set.
Move to.

According to the first embodiment as described above, the flow rate sensor 62 detects the flow rate of water from the tap water, and the opening area of the valve port 47 is changed in accordance with the water pressure based on the flow rate, whereby the water outlet 45 is provided. Since it is possible to control the water supply flow rate from the water supply to be substantially constant, it is possible to supply water up to the set water level depending on the water supply time, and for example, it is possible to omit the water level switch.

Moreover, when the valve port 47 is closed, the so-called water hammer phenomenon can be prevented by controlling the water supply valve motor 48 so as to close it over 2 to 3 seconds. By the way, in the case of the conventional solenoid type water supply valve, the speed of closing the valve opening is fast, so when the valve opening is closed, a sudden water pressure is applied to the faucet of the water supply and a sound is generated, which causes the water hammer phenomenon. However, the water supply valve 34 can prevent such a water hammer phenomenon from occurring.

Further, according to the water supply valve 34, the body 39
Since the motor-type opening / closing means 53 and the flow rate sensor 62 are provided as a unit in the above, unlike the case where the sensor means is separately provided, the piping structure can be simplified and the installation space in the dehydration / washing machine 21 can be reduced. You can

Moreover, since the flow rate sensor 62 is provided on the water inlet 44 side of the flow path 46, the water flow is less disturbed on the water inlet 44 side, and the flow rate (water pressure) can be accurately detected by the flow rate sensor 62. Is.

FIG. 7 shows the relationship between water pressure and flow rate. In FIG. 7, the solid line shows the case of the water supply valve 34 in the present embodiment, the broken line shows the case of the conventional water supply valve,
The alternate long and short dash line shows the case where the water supply valve 34 in this embodiment is not fully opened and controlled. Since the water supply valve 34 in the present embodiment can control the water supply flow rate, it is possible to set the water supply flow rate in the fully opened state of the valve port 47 to be larger than that in the conventional water supply valve. Therefore, it becomes possible to secure a desired water supply flow rate even when the water pressure is low. By the way, conventionally, there arises a problem that the flow rate is too small with the water pressure below the point P, but in the present embodiment, a preferable flow rate can be secured even with the water pressure below the point P.

When supplying water to the washing machine, there are a preferable flow rate and an unfavorable flow rate. That is, when the flow rate is low, there is a problem that it takes too long to supply water, and conversely, when the flow rate is too high, there is a problem such as water splash. According to the water supply valve 34 of the present embodiment, it is possible to always set a preferable water supply flow rate regardless of whether the water pressure is low or high.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is different from the above-described first embodiment in how to control the water supply valve 34 during water supply. In this case, although not shown, a water level switch is provided in the combined washing machine 21 (see FIG. 4),
The water level of the water receiving tank 23 is detected by the water level switch.

The second embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart. First, as in the first embodiment,
When the start switch of the switch input unit 36 is operated after the laundry is stored in the rotary tub 25, the water supply valve motor 48 is energized to fully open the valve port 47 (step B1). Then, the water in the flow path 46 flows, the blade 55 is rotated, and the permanent magnet 58 is rotated integrally with the blade 55.
The rotation speed of the blade 55 is detected by detecting the change of the magnetic field due to the Hall element 60 (step B2).
Based on this rotation speed, it is determined whether the water pressure of the water supplied to the flow path 46 is high, normal, or low (step B3).

Then, it is determined whether the preset water level of the water receiving tank 23, which is the water supply destination, is a high water level, a medium water level, or a low water level (steps B4 and B5). When the set water level is high, the valve opening 47 remains fully opened, that is, the valve opening 47, until the water level of the water receiving tank 23 reaches the medium water level.
The water is supplied to the water receiving tank 23 while keeping the opening degree of the maximum (step B6).

When the water level in the water receiving tank 23 reaches the intermediate water level, the opening degree of the valve port 47 is adjusted according to the water pressure. That is,
In step B7, when the water pressure determined in step B3 is high, the opening area of the valve port 47 is 1 /
The water supply valve motor 48 is controlled so as to be 4 (step B8), and water is supplied until the set water level is reached. Then, when the set water level is reached (step B9), the water supply valve motor 48 is controlled so that the valve opening 47 is fully closed in a few seconds (step B10). , The washing process and the dehydration process.

If the water pressure determined in step B3 is normal water pressure, the process proceeds to step B12 in accordance with "YES" in step B11, and the water supply valve motor 48 is halved so that the opening area of the valve port 47 becomes 1/2. Control, step B9
Water is supplied until it reaches the set water level after moving to.

On the other hand, in steps B4 and B5, when the set water level of the water receiving tank 23 is the medium water level, step B
According to "YES" in step 5, the process proceeds to step B13, and the valve opening 47 is left fully open, that is, the opening degree of the valve opening 47 is maximized until the water receiving tank 23 reaches the low water level. Supply water. Then, when the water level in the water receiving tank 23 reaches the intermediate water level, the process proceeds to step B7. If the set water level of the water receiving tank 23 is low in steps B4 and B5, "N" is set in step B5.
According to "O", the process proceeds to step B7.

According to the second embodiment as described above, when the set water level is high or medium, the valve port 47 is fully opened until the set water level is reached.
There is an advantage that the water supply time can be shortened as much as possible.

In the second embodiment, the water level in the water receiving tank 23 is determined by using the water level switch, but the water level in the water receiving tank 23 can be controlled by the water supply time as in the first embodiment. Is.

9 to 14 show a third embodiment of the present invention, which will be described below. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the structure of the water supply valve.

In the body 66 of the water supply valve 65, a water inlet 67 opening upward, a water outlet 68 opening downward,
A flow path 69 that connects these is formed, and
A valve port 70 is formed on the side of the water outlet 68 in the flow path 69. A filter 67a is attached to the water inlet 67.

A channel 69 is provided on the lower side of the body 66.
A horizontal hole 71 communicating with the horizontal hole 71 is formed, and a cylindrical valve element 72 is disposed here so as to be movable in the extending direction of the horizontal hole 71. Protrusions 73, 73 are provided on the side of the valve body 72, and protrusions 73, 7 are provided on the side of the body 66.
Guide grooves 74, 74 into which 3 is inserted are formed,
The valve body 72 is prevented from rotating by the projections 73 and the guide grooves 74. Further, the valve body 72 is formed with a female thread portion 75 from one end side to an intermediate portion in the axial direction.

In the body 66, a water supply valve motor 76, which is located outside the lateral hole 71 and is rotatable in the forward and reverse directions, is provided with a screw 77.
It is installed by. A male screw portion 78 is formed on a rotating shaft 76a of the water supply valve motor 76, and the rotating shaft 76a is inserted into the lateral hole 71 and screwed into the female screw portion 75 of the valve body 72.

The water supply valve motor 76 and the valve body 72 constitute a motor type opening / closing means 79 for adjusting the opening degree of the valve port 70. This motor type opening / closing means 79 is
As the water supply valve motor 76 rotates in the normal direction, the valve body 72 moves in the direction of closing the valve opening 70 (the direction of arrow B in FIG. 9), and the water supply valve motor 76 rotates in the reverse direction. The valve body 72 is configured to adjust the opening degree of the valve opening 70 by moving in the direction of opening the valve opening 70 (the direction opposite to the arrow B) (see FIGS. 13 and 14).

Further, a sensor mounting hole 80 communicating with the flow path 69 is formed on the upper side of the body 66.
The piezoelectric element 81 constituting the sensor means is attached thereto with a screw 82. Piezoelectric element 8
A pressure receiving plate 84 is provided on the front end side of 1 via a spring 83, and the pressure receiving plate 84 is arranged so as to face the flow path 69. The piezoelectric element 81 detects the water pressure of the water supply by receiving the pressure of the water supplied to the flow path 69 via the pressure receiving plate 84 and the spring 83.

The water supply valve 65 constructed as described above is used for the top cover 32 in the washing machine 21 for combined use of dehydration (see FIG. 4).
A pressure-resistant hose connected to a tap for water is connected to the water inlet 67 at the rear part of the water inlet 67 and used in the same manner as in the first or second embodiment.

Therefore, also in the third embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first or second embodiment.

On the other hand, FIGS. 15 to 19 show the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
An example is shown, and the fourth example will be described below. This 4th Example shows what applied this invention to the water supply valve of a two-tub type washing machine.

First, in FIGS. 15 and 16, a washing tub 87 and a dewatering tub 88 are provided in the outer box 86 of the two-tub washing machine 85.
And are installed side by side. An agitator 8 is provided on the inner bottom of the washing tub 87.
9 is provided, and the stirring body 89 is a washing motor 9
It is designed to be rotated by 0. The dehydration tank 88 is rotated by a dehydration motor 91. A sprinkler tube 92 is erected at the center of the dehydration tank 88. A drain valve 93 is provided below the washing tub 87.

An operation box 94 is provided at the rear of the upper part of the outer box 86, and an operation panel 95 is provided on the left side of the operation box 94.
Is provided. This operation panel 95 is provided with various switch input sections 96 and a display section 97, and a control circuit 98 (see FIG. 17) mainly composed of a microcomputer is provided on the back side of the operation panel 95. ing.

A water supply valve 99 is provided at a substantially central portion of the operation box 94. On the body 100 of this water supply valve 99,
One inlet 101, first and second outlets 102,
103, a flow path 104 that connects them, and the flow path 1
In 04, the 1st and 2nd valve openings (not shown) corresponding to the 1st and 2nd water outlets 102 and 103 are provided.

On the water inlet 101 side of the body 100, a flow rate sensor 107 is provided as a sensor means having the same structure as in the first embodiment. Also, the first outlet 10
On the second side, a motor type opening / closing means 109 having a motor 108 having the same structure as that of the first embodiment as a drive source is provided, and the opening degree of the first valve opening is adjusted by the motor type opening / closing means 109. Further, on the side of the second water outlet 103, a solenoid type opening / closing means 110 having a solenoid as a drive source similar to that of the conventional configuration is provided, and the solenoid type opening / closing means 110 opens / closes the second valve opening. .

In the water supply valve 99, a pressure-resistant hose (not shown) connected to the tap of the water supply is connected to the water inlet 101, and the water flowing out from the first water outlet 102 is supplied to the washing tank water supply case 111. Is supplied to the washing tub 87 via
The water flowing out from the second water outlet 103 is supplied to the sprinkler cylinder 92 of the dehydration tank 88 via the dehydration tank water injection case 112.

On the other hand, FIG. 17 shows an electrical structure of a portion related to the gist of the present invention. In FIG. 17,
The control circuit 98 includes various switch input sections 96 and Hall elements 113 of the flow sensor 107 in the water supply valve 99.
The display unit 97 is controlled in accordance with a preset program while the washing motor 90, the dehydration motor 91, the drain valve 93, the water supply valve motor 108, and the water supply valve solenoid 114 are driven. Circuit 1
Control via 15. Therefore, this control circuit 98
The control means controls the water supply valve motor 108 of the motor type opening / closing means 109 in the water supply valve 99, and the control means controls the water supply valve solenoid 114 of the solenoid type opening / closing means 110.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. First, in FIG. 18, after the laundry is stored in the washing tub 87,
When the start switch of the switch input section 96 is operated,
The water supply valve motor 108 is energized to fully open the first valve port (step C1). Then, the water supplied from the tap water flows through the flow path 104 toward the first water outlet 102 side. At this time, the second valve port is fully closed.

The hall element 113 detects the number of rotations of the blade as the water in the flow path 104 flows (step C2). The water pressure of the water supplied to the flow path 104 is obtained based on the data of the relationship between the rotational speed and the water pressure stored in advance, and it is determined whether the water pressure is high water pressure, normal water pressure, or low water pressure.

The water flowing through the flow path 104 is the first water outlet 1
02 through the washing tank water injection case 111 to the washing tank 87
It is supplied to and stored in.

When it is determined that the water pressure is high in step C2, the process proceeds to step C4 according to "YES" in step C3, and the opening area of the first valve opening is 1
The water supply valve motor 108 is controlled so as to be / 4, and the water supply time for the preset water level is set (step C5). Then, when the set water supply time elapses (step C6), the water supply valve motor 108 is controlled so that the first valve opening is fully closed in 2 to 3 seconds (step C7). , And proceeds to the washing process (step C8).

When it is determined in step C2 that the water pressure is normal water pressure, the process proceeds to step C10 according to "NO" in step C3 and "YES" in step C9, and the opening area of the first valve opening is 1 The water supply valve motor 108 is controlled so as to be / 2, and the water supply time for the preset water level is set (step C11), and then the process proceeds to step C6.

When it is determined in step C2 that the water pressure is low, "N" is selected in step C3.
O ”, and in accordance with“ NO ”in step C9, step C12
Then, the first valve opening is left fully open, and the water supply time for the preset water level is set (step C1).
2) Then, the process proceeds to step C6.

When the predetermined washing process is completed, the user transfers the laundry in the washing tub 87 to the dehydration tub 88 side, and thereafter operates the dehydration switch of the switch input unit 96.
Then, the control circuit 98 executes the dehydration program of FIG.

First, the water supply valve solenoid 114 of the water supply valve 99 is energized to fully open the second valve port (step D1). Then, the water supplied from the water supply passes through the flow path 104, and is supplied from the second water outlet 103 to the water spray cylinder 92 through the dehydration tank water injection case 112. At this time, the second valve port is closed.

Then, the dehydrating tank 8 is driven by the dehydrating motor 91.
By rotating 8 the dewatering tank 88 is rotated while supplying water to the sprinkling cylinder 92, and a dehydration rinse process is performed (step D2). When the dehydration rinsing process is completed, the water supply valve solenoid 114 is turned off to completely close the second valve port (step D3), and then the dehydration tank 88 is rotated to perform the dehydration process. (Step D4).

According to such a fourth embodiment, the water supply valve 9
Although 9 has a motor type opening / closing means 109 for supplying water to the washing tub 87 side and a solenoid type opening / closing means 110 for supplying water to the dehydration tub 88 side, one flow sensor 107 is washed. It has the advantage that it can be used for both dehydration and dehydration.

In the fourth embodiment described above, the solenoid type opening / closing means 110 controls opening / closing regardless of the detection result of the flow rate sensor 107.
It is also possible to control the amount of water supplied to the dehydration tub 88 by controlling the opening / closing of the solenoid type opening / closing means 110 (controlling the time and the number of times) based on the detection result of 1.

By using the solenoid type opening / closing means 110 as the opening / closing means for supplying water to the dehydration tank 88 side,
The cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the motor type opening / closing means is used.

[0075]

According to the water supply valve of the washing machine according to the first aspect of the invention, the flow rate of the water supply is controlled according to the water pressure by adjusting the opening degree of the valve opening by the motor type opening / closing means based on the detection result of the sensor means. It becomes possible to do. Further, according to this, since the body is provided with the motor type opening / closing means and the sensor means as a unit, unlike the case where the sensor means is separately provided, the piping structure can be simplified and the installation space can be reduced. be able to.

According to the water supply valve of the washing machine of claim 2,
Since the water flow is less turbulent on the water inlet side, it is possible to accurately detect the water pressure or the flow rate by the sensor means.

According to the washing machine of the third aspect, the water supply flow rate can be made as constant as possible even if the water pressure changes, so that the set water level can be controlled over time, for example.

According to the washing machine of the fourth aspect, the opening degree of the valve opening is maximized until the set water level is reached.
It is possible to shorten the water supply time as much as possible.

According to the water supply valve of the washing machine of claim 5,
Although the water is supplied to both the washing tub side and the dehydration tub side, one sensor means can be shared.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view of a water supply valve showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a case portion.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional side view of the washing machine for combined use of dehydration.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a water supply process.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between water pressure and flow rate.

FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6 showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional side view of a water supply valve showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the water supply valve.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the motor type opening / closing means side of the water supply valve.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the pressure sensor side of the water supply valve.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view showing a state in which the opening area of the valve opening is reduced.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view showing a state in which the opening area of the valve opening is enlarged.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a two-tub type washing machine showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention with a part thereof cut away.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a two-tub type washing machine.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a water supply process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a dehydration process.

FIG. 20 is a vertical sectional side view of a water supply valve showing a conventional configuration.

[Explanation of symbols]

21 is a dehydrating and washing machine, 23 is a water receiving tank, 32 is a top cover, 34 is a water supply valve, 38 is a control circuit (control means), 3
9 is a body, 44 is a water inlet, 45 is a water outlet, 46 is a flow path, 47 is a valve opening, 48 is a water supply valve motor, 50 is a valve body,
53 is a motor type opening / closing means, 55 is a blade, 58 is a permanent magnet, 60 is a hall element, 62 is a flow rate sensor (sensor means), 65 is a water supply valve, 66 is a body, 67 is a water inlet, 6
8 is a water outlet, 69 is a flow path, 70 is a valve opening, 72 is a valve body, 7
Reference numeral 6 is a water supply valve motor, 79 is a motor type opening / closing means, 81 is a piezoelectric element (sensor means), 85 is a two-tub type washing machine, 87 is a washing tub, 88 is a dewatering tub, 94 is an operation box, and 98 is a control circuit. (Control means), 99 is a water supply valve, 100 is a body, 101
Is a water inlet, 102 is a first water outlet, 103 is a second water outlet, 104 is a flow path, 107 is a flow sensor, 108 is a water supply valve motor, 109 is a motor type opening / closing means, 110 is a solenoid type opening / closing means , 113 are Hall elements, and 114 is a water supply valve solenoid.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A body having a water inlet and a water outlet, and a flow passage communicating between them, and a valve mouth in the flow passage, and an opening degree of the valve mouth provided on the body and using a motor as a drive source. A water supply valve for a washing machine, comprising: a motor-type opening / closing means for adjusting the temperature of the water; and a sensor means provided in the body for detecting a pressure or a flow rate of water supplied to the flow path. 2. The sensor means is arranged on the water inlet side with respect to the motor type opening / closing means.
Water valve for washing machine as described. 3. A water supply valve for a washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, and a control means for controlling a motor type opening / closing means of the water supply valve, wherein the control means has a high pressure detected by the sensor means of the water supply valve. The washing machine is characterized in that the motor type opening / closing means is controlled so that the opening degree of the valve opening becomes smaller as the detected flow rate increases. 4. A water supply valve for a washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, and a control means for controlling a motor-operated opening / closing means of the water supply valve, wherein the control means sets a water level at a water supply destination in advance. A washing machine characterized in that the motor-type opening / closing means is controlled so that the opening degree of the valve opening becomes maximum until the water level is reached. 5. A first and a second water outlet having one water inlet, a first and a second water outlet, and a flow passage communicating with these, and corresponding to the first and second water outlets in the flow passage. A body having two valve openings, and a first motor provided as a drive source on the body.
Motor opening / closing means for adjusting the opening degree of the valve opening, solenoid opening / closing means provided on the body for opening / closing the second valve opening using a solenoid as a drive source, and positioned on the water inlet side of the body. And a sensor means for detecting a pressure or a flow rate of water supplied to the flow path, wherein the first water outlet supplies water to the washing tub side, and the second water outlet opens the dehydration tub. A water supply valve for a washing machine characterized by being set to supply water to the side.