JPH08112484A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To enable to set the dehydrating process time of a washing machine in accordance with a condition by setting a low speed rotation dehydration operation time at a dehydrating process after a washing process longer than that at the time of a synthetic detergent when a detergent deciding means decides that a use detergent is powder soap. CONSTITUTION: A microcomputer 33 that functions as a detergent deciding means and a control means is provided at an operation panel, and decides whether powder soap is used or not by means of a use detergent specific signal to be set by means of an operation switch 31. At the time of powder soap, the low speed rotation dehydration operating time of a dehydration process after a washing process is set by adding about five seconds to a low speed rotation dehydration operation setting time set initially. Also, the low speed rotation dehydration operating time may be changed according to detergent density to be obtained from a light sensor 13, an electroconduction sensor 14; the detection temperature by a temperature sensor 10; and power source voltage from a voltage sensor 34.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine in which a washing process is followed by a dehydration process and then a rinsing process.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a washing machine provided with a washing process, a dehydration process and a rinsing process. This product squeezes the detergent solution from the laundry by the dehydration process after the washing process,
The subsequent rinsing process can be performed efficiently.

In this case, however, when the dehydration process after the washing process is performed by rotating the dehydration tank at a normal rotation speed, the detergent liquid squeezed out of the laundry and accumulated in the water tank rotates. The water is agitated vigorously by the dewatering tank to generate bubbles, and by continuing to vigorously agitate the foam, the foam becomes creamy and hinders the rotation of the dewatering tank. In this case, the rotation of the dehydration tank cannot be further increased, and the remaining detergent liquid cannot be sufficiently squeezed out, so that the subsequent rinsing process cannot be efficiently performed.

Therefore, the dehydration process after the washing process is performed by a low-speed rotation dehydration operation in which the dehydration tank is rotated at low speed by intermittent energization of a drive motor or low-speed rotation energization. According to this, the detergent liquid that is squeezed out of the laundry and stored in the water tank is prevented from being stirred by the dehydration tank, and the generation of creamy foam that hinders the rotation of the dehydration tank is avoided. It goes up smoothly at low speed, and the remaining detergent solution can be squeezed out sufficiently,
The subsequent rinsing process can be performed efficiently as desired.

[0005]

In the case of the above, the generation of creamy foam depends on various conditions. Therefore, the low-speed rotation dehydration operation time of the dehydration process is set to a long time so that creamy foam does not occur even when the worst expected conditions are met. Therefore, there is a problem that the dehydration process after the washing process takes a long time in any case, and thus it takes a long time until the entire operation of the washing machine ends.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and therefore an object thereof is to provide a washing machine capable of performing a dehydration process after a washing process in a time-consuming manner according to the conditions at that time without waste. To provide.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the washing machine of the present invention has a structure in which a washing process is followed by a dehydration process in which a low-speed rotation dehydration operation is performed, and then a transition to a rinsing process. When the detergent determining means determines that the detergent used is powder soap, the low-speed rotation dehydration operation time of the dehydration process is set to be longer than when the detergent determining means determines that the detergent is synthetic soap. It is characterized in that the operation is performed by the above.

In this case, a detergent concentration detecting means for detecting the detergent concentration of the washing water from the light transmittance or conductivity of the washing water is further provided, and the detergent concentration of the washing water is determined to be a predetermined value or more from the detection result. It is advisable to set the low-speed rotation dewatering operation time of the dewatering process to be longer than that when it is determined to be less than the predetermined value, and to execute the operation.

Further, the temperature detecting means includes a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the washing water, and when the temperature of the washing water is determined to be higher than or equal to a predetermined value from the detection result, the temperature is lower than the predetermined value. It is advisable to set the low-speed rotation dehydration operation time of the dehydration process to be longer and to execute the operation.

In addition, a voltage detecting means for detecting the voltage of the applied power source is provided, and when it is determined from the detection result that the voltage of the applied power source is below a predetermined value, or when it is determined that the voltage exceeds the predetermined value. It is advisable to set the low-speed rotation dehydration operation time of the dehydration process to be longer and execute the operation.

[0011]

[Function] Among soap powder and synthetic detergent, synthetic detergent produces less foam. Therefore, as described above, the detergent determining means is provided, and when the detergent determining means determines that the detergent used is powder soap, it is slower in the dehydration process after the washing step than when it is determined to be the synthetic detergent. By setting the rotation dewatering operation time to be long and executing the operation, the low speed rotation dewatering operation can be performed for a long time only when powder soap with a large amount of foaming is used, and the synthesis with less foaming can be performed. When detergent is used, it is possible to avoid having to run the low speed spinning dewatering operation for a long time.

Further, the lower the detergent concentration of the wash water, the less the foaming. Therefore, as described above, the detergent concentration detecting means for detecting the detergent concentration of the washing water from the light transmittance or conductivity of the washing water is provided, and it is determined from the detection result that the detergent concentration of the washing water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. When the detergent concentration with a large amount of foam is high by setting the low speed rotation dehydration operation time in the dehydration step after the washing step to be longer than when it is determined to be less than the predetermined value However, it is possible to perform the low-speed rotation dehydration operation for a longer time, and when the detergent concentration with less foaming is low, it is possible to avoid performing the low-speed rotation dehydration operation for a long time.

Further, the lower the temperature of the washing water, the less the foaming. Therefore, as described above, the temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the washing water is provided, and when it is determined from the detection result that the temperature of the washing water is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, it is determined that the temperature is lower than the predetermined value. By lowering the low-speed rotation dehydration operation time in the dehydration step after the washing step to a longer time and executing the operation, the low-speed rotation dehydration operation takes a longer time only when the temperature of the washing water with a lot of foam is high. The rotation dewatering operation can be performed, and when the temperature of the detergent water with less foaming is low, it is possible to avoid performing the low speed rotation dewatering operation for a long time.

In addition, when the voltage of the applied power source is high, the torque of the motor increases, so that the rotation of the dehydration tub increases even if a small amount of detergent liquid is stored in the water tub. On the other hand, when it is low, the torque of the motor becomes small, so
If detergent solution is accumulated in the water tank, the spin of the dehydration tank will not increase. Therefore, as described above, it is provided with voltage detection means for detecting the voltage of the applied power supply, and when it is determined that the voltage of the applied power supply is less than or equal to a predetermined value from the detection result, when it is determined to be above the predetermined value. By setting the low-speed rotation dehydration operation time in the dehydration step after the washing step to be longer and executing the operation, the dehydration tank does not increase in rotation. The low-speed rotation dehydration operation can be performed, and it is possible to avoid performing the low-speed rotation dehydration operation for a long time when the power supply voltage for increasing the rotation of the dehydration tank is high.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 2 shows the structure of the entire washing machine. A water tank 2 is arranged in an outer box 1, a water tank 2 having a large number of dehydration holes 3 therein, and further a water tank 4 inside the water tank 4. Are provided with agitators 5 at the bottom.
Further, below the outside of the water tank 2, the dehydration tank 4 is stopped at the time of washing and rinsing and the stirring body 5 is rotated, and the dehydration tank 4 is rotated at the time of dehydration.
A drive mechanism 7 having a motor 6 as a main component for rotating the agitator 5 with the stirring body 5 is provided, and a drain valve 8 and a drain hose 9 for draining from the water tank 2 are provided.

Besides, on the outer surface of the bottom of the water tank 2, the water tank 2
As shown in FIG. 3, a temperature sensor 10 functioning as a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the washing water in the water tank 2 is attached by a metal fitting 11 and a plurality of screws 12 as shown in FIG. An optical sensor 13 including a light emitting portion 13a and a light receiving portion 13b, which functions as detergent concentration detecting means for detecting the detergent concentration of the washing water from the light transmittance of the washing water, is attached to the upstream portion as shown in FIG. There is. Further, inside the bottom of the water tank 2, a conductivity sensor 14 having a pair of electrodes 14a and 14b, which functions as detergent concentration detecting means for detecting the detergent concentration of the washing water from the conductivity of the washing water, is described in detail. Is a through hole 1 from the outside as shown in FIG.
5 through which a plurality of screws 16 are attached.

On the other hand, FIG. 5 shows an operation panel 18 provided on the front upper surface of the top cover 17 on the outer box 1, and in addition to various main operation switches 19-24 and various display sections 25-30. Further, it has an operation switch 31 and a display section 32 for specifying the detergent to be used from the synthetic detergent and the soap powder.

FIG. 6 shows a microcomputer 33 provided on the back side of the operation panel 18 (inside the top cover 17) and serving as detergent determining means and control means. , 31 input various operation signals, the temperature sensor 10 inputs a temperature detection signal, the optical sensor 13 outputs a light transmittance detection signal (detergent concentration detection signal), and the conductivity sensor 14 outputs a conductivity detection signal ( The detergent concentration detection signal) and the voltage detection signal are input from the voltage sensor 34, respectively.

The voltage sensor 34 functions as a voltage detecting means for detecting the voltage of the input power source. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, a diode 36 connected to a power source 35,
It is composed of voltage dividing resistors 37 and 38 and a smoothing capacitor 39, and a voltage detection signal is inputted to the microcomputer 33 through an A / D converter 40.

Therefore, the microcomputer 33 is
Based on those inputs and a control program stored in advance, the various display units 25 to 30, 32, the water supply valve 41 for supplying water into the water tank 2 through the dehydration tank 4, the motor 6, and the drain valve 8 are driven. A drive control signal is applied to the drive circuit 42 for

Therefore, the operation of the function of the microcomputer 33 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1, the microcomputer 33 first sets the set time T of the low-speed rotation dehydration operation in the dehydration process after the washing process to an initial value of, for example, 2 when the operation is started.
It is set to 0 [seconds] (step S1). Next, it is judged whether or not the detergent used is powder soap by the operation signal from the operation switch 31 (step S2), and if it is judged that the detergent is not powder soap (synthetic detergent), then the powder is used as it is. If it is determined to be soap, 5 [seconds] is added to the set time T of the low speed rotation dehydration operation (step S
3) Then, each washing process is started (step S4).

In the washing step, the water supply valve 41 is opened to supply water up to a predetermined water level, and then the motor 6 is started to rotate the agitator 5 for agitation.
One minute after the stirring is started, it is determined whether or not the detergent concentration of the washing water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value based on the light transmittance detection signal from the optical sensor 13 (step S5).

Here, FIG. 8 shows the light transmittance detection signal (detection voltage [V]) of the optical sensor 13 from the start of stirring in the washing process.
The change with time when the detergent concentration of the washing water is 1 time, and 1.
5 times, the higher the detergent concentration of the washing water, the more the turbidity of the washing water increases, and the change (decrease) in the light transmittance detection signal of the optical sensor 13 increases. After a predetermined time from, for example, 1 [minute] described above, the optical sensor 13
The light transmittance detection signal of V1 is V1 when the detergent concentration of the washing water is 1 time, and V2 which is lower when the detergent concentration is 1.5 times.

Therefore, in step S5 described above, it is determined whether or not the light transmittance detection signal (detection voltage) from the optical sensor 13 is V2 or less, so that the detergent concentration of the washing water is equal to or more than the predetermined value. If it is determined that it is not V2 or less (the detergent concentration of the washing water is less than the predetermined value), it is V2 or less (the detergent concentration of the washing water is predetermined. If it is determined that the value is equal to or more than the value), 5 [sec] is further added to the set time T of the low speed rotation dehydration operation in the dehydration process after the washing process (step S6),
Each washing process is completed (step S7).

At the end of the washing process, drainage is performed by opening the drain valve 8 after the stirring is stopped. Thereafter, the temperature of the washing water is detected by the temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor 10 at the end of the washing process. It is determined whether or not is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (step S8).

Here, FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the temperature of the washing water and the temperature detection signal (detection voltage [V]) of the temperature sensor 10. The higher the temperature of the washing water, the higher the temperature of the temperature sensor 10 is detected. The signal gets louder. Further, since the maximum value of the water temperature in the natural state can be assumed to be 30 [° C.], the temperature detection signal V1 of the temperature sensor 10 at the time of 30 [° C.] is used as a reference value, and in the above step S8 the temperature sensor It is determined whether the temperature of the washing water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value by determining whether or not the temperature detection signal of is equal to or higher than V1. Then, in that case, if it is determined that it is not V1 or more,
On the other hand, on the other hand, if it is determined that it is V1 or more, 5 [seconds] is further added to the set time T of the low speed rotation dehydration operation in the dehydration process after the washing process (step S9).
Each proceeds to the next step (step S10).

In the next step S10, it is judged whether or not the voltage of the applied power source is below a predetermined value by the voltage detection signal from the voltage sensor 34 immediately before the transition to the dehydration process. It is determined whether the value is 90% or less. If it is determined in step S10 that the voltage of the applied power source is not lower than 90% of the rated value (greater than 90%), it is determined as it is to be lower than 90%. For example, 5 [seconds] is further added to the set time T of the low speed rotation dehydration operation in the dehydration process after the washing process (step S11), and the process proceeds to the next step (step S12).

In the next step S12, the dewatering process is started and the low speed rotation dewatering operation is first performed for the set time T (20 to 40 [sec]). In this low-speed rotation dewatering operation, as shown in detail in FIG. 10, by intermittently energizing the motor 8, the dehydration tub 4 is repeatedly driven and stopped (inertial rotation), and its average rotation speed is 300 [rpm]. Then, the motor 8 is continuously energized to continuously drive the dehydration tank 4 so that its rotation speed is 800 [r
pm] at a high speed, and this is performed for 1.5 [minutes], for example (step S13).

Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the process proceeds to the rinsing step, where the same water supply, stirring, and drainage as in the above washing step is performed.
After that, the dehydration step is performed, and dehydration operation is performed by continuously rotating the dehydration tank 4 at a high speed.
Dehydration operation is performed by shifting to the rinsing step for the first time, supplying water, stirring and draining, and finally shifting to the final dewatering step and continuously rotating the dewatering tank 4 at high speed.

In this way, when the detergent used is determined to be powder soap, the low-speed rotation dehydration operation time in the dehydration step after the washing step is longer than when it is determined to be the synthetic detergent. This is to set and execute the operation.Since powder soap and synthetic detergent produce less foam, the soap will rotate slowly for a long time only when powder soap with a lot of foam is used. The dehydration operation is performed, and when a synthetic detergent with less foaming is used, it is possible to avoid performing the low-speed rotation dehydration operation wastefully for a long time.

Further, from the detection result of the light transmittance of the washing water, when it is determined that the detergent concentration of the washing water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the dehydration process after the washing process is compared to when it is determined to be less than the predetermined value. This is performed by setting the low speed rotation dehydration operation time for a longer period of time, and the lower the detergent concentration in the wash water is, the less foaming occurs.Therefore, take a longer time only when the detergent concentration with a lot of foaming is high. The low-speed rotation dehydration operation is performed, and when the detergent concentration with less foaming is low, it is possible to avoid performing the low-speed rotation dehydration operation wastefully for a long time.

Further, when it is determined from the detection result of the temperature of the washing water that the temperature of the washing water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the rotation speed is lower in the dehydration process after the washing process than when it is determined that the temperature is lower than the predetermined value. The dehydration operation time is set to be longer and the operation is executed. The lower the temperature of the washing water is, the less foaming occurs. Therefore, the washing water takes a longer time only when the temperature of the washing water is high. The low speed rotation dehydration operation is performed, and when the temperature of the detergent water with less foaming is low, it is possible to avoid performing the low speed rotation dehydration operation wastefully for a long time.

In addition, from the detection result of the voltage of the input power source,
When it is determined that the voltage of the applied power source is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the low speed rotation dehydration operation time in the dehydration step after the washing step is set to be longer than when it is determined to be higher than the predetermined value, and the operation is executed. Therefore, when the voltage of the power supply is high, the torque of the motor 8 is large, so the rotation of the dehydration tub 4 increases even if the detergent liquid is a little accumulated in the water tub 2. On the contrary, when the voltage is low, the torque of the motor 8 is small. Therefore, if the detergent liquid is stored in the water tank 2, the rotation of the dehydration tank 4 does not increase. Therefore, the rotation of the dehydration tank 4 does not increase. The rotary dewatering operation is performed, and when the power supply voltage for increasing the rotation of the dewatering tank 4 is high, it is possible to avoid performing the low speed rotary dewatering operation wastefully for a long time.

In contrast to the above, FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, in which step S5 'replaces step S5.
Then, it is determined whether or not the detergent concentration of the washing water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value based on the conductivity detection signal from the conductivity sensor 14 1 [minute] after the stirring in the washing process is started. Showing things.

In this regard, FIG. 13 shows the change over time of the conductivity detection signal (detection voltage [V]) of the conductivity sensor 14 from the start of stirring in the washing process, when the detergent concentration of the washing water is 1 time, This is indicated by the case of 1.5 times, and the higher the detergent concentration of the washing water, the lower the electric resistance of the washing water, and the smaller the change (falling degree) of the conductivity detection signal of the conductivity sensor 14 becomes. After a predetermined time from the start of, for example, 1 minute above
The conductivity detection signal of the conductivity sensor 14 after that becomes V1 when the detergent concentration of the washing water is 1 time, and V2 which is higher when it is 1.5 times.

Therefore, in step S5 'described above, the conductivity detection signal (detection voltage) from the conductivity sensor 14 is V2.
It is determined whether or not the detergent concentration of the washing water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value by determining whether or not it is V2
Not above (detergent concentration in washing water is less than the specified value)
If it is judged to be V2 or more, on the other hand, if it is judged to be V2 or more, the process goes through step S6 to step S6.
Proceed to 7.

Therefore, also in this case, the low-speed rotary dehydration operation in the dehydration step after the washing step can be performed for a longer time only when the concentration of the detergent with a large amount of foaming is high, and the detergent concentration with a small amount of foaming can be obtained. When it is low, it is possible to avoid spending a long time unnecessarily to perform the low-speed rotation dewatering operation.

FIG. 14 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. The low speed rotation dehydration operation in the dehydration step after the washing step is performed by continuously rotating the dehydration tank 4 at a low speed by energizing the motor 8 at a low speed. In this case, the motor 8 is intermittently energized with the first
As in the embodiment, it is possible to suppress the stirring of the detergent solution accumulated in the water tank 2 by the dehydration tank 4.

[0039]

The washing machine of the present invention is as described above, and has the following effects. Firstly, the washing process is followed by a low-speed rotation dewatering operation, and then a rinsing process is performed after a dehydrating process.
When the detergent determining unit determines that the detergent used is powder soap, the low-speed rotation dehydration operation time of the dehydration process is set to be longer than when the detergent is determined to be a synthetic detergent. As a result, the dehydration process after the washing process can be performed without waste by spending time according to the type of detergent used.

Secondly, a detergent concentration detecting means for detecting the detergent concentration of the washing water from the light transmittance or the conductivity of the washing water is further provided, and it is judged from the detection result that the detergent concentration of the washing water is a predetermined value or more. In this case, by setting the low speed rotation dewatering operation time of the dewatering process to be longer than that when it is determined to be less than the predetermined value, the dewatering process after the washing process is further washed. It can be performed without waste over time depending on the detergent concentration of water.

Thirdly, a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the washing water is provided, and when it is judged from the detection result that the temperature of the washing water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, it is determined that the temperature is lower than the predetermined value. By setting the low speed rotation dehydration operation time of the dehydration process to be longer than that at the time and executing the operation,
The dehydration process after the washing process can be performed without waste by further spending time according to the temperature of the washing water.

Fourthly, it is provided with a voltage detecting means for detecting the voltage of the applied power source, and when it is determined from the detection result that the voltage of the applied power source is less than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined to be above the predetermined value. Since the low-speed rotation dehydration operation time of the dehydration step is set to be longer than that at the time and the operation is executed, the dehydration step after the washing step can be further performed without waste by spending time according to the voltage of the input power source. You can

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 2] Side view of the entire fracture

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sensor mounting portion of the water tank.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view in which a part of the conductivity sensor mounting portion of the water tank is cut away.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of the operation panel.

FIG. 6 is a schematic electrical configuration diagram.

FIG. 7 is an electric circuit diagram of a conductivity sensor portion.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing changes over time in the detection voltage of the optical sensor during washing and stirring.

FIG. 9 is a characteristic diagram of the voltage detected by the temperature sensor.

FIG. 10 is a time-dependent change diagram of the spin-drying rotation speed in the spin-drying process after the washing process.

[Fig. 11] Overall process chart

FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing changes over time in the detection voltage detected by the conductivity sensor during washing and stirring.

FIG. 14 is a view corresponding to FIG. 10 showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

4 is a dehydration tank, 10 is a temperature sensor (temperature detecting means), 13
Is an optical sensor (detergent concentration detecting means), 14 is a conductivity sensor (detergent concentration detecting means), 31 is an operation switch for specifying the detergent used, 33 is a microcomputer (detergent determining means,
Control means) 34 is a voltage sensor (voltage detecting means).

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A washing machine, wherein after a washing step, a low-speed rotation dewatering operation is carried out and a rinsing step is performed after a dehydration step, the detergent judging means is provided, and the detergent judging means means that the detergent used is soap powder. When it is determined that the washing machine is equipped with a control means, the low speed rotation dehydration operation time of the dehydration process is set to be longer than that when it is determined that the detergent is a synthetic detergent. Machine. 2. The detergent concentration detecting means for detecting the detergent concentration of the washing water from the light transmittance or conductivity of the washing water, wherein the control means determines that the detergent concentration of the washing water is a predetermined value or more based on the detection result. When the determination is made, the low-speed rotation dehydration operation time of the dehydration process is set to be longer than when it is determined that it is less than the predetermined value, and the control for executing the operation is performed. The described washing machine. 3. The temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the washing water is provided, and when the control means determines that the temperature of the washing water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the control means determines that the temperature is lower than the predetermined value. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the low-speed rotation dewatering operation time of the dewatering process is set to be longer than the time when the dewatering process is performed so that the operation is controlled. 4. A voltage detecting means for detecting the voltage of the power source applied, wherein the control means determines that the voltage of the power source is higher than a predetermined value when it is determined from the detection result that the voltage of the power source is less than a predetermined value. 4. The washing machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the low-speed rotation dehydration operation time of the dehydration process is set to be longer than the time when the operation is performed so that the operation is controlled.