JPH09313769A - Two-tub washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save water in an auxiliary washing tub by smoothly moving the water in an outer tub into the auxiliary washing tub. SOLUTION: The water in an outer tub 5 is moved into an auxiliary washing tub 1 in response to the input of the instruction signal instructing the movement of water. A user opens an switch valve 20 and waits for the prescribed time. The water in the outer tub 5 is naturally moved into the auxiliary washing tub 12, and the water levels of both tubs 5, 12 are substantially balanced. A clutch 81 is turned to the spin-drying side, and an inner tub 6 is rotated by a motor 8. A pumping action is generated by the rotation of the inner tub 6, the water in the outer tub 5 is further moved into the auxiliary washing tub 12, and the water level of the auxiliary washing tub 12 is increased. When the water in the outer tub 5 is much or the laundry is much, the motor 8 is intermittently operated at first not to apply a high load to the motor 8. When bubbles are generated, the drive of the motor 8 is stopped. When the water level of the outer tub 5 is low and the water cannot be practically moved even if the motor 8 is rotated, the drive of the motor 8 is stopped.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a two-tub washing machine, and more particularly, to a two-tub washing machine that allows water to move between washing tubs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various types of two-tub type washing machines have been proposed. Also, some two-tub washing machines allow water to move between the washing tubs. The conventional movement of water between washing tubs in a two-tub washing machine is that a dedicated pump is provided to allow movement of water between washing tubs. By rotating the blades, a pump action is generated by the blades, and water can be moved between the washing tubs.

[0003]

In a two-tub type washing machine, one washing tub usually has a dehydrating function. A general shape of a washing tub having a dehydrating function includes an outer tub and an inner tub housed in the outer tub, and the inner tub has a large number of small holes formed therein. At the time of dehydration, the inner tub is rotated at a high speed, and the laundry is dehydrated by centrifugal force.

In the case of such a structure, it is necessary to rotate the stirring blades provided in the inner tub to cause a pumping action and to enable the movement of water between the washing tubs because of the structure in which the inner tub exists. It was difficult. On the other hand, the applicant of the present application has found that the first tank is a fully automatic washing tub (a washing tub having the outer tub, the inner tub provided in the outer tub, and the stirring blade provided in the inner tub as described above). , And proposed a two-tub type washing machine that uses an auxiliary washing tub in which a stirring blade is arranged on the side of the washing tub as the second tub. And
Even in this two-tub type washing machine, there was an idea to enable movement of water from the fully automatic washing tub to the auxiliary washing tub.

The present invention is based on this idea, and in a two-tub type washing machine, water can be smoothly moved from the first washing tub to the second washing tub. It is an object of the present invention to provide a two-tub type washing machine capable of saving water.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
A first washing tub capable of washing, rinsing, and dehydrating, including a driving means for washing and dehydrating, a second washing tub capable of performing at least washing and rinsing, and connecting the first washing tub and the second washing tub, Instructions for instructing movement of water in a two-tub type washing machine including a connection water channel that enables movement of water between the first washing tub and the second washing tub, and a water passage opening / closing unit that opens and closes the connection water channel Control for controlling the water channel opening / closing means and the driving means for the first washing tub in a predetermined manner in order to move the water in the first washing tub to the second washing tub in response to the input of the signal and the instruction signal. Means, are included.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the two-tub washing machine according to the first aspect, the predetermined mode is that when the instruction signal is input, the rinsing operation in the first washing tub ends. Waiting for, the water channel opening / closing means is only opened, and then the driving means is driven so that the dehydration operation is further performed in the first washing tub.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the two-tub washing machine according to the first aspect, the predetermined mode is that when an instruction signal is input by the end of the washing operation in the first washing tub,
It is a mode in which the driving means is not driven only by waiting for the washing operation to be finished and the water channel opening / closing means being opened, and when the instruction signal is input after the washing operation in the first washing tub and before the rinsing operation is finished. In addition, after waiting for the rinsing operation to be completed, first, the water channel opening / closing means is only opened, and thereafter, the driving means is driven so that the dehydration operation is further performed in the first washing tub. To do.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the two-tub washing machine according to the first, second or third aspect, the first washing tub has a water level sensor capable of continuously detecting a change in water level in the tub. The predetermined mode includes first driving the water channel opening / closing means only, and then driving the driving means so that the dehydration operation is performed in the first washing tub. While the water channel opening / closing means is opened, it is determined based on the output of the water level sensor that the water level of the first washing tub and the water level of the second washing tub are substantially in equilibrium. It is characterized in that the required time is measured and the drive time of the drive means is changed based on the measured time.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the two-tub washing machine according to the first, second or third aspect, the first washing tub is provided with a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the tub, and the predetermined value is provided. This aspect includes first opening the water channel opening / closing means for a predetermined time and then driving the driving means so that the dehydration operation is performed in the first washing tub, and the water channel opening / closing means is opened for the predetermined time. In the state, the water level of the first washing tub and the second
This is the time it takes for the water level in the washing tub to almost equilibrate.
The water level sensor detects the water level of the first washing tub when the water level is almost equilibrium, and the control means is
The feature is that the driving means is intermittently driven by shortening the turn-on time.

[0011] The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1 to 5.
In the two-tub type washing machine according to any one of items 1 to 3, the second washing tub is provided with a water level sensor for detecting whether or not the water level in the tub is a predetermined water level, and the additional water supply to the second washing tub. When the water level sensor detects that the water level of the second washing tub has not reached the predetermined water level after the control in a predetermined manner is finished, the additional water supply means for It is characterized in that additional water is supplied by the additional water supply means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the two-tub washing machine according to the first aspect, the first washing tub is provided with a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the tub. The opening / closing means is only opened, and thereafter, when the water level of the first washing tub is determined to be less than a predetermined reference water level based on the output of the water level sensor, the waterway opening / closing means is closed. It is what

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the two-tub washing machine according to the first, second or third aspect, when the control means drives the driving means so that the dehydration operation is performed in the first washing tub. Characterized in that the drive means is driven intermittently, inertial rotation or the like is detected while the drive means is stopped, and when the inertial rotation amount is smaller than a predetermined reference value, the drive of the drive means is stopped. It is a thing.

According to the structure of claim 1, when the water in the first washing tub is moved to the second washing tub, the control is performed in a predetermined manner. The predetermined mode means a mode in which water can be smoothly moved when the water is substantially movable. Specifically, an example of the aspect is Claim 2
~ 8. According to the configuration of claim 2 or 3, first, the water is naturally moved, and then the dehydration operation is performed in the first washing tub, and the water is forcibly moved by the pump action generated at that time. Therefore, the water level in the second washing tub can be raised to a washable water level.

In the structure of claim 4, the driving time can be set according to the amount of water in the first washing tub, and the driving means is not wastefully driven or the driving time of the driving means is not insufficient. With the configuration according to claim 5, the load on the drive means can be reduced. According to the configuration of claim 6, after the water is moved to the second washing tub, when the water in the second washing tub is insufficient, additional water is automatically supplied. Therefore, the washing operation in the second washing tub can be performed immediately after the control ends.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the first washing tub has a small amount of water and it is useless to drive the drive means, the useless control is not performed. In the structure of claim 8, when bubbles are generated when the water is moved by the driving means, the driving of the driving means is stopped. As a result, useless driving can be omitted.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing a schematic configuration of a two-tub type washing machine according to one embodiment to which the present invention is applied. In this two-tub type washing machine, the fully automatic washing machine 1 is adopted as the first washing tub, and the auxiliary washing machine 2 in which the stirring blades are arranged on the side surface of the washing tub is adopted as the second washing tub.

However, this is merely an example, and the first
Various types of washing tubs can be adopted as the washing tub and the second washing tub. That is, the first washing tub may be any one as long as it is provided with driving means for washing and dehydration and can perform washing, rinsing and dehydration. Further, the second washing tub may be a washing tub capable of performing at least washing and rinsing.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be specifically described below as an example. This two-tub washing machine 3 has a housing 4
Fully automatic washing machine (1st washing machine) 1 and auxiliary washing machine (2nd washing machine)
And a washing machine) 2 are arranged. The fully automatic washing machine 1
In order to rotate the outer tub 5, the inner tub 6 provided in the outer tub 5, the stirring blade 7 provided on the bottom surface of the inner tub 6, the inner tub 6 and / or the stirring wing 7, below the outer tub 5. A drive device provided (the drive device includes a motor 8 and a clutch 8 for switching between rotating the stirring blade 7 and the inner tank 6).
1 is included. However, for convenience of description, the drive device will be simply referred to as “motor 8” hereinafter unless otherwise required. ), A water level sensor 9 capable of continuously detecting a water level change in the outer tub 5, a drainage channel 10 connected to the bottom surface of the outer tub 5, and a water channel opening / closing valve 11 inserted in the drainage channel 10.

In the auxiliary washing machine 2, the auxiliary washing tub 12, the stirring blade 13 disposed on one side surface of the auxiliary washing tub 12, the motor 14 for rotating the stirring blade 13, and the rotational force of the motor 14 are applied to the stirring blade 13. A belt transmission mechanism 15 including a pulley and a belt for transmission, a drainage channel 16 connected to the bottom surface of the sub washing tub 12, a water channel opening / closing valve 17 inserted in the drainage channel 16, and water stored in the sub washing tub 12. Water level sensor 1 for detecting whether or not the water level of the water reaches a predetermined water level
8 are included.

The drainage channel 10 of the first washing machine 1 and the second washing machine 2
The drainage channel 16 is connected to the drainage channel 16 by a connecting water channel 19 on the upstream side of the insertion positions of the opening / closing valves 11 and 17 inserted in the respective water channels. Further, the connecting water channel 19 is provided with a water channel opening / closing valve 20. This allows
When the opening / closing valves 11 and 17 are closed and the opening / closing valve 20 is opened, the water stored in the outer tub 5 of the first washing machine 1 and the auxiliary washing tub 12 of the second washing machine 2 are stored. Drained water means the drainage channel 10, the connecting water channel 19 and the drainage channel 1.
They can move through each other through 6.

Further, the two-tub type washing machine 3 is provided with water supply passages 21 and 22 for supplying water to the first washing machine 1 and the second washing machine 2, respectively. Water supply valves 23 and 24 are provided. The feature of this embodiment is that the connecting tub 19 allows the outer tub 5 and the auxiliary washing tub 1 to be connected.
While allowing water to move freely between the two,
By rotating the inner tub 6 of the first washing machine 1, it is possible to cause a pump action to forcibly move the water stored in the outer tub 5 to the auxiliary washing tub 12. Is.

More specifically, in the first washing machine 1,
When the clutch 81 is set to the dehydration side and the motor 8 rotates the inner tank 6 and the stirring blade 7 at high speed, a pumping action occurs.
By this pump action, the water accumulated in the outer tub 5 moves to the auxiliary washing tub 12 through the connecting water passage 19, and the water level of the water accumulated in the auxiliary washing tub 12 rises. In this embodiment, when the inner tub 6 of the first washing machine 1 is rotated to generate a pumping action, the operating conditions of the first and second washing machines 1 and 2 and the water accumulated in the outer tub 5 Water level and outer tank 5
The contents of control are changed according to the state of the water in the inner tub, the amount of laundry in the inner tub 6, etc.
Trying to move to.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration example of an operation panel provided on the upper front side of the housing 4 of the two-tub washing machine 3, for example. The operation panel 30 has a fully automatic washing machine 1
And various keys for giving a command signal to the auxiliary washing machine 2 are arranged. Specifically, as a key on the fully automatic washing machine 1 side, a standard start key 31 for giving a start signal of a standard washing operation, a pause / restart for temporarily stopping and restarting the washing operation A key 32 and a dehydration key 33 for allowing the fully automatic washing machine 1 to perform only the dehydration operation are provided.

As keys on the side of the auxiliary washing machine 2, a washing rinse key 35 for starting the auxiliary washing machine 1 to start washing and rinsing, a water flow key 36 for switching the strength of the water flow during washing and rinsing, and water supply. A water supply key 37 for instructing and a drain key 38 for instructing drainage are provided. Further, a display lamp 39 for displaying whether the set water flow is a strong water flow, a medium water flow, or a weak water flow according to the water flow setting by the water flow key 36 is also provided.

Further, the operation panel 30 is provided with a moving key 40 for inputting a command signal for moving the water of the first washing machine 1 to the second washing machine 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the two-tub washing machine shown in FIG. In the block diagram of FIG. 3, only the part relating to the control that is a feature of the two-tub type washing machine described below is shown.

Description will be made with reference to FIG. The control unit 45 has a configuration including a microcomputer and is a control center of the two-tub type washing machine. Signals from the water level sensor 9, the water level sensor 18, and the operation panel 30 described in FIG. 1 are given to the control unit 45. As described above, the operation panel 30 includes the movement key 40, and the water movement command signal from the key 40 is also given to the control unit 45.

The control unit 45 controls the movement of water based on the given signal. Therefore, the motor 8 and the clutch 81 are controlled. Also, the water channel opening / closing valves 11, 1
Controls the opening and closing of 7 and 20. In addition, the sub washing tub 12
The opening and closing of the water supply valve 24 is controlled to control the water supply to the water. Next, the operation of the two-tub type washing machine 2 performed by the control unit 45 shown in FIG. 3, in particular, how the water accumulated in the outer tub 5 of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is used as the auxiliary washing tub of the auxiliary washing machine 2. The description will be centered on the control of whether to move to 12.

4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an example of the control operation of the fully automatic washing machine 1. In the control of the fully automatic washing machine 1, the flag A and the flag B are used. The flag A indicates whether the operation of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is in one of three states, that is, the state until the washing is finished, the state after the washing is finished and the rinse is finished, or the state after the rinse is finished and the dehydration is finished. This is a flag for specifying.

That is, the flag A = 1 indicates that the fully automatic washing machine 1
Indicates that the state is from before the start to the end of washing. The flag A = 2 indicates that the fully automatic washing machine 1 is in a state from the end of washing to the end of rinsing. Flag A = 0
Indicates that the fully automatic washing machine 1 is in a state after completion of rinsing and until completion of dehydration. Further, the flag B indicates that the fully automatic washing machine 1
Indicates whether or not the move key 40 (see FIG. 2) has been pressed during operation. If the move key 40 is not pressed, the flag B = 0, and if it is pressed, B = 1.

When the control operation of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is started, first, the flag A = 1 and the flag B = 0 are set (S1). Then, it waits for an input from any key of the operation panel 30 (S2). When there is any key input, the control unit 45 determines whether it is the key on the fully automatic washing machine 1 side (S3).

For example, if the standard start key 31 is pressed in order to operate the fully automatic washing machine 1, the control proceeds to S6. In S6, it is determined whether or not the fully automatic washing machine 1 is in operation. In this example, the fully automatic washing machine 1 is not in operation yet and the operation start signal is given by key input, so NO is determined in S6, and then the type of input key is determined (S7). . As a result of the key determination, in the case of this example, the standard start key 31 is used, so the operation of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is executed in the standard mode (S8).

If the fully automatic washing machine 1 is in operation,
When any key on the fully automatic washing machine 1 side, for example, the pause / restart key 32 is pressed, the control is S3.
To S6, and then to S10. And S1
When it is determined that the key is the pause / restart key 32 at 0, the control program for operating the fully automatic washing machine 1 is stopped (S11). That is, the operation of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is temporarily stopped.

When the pause / restart key 32 is pressed while the operation of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is temporarily stopped, the control proceeds to S3 → S6 → S7 → S9, and the control is stopped. The operation of the control program is restarted. S2
When the key input is determined in step S3, and it is determined in step S3 that the key is not on the fully automatic washing machine 1 side, the auxiliary washing machine 2
It is determined whether the key is the side key (S4).

In the case of the key on the auxiliary washing machine 2 side,
Proceeding to FIG. 5, the control content is shifted to the simultaneous progress mode in which the operation mode of the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the operation mode of the auxiliary washing machine 2 are linked (S12). Since this simultaneous progress mode is not related to the features of this embodiment,
Detailed explanation is omitted. Further, the process of shifting to the simultaneous progress mode is not always necessary,
It doesn't matter.

Next, the type of the input key on the auxiliary washing machine 2 side is determined (S13). As a result, in the case of the wash / rinse key, the wash control is performed (S14). Also,
When the water flow key 36 is pressed, the water flow is switched (S15).
When the water supply key 37 is pressed, water supply control is performed (S16).
When the drain key 38 is selected, drainage control is performed (S37).

Returning to FIG. 4, the key input is determined in S2,
When the key is neither the key on the fully automatic washing machine 1 side nor the key on the auxiliary washing machine 2 side but the movement key 40, the control proceeds from S5 to S18 in FIG. In S18,
The state of flag A is determined. If the flag A is 1 or 2, the control of S19 is performed, and if the flag A is 0, the control of S20 is performed.

In this example, the flag A = 1 in S1.
Is set to Therefore, the process proceeds to S19 and the flag B is set to 1. That is, the flag A = 1 indicates that the operating state of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is from the start before the start to the end of the wash. When the move key 40 is pressed during this time, the move key 40 is accepted, and the flag B =
Is set to 1.

Even when the operating state of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is the state after the washing is finished and the rinsing is finished, that is, when the flag A = 2, the move key 40 is similarly accepted and the flag B is similarly received.
= 1. On the other hand, when the operating state of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is the state after the rinsing is completed and the dehydration is completed, the movement key 4 is pressed.
The input of 0 is not accepted and the flag B = 0 is set.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of washing operation control in the standard mode of the fully automatic washing machine 1 described in step S8 of FIG. A description will be given according to the flow of FIG. 6 with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. In the standard mode control of the fully automatic washing machine 1, first, water is supplied (P1) and washing is performed (P2). After the washing is finished, the flag A is rewritten to A = 2 (P3).

Next, the content of the flag B is determined (P
4). In other words, move key 4 until the washing is completed.
It is determined whether 0 has been pressed. If the move key 40 is pressed and the flag B = 1, the open / close valve 20
Is opened, and the water stored in the outer tub 5 is transferred to the auxiliary washing tub 12 (P5). At this time, the open / close valves 11 and 17 are both closed. The water accumulated in the outer tub 5 is the water after the washing is completed and the detergent is dissolved therein. The water in which this detergent is dissolved foams when stirred. Therefore, the washing water in the outer tub 5 is naturally transferred to the auxiliary washing tub 12 only by opening the open / close valve 20 without rotating the inner tub 6.

That is, when the water stored in the outer tub 5 is water in which the detergent is dissolved, the water is naturally transferred from the outer tub 5 to the auxiliary washing tub 12, and then the water in the outer tub 5 is forcibly supplemented. Laundry tub 12
It is conceivable to rotate the inner tank 6 in order to move to. When the inner tub 6 is rotated, the water in the outer tub 5 can be sent to the auxiliary washing tub 12 through the connecting water passage 19 by its pumping action. However, when the water accumulated in the outer tub 5 is the water in which the detergent is dissolved, the detergent may foam due to the rotation of the inner tub 6, and the action of the foam may cause a situation in which almost no water moves to the auxiliary washing tub 12. Many.

Therefore, in the movement control of the water of P5, the opening / closing valve 20 is opened so that the water in the outer tub 5 will naturally flow into the auxiliary washing tub 12.
I just moved to. After a certain period of time, the water level in the outer tub 5 and the water level in the auxiliary washing tub 12 become substantially equal, and the movement of water from the outer tub 5 to the auxiliary washing tub 12 stops. Therefore, the opening / closing valve 20 is closed after a certain time has elapsed. The above is the control of P5.

In P4, when the flag B = 1 is not satisfied,
That is, when the movement key 40 is not pressed by the end of the washing operation and the flag B = 0, the movement control of water in P5 is omitted. Next, the washing water in the outer tub 5 is drained (P6), and the inner tub 6 is rotated at a high speed for dehydration (P7). After that, water is supplied to the outer tub 5 (P8) and a rinsing operation is performed (P8).
9).

After the rinsing operation is completed, the flag A is rewritten and A = 0 is set (P10). As a result, it is stored that the operating state of the fully automatic washing machine 1 has moved to the final stage of drainage and dehydration. Then, the state of the flag B is determined. If during the rinse operation from the drainage of P6 to P9,
When the move key 40 is pressed, the flag B = 1.

Therefore, in this case, control is performed to transfer the water stored in the outer tub 5 after the rinsing is completed to the auxiliary washing tub 12 (P12). Various specific control contents of water movement in P12 are conceivable, and detailed contents will be described later. In brief, first, the opening / closing valve 20 is opened and the water in the outer tub 5 is naturally transferred to the auxiliary washing tub 12. Then, after the water levels of the both become almost equal, the inner tub 6 is rotated, and the water in the outer tub 5 is further pumped by the pump action.
Transfer to Then, control is performed to close the opening / closing valve 20.

The movement key 40 is not pressed during the rinsing operation,
If the flag B is not 1 in P11, the control in P12 is skipped, the water is drained (P13), and the water is dehydrated (P1).
4), control returns. FIG. 7 shows step P of FIG.
13 is a flowchart showing a specific example of water movement control performed in 12. FIG. 8 is an illustrative view for explaining how to calculate the standard value used in the control of FIG. 7.

First, a method of calculating the standard value will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the standard value means a state in which no laundry (cloth load) is put in the inner tub 6 and no laundry (cloth load) is put in the auxiliary washing tub 12,
That is, in a state where only water is stored in the outer tank 5,
It is the standard time for how long it takes to move water.

First, as shown in FIG. 8A, assume that the water level in the outer tank 5 is h ₁ . Open / close valve 20 in this state
Then, the water in the outer tub 5 naturally moves to the auxiliary washing tub 12 through the connecting water passage 19, and the time Tst required until the water levels of both are equilibrated is measured. This time Tst is the water level h of the outer tank 5.
It can be represented as a function of ₁ . That is, Tst = f ₁ (h ₁ ) ... (1)

Then, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 8A, the inner tub 6 (see FIG. 1) is rotated from the state where the water level of the outer tub 5 and the water level of the auxiliary washing tub 12 are in equilibrium, and the pump The time Tspinw required for forcibly sending the water in the outer tub 5 to the auxiliary washing tub 12 by the action is defined. This time Tspinw
Can be expressed as a function of the water level h ₂ of the outer tank 5 at equilibrium. That is, Tspinw = f ₂ (h ₂ ) (2)

Therefore, in the control unit 45 (see FIG. 3), the time Tst until the equilibrium is reached and the time Tspinw for rotating the inner tub 6 to raise the water level in the auxiliary washing tub 12 are preliminarily set to h ₁ and h. ₂ functions, that is, standard expressions (1) and (2)
And memorize it. Then, in the control of FIG. 7, these times Tst and Tspinw are utilized as standard times.

Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIG. In the water movement control, first, the water level of the water stored in the outer tank 5 is detected. The water level is detected by the water level sensor 9. It is assumed that the detected water level is h1 (Q1). Next, the opening / closing valve 20 is opened (Q2). At this time, the open / close valves 11 and 17 are both closed. Therefore outer tank 5
Water flows into the auxiliary washing tub 12 through the connecting water passage 19.

Simultaneously with opening the opening / closing valve 20, the timer 1 built in the control unit 45 is started and the time is measured (Q3). Then, based on the output of the water level sensor 9, it is determined whether or not the water level of the outer tub 5 and the water level of the auxiliary washing tub 12 are in equilibrium (Q4). Specifically, the water level sensor 9 continuously detects the water level of the outer tub 5. Therefore, when there is no change in the water level detected by the water level sensor 9, the water level in the outer tub 5 and the water level in the auxiliary washing tub 12 are in equilibrium.

When the control section 45 determines the equilibrium of the water level, the timer 1 is stopped and the count time T is read (Q5). Then, the water level of the outer tank 5 when the water level is balanced is detected by the output of the water level sensor 9. If this water level is h2, it is stored (Q6).
Next, in steps Q7 to Q9, correction calculation is performed.

Specifically, when the first water level h1 read at Q1 is applied to the standard equation (1) and there is no load, the time Tst from the state of the water level h1 to equilibrium is reached.
Is required. Then, the ratio α between the time T actually required until equilibrium and the standard time Tst is obtained. That is,
α = T / Tst is obtained (Q7).

Next, the equilibrium water level h2 read in step Q6 is applied to the standard equation (2) to calculate the drive time Tspinw required to raise the water level in the auxiliary washing tub 12 (Q8). . Further, the time Tspin for rotating the inner tank 6 in the actually detected state is calculated by the following formula.

Tspin = S * α * Tspinw:
S is a constant. Then, the inner tank 6 is rotated by the motor 8 for the time of Tspin obtained in step Q9 (Q10 to Q12). Thereafter, the opening / closing valve 20 is closed (Q13), and the rotation of the inner tank 5 is stopped (Q1
4).

In the above control, the time Tspin for rotating the inner tank 6 was changed based on the time until the water level equilibrated and the water level (equilibrium water level) at that time. However, the rotation time of the inner tank 6 of the inner tank 6 may be adjusted based on either one, for example, only the time until the water level equilibrates or only the equilibrium water level. 9 to 13 show specific examples of the control for transferring the water stored in the outer tub 5 (see FIG. 1) of the fully automatic washing machine 1 to the auxiliary washing tub 12, respectively.

Each control shown in FIGS. 9 to 13 is
In P12 of FIG. 6, the control can be performed instead of the control shown in FIG. Further, the control of FIG. 13 can be executed as the control of P5 of FIG. This will be described in detail later. Alternatively, the respective controls shown in FIGS. 9 to 13 cause the fully automatic washing machine 1 to temporarily wait after rinsing is finished,
It may be performed in response to the movement key 40 (see FIG. 2) being pressed during the standby.

In the following description, the latter case will be described as an example. If the control is performed in step P12 in FIG. 6, the first step immediately after the start, that is, the control of determining whether or not the move key 40 is turned on may be removed. First, a description will be given with reference to FIG. The control of FIG. 9 is characterized in that when the inner tank 6 (see FIG. 1) is rotated at a high speed, the operation is intermittent at first and the on-time of the intermittent operation is shortened according to the water level. As a result, the load on the motor 8 can be reduced.

A specific description will be given. In the control, first, it is judged whether or not the move key 40 is pressed and the input of the move command signal is given (A1). When there is an input from the movement key 40, the opening / closing valve 20 is opened (A
2), the timer a1 is started (A3), and the timer a1
Wait until the time set by is measured (A
4). The timer a1 is a timer for measuring a predetermined time, specifically, a time required for the water level of the outer tub 5 and the water level of the auxiliary washing tub 12 to be substantially in equilibrium.

Of course, instead of presetting the time until equilibration by the timer a1, the water level sensor 9
When there is no change in the water level detected in step S5, the process may move to the next step A5. In step A5,
The amount of laundry (cloth load) accommodated in the inner tub 6 is determined. Alternatively, the water level of the outer tank 5 is determined. The amount of laundry (amount of cloth load) can be determined by, for example, measuring the current value required to drive the stirring blade 7. If the current value required to drive the stirring blade 7 is large, the amount of laundry is large. Alternatively, the inner tank 6 or the stirring blade 7 when the driving of the inner tank 6 or the stirring blade 7 is stopped
The amount of laundry can also be measured by detecting the amount of inertial rotation of.

On the other hand, the water level can be detected by the water level sensor 9. If the result of determination in step A5 is that the amount of laundry is large or the water level is high, the control in A6 is A if the amount of laundry is medium or the water level is medium.
If the amount of laundry is small or the water level is low, the control of A7 is performed.

In A6, A7, and A8, the motor 8 rotates the inner tank 6 not intermittently at high speed but intermittently. Further, in A6, the on time of the motor 8 is made relatively short (for example, 1 second), and A7 is set.
Then, the on time of the motor 8 is set to an intermediate time (for example, 2 seconds), and at A8, the on time of the motor 8 is set relatively long (for example, 3 seconds). In each case, the off time is set to 1 second, for example.

The intermittent driving of the motor 8 is as follows.
This is because the load on the motor 8 is heavy when the amount of laundry in the inner tub 6 is large or the water level is high at the start of rotation of the inner tub 6. The intermittent driving of the motor 8 is performed by the timer a.
It is performed for the time set in 2. Therefore, timer a
2 is started (A9), and the timer a2 measures time (A10).

When the timer a2 times out (A1
0), the motor 8 is continuously energized to start continuous driving (A11). The continuous drive time is the time determined by the timer a3. Therefore, the timer a3 is started (A12). When the timer a3 times out (A13), the opening / closing valve 20 is closed (A14).
Then, the driving of the motor 8 is stopped (A15).

Although not described for convenience, A6, A
The drive control of the motor 8 at 7, A8 and A11 includes switching the clutch 81 to the dehydration side. That is, the clutch 81 can be switched between the dehydration side and the washing side,
When switched to the dehydration side, the inner tank 6 and the stirring blade 7 can be rotated at high speed by the motor 8. On the other hand, when the clutch 81 is switched to the washing side, the motor 8 can rotate the stirring blade 7, but the inner tub 6 is braked so as not to rotate.

Further, the motor stop control in A15 includes a control for turning off the motor 8 and a control for switching the clutch 81 from dehydration to washing. Next, description will be made with reference to FIG. The control shown in FIG.
Although the water in the above was transferred to the auxiliary washing tub 12, the auxiliary washing tub 1
When the water level of 2 is insufficient, the control is to supply additional water.

A specific description will be given. First, it is judged whether or not a signal from the movement key 40 is given (B1), and when the signal is given, the open / close valve 20 is opened (B1).
2). At this time, the open / close valves 11 and 17 are closed. Then, the timer b1 is started (B3), and the predetermined time set by the timer b1 is measured (B4).
The predetermined time defined by the timer b1 is the time required until the water level of the outer tub 5 and the water level of the auxiliary washing tub 12 are substantially equilibrated, as described above.

Also in this control, this time may not be set by the timer b1, and the time may be waited until the water level is actually balanced based on the output of the water level sensor 9. Next, the clutch 81 (see FIG. 3) is switched to the dehydration side (B5), and the motor 8 is turned on (B6). As a result, the inner tub 6 is rotated, and the water accumulated in the outer tub 5 is moved to the auxiliary washing tub 12 by its pumping action.

The time during which the motor 8 rotates the inner tank 6 is determined by the timer b2. That is, the timer b2 is started (B7), and the motor 8 is rotated until the timer b2 times out (B8). Then, the opening / closing valve 20 is closed (B9), the motor 8 is turned off (B10),
The clutch 81 is switched to the washing side (B11).

Then, the output of the water level sensor 18 provided in the auxiliary washing tub 12 is read (B12). If the water level sensor 18 cannot detect the water level, the washing water in the auxiliary washing tub 12 is insufficient. Therefore, in this case, the water supply valve 24 is turned on (B13), and the water level of the auxiliary washing tub 12 is set to a water level that can be detected by the water level sensor 18 (that is, the water level at which the water level sensor 18 is provided).

After that, in the fully automatic washing machine 1, the operation of the pause / restart key 32 is waited for, and the dehydration control to be operated is started. In addition, in the auxiliary washing machine 2, waiting for the washing rinse key 35 to be pressed,
The control operation is started. FIG. 11 shows still another control example. In FIG. 11, the water in the outer tub 5 is naturally added to the auxiliary washing tub 12
When the water level of both is equilibrated and the water level of the outer tank 5 is lower than the reference water level (see FIG. 1), the process of rotating the inner tank 6 to move the water is not performed. . That is, when the water level in the outer tank 5 is lower than a predetermined reference water level, for example, when the reset water level is too low to detect the water level with the water level sensor 9 (see FIG. 1), even if the inner tank 6 is rotated, Water in tank 5 is auxiliary washing tank 12
Hardly moves to. Therefore, in the control of FIG. 11, useless driving of the motor 8 in such a case is stopped.

A specific description will be given. The processing of steps C1 to C4 is the same as the processing of steps B1 to B4 in FIG. 9 described above. In the control of FIG. 11, at C5, the water stored in the outer tub 5 naturally moves to the auxiliary washing tub 12,
After the water levels of both are almost equilibrated, it is judged whether or not the water level of the outer tank 5 is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference water level (C5). This reference water level is an appropriately determined water level and is higher than the reset water level, which is a low limit water level that cannot be measured by the water level sensor 9, as shown in FIG. 1, for example,
It is a relatively low predetermined water level. Of course, the reference water level may be reset water level. If the water level stored in the outer tub 5 is not higher than the reference water level, almost no water moves to the auxiliary washing tub 12 even if the inner tub 6 is rotated.

Therefore, in such a case, the opening / closing valve 20 is promptly closed (C13). Then, the fully automatic washing machine 1 side waits for the input of the pause / restart key 32. At C5, if the water level of the outer tank 5 is higher than the reference water level, the control of C6 to C12 is performed.

That is, the clutch 81 is switched to the dehydration side (C6), the motor 8 is turned on (C7), and the inner tank 6
Is rotated. This rotation time is defined as the time until the timer c2 times out (C8, C9).
Then, when the inner tub 6 measured by the timer c2 is rotated, the opening / closing valve 20 is closed (C10), the motor 8 is turned off (C11), and the switching clutch 81 is switched to the washing side (C12).

Then, the fully automatic washing machine 1 side waits for the restart key input, and the auxiliary washing machine 2 side waits for the washing operation input. FIG. 12 shows still another control. FIG.
The feature of is that the water level of the outer tub 5 is determined before the water in the outer tub 5 is naturally moved to the auxiliary washing tub 12, and if the water level is below the reference water level, it does not move well to the auxiliary washing tub 12. Is taken into consideration. That is, when there is not enough water in the outer tub 5 to move to the auxiliary washing tub 12, the fully automatic washing machine 1 can be immediately transferred to dehydration.

A specific description will be given. When there is an input from the movement key 40 (D1), it is determined based on the output of the water level sensor 9 whether the water level in the outer tub 5 is equal to or higher than the reference water level (D).
2). The reference water level is a relatively low water level as described in FIG. If the initial water level of the outer tub 5 is lower than the reference water level, the water in the outer tub 5 hardly moves to the auxiliary washing tub 12 even if the opening / closing valve 20 is opened.

Therefore, in this case, on the fully automatic washing machine 1 side, the pause / restart key 32 (see FIG. 2).
Was accepted. On the other hand, when the water level of the outer tank 5 is equal to or higher than the reference water level, the control of steps D3 to D12 is performed. This control is performed from step C2 shown in FIG.
Since the processing is exactly the same as that of C12 (except C5), the description thereof is omitted here.

FIG. 13 shows still another control. As described above, the control in FIG. 13 can be performed after the rinsing in the fully automatic washing machine 1 is completed, as in the control in FIGS. 7 and 9 to 12, and further, after the washing in the fully automatic washing machine 1 is completed. You can do it even before you start. The control feature of FIG. 13 is that
It is determined whether or not bubbles are generated by rotating the inner tank 6, and when the bubbles are generated, the rotation of the inner tank 6 is stopped.

A specific description will be given. Wait for the move key 40 to be pressed (E1). Instead of determining the input of the move key 40 in this way, as described with reference to FIG. 6, based on the determination of whether or not the flag B = 1, when the flag B = 1, the control after step E2 is performed. May be performed.

At E2, the on-off valve 20 is opened, and first, it waits until the time set in the timer e1 is measured (E
3, E4). After that, the clutch 81 is switched to the dehydration side (E5), and the motor 8 is intermittently turned on (E6).
Then, when the motor 8 is intermittently driven, the inertial rotation amount when the motor 8 is turned off is determined (E7). When the inertial rotation amount is smaller than a predetermined value, the driving of the motor 8 is stopped (E8), and the clutch 81 is switched to the washing side (E8).
9), the on-off valve 20 is closed (E10), and the standby state is entered.

It is considered that the case where the inertial rotation is small is a case where the rotation of the inner tank 6 causes bubbles and the resistance due to the bubbles is large. When bubbles occur, the resistance of the bubbles causes the outer tank 5
Water becomes difficult to move to the auxiliary washing tub 12. Therefore, in such a case, the rotation of the inner tank 6 is stopped. On the other hand, if the inertial rotation at the time of intermittent driving of the motor 8 is not small, the motor 8 is continuously driven (E11).
The driving time is the time set by the timer e3 (E12, E13).

After that time, the motor 8 is turned off (E8), and the clutch 81 is switched to the washing side (E8).
9), the opening / closing valve 20 is closed (E10).

[0085]

According to the present invention, in the two-tub type washing machine, the water stored in the first washing tub can be smoothly transferred to the second washing tub. Therefore, water can be saved when washing in the second washing tub. Further, the control of transferring the water from the first washing tub to the second washing tub is performed only when the water can be moved substantially. Therefore, there is no waste in control, and the washing in the first washing tub and the washing in the second washing tub can be quickly executed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing a configuration outline of a two-tub washing machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of an operation panel.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit in this two-tub washing machine, and is a diagram showing only a portion related to control which is a feature of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of washing operation control in the standard mode of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a specific example of water movement control.

FIG. 8 is an illustrative view for explaining how to calculate a standard value.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a specific example of control for transferring the water stored in the outer tub of the fully automatic washing machine to the auxiliary washing tub.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a specific example of control for transferring the water stored in the outer tub of the fully automatic washing machine to the auxiliary washing tub.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a specific example of control for transferring water stored in the outer tub of the fully automatic washing machine to the auxiliary washing tub.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a specific example of control for transferring the water stored in the outer tub of the fully automatic washing machine to the auxiliary washing tub.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a specific example of control for transferring the water stored in the outer tub of the fully automatic washing machine to the auxiliary washing tub.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 1st washing machine (fully automatic washing machine) 2 2nd washing machine (auxiliary washing machine) 3 Two-tub type washing machine 5 Outer tub 6 Inner tub 8 Motor 9 Water level sensor 12 Auxiliary washing tub 18 Water level sensor 19 Connection water channel 20 Opening and closing Valve 24 Water supply valve 40 Move key 45 Control unit

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page (72) Harumi Takeuchi, 2-5-5 Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi City, Osaka Prefecture Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Kunioki Honda, 2-chome Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi City, Osaka Prefecture 5-5 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masakazu Matsumoto 2-5-5 Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasushi Araki Keihanmoto, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka 2-5-5 Tsudori Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masami Suzuki 2-5-5 Keihanhondori Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Haruo Mamiya Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Keihan Hondori 2-5-5 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tsuyoshi Murao Osaka Prefecture Moriguchi City Keihan Hondo 2-5-5 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takashi Fukui Osaka Moriguchi Sakamoto through 2-chome No. 5 No. 5 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. in

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A first washing tub capable of washing, rinsing, and dehydrating, comprising drive means for washing and dewatering, a second washing tub capable of at least washing and rinsing, a first washing tub and a second washing tub. Connect to the first washing tub and the second
In a two-tub type washing machine equipped with a connection water channel that enables movement of water to and from a washing tub, and a water channel opening / closing means for opening / closing the connection water channel, an instruction signal input unit for instructing movement of water and an instruction signal In response to the input of, the control means controls the waterway opening / closing means and the driving means of the first washing tub in a predetermined manner to move the water in the first washing tub to the second washing tub. A two-tub washing machine. 2. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined mode waits for completion of a rinsing operation in the first washing tub when an instruction signal is input, and first opens and closes the water channel. A two-tub washing machine, characterized in that the driving means is driven so that the dehydration operation is performed in the first washing tub after the means is only opened. 3. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined mode is that when an instruction signal is input by the end of the washing operation in the first washing tub, the washing operation is finished. It is a mode that the driving means is not driven only by opening the water channel opening and closing means, and when the instruction signal is input after the rinsing operation is finished after the washing operation in the first washing tub, the rinsing operation is finished. Waiting to do, first make the waterway opening and closing means open,
After that, the two-tub washing machine is characterized in that the driving means is driven so that the dehydration operation is further performed in the first washing tub. 4. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first washing tub is provided with a water level sensor capable of continuously detecting a change in water level in the tub, In the above aspect, first, the water channel opening / closing means is only opened, and then the driving means is driven so that the dehydration operation is further performed in the first washing tub. The control means controls the water channel opening / closing means to be opened. While the water level sensor is outputting, it is determined based on the output of the water level sensor that the water level of the first washing tub and the water level of the second washing tub are almost in equilibrium, and the time required to reach almost equilibrium is measured. A two-tub washing machine characterized in that the driving time of the driving means is changed based on the measured time. 5. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first washing tub is provided with a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the tub, and the predetermined mode is such that The method includes opening the water channel opening / closing means for a predetermined time, and then driving the driving means so that the dehydration operation is further performed in the first washing tub. It is the time required for the water level of the tub and the water level of the second washing tub to substantially equilibrate, the water level sensor detects the water level of the first washing tub when almost equilibrium is reached, and the control means controls the water level. The higher is 1,
A two-tub type washing machine characterized in that the driving means is intermittently driven by shortening the turn-on time. 6. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the second washing tub is provided with a water level sensor for detecting whether or not the water level in the tub is a predetermined water level. Also, an additional water supply means for supplying additional water to the second washing tub is provided, and the control means causes the water level sensor to set the water level of the second washing tub to a predetermined water level after ending the control in a predetermined manner. A two-tub washing machine characterized in that, when it is detected that the water has not reached, the additional water supply means supplies additional water. 7. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the first washing tub is provided with a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the tub, and in a predetermined mode, only the water channel opening / closing means is opened. State, and thereafter, when the water level of the first washing tub is determined to be less than a predetermined reference water level based on the output of the water level sensor, closing the water channel opening / closing means is included. Machine. 8. A two-tub washing machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the control means drives the driving means intermittently when driving the driving means so that a dehydration operation is performed in the first washing tub. The two-tub washing machine is characterized in that inertial rotation or the like is detected while the drive means is stopped, and when the inertial rotation amount is smaller than a predetermined reference value, the drive of the drive means is stopped.