JPH11333192A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable feed water shortage to be quickly detected in the case of feed water shortage in the pumping water process. SOLUTION: This washing machine 1 operates a water pump 7 in response to the water feeding request from the water pump 7, and is provided with a controlling part 10 for feeding water to a washing tub 2 through a water pump 7 from a water storage, such as a bath tub 20. In this case, the controlling part 10 monitors the abnormal water feeding for detecting feed water shortage in the pumping water process. Thus, the feed water shortage can be detected soon after the feed water shortage happened.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine for supplying water to a washing tub from a water storage section such as a bathtub via a water suction pump.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a washing machine in which water remaining in a bathtub is sucked up by a water suction pump so that water can be supplied into the washing tub.

[0003] A filter is attached to the suction part of the water suction pump in order to remove foreign matters such as hair and dust contained in the remaining water in the bathtub.

[0004]

By the way, generally,
As the use of the water suction pump progresses, the filter becomes clogged with foreign matter, and the water supply capacity tends to decrease.

[0005] If the water supply capacity of the water suction pump is reduced, the time required to fill the water level of the washing tub to the specified height becomes longer, which leads to a problem that it is difficult to shift to the washing process.

[0006] In particular, conventionally, even if the water absorption pump is clogged as described above, unless the user notices it,
It is to be left as it is forever, and no measures can be taken to restore the water supply capacity.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to immediately detect when a shortage of water supply occurs in a pump water supply process in a washing machine. Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to immediately notify the user when the occurrence of water supply shortage is detected.

[0008]

A washing machine according to a first aspect of the present invention operates a water absorption pump in response to a water supply request from a water absorption pump, so that the water is supplied from a water storage section such as a bathtub to the washing tub via the water absorption pump. And a control unit for performing a pump water supply process for supplying water to the water supply unit, and the control unit performs a water supply abnormality monitoring process for detecting a water supply shortage in the pump water supply process.

A washing machine according to a second aspect of the present invention is a pump water supply process for operating a water absorption pump in response to a water supply request from a water absorption pump and supplying water to a washing tub from a water storage section such as a bathtub via the water absorption pump. The control unit detects an actual water supply amount in the process of pump water supply processing, and performs a water supply abnormality monitoring process of detecting a water supply shortage based on the detected value.

A washing machine according to a third aspect of the present invention is a pump water supply process for operating a water absorption pump in response to a water supply request from a water absorption pump and supplying water to a washing tub from a water storage section such as a bathtub via the water absorption pump. The control unit detects the amount of water supplied to the washing tub after a lapse of a required time from the start of operation of the water suction pump in the pump water supply process, and compares the detected value with a required specified value. Accordingly, a water supply abnormality monitoring process for determining whether or not there is a water supply shortage due to a reduction in the water supply capacity of the water suction pump is performed.

A washing machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a pump water supply process for operating a water absorption pump in response to a water supply request from a water absorption pump and supplying water to a washing tub from a water storage section such as a bathtub via the water absorption pump. The control unit detects the amount of water supplied to the washing tub after a lapse of a required time from the start of operation of the water suction pump in the pump water supply process, and compares the detected value with a required specified value. In addition to determining the presence or absence of water supply shortage due to a decrease in the water supply capacity of the water absorption pump, the detected value is compared with a required value that is smaller than the specified value to determine whether the water absorption pump is inadequately installed or the amount of water in the water storage unit is insufficient. A water supply abnormality monitoring process is performed to determine whether or not there is a water supply shortage.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a water level sensor attached to the washing tub to measure a change in water level in the washing tub, and the control unit includes: The water supply amount is detected based on the output of the water level sensor.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the washing machine according to the third or fourth aspect, the control unit detects a water supply amount stepwise according to an elapse of a water supply time to the washing tub. Is determined.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the washing machine according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the control unit performs an abnormality notification process when it is determined that a shortage of water supply has occurred. .

As described above, in the present invention, in short, it is possible to detect a shortage of water supply in a pump water supply process using a water suction pump. If the washing machine itself can detect the shortage of water supply in this way, the user does not need to constantly monitor the water supply state.

In particular, if the shortage of water supply is detected based on the actual water supply amount, the reliability is improved.

Further, as described in claim 4, the cause of the water supply shortage is either a decrease in the water supply capacity due to clogging of the suction part of the water suction pump, a poor installation of the water suction pump, or an insufficient water storage amount in the water storage part. You will be able to recognize.

If the detection of the water supply shortage is repeatedly performed in a stepwise manner, the pump water supply may be immediately performed when the water supply shortage occurs temporarily or due to malfunction. It is possible to eliminate waste such as stopping the processing.

In addition, when the shortage of water supply is detected as described in claim 7, the occurrence of water shortage can be immediately notified to the user. In this case, it is possible to quickly cope with a shortage of water supply, and it is possible to quickly shift to the washing process.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The details of the present invention will be described below with reference to the embodiments shown in FIGS.

1 to 4 relate to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine, FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the washing machine, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the suction section, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a water supply process.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes the entire washing machine,
Is a cylindrical outer tub, 3 is a cylindrical washing and dewatering tub (drum) disposed rotatably around the vertical axis in the outer tub 2, 4 is a stirring blade provided on the inner bottom of the drum 3, 5 Is a drive unit that rotationally drives the stirring blade 4, 6 is a water supply solenoid valve for supplying tap water into the outer tub 2, 7 is a tub for sucking bath water in a tub 20 as a water storage unit, and into the outer tub 2. A water suction pump for supplying water; 8, a drainage solenoid valve for draining water in the outer tub 2; 9, a water level sensor for measuring the water level in the outer tub 2 by a change in air pressure according to the change in the water level; Is a control unit for controlling the washing operation, 11 is an input unit including a washing start switch and a pump water supply switch, and 12 is a notification unit such as a display panel or a warning buzzer for notifying when a water supply abnormality is detected.

The drive unit 5 described above transmits a stepping motor 51, a speed reducer 52 for rotating the stirring blade 4 by reducing the rotational power of the motor 51, and transmitting the rotational power of the motor 51 to the speed reducer 52. Belt 53 and control unit 10
And a motor drive unit 54 that applies a voltage to the motor 51 by being controlled by the control unit.

A suction part 14 is attached to the water suction pump 7 via a hose 13. The suction unit 14 is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-28986.
As shown in FIG. 3, three independent filters 16, 17, 18 are detachably incorporated in a three-part case 15. The case 15 is a hose 13
The upper lid 15a, the middle cylinder 15b, and the bottom lid 15c are connected to each other and have a structure that can be separated from each other.

The control unit 10 is composed of a microcomputer, and continuously or individually executes a washing step, a rinsing step, a dehydrating step, etc., and supplies remaining water in the bathtub 20 to the outer tank 2 by the water suction pump 7. The pump water supply process is performed. In the pump water supply process, an output from the water level sensor 9 is used to perform a water supply abnormality monitoring process for detecting occurrence of water supply shortage.

First, the washing operation will be described. That is, when the washing start switch of the input unit 11 is turned on, tap water or bath tub water is supplied into the outer tub 2 in a required amount, detergent is added, and the stirring unit 4 is rotated by the drive unit 5. Wash your laundry. Then, outer tank 2
After draining the washing water inside, the drum 3 is rotated while supplying tap water or bath water to rinse the laundry. Thereafter, the laundry is dehydrated by rotating the drum 3 without supplying water to the drum 3.

Referring to FIG. 4, a description will be given of a case where pump water is supplied in such a washing operation. here,
The determination of water supply shortage is made after α minutes, β minutes and γ minutes.
It is performed repeatedly in stages.

This water supply process is performed by the user through the input unit 1.
It is started by turning on one pump water supply switch. First, the water suction pump 7 is operated (S
1). Thereby, the remaining water in the bathtub 20 is sucked up from the suction part 14 of the water suction pump 7 and supplied to the outer tub 2, so that the water level in the outer tub 2 rises.

When α minutes have elapsed since the start of operation of the water suction pump 7, the water level in the outer tub 2 is detected by the water level sensor 9 (S2), and the relationship between the detected value A and the first threshold value L1. Are compared to determine whether A ≦ L1 (S3).
In this case, there is an installation failure such that the suction section 14 of the water suction pump 7 is not immersed in the remaining water in the bathtub 20, or the water is not discharged because the remaining water in the bathtub 20 is insufficient. It is checked whether the water level in the tank 2 has hardly risen. Therefore, the above-mentioned first threshold value L1 is set to a value close to the water level zero, and is stored in advance in a rewritable nonvolatile memory (for example, an EEPROM) provided in the control unit 10 at the beginning of production.

If the result of the determination in S3 is A ≦ L1, the installation of the suction part 14 of the water suction pump 7 or the
It recognizes that it is an abnormality that water supply is impossible due to insufficient water storage in the inside, operates the notification unit 12 and takes measures to stop the operation of the water suction pump 7, and stops the pump water supply process (S4). When the determination result is A> L1, the detection value A
It is determined whether or not the relationship between the threshold value and the second threshold value L2 is A ≧ L2 (S5). Here, it is determined whether or not the water level in the outer tub 2 does not reach the water level when the suction capacity of the suction unit 14 is normal due to clogging of the filters 16, 17, and 18 of the suction unit 14. I'm researching. Therefore, the above-mentioned second threshold value L2 is a water level value that can be reached when the suction capacity of the suction unit 14 is normal, and is stored in a rewritable nonvolatile memory (for example, an EEPROM) provided in the control unit 10. It is stored in advance at the beginning of production.

If the result of the determination in S5 is A <L2, it is recognized that the water supply is insufficient due to clogging of the filters 16, 17, and 18 of the suction unit 14, and the notification unit 12 is operated. Then, the operation of the water suction pump 7 is stopped and the pump water supply process is stopped (S6). When the determination result is A ≧ L2, the water suction pump 7 is further operated until β minutes elapse from the start of the operation of the water suction pump 7. , The water level in the outer tub 2 is detected by the water level sensor 9 after the elapse of β minutes (S7), the detected value B and the third threshold value L3
Is determined whether or not the relationship with B satisfies B ≦ L3 (S
8). Here, the water level in the outer tub 2 is reduced due to the fact that the remaining water in the
It is checked whether the suction capacity of the water does not reach the normal water level. Therefore, the third threshold value L3 is a value obtained by adding the first threshold value L1 to the second threshold value L2, and is a rewritable non-volatile memory (such as an EEPROM) provided in the control unit 10. At the beginning of production.

If the result of the determination in S8 is B≤L3, the installation of the suction section 14 of the water suction pump 7 is not correct or the bathtub 20
Recognizing that it is an abnormality that water supply is impossible due to insufficient water storage in the inside, the process proceeds to S4 to operate the notification unit 12, cope with stopping the operation of the water suction pump 7, and stop the pump water supply process. However, when the determination result is A> L3, it is determined whether the relationship between the detection value B and the fourth threshold value L4 is B ≧ L4 (S9). Here, it is checked whether or not the water level does not reach the water level when the suction unit 14 has a normal suction capacity due to clogging of the filters 16, 17, and 18 of the suction unit 14. Therefore, the above-described fourth threshold value L4 is a water level value that can be reached when the suction capacity of the suction unit 14 is normal, and is stored in a rewritable nonvolatile memory (for example, an EEPROM or the like) provided in the control unit 10. It is stored in advance at the beginning of production.

If the result of the determination in S9 is A <L4, it is recognized that the water supply is insufficient due to clogging of the filters 16, 17, and 18 of the suction portion 14, and the process proceeds to S6 to be notified. While the unit 12 is operated, the drive of the water suction pump 7 is stopped, and the pump water supply process is stopped. However, when the determination result is A ≧ L4, it is further continued until γ minutes elapse from the start of the operation of the water suction pump 7. The water supply operation is continued by the water suction pump 7, and after elapse of γ minutes, the water level in the outer tub 2 is detected by the water level sensor 9 (S10), and the relationship between the detected value C and the fifth threshold value L5 is C ≦ C ≦ A comparison is made to determine whether or not L5 (S11). Here, the water level in the outer tub 2 does not reach the water level when the suction capacity of the suction unit 14 is normal because the remaining water in the bathtub 20 is reduced and the water supply becomes impossible. I'm investigating whether or not. for that reason,
As the above-mentioned fifth threshold value L5, the fourth threshold value L
4 plus a first threshold value L1, and is a rewritable nonvolatile memory (for example, EEPR) provided in the control unit 10.
OM, etc.) at the beginning of production.

If the result of the determination in S11 is C≤L5, the installation of the suction section 14 of the water suction pump 7 is not correct or the bathtub 2
Recognizing that it is an abnormality that water supply is impossible due to the shortage of the water storage amount within 0, the process proceeds to S4 to operate the notification unit 12 and stop the operation of the water suction pump 7 to stop the pump water supply process. However, when the determination result is C> L5, it is determined whether the relationship between the detection value C and the sixth threshold value L6 is C ≧ L6 (S12). Here, it is checked whether or not the water level does not reach the water level when the suction unit 14 has a normal suction capacity due to clogging of the filters 16, 17, and 18 of the suction unit 14. Therefore, the above-mentioned sixth threshold value L6 is a water level value that can be reached when the suction capacity of the suction unit 14 is normal, and is stored in a rewritable nonvolatile memory (for example, an EEPROM) provided in the control unit 10. It is stored in advance at the beginning of production.

If the result of the determination in S12 is C <L6, it is recognized that the water supply is insufficient due to clogging of the filters 16, 17, and 18 of the suction portion 14, and the process proceeds to S6 to be notified. While operating the part 12, the water suction pump 7
And stop the pump water supply process, but when the determination result is C ≧ L6, continue the water supply operation by the water suction pump 7 and wait until the water level reaches the target water level (S1).
3). Here, when the water level reaches the target water level, the operation of the water suction pump 7 is stopped, and the pump water supply process is stopped (S14). Thereafter, the process proceeds to the next step according to the request.

As described above, water is supplied by the water suction pump 7. In the course of the pump water supply process, it is monitored whether or not the water level has risen normally each time the required time elapses, thereby temporarily setting the target water level. If the water supply cannot be performed as designed, it is possible to recognize the reason why the water supply is occurring and to immediately notify the user of the occurrence of the abnormality and take prompt action. ing.

More specifically, when the water supply shortage is caused by a poor installation of the suction section 14 of the water suction pump 7, the water suction pump 7 can be immediately installed again in an appropriate state. In the case where the water supply shortage occurs due to the shortage of the water storage amount in the bathtub 20, the water supply processing can be changed to the tap water supply processing immediately, and further, the water supply shortage causes the filter clogging of the suction portion 14 of the water suction pump 7. If it is caused by the filter, the filters 16, 17,
It is possible to recover the inhalation ability by cleaning 18.

As described above, even if a shortage of water supply occurs, it is not necessary to leave the water supply as it is, and if it is possible to deal with it at an early stage, it takes too long time to complete the water supply. Alternatively, the user can use the washing machine 1 easily, for example, by avoiding the occurrence of a problem that the water supply does not end forever.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to only the above embodiment, and various applications and modifications are conceivable. (1) The configuration of the washing machine 1 is not limited to only those exemplified in the above embodiment, and the present invention can be applied to various types of washing machines. (2) In the above embodiment, the outer tub 2 is used to detect the amount of water supply.
Water level sensor 9 that measures changes in air pressure according to the water level in the interior
However, as the water level sensor, a sensor that measures water pressure, water flow, and other phenomena can be used.

[0040]

According to the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, the washing machine itself can detect the shortage of water supply during the pump water supply process using the water suction pump, so that the user does not need to constantly monitor the water supply state. Thereby, the usability of the washing machine is improved, for example, the user can perform other tasks while washing.

In particular, if the shortage of water supply is detected based on the actual water supply amount, the reliability is improved.

Further, the cause of the water supply shortage is a decrease in the water supply capacity due to clogging of the suction part of the water suction pump, a poor installation of the water suction pump, or an insufficient water storage amount in the water storage part. Can be recognized, and the treatment for the abnormality can be appropriately performed.

Further, if the detection of the water supply shortage is repeatedly performed in a stepwise manner as described in claim 6, the pump water supply is immediately performed when the water supply shortage occurs temporarily or due to malfunction. It is possible to eliminate waste such as stopping the processing.

In addition, when the shortage of water supply is detected as described in claim 7, the occurrence of the shortage of water supply can be immediately notified to the user. In this case, it is possible to quickly cope with a shortage of water supply, and it is possible to quickly shift to the washing process.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the washing machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a structure of a suction part of the water suction pump.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a water supply process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing machine 2 Outer tub 7 Suction pump 9 Water level sensor 10 Control part 11 Input part 12 Notification part

Claims (7)

[Claims] A control unit for performing a pump water supply process of operating a water absorption pump in response to a water supply request from the water absorption pump to supply water to a washing tub from a water storage unit such as a bathtub via the water absorption pump; The control unit performs a water supply abnormality monitoring process of detecting a water supply shortage in a pump water supply process. 2. A control unit for performing a pump water supply process of operating a water absorption pump in response to a water supply request by the water absorption pump and supplying water from a water storage unit such as a bathtub to the washing tub via the water absorption pump. A washing machine, wherein the control unit detects an actual water supply amount in a pump water supply process, and performs a water supply abnormality monitoring process of detecting a water supply shortage based on the detected value. A control unit for performing a pump water supply process of operating a water suction pump in response to a water supply request from the water suction pump to supply water from a water storage unit such as a bathtub to the washing tub via the water suction pump; The control unit detects the amount of water supplied to the washing tub after a required time has elapsed from the start of operation of the water absorption pump in the pump water supply process, and compares the detected value with a required value to reduce the water supply capacity of the water absorption pump. A washing machine characterized by performing a water supply abnormality monitoring process for determining whether there is a shortage of water supply. 4. A control unit for performing a pump water supply process of operating a water absorption pump in response to a water supply request by the water absorption pump and supplying water from a water storage unit such as a bathtub to the washing tub via the water absorption pump. The control unit detects the amount of water supplied to the washing tub after a required time has elapsed from the start of operation of the water absorption pump in the pump water supply process, and compares the detected value with a required value to reduce the water supply capacity of the water absorption pump. In addition to determining whether there is a shortage of water supply, comparing the detected value with a required value smaller than the specified value, determining whether there is a water supply shortage due to a poor installation of the water suction pump or an insufficient amount of water in the water storage unit. A washing machine for performing abnormality monitoring processing. 5. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a water level sensor attached to the washing tub for measuring a change in water level in the washing tub, wherein the control unit includes a water level sensor. A washing machine for detecting a water supply amount based on an output. 6. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the control unit detects a water supply amount stepwise according to an elapse of a water supply time to the washing tub, and makes a determination every detection. A washing machine, characterized in that: 7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs an abnormality notification process when determining that a water supply shortage has occurred. Washing machine.