JPH1190083A - Two tank-type electric washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the rinsing performance from being deteriorated in a full automatic tank even when water is supplied to a batch washing tank while the water supply to the full automatic tank for rinsing is under way. SOLUTION: When water is supplied to a batch washing tank during the period from the start of a shower rinsing action to the lapse of a reference time T for water supply, the capability to supply a washing water is checked and it is interpreted whether the water supply capability of a water supply mechanism which is decided at the time of laundry wash is larger than a capability corresponding to rank R5 (step P9). When the capability to supply the washing water is larger than the capability corresponding to the rank R5, the shower rinsing action is further extended by the reference time T for water supply (steps P10-P13). That is, the additional water supply to the full automatic tank is performed further by the reference time T for water supply.

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 capable of separate washing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in some two-tub washing machines, both washing tubs have a washing and rinsing function so that so-called separate washing can be performed. The two-tub washing machine capable of separate washing is provided with a water supply mechanism capable of supplying water to both washing tubs simultaneously or independently.

[0003]

In the above two-tub washing machine, the washing operation may be performed in each washing tub in parallel. In such a case, depending on the timing at which water is supplied to each washing tub, the performance of rinsing performed in one of the washing tubs may be reduced.

For example, in a configuration in which a fully automatic tub capable of washing, rinsing and dewatering is employed in one of the washing tubs, and a separate washing tub capable of performing washing and rinsing in the other washing tub is employed. If water is supplied to the separate washing tub while the dehydration rinsing is being performed in the fully automatic tub, the amount of water supplied to the fully automatic tub decreases, and as a result, sufficient rinsing cannot be performed.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a two-tub washing machine capable of satisfactorily rinsing laundry.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first washing tub capable of washing and rinsing, and a second washing tub capable of washing and rinsing. A water supply mechanism capable of supplying water to the first washing tub and the second washing tub, and a second washing tub while water is being supplied for a predetermined rinsing operation performed in the first washing tub. And a water supply extending means for extending the water supply to the first washing tub for the predetermined rinsing operation by a predetermined time from the water supply reference time when water is supplied to the first tub. It is a type washing machine.

According to this configuration, if water is supplied to the second washing tub while water is being supplied to the first washing tub for the rinsing operation, the water is supplied to the first washing tub. The water supply for the rinsing operation is performed after being extended by a predetermined time.
Thereby, even if water is supplied to the second washing tub during the rinsing operation of the first washing tub and the flow rate of the water supplied to the first washing tub is reduced, the rinsing to the first washing tub is performed. Since an amount of water necessary for the operation can be supplied, the laundry can be well rinsed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the water for washing is supplied to the first washing tub, the washing water supply capacity judging means for judging the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism and the judgment by the washing water supply ability judging means. 2. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a reference time setting means for setting the water supply reference time based on a result. According to this configuration,
A water supply reference time for a predetermined rinsing operation performed in the first washing tub is set based on the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism determined at the time of washing. Accordingly, when water is not supplied to the second washing tub while water is supplied to the first washing tub, it is possible to supply sufficient water for the rinsing operation by supplying water for the reference water supply time. Therefore, the laundry can be well rinsed. Further, it is possible to avoid that water is wasted by supplying more water than necessary.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the water supply capacity determined by the washing water supply capacity determining means is lower than a predetermined first criterion, the extension of water supply by the water supply extending means is prohibited. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 2, further comprising means. According to this configuration, the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism determined at the time of washing is the first water supply capacity.
If it is lower than the criterion, the water supply to the first washing tub is extended even if the water supply to the second washing tub is performed in parallel with the water supply for rinsing the first washing tub. There is no.

[0010] Thus, when the water supply reference time is set to be long because the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism determined at the time of washing is low, the time required for rinsing becomes too long by further extending the water supply. The inconvenience of being avoided is avoided. The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the first washing tub has a function of dehydrating the laundry after washing or rinsing, and performs a dehydration rinse after performing the dehydration rinse using the dehydration function. The predetermined rinsing operation is a dehydration rinsing operation, and further includes a rinsing addition unit for adding a predetermined number of rinsing times to be performed in the first washing tub when the extension of water supply is prohibited by the extension prohibition unit. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that:

When the rinsing operation performed in the first washing tub is a dehydration rinsing, the dehydration tub containing the laundry is rotated at a high speed. A heavy load is imposed on a motor for rotating a water tank or the like. According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, since the time required for rinsing is prevented from becoming too long by the extension prohibiting means, a large load is not applied to the motor for rotating the dehydration tub and the like.
In addition, when the extension of the water supply is prohibited, since the additional rinsing operation is executed, there is no inconvenience that the laundry cannot be rinsed cleanly.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the first washing tub performs a rinsing after the predetermined rinsing operation, and when water for rinsing is supplied to the first tub. The rinsing water supply capacity determining means for determining the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism and the rinsing water supply capacity determination means are performed in the first washing tub when the water supply capacity determined by the water supply capacity determination means is lower than the second predetermined criterion. The two-tub washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second rinsing addition unit that adds a predetermined number of times of rinsing.

According to this configuration, if the water supply capacity for the rinse water is low, it is determined that a sufficient amount of water has not been supplied to the first washing tub in the rinsing process performed before the rinse water. A rinsing operation is additionally performed. This makes it possible to compensate for the lack of rinsing in the rinsing operation performed before the rinsing, so that the detergent can be satisfactorily removed from the laundry. Therefore, the rinsing performance as a whole can be improved.

According to the present invention, the water supply to the second washing tub is always performed and the water supply to the second washing tub is not performed during the determination of the water supply capacity by the rinse water supply capacity determining means. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the second criterion is different depending on whether or not there is a period. When the water supply to the second washing tub is constantly performed during the determination of the water supply capacity, the actual water supply capacity is equal to that when there is a period in which the water supply to the second washing tub is not performed. Even if it does, it is determined that the water supply capacity is low. Therefore,
When judging whether or not to perform additional rinsing with the same criterion as in the case where there is a period in which water is not supplied to the second washing tub during the water supply capacity determination, there is a possibility that frequent rinsing is added. is there.

According to this configuration, the case where the water supply to the second washing tub is always performed during the water supply capacity determination processing and the period during which the water supply to the second washing tub is not performed during the water supply capacity determination processing. The second criterion for judging whether or not to perform the additional rinsing operation is different between the case and the case. This can reduce the risk of inconvenience that a rinsing operation is additionally performed because it is not desired.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the following, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a fully automatic tub is adopted as a first washing tub and a second washing tub is adopted.
A two-tank type washing machine employing a separate washing tub in which a pulsator is disposed on the side of the washing tub as the washing tub will be described as an example. However, the configuration of this two-tub washing machine is merely an example, and various types of washing tubs can be employed as the first and second washing tubs. For example, a washing machine in which a pulsator is disposed on the bottom can be used as the second washing tub.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a two-tub washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. This two-tub washing machine includes a fully automatic tub 2 disposed on the left side when viewed from the front and a separate washing tub 3 disposed adjacent to the right side of the fully automatic tub 2 in a housing 1 constituting the appearance thereof. It has. Further, a water supply mechanism 4 for supplying water to each of the fully automatic tank 2 and the separate washing tank 3 is provided above the fully automatic tank 2 and the separate washing tank 3.

The water supply mechanism 4 includes a water supply pipe 5 having one end connected to a water tap (not shown). At the other end of the water supply pipe 5, water supply branch pipes 6 and 7 are formed to branch toward the fully automatic tank 2 and the separate washing tank 3, respectively. Water supply valves 8 and 9 for permitting and preventing the flow of water in the water supply branch pipes 6 and 7 are provided in the middle of the water supply branch pipes 6 and 7, respectively. With this configuration, the water can be supplied to the fully automatic tank 2 by opening the water supply valve 8, and the water can be supplied to the divided washing tank 3 by opening the water supply valve 9. Further, by simultaneously opening the water supply valves 8 and 9, water can be supplied to the fully automatic tank 2 and the separate washing tank 3 at the same time.

The fully automatic tank 2 includes an outer tank 10, an inner tank 11 provided in the outer tank 10, and a pulsator 12 disposed on the bottom of the inner tank 11. The inner tub 11 also serves as a dehydration tub, and has a number of fine dehydration holes (not shown) formed on a peripheral surface thereof. Therefore, the water supplied to the fully automatic tank 2 by the water supply mechanism 4 is stored in the outer tank 10.

An air trap 13 is provided at one corner of the bottom of the outer tank 10. The air trap 13 is connected to a water level sensor 14 provided above the housing 1 via an air hose 15. When the water supply into the outer tub 10 is started and the water level in the outer tub 10 rises, water also enters the air hose 15 and the air in the air hose 15 is compressed. The water level sensor 14 can continuously detect the water level in the outer tub 10 by measuring the air pressure in the air hose 15.

A drain port 16 is formed on the bottom of the outer tub 10. A drain pipe 17 extending outside the machine is connected to the drain port 16. A drain valve 17 is interposed in the middle of the drain pipe 17. With this configuration, the water supplied by the water supply mechanism 4 can be stored in the outer tank 10 with the drain valve 18 closed. Further, by opening the drain valve 18, the water accumulated in the outer tub 10 can be drained out of the machine through the drain port 16 and the drain pipe 17.

The inner tank 11 and the pulsator 12 are
It is rotationally driven by a drive mechanism 19 provided below the zero. The drive mechanism 19 includes the inner tank 11 and the pulsator 1
Main motor 2 for generating a driving force for rotating the motor 2
0, a bearing 21 having a built-in clutch for switching the driving force of the main motor 20, and a transmission mechanism 22 including a pulley and a belt for transmitting the rotational force of the main motor 20 to the bearing 21. I have. At the time of washing and rinsing, the driving force of the main motor 20 is transmitted to the pulsator 12 via the bearing 21. As a result, the pulsator 12 rotates forward and backward to generate a water flow in the inner tank 11,
Washing and rinsing of the laundry in the inner tub 11 are performed. In addition, at the time of dehydration, the clutch incorporated in the bearing portion 21 is switched, and the driving force of the main motor 20 is transmitted to both the inner tank 11 and the pulsator 12. This allows
Both the inner tub 11 and the pulsator 12 are rotated in one direction at high speed, and the laundry in the inner tub 11 is dehydrated by centrifugal force.

On the other hand, the separate washing tub 3 is a washing tub that can only perform washing and rinsing, and is disposed on a washing tub 23 having a substantially rectangular flat inner shape and one side surface of the washing tub 23. And a pulsator 24. Pulsator 2
4 is rotationally driven by a drive mechanism 25 provided on the side of the washing tub 23. The drive mechanism 25 includes the pulsator 2
And a transmission mechanism including a pulley and a belt for transmitting the rotational force of the sub motor 26 to the pulsator 24.
And are provided. When the rotational force of the sub motor 26 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 via the transmission mechanism 27, the pulsator 24 rotates to generate a water flow in the washing tub 23, and washing or rinsing of the laundry is performed.

A drain port 28 is provided on the bottom of the washing tub 23.
Are formed. A drain pipe 29 extending outside the machine is connected to the drain port 28. In the middle of the drain pipe 29,
A drain valve 30 is interposed. Thus, water can be accumulated in the washing tub 23 with the drain valve 30 closed, and by opening the drain valve 30, the washing tub 2 is opened.
3 can be drained out of the machine.

The separate washing tub 3 is further provided with a water level switch 31 for detecting whether or not the water level in the washing tub 23 has reached a predetermined water level. Water level switch 31
Turns on in response to the water level in the washing tub 23 reaching a predetermined water level, and turns off when the water level drops to a reset water level lower than the predetermined water level. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the two-tub washing machine.

The two-tub washing machine is provided with a CPU 32 for controlling the operation of each part of the washing machine. CPU
The ROM 32 stores a control program for each unit.
3 and RA functioning as a work area for CPU 32
M34 is connected. The CPU 32 is also connected with a timer 35 for measuring the operation time of each unit.

The CPU 32 is further connected to a water level sensor 14 provided in the fully automatic tank 2 and a water level switch 31 provided in the separate washing tank 3. The CPU 32 operates the main motor 20, the water supply valve 8, and the drain valve 18 provided in the fully automatic tank 2 based on signals input from the water level sensor 14 and the water level switch 31 and according to a control program stored in the ROM 33. And controls the operations of the sub motor 26, the water supply valve 9 and the drain valve 30 provided in the separate washing tub 3.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the water supply capacity determination process executed by the CPU 32. In the fully automatic tank 2, the steps of washing, dewatering, rinsing, rinsing, and final dewatering are automatically executed in this order according to a predetermined course program. In the separate washing tub 3, the washing and the rinsing and the water rinsing are automatically executed. This water supply capacity determination process is a process for determining the water supply capability of the water supply mechanism 4 to the fully automatic tub 2, and is executed at the time of the washing process and the rinsing process performed in the fully automatic tub 2. This water supply capacity determination process
This corresponds to the function of the washing water supply capacity determining means and the rinsing water supply capacity determining means in this embodiment.

When water supply to the fully automatic tank 2 is started during the washing step or the rinsing step, it is checked whether or not the water level in the outer tank 10 has reached a predetermined judgment start water level (step S1). ). This determination is made based on a signal input from the water level sensor 14 to the CPU 32. When the water level in the outer tank 10 reaches the determination start water level, the CPU 3
2 starts the timer 35 and measures the elapsed time after reaching the determination start water level (step S2). Also, CPU
32 monitors whether or not the water level in the outer tub 10 has reached a predetermined determination end water level higher than the determination start water level after the water level in the outer tub 10 has reached the determination start water level ( Step S3).

When the water supply to the fully automatic tank 2 proceeds and the water level in the outer tank 10 reaches the determination end water level, the timer 53 stops counting time (step S4). And the timer 35
The ability of the water supply mechanism 4 to supply water to the fully automatic tank 2 is determined based on the time measured by (Step S5). That is, based on the time required for the water level in the outer tub 10 to reach the determination start water level to the determination end water level, the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism 4 to the fully automatic tub 2 is changed to a 16-stage water supply shown in Table 1. It is determined which of the ability ranks R1 to R16.

[0031]

[Table 1]

Here, the criterion for determining the water supply capacity ranks R1 to R16 differs between the water supply during the washing step and the water supply during the rinsing step. This is because the start water level and the determination end water level are different from each other. For example, when it takes 52 seconds for the water level in the outer tub 10 to reach from the determination start water level to the determination end water level in the water supply during the washing process, the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism 4 during the washing process (hereinafter simply referred to as “water supply capacity”). "Washing / water supply capacity") rank R8
Is determined. Further, for example, in the case of water supply at the time of rinsing, when it takes 19 seconds for the water level in the outer tank 10 to reach the determination end water level from the determination start water level,
The water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism 4 at the time of the rinsing stroke (hereinafter, simply referred to as “the rinsing water supply capacity”) is rank R.
5 is determined.

It should be noted that when water at or above the determination start water level has accumulated in the outer tank 10 at the start of the water supply capacity determination process, or when water is supplied from a source other than the water supply mechanism 4 during the execution of the water supply capability determination process, for example, When the time measured by the timer 35 is 2 seconds or less, the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism 4 is determined to be rank R6. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of the operation in the dehydration rinsing process performed in the fully automatic tank 2.

In the dewatering and rinsing step, water is supplied while the inner tub 11 and the pulsator 12 are rotated slowly, so that the shower rinsing operation to soak the water into the entire laundry accommodated in the inner tub 11 and the shower rinsing operation Later, the inner tank 11 and the pulsator 12 are rotated at a high speed,
A dehydrating operation is performed in which the detergent remaining in the laundry by centrifugal force is blown off together with the water soaked into the laundry.

In the operation control process during the dehydration and rinsing process described below, a water supply flag indicating whether or not water has been supplied to the separate washing tub 3 while the fully automatic tub 2 is performing the shower rinsing operation. N is used. The water supply flag N is reset to N = 0 at the start of the dehydration rinse.
Then, when water is supplied to the separate washing tub 3 during execution of the shower rinsing operation, the water supply flag N is set to 1.

When the washing process is completed, first, a water supply reference time T corresponding to the washing water supply capacity determined during the washing process is set (step P1). This step P1 corresponds to the function of the reference time setting means in this embodiment.

[0037]

[Table 2]

More specifically, the contents of Table 2 are stored in the ROM 33, and the ranks R1 to R16 of the washing / water supply capacity determined during the washing process are given as addresses, thereby corresponding to the contents in the table in the ROM 32. The water supply reference time T is read. For example, the washing water supply capacity is rank R
If it is 8, the water supply reference time T is set to 90 seconds.

When the reference water supply time T is set, the water supply valve 8 is opened, and the shower rinsing operation is started (step P2). Further, the elapsed time from the start of the timer 35 and the start of the shower rinsing operation is measured (step P3). Until the time measured by the timer 35 reaches the water supply reference time T, water is supplied while the inner tank 11 and the pulsator 12 are slowly rotated. As a result, the laundry stored in the inner tub 11 is evenly sprayed with water, and the whole laundry is soaked with water.

The water supply reference time T is set according to the washing water supply capacity determined at the time of washing as described above.
Therefore, when the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism 4 at the time of this dehydration rinse is equal to the wash water supply capacity, when the water supply reference time T has elapsed since the start of the shower rinse operation,
The laundry should be well soaked in water.
However, when water is supplied to the separate washing tub 3 during the shower rinsing operation, the amount of water supplied to the fully automatic tub 2 during the shower rinsing operation is reduced. Then
In the above-mentioned water supply reference time T, the water does not soak into the laundry sufficiently, and the performance of the dehydration rinsing may be reduced.

Therefore, in the washing machine according to this embodiment, as described below, water is supplied to the separate washing tub 3 from the start of the shower rinsing operation to the elapse of the water supply reference time T. In this case, the shower rinsing operation is further extended by the reference water supply time T,
The amount of water supplied to the fully automatic tank 2 is corrected. This compensates for the performance of the dehydration rinse.

More specifically, the CPU 32 constantly monitors whether or not water has been supplied to the separate washing tub 3 from the start of the shower rinsing operation to the elapse of the water supply reference time T (see FIG. 4). Step P4). Whether or not water has been supplied to the separate washing tub 3 can be determined based on a control signal given to the water supply valve 9. If water is supplied to the separate washing tub 3 during the shower rinsing operation, 1 is set to the water supply flag N (step P).
5). When the water supply to the separate washing tub 3 is not performed, the water supply flag N remains 0 and is not rewritten.

When the reference water supply time T has elapsed since the start of the shower rinsing operation (YES in step P6), the measurement of the elapsed time by the timer 35 is stopped and the timer 3
5 is reset (step P7). Next, the state of the water supply flag N is checked (step P8). If the water supply flag N = 0, that is, if water is not supplied to the separate washing tub 3 from the start of the shower rinsing operation to the elapse of the water supply reference time T, the water supply valve 8 is closed and the shower is stopped. The rinsing operation is completed (Step P1)
4). Thereafter, the inner tub 11 and the pulsator 12 are rotated at a high speed, and the laundry in the inner tub 11 is dehydrated (Step P15). As a result, the detergent remaining in the laundry is blown off by the centrifugal force together with the water soaked in the laundry, and the dehydration rinsing process is completed.

On the other hand, when the water supply flag N = 1, that is, when water is supplied to the separate washing tub 3 from the start of the shower rinsing operation to the elapse of the water supply reference time T,
The washing water supply capacity rank W is checked, and it is determined whether the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism 4 determined at the time of washing is greater than the ability corresponding to the rank R5 (step P9). If the washing water supply capacity is larger than the capacity corresponding to the rank R5, it is determined that the shower rinsing operation is further extended by the water supply reference time T (step P1).
0), the measurement of the elapsed time by the timer 35 is started (step P11). That is, the water supply to the fully automatic tank 2 is additionally performed by the water supply reference time T.

Thereafter, when the water supply reference time T is measured by the timer 35 (YES in step P12), the timer 35 is reset (step P13), and the water supply valve 8 is reset.
Is closed, and the shower rinsing operation ends (step P14). Then, the laundry in the inner tub 11 is dehydrated (Step P15), and the dehydration rinsing process ends.
In this embodiment, steps P8 to P13 correspond to the function of the water supply extension unit.

When it is determined that the washing water supply capacity is equal to or less than the capacity corresponding to the rank R5, additional water supply to the fully automatic tub 2 is not performed and the laundry in the inner tub 11 is dehydrated. (Step P15), the dehydration rinsing process ends. At this time, the reason why additional water supply to the fully automatic tub 2 is not performed even though water is supplied to the separate washing tub 3 during the period from the start of the shower rinsing operation to the lapse of the water supply reference time T is as follows. If the washing water supply capacity is small, the water supply reference time T is set to be long beforehand. Therefore, if the water supply reference time T is extended, a heavy load is applied to the main motor 20 and the like. In this embodiment, step P1
2 corresponds to the function of the extension prohibiting means.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flow charts showing the flow of operations during the rinsing step to be executed in the fully automatic tank 2. In the operation control process during the rinsing stroke,
The water supply status flag M indicating the water supply status to the separate washing tub 3 during the execution of the water supply capacity determination process (see FIG. 3) is used. That is, the water supply status flag M = 0 indicates that the water supply to the separate washing tub 3 was always performed during the execution of the water supply capacity determination process. Further, the water supply flag M = 1 indicates that there was a little time during which the water supply to the separate washing tub 3 was not performed during the execution of the water supply capacity determination process. The water supply status flag M is reset to 0 at the start of the rinsing stroke.

When the above-described dewatering and rinsing process is completed and the rinsing process is started, the water supply valve 8 is opened after the drain valve 18 is closed, and the water supply to the fully automatic tank 2 is started. (Step T1). Then, the water supply capacity determination process shown in FIG. 3 is started (step T2). During the execution of the water supply capacity determination process, it is constantly monitored whether or not water is supplied to the separate washing tub 3 (step T).
3). Whether or not water has been supplied to the separate washing tub 3 can be determined based on a control signal given to the water supply valve 9. After the start of the water supply capacity determination process, while the water supply valve 9 is in the open state, the water supply state flag M is kept at 0. Then, when the closed state of the water supply valve 9 is detected during the water supply capacity determination processing, the water supply state flag M is rewritten to 1 (step T4). After the water supply status flag M is rewritten to 1, the water supply status flag M is not rewritten to 0 until the dehydration rinsing process ends.

When the water supply capacity determination processing is completed and the rinsing water supply capacity is determined (YES in step T5), the water level sensor 14 is checked next, and the water level in the outer tub 10 reaches a predetermined rinse water level. It is determined whether or not the process has been performed (step T6). When the water supply to the fully automatic tank 2 proceeds and the water level in the outer tank 10 reaches the above-mentioned rinse water level, the water supply valve 8 is closed (step T7), and the rinsing operation is started (step T8). That is, the main motor 21 is driven, the pulsator 12 rotates, and a water flow is generated in the outer tub 10, so that the laundry in the outer tub 10 is rinsed.

When the rinsing operation is completed for a predetermined time, the drain valve 18 is opened, and the water accumulated in the outer tub 10 is drained (step T9). After the drainage, the state of the water supply status flag M is checked (step T).
10). When it is detected that the water supply valve 9 is in the closed state during the execution of the water supply capacity determination processing and the water supply status flag M is rewritten to 1, the wash water supply capacity and the rinse water supply capacity are compared. Then, it is determined whether or not the rank of the rinsing water supply capacity is lower than the rank of the wash water supply capacity by at least 10 ranks (step T11). For example, when the washing water supply capacity is rank R13, it is determined whether the rinsing water supply capacity is lower than the capacity corresponding to rank R3.

In the case where normal water supply is performed in the washing step and the rinsing step, the rinsing water supply capacity does not fall significantly below the washing water supply capacity. Denied.
However, for example, when the remaining water in the bath is supplied to the outer tub 10 in a bucket during the washing process, the washing water supply capability is extremely low in the water supply capability determination process even though the washing water supply capability is actually low. It is assumed that it is erroneously determined to be excellent. In this case, since the shower rinsing time (water supply reference time T) is set to be short in the above-described dehydration rinsing process, it is not possible to sufficiently infiltrate the laundry with water, and the detergent may not be removed from the laundry satisfactorily. There is.

Therefore, in this embodiment, step T1
When the determination of 1 is affirmed, the rinsing operation is additionally performed for the predetermined time (steps T19, T20, T21, T22). Thus, even when the washing water supply capacity is erroneously determined, the possibility that the detergent remains in the laundry can be reduced. On the other hand, if the determination in step T11 is negative, it is next determined whether or not the rinsing water supply capacity is rank R1 (step T12). If this determination is affirmed, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the water supply mechanism 4 after the washing operation and the water supply capacity during the dewatering and rinsing operation is low, so that the dewatering and rinsing is not performed satisfactorily. (Steps T19 to T22).

If the determinations in step T11 and step T12 are both negative, it is determined whether the washing water supply capacity is rank R1 and the rinsing water supply capacity is lower than the water supply capacity corresponding to rank R11. (Step T13). If this determination is affirmative, that is, if the washing water supply capacity is extremely low and the rinsing water supply capacity is relatively low, it is determined that the laundry is not sufficiently rinsed by the dehydration rinsing, and the rinsing is performed. Is additionally executed (steps T19 to T22).

When the water supply status flag M = 0, that is, when the water supply valve 9 is always open during the execution of the water supply capacity determination process, compared to when there is a period in which the water supply valve 9 is closed. However, even if the actual water supply capacities are the same, the rinse water supply capacity is determined to be low. Therefore, when it is determined whether or not the additional rinsing operation is to be performed based on the same criterion as when the water supply status flag M = 1,
Therefore, the rinsing operation may be frequently added.
Therefore, in this embodiment, when the water supply status flag M = 0, the criterion is made strict and the water supply status flag M = 1.
A determination corresponding to steps T11 to T13 performed in the case of is performed. Thereby, addition of a rinse can be prevented because it is not desired.

More specifically, the water supply status flag M =
If it is 0, it is determined whether the rank of the rinse water supply capacity is lower than the rank of the wash water supply capacity by at least 15 ranks (step T14). This determination indicates that the washing water supply capacity is rank R16 and the rinsing water supply capacity is rank R1.
Yes only if If the determination in step T14 is affirmative, a rinsing operation is additionally performed (steps T19 to T22).

If the determination in step T14 is negative, it is next determined whether the rinsing water supply capacity is rank R1 and the wash water supply capacity is rank 2 (step T15). Even when this determination is affirmed, a sample rinse is additionally performed (steps T19 to T22). When both the determinations in step T14 and step T15 are negative, it is determined whether the washing water supply capacity is rank R1 and the rinsing water supply capacity is lower than the water supply capacity corresponding to rank R4 (step S15). T16). Even if this determination is affirmed, the sample rinse is additionally executed (steps T19 to T22). In this embodiment, steps T11 to T18 described above correspond to the function of the rinsing addition unit.

If all of the determinations in steps T11 to T13 are denied, or if all of the determinations in steps T14 to T16 are denied, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the water supply mechanism 4 after the washing operation (step S12). Step T17).
If the determination in step T17 is affirmative, a sample rinse is additionally executed (steps T19 to T22). The determination in step T17 is effective, for example, when the washing machine is provided with a bath water pump and the bath water pumped by the bath water pump is supplied. In other words, when the bath water runs out after the washing process, and this is detected during the rinsing, only a small amount of the bath water is supplied in the dehydration rinsing process, and the laundry may not be sufficiently rinsed. Therefore, when such an abnormality occurs, a fall in the rinsing ability in the dehydration rinsing can be compensated by additionally performing the rinsing operation.

If the determination in step T17 is negative, a water supply flag N = 1 indicating whether or not water has been supplied to the separate washing tub 3 during the execution of the shower rinsing operation.
In addition, it is determined whether the washing water supply capacity is lower than the water supply capacity corresponding to rank R4 (step T18). Then, even when this determination is affirmed, the additional rinsing operation is performed (steps T19 to T22). In this embodiment, the function of step T18 corresponds to the function of the second rinsing addition unit.

Thus, in the above-described dewatering and rinsing process, water supply to the washing tub 3 is separately performed during the shower rinsing operation in consideration of an increase in the load on the main motor 20 due to an excessively long shower rinsing operation time. Despite the fact that the shower rinsing operation time is not extended (when the washing / water supply capacity is lower than the rank R4), the rinsing shortage can be compensated for.

If the determinations in step T17 and step T18 are both negative, the rinsing operation is completed without adding the rinsing operation. Table 3 summarizes conditions for extending the shower rinsing operation time (water supply reference time) and conditions for additionally performing the rinsing operation in the above-described operation control during the dehydration rinsing operation and the operation control during the rinsing operation. Keep it.

[0061]

[Table 3]

As described above, in the operation control during the dehydration rinsing process according to this embodiment, the water supply reference time T (shower operation time) in the dehydration rinsing process based on the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism 4 determined at the time of washing. Is set. Accordingly, when the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism 4 during the dehydration and rinsing process is equal to the washing water supply capacity, water can be supplied so that water soaks into the entire laundry, and the laundry can be well rinsed. it can. Further, it is possible to avoid that water is wasted by supplying more water than necessary during the dehydration rinsing process.

When water is supplied to the separate washing tub 2 from the start of the shower rinsing operation to the elapse of the reference water supply time T, the shower rinsing operation (water supply to the fully automatic tub 2) is performed. ) Is additionally performed by the water supply reference time T. Thereby, even if water is supplied to the separate washing tub 3 during the shower rinsing operation and the flow rate of water supplied to the fully automatic tub 2 is reduced, a sufficient amount of water is soaked into the laundry. Can be made. Thus, the performance of the dehydration rinse is reliably compensated.

Further, when the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism 4 determined at the time of washing is low and the water supply reference time T is set long (120 seconds or more in this embodiment), the water supply is started after the shower rinsing is started. Even if water is supplied to the separate washing tub 3 until the reference time T elapses, additional water is not supplied to the fully automatic tub 2. As a result, the main motor 20 is prevented from being driven continuously for a long time, and it is possible to eliminate the possibility that a heavy load is applied to the main motor 20 and the like. In this case, since the washing operation is additionally performed, there is no inconvenience that the laundry cannot be rinsed cleanly.

In the operation control during the rinsing stroke,
Based on the rinsing water supply capacity determined during the rinsing stroke, it is determined whether to additionally execute the rinsing operation. In other words, if the water supply capacity of the rinsing water is low, it is determined that a sufficient amount of water has not been supplied to the fully automatic tank 2 in the dehydration rinsing step performed before the rinsing step, and the rinsing operation is added. Done. This can compensate for the lack of rinsing during the dehydration rinsing process,
The detergent can be satisfactorily removed from the laundry.

As described above, when water is always supplied to the separate washing tub 3 during the water supply capacity determination processing (water supply status flag M = 0), the separate washing tub 3 during the water supply capacity determination processing. When there is a period in which water is not supplied (water supply status flag M = 1), the criterion for determining whether or not to perform the additional rinsing operation is changed. This reduces the risk of inconvenience that the rinsing operation is additionally performed because it is not desired.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the criterion for determining whether or not to additionally execute the rinsing operation is changed depending on whether or not water is supplied to the separate washing tub 3 when determining the rinsing water supply capacity. However, in addition to this, the criterion for determining whether or not to perform additional rinsing and the shower rinsing operation time are also extended depending on whether or not water is supplied to the separate washing tub 3 when determining the rinsing water supply capacity. It is possible to change the criterion for judging whether or not.

Table 4, Table 5, and Table 6 show the conditions for extending the shower rinsing operation time (water supply reference time) and the conditions for additionally performing the rinsing operation when the washing water supply capacity judgment time is further considered. , Tables 7, 8, and 9 are summarized.

[0069]

[Table 4]

[0070]

[Table 5]

[0071]

[Table 6]

[0072]

[Table 7]

[0073]

[Table 8]

[0074]

[Table 9]

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the control of the water supply reference time in the dehydration rinse according to the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism has been described.
For example, the present invention can be applied to control of a water supply reference time in water injection rinsing according to water supply capacity. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a fully automatic tub has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a separate washing tub.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the shower rinsing operation time is extended by the reference water supply time set according to the washing water supply capacity. However, for example, the shower rinsing operation is performed only by a predetermined fixed water supply extension time. The operation time may be changed so as to be extended. In addition, various changes can be made within the scope of the technical matters described in the claims.

[0077]

According to the present invention, the rinsing performance is degraded even when water is supplied to the second washing tub while water is supplied to the first washing tub for rinsing. Nothing to do. Therefore, the laundry can be well rinsed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a simplified cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a two-tub washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the two-tub washing machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a water supply capacity determination process.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation at the time of a dehydration rinsing process executed in the fully automatic tank.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation at the time of a rinsing stroke to be performed in a fully automatic tank.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation at the time of a rinsing stroke to be executed in a fully automatic tank.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 fully automatic tank 3 separate washing tank 4 water supply mechanism 14 water level sensor 32 CPU 33 ROM 34 RAM 35 timer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takashi Fukui 2-5-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Masakazu Matsumoto 2-chome Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka No. 5-5 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kenji Fujii 2-5-5 Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.

Claims (6)

[Claims] A first device capable of washing and rinsing.
A washing tub, a second washing tub capable of performing washing and rinsing, a water supply mechanism capable of supplying water to the first washing tub and the second washing tub, and a predetermined rinsing operation performed in the first washing tub When the water supply to the second washing tub is performed while the water supply for the first washing tub is performed, the water supply to the first washing tub for the predetermined rinsing operation is extended by a predetermined time from the reference water supply time. A two-tub washing machine comprising: 2. When the water for washing is supplied to the first washing tub, the washing water supply capacity judging means for judging the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism, and the washing water supply capacity judging means, 2. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a reference time setting means for setting a reference water supply time. 3. An extension prohibiting means for prohibiting an extension of water supply by said water supply extending means when the water supply capacity determined by said washing water supply capacity determining means is lower than a predetermined first criterion. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: 4. The first washing tub has a function of dewatering the laundry after washing or rinsing, and performs a dewatering rinsing after performing the dehydrating rinsing using the dehydrating function. The rinsing operation is a dehydration rinsing, and further includes a rinsing addition unit that adds a predetermined number of times of rinsing to be performed in the first washing tub when the extension of water supply is prohibited by the extension prohibition unit. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 3, wherein 5. The first washing tub performs a rinsing after the predetermined rinsing operation, and when water for rinsing is supplied to the first tub,
A rinsing water supply capacity determining means for determining the water supply capacity of the water supply mechanism; and a rinsing operation performed in the first washing tub when the water supply capacity determined by the rinsing water supply capacity determining means is lower than a second predetermined criterion. The two-tub washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a second rinsing addition unit that adds the number of times of the predetermined number of times. 6. When the water supply capacity is determined by the rinsing water supply capacity determination means, water is always supplied to the second washing tub and there is a period during which water is not supplied to the second washing tub. The two-tub washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the second criterion is different.