JPS62207498A - Water level detector of washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a water level detection device that detects the water level inside a washing machine using an ultrasonic element.

Conventional technology Conventionally, a diaphragm pressure sensor was used to detect the water level in the tub of a washing machine, and the mechanical contact was set to 0N-
The water level was detected by turning it off. In addition, as another method, as shown in Fig. 3, a communication pipe 2 is provided which is connected to the washing tub 1 at the lower part, and an ultrasonic element 3 is attached to the upper part of this communication pipe 2, and an ultrasonic distance meter is installed. 4 can be considered to detect the water level.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention The device using ultrasonic waves as described above can continuously detect the water level and output as an electrical signal. It has the convenience of being able to be processed manually. However, if the clumps generated in the tank enter the communication pipe and the bubbles float above the communication pipe, even if ultrasonic waves are emitted from the upper ultrasonic element 3 in this state, the ultrasonic waves will not be absorbed by the bubbles. However, there is a problem in that ultrasonic waves are not received and distance measurements cannot be made.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to be able to reliably measure the water level of a washing tub using ultrasonic waves even if bubbles are generated.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the water level detection device for a washing machine of the present invention includes a foam trap pipe communicating with the washing tub, and a suds trap pipe communicating with the lower part of the pipe and containing liquid in the communication part. A distance measurement tube filled with
It has an ultrasonic element located at the top of the tube and an ultrasonic distance meter connected to this ultrasonic element.

Effect In the above configuration, by filling the space between the advancing trap pipe and the distance measuring pipe with liquid, bubbles accumulate in the advancing trap pipe and do not move toward the distance measuring pipe, allowing accurate water level detection using ultrasonic waves. can be done.

Example An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In Fig. 1, 1 is a washing tub, 2 is a foam trap pipe installed in parallel with the washing tub 1, 3 is a first pipe that communicates the washing tub 1 with the foam trap pipe 2, and 4 is an advancing trap pipe 2. 5 is the advancing trap pipe 2 and the distance measuring pipe 4.
This is a pipe that communicates with the water, and this pipe contains liquid. Reference numeral 6 indicates an ultrasonic element mounted above the distance measuring tube 5, reference numeral 6 indicates a distance measuring device connected to the ultrasonic element θ, and 8 indicates a water supply valve.

In this configuration, it is assumed that there is no water in the washing tub 1 and there is a lot of laundry. First, when the water supply valve is opened and water is supplied into the washing tub 1, the bubbles are pushed by the water and enter the advancing trap pipe 2 through the pipe 3. Since pipe 5 is filled with water, bubbles do not enter the vibro. When more water enters and the water surface exceeds the opening surface of the pipe 3, only water enters the vibro because the distance measuring pipe 4 is a communicating pipe.
Enter the distance measurement tube 4. Since the washing tub 1, advance trap pipe 2, and distance measuring pipe 4 are communicating pipes, the water level of the distance measuring pipe 4 also fluctuates according to the water level of the washing tub 1. In this state, if the distance inside the distance measurement tube 4 is measured using ultrasonic waves,
Accurate measurement is possible without the influence of bubbles.

FIG. 2 shows another example in which flexible pipes 3 and 6 are connected to the bottom of the bubble trap tube 2, and is basically the same as the example shown in FIG.

Effects of the Invention As described above, the device of the present invention can accurately measure the water level in the washing tub even if bubbles are generated in the washing tub. In addition, because it uses ultrasonic waves, it is possible to measure water level measurement errors within 10 degrees, and since it can be detected using electrical signals, it can be applied to the electronic control circuits of modern washing machines. I'll go.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the schematic configuration of a water level detection device ρ showing one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the foam agent trap pipe portion of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is an ultrasonic water level detection device. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a sensor. 1... Washing tank, 2... Advance trap pipe,
4... Distance measuring tube, 8... Ultrasonic element, 7... Distance measuring device. Name of agent: Patent attorney Toshio Nakao and 1 other person No. 1
Figure 2

Claims (1)

[Claims] A foam trap pipe that communicates with the washing tub; a distance measuring pipe that communicates with the lower part of the foam trap pipe and stores liquid in the communicating portion;
A water level detection device for a washing machine, comprising an ultrasonic element located at the top of the tube and an ultrasonic distance meter connected to the ultrasonic element.