KR100337675B1 - Washing Machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Washing tanks 3 and 6 in which water is stored for washing while storing laundry, water flow generators 9 and 16 for generating water flow in the washing tanks 3 and 6, and washing tanks 3 and 6 A washing machine provided with an air supply device (28) for sending air into the washing tanks (3, 6) from the air inlet (38) installed at the bottom of the head) and generating bubbles in the washing tanks (3,6). The air supply device 28 is drive controlled to appropriately control the generation of bubbles in the washing tanks 3 and 6.

Description

Washing Machine

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background Art Conventionally, in a general fully automatic washing machine, a pulsator which elastically supports an outer tub in a case, arranges a washing-and-dehydrating tank (hereinafter referred to as a dehydrating tank) freely in the outer tank, and generates water flow at the bottom of the dehydrating tank. Is placed. When washing and rinsing, the pulsator is reversely rotated left and right alternately in a dehydration tank in which water is stored, and when dewatering, the dehydration tank after draining is rotated at high speed in one direction.

In addition, in such a washing machine, in addition to the generation of water flow by the pulsator, air is supplied from the bottom of the outer tank by an air pump, and a plurality of bubbles are generated in the dehydration tank. In this washing machine, bubbles can enhance the peeling effect of contaminants of laundry or promote dissolution of detergents.

However, as mentioned above, the following subject arises in the washing machine which made bubble generate | occur | produce in the dehydration tank.

(1) If the bubble generated is too large, it is difficult to pass through the laundry, so that it is difficult to rupture and diffuse, so that the effect of removing the contamination cannot be enhanced, and the dissolution of the detergent cannot be promoted. There is a fear that air bubbles will only collect under the laundry in the water, causing the laundry to float too much, resulting in poor washing performance.

(2) If bubbles of detergent are generated well due to the generation of bubbles, damage of the laundry is reduced, such as the foam becoming a cushion between the laundry and the pulsator. There is a risk of bubbles flowing out.

(3) If bubbles of detergent are well generated by the generation of bubbles, a large amount of bubbles are likely to remain in the outer tank when dehydration is performed after washing, which may interfere with dehydration start.

(4) When the air inlet is at the bottom of the outer tank, and the washing is finished and the air pump is in an inoperative state, contaminants from the laundry collect in the inlet part or in the air supply path (lower part of the air hose), and then operate. This contaminant may stick to it, leading to a blockage of the introduction or supply path.

(5) If bubbles are generated during rinsing, bubbles of detergent removed from the laundry are generated, and these bubbles remain in the tank even after drainage after rinsing, and may adhere to the laundry again, deteriorating rinsing performance.

It is a first object of the present invention to provide a washing machine capable of generating appropriate bubbles in a washing tank by appropriately controlling the generation of bubbles in the washing tank, whereby the washing operation can be performed well.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of supplying suitably fine bubbles to laundry, thereby improving the washing effect.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of preventing leakage of bubbles into the outside.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of smoothly performing a washing operation, since the dehydration operation is not prevented due to foaming of detergent.

A fifth object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of preventing clogging of a supply path of air for generating bubbles.

Moreover, the 6th object of this invention is to provide the washing machine which can perform a rinsing stroke favorable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a side cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the fully automatic washing machine of one Embodiment of this invention.

2 is a plan view of an operation panel for washing operation of the washing machine.

3 is an electric block diagram showing a control mechanism of the washing machine.

4 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the washing operation of the automatic washing machine.

5 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the washing stroke during the washing operation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart following FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart following FIG. 5.

8 is a flowchart showing the control operation in the dehydration stroke during the washing operation.

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

2: case 3: outer shell

6: washing and dewatering tank (washing tank) 9: pulsator (water flow generating device)

9a: wing body 9b: inner wing

16: motor (water flow generator) 28: air pump (air supply device)

38: Inlet 49: Detergent volume key (detection unit)

55: control unit

The washing machine of the present invention accommodates laundry, and at the same time, a washing tank in which water is stored for washing, a water flow generating device for generating water flow in the washing tank, and air introduced into the washing tank from an inlet of air provided at the bottom of the washing tank. And a control unit for driving the air supply device to control the generation of bubbles in the washing tank, and to control the generation of bubbles in the washing tank.

The water flow generator includes, for example, a pulsator having a wing body provided in a washing tank, and a motor for driving the pulsator. In this case, the controller controls driving of the motor.

In addition, the pulsator is preferably disposed on the bottom of the washing tank, it is preferably provided with a bubble micronizing means for miniaturizing the bubbles generated by the air sent from the air supply device. In this case, the bubble micronization means may be, for example, an inner blade provided on the lower surface of the pulsator. By such a structure, the bubble which generate | occur | produced in the washing tank can be grind | pulverized by the inner blade of the pulsator lower surface, and it can refine | miniaturize. Therefore, it is possible to always supply fine bubbles in the dehydration tank.

The control unit preferably drives the air supply device intermittently. That is, by driving the air supply device, the foaming of the detergent is promoted by the generation of fine bubbles, the air supply device is stopped before the foaming becomes excessive, and the air supply device is driven again when the foaming has subsided. To promote foaming. Thereby, an optimal foaming state can be ensured without foaming out of the air due to excessive foaming of the detergent.

The controller preferably intermittently drives the water flow generating device, and intermittently drives the air supply device in synchronization with the intermittent driving of the water flow generating device. In this case, it is more preferable that the controller operates the air supply device within the operation period of the water flow generating device.

More specifically, it is preferable that the operation period of the air supply device is in the operation period of the water flow generator so that the stop period of the air supply device is in the stop period of the water flow generator.

The ON-OFF of the air supply device may be somewhat different even if not completely synchronized with the ON-OFF of the motor of the water flow generator.

In the case where the inner blade is provided in the pulsator, when the pulsator for generating the washing water flows intermittently, the inner blade also intermittently operates. Thus, the air supply device is driven in accordance with the driving of the pulsator, that is, the motor. When the motor is in operation, the air supply device also operates, and when the motor is stopped, the air supply device is also stopped. As a result, bubbles not broken by the inner blade can be made less likely to be sent into the washing tank, and the washing effect can be reliably improved.

The control unit preferably stops the operation of the air supply device within the stop period of the water flow generating device. In this configuration, since the air supply device does not operate at all during the stop period of the water flow generator, it is possible to more reliably prevent large bubbles from being sent directly into the washing and dewatering tank.

The control unit preferably stops the operation of the air supply device that is operating within the operation period of the water flow generating device, rather than stopping the operation of the water flow generating device. Even if the air supply stops, the supply of air does not stop immediately. Thus, in this configuration, the air supply device is configured to stop before the motor, and the water flow generator is driven while the air supply is continued. Therefore, it is possible to refine the bubble by driving the inner blade until the supply of air disappears, and furthermore, it is possible to prevent the larger bubble from being sent into the washing and dehydrating tank as it is.

Moreover, it is preferable that the said washing machine further includes the detection part which detects whether the inside of the said washing tank is in the state which foams easily generate | occur | produce by the kind and quantity of detergent. In this case, when the state in which the bubble is easy to generate | occur | produce by the detection part is detected, the said control part drives and controls the said air supply apparatus so that the generation amount of the bubble in the said washing tank may become relatively small, and it is hard to generate | occur | produce foam by the said detection part. When the state is detected, it is preferable to drive control the air supply device so that the amount of bubbles in the washing tank is relatively increased.

In this configuration, when a large amount of detergent is used or a detergent which tends to generate bubbles is used, and in a situation where bubbles tend to occur in the washing and dehydrating tank, the amount of bubbles is reduced by reducing the operating time of the air supply device. Foaming can be suppressed. Therefore, even if the input amount and type of detergent change, it is possible to prevent the leakage of bubbles from the outer tank to the outside.

For example, the detection unit may include a predetermined operation button operated by an operator.

The control unit may intermittently drive the air supply device so that the driving time per unit time is longer than when a state where bubbles are less likely to be generated is detected by the detection unit. do.

The washing tank may include an outer tub elastically supported in the case and a washing / dehydrating tank in which the rotation is freely supported in the outer tub to accommodate the laundry. In this case, the washing machine operates the water flow generating device. The washing operation may include a washing operation for washing laundry with a detergent and a dehydrating stroke for removing water in the laundry by rotating the washing and dewatering tank at a high speed following the washing operation. In such a configuration, the control unit preferably includes driving means for operating the air supply device during the washing operation. The control unit may further include a stop unit for detecting that the predetermined time of the end of the washing administration is shifted and stopping the operation of the air supply device by the driving unit.

In this configuration, during the washing operation, the air supply device is operated continuously or intermittently to generate bubbles in the washing and dewatering tank. At this time, it is monitored whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the washing administration. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the continuous operation or the intermittent operation of the air supply device is stopped, and the generation of bubbles is stopped. Foam of detergent generated a lot by the bubble is stabilized until the end of the washing administration. Therefore, at the start of dehydration, less bubbles remain in the outer tub. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the dehydration from starting by bubbles.

The control unit may further include water flow control means for controlling the water flow generating device so that the water flow in the washing tank is weakened after the operation of the air supply device is stopped by the stop means. In this configuration, the water flow also weakens when the air supply device is stopped, so that bubbles can be further eliminated.

The outer tank has the air inlet at the bottom thereof, and the control unit has, as the first driving means, the driving means for operating the air supply device during the washing operation. It may include a second drive means for operating the air supply device in order to remove contaminants or water in the vicinity of the inlet later.

In this configuration, the air supply device is operated even after washing. Thus, contaminants to be deposited on the inlet portion can be discharged, and water containing contaminants stored in the lower portion (near the inlet) of the air supply path from the air supply device can be discharged, and the vicinity of the inlet portion can be discharged. Contaminants and water can be excluded. Therefore, contaminants remain in the introduction path or the air supply path (air hose, etc.), and this can prevent the introduction path or the supply path from being blocked.

The second drive means may operate the supply device in a situation where water is above the introduction port. In this configuration, for example, it is the time of draining to a place where the water level is slightly higher than the inlet, and the air supply device is operated while water remains. At this time, since the contaminants accumulated at the inlet portion are in the water, they are easily discharged by the introduction of air. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the introduction or clogging of the air supply path.

The second drive means may operate the air supply device in a situation in which water is drained down to the introduction port. In this configuration, the air supply device is operated when the water level is lower than the introduction port. Alternatively, the air supply device is operated when the water level is higher than the inlet, and the operation is continued until the water level is lower than the inlet. Thus, even if the air supply is stopped, water does not return back into the air supply path. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the introduction or the blockage of the air supply path.

For example, it is preferable that the second driving means operates the air supply device before the washing and dewatering tank rotates in the dewatering stroke and the outer tank starts to shake significantly. As a result, the air supply path is emptied and lightened before the case starts to shake significantly. Therefore, a large force is hardly applied between the inlet port and the supply path, and the inlet port and the supply path are prevented from shifting when the outer tank is greatly shaken. can do.

For example, it is preferable to operate the air supply device at a time after a predetermined time has elapsed after the washing and dewatering tank is started for dehydration. Immediately after the dehydration operation, a large amount of water is discharged from the laundry. In this configuration, since the air supply device is operated shortly after starting, water generated during dehydration may be difficult to enter the air supply path.

Preferably, the second drive means operates the air supply device at the end of the washing operation. That is, the air supply device is operated when the final dehydration is finished and the washing and dewatering tank is stopped, or when the final dehydration is almost finished and water hardly comes out of the laundry. Thereby, even if water may enter the air supply path during dewatering, it is possible to prevent the water from remaining after the end of the washing operation.

The washing machine may sequentially perform a washing stroke for washing laundry using a detergent and a rinsing stroke for removing the detergent from the laundry in the washing tank. In this case, the control unit may be used only at the time of the washing administration. It is preferable to operate the air supply device and not to operate the air supply device in the rinsing stroke.

In this configuration, the air supply apparatus is operated to generate bubbles in the washing and dewatering tank only in the washing stroke, and in the rinsing stroke, the bubbles are not generated without operating the air supply apparatus. As a result, bubbles are generated during the rinsing, and it can be prevented from remaining in the drained water and adhered to the laundry again, and the deterioration of the rinsing performance can be prevented.

The above or further objects, features and effects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention, in which the left side is the front side of the washing machine and the right side is the rear side.

In FIG. 1, in the case 2 which consists of a precoat metal (PCM) steel plate, the substantially cylindrical outer tub 3 made of synthetic resin is arrange | positioned. This outer tub 3 is elastically supported in the case 2 via the vibration isolator 5 by the suspension rod 4. In the outer tank 3, a washing-and-dehydrating tank (hereinafter referred to as a dehydration tank) 6, which is rotatably supported in a horizontal direction, is provided. This dewatering tank 6 is made of stainless steel plate, and an annular fluid balancer 7 made of synthetic resin is attached to the upper end. Moreover, many dehydration holes 8 are opened in the trunk | drum 6a of this dehydration tank 6. As shown in FIG.

At the bottom of the dehydration tank 6, the pulsator 9 made of synthetic resin is freely disposed. This pulsator 9, together with the motor described later, constitutes the water flow generator of the present invention. The upper surface of this pulsator 9 is radially integrally formed with the wing body 9a, and the rear surface is radially integrally formed with the inner blade 9b. Moreover, in the upper surface of this pulsator 9 and each wing body 9a, the many discharge hole (not shown) which communicates with the inner side of the pulsator 9 is opened in order to let the micro bubbles mentioned later pass.

Between the pulsator 9 and the bottom wall 6b of the dehydration tank 6 arrange | positioned in the said dehydration tank 6, the pump chamber 10 which accommodates the said inner blade 9b is provided, and the said bottom A large number of suction ports 12 are provided in the pump chamber 10 so as to surround the dehydration tank 11 around the wall 6b. From the pump chamber 10, a circulation water passage 13 extending upward along the body portion 6a of the dehydration tank 6 is provided. This circulating water path 13 is connected to the discharge port 14 provided just below the said fluid balancer 7, and this discharge port 14 is provided with the bag-shaped lint filter 15. As shown in FIG.

The motor 16 is attached to the outer bottom part of the said outer tank 3. The rotational force of this motor 16 is transmitted to the dehydration tank 6 and the pulsator 9 through the motor pulley 17, the V belt 18, the main pulley 19 and the power switching mechanism 20. . At the time of washing and rinsing, the clutch (not shown) of the power switching mechanism 20 is made inoperative so that the connection between the dehydration tank 6 and the pulsator 9 is released, and the motor 16 is pulsed. Only the eater 9 is rotated left and right at low speed. At the time of dehydration, the clutch of the power switching mechanism 20 is brought into an operating state so that the dehydration tank 6 and the pulsator 9 are connected, and the motor 16 is the pulsator 9 and the dehydration tank. All of (6) are rotated in one direction at high speed.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a support made of synthetic resin attached to the bottom of the case 2, and legs 22 are provided at four corners of the bottom. Reference numeral 23 is a top plate made of synthetic resin covering the upper part of the case 2. In the center of the upper plate 23, an inlet 24 for injecting laundry into the dehydration tank 6 is provided, and the inlet 24 is provided with an upper lid 25 which can be opened and closed freely. All and rear parts of the upper plate 23 are provided with accommodating portions 26 and 27 of electrical components.

In the former accommodating part 26, the air pump 28 (equivalent to the air supply apparatus of this invention) for sending air in the said outer tank 3, and the control board for controlling a washing operation (illustration Is omitted), and the upper surface of the housing portion 26 is covered with an operation panel 29 for operating the washing operation. The water level sensor 30, the water supply valve 31 which is a water supply apparatus, etc. are arrange | positioned at the rear accommodating part 27, and are covered with the rear cover 32. As shown in FIG.

The water level sensor 30 is connected to an air trap (not shown) installed at the rear of the bottom of the outer tub 3 via a pressure hose 33, and captures the pressure change accompanying the change in the level of the water. To detect. The water supply valve 31 is connected to a water supply port 34 provided on the upper surface plate 23, and tap water supplied from the outside opens the water supply valve 31 to supply the water supply port 34 to the dehydration tank 6. ) Into the water.

As the bottom of the outer tub 3, a drain port 35 is provided at a biased position on the outer circumferential side of the outer tub 3. This drain port 35 is connected to the drain hose 37 via a drain valve 36 which is a drain device. The water in the outer tub 3 is discharged out of the air through the drain hose 37 by opening the drain valve 36.

At the bottom of the outer tub 3, the air inlet 38 is located at the center side of the outer tub 3 than the drain port 35 and substantially opposite the inlet 12 of the pump chamber 10. It is installed. The inlet 38 is connected to the air pump 28 via an air hose 39. The air hose 39 includes a thick first tube 39a that extends from the inlet 38 to the lower portion of the trunk portion of the outer tub 3 along the outer wall of the outer tub 3, and the air pump 28. The second tube 39b, which is wound around the suspension rod 4 and reaches the lower part of the trunk of the outer tub 3, is fixed to the lower part of the trunk of the tub 3, and the first tube 39a and It consists of the connection pipe 39c which connects the 2nd tube 39b. The bottom surface of the outer tub 3 has an inclined surface 3a in which the center portion is slightly increased, and the introduction port 38 is located higher than the drain port 35.

At the time of washing and rinsing, the pulsator 9 is reversely rotated left and right at a low speed in a state where water has entered to a predetermined level in the dehydration tank 6. Then, the water in the dehydration tank 6 is stirred by the said wing body 9a of the upper surface of the pulsator 9, and water flow generate | occur | produces. In this way, the laundry in the dehydration tank 6 is washed. In addition, water between the bottom of the dehydration tank 6 and the bottom of the outer tub 3 is pumped up through the suction port 12 by the pumping action of the inner blade 9b on the rear surface of the pulsator 9. Extruded to the outer circumference of the pulsator 9, the circulation water path 13 is raised, and discharged from the discharge port 14 into the dehydration tank 6. At this time, the lint from the laundry is recovered by the lint filter 15.

At the time of dehydration, the drain valve 36 and the pulsator 9 rotate at high speed in one direction while the drain valve 36 is open. The water in the laundry is bounced off by centrifugal force and flows out of the dehydration hole 8 of the dewatering tank 6 into the outer tank 3, and flows along the inner wall of the fuselage part of the outer tank 3 to be discharged from the drain 35. do.

At the time of washing, when the air pump 28 is driven, air is sent into the outer tank 3 through the air hose 39, and bubbles continue to be generated at the inlet 38. The generated bubbles are collected below the pulsator 9 through the suction port 12. Bubbles gathered below the pulsator 9 are broken by stirring with the inner blade 9b serving as a bubble crushing device, and become a plurality of fine bubbles and discharge holes (shown in the pulsator 9) (shown in FIG. To be injured). The micronized bubbles rupture (split) and spread in contact with the laundry above, and contaminants such as sebum, which are entangled in the fibers of the laundry, are easily peeled off by the micro-vibration of the shock wave generated at this time. In addition, such bubbles promote the dissolution of the detergent contained with the laundry, thereby improving bubble generation of the detergent. As the foam of the detergent and the micronized bubble generated in this way are interposed between the laundry and the pulsator 9, the rub between the laundry and the pulsator 9 is reduced, and damage to the laundry is reduced.

2 is a plan view of the operation panel 29 having an operation portion and a display portion for washing operation. In Fig. 2, reference numeral 40 denotes a power switch for supplying power to the washing machine main body, and reference numeral 41 denotes a start / pause key (hereinafter referred to as start key) for starting or stopping a washing operation.

Reference numeral 42 denotes a course selection key group for selecting a washing course, and includes a plurality of course keys 42a provided in correspondence with respective courses. As a washing course, the standard course for washing standard clothes, the qualitative course for washing with care, the short time course for washing in a short time, the user selection course for washing under the conditions set by the user, There are dry courses for washing dry mark clothing and fragile clothing, blankets for washing blankets, and washed laundry courses for washing strongly to remove contaminants. Adjacent to each of the coskeys 42a, a course indicator 42b is provided to indicate that the course is selected.

Reference numeral 43 denotes a water flow key for the user to adjust the intensity of the water flow. This water flow key 43 enables five levels of water flow adjustment. Reference numeral 44 is a washing key for setting the washing time, reference numeral 45 is a rinsing key for setting the rinsing frequency, and reference numeral 46 is a dehydration key for setting the dehydration time. These washing keys 44, rinsing keys 45, and dehydration keys 46 are operated to set respective conditions when performing the "user selection course". Reference numeral 47 denotes a reservation key for setting an end time when washing is to be completed at a reserved time, and reference numeral 48 denotes a water key for adjusting the water level. Reference numeral 49 denotes a detergent amount key (corresponding to a detection unit of the present invention). This detergent key 49 is a key for informing the apparatus that a lot of detergent is used and that a detergent having good foaming is used, and is pressed when a lot of detergent is used or when a detergent having good foaming is used.

Reference numeral 50 denotes a display unit in which displays other than the course indicators 42b are concentrated. The display section 50 includes a progress display section 51 indicating the progress of the washing operation, a water flow display section 52 indicating the strength of the water flow selected by the water flow key 43, the washing key 44, and the rinsing key 45 ) And an information display unit 53 for displaying the washing time, the rinsing number, the dehydration time, or the end time reserved by the reservation key 47 or the remaining time of the washing operation set by the dehydration key 46 and the water wiki (48). The water level display part 54 which displays the water level in the dehydration tank 6 adjusted by the washing machine side or determined by the washing machine side, and displays the reference amount of the detergent according to this water level is comprised.

3 is an electric block diagram showing a control mechanism in the fully automatic washing machine 1 of the present embodiment. Reference numeral 55 denotes a control unit, and is configured around a known microcomputer. The control unit 55 includes a key input circuit 56 connected to various keys such as the start key 41, a display unit driver circuit 57 for driving various display units such as the information display unit 53, and a water level sensor 30. ) And a load drive circuit 58 and the like are connected. The motor 16, the water supply valve 31, the drain valve 36, the air pump 28, and the like are connected to the load driving circuit 58. The control unit 55, based on the input of the key input circuit 56, the water level sensor 30, or the like, drives the motor 16 through the load driving circuit 58 in accordance with an operation program previously stored in the internal memory. ), The water supply valve 31, the drain valve 36, and the air pump 28 are controlled.

Based on the above structure, the control operation | movement in washing operation is demonstrated according to the flowchart of FIG. The washing operation performed in this embodiment consists of a washing | cleaning stroke, a dehydrating stroke (middle), a rinsing stroke, and a dehydrating stroke (final), as shown in FIG. In the rinsing cycle according to the present embodiment, the storage rinsing for storing and rinsing water is performed once. However, other rinsing methods such as rinsing and rinsing during rinsing may be performed, or the storage rinsing may be performed multiple times.

When the laundry is put into the dehydration tank 6 by the user, and the start key 41 is pressed, the washing operation starts. First, the control part 55 performs the load amount detection process in the dehydration tank 6 (S1). Specifically, after the pulsator 9 is rotated for a short time, it is stopped naturally, the total amount of rotation of the rotation and inertia rotation at the time of energization of the pulsator 9 is measured, and the amount of laundry, i.e., the load amount, is measured. The larger the number, the more difficult the pulsator 9 is to rotate and the inertia rotation does not continue for a long time. Therefore, the smaller the total number of revolutions, the more the load is determined.

Subsequently, in the washing stroke (S2), first, the control unit 55 opens the water supply valve 31 until the water level in the dewatering tank 6 reaches the water level determined by the load (the higher the load amount, the higher). Water is supplied (S11 in FIG. 5). When water supply is complete | finished, the control part 55 determines whether a selected course is a dry course (S12). In addition to the dry course, for example, the standard course, the motor is ON-OFF controlled (intermittent drive control) in order to generate water flow suitable for this course (S13). For example, the ON time is 1.6 seconds, the OFF time is 0.7 seconds, and the rotation speed is controlled at 130 rpm. Thereby, the pulsator 9 performs the reverse rotation of left-stop-stop-right rotation by the said ON time, OFF time, and rotation speed. Moreover, the control part 55 starts ON-OFF control of the air pump 28.

The controller 55 determines whether or not the detergent amount key 49 is pressed in the dehydration tank 6 as it is a situation where foaming is likely to occur, since a detergent having a large amount of detergent or a foam that tends to be generated is used. S14). If the detergent amount key 49 is not pressed, it is determined that the foam of the detergent is not easily generated, and the controller 55 (drive means, first drive means) controls the air pump 28 to be always ON. (S15). On the other hand, when the detergent amount key 49 is pressed, it is determined that bubbles are likely to be generated, and the air pump 28 is controlled to be 10 seconds ON-10 seconds OFF (S16).

After a predetermined time and 40 seconds have elapsed in the present embodiment after operating the motor 16 and the air pump 28 (S17), the controller 55 turns off the motor 16 and the air pump 28 once ( S18). If it is determined that the water level is lowered by being absorbed by the laundry (S19), water is supplied to the first level so that the laundry is not damaged due to lack of water level (S20).

After that, the controller 55 again starts ON-OFF control of the motor 16 (S21), and further starts ON-OFF control of the air pump.

The control unit 55 again determines whether or not the situation is likely to generate bubbles (S22 in FIG. 6), and if it is determined that bubbles are not easily generated, the control unit 55 controls the air pump 28 to 25 seconds ON-35 seconds OFF. (S23). On the other hand, when it is determined that bubbles are likely to occur, the air pump 28 is controlled to 7 seconds ON-53 seconds OFF (S24). Thus, after stopping to replenish water, the amount of bubbles generated per unit time is reduced. In this way, foaming of detergent is promptly generated in the first half of the washing stroke, thereby preventing damage to the laundry, and preventing foaming more than necessary in the second half.

The controller 55 measures the ON circuit of the air pump 28 after the water supply S20, determines whether the number of ON times is six times in the present embodiment (S25), or six times. If it judges (if the 6th time completes), only the air pump 28 will be OFF in the state which ON-OFF control of the motor 16 continues (S26). And if it is determined that it is time to release the tangles of the laundry immediately before the end of the washing (S27), the control unit 55 (water flow control means), in order to loosen the laundry by the flow of water to unwind, to improve the speed of dehydration, The motor 16 is ON-OFF controlled for an ON-OFF time shorter than washing water, that is, an ON time of 0.6 seconds and an OFF time of 0.3 seconds (S28). The control part 55 turns off the motor 16, and complete | finishes a washing | cleaning process when time to loosen | elapse, for example, 1 minute (S29). Depending on the washing time to be set, it may be a time for unwinding before the number of ON times of the air pump 28 after repairing becomes six times. In this case, the control unit 55 (stopping means) has six times of ON times. If it is determined that the time to solve is reached even without filling (S31), the air pump 28 is turned off (S32). In other words, the air pump 28 is turned off sooner by at least the time of unwinding than at the end of washing.

On the other hand, when it is judged that the dry course is selected in S12 (FIG. 5), the control part 55 performs ON-OFF control (intermittent drive control) of a motor in order to generate the water flow which existed in this dry course (S33 of FIG. 7). ). In the present embodiment, the ON time is 5 seconds, the OFF time is 4 seconds, and the rotation speed is controlled at 25 rpm. As a result, the pulsator 9 performs a reverse rotation of left-stop-stop-right rotation at the ON time, OFF time, and rotation speed. In this case, although the ON time is long, very weak water flow occurs because the pulsator 9 rotates at a very slow rotational speed. Therefore, even dry mark clothing which is easy to be damaged can be washed without damage. Moreover, the control part 55 starts ON-OFF control of the air pump 28 simultaneously with ON-OFF control of the motor 16 (S34). In this dry course, the air pump 28 is turned on at the same time as the motor 16 is turned on, and the air pump 28 is turned off 0.5 seconds earlier in this embodiment before the motor 16. That is, the control part 55 controls the air pump 28 in 4.5 second ON-4.5 second OFF.

When it is determined that 3 minutes 40 seconds has elapsed in the present embodiment for a predetermined time after starting the ON-OFF control of the air pump 28 (S35), the control unit 55 turns off only the air pump 28 (S37). The motor 16 is controlled to 2 seconds ON-4 seconds OFF, and washing is performed with a weaker water flow than the first time (S38). After that, when it is determined that the washing end time has come (S39), the control unit 55 turns off the motor 16 to finish the washing operation (S40). On the other hand, before 3 minutes and 40 seconds have elapsed since the ON-OFF control of the air pump 28 was started, it was determined that 20 seconds before the end of the washing time (which may occur when the washing time is set short) (S36). The controller 55 turns off the air pump 28 even if 3 minutes and 40 seconds have not passed (S37). That is, after the air pump 28 is turned off, at least a certain time, here 20 seconds has elapsed, washing is finished.

When the washing administration is finished, the intermediate dehydration stroke is entered (S3 in Fig. 4). In the dehydration administration, the drainage takes place first, followed by dehydration. First, the control part 55 opens the drain valve 36 and starts drainage (S51 of FIG. 8). This lowers the water level in the dehydration tank 6.

When the water level reaches the reset water level (the water level sensor cannot detect up to zero water level in performance), which is the low water level that can be detected by the water level sensor 30 (S52), the controller 55 (second drive means). ) Controls the air pump 28 to 3 seconds ON-5 seconds OFF (S53). If it is determined that the number of times of ON of the air pump 28 has been reached three times (the third time has ended) (S54), the control unit 55 turns off the air pump (S55). By the present operation of the air pump 28, water collected at the lower part of the air hose 39, and contaminants such as contaminants and detergent residues mixed in the water are discharged, and near the inlet port 38 at the time of drainage. Contaminants gathered in the area are blown away.

When one minute has elapsed since the reset water level was detected, and the water completely disappeared in the outer tank 3 (S56), the control unit 55 opened the drain valve 36 and turned on the motor 16 to turn on the dehydration tank 6. ) Is rotated (S57). In order to reduce the vibration at the time of rotation start of the dehydration tank 6, the control part 55 is stepwise, such as 30 seconds at 150 rpm and 30 seconds at 400 rpm, when speeding up to normal rotation speed of dehydration, for example, 900 rpm. To speed up.

The controller 55 (second drive means) turns on the air pump 28 for a predetermined time and in this embodiment for 3 seconds when 10 seconds have elapsed after the motor 16 is turned on (S59). As a result, the water in the lower part of the air hose 39, which has not been drained, is blown into the outer tank 3 because it is located at a lower position than the outer tank 3. Of course, at this time, since the speed of the rotation speed is gradually increased as described above, the dehydration speed is in a state sufficiently lower than the initial resonance point of the washing machine (some resonance points exist until the normal speed). 3) the vibration is small. In addition, when dewatering, the water from the laundry flows to the bottom of the outer tank (3), the central portion of the bottom of the outer tank (3) with the inlet opening (38) is slightly higher than the outer peripheral portion, there is a drain hole (35) on the outer peripheral portion From the point drained here, the water from the laundry due to dehydration is hard to enter into the air hose 39.

Thereafter, dehydration proceeds, and in the present embodiment, when 40 seconds has elapsed before the predetermined time of the dehydration end time (S60), the control unit 55 turns off the motor 16 (S61). This is to reduce the rotation speed in advance so as not to overload the brake when dehydration is finished. At this time, it is determined whether or not the dehydration is final (S62). This time is dehydration after the washing process, which is denied, and the control unit 55 does nothing. When the dehydration period has elapsed (S64), the control unit 55 operates the brake to stop the dehydration tank 6 (S65), then closes the drain valve 36 and ends the dewatering stroke (S66). ).

Subsequently, a rinse stroke is performed (S4 of FIG. 4). In the rinsing cycle, after the water is supplied to a predetermined water level, the reverse rotation is performed by the pulsator 9, and the laundry is rinsed. In this rinsing operation, the control unit 55 does not drive the air pump 28 and does not generate bubbles.

When the rinsing is finished, the final dehydration stroke is made (S5). The operation of this dehydration stroke is the same as that of the intermediate dehydration stroke, but in step S62 (FIG. 8), it is determined that the final dehydration is performed, and the control unit 55 (second drive means) causes the air pump 28 to run for a predetermined time and in this embodiment. In this case, it turns on for 3 seconds (S63). Thereby, even if water enters the air hose 39 at the time of dehydration, it can export, and it can prevent water from remaining in the air hose 39 also at the end of washing operation.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, these are merely specific examples used to clarify the technical contents of the present invention, and the present invention should not be construed as being limited to these embodiments, but the spirit of the present invention and The scope is limited only by the appended claims.

In this embodiment, the above-described control operation of the washing operation has the following effects.

(1) When washing, let the air pump run intermittently. That is, the foaming of the detergent is promoted by the generation of fine bubbles by driving the air pump, and the foaming of the detergent is stopped before the foaming becomes excessive. To facilitate it. Therefore, the foam | bubble of a detergent generate | occur | produces too much, and foam | bubble does not leak out to the outside, and the optimal foaming state can be ensured.

(2) The pulsator is intermittently driven, namely, rotation, stop, and right rotation, and bubbles from the air pump are agitated and refined by the inner blades of the pulsator. In particular, if the ON-OFF time of the pulsator motor is relatively long, such as a dry course, if air is gradually sent from the air pump while the pulsator is stopped, the bubbles are not refined. It is only stored, there is a concern that the laundry is excessively floated, and the washing effect is worsened.

Thus, in this embodiment, in the case of the dry course, the air pump is ON-OFF in synchronization with the motor ON-OFF, and the air pump ON time comes to be in the ON time of the motor, that is, the pulsator, The OFF time of the pump is at the OFF time of the motor. This makes it possible to reliably refine the bubbles, make it difficult to generate large bubbles in contact with the laundry as it is, and reliably improve the washing effect.

In particular, since the air pump is turned off before the motor is turned off, and the air pump is not turned on while the motor is not turned on (in this embodiment, the air pump is turned on at the same time as the motor is turned on), the bubbles that are not miniaturized Can be more surely prevented.

(3) If it is easy to generate bubbles, it is determined whether or not the dehydration tank is in a situation where detergent bubbles are likely to occur, such as a large amount of detergent or a detergent that tends to generate bubbles. Since the ON time is shortened to reduce the amount of bubbles generated, bubbles can be prevented from leaking out of the air even if the amount or type of detergent is changed.

(4) Since the upper limit is set on the ON-OFF frequency of the air pump and the amount of foam generation is not excessive, it is possible to prevent foam leakage to the outside.

(5) The air pump is turned off (stops and stops the ON-OFF control) 20 seconds before the end of the washing in the dry course, and is turned off at the time of loosening in the other washing courses. In other words, since the generation of air bubbles by the air pump is stopped before a certain time after washing is finished, bubbles can be prevented from remaining in the outer tank at the start of dehydration, and the dehydration can be prevented from being disturbed by the bubbles. have.

Moreover, since the water flow can also be weakened with the stop of the air pump, bubbles can be further eliminated.

(6) Since the air pump is operated after washing, the contaminants to be deposited at the air inlet are blown out and water containing contaminants collected at the lower part of the air hose is discharged. This deposit can be prevented from clogging.

In particular, the air pump is operated with a little water remaining when the reset water level is reached. Therefore, the contaminants deposited at the inlet are easily blown out because they are underwater, and are difficult to be deposited again.

Also, 10 seconds after the dehydration starts, the water is discharged at least from the inlet position, and the object is not returned to the air hose again. Then, the rotation of the dehydration tank is increased in speed until the vibration of the outer tank increases. The air pump is operated at the timing to discharge the water stored in the lower part of the air hose. Therefore, even if the vibration of the outer tub is large, since the lower portion of the air hose is light because water is not stored, a large force is applied between the inlet port and the air hose so that the air hose is not separated. In addition, there is no foaming in the water inside when the lower part of the air hose shakes violently. In particular, during the dehydration start, a large amount of water comes out of the laundry. Since the air pump is operated after a while, the water is difficult to enter again after the operation.

(7) At the end of the washing operation, in this embodiment, the dehydration tank is rotating, but since the air pump is operated at a timing at which the final dehydration is almost finished and no water comes out of the laundry, the water is dewatered into the air hose during dehydration. Even if this may enter, it is possible to prevent the water from remaining after the end of the washing operation.

(8) The air pump is operated to generate bubbles in the dehydration tank only in the washing stroke, and in the rinsing stroke, the air pump is not operated without generating bubbles. Thereby, foaming occurs at the time of rinsing, and this prevents it from remaining without draining and sticking to the laundry again. In addition, when rinsing a plurality of times, the foam remaining at the next rinsing melts into the clean rinsing water, and the rinsing performance can also be prevented.

The operation of the second air pump in the dehydration stroke may be a predetermined point before the dehydration tank starts to rotate after the water is lost in the outer tank. When the air pump of the dehydration stroke is operated once (not including the operation at the end of the final dehydration), the air pump starts to operate from the point where the water is above the inlet, and when the water comes down from the inlet. The operation may be performed until.

The water flow generating device of the present invention may be a device for generating water flow even if it is not a pulsator, and the air supply device may be a device capable of supplying air even if it is not a pump type.

Claims (22)

Washing tanks (3,6) for accommodating laundry and storing water for washing; The pulsator 9 which has the wing body 9a provided in this washing tank 3, 6, and the motor 16 which drives this pulsator 9 are provided, and the water flow in the said washing tank 3,6 Water flow generating apparatus (9,16) for generating An air supply device 28 for sending air into the washing tanks 3 and 6 from the air inlet 38 formed at the bottom of the washing tanks 3 and 6 and generating bubbles in the washing tanks 3 and 6, and And a control unit 55 for driving control of the water flow generators 9 and 16, and for driving control of the air supply device 28 to appropriately control the generation of bubbles in the washing tanks 3 and 6. The pulsator 9 is disposed at the bottom of the washing tanks 3 and 6, and includes bubble micronizing means for miniaturizing air bubbles generated by air sent from the air supply device 28, and the bubble micronizing means, A washing machine having an inner blade (9b) provided on the lower surface of the pulsator (9). The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (55) intermittently drives the air supply device (28). 3. The controller 55 according to claim 2, wherein the controller 55 intermittently drives the water flow generators 9 and 16, and synchronizes the air supply device 28 with the intermittent drive of the water flow generators 9 and 16. Washing machine which is intermittent driving. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller (55) operates the air supply device (28) within an operation period of the water flow generating device (9, 16). The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller (55) stops the operation of the air supply device (28) within a stop period of the water flow generating device (9,16). 4. The water flow generation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit 55 operates an operation of the air supply device 28 operating within an operation period of the water flow generating devices 9 and 16. Washing machine to stop the operation of the device 9, 16 before stopping. delete delete delete 4. The washing tank (3) and (6) according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit (49) for detecting whether or not the washing tanks (3,6) are in a state where bubbles are likely to occur, depending on the type and amount of detergent. The control unit 55 controls the air supply device 28 so that the amount of bubbles in the washing tanks 3 and 6 is relatively reduced when the state in which bubbles are likely to be generated by the detection unit 49 is relatively small. And, if it is detected by the detection unit (49) that bubbles are less likely to be generated, driving control of the air supply device (28) so that the amount of bubbles in the washing tank (3, 6) is relatively increased. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the detection unit (49) includes a predetermined operation button (49) operated by an operator. The driving unit per unit time according to claim 10, wherein the control unit 55 has a longer driving time per unit time than when a state in which bubbles are less likely to be generated is detected by the detection unit 49. Washing machine, intermittently intermittent the air supply (28). The washing tanks 3 and 6 are freely supported by the outer tub 3 elastically supported in the case and the outer tub 3 so as to accommodate the laundry. A washing and dehydrating tank (6), The washing machine operates a washing stroke for washing laundry with a detergent by operating the water flow generating devices 9 and 16, and following the washing stroke, rotates the washing and dewatering tank 6 at high speed to remove water in the laundry. It is to carry out the washing operation including dehydration administration, The control unit (55) comprises a driving means (S15) for moving the air supply device (28) in the washing stroke. 14. The stop unit (S31, S32) according to claim 13, wherein the controller (55) detects that a predetermined time before the end of the washing administration ends, and stops the operation of the air supply device (28) by the drive means. Washing machine that further comprises. The water flow in the washing tank (3, 6) is weakened after the operation of the air supply device (28) is stopped by the stop means (S31, S32). Washing machine further comprising a water flow control means (S28) for controlling the water flow generating device (9, 16). The outer tub 3 has an air inlet 38 at its bottom, and the controller 55 allows the air supply device 28 to operate during the washing stroke. Second driving means having the driving means as first driving means (S15), and further operating the air supply device 28 to remove contaminants or water near the inlet 38 after the washing stroke ( Washing machine containing S53, S58, S63). 18. The washing machine according to claim 16, wherein said second driving means (S53) operates said air supply device (28) in a situation where water is above said inlet opening (38). 18. The washing machine according to claim 16, wherein said second drive means (S58) operates said air supply device (28) in a situation in which it is drained down to below said inlet (38). 19. The air supply apparatus (28) according to claim 18, wherein the second driving means (S58) is operated before the washing and dewatering tank (6) rotates in the dewatering stroke and the outer tub (3) starts to shake significantly. Washing machine to operate. 20. The air supply apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the second driving means (S58) operates the air supply device (28) when a predetermined time has elapsed after the washing and dewatering tank (6) is started for dewatering. Washing machine. 18. The washing machine according to claim 16, wherein said second driving means (S63) operates said air supply device (28) at the end of a washing operation. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the washing machine sequentially performs a washing stroke for washing laundry using a detergent, and a rinsing stroke for removing the detergent from the laundry in the washing tanks 3 and 6, The control unit (55) operates the air supply device (28) only at the washing stroke, and does not operate the air supply device (28) in the rinsing stroke.