TWI452192B - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

washing machine

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a washing machine capable of measuring the hardness of washing water.

The washing machine (washing and drying machine) is a washing machine for washing clothes by using washing water using tap water to dissolve the lotion. The tap water supplied to the washing machine (washing and drying machine) contains a hardness component such as calcium or magnesium. Since the hardness component is combined with the surfactant of the main component of the lotion, it becomes soapy residue, and the amount of interfacial activity in the washing water is reduced, which is a cause of a decrease in detergency. Also, the hardness of tap water varies from region to region and varies depending on the season.

Therefore, a washing machine (laundry dryer) that performs the washing operation in consideration of the hardness of the tap water is sought.

The washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with an electrode for measuring the conductivity of the washing water in the outer tank for storing the washing water, and converts the hardness of the washing water from the measured conductivity of the washing water, according to The hardness of the wash water is used to perform the washing step.

[Previous Technical Literature]

[Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-195737

However, in the washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, a pair of electrodes are provided so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the air processing chamber provided in the outer tub toward the outer tub. Therefore, soap or batting may be deposited between a pair of electrodes.

When soap scum or batt is deposited on the bottom surface, the surface area of the electrode in contact with the washing water is reduced, and the conductivity of the washing water cannot be accurately measured, so that the hardness of the washing water cannot be correctly converted.

Further, when the batt or the like is deposited between the pair of electrodes, when the conductivity is measured, the current is transmitted through the batt or the like, and the conductivity of the washing water cannot be accurately measured, so that the hardness of the washing water cannot be accurately converted.

Therefore, the subject of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which can measure the hardness (conductivity) of water used for washing with high precision and can perform washing efficiently.

In order to solve the above problems, the washing machine according to the first aspect of the invention is characterized in that the washing machine includes: a casing; and an outer tank that is supported by the casing in an anti-vibration manner and stores washing water therein; and is rotatably supported a washing and dewatering tank for storing laundry in the outer tank; and a driving device for rotationally driving the washing and dewatering tank; and a water supply means for supplying water into the outer tank; and determining the amount of laundry for determining the amount of the laundry And means for detecting conductivity of the water used for washing; and temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the water; and washing machine for controlling the driving means and the water supply means for at least the operation control means for performing the washing operation The operation control means is based on: the amount of the laundry determined by the laundry amount determining means; the conductivity of the water detected by the conductivity detecting means; and the temperature of the water detected by the temperature detecting means To control the wash dose, and / or wash time.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine which can measure the hardness (conductivity) of water for washing with high precision and can perform washing efficiently.

The embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail below with reference to the appropriate drawings. In the description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

"First Embodiment"

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the first embodiment.

<Vertical Laundry Dryer>

The washer-dryer 1 is a vertical washing machine (a vertical washer-dryer) in which the rotation axis of the washing and dewatering tank 8 (refer to FIG. 2) is a vertical direction.

An upper cover 2a is provided on the upper portion of the casing 2 of the washer-dryer 1, and an outer cover 3 is provided on the upper cover 2a. By folding the outer cover 3 into a mountain shape, the opening portion 2b (see FIG. 2) can be opened by opening to the rear side, and the clothes (clothing and washing materials) can be taken out and placed in the washing and dewatering tank 8 (see FIG. 2).

On the back side of the upper cover 2a, a water supply pipe connection port 4 from the tap water and a suction pipe connection port 5 for bathing the remaining water are provided.

A power switch 6 is provided on the front side of the upper cover 2a, and an operation display panel 7 composed of an operation switch 7a and a display 7b is provided on the front side of the outer cover 3.

Fig. 2 is a right side cross-sectional view showing a part of the casing and an outer groove in order to show the internal structure of the washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the first embodiment.

The bottomed cylindrical washing and dewatering tank 8 is rotatably supported by the outer tank 9, and has a plurality of through holes for water passage and ventilation on the outer peripheral wall thereof, and the upper side is an opening.

The bottomed cylindrical outer groove 9 is provided with a wash water and dewatering tank 8 coaxially, and the upper side thereof is an opening. Further, an inner lid 9a is provided on the upper portion of the outer tub 9.

When the user of the washing and drying machine 1 opens the outer cover 3 and the inner lid 9a, the clothes can be taken out from the opening 2b and placed in the washing and dewatering tank 8.

A rotating blade 8a is provided on the inner bottom surface of the washing and dewatering tank 8. Moreover, the drive unit 10 is provided in the center of the outer side of the bottom surface of the outer tank 9.

The drive device 10 includes a motor 10a and a clutch mechanism 10b. The rotary shaft 10c of the drive device 10 penetrates the outer tub 9 and is coupled to the washing and dewatering tank 8 and the rotary vane 8a. The clutch mechanism 10b transmits the rotational power of the motor 10a to the washing and dewatering tank 8 and/or the rotary wing 8a. The motor 10a includes a rotation detecting device 28 including a Hall element or a photointerrupter that detects the rotation, and a motor current detecting device 29 that detects a current flowing to the motor 10a.

On the front side of the upper cover 2a is a putting device 11 having a lotion ‧ a softener. The injection of the lotion and the softener is carried out between the outer tank 9 and the washing and dewatering tank 8 by means of the inlet pipe 11a.

The water supply unit 12 is provided on the back side of the upper cover 2a. The water supply unit 12 supplies the tap water from the water supply pipe connection port 4 to the washing agent/softener charging device 11 and a water-cooling dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) to be described later. Further, the water supply unit 12 is configured to allow the tap water from the water supply pipe connection port 4 or the bath water from the water suction pipe connection port 5 (see FIG. 1) to pass between the outer tank 9 and the washing and dewatering tank 8 through the water injection pipe 11b. Inject water into the outer tank 9. Further, the water supply unit 12 is provided with a hardness sensor (conductivity sensor) 40 for detecting the hardness of the tap water.

Furthermore, the water supply unit 12 will be described in detail later using FIGS. 3 and 4.

The recessed portion 9b provided on the bottom surface of the outer tub 9 is connected to the lower communication tube 13 in a continuous manner.

The lower communication pipe 13 passes through the drain valve 14 and is connected to the wash water drain passage 15 as it is. By closing the drain valve 14, the washing water or the washing water can be stored in the outer tank 9. Further, by opening the drain valve 14, the water in the outer tank 9 can be discharged to the outside of the washing and drying machine 1 through the washing water drain passage 15.

The lower communication pipe 13 is connected to the washing water circulation water passage 18 by passing through the foreign matter removing device 16 and the circulation pump 17 provided at the lower portion of the casing 2. Further, the wash water circulating water passage 18 is connected in communication with the batt removing device 19 provided on the upper side of the washing and dewatering tank 8.

When the circulation pump 17 is driven, the water in the outer tank 9 passes through the recessed portion 9b and the lower communication tube 13, and flows into the foreign matter removing device 16 to remove the foreign matter and flows into the suction port of the circulation pump 17.

The water discharged from the discharge port of the circulation pump 17 passes through the wash water circulating water passage 18, flows into the batt removing device 19, and removes the batt, and the water from which the batt is removed (circulating water) is directed from the batt removing device 19 toward the washing and dewatering tank 8. Sprinkle water like water.

The drying duct 20 is provided on the inner side of the back surface of the casing 2 in the longitudinal direction, and the lower portion of the duct is connected to the recessed portion 9b of the outer tank 9 by a telescopic tube 20a made of rubber. A water-cooling dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) is housed in the drying duct 20, and cooling water is supplied from the water supply unit 12 to the water-cooling and dehumidifying mechanism. The cooling water flows down the wall surface of the drying duct 20, enters the recessed portion 9b, and is discharged to the outside through the lower communicating pipe 13 and the washing water drain passage 15.

The outlet of the drying duct 20 is connected to the intake port of the fan 21, and the discharge port of the fan 21 is connected to the heater 22. The outlet of the heater 22 is connected to the blowing nozzle 24 through the air duct 23 and the rubber bellows 23a.

In this manner, in the drying step, the air in the outer tank 9 can be water-cooled and dehumidified by the drying duct 20, sucked from the suction port of the fan 21, and the air discharged from the discharge port of the fan 21 is heated by the heater 22. The high-temperature, low-humidity wind is blown into the washing and dewatering tank 8 from the blowing nozzle 24.

The outer tank 9 is provided with a pneumatic processing chamber 25a, and the upper side thereof is provided with a water level sensor 25 that detects the water level of the washing water stored in the outer tank 9.

The air supply duct 23 is provided with a temperature sensor 26a that detects the temperature of the wind blown toward the inside of the washing and dewatering tank 8 during the drying operation.

A temperature sensor 26b is provided in the recessed portion 9b of the outer tub 9, and the temperature sensor 26b detects the temperature of the washing water or the temperature of the air sucked into the drying duct 20 during the drying operation.

A temperature sensor 26c is provided between the lower communication pipe 13 and the drain valve 14, and the temperature sensor 26c detects the temperature of the washing water or is discharged from the washing water drain passage 15 toward the outside of the machine during the drying operation. The temperature of the air.

An acceleration sensor 27 is provided on the upper side of the outer side of the outer tank 9, and the acceleration sensor 27 detects the vibration acceleration caused by the vibration of the outer groove 9.

Further, the signals detected by the water level sensor 25, the temperature sensors 26a, 26b, 26c, and the acceleration sensor 27 are sent to the control device 100.

<water supply unit>

Next, the water supply unit 12 will be further explained using FIG.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a water supply unit of the washing machine (washing and drying machine) of the first embodiment.

The water supply unit 12 includes a lotion supply solenoid valve 12a, a softener supply solenoid valve 12b, a cooling water supply solenoid valve 12c, an outer tank water supply solenoid valve 12d, a bath water solenoid valve 12e, a bath water pump 12f, and a water supply path. Unit 30.

The lotion water supply solenoid valve 12a causes the tap water from the water supply pipe connection port 4 to pass through the water supply passage unit 30 from the water inlet port 31, and passes through the pipe portion 12i (see FIG. 2) connected to the water outlet 32 to the input device 11 (refer to The lotion supply chamber (not shown) of Fig. 2) performs water supply. The tap water injected into the lotion supply chamber is filled with water into the outer tank 9 through the injection pipe 11a (see FIG. 2) along with the injected lotion.

The softener supply solenoid valve 12b causes the tap water from the water supply pipe connection port 4 to pass through the water supply path unit 30 from the water inlet 33, and passes through the pipe portion 12j (see FIG. 2) connected to the water outlet 34 to the input device 11 ( The water supply is performed by referring to the softener supply chamber (not shown) of Fig. 2). The tap water injected into the softener supply chamber is filled with water into the outer tank 9 through the input pipe 11a (see FIG. 2) along with the applied softener.

The cooling water supply solenoid valve 12c passes through the pipe portion connected to the flow path 12g, and supplies the tap water from the water supply pipe connection port 4 to the water cooling and dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) of the drying duct 20 (see FIG. 2).

The outer tank water supply electromagnetic crucible 12d is supplied with water from the water supply pipe connection port 4 through the water injection pipe 11b (see FIG. 2) connected to the flow path 12h, and is supplied to the outer tank 9.

In the bath water solenoid valve 12e, the bath water from the suction pipe connection port 5 sucked up by the bath water pump 12 is directed from the water injection pipe 11b (see FIG. 2) connected to the flow path 12h toward the outer tank 9. Water supply.

<Water supply path unit>

The water supply path unit 30 provided in the water supply unit 12 will be further described using FIG. 4 .

Fig. 4 is a view for explaining a water supply path unit of the washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the first embodiment, wherein (a) is a front view and (b) is a top view.

The water supply path unit 30 has a water inlet 31 connected to the lotion water supply solenoid valve 12a, a water outlet 32 connected to the tube portion 12i (refer to Fig. 2), and a water inlet 33 connected to the softener supply solenoid valve 12b; And a water outlet 34 connected to the pipe portion 12j (see Fig. 2).

Fig. 4 (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Fig. 4 (a) of the water supply path unit.

The water inlet 31 and the water outlet 32 communicate with each other in the water supply path 35, and the water inlet 33 and the water outlet 34 communicate with each other in the water supply path 36.

Further, the pair of electrodes 41, 42 of the hardness sensor (conductivity sensor) 40 (see FIG. 2) are provided so as to protrude from the side wall surface of the water supply path 35 toward the inside of the water supply path 35.

As shown in Fig. 4 (a), the electrode 41 is electrically fixed to the conductive support plate 43a, and the support plate 43a is fixed to the casing of the water supply path unit 30 by the two screws 44a, 45a. Further, a connection terminal 46a is provided at a lower end portion of the support plate 43a.

The electrode 42 is electrically fixed to the conductive support plate 43b, and the support plate 43b is fixed to the casing of the water supply path unit 30 by the two screws 44b and 45b. A connection terminal 46b is provided at a lower end portion of the support plate 43b.

Further, as shown in Fig. 4 (d) of the DD line cross-sectional arrow direction view of Fig. 4 (a), the electrode 41 is sealed to the water supply path 35 by the O-ring portion 47a to prevent the water from the water supply path 35 from being blocked. The mounting position of the electrode 41 of the water supply path unit 30 is leaked.

In this way, by arranging the electrodes 41 and 42 so as to protrude from the side wall surface toward the inside of the water supply path 35, even if the residue or the like in the tap water is deposited on the bottom surface of the water supply path 35, it can be prevented from being directly deposited on the electrodes 41 and 42. The conductivity (hardness) can be further accurately detected.

Further, since the electrodes 41 and 42 are disposed on the downstream side (see FIG. 3) than the lotion supply solenoid valve 12a, the electrodes 41, 42 are not flooded by the state in which the lotion supply solenoid valve 12a is closed. It can prevent electrode degradation.

In addition, the hardness can be calculated by directly measuring the conductivity of the tap water.

As disclosed in the first document of the prior art, in the case where an electrode is provided in the outer tank, once the lotion slag used in the previous washing remains in the outer tank, the remaining lotion at the time of water supply dissolves and changes. The conductivity of water may lead to misjudgment of hardness.

On the other hand, the washing machine (longitudinal washing and drying machine) of the present embodiment directly detects the conductivity of the tap water before the water supply to the outer tub, so that the conductivity of the water due to the dissolved residue of the lotion can be prevented (hardness). The misjudgment of the water can more accurately calculate the conductivity (hardness) of water.

Further, since soap slag or cotton wadding or the like is not deposited between the electrodes, the conductivity (hardness) of the water for washing can be accurately detected, that is, the hardness of the water can be more accurately calculated.

Fig. 4(e) is a view in the direction of arrows in the line E-E of Fig. 4(b) of the water supply path unit.

The electrodes 41 and 42 are arranged such that the lines connecting the pair of electrodes 41 and 42 are parallel to the flow direction of the water in the water supply path 35.

By arranging the electrodes 41, 42 in this manner, it is prevented that the electrode which becomes only one of the electrodes is flooded, and the other electrode is not in contact with the water, and erroneous detection of the conductivity (hardness) can be prevented.

Further, the bottom surface 37 of the water supply path 35 provided with the electrodes 41, 42 is provided with a bottom surface 38 in the water supply path 35 higher than the water inlet 31 provided with the upstream side, and a water supply port 32 provided with the downstream side water outlet 32. The bottom surface 39 of the path 35 is formed as it is.

As will be described later, since the conductivity is relatively detected based on the measured value of the state in which the electrodes 41 and 42 are not in contact with water (open state), once one or both of the electrodes are in contact with water, The measured electrical conductivity is likely to produce errors.

Therefore, by lowering the lotion supply solenoid valve 12a with the bottom surface 37 higher than the bottom surfaces 38, 39, even if water remains in the water supply path 35, water does not stay in the vicinity of the electrodes 41, 42. Therefore, the electrodes 41, 42 can be prevented from coming into contact with water.

Further, although the water supply path unit 30 has been described above, the water supply path 35 of the lotion supply solenoid valve 12a and the water supply path 36 of the softener supply solenoid valve 12b are integrally formed, but the water supply path 35 and the water supply path 36 are also Can be formed individually.

In addition, although the pair of electrodes 41 and 42 have been described as being protruded horizontally from the side wall surface of the water supply path 35 toward the water supply path 35, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be the upper wall surface of the water supply path 35. It is disposed in the water supply path 35 and protrudes downward.

Further, in the case where the electrodes 41, 42 are provided from the upper wall surface, it can be arranged such that, in view of the above, the flow direction of the water in the water supply path 35 and the lines of the pair of electrodes 41, 42 are connected in parallel. General configuration, or a right angle configuration.

Although the flow path cross section of the water supply path 35 is a substantially square shape as shown in FIG. 4(d), the present invention is not limited thereto, and the flow path cross section of the water supply path 35 may be circular.

Further, when the flow path of the water supply path is circular, the pair of electrodes 41, 42 are preferably provided so as to protrude from the upper side than the horizontal position toward the water supply path.

Although the shape of the electrodes 41 and 42 is a columnar shape having a circular cross section, the shape of the electrodes 41 and 42 is not limited thereto, and the cross section may be formed in a quadrangular prism shape.

<hardness sensor>

A hardness sensor (conductivity sensor) 40 will be described using FIG.

Figure 5 is a functional diagram of the hardness sensor.

The pair of electrodes 41, 42 are connected to the coil 48a to form a resonant circuit 48. The coil 48a is magnetically coupled to the coil 49a, and the coil 49a is connected to the oscillation circuit 49.

The pair of electrodes 41, 42; the coil 48a; the coil 49a; and the oscillation circuit 49 form a hardness sensor (conductivity sensor) 40.

The oscillation circuit 49 transmits a signal corresponding to the conductivity (ie, hardness) to the microcomputer 110 of the control device 100 (refer to FIG. 2).

<control device>

The washer-dryer 1 is equipped with the control apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. The control device 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and using FIG.

Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a control device for a washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the first embodiment.

The control device 100 is configured mainly by the microcomputer 110.

The microcomputer 110 includes an operation mode database 111, a step control unit 112, a rotation speed calculation unit 113, a clothing weight calculation unit 114, a hardness measurement unit 115, and a washing dose/washing time determination unit 116.

The microcomputer 110 calls the operation mode database 111 from the operation mode of the operation stroke input by the operation switch 7a, and has a function of starting washing or/and drying. The step control unit 112 has a function of controlling each step of the washing step, the washing step, the dehydrating step, and the drying step in accordance with the operation type called from the operation mode database 111.

In each step, the step control unit 112 has a function of controlling the water supply unit 12 and the drain valve 14. Further, the step control unit 112 has a function of driving the motor 10a that controls the drive device 10 by the motor drive circuit 121, and switching the clutch mechanism 10b by the clutch control circuit 122, and by controlling the ON/ of the heater switch 123. OFF controls the energization of the heater 22; and controls the fan 21 by the fan drive circuit 124; and controls the circulating pump 17 by circulating the pump drive circuit 125.

The rotational speed calculating unit 113 has a function of calculating the rotational speed of the motor 10a based on the detected value of the rotational detecting device 28 that detects the rotation of the motor 10a.

The clothing weight calculating unit 114 has a function of calculating the weight of the clothes in the washing and dewatering tank 8 based on the number of revolutions calculated by the number of revolutions calculating unit 113 and the detected value of the motor current detecting unit 29. Since the weight of the clothes is increased, in order to increase the load for rotating the washing and dewatering tank 8, the motor current flowing into the motor 10a must be increased. Therefore, the weight of the clothes can be calculated from the motor current and the number of revolutions of the motor 10a.

The hardness measuring unit 115 has a function of measuring the hardness of the tap water using the detected value from the hardness sensor (conductivity sensor) 40.

The washing amount ‧ the washing time determining unit 116 has a function of determining the washing amount and the washing time of the clothes based on the hardness measured by the hardness measuring unit 115, etc., and will be described later in detail.

<Operation steps of the washing machine>

Next, an operation procedure of the washing machine (washing and drying machine 1) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 .

Fig. 7 is a flow chart for explaining an operation procedure of a washing operation (washing to washing-dehydrating) of the washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the first embodiment.

In the cloth amount sensing step S1, the step control unit 112 rotates the washing and dehydrating tank 8, and the clothing weight calculating unit 114 of the microcomputer 110 calculates the cloth amount for the clothes before the water filling.

In the operation step S2 of evacuating the air in the piping, the step control unit 112 opens the outer tank water supply solenoid valve 12d of the water supply unit 12.

In a state where the water supply solenoid valves 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are closed, air is contained in the pipe connected to the water supply pipe connection port 4. The air is compressed by the water pressure. Once the water supply solenoid valves 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are opened, the high-pressure water pressure is opened to atmospheric pressure, and the air in the tap water is rapidly expanded and blown, which may damage the machine installed in the water supply flow path. Alternatively, when the water is supplied to the putting device 11 for the lotion or the softener, the lotion may be blown off.

Therefore, when the outer tank water supply solenoid valve 12d such as a sensor is not provided in the water supply path, the step control unit 112 discharges the compressed air together with the tap water into the outer tank 9.

In the tap water hardness measuring step S3, first, the hardness measuring unit 115 operates the hardness sensor 40 to detect the signal when the electrodes 41 and 42 are not in contact with the tap water (open state). The detection value is an initial value, and then the conductivity is relatively calculated.

The step control unit 112 turns on the lotion water supply solenoid valve 12a, and injects tap water into the water supply path 35. Thereafter, the hardness measuring unit 115 operates the hardness sensor 40 to detect a signal and measure the conductivity (hardness) of the tap water. The hardness sensor 40 is again stopped after the measurement.

Further, the microcomputer 110 can detect whether or not the water supply path 35 provided with the electrodes 41, 42 is flooded by water according to the change in the degree of conductivity with the open state, that is, whether or not water injection into the outer tank 9 can be detected.

In the case where the conductivity does not change for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds after the solenoid valve is opened), the display 7b can display an error message that the water cannot be supplied, and notifies the user.

Conventionally, the water injection error determination is based on the fact that the water level sensor 25 provided in the outer tank 9 determines whether or not the water has been filled to a predetermined water level within a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes). Therefore, even if the user turns off the tap water, it takes about 15 minutes until the water injection error is judged even if the washing operation is operated.

On the other hand, according to the washing machine (longitudinal washing and drying machine) of the present embodiment, after the lotion supply solenoid valve 12a is opened, the water injection error can be determined in a short time (for example, 2 seconds).

Such an indication of the water injection error caused by the faucet being turned off early can be used to alert the user to the prevention of the washing time.

In the washing dose and remaining time display step S4, the washing amount ‧ washing time determining unit 116 displays the washing amount to be supplied and the time required for the completion of the washing on the display 7b in accordance with the cloth amount of the clothes and the hardness of the tap water.

The user inputs the lotion according to the displayed wash dose.

Here, the washing dose ‧ washing time determining unit 116 in the washing amount and remaining time display step S4 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 .

Fig. 8 is a table for determining the washing amount and the washing time from the hardness of the tap water and the water temperature.

The washing dose ‧ washing time determining unit 116 is a table for determining the washing amount and the washing time from the hardness of the water and the water temperature as shown in FIG. 8 .

In Fig. 8, the determination thresholds h1, h2 of the hardness of the water and the determination thresholds T1 and T2 of the water temperature are used to determine the nine states.

Fig. 9 is a flow chart for determining the washing amount and the running time from the hardness measurement of the tap water.

The hardness measuring unit 115 of the washing amount ‧ washing time determining unit 116 obtains the hardness of the water measured in the tap water hardness measuring step S3 (see FIG. 7 ) (step S41 ).

The washing dose ‧ washing time determining unit 116 uses the hardness of the water obtained in step S41; and the water temperature stored in the washing operation of the washing amount ‧ washing time determining unit 116; and The table shown is used to judge the washing amount and the washing time (step S42).

Since the water temperature of the tap water only changes slowly with respect to the change in the outside air temperature, the water temperature at the previous washing can be used to calculate the hardness.

Further, a washing machine (washing and drying machine) is installed, and an initial value (for example, 15 degrees) is used in the initial operation.

When it is judged as k0 in step S42, the routine proceeds to step S43, where the washing dose is set to V0 and the washing time is t0, and is displayed on the display 7b.

In step S42, when it is judged as k1, the washing power higher than k0 is raised, the routine proceeds to step S44, the washing dose is set to V0, and the washing time is t1 which is shorter than t0, and is displayed on the display 7b.

In step S42, when it is judged as k2, the washing power higher than the state of k1 is raised, and the flow proceeds to step S45, where the washing dose is set to V1 which is less than V0, and the washing time is t1, and is displayed on the display 7b.

Returning to Fig. 7, in the lotion dissolving water supply step S5, first, the step control portion 112 turns on the lotion water supply solenoid valve 12a, and supplies the lotion and water along the outer tub 9. Then, the step control unit 112 drives the circulation pump 17, and dissolves the lotion with a small amount of water to generate a high concentration lotion solution.

In the groove rotation water supply step S6, the step control unit 112 drives the circulation pump 17 while rotating the washing and dewatering tank 8 and/or the rotary blade 8a, and directs the high-concentration lotion solution from the batt removing device 19 toward the washing. The clothes in the dewatering tank 8 are scattered.

In the pre-washing step S7, the high-concentration lotion solution is used to wash the clothes.

In the cloth quality sensing step S8, first, the clothing weight calculating unit 114 calculates the weight of the clothes containing the state of the water. Then, the cloth quality (water absorption) of the clothes is determined based on the weight of the clothes calculated in the cloth amount sensing step S1 and the weight of the clothes in the state of the water content calculated in the cloth quality sensing step S8. The following steps are controlled based on the cloth quality of the clothing to be discriminated.

When the washing machine is performing the operation including the drying step, in the drying step, in order to blow the high-temperature warm air to the clothes in the washing and dewatering tank, the washing and dewatering tank or the outer tank, and the air in the casing are added. Warm state. In the warmed state, if the washing operation is continued, the supplied water is heated by the heat of the washing and dewatering tank or the outer tank, and the water temperature during the washing step is increased. By increasing the temperature of the water, the chemical action of the lotion is enhanced and the detergency is improved.

Therefore, the washing dose ‧ washing time determining unit 116 performs control for correcting the washing time based on the water temperature.

Here, the washing dose/washing time determining unit 116 in the washing amount and water temperature determining step S9 will be further described with reference to Fig. 10 .

Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing the change of the washing operation time from the temperature of the water in the outer tank.

In the water temperature determining step S9, first, the washing dose/washing time determining unit 116 detects the temperature of the washing water stored in the outer tub 9 by the temperature sensor 26b (or the temperature sensor 26c) (step S91). .

The washing dose ‧ washing time determining unit 116 determines whether or not the water temperature detected in step S91 is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature T1 (step S92).

When the water temperature is equal to or greater than T1 (Yes in step S92), the washing dose ‧ washing time determining unit 116 transmits a command skipping the main washing step (S11) to the step control unit 112 (step S93).

When the water temperature does not reach T1 (No in step S92), or after step S93, the washing dose ‧ washing time determining unit 116 remembers the water temperature (step S94).

Further, the stored water temperature can be used as the last water temperature in the step S42 (refer to FIG. 9) at the time of the next washing operation.

Returning to Fig. 7, the step control unit 112 supplies the weight of the clothing calculated in the cloth amount sensing step S1 and the cloth quality of the clothing determined in the cloth quality sensing step S8, and supplies water to the inside of the outer tank 9 ( In the water supply step S10), the rotary wing 8a is rotated, and the laundry is washed (main wash 1 step S11, official wash 2 step S12).

Further, the step control unit 112 performs an operation of loosely rotating the rotary blades 8a in the forward and reverse directions (loose step S13).

The step control unit 112 repeats the main washing step and the loosening step several times (the formal washing 3 step S14, the loosening step S15, the formal washing 4 step S16, and the loosening step S17).

Once the formal washing is completed, the unbalanced state of the clothes is monitored to determine whether or not to move to dehydration (balancing step S18).

The step control unit 112 opens the drain valve 14 and discharges the washing water in the outer tub 9 (draining step S19). After the completion of the drainage, the step control unit 112 rotates the washing and dewatering tank 8 to remove the water (washing water) contained in the clothes (dehydration step S20).

The step control unit 112 closes the drain valve 14, opens the outer tank water supply solenoid valve 12d, and supplies the washing water to the outer tank 9. Then, the washing and dewatering tank 8 is continuously rotated, and the circulation pump 17 is driven to spread the washing water toward the clothes in the washing and dewatering tank 8 from the batt removing device 19 (rotating water washing 1 step S21).

The step control unit 112 continuously rotates the washing and dehydrating tank 8, stops the circulation pump 17, and releases the washing water from the clothes (dehydration step S22).

The step control unit 112 continuously rotates the washing and dewatering tank 8, and drives the circulation pump 17 again to spread the clean water toward the clothes in the washing and dewatering tank 8 from the batt removing device 19 (rotating water washing 2 step S23).

The step control unit 112 stops the washing and dehydrating tank 8 and the circulation pump 17, and closes the drain valve 14 to discharge the washing water in the outer tank 9 (draining step S24). After the completion of the drainage, the step control unit 112 rotates the washing and dewatering tank 8 to remove the water (washing water) contained in the clothes (dehydration step S25).

The step control unit 112 closes the drain valve 14, opens the softener supply solenoid valve 12b, and supplies the cleaning to the outer tank 9 (water supply step S26).

The step control unit 112 rotates the washing and dehydrating tank 8 in a state where the washing water is stored in the outer tank 9, and agitates and cleans the washing type (storage washing (stirring) step S27).

Once the storage cleaning is completed, the imbalance of the clothing is monitored, and it is judged whether or not the migration is to the final dehydration (balancing step S28).

The step control unit 112 opens the drain valve 14 and discharges the washing water in the outer tub 9 (draining step S29). After the completion of the draining, the step control unit 112 rotates the washing and dewatering tank 8 at a high speed to release the water contained in the clothes (final dewatering step S30).

"Second Embodiment"

Next, the washing machine of the second embodiment will be described. In addition, the description common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

The washing machine of the second embodiment differs from the washing machine of the first embodiment in the shape of a water supply path in which a pair of electrodes are provided.

The water supply path of the electrode provided in the washing machine of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 .

Fig. 11 is a view showing a water supply path unit of the washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the second embodiment, wherein (a) is a front view, (b) is a top view, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of the CC line. (d) is the arrow direction view of the DD line cross section of (a), and (e) is the arrow direction view of the EE line cross section of (b).

The water supply path 35 (see FIG. 4) of the pair of electrodes 41 and 42 of the washing machine of the first embodiment is different from the water supply path 35 of the pair of electrodes 41 and 42 of the washing machine of the second embodiment (see FIG. 9) is that ribs 51, 52 are formed on the downstream sides of the electrodes 41, 42, respectively.

The rib 51 is formed on the downstream side of the electrode 41, and as shown in FIG. 11(c), is formed to have substantially the same length with respect to the longitudinal direction of the electrode 41, and as shown in FIG. 11(e), is formed: The height direction of the electrode 11 is up to approximately equal to the height of the center of the electrode 41.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11(c), the bottom surface 37 has a region in which the rib portion 51 is not provided in the longitudinal direction of the counter electrode 41. In this way, it is possible to prevent the remaining water from remaining between the ribs 51, 52.

The air flows into the water supply path 35 before the water supply starts. The lotion water supply solenoid valve 12a (refer to Fig. 3) is turned on, and once water is injected into the water supply path 35, the air in the water supply path 35 is squeezed together with the water.

Here, the bubbles are retained in the flow from the downstream side surface of the electrodes 41, 42 to the downstream due to the flow rate of the supplied water.

Once such a bubble is generated on the surface of the electrode, the contact area of the electrodes 41, 42 with water is reduced, and there is a possibility that the conductivity (hardness) of the measured water may be inaccurate.

In this regard, the ribs 51, 52 are provided in the water supply path 35 of the washing machine of the second embodiment.

When the bubbles on the downstream side of the electrodes 41, 42 contact the ribs 51, 52, they leave the electrodes 41, 42 and stay on the downstream side of the ribs 51, 52. Therefore, the contact area of the electrodes 41, 42 with water can be prevented from being reduced, and the conductivity (hardness) of water can be detected more accurately.

Although the ribs 51 and 52 provided downstream of the electrodes 41 and 42 provided in one pair of the water supply path 35 are described as the washing machine of the second embodiment, the position of the ribs 51 and 52 is not limited. this.

For example, the rib may be formed to protrude from the upper wall surface of the water supply flow path. By forming the ribs in this way, water may flow at the bottom of the water supply flow path where the electrodes are provided, and water may be prevented from staying in the vicinity of the electrodes.

In the above, a washing machine having a washing and dewatering tank having a vertical axis of rotation is used as the washing machine of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, but the washing machine is not limited thereto. The washing and drying machine (washing and dewatering tank) may be a drum type washing and drying machine which is slightly horizontal, or a vertical washing machine or a drum type washing machine which does not have a drying function.

Further, the pair of electrodes for measuring the conductivity (hardness) are described as the water supply path 35 provided downstream of the lotion supply solenoid valve 12a supplied to the lotion supply chamber, but it is not limited thereto. The electrode may be disposed in another water supply path, for example, a water supply path downstream of the outer tank water supply solenoid valve 12d directly supplying the outer tank (for example, the flow path 12h); or a soft clothes for supplying water to the softener supply chamber a water supply path 36 downstream of the supply water supply solenoid valve 12b; or a water supply path downstream of the cooling water supply electromagnetic valve 12c for supplying water to a water-cooling dehumidification mechanism (not shown) provided in the drying duct 20 (for example, the flow path 12g) .

Further, the electrodes 41, 42 for measuring the conductivity (hardness) of water may be provided on the side wall surface of the depressed portion 9b (refer to FIG. 2) of the outer groove 9, or may be provided in the lower communication tube 13 ( Refer to the side wall surface or upper wall surface of Figure 2).

By providing the electrodes 41, 42 on the side wall surface or the upper wall surface, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of errors in conductivity due to the accumulation of soap dust or batt.

By providing the electrodes 41, 42 at the bottom of the outer tank 9, the conductivity (hardness) of the injected water is detected by the operation step S2 of evacuating the air in the pipe (refer to FIG. 7), and the conductivity of the tap water can be detected ( Hardness), combined with hardness, can control operation.

In addition, since the solvent is dissolved in tap water, the conductivity changes. That is, in the cleaning step, the conductivity of the washing water is detected, and compared with the hardness of the tap water detected before the washing step, the residual washing amount in the washing water can be measured, and it can be judged whether the washing of the washing is completed.

1. . . Washing and drying machine

2. . . Casing

4. . . Water supply connection port

5. . . Suction pipe connection

7. . . Operation display panel

8. . . Washing and dewatering tank

8a. . . Rotating wing

9. . . Outer slot

9b. . . Depression

10. . . Drive unit

10a. . . motor

10b. . . Clutch mechanism

10c. . . Rotary axis

11. . . Input device

12. . . Water supply unit (water supply means)

12a. . . Lotion water supply solenoid valve

12b. . . Softener water supply solenoid valve

12c. . . Cooling water supply solenoid valve

12d. . . Outer tank water supply solenoid valve

12e. . . Bath water solenoid valve

12f. . . Bath pump

12g. . . Flow path

12h. . . Flow path

13. . . Lower connecting pipe

14. . . Drain valve

15. . . Washing water drainage channel

25. . . Water pressure sensor

26a, 26b, 26c. . . Temperature sensor (temperature detection means)

27. . . Acceleration sensor

28. . . Rotary detection device

29. . . Motor current detecting device

30. . . Water supply path unit

35,36. . . Water supply path

37,38,39. . . Bottom

40. . . Hardness sensor (conductivity detection means)

41,42. . . Electrode (a pair of electrodes)

51,52. . . Rib

100. . . Control device

110. . . Microcomputer

111. . . Operating mode database

112. . . Step control unit (operation control means)

113. . . Speed calculation unit

114. . . Clothing weight calculation unit (washing amount determination means)

115. . . Hardness measuring unit (conductivity detecting means)

116. . . Washing dose ‧ washing time determination unit (operation control means)

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a right side cross-sectional view showing a part of the casing and an outer tank in order to show the internal structure of the washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a water supply unit of a washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a water supply path unit for explaining a washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the first embodiment, wherein (a) is a front view, (b) is a top view, and (c) is a CC line cross-sectional arrow direction of (a). In the view, (d) is the arrow direction view of the DD line cross section of (a), and (e) is the arrow direction view of the EE line cross section of (b).

[Fig. 5] A functional diagram of a hardness sensor.

Fig. 6 is a view showing a functional configuration of a control device for a washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining an operation procedure of a washing operation (washing to washing-dehydrating) of the washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a table for determining the washing amount and the washing time from the hardness of the tap water and the water temperature.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for determining the washing amount and the running time from the hardness measurement of the tap water.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing the time during which the washing operation is changed from the temperature of the water in the outer tank.

[Fig. 11] A water supply path unit of a washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to a second embodiment, wherein (a) is a front view, (b) is a top view, and (c) is a (c) CC line cross-sectional arrow direction. View, (d) is the arrow direction view of the DD line section of (a), and (e) is the arrow direction view of the EE line section of (b).

2. . . Casing

2a. . . Upper cover

2b. . . Opening

3. . . s

4. . . Water supply connection port

7. . . Display panel

8. . . Washing and dewatering tank

8a. . . Rotating wing

9. . . Outer slot

9a. . . Inner cover

9b. . . Depression

10. . . Drive unit

10a. . . motor

10b. . . Clutch mechanism

10c. . . Rotary axis

11. . . Input device

11a. . . Input tube

11b. . . Water injection pipe

12. . . Water supply unit

12i(12j). . . Tube department

13. . . Lower connecting pipe

14. . . Drain valve

15. . . Washing water drainage channel

16. . . Foreign matter removal device

17. . . Circulating pump

18. . . Washing water circulation water passage

19. . . Cotton wool removal device

20. . . Drying catheter

20a. . . flexible tube

twenty one. . . fan

twenty two. . . Heater

twenty three. . . Air duct

23a. . . flexible tube

twenty four. . . Blowing out the nozzle

25. . . Water level sensor

25a. . . Air pressure treatment room

26a. . . Temperature sensor

26b. . . Temperature sensor

26c. . . Temperature sensor

28. . . Rotary detection device

29. . . Motor current detecting device

40. . . Hardness sensor (conductivity sensor)

100. . . Control device

Claims (10)

A washing machine comprising: a casing; an outer tank that is supported by the vibration-proof body in the casing and stores washing water therein; and a washing and dewatering tank that is rotatably supported in the outer tank and houses the laundry; a driving device for rotationally driving the washing and dewatering tank; a water supply means for supplying water into the outer tank; a means for determining the amount of laundry for determining the amount of the laundry; a means for detecting conductivity for detecting conductivity of the water to be washed; and detecting the above And a temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the water; and an operation control means for controlling the driving means and the water supply means to perform at least the washing operation, wherein the operation control means is based on the laundry determined by the laundry amount determining means The amount of electricity; the conductivity of the water detected by the conductivity detecting means; and the temperature of the water detected by the temperature detecting means to control the washing time. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the conductivity detecting means has a pair of electrodes, and the pair of electrodes are provided in a water supply path of the water supply means, and the pair of electrodes are from the above The side or upper side of the water supply path is protruded toward the water supply path. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the pair of electrodes are arranged in parallel with respect to a flow path direction of the water supply path. The washing machine according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein the bottom surface of the water supply path in which the pair of electrodes are disposed is formed to be higher than a bottom surface on the upstream side of the bottom surface and a bottom surface on the downstream side. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the electric conductivity detecting means applies a voltage to the pair of electrodes when detecting, and does not apply the pair of electrodes when not detecting. Voltage. The washing machine according to Item 2, 3 or 4, wherein a rib is formed on a downstream side of the electrode. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the operation control means performs an exhaust operation of discharging air in the supplied water before detecting the conductivity using the conductivity detecting means. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the temperature detecting means detects the temperature of the washing water in the outer tank after water is injected into the outer tank, and before the washing step starts. The above-described operation control means changes the operation time of the washing step in accordance with the detected temperature. The washing machine according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the conductivity detecting means detects the conductivity by detecting an initial value of a state in which the pair of electrodes are not in contact with water. The washing machine according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the operation control means determines whether or not the water is supplied into the outer tank based on a detection result of the conductivity detecting means.