WO2013001681A1

WO2013001681A1 - Drum washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2013001681A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/001593
Authority: WO
Inventors: 安井　利彦; 脇田　克也; 菊川　智之; 内山　亘; 中間　啓人; 健蒲生; 尾関　祐仁; 真理子野村
Original assignee: パナソニック株式会社
Priority date: 2011-06-29
Filing date: 2012-03-08
Publication date: 2013-01-03
Also published as: EP2728048A1; CN103649399B; EP2728048B1; CN103649399A; EP2728048A4

Abstract

This drum washing machine is provided with the following: a rotating drum (3) that contains laundry; a water tank (3) that contains said drum such that the drum can rotate; a motor (7) that drives the drum; a water-supply unit (10) that supplies washing water to the water tank; a circulation unit (17) that circulates the washing water in the water tank into the drum; foam-detection units (27, 28) that detect the amount of foam; and a control unit (22) that controls, at least, a wash cycle, a rinse cycle, and a spin-dry cycle. Said control unit (22) rotates the drum at a prescribed speed on the basis of the amount of foam detected by the foam-detection units (27, 28) and controls the circulation unit (17) so as to disperse the washing water throughout the laundry in the drum (3). The drum (3) is thus optimally driven in accordance with the amount of foam, increasing washing performance.

Description

Drum washing machine

The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine for washing laundry such as clothes.

Conventionally, this type of drum type washing machine is laundering laundry by the following operations.

First, after putting the laundry into the drum, the washing water is supplied from the outside of the washing machine through the water supply unit. The supplied washing water is poured into a water tank containing the drum through a detergent container in which a predetermined amount of detergent has been put in advance. After the washing water is poured, the laundry is sufficiently wetted with the washing water while rotating the drum at a low speed.

Next, the drum is rotated for a certain period of time at a low speed that prevents the laundry from sticking to the drum wall. Thereby, the laundry wet with the washing water is lifted to the upper part of the drum by the rotation of the drum, the laundry is dropped from the upper part of the drum by its own weight, and the laundry is washed by washing off the dirt by the impact.

However, in the configuration of the drum type washing machine, it is difficult to uniformly wet the laundry put in the drum, particularly when the amount of laundry is large. Therefore, washing unevenness of the laundry occurred and the cleaning performance was remarkably lowered.

Therefore, in order to prevent the above washing unevenness, first, after washing water is poured, the drum is washed by rotating it at a predetermined rotation speed at a relatively low speed. Then, the drum is rotated at a higher rotational speed than the rotational speed of the drum at the time of tapping washing, and the squeezing is performed. Here, the predetermined rotational speed is the rotational speed at which the washing water in the laundry is discharged out of the drum by centrifugal force. At this time, the mechanical action necessary for washing is applied to the laundry by controlling the number of high-speed rotations of the drum and the number of times the drum is rotated at high speeds according to the amount of laundry and the temperature of the washing water. Giving and stirring the laundry efficiently.

Thus, a drum-type washing machine that wets the laundry uniformly to wash the laundry is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

That is, the conventional drum-type washing machine of Patent Document 1 controls the rotation of the drum based only on at least the amount of laundry and the temperature of the washing water. In addition, the laundry is washed by squeezing it by applying centrifugal force to the laundry.

At this time, since the amount of dirt on the laundry and the amount of detergent to be introduced are unknown, if the laundry is washed by rotating the drum at high speed, many unnecessary (unnecessary) bubbles may be generated in the drum. . The reason why many bubbles are generated unnecessarily is generally when there is little dirt on the laundry, or when a detergent is introduced in an amount that can wash the dirt on the laundry.

However, since the washing is not controlled based on the state of foam generated in the drum, there is a problem that the laundry cannot be washed based on the optimum state of foam. As a result, if the generation of bubbles is too large, the load of the motor that rotates the drum increases due to the resistance of the bubbles, causing problems such as an increase in power consumption.

Therefore, in order to optimally perform washing based on the state of foam, a drum-type washing machine that detects excessive generation of foam is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3).

The drum-type washing machine described in Patent Document 2 has a configuration in which excessive generation of foam is detected by an electrode, and cooling water is sprayed onto the foam to eliminate the excessive foam.

In addition, the drum type washing machine described in Patent Document 3 discloses a drum type washing machine that detects the excessive generation of bubbles by the driving current of a motor and controls the washing of the laundry by reducing the rotational speed of the drum. (For example, see Patent Document 3).

However, in the configuration of the conventional drum-type washing machine, since only the excessive foam generation is detected and controlled regardless of the generation factor of the foam, there is a problem that the laundry cannot be optimally washed based on the generation status of the foam. there were.

JP-A-8-299658 JP 2003-260290 A JP 2005-169001 A

In order to solve the above-described problems, a drum-type washing machine of the present invention includes a drum that accommodates and rotates laundry, a water tank that rotatably accommodates the drum, a motor that drives the drum, and washing water in the water tank. A water supply unit that supplies water, a circulation unit that circulates washing water in the water tank into the drum, a foam detection unit that detects the amount of foam, and a control unit that controls at least the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydration process. ing. The control unit controls the drum to rotate at a predetermined number of rotations based on the amount of foam detected by the foam detection unit, and controls the circulation unit to spray washing water on the laundry in the drum.

Thereby, the drum is rotated at a predetermined number of rotations based on the amount of foam detected by the foam detection unit, and the washing water impregnated between the fibers of the laundry is discharged together with dirt by centrifugal force. Further, the washing water is sprayed (infiltrated) between the fibers of the laundry by spraying the washing water on the laundry in the drum by the circulation unit. As a result, when there is a lot of dirt on the laundry, it is possible to promote the replacement of the washing water between the fibers of the laundry, accelerate the dirt removal effect, and enhance the washing effect.

Also, it is possible to remove the dirt adhering to the washing water and the detergent mixed in the vicinity of the laundry as much as necessary. As a result, unnecessary foaming during washing is suppressed, and as many cleaning operations as necessary are performed. As a result, a drum-type washing machine that can reduce wasteful operations and power consumption can be realized.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a drum type washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control of the drum type washing machine in the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a time chart for explaining an example of the control operation of the drum type washing machine in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state of the laundry during the operation of the drum type washing machine in the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a time chart for explaining an example of the operation of the drum type washing machine in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drum-type washing machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation of the washing process of the drum type washing machine in the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the output of the permeability sensor for the washing process in the drum type washing machine of the embodiment. FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing cleaning control of the drum type washing machine in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing cleaning control of the drum type washing machine in the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a drum type washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control of the drum type washing machine in the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the drum-type washing machine of the present embodiment includes at least a water tank 2 that is swingably disposed inside a housing 1, and a drum 3 that is rotatably accommodated in the water tank 2. The motor 7 is configured to rotate the drum 3, the circulating water channel 16 including the circulation pump 17, the control unit 22, and the

foam detection units

27 and 28. The aquarium 2 is disposed inside the housing 1 in a state where it is elastically supported by being tilted forwardly through a suspension spring (not shown) and a damper (not shown), and stores washing water.

The drum 3 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that accommodates the laundry, and is rotatably provided in the water tank 2. A plurality of baffles 4 and a plurality of small holes 5 communicating with the inside of the water tub 2 are provided on the peripheral side wall surface of the drum 3, and an opening 6 for taking in and out the laundry is provided on the front side of the drum 3.

The motor 7 is fixed to the lower outer periphery of the water tank 2, for example, and rotationally drives the drum 3 via a belt 8 and a pulley 9. The water supply valve 10 is controlled to be opened and closed by the control unit 22, and supplies the washing water into the water tank 2 through the detergent case 12 into which the detergent provided in the water supply passage 11 is poured by opening the water supply valve 10.

Further, a water reservoir 13 for storing washing water is provided at the bottom of the water tank 2, and a heater 14 is provided in the water reservoir 13 so as to be substantially parallel (including parallel) to the water surface of the washing water stored in the water tank 2. It is arranged. The heater 14 heats the washing water stored in the water reservoir 13 to a predetermined temperature (for example, 30 to 40 ° C.) suitable for washing. At this time, the temperature of the washing water in the water reservoir 13 is detected by a temperature detector 15 such as a thermistor. For example, when it is not necessary to heat the washing water and promote foaming of the detergent, the water reservoir 13 and the heater 14 do not need to be provided in the water tank 2 in particular.

Further, the wash water stored in the water reservoir 13 in the water tank 2 is circulated in the drum 3 by a circulation pump 17 that is a circulation part provided in the circulation water channel 16. At this time, one end of the circulation water channel 16 communicates with a water intake port 18 for sucking washing water provided at the bottom of the water reservoir 13, and the other end is a discharge port 19 provided at the top of the opening 6 on the front side of the drum 3. Communicated with. Then, the washing water sucked from the water intake port 18 by the circulation pump 17 provided in the circulation water channel 16 is discharged from the discharge port 19 into the drum 3 and circulates.

Furthermore, a switching valve 20 is provided in the circulation water channel 16 on the downstream side of the circulation pump 17. The switching valve 20 selectively switches between the circulation water channel 16 leading to the discharge port 19 and the drainage channel 21 for discharging the wash water to the outside of the machine. Specifically, at the time of washing and rinsing, the switching valve 20 is switched to the circulating water channel 16 side, and the washing water in the water reservoir 13 is discharged from the discharge port 19 toward the laundry in the drum 3. On the other hand, after washing and rinsing, the switching valve 20 is switched to the drainage channel 21 side, and the washing water in the water tub 2 is discharged out of the drum type washing machine.

Moreover, the control part 22 is provided in the housing | casing 1, and as shown in FIG. 2, based on the detection information (detection signal) of the temperature detection part 15, the weight detection part 25, the water level detection part 26, and the bubble detection part 27, it is. For example, the motor 7, the water supply valve 10, the heater 14, the circulation pump 17, the switching valve 20, and the like are controlled in operation. Accordingly, a series of processes such as a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process are controlled by the control unit 22.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, at least two foam detection units are provided inside the water tank 2 at positions facing the drum. One foam detection unit 27 is provided at a position lower than the center of the rotation shaft 3 </ b> A of the drum 3 inside the front surface in the water tank 2. The reason for installing the bubble detector 27 at this position is to quickly detect the generated bubbles. If the bubble detection unit 27 is installed at a position higher than the center of the rotating shaft 3A of the drum 3, detection of the amount of bubbles is delayed, so that bubbles are filled in the drum 3 due to generation of excessive bubbles. At this time, operations such as a defoaming process and drainage are performed in order to erase the filled bubbles. Therefore, in order to avoid these operations, the bubble detector 27 is provided at a position lower than the center of the rotating shaft 3A of the drum 3.

The other foam detection unit 28 is provided in the vicinity of the upper part on the rear surface (motor) side in the water tank 2, for example, at a position facing the outer peripheral bottom surface of the drum 3. Note that the

bubble detection units

27 and 28 of the present embodiment are configured by, for example, an electrode sensor including a pair of electrodes, and the amount of bubbles is controlled by the control unit 22 due to a current change when the bubbles contact between the pair of electrodes. Detect. Thereby, it can be detected that bubbles are generated in the drum 3 up to a predetermined height provided with the bubble detection unit 27.

As described above, the drum type washing machine of the present embodiment is configured.

Hereinafter, the operation and action of the drum type washing machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a time chart for explaining an example of the control operation of the drum type washing machine in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state of the laundry during the operation of the drum type washing machine in the embodiment.

First, the door 23 provided on the front side of the casing 1 shown in FIG. 1 is opened and opened, and the laundry is put into the drum 3 through the opening 6.

Next, the power switch (not shown) of the operation unit 24 provided on the upper surface of the housing 1 is turned on, and the start switch (not shown) is operated to start the operation of the drum type washing machine.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the controller 22 detects the amount of laundry put in by the weight detector 25 shown in FIG. 2, opens the water supply valve 10, and enters the water tank 2 through the detergent case 12. While water supply is started, the drum 7 is rotationally driven by the motor 7 by, for example, normal rotation or reverse rotation at 50 rpm. The amount of water supplied is set in advance according to the amount of cloth that is detected by the weight detection unit 25. As a result, the washing water is supplied into the water tank 2 together with the detergent put into the detergent case 12. And the control part 22 will close the water supply valve 10, if the water level detection part 26 detects the preset water supply quantity of the wash water, and will stop the water supply of wash water.

Next, the washing process is performed.

In the washing process, as shown in FIG. 3, the drum 3 is driven by the motor 7 by, for example, normal rotation and reverse rotation at 50 rpm. As a result, the laundry in the drum 3 is lifted by the baffle 4, and so-called tapping is performed in which the laundry is dropped from above in the drum 3 onto the surface of the washing water.

When the temperature of the supplied washing water is low or when washing with warm water, the heater 14 is energized to heat the washing water in the water reservoir 13 to a temperature suitable for washing, for example, 30 to 40 ° C. Thereby, for example, when the washing performance deteriorates at a low temperature of 10 ° C. or lower, for example, the washing effect can be enhanced by heating the washing water, which is preferable.

At this time, the temperature of the washing water heated by the heater 14 is detected by a temperature detector 15 such as a thermistor provided on the outer bottom of the water reservoir 13. And the control part 22 controls the energization amount etc. of the heater 14 so that the washing water becomes the preset temperature.

Next, the control unit 22 switches the switching valve 20 to the circulation water channel 16 side, drives the circulation pump 17 at a preset number of rotations, and circulates a predetermined amount of washing water into the drum 3. As a result, the washing water heated in the water reservoir 13 is discharged from the discharge port 19 to permeate the laundry being stirred and beaten in the drum 3. As a result, it is possible to enhance the cleaning effect by promoting the dissolution of the detergent in the washing water and strengthening the action of separating dirt from clothes such as laundry.

At this time, when the washing water in the water reservoir 13 is circulated into the drum 3 by the circulation pump 17, the water level in the water tank 2 is lowered. For this reason, the temperature of the water reservoir 13 detected by the temperature detector 15 may exceed a predetermined temperature (for example, 70 ° C.) due to a decrease in the water level. In that case, the control part 22 reduces the rotation speed of the circulation pump 17, reduces the circulation amount of wash water, and restores the water level in the water tank 2. FIG.

When the water level in the water tank 2 rises, the temperature of the water reservoir 13 decreases, so the control unit 22 controls the heater 14 so that the temperature of the washing water in the water reservoir 13 becomes the preset temperature again. Accordingly, the heater 14 is submerged in the raised washing water, and the temperature of the washing water in the water reservoir 13 is stably maintained at the set temperature by the control unit 22.

Therefore, by controlling the rotational speed of the circulation pump 17 and the like based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector 15, the heater 14 can be kept in a state where the washing water can be heated without being exposed from the surface of the washing water. Accordingly, the washing water can be circulated by the circulation pump 17 and supplied into the drum 3 from the discharge port 19 while heating the washing water to an optimum temperature.

Also, the washing water in the water tank 2 containing the detergent is wound up by the rotational drive of the drum 3 and is agitated to generate bubbles. At this time, if excessive bubbles are generated in the water tank 2, the bubbles are detected by the bubble detector 27 arranged at a position lower than the center of the rotating shaft 3 </ b> A of the drum 3. Thereby, while delaying detection of the generated foam is prevented, filling of the foam in the drum 3 is prevented in advance, and measures such as a defoaming process and drainage can be avoided. As a result, the laundry can be efficiently washed.

On the other hand, the foam detection unit 28 provided at the upper part on the rear surface side in the water tank 2 is not detected by the foam detection unit 27 and detects the generated foam when a large amount of foam is generated up to the upper part in the water tank 2. This prevents the generated foam from flowing back into the detergent case and leaking out of the drum type washing machine.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the

foam detectors

27 and 28 close the water supply valve 10, and after the washing water supply is completed, the washing water containing the detergent is stirred by the rotation of the drum 3. The amount of foam generated in the water tank 2 is detected. In addition, the

bubble detection parts

27 and 28 are comprised by the electrode sensor, for example, and detect with the electric current which arises when a bubble contacts an electrode sensor. Then, the generation of bubbles and the amount of bubbles are determined by measuring the detected current value.

Hereinafter, a drum-type laundry control method will be described based on the detection result of the foam detection unit of the present embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 22 rotates the drum 3 forward and backward at 50 rpm for a predetermined time to dissolve the detergent in the washing water, and then moves the foam detection unit 27 for a predetermined time. , Turn on and detect the amount of foam in the aquarium 2.

Generally, an appropriate amount of detergent is put into the washing water set according to the amount of laundry and dissolved in the washing water. The dissolved detergent is activated by foaming due to rotation of the drum 3 and the like, and enhances the dirt removal performance of the laundry. However, when the laundry is heavily soiled, the generation of foam is small, and the degree of activation of the detergent is low.

That is, when the foam generated in the water tank 2 does not reach the foam detection unit 27 and no foam is detected, that is, when it is determined that the amount of foam is small, the laundry in the drum 3 is heavily soiled. To be judged.

Therefore, when it is determined that there is a lot of dirt on the laundry, the control unit 22 controls the rotational speed of the motor 7 to increase the rotational speed of the drum 3 to 150 to 200 rpm and drives it at high speed. At this time, the laundry is stuck to the inner surface of the drum 3 by the high speed rotation of the drum 3 and rotates. As a result, the washing water impregnated between the fibers of the laundry is discharged together with dirt by centrifugal force. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 3, the circulation pump 17 that is a circulation unit is turned on, and the washing water in the water reservoir 13 is circulated into the drum 3, for example, sprayed on the laundry in the form of a shower.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, when the drum 3 rotates in the direction of the arrow BB, the laundry 33 rotates in a state of sticking to the inner surface of the drum 3 by centrifugal force. At this time, the washing water is actively exchanged between the fibers of the laundry 33. As a result, since new washing water is always put between the fibers of the laundry 33, the washing effect of the laundry 33 can be enhanced. At the same time, by circulating the washing water in the drum 3, the washing water can be sprayed on the laundry, so that the replacement of the washing water between the fibers of the laundry 33 is accelerated. As a result, the washing effect of the laundry can be further enhanced.

Thus, the washing process is executed by detecting the amount of bubbles in the water tank 2 and controlling the number of revolutions of the drum.

Next, after the washing process is completed, the rinsing process is started. Similarly, in the rinsing process, first, the switching valve 20 is switched to the drainage channel 21 side to drain the washing water in the water tub 2 and the switching valve 20 is switched to the circulation channel 16 side. Thereafter, the water supply valve 10 is opened, water supply is started from the water supply path 11 through the detergent case 12, and a predetermined amount of rinse water is supplied into the water tank 2.

Next, when the control unit 22 detects a predetermined water level set in advance by the water level detection unit 26, the control unit 22 closes the water supply valve 10 to stop the supply of rinse water, and rotates the motor 7. At this time, in the rinsing process, the drum 3 is driven by the motor 7 to rotate forward and backward at 50 rpm, and the laundry in the drum 3 is lifted and falls onto the surface of the rinse water.

In the rinsing process, similarly to the washing process, the heater 14 provided in the water reservoir 13 of the water tank 2 may be energized, and the rinse water in the water tank 2 may be heated to perform the rinsing. Also in the rinsing process, the switching valve 20 may be switched to the circulating water channel 16 side to operate the circulation pump 17 to circulate the rinsing water into the drum 3. As a result, the detergent component and the remaining dirt can be quickly detached from the laundry such as clothing, thereby enhancing the rinsing effect.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the drum is rotated at a predetermined number of rotations based on the amount of foam detected by the foam detection unit, and washing water is supplied to the laundry in the drum by the circulation unit. By spraying, the washing water can be frequently exchanged between the fibers of the laundry by centrifugal force. Thereby, when new washing water can be always put between the fibers of the laundry, the washing water can be circulated in the drum 3 and sprayed (sprayed) on the laundry. As a result, the washing effect can be enhanced by accelerating the replacement of the washing water between the fibers of the laundry.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, the drum-type washing machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention is demonstrated using FIG.

FIG. 5 is a time chart for explaining an example of the operation of the drum type washing machine in the second embodiment of the present invention.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the drum-type washing machine of the present embodiment rotates the drum at a rotation speed at which the laundry is stuck to the inner surface of the drum at the start of the washing process, and supplies the washing water. It differs from the drum type washing machine of Embodiment 1 in that the amount of foam is detected by the foam detection unit 27. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, detailed description may be omitted.

Therefore, hereinafter, a washing process different from that of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, at the start of the washing process, the drum 3 is raised to a rotational speed of, for example, 150 to 200 rpm by the motor 7 to maintain the rotational speed. At this time, since the washing water is not supplied to the water tank 2, the laundry put in the water tank 2 is in a dry state. Accordingly, even when the drum 3 is rotated at a high speed, the laundry in the drum 3 is less likely to be biased, and the drum 3 is less vibrated due to the eccentricity, so that the drum 3 can be smoothly raised to a predetermined rotational speed. Can do.

Then, the number of rotations of the drum 3 is increased to 150 to 200 rpm, and after the rotation of the drum 3 is stabilized, the water supply valve 10 is opened to supply a predetermined amount of washing water into the water tank 2. The washing water supplied into the water tank 2 gradually permeates the laundry that rotates while sticking to the inner surface of the drum 3. Therefore, the drum 3 can maintain high-speed rotation in a stable state without causing unevenness of the laundry in the drum 3.

The washing water supplied into the water tank 2 dissolves the detergent contained in the washing water and generates bubbles by stirring by the high-speed rotation of the drum 3.

The foam generated in the water tank 2 is detected by reaching the foam detection unit 27 as the amount of foam increases as the stirring time elapses and rises in the drum 3.

At this time, the washing water is supplied into the aquarium 2 with the drum 3 rotated at a high speed until the time T1 when the predetermined amount of washing water is supplied. During this time, the washing water containing the detergent is sufficiently stirred, and bubbles corresponding to the dirt are generated.

When the water supply of the washing water is completed after the time T1 has elapsed from the water supply and the washing water containing the detergent is sufficiently stirred, the foam detection unit 27 detects the foam. At this time, when the foam does not reach the foam detection unit 27 and the foam is not detected, that is, when the amount of foam is small, it can be determined that the laundry in the drum 3 is dirty.

When it is determined that there is a lot of dirt on the laundry, the control unit 22 maintains the rotational speed of the drum 3 at 150 to 200 rpm, and rotates the drum at a rotational speed at which the laundry sticks to the inner surface of the drum 3. Thereby, the washing water impregnated between the fibers of the laundry is discharged together with dirt by centrifugal force.

At the same time, the control unit 22 drives the circulation pump 17 that is a circulation unit to circulate the washing water and spray the washing water on the laundry in the drum 3. Thereby, wash water can be effectively poured between the fibers of the laundry. That is, when there is a lot of dirt on the laundry, the washing water can be actively replaced between the fibers of the laundry to accelerate the removal of the dirt and enhance the cleaning effect.

According to the present embodiment, by rotating the drum at a high speed from the beginning of the washing process, the washing water in the aquarium can be sufficiently wound and stirred to promote the dissolution of the detergent and the generation of bubbles. As a result, the amount of bubbles can be accurately detected.

(Embodiment 3)
Hereinafter, the drum-type washing machine in Embodiment 3 of this invention is demonstrated using FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the drum-type washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, a drum type washing machine of a different type from the drum type washing machine of the first embodiment will be described as an example, but the basic configuration and operation are the same as those of the first embodiment.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the drum-type washing machine of the present embodiment does not include a heater using a permeability sensor that detects the permeability (turbidity) of washing water as the foam detection unit. In the point etc., it differs from the drum type washing machine of Embodiment 1. Therefore, since the method for detecting and controlling the amount of foam in the drum by the foam detection unit is different, an embodiment will be provided and described below.

As shown in FIG. 6, the drum-type washing machine of the present embodiment includes at least a water tank 2 that is swingably disposed inside the housing 1, and a drum 3 that is rotatably accommodated in the water tank 2. The motor 7 is configured to rotate the drum 3, the circulating water channel 16 including the circulation pump 17, the control unit 22, and the foam detection unit 32. The drum 3 is disposed so as to be inclined downward from the horizontal direction to the back surface direction. The drum 3 is connected to a rotating shaft 3A of a motor 7 provided on the back surface of the drum 3, and is rotated by rotation of the motor 7 through the rotating shaft 3A. A large number of small holes (not shown) are provided on the peripheral side wall surface of the drum 3, and both the washing tub functions as a dehydrating tub and a drying tub.

Further, a water intake 18 is provided near the lowermost part of the water tank 2, and the water intake 18 communicates with the circulation water channel 16. And the washing water taken in from the water intake 18 by the circulation pump 17 provided in the circulation water channel 16 passes, for example, to the lower part on the front side of the drum 3 through the circulation water channel 16 as shown by an arrow in the figure. It is discharged in the form of a shower from the provided discharge port 30 into the drum 3 and circulates. Thereby, the circulation of the washing water through the circulation water channel 16 can be performed only by the control of the circulation pump 17. As a result, the washing water can be circulated irrespective of the washing control for controlling the washing power, such as the washing water flow in the drum 3 generated by the rotation of the drum 3.

At this time, foreign matter such as laundry fibers and hair contained in the wash water which is the circulating water at the time of circulation is removed by installing a filter 31 between the water intake 18 of the circulation water channel 16 and the circulation pump 17. Thereby, clogging of the circulation pump 17 and the drainage channel 21 can be prevented beforehand.

Further, the permeability sensor that functions as the bubble detection unit 32 is provided on the upstream side of the filter 31 in the circulation channel 16. The transmittance sensor is configured by a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a light receiving element such as a phototransistor, which are provided to face each other. At this time, at least the circulating water channel 16 portion sandwiched between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the transmittance sensor is made of a translucent material.

The light emitted from the light emitting element of the transmittance sensor passes through the washing water flowing through the circulating water channel 16 and is received by the light receiving element, and the received light quantity is converted into a voltage and output to the control unit 22. . Thereby, the amount of foam is detected from the turbidity of the washing water. Turbidity can be determined from the output voltage of the permeability sensor.

Further, the switching valve 20 is provided, for example, between the water intake 18 and the circulation pump 17 and is connected to a drainage channel 21 downstream of the switching valve 20.

Further, the water level detection unit 26 is provided in the vicinity of the water intake 18 of the water tank 2 that is immediately submerged (submerged) after the washing water is supplied, and detects the water level supplied to the water tank 2 and the drum 3. The water level detection part 26 is comprised by the diaphragm (diaphragm) etc., for example, detects the pressure added to a diaphragm as a deformation | transformation of a film, and detects a water level. The amount of deformation of the diaphragm of the water level detection unit 26 is detected by, for example, a change in capacitance or a strain gauge.

Further, the water supply port 29 is connected to an external water tap through a hose (not shown) or the like, and supplies the washing water and the rinsing water sequentially to the water tank 2 and the drum 3 by opening and closing the water supply valve 10.

Moreover, the control part 22 is comprised, for example with a microcomputer etc., and when the water level detection signal of the water level detection part 26 is input, it controls the switching valve 20, the opening and closing of the water supply valve 10, the motor 7, the circulation pump 17, etc. Control all washing steps.

Further, the control unit 22 converts the output voltage of the light receiving element that constitutes the permeability sensor that is the foam detection unit 32 and performs an input process as the permeability of the washing water. At this time, the output voltage of the light receiving element decreases as the transmittance increases, that is, as the amount of bubbles decreases. On the other hand, when the amount of washing water bubbles passing through the circulating water channel 16 increases, the transmittance decreases, and the output voltage of the light receiving element increases. That is, the amount of washing water foam can be detected by the output voltage of the permeability sensor that is output based on the permeability of the washing water.

Furthermore, the control unit 22 also has a function of a cloth amount detection unit by detecting a current signal flowing through the motor 7 that rotates the drum 3. As a result, the weight of the drum 3, that is, the weight of the laundry put into the drum 3 is determined, and the optimal amount of water and washing time are adjusted.

Hereinafter, the operation of the drum type washing machine of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation of the washing process of the drum type washing machine in the third embodiment of the present invention.

First, when the laundry is put into the drum and washing is started, the control unit 22 detects the amount of the laundry by the cloth amount detection unit (step S1). As described above, the cloth amount detection unit relates to at least one motor operation such as a load current signal magnitude, a current change amount, and a rotation angle change of the motor 7 when the drum 3 is rotated together with the laundry. Based on the information, the cloth amount is detected.

Next, the control unit 22 determines a basic water supply amount to be supplied into the aquarium 2 based on the amount of laundry detected by the cloth amount detection unit. For example, when it is determined that the amount of laundry is “low”, the control unit 22 sets WL1 (Water Level 1) at the “low” water level as the set water level. When it is determined that the amount of laundry is “medium”, the control unit 22 sets the “medium” water level WL2 as the set water level. When it is determined that the amount of laundry is “large”, the control unit 22 sets WL3 of the “high” water level as the set water level (step S2).

Next, the controller 22 opens the water supply valve 10 (step S3) and supplies the washing water to the water tank 2 and the drum 3 until the set water level is reached (step S4). If the wash water does not reach the set water level (NO in step S4), the detection operation is repeated until the wash water reaches the set water level. At this time, the controller 22 drives the circulation pump 17 during the supply of the washing water, and circulates the washing water supplied together with the detergent as the circulating water from the discharge port 30 to the water tank 2 through the circulation water channel 16. Helps detergents dissolve in wash water. When washing water is discharged from the discharge port 30 into the drum 3, the clothes, which are laundry, absorb the washing water before the detergent dissolves in the washing water. Therefore, the number of rotations of the circulation pump 17 is set to be weak (less), and control is performed so that a large amount of washing water is not discharged into the drum 3.

Next, when the control unit 22 detects that the water level detection unit 26 has reached the set water level (YES in step S4), the control unit 22 closes the water supply valve 10 (step S5).

The water supply step S1A is executed in steps S1 to S5 described above.

Next, the control unit 22 starts a first low-speed agitation process for rotationally driving the drum 3 at a predetermined rotational speed (step S6). The first low-speed stirring process is a stirring operation in which the laundry is lifted by a baffle or the like in the drum 3 and dropped from the top of the drum 3 by its own weight. That is, the drum 3 is rotated at a rotational speed that does not stick the laundry to the inner peripheral wall surface of the drum 3 by centrifugal force, for example, about 50 rpm or less, depending on the amount of laundry. At this time, the rotation direction of the drum 3 may be the same direction or may be periodically reversely rotated. Thereby, the kinetic energy at the time of fall can be added to the laundry, and the laundry can be washed effectively.

At the same time as the first low-speed stirring step, the control unit 22 turns on the circulation pump 17 and drives it for about 1 minute, for example, to discharge the wash water in which the detergent is sufficiently dissolved through the circulation water channel 16. Then, it is circulated into the drum 3 (step S7). This promotes penetration of the washing water into the laundry. The rotation speed of the circulation pump 17 is driven at a rotation speed at which the washing water is sufficiently discharged into the drum 3 so that the washing water can easily penetrate into the laundry.

Next, the control unit 22 turns off and stops the circulation pump 17 (step S8). Accordingly, for example, the washing water is not circulated through the circulation water channel 16 for about 1 minute, and is retained in the drum 3 and the water tank 2 in order to eliminate the foam generated during the circulation.

Next, the controller 22 activates the circulation pump 17 again after, for example, about 1 minute has elapsed since the circulation pump 17 was stopped (step S9). Accordingly, the washing water is again discharged from the discharge port 30 into the drum 3 through the circulation water channel 16 and circulated.

Then, when the circulation pump 17 is restarted, the control unit 22 reads the output voltage from the permeability sensor and detects the permeability of the washing water. At this time, the control part 22 determines the quantity of the foam of washing water from the output voltage which is the read permeability (step S10).

Here, the detection operation of the permeability sensor for determining the amount of washing water foam will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the output voltage of the permeability sensor in the washing process in the drum type washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a monitor of the output voltage of the permeability sensor from the start of cleaning, for example.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the circulation pump 17 is turned on (step S7) together with the first low-speed stirring step (step S6) after the end of water supply, the washing water in which the detergent is dissolved passes through the circulation water channel 16 and is discharged from the discharge port 30. Is discharged into the drum 3 in the form of a shower. Thereby, the foam by a detergent generate | occur | produces. At this time, due to the generation of bubbles, the output voltage of the permeability sensor rapidly increases (Z1), and after a certain amount of time (1 minute or less) has passed, the output voltage of the permeability sensor settles to a stable value (Z2). .

Then, after one minute has elapsed since the start of the operation of the circulation pump 17, when the circulation pump 17 is turned off and stopped (step S8), the circulation of the washing water through the circulation water channel 16 is stopped. In this case, since the generated foam stays in the drum 3 or the water tank 2 away from the water intake 18 of the circulation water channel 16 at a position lower than the water surface of the water in the water tank 2, the wash water in the vicinity of the water intake 18. Increases transparency. Therefore, the output voltage of the transmittance sensor gradually decreases (Z3), and after a certain amount of time (1 minute or less) has passed, the output voltage of the transmittance sensor settles to a stable value (Z4).

At this time, since the stirring of the drum 3 is continuously performed for 2 minutes during which the circulation pump 17 is turned on and off, the penetration of the washing water into the laundry is promoted, and the dirt on the laundry comes out. In addition, although foam is generated by washing water or the stirring of the laundry due to the rotation of the drum 3, the more the laundry is soiled, the more the detergent component is consumed, so that the foam is less likely to be generated.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, after 1 minute has elapsed since the circulation pump 17 was stopped, the circulation pump 17 is turned on again (step S9). Thereby, the foam staying on the surface of the washing water of the drum 3 and the water tank 2 is sucked into the circulation water channel 16 from the water intake 18 together with the washing water. At this time, if there is little dirt on the laundry, or if the amount of detergent is too much for the dirt, excessive foam is generated within 2 minutes from the start of washing, and many of the generated foam passes through the circulation channel 16. To go.

Therefore, after restarting the driving of the circulation pump 17, the output voltage (Z5) of the permeability sensor is detected after a predetermined time T0 (for example, 10 seconds), and the amount of bubbles is determined.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, when the value of the output voltage of the transmittance sensor is smaller than a predetermined value, for example, 4.5 V (YES in step S10), the amount of bubbles is less than expected. judge.

Next, after determining the amount of foam, it waits until the set time is reached (NO in step S11). When the set time has elapsed (YES in step S11), the control unit 22 controls the drive of the motor 7 and executes a high-speed rotation process for rotating the drum 3 at a high speed (step S12). At this time, the rotation speed of the drum 3 in the high-speed rotation stroke is a rotation speed at which the laundry sticks to the inner wall surface of the drum 3. Specifically, the rotational speed at which the moisture in the laundry in the drum 3 can be forcibly separated by centrifugal force is preferably 150 rpm or more, and more preferably 300 rpm or more. Further, the time T for rotating the drum 3 at a high speed only needs to be able to squeeze out the washing water contained in the laundry, and is performed in a relatively short time such as 30 seconds, for example. Note that the high-speed rotation process may be performed by a single continuous operation, or may be performed by intermittent repeated operations of short on / off. At this time, since the high-speed rotation of the drum 3 may cause excessive bubbles due to the detergent, it is preferable to intermittently perform the high-speed rotation when repeated.

Thus, during the first low-speed stirring process, the washing water in the vicinity of the clothing fibers containing the detergent made of the surfactant attached to the soiled material of the clothing fibers is removed by the centrifugal force due to the high-speed rotation of the drum 3. , Dirt substances can be efficiently removed from the clothing fibers together with the washing water. Further, when the drum 3 is rotated at a high speed, the washing water is circulated by the circulation pump 17 and discharged in a shower shape toward the laundry in the drum 3, so that the washing water without dirt is effectively applied to the laundry. Can be absorbed. Thereby, the replacement of the washing water contained in the clothing fiber is promoted, and the laundry can be washed effectively.

Next, when the time T of the high-speed rotation process is 30 seconds or less (NO in step S12), the process waits until 30 seconds elapses and maintains the high-speed rotation of the drum 3.

Next, when the time T of the high-speed rotation process has elapsed 30 seconds (YES in step S12), the control unit 22 performs the second low-speed stirring process (step S13). In the second low-speed agitation process, similarly to the first low-speed agitation process in step S6, the circulation pump 17 is activated and the washing water is discharged from the discharge port 30 into the drum 3 via the circulation water channel 16. . At this time, the rotation speed of the drum 3 is, for example, 30 rpm so that the laundry does not stick to and rolls in the drum 3. In addition, the circulating pump 17 may be continuously operated or intermittently operated to discharge the washing water from the discharge port 30 into the drum 3.

That is, after the high-speed rotation process, a second low-speed agitation process is further performed, thereby further removing dirt substances remaining on the clothing fibers by the chemical action of the detergent and the mechanical action accompanying the rotation of the drum 3. be able to. At this time, if the concentration of the soil substance in the wash water between the clothing fibers is high, the soil may be reattached to the clothing fibers. However, the dirt surrounded by the detergent surfactant is generally difficult to reattach, and only the surfactant not attached to the dirt adheres to the laundry. Therefore, only the remaining dirt can be removed by the chemical action of the detergent.

Next, it is determined whether or not the second low-speed stirring process has been executed for a predetermined time (step S14). When the second low-speed stirring process is not executed for a predetermined time (NO in step S12), the process waits until the predetermined time elapses. At this time, the time for executing the second low-speed stirring process is sufficient if the remaining detergent is sufficiently allowed to penetrate the laundry, and therefore, a predetermined time that does not depend on the amount of cloth, for example, 5. Set to 5 minutes.

Then, after the second low-speed stirring process is executed for a predetermined time (YES in step S14), the washing process is terminated. Thereby, since the arithmetic processing for controlling the washing process and the processing using the constant table can be reduced, the load required for the processing of the control unit 22 can be reduced.

On the other hand, when the output voltage of the permeability sensor is larger than a predetermined value (for example, the output value is 4.5 V or more) (NO in Step S10), the control unit 22 indicates that the amount of bubbles generated in the drum 3 is excessive. judge. In that case, the first low-speed agitation process of step S6 is continued without shifting to the high-speed rotation process of step S12, and after a predetermined time (for example, 5.5 minutes) has elapsed (step S14), the washing process is terminated. .

Although not shown in FIG. 7, when the output voltage of the permeability sensor is much larger than a predetermined value (for example, 4.8 V or more) in step S <b> 10, the washing process is interrupted and the washing in the water tank 2 is performed. A defoaming process may be provided in which a part of the water is drained to discharge the foam, and the washing water is supplied again as much as necessary to eliminate the foam. Thereby, the influence with respect to the washing | cleaning performance by generation | occurrence | production of an excessive bubble can be decreased.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the output voltage of the permeability sensor becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value during a predetermined time during the washing process, the dirt on the laundry greatly falls below the cleaning power of the detergent. , Judge that there are many bubbles generated. Then, the cleaning is finished without performing the high-speed rotation process. As a result, it is possible to realize a drum-type washing machine capable of suppressing wasteful washing operation and power consumption.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 22 reads the output voltage of the permeability sensor and determines the amount of bubbles after a predetermined time (10 seconds after the restart of the circulation pump 17). Not limited to this. For example, the output voltage of the transmittance sensor may be read periodically or always during the period from step S6 to the high speed rotation of the drum 3 in step S12, that is, during the time set in step S11. Thereby, when the output voltage of the permeability sensor becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value, it can be determined whether or not to perform a high-speed rotation stroke. Therefore, depending on the type of laundry, for example, when a material that foams after a predetermined time (10 seconds) detected by the permeability sensor is used, even if many bubbles are generated after the predetermined time, the foam is further foamed. Cleaning can be completed without performing a high-speed rotation process. As a result, wasteful cleaning operations and power consumption can be further suppressed.

In the present embodiment, the example in which the output voltage of the transmittance sensor is read to determine the amount of bubbles has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a foam detection water level sensor that detects the amount of foam may be used. The foam detection water level sensor includes, for example, a wall surface of the water tank 2 that is always submerged during the washing process in the vicinity of the water intake 18, and a water tank that is submerged when the amount of foam is generated more than expected by supplying washing water with a predetermined amount of water. An electrode may be installed in two places with the wall surface of 2, and the change of the resistance value between the electrodes may be detected. As a result, regardless of the amount of foam, even if the washing water itself becomes turbid due to dissolution of dirt on the laundry, an increase in the amount of foam itself can be detected regardless of the permeability of the washing water. As a result, the amount of bubbles can be determined regardless of the type of dirt. Similarly, the amount of bubbles may be detected by providing the bubble detection unit including the electrode sensor configured with a pair of electrodes described in the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the control unit configured with a microcomputer is described as an example of control, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control is performed in the form of a program that cooperates such as hardware resources such as a CPU (or microcomputer), RAM, ROM, storage / recording device, electrical / information device with I / O, computer, server, etc. May be. Accordingly, it is possible to easily install and control new function distribution / update by recording a program on a recording medium such as a magnetic medium or an optical medium, or distributing a program using a communication line such as the Internet.

(Embodiment 4)
Hereinafter, a drum-type washing machine according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B. Since the drum type washing machine of the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the drum type washing machine described in the third embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are flowcharts showing the washing control of the drum type washing machine in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In the drum type washing machine of the present embodiment, when the output voltage of the permeability sensor becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the control unit 22 reduces the number of rotations of the drum 3 in the high-speed rotation process or the time of the high-speed rotation process. The third embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that control is performed by performing at least one of the shortening. Other control methods are the same as those in the third embodiment, for example, up to step S9 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

Therefore, hereinafter, the control after step S15, which is different from the third embodiment, will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, first, similarly to the third embodiment, after executing the water supply steps S1A to S8, the controller 22 has passed, for example, about 1 minute since the circulation pump 17 was stopped. Then, the circulation pump 17 is started again (step S9).

Next, the control unit 22 reads the output voltage from the permeability sensor and detects the permeability of the washing water. And the control part 22 determines the quantity of the foam of washing water from the output voltage which is the read permeability | transmittance (step S15).

At this time, if the output voltage of the transmittance sensor is smaller than 4.0 V (YES in step S15), it is determined that the amount of bubbles is normal. Then, it waits until the set time elapses (NO in step S16), and after the set time elapses (YES in step S16), the high-speed rotation stroke is executed (step S17). The high-speed rotation process is executed by rotating the drum 3 at, for example, 300 rpm for 30 seconds.

On the other hand, when the output voltage of the transmittance sensor is 4.0 V or higher (NO in step S15), it is determined whether or not the output voltage of the transmittance sensor is 4.5 V or higher (step S18).

At this time, if the output voltage of the permeability sensor is smaller than 4.5 V (YES in step S18), it is determined that the amount of bubbles is excessive. Then, the process waits until the set time elapses (NO in step S19), and after the set time elapses (YES in step S19), the high-speed rotation stroke is executed (step S20). In this case, compared with the case where the output value of the transmittance sensor in step S15 is smaller than the predetermined voltage (4.0 V), the number of rotations of the drum 3 is reduced, and for example, a high-speed rotation process is executed at 150 rpm for 30 seconds. .

Further, when the output voltage of the transmittance sensor is 4.5 V or higher (NO in step S18), as shown in FIG. 9B, it is determined whether or not the output voltage of the transmittance sensor is 4.8 V or higher (step S21). . And when the output voltage of a permeability sensor is smaller than 4.8V (YES of step S21), it waits until setting time passes (NO of step S22), and after elapse of setting time (YES of step S22), A high-speed rotation stroke is executed (step S23). In this case, compared with the case where the output voltage value of the transmittance sensor in step S18 is smaller than the predetermined voltage (4.5V), the time for rotating the drum 3 is reduced, and for example, a high-speed rotation process is executed for 15 seconds at 150 rpm. To do.

On the other hand, when the output voltage of the permeability sensor is 4.8 V or higher (NO in step S21), the first low-speed stirring process in step S6 is continued without performing the high-speed rotation process, and after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S21). In step S24, the washing process is terminated.

In the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this example, in which the reduction in the number of rotations and the reduction in the time in the high-speed rotation process are simultaneously changed according to the value of the output voltage of the transmittance sensor. For example, in the high-speed rotation stroke, only one of the reduction of the drum rotation speed and the reduction of the high-speed rotation stroke time may be changed and executed. That is, when the amount of foam generated because the laundry stains are less than the cleaning power of the amount of detergent added, it can be estimated that there is little stain removed from the laundry. Therefore, sufficient cleaning performance can be obtained even if one of the reduction in the number of rotations of the drum in the high-speed rotation stroke or the reduction in the high-speed rotation stroke time is executed. As a result, it is possible to realize a drum-type washing machine that further suppresses wasteful washing operations and power consumption.

In each of the above embodiments, the drum type washing machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a drum type washing machine with a drying function may be used, and similar effects can be obtained.

In the third and fourth embodiments, the example in which the low-speed stirring process is performed twice has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the low speed stirring process may be performed only once. Thereby, washing time can be shortened.

The drum-type washing machine of the present invention includes a drum that accommodates and rotates laundry, a water tank that rotatably accommodates the drum, a motor that drives the drum, a water supply unit that supplies washing water to the water tank, and a water tank A circulation unit that circulates the washing water into the drum, a foam detection unit that detects the amount of foam, and a control unit that controls at least the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydration process. The control unit controls the drum to rotate at a predetermined number of rotations based on the amount of foam detected by the foam detection unit, and controls the circulation unit to spray washing water on the laundry in the drum.

Thereby, based on the amount of foam detected by the foam detection unit, the drum can be rotated at a predetermined number of rotations to enhance the washing effect of the laundry. For example, when there is much dirt on the laundry, the foam detection unit determines that the amount of foam is small, and rotates the drum at a rotational speed at which the laundry sticks to the inner surface of the drum. As a result, the washing water impregnated between the fibers of the laundry is discharged together with dirt by centrifugal force. Further, the washing water is sprayed (infiltrated) between the fibers of the laundry by spraying the washing water on the laundry in the drum by the circulation unit. As a result, when there is a lot of dirt on the laundry, it is possible to promote the replacement of the washing water between the fibers of the laundry, accelerate the dirt removal effect, and enhance the washing effect. Further, by detecting the amount of foam after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the washing process, dissolution of the detergent can be promoted by rotation of the drum, and the amount of foam can be detected accurately.

Further, in the drum type washing machine of the present invention, when the amount of foam detected by the foam detection unit is small, the control unit rotates the drum at a predetermined rotational speed at which the laundry sticks to the inner surface of the drum. Thereby, the washing water in the water tank is rolled up and stirred by the high-speed rotation of the drum. As a result, dissolution of the detergent and generation of bubbles can be promoted, and the amount of bubbles can be detected with higher accuracy.

Further, in the drum type washing machine of the present invention, at the start of the washing process, the control unit rotates the laundry at the rotation speed at which the laundry sticks to the inner surface of the drum, and then supplies the washing water, and the foam detection unit sets the amount of foam. Is detected. Thereby, water can be supplied in a state where the drum is rotated from the beginning of the washing process to prevent the laundry from being biased. And by driving the drum at high speed in a stable state without any bias of the laundry in the drum 3, the washing water in the aquarium is sufficiently rolled up and stirred to further promote the dissolution of the detergent and the generation of foam. it can. As a result, the amount of bubbles can be detected more accurately by the bubble detection unit.

In the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, the control unit detects the amount of foam by the foam detection unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the washing process. Thereby, the drum is rotated until a predetermined time elapses, so that dissolution of the detergent in the washing water can be promoted and the occurrence of foaming can be promoted. As a result, the amount of foam corresponding to the dirt on the laundry can be detected with high accuracy, and the rotation of the drum can be controlled.

The drum-type washing machine of the present invention has a low-speed stirring process for rotating the drum at a speed at which the laundry does not stick to at least the inner wall surface of the drum, and a speed at which the laundry sticks to the inner wall surface of the drum. The control unit controls to perform a high-speed rotation process when the amount of foam detected by the bubble detection unit becomes a predetermined condition during the low-speed stirring process.

According to this configuration, first, the laundry is wet with the laundry water sufficiently mixed with the detergent by rotating the drum at a low speed, so that the detergent surfactant effectively removes the dirt on the laundry. Can adhere. Thereafter, by rotating the drum at a high speed in accordance with the output of the foam detection unit, the washing water mixed with the detergent in the vicinity of the laundry fibers and the dirt attached to the detergent can be peeled off from the laundry. As a result, it is possible to prevent unnecessary detergent from bubbling and perform as many cleaning operations as necessary. As a result, useless operations and power consumption can be suppressed.

Further, in the drum type washing machine of the present invention, the control unit controls so as not to perform the high-speed rotation process when the amount of foam detected by the foam detection unit exceeds a predetermined value. As a result, when the dirt on the laundry is less than the cleaning power of the amount of detergent supplied and the amount of generated foam is large, the cleaning operation is terminated without rotating the drum at high speed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load on the motor when the drum is rotated at high speed in the state of excessively foamed bubbles, thereby eliminating wasteful operations and power consumption.

Further, in the drum type washing machine of the present invention, when the amount of foam detected by the foam detection unit exceeds a predetermined value, the drum rotational speed is reduced in the high speed rotation process or the time of the high speed rotation process is shortened. Control to perform at least one of the following.

According to this configuration, when the dirt on the laundry is less than the cleaning power of the amount of detergent added and the amount of foam generated is excessive, there is less dirt to be peeled off from the laundry, so the rotational speed of the high-speed rotation stroke is reduced or The process time can be shortened. Thereby, while obtaining sufficient washing | cleaning performance, generation | occurrence | production of excessive foaming can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load on the motor when the drum is rotated at high speed in the state of excessively foamed bubbles, thereby eliminating wasteful operations and power consumption.

Further, in the drum type washing machine of the present invention, the foam detection unit includes a permeability sensor that detects the permeability of the washing water, and determines the amount of foam based on the output value of the permeability sensor. Thereby, it is possible to easily determine the amount of foam by simply monitoring the permeability of the washing water.

According to the present invention, it is possible to accelerate the replacement of the washing water between the fibers of the laundry, accelerate the removal of dirt, and enhance the cleaning effect, which is useful in technical fields such as a drum type washing machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 2 Water tank 3 Drum 3A Rotating shaft 4 Baffle 5 Small hole 6 Opening part 7 Motor 8 Belt 9 Pulley 10 Water supply valve (water supply part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Water supply path 12 Detergent case 13 Water reservoir 14 Heater 15 Temperature detection part 16 Circulation water path 17 Circulation pump (circulation part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 18

Intake port

19,30 Discharge port 20 Switching valve 21 Drainage channel 22 Control part 23 Door 24 Operation part 25 Weight detection part 26 Water

level detection part

27,28,32 Foam detection part 29 Water supply port 31 Filter 33 Laundry

Claims

A drum that houses and rotates laundry;
A water tank for rotatably accommodating the drum;
A motor for driving the drum;
A water supply unit for supplying washing water to the water tank;
A circulation unit for circulating the wash water in the water tank into the drum;
A bubble detector for detecting the amount of bubbles;
A control unit for controlling at least a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process,
The control unit rotates the drum at a predetermined number of rotations based on the amount of foam detected by the foam detection unit, and sprays the washing water on the laundry in the drum by the circulation unit. Drum type washing machine to control.
2. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein when the amount of the foam detected by the foam detection unit is small, the control unit rotates the drum at a predetermined number of rotations so that the laundry is stuck to an inner surface of the drum. .
The control unit, at the start of the washing process, rotates the laundry at a rotation speed at which the laundry sticks to the inner surface of the drum, supplies the washing water, and detects the amount of the foam by the foam detection unit. Item 2. The drum type washing machine according to Item 1.
The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit detects the amount of the foam by the foam detection unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the washing process.
The washing step includes a low-speed agitation step in which the drum is rotated at a speed at which the laundry does not stick to at least the inner wall surface of the drum, and the drum is rotated at a speed at which the laundry sticks to the inner wall surface of the drum. A high-speed rotation stroke,
2. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to perform the high-speed rotation stroke when the amount of the foam detected by the foam detection unit reaches a predetermined condition during the low-speed stirring stroke.
The drum-type washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls the high-speed rotation stroke so as not to be performed when the amount of the foam detected by the foam detection unit becomes a predetermined value or more.
When the amount of the bubbles detected by the bubble detection unit exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit performs at least one of a reduction in the number of rotations of the drum in the high-speed rotation stroke or a reduction in time of the high-speed rotation stroke. The drum type washing machine according to claim 5, which is controlled as described above.
The drum type washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the foam detection unit includes a permeability sensor that detects the permeability of the washing water, and determines the amount of the foam based on an output value of the permeability sensor.