WO2023002711A1

WO2023002711A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2023002711A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/014573
Authority: WO
Inventors: 龍之介山口; 哲也山本; 祐広秋葉
Original assignee: 日立グローバルライフソリューションズ株式会社
Priority date: 2021-07-19
Filing date: 2022-03-25
Publication date: 2023-01-26

Abstract

This washing machine (D) comprises a housing (1), an outer tub (10) provided inside the housing (1), an inner tub (11) inserted into the outer tub (10) and provided with a loading opening (11k) for loading laundry, a water supply unit (30) that supplies detergent and liquid to the outer tub (10), and a control unit (20) that controls the operations of the washing machine (D). The outer tub (10) has a supply port tub (k3) for putting in liquid and detergent used for washing, and a drain port (10h) provided at the front bottom. Between the supply port (k3) and the drain port (10h), there are provided an electroconductivity sensor (19) that detects the amount of detergent in the washing liquid, and a blocking part (18b) shaped to block the flow of the detergent toward the drain port (10h).

Description

Washing machine

The present invention relates to washing machines

A drum-type washer/dryer is equipped with a conductivity sensor to perform an optimum washing/drying process.
The conductivity sensor measures the hardness of washing water in order to obtain the optimum amount of detergent, measures the rinsing condition in the rinsing process, measures the progress of dehydration, and the like.
For example,

Patent Documents

1 and 2 are known as technologies related to conductivity sensors.

Patent Document 1 describes that the conductivity sensor (28) is provided on the upper side of the heater cover (30).

In addition, Patent Document 2 describes that a contamination degree detector (39) (conductivity sensor (38)) is provided above the recess (3a) where the sheathed heater is located.

JP 2020-130844 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-54688

By the way, as described in

Patent Documents

1 and 2, conventional domestic drum-type washing machines have washing tubs arranged obliquely.
Therefore, since the water flow goes to the back side of the outer tank, the conductivity sensor is arranged along the flow on the back side of the outer tank.
As described above, the conductivity sensor determines water hardness, detergent determination, rinsing condition, dehydration, and the like. Therefore, unless the conductivity sensor is positioned at the bottom of the outer tub and where water flows during washing, necessary detection cannot be performed.

In addition, domestic models of drum-type washing machines can use a drain valve to block water when water is stored in the washing tub, and a circulation pump can be used to return the detergent ingredients to the inside of the washing tub. It's becoming Furthermore, the washing tub (drum) is inclined so that the front side faces up in order to save water.

On the other hand, in foreign models of drum-type washing machines, the rotation axis of the washing tub is arranged horizontally, so that the flow of water in the washing tub is different from that of domestic models of drum-type washing machines.
In addition, since there is no drain valve when water is stored in the washing tub, the drain hose connected to the drain pump is installed in a raised state. Therefore, water will flow into the drain hose to the same water level as the washing tub.

At that time, when the detergent is put into the washing tub, the detergent flows into the drain hose and the amount of detergent in the washing tub decreases. As a result, the cleaning performance may deteriorate, or the detergent determination function may not be able to detect well. In order to eliminate these inconveniences, it is necessary to consider the placement position of the conductivity sensor, the timing of pouring the detergent, and the like.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a washing machine in which the conductivity sensor can detect well.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the washing machine of the present invention comprises a housing, an outer tub provided in the housing, an inner tub having an inlet inserted into the outer tub for loading laundry, and Equipped with a water supply unit that supplies detergent and liquid to the outer tub and a control unit that controls the operation of the washing machine. a sensor for detecting the amount of detergent in the laundry liquid is provided between the supply port and the drainage port, and the weir has a shape that inhibits the flow of the detergent toward the drainage port. A stop is provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine in which the electrical conductivity sensor can be well detected.

1 is an external perspective view of a drum-type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inside of the drum-type washing machine according to the embodiment, excluding the housing, as seen from the front left. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the interior of the drum-type washing machine according to the embodiment, excluding the housing, as viewed from the lower left front. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the flow of water supply during shower water supply inside the drum-type washing machine according to the embodiment, excluding the housing, as seen from the upper left rear. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the flow of water from the front during shower water supply inside the drum-type washing machine excluding the housing according to the embodiment, viewed from the upper right front; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the water supply from the main valve inside the drum-type washing machine according to the embodiment, excluding the housing, as seen from the upper left rear; The perspective view which looked at the outer tank from the upper right, except the drum. The perspective view of the conductivity sensor installed in the heater mounting recessed part of the outer tank. The top view which looked at the inside of the outer tank from upper direction except the drum. FIG. 7 is a front view of the lower portion of the outer tub with the drum removed; FIG. The perspective view which looked at the heater base from the upper right. The perspective view which looked at the outer tank except the drum of the comparative example from the upper right. FIG. 4 is a flowchart from the start of the washing process to the start of the washing operation. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inside body of the drum-type washing machine according to the embodiment, excluding the housing, as seen from the upper left rear. Fig. 2 is a front right perspective view of the drum-type washing machine according to the embodiment, excluding the control unit, the water supply unit, and the drying unit installed on the casing and the outer tub; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the body of the drum-type washing machine according to the embodiment, excluding a housing, a control unit, a water supply unit, and a drying unit installed on the outer tub, viewed from the upper left rear. FIG. 14 is a rear view of a portion of the body of the drum-type washing machine shown in FIG. 13, excluding the housing, the control unit, the water supply unit, and the drying unit installed on the outer tub; The I direction arrow directional view of FIG. II-II sectional view of FIG. The figure which looked at the cross section of the rear plate of an outer tank, and a rear water supply cylinder from the front.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Similar components are denoted by similar reference numerals, and similar descriptions are not repeated.

The various constituent elements of the present invention do not necessarily have to be independent entities, and one constituent element may consist of a plurality of members, a plurality of constituent elements may consist of one member, a certain constituent element may part of a component, part of one component overlaps part of another component, and so on.

FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view of a drum-type washing machine D according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the inside of the drum-type washing machine D according to the embodiment, excluding the housing 1, viewed from the front left.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the inside of the drum-type washing machine D according to the embodiment, excluding the housing 1, viewed from the lower left front.

First, define each direction used in the explanation. In this embodiment, the horizontal direction of the user's viewpoint of the drum-type washing machine D is defined as the horizontal direction, the height direction is defined as the vertical direction, and the depth direction is defined as the front-back direction.

A drum-type washing machine D shown in FIG. 1 has a housing 1 forming an outer shell. The housing 1 is composed of a U-shaped housing body 1b forming both side surfaces and a rear surface, an under plate (not shown), a front cover 1a positioned behind the door 2, and a top cover 1c. ing.
The housing main body 1b is made of a steel plate in which both side surfaces and the rear surface are integrally formed. An underplate (not shown) is arranged below the housing body 1b. The front cover 1a covers the front surface of the housing body 1b. The top cover 1c is arranged on the top.

A door 2 is arranged in front of the front cover 1a of the housing 1 so that it can be opened and closed. The door 2 is supported by a hinge provided at the left end of the front cover 1a so that it can be opened and closed. The door 2 is opened forward by pulling the door opening handle 2a on the upper right side to disengage the lock mechanism. On the other hand, the door 2 is locked and closed by pressing it against the front cover 1a.

Inside the housing 1 of the drum-type washing machine D, as shown in FIG. 2A, an outer tub 10 for storing water is provided.
The outer tub 10 inserts a drum 11 for storing laundry.
The outer tub 10 is suspended from the left and right sides of the housing 1 via springs (not shown) so that the center of gravity of the outer tub 10 is arranged at the center of the housing 1 . A lower portion of the outer tub 10 is supported by a vibration isolation member 12 fixed to the housing 1 .

A cylindrical saw cover 10c is installed on the outer circumference of the front portion of the outer tub 10 .
The drum 11 has a cylindrical body plate 11d (see FIG. 2A) and a flat bottom plate 11s (see FIG. 7).
The drum 11 is provided with a plurality of dehydration holes 11 a for draining the washing water in the drum 11 to the outer tub 10 .
A plurality of baffles 14 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 11 . The baffle 14 is a member for lifting clothes thrown into the drum 11 .
The baffles 14 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the drum 11 and installed so as to extend in the front-rear direction of the drum 11 .

The front cover 1a has a circular opening 1a1 (see FIG. 1) concentrically with the opening of the outer tub 10 (see FIG. 2A) for loading and unloading clothes.

The door 2 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with an operation portion 3 in which operation switches and the like are arranged. The operation unit 3 has a glass touch panel system, and is electrically connected to a control unit 20 (FIG. 3A) provided inside the housing 1 .

A drain hose 8 (see FIG. 2A) for draining water is attached to the rear right side of the housing 1 .
FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the flow of water supply during shower water supply inside the drum-type washing machine D according to the embodiment, excluding the housing 1, as seen from the upper left rear.

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the flow of water from the front during the shower water supply inside the drum-type washing machine D according to the embodiment, excluding the housing 1, as seen from the upper right front.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the water supply from the main valve inside the drum-type washing machine D according to the embodiment, excluding the housing 1, as seen from the upper left rear.
A water supply hose connection port connected to a water supply valve 31 for supplying water from a tap to the drum-type washing machine D is provided on the upper back of the housing 1 .

A rotating shaft 4 connected to a drum 11 is provided behind the outer tub 10 shown in FIG. 3A. A pulley 5 is connected to the rotating shaft 4 . A motor 13 (see FIG. 2A) is connected to the pulley 5 via a belt 6 . A motor 13 rotates a drum 11 (see FIG. 2A) through a belt 6, a pulley 5, and a rotating shaft 4. As shown in FIG. The rotating shaft 4 is horizontal or substantially horizontal. Since the rotating shaft 4 is horizontal or substantially horizontal, the model can be used overseas.

The control unit 20 shown in FIG. 3A controls the rotational speed of the motor 13.

The control unit 20 performs, for example, the following controls.
An amplitude value detected by a vibration sensor (not shown) installed for vibration isolation during the dehydration process is acquired. When the vibration amplitude value of the outer tub 10 detected by the vibration sensor exceeds a preset threshold value during the dehydration process due to the imbalance of the clothes thrown into the drum 11, the dehydration process is temporarily stopped. Then, the drum 11 with unbalanced clothes is rotated forward and reverse to correct the unbalanced clothes. After that, it shifts to the dehydration step again. When the motor 13 is driven, the drum 11 is driven to rotate in both forward and reverse directions, and the dewatering process is performed.

The opening 10a of the outer tub 10 shown in FIG. 2A and the inlet 1a1 (see FIG. 1) of the housing 1 are connected by a bellows 15 that mainly expands and contracts in the front-rear direction. The bellows 15 is formed of an annular elastic member, and seals the door 2 and the drum 11 by closing the door 2 . In addition, the inlet 1a1 (see FIG. 1) of the housing 1, the opening 10a of the outer tank 10, and the opening 11k of the drum 11 communicate with each other.
By opening the door 2, the clothes can be taken in and out of the drum 11. - 特許庁

A water supply unit 30 (see FIGS. 3A and 4) having a water supply valve 31, a shower valve 31a, and a main valve 31b is provided in the upper part of the housing 1 and in front of the water supply hose connection port (not shown). are provided.
When the water supply valve 31 and the shower valve 31a (see FIG. 3A) are opened, the water flowing from the shower valve 31a branches into the front side (arrow α11 in FIG. 3A) and the rear side (arrow α12 in FIG. 3A).
The branched front side flows into the outer tub 10 as a shower from the front water inlet k1 in the front portion of the saw cover 10c shown in FIG. 3B, as indicated by an arrow α11 in FIG. 3A.

The branched rear side flows in as a shower from the duct k2 of the outer tub 10 as indicated by an arrow α12 in FIG. 3A.
The water supply unit 30 shown in FIG. 3A includes a detergent containing portion 32a for containing detergent and a finishing agent containing portion 32b for containing finishing agent. The detergent storage portion 32a and the finishing agent storage portion 32b are connected to the water supply valve 31 via hoses. The detergent storage portion 32a and the finishing agent storage portion 32b of the water supply unit 30 can be drawn forward. Then, the user puts the detergent and the finishing agent into the detergent accommodating portion 32a and the finishing agent accommodating portion 32b, respectively, in the state of being pulled out in advance.

During washing, when the water supply valve 31 and the main valve 31b shown in FIG. 3A are opened, water flows in from the water supply hose connection port, and as shown by the arrow α21 in FIG. Water is supplied to the outer tank 10 from the port k3. Detergents are placed in advance by the user in the detergent storage portion 32a and the finishing agent storage portion 32b shown in FIG. 3A. Detergent is introduced into the outer tub 10 together with water supplied from the main valve 31b.
At the time of rinsing, the finishing agent is put into the outer tub 10 from the finishing agent storage portion 32b together with the supplied water.

A drainage pump 8p is provided in the drainage path of the drainage hose 8 provided at the bottom of the outer tub 10 shown in FIG. 2B. When the drain pump 8p does not operate, the water supplied to the outer tank 10 is stored in the outer tank 10. - 特許庁On the other hand, when the drain pump 8p is operated, the washing water in the outer tub 10 is drained out of the drum-type washing machine D through the drain hose 8.
Since the drum-type washing machine D is provided with a drain pump 8p and does not have a discharge valve for discharging the washing water, the washing water is discharged even when the washing water discharge position is higher than the drum-type washing machine D. can do.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a drying unit 40 for drying clothes is provided above the outer tub 10 in the housing 1 (see FIG. 1). The drying unit 40 includes a heating section 41 in which a heater for heating air is arranged, and a blower fan 42 for blowing air to the heating section 41 .

The control unit 20, the water supply unit 30, and the drying unit 40 extend in the front-rear direction of the housing 1. Also, the control unit 20, the water supply unit 30, and the drying unit 40 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the water supply unit 30 is arranged between the control unit 20 and the drying unit 40 in the horizontal direction.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the outer tub 10 with the drum 11 removed from the upper right.
FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the conductivity sensor 19 installed in the heater mounting recess 10p of the outer tank 10. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the inside of the outer tub 10, excluding the drum 11, viewed from above.
FIG. 7 shows a front view of the lower portion of the outer tub 10, excluding the drum 11, viewed from the direction of arrow I in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the front lower portion of the saw cover 10c is provided with a downwardly recessed drainage recess 10o in which a drainage port 10h is installed. A drain hose 8 is connected to the drain port 10h.
In the bottom of the outer tank 10, a heater mounting recess 10p for mounting a heater is recessed in a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape elongated in the front-rear direction.
Adjacent to the left front portion of the heater mounting recess 10p of the outer tank 10, a sensor mounting recess 10s is formed to have a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape and be recessed downward.

A conductivity sensor 19 shown in FIG. 5B is installed in the sensor mounting recess 10s. As shown in FIG. 5A, the conductivity sensor 19 is provided between the rear water supply port k3 (see FIG. 4) and the water discharge port 10h.
The conductivity sensor 19 is installed so that the electrodes 19d face each other substantially symmetrically. The conductivity sensor 19 becomes conductive when there is liquid between the opposing electrodes 19d, and detects the properties of the liquid. The conductivity sensor 19 measures the hardness of water, the amount of detergent, the degree of rinsing, the degree of dehydration, and the like.
The conductivity sensor 19 is arranged at the bottom of the outer tub 10, and the water hardness, detergent determination, and rinsing condition of the washing water can be detected if it is submerged.
In order to measure the progress of dehydration, it is necessary to detect the water coming out of the dehydration hole 11a of the drum plate 11d of the drum 11 shown in FIG. 2A during the dehydration. The conductivity sensor 19 must be installed where these two conditions are satisfied.

The electrical conductivity sensor 19 is located below the drum 11, at a position where it is surely submerged in the washing water, and at a channel where the water coming out of the drum 11 flows to the drain port 10h at the drain position of the outer tub 10. It is good if there is
The sensor mounting recess 10s shown in FIG. 5A is a recess having a shallower depth than the heater mounting recess 10p.

In other words, from the inner peripheral surface 10n of the outer tank 10 shown in FIG. 5A, the sensor mounting recess 10s and the heater mounting recess 10p are formed to be deep downward in this order.
A heater base 18 on which a heater 17 is installed is provided in the heater mounting recess 10p. The heater 17 is a sheathed heater in this example, and is used to heat water used for washing with hot water in hot water washing.
The heater base 18 is a sheet-metal component made of an iron plate for protecting the heater 17 from spreading fire.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the heater base 18 viewed from the upper right.
The heater base 18 is formed in a substantially flat box shape by sheet metal processing.
The heater base 18 has a bottom plate 18a, a front wall portion 18b, a rear wall portion 18c, and a left wall portion 18d having an upside-down substantially L-shaped cross section.
The left wall portion 18d has a vertical wall 18d1 extending vertically and a horizontal wall 18d2 extending horizontally.

A connection port 18c1 through which a connection portion 17a (see FIG. 5A) of the heater 17 passes is opened in the rear wall portion 18c.
The bottom plate 18a is provided with four fixing portions 18a1 for fixing to the outer bath 10 and installing the heater 17 thereon.
The front wall portion 18b utilizes the shape of the heater base 18 arranged at the bottom of the outer tub 10 to store the washing water (detergent liquid) at the location where the conductivity sensor 19 is located, thereby increasing the flow of the washing water. impede
The front wall portion 18b is bent vertically from the bottom plate 18a so as to have a predetermined height h that blocks washing water (detergent liquid).

The height h of the front wall portion 18b ranges from the lower end 19d1 of the electrode 19d of the conductivity sensor 19 shown in FIG.
In other words, the height h of the front wall portion 18b is set to a height at which washing water (detergent liquid) is stored and the amount of detergent can be accurately measured by the conductivity sensor 19. FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a gap 18f is formed between the front wall portion 18b and the left wall portion 18d to prevent the wash water and rinse water from forming stagnation.

As shown in FIG. 7, the area A on the left side is left with a slight groove (gap 18f). If it is closed so that there is no gap 18f, dust and dirt may accumulate over time. Therefore, it is dealt with by creating a small loophole (gap 18f).
A region B on the right side shown in FIG. 7 is wide open, and is opened as a main flow path leading to a drain position through which washing water flows.

<Detection of amount of detergent in washing water by conductivity sensor 19>
The detection of the amount of detergent in the wash water by the conductivity sensor 19 during washing will be described.
Before pouring the detergent into the outer tub 10 of the washing tub, water is poured in advance from another channel (front water inlet k1 (see FIG. 2A), duct k2 (see FIG. 4)) to maintain a constant water level s1 (See Figure 7). At this stage, the portion including the drain hose 8 below the water level s1 is filled with water.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the outer tub 100 from the upper right, excluding the drum 11 of the comparative example.
As shown in FIG. 9 of the comparative example, when the detergent and water are poured into the outer tub 100 of the washing tub, the water inlet 30k at the water supply position of the outer tub 100 and the drain outlet 100h at the drain position are the shortest route indicated by the arrow β2. Connect. Therefore, when the washing water level of the detergent and water in the outer tub 100 rises, part of the water flows into the drain hose 108 side through the drain port 100h as indicated by the arrow β2. That is, in the comparative example, the detergent contained in the washing water flows out to the drain hose 108 side.

Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, a front wall portion 18b is provided as a wall that prevents the detergent from going to the drain position.
The front wall portion 18b is formed on the heater base 18 on which the heater 17 arranged at the bottom of the outer bath 10 is installed, as described above.

As shown in FIG. 5A, by providing the heater base 18 with a wall-shaped front wall portion 18b that obstructs the flow, washing water containing detergent is blocked by the front wall portion 18b as indicated by an arrow β1. Therefore, the detergent component contained in the washing water remains in the outer tub 10 of the washing tub, and the amount of detergent detected by the conductivity sensor 19 in the sensor mounting recess 10s can be accurately detected to be almost equal to the amount of detergent put in.

<Operation from start of washing process to start of washing operation>
Hereinafter, the process from the start of the washing process to the detection of the amount of detergent in the wash water by the conductivity sensor 19 to the start of the washing operation will be described in order.
Control of the drum-type washing machine D is centralized by the control unit 20 (FIG. 3A).

FIG. 10 shows a flow chart from the start of the washing process to the start of the washing operation.
The user presses a button for starting operation, and operation is started (step S11 in FIG. 10).
A weight sensor (not shown) detects the amount (weight) of the clothes placed on the drum 11 (step S12 in FIG. 10).

The shower valve 31a shown in FIG. 3A is opened to start water supply (step S13). The water supplied from the shower valve 31a is branched into the front side and the rear side.
As described above, the branched front water flows into the outer tub 10 as a shower from the front water inlet k1 (see FIG. 3B) in the front portion of the saw cover 10c, as indicated by the arrow α11 in FIG. 3B. On the other hand, the water on the rear side of the branch flows in as a shower from the duct k2 of the outer tub 10 as indicated by the arrow α12 in FIG. 3A.

In this way, the water is stored in the drainage path in the lower part of the outer tank 10, that is, the water is supplied to the water level s1 (see FIG. 7) at which the heater mounting recess 10p and the sensor mounting recess 10s of the outer tank 10 are submerged, The shower valve 31a is closed (step S14).
After that, when the main valve 31b is opened, the detergent and water are supplied from the rear water inlet k3 into the outer tub 10 through the detergent container 32a containing the detergent, as indicated by the arrow α21 in FIG. That is, the main valve 31b is opened, and detergent and water are added (step S15). At this time, the washing water is blocked by the front wall portion 18b of the heater base 18, and the detergent in the washing water stays in the heater mounting recess 10p and the sensor mounting recess 10s of the outer tub 10. FIG.

Then, water is supplied to the water level s2 (see FIG. 7) below the drum 11, and the main valve 31b is closed (step S16). At this time, the clothes in the drum 11 should not be soaked with washing water containing detergent and water. This is to avoid sweat on clothes or the like from affecting the detection value of the conductivity sensor 19 .
That is, the washing water containing detergent and water is supplied to the water level s2 (see FIG. 7) below the drum 11 at which it does not come into contact with the drum 11 . The drum 11 is then rotated several times. Then, the outer tub 10 filled with washing water containing detergent and water is shaken to dissolve the detergent in the water.

After that, the electrical conductivity is detected by the electrical conductivity sensor 19, and the control unit 20 acquires the detergent amount (step S17). The height of the front wall portion 18b is set so that the amount of detergent can be detected by the conductivity sensor 19, the washing liquid is accumulated in the heater mounting recess 10p and the sensor mounting recess 10s of the outer tub 10, and the introduced detergent is It is determined by a height that can be measured with sufficient accuracy by the conductivity sensor 19 .
Then, water is supplied up to a predetermined amount of water for the washing process, the main valve 31b is closed, and the washing operation is started (step S18).

According to the above configuration, the presence of the front wall portion 18b prevents the detergent from flowing into the drain hose 8 side and allows the detergent component to remain in the outer tub 10 of the washing tub. As a result, it is possible to ensure cleaning performance with no wastage of the detergent, and to allow the conductivity sensor 19 to determine the detergent.

In addition, the front wall portion 18b is formed by changing the shape of the part of the heater base 18 that is originally scheduled to be mounted on the installation of the front wall portion 18b. Therefore, the front wall portion 18b can be formed while suppressing costs without generating additional parts.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a gap 18f is formed between the front wall portion 18b and the left wall portion 18d so that the washing water and the rinsing water do not clog up. Cloth waste and the like are prevented from accumulating on the heater base 18 .
Conventionally, the drum-type washer/dryer has a connection port through which detergent and water are introduced from the water supply unit into the washing tub during washing. The connection port is provided in the upper left rear part of the main body. A check valve is provided between the water inlet and the washing tub to prevent steam from entering the water supply unit during the drying process.
Detergent and water are supplied from the water supply unit to the washing tub from the upper connection water inlet to the lower washing tub. Therefore, an S-shaped pipeline is formed so that the water and detergent do not rush into the washing tub and splash on the drum tub.
Regarding the configuration of the connection port described above, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-114286, as illustrated in FIG. 1, prevents hot and humid dry air from entering the detergent case (16) during the drying process, A trap pipe (water supply path 27) is provided by bending a water supply bellows hose into an S shape in order to prevent dripping of condensed water from the detergent case (16) and to prevent leakage of steam. Further, a configuration is described in which the direction of connecting the water supply bellows hose (water supply path 27) to the outer tank (3) is downward.
Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2021-3272 discloses a water supply path (55) provided with a groove (55) so that supplied water flows to the bottom of the outer tank (2), as shown in FIG. 50) are formed. Then, the supplied water is made to flow to the conductivity sensor (4) provided at the bottom of the outer tank (2).
By the way, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-114286, the direction of connecting the water supply bellows hose (water supply path 27) to the outer tank (3) is downward. However, if the connection between the detergent case (16) and the water supply bellows hose (water supply path 27) is changed horizontally due to space considerations, when a large amount of water flows in at once due to high water pressure, the outer tank (3) It may hit the provided flow path and scatter to the side of the rotating drum (1). If the detergent adheres to the clothes in the rotating drum (1), there is a risk that the determination by the conductivity sensor will be incorrect. Moreover, since the trap pipe (water supply path 27) is provided by bending the water supply bellows hose into an S shape, a large space is taken.
For these reasons, conventional drum-type washer/dryers cannot accurately grasp the hardness of the water used for washing, the amount of detergent contained in the washing water, the degree of rinsing, and the degree of dehydration. Optimal control of the drum-type washer/dryer is not always possible.
An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of performing optimum control, comprising a housing, an outer tub provided in the housing, and an inlet inserted into the outer tub for loading laundry. a liquid supply unit for supplying detergent and liquid to the outer tank; and a liquid supply hose through which the detergent and the liquid from the liquid supply unit pass, wherein the outer tank is connected to the liquid supply hose. is connected, and a liquid supply connection port for supplying liquid from the lateral direction is connected, and the flow path from the liquid supply connection port to the outer tank is formed with a partially narrow shape. do.
A detailed description will be given below.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the internal body of the drum-type washing machine D according to the embodiment, excluding the housing 1, viewed from the upper left rear.

FIG. 12 is a front right perspective view of the drum-type washing machine D according to the embodiment, excluding the control unit 20, the water supply unit 21U, and the drying unit 22 installed on the housing 1 and the outer tub 10. indicate.

A drum-type washing machine D shown in FIG. 1 has a housing 1 forming an outer shell. The housing 1 is composed of a housing body 1b forming both side surfaces and a rear surface, an underplate (not shown), a front cover 1a positioned behind the door 2, and a top cover 1c.
The housing body 1b is formed in a U-shape by integrally forming both side surfaces and a back surface of a steel plate. An underplate (not shown) is arranged below the housing body 1b. The front cover 1a covers the front surface of the housing body 1b. The top cover 1c is arranged on the top.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 2A, inside the housing 1 of the drum-type washing machine D, an outer tub 10 for storing water is provided.
The outer tub 10 inserts a drum 11 for storing laundry. The outer tank 10 has a cylindrical body plate 10d and a rear plate 10u (bottom plate of the outer tank).

FIG. 13 shows the drum-type washing machine D according to the embodiment, excluding the housing 1, the control unit 20 installed on the outer tub 10, the water supply unit 21U, and the drying unit 22, viewed from the upper left rear. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view;
The outer tub 10 is suspended from the left and right sides of the housing 1 (see FIG. 1) via springs (not shown) so that the center of gravity of the outer tub 10 is arranged at the center of the housing 1 . A lower portion of the outer tub 10 is supported by a vibration isolation member 12 fixed to the housing 1 .

A cylindrical saw cover 10c is installed on the outer circumference of the front portion of the outer tub 10 .
As shown in FIG. 12, the drum 11 has a cylindrical drum body plate 11d and a flat bottom plate 11s.
The drum 11 is provided with a plurality of dehydration holes 11 a for draining the washing water in the drum 11 to the outer tub 10 .

As shown in FIG. 2A, the inner peripheral surface of the drum 11 is provided with a plurality of baffles 14 . The baffle 14 is a member for lifting clothes thrown into the drum 11 .
The baffles 14 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the drum 11 and installed so as to extend in the front-rear direction of the drum 11 .

A front cover 1a (see FIG. 1) arranged behind the door 2 has a circular opening 1a1 for loading and unloading clothes concentrically with an opening 11k (insertion port) of the outer tub 10 (see FIG. 2A). (see FIG. 1).

The door 2 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with an operation section 3 in which operation switches and the like are arranged. The operation unit 3 has a glass touch panel system, and is electrically connected to a control unit 20 (see FIG. 11) provided inside the housing 1 .

A water supply hose connection port (not shown) for supplying water (liquid supply) from a tap to the drum-type washing machine D is provided on the upper back of the housing 1 .

A rotating shaft 4 connected to a drum 11 is rotatably supported at the rear portion of the outer tub 10 shown in FIG. A pulley 5 is connected to the rotating shaft 4 . A motor 13 is connected to the pulley 5 via a belt 6 . A motor 13 rotates a drum 11 (see FIG. 3A) through a belt 6, a pulley 5, and a rotating shaft 4. As shown in FIG. The rotating shaft 4 is horizontal or substantially horizontal. Since the rotating shaft 4 is horizontal or substantially horizontal, the model can be used overseas.

As shown in FIG. 11, a control unit 20 is provided above the outer tub 10 . The control unit 20 is inputted with a detection signal and the like of the electric conductivity sensor 19, which will be described later, and controls the drum-type washing machine D centrally based on the detection signal and the like.

The opening 10a of the outer tub 10 shown in FIG. 2A and the inlet 1a1 (see FIG. 1) of the housing 1 are connected by a bellows 15 that mainly expands and contracts in the front-rear direction. The bellows 15 is formed of an annular elastic member, and seals the door 2 and the drum 11 by closing the door 2 . In addition, the inlet 1a1 (see FIG. 1) of the housing 1, the opening 10a of the outer tank 10, and the opening 11k of the drum 11 communicate with each other.
By opening the door 2, clothes can be taken in and out of the drum 11 through the inlet 1a1, the opening 10a, and the opening 11k.

A drain port 10h (see FIG. 5A) is provided at the lower front portion of the saw cover 10c. A drain hose 8 is connected to the drain port 10h.
A drainage pump 8p (see FIG. 2B) is provided in the drainage path of the drainage hose 8 provided at the bottom of the outer tank 10 shown in FIG. 2B. When the drain pump 8p does not operate, the water supplied to the outer tank 10 is stored in the outer tank 10. - 特許庁On the other hand, when the drain pump 8p is operated, the washing water in the outer tub 10 is drained out of the drum-type washing machine D through the drain hose 8.

Since the drum-type washing machine D is provided with the drain pump 8p and does not have a drain valve for discharging the washing water, the drain pump 8p can be operated even when the washing water discharge position is higher than the drum-type washing machine D. It can operate and discharge washing water.

<Water supply unit 21U>
As shown in FIG. 11, a water supply unit 21U having a water supply valve 21, a shower valve 21a, and a main valve 21b is provided in the rear portion of the housing 1. As shown in FIG.
When the water supply valve 21 and the shower valve 21a are opened, the water flowing from the shower valve 21a branches into the front side (arrow α11 in FIG. 11) and the rear side (arrow α12 in FIG. 11).
The branched front side flows into the outer tub 10 as a shower from the front water inlet k1 in the front portion of the saw cover 10c shown in FIG. 2A, as indicated by an arrow α11 in FIG.

The branched rear side flows in as a shower from the duct k2 of the outer tub 10 as indicated by an arrow α12 in FIG.
The water supply unit 21 shown in FIG. 11 includes a detergent containing portion 21e for containing detergent and a finishing agent containing portion 21f for containing finishing agent. The detergent storage portion 21e and the finishing agent storage portion 21f of the water supply unit 21 can be drawn forward. Then, the user puts the detergent and the finishing agent into the detergent accommodating portion 21e and the finishing agent accommodating portion 21f, respectively, while they are pulled out in advance.

During washing, when the water supply valve 21 and the main valve 21b are opened, water flows in from the water supply hose connection port, and as shown by the arrow α21 in FIG. Water is supplied to the outer tank 10 from the water supply port k3. The detergent container 21e and the finisher container 21f are filled with detergent and finisher in advance by the user. Detergent is introduced into the outer tub 10 together with water supplied from the main valve 21b.
At the time of rinsing, the finishing agent is put into the outer tub 10 from the finishing agent storage portion 21f through the water supply bellows hose 30 together with the supplied water.

<Drainage route>
A drainage pump 8p is provided in the drainage path of the drainage hose 8 provided at the bottom of the outer tub 10 shown in FIG. 2B. When the drain pump 8p does not operate, the water supplied to the outer tank 10 is stored in the outer tank 10. - 特許庁On the other hand, when the drain pump 8p is operated, the washing water in the outer tub 10 is drained out of the drum-type washing machine D through the drain hose 8.
Since the drum-type washing machine D is provided with a drain pump 8p and does not have a discharge valve for discharging the washing water, the washing water is discharged even when the washing water discharge position is higher than the drum-type washing machine D. can do.

As shown in FIG. 11, a drying unit 22 for drying clothes is provided above the outer tub 10 in the housing 1 (see FIG. 1). The drying unit 22 includes a heating section 22a in which a heater for heating air is arranged, and a blower fan 22b for blowing air to the heating section 22a.

The control unit 20, the water supply unit 21U, and the drying unit 22 are arranged to extend in the front-rear direction of the housing 1.

<Conductivity sensor 19>
FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the outer tub 10 excluding the drum 11 and the like as seen from the upper right. FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the conductivity sensor 19 installed in the sensor mounting recess 10s of the outer tank 10. As shown in FIG.
A lower front portion of the saw cover 10c is provided with a downwardly recessed drainage recess 10o in which a drainage port 10h is installed.
In the bottom of the outer tank 10, a heater mounting recess 10p for mounting the heater 17 is recessed in a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape elongated in the front-rear direction.

Adjacent to the left front portion of the heater mounting recess 10p of the outer tub 10, a sensor mounting recess 10s is formed to have a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape and be recessed downward.

A conductivity sensor 19 shown in FIG. 5B is installed in the sensor mounting recess 10s. The conductivity sensor 19 is installed so that the electrodes 19d face each other substantially symmetrically. The conductivity sensor 19 becomes conductive when there is a liquid between the opposing electrodes 19d, and detects the conductivity of the liquid.
The conductivity sensor 19 measures the conductivity of the washing water, and the hardness of the water used for washing, the outer tub 1
It is possible to measure the amount of detergent put into 0, the degree of rinsing, the progress of dehydration, etc.

<Rear water inlet k3>
FIG. 14 shows a part of the drum type washing machine D excluding the housing 1, the control unit 20 installed on the outer tub 10, the water supply unit 21U, and the drying unit 22 (the cross section of the rear water supply cylinder 25). ) is viewed from the rear. A cylindrical rear water pipe 25 is formed extending laterally from the outer tub 10 .
The rear water supply port k3 is formed at the tip of a cylindrical rear water supply tube 25 extending laterally from the outer tub 10 .

By the way, when a large amount of water flows in at once with high water pressure through the rear water inlet k3, it hits the channel provided in the outer tub 10 and splashes toward the drum 11 side of the washing tub. If the washing water and the detergent adhere to the clothes in the drum 11, there is a risk that the conductivity sensor 19 will make an incorrect determination of the conductivity for measuring the detergent.
Therefore, in this drum-type washing machine D, as will be described later, the shape of the flow path of the rear water pipe 25 (liquid supply connection port) of the water supply connection port in the outer tub 10 is designed to reduce the force when water flows in. It corresponds to the shape.

<Water supply bellows hose 30>
As shown in FIG. 13, a water supply bellows hose 30 is connected to the rear water supply port k3. That is, the laterally extending rear water supply tube 25 has one end connected to the outer tub 10 and the other end connected to the water supply bellows hose 30 .
FIG. 15 shows a view in the direction of arrow I in FIG. In addition, in FIG. 15, the inside of the bent tube-shaped water discharge portion 30d of the water supply bellows hose 30 is shown in cross section.
The bellows water supply hose 30 has a straight water inlet portion 30a, a U-shaped bent trap 30b, a bellows portion 30c, and a curved water outlet portion 30d. Since the water supply bellows hose 30 has a U-shaped bent trap 30b, it is compact.

Washing water and detergent, rinsing water and finishing agent to be supplied to the rear water inlet k3 of the outer tub 10 flow into the water inlet 30a through the water supply unit 21U.
The U-shaped bend trap 30b is a trap having a substantially U-shape. The U-shaped bent trap 30b is formed by once water enters, and isolates the outer tank 10 from the outer space (indoor). The U-shaped bent trap 30b prevents or suppresses leakage of steam from the outer tank 10 to the external space (indoor). Steam is generated in the hot water operation and drying operation of the drum-type washing machine D.

The bellows portion 30c absorbs the displacement of the outer tub 10 by expanding and contracting the bellows shape with respect to the vibrating motion of the outer tub 10 during dehydration.
The water outlet portion 30d is formed following the bellows portion 30c, and as shown in FIG. 13, has a bent pipe shape so as to be connected to the bellows portion 30c and the rear water supply port k3.

<Rear water tank 25>
As shown in FIG. 14, the rear water pipe 25 is formed integrally with the outer tub 10 .
The rear water supply pipe 25 has a rear water supply port k3 formed at one end thereof, and is connected to the outer tub 10 at the other end thereof.

<Narrow wall 26>
FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line II--II in FIG.
A narrow passage wall 26 that narrows the flow path r1 of the rear water supply tube 25 is formed in the outer tub 10 in the vicinity of the connection portion 25s of the rear water supply tube 25 to the outer tub 10 . That is, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the narrow passage wall 26 has a shape that narrows the flow path r1 entering the outer tank 10 and directs it toward the rear plate 10u (bottom plate of the outer tank) of the outer tank 10 on the rear side. (white arrow α10 in FIG. 16).

The narrow passage wall 26 is formed in a shape projecting from the front portion of the flow passage r1 of the rear water supply tube 25 (the right side of the flow passage r1 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16) toward the central portion. The narrow passage wall 26 partially narrows the cross-sectional area of the flow passage r1 of the rear water supply tube 25 . Therefore, the washing water flowing through the rear water supply tube 25 is guided by the narrow passage wall 26 toward the rear plate 10u of the outer tub 10 as indicated by the white arrow α10 in FIG.
By guiding the washing water toward the rear plate 10u of the outer tub 10, the washing water supplied from the rear water supply tube 25 is prevented from splashing onto the drum body plate 11d (see FIG. 2A) of the drum 11. be.

<Flow path 27 formed in rear plate 10u of outer tank 10>
FIG. 17 shows a cross section of the rear plate 10u of the outer tub 10 and the rear water pipe 25 as seen from the front.
Continuing to the rear water supply cylinder 25, it is positioned on the rear plate 10u of the outer tub 10 at approximately the same position as the rear water supply cylinder 25 in the front-rear direction, or positioned more rearward (to the left of the rear water supply cylinder 25 in FIG. 16). A flow path 27 is formed downward. A channel 27 formed in the rear plate 10u of the outer tub 10 has a groove shape. A bank portion 27d forming the flow path 27 is formed at a height from the rear plate 10u of the outer tub 10 so as not to come into contact with the bottom plate 11s (see FIG. 12) of the front drum 11. As shown in FIG.

That is, the channel 27 formed in the rear plate 10u of the outer tub 10 is a channel recessed rearward (to the left of the rear water pipe 25 in FIG. 16). The channel 27 of the rear plate 10u of the outer tub 10 is recessed in one step so that the washing water flows along or faces the bottom plate 11s of the drum 11 (see FIG. 12). (See Fig. 2A) I try not to go to the side.
Since the drum body plate 11d (see FIG. 2A) has a plurality of dewatering holes 11a, when the washing water is applied to the clothes in the drum 11 through the dewatering holes 11a, dirt on the clothes seeps into the washing water, and the electric conductivity increases. This is because an error occurs in detection of the electrical conductivity of the washing water by the sensor 19 .

Since the bottom plate 11s (see FIG. 12) of the drum 11 has no holes, there is no problem with a little splashing of washing water. However, if the washing water scatters a little, it scatters to the drum body plate 11d (see FIG. 2A) side, and there is a risk that it will splash on the clothes in the drum 11 through the dehydration holes 11a.

The channel 27 shown in FIG. 17 has a first channel 27a extending obliquely downward and a second channel 27b extending downward continuously from the first channel 27a.
<Guide wall 27a1>
An obliquely downward guide wall 27a1 (see FIG. 17) is formed so as to protrude forward from the rear plate 10u of the outer tank 10 at the starting position of the first flow path 27a. The guide wall 27a1 is formed on the rear plate 10u of the outer tub 10 so as to protrude forward to near the side edge 26c of the narrow passage wall 26 shown in FIG.

The washing water (see arrow α11 in FIG. 17) flowing out from the rear water pipe 25 into the outer tub 10 collides (contacts) with the guide wall 27a1 (guide) formed on the rear plate 10u. Then, the washing water hitting the guide wall 27a1 is guided downward as indicated by the arrow α12 in FIG. 17 and weakened. As a result, the washing water supplied from the rear water supply tube 25 (arrow α11 in FIG. 17) flows through the first flow path 27a1 of the flow path 27 and becomes the washing water whose momentum has weakened (arrow α13 in FIG. 17). 11 is prevented or suppressed from being caught on the drum body plate 11d (see FIG. 2A).

The washing water flowing through the first flow path 27a of the flow path 27 flows downward along the second flow path 27b extending vertically following the first flow path 27a (arrow α14 in FIG. 17).
In this way, the water and detergent are poured into the bottom of the outer tub 10 without getting on the clothes in the drum 11 (arrow β1 in FIG. 5A). stored in

According to the above configuration, in order to weaken the momentum of the washing water from the rear water supply tube 25, the upward guide wall 27a1 is formed, and the washing water scatters toward the drum body plate 11d (see FIG. 2A) of the drum 11. 17) is formed in the rear plate 10u of the outer tub 10, water and detergent are not splashed on the clothes in the drum tub 11, and the electrical conductivity of the bottom of the outer tub 10 is improved. Pour into the place where the sensor 19 is located.
Thereby, the judgment value by the conductivity sensor 19 can be clearly seen. Therefore, the effect of preventing or suppressing erroneous detection by the conductivity sensor 19 is achieved.

Therefore, it is possible to accurately and accurately determine the washing water by the conductivity sensor 19, and it is possible to accurately control the intended washing and improve the washing performance.
From the above, the optimum washing control of the drum-type washing machine D can be performed.

<<other embodiments>>
1. In the above-described embodiment, the electric conductivity sensor 19 is used as an example of the liquid property detection means, but liquid property detection means other than the electric conductivity sensor 19, such as a dirt detection sensor, can also be applied to the present invention.

2. The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications and specific forms are possible within the scope of the attached claims.

1 housing 4 rotary shaft 8p drainage pump (drainage pump)
10 outer tank 10h drain port (drain port)
11 drum (inner tank)
11k Input port (opening)
17 heater 18 heater base (plate material for heater)
18b Front wall portion (damming portion)
18f gap (outlet)
19 conductivity sensor 19d electrode (sensor detection part)
20 control unit 30 water supply unit s1 water level (first water level)
s2 water level (second water level)
D drum type washing machine (washing machine)
k3 supply port (rear water supply port)

Claims

A housing, an outer tub provided in the housing, an inner tub provided with an inlet inserted into the outer tub for loading laundry, a water supply unit supplying detergent and liquid to the outer tub, and a washing machine. and a control unit that controls the operation of
The outer tub has a supply port into which the liquid used for washing and the detergent are put, and a drainage port provided on the front bottom,
A sensor for detecting the amount of detergent in the washing liquid is provided between the supply port and the drainage port, and a damming portion having a shape that obstructs the flow of the detergent toward the drainage port is provided. A washing machine characterized by:
In the washing machine according to claim 1,
The washing machine, wherein the height of the damming portion is below the inner tub and above a lower end portion of the detection portion of the sensor.
In the washing machine according to claim 1,
The control unit is
After supplying the liquid to a first water level lower than the height of the damming portion by the water supply unit,
The water supply unit supplies the washing liquid containing the liquid and the detergent to a second water level below the inner tank and lower than the damming portion,
The washing machine is characterized in that the sensor is controlled to detect the amount of detergent in the washing liquid at the second water level.
In the washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine comprising an outflow port through which the liquid accumulated in the damming portion flows.
In the washing machine according to claim 1,
A heater for heating a liquid and a heater plate on which the heater is installed,
The washing machine, wherein the damming portion is formed by bending the heater plate.
In the washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine comprising a drainage pump for discharging the washing liquid.
In the washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine, wherein the rotating shaft of the inner tub is arranged horizontally or substantially horizontally.
a housing, an outer tank provided in the housing, an inner tank having an inlet inserted into the outer tank for loading laundry, a liquid supply unit for supplying detergent and liquid to the outer tank, a liquid supply hose through which the detergent and the liquid from the liquid supply unit pass;
The outer tank is connected to the liquid supply hose and to a liquid supply connection port for supplying liquid from the lateral direction,
A washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a channel leading from the liquid supply connection port to the outer tub is formed with a shape that is partially narrowed.
In the washing machine according to claim 8,
A washing machine, wherein a flat plate-like bottom plate of the outer tub is formed with a guide for guiding upward the liquid that has flowed in from the liquid supply connection port.
In the washing machine according to claim 8,
The flat plate-like bottom plate of the outer tank is formed with a groove-shaped liquid guide channel along the rear plate of the inner tank, through which the liquid and the detergent flow,
A washing machine characterized by:
In the washing machine according to claim 8,
A washing machine, wherein liquid property detection means is provided at the bottom of the outer tub.
In the washing machine according to claim 8,
The washing machine, wherein the liquid supply hose has a U-shaped trap.