CN101078168A - Electric washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric washing machine, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electric washing machine that dissolves detergent satisfactorily at low cost and without complicating the structure without providing a mechanism for clogging a circulation path or a powder detergent dissolving device. The electric washing machine of the present invention has: an outer tub for storing washing water; an inner tub serving as a washing and dehydrating tub rotatably provided in the outer tub; the washing water accumulated at the bottom of the outer tub is sucked up and sprayed into the inner tub A washing water circulation mechanism for circulating the washing water; a washing water circulation path included in the washing water circulation mechanism; and an electric circulation pump for sucking up the washing water and circulating the washing water. The detergent dissolving function that dissolves the detergent contained in the washing water by returning the washing water to and from the bottom of the outer tub after the washing water rises halfway through the washing water circulation path.

Description

electric washing machine

technical field

The present invention relates to an electric washing machine equipped with a washing water circulation mechanism including a circulation pump for pumping up washing water stored in an outer tub and spraying it onto laundry in an inner tub.

Background technique

The electric washing machine equipped with the washing water circulation mechanism performs washing while spraying washing water on the laundry, so that washing is performed satisfactorily. Furthermore, since the washing water is sprayed on the laundry from above, the laundry can be washed even if it floats to the surface of the washing water, so there is an advantage that washing can be performed with a small amount of washing water.

Patent Document 1: JP-A-7-68082.

If this kind of electric washing machine pumps the washing water containing undissolved powder detergent to the washing from the upper part of the inner tub and sprays it on the laundry, the powder will enter the gaps of the clothes and dissolve slowly, so it is possible to significantly reduce washing, rinse performance.

To dissolve powdered detergent, a member that blocks the circulation path is required to prevent spraying until sufficient dissolution occurs. This complicates the structure, and there is concern about complicating control and manufacturing operations.

In addition, although there is an electric washing machine equipped with a powder detergent dissolving device for dissolving powder detergent, there are disadvantages in that the price increases and the structure becomes complicated.

Contents of the invention

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an electric washing machine that dissolves detergent favorably at low cost and without complicating the structure without providing a mechanism for clogging a circulation path or a powder detergent dissolving device.

The present invention is an electric washing machine, comprising: an outer tub for storing washing water; an inner tub as a washing and dehydrating tub freely rotatably arranged in the outer tub; the washing water accumulated at the bottom of the outer tub is sucked up and sprayed on the A washing water circulation mechanism for circulating the inside of the inner tub; a washing water circulation path included in the washing water circulation mechanism; and an electric circulation pump for sucking up the washing water and circulating the washing water, wherein the electric circulation pump has suction , the detergent dissolving function that dissolves the detergent contained in the washing water by repeating the washing water returning to the bottom of the outer tub after rising halfway through the washing water circulation path.

The present invention has the following effects.

According to the present invention, the dissolution of the powdered detergent is favorably performed by the operation of the circulation pump, so that an inexpensive electric washing machine with an uncomplicated structure can be provided.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an electric washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a detergent inlet and a related water supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically showing functional parts of the electric washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a state in the middle of pumping water to an internal pipe (wash water circulation path) by an electric circulation pump according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a diagram showing a state in which the electric circulation pump is stopped to return the raised washing water to the suction side of the electric circulation pump according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a controller of the electric washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a basic control processing program performed by a microcomputer on a controller of an electric washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the picture:

5-outer barrel; 2-washing and dehydration barrel (inner barrel); 28-washing water circulation channel; 26-electric circulation pump.

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 .

The electric washing machine exemplified in this embodiment has a drying mechanism, but the present invention can be applied to an electric washing machine without a drying mechanism. In addition, this electric washing machine is a vertical washing machine, but the present invention can be applied to a drum washing machine.

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view showing the state of longitudinally sectioning the electric washing machine, Fig. 2 is an external perspective view showing the detergent inlet of the electric washing machine, Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of the electric washing machine constituted in this way, and Fig. 6 is the electric washing machine. The block diagram of the control system of the washing machine, Fig. 7 is a flow chart of the basic control processing program carried out by the microcomputer on the controller.

In Fig. 1, 1 is a square tubular outer frame that constitutes the outer contour, and 2 is a washing and dehydrating bucket that constitutes an inner tub. On its peripheral wall, there is a small hole 2a for water flow and ventilation. In the fluid balancer 3 , a rotary disk 4 is rotatably provided inside the bottom.

5 is the outer tub of the above-mentioned washing and dehydration tub 2 in the inner package, and the washing and dehydration driving device 7 is installed by the installation base 6 made of steel plate in the outside of its bottom. Although illustration is omitted, the outer tub 5 is supported by four support rods through a buffer device, and the support rods are locked to the corner plates provided on the four corners of the upper end of the outer frame 1 to hang down.

The outer tub 5 is evenly supported by cooperating with four support rods in four directions, so as to hang from the center of the outer frame 1 .

The above-mentioned washing and dehydrating driving device 7 is equipped with a washing and dehydrating driving motor using a reversible rotation capacitor split-phase single-phase induction motor or a frequency conversion speed regulating driving motor, an electromagnetically operated clutch mechanism and a planetary gear reduction mechanism.

This electric washing machine has the following driving functions, that is, by controlling the washing and dehydration driving motor and the electromagnetically operated clutch mechanism, it is selectively performed: the rotating disk 4 is driven to repeatedly rotate forward and backward (reciprocating) in the state of the static washing and dehydrating bucket 2 mode; and a dehydration drive mode in which the washing and dehydration tub 2 and the rotary disk 4 are integrally rotated in the same direction.

8 is the top cover, 8a is the outer clothing inlet, 8b is the contact surface, 8c is the switch installation surface, 8d is the powder detergent input box, 10 is the outer cover, 10a is the rear half, 10c is the front half, 10d is the handle department.

28 is a washing water circulation channel, 32 is a water cooling dehumidification mechanism, 48 is a water supply pipe for fine detergent, 49 is a water supply pipe for detergent, 16 is a water sprinkling port, 17 is an air injection port, 18 is a detergent input port, 19 is a water supply port, 27 28 is a washing water circulation channel, and 32 is a water-cooled dehumidification mechanism.

2 is washing and dehydration bucket (inner bucket), 4 is a rotating disk, 4a is an inclined convex surface, 5 is an outer bucket, and 5b is a drainage port and an exhaust port.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 , the outer tub 5 has a gas choke box 5 a on the lower side wall thereof for water level detection. A pressure-sensitive water level detection sensor 22 as a water level detection unit is connected to the gas choke box 5a through an air duct 21, and a drain and exhaust port 5b is provided at the bottom.

In FIG. 2, 8d is the powder detergent injection box which injects powder detergent. The above-mentioned powdered detergent input tank 8d is connected to a detergent water pipe 49 . The detergent water supply solenoid valve 50a of the water supply mechanism 50 is connected to the above-mentioned detergent water supply pipe 49 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , the drain/exhaust port 5 b is connected to each water inlet of a drain solenoid valve 25 and an electric circulation pump 26 through a bellows 23 and an internal pipe 24 .

The drain solenoid valve 25 and the electric circulation pump 26 are arranged on fixed parts related to the outer frame 1 . The water outlet of the drain electromagnetic valve 25 is connected with an external drain hose 27 .

The water outlet of the electric circulation pump 26 is connected to the sprinkling port 16 through the internal pipe 28 , the bellows 29 and the internal pipe 30 . A lint filter 31 is detachably provided in the middle of the internal piping 30 .

Here, the above-mentioned drain/exhaust port 5b, bellows 23, internal piping 24, electric circulation pump 26, internal piping 28, 30, bellows 29, and water spout 16 constitute a washing water circulation mechanism.

The washing water circulation path included in the washing water circulation mechanism includes internal piping 28, bellows 23, internal piping 24, and the like.

A water-cooled dehumidification mechanism 32 is provided inside the rear side of the outer frame 1 .

As known, the basic structure of this water-cooled dehumidification mechanism 32 is configured to suck out the humid air in the outer tub 5 from the drain and exhaust port 5b, and after the water-cooled dehumidification is performed, the relative humidity is reduced by heating, and then from the washing and dehydration. The structure in which the top of the tub 2 blows into the washing and dehydrating tub 2 constitutes a part of the drying air circulation system.

As shown in Figure 1, the water-cooled dehumidification mechanism 32 is equipped with a water-cooled dehumidification air duct 34 connected to the above-mentioned drain and exhaust port 5b through a bellows 33, a water-cooled dehumidification plate 35 is arranged in the water-cooled dehumidification air duct 34, and a lint filter is installed on the way. Device 36 and electric blower 37.

In the water-cooling and dehumidifying duct 34 , the above-mentioned water-cooling and dehumidifying plate 35 is provided in an ascending duct 34 a extending upward from the bellows 33 .

Further, a descending air passage 34b extending downward by being folded back from the upper end portion of the ascending air passage 34a is provided, and the above-mentioned lint filter 36 is detachably provided on the folded-back portion.

The humidity sensor 38 which is sensitive to the humidity of the air which flows in this downflow path 34b is provided in the downflow path 34b.

The suction port of the electric blower 37 is connected to the lower end of the descending air passage 34b, and the ascending air passage 34c extending upward from the discharge port of the electric blower 37 is provided.

The front end of the ascending air passage 34c is connected to the above-mentioned gas injection port 17 through an air heating pipe 39 and a corrugated pipe 40, and a PTC heater 41 as an electric heater for heating circulating air is installed in the above-mentioned air heating pipe 39.

The control system of this electric washing machine is constituted as shown in FIG. 6 .

45 is a controller, and the instruction input button switch 11a provided in the operation display panel part 11 is equipped with the switch group which sets various washing courses. The display panel 11b displays the display of the set washing course, the progress status of each process (processing), or the detected amount of detergent.

12 is a power switch. Once the power switch 12 is pressed, the self-protection relay 45d is entered. 13 is an outer cover opening and closing indicator switch, 13a is an outer cover opening and closing switch, 45c is a DC power supply circuit, and 14 is a detergent amount detection indicating switch. 22 is a water level detection sensor, 38 is a humidity sensor, and 46 is a fully open detection sensor for the outer cover.

45b is a load drive circuit. 7 is a washing and dehydrating driving device, 7a is a washing and dehydrating driving motor, and 7b is an electromagnetically operated clutch mechanism. 10f is an outer cover locking mechanism, 25 is a drain solenoid valve, 26 is an electric circulation pump, and 37 is an electric blower. 41 is a PTC heater, 50 is a water supply mechanism, 50a is a solenoid valve for detergent water supply, 50b is a solenoid valve for fine detergent water supply, 50c is a solenoid valve for washing water supply, and 50e is a solenoid valve for cooling water supply.

The above-mentioned microcomputer 45a is configured to start up when the power switch 12 is pressed to turn on the power when washing and drying are performed, and executes the basic control processing program of washing and drying as shown in FIG. 7 .

Referring to Fig. 7, the basic control procedure of washing and drying will be described.

[Step S01]

Lighting indicates that the display panel 11b of the display panel unit 11 is operated, the washing process is set according to the instruction input from the instruction input button switch 11a, and washing is started. In the state of no instruction input, the standard washing course or the last washing course is automatically set.

[Step S02]

When an instruction is input from the detergent amount detection instruction switch 14, the detergent amount detection process is performed.

The amount of detergent is detected by controlling the washing and dehydration driving motor 7a and the electromagnetically operated clutch mechanism 7b on the washing and dehydrating driving device 7 under the dry cloth state before the washing water is supplied, so that the washing and dehydrating tub 2 at rest The state detects the load amount acting on the turntable 4 when the turntable 4 rotates in one direction, detects the cloth amount of the laundry, and obtains an appropriate amount of detergent (detergent amount) based on the detected cloth amount.

Specifically, the detection of the amount of cloth is carried out as follows, that is, in the structure using a capacitor-separated phase single-phase induction motor as the washing and dehydrating drive motor 7a, under the state where the power is supplied so that the washing and dehydrating drive motor 7a rises to the saturated rotational speed, Detects the inertial rotation deceleration characteristics after power failure.

In the configuration in which an inverter drive motor is used as the washing and dehydrating driving motor 7a, it is performed by detecting the rotation speed reached when the washing and dehydrating driving motor 7a is rotated by supplying power for a predetermined time.

In addition, the preferable amount of detergent is obtained by referring to a comparison table of the amount of cloth and the amount of detergent set in advance.

[Step S03]

The calculated amount of detergent is displayed on the display panel 11 b of the operation display panel unit 11 . The user injects the indicated amount of powder detergent.

[Step S04]

The powdered detergent dropped into the powdered detergent input box 8d passes through the power supply to the detergent water supply solenoid valve 50a, utilizes the detergent dissolved water dropped in from the detergent water supply pipe 49, and passes through the bellows 20 from the detergent input port 18 to the outer tub. 5 flows into the internal piping 24.

The feed water of the above-mentioned detergent dissolved water is carried out about 3-5 liters.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the electric circulation pump 26 is driven at a rotation speed of about 1000 to 2000 rpm for about 8 seconds, and the pumping of water to the middle of the internal piping 28 is controlled.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5 , by setting the electric circulation pump 26 in a non-energized state for about 5 seconds, the detergent-dissolved water in the middle of pumping to the internal pipe 28 is suddenly dropped.

As described above, the electric circulation pump 26 is used to dissolve the detergent about 5 times in the middle of rising and descending the detergent dissolved water to the longitudinally extending internal pipe 28 of the washing water circulation passage to fully dissolve the powdered detergent.

The detergent concentration of the washing water produced by dissolving the detergent is about 10 times the standard concentration. Here, the standard concentration is defined as 20 grams of powder detergent/30 liters of washing water.

The amount of detergent dissolved in water is also suitable for dissolving soap powder to generate high-concentration detergent liquid.

In this way, by repeatedly operating and stopping the electric circulation pump 26 that constitutes the washing water circulation mechanism, the dissolving function of dissolving detergent can be brought about, so it is possible to provide a device or machine that does not need to be used for dissolving detergent, and has a simple and cheap structure. Electric washing machine.

[Step S05]

Rotate the rotating disk 4 in the forward and reverse direction with the washing and dehydrating bucket 3 at rest, and simultaneously drive the electric circulation pump 26 at a rotation speed of about 3000 rpm or more to spray the laundry on the rotating disk 4 from the sprinkling port 16 and discharge it. its looping.

[step 805]

Start the washing process.

The forward and reverse rotation time (forward rotation time, pause time, reverse rotation time) or washing time of the rotary disk 4 in this washing is set according to the washing process.

And, in this washing, supplementary water supply according to the amount of cloth is appropriately performed several times as needed. The detergent concentration of the washing water after supplementing the water supply is about 2 to 3 times the standard concentration.

Perform washing water drainage and dehydration. The washing water is drained by opening the drain solenoid valve 25 to allow the wash water in the outer tub 5 to flow out from the drain and exhaust port 5b to the external drain hose 27 through the bellows 23, the internal piping 24, and the drain solenoid valve 25.

In addition, the dehydration of the washing water is performed by controlling the washing and dehydrating driving device 7 so that the washing and dehydrating tub 2 and the rotary disk 4 are integrally rotated at a high speed in one direction.

The rotation speed of the washing and dehydration tub 2 and the rotary table 4 during the dehydration of the washing water is set to be the same as the rotation speed of the final dehydration (about 1000 rpm) described later to achieve a high dehydration rate (about 60%).

In the detergent dissolving in the above step S04, the detergent is fully dissolved so that the high-concentration detergent liquid can quickly soak into the laundry, so that a washing process with no residue in dissolution and very high cleaning efficiency can be realized.

[Step S07]

Start the rinsing process.

The rinsing water supply is carried out as follows: close the drain solenoid valve 25, open the rinsing water supply solenoid valve 44b, and discharge the remaining water in the bath from the sprinkling port 16 to spray the water on the rotating disk 4 with the channel water or the bath water suction pump 44c.

The amount of rinsing water at this time is approximately 25 liters (equivalent to the water level). Rinse with rinse water cycle.

This cycle rinsing is the same as washing. The rotating disk 4 is rotated forward and backward in the state of the static washing and dehydrating bucket 3, and the electric circulation pump 26 is operated at the same time to suck the rinsing water at the bottom of the outer tub 5, and discharge it from the sprinkling port 16 and spray it on The laundry on the rotating disk 4 is circulated.

The forward and reverse rotation time (forward rotation time, pause time, reverse rotation time) or rinsing time of the rotary disc 4 in this cycle rinsing is set according to the cloth quantity, cloth quality or the set washing process of the laundry.

This rinsing process is performed several times according to the user's setting or the setting process.

In the detergent dissolution in step S03 described above, since the detergent is sufficiently dissolved, undissolved powder detergent does not adhere to the laundry, so that an extremely high rinsing process can be performed.

[Step S08]

Perform final dehydration.

The final dehydration is carried out as follows, in the state of opening the drain solenoid valve 25 as before, the washing and dehydration driving device 7 is operated to make the washing and dehydration bucket 2 and the rotating disk 4 rotate at a high speed of about 1000 rpm in one direction, so that the washing and dehydration bucket 2 The washings were centrifuged for dehydration.

The required time for this final dehydration is set to a time at which a desired dehydration rate can be obtained.

[Step S09]

to dry.

In this drying, the air in the outer tub 5 is sucked out from the drain and exhaust port 5b through the bellows 33 to the water cooling by running the electric blower 37 installed on the way of the water cooling and dehumidification air passage 34 with the drain solenoid valve 25 open as before. In the dehumidification air duct 34.

When passing through the ascending air passage 34a on the water-cooling and dehumidifying air passage 34, after contacting the water-cooling and dehumidifying plate 35 arranged in the ascending air passage 34a and the cooling water flowing down on the surface of the water-cooling and dehumidifying plate 35 for cooling and dehumidification, Catch the lint by the lint filter 36, then send it into the air jet 17 by the bellows 40 after being heated by the PTC heater 41 arranged in the air heating pipe 39, and blow it into the washing and dehydrating tub 2 from the air jet 17.

The cooling water flowing down the surface of the water-cooled dehumidification plate 35 is supplied with channel water by opening the cooling water supply electromagnetic valve 44d, and the cooling water flowing down the water-cooled dehumidification plate 35 passes through the drain and exhaust port 5b, the bellows 23, the internal piping 24, and the drain solenoid. The valve 25 flows out to the external drain hose 27 and drains the water.

This drying control is performed while monitoring the detection signal output from the humidity sensor 38 sensitive to the humidity of the water-cooled and dehumidified air, and ends when the humidity drops to a predetermined humidity.

[Step S10]

After the end, it becomes a standby state without power consumption.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the detergent water in which the powder detergent is almost completely dissolved can be easily generated by using the detergent dissolving function of repeatedly operating and stopping the electric circulation pump 26 of the washing water circulation mechanism.

By spraying the detergent-dissolved water from the water spout 16, it is possible to perform washing with a high degree of cleanliness based on high detergent penetration, and there is no undissolved powder detergent attached to the laundry, so it can also improve Rinsing efficiency.

In the detergent dissolution in step S04 shown in FIG. 7 , the temperature is detected by an outside air temperature sensor (air temperature detection means) not shown before the electric circulation pump 26 is operated.

For example, if the detected temperature is above 8°C, the action of pumping water by the electric circulation pump 26 and dissolving the detergent by descending is carried out 5 times, and if the temperature is below 8°C, it is carried out 10 times. , or even if it is the specified number of times, if it is above 8°C, pump water for 6 seconds, if it is below 8°C, perform 12 seconds, so that the control time is longer at low temperature, so as to achieve the best dissolution according to the temperature condition.

In addition, a brushless motor is used as a motor for the electric circulation pump 26, and speed control by frequency conversion control or reversible operation control by forward and reverse operation is performed. The pump uses a centrifugal pump type or an axial flow pump type. The centrifugal pump type selects the shape of the pump blades with forward rotation and reverse rotation to make the pump pumping height different.

By combining the speed control of the motor and the pump form, the electric circulation pump 26 is used as an original circulation pump for spraying washing water, or as a pump for dissolving detergent.

When the detergent is dissolved, if the electric circulation pump 26 is operated at a rotation speed lower than usual, the pumping height of the pump will be lowered. Therefore, the pumping of the wash water stops in the middle of the wash water circulation path and does not rise above it. Even if the operation of the electric circulation pump 26 is extended, the washing water cannot be sprayed on the inner tub, so the electric circulation pump 26 can be turned on and off at long intervals during the detergent dissolving operation, and the starting sound of the electric circulation pump 26 becomes smaller.

In addition, by using an axial-flow type pump for the electric circulation pump 26 and performing forward and reverse operation control, it is possible to shorten the time for returning and returning washing water during the detergent dissolving operation.

Claims (7)

1. an electric washer has: the outer bucket that accumulates washings; Rotation is located at the interior bucket as the washing and dewatering bucket in the above-mentioned outer bucket freely; With the washings that accumulate in above-mentioned outer barrel bottom drink up and be sprayed at above-mentioned in the bucket and make its circulated washing water cycling mechanism; Be contained in the washings circulating path of above-mentioned washings cycling mechanism; And the electric circulating pump that washings is drunk up and make its circulation, it is characterized in that,

Have attraction, carry out washings return the washings of above-mentioned outer barrel bottom after above-mentioned washings circulating path rises in the way contact repeatedly, and dissolving is contained in the detergent dissolution function of the washing agent in the washings by above-mentioned electric circulating pump.

2. electric washer according to claim 1 is characterized in that,

Carry out repeatedly above-mentioned electric circulating pump running, stop and bringing above-mentioned detergent dissolution function.

3. electric washer according to claim 1 is characterized in that,

When bringing above-mentioned detergent dissolution function, with the above-mentioned electric circulating pump that turns round than low speed usually.

4. electric washer according to claim 1 is characterized in that,

Carry out the positive and negative running of above-mentioned electric circulating pump repeatedly and bring above-mentioned detergent dissolution function.

5. electric washer according to claim 1 is characterized in that,

In the washing after above-mentioned detergent dissolution function, the shifted running, carry out above-mentioned electric circulating pump continuous running so that the washings that drink up be sprayed at above-mentioned in the bucket.

6. electric washer according to claim 1 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned electric circulating pump brings the time that above-mentioned detergent dissolution function spent or the running speed of above-mentioned electric circulating pump to change according to temperature.

7. an electric washer has: the outer bucket that accumulates washings; Rotation is located at the interior bucket as the washing and dewatering bucket in the above-mentioned outer bucket freely; Accept the washing agent input port of powder detergent; With the above-mentioned powder detergent that accumulates in above-mentioned washing agent input port outside above-mentioned bucket and above-mentioned in barrel between the feed mechanism that washes away; With the washings that accumulate in above-mentioned outer barrel bottom drink up and be sprayed at above-mentioned in the bucket and make its circulated washing water cycling mechanism; Be contained in the washings circulating path of above-mentioned washings cycling mechanism; Washings are drunk up and make the electric circulating pump of its circulation; And, control above-mentioned in the control device of running of rotation, the action of above-mentioned feed mechanism, above-mentioned electric circulating pump of bucket, it is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned control device is controlled above-mentioned electric circulating pump, thereby carry out repeatedly returning after washings rise in the way of washings circulating path above-mentioned outer barrel bottom washings contact and dissolve the dissolving running that is contained in the washing agent in the washings, and, control above-mentioned electric circulating pump, make make in the way of above-mentioned washings circulating path, not stopping to draw water of washings after the above-mentioned dissolving running washings be sprayed at above-mentioned in barrel in.

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