JP2006271891A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reliably prevent washing water in a washing tub from leaking out from a filter device when washing operation is stopped due to poor filter mounting, and to prevent various problems associated with the leakage from occurring. I will provide a.
When it is determined whether or not the filter is mounted, and it is determined that the filter is not mounted correctly, a notification is made to notify the failure, the washing operation is stopped, the presence or absence of remaining water in the washing tub is checked, and the remaining water is If there is any water, the drain valve is opened until the filter is properly installed. If there is no residual water, the drain valve is closed after a predetermined time has elapsed.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine in which a filter device including a detachable filter is provided in the middle of a pipe line connected to a lower part of a washing tub.

  Some recent washing machines include a filter device for capturing a mixture such as fiber waste contained in waste water from a washing tub (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). This filter device has a filter attached to the inside of a cylindrical filter case interposed in the middle of a drainage pipe line connected to the lower part of the washing tub, and allows the wastewater from the washing tub to flow into the filter case. By flowing out to the outside through the filter, the mixture in the waste water is captured by the filter.

  By providing such a filter device, it is possible to capture the fiber waste contained in the waste water, suppress the outflow to the outside, contribute to the reduction of the environmental load, and drop off from the laundry inside the washing tub Objects (buttons, pocket contents, etc.) can be captured and collected.

  In recent years, washing machines have been put into practical use in which the washing water inside the washing tub is externally circulated and returned to the washing tub so as to improve the washing effect. In this washing machine, the filter device having the above-described configuration is installed in the middle of the pipeline through which the circulating water flows, and the fiber waste contained in the circulating water is captured and removed by the filter to purify the return water to the washing tub. By doing so, the finished quality of the laundry is improved.

The filter device for circulating water is practically used also as the filter device for drainage, and the circulating water flow is provided with a circulation pump attached to the filter case to which the filter is attached together with an outlet for drainage. An outlet is provided, and the outlet for circulating water is connected to the washing tub via a return pipe, and the washing water is circulated by driving the circulation pump during washing.
JP 2002-282616 A JP 2004-321654 A

  Now, in a washing machine equipped with the filter device as described above, the filter is clogged by repeated washing operations and the filter performance deteriorates. Therefore, the filter is made detachable from the filter case, and the clogged filter is externally attached. The original filter performance can be maintained by removing the trapped material and removing the trapped object after cleaning.

  Such a filter attachment / detachment, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, is provided with an opening for attachment / detachment at one end portion of the filter case facing the lower front portion of the washing machine, and a seal that is screwed into the opening. This is realized by a configuration in which a filter is connected to the cap. According to this configuration, the filter is removed by releasing the screwing with the opening by rotating the sealing cap, and withdrawing from the filter case together with the sealing cap, and is inserted from the front opening of the filter case. Is attached by rotating the sealing cap continuous to the opening and screwing it into the opening.

  However, since such a filter attaching / detaching operation is performed at the lower front portion of the washing machine as described above, there is a problem that it is difficult to confirm the mounting state by the user's visual observation. Specifically, when the washing operation is performed while the opening is not completely sealed with the sealing cap, there is a problem that the washing water flowing into the filter case leaks to the outside and stains the periphery.

  Patent Document 1 discloses detection means having various configurations for detecting whether or not the filter mounting state is difficult to check. When a defective filter mounting is detected by these detection means, washing is performed. In addition to prohibiting operation, the above-mentioned problem is prevented by causing a display to prompt inspection.

  However, the filter to be mounted as described above, after starting the washing operation in a properly mounted state, for example, due to the unexpected external force such as vibration propagating from each part, the sealing cap is loosened, resulting in a poorly mounted state. In the washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, washing operation is prohibited even when such a transition occurs, and the washing machine is left in the middle of washing, for example, When the sealing cap is loose, there is a problem that a large amount of washing water inside the washing tub leaks out from the filter device and stains the periphery.

  In addition, the washing water leaking out in this manner is also applied to the detection means provided around the sealing cap, leading to a failure of the detection means, and it may not be possible to detect the quality of the subsequent filter mounting state. is there.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is possible to reliably prevent the washing water inside the washing tub from leaking out due to poor mounting of the filter, and to prevent the occurrence of various problems associated with the leakage. An object is to provide a washing machine to obtain.

  In addition, it is possible to provide a washing machine capable of reliably preventing leakage of all washing water after the operation for preventing leakage is started while preventing the operation for preventing leakage from being performed. Objective.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a washing machine capable of reliably informing a user that a filter is in a poorly mounted state and prompting an inspection to eliminate leakage.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a washing machine that emits a notification sound when a filter is attached and detached and can notify a user.

  The washing machine according to the present invention is provided in the middle of a pipe line connected to the lower part of the washing tub, and a filter device in which a filter for capturing a mixture of running water inside the pipe is detachably attached, A washing detecting device that detects whether or not the filter is in a worn state, and is configured to prohibit a washing operation when a defective attachment is detected by the wearing detection unit. Control means for performing a control operation for draining the washing water stored in the water tank is provided.

  In the present invention, when a filter mounting failure is detected during the washing operation, the washing water remaining inside the washing tub is forcibly drained by the operation of the control means, the washing water leaks from the filter device, and Occurrence of problems associated with this is prevented.

  The washing machine according to the present invention further includes a water level detector for detecting the water level of the washing water, and the control means performs the washing water draining operation according to the water level detection by the water level detector, and the water level. The draining operation is terminated when the zero water level is continuously detected by the detector for a predetermined time.

  In this invention, drainage is carried out only when the water level is detected inside the washing tub by the water level detector, preventing unnecessary drainage operation, and after the drainage operation is started, The draining operation is completed on condition that the detection of the zero water level continues for a predetermined time, and the drainage including the flowing water from the laundry remaining in the washing tub is surely drained.

  Further, in the washing machine according to the present invention, when the detected water level of the water level detector at the time when the washing operation is stopped is a zero water level, the control unit waits for a predetermined time to end the control operation. It is characterized by.

  In the present invention, even when the zero water level is detected when the washing operation is stopped, the control operation is finished after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the water flowing down from the laundry remaining in the washing tub is filtered. Prevent leakage from.

  Further, the washing machine according to the present invention is characterized in that the control means terminates the control operation in response to conversion to detection of good wearing by the wearing detecting means.

  In the present invention, when it is detected by the mounting detection means that the filter mounting state is good, the control operation including the draining operation is terminated. Prevents unnecessarily draining washing water that does not leak.

  In addition, the washing machine according to the present invention includes a failure notification unit that performs a predetermined notification operation in response to detection of defective mounting by the mounting detection unit. A different notification operation is performed according to the progress.

  In this invention, when defective mounting is detected by the mounting detection means, the user is informed by the operation of the defect notification means, prompting the inspection of the filter mounting state, and when the defective mounting state continues, For example, other notification operations such as generation of an alarm sound are performed to strongly urge the inspection of the filter mounting state.

Furthermore, the washing machine according to the present invention emits a predetermined notification sound when the filter mounting state detected by the mounting detection means is changed from good wearing to bad wearing or from bad wearing to good wearing. An informing means is provided.

  In the present invention, when the detection result of the attachment detecting means is changed by the filter attaching / detaching operation, an appropriate notification sound is generated to notify the user that the filter has been correctly attached or detached.

  In the washing machine according to the present invention, when the washing operation is stopped in response to detection of a defective filter attachment, the washing water remaining in the washing tub is forcibly drained, and therefore remains in the washing tub even after the operation is stopped. There is no risk of washing water leaking out, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems associated with this leaking.

  In addition, drainage is performed only when the washing water remains according to the water level detection by the water level detector, so there is no unnecessary drainage, and after the zero water level is detected by the water level detector, wait for the passage of time. Since drainage is completed, drainage is performed including water flowing down from the laundry, and leakage from the filter device and occurrence of problems associated therewith can be reliably prevented.

  In addition, even if the water level is zero when the washing operation is stopped, the control operation is completed after the passage of time, so that the possibility of spilled water from the laundry collecting in the filter device and leaking is avoided. If the filter is in a good condition and there is no risk of leakage, the control operation will be terminated unconditionally. Can be discharged without any need for any additional operation.

  In addition, when the mounting detection means detects defective mounting of the filter, it is notified by the operation of the failure notification means, and further, when detection of defective mounting continues, it is notified by another notification operation of the failure reporting means. It is possible to prompt the user to check the mounting state, reliably cancel the operation stop state caused by this mounting failure, and restart the operation promptly.

  Further, a notification sound is generated in accordance with the change of the detection result by the mounting detection means, so that the user can be notified that the filter has been attached and detached, and the filter can be attached and detached reliably at a position that is difficult to see. The present invention has excellent effects, such as being easy to use and improving usability.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the washing machine according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine according to the present invention includes a washing tub 2 inside an outer box 1. The washing tub 2 is a large-diameter bottomed cylindrical body having an opening 20 for loading laundry on one side (front side), and a pair of left and right support legs 21 (one side) erected on the bottom surface of the outer box 1 Only is shown), and is elastically supported while maintaining the posture in which the axis is inclined with the opening 20 side as the upper side. On the front surface of the outer box 1, a laundry inlet 11 is opened by a lid 10 so as to be openable and closable at a position facing the opening 20 of the washing tub 2, and between the inlet 11 and the opening 20. Is sealed in a liquid-tight manner by a bellows 12.

  A rotating drum 3 is supported coaxially inside the washing tub 2. The rotating drum 3 is a bottomed cylindrical body having a slightly smaller diameter than the washing tub 2 and has an opening 30 for putting laundry on one side. Such a rotary drum 3 has the opening 30 facing the inside of the opening 20 of the washing tub 2 and is coaxially connected to the output end of a drive motor 4 fixed at the center of the bottom of the washing tub 2. The drive motor 4 is rotated inside the washing tub 2 by transmission from the drive motor 4.

  A plurality of small holes 31 are formed through the entire surface of the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 3, and a plurality of baffles 32 extending in the axial direction are equally distributed on the inner surface of the rotating drum 3 in the circumferential direction. Projected. In FIG. 2, only a part of the small hole 31 and one baffle 32 are shown.

  For washing by the washing machine configured as described above, the laundry is put in from the insertion port 11 opened by the lid 10 on the front surface of the outer box 1, and the lid 10 is closed to put an appropriate amount in the washing tub 2. After supplying the washing water, the rotation drum 3 is driven to rotate by transmission from the drive motor 4.

  An input port 11 provided in the outer box 1 faces the openings 20 and 30 of the washing tub 2 and the rotary drum 3, and the laundry input from the input port 11 is introduced into the rotary drum 3. . The washing water supplied to the washing tub 2 flows into the inside of the rotating drum 3 from a small hole 31 provided on the peripheral surface, and a plurality of baffles 32 protrude from the inner surface of the rotating drum 3. The laundry thrown into the rotary drum 3 is agitated and washed with the wash water, including lifting and dropping by the baffle 32, by the rotation of the rotary drum 3.

  A water supply port 13 connected to a water pipe is provided on the rear upper surface of the outer box 1, and this water supply port 13 is connected to the washing tub 2 through a water supply pipe 15 provided with a water supply valve 14 in the middle. The washing water is supplied to the washing tub 2 through the water supply pipe 15 by opening the water supply valve 14. It is also possible to arrange a detergent case in the middle of the water supply pipe 15 so that an appropriate amount of detergent is introduced together with the water supply.

  In addition, a water conduit 22 is connected to the peripheral surface of the vicinity of the bottom plate at the lowest position in the washing water tank 2, and this water conduit 22 is connected to the filter device 5 through an intermediate bellows tube 23. The filter device 5 includes a cylindrical filter case 50 fixedly supported at the front lower part inside the outer box 1 and a filter 51 mounted in the filter case 50 as described later. The filter case 50 is connected to the upper part. The bellows tube 23 in the middle of the water conduit 22 is provided to absorb the vibration generated with the rotation of the rotating drum 3 during the washing operation described above and to prevent propagation to the filter device 5.

  The lower part of the filter case 50 is connected to a drain pipe 25 laid along the bottom surface of the outer box 1 via a drain valve 24. Further, a return pipe 27 is connected to the rear end portion of the filter case 50 via a circulation pump 26, and the return pipe 27 extends upward along the front portion of the washing tub 2. The front opening 20 is connected from above. Further, an air trap 54 that forms a sealed space communicating with the filter case 50 is connected to the upper portion of the filter case 50, and the air trap 54 is attached to the upper portion of the outer box 1 via the pressure guiding pipe 28. Connected to a water level detector 29.

  The washing water supplied into the washing tub 2 with the above configuration is introduced into the filter device 5 through the water conduit 22 and fills the filter case 50. At this time, air is left inside the air trap 54, and the air is compressed and pressurized by the wash water filled in the filter case 50. The degree of the pressure increase corresponds to the water level of the washing water inside the washing tub 2.

  As disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 by the applicant of the present application, the water level detector 29 includes an iron core that floats by the action of air pressure inside the air trap 54 that is applied via the pressure guiding tube 28, and surrounds the periphery of the iron core. And detecting the air pressure inside the air trap 54, that is, the washing water level inside the washing tub 2 by utilizing the fact that the inductance of the detection coil changes according to the movement of the iron core. It has a known configuration. The internal water level of the washing tub 2 detected in this way is used for controlling the amount of water supplied by opening and closing the water supply valve 14, as is conventionally done, and further, the filter 51 of the filter device 5 is mounted. It is used for drainage control performed as described later in response to the detection of a defect.

  The circulation pump 26 attached to the rear end of the filter case 50 is driven continuously or intermittently during the washing operation performed after the above water supply. Washing water filling the inside of the filter case 50 by this driving is sucked into the circulation pump 26 and pressurized, and is fed to the upper part of the washing tub 2 through the return pipe 27, and from the tip of the return pipe 27 to the inside of the rotary drum 3. Poured into the laundry. During this time, the wash water in the wash tub 2 is supplied to the inside of the filter case 50 via the water conduit 22, and the wash water circulates from the wash tub 2 through the filter device 5 and back into the rotary drum 3.

  Further, the drain valve 24 provided at the lower part of the filter case 50 is opened after the above washing operation. By this opening, the washing water inside the washing tub 2 is discharged to the drain pipe 25 through the water conduit 22 and the filter device 5 and drained to the sewage to which the drain pipe 25 is connected. In the washing machine according to the present invention, drainage by opening the drainage valve 24 as described above is also performed in drainage control that is performed as described later in response to detection of defective mounting of the filter 51 of the filter device 5.

  The washing operation including water supply and drainage as described above is performed according to the control operation of the operation control unit 6 disposed inside the front upper portion of the outer box 1 as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, an operation unit 16 for driving operation is provided on the front upper portion of the outer box 1, and the control operation of the operation control unit 6 for washing operation is performed by the user through the operation unit 16. Depending on the operation.

  Further, the operation unit 16 is provided with a display unit 17. The display unit 17 includes a display for assisting the operation of the operation unit 16, a display for indicating an operation state, and a filter 51 described later. The display for various notifications including the notification of the mounting failure is configured in an appropriate form such as characters, lighting of lamps, generation of sounds or voice messages.

  An opening for attachment and detachment is provided at the lower front portion of the outer box 1 so as to be openable and closable by a cover plate 5a having a side edge on one side as a pivot. It is attached facing the inside.

  FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration of the filter device 5. The filter device 5 includes a tubular filter case 50 and a filter 51 mounted inside the filter case 50. A pump chamber 55 to which the circulation pump 26 is attached is provided at a rear end portion (right end portion in the drawing) of the filter case 50, and the return pipe 27 is continuously provided on the peripheral surface of the pump chamber 55. Connected to the discharge pipe.

  In addition, a mounting opening 52 for the filter 51 is opened at the front end portion (left end portion in the figure) of the filter case 50. The filter 51 is a lattice-like member formed by arranging rectangular filter cells vertically and horizontally, and is connected to the inner end of a sealing cap 53 that is mounted so as to seal the mounting port 52 so as to be relatively rotatable. The filter case 50 is mounted so as to separate the internal space vertically.

  In the rear extension of the filter 51 to be mounted as described above, an outlet 60 for circulating water that connects the lower space of the filter 51 to the pump chamber 55 is provided, and the washing inside the filter case 50 is performed. Water is sucked into the circulation pump 26 through the outlet 60 and circulated as described above. In addition, an inlet 61 is provided at the upper part of the filter case 50 so as to communicate with the latter half of the upper space of the filter 51, and the air trap 54 is provided so as to communicate with the front half. In addition, a water guide pipe 22 connected to the washing tub 2 and a pressure guide pipe 28 for guiding the internal air pressure to the water level detector 29 are connected to the air trap 54 as indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure. Further, a drain port 62 is opened at the lower part of the filter case 50 so as to communicate with the lower space of the filter 51. The drain port 62 is connected to the drain pipe 25 as shown by a two-dot chain line in the figure. ing.

  In the filter device 5 configured as described above, when the circulation pump 26 is driven during the washing operation, the washing water in the washing tub 2 flows into the filter case 50 through the inlet 61 and the filter 51 of the filter 51 is filtered. It passes through and flows from the upper space to the lower space, is sucked into the circulation pump 26 through the outlet 60, and is circulated to the washing tub 2 as described above. At this time, a mixture of fiber wastes and the like in the wash water is captured and removed when passing through the filter 51. As a result, clean wash water that does not contain fiber waste is returned to the wash water tub 2 and is put into the rotary drum 3. As described above, the laundry is poured into the laundry to be stirred, whereby the cleaning effect can be enhanced and a good finished state with less adhesion of fiber waste can be obtained.

  Further, when the drain valve 24 is opened after the washing is finished, the washing water in the washing tub 2 flows into the filter case 50 through the inflow port 61, passes through the filter eye of the filter 51, and lowers from the upper space. The water flows into the space, is discharged to the drain pipe 25 through the drain port 62 communicating with the lower space, and is drained to the sewage to which the drain pipe 25 is connected. Also in this case, the contaminants such as the fiber waste in the washing water are captured and removed when passing through the filter 51, so that the contaminants can be prevented from flowing into the sewage and the environmental load can be reduced.

  When such circulation and drainage of washing water are repeated, the filter 51 inside the filter case 50 is clogged with trapped fiber waste. The filter 51 is detachable together with the sealing cap 53 from a mounting opening 52 provided at the front end of the filter case 50. This detachable structure will be described below.

  The sealing cap 53 is a short cylindrical member having an outer diameter that can be fitted into the mounting port 52, and a screw protrusion 56 having a predetermined circumferential length is provided on the outer surface thereof. . Further, an engagement protrusion 57 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the inner surface of the mounting opening 52 as indicated by a broken line in FIG.

  With the above configuration, the sealing cap 53 is inserted into the mounting opening 52 with the continuous side of the filter 51 facing inward, and the sealing cap 53 is rotated, whereby the screw protrusion 56 is engaged as shown in FIG. The seal cap 53 and the filter 51 connected to the inside of the seal cap 53 can be mounted so as to be engaged with the joint protrusion 57. An O-ring 58 for sealing is wound around the inner side of the mounting opening 52, and this O-ring 58 is pressed against the sealing cap 53 to make the inside and outside of the filter case 50 liquid-tight. It acts to seal.

  The sealing cap 53 mounted in this manner is rotated in the reverse direction until the engagement between the screw protrusion 56 and the engagement protrusion 57 is released, and is removed together with the filter 51 by being extracted from the attachment port 52. Can do. With this removal, the filter 51 connected to the inside of the sealing cap 53 is taken out from the filter case 50 to the outside. This removal is performed in order to check and clean the clogged filter 51. The removed filter 51 can recover the desired filter performance by cleaning and removing the trapped matter.

  The sealing cap 53 and the filter 51 are attached and detached as described above by opening the cover plate 5a provided at the lower front of the outer box 1 as described above, but this attaching and detaching position is a position where visual confirmation is difficult. is there. When the above-described washing operation is performed in a state where the filter 51 is not completely installed, more specifically, when the sealing cap 53 is not completely installed and the O-ring 58 is not sufficiently sealed, the filter case There is a possibility that the washing water flowing inside the 50 leaks to the outside and stains the surroundings.

  The washing machine according to the present invention includes a mounting detection switch 7 for detecting whether or not the filter 51 is mounted in order to correctly mount the filter 51 as described above. 4 is an arrow view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting detection switch 7 is attached at a position where the peripheral surface of the sealing cap 53 faces from the upper side and protrudes downward. The switch piece 70 is provided, and is configured to be turned on when the switch piece 70 is pushed up.

  Between the switch piece 70 and the sealing cap 53, a slide plate 71 supported so as to be slidable in the left-right direction in the figure is interposed. On the upper surface of the slide plate 71, a pressing protrusion 72 is provided. An engaging recess 73 is provided on the lower surface, and is aligned with the pressing protrusion 72 on the lower surface. On the other hand, a detection ring 59 is provided around the sealing cap 53 at a position aligned with the mounting detection switch 7, and action protrusions 74, 74 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the detection ring 59 at two opposite positions. Has been.

  4A shows a state in the middle of the rotation operation of the sealing cap 53 for mounting the filter 51, and FIG. 4B shows a state where the mounting is correctly completed. When the sealing cap 53 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4A, one action protrusion 74 that moves to the upper position with this rotation is formed on the lower surface of the slide plate 71 as shown in the figure. Is engaged with an engagement recess 73 provided in the. When the sealing cap 53 is further rotated in this state, the slide plate 71 is pushed in the rotation direction of the sealing cap 53 by the action of the action protrusion 74 that engages with the engagement recess 73, and is directed rightward in the drawing. Move the slide. Due to this sliding movement, the pressing protrusion 72 on the upper surface of the slide plate 71 is displaced, and as shown in FIG. 4B, the switch piece 70 of the mounting detection switch 7 is acted on from the lower position to push up the switch piece 70 and 7 is turned on.

  The rotation operation of the sealing cap 53 for removing the filter 51 is performed in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. At this time, the slide plate 71 is pushed in the rotation direction of the sealing cap 53 by the action of the action projection 74 engaged with the engagement recess 73, and slides to the left in the figure. The switch piece 70 is turned off by releasing the pressure.

  Thus, the mounting detection switch 7 is turned on only when the sealing cap 53 is in the correct rotational position and the filter 51 is correctly mounted under the sealing of the mounting port 52 by the sealing cap 53. In other states, the filter 51 is removed when the sealing cap 53 is loosened as well as when the filter 51 is removed. The quality of the state can be detected.

  The slide plate 71 interposed between the attachment detection switch 7 and the sealing cap 53 is attached to the filter 51 and the sealing cap 53 when the filter 51 is attached / detached through the attachment port 52 as described above. It prevents contact with the detection switch 7 and further prevents the washing water leaking from the mounting opening 52 from contacting the mounting detection switch 7. As a result, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of malfunction of the mounting detection switch 7 due to the contact, and to accurately detect whether the filter 51 is mounted or not over a long period of time.

  The result of detecting whether or not the filter 51 is mounted by the mounting detection switch 7 is given to the operation control unit 6. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the washing machine according to the present invention.

  The operation control unit 6 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and as described above, is configured as a microprocessor that performs control operations for all washing operations including water supply and drainage. Along with the result of detection of whether or not the filter 51 is attached by the attachment detection switch 7, the operation content of the operation unit 16 operated by the user is given, and the internal water level of the washing tub 2 detected by the water level detector 29 is determined. In addition, various information related to the driving state is given from the driving state sensor arranged in each part of the washing machine.

  A control command issued by the operation control unit 6 is sent to the drive motor 4 that rotationally drives the rotary drum 3, the water supply valve 14 disposed in the middle of the water supply pipe 15, the drain valve 24 disposed in the middle of the drain pipe 25, and the filter device 5. It is given to each circulation pump 26 attached. The operation control unit 6 sends control commands to the drive motor 4, the water supply valve 14, the drain valve 24, and the circulation pump 26 in accordance with a predetermined control program in order to carry out a washing operation in accordance with the operation conditions specified by the operation of the operation unit 16. A known operation control operation is performed, and the following characteristic control operation is performed in accordance with whether or not the filter 51 is mounted, which is detected by the mounting detection switch 7.

  The control command of the operation control unit 6 is also given to the display unit 17 attached to the operation unit 16, and the display unit 17 has a display for assisting the operation of the operation unit 16, as described above. A display for indicating the driving state is made, and further, various kinds of notifications including notification of defective mounting of the filter 51 are made.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation content of the operation control unit 6 based on the detection result of the wearing detection switch 7 during the washing operation. This operation is triggered by the start of the washing operation according to the operation of the operation unit 16, and the operation control unit 6 checks the on / off state of the attachment detection switch 7 and determines whether the filter 51 in the filter device 5 is attached or not. (Step 1), and when it is determined that the attachment detection switch 7 is on and the filter 51 is correctly attached (step 1: NO), the operation of step 1 is performed without performing any operation. Repeat the determination.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the mounting detection switch 7 is off and the mounting state of the filter 51 is defective (step 1: YES), the operation control unit 6 issues a control command to the display unit 17, A failure notifying operation for notifying the user of the mounting failure of the filter 51 is performed (step 2), and the washing operation is stopped (step 3).

  The washing operation is started on the condition that the attachment detection switch 7 is in the on state and the filter 51 is correctly attached. Therefore, the determination of the mounting failure in Step 1 is not the unmounting or incorrect mounting of the filter 51, but the sealing cap 53 is loosened due to the action of external force such as vibrations propagating from each part during the washing operation, resulting in a mounting failure state. Made in case of transition. In this case, since the washing water leaks from the filter device 5 and there is a possibility that the subsequent washing operation may be hindered, the operation control unit 6 notifies the user of the filter mounting failure in Step 2, and In step 3, a control operation for stopping the washing operation is performed.

  In the washing machine according to the present invention, after stopping the washing operation as described above, the operation control unit 6 shifts to the drainage control operation after step 4, and first, the time in which the wash water in the wash tub 2 is at the zero water level is set. The remaining water timer to be counted is initialized (step 4), and then the water level detection value obtained by the water level detector 29 is fetched to determine whether or not there is remaining water in the washing tub 2 (step 5). Is determined (step 5: YES), an opening command is issued to the drain valve 24, and the drain valve 24 is opened (step 6).

  Next, the operation control unit 6 checks the on / off state of the mounting detection switch 7 and determines whether or not the filter 51 is correctly mounted (step 7). The mounting detection switch 7 is off and the filter 51 is not mounted correctly. Is determined to be continuing (step 7: NO), the process returns to step 5 to repeat the determination of the presence or absence of residual water. On the other hand, if it is determined that the attachment detection switch 7 is on and the filter 51 is correctly attached (step 7: YES), a control command is issued to the display unit 17, and the failure notification operation is stopped (step 7). 8) Further, a close command is issued to the drain valve 24, the drain valve 24 is closed (step 9), and the drain control operation is finished.

  As a result of the above operation, if the washing water remains inside the washing tub 2 after the washing operation is stopped due to poor mounting of the filter, the washing water is quickly drained by opening the drain valve 24. Thus, the possibility that this residual water leaks out of the filter device 5 and stains the surrounding area can be alleviated.

  Such a draining operation is stopped according to the determination in step 7 when, for example, the user checks the mounting state of the filter 51 according to the failure notification made on the display unit 17 and performs an operation to change the mounting state. At the same time, the failure notification is also stopped. Therefore, the user can cancel the error state and restart the washing operation without requiring any additional operation other than the inspection of the filter device 5, and good usability can be obtained.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 5 that there is no remaining water (step 5: NO), the operation control unit 6 starts counting the remaining water timer (step 10), and there is no remaining water based on the count value of this remaining water timer. It is determined whether or not the determination has continued for a predetermined time (step 11). If the continuous time has not reached the predetermined time (step 11: NO), the process proceeds to step 7 to determine whether the filter is attached or not. Do. When the state without remaining water continues for a predetermined time (step 11: YES), the process proceeds to step 9, the drain valve 24 is closed (step 9), and the drain control operation is finished.

  By the above operation, when it is determined that there is no residual water, that is, when the zero water level is detected by the water level detector 29, the open state of the drain valve 24 is maintained until this state continues for a predetermined time. . Thus, even when the washing water flows down from the laundry in the washing tub 2 after reaching the zero water level, the flowing water is drained without collecting in the filter case 50 of the filter device 5. The surrounding fouling due to water leakage from 5 can be reliably prevented. The predetermined time used for the determination in step 11 is a time required for the flow of moisture contained in the laundry, and may be set to an appropriate time of about several minutes.

  In addition, when the drain valve 24 is closed according to the determination that there is no remaining water, the failure notification on the display unit 17 is continued, and therefore it is possible to prompt the user to check the mounting state of the filter 51 before restarting operation. . In addition, at this time, that is, when the drainage control operation is finished through the determination of step 11, for example, a notification operation such as the generation of an alarm sound is added to the failure notification in the display unit 17, and the filter 51 is further inspected. It can also be actively encouraged.

  In the operation control unit 6, in addition to the above drainage control operation during the washing operation, the following control operation is performed to facilitate confirmation of the attachment / detachment state of the filter 51. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation content of the operation control unit 6 for confirming the attachment / detachment of the filter 51.

  This operation is always performed while the power switch provided in the operation unit 16 is turned on, and the operation control unit 6 checks the on / off state of the mounting detection switch 7 to determine whether or not the filter 51 is mounted. (Step 21), and if it is determined that the filter 51 is mounted (step 21: YES), whether or not the filter 51 has been removed by continuing to check the on / off state of the mounting detection switch 7 (Step 22), if removal is performed (step 22: YES), an operation command is issued to the display unit 17 to generate a predetermined removal sound (step 23).

  With the above operation, when the clogged filter 51 is removed for inspection and cleaning, the user can be confirmed by the generation of the removal sound, and the possibility of forgetting the installation after inspection and cleaning can be alleviated. it can.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 21 that the filter 51 is not attached (step 21: NO), the operation control unit 6 issues an operation command to the display unit 17, and the display unit 17 is not predetermined. Display is performed (step 24), and then it is determined whether or not the unmounted state continues for a predetermined time (step 25). When it is determined that it is continued (step 25: YES), the display is performed. A further operation command is given to the unit 17, and a predetermined unmounted alarm is generated on the display unit 17 (step 26).

  With the above operation, when the filter 51 is not attached in the filter device 5, the indication that the filter 51 is not attached is unconditionally displayed. Further, when the non-attached state continues for a predetermined time, an alarm sound or the like is not indicated. A mounting warning is issued, and these indications and warnings can reliably prevent forgetting to attach the filter 51 after inspection and cleaning. The predetermined time used for the determination in step 25 is a time normally required for inspection and cleaning of the filter body 51, and may be set to an appropriate time of about several minutes.

  Thereafter, the operation control unit 6 continues to check the on / off state of the attachment detection switch 7 to determine whether or not the filter 51 has been attached (step 27). When it is determined that the attachment has been made (step 27: YES) ), An operation command is issued to the display unit 17 to generate a predetermined mounting sound (step 28).

With this operation, when installing the filter 51 that has been inspected and cleaned, it is possible to allow the user to confirm that the correct installation has been made due to the generation of the mounting sound. It is possible to make sure that attachment is performed.
The possibility of forgetting the installation after inspection and cleaning can be alleviated.

1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine according to the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the washing machine which concerns on this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the internal structure of a filter apparatus. It is an arrow view by the IV-IV line of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the washing machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement content of the driving | operation control part based on the detection result of the mounting | wearing detection switch during a washing operation. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement content of the operation control part for the attachment / detachment confirmation of a filter.

Explanation of symbols

2 Washing water tank 5 Filter device 6 Operation control unit 7 Wear detection switch
17 Display
22 Water conduit (pipe)
24 Drain valve
29 Water level detector
51 Filter
52 Mounting slot
53 Sealing cap

Claims (7)

A filter device that is interposed in the middle of a pipe line connected to the lower part of the washing tub and that detachably attaches a filter that captures mixed substances in running water inside the pipe line, and detects whether the filter is in a good state In a washing machine provided with a wearing detection means for performing a washing operation when a defective wearing is detected by the wearing detection means,
A washing machine comprising: control means for performing a control operation for draining the washing water stored in the washing tub together with the stop of the washing operation.   A water level detector for detecting the water level of the washing water, wherein the control means performs a draining operation of the washing water in response to the water level detection by the water level detector, and detection of the zero water level by the water level detector is predetermined. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the draining operation is terminated when it is continuously performed.   3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein, when the water level detected by the water level detector at the time when the washing operation is stopped is a zero water level, the control unit waits for a predetermined time and ends the control operation.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit terminates the control operation in response to a shift to detection of good wearing by the wearing detection unit.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a failure notification unit that performs a predetermined notification operation in response to detection of defective mounting by the mounting detection unit.   The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the defect notification unit performs a different notification operation according to the passage of a detection time of defective attachment.   Claim 1 thru | or Claim 1 thru | or a notification means which emits a predetermined | prescribed notification sound when the mounting state of the said filter detected by the said mounting | wearing detection means changes from favorable mounting to defective mounting, or when switching from defective mounting to favorable mounting. Item 6. The washing machine according to any one of Items 5.

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