JPH0417080B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a washing machine in which the content of rinsing, such as the number of rinses, can be optimally determined depending on the laundry.

Conventional technology and its problems Conventionally, the content of rinsing, such as how many times to rinse, whether to perform a preliminary rinse, whether to perform a water rinse, etc., has been determined empirically by the user, and when washing The machine simply performs the rinse according to the instructions given by the user.

However, there are problems in that the user's empirical judgment is uncertain, and the operation for instructing the washing machine to rinse is complicated.

Therefore, an optical turbidity detector consisting of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element is installed, and depending on the turbidity of the rinse liquid near the end of one rinse, it is possible to complete the rinse in that cycle or to perform one more rinse. A washing machine has been proposed in which the washing machine itself determines whether or not to perform the washing.

This washing machine is convenient because it eliminates the need for the user to determine the number of rinses or give instructions therefor.

However, since it is not possible to know in advance when rinsing will be completed, there is an inconvenience in that it is not possible to display an advance notice of the time until completion. In addition, it is appropriate to add the fabric softener just before the final rinse, but it is difficult to tell whether the current rinse is the final rinse until the end of the rinse. There is a problem in that it is difficult to time the addition of the softener appropriately.

Purpose of the Invention The purpose of the present invention is to be able to automatically set rinsing contents such as the number of rinses, and to check whether the current rinse is the last rinse before starting the final rinse. An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that allows you to know whether or not the product is being used.

Composition of the Invention The washing machine of the present invention includes a dehydration amount detection means that detects the amount of liquid discharged from the laundry by rotation of the dehydration tank during dehydration based on a change in the state of a detection signal, and a dehydration amount detection means that detects the amount of liquid discharged from the laundry by rotation of the dehydration tank during dehydration, and detects the amount of foam caused by detergent during washing. a foam amount detecting means for detecting based on a fluctuation state of light transmittance with respect to the liquid; and a rinsing content setting means for setting rinsing contents such as the number of rinses based on the outputs of the dehydration amount detecting means and the foam amount detecting means. This feature is a structural feature.

Effects FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are characteristic diagrams obtained by measuring the time change in light transmittance during dewatering using an optical turbidity detector installed in the drainage path. however,
FIG. 5 shows the situation when the amount of laundry (hereinafter referred to as the amount of laundry, generally expressed in terms of weight) is small, and FIG. 6 shows the situation when the amount of laundry is large.

During the period when the dehydrated liquid passes through the drainage path, the light transmittance decreases. Then, the time t ₁ from "start of dehydration" until "light transmittance once drops below the predetermined level V ₁ and returns to the predetermined level V ₁ again"
(Hereinafter, this will be referred to as dehydration sensor detection time t _1. )
If you pay attention to , the more cloth there is, the more water is removed, so the dehydration sensor detection time t ₁ is also longer.

Therefore, the amount of cloth can be known by detecting the dehydration sensor detection time _t1 .

As shown in FIG. 7, the relationship between the dehydration sensor detection time _t1 and the amount of cloth is approximately proportional. Also,
The proportionality coefficient varies depending on the type of laundry, and for the same amount of laundry, the dehydration sensor detection time t is longer for noodles with a higher water content than for synthetic fibers.

FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram of the amount of cloth and the amount of detergent contained in the laundry. The amount of detergent contained in laundry after washing is approximately proportional to the amount of cloth. In addition, the proportionality coefficient varies depending on the type of laundry, and for the same amount of laundry, rice noodles with a higher water content contain more detergent than synthetic fibers.

If the characteristics shown in Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, and Fig. 8 are taken together, the dehydration sensor detection time
It turns out that the longer t _1, the more detergent is contained in the laundry, which means that the washing must be done more carefully.

In addition, Fig. 9 shows a piezoelectric droplet detector installed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer tank surrounding the dehydration tank, and the output signal of the droplet detector is amplified by an amplifier circuit to remove small output signals. Therefore, the comparator circuit outputs only when the level is above a predetermined level, and when there is an output from the comparator circuit, the CR time constant causes it to go into discharging mode for a long time, and if there is no output for a long time, it goes into charging mode. FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram showing the continuity of the output of the circuit.

After the start of dehydration, if droplets continue to come out at a predetermined level or higher, the output of the dehydration sensor (the configuration from the droplet detector to the hold circuit is collectively referred to as the dehydration sensor) decreases. As dehydration progresses and the dehydration rate becomes saturated, droplets no longer fly out, so the output increases again and reaches the "H" level.

Therefore, we pay attention to the time t ₂ (hereinafter referred to as the dehydration sensor detection time t ₂ ) from "start of dehydration" until "the output of the dehydration sensor reaches the "L" level and then returns to the "H"level". Then, as the amount of cloth increases, the amount of water removed also increases, so this dehydration sensor detection time t ₂ also becomes longer.

Therefore, as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, it can be seen that the longer the dehydration sensor detection time t ₂ is, the more thorough the rinsing must be.

On the other hand, FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 are
With an optical turbidity detector installed in the drainage route,
It is a characteristic diagram which measured the time change of the light transmittance during washing. However, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 1
In Figure 2, the amount of detergent added to the same laundry was increased in this order at a ratio of 1:2:3.

The light transmittance decreases as washing progresses, but another characteristic is that as the amount of detergent increases, periodic fluctuations appear in the light transmittance.
This is because the amount of foam generated increases due to excess detergent on the laundry. The amplification V of the periodic fluctuation becomes larger as the amount of detergent increases.

Therefore, by understanding the amplitude V of this periodic fluctuation, the amount of foam can be determined, and the larger the amount of foam, the greater the amount of detergent, which indicates that rinsing must be done more carefully.

Now, detection of the dehydration sensor detection time described above or detection of the amount of foam described above can both be used as an index for setting the rinse content, but using only one of them is unreliable and is not practical. It is insufficient. For example, if we use only the detection time of the dehydration sensor as an indicator, we can see what is called a foam-restricted state (a state in which the space between the dehydration tank and the outer tub of a washing machine is filled with foam, and the foam acts as resistance, suppressing the rotation of the dehydration tank. )
When this occurs, the generated bubbles may block the optical path of an optical turbidity detector, making it impossible to detect correct light transmittance, or may prevent droplets from reaching a piezoelectric droplet detector. The dehydration sensor may not be able to detect droplets correctly, or the rotation speed of the dehydration tank may not reach the specified rotation speed, resulting in droplet ejection being reduced, and the dehydration sensor detection time may not be detected correctly. There is a risk that it will not be possible to set the settings accurately.

Therefore, in the present invention, the detection time of the dehydration sensor and the amount of bubbles are detected together, and the content of rinsing is set by integrating these, and the synergistic effect of the two is used to reach a level that can be used practically. Improves reliability.

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in more detail based on examples shown in the drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 a, b, c
1 is a flowchart of the operation of rinsing content setting in the washing machine shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a condition table for rinsing content setting, and FIG. 4 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 of another embodiment of the present invention. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the figures.

In the washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, an outer tub 2 is suspended and supported by a suspension 3, and a washing and dehydrating tub (hereinafter simply referred to as a dehydrating tub) 4 is rotatably provided inside the outer tub 2. ing. A large number of drainage holes 5 are provided on the peripheral wall of the dewatering tank 4, and a pulsator 6 is rotatably provided at the bottom.

At the upper edge of the dehydration tank 4, an automatic softener feeding device 16 is provided. This automatic dosing device 16 has a plurality of small chambers, and the softening agent placed in one small chamber is moved to the next small chamber each time the dehydration rotation of the dehydration tank 4 is started and stopped, and after a number of times the softening agent is moved. It is configured to fall into the dehydration tank 4, and in this embodiment, the softener is added when the second dehydration rotation is stopped.

The rotation of a motor 8 is transmitted to the dehydration tank 4 or the pulsator 6 via a mechanical case 7 . The mechanical case 7 incorporates a brake clutch mechanism and a deceleration mechanism. During washing and rinsing, the pulsator 6 rotates in one direction or repeats forward and reverse rotation, and during dehydration, the dehydration tank 4 is rotated in one direction.

A drainage path 10 having a drainage valve 9 is provided at the bottom of the outer tank 2, and the drainage path 10 is connected to a drainage hose 11.

The drainage path 10 includes a light emitting element 13 and a light receiving element 1.
An optical turbidity detector 15 having 4 is provided. This turbidity detector 15 allows the light transmittance in the drainage path 10 to be detected.

The output signal of the pulse generator connected to the motor 8 and the output signal of the turbidity detector 15 are read by a control circuit 20 centered on a microcomputer.

This control circuit 20 includes the motor 8 and the drain valve 9.
It also controls the following.

Each of the above-mentioned components is the same as each conventionally known component, and the basic operation of the washing machine 1 is also the same as that of a conventionally known washing machine.

However, this washing machine 1 differs from conventional washing machines in that it can automatically and optimally set the rinsing content, such as the number of rinses, depending on the laundry.

Therefore, the operation of rinsing content setting will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2a, b, and c.

As shown in FIG. 2a, the control circuit 20 detects and stores the amplitude V of periodic fluctuations occurring in the output signal of the turbidity detector 10 during washing. This amplitude V represents the amount of foam, and the amount of foam represents the amount of detergent contained in the laundry.

After washing is completed, the rinsing process begins, but the process shown in Figure 2b
As shown in FIG. 2, the control circuit 20 compares a preset reference value V _b with the previously stored amplitude V (S1).

If V > V _b , as shown in Figure 2c,
Drain the water and then start intermediate dehydration (S2).
Here, the term "intermediate dehydration" is used to distinguish the dehydration performed as part of the rinsing operation from the dehydration performed at the end.

Dehydration sensor detection time t after starting intermediate dehydration until the output signal of the turbidity detector 10 once drops below a predetermined level and returns to the predetermined level again
Detect and store (S3).

When the intermediate dehydration is finished (S4), the previously memorized dehydration sensor detection time t and the preset reference time ta are
Compare with (S5).

Since the dehydration sensor detection time t is smaller than the reference time t _a , it is known that the amount of cloth or water content is small, and since the previous condition V>V _b is not satisfied, it is found that the amount of foam is less than the standard amount of foam. Taking all of these into account, it can be determined that the number of times of rinsing is only one.

Therefore, in order to introduce the softening agent, a second dehydration rotation is applied (S6).

Next, the reference value V _a for the amount of bubbles smaller than the reference value V _b for the amount of bubbles is compared with the stored amplitude V (S7).

If V<V _a , the amount of foam is very small and the amount of detergent is the smallest, so the type of rinsing is set to rinsing (S8).

If V<V _a , it can be seen that the amount of foam is slightly larger and the amount of detergent is slightly larger, so the type of rinsing is set to water rinsing (S9).

On the other hand, in step S5, if t<t _a , it is found that the amount of cloth or water content is large, and since the previous condition V>V _b is not satisfied, it is found that the amount of detergent is small, and these are Overall, the number of rinses is determined to be two.

Therefore, we pre-rinsed (S10), drained the water,
Perform intermediate dehydration (S11). Since this is the second intermediate dehydration, the softener is added when the dehydration rotation is stopped.

Next, a second reference time t _{b that} is larger than the reference time t _a and the stored dehydration sensor detection time t are set.
are compared (S12), and if t > t _b , the amount of cloth or water content is relatively large, so water is rinsed (S9); if t > t _b , the amount of cloth or water content is relatively large. Since the amount is low, rinsing is performed (S8).

Now, in step S1, if V>V _b , the amount of foam is greater than the standard, so it can be seen that the amount of detergent is relatively large, and rinsing is performed two or three times.

Drainage is performed first, but intermediate dehydration is not performed (S13). The reason why intermediate dehydration is not performed is to adjust the timing of adding the softener.

Next, pre-rinsing is performed (S14), water is drained, and intermediate dehydration is started (S15).

After the intermediate dehydration starts, the dehydration sensor detection time t is detected and stored (S16).

When the intermediate dehydration is completed (S17), the dehydration sensor detection time t and the second reference time _tb are compared (S18).

If t>t _b , it can be seen that the amount of cloth or water content is very large, so it can be seen that rinsing should be performed two more times.

First, rinsing is performed (S19).
Drainage and intermediate dehydration are performed (S20). Since this is the second intermediate dehydration, a fabric softener is added.

Next, water injection rinsing is performed as the final rinsing (S21).

On the other hand, if t>t _b , it is found that the amount of cloth or water content is slightly large, and it is determined that rinsing should be performed one more time. Therefore, in order to introduce the softening agent, the dehydration tank 4 is rotated for dehydration and then stopped (S22), and water is poured and rinsed (S21).

FIG. 3 is a condition table summarizing the setting conditions for the above-mentioned rinsing contents.

In addition, the above reference values V _a , V _b and reference times _ta , t _b
can be determined empirically based on the rotation speed and shape of the pulsator 6, the output of the motor 8, the rotation speed and shape of the dehydration tank 4, and the like.

As can be understood from the above description, according to this washing machine 1, the contents of rinsing are automatically set according to the laundry. Furthermore, since it is known before the final rinse is performed that the current rinse is the last rinse, the timing of adding the fabric softener can be adjusted appropriately.

FIG. 4 shows a washing machine 1' according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The difference from the washing machine 1 shown in FIG. It is configured to perform detection.

The other points are the same as the washing machine 1 described above, and if you refer to the explanation in the section "Function" above, it will be understood that the same effects as the washing machine 1 can be obtained with this washing machine 1'.

In yet another embodiment, a means for detecting the amount of foam by synchronizing a turbidity detector with turning on and off of the motor may be used as the means for detecting the amount of foam.

Effects of the Invention According to the present invention, there is provided a dehydration amount detection means for detecting the amount of liquid discharged from the laundry by rotation of the dehydration tank during dehydration based on a change in the state of a detection signal, and a dehydration amount detection means that detects the amount of liquid discharged from the laundry by rotation of the dehydration tank during dehydration, and detects the amount of foam caused by detergent during washing. It is equipped with a foam amount detection means that detects based on the fluctuation state of light transmittance with respect to the liquid, and a rinse content setting means that sets the rinse content such as the number of times of rinsing based on the outputs of the dehydration amount detection means and the foam amount detection means. A washing machine is provided which is characterized by the above features, and thereby the rinsing contents can be automatically set accurately according to the laundry. Moreover, since it is known before the final rinse that the current rinse is the last rinse, it is possible to display advance notice of the working time and to appropriately time the injection of the fabric softener.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2a, b, and c are flowcharts of the rinse content setting operation in the washing machine shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a condition table for rinsing content settings, FIG. 4 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 of another embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are characteristic diagrams of changes in light transmittance during dehydration.
Figure 7 is a characteristic diagram of the relationship between the dehydration sensor detection time and the amount of cloth, Figure 8 is a characteristic diagram of the relationship between the amount of detergent contained in the cloth and the amount of cloth, and Figure 9 is the characteristic diagram of the relationship between the dehydration sensor detection time and the amount of cloth. Characteristic diagram of signal and dehydration rate changes,
FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 are characteristic diagrams of washing time and changes in light transmittance during washing, respectively. (Explanation of symbols), 1...Washing machine, 2...Outer tub,
4... Dehydration tank, 8... Motor, 10... Drainage route, 12... Droplet detector, 15... Turbidity detector,
16... Automatic feeding device for softening agent, 20... Control circuit.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A dewatering amount detection means for detecting the amount of liquid discharged from the laundry by rotation of a dehydrating tank during dehydration based on a change in the state of a detection signal, and a dehydration amount detection means for detecting the amount of liquid discharged from the laundry by rotation of a dehydration tank during dehydration, and detecting the amount of foam caused by detergent with respect to the liquid during washing. A foam amount detection means for detecting based on a fluctuation state of light transmittance, and a rinsing content setting means for setting rinsing content such as the number of times of scrubbing based on the outputs of the dehydration amount detection means and the foam amount detection means. A washing machine featuring 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the dehydration amount detection means includes an optical turbidity detector. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the dehydration amount detection means includes a piezoelectric droplet detector.