JPH10323480A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To be able to change the strength of the water flow at the time of washing and to generate a plurality of water flows having different strengths, whereby the laundry can be washed well, and If the laundry gets entangled, it can be loosened. SOLUTION: During washing, two types of water streams (water streams A and B) are generated alternately. At this time, the water flow A is configured to be able to be selected in seven stages from "weak" to "strong" by a switch operation, and the water flow B is always constant and does not change in intensity regardless of the selection of the water flow intensity by the switch operation. The water flow A is set so as to be suitable mainly for improving the washing effect, and the water flow B is set so as to be suitable for releasing the entangled laundry.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fully automatic washing machine configured to be able to select a desired washing water flow intensity.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional fully automatic washing machine, for example, at the start of a washing operation, the amount of laundry and the like are detected, and the strength of water flow and dehydration during washing are set according to the detection result. ing. The intensity of the washing water flow set according to the detection result of the laundry amount or the like is not changed during the washing process and is maintained until the end of the washing process.

[0003] One of the washing effects is that the agitator rubs against the laundry. This scrubbing action is most strongly washed when the stirrer comes in contact with the stationary laundry and rotates, so shorten the drive time of the stirrer to minimize the movement of the laundry. Is preferred. However, if the driving time of the stirrer is short, on the other hand, the water flow that turns upside down is not generated well, so that the upside down of the laundry is not sufficiently performed, and the entire laundry cannot be washed evenly. Is generated. Therefore, in order to make the laundry upside down well and wash the whole laundry evenly,
It is necessary to increase the driving time of the stirrer to generate the inverted water flow.

In view of the above, conventionally, the amount of laundry and the like are detected and the water level (water amount) is automatically set in accordance with the detected amount, and the agitator is set so as to obtain a water flow strength suitable for the amount of laundry and the water level. The driving time and the rotation speed are determined so that the laundry can be washed well.

[0005]

As described above, in the conventional washing machine, the intensity of the water flow cannot be changed during the washing, and the user has to wash the laundry a little harder because the laundry is very dirty. Even if there is a request to wash lightly so as not to cause damage to the cloth, it cannot be dealt with.

On the other hand, another factor that affects the washing effect is the entanglement of laundry. The tangling of this laundry
The longer the distance the laundry travels in the water flow, the more likely it is to occur. It is also known that entangled laundry cannot be loosened unless a certain amount of force is applied, and it is also difficult to loosen if the force is only strong.

However, in the prior art, since the washing process is performed with a water flow of a constant strength mainly for the washing effect, the laundry is easily entangled, and once entangled, a water flow for loosening the entanglement is not generated. However, there is a problem that the washing effect is low.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to be able to change the strength of a water flow at the time of washing and to generate a plurality of water flows having different strengths. Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can wash laundry satisfactorily and that can unravel the laundry when it is tangled.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a water flow in the washing tub by rotating and driving a stirrer disposed in the washing tub to perform washing and rinsing. In the washing machine to be performed, a water flow strength selecting means,
Control means capable of adjusting water flow intensity by changing a water flow generation pattern comprising a drive time and a rotation speed of the stirrer, wherein the control means controls the stirrer with a plurality of water flow generation patterns during washing. A plurality of water flows having a plurality of strengths are generated by rotating, and a combination of water flow generation patterns for generating the plurality of strengths of the water flow are different depending on the water flow strength selected by the water flow strength selection means. It is characterized in that it is configured to allow

[0010] According to this means, the washing can be carried out by a plurality of streams of different strengths, so that one stream mainly takes into account the washing effect and the other stream mainly loosens the entanglement of the laundry. This can be taken into account. The combination of a plurality of water flow strengths realized by washing can be changed by the water flow strength selection means.

In this case, at the time of washing, by rotating the stirrer in two water flow generation patterns, a water flow having two strengths is generated, one of the water flow generation patterns is made invariable, and the other is generated. It can be configured to change according to the water flow strength selected by the selection means. Further, when the time when the water flow intensity is selected by the water flow intensity selection means is within the period in which the water flow is generated by one of the unchanged water flow generation patterns, the control means sets the other water flow generation pattern to the same. It can be configured to transition to a period for generating a water flow. According to this means, when the strength of the water flow is selected, the water flow is immediately changed to the selected water flow even if the washing is performed with the water flow on the unchanged side.

Further, when the lid of the laundry inlet is opened, the water flow generation period in one of the unchanged water flow generation patterns is shifted to the water flow generation period in the other water flow pattern. Is also good.

[0013] In a washing machine that automatically performs washing to dehydration, the dehydration intensity in the dehydration step can be configured to be changed according to the water flow intensity selected by the water flow intensity selection means.

[0014] Further, it is possible to change the strength of the water flow and the width in which the strength can be adjusted in accordance with the cloth detected by the cloth detecting means. Can be configured to change the strength of the water flow and the adjustable width of the strength.

When the power is turned on, a water flow having a standard strength is automatically selected and displayed, or a water flow having a specific strength can be selected by operating a specific operation section. can do.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a fully automatic washing machine will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, in FIG. 5 showing a schematic configuration of a fully automatic washing machine, an outer tub 2 is arranged in an outer box 1 via an elastic suspension mechanism 3 so as to be swingable. In the outer tub 2, a rotatable tub 4 serving as both a washing tub and a dewatering tub is rotatably provided, and a stirring body 5 for washing is rotatably provided on the inner bottom of the rotary tub 4. I have. The rotary tub 4 has a dewatering hole 4a formed only in the upper part of the peripheral wall, and water shaken off from the laundry during dewatering is discharged into the outer tub 2 from the dewatering hole 4a.

A drain passage 6 is provided at the inner bottom of the outer tub 2 so as to extend from the center to the rear side. It is configured so as to communicate with each other, and the end on the peripheral side is a drain port 7. The drain port 7 is opened and closed by, for example, a motor-driven drain valve 8, and a drain hose 9 is connected to a lower portion of the drain valve 8.

When the drain valve 8 is opened, the water in the rotary tank 4 is discharged to the outside through the drain passage 6 and the drain hose 9. At the bottom of the outer tub 2, an overflow outlet 10 for discharging water overflowing from the rotary tub 4 is formed. The overflow outlet 10 communicates with the drain hose 9 via a hose (not shown). Have been. In the case of this configuration, when water in the rotary tub 4 is discharged from the dewatering hole 4a into the outer tub 2 during a dehydration operation or the like, the water is discharged to the outside through the overflow discharge port 10 and the drain hose 9. It is configured to:

The drain port 7 is provided with an air trap 11.
This air trap 11 is provided with a water level sensor 12 (see FIG. 7) from a pressure sensor to an air pipe 13.
And is configured to detect the water level in the rotary tank 4 by the water level sensor 12.

At the outer bottom of the outer tub 2, a washing machine motor 14 and a drive mechanism 15 for washing and spin-drying, each of which is composed of an inverter motor, are disposed. The rotating force of the washing machine motor 14 is controlled by a belt transmission mechanism. 16 through the drive mechanism 15
It is transmitted to. The drive mechanism unit 15 includes:
As is well known, it is configured to include a clutch mechanism, a speed reduction mechanism, and a brake mechanism. Among them, the brake mechanism has a function of braking the rotary tub 4 to stop it, and the clutch mechanism transmits the rotation of the washing machine motor 14 to only the stirring body 5 via the speed reduction mechanism at the time of washing. When,
At the time of dehydration, it has a function of switching to a state of transmitting to both the rotating tub 4 and the stirring body 5.

The brake mechanism and the clutch mechanism are
The drive source of the drain valve 8 is configured to be driven in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the drain valve 8. Specifically, at the time of washing and rinsing in which the drain valve 8 is closed, the driving mechanism unit 15 rotates the washing machine motor 14 only to the stirrer 5 in a state where the rotary tub 4 is stopped by braking the rotary tub 4 by the brake mechanism. Decelerate and transmit.

When draining, the drain valve 8 is opened, so that the brake mechanism releases the braking of the rotary tub 4 and the clutch mechanism controls the rotation of the washing machine motor 14 to both the rotary tub 4 and the stirrer 5. In this state, when the state shifts to dehydration, the rotation of the washing machine motor 14 is transmitted to the rotating tub 4 and the stirring body 5, and both are rotated at a high speed.

On the other hand, a top cover 1
An electromagnetic water supply valve 18 is disposed at the rear of the top cover 17. Also,
The top cover 17 is provided with, for example, a two-fold type opening / closing lid 19 for opening and closing the entrance of the laundry, and a lid switch 20 which is turned on / off in conjunction with opening and closing of the opening / closing lid 19.

An operation panel 21 as shown in FIG. 6 is provided on the upper surface of the front part of the top cover 17. The operation panel 21 includes a power switch, a course selection switch, a water level setting, washing, rinsing,
Various switches are provided for setting a dehydration operation time to a desired time. By operating a course selection switch 22 as a washing course selection means, a standard course, a blanket course, a dry course, and the like can be selected.

A water flow strength switch 23 and a water flow weakness switch 24 are provided as water flow strength selection means for selecting a water flow having a desired strength. When the water flow strength switch 23 is operated, the water flow strength is increased by one step. When the water flow weakening switch 24 is operated, the strength of the water flow is reduced by one step. Further, by operating a zigzag switch 25 as a specific operation unit, a "strong" water flow, which will be described later, can be selected at a time. By using this switch 25, the water flow strengthening or weakening switch 23 or 24 is operated many times. Even without doing so, it is possible to select a strong water flow.

The switch 2 for increasing and decreasing the flow of water
3, 24, the strength of the water flow selected by the zigzag switch 25 is displayed on the display 26. In this case, the display 26 emits light from the light-emitting portions 27a to 27d from one corner (lower left corner in the drawing) to the other corner (upper right corner) in a diagonal relationship of the rectangular display surface. 27 g are arranged in a step-like manner. Note that the light emitting units 27a to 27g are made of, for example, light emitting diodes. The display form of the display 26 is such that the light emitting portion indicating the water flow weaker than the selected water flow intensity is always turned on, and the light emitting portion indicating the selected water flow intensity is flashed.

The washing machine motor 14 is constituted by, for example, a brushless motor which is a kind of DC motor.
It is controlled by an inverter device. That is, in FIG. 7, a DC power supply circuit 29 connected to a commercial AC power supply 28 includes a full-wave rectifier 30 and a smoothing capacitor 31, and a positive output line 32 and a negative output line 33 of the DC power supply circuit 29 are connected to each other. Between, for example, IG as a switching element
The inverter main circuit 40 constituted by the three-phase bridge circuits of the BTs 34 to 39 is connected. The terminals of the windings 14U, 14V, 14W of the washing machine motor 14 are connected to the output terminal of the inverter main circuit 40.

The washing machine motor 14 is provided with position detecting elements 41U, 41V and 41W for detecting the rotation position of a permanent magnet type rotor (not shown). The 41 W position detection signal is supplied to an inverter control circuit 42. The inverter control circuit 42 is supplied with a control signal from an operation control circuit 43 as control means for controlling the entire washing machine. The control signals provided from the operation control circuit 43 to the inverter control circuit 42 include a start signal, a stop signal, and a rotation speed signal.

Then, the inverter control circuit 42 receives the position detection signals from the position detection elements 41U to 41W based on the position detection signals.
The IGBTs 34 to 39 of the inverter main circuit 40 are turned on / off in a predetermined order, whereby the washing machine motor 14
The windings 14U to 14W are driven to rotate by being repeatedly energized sequentially with a predetermined phase difference.

At this time, the inverter control circuit 42 controls the rotation speed of the washing machine motor 14 by a pulse width modulation (PWM) method, that is, the position detection elements 41U to 41W.
The rotational speed of the rotor is detected from the position detection signal, and the detected speed is compared with the command speed from the operation control circuit 43, and the duty of the PWM signal is controlled so that the rotor speed matches the command speed. It is configured.

On the other hand, the operation control circuit 43 includes a microcomputer, which includes a water level sensor 12, a lid open / close detection circuit 44 having the lid switch 20,
Various signals are supplied from a switch input circuit 45 having various switches provided on the operation panel 21. Then, the operation control circuit 43 controls the drain valve 8, the water supply valve 18, the display 26, the inverter control circuit 42, and the like according to the input signal in accordance with the operation program stored therein. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 46 denotes a constant voltage circuit for converting the AC dropped by the step-down transformer 47 into a DC constant voltage. The constant voltage circuit 46 serves as a DC power supply for the inverter control circuit 42, the operation control circuit 43, and the like. Function.

In this embodiment, the strength of the water flow is controlled by the driving time of the agitator 5 (the energizing time of the washing machine motor 14) and the rotation speed. in this case,
The stirrer 5 is driven so as to alternately repeat forward and reverse rotations, and is stopped for a short time when the rotation direction is reversed (the power-off time of the washing machine motor 14).

At the time of washing, a plurality of water flow strengths, in this embodiment, two kinds of water flow strengths are alternately realized, and at least one of the combinations of the two water flow strengths is used. On the other hand, in this embodiment, one of the two types of water flow strength can be switched by the water flow intensification switch or the water flow reduction switch 23 or 24.

FIG. 1 shows the water flow intensity that can be switched by the water flow intensifying switch 23 or 24, based on the energizing time of the washing machine motor 14 (the driving time of the stirring body 5), the power interruption time, and the rotation speed of the stirring body 5. This is shown by the following water flow generation pattern. The rotation speed of the stirring body 5 is controlled by the rotation speed of the washing machine motor 14.

As can be understood from FIG. 1, the strength of the water flow can be changed in seven stages, and one of the water flows indicated by the water flow B is a switch 23 for strengthening or weakening the water flow. Irrespective of the water flow strength selection by 24, the washing machine motor 14 is controlled so as to be energized for 0.5 seconds, cut off for 0.5 seconds, and rotated at 120 rpm. On the other hand, the other water flow indicated by the water flow A is, as a standard, the washing machine motor 14 is energized for 0.8 seconds, cut off for 0.8 seconds,
The rotation speed of the washing machine motor 14 and the rotation speed of the stirrer 5 increase as the water flow becomes stronger from the standard, and the power supply time of the washing machine motor 14 increases as the water flow decreases from the standard. And the rotation speed of the stirring body 5 decreases.

Also, as can be understood from FIG.
Is longer than the current B in the washing machine motor 14. This is suitable for generating upside-down water streams.
This water flow A promotes the change of the laundry up and down, and the laundry is washed evenly. Further, since the chance that the laundry comes into contact with the agitator 5 increases, the scrubbing effect by the contact between the two can be obtained, and the laundry effect of the laundry can be generally improved.

On the other hand, in the water flow B, the energization time of the washing machine motor 14 is shorter and the power cut-off time is longer than in the water flow A. For this reason, a moderate constant force can be applied to the laundry, and when the laundry is entangled by the water flow A, an effect of loosening the entanglement can be obtained. Then, the water flow B is maintained at a substantially constant strength despite the switching of the strength of the water flow A, so that the same loosening effect can always be obtained regardless of the change in the strength of the water flow A.

The operation control circuit 43 detects the amount of laundry at the beginning of the washing operation.
The detection of the amount of laundry is performed by rotating the stirrer 5 for a predetermined time while only the laundry (without water) is stored in the rotating tub 4. At this time, since the degree of increase in the rotation speed of the stirrer 5 varies depending on the amount of laundry, the total number of rotations of the stirrer 5 within the predetermined time, in this embodiment, the total number of rotations of the stirrer 5 is determined by the washing machine motor 14. (The laundry amount detecting means). When the laundry amount is detected, a speed command is given from the operation control circuit 43 to the inverter control circuit 42, but the inverter control circuit 42 performs a feedback operation such that the rotation speed of the washing machine motor 14 matches the command speed. No control is performed.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Note that these flowcharts show the contents of control relating to the adjustment of the strength of the water flow. For example, when the washing process starts, water is supplied, but control relating to the water supply control and the like is omitted.

First, for the sake of simplicity, a case where the washing course and the strength of the water flow are not selected will be described. If the course is not selected, a standard course is set, and washing, rinsing, and spin-drying are performed in this order. If the strength of the water flow is not selected, the water flow having the “standard” strength is set, and the light emitting units 27 a to 27 a are set.
27c is constantly lit, and the light emitting unit 27d blinks to indicate that the water flow of the "standard" strength is set.

If the washing course and the strength of the water flow are not selected, "NO" is determined in step S1 for determining whether or not the course is selected, and "NO" is determined in step S2 for determining whether or not the next water flow adjustment is to be performed. Becomes When the washing process is started, "NO" is determined in step S3 for determining whether or not the water flow is adjusted. When the water level in the rotary tub 4 reaches the set water level ("YES" in step S4), the water flow A Is set (step S5), and the washing with the water flow A is performed until the washing time by the water flow A (for example, 60 seconds) elapses (“NO” in step S6, and “N” in step S7).
O "," NO "is repeated in step S8). At this time, since the water flow A has no course selection and no water flow adjustment, the water flow intensity is set to “standard” and the washing machine motor 14
Is energized for 0.8 seconds, power cuts for 0.8 seconds, rotation speed 1 of the stirring body 5
It is controlled to be 20 rpm.

When the washing time with the water stream A has elapsed, the washing with the water stream A ends (“YE” in step S8).
S "), and then the water flow B is set (step S9). This water flow B is applied to the washing machine motor 1 irrespective of the water flow control.
4 is generated by controlling the power supply to 0.5 seconds, the power cut for 0.5 seconds, and the rotation speed of the stirring member 5 to 120 rpm.

The washing with the water stream B is performed until the washing time (eg, 95 seconds) elapses (“NO” in step S10, “NO” in step S11, and “NO” in step S12). After the elapse of the washing time with the water flow B, the washing with the water flow B ends, and the process returns to the above-described step S3 for determining whether or not the water flow adjustment has been performed.

"NO" in this step S3, "YES" in step S4 for judging whether or not it is the next set water level, the water stream A is set, and the water stream A is washed.
After the elapse of the washing time with the water stream A, the water stream B is set, and the washing with the water stream B is performed.

In the same manner, washing with the water stream A and washing with the water stream B are performed alternately. When the washing time elapses during the washing with the water flow A or the washing with the water flow B, “Y” is determined in step S7 or step S11.
The washing is completed as "ES", and then the drain valve 8 is opened to drain the water in the rotary tub 4 to the outside (step S13). After the drainage, the process proceeds to the next step, ie, the rinsing step. After the rinsing step, the dewatering step is performed. The rinsing process is performed only by the water flow B.

In the dewatering process, the dewatering strength is the strength corresponding to the strength of the water flow A during the washing process.
Since the water flow A at the time of washing was performed by "standard",
The dehydration strength is set to “standard”, and the rotation speed of the rotating tub 4 is 9
It is controlled at 00 rpm.

When the water flow A in the washing process is set to a desired intensity, the water flow intensification switch 23 or 24 is operated. When the operation time of the water flow intensifying or weakening switch 23 or 24 is before the start of the washing process, "YES" is determined in the step S2, and the flow shifts to the water flow adjusting routine shown in FIG. 3, and the water flow intensifying switch 23 is operated. ("YES" in step S14), the strength of the water flow A is increased by one level (step S15), and the water flow weakening switch 24 is operated ("YE in step S16").
S "), the intensity of the water flow A is reduced by one step (step S1).
7). Then, when the water flow strengthening switch 23 or the water flow weakening switch 24 is operated once and the strength of the water flow A is increased by one level or reduced by one level, the process returns to step S3.
It is determined whether or not the water flow has been adjusted.

Here, when the water flow strengthening or weakening switch 23 or 24 is operated again, "YES" is made in step S3, and the flow again shifts to the water flow adjusting routine, and the water flow strengthening or weakening switch 23 or 24 is operated. To further increase or decrease the intensity of the water flow A by one step.

That is, when the power is turned on, the water flow A is set to "standard", so that when the water flow high switch 23 is operated once, "slightly high" is selected and
“Slightly strong” is selected in the third operation, and “strong” is selected in the third operation. Also, the water flow weakening switch 24 is set to 1
When the operation is performed the second time, “slightly weak” is selected, “slightly weak” is selected by the second operation, and “weakly” is selected by the third operation. As described above, the water flow strengthening or weakening switch 23
Alternatively, a one-step strong water flow or a one-step weak water flow is selected every 24 operations.

When the strength of the water flow A is set to the desired strength as described above, the water flow A is set when the water at the set water level is supplied into the rotary tank 4, and the washing with the water flow A is performed. Executed (“YES” in step S4, step S4).
5).

After the washing process is started and before the set water level is reached, the water flow intensifying or weakening switch 23 or 2
When the button 4 is operated, "YES" is determined in the step S3, and the flow shifts to the water flow adjusting routine of FIG. 3, and a desired water flow intensity is selected by operating the water flow strengthening or weakening switch 23 or 24 in the same manner as described above. . Then, when the set water level is reached, the water flow A having the selected water flow intensity is set, and the washing with the water flow A is performed.

The adjustment of the water flow A is possible even during the actual washing by the water flow A or the water flow B. If the switch 23 or 24 for increasing or decreasing the flow of water is operated during the washing with the flow of water A, "YES" is obtained in step S3, and the flow shifts to the flow of water flow adjustment routine of FIG.
Alternatively, after weakening, the process returns to step S3, and when the water flow strengthening or weakening switch 23 or 24 is operated again, the water flow adjusting routine of FIG. Thereafter, "YES" is determined in step S4 for judging whether or not the water level is the set water level, and in step S5, the washing water flow A having the newly set strength is set, and the washing with the water flow A is performed.

When the switch 23 or 24 for increasing or decreasing the flow of water is operated during the washing with the flow of water B, "YES" is given in step S10, and the flow proceeds to the flow of water flow adjustment routine of FIG.
After the strength of the water flow A is increased or decreased by one step, the process returns to step S3, and when the water flow strengthening or weakening switch 23 or 24 is operated again, the water flow adjusting routine of FIG. Thereafter, "YES" is determined in step S4 for judging whether or not the water level is the set water level, and in step S5, the washing water flow A having the newly set strength is set, and the washing with the water flow A is performed.

During the washing with the water stream B, the water stream A
When the strength of the water flow is adjusted, the washing operation is started by the water flow A even during the cleaning by the water flow B. After that, by opening the opening / closing lid 19, the selected water flow intensity is visually confirmed. And it is convenient to select the desired flow strength.

On the other hand, when a blanket is washed or a dry cleaning agent is used for washing, a course is selected after the power is turned on. Then, “YES” in the step S1.
When the selected course is the “blanket course”, the process proceeds to the course-specific water flow setting routine of FIG.
"YES" in the step S18, and the next step S1
In step 9, the strength of the water flow A is set to "slightly weak". When the selected course is the "dry course", "NO" is determined in step S18, "YES" is determined in step S20, and the strength of the water flow A is set to "weak" in the next step S21. Further, when the course selected by the course selection switch 22 is neither the "blanket course" nor the "dry course"("NO" in step S18, step S18).
("NO" at 20), the process proceeds to step S22, the strength of the water flow A is set to "standard", and the process returns to step S3. If the strength of the water flow A is set in advance in accordance with the selected course in this way, a desired water flow strength can be selected later based on the automatically set water flow strength, which is convenient for use. .

FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that after the washing process is started, when the lid opening / closing detection circuit 45 detects that the lid 19 is opened ("YES" in step SA3, "YES" in SA6, step S
A "YES" in A10), the flow shifts to a water flow A adjustment routine, and the strength of the water flow A can be adjusted by the switch 23 or 24 for increasing or decreasing the water flow. The adjustment routine for the water flow A and the routine for setting the water flow for each course are the same as those in FIGS. 3 and 4, and are not shown.

In the case of such a configuration, the open / close lid 19
When the is opened, the washing is performed by the water flow A, so that the strength of the selected water flow can be visually confirmed. When the opening / closing lid 19 is opened, the washing can be switched to the washing with the water stream A without actually adjusting the strength of the water stream.
The selected water flow strength can be confirmed visually.

When the opening / closing lid 19 is opened, the flow returns to step SA3 to perform washing with the water flow A without operating the water flow strengthening or weakening switch 23 or 24. When opened, the selected water flow can be visually confirmed, which is convenient for selecting the water flow strength.

FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that, when the "dry course" is selected, the washing process is not performed by the water flow B and only the water flow A is performed. The water flow generation pattern is set so as to be weaker than the strength at the time of the “standard course”, and the energizing time of the washing machine motor 14 from “weak” to “strong” and the stirring body 5
The rotation speed of the “dry course” is smaller than that of the “standard course”.

That is, when the water flow strength is the same level, for example, “standard”, the “standard course” is energized for 0.8 seconds, cut off for 0.8 seconds, and the rotation speed of the stirring body 5 is 120 rpm. For "dry course", energized for 0.5 seconds, 1.0
Second power interruption, the rotation speed of the stirring body 5 is set to 30 rpm, and a considerably weaker water flow than in the "standard course" is obtained. By doing so, the washing suitable for the “dry course” can be performed.

The energizing time of the washing machine motor 14 from "weak" to "strong" is 0.5-1.
1 second, 0.2 to 0.8 seconds in the "dry course", the rotation speed of the stirring body 5 is 90 to 150 rpm in the "standard course",
At 15 to 45 rpm in the "dry course", the change width of the water flow strength in the "dry course" is narrow.

By limiting the strength of the water flow and the width in which the strength can be adjusted as described above, an inadequate strong water flow is selected in the “dry course”, and the delicate laundry may be damaged. The occurrence is prevented beforehand. Note that a water flow corresponding to the water flow B is not generated in the “dry course”,
This is because it is considered that the loosening water flow B does not need to be generated because the amount of laundry is small, and the water flow A is weak, and there is almost no tangling of the cloth.

FIG. 10 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fully automatic washing machine of this embodiment is provided with cloth quality detecting means. In this embodiment, the cloth quality is detected by a fixed amount (small amount) in the rotary tank 4.
The stirrer 5 is intermittently driven to rotate while the water is contained. At this time, since the agitated body 5 intermittently hits the laundry and the rotation speed fluctuates as much as the laundered laundry, the rotation speed of the agitated body 5 varies each time. In this embodiment, each rotation of the agitated body 5 The variation in the speed is replaced with the variation in the rotation speed of the washing machine motor 14 each time to detect the cloth.

At the time of this cloth detection, a speed command signal is also supplied from the operation control circuit 43 to the inverter control circuit 42. The inverter control circuit 42 sets the rotation speed of the washing machine motor 14 to the command speed. No feedback control to make them coincide is not performed.

The strength of the water flow A and the adjustment range thereof are made narrower or wider than the “standard course” in accordance with the detected cloth quality. That is, from "weak" to "strong" water flow strength, in "standard", 0.5 second energization, 0.8 second blackout, rotation speed of stirring body 5 90 rpm ~
1.1 second energization, 0.8 second power cut, rotation speed of stirring body 5 150
rpm range, but with a rough texture of 0.
6 seconds energization, 0.8 seconds power cut, rotation speed of stirring body 5 100 rpm
m-1.2 seconds energization, 0.8 seconds power cut, rotation speed 1 of stirrer 5
The range is 60 rpm, and the strength of the water flow is stronger and the adjustment range of the strength is wider in the case of the rugged cloth than in the standard.

On the other hand, when the fabric is supple,
0.4 second energization, 0.8 second blackout, rotation speed of stirring body 5 80r
In the range of pm to 1.0 second energization, 0.8 second power cut, rotation speed of the stirring body 5 at 140 rpm, the strength of the water flow is weaker and stronger when using supple cloth than standard cloth. Adjustment range is narrow. If the range of the water flow intensity that can be adjusted according to the course is set wide or narrow in this way, there is no danger that an inappropriate water flow will be selected for the course, and the washing effect will significantly decrease, or Damage can be prevented as much as possible.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, but can be extended or modified as follows. The strength of the water flow A may be automatically set in accordance with the result of the cloth property detection, and then the strength of the water flow A may be manually adjusted. During the rinsing process, rinsing may be performed by a combination of the water flow A and the water flow B. The present invention may be applied to not only a fully automatic washing machine but also a two-tub washing machine.

[0068]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. According to the first aspect of the present invention, washing can be performed with a water stream having a desired strength, and a plurality of water streams having different strengths are generated. , Which can be loosened.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, for example, it is possible to change the water flow mainly for the washing effect according to the user's preference, and to make the water flow in consideration of the loosening always constant. .

According to the third aspect of the present invention, if the strength of the water flow is selected, the water flow immediately changes to the selected water flow even if the washing is performed with the invariant water flow. You can know. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the opening / closing lid is opened, the water flow immediately changes to the selected water flow even if the washing is performed with the unchanged water flow, so that the strength of the selected water flow can be visually confirmed. .

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the dewatering is performed with the strength corresponding to the selected water flow strength, the strength of the dehydration is linked to the strength of the washing. And the problem of strong dehydration can be eliminated. According to the invention described in claim 6, in the invention described in claim 7, the strength of the water flow and the width in which the strength can be adjusted are changed in accordance with the selected course. It is possible to prevent a water stream having a strength not suitable for the course from being selected.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the power is turned on, a water stream having a standard strength is automatically selected and displayed, so that when washing with a standard water stream frequently selected, It is not necessary to perform an operation for selecting the water flow strength, and the fact that the standard water flow is selected is displayed, so that there is no problem of selection error. According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the water flow having the specific strength can be selected by operating the specific operation unit, it is not necessary to perform the operation several times when selecting the specific water flow.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing a first embodiment of the present invention and showing a combination of water flow generation patterns.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the control content of water flow selection, part 1

FIG. 3 is the same flowchart 2

FIG. 4 is the same flowchart 3

FIG. 5 is a vertical side view of a fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an operation panel.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electric circuit.

FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a water flow generation pattern diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a water flow generation pattern diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

In the figure, 2 is an outer tub, 4 is a rotary tub (washing tub), 5 is a stirring body,
14 is a washing machine motor, 19 is an opening / closing lid, 22 is a course selection switch (washing course selection means), 23 is a water flow strength switch (water flow strength selection means), 24 is a water flow weakening switch (water flow strength selection means), 25 Denotes a zigzag switch (specific operation unit), 26 denotes a display, 42 denotes an inverter control circuit, and 43 denotes an operation control circuit (control means).

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for performing washing and rinsing by generating a water flow in the washing tub by rotating and driving a stirring body disposed in the washing tub, comprising: a water flow strength selecting unit; and driving the stirring body. Control means capable of adjusting the strength of the water flow by changing the water flow generation pattern consisting of time and rotation speed, wherein the control means rotates the agitator with a plurality of water flow generation patterns during washing. And a combination of water flow generation patterns for generating the plurality of strength water flows according to the water flow strength selected by the water flow strength selection means. A washing machine characterized by the following. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means rotates the stirrer in the two water flow generation patterns during the washing to generate two strength water flows, makes one water flow generation pattern unchanged, and makes the other water flow generation pattern invariable. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the washing machine is configured to change in accordance with the water flow strength selected by the water flow strength selection means. 3. When the time when the water flow intensity is selected by the water flow intensity selection means is within a period in which a water flow is generated by one of the unchanged water flow generation patterns, the control means:
3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the process shifts to a period in which a water flow is generated by the other water flow generation pattern. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the lid of the laundry input port is opened, even if the water flow generation period in one of the unchanged water flow generation patterns is changed to the water flow generation period in the other water flow pattern. The washing machine according to claim 2. 5. A washing tub is constituted by a rotary tub that also serves as a dehydration tub, for automatically performing washing to dehydration,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means is configured to change the dewatering strength in the dewatering process in accordance with the water flow strength selected by the water flow strength selecting means. 6. A fabric detection means, wherein the control means is configured to change the strength of the water flow and the width in which the strength can be adjusted according to the cloth detected by the cloth detection means. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: 7. A washing course selecting means, wherein the control means is configured to change the strength of the water flow and the adjustable width of the strength according to the course selected by the washing course selecting means. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: 8. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein when the power is turned on, a water flow having a standard intensity is automatically selected and displayed. 9. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water flow having a specific strength is configured to be selectable by operating a specific operation unit.