CN110714305A

CN110714305A - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN110714305A
Application number: CN201910404414.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 西村孝; 长井智; 增田美穗; 须坂祐辅; 根岸昭博
Original assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Priority date: 2018-06-27
Filing date: 2019-05-15
Publication date: 2020-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 2039-05-15
Also published as: JP2020000404A; JP7112264B2; CN110714305B

Abstract

The invention provides a washing machine capable of reporting to a user that a detergent input path is blocked. The washing machine of the embodiment comprises: a washing tub for accommodating laundry; a detergent feeder for automatically feeding detergent into the washing tub; a control unit for controlling the detergent dispenser; and a concentration detection unit for detecting the concentration of the detergent contained in the washing water used in the washing operation, inputting a detection signal to the control unit, and reporting to the user by the control unit when the concentration of the detergent detected after the washing operation is started is less than a threshold value.

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a washing machine including a device for automatically feeding detergent.

Background

For example, patent document 1: jp 2017 a-158602 a disclose a washing machine having a device for automatically feeding detergent into a washing tub.

In the above-described apparatus, clogging may occur in a path through which the detergent is supplied during the repeated washing operation. Therefore, if the user uses the washing machine without noticing the occurrence of the clogging, there are problems that the amount of the detergent to be put in becomes insufficient or the washing operation is performed without putting the detergent in at all.

Disclosure of Invention

Therefore, the washing machine can report to the user that the detergent input path is blocked.

The washing machine of the embodiment comprises: a washing tub for accommodating laundry; a detergent feeder for automatically feeding detergent into the washing tub; a control unit for controlling the detergent dispenser; and a concentration detection unit for detecting the concentration of the detergent contained in the washing water used in the washing operation, inputting a detection signal to the control unit, and reporting to the user by the control unit when the concentration of the detergent detected after the washing operation is started is less than a threshold value.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional side view showing the structure of a washing machine according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the washing machine for a portion related to the gist.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the entire washing operation.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a detergent supply process.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the entire procedure of the washing operation in the second embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart (1) showing a procedure for determining a detergent supply method.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart (2) showing a procedure for determining a detergent supply method.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the entire procedure of the cleaning operation in the third embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the entire procedure of the cleaning operation in the fourth embodiment.

Detailed Description

(first embodiment)

A first embodiment applied to a drum-type washing and drying machine will be described below with reference to fig. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 schematically shows the entire structure of a washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The washing machine 1 has a main body 2 having a substantially rectangular box shape, and a cylindrical tub 3 is supported in the main body 2 via an elastic support mechanism 6, only a part of which is shown, in a state of being slightly inclined downward rearward. A cylindrical drum 4 is rotatably supported in the tub 3, and the drum 4 is a washing tub for storing laundry as washing articles. The drum 4 is configured to rotate around an inclined shaft extending in the front-rear direction and slightly inclined so as to descend rearward.

A plurality of holes 5 for water and air passage, only a part of which is shown, are formed in the peripheral wall of the drum 4. A plurality of lifters 7 for agitating laundry are provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the drum 4. A plurality of air vents, not shown, are provided in the rear wall portion of the drum 4. An opening 8 for the laundry to enter and exit is provided in the front surface of the drum 4. An inlet 9 connected to the opening 8 is formed in the front surface of the tub 3. A door 10 for opening and closing the inlet 9 is provided on the front surface of the main body 2.

A washing machine motor 11, for example, an outer rotor type brushless motor, is disposed at the rear of the tub 3. The front end of the rotary shaft 11a of the washing machine motor 11 penetrates the rear surface of the tub 3 to protrude into the tub 3, and is fixedly coupled to the rear center of the drum 4. Thereby, the drum 4 is directly rotated and driven by the washing machine motor 11. The washing machine motor 11 is provided with a rotor and a rotation sensor, not shown, for detecting rotation of the drum 4.

A drain line 13 is connected to a lower portion of the tub 3, and a drain valve 14 is provided in a middle portion of the drain line 13. Although not shown in detail, the drain line 13 extends to the outside of the main body 2, and the water in the tub 3 is drained to a predetermined drain place such as a toilet. In addition, although not shown, an air chamber communicating with the inside of the tub 3 is provided at a lower portion of the rear surface of the tub 3, and the air chamber is connected to a water level sensor, not shown, disposed at an upper portion inside the main body 2 via an air pipe.

A drying unit 16 for supplying warm air into the tub 3 during drying and an air circulation duct 17 are provided in the main body 2. The air circulation duct 17 as a whole extends upward from an inlet portion 17a at the lower end portion of the back of the tub 3, extends forward from the upper portion of the tub 3, and is connected to an outlet portion 17b at the front end portion of the upper portion of the tub 3. The drying unit 16 includes an air blowing fan 18 and a heater 19, and is disposed in the middle of the air circulation duct 17, for example, above the tub 3.

During the drying process, the following cycles were performed: the blower fan 18 is driven so that the air in the tub 3 and the drum 4 is sucked into the air circulation duct 17 from the inlet portion 17a, heated by the heater 19, and then supplied into the tub 3 from the outlet portion 17 b. Further, a dehumidifier may be provided in an intermediate portion of the air circulation duct 17. Instead of the heater type drying unit 16, a drying unit having a heat pump of a known configuration may be provided.

An operation/display panel 20 is provided on an upper front surface of the main body 2. The operation/display panel 20 is provided with, for example, a display unit for selecting various operation programs and various keys for starting operations, and displaying necessary information to the user. The control unit 21 shown in fig. 2 is provided on the back side of the operation and display panel 20. The control unit 21 mainly includes a microcomputer, and controls the entire operation of the washing machine 1 based on various input signals and a control program stored in advance. As will be described later in detail, the controller 21 controls the operations of supplying water and automatically feeding liquid detergent.

A water supply mechanism 22 is provided at an upper portion of the main body 2, and the water supply mechanism 22 supplies water from tap water into the tub 3 and the drum 4. A mechanism for automatically throwing the liquid detergent into the tub 3 is partially assembled to the water supply mechanism 22. A water filling cartridge 23 is provided at a front portion in an upper portion of the main body 2. The water filling cartridge 23 is connected to the front upper portion of the tub 3 via a water supply hose 23 a. Although not shown, the water filling box 23 is provided with a pull-out detergent input portion, and detergents such as powder detergent, finishing agent, bleaching agent, and the like are previously input into the detergent input portion, so that the detergents are supplied into the tub 3 together with the tap water.

A hose connection portion 24 is provided on the rear end side of the upper portion of the main body 2. Although not shown, a hose connected to a faucet of tap water is connected to the hose connection portion 24. A water supply path 25 extending from the hose connection part 24 to the water filling cartridge 23 is provided in the main body 2. An electromagnetic fill valve 26 is provided in the water supply path 25. A suction unit 27 made of, for example, plastic is inserted on the downstream side of the water filling valve 26 in the middle of the water supply path 25.

As is well known, the suction unit 27 is formed in a T shape having a reduced pressure state by the venturi effect, and integrally including a straight pipe portion extending in the left-right direction in the drawing, and a branch pipe extending upward in the drawing at a right angle from the center of the straight pipe portion. The branch pipe is provided with a check valve for preventing reverse flow, not shown. The aspirator 27 has an inlet 27a on the right side, an outlet 27b on the left side, and an intake 27c extending upward, wherein the inlet 27a is on the upstream water supply source side in the water supply path 25, and the outlet 27b is on the downstream water injection box 23 side. When the water injection valve 26 is opened and water flows through the water supply path 25, the water flows from the inlet 27a side to the outlet 27b side, the flow velocity increases at the outlet of the throttle pipe 28, and the pressure inside the suction portion 27c is reduced.

An automatic detergent dispenser 30, which serves as a supply source of a liquid detergent and contains the liquid detergent, is provided on the rear side of the upper portion of the main body 2. In the present embodiment, the automatic detergent dispenser 30 is configured to be directly connectable to a bottle 31 of a commercially available liquid detergent, and includes a bottle connection port 32 to which the bottle 31 is connected in a downward-facing state, and a bottle holding portion 33 for supporting the bottle 31 in the downward-facing state. Further, the bottle 31 may be housed in the main body 2.

The main body 2 is provided with a liquid detergent storage 34 for temporarily storing a liquid detergent flowing down from a bottle 31 connected to the bottle connection port 32, and a detergent supply path 35 having a base end connected to the liquid detergent storage 34. The front end of the detergent supply path 35 is connected to the suction portion 27c of the suction unit 27, and an opening/closing valve 36 for opening and closing the detergent supply path 35 is provided in the middle of the detergent supply path 35.

In a state where the bottle 31 is connected to the bottle connection port 32 and the liquid detergent is stored in the liquid detergent storage 34, when the water injection valve 26 is opened and the on-off valve 36 is opened when water flows through the water supply path 25, the liquid detergent is sucked into the suction unit 27 through the detergent supply path 35 from the suction unit 27 c. The sucked liquid detergent flows out from the outlet 27b while being mixed with water, and is automatically put into the water tub 3 through the water injection box 23. The water injection valve 26 and the on-off valve 36 are opened and closed under the control of the control unit 21. Further, instead of the aspirator 27, a mechanism for introducing a detergent by a pump or a solenoid valve may be used as disclosed in, for example, Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2017-509464.

The remaining detergent amount detector 37 is disposed in the liquid detergent storage unit 34. The liquid detergent storage unit 34 is formed of a transparent member, and the remaining detergent amount detection unit 37 includes a light emitting element 37a, for example, an LED, and a light receiving element 37b, for example, a photodiode, which are coaxially disposed outside the liquid detergent storage unit 34.

In the liquid detergent storage unit 34, the amount of light emitted from the light emitting element 37a received by the light receiving element 37b is reduced in a state where the liquid detergent is filled to a level exceeding the attachment position of the remaining detergent amount detecting unit 37. When the liquid level of the liquid detergent is lower than the mounting position of the remaining detergent amount detecting unit 37, the light receiving amount of the light receiving element 37b increases. Although not shown, the remaining detergent amount detecting unit 37 includes a plurality of sets of light emitting elements 37a and light receiving elements 37b, and detects the remaining amount of the liquid detergent stored in the liquid detergent storage unit 34.

As shown in fig. 2, the control unit 21 receives an operation signal for operating the display panel 20. The control unit 21 controls the display of the display unit of the operation/display panel 20. Detection signals from the water temperature detector 37, the weight detector 38, and the washing water determiner 39 are input to the controller 21. The controller 21 controls the washing machine motor 11, the drain valve 14, the fill valve 26, the on-off valve 36 of the automatic detergent dispenser 30, and the like.

The weight detecting unit 38 is a functional block that externalizes a function of detecting the weight of the cloth stored in the drum 4 based on the time from the state in which the drum 4 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed to the stop of the rotation before the water supply at the start of the washing operation, for example, by the control unit 21. The washing water determination unit 39 includes, for example, a conductivity sensor for detecting the conductivity of the washing water. In addition, the washing machine may be configured by combining a water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the washing water and a transmittance sensor for detecting the transmittance of the washing water. The wash water determination unit 39 is disposed at a lowest point of the tub 3 as shown in fig. 1, for example, and detects the concentration of the detergent in the wash water by using the conductivity. The washing water determination unit 39 corresponds to a concentration detection unit.

The detergent outflow detecting unit 40 is disposed in a portion where the detergent flows out of the detergent storage unit 34, and includes a group of light emitting elements 40a and light receiving elements 37b, as in the remaining detergent amount detecting unit 37. The detergent outflow detecting unit 40 detects the outflow of the detergent from the liquid detergent storage unit 34, and the detection principle is the same as that of the remaining detergent amount detecting unit 37. The calendar function unit 41 is constituted by a real-time clock IC or the like, and outputs data of the year, month, day, and hour, minute, and second of the west calendar to the control unit 21.

With the above configuration, the control unit 21 controls each mechanism of the washing machine 1 based on the input signals from each sensor and the control program stored in advance in accordance with the operation program set by the user through the operation/display panel 20, and automatically executes the washing operation including each process of known washing, rinsing, and spin-drying or the subsequent drying operation. Further, controller 21 controls on-off valve 36 during water supply so that a predetermined amount of detergent corresponding to the amount of cloth in drum 4 is automatically supplied during the first water supply of the washing operation.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a main routine showing the sequence of the entire washing operation. When the weight of the cloth is detected by the weight detector 38 (S1), the controller 21 determines the amount of detergent to be put in based on the detected weight (S2), and performs the washing process (S3). Then, a rinsing process is performed (S4), and finally, a dehydrating process is performed (S5).

As shown in fig. 4, when water supply is started during the detergent supply in step S2, controller 21 detects the concentration of detergent in the washing water by washing water determination unit 39 before the detergent is supplied. When the detergent is put into the automatic detergent feeder 30 (S10), the detergent outflow detector 40 determines whether or not the detergent flows out of the liquid detergent storage 34 (S11). If the content amount is not changed (no), the occurrence of clogging of the bottle 31 is displayed on the operation/display panel 20 and reported to the user (S17). The report here may be made by, for example, displaying a text message such as "detergent clogging", "maintenance of a detergent dispenser", or outputting a voice signal of the message. If the internal amount is changed (S11: YES), the concentration of the detergent in the washing water is detected again (S12).

Next, the controller 21 determines whether or not the washing water has changed based on whether or not the difference in detergent concentration detected in steps S12 and S10b is equal to or greater than the threshold a (S12 a). Here, in the case where there is no change in the washing water (no), it is assumed that the detergent is completely clogged or leaked in the path from the liquid detergent storage 34 to the tub 3. Therefore, the occurrence of "clogging of the input path and leakage of the detergent" is reported on the operation/display panel 20 (S12 b).

If it is determined in step S12a that there is a change in the washing water (yes), it is determined whether or not at least detergent has been put into the washing water based on the value of the detergent concentration detected in step S1 (S13). If it is determined that the detergent is supplied (yes in S13), it is determined whether or not the detected concentration is equal to or higher than a set value corresponding to the threshold B corresponding to the proper amount of the detergent to be supplied (S14). The threshold B is a value larger than the threshold a. If the concentration is equal to or higher than the set value (yes), the routine returns to the main routine, and if the concentration is lower than the set value (no), the operation/display panel 20 notifies the user that there is an abnormality in the detergent supply path after the washing operation is completed (S15). Then, the detergent is additionally charged (S16) and the process returns to step S13.

In step S13, if the detected substance cannot be determined to be a detergent (no), the user is notified that the substance contained in bottle 31 is a substance other than a detergent (S18). In this case, the user has input a substance other than the detergent, and therefore an erroneous input is reported. The report here can be made by, for example, displaying "something other than detergent is entered", "nothing other than detergent is put in? "such a text message, or outputting the message voice signal. Further, it is determined whether or not the detected substance is a substance that can perform the cleaning operation safely (S19), and if the substance can be performed (yes), the routine returns to the main routine, and if the substance cannot be performed (no), the main routine is ended.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the washing machine 1 including the automatic detergent feeder 30, the washing water determination unit 39 detects the concentration of the detergent contained in the washing water used in the washing operation and inputs a detection signal to the control unit 21, and if the concentration of the detergent detected after the start of the washing operation is less than the threshold value, the control unit 21 reports to the user. This can notify the user of the occurrence of clogging in the detergent supply path, and can promote maintenance.

Further, if the concentration of the detergent is not less than the threshold value but not more than the appropriate concentration, the control unit 21 causes the automatic detergent feeder 30 to additionally feed the detergent and notifies the user of the completion of the washing operation. In this case, it is also possible to report to the user that a slight clogging has occurred in the detergent supply path, and to promote maintenance. When it is determined from the state of change in the concentration of the detergent that substances other than the detergent have been input, the control unit 21 notifies the user of the incorrect input. Thus, the user can recognize the erroneous input and perform the handling such as the re-washing operation.

(second embodiment)

Hereinafter, the same portions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted, and different portions are described. As shown in fig. 5, in the second embodiment, in the main routine of the washing operation, before step S1 is executed, it is determined whether the program selected by the user is the "tub cleaning program" (S0). Then, if a program other than the "tub cleaning program" is selected (no), step S1 is executed.

In the second embodiment, a detergent input method determining process (S6) is performed instead of the detergent input process of step S3. As shown in fig. 6, in the detergent input method determining process, first, the remaining detergent amount detecting unit 37 determines whether or not a detergent is stored in the liquid detergent storage unit 34 (S20 a). If the detergent is stored (yes), it is determined whether the use setting of the automatic detergent dispenser 30 is on (S20 b). If the use setting is on (yes), it is determined whether or not the program selected by the user automatically puts in detergent (S21). If the automatic input is performed (yes), the counter N for counting the number of times the automatic detergent input device 30 is not used is cleared (S22) and returned. If no in step S20a, the process proceeds to step S27, and if no in step S20b, the process proceeds to step S23.

On the other hand, if the program selected by the user is not a program for automatically putting in detergent (S21: No), the counter N is incremented (S23). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the counter N is smaller than the equivalent value Nmax a predetermined number of times (S24). If (N < Nmax) (YES), the process returns, and if (N ≧ Nmax) (NO), it is determined whether or not the program selected by the user is a program using a normal detergent (S25). If the program is a program not using a normal detergent, such as "fashion laundry" which is a washing program corresponding to a specific laundry (no), the program returns. On the other hand, if the program is a program using a normal detergent (yes), a small amount of detergent is injected by the automatic detergent injector 30 (S26).

Next, when a small amount of detergent is injected, it is determined whether or not the internal volume of bottle 31 has changed in the same manner as in step S11 (S27). If the internal volume of bottle 31 changes (yes), the same processing as step S22 is performed (S28), and if the internal volume of bottle 31 does not change (no), the same processing as step S17 is performed (S29).

In addition, in step S0 shown in fig. 5, if the program selected by the user is the "tub cleaning program" (yes), the same processing as steps S26, S22 is performed (S7, S8), and then the tub cleaning process is performed (S9).

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the control unit 21 measures the period during which the automatic detergent dispenser 30 is not used, and when the period exceeds a predetermined period, the detergent dispenser 30 is dispensed with a small amount of detergent every time a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, the control unit 21 counts the number N of execution times of the washing operation without using the automatic detergent dispenser 30, and when the number N reaches a predetermined number Nmax, a small amount of detergent is dispensed on the condition that the normal detergent is used in the program selected by the user. Thus, even if the period in which the automatic detergent feeder 30 is not used is a certain length, the detergent can be prevented from being stuck in the feeding path.

In addition, the control section 21 puts a small amount of detergent in a normal washing operation in which the user is not the "fashion laundry washing" program. Thus, a small amount of detergent can be injected in response to selection of an appropriate program, and the detergent can be prevented from being stuck in the injection path.

(third embodiment)

As shown in fig. 8, in the third embodiment, steps S22D to S24D are performed instead of steps S22 to S24 of the second embodiment. In fig. 8 and 9, steps S20a and S20b are not shown. In the third embodiment, the number of unused days D is counted using the calendar information of the calendar function section 42 instead of using the counter N. In step S23D, the unused days D are updated with the days obtained by the calendar function unit 42 at that time. When the number of unused days D is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of days Dmax (S24D: NO), the process proceeds to step S25.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the calendar function unit 42 that outputs calendar information is provided, and the control unit 21 measures the period during which the automatic detergent dispenser 30 is not used, based on the calendar information. This can provide the same effects as those of the second embodiment.

(fourth embodiment)

As shown in fig. 9, in the fourth embodiment, steps S31 and S32 are performed before step S21 is performed. In step S31, when information indicating the type of detergent used for cleaning is input by the user, a value of the number of times Nmax is set based on the information of the detergent (S32). For example, Nmax is 50 times for detergents of company a, 30 times for detergents of company B, and 40 times for detergents of company C, and thus the fixed number of times Nmax is set to an appropriate value according to the viscosity of the detergents of each company. In addition, in the case where no information input by the user is made in step S31, a default set number of times is used.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the control unit 21 changes the set number Nmax according to the information of the detergent input by the user, and therefore, the number Nmax can be appropriately set according to the characteristics of the detergent used. As in the third embodiment, the predetermined number of days Dmax may be changed according to the characteristics of the detergent used. For example, Dmax is 50 days if the detergent is a detergent from company a, 30 days if the detergent is a detergent from company B, and 40 days if the detergent is a detergent from company C.

(other embodiments)

Specific numerical values such as the predetermined values are examples, and may be changed as appropriate according to individual design.

The determinations in steps S13 and S19 may be performed as needed.

The present invention is not limited to a liquid detergent, and can be applied to a configuration in which a powder detergent is automatically supplied.

The present invention is not limited to a drum-type washing machine, and can be applied to a vertical-type washing machine.

The embodiments can also be combined as appropriate.

When a circulation flow path for circulating the washing liquid stored in the tub 3 by using a circulation pump or the like is provided, the washing water determination unit 39 may be provided in the middle of the circulation flow path.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Claims

1. A washing machine is provided with:

a washing tub for accommodating laundry;

a detergent feeder for automatically feeding detergent into the washing tub;

a control unit for controlling the detergent dispenser; and

a concentration detection part for detecting the concentration of the detergent contained in the washing water used in the washing operation and inputting a detection signal to the control part,

the control unit reports to a user when the concentration of the detergent detected after the start of the washing operation is less than a threshold value.

2. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

if the concentration of the detergent is not less than the threshold but not more than an appropriate concentration, the control unit causes the detergent dispenser to additionally dispense the detergent and notifies a user of completion of the washing operation.

3. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2,

the control part reports the wrong input to the user when judging that the substances except the detergent are input according to the change state of the concentration of the detergent.

4. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2,

the control unit measures a period during which the detergent dispenser is not used, and when the period exceeds a predetermined period, causes the detergent dispenser to dispense a small amount of detergent every time a predetermined condition is satisfied.

5. The washing machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein,

the control unit may be configured to set the condition to a value obtained by measuring the predetermined period of time based on the number of times of execution of the washing operation without using the detergent dispenser.

6. The washing machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein,

a calendar function part for outputting calendar information is provided,

the control unit sets, as the condition, a case where the fixed period is measured based on the calendar information.

7. The washing machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein,

the control unit is inputted with information of a washing program designated by a user, and causes the detergent dispenser to dispense a small amount of detergent during a normal washing operation in which the user does not designate a washing program corresponding to a specific laundry.

8. Washing machine according to claim 4 or 5,

the control part is inputted with information of the washing program designated by the user,

the control part enables the detergent input device to input a small amount of detergent in the execution of the cleaning program when the user designates the cleaning program for cleaning the washing barrel.

9. The washing machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein,

the control part is given information of the detergent input by the user,

the control unit changes the condition according to the information.