JP2013128641A

JP2013128641A - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: JP2013128641A
Application number: JP2011279416A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Toshihiko Yasui; 利彦安井; Sukehito Ozeki; 祐仁尾関; Hiroto Nakama; 啓人中間
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp
Priority date: 2011-12-21
Filing date: 2011-12-21
Publication date: 2013-07-04

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of rapidly raising a water temperature without considerably changing the structure and quickly and evenly including heated cleaning liquid into the whole of laundry.SOLUTION: The washing machine includes: an intake port 5 which is connected to a lower portion of an outer tank to make the cleaning liquid enter therein; a circulation passage 12 which has one end communicated with the intake port 5; a discharge port 11 which is communicated with the other end of the circulation passage 12 to discharge the cleaning liquid to the inside of a washing tank 3; a circulation pump 13 which takes the cleaning liquid into the circulation passage 12 to discharge the cleaning liquid to the inside of the washing tank 3 from the discharge port 11; a hot water heater 14 which is provided at the bottom of the outer tank 2 to heat the cleaning liquid; and control means 16 for controlling the washing machine. The control means 16 stops the circulation pump 13 not to discharge the cleaning liquid from the discharge port 11 to the inside of the drum 3 in a process for heating the cleaning liquid by the hot water heater 14.

Description

本発明は、洗濯機における洗濯液の加熱に関するものである。 The present invention relates to heating of washing liquid in a washing machine.

従来、この種の洗濯機は、洗浄やすすぎの性能、さらには節水性能を高めるために、洗濯機の水槽の底部に集められた洗濯液を回転ドラム内に循環させる経路が設けられ、洗濯液が循環水として噴射されていた。この構成により、洗濯液が衣類等の洗濯物に早く接触したり、循環水の噴射力によって汚れが分離されたり、少ない水量でも洗濯物が充分に濡れる等の効果や作用が有った。 Conventionally, this type of washing machine is provided with a path for circulating the washing liquid collected at the bottom of the washing machine's water tank in the rotating drum in order to improve washing and rinsing performance and water saving performance. Was injected as circulating water. With this configuration, there are effects such as that the washing liquid quickly comes into contact with the laundry such as clothes, the dirt is separated by the spray force of the circulating water, and the laundry is sufficiently wet even with a small amount of water.

さらに、外槽底部に加熱手段を有し、洗濯液を加熱することにより洗浄性能を向上させた洗濯機も有った。ここで特に、水量の少ないドラム式洗濯機では、洗濯液の循環を行うと、外槽底部の洗濯液の液面が低下し、加熱手段の表面が洗濯液の液面より出てしまう可能性がある。この状態で加熱手段を通電し続けると加熱手段表面が過加熱状態となり、外槽を構成する樹脂材料が溶解し、さらには、加熱手段自体が断線する可能性があった。これを防止するために通常は、加熱手段の近傍に温度検知手段が設けられたり、外槽底部の洗濯液の液面高さ、すなわち水位を検知する水位検知手段が設けられている。この構成により、加熱手段の温度が異常に高くなり、洗濯液面が低すぎるような場合は、加熱手段への通電を止める洗濯機があった（たとえば特許文献１参照）。 Furthermore, there has been a washing machine having a heating means at the bottom of the outer tub and improving the washing performance by heating the washing liquid. Here, in particular, in a drum type washing machine with a small amount of water, when the washing liquid is circulated, the liquid level of the washing liquid at the bottom of the outer tub may decrease, and the surface of the heating means may come out of the liquid level of the washing liquid. There is. If the heating means is continuously energized in this state, the surface of the heating means becomes overheated, the resin material constituting the outer tub is dissolved, and further, the heating means itself may be disconnected. In order to prevent this, a temperature detecting means is usually provided in the vicinity of the heating means, or a water level detecting means for detecting the level of the washing liquid at the bottom of the outer tub, that is, the water level. With this configuration, there has been a washing machine that stops energization of the heating means when the temperature of the heating means becomes abnormally high and the washing liquid level is too low (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

特開２００７−１１７１３５号公報JP 2007-117135 A

しかしながら、前記従来の構成では、安全性を確保するために、洗濯液の水位が通常より高く設定され、水位が下がるたびに加熱手段への通電が止められていた。そのため、洗濯液の温度を連続的に早く上げることができないため、洗浄に時間が掛かり、洗浄性能の向上が難しいという課題があった。 However, in the conventional configuration, in order to ensure safety, the water level of the washing liquid is set higher than usual, and energization of the heating means is stopped each time the water level drops. For this reason, the temperature of the washing liquid cannot be continuously increased quickly, so that it takes time for cleaning, and it is difficult to improve the cleaning performance.

本発明は、前記従来の課題を解決するもので、従来と構造を大きく変えることなく、洗濯液の水温を早く上昇させ、加熱された洗濯液をすばやくかつムラなく洗濯物全体に含ませることができる洗濯機を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and without increasing the structure of the conventional structure, the water temperature of the washing liquid can be raised quickly, and the heated washing liquid can be quickly and uniformly contained in the entire laundry. An object is to provide a washing machine that can be used.

前記従来の課題を解決するため、本発明の洗濯機は、外槽の下部に接続され、洗濯液が入り込む取水口と、取水口と一端が連通する循環経路と、循環経路の他端と連通し洗濯槽内に洗濯液を吐出する吐出口と、循環経路へ洗濯液を取り込んで吐出口より洗濯槽内に洗濯液を吐出する循環ポンプと、外槽の底部に設けられ洗濯液を加熱する温水ヒータと、洗濯機の制御を行う制御手段とを備え、制御手段は、温水ヒータによって洗濯液の加熱を行う工程では循環ポンプを停止し、洗濯液が洗濯槽内に吐出しないものである。これによって、温水ヒータによって洗濯液の加熱を行う工程では水位の低下がないため、加熱手段の通電を止めることがなく洗濯液の水温を早く上昇させ、加熱された洗濯液をすばやくかつムラなく洗濯物全体に含ませることができる。 In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the washing machine of the present invention is connected to the lower portion of the outer tub, and includes a water intake port through which the washing liquid enters, a circulation path that communicates with the water intake port, and one end of the circulation path. A discharge port for discharging the washing liquid into the washing tub, a circulation pump for taking the washing liquid into the circulation path and discharging the washing liquid into the washing tub from the discharge port, and heating the washing liquid provided at the bottom of the outer tub A hot water heater and a control means for controlling the washing machine are provided, and the control means stops the circulation pump in the process of heating the washing liquid by the hot water heater and does not discharge the washing liquid into the washing tub. As a result, there is no drop in the water level in the process of heating the washing liquid with the hot water heater. It can be included in the whole thing.

本発明の洗濯機は、温水ヒータによって洗濯液の加熱を行う工程では循環経路を介しての洗濯液の循環を行わない。この場合、水位の低下がないため、加熱手段の通電を止めることがなく水温を早く上昇させ、加熱された洗濯液をすばやくかつムラなく洗濯物全体に含ませることができる。このため、洗濯液の洗剤が高温の状態で洗濯物に浸透し、汚れがはがれやすくなるので、洗浄性能を常に確保することができる。 The washing machine of the present invention does not circulate the washing liquid through the circulation path in the process of heating the washing liquid with the hot water heater. In this case, since there is no drop in the water level, the water temperature can be quickly raised without stopping the energization of the heating means, and the heated washing liquid can be quickly and uniformly contained in the entire laundry. For this reason, since the detergent of the washing liquid penetrates into the laundry at a high temperature and the dirt is easily removed, the washing performance can always be ensured.

本発明の実施の形態１における洗濯機の構成図Configuration diagram of washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention 本発明の実施の形態１における洗濯機のフローチャートFlowchart of washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention

第１の発明は、洗濯物を収容して回転する洗濯槽と、洗濯槽を収容する外槽と、外槽の下部に接続され洗濯液が入り込む取水口と、取水口と一端が連通する循環経路と、循環経路の他端と連通し洗濯槽内に洗濯液を吐出する吐出口と、循環経路へ洗濯液を取り込んで吐出口より洗濯槽内に洗濯液を吐出する循環ポンプと、外槽の底部に設けられ洗濯液を加熱する温水ヒータと、洗濯機の制御を行う制御手段とを備え、制御手段は、温水ヒータによって洗濯液の加熱を行う工程では、循環ポンプを停止し、洗濯液が洗濯槽内に吐出しないものである。これによって、温水ヒータによって洗濯液の加熱を行う工程では加熱の中断がないので、水温を早く上昇させ、加熱された洗濯液をすばやくかつムラなく洗濯物全体に含ませることができる。 The first invention is a laundry tub that accommodates and rotates laundry, an outer tub that accommodates a laundry tub, a water intake connected to the lower portion of the outer tub, and a circulation in which the water intake and one end communicate with each other. A path, a discharge port that communicates with the other end of the circulation path, and discharges the washing liquid into the washing tub; a circulation pump that takes the washing liquid into the circulation path and discharges the washing liquid into the washing tub from the discharge opening; Provided with a hot water heater for heating the washing liquid and a control means for controlling the washing machine, wherein the control means stops the circulation pump in the step of heating the washing liquid with the hot water heater, Is not discharged into the washing tub. Accordingly, since there is no interruption in heating in the step of heating the washing liquid with the hot water heater, the water temperature can be quickly raised, and the heated washing liquid can be quickly and uniformly included in the entire laundry.

第２の発明は、第１の発明の温水ヒータによって洗濯液の加熱を行う工程において、制御手段は、所定の時間が経過するまで循環ポンプを停止し、洗濯液が洗濯槽内に吐出しないもので、温水ヒータによって洗濯液の加熱を行う工程の所定の時間が経過するまで加熱の中断がないので、一定の水温までの上昇が早く、加熱された洗濯液をすばやくかつムラなく洗濯物全体に含ませることができる。 According to a second aspect of the invention, in the step of heating the washing liquid by the hot water heater of the first aspect, the control means stops the circulation pump until a predetermined time elapses, and the washing liquid is not discharged into the washing tub. Because there is no interruption of heating until the predetermined time of the process of heating the washing liquid with the hot water heater elapses, the temperature rises to a certain water temperature quickly, and the heated washing liquid is quickly and uniformly applied to the entire laundry. Can be included.

第３の発明は、温水ヒータの近傍に温度センサをさらに備え、第１の発明の温水ヒータによって洗濯液の加熱を行う工程において、制御手段は、温度センサが所定の水温を検知するまで循環ポンプを停止し、洗濯液が洗濯槽内に吐出しないもので、温水ヒータによって洗濯液の加熱を行う工程では所定の水温になるまで加熱の中断がないので、所定の水温までの上昇が早く、加熱された洗濯液をすばやくかつムラなく洗濯物全体に含ませることができる。 The third invention further comprises a temperature sensor in the vicinity of the hot water heater, and in the step of heating the washing liquid by the hot water heater of the first invention, the control means is a circulation pump until the temperature sensor detects a predetermined water temperature. The washing liquid is not discharged into the washing tub, and in the process of heating the washing liquid with the hot water heater, the heating is not interrupted until the predetermined water temperature is reached. The washed liquid can be quickly and uniformly contained in the entire laundry.

（実施の形態１）
以下、本発明の実施の形態について図面を用いて説明する。なお、この実施の形態によって本発明が限定されるものではない。 (Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

図１は、本発明の実施の形態１における洗濯機の構成図である。図１において、洗濯機全体の外箱１には、その内部に外槽２が配設され、さらに外槽２の内側に洗濯槽としてのドラム３が水平方向から少し傾斜した回転軸によって回転可能な状態で配設されている。ドラム３は、背面にモータ４が接続され、モータ４の回転によりドラム３が回転するようになっている。また、ドラム３は外周面に複数の通水孔が設けられており、洗濯槽、脱水槽、乾燥槽としても機能するものである。 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an outer tub 2 is disposed inside an outer box 1 of the entire washing machine, and a drum 3 as a washing tub can be rotated inside the outer tub 2 by a rotating shaft slightly inclined from the horizontal direction. It is arranged in the state. The drum 3 is connected to a motor 4 on the back surface, and the drum 3 is rotated by the rotation of the motor 4. The drum 3 is provided with a plurality of water holes on the outer peripheral surface, and functions as a washing tub, a dewatering tub, and a drying tub.

外槽２の最下部には、取水口５が接続されており、排水弁６につながっており、排水弁６は排水管７につながっている。 A water intake 5 is connected to the lowermost part of the outer tub 2 and is connected to a drain valve 6. The drain valve 6 is connected to a drain pipe 7.

取水口５には外槽２およびドラム３の水位を検知する水位検知手段である水位センサ８が設置されている。水位センサ８は、給水開始後にすぐに反応する位置に設置され、たとえば隔膜（ダイアフラム）に加わる圧力を膜の変形として検知することで水位を検知する。隔膜の変形を検知する方法としては、静電容量の変化やひずみゲージが用いられる。 A water level sensor 8 which is a water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the outer tub 2 and the drum 3 is installed in the water intake 5. The water level sensor 8 is installed at a position that reacts immediately after the start of water supply, and detects the water level by detecting, for example, the pressure applied to the diaphragm as a deformation of the membrane. As a method for detecting the deformation of the diaphragm, a change in capacitance or a strain gauge is used.

給水口９は水道に接続され、給水弁１０が開くことにより、水道水が洗剤ケース（図示せず）を介して、洗濯液として外槽２やドラム３に順次流れ込む。 The water supply port 9 is connected to the water supply, and when the water supply valve 10 is opened, the tap water sequentially flows into the outer tub 2 and the drum 3 as a washing liquid through a detergent case (not shown).

また、取水口５と排水弁６との間からは、取水口５から取り込んだ洗濯液をドラム３に吐出する吐出口１１につながった循環経路１２が連通しており、外槽２やドラム３を満たしている洗濯液を循環できるようにしている。この循環経路１２への洗濯液の取り込みを、循環ポンプ１３を用いて行う場合、循環経路１２における洗濯液の循環は、循環ポンプ１３の制御のみで行うことができる。すなわち、本実施の形態の洗濯機は、ドラム３の回転による水流などの通常の洗浄制御とは関係なく、洗濯液を循環させることができる。 Further, a circulation path 12 connected to the discharge port 11 for discharging the washing liquid taken in from the water intake port 5 to the drum 3 communicates between the water intake port 5 and the drain valve 6. The laundry liquid that meets the requirements can be circulated. When the washing liquid is taken into the circulation path 12 by using the circulation pump 13, the washing liquid can be circulated in the circulation path 12 only by controlling the circulation pump 13. That is, the washing machine according to the present embodiment can circulate the washing liquid regardless of the normal washing control such as the water flow caused by the rotation of the drum 3.

外槽２の底部には、加熱手段としての温水ヒータ１４が備えられる。温水ヒータ１４は、例えばシーズヒータからなり、洗濯液を加熱する。これにより、ドラム３内部の洗濯物は温水によって洗浄される。 A hot water heater 14 as a heating means is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 2. The hot water heater 14 is composed of, for example, a sheathed heater, and heats the washing liquid. Thereby, the laundry inside the drum 3 is washed with warm water.

循環時の循環水に洗濯物の繊維や髪の毛などの異物が多く含まれると、循環ポンプ１３や排水管７が詰まってくる恐れがあるため、取水口５の先にはフィルタ１５が設置されており、洗濯物の繊維や髪の毛などの異物が取り除かれる。 If the circulating water at the time of circulation contains a lot of foreign matter such as laundry fibers and hair, the circulation pump 13 and the drain pipe 7 may be clogged. Therefore, a filter 15 is installed at the end of the water intake 5. And foreign objects such as laundry fibers and hair are removed.

制御手段１６は、マイクロコンピュータ等で構成され、水位センサ８からの水位検知信号が入力されるとともに、排水弁６や給水弁１０の開閉、モータ４、循環ポンプ１３、温水ヒータ１４の制御等を行うことによって、すべての洗濯工程の制御を行う。さらに制御手段１６は、モータ４に流れる電流信号や回転角を検知することにより、ドラム３の重量を検知する。ドラム３単体の重量は既知であるため、制御手段１６は、検知した重量から洗濯物の重量を判定する。 The control means 16 is constituted by a microcomputer or the like, and receives a water level detection signal from the water level sensor 8 and controls the opening and closing of the drain valve 6 and the water supply valve 10, the control of the motor 4, the circulation pump 13, the hot water heater 14, and the like. By doing so, the control of all washing steps is performed. Further, the control means 16 detects the weight of the drum 3 by detecting a current signal flowing through the motor 4 and a rotation angle. Since the weight of the drum 3 alone is known, the control means 16 determines the weight of the laundry from the detected weight.

次に、本実施の形態の洗濯機の動作について、図２のフローチャートを用いて説明する。 Next, operation | movement of the washing machine of this Embodiment is demonstrated using the flowchart of FIG.

洗濯機に洗濯物が投入されて洗濯が開始されると、制御手段１６は、洗濯物の量を検知する（Ｓ１）。この洗濯物の量の検知は、モータ４を制御して洗濯物とともにドラム３を回転させるときのモータ動作に関する情報、例えば、モータ４の電流信号の大きさや、電流変化量や回転角の変化など、の少なくとも１つを検知することによって行われる。 When the laundry is put into the washing machine and the laundry is started, the control means 16 detects the amount of the laundry (S1). The detection of the amount of laundry is information related to motor operation when the motor 3 is controlled to rotate the drum 3 together with the laundry, for example, the magnitude of the current signal of the motor 4, the amount of change in the current, the change in the rotation angle, etc. , By detecting at least one of the following.

基本的な給水量は、この洗濯物の量に基づいて決定される。制御手段１６は、例えば、洗濯物の量を「少ない」と判定した時は水位を「低」に、洗濯物の量を「中くらい」と判定した時は水位を「中」に、洗濯物の量を「多い」と判定した時は水位を「高」に設定する。同時に制御手段１６は、それぞれの洗濯物の量に応じた洗濯の設定時間を決定する（Ｓ２）。 The basic water supply amount is determined based on the amount of laundry. For example, when it is determined that the amount of laundry is “low”, the control means 16 sets the water level to “low”, and when the amount of laundry is determined to be “medium”, the water level is set to “medium”. When it is determined that the amount of water is “large”, the water level is set to “high”. At the same time, the control means 16 determines the set time for washing according to the amount of each laundry (S2).

次に、制御手段１６は、給水弁１０を開いて（Ｓ３）、外槽２およびドラム３の水位が設定水位になるまで給水を行う（Ｓ４のＮＯ）。 Next, the control means 16 opens the water supply valve 10 (S3), and supplies water until the water level of the outer tub 2 and the drum 3 reaches the set water level (NO in S4).

設定水位になるまでの給水中は、制御手段１６は、循環ポンプ１３を制御して、洗剤とともに給水された洗濯液を循環経路１２を介して吐出口１１より外槽２へ循環させ、洗剤の水への溶け込みを促進させる。吐出口１１からドラム３内に循環水が吐出すると洗剤が水に溶ける前に洗濯物が水を吸ってしまうため、循環ポンプ１３の循環流量は、ドラム３内に循環水があまり吐出しない程度に弱くすることが望ましい。または、循環ポンプ１３の駆動を、非常に短時間の間欠動作にすることが望ましい。 During the water supply until the set water level is reached, the control means 16 controls the circulation pump 13 to circulate the washing liquid supplied together with the detergent from the discharge port 11 to the outer tub 2 via the circulation path 12. Promotes water solubility. When the circulating water is discharged from the discharge port 11 into the drum 3, the laundry absorbs the water before the detergent dissolves in the water. Therefore, the circulating flow rate of the circulation pump 13 is such that the circulating water is not discharged into the drum 3 so much. It is desirable to weaken. Alternatively, it is desirable that the circulation pump 13 is driven in an intermittent operation for a very short time.

次に、洗濯液が設定水位に到達すると（Ｓ４のＹＥＳ）、制御手段１６は、給水弁１０を閉じ（Ｓ５）、ドラム３を低速で回転させながら、洗濯物の撹拌を開始する（Ｓ６）。ドラム３の回転速度は、遠心力によって洗濯物がドラム３の壁面に張り付かない程度の回転速度が好ましい。これにより洗濯物は、ドラム３内で持ち上げられた後に、ドラム３の上部から重力によって落下し、落下時の運動エネルギーが効果的に加えられる。なお、ドラム３の具体的な回転速度は、洗濯物の量にも依存するが６０ｒｐｍ以下が好ましい。また、ドラム３の回転方向は、同一方向のみならず、定期的に反転させてもよい。 Next, when the washing liquid reaches the set water level (YES in S4), the control means 16 closes the water supply valve 10 (S5) and starts stirring the laundry while rotating the drum 3 at a low speed (S6). . The rotation speed of the drum 3 is preferably such that the laundry does not stick to the wall surface of the drum 3 due to centrifugal force. Thereby, after the laundry is lifted in the drum 3, it falls from the upper part of the drum 3 by gravity, and the kinetic energy at the time of dropping is effectively added. The specific rotation speed of the drum 3 is preferably 60 rpm or less although it depends on the amount of laundry. Further, the rotation direction of the drum 3 may be reversed not only in the same direction but also periodically.

次に、制御手段１６は、所定時間（例えば１０分）だけ温水ヒータ１４に通電を行い、洗濯液の加熱を行う（Ｓ７）。所定時間が経過すると、制御手段１６は加熱を終了し、循環ポンプ１３を起動させ（Ｓ８）、２分間だけ洗濯液が循環経路１２を通過する状態にする（Ｓ９のＮＯ）。このようにして、洗濯液が循環経路１２を介して吐出口１１よりドラム３内へ循環する。 Next, the control means 16 energizes the hot water heater 14 for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) to heat the washing liquid (S7). When the predetermined time has elapsed, the control means 16 ends the heating, starts the circulation pump 13 (S8), and sets the washing liquid to pass through the circulation path 12 for 2 minutes (NO in S9). In this way, the washing liquid circulates from the discharge port 11 into the drum 3 through the circulation path 12.

循環ポンプ１３の起動から２分間が経過すると（Ｓ９のＹＥＳ）、制御手段１６は、循環ポンプ１３を停止させ（Ｓ１０）、洗濯液の循環が停止する。循環ポンプ１３は２分間停止される（Ｓ１１のＮＯ）。 When two minutes have elapsed since the activation of the circulation pump 13 (YES in S9), the control means 16 stops the circulation pump 13 (S10), and the circulation of the washing liquid is stopped. Circulation pump 13 is stopped for 2 minutes (NO in S11).

循環ポンプ１３の停止から２分間が経過して（Ｓ１１のＹＥＳ）、かつ、洗浄工程の設定時間が経過していない場合（Ｓ１２のＮＯ）は、制御手段１６は、再度、循環ポンプ１３を起動させ、Ｓ８からのフローを繰り返す。一方、循環ポンプ１３の停止から２分間が経過して（Ｓ１１のＹＥＳ）、かつ、洗浄工程の設定時間が経過した場合（Ｓ１２のＹＥＳ）は、制御手段１６は、洗浄工程を終了し、次のすすぎ、脱水の工程に入る。ここで、Ｓ１２における洗浄工程の設定時間は、固定値としてもよいが、洗濯開始時の洗濯物の量に応じた時間にしてもよい。例えば、洗濯物の量が少ない場合は、洗浄工程の設定時間を短くすることにより、省エネ化が実現でき、洗濯物の量が多い場合は、洗浄工程の設定時間を充分に確保することにより、洗浄性能を維持することができる。 When 2 minutes have elapsed since the circulation pump 13 was stopped (YES in S11) and the set time for the cleaning process has not elapsed (NO in S12), the control means 16 activates the circulation pump 13 again. And repeat the flow from S8. On the other hand, if two minutes have elapsed since the circulation pump 13 was stopped (YES in S11) and the set time for the cleaning process has elapsed (YES in S12), the control means 16 ends the cleaning process, and Rinse and dehydrate. Here, although the setting time of the washing | cleaning process in S12 is good also as a fixed value, you may make it the time according to the quantity of the laundry at the time of a laundry start. For example, when the amount of laundry is small, energy saving can be realized by shortening the setting time of the washing process, and when the amount of laundry is large, by sufficiently securing the setting time of the washing process, Cleaning performance can be maintained.

以上のように、温水ヒータ１４によって洗濯液の加熱を行う所定時間の間は、ドラム３の回転が行われるのみであり、循環経路１２を介した洗濯液の循環は行われない。これにより、洗濯液の水位が低下しないため、温水ヒータ１４の通電を止めることなく洗濯液の水温が早く上昇し、加熱された洗濯液をすばやくかつムラなく洗濯物全体に含ませることができる。このため、洗濯液の洗剤が高温の状態で洗濯物に浸透し、汚れがはがれやすくなるので、洗浄性能を常に確保することができる。 As described above, during the predetermined time during which the washing liquid is heated by the hot water heater 14, the drum 3 is only rotated, and the washing liquid is not circulated through the circulation path 12. Thereby, since the water level of the washing liquid does not decrease, the water temperature of the washing liquid quickly rises without stopping the energization of the hot water heater 14, and the heated washing liquid can be quickly and uniformly included in the entire laundry. For this reason, since the detergent of the washing liquid penetrates into the laundry at a high temperature and the dirt is easily removed, the washing performance can always be ensured.

なお、本実施の形態では、洗濯液の加熱を所定時間だけ行う場合について説明したが、一方、温水ヒータ１４の近傍に温度検知手段である温度センサを設置し、所定の水温になるまで洗濯液の加熱を行い、所定の水温に達するまでは、ドラム３の回転のみを行い、循環経路１２を介した洗濯液の循環を行わないことにより、同様に実施することができる。これにより、洗濯液が所定の水温に達するまで温水ヒータ１４の通電を止めることなく、洗濯液が所定の水温まで早く上昇し、加熱された洗濯液をすばやくかつムラなく洗濯物全体に含ませることができる。このため、洗濯液の洗剤が高温の状態で洗濯物に浸透し、汚れがはがれやすくなるので、洗浄性能を常に確保することができる。 In the present embodiment, the case where the washing liquid is heated only for a predetermined time has been described. On the other hand, a temperature sensor, which is a temperature detecting means, is installed in the vicinity of the hot water heater 14 and the washing liquid is heated until a predetermined water temperature is reached. Until the predetermined water temperature is reached, only the drum 3 is rotated and the washing liquid is not circulated through the circulation path 12 until the water temperature is reached. Thereby, without stopping energization of the hot water heater 14 until the washing liquid reaches a predetermined water temperature, the washing liquid quickly rises to the predetermined water temperature, and the heated washing liquid is quickly and uniformly included in the entire laundry. Can do. For this reason, since the detergent of the washing liquid penetrates into the laundry at a high temperature and the dirt is easily removed, the washing performance can always be ensured.

また、温水ヒータによる加熱の所定時間や所定水温の設定は、固定値としてもよいが、洗濯開始時の洗濯物の量に応じた時間にしてもよい。例えば、洗濯物の量が少ない場合は、洗浄工程の設定時間を短くすることにより、省エネ化が実現でき、洗濯物の量が多い場合は、洗浄工程の設定時間を充分に確保することにより、洗浄性能を維持することができる。 The predetermined time for heating by the hot water heater and the setting of the predetermined water temperature may be fixed values, or may be a time according to the amount of laundry at the start of washing. For example, when the amount of laundry is small, energy saving can be realized by shortening the setting time of the washing process, and when the amount of laundry is large, by sufficiently securing the setting time of the washing process, Cleaning performance can be maintained.

また、本実施の形態では、ドラム３の回転開始後すぐに、洗濯液が加熱される場合について説明したが、しばらくの間、ドラム３の回転および洗濯液の循環が行われた後に、洗濯液が加熱されるようにしてもよい。この場合は、洗濯液に洗剤が十分に溶け、かつ洗濯物にも洗濯液が早く行き渡るため、低温でも洗剤や水によって落ちやすい汚れを早く落とすことができる。 Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the washing liquid is heated immediately after the rotation of the drum 3 is described, but after the drum 3 is rotated and the washing liquid is circulated for a while, the washing liquid is May be heated. In this case, since the detergent is sufficiently dissolved in the washing liquid and the washing liquid spreads quickly in the laundry, it is possible to quickly remove stains that are easily removed by the detergent or water even at a low temperature.

また、本実施の形態においては、洗濯槽が水平方向から傾斜した回転軸を有するドラム式洗濯機を図示して説明したが、洗濯槽が水平方向の回転軸を有するドラム式洗濯機や、洗濯槽が鉛直方向の回転軸を有する縦型洗濯機であっても、同様に実施することができる。 Further, in the present embodiment, the drum type washing machine in which the washing tub has a rotation axis inclined from the horizontal direction is illustrated and described, but the drum type washing machine in which the washing tub has a rotation axis in the horizontal direction, and washing Even if the tub is a vertical washing machine having a vertical rotation axis, it can be similarly implemented.

以上のように、本発明にかかる洗濯機は、循環経路と加熱手段を使って洗浄性能を常に安定的に得られるので、繊維などの洗浄装置等の用途にも適用できる。 As described above, since the washing machine according to the present invention can always stably obtain the washing performance by using the circulation path and the heating means, it can be applied to uses such as a washing apparatus for fibers and the like.

１外箱
２外槽
３ドラム（洗濯槽）
４モータ
５取水口
６排水弁
７排水管
８水位センサ
９給水口
１０給水弁
１１吐出口
１２循環経路
１３循環ポンプ
１４温水ヒータ
１５フィルタ
１６制御手段 1 Outer box 2 Outer tub 3 Drum (washing tub)
4 Motor 5 Water intake 6 Drain valve 7 Drain pipe 8 Water level sensor 9 Water supply port 10 Water supply valve 11 Discharge port 12 Circulation path 13 Circulation pump 14 Hot water heater 15 Filter 16 Control means

Claims

洗濯物を収容して回転する洗濯槽と、
前記洗濯槽を収容する外槽と、
前記外槽の下部に接続され、洗濯液が入り込む取水口と、
前記取水口と一端が連通する循環経路と、
前記循環経路の他端と連通し前記洗濯槽内に洗濯液を吐出する吐出口と、
前記循環経路へ洗濯液を取り込んで前記吐出口より前記洗濯槽内に洗濯液を吐出する循環ポンプと、
前記外槽の底部に設けられ、洗濯液を加熱する温水ヒータと、
洗濯機の制御を行う制御手段と、を備え、
前記制御手段は、前記温水ヒータによって洗濯液の加熱を行う工程では、前記循環ポンプを停止し、洗濯液が前記洗濯槽内に吐出しない洗濯機。 A laundry tub that accommodates and rotates laundry;
An outer tub for accommodating the washing tub;
A water intake port connected to the lower part of the outer tub and into which the washing liquid enters;
A circulation path having one end communicating with the water intake;
A discharge port that communicates with the other end of the circulation path and discharges the washing liquid into the washing tub;
A circulation pump for taking the washing liquid into the circulation path and discharging the washing liquid into the washing tub from the discharge port;
A hot water heater that is provided at the bottom of the outer tub and heats the washing liquid;
A control means for controlling the washing machine,
In the step of heating the washing liquid by the hot water heater, the control means stops the circulation pump and does not discharge the washing liquid into the washing tub.

前記温水ヒータによって洗濯液の加熱を行う工程において、前記制御手段は、所定の時間が経過するまで前記循環ポンプを停止し、洗濯液が前記洗濯槽内に吐出しない請求項１記載の洗濯機。 The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, in the step of heating the washing liquid by the hot water heater, the control means stops the circulation pump until a predetermined time elapses and the washing liquid is not discharged into the washing tub.

前記温水ヒータの近傍に温度センサをさらに備え、
前記温水ヒータによって洗濯液の加熱を行う工程において、前記制御手段は、前記温度センサが所定の水温を検知するまで前記循環ポンプを停止し、洗濯液が前記洗濯槽内に吐出しない請求項１記載の洗濯機。 A temperature sensor is further provided in the vicinity of the hot water heater,
The process of heating the washing liquid by the hot water heater, wherein the control means stops the circulation pump until the temperature sensor detects a predetermined water temperature, and the washing liquid is not discharged into the washing tub. Washing machine.