EP2754743A1 - Washing machine and rinsing method using same - Google Patents
Washing machine and rinsing method using same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2754743A1 EP2754743A1 EP12829488.1A EP12829488A EP2754743A1 EP 2754743 A1 EP2754743 A1 EP 2754743A1 EP 12829488 A EP12829488 A EP 12829488A EP 2754743 A1 EP2754743 A1 EP 2754743A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- water
- circulating pump
- rotational speed
- washing
- water level
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers
- D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control
- D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
- D06F33/34—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of water filling
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
- D06F35/005—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
- D06F35/005—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying
- D06F35/006—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying for washing or rinsing only
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/18—Washing liquid level
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/02—Water supply
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
- D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
- D06F39/085—Arrangements or adaptations of pumps
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a washing machine, and particularly relates to a washing machine for executing circulatory showering and a rinsing method using the same.
- a conventional front-loading-type washing machine is provided therein with a circulating pump and a circulating channel allowing water in a water tub discharged through a water discharge port to return into the water tub.
- the washing machine executes circulatory showering onto a washing target (see PTL 1, for example).
- Such a washing machine executes shower rinsing by circulatory showering in the rinsing process.
- the circulating pump starts to be driven when water level detected by a water level sensor rises to predetermined water level during the supply of water into the water tub.
- Driving of the circulating pump is stopped when the water level detected by the water level sensor falls to detectable lowest water level set as the lowest water level that can be detected with the water level sensor.
- the circulating pump is driven after water is supplied to reach the predetermined water level in the water tub. This extends rest time for the circulating pump. In other words, it takes more time for the circulating pump to achieve the shower rinsing effect. Operation time is thus extended in order to achieve the desired shower rinsing effect.
- the flow rate of the supplied water is low, it takes a long period of time for the water in the water tub to reach the predetermined water level after supply of water starts. This extends the rest time for the circulating pump.
- the circulating pump is driven after the water is supplied to the predetermined water level in order to prevent air entrainment of the circulating pump.
- the water level at which the circulating pump can be driven without causing air entrainment is typically much lower than the detectable lowest water level for the water level detector. There is wait time for the circulating pump waiting to be driven, despite the fact that the circulating pump can start to be driven actually with no problem.
- the present invention has been achieved in order to solve the problems mentioned above, and provides a washing machine that shortens rest time for a circulating pump and improves drive efficiency so as to reduce operation time while keeping rinsing performance.
- a washing machine includes: a rotary drum having a bottomed cylindrical shape; a water tub accommodating the rotary drum; a water supplier for supplying water into the water tub; and a water level detector for detecting water level of washing water in the water tub.
- the washing machine further includes: a circulating pump capable of rotating at a variable rotational speed; a water circulation system for circulating the washing water in the water tub into the rotary drum through a circulating channel connected to the water tub with the circulating pump located in the circulating channel; and a controller for controlling the rotational speed of the circulating pump.
- the controller drives to rotate the circulating pump at a first rotational speed before the water level detector detects the water level, and drives to rotate the circulating pump at a second rotational speed faster than the first rotational speed after the water supplier starts water supply and after the water level detector detects that the water level of the washing water is not lower than predetermined water level.
- the present invention also provides a rinsing method using a washing machine including: a rotary drum having a bottomed cylindrical shape; a water tub accommodating the rotary drum; a water supplier for supplying water into the water tub; a water level detector for detecting water level of washing water in the water tub; a circulating pump capable of rotating at a variable rotational speed; a water circulation system for circulating the washing water in the water tub into the rotary drum through a circulating channel connected to the water tub with the circulating pump located in the circulating channel; and a controller for controlling the rotational speed of the circulating pump.
- the method includes: a first step of driving, with the controller, to rotate the circulating pump at a first rotational speed; and a second step of starting, with the water supplier, water supply after the first step.
- the method further includes: a third step of detecting, with the water level detector, that the water level of the washing water is not lower than predetermined water level after the second step; and a fourth step of driving, with the controller, to rotate the circulating pump at a second rotational speed faster than the first rotational speed after the third step.
- the circulating pump is driven before the water level detector detects the water level. This improves drive efficiency of the circulating pump. Furthermore, the circulating pump is controlled to rotate at the first rotational speed and at the second rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed. Circulating water can be thus supplied and scattered onto both of a washing target around the front side of an opening of the rotary drum and a washing target around the rear side of the rotary drum.
- the present invention shortens the rest time for the circulating pump and improves drive efficiency so as to reduce operation time while keeping rinsing performance.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional view depicting a schematic structure of washing machine 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- Washing machine 100 includes washing machine body 2. Washing machine body 2 accommodates water tub 3 that is swingable. Water tub 3 is provided therein with rotary drum 4 that is rotatable about rotary shaft 4a. Rotary shaft 4a of rotary drum 4 is directly coupled to motor 6 that is located on the rear surface of water tub 3 and is attached to the outer periphery of rotary shaft 4a. Motor 6 drives to rotate rotary drum 4.
- Rotary drum 4 is provided, entirely in wall surface 4c, with a plurality of through holes 4e, so as to allow water and air to communicate between water tub 3 and rotary drum 4.
- Rotary drum 4 is provided, on the inner side of the wall surface, with a plurality of agitating projections 4b, so that rotation of rotary drum 4 allows a washing target in rotary drum 4 to be lifted upward.
- through holes 4e are provided entirely in wall surface 4c of rotary drum 4. It is noted that the present invention is not limited to this example. Alternatively, through holes 4e can be provided partially in wall surface 4c of rotary drum 4. Through holes 4e have only to be provided so as to secure air communication and water communication between water tub 3 and rotary drum 4 and cause no trouble in the respective processes from washing to drying.
- Rotary shaft 4a of rotary drum 4 is inclined downward from the front open end toward the rear bottom end. More specifically, rotary shaft 4a is inclined downward from the horizontal direction, so as to have inclination angle ⁇ of 20 ⁇ 10 degrees or the like.
- Rotary shaft 4a thus inclined allows front end opening 13 of water tub 3 to be located at an upper position. A user is thus capable of unloading a washing target in rotary drum 4 through opening 13 of water tub 3 without stooping too low. Furthermore, in comparison to a case where rotary shaft 4a is located horizontally, washing water supplied into water tub 3 is stored nearer the rear end and even a small amount of water is stored so as to have larger depth.
- Water tub 3 is located so as to have the same inclination angle as rotary drum 4 and to be close to and along rotary drum 4. In this configuration, a washing target in rotary drum 4 can be supplied with water efficiently.
- Rotary drum 4 can be located horizontally or have inclination angle ⁇ of less than 10 degrees, if the amount of supplied water is not taken into consideration.
- Water tub 3 is provided thereabove with water supply system 7 that includes water supply valve 7a serving as a water supplier and detergent accommodating section 7b.
- water supply valve 7a serving as a water supplier
- detergent accommodating section 7b When water supply valve 7a is opened, tap water is supplied from outside washing machine 100. The tap water thus supplied is fed through a water supply channel into water tub 3 along with detergent in detergent accommodating section 7b.
- Drain pipe 8a has an end connected to the lower end, more particularly, the lowest bottom, of water tub 3.
- drain valve 19 When drain valve 19 is opened, the washing water in water tub 3 is drained through drain pipe 8a as necessary at the completion of the washing process, the rinsing process, or the like.
- Washing water herein includes washing water containing a detergent component in the washing process and rinsing water used for removing a detergent component from a washing target in the rinsing process.
- Drain pipe 8a is provided downstream thereof with drain filter 8b that is detachable from outside washing machine body 2. Drain filter 8b collects yarn waste included in drain water.
- Drain system 8 drains the washing water that has passed through drain pipe 8a and drain filter 8b when drain valve 19 is opened, as necessary at the completion of the washing process, the rinsing process, or the like (a dotted arrow).
- Drying system 9 circulates, with use of blower 12, air in water tub 3 and rotary drum 4 as indicated by dashed arrows in FIG. 1 .
- Drying system 9 includes a filter (not shown) for collecting yarn waste and removing dust, a dehumidifier (not shown) for dehumidifying guided air after removal of dust, and a heater (not shown) for heating the air after dehumidification to obtain dry and hot air.
- Water circulation system 16 circulates the washing water in water tub 3 as necessary in the washing process, the rinsing process, or the like, so as to cause detergent to be quickly dissolved or improve washing or rinsing performance.
- Water circulation system 16 drives circulating pump 20 so as to repetitively circulate the washing water in water tub 3 in the following manner.
- the washing water in water tub 3 circulates by passing through drain pipe 8a and drain filter 8b, then passing through inlet channel 31a toward circulating pump 20 in circulating channel 31, circulating pump 20, and discharge channel 31b from circulating pump 20, and returning from jet port 51 into water tub 3.
- circulating pump 20 is fixed onto base plate 2a that is located at the bottom of washing machine body 2 and sucks washing water and transfers to circulating channel 31.
- the washing water transferred from circulating pump 20 passes through circulating channel 31 and is discharged from jet port 51 of rotary drum 4 into rotary drum 4 as circulating water.
- the washing water in water tub 3 is utilized in this manner to execute circulatory showering of supplying and scattering washing water circulated as the circulating water onto a washing target.
- discharge channel 31b of circulating channel 31 is connected from outside to jet port 51 that is located in the front end wall near opening 13 of water tub 3.
- the circulating water is transferred into a space between the inner surface of the front end wall of water tub 3 and the opposite outer surface of the front end wall of rotary drum 4, passes through a channel provided therebetween, and is jetted into rotary drum 4.
- Jet port 51 is located so as not to be in contact with a washing target in rotary drum 4. Jet port 51 does not catch the washing target and thus does not disturb behavior necessary for washing, rinsing, spin-drying, drying, or the like. This configuration also prevents the washing target from being damaged or torn. Furthermore, jet port 51 does not affect good outer appearance.
- washing water or rinsing water is simply jetted into rotary drum 4 as circulating water
- the circulating water having circulated is jetted only partially to a washing target in rotary drum 4 and the circulation effect is not fully achieved.
- a DC brushless motor or the like of which rotational speed can be controlled, is used for causing circulating pump 20 to circulate the circulating water in water tub 3, so as to regulate a flow rate and a flow speed of discharged circulating water.
- This configuration enables variation in angle in the vertical direction, as well as variation in expansion degree in the horizontal direction, of the discharged circulating water, without adopting the special jet nozzle.
- the motor for circulating pump 20 is not limited to the DC brushless motor. It is possible to adopt any motor as long as its rotational speed can be controlled.
- Circulating pump 20 is thus capable of supplying circulating water evenly onto a washing target in rotary drum 4 and to an optimum position. This improves washing performance and rinsing performance. It is also possible to prevent useless supply of circulating water to a space where no washing target is located. This reduces unnecessary power consumption and excessive foaming of circulating water containing detergent.
- the rotational speed of circulating pump 20 is set so that water is discharged into the wide area from around the front side of opening 13 to around the rear side in rotary drum 4 during ordinary washing operation, as indicated by arrows a in FIG. 1 .
- the rotational speed of the motor of circulating pump 20 is 3500 r/min or the like in this case. Washing performance and rinsing performance are improved by supplying and scattering circulating water of about 20 L per minute onto a washing target in rotary drum 4.
- the motor for circulating pump 20 When the motor for circulating pump 20 is set to have a relatively low rotational speed, e.g. 1600 r/min, as indicated by arrow b in FIG. 1 , the circulating water is discharged around the front side of opening 13 of rotary drum 4.
- the discharged circulating water When circulating pump 20 has such a low rotational speed, the discharged circulating water has a vertical angle close to the horizontal direction and a smaller expansion degree in the horizontal direction.
- the circulating water can be supplied and scattered onto a washing target lifted upward to the upper portion in rotary drum 4 or a washing target located at the front portion or the rear portion in rotary drum 4.
- jet port 51 is not necessarily located at the lower end of water tub 3 as described above. Jet port 51 can be located at any position as long as not being in contact with a washing target in rotary drum 4. For example, even when jet port 51 is located at the upper end of water tub 3, the circulating water can be supplied and scattered onto a washing target that is lifted upward to the upper portion in rotary drum 4.
- Circulating pump 20 according to the present exemplary embodiment is provided on base plate 2a at the bottom of washing machine body 2.
- Circulating pump 20 can be alternatively located at the lower end of water tub 3 so as to circulate the washing water in water tub 3.
- Washing machine 100 is further provided with water level detector 10 for detecting the amount of water supplied into rotary drum 4.
- Water level detector 10 includes an air trapper and a pressure detector connected to each other by means of a hose. The air trapper is located at a predetermined position near the lowermost portion of water tub 3.
- the pressure detector includes ferrite provided integrally with a bellows portion shifted by pressure, and a fixed coil surrounding the outer periphery of the ferrite.
- the pressure detector converts a shifted stroke distance to pressure variation in the air trapper with use of its inductance variation.
- the air trapper having no washing water is brought into an atmosphere releasing state, in which case water level detector 10 has constant output.
- water level detector 10 is capable of sensing by measuring air internal pressure with use of an air trap mechanism. Measurement of time in which air internal pressure varies from stable atmosphere releasing pressure achieves an appropriate calculation method that is not affected by variation of a water level sensor.
- Output of water level detector 10 is varied depending on rotation of rotary drum 4 during washing, more particularly, depending on whether or not rotary drum 4 rotates, the rotational speed of rotary drum 4, and the like. There are thus a plurality of tables indicating the relationship between a frequency and water level in accordance with the rotational speed of rotary drum 4. In other words, water level detector 10 is capable of detecting water level in each of cases where rotary drum 4 is stopped and rotating.
- controller 22 Described in detail next is the function of controller 22.
- FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of washing machine 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- Controller 22 includes a microcomputer. Controller 22 automatically controls motor 6 (denoted by "M” in FIG. 2 ; the same applies hereinafter), water supply valve 7a (FV), drain valve 19 (DV), circulating pump 20 (P), and the like, with use of power switching section 40 on the basis of a set mode and a control program. Controller 22 has a function of controlling at least the washing process, the rinsing process, and the spin-drying process. Controller 22 also controls the rotational speed of circulating pump 20.
- M water supply valve 7a
- DV drain valve 19
- P circulating pump 20
- Washing machine 100 further includes power supply 50 for supplying each constituent element with power.
- Cloth amount detection of detecting the amount of a washing target loaded into rotary drum 4 is executed with use of a rotational speed detector (not shown) for detecting the rotational speed of rotary drum 4.
- the cloth amount detection is exemplified below.
- Controller 22 initially drives to rotate motor 6. At this stage, the rotational speed of rotary drum 4 is increased to a speed that allows a washing target to be stuck to the inner peripheral wall of rotary drum 4, e.g. about 100 r/min to 140 r/min.
- controller 22 stops supply of power to motor 6. Motor 6 is thus rotated by inertia rotation of rotary drum 4. In this case, inertia torque of rotary drum 4 is gradually decreased by frictional torque, and rotary drum 4 stops in the course of time.
- the period of time from the stop of power supply to the stop of rotary drum 4 is long when the amount of the washing target is large and is short when the amount of the washing target is small.
- the amount of the washing target can be detected on the basis of the fact that difference in time necessary for the stop is substantially in proportion to the amount of the washing target.
- Washing machine 100 further includes a system for managing, with use of a timer, any input/output control including supply and drain of water, a command for driving rotary drum 4, as well as output from various sensors such as water level detector 10.
- the timer is thus capable of measuring necessary time for each behavior and at each timing.
- a mode such as an operation course and each function are selected in accordance with input by a user to input setting section 21a of operation panel 21 that is provided at an upper front portion of washing machine body 2.
- Controller 22 causes display 21b on operation panel 21 to display predeterminedly on the basis of information on the input, so as to inform the user.
- controller 22 When the user inputs operation start to input setting section 21a on operation panel 21, controller 22 receives data from water level detector 10 for detecting water level in water tub 3 or the like to start driving. Controller 22 then controls behavior of drain valve 19, water supply valve 7a, and the like with use of power switching section 40, so as to execute operation in each of the processes of washing, rinsing, spin-drying, drying, and the like.
- controller 22 detects the amount of the washing target.
- Controller 22 then opens water supply valve 7a so that water tub 3 is supplied with tap water corresponding to the amount of the washing target.
- the water is supplied by way of detergent accommodating section 7b.
- Water tub 3 is thus supplied with detergent along with the tap water.
- the washing process starts when water level detector 10 detects that washing water containing detergent and tap water has reached water level corresponding to the amount of the washing target.
- Controller 22 drives motor 6 so as to rotate rotary drum 4.
- Rotary drum 4 has a rotational speed of about 40 r/min to 60 r/min, though depending on the size of rotary drum 4, the cloth amount of the washing target, the cloth properties thereof, and the like.
- Rotary drum 4 repeats positive rotation and negative rotation. Rotation of rotary drum 4 causes agitating projections 4b to lift a washing target upward for beating and washing.
- controller 22 drives circulating pump 20, washing water is replaced actively and washing performance is improved.
- Controller 22 causes drain valve 19 to open so that the washing water in water tub 3 is drained to the outside of the machine (draining).
- FIG. 3 is a timing chart indicating spin-drying subsequent to washing and rinsing of washing machine 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- Controller 22 increases the rotational speed of rotary drum 4 to reach a speed that causes washing water to be removed from the washing target (see “spin-drying subsequent to washing” in FIG. 3 ). The washing water containing dirt is thus drained from the washing target (spin-drying, S1).
- controller 22 stops motor 6 to stop rotation of rotary drum 4 (S2). As indicated in FIG. 3 , when driving of motor 6 stops, in other words, when the rotational speed of rotary drum 4 starts to be decreased, controller 22 starts to drive circulating pump 20 (S3). In this manner, a water supply waiting state does not last uselessly, so that rinsing time can be shortened.
- Air entrainment can be possibly caused if circulating pump 20 is driven to rotate at a relatively high rotational speed, e.g. 3500 r/min, before water level detector 10 detects that the washing water has reached detectable lowest water level A.
- circulating pump 20 is driven to rotate at a relatively low rotational speed, e.g. 1600 r/min (first rotational speed).
- first rotational speed is not limited to 1600 r/min described above, because the first rotational speed is dependent on the structure of water circulation system 16.
- the motor for circulating pump 20 requires several seconds from the start of driving to actual achievement of a predetermined rotational speed.
- circulating pump 20 starts to be driven when driving of motor 6 stops before water starts to be supplied through water supply valve 7a of water supply system 7.
- circulating pump 20 is driven at a relatively low rotational speed (S3) before water level detector 10 detects water level (S4).
- This configuration allows the circulating water to be automatically discharged into rotary drum 4 as indicated by arrow b in FIG. 1 when the water reaches circulatory showering discharge starting water level B for circulating pump 20.
- Circulatory showering discharge starting water level B is lower than detectable lowest water level A for water level detector 10 (see FIG. 1 ).
- circulating water is jetted into rotary drum 4 if circulating pump 20 rotates at the first rotational speed.
- circulatory showering is automatically executed when the circulating water reaches dischargeable water level without waiting for detection of water level detector 10. This further improves rinsing performance. In other words, the same rinsing performance is achieved in a shorter period of time.
- controller 22 When circulating pump 20 starts to be driven, controller 22 opens water supply valve 7a to start supply of water (S5). When water level detector 10 detects that the water has reached predetermined water level C not lower than detectable lowest water level A (S6), controller 22 drives to rotate circulating pump 20 at a relatively high rotational speed, e.g. 3500 r/min (second rotational speed) (S7). It is thus possible to jet the circulating water into the wide area from around the front side of opening 13 to around the rear side in rotary drum 4, as indicated by arrows a in FIG. 1 .
- a relatively high rotational speed e.g. 3500 r/min (second rotational speed)
- circulating pump 20 is constantly driven to discharge the circulating water as indicated by arrows b and a in FIG. 1 . It is thus possible to exert the rinsing effect by constant and even circulatory showering into rotary drum 4.
- controller 22 of washing machine 100 drives to rotate circulating pump 20 at the first rotational speed before the water supplier starts supply of water.
- Circulating pump 20 is driven before the start of water supply in the rinsing process, so that circulating pump 20 achieves higher drive efficiency.
- the circulating water can be supplied to both of a washing target around the front side of the opening of rotary drum 4 and a washing target around the rear side of rotary drum 4.
- circulating pump 20 When circulating pump 20 is controlled to rotate at the first rotational speed and at the second rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed in this manner, the circulating water can be supplied and scattered onto both of a washing target around the front side of opening 13 of rotary drum 4 and a washing target around the rear side of rotary drum 4. It is thus possible to supply and scatter the circulating water evenly to the washing targets in rotary drum 4 for a longer period of time. This shortens rinsing time while keeping rinsing performance.
- controller 22 restarts rotating rotary drum 4 to execute rinsing (S8).
- rotary drum 4 rotates in one direction at a rotational speed that allows a washing target to be stuck to the inner peripheral wall of rotary drum 4.
- the rinsing effect of circulatory showering can be achieved more efficiently because the washing target is stuck to the inner peripheral wall of rotary drum 4.
- rotary drum 4 is desired to rotate at a rotational speed lower than a resonant rotational speed. It is thus possible to avoid vibration and noise due to resonance.
- the desirable rotational speed in this case is about 100 r/min, for example.
- controller 22 closes water supply valve 7a to stop supply of water (S10).
- controller 22 controls circulating pump 20 to rotate at a relatively low rotational speed, e.g. 1600 r/min (S12).
- controller 22 of washing machine 100 controls to rotate circulating pump 20 at the first rotational speed.
- circulating pump 20 can be stopped or driven intermittently when the water level in water tub 3 is not higher than predetermined water level C (S11).
- drive efficiency of circulating pump 20 deteriorates and other defects may occur. More specifically, when the motor of circulating pump 20 is driven intermittently, noise is varied by repetitively starting and stopping the motor. The user may feel uncomfortable due to such buzzing noise.
- Circulating pump 20 is controlled to rotate at a low rotational speed and buzzing noise is not generated. The user does not auditorily recognize erroneously that the machine is in trouble.
- circulating pump 20 is neither stopped nor driven intermittently. This prevents useless deterioration in drive efficiency of circulating pump 20 and generation of buzzing noise due to intermittent drive. Moreover, the circulating water is scattered also onto a washing target around the front side of opening 13 of rotary drum 4. This sufficiently achieves the rinsing effect of circulatory showering.
- controller 22 After the washing target is rinsed for a predetermined period of time, controller 22 opens drain valve 19 to start draining. If rinsing is set to be executed for a plurality of times, the operation same as the rinsing described above is repeated for the set number of times. If rinsing is set to be executed once, the rinsing process ends and the spin-drying process is to be executed subsequently.
- controller 22 controls motor 6 to increase the rotational speed of rotary drum 4 so as to reach 900 r/min, and the rinsing water is removed from the washing target. After the spin-drying is executed for a predetermined period of time, controller 22 stops motor 6 so as to stop rotation of rotary drum 4. The washing operation is thus completed.
- washing machine 100 includes rotary drum 4 having the bottomed cylindrical shape, water tub 3 accommodating rotary drum 4, water supply valve 7a serving as a water supplier for supplying water into water tub 3, and water level detector 10 for detecting water level of washing water in water tub 3.
- Washing machine 100 further includes circulating pump 20 capable of rotating at a variable rotational speed, water circulation system 16 for circulating the washing water in water tub 3 into rotary drum 4 through circulating channel 31 connected to water tub 3 with use of circulating pump 20 located in circulating channel 31, and controller 22 for controlling the rotational speed of circulating pump 20.
- controller 22 also drives to rotate circulating pump 20 at a first rotational speed before water level detector 10 detects the water level, and drives to rotate circulating pump 20 at a second rotational speed faster than the first rotational speed after the water supplier starts water supply and after water level detector 10 detects that the water level of the washing water is not lower than predetermined water level.
- circulating pump 20 is driven before water level detector 10 detects the water level, so that circulating pump 20 can be improved in drive efficiency.
- circulating pump 20 By rotating circulating pump 20 at the first rotational speed and at the second rotational speed faster than the first rotational speed, circulating water can be supplied to both of a washing target around the front side of the opening of rotary drum 4 and a washing target around the rear side of rotary drum 4.
- water circulation system 16 is configured as shown in FIG. 1 to circulate water in water tub 3. It is noted that the present invention is not limited to this example. It is possible to exert the equivalent effect also in an exemplary configuration in which jet port 51 of water circulation system 16 is provided as a nozzle located on the outer periphery of opening 13 of water tub 3.
- the present invention achieves the significant effect that rest time for the circulating pump is shortened and drive efficiency is improved so as to reduce operation time while keeping rinsing performance.
- the present invention is thus useful in a washing machine, particularly a washing machine for efficiently rinsing with a small amount of rinsing water by means of circulatory showering, in a rinsing method using the washing machine, and the like.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a washing machine, and particularly relates to a washing machine for executing circulatory showering and a rinsing method using the same.
- A conventional front-loading-type washing machine is provided therein with a circulating pump and a circulating channel allowing water in a water tub discharged through a water discharge port to return into the water tub. The washing machine executes circulatory showering onto a washing target (see
PTL 1, for example). - Such a washing machine executes shower rinsing by circulatory showering in the rinsing process. In this shower rinsing, the circulating pump starts to be driven when water level detected by a water level sensor rises to predetermined water level during the supply of water into the water tub.
- Driving of the circulating pump is stopped when the water level detected by the water level sensor falls to detectable lowest water level set as the lowest water level that can be detected with the water level sensor.
- In the front-loading-type washing machine thus configured, the circulating pump is driven after water is supplied to reach the predetermined water level in the water tub. This extends rest time for the circulating pump. In other words, it takes more time for the circulating pump to achieve the shower rinsing effect. Operation time is thus extended in order to achieve the desired shower rinsing effect.
- This problem is more remarkable if the flow rate of the supplied water is low at the location or if the circulating pump is located around the lowermost position in the circulating channel and is capable of circulating a small amount of water.
- For example, if the flow rate of the supplied water is low, it takes a long period of time for the water in the water tub to reach the predetermined water level after supply of water starts. This extends the rest time for the circulating pump.
- The circulating pump is driven after the water is supplied to the predetermined water level in order to prevent air entrainment of the circulating pump. However, the water level at which the circulating pump can be driven without causing air entrainment is typically much lower than the detectable lowest water level for the water level detector. There is wait time for the circulating pump waiting to be driven, despite the fact that the circulating pump can start to be driven actually with no problem.
- PTL 1: Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No.
2010-46124 - The present invention has been achieved in order to solve the problems mentioned above, and provides a washing machine that shortens rest time for a circulating pump and improves drive efficiency so as to reduce operation time while keeping rinsing performance.
- A washing machine according to the present invention includes: a rotary drum having a bottomed cylindrical shape; a water tub accommodating the rotary drum; a water supplier for supplying water into the water tub; and a water level detector for detecting water level of washing water in the water tub. The washing machine further includes: a circulating pump capable of rotating at a variable rotational speed; a water circulation system for circulating the washing water in the water tub into the rotary drum through a circulating channel connected to the water tub with the circulating pump located in the circulating channel; and a controller for controlling the rotational speed of the circulating pump. Moreover, in a rinsing process, the controller drives to rotate the circulating pump at a first rotational speed before the water level detector detects the water level, and drives to rotate the circulating pump at a second rotational speed faster than the first rotational speed after the water supplier starts water supply and after the water level detector detects that the water level of the washing water is not lower than predetermined water level.
- The present invention also provides a rinsing method using a washing machine including: a rotary drum having a bottomed cylindrical shape; a water tub accommodating the rotary drum; a water supplier for supplying water into the water tub; a water level detector for detecting water level of washing water in the water tub; a circulating pump capable of rotating at a variable rotational speed; a water circulation system for circulating the washing water in the water tub into the rotary drum through a circulating channel connected to the water tub with the circulating pump located in the circulating channel; and a controller for controlling the rotational speed of the circulating pump.
- The method includes: a first step of driving, with the controller, to rotate the circulating pump at a first rotational speed; and a second step of starting, with the water supplier, water supply after the first step. The method further includes: a third step of detecting, with the water level detector, that the water level of the washing water is not lower than predetermined water level after the second step; and a fourth step of driving, with the controller, to rotate the circulating pump at a second rotational speed faster than the first rotational speed after the third step.
- In this configuration and the method, the circulating pump is driven before the water level detector detects the water level. This improves drive efficiency of the circulating pump. Furthermore, the circulating pump is controlled to rotate at the first rotational speed and at the second rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed. Circulating water can be thus supplied and scattered onto both of a washing target around the front side of an opening of the rotary drum and a washing target around the rear side of the rotary drum.
- It is accordingly possible to supply and scatter the circulating water evenly onto the washing targets in the rotary drum for a longer period of time. This shortens rinsing time while keeping rinsing performance.
- As described above, the present invention shortens the rest time for the circulating pump and improves drive efficiency so as to reduce operation time while keeping rinsing performance.
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FIG. 1 is a sectional view depicting a schematic structure of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the washing machine according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a timing chart indicating spin-drying subsequent to washing and rinsing of the washing machine according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. - An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to be described below with reference to the drawings. It is noted that the following exemplary embodiment is merely an example and is not to limit the technical scope of the present invention.
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FIG. 1 is a sectional view depicting a schematic structure ofwashing machine 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
Washing machine 100 includeswashing machine body 2.Washing machine body 2 accommodates water tub 3 that is swingable. Water tub 3 is provided therein withrotary drum 4 that is rotatable aboutrotary shaft 4a.Rotary shaft 4a ofrotary drum 4 is directly coupled tomotor 6 that is located on the rear surface of water tub 3 and is attached to the outer periphery ofrotary shaft 4a.Motor 6 drives to rotaterotary drum 4. -
Rotary drum 4 is provided, entirely inwall surface 4c, with a plurality of throughholes 4e, so as to allow water and air to communicate between water tub 3 androtary drum 4.Rotary drum 4 is provided, on the inner side of the wall surface, with a plurality ofagitating projections 4b, so that rotation ofrotary drum 4 allows a washing target inrotary drum 4 to be lifted upward. - In the above example, through
holes 4e are provided entirely inwall surface 4c ofrotary drum 4. It is noted that the present invention is not limited to this example. Alternatively, throughholes 4e can be provided partially inwall surface 4c ofrotary drum 4. Throughholes 4e have only to be provided so as to secure air communication and water communication between water tub 3 androtary drum 4 and cause no trouble in the respective processes from washing to drying. -
Rotary shaft 4a ofrotary drum 4 is inclined downward from the front open end toward the rear bottom end. More specifically,rotary shaft 4a is inclined downward from the horizontal direction, so as to have inclination angle θ of 20 ±10 degrees or the like. -
Rotary shaft 4a thus inclined allows front end opening 13 of water tub 3 to be located at an upper position. A user is thus capable of unloading a washing target inrotary drum 4 through opening 13 of water tub 3 without stooping too low. Furthermore, in comparison to a case whererotary shaft 4a is located horizontally, washing water supplied into water tub 3 is stored nearer the rear end and even a small amount of water is stored so as to have larger depth. - Water tub 3 is located so as to have the same inclination angle as
rotary drum 4 and to be close to and alongrotary drum 4. In this configuration, a washing target inrotary drum 4 can be supplied with water efficiently. -
Rotary drum 4 can be located horizontally or have inclination angle θ of less than 10 degrees, if the amount of supplied water is not taken into consideration. - Water tub 3 is provided thereabove with
water supply system 7 that includeswater supply valve 7a serving as a water supplier anddetergent accommodating section 7b. Whenwater supply valve 7a is opened, tap water is supplied fromoutside washing machine 100. The tap water thus supplied is fed through a water supply channel into water tub 3 along with detergent in detergent accommodatingsection 7b. - Water tub 3 is provided therebelow with
drain system 8 that includesdrain pipe 8a and drainvalve 19.Drain pipe 8a has an end connected to the lower end, more particularly, the lowest bottom, of water tub 3. Whendrain valve 19 is opened, the washing water in water tub 3 is drained throughdrain pipe 8a as necessary at the completion of the washing process, the rinsing process, or the like. - Washing water herein includes washing water containing a detergent component in the washing process and rinsing water used for removing a detergent component from a washing target in the rinsing process.
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Drain pipe 8a is provided downstream thereof withdrain filter 8b that is detachable from outsidewashing machine body 2.Drain filter 8b collects yarn waste included in drain water. -
Drain system 8 drains the washing water that has passed throughdrain pipe 8a and drainfilter 8b whendrain valve 19 is opened, as necessary at the completion of the washing process, the rinsing process, or the like (a dotted arrow). -
Drying system 9 circulates, with use ofblower 12, air in water tub 3 androtary drum 4 as indicated by dashed arrows inFIG. 1 .Drying system 9 includes a filter (not shown) for collecting yarn waste and removing dust, a dehumidifier (not shown) for dehumidifying guided air after removal of dust, and a heater (not shown) for heating the air after dehumidification to obtain dry and hot air. -
Water circulation system 16 circulates the washing water in water tub 3 as necessary in the washing process, the rinsing process, or the like, so as to cause detergent to be quickly dissolved or improve washing or rinsing performance. -
Water circulation system 16drives circulating pump 20 so as to repetitively circulate the washing water in water tub 3 in the following manner. The washing water in water tub 3 circulates by passing throughdrain pipe 8a and drainfilter 8b, then passing throughinlet channel 31a toward circulatingpump 20 in circulatingchannel 31, circulatingpump 20, and dischargechannel 31b from circulatingpump 20, and returning fromjet port 51 into water tub 3. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , circulatingpump 20 is fixed ontobase plate 2a that is located at the bottom ofwashing machine body 2 and sucks washing water and transfers to circulatingchannel 31. - The washing water transferred from circulating
pump 20 passes through circulatingchannel 31 and is discharged fromjet port 51 ofrotary drum 4 intorotary drum 4 as circulating water. The washing water in water tub 3 is utilized in this manner to execute circulatory showering of supplying and scattering washing water circulated as the circulating water onto a washing target. - More specifically,
discharge channel 31b of circulatingchannel 31 is connected from outside tojet port 51 that is located in the front end wall near opening 13 of water tub 3. The circulating water is transferred into a space between the inner surface of the front end wall of water tub 3 and the opposite outer surface of the front end wall ofrotary drum 4, passes through a channel provided therebetween, and is jetted intorotary drum 4. -
Jet port 51 is located so as not to be in contact with a washing target inrotary drum 4.Jet port 51 does not catch the washing target and thus does not disturb behavior necessary for washing, rinsing, spin-drying, drying, or the like. This configuration also prevents the washing target from being damaged or torn. Furthermore,jet port 51 does not affect good outer appearance. - In a case where washing water or rinsing water is simply jetted into
rotary drum 4 as circulating water, the circulating water having circulated is jetted only partially to a washing target inrotary drum 4 and the circulation effect is not fully achieved. - Meanwhile, if a special jet nozzle is adopted in order to jet circulating water into the wide area, the cost will be increased due to such a special jet nozzle, increase in necessary pump pressure, and the like.
- In view of the above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, a DC brushless motor or the like, of which rotational speed can be controlled, is used for causing circulating
pump 20 to circulate the circulating water in water tub 3, so as to regulate a flow rate and a flow speed of discharged circulating water. This configuration enables variation in angle in the vertical direction, as well as variation in expansion degree in the horizontal direction, of the discharged circulating water, without adopting the special jet nozzle. It is noted that the motor for circulatingpump 20 is not limited to the DC brushless motor. It is possible to adopt any motor as long as its rotational speed can be controlled. - Circulating
pump 20 is thus capable of supplying circulating water evenly onto a washing target inrotary drum 4 and to an optimum position. This improves washing performance and rinsing performance. It is also possible to prevent useless supply of circulating water to a space where no washing target is located. This reduces unnecessary power consumption and excessive foaming of circulating water containing detergent. - The rotational speed of circulating
pump 20 is set so that water is discharged into the wide area from around the front side of opening 13 to around the rear side inrotary drum 4 during ordinary washing operation, as indicated by arrows a inFIG. 1 . The rotational speed of the motor of circulatingpump 20 is 3500 r/min or the like in this case. Washing performance and rinsing performance are improved by supplying and scattering circulating water of about 20 L per minute onto a washing target inrotary drum 4. - When the motor for circulating
pump 20 is set to have a relatively low rotational speed, e.g. 1600 r/min, as indicated by arrow b inFIG. 1 , the circulating water is discharged around the front side of opening 13 ofrotary drum 4. When circulatingpump 20 has such a low rotational speed, the discharged circulating water has a vertical angle close to the horizontal direction and a smaller expansion degree in the horizontal direction. - By setting in this manner, it is possible to prevent the discharged circulating water from failing to hit even a small amount of washing target located at the lower portion in
rotary drum 4, and the circulating water can be thus supplied efficiently. - As described above, by controlling the rotational speed of circulating
pump 20, the circulating water can be supplied and scattered onto a washing target lifted upward to the upper portion inrotary drum 4 or a washing target located at the front portion or the rear portion inrotary drum 4. - It is noted that
jet port 51 is not necessarily located at the lower end of water tub 3 as described above.Jet port 51 can be located at any position as long as not being in contact with a washing target inrotary drum 4. For example, even whenjet port 51 is located at the upper end of water tub 3, the circulating water can be supplied and scattered onto a washing target that is lifted upward to the upper portion inrotary drum 4. - Circulating
pump 20 according to the present exemplary embodiment is provided onbase plate 2a at the bottom ofwashing machine body 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Circulatingpump 20 can be alternatively located at the lower end of water tub 3 so as to circulate the washing water in water tub 3. -
Washing machine 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment is further provided withwater level detector 10 for detecting the amount of water supplied intorotary drum 4.Water level detector 10 includes an air trapper and a pressure detector connected to each other by means of a hose. The air trapper is located at a predetermined position near the lowermost portion of water tub 3. - The pressure detector includes ferrite provided integrally with a bellows portion shifted by pressure, and a fixed coil surrounding the outer periphery of the ferrite. The pressure detector converts a shifted stroke distance to pressure variation in the air trapper with use of its inductance variation. The air trapper having no washing water is brought into an atmosphere releasing state, in which case
water level detector 10 has constant output. - In this manner,
water level detector 10 is capable of sensing by measuring air internal pressure with use of an air trap mechanism. Measurement of time in which air internal pressure varies from stable atmosphere releasing pressure achieves an appropriate calculation method that is not affected by variation of a water level sensor. - Output of
water level detector 10 is varied depending on rotation ofrotary drum 4 during washing, more particularly, depending on whether or notrotary drum 4 rotates, the rotational speed ofrotary drum 4, and the like. There are thus a plurality of tables indicating the relationship between a frequency and water level in accordance with the rotational speed ofrotary drum 4. In other words,water level detector 10 is capable of detecting water level in each of cases whererotary drum 4 is stopped and rotating. - Described in detail next is the function of
controller 22. -
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram ofwashing machine 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
Controller 22 includes a microcomputer.Controller 22 automatically controls motor 6 (denoted by "M" inFIG. 2 ; the same applies hereinafter),water supply valve 7a (FV), drain valve 19 (DV), circulating pump 20 (P), and the like, with use ofpower switching section 40 on the basis of a set mode and a control program.Controller 22 has a function of controlling at least the washing process, the rinsing process, and the spin-drying process.Controller 22 also controls the rotational speed of circulatingpump 20. -
Washing machine 100 further includespower supply 50 for supplying each constituent element with power. - Cloth amount detection of detecting the amount of a washing target loaded into
rotary drum 4 is executed with use of a rotational speed detector (not shown) for detecting the rotational speed ofrotary drum 4. The cloth amount detection is exemplified below. -
Controller 22 initially drives to rotatemotor 6. At this stage, the rotational speed ofrotary drum 4 is increased to a speed that allows a washing target to be stuck to the inner peripheral wall ofrotary drum 4, e.g. about 100 r/min to 140 r/min. - After this rotational speed is kept for a predetermined period of time,
controller 22 stops supply of power tomotor 6.Motor 6 is thus rotated by inertia rotation ofrotary drum 4. In this case, inertia torque ofrotary drum 4 is gradually decreased by frictional torque, androtary drum 4 stops in the course of time. - The period of time from the stop of power supply to the stop of
rotary drum 4 is long when the amount of the washing target is large and is short when the amount of the washing target is small. The amount of the washing target can be detected on the basis of the fact that difference in time necessary for the stop is substantially in proportion to the amount of the washing target. -
Washing machine 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment further includes a system for managing, with use of a timer, any input/output control including supply and drain of water, a command for drivingrotary drum 4, as well as output from various sensors such aswater level detector 10. The timer is thus capable of measuring necessary time for each behavior and at each timing. - A mode such as an operation course and each function are selected in accordance with input by a user to input setting
section 21a ofoperation panel 21 that is provided at an upper front portion ofwashing machine body 2.Controller 22 causes display 21b onoperation panel 21 to display predeterminedly on the basis of information on the input, so as to inform the user. - When the user inputs operation start to input setting
section 21a onoperation panel 21,controller 22 receives data fromwater level detector 10 for detecting water level in water tub 3 or the like to start driving.Controller 22 then controls behavior ofdrain valve 19,water supply valve 7a, and the like with use ofpower switching section 40, so as to execute operation in each of the processes of washing, rinsing, spin-drying, drying, and the like. - Described below is the behavior of front-loading-
type washing machine 100 thus configured. - When a washing target is initially loaded into
rotary drum 4 and a door is closed,controller 22 detects the amount of the washing target. -
Controller 22 then openswater supply valve 7a so that water tub 3 is supplied with tap water corresponding to the amount of the washing target. In this case, the water is supplied by way of detergentaccommodating section 7b. Water tub 3 is thus supplied with detergent along with the tap water. - The washing process starts when
water level detector 10 detects that washing water containing detergent and tap water has reached water level corresponding to the amount of the washing target.Controller 22 drives motor 6 so as to rotaterotary drum 4.Rotary drum 4 has a rotational speed of about 40 r/min to 60 r/min, though depending on the size ofrotary drum 4, the cloth amount of the washing target, the cloth properties thereof, and the like. -
Rotary drum 4 repeats positive rotation and negative rotation. Rotation ofrotary drum 4causes agitating projections 4b to lift a washing target upward for beating and washing. Whencontroller 22drives circulating pump 20, washing water is replaced actively and washing performance is improved. - After washing is executed for a predetermined period of time, draining and spin-drying are executed.
Controller 22 causes drainvalve 19 to open so that the washing water in water tub 3 is drained to the outside of the machine (draining). -
FIG. 3 is a timing chart indicating spin-drying subsequent to washing and rinsing ofwashing machine 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
Controller 22 increases the rotational speed ofrotary drum 4 to reach a speed that causes washing water to be removed from the washing target (see "spin-drying subsequent to washing" inFIG. 3 ). The washing water containing dirt is thus drained from the washing target (spin-drying, S1). - After the spin-drying is executed for a predetermined period of time,
controller 22 stops motor 6 to stop rotation of rotary drum 4 (S2). As indicated inFIG. 3 , when driving ofmotor 6 stops, in other words, when the rotational speed ofrotary drum 4 starts to be decreased,controller 22 starts to drive circulating pump 20 (S3). In this manner, a water supply waiting state does not last uselessly, so that rinsing time can be shortened. - Air entrainment can be possibly caused if circulating
pump 20 is driven to rotate at a relatively high rotational speed, e.g. 3500 r/min, beforewater level detector 10 detects that the washing water has reached detectable lowest water level A. In view of this, in step S3 according to the present exemplary embodiment, circulatingpump 20 is driven to rotate at a relatively low rotational speed, e.g. 1600 r/min (first rotational speed). It is noted that the first rotational speed is not limited to 1600 r/min described above, because the first rotational speed is dependent on the structure ofwater circulation system 16. - It is thus possible to execute circulatory showering efficiently and quickly without causing air entrainment. The motor for circulating
pump 20 requires several seconds from the start of driving to actual achievement of a predetermined rotational speed. In the present exemplary embodiment, circulatingpump 20 starts to be driven when driving ofmotor 6 stops before water starts to be supplied throughwater supply valve 7a ofwater supply system 7. - Assume a comparative example in which water starts to be supplied through
water supply valve 7a ofwater supply system 7 after the completion of spin-drying subsequent to washing, and circulatingpump 20 starts to be driven afterwater level detector 10 detects that the water has reached detectable lowest water level A. - In this case, it is necessary to wait for a long period of time before driving circulating
pump 20. This is remarkable if the flow rate of supplied water is low at the location. More specifically, circulatory showering discharge starting water level B for circulatingpump 20 is much lower than detectable lowest water level A if circulatingpump 20 rotates at a relatively low rotational speed, e.g. 1600 r/min. On top of this, despite the fact that air entrainment is not caused even if both of water tub 3 anddrain system 8 hold no washing water, the water supply waiting state lasts uselessly. - In view of these, circulating
pump 20 according to the present exemplary embodiment is driven at a relatively low rotational speed (S3) beforewater level detector 10 detects water level (S4). This configuration allows the circulating water to be automatically discharged intorotary drum 4 as indicated by arrow b inFIG. 1 when the water reaches circulatory showering discharge starting water level B for circulatingpump 20. Circulatory showering discharge starting water level B is lower than detectable lowest water level A for water level detector 10 (seeFIG. 1 ). At the circulatory showering discharge starting water level, circulating water is jetted intorotary drum 4 if circulatingpump 20 rotates at the first rotational speed. - In this configuration, circulatory showering is automatically executed when the circulating water reaches dischargeable water level without waiting for detection of
water level detector 10. This further improves rinsing performance. In other words, the same rinsing performance is achieved in a shorter period of time. - When circulating
pump 20 starts to be driven,controller 22 openswater supply valve 7a to start supply of water (S5). Whenwater level detector 10 detects that the water has reached predetermined water level C not lower than detectable lowest water level A (S6),controller 22 drives to rotate circulatingpump 20 at a relatively high rotational speed, e.g. 3500 r/min (second rotational speed) (S7). It is thus possible to jet the circulating water into the wide area from around the front side of opening 13 to around the rear side inrotary drum 4, as indicated by arrows a inFIG. 1 . - Accordingly, even after the water has reached predetermined water level C from prior to the start of water supply, circulating
pump 20 is constantly driven to discharge the circulating water as indicated by arrows b and a inFIG. 1 . It is thus possible to exert the rinsing effect by constant and even circulatory showering intorotary drum 4. - As described above, in the rinsing process,
controller 22 ofwashing machine 100 drives to rotate circulatingpump 20 at the first rotational speed before the water supplier starts supply of water. - Circulating
pump 20 is driven before the start of water supply in the rinsing process, so that circulatingpump 20 achieves higher drive efficiency. By rotating circulatingpump 20 at the first rotational speed and at the second rotational speed faster than the first rotational speed, the circulating water can be supplied to both of a washing target around the front side of the opening ofrotary drum 4 and a washing target around the rear side ofrotary drum 4. - It is thus possible to supply and scatter the circulating water evenly to the washing targets in
rotary drum 4 for a longer period of time. This shortens rinsing time while keeping rinsing performance. - When circulating
pump 20 is driven to rotate at a higher rotational speed, the circulating water can be discharged into a wider area inrotary drum 4 and the amount of the circulating water is larger per unit time. This enhances the rinsing effect of circulatory showering. It is thus desired to drive to rotate circulatingpump 20 at a high rotational speed for as long as possible. - When circulating
pump 20 is controlled to rotate at the first rotational speed and at the second rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed in this manner, the circulating water can be supplied and scattered onto both of a washing target around the front side of opening 13 ofrotary drum 4 and a washing target around the rear side ofrotary drum 4. It is thus possible to supply and scatter the circulating water evenly to the washing targets inrotary drum 4 for a longer period of time. This shortens rinsing time while keeping rinsing performance. - When
rotary drum 4 stops rotating, in order to start the rinsing process,controller 22 restarts rotatingrotary drum 4 to execute rinsing (S8). At this stage,rotary drum 4 rotates in one direction at a rotational speed that allows a washing target to be stuck to the inner peripheral wall ofrotary drum 4. The rinsing effect of circulatory showering can be achieved more efficiently because the washing target is stuck to the inner peripheral wall ofrotary drum 4. - In this case,
rotary drum 4 is desired to rotate at a rotational speed lower than a resonant rotational speed. It is thus possible to avoid vibration and noise due to resonance. The desirable rotational speed in this case is about 100 r/min, for example. - When
water level detector 10 detects that the water has reached rinsing water level D (S9),controller 22 closeswater supply valve 7a to stop supply of water (S10). - Thereafter, if the washing target absorbs rinsing water and
water level detector 10 detects that the water level in water tub 3 is not higher than predetermined water level C (S11),controller 22controls circulating pump 20 to rotate at a relatively low rotational speed, e.g. 1600 r/min (S12). - It is thus possible to certainly prevent air entrainment. This prevents generation of uncomfortable noise due to air entrainment and allows the circulating water to be discharged into
rotary drum 4 as indicated by arrow b inFIG. 1 . - As described above, when circulating
pump 20 rotates at the second rotational speed andwater level detector 10 detects the water level not higher than the predetermined water level,controller 22 ofwashing machine 100 controls to rotate circulatingpump 20 at the first rotational speed. - It is thus possible to avoid air entrainment of circulating
pump 20 due to absorption of the circulating water by the washing target or the like and decrease in water level in water tub 3. - Alternatively, circulating
pump 20 can be stopped or driven intermittently when the water level in water tub 3 is not higher than predetermined water level C (S11). - In this case, drive efficiency of circulating
pump 20 deteriorates and other defects may occur. More specifically, when the motor of circulatingpump 20 is driven intermittently, noise is varied by repetitively starting and stopping the motor. The user may feel uncomfortable due to such buzzing noise. - Furthermore, if the circulating water is discharged and stopped repetitively, the machine may be erroneously recognized as being in trouble. Circulating
pump 20 according to the present exemplary embodiment is controlled to rotate at a low rotational speed and buzzing noise is not generated. The user does not auditorily recognize erroneously that the machine is in trouble. - Furthermore, circulating
pump 20 is neither stopped nor driven intermittently. This prevents useless deterioration in drive efficiency of circulatingpump 20 and generation of buzzing noise due to intermittent drive. Moreover, the circulating water is scattered also onto a washing target around the front side of opening 13 ofrotary drum 4. This sufficiently achieves the rinsing effect of circulatory showering. - After the washing target is rinsed for a predetermined period of time,
controller 22 opens drainvalve 19 to start draining. If rinsing is set to be executed for a plurality of times, the operation same as the rinsing described above is repeated for the set number of times. If rinsing is set to be executed once, the rinsing process ends and the spin-drying process is to be executed subsequently. - In the spin-drying process, similarly to the spin-drying executed subsequently to the washing process,
controller 22 controls motor 6 to increase the rotational speed ofrotary drum 4 so as to reach 900 r/min, and the rinsing water is removed from the washing target. After the spin-drying is executed for a predetermined period of time,controller 22 stops motor 6 so as to stop rotation ofrotary drum 4. The washing operation is thus completed. - As described above,
washing machine 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment includesrotary drum 4 having the bottomed cylindrical shape, water tub 3accommodating rotary drum 4,water supply valve 7a serving as a water supplier for supplying water into water tub 3, andwater level detector 10 for detecting water level of washing water in water tub 3. -
Washing machine 100 further includes circulatingpump 20 capable of rotating at a variable rotational speed,water circulation system 16 for circulating the washing water in water tub 3 intorotary drum 4 through circulatingchannel 31 connected to water tub 3 with use of circulatingpump 20 located in circulatingchannel 31, andcontroller 22 for controlling the rotational speed of circulatingpump 20. In the rinsing process,controller 22 also drives to rotate circulatingpump 20 at a first rotational speed beforewater level detector 10 detects the water level, and drives to rotate circulatingpump 20 at a second rotational speed faster than the first rotational speed after the water supplier starts water supply and afterwater level detector 10 detects that the water level of the washing water is not lower than predetermined water level. - In this configuration, circulating
pump 20 is driven beforewater level detector 10 detects the water level, so that circulatingpump 20 can be improved in drive efficiency. By rotating circulatingpump 20 at the first rotational speed and at the second rotational speed faster than the first rotational speed, circulating water can be supplied to both of a washing target around the front side of the opening ofrotary drum 4 and a washing target around the rear side ofrotary drum 4. - It is thus possible to supply and scatter the circulating water evenly to the washing targets in
rotary drum 4 for a longer period of time. This shortens rinsing time while keeping rinsing performance. - In the present exemplary embodiment,
water circulation system 16 is configured as shown inFIG. 1 to circulate water in water tub 3. It is noted that the present invention is not limited to this example. It is possible to exert the equivalent effect also in an exemplary configuration in whichjet port 51 ofwater circulation system 16 is provided as a nozzle located on the outer periphery of opening 13 of water tub 3. - As described above, the present invention achieves the significant effect that rest time for the circulating pump is shortened and drive efficiency is improved so as to reduce operation time while keeping rinsing performance. The present invention is thus useful in a washing machine, particularly a washing machine for efficiently rinsing with a small amount of rinsing water by means of circulatory showering, in a rinsing method using the washing machine, and the like.
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- 2
- washing machine body
- 2a
- base plate
- 3
- water tub
- 4
- rotary drum
- 4a
- rotary shaft
- 4b
- agitating projection
- 4c
- wall surface
- 4e
- through hole
- 6
- motor
- 7
- water supply system
- 7a
- water supply valve
- 7b
- detergent accommodating section
- 8
- drain system
- 8a
- drain pipe
- 8b
- drain filter
- 9
- drying system
- 10
- water level detector
- 13
- opening
- 16
- water circulation system
- 19
- drain valve
- 20
- circulating pump
- 21
- operation panel
- 21a
- input setting section
- 21b
- display
- 22
- controller
- 31
- circulating channel
- 37a
- inlet channel
- 31b
- discharge channel
- 40
- power switching section
- 50
- power supply
- 51
- jet port
- 100
- washing machine
Claims (6)
- A washing machine comprising:a rotary drum having a bottomed cylindrical shape;a water tub accommodating the rotary drum;a water supplier for supplying water into the water tub;a water level detector for detecting water level of washing water in the water tub;a circulating pump capable of rotating at a variable rotational speed;a water circulation system for circulating the washing water in the water tub into the rotary drum through a circulating channel connected to the water tub with the circulating pump located in the circulating channel; anda controller for controlling the rotational speed of the circulating pump; whereinin a rinsing process, the controller drives to rotate the circulating pump at a first rotational speed before the water level detector detects the water level, and drives to rotate the circulating pump at a second rotational speed faster than the first rotational speed after the water supplier starts water supply and after the water level detector detects that the water level of the washing water is not lower than predetermined water level.
- The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein
the controller drives to rotate the circulating pump at the first rotational speed before the water supplier starts water supply in the rinsing process. - The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein
the controller drives to rotate the circulating pump at the first rotational speed if the water level detector detects that the water level of the washing water is not higher than the predetermined water level while the circulating pump is driven to rotate at the second rotational speed. - The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein
the controller drives to rotate the circulating pump at the first rotational speed if the water level detector detects that the water level of the washing water is not higher than the predetermined water level while the circulating pump is driven to rotate at the second rotational speed. - A rinsing method using a washing machine including: a rotary drum having a bottomed cylindrical shape; a water tub accommodating the rotary drum; a water supplier for supplying water into the water tub; a water level detector for detecting water level of washing water in the water tub; a circulating pump capable of rotating at a variable rotational speed; a water circulation system for circulating the washing water in the water tub into the rotary drum through a circulating channel connected to the water tub with the circulating pump located in the circulating channel; and a controller for controlling the rotational speed of the circulating pump; the method comprising:a first step of driving, by the controller, to rotate the circulating pump at a first rotational speed;a second step of starting, by the water supplier, water supply after the first step;a third step of detecting, by the water level detector, that the water level of the washing water is not lower than predetermined water level after the second step; anda fourth step of driving, by the controller, to rotate the circulating pump at a second rotational speed faster than the first rotational speed after the third step.
- The rinsing method using the washing machine according to claim 5, the method further comprising:a fifth step of detecting, by the water level detector, that the water level of the washing water is not higher than the predetermined water level after the fourth step; anda sixth step of driving, by the controller, to rotate the circulating pump at the first rotational speed.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2011192682A JP5873968B2 (en) | 2011-09-05 | 2011-09-05 | Washing machine |
PCT/JP2012/005479 WO2013035279A1 (en) | 2011-09-05 | 2012-08-30 | Washing machine and rinsing method using same |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2754743A1 true EP2754743A1 (en) | 2014-07-16 |
EP2754743A4 EP2754743A4 (en) | 2015-03-04 |
EP2754743B1 EP2754743B1 (en) | 2016-05-25 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
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EP12829488.1A Not-in-force EP2754743B1 (en) | 2011-09-05 | 2012-08-30 | Washing machine and rinsing method using same |
Country Status (4)
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EP (1) | EP2754743B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5873968B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103620103B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013035279A1 (en) |
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2011
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-
2012
- 2012-08-30 WO PCT/JP2012/005479 patent/WO2013035279A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-08-30 EP EP12829488.1A patent/EP2754743B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2012-08-30 CN CN201280031354.1A patent/CN103620103B/en active Active
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2754743A4 (en) | 2015-03-04 |
WO2013035279A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 |
JP2013052127A (en) | 2013-03-21 |
CN103620103B (en) | 2016-02-24 |
EP2754743B1 (en) | 2016-05-25 |
CN103620103A (en) | 2014-03-05 |
JP5873968B2 (en) | 2016-03-01 |
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