JP2004167033A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve the alternative use of the circulation of the washing solution and the supply of bath water by switching the direction of rotating the impeller with a single pump. <P>SOLUTION: The single pump 24 is provided and feeds the water by the forward rotation of the impeller of the pump 24 to enable the supply of the bath water to a water tub 7 through a bath water supply port 26a, a connection hose 26, the pump 24, a connection hose 23 and a connection hose 21. On the other hand, a swing valve to be released by the flow generated and a check valve to be closed thereby in the feeding operation made by the reverse rotation of the impeller are arranged to enable the circulation of the washing solution with the introduction thereof into the water tub 7 again through the connection hose 21, the connection hose 23, the pump 24 and the connection hose 25. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a washing machine having a washing liquid circulation function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a washing machine having a washing liquid circulation function has been developed in order to collect lint such as lint and obtain a new water flow that contributes to washing. The circulating pump mounted on the circulating pump sends water from below the washing tub to above the washing tub via the pump to circulate the washing liquid, but this is a dedicated circulating pump.
[0003]
On the other hand, washing machines equipped with bath water feed pumps are also provided for effective use of bath water, but the pumps are self-priming pumps, which are placed above the washing machine to transfer bath water to the washing tub. Water was being supplied.
[0004]
Of these, the latter bath water supply is basically performed before washing operation or rinsing operation, and the former washing liquid circulation pump is performed during washing operation or rinsing operation, so these two pumps are not used at the same time. Was. Therefore, a method has been proposed in which a single pump can share these two functions (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this case, the rotation direction of the impeller is always constant, and either the bath water supply path or the washing liquid circulation path is connected to the pump using a newly provided switching valve, so that the bath water supply A pump has been realized that can selectively use both functions of washing liquid circulation.
[0005]
Apart from this, recently, in order to improve the cleaning performance, a means for electrolyzing water is provided in one of a water supply path, a water tank, and a circulation path, and alkaline water obtained as a result of the electrolysis is used. There has been proposed a method of increasing the detergency of the washing liquid at the time of washing, and sterilizing at the time of rinsing using acidic water (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-173686 (pages 4 to 6, FIGS. 1 and 3)
[0007]
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-7-185187 (page 3-6, FIG. 1)
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the method of making the circulating water suction port and the bath water suction port the same as in the pump described in Patent Document 1, a device for controlling the switching valve is required separately from the motor of the pump. And the wiring becomes complicated.
[0009]
Further, in the case of using alkaline water or acidic water described in Patent Document 2, if the alkaline water and the acidic water generated by the electrolysis are simultaneously introduced into the washing tub, a sufficient effect is obtained because a neutralization reaction occurs. I can't. Therefore, in order to introduce alkaline water in the washing process and to introduce acidic water in the rinsing process, tanks capable of storing water after electrolysis are required, but a large space is required to install the tanks. Therefore, it is not preferable as a home washing machine.
[0010]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which a single pump selectively switches the rotation direction of an impeller to selectively perform washing liquid circulation and bath water supply. The machine.
A second object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that efficiently circulates alkaline water while electrolyzing water to bring the washing water into contact with laundry, thereby increasing the detergency.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the first object, a washing machine according to the present invention includes an outer box, a water tub housed in the outer box, a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub, Means for supplying tap water to the washing tub provided above, a washing liquid circulation path for circulating washing liquid in the washing tub, a bath water supply path for supplying water from a water source other than tap water, and a washing liquid A pump provided for circulation and bath water supply, the pump including a casing and an impeller, and configured to be able to rotate the impeller forward and reverse, and to circulate the washing liquid and bath according to the rotation direction of the impeller. The water supply can be selectively switched (the invention of claim 1).
[0012]
According to such a configuration, the bath water supply pump can be used also as the washing liquid circulation pump, so that only one pump unit is sufficient, and the installation space and members are reduced. In addition, it is possible to selectively perform bath water supply and washing liquid circulation by controlling the drive of the impeller to change the rotation direction.For example, a separate switching valve and a device for controlling the switching valve are required. do not do.
[0013]
The casing according to claim 1 is characterized in that the casing includes a bath water inlet communicating with the bath water supply path, a bath water discharge / circulating water suction port, and a circulating water discharge port ( The invention of claim 2).
According to such a configuration, piping to the pump can be simplified.
[0014]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a check valve is provided in the bath water supply passage or in the bath water inlet of the casing, and a swing valve is provided in the casing (the invention of the third aspect).
According to such a configuration, the washing liquid in the washing tub does not flow back to the bath tub or the like via the bath water supply path, and is sanitary.
[0015]
Further, in order to achieve the second object, an outer box, a water tub housed in the outer box, a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub, and a washing tub provided above the outer box, Means for supplying tap water to the washing tub, a washing liquid circulation path for circulating the washing liquid in the washing tank, a pump disposed in the washing liquid circulation path, and a pump downstream in the washing liquid circulation path. The washing liquid circulation path is branched into a path for supplying alkaline water and a path for supplying acidic water downstream of the electrolysis means. (The invention of claim 4).
[0016]
According to such a configuration, water can be separately supplied to the washing tub without separately providing tanks for storing the alkaline water and the acidic water generated by the electrolysis, and the laundry can be separately contacted. Therefore, the installation space for the tank is not required, and in particular, the alkaline water saponifies the sebum stains adhered to the laundry, so that the cleaning effect can be enhanced and the amount of detergent used for washing can be reduced.
[0017]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the alkaline water is supplied from above the washing tub, and the acidic water is supplied from the bottom of the tub (the invention of claim 5).
According to such a configuration, since the alkaline water falls on the laundry from above the washing tub, the alkaline water can effectively penetrate into the laundry and spread throughout the laundry, and the washing effect can be further enhanced. Conversely, since the acidic water is introduced into the bottom of the aquarium, the chance of contact with the laundry is small, and the effect of the alkaline water is hardly hindered.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a washing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0019]
First, FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view showing the entire configuration of a drum-type washing machine with a drying function. As shown in this figure, the washing machine main body puts laundry in and out of the front part of an outer box 1 forming an outer shell. An opening 1a is provided, and a door 2 for opening and closing the opening 1a is rotatably provided via a hinge (not shown). An operation and display panel 3 having switches for setting operation times such as washing, rinsing, spin-drying and drying, and setting various courses is disposed above the front of the outer box 1. A control device 4 including a microcomputer and the like is housed. The upper part of the outer case 1 is covered with a top plate 5 and the rear part of the outer case 1 is covered with a back plate 6 to form an outer shell.
[0020]
Inside the outer case 1, a bottomed cylindrical water tank 7 having an opening 7a on the front surface is elastically supported by two suspensions 8 (only one is shown) in a substantially horizontal axis. A bellows 9 is attached to the opening 7a. When the door 2 is closed, the space between the door 2 and the water tank 7 becomes watertight and is closed. The bottom of the water tank 7 has a partially depressed portion 7b, and a hot water heater 10 composed of a sheathed heater is provided.
[0021]
A cylindrical drum 11 serving as a washing tub is accommodated in the water tub 7, and the drum 11 is rotatable via a rotary shaft 13 and an outer rotor type brushless motor 12 provided on the back of the water tub 7. It is attached to the shaft. On the front surface of the drum 11, an opening 11a is formed, and a large number of holes 11b for water passage and ventilation are provided all around the side surface. On the cylindrical inner surface of the drum 11, three baffles 14 (only one baffle is shown) for stirring the laundry are arranged substantially uniformly.
[0022]
A water supply port 17a is provided above the rear surface of the outer box 1, and water supply is controlled by ON / OFF of a solenoid valve 15 immediately after the water supply port 17a. A water injection case 16 is connected to the solenoid valve 15 via a water supply hose 17, and the water injection case 16 and the upper part of the water tank opening 7 a are connected by a water injection hose 18. Further, a water level sensor (not shown) is provided as water level detecting means in the water tank 7.
[0023]
A drain port 7c is provided in the depression 7b at the bottom of the water tank 7, and a bellows-shaped drain hose 20 is connected to the drain port 7c via a drain valve 19 controlled by a drain valve motor (not shown). It can be drained outside. Further, the depression 7b is connected to a filter device 22 for removing lint, dust and the like by a connection hose 21, and includes a detachable lint filter (not shown). This filter device is further connected to a pump 24 connected to a bath water discharge / circulating water suction port 33a via a connection hose 23. As will be described later in detail, the pump 24 is used for both bath water supply and washing liquid circulation, and is connected to the upper front portion of the water tub 7 via a connection hose 25, so that the connection hose 21, the filter device 22 A washing liquid circulation path flowing in the direction of arrow B together with the connection hose 23 is formed.
[0024]
On the other hand, the upper plate 5 is provided with a bath water inlet 26a connected to a connecting hose 26, and the connecting hose 26 is connected to a bath water inlet 33b and connected to the pump 24. Therefore, by using a detachable external bath water hose (not shown) at the bath water inlet 26a, the bath water is absorbed from the bathtub by the pump 24 via the connection hose 26, and the connection hose 23, the filter device 22, A bath water supply path capable of supplying water to the water tank 7 in the direction of arrow A via the connecting hose 21 is formed.
[0025]
Further, a blower fan unit 27 and a drying heater 28 are arranged above the water tank 7, and the hot air generated here is blown into the drum 11. A heat exchange unit 29 is attached to the back of the water tub 7, and the warm air blown into the drum 11 contacts the laundry to absorb moisture, and then passes through the heat exchange unit 29 to dehumidify. Then, a drying function is provided such that the air is blown again to the blower fan unit 27 via the connection duct 30 and circulated.
[0026]
2 and 3 are longitudinal sectional views of the pump 24 described above. FIG. 2 shows a case where a water flow is generated in the direction of arrow A by the forward rotation of the impeller 32 of the pump 24, and FIG. This shows a case where a water flow occurs in the direction of arrow B due to the reverse rotation of the impeller 32.
[0027]
Here, the structure of the pump 24 serving both for supplying the bath water and circulating the washing liquid will be specifically described. The structure is generally known as a Wesco pump, and a motor (not shown) can rotate forward and backward. A DC motor or an AC motor using a commercial power supply is adopted, and a pump function is constituted by an impeller 32 connected to a rotating shaft 31 of the motor, a pump casing 24 a necessary for a pump action, and a so-called casing comprising a casing cover 33. . The pump casing 24a is provided with a shaft seal (not shown) for sealing the rotating shaft 31 of the motor, and the casing cover 33 is provided with a bath water discharge / circulating water suction port 33a connected to the connection hose 23 described above. A bath water suction port 33b connected to the connection hose 26 for bath water and a circulating water discharge port 33c connected to the connection hose 25. Furthermore, the casing cover 33 is provided with a swing valve 34 for opening and closing the circulating water discharge port 33c and a check valve 35 as a check valve for opening and closing the bath water suction port 33b, as shown in FIG. 31 and a stop ring 36 for fixing the impeller 32.
[0028]
The operation of the drum-type washing machine with a drying function having the above-described structure will be described. After the operation and display panel 3 is operated to set a driving course and the like, and then a start button is pressed, “washing” and “rinsing” described later are performed. And "dehydration" steps are sequentially performed, and a "drying" step is also performed as necessary.
[0029]
First, in the "washing" process, tap water is usually used. After the laundry is put into the drum 11, the drum 11 is rotated at a predetermined angular speed, and the driving of the brushless motor 12 is stopped. The weight (capacity) of the laundry is determined from the time when the drum 11 is stopped. Thereafter, tap water is supplied into the drum 11 together with the detergent in the water injection case 16 through the solenoid valve 15, and a predetermined water amount corresponding to the capacity of the laundry is stored by a water level sensor (not shown). Then, by rotating the drum 11 by the brushless motor 12, the laundry is scooped up by the baffle 14, dropped and stirred, and a "washing" process of removing dirt from the laundry is executed.
[0030]
When this "washing" step is completed, the drain valve 19 is opened and drained by the drive control of a drain valve motor (not shown), and then the drum 11 is rotated at a high speed to perform intermediate dewatering. Thus, most of the washing liquid containing the detergent is squeezed out of the laundry and drained through the drain hose 20, so that the next "rinsing" step can be efficiently completed in a short time. ing. The "rinsing" step is basically performed in the same manner as the "washing" step. When the “rinse” step is completed, the finishing “dehydration” step is executed by rotating the drum 11 at a high speed, so that the laundry is dehydrated.
[0031]
When bath water use is selected and set by operating the operation / display panel 3, when the start button is pressed, the weight (capacity) of the laundry in the drum 11 is determined by the above-described method. 15 is turned on, and the supply of the amount of washing water according to the capacity of the laundry starts with the drain valve 19 closed. The supply of tap water is for priming of the pump 24, and tap water from the solenoid valve 15 flows into the water tank 7 via the water supply hose 17, the water supply case 16, and the water supply hose 18, and 7b, water is supplied through the connection hose 21, the filter device 22, and the connection hose 23 until the inside of the pump casing 24a is filled.
[0032]
Thereafter, the solenoid valve 15 is turned off, the pump 24 is turned on, and the impeller 32 is rotated forward so that the water flows in the direction of the arrow A shown in FIG. The bath water is supplied into the pump casing 24a as a casing, and is supplied to the water tank 7 through the bath water discharge / circulating water suction port 33a, the connecting hose 23, the filter device 22, and the connecting hose 21 (in the direction of arrow A). In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the swing valve 34 is closed by the water flow in the direction of the arrow A, and the check valve 35 is maintained in the open state, and does not hinder the flow in the direction of the arrow A.
[0033]
When the water level sensor detects that the water has been stored to the predetermined water level, the pump 24 is turned off. Then, the drum 11 rotates through the brushless motor 12 to start the washing operation, and the impeller 32 of the pump 24 rotates in the reverse direction to the bath water supply as shown in FIG. A water flow flowing in the B direction is generated. The water flow opens the swing valve 34 and closes the check valve 35 so as to prevent the washing liquid from flowing out to the connection hose 26. Therefore, the water tank is closed from the circulating water discharge port 33c through the connection hose 25 to the water tank. A so-called circulation of the washing liquid, which is supplied into the chamber 7 and then returns to the connecting hose 21, is performed.
Also, bath water can be used during the rinsing operation, in which case the above-described operation is repeatedly performed after drainage and intermediate dehydration in the “washing” step.
[0034]
As described above, the bath water supply and the washing liquid circulation can be shared by the single pump 24, so that only one pump unit is sufficient, the installation space can be reduced, and the number of members can be reduced. In addition, by changing the rotation direction of the impeller 32, bath water supply and washing liquid circulation can be selectively executed, and switching of the switching valve is not required. The circulation of the washing liquid causes the washing liquid to fall on the laundry scooped up by the rotation of the drum 11 serving as a washing tub, so that the washing liquid easily permeates the entire washing liquid, and mechanical power is applied to the laundry, thereby increasing the washing power. improves.
In addition, by the function of the check valve 35, the washing liquid in the water tub 7 does not flow back to the external bathtub through the connecting hoses 21 and 26, which are bath water supply paths, and is sanitary.
[0035]
In this embodiment, the casing is constituted by the pump casing 24a and the casing cover 33. However, this may be constituted only by the pump casing 24a, and the check valve 35 is provided in the casing. In the water supply path, substantially the same operation and effect can be obtained.
[0036]
(Second embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. I do.
[0037]
In the present embodiment, an electrolyzed water unit 38 that generates alkaline water (OH ⁻ ) and acidic water (H ⁺ ) as electrolysis means is provided via a connection hose 37 on the downstream side on the discharge side of the pump 24 in the circulation path. It is arranged. The electrolysis water unit 38 is connected to the water tank 7 by two hoses, a connection hose 39 above the opening 7a and a connection hose 40 below the water tank 7, and supplies an upper path for supplying alkaline water and an acidic water for each. The bottom side path is formed.
[0038]
As described above, the operation of the washing machine having the electrolysis means will be described. The drive of the impeller 32 of the pump 24 is controlled mainly in the "washing" step, and when the washing liquid is circulated in the direction of arrow B, the electrolytic water is used. The washing liquid is electrolyzed by electrodes (not shown) in the unit 38. The alkaline water (OH ⁻ ) and the acidic water (H ⁺ ) generated by the electrolysis of water are separated, and the alkaline water (OH ⁻ ) is sent in the direction of arrow B1 through the connection hose 39, and is separated from the upper part of the opening 7a. Alternatively, water is injected into the drum 11 and the water tank 7 from the periphery. By doing so, the alkaline water directly falls on the laundry scooped up above the water tub 7 by the action of the baffle 14 due to the rotation of the drum 11.
[0039]
On the other hand, the acidic water (H ⁺ ) is sent in the direction of arrow B2 via the connection hose 40, and is introduced from the bottom of the water tank 7 including the depression 7b. The alkaline water and the acidic water supplied separately cause a neutralization reaction mainly at the bottom of the water tub 7 while the laundry is being stirred in the drum 11, and again the communication hose 21, the filter device 22, and the like from the depression 7b. Returning to the pump 24 via the connecting hose 23, this circulation is repeated and is carried out by this circulation during the "washing" step.
[0040]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the alkaline water and the acidic water generated by the electrolysis can be separated and sent to the drum 11 or the water tub 7 serving as the washing tub. In particular, the alkaline water removes the sebum stain adhered to the laundry. Because of the saponification, the washing effect can be enhanced, and the amount of detergent used during washing can be reduced.
[0041]
In addition, since the alkaline water falls on the laundry from above, the alkaline water effectively permeates the laundry and spreads quickly throughout the laundry. Conversely, since the acidic water is formed in the circulation path smaller than that of the alkaline water and at the bottom of the water tub 7, the acidic water does not have to be directly introduced into the drum 11 and has little opportunity to come into contact with the laundry. Hardly hinders.
[0042]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings. For example, a drum-type washing machine with a drying function is used, but a washing machine having a washing water circulation function and a bath water supply function may be used. And a filter device may be provided as needed. Further, the alkaline water and acidic water circulation paths may be introduced into the water tank from a plurality of locations divided into several paths without being limited to one path each, and may be implemented with various changes without departing from the gist of the present invention. is there.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, by changing the rotation direction of the impeller of the pump, the bath water supply and the circulation of the washing liquid can be selectively switched and executed. Both functions can be used, and the installation space and members can be reduced.
[0044]
In addition, the alkaline water and the acidic water generated by the electrolysis can be separately brought into contact with the laundry by sending them to a washing tub or a water tub, and the alkaline water can remove sebum stains attached to the laundry. Because of the saponification, the washing effect can be enhanced, and the amount of detergent used during washing can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional side view of the entire configuration of a washing machine showing a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing bath water supply state of a pump. FIG. 3 is a view showing washing liquid circulation state of a pump. FIG. 4 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
1 outer box 2 door 7 water tank 11 drum (washing tank)
12 brushless motor 19 drain valve 22 filter device 24 pump 24a pump casing (casing)
21, 23, 25, 26, 37, 39, 40 Connecting hose 32 Impeller 33 Casing cover 33a Bath water suction port 33b Bath water discharge / circulating water suction port 33c Circulating water discharge port 34 Swing valve 35 Check valve 38 Electrolytic water Unit (electrolysis means)

Claims (5)

An outer case, a water tub housed in the outer case, a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub, a means provided above the outer case for supplying tap water to the washing tub, A washing liquid circulation path for circulating the washing liquid in the tub, a bath water supply path for supplying water from a water source other than tap water, and a pump provided for washing liquid circulation and bath water supply,
The pump includes a casing and an impeller, and is configured to be capable of rotating the impeller forward and backward, so that the circulation of the washing liquid and the supply of bath water can be selectively switched depending on the rotation direction of the impeller. Features washing machine. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the casing includes a bath water inlet communicating with the bath water supply path, a bath water discharge / circulating water suction port, and a circulating water discharge port. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein a check valve is provided in the bath water supply path or at a bath water inlet of the casing, and a swing valve is provided in the casing. An outer case, a water tub housed in the outer case, a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub, a means provided above the outer case for supplying tap water to the washing tub, A washing liquid circulation path for circulating the washing liquid in the tub; a pump disposed in the washing liquid circulation path; and an electrolyzing means for electrolyzing water downstream of the pump in the washing liquid circulation path. And
The washing machine is characterized in that the washing liquid circulation path is branched into a path for supplying alkaline water and a path for supplying acidic water downstream of the electrolysis means. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the alkaline water is supplied from above the water tank, and the acidic water is supplied from the bottom of the water tank.

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