KR20040055615A - Drum type washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A drum-type washing machine is provided to easily clean a washing tub and to clearly check that detergents or molds are removed by a user. CONSTITUTION: A drum-type washing machine(1) is composed of an outer tub(7) for storing water in a washing operation; a drum(10) installed in the outer tub and rotated about a rotary shaft(11) set within the predetermined angle for the horizontal direction to wash the laundry; an opening unit(23) disposed at the outer tub to take in and out the laundry received in the drum; a drum cover(25) arranged at the peripheral side of the drum and opened and closed in taking in and out the laundry from the drum; a lock unit for locking a rotary position of the drum at the position where the drum cover is opposite to the opening unit; and a special mode set unit for setting a special mode for rotating the drum by releasing the drum locked by the lock unit.

Description

Drum Washing Machine {DRUM TYPE WASHING MACHINE}

The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine in which laundry is stored in a drum and washed.

BACKGROUND ART Drum washing machines are known in which laundry is stored in a substantially cylindrical drum (washing tub) rotatable about an axis extending in the substantially horizontal direction to wash the laundry. A washing machine of this kind has, for example, an outer tub that surrounds the outside of the drum, and by rotating the drum in a state in which a predetermined amount of water is stored in the outer tub, the laundry in the drum is lifted by a baffle protruding from the drum inner surface. It is possible to perform washing by repeatedly performing operations such as natural dropping from a certain height toward the surface of the water.

On the other hand, detergent deposits or black molds have recently been attached to the outer surface (not visible to the user) of the washing tub surrounded by the outer tub in relation to all washing machines including a washing machine having a washing tub rotatable about an axis extending in the approximately vertical direction. Is being reported, and general users are getting more attention.

Conventionally, an exclusive cleaning agent (washing tank cleaner) for washing a washing tank is commercially available, and a general user usually dissolves the washing tank cleaner in water stored in the outer tank and rotates the washing tank to stir the washing water in the outer tank to wash the washing tank. The method of washing | cleaning etc. is employ | adopted. Moreover, the washing machine is also proposed which can perform a special driving course (bath washing course) for washing a washing tank (for example, patent document 1).

[Patent Document 1]

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-308793

However, in the method of washing a washing tank using a washing tank cleaner as described above, the washing can be easily performed. However, whether or not detergent sediment or black mold is removed can not be confirmed from the outside. Therefore, some users are really unhappy about whether detergent deposits or black mold have been removed.

For such a user, there are some people (such as employees of a store) who disassemble the washing machine and directly clean the outer surface of the washing tank, but there is a problem in that it takes time and money to receive such a service.

The present invention has been made on the basis of such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a drum type washing machine which can easily clean a washing tank (drum) and can confirm that it is cleaned.

1 is a perspective view showing an appearance configuration of a drum type washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drum type washing machine, and a cross section of the drum type washing machine viewed from the right side in a vertical plane along the front and rear directions;

3 is a left side view of the drum type washing machine.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drum type washing machine, which is a cross-sectional view of the drum washing machine viewed from the front in a vertical plane along the left and right directions.

Fig. 5 is a plan view showing an external configuration of an operation display panel.

6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a drum type washing machine.

7 is a flowchart showing control contents by the CPU in the cleaning mode according to the embodiment;

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the control contents by the CPU in the cleaning mode according to another embodiment.

9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method of forming a water passage hole in the peripheral surface of the drum.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

1: drum type washing machine

3: outer cover

7: the outer bird

10: drum

10A: passage hole

11: axis of rotation

18: drain valve

23: opening

25: drum cover

28: lock mechanism

31: CPU

51P: Cleaning Key

101: main plate

101A: One way

101B: the other side

102: Burr

The invention according to claim 1 for achieving the above object includes an outer tub 7 capable of storing water at the time of washing, and a rotating shaft 11 installed in the outer tub and set within a predetermined angle range with respect to the substantially horizontal direction or the horizontal direction. A drum-type washing machine (1) having a drum (10) capable of washing laundry contained therein, the opening (23) being provided in the outer tank for putting the laundry into and out of the drum; A drum cover 25 provided on the peripheral surface of the drum and opened and closed when discharging laundry into the drum, and locking means for locking the rotational position of the drum in an opposite position where the drum cover faces the opening; 28) and special mode setting means 51P, 31, S3, T3 for releasing the lock of the drum by the locking means to make the drum rotatable special mode (cleaning mode). It is a drum type washing machine characterized by the above-mentioned.

In addition, the alphabet and the number in parentheses show the corresponding component etc. in embodiment mentioned later. Hereinafter, the same in this section.

According to this configuration, in the special mode in which the drum is unlocked, the drum can be rotated to an arbitrary rotation position to directly clean the outer circumferential surface of the drum facing the opening of the outer tub at the rotation position via the opening.

Therefore, since the detergent sediment or black mold adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the drum can be removed without disassembling the drum type washing machine, the drum can be easily cleaned.

In addition, the user can confirm that the detergent sediment or black mold is removed by cleaning the outer peripheral surface of the drum with their own hands. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the outer circumferential surface of the drum is reliably cleaned, so that the user can be prevented from having a doubt about whether detergent sediment or black mold is really removed.

The locking means may include mechanical locking means for locking the drum mechanically (pins, etc.), or may include electrical locking means for locking electrically (electric brakes, etc.).

The constitution may include a means for introducing water to wet the peripheral surface of the drum during the special mode. In this case, the means for introducing water may be configured to include means for supplying water into the outer tub, or may be configured to include means for directly spraying water on the peripheral surface of the drum.

In the invention described in claim 2, the special mode setting means is operable in a state in which a special mode is set by the setting operation means 51P for setting a special mode and the setting operation means, and the drum only when the special mode is operated. The drum type washing machine 1 of Claim 1 including the means 51P, 31, S6 which make the rotation 10 possible.

According to this configuration, the user can rotate the drum by the operation of the setting operation means, rotate the drum to a desired rotation position, and then clean the outer peripheral surface of the drum exposed through the opening in that state. By repeating such an operation, the entire outer peripheral surface of the drum can be easily cleaned.

The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the special mode setting means comprises: a setting operation means 51P for setting a special mode, and the drum 10 by the lock means 28 in response to an operation of the setting operation means. Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises lock release means (31, T3) for releasing the lock, and drum rotation control means (31, T6) for rotating the drum at a predetermined speed lower than when washing (washing or rinsing). The drum type washing machine 1 described in the above.

According to this configuration, since the drum is automatically rotated by the drum rotation control means, it is possible to reduce the time for the user to rotate the drum by his or her hand. Therefore, the drum outer peripheral surface can be cleaned more easily.

The rotational speed of the drum is preferably a speed (eg, about 10 rpm) such that the user is not injured when the drum suddenly rotates from the stopped state.

The drum rotation control means may rotate the drum continuously or may rotate / stop intermittently.

In this case, the drum rotation control means rotates the drum within a narrower range (e.g., 70 to 80%) than the length of the opening in the rotational direction of the drum, and for a predetermined period (e.g., constant The control may be repeated after the motor is stopped for a time or until a predetermined operation is performed, and then rotated again.

In the case where the drum is rotated for one week or more from the opposing position, the configuration may further include means for rotating the drum to the predetermined position to lock the drum.

The drum rotation control means may rotate the drum for as long as a predetermined operation is performed.

In this case, it is preferable to perform the said predetermined operation with both hands. For example, the predetermined operation may simultaneously operate two or more switches (for example, the rotary key 51Q and the start key 51B). At this time, it is preferable that the two or more switches are arranged at intervals such that they cannot be operated simultaneously without both hands.

The invention as set forth in claim 4 further comprises an openable outer lid 3 covering the outer side of the opening 23, the special mode setting means means for releasing the special mode in response to the closing of the outer lid ( 31, S8-S10, T7-T9), The drum type washing machine 1 in any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned.

According to this configuration, since the special mode is terminated by closing the outer cover, it is convenient to save time compared with the configuration in which the cleaning mode is terminated by performing a special operation (for example, operation of an end key for ending the cleaning mode). Do.

And a means for locking the drum by the locking means by rotating the drum to the opposite position in response to the release of the special mode.

The invention according to claim 5, wherein the special mode setting means further comprises means (18, 31, S4, T4) for discharging water in the outer tub (7). The drum type washing machine 1 of Claim 1 is used.

According to this configuration, even when water or the like is introduced from the outside through the opening to clean the outer circumferential surface of the drum, water stored in the outer tub can be discharged out of the machine. Therefore, the drum can be cleaned more appropriately.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the drum 10 has a plurality of small holes 10A formed on its peripheral surface, and the burr 102 is not formed on the peripheral edge of the small hole on the outer peripheral surface 101A of the drum. It is the drum type washing machine 1 in any one of Claims 1-5 to do.

According to this configuration, when the user cleans the outer circumferential surface of the drum, it is possible to prevent injuries caused by protruding burrs, thereby improving safety.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiment of this invention is described concretely with reference to drawings.

1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a drum type washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This drum type washing machine 1 is partitioned by the housing 2 of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example. In the front of the upper surface 2A of the housing 2, an inclined surface 2B inclined so as to be lowered toward the front side is formed, for example, and is external from the upper surface 2A of the housing 2 over the inclined surface 2B. The opening 4 which can be opened and closed by the lid 3 is formed.

The outer lid 3 includes, for example, a rear lid 3A covering the rear side of the opening 4 and a front lid 3B covering the front side. 3 A of rear lids are rotatably attached to the upper surface 2A of the housing | casing 2, and the front lid 3B is rotatably attached to the front end of the rear lid 3A of the front lid 3B. . The user grasps the holding part 3C formed on the front cover 3B and slides the rear part of the front cover 3B upward while sliding the rear part, so that the front cover 3B and the rear cover 3A are upper surface 2A. The opening 4 can be opened in a folded state so as to stand up from above (see FIG. 2).

On the right side of the opening 4 of the inclined surface 2B, for example, an operation display panel 5 for performing various settings (course setting, etc.) relating to the operation of the drum type washing machine 1, various displays such as driving conditions, and the like. ) Is arranged. The operation display panel 5 is disposed on the inclined surface 2B to face the inclined upper front side, and the user standing on the front side of the drum type washing machine 1 vertically faces the surface of the operation display panel 5 toward the inclined downward direction. You can look down. Thereby, the user is easy to see the display of the operation display panel 5, and also to operate.

Further, on the left side of the opening 4 of the inclined surface 2B, for example, a detergent container 6 for injecting detergent into the machine in a state where the outer lid 3 is closed is arranged to be pulled out to the front side.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drum type washing machine 1, showing a cross section of the drum washing machine 1 viewed from the right side in the vertical plane along the front and rear directions. Fig. 3 is a left side view of the drum type washing machine 1, with the housing 2 partially omitted. Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drum type washing machine 1, showing a cross section of the drum washing machine 1 viewed from the front side in the vertical plane.

2 to 4, for example, a substantially cylindrical outer tub 7 in which both end surfaces are occluded is disposed such that its axis A extends from side to side (approximately horizontal). . The outer tub 7 is supported in the housing 2 by, for example, a pair of dampers 8 and a pair of springs 9. Specifically, the pair of dampers 8 connects the inner bottom surface of the housing 2 and the outer tub 7, respectively supporting the position near the front downward side and the position near the bottom rear of the outer tub 7, respectively. have. Moreover, the pair of springs 9 couple the left and right inner surfaces of the housing 2 and the left and right both sides of the outer tub 7 respectively.

Inside the outer tub 7, a drum 10 for accommodating laundry therein is disposed. The drum 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape in which both end faces are closed, for example, and has the same axis A as the outer tub 7 extending laterally (approximately horizontal).

Rotating shafts 11 extending along the axis A are attached to both end faces of the drum 10, respectively. Each rotating shaft 11 is rotatably held around the axis A by a bearing 12 attached to the outer tub 7.

On the left end surface of the outer tub 7, for example, a motor 13 for rotating the drum 10 is attached. The motor 13 is, for example, a so-called DD motor coupled to the rotary shaft 11 in a DD (direct drive) manner, and a rotatable external rotor 13A is connected to the rotary shaft 11. In this motor 13, when the drive current is supplied to the stator 13B, the external rotor 13A rotates, whereby the drum 10 connected to the rotating shaft 11 rotates around the axis A. As shown in FIG.

On the upper surface 2A of the housing 2, for example, a hose connecting port 2C (see Fig. 1) for connecting a water supply hose to an external water supply system or the like is provided. At the time of washing, by opening the water supply valve 14 (see FIG. 6) provided in the machine, tap water (hereinafter, simply referred to as "water") supplied through the water supply hose enters the machine from the hose connection port 2C. It is supplied to the outer tank 7 via the water supply pipe 15.

The drain port 16 is formed in the lower end part right side of the periphery of the outer tub 7, for example, and the drain pipe 17 is connected to this drain port 16. The drain valve 18 is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 17, and water can be stored in the outer tank 7 by supplying water in a state in which the drain valve 18 is closed. In addition, the water stored in the outer tub 7 can be drained out of the machine via the drain port 16 and the drain pipe 17 by opening the drain valve 18.

At the bottom of the outer tub 7, for example, a water heater 19 is disposed. At the time of washing | cleaning, it wash | cleans at moderate water temperature by using the water heater 19 to warm the water stored in the outer tank 7. As shown in FIG.

A plurality of water passages 10A are formed in the peripheral surface of the drum 10, and the water supplied in the outer tub 7 flows into the drum 10 through these water passages 10A. In addition, on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 10, one baffle 10B protruding to lift the laundry in the drum 10 is provided at a predetermined isometric angle (for example, every 120 °) in the circumferential direction (three in total), Each is provided so that it may extend in the left-right direction. In the washing process, the operation (tumbling) such as lifting the laundry in the drum 10 by the baffle 10B and naturally dropping it from a certain height is repeated, so that the laundry is knocked on the water surface of the water stored in the outer tub 7. Washing is to be achieved.

In the case where washing is performed in a standard course, a rinsing step for removing the detergent component contained in the laundry is performed after the above washing step is completed, and then transferred to the dehydration step. In the dehydration process, the drum 10 is rotated at a high speed (for example, 300 to 1000 rpm), and the water contained in the laundry is squeezed out by centrifugal force, and water from the laundry is washed out through the water passage hole 10A. 7) to fly to the side.

On the peripheral surface of the outer tub 7, for example, an electrolytic device 20 for electrolyzing the water in the outer tub 7 is attached to the lower front side thereof. The electrolytic device 20 connects the hollow electrolytic cell 20B having a plurality of electrode plates 20A therein and the electrolytic cell 20B to the outer tank 7 to supply water in the outer tank 7 to the electrolytic cell 20B. ) Has two connection pipes 20C for circulation. Each connection pipe 20C protrudes in the substantially horizontal direction front side, for example.

When tap water is blown into the electrolytic apparatus 20 while the electrode plate 20A is energized, water and chlorine, which are components of tap water, react chemically to generate active oxygen (O ₂ ⁻ ), hypochlorous acid (HClO), or the like. . When washing is performed using water (electrolyzed water) after the electrolytic treatment in which these products are produced, it is possible to prevent the contamination from the laundry from adhering to the laundry again and to sterilize the laundry by the sterilizing effect. Washing can be performed with sufficient washing | cleaning performance even if it does not.

Therefore, by using electrolyzed water in addition to the standard course, this drum type washing machine 1 can perform a course (zero detergent course) which can be washed without using a detergent. In the detergent zero course, for example, after the washing step is finished, the washing step is carried out to the dehydration step, so that the rinsing step is not performed.

This drum type washing machine 1 also has a function of drying the laundry after dehydration, and a drying apparatus 21 for a drying function is attached to the right end surface of the outer tub 7. The drying apparatus 21 is provided with a fan 21A and a drying heater 21B (see Fig. 6). During drying, the air warmed by the drying heater 21B is dried by the fan 21A. Tumbling is repeated by rotating the drum 10 in which laundry is accommodated while blowing into the outer tub 7 from 21. Thereby, laundry can be dried satisfactorily.

An opening 22 is formed in the circumferential surface of the drum 10 for taking in and out of the laundry. The opening 23 is disposed at the circumferential surface of the outer tub 7 so as to face the opening 4 of the housing 2. Is formed. The opening 23 of the outer tub 7 and the opening 22 of the drum 10 are, for example, in the inner lid 24 and the drum lid 25 which are rotatable toward the outer side (upward in FIG. 2), for example. It becomes possible to open and close by this, and it is possible to take in and out the laundry in the drum 4 in the state which opened the outer lid 3, the inner lid 24, and the drum lid 25 all.

The inner lid 24 is, for example, a plate-like member having a substantially arcuate cross section, and the rear end thereof is rotatably attached to the outer tub 7. In the state in which the inner lid 24 is closed, the distal end of the inner lid 24 is engaged with the outer tub 7 so that the opening 23 is hermetically closed.

In order to open the inner cover 24, the outer cover 3 must first be opened. The outer lid 3 is opened in a folded state such that the front lid 3B and the rear lid 3A stand in an aspect as described in FIG. 1. As a result, the opening 4 of the housing 2 is opened to secure a space for opening the inner lid 24 above the outer tub 7. In this state, the front end of the inner lid 24 is gripped and lifted, so that the inner lid 24 can be rotated upward to open the opening 23 of the outer tub 7.

The drum cover 25 is comprised by the back cover 25A and the front cover 25B, for example. The rear cover 25A is rotatably attached to its rear end with respect to the peripheral surface of the drum 10. On the other hand, the front cover part 25B is rotatably attached to the front end part with respect to the circumferential surface of the drum 10. The rear end of the rear lid 25A and the front end of the front lid 25B are connected by, for example, a rod-shaped connecting member 26, and one side of the rear lid 25A and the front lid 25B is connected. When rotated, the other side rotates in conjunction with it. In addition, the back cover 25A and the front cover 25B are pressed toward the direction (upward) opened by the press member (not shown), such as a spring, for example. The connecting member 26 is covered by the cover 27, for example.

A hook portion 25C protrudes and is formed at the rear end of the front lid 25B, and a coupling recess 25D corresponding to the hook portion 25C of the front lid 25B is formed at the front end of the rear lid 25A. Is formed. With such a configuration, in the state where the rear lid 25A and the front lid 25B are closed, the hook portion 25C is caught by the engagement recess 25D so that the closed state is maintained.

In order to open the drum cover 25, the outer cover 3 and the inner cover 24 must be opened to secure a space for opening the drum cover 25 above the drum 10. In this state, by engaging the front lid 25B of the drum lid 25 downward, the engagement of the hook portion 25C and the engagement recess 25D can be dropped.

The rear lid 25A and the front lid 25B, which are separated from each other, rotate upward from the closed state by the pressing force of the pressing member. From this state, one of the rear lid 25A and the front lid 25B is further rotated to rotate the other side connected via the connecting member 26 together, and the opening of the drum 10 as shown in FIG. (22) can be greatly opened.

When the drum cover 25 is closed, only one of the rear cover 25A and the front cover 25B is rotated downward, and the other connected via the connecting member 26 is also rotated downward together. The portion 25C and the engaging recess 25D can be joined.

On the left end surface of the outer tub 7, the rotational position of the drum 10 is set to a locked position (a position where the drum lid 25 can be opened and closed, that is, the drum lid 25 faces the opening 23 of the tub 7). Lock mechanism 28 for locking (stopping) at the position. This lock mechanism 28 is provided with the pin 28A which protrudes toward the rotating shaft 11 side, and the front-end | tip part of the pin 28A can be inserted in the outer peripheral surface of the outer rotor 13B of the motor 13. The recessed part 13C is formed.

The pin 28A is displaceable along its axial direction (up and down direction), and locks the rotation of the motor 13 by inserting the tip of the pin 28A into the recess 13C of the external rotor 13B. The drum 10 can be locked to the locked position. On the other hand, by locking the tip end of the pin 28A from the recess 13C of the external rotor 13B, the lock of the drum 10 can be released. When the drum type washing machine 1 is not in operation, the drum 10 is locked in the locked position by the lock mechanism 28.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an appearance configuration of the operation display panel 5.

The operation display panel 5 includes, for example, a power key 51A for switching ON / OFF of the power supply of the drum type washing machine 1, and a start for starting the operation of the drum type washing machine 1. Key 51B, Bactericidal Plus Key 51C for adding the sterilization process by electrolytic water before the dehydration process, Coskey 51D for selecting various washing courses for washing using detergent, Outer tub from outside the machine (7) Bath water key 51E which is operated when washing by introducing bath water into the inside, detergent zero course key 51F for selecting zero detergent course, standard course key 51G for selecting standard course, washing and drying time The laundry drying rapid key 51H for selecting this shortened laundry drying rapid course, the laundry drying switching key 51I for switching between washing and drying, the laundry key 51J for setting the time of the washing process, the rinsing Rinse to set the number of times Gum key 51K, dehydration key 51L for setting the time of dehydration process, drying key 51M for selecting the kind of drying process, cleaning key 51P for starting the cleaning mode described later, and cleaning mode And a rotating key 51Q which can be operated in the following (hereinafter, when these keys are collectively referred to as operation keys 51).

Moreover, the time display part for displaying the remaining time until operation end, for example, or displaying the remaining time until the start time, when the start time of operation is preset (reserved) in the operation display panel 5, for example. (52A), the detergent amount display unit 52B for displaying the mass of the detergent amount, the washing time display unit 52C for displaying the time of the washing process, and the number of rinses when the washing course for washing with the detergent is selected. The rinsing number display unit 52D for performing the operation, the dehydration time display unit 52E for displaying the time of the dehydration process, and the like (hereinafter, referred to collectively as the display unit 52 when each of these display units are collectively).

An outer lid lock device 3D for locking the outer lid 3 in a closed state is disposed at a predetermined position in the housing 2 (for example, the right end of the edge of the front end of the opening 4) ( 1). When the drum type washing machine 1 is being operated by the normal washing course, the outer lid 3 is locked by the outer lid lock device 3D so that it cannot be opened. The lock of the outer lid 3 by the outer lid lock device 3D is released, for example, when the drum type washing machine 1 is not in operation.

As described above, when the drum type washing machine 1 is not in operation, the drum 10 is locked to the lock position by the lock mechanism 28. Therefore, the user cannot see the outer circumferential surface of the drum 10 except for the vicinity of the drum cover 25 in either of the drum type washing machine 1 when it is in operation or when it is not in operation.

Therefore, one of the features of this embodiment is a mode (cleaning mode) which makes the drum 10 locked by the locking mechanism 28 rotatable (unlocking) when the drum type washing machine 1 is not in operation. ) Is made executable. The cleaning mode is a special mode different from the normal mode, and in this cleaning mode, the drum 10 becomes rotatable, so that the drum 10 is rotated to an arbitrary rotational position, and the opening 23 of the outer tub 7 at that rotational position. The outer circumferential surface of the drum 10 facing the side can be directly cleaned via the opening 23.

According to this structure, the detergent sediment and black mold which adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the drum 10 can be removed, without disassembling the drum type washing machine 1. Therefore, the drum type washing machine 1 which can clean the drum 10 easily can be provided.

In addition, the user can confirm that the detergent sediment or black mold is removed by cleaning the drum 10 with their own hands. Therefore, since the outer peripheral surface of the drum 10 can be confirmed reliably cleaned, it can prevent that a user has no doubt whether a detergent deposit or a black mold is removed.

6 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the drum type washing machine 1. As shown in FIG.

The drum type washing machine 1 is provided with a control unit 30 for controlling the entire drum type washing machine 1. The control part 30 is comprised by the microcomputer etc., for example, and includes CPU31, ROM32, RAM33, the timer 34, etc. In the ROM 32, an operation program used for controlling the operation of the drum type washing machine 1 is stored in advance.

The operation display panel 5 is connected to the control part 30 so that input / output is possible. Thereby, the input signal according to the operation of the user's operation key 51 is provided to the control part 30, and the display of the display part 52 is controlled according to the output signal from the control part 30. FIG.

Further, the control unit 30 includes, for example, a water level sensor 29 for detecting the water level of the water stored in the outer tub 7, a drum cover opening / closing sensor 25S for detecting the opening and closing of the drum cover 25, and the outside. An output signal from an external lid opening / closing sensor 3S or the like for detecting opening or closing of the lid 3 is input.

On the other hand, the control unit 30 includes a motor 13, a fan 21A, a water heater 19, a drying heater 21B, a water supply valve 14, a drain valve 18, and the like through the load driving unit 35. The lock mechanism 28 etc. are electrically connected as a control object.

7 is a flowchart showing the control contents by the CPU 31 in the cleaning mode according to the embodiment.

In this embodiment, the CPU 31 monitors whether the cleaning key 51P is turned on (step S1), and when the cleaning key 51P is turned on (YES in step S1), the drum type washing machine 1 It is determined whether is in operation (step S2). If the drum type washing machine 1 is not in operation (NO in step S2), the CPU 31 releases the lock of the drum 10 by displacing the pin 28A of the lock mechanism 28 to the retracted position (step). S3), the drain valve 18 is turned on (step S4). As a result, the operation mode of the drum type washing machine 1 is limited to the cleaning mode from the normal mode.

The CPU 31 can apply an electric brake to the motor 13 by controlling the drive current (so-called electric brake). In the cleaning mode, while the cleaning key 51P is turned on (YES in step S5), the CPU 31 makes the drum 10 rotatable by turning off the electric brake to the motor 13 (step S6). On the other hand, when the cleaning key 51P is turned off (NO in step S5), the CPU 31 turns on the electric brake to the motor 13 so that the drum 10 does not rotate from the rotational position at that time. (Step S7).

In this way, the CPU 31 turns on / off the electric brake of the motor 13 by turning on / off the cleaning key 51P until the outer cover 3 is closed (YES in step S8). Switch.

According to such a configuration, the user rotates the drum 10 to a desired rotational position while turning on the cleaning key 51P, and then turns off the cleaning key 51P (to be in an unoperated state) by an electric brake. The outer peripheral surface of the drum 10 exposed through the openings 4 and 23 can be cleaned with the drum 10 stopped at the rotational position. By repeating such an operation, the entire outer circumferential surface of the drum 10 can be easily cleaned.

In addition, since the drain valve 18 is turned on during the cleaning mode, the water stored in the outer tub 7 is removed even when the outer peripheral surface of the drum 10 is cleaned by introducing water or the like from the outside through the openings 4 and 23. It can be discharged out of the machine. Therefore, the drum 10 can be cleaned more appropriately.

When the outer lid 3 is closed (YES in step S8), the CPU 31 rotates the drum 10 to the locked position by controlling the motor 13 (step S9), and then the pins of the lock mechanism 28 The drum 10 is locked by engaging 28A with the recess 13C of the external rotor 13A (step S10). As a result, the operation mode of the drum type washing machine 1 is changed from the cleaning mode to the normal mode.

In this way, when the cleaning mode is terminated by closing the outer lid 3, compared with the configuration in which the cleaning mode is terminated by performing a special operation (for example, operation of an end key for ending the cleaning mode). It is convenient to save time.

8 is a flowchart showing the control contents by the CPU 31 in the cleaning mode according to another embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the CPU 31 monitors whether the cleaning key 51P is turned on (step T1), and when the cleaning key 51P is turned on (YES in step T1), the drum type washing machine 1 Determines whether is in operation (step T2). When the drum type washing machine 1 is not in operation (NO in step T2), the CPU 31 releases the lock of the drum 10 by shifting the pin 28A of the lock mechanism 28 to the retracted position (step). T3), the drain valve 18 is turned on (step T4). As a result, the operation mode of the drum type washing machine 1 is limited to the cleaning mode from the normal mode.

At this time, the drum 10 is not rotated from the rotational position at that time by the electric brake of the motor 13, and the rotary key 51Q provided in the operation display panel 5, for example, is turned on. It is only to be rotated during this time. That is, the CPU 31 monitors whether or not the rotary key 51Q is turned on (step T5). When the rotary key 51Q is turned on (YES in step T5), the drum 13 is driven by driving the motor 13 10) is rotated at a slower speed (for example, about 10 rpm) than when washing (washing or rinsing) (step T6).

In this way, the CPU 31 switches the rotation / stop of the drum 10 by turning off / on the rotary key 51Q until the outer lid 3 is closed (yes in step T7). The rotational speed of the drum 10 is preferably such that the user is not injured when the drum 10 suddenly rotates from the stopped state.

According to this configuration, since the drum 10 can be rotated by the operation of the rotary key 51Q, the user can reduce the time for rotating the drum 10 with his or her hand. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the drum 10 can be cleaned more easily.

In addition, the user can stop the rotating drum 10 at a desired rotational position by operating the rotary key 51Q, and clean the outer circumferential surface of the drum 10 exposed through the openings 4 and 23 in that state. have. Then, when the cleaning of the outer peripheral surface of the drum 10 at the rotational position is finished, the drum 10 is rotated by turning on the rotary key 51Q, and the rotary key 51Q is turned off again at another rotational position. Cleaning of the outer peripheral surface of the drum 10 in the rotation position can be performed. By repeating such an operation, the entire outer circumferential surface of the drum 10 can be easily cleaned.

In addition, since the drain valve 18 is turned on during the cleaning mode, the water stored in the outer tub 7 is removed even when the outer peripheral surface of the drum 10 is cleaned by introducing water or the like from the outside through the openings 4 and 23. It can be discharged out of the machine. Therefore, the drum 10 can be cleaned more appropriately.

When the outer cover 3 is closed (YES in step T7), the CPU 31 rotates the drum 10 to the locked position by controlling the motor 13 (step T8), and then the pins of the lock mechanism 28 The drum 10 is locked by engaging 28A with the recess 13C of the external rotor 13A (step T9). As a result, the operation mode of the drum type washing machine 1 is changed from the cleaning mode to the normal mode.

In this way, when the cleaning mode is terminated by closing the outer lid 3, compared with the configuration in which the cleaning mode is terminated by performing a special operation (for example, operation of an end key for ending the cleaning mode). It is convenient to save time.

The cleaning mode is not limited to the configuration in which the drum 10 rotates as much as the rotary key 51Q is operated. For example, the drum 10 is operated when the rotary key 51Q (or another operation key) is operated once. If this rotation rotates and it is operated once, the structure which stops the drum 10 may be sufficient.

The drum 10 may be intermittently rotated / stopped when the rotary key 51 is operated. According to this structure, since it is not necessary to operate the rotation key 51Q many times, it is easy to clean.

In this case, the drum 10 is rotated by a narrower range (for example, 70 to 80%) than the length of the opening 23 of the outer tub 7 in the drum rotation direction, and then rotates again for a certain period of time. It is preferable to repeat the operation of. According to this configuration, the entire outer circumferential surface of the drum 10 can be easily cleaned by cleaning the outer circumferential surface of the drum 10 sequentially exposed through the opening 23 by rotation / stop.

In response to the drum 10 rotated by the operation of the rotary key 51Q being rotated for at least one week from the locked position, the drum 10 is automatically rotated to the locked position so as to be locked by the lock mechanism 28. good. In this case, the drum 10 can be rotated for one or more weeks to allow the user to recognize that the entire outer circumferential surface of the drum 10 can be cleaned, and the same position on the outer circumferential surface is not cleaned many times.

In addition, if the drum 10 is rotated only when two or more keys (for example, the rotary key 51Q and the start key 51B) are operated at the same time, the drum 10 suddenly rotates and the user is injured. Wearing can be prevented and safety can be improved. Further, if the two or more keys are arranged at intervals such that they cannot be operated simultaneously without both hands, the safety can be further improved.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method of forming a water passage hole 10A in the peripheral surface of the drum 10. As shown in FIG.

In forming the drum 10, first, a process of forming a water passage hole 10A for the flat main surface plate 101 made of stainless steel or the like is performed, and then the migration surface plate 101 is substantially cylindrical. And the ends are joined to each other. Thereafter, the drum 10 is formed by joining end face plates (not shown) constituting both end faces to the substantially cylindrical main face plate 101.

When forming the water-permeable hole 10A in the peripheral surface of the drum 10, about 10 A of substantially circular water-passing holes are formed from the one side 101A side with respect to the flat main surface plate 101 using press work etc. Is opened (out). At this time, the burr 102 which protrudes from the periphery of the water passage hole 10A is formed in the other surface 101B of the main surface plate 101 as shown to FIG. 9 (a).

Then, the process (so-called burring process) which protrudes the peripheral edge part of 10 A of water flow holes to one side 101A side from the other side 101B side of the main surface plate 101 is performed. Thereby, as shown in FIG.9 (b), the periphery of 10 A of water flow holes protrudes substantially conical toward one side 101A side, and from the one side 101A side of the main surface plate 101, The protruding burr 102 faces the other side 101B side. The main surface plate 101 after the burring process is curved so that the other side 101B side may become inner, and becomes substantially cylindrical.

When the drum 10 is formed by the above method, the burr 102 can be made into the shape which does not protrude from any of the inner peripheral surface and outer peripheral surface of the drum 10. FIG. Thereby, the laundry in the drum 10 can be prevented from being injured by the burr 102, and at the same time, the user is prevented from being injured by the burr 102 which protrudes when the user cleans the outer circumferential surface of the drum 10. Can improve safety.

This invention is not limited to the content of the above embodiment, A various change is possible in the range as described in a claim.

For example, it is not limited to the structure which installs a cleaning mode, and if it is a structure which can unlock the drum 10 by the locking mechanism 28 at least manually or electrically, if the drum 10 is rotated and the outer peripheral surface Can be easily cleaned.

The lock mechanism 28 is not limited to the structure locked by the pin 28A, and may use other mechanical means, such as a gearwheel, a brake pad, etc., and may use an electrical means, such as an electric brake.

The cleaning mode is not limited to the configuration which is terminated in response to closing the outer lid 3, for example, the configuration which is terminated in response to the closure of the inner lid 24 may be used, and a predetermined operation key is operated. The configuration may be terminated in response.

During the cleaning mode, water may be stored in the outer tub 7 via the water supply pipe 15. In this case, the peripheral surface of the drum 10 may be dipped and soaked in water stored in the outer tub 7. Therefore, the user wets the entire circumferential surface of the drum 10 by rotating the drum 10 and cleans the outer peripheral surface of the leaked drum 10 to introduce water or the like through the openings 4 and 23 from the outside. Cleaning can be performed easily without doing.

In this case, the water stored in the outer tub 7 may be electrolyzed by the electrolytic apparatus 20 to generate electrolytic water. According to this structure, detergent sediment and black mold can be removed more favorably by cleaning the outer peripheral surface of the drum 10 leaked by electrolytic water.

In addition, water may be stored in the outer tub 7 to provide a means for spraying water directly on the outer circumferential surface of the drum 10 instead of wetting the peripheral surface of the drum 10. In this case, the structure which sprays water introduced from the water supply pipe 15 directly to the outer peripheral surface of the drum 10 may be sufficient, and the structure which can introduce the water in the outer tank 7 electrolyzed by the electrolytic apparatus 20 may be sufficient. .

If the drum 10 is configured to be rotatable only when the drum cover 25 is closed, the drum cover 25 can be prevented from being damaged by rotating the drum cover 25 in an open state. In this case, the structure which discriminates whether the drum cover 25 is closed based on the detection signal of the drum cover opening / closing sensor 25S may be sufficient, and the drum cover 25 is not used without using the drum cover opening / closing sensor 25S. When the drum 10 is rotated in the opened state, the drum lid 25 is caught by the outer tub 7 and the drum 10 is not rotated so that the load generated on the motor 13 is detected so that the drum It may be a configuration for discriminating that (10) is open.

The water in the outer tub 7 is not limited to the configuration drained by the opening and closing of the drain valve 18, and may be, for example, a configuration drained by the driving of the drain pump.

In the said embodiment, although the drum type washing machine 1 provided with the drying apparatus 21 was demonstrated, this invention is applicable also to the drum type washing machine which is not equipped with the drying function.

In addition, it is not limited to the structure provided with the outer tub 7 and the drum 10 in the housing 2, For example, the outer tub may be comprised integrally with a housing.

The drum 10 is not limited to the configuration in which the axis A extends in the left and right directions, but may be, for example, a configuration extending in the front-rear direction. In this case, the axis of a drum is not limited to the structure extended substantially in a horizontal direction, For example, you may incline within a predetermined angle range (for example, to about 30 degrees) with respect to a horizontal direction.

According to the present invention, there is provided a drum type washing machine which can easily clean a washing tank (drum) and can confirm that it is cleaned.

Claims (6)

An outer tub capable of storing water at the time of washing, and a drum which is installed in the outer tub and which can wash laundry contained therein by rotating about a rotation axis set in a predetermined angle range with respect to a substantially horizontal direction or a horizontal direction. One drum type washing machine An opening provided in the outer tank for putting laundry in and out of the drum; A drum cover provided on a circumferential surface of the drum to open and close when the laundry is put in and out of the drum; Locking means for locking the rotational position of the drum to an opposite position where the drum lid is opposed to the opening; And a special mode setting means for releasing the lock of the drum by the locking means to set the drum in a special mode in which the drum is rotatable. According to claim 1, The special mode setting means, Setting operation means for setting a special mode, And a means for allowing the drum to rotate only when the special mode is set by the setting operation means, and only when the operation is being performed. According to claim 1, The special mode setting means, Setting operation means for setting a special mode, Lock release means for releasing the lock of the drum by the lock means in response to an operation of the setting operation means; And a drum rotation control means for rotating the drum at a predetermined speed lower than when washing the drum. According to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an openable outer cover that covers the outside of the opening, And said special mode setting means comprises means for releasing said special mode in response to said outer cover being closed. The drum type washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the special mode setting means further comprises means for discharging water in the outer tank. The drum according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drum has a plurality of small pores formed in the peripheral surface thereof. A drum type washing machine, characterized in that no burrs are formed on the periphery of the small holes on the outer circumferential surface of the drum.