Washing machine

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a washing machine having a function of adding a disinfectant.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, a washing machine has been considered to have a function of adding a sterilizing agent in order to sterilize laundry, a washing tub, a stirrer and the like. In this product, a fixed amount of disinfectant is added each time the laundry is washed.

【0003】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, detergent is used for washing, and this detergent is an organic substance, and in the situation where the component is contained in the washing water, the disinfectant is consumed to decompose it. For this reason, when the amount of detergent used is large due to a large amount of dirt on the laundry, the amount of the disinfectant added in a certain amount is insufficient, and the amount of the disinfectant on the laundry, the washing tub, the stirrer, etc. is insufficient. The effect will not be fully obtained.

【0004】

In addition, there are various types of detergents, and in particular, powdered soap produces insoluble metallic soap when the surfactant contained therein reacts with calcium and magnesium in the washing water. This metal soap does not adhere to the inner surface of the tub or the surface of the agitator that is rubbed by the laundry, but in the double tub, the outer surface of the inner tub or the inner surface of the outer tub that is not rubbed by the laundry, And it adheres to the back surface of the agitator and becomes a nutrient source for microorganisms, and mold is generated.

【0005】

Therefore, when using a detergent that easily produces metal soap, such as powdered soap, a larger amount of disinfectant is required for mold prevention, whereas as described above, disinfection is required. If only a certain amount of the agent is added, the amount of the disinfectant is insufficient and the generation of mold cannot be suppressed. For this reason, the generated mold may generate an odor, or the mold may eventually enter the inside of the inner tub and come into contact with the laundry, resulting in stains or stains on the laundry.

【0006】

Further, when the hardness of the water used for washing is high, the water contains a large amount of calcium and magnesium, and even if the type of detergent does not easily generate metal soap, it tends to generate metal soap. This results in the problem of stains and stains on the laundry due to the mold generated as described above. In any case of the amount of the detergent, the type of the detergent, and the hardness of the water, if the amount of the disinfectant added is large, a sufficient disinfectant effect can be obtained, but the amount of the disinfectant added is large. When it passes, there is a problem that the laundry is discolored.

【0007】

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and therefore, the first object thereof is to provide a washing machine capable of adding a disinfectant in just proportion to the amount of detergent used for washing. Second, we provide a washing machine that can add just enough disinfectant according to the type of detergent used for washing, and third, we add just enough disinfectant according to the hardness of the water used for washing. To provide a washing machine that can.

【0008】

[Means for solving problems]

In order to achieve the above object, the washing machine of the present invention firstly disinfects the detergent amount determining means for determining the amount of detergent used for washing and the inside of the tub for washing using the detergent. A control that includes a disinfectant charging means for charging the agent and controls the disinfectant charging means to charge an amount of the disinfectant according to the amount of the detergent determined by the detergent amount determining means. It is characterized by providing means (the invention of claim 1). According to this, the disinfectant in an amount corresponding to the amount of the detergent used for washing, which is determined by the detergent amount determining means, is added by the disinfectant charging means.

【0009】

In this case, in the case where the detergent automatic charging means for automatically charging the detergent is provided inside the tank, the amount of the detergent determined by the detergent amount determining means is the amount of the detergent automatically charged by the detergent automatic charging means. It suffices (the invention of claim 2). In this product, the amount of detergent used for washing is the amount of detergent automatically added by the detergent automatic addition means, and the amount of disinfectant corresponding to the amount of the automatically added detergent is added as the disinfectant. It is thrown in by means.

【0010】

In addition, when the detergent is put directly by the user or placed in a predetermined detergent set section, the amount of detergent determined by the detergent amount determining means is placed directly by the user or placed in the predetermined detergent set section. The amount of detergent added may be sufficient (invention of claim 3). In this case, the amount of detergent used for washing is the amount of detergent that is directly or placed in a predetermined detergent set section by the user and put in, and is placed directly or in a predetermined detergent set section by the user. An amount of the disinfectant corresponding to the amount of the detergent added is added by the disinfectant charging means.

【0011】

Further, it is provided with a laundry amount detecting means for detecting the amount of laundry to be washed and a detergent amount displaying means for displaying the amount of detergent to be used for washing according to the amount of laundry detected by the laundry amount detecting means. The amount of detergent determined by the detergent amount determining means may be the amount of detergent indicated by the detergent amount displaying means (invention of claim 4). In this product, the amount of detergent used for washing is the amount of detergent to be used for washing, which is displayed by the detergent amount display means according to the amount of laundry detected by the laundry amount detecting means, and is displayed. An amount of the disinfectant according to the amount of the detergent is added by the disinfectant input means.

【0012】

Secondly, the washing machine of the present invention has a detergent type determining means for determining the type of detergent used for washing, and a disinfectant injection for charging a disinfectant into the inside of a tub for washing using the detergent. It is characterized by comprising means and a control means for controlling the means for adding the disinfectant so as to add an amount of the disinfectant according to the type of detergent determined by the detergent type determining means. (Invention of claim 5). According to this, the amount of the disinfectant according to the type of the detergent used for washing, which is determined by the detergent type determining means, is added by the disinfectant charging means.

【0013】

Thirdly, the washing machine of the present invention is provided with a hardness determining means for determining the hardness of water used for washing and a disinfectant charging means for charging a disinfectant inside the washing tub. The means for adding the disinfectant is provided with a control means for controlling the means for adding the disinfectant in an amount corresponding to the hardness of water determined by the hardness determining means (the invention of claim 6). .. According to this, an amount of the disinfectant according to the hardness of the water used for washing, which is determined by the hardness determining means, is added by the disinfectant charging means.

【0014】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. First, FIG. 2 shows the outer case 1 of the entire vertical axis type washing machine, and the outer case 1 is composed of an outer box 2 and a top cover 3 attached to the uppermost portion of the outer box 2. In the top cover 3, a laundry entrance 4 is formed in the central portion, and for example, a double-folded lid 5 for opening and closing the entrance 4 is pivotally installed. Further, an operation panel 6 for performing operations related to the operation of the washing machine is provided on the front portion of the top cover 3, and an automatic detergent feeder 7 is provided on the rear portion.

【0015】

The above-mentioned automatic detergent loading device 7 is a means for automatically charging detergent, and although not shown in detail, the amount of detergent for one box of commercially available compact detergent, which is a plurality of standard washings inside, especially a large number of times. In this case, the powder synthetic detergent is stored, and the stored powder synthetic detergent is operated by the power of a drive source such as a motor, for example, is taken out by a detergent discharging member such as a rotating coil, and is charged. The amount of input is adjusted by adjusting the operation of the detergent discharging member, for example, adjusting the length of the rotation time.

【0016】

Further, a disinfectant charging device 8 is provided on the side portion of the top cover 3, in this case, the right portion. The disinfectant charging device 8 is a disinfectant charging means, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a drug storage container 10 for storing a solid drug 9 and a drug storage container 10 for storing the solid drug 9 are stored. It consists of a melting tank 11 to be sterilized.

【0017】

As the solid drug 9, for example, a solid composed of an organic compound having a nitrogen-halogenated atomic bond in the molecule is used. Specifically, a powder of a halogenated hydantin compound is filled in a mold and pressed. The one that is solidified into a sphere by molding is used. Examples of the halogenated hydantoin compound include 1,3-dichloro 5,5-dimethyl hydantoin, 1-bromo-3-dichloro 5,5-dimethyl hydantoin, and 1,3-dichloro 5,5-ethyl hydantoin. They are hydrolyzed on contact with water to produce the disinfectant hypochlorous acid.

【0018】

The drug storage container 10 is a rectangular parallelepiped container having an open upper surface, and as shown in FIG. 4, has a water passage port 12 from the bottom to the lower part of both front and rear (left and right in FIG. 4), and the water passage port 12 A filter 13 is installed in the container to prevent the solid drug 9 from falling off. The dissolution tank 11 is a rectangular parallelepiped container that is particularly larger in the front-rear direction than the drug storage container 10, has a water inlet 14 on the rear side, and forms an inner bottom surface 11a as an inclined surface that gradually descends from the rear to the front. On the inner bottom surface 11a, two protrusions 16 and 17 for holding the drug storage container 10 in a horizontal state with a gap 15 are formed in front of and behind the lower surface (only one of each is shown).

【0019】

Further, a residual water discharge port 18 and an overflow port 19 are formed in the front portion of the bottom of the dissolution tank 11. In this case, the residual water discharge port 18 has a siphon structure, and the amount of water flowing per unit time is set to be smaller than that of the water inlet 14. Further, the height of the overflow port 19 is set larger than that of the residual water discharge port 18.

【0020】

Further, a water collecting chamber 21 is formed below the portion of the dissolution tank 11 where the residual water discharge port 18 and the overflow port 19 are formed by a flat container 20 surrounding the residual water discharge port 18 and the overflow port 19. At the bottom of the water collecting chamber 21, a discharge port 22 protruding downward in a tubular shape is formed. Further, on the lower surface of the rear portion of the melting tank 11, a leg 23 for holding the melting tank 11 in a horizontal state is formed with the flat container 20.

【0021】

On the other hand, a recessed portion 24 is formed on the side portion of the top cover 3 as a storage portion for the disinfectant charging device, and the drainage of the water collecting chamber 21 is formed on the front portion of the bottom portion of the recessed portion 24. An outlet 25 is formed corresponding to the outlet 22. Then, the disinfectant charging device 8 is housed in the recessed portion 24, and the discharge port 22 of the water collecting chamber 21 is inserted into the insertion port 25. Further, a lid 26 for covering the disinfectant charging device 8 is detachably provided in the opening on the upper surface of the recessed portion 24.

【0022】

FIG. 3 shows the state in which the above-mentioned lid 26 and the above-mentioned lid 5 are removed. In the recessed portion 24, the front and rear rear edges 24a and 24b of the machine are the same as the bottom surface of the recessed portion 24, respectively. It leads to the laundry entrance 4 at a height. In addition, FIG. 3 shows a water supply device 27 arranged at the rear of the top cover 4. The water supply device 27 has a central water injection case 28, a water supply pump 29 on the left side, and a water supply valve unit 30 on the right side. The water injection case 28 has a detergent inlet 28a at the upper part, and receives the powder synthetic detergent thrown by the detergent automatic feeder 7 through the detergent outlet 28a. Further, the water injection case 28 has a water injection port 28b on the front surface, and the water injection port 28b faces the laundry inlet / outlet 4.

【0023】

The water supply pump 29 connects a hose (not shown) to the upper suction port 29a, sucks bath water from a bathtub (not shown), and discharges the bath water from the discharge port 29b, and connects the discharge port 29b to the connecting pipe 31. It is connected to the water injection case 28 via.

【0024】

The water supply valve unit 30 connects a hose (not shown) to the upper water inlet 30a to receive tap water from a tap (not shown), and has a first water supply valve 32 and a second water supply valve 32 shown in FIG. It has a water supply valve 33 and a third water supply valve 34. Of these, the first water supply valve 32 is for water supply and also for detergent delivery. The second water supply valve 33 is for sending a soft finishing agent, and the third water supply valve 34 is for producing and spilling a disinfectant.

【0025】

Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the first water supply valve 32 and the second water supply valve 33 inject water into each outlet through the first water supply pipe 35 and the second water supply pipe 36, respectively. It is connected to the case 28, which allows the water supply combined with the detergent supply and the water supply combined with the soft finishing agent supply to be selectively performed. In the water injection case 28, a soft finishing agent is set by the user in addition to the detergent being supplied from the detergent automatic feeder 7 as described above. Further, the third water supply valve 34 connects the water outlet to the water inlet 14 of the disinfectant injection device 8 via the third water supply pipe 37 (see FIG. 4).

【0026】

With this configuration, if the third water supply valve 34 is opened, tap water flows into the dissolution tank 11 from the water inlet 14 through the third water supply pipe 37. In this case, as described above, the amount of water flowing per unit time of the residual water discharge port 18 is set to be smaller than that of the water inlet 14, so it is said that there is an outflow of water from the residual water discharge port 18. However, water is stored up to the height of the overflow port 19 (water level H shown in FIG. 4).

【0027】

As a result, of the solid chemicals 9 in the chemical storage container 10, those in contact with water up to the water level H are hydrolyzed to produce a disinfectant. In this case, when the water reaches the water level H, the water flowing in from the water inlet 14 flows into the drug storage container 10 from the rear part of the filter 13 of the drug storage container 10 and flows there to the overflow port 19 side. That is, it comes into contact with the solid drug 9 while flowing in the drug storage container 10 in the longitudinal direction. Then, the generated water containing the disinfectant flows down from the discharge port 22 mainly through the overflow port 19 (a small amount is the residual water discharge port 18). Then, when the water supply from the third water supply valve 34 is stopped, the water containing the disinfectant remaining in the dissolution tank 11 is discharged by the siphon action of the residual water discharge port 18. That is, the disinfectant is charged (generated and discharged) only when the third water supply valve 34 is opened, and the third water supply valve 34 is charged with the disinfectant. Act as part of the means.

【0028】

As shown in FIG. 5, a tank 38 is arranged inside the outer box 2. In this case, the tank 38 is composed of a double tank of an outer tank 39 and an inner tank 40, of which the outer tank 39 is suspended from the outer box 2 by a suspension mechanism 41 (only a part of which is shown). .. A ring-shaped tank cover 42 covering the entire circumference of the outer tank 39 is attached to the upper edge of the outer tank 39, and the disinfectant charging device 8 shown in FIG. 4 of the tank cover 42 is discharged. A disinfectant outlet 43 is surrounded by a bank 43a at a site located directly below the outlet 22. Therefore, the water containing the disinfectant charged from the disinfectant charging device 8 passes through the disinfectant passage 43 of the tank cover 42 into the tank 38, and in particular, the inner tank 40, which is a place where mold frequently occurs. It is designed to be injected between the outer surface and the inner surface of the outer tank 39.

【0029】

The inner tub 40 is both a washing tub and a dehydration tub. For this reason, for example, a rotating balancer 44 having a liquid-filled structure is attached to the upper edge, and the opening 45 surrounded by the rotating balancer 44 is filled with water from the water supply device 27. The case 28 faces the water injection port 28b through the laundry entrance / exit 4. Therefore, the tap water supplied from the first water supply valve 32 and the second water supply valve 33 of the water supply valve unit 30 to the water injection case 28 through the first water supply pipe 35 and the second water supply pipe 36, respectively, and the above-mentioned The bath water supplied from the water supply pump 29 through the connecting pipe 31 is supplied into the inner tank 40 through the water injection case 28, respectively.

【0030】

Therefore, a large number of dehydration holes 46 are formed on the peripheral side of the inner tub 40, and a stirring body 47 for washing is rotatably supported on the inner bottom of the inner tub 40. On the other hand, a washing / dehydrating drive device 48 is provided from the central portion of the bottom of the outer tub 39 to the outer and lower sides. In this case, the washing / dehydrating drive device 48 is composed of a motor, particularly an outer rotor type DC brushless motor 49, and a clutch (not shown) built in the motor, which is inside during washing (washing and rinsing). The tank 40 is stopped to rotate the stirring body 47 in both forward and reverse directions, and the inner tank 40 is rotated at high speed in one direction together with the stirring body 47 during dehydration.

【0031】

In addition, a drainage port 50 is formed at the bottom of the outer tank 39, and a drainage hose 52 is connected to the drainage port 50 via a drain valve 51. The drain hose 52 shows only the base connected to the drain valve 51, and the tip portion (not shown) is located outside the machine to drain water to the outside of the machine. Further, in the drain port 50, an air trap 53 for a water level sensor, which will be described later, is arranged in parallel, and an optical sensor 54 is internally provided. In this case, the optical sensor 54 is composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element that face each other at a predetermined distance, and the transparency of the washing water (in other words, the transparency of the washing water) is determined by the transmittance of light through the washing water between the two elements. For example, it functions as a transparency (pollution degree) detecting means for detecting (pollution degree).

【0032】

Then, FIG. 6 shows the control device 55. The control device 55 is provided on the back side of the front portion of the top cover 3 (see FIG. 5), and is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, which functions as a control means for controlling the overall operation of the washing machine and will be described later. It is designed to function as a means of determining the amount of detergent.

【0033】

As shown in FIG. 6, various operation signals are input to the control device 55 from the various operation switches 56, and the laundry amount detection signal is input from the laundry amount sensor 57, which is a laundry amount detection means. ing. Of these, the various operation switches 56 are those possessed by the operation panel 6, such as a course selection switch, a stroke time setting switch, and a start / pause switch. Further, the laundry amount sensor 57 includes, for example, a rotation sensor that detects the rotation of the motor 49.

【0034】

In addition, the control device 55 detects the water level from the water level sensor 59 provided so as to detect the stored water level in the outer tank 39 from the air trap 53 via the air tube 58 (see FIG. 5) connected thereto. A signal is input, and a transparency detection signal is input from the optical sensor 54. Then, based on those inputs and the control program stored in advance, the control device 55 includes various display units 60 included in the operation panel 6, a drive source 61 of the detergent automatic input device 7, and a first water supply valve. A drive control signal is given to the drive circuit 62 for driving 32, the second water supply valve 33, the third water supply valve 34, the motor 49, and the drain valve 51.

【0035】

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. FIG. 1 shows the control contents by the control device 55 when the standard course is selected by the user. In this course, when the operation is started (started), the control device 55 first supplies water to the tank 38 and adds detergent (step A1). Of these, the water supply to the tank 38 is to supply tap water to the inner tank 40 through the water injection case 28 to a predetermined water level by opening the first water supply valve 32, and the detergent is added to the detergent. By operating the drive source 61 of the automatic loading device 7, the detergent is automatically charged from the detergent automatic loading device 7 in an amount 0.8 times the reference amount. The added detergent falls into the water injection case 28 through the detergent inlet 28a of the water injection case 28, and is supplied into the tank 38, particularly the inner tank 40, together with the water passing through the water injection case 28 as described above. To.

【0036】

After that, the control device 55 performs washing of the laundry for a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) by rotating the stirring body 47 in the forward and reverse directions by the motor 49 (step A2), and then, for example, while continuing the washing, while continuing the washing. The detection result of the optical sensor 54 is read to determine whether or not the laundry is heavily soiled (step A3).

【0037】

Here, FIG. 7 shows the time course of the output of the optical sensor 54, particularly with respect to the dirt on the laundry, from the start of washing. As described above, the optical sensor 54 detects the transparency of the washing water by the transparency of the light at the drain port 50 portion of the outer tub 39, and the smaller the transparency of the washing water, the smaller the light transmittance. , The output of the optical sensor 54 becomes smaller. Further, the transparency (pollution degree) of the washing water varies depending on the degree of contamination of the laundry based on the turbidity caused by the dissolution of the detergent. That is, if the degree of dirt on the laundry is small, the transparency of the washing water remains within the range of turbidity due to the dissolution of the detergent (the turbidity due to the dissolution of the detergent is larger than the dirt on the laundry: "detergent only" pollution. (Level), on the other hand, if the degree of dirt on the laundry is large, the transparency of the washing water will be reduced by adding the large amount of dirt released from the laundry to the turbidity caused by the dissolution of the detergent ("detergent + dirt"). Level of pollution).

【0038】

Therefore, when the degree of dirt on the laundry is small, the output of the optical sensor 54 also changes significantly until time T1 as shown by the characteristic line of "detergent only" in FIG. 7, but hardly changes after that. .. On the other hand, when the degree of dirt on the laundry is large, the output of the optical sensor 54 changes to some extent even after it has changed significantly until time T1 as shown by the characteristic line of "detergent + dirt" in the figure. Continue to do. That is, in this case, the optical sensor 54 functions as a stain detecting means for detecting the stain on the laundry.

【0039】

Therefore, the amount of change in the output of the optical sensor 54 from the time T1 to the subsequent time T2 is almost "none" when the degree of dirt on the laundry is small, and ΔX when the degree of dirt on the laundry is high. Then, the control device 55 can judge the degree of dirt on the laundry by looking at the amount of change in the output of the optical sensor 54 from the time T1 to the time T2, and the dirt is large (ΔX or more). If it is determined (YES in step A3), the drive source 61 of the automatic detergent feeder 7 is operated to additionally charge 0.5 times the reference amount of detergent from the automatic detergent feeder 7 (step A4). This additional detergent is also added at the same time as water is supplied into the inner tank 40 by opening the first water supply valve 32.

【0040】

Then, after that, the additional addition of detergent (detergent amount large) is memorized with the flag N set to 1 (step A5), and then the laundry is washed in the same manner as described above for the remaining predetermined time (for example). 5 minutes) Execute (step A6). If it is determined in step A3 that the laundry is not very dirty (NO), the process proceeds to step A6 without going through steps A4 and A5. After step A6, the drain valve 51 is opened to drain water from the tank 38 (step A7), and then the inner tank 40 is rotated at high speed by the motor 49 to shake off the water containing detergent from the laundry. Perform drainage dehydration (step A8).

【0041】

After that, water is supplied to the inner tank 40 in the same manner as described above (and no detergent is supplied) (step A9), and then the stirring body 47 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions in the same manner as described above. A first rinse is performed (step A10), followed by drainage by opening the drain valve 51 (step A11).

【0042】

After that, the water supply to the inner tank 40 is further performed in the same manner as described above (again, without the supply of detergent) (step A12), and whether or not the flag N is set to "1" first. Make a judgment (step A13). This flag N indicates the presence / absence (history) of the additional addition of detergent, that is, the control device 55 here indicates the amount of detergent used, especially the amount of detergent automatically added by the detergent automatic addition device 7. It makes a judgment and functions as a means for judging the amount of detergent.

【0043】

If it is determined in step A13 that the flag N is "1" (YES = detergent amount "many"), the disinfectant input device 8 is filled with many disinfectants according to the large amount of detergent. (Step A14). This is because the larger the amount of detergent used during washing, the larger the amount of detergent components remaining in the subsequent rinse, and the amount of disinfectant to be added to it is, for example, the amount supplied in step A12. The concentration of the disinfectant in the washing water in the tank 40 is 0.25 [ppm]. Therefore, the disinfectant input (generation and outflow) from the disinfectant input device 8 is performed only when the third water supply valve 34 is opened by opening the third water supply valve 34, as described above. Therefore, the addition of the disinfectant in an amount corresponding to the large amount of detergent in this case is carried out by controlling the opening time of the third water supply valve 34 to be correspondingly long.

【0044】

On the other hand, if it is determined in step A13 that the flag N is not "1" (NO = detergent amount "small"), the disinfectant injection device 8 is charged with a small amount of detergent. Disinfectant is added (step A15). The amount is, for example, an amount at which the concentration of the disinfectant in the washing water in the inner tank 40 supplied in step A12 is 0.15 [ppm], which corresponds to the opening time of the third water supply valve 34. It is executed by controlling it shortly.

【0045】

Thus, after adding the disinfectant in either a large amount or a small amount according to the amount of the detergent used, a second (final) rinse similar to the first rinse is performed (step A16), and then. , The above-mentioned drainage similar to drainage (step A17) and dehydration similar to dehydration (step A18) are executed in order to end the operation.

【0046】

As described above, in this configuration, the disinfectant can be added by the disinfectant charging device 8 in an amount corresponding to the amount of detergent used for washing, which is determined by the control device 55 (detergent amount determining means). As a result, the disinfectant can be added in just proportion, and the disinfectant effect on laundry, washing tub (outer tub 39, inner tub 40), agitator 47, etc. can be sufficiently obtained. , It is possible to prevent the problem of discoloration of the laundry.

【0047】

In particular, in the case of the above configuration, the detergent automatic charging device 7 is provided as a detergent automatic charging means for automatically charging the detergent inside the inner tank 40, and the amount of detergent determined by the control device 55 is the detergent automatic charging device. It is the amount of detergent automatically added by 7. As a result, the amount of the disinfectant according to the amount of the detergent automatically charged by the detergent automatic charging device 7 can be charged by the disinfectant charging device 8.

【0048】

In contrast, FIGS. 8 to 18 show the second to fifth embodiments of the present invention, and the same parts as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Only the different parts will be described.

[Second Example] In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the outer casing 1 is not provided with the detergent automatic loading device 7 (see FIG. 8), and the amount of detergent required for washing by the user is not provided. Is directly put into the inner tub 40 from the laundry entrance 4.

【0049】

Further, in this case, when the operation of the control device 55 is started in the standard course, as shown in FIG. 9, the control device 55 only supplies water into the inner tank 40 by the water supply device 20 (there is no automatic detergent injection). (Step B1), followed by washing for a predetermined time (eg 3 minutes) (step B2). Then, after that, for example, while continuing washing, the detection result of the optical sensor 54 is read, and it is determined whether or not the amount of detergent added by the user is larger than the rated amount (step B3).

【0050】

Here, FIG. 10 shows the change over time from the start of washing with respect to the difference in the amount of the output of the optical sensor 54, particularly the amount of detergent (in this case, powder synthetic detergent). The output of the optical sensor 54 differs depending on the transparency of the washing water as described above, and the transparency of the washing water varies depending on the amount of the detergent added. That is, if the amount of detergent added is large, the transparency of the washing water dissolves it and the turbidity increases, and the output of the optical sensor 54 decreases. On the contrary, if the amount of detergent added is small, the transparency of the washing water is less turbid even if it is dissolved, and the output of the optical sensor 54 is large. That is, in this case, the optical sensor 54 functions as a turbidity detecting means for detecting the turbidity of the washing water due to the detergent.

【0051】

Figure 10 shows an example in which the amount of detergent added is 1.2 times (more) than the rated amount, the rated amount (1.0 times), and 0.8 times (less) the rated amount, and the amount of detergent added is shown. The greater the amount, the greater the change (decrease) in the output of the optical sensor 54 with time. The control device 55 can determine the amount of detergent added by looking at the output magnitude of the optical sensor 54, and it is determined that the amount of detergent added is large (YES in step B3). For example, set flag N to "1" and remember that the amount of detergent is large (step B4).

【0052】

On the other hand, if it is determined that the amount of detergent added is not large (NO in step B3), then it is determined whether or not the amount of detergent added is less than the rated amount (step B5). ), If it is judged to be low (YES), the flag N is set to "2" and the amount of detergent is memorized (step B6). Furthermore, if it is determined that the amount of detergent added is not small (NO in step B5), the amount of detergent added is neither large nor small, that is, it is the rated amount, so the flag N is set to "3". , Remember that the amount of detergent is the rated amount (step B7).

【0053】

After these, the control device 55 performs "washing", "drainage", "dehydration", "water supply", "first rinse", "drainage", and "water supply" in the same manner as in steps A6 to A12 described above. It is executed (steps B8 to B14), and then it is determined whether or not the flag N is "1" (step B15). In this case, the flag N represents the amount of detergent input previously determined, that is, again, the control device 55 is again charged the amount of detergent (used), especially directly by the user. It determines the amount of detergent used and functions as a means of determining the amount of detergent.

【0054】

If it is determined in step B15 that the flag N is "1" (YES = large amount of detergent), the disinfectant charging device 8 is charged with a large amount of detergent in the same manner as in step A14. A large amount of disinfectant (for example, an amount at which the concentration of the disinfectant in the washing water is 0.25 [ppm]) is added (step B16).

【0055】

On the other hand, if it is determined in step B15 that the flag N is not "1" (NO), it is determined whether or not the flag N is "2" (step B17). If it is determined that (YES = the amount of detergent is small), a small amount of disinfectant (for example, disinfectant in washing water) corresponding to a small amount of detergent is added to the disinfectant input device 8 in the same manner as in step A15 described above. (Amount at which the concentration of the agent is 0.15 [ppm]) is added (step B18).

【0056】

Furthermore, if it is determined that the flag N is not "2" (NO), the flag N is "3" indicating that the amount of detergent added is the rated amount. , Add a medium (rated amount) of disinfectant according to the rated detergent amount (for example, an amount at which the concentration of the disinfectant in the washing water is 0.2 [ppm]) (step B19). Then, after these, the control device 55 executes the "second rinsing", "drainage", and "dehydration" similar to the above-mentioned steps A16 to A18 (steps B20 to B22), and ends the operation. ..

【0057】

As described above, in the case of this embodiment, the amount of detergent used for washing is the amount of detergent directly put into the inner tub 40 by the user, and the control device 55 (detergent amount determining means) determines the amount. It is possible to add the disinfectant in an amount corresponding to the amount of the detergent determined in the above by the disinfectant charging device 8, and therefore, even in this case, the disinfectant can be charged in just proportion.

【0058】

In this case, the detergent to be added is not directly charged into the inner tank 40 by the user, but faces a predetermined detergent set portion, for example, the water injection case 22 of the water supply device 20 or the inner tank 40. It may be placed in another part or the like and injected independently with water supply or by a mechanical mechanism.

【0059】

[Third Example] In the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, as in the second embodiment, the outer casing 1 is not provided with the automatic detergent feeder 7 (see FIG. 8), and the detergent is used. A person directly puts the amount required for washing into the inner tub 40 from the laundry entrance 4.

【0060】

Further, in this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the operation panel 71, which replaces the operation panel 6 described above, is provided with the detergent amount display unit 72. The detergent amount display unit 72 functions as a detergent amount display means, and displays the amount of detergent to be used for washing as shown in the figure, for example, "1.2". The number of indications (for example, "1.2") displayed on the detergent amount display unit 72 indicates that the detergent is required for the number of indications (for example, 1.2 cups) in a standard lightweight cup. Since the display of the reserved time for, for example, the end of the operation, the display of the remaining time of the operation, and the display of the selection time of the washing process are combined, the types of the display are displayed in the vicinity of the detergent amount display unit 72. Display units 73 to 76 for representing are provided.

【0061】

In addition, the operation panel 71 is provided with various operation switches 77 to 90 related to the operation of the washing machine and various display units 91 to 105. In particular, the display unit 91 of these is provided to set the water level during washing and rinsing. , It is designed to be displayed by the light emission of the light emitting part indicating the corresponding amount of water. In addition, the display unit 99 constantly emits orange light continuously, and when the amount of laundry is detected, dirt is detected, water temperature is detected (using a water temperature sensor (not shown), entanglement of laundry is detected, and the like. In addition, they are displayed by intermittently emitting light (blinking) in orange.

【0062】

Further, when the display unit 100 starts operation (operates the operation unit 84) after the power is turned on (operates the power switch (not shown)), it is said that the disinfectant is set to be applied (operation of the operation unit 87). (Once set, it will be remembered the next time), by continuously emitting light in orange, it is displayed that the disinfectant input is set, and from this state, the disinfectant is input. When it is, it emits intermittent light in orange, and when the disinfectant has been added, it emits continuous light in green to display them.

【0063】

Then, when the operation is started on the standard course, the control device 55 first detects the amount of laundry as shown in FIG. 12 (step C1). In this case, the laundry amount is detected by giving a predetermined input to the motor 49 to rotate the inner tub 40 and reading the detection result of the laundry amount sensor 57 (rotation sensor) at this time. The detection result of the laundry amount sensor 57 differs depending on the amount of laundry contained in the inner tub 40. The larger the amount of laundry contained, the greater the rotational load of the motor 49. The number of rotations (the number of rotations of the inner tub 40) decreases, and the detection data of the laundry amount sensor 57 becomes smaller (conversely, the smaller the amount of laundry contained, the smaller the rotational load of the motor 49, so the motor The number of rotations of 49 increases, and the detection data of the laundry amount sensor 57 increases). Thus, the amount of laundry is detected from the detection result of the amount of laundry sensor 57.

【0064】

Next, from the detection result, the water level for washing and rinsing and the amount of detergent to be used are determined and displayed on the display units 91 and 72 of the operation panel 71 (step C2). FIG. 13 shows the displayed water level and the amount of detergent. According to the amount of laundry, when the water level is displayed as 49 L (liter), the amount of detergent is displayed as 1.2 cups, which is shown below. Like. That is, the larger the amount of laundry, the higher the water level is set, and it is indicated that a larger amount of detergent is required.

【0065】

After that, the control device 55 is subjected to the same "water supply" (step C3) as in step B1 described above, washing for a predetermined time (8 minutes in this case) (step C4), and the same as steps A7 to A12 (B9 to B14) described above. Perform "drainage", "dehydration", "water supply", "first rinse", "drainage", and "water supply" (steps C5 to C10), and then the amount of detergent indicated in step S2. And add an amount of disinfectant according to the determined amount of detergent (step C11).

【0066】

FIG. 13 shows the input amount of this disinfectant in terms of the input time (opening time of the third water supply valve 34), and when the amount of detergent is displayed as 1.2 cups (water level is displayed as 49 L), the disinfectant is disinfected. The charging time of the agent is 120 seconds, as shown in the figure below. That is, the larger the amount of detergent displayed, the longer (more) the disinfectant is added. Then, after that, the control device 55 executes the "second rinsing", "drainage", and "dehydration" similar to the above-mentioned steps A16 to A18 (steps C12 to C14), and ends the operation.

【0067】

As described above, in the case of this embodiment, the amount of detergent used for washing is determined by the amount of laundry detected by the laundry amount sensor 57 (detergent amount detecting means) according to the amount of laundry detected by the detergent amount display unit 72 (detergent amount display means). The amount of detergent indicated by) is determined by the control device 55 (detergent amount determination means), and an amount of disinfectant corresponding to the determined amount of detergent can be added by the disinfectant injection device 8. Therefore, even in this case, the disinfectant can be added in just proportion.

【0068】

[Fourth Example] In the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, as in the second embodiment, the outer casing 1 is not provided with the automatic detergent feeder 7 (see FIG. 8), and the detergent is used. The amount required for washing is directly put into the inner tub 40 from the laundry entrance 4 by the person.

【0069】

Further, in this case, when the operation of the control device 55 is started in the standard course, as shown in FIG. 14, the control device 55 executes "water supply" and "washing (3 minutes)" as in steps B1 and B2 described above. (Steps D1 and D2) After that, for example, while continuing washing, the detection result of the optical sensor 54 is read to determine whether or not the type of detergent added by the user is "powdered soap". (Step D3).

【0070】

Here, FIG. 15 further shows the time course of the output of the optical sensor 54, especially with respect to the difference in the type of detergent, from the start of washing. The output of the optical sensor 54 differs depending on the transparency of the washing water as described above, and the transparency of the washing water differs depending on the type of detergent. That is, there are roughly three types of detergents to be added: "powdered synthetic detergent", "powdered soap", and "liquid detergent", and when "powdered synthetic detergent" is dissolved. The transparency of the washing water is lowered to the lowest level, and then the transparency of the washing water is lowered in the order of "powdered soap" and "liquid detergent". Therefore, the output of the optical sensor 54 is the smallest in the case of "powdered synthetic detergent", followed by "powdered soap" and "liquid detergent" in that order.

【0071】

The control device 55 can determine the type of detergent added by looking at the output magnitude of the optical sensor 54, which is the transparency detecting means, and the type of detergent added is "powdered soap". If it is determined (YES in step D3), the flag N is set to "1" and the detergent type is memorized as "powdered soap" (step D4).

【0072】

On the other hand, if it is determined that the type of detergent added is not "powdered soap" (NO in step D3), then whether or not the type of detergent added is "liquid detergent". If the judgment is made (step D5) and it is judged to be "liquid detergent" (YES), the flag N is set to "2" and the type of detergent is memorized as "liquid detergent" (step D6). .. Furthermore, if it is determined that the detergent type of the added detergent is not "liquid detergent" (NO in step D5), the type of detergent added is "powdered synthetic detergent", so the flag N is set to "". As "3", remember that the type of detergent is "powdered synthetic detergent" (step D7).

【0073】

After these, the control device 55 performs "washing", "drainage", "dehydration", "water supply", "first rinse", "drainage", and "water supply" in the same manner as in steps A6 to A12 described above. It is executed (steps D8 to D14), and then it is determined whether or not the flag N is "1" (step D15). In this case, this flag N represents the type of detergent determined earlier, that is, here, the control device 55 determines the type of detergent put in (used), and determines the type of detergent. It is functioning as a means.

【0074】

If it is determined in step D15 above that the flag N is "1" (YES = the type of detergent is soap powder), the disinfectant injection device 8 is used in the same manner as in step A14 (B16) above. , A large amount of disinfectant (for example, an amount at which the concentration of the disinfectant in the washing water is 0.25 [ppm]) is added (step D16).

【0075】

On the other hand, if it is determined in step D15 that the flag N is not "1" (NO), it is determined whether or not the flag N is "2" (step D17). If it is determined that (YES = the type of detergent is liquid detergent), a small amount of disinfectant according to a small amount of detergent is added to the disinfectant input device 8 in the same manner as in step A15 (B18) described above. (For example, an amount that makes the concentration of the disinfectant in the washing water 0.15 [ppm]) is added (step D18).

【0076】

Further, if it is determined that the flag N is not "2" (NO), the flag N is "3" indicating that the type of detergent is "powdered synthetic detergent". Therefore, step B19 described above. Similarly, the disinfectant charging device 8 is charged with a medium (rated amount) of the disinfectant (for example, an amount at which the concentration of the disinfectant in the washing water is 0.2 [ppm]) (step D19). Then, after these, the control device 55 executes the "second rinsing", "drainage", and "dehydration" similar to the above-mentioned steps A16 to A18 (steps D20 to D22), and ends the operation. ..

【0077】

As described above, in this configuration, the disinfectant injection device 8 can add an amount of the disinfectant according to the type of detergent used for washing, which is determined by the control device 55 (detergent amount determination means). That is, a large amount of disinfectant can be added to a type that easily produces metal soap that causes mold (powdered soap), and a small amount of disinfectant can be added to a type that is less likely to generate metal soap. In any case, the disinfectant can be added in just proportion. Therefore, even in this case, the sterilizing (antifungal) effect on the laundry, the washing tub (outer tub 39, inner tub 40), the agitator 47, etc. can be sufficiently obtained, and the laundry is discolored. It is possible to prevent such problems from occurring.

【0078】

[Fifth Example] In the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, a conductivity sensor 111 is provided at the bottom of the outer tank 39 (see FIG. 16). In this case, the conductivity sensor 111 is composed of a pair of electrodes facing each other at a predetermined distance in the outer tub 39, and functions as a conductivity detecting means for detecting the conductivity of the washing water between the electrodes. However, the detection output (conductivity detection signal) is input to the control device 55 instead of the optical sensor 54 (not shown).

【0079】

Further, in this case, when the operation of the control device 55 is started in the standard course, as shown in FIG. 17, the same "water supply" as in step B1 described above is executed (step E1), and then the conductivity is described above. The detection result of the sensor 111 is read, and it is determined whether or not the hardness of the water supplied into the tank 38 is high (step E2).

【0080】

Here, FIG. 18 shows the output of the conductivity sensor 111. The output of the conductivity sensor 111 differs depending on the hardness of the water supplied into the tank 38. When the hardness of the water is high, the water contains a large amount of calcium and magnesium, which are electrolyte components. Therefore, the conductivity of water between the electrodes of the conductivity sensor 111 is high, and conversely, when the hardness of water is low, the water does not contain a large amount of calcium and magnesium, so that the water has conductivity. The conductivity of water between the electrodes of the sensor 111 is low.

【0081】

Further, in this case, the output of the conductivity sensor 111 appears at a voltage having a magnitude opposite to the conductivity of water between the electrodes, and when the conductivity of water between the electrodes is large (water). When the hardness of water is high), it is small, and when the conductivity of water between the electrodes is low (when the hardness of water is low), it appears large.

【0082】

The control device 55 can determine the hardness of the supplied water by looking at the magnitude of the output of the conductivity sensor 111, and if it is determined that the hardness of the water is high (YES in step E2), it is flagged. Recall that the hardness of water is high with N as "1" (step E3), and then perform washing for a predetermined time (in this case, for example, 8 minutes) (step E4). If it is determined in step E2 that the hardness of water is not high (NO), the process proceeds to step E4 without going through step E3.

【0083】

Then, the same "drainage", "dehydration", "water supply", "first rinse", "drainage", and "water supply" as in steps A7 to A12 described above are executed (steps E5 to E10), and then. , Determine whether the flag N is "1" (step E11). In this case, the flag N represents the hardness of the previously determined water, that is, here, the control device 55 determines the hardness of the supplied water and functions as a hardness determining means. There is.

【0084】

If it is determined in step E11 that the flag N is "1" (YES = the hardness of water is high), many disinfectants are added to the disinfectant input device 8 as in step A14 described above. (For example, an amount at which the concentration of the disinfectant in the washing water becomes 0.25 [ppm]) is added (step E12).

【0085】

On the other hand, if it is determined in step E11 that the flag N is not "1" (NO = water hardness is low), a small amount is added to the disinfectant injection device 8 as in step A15 described above. A disinfectant (for example, an amount at which the concentration of the disinfectant in the washing water is 0.15 [ppm]) is added (step E13). Then, after these, the control device 55 executes the "second rinsing", "drainage", and "dehydration" similar to the above-mentioned steps A16 to A18 (steps E14 to E16), and ends the operation. ..

【0086】

As described above, in this configuration, the disinfectant in an amount corresponding to the hardness of water determined by the control device 55 (hardness determination means) can be charged by the disinfectant charging device 8, that is, supplied. When the hardness of the water is high, a large amount of disinfectant can be added, and when it is low, a small amount of disinfectant can be added. In any case, the disinfectant can be added in just proportion. Therefore, even in this case, the sterilizing (antifungal) effect on the laundry, the washing tub (outer tub 39, inner tub 40), the agitator 47, etc. can be sufficiently obtained, and the laundry is discolored. It is possible to prevent such problems from occurring.

【0087】

The present invention is not limited to the examples described above and shown in the drawings. In particular, the washing machine as a whole is not limited to the vertical axis type washing machine, and is of the drum type (horizontal axis type, oblique axis type). ) May be used, and the washing machine may have a function of drying the laundry after washing.

【0088】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, according to the washing machine of the present invention, the disinfectant is applied according to the amount of detergent used for washing, the type of detergent used for washing, or the hardness of water used for washing. By being able to put in without a shortage, it is possible to sufficiently obtain a sterilizing effect on the laundry, the washing tub, the agitator and the like, and it is possible to prevent the problem of discoloration of the laundry.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

Flow chart showing the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2]

Perspective view of the entire washing machine [Fig. 3]

Top view of the entire washing machine with the lid removed and partly broken [Fig. 4]

Enlarged longitudinal side view of the disinfectant charging device part along line XX in Fig. 3. [Fig. 5]

Breaking side view of the entire washing machine [Fig. 6]

Block diagram of electrical configuration [Fig. 7]

Time-dependent change of optical sensor output for laundry stains [Fig. 8]

FIG. 2 equivalent diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention [Fig. 9]

Figure 1 equivalent [Fig. 10]

Time change diagram of optical sensor output with respect to the difference in the amount of detergent [Fig. 11]

Top view of the operation panel showing the third embodiment of the present invention [Fig. 12]

Figure 1 equivalent [Fig. 13]

The figure which shows the setting example of the water level, the detergent display amount, and the disinfectant addition time based on the detection result of the amount of laundry. [Fig. 14]

FIG. 1 corresponding diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention [Fig. 15]

Time course of optical sensor output for different types of detergent [Fig. 16]

FIG. 5 equivalent diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention [Fig. 17]

Figure 1 equivalent [Fig. 18]

Characteristics of conductivity sensor output [Explanation of symbols]

7 is an automatic detergent loading device (automatic detergent loading means), 8 is a disinfectant charging device (disinfectant charging means), 30 is a water supply valve unit, 34 is a third water supply valve, 38 is a tank, 54 is an optical sensor. , 55 is a control device (control means, detergent amount determination means, detergent type determination means, hardness determination means), 57 is a laundry amount sensor (detergent amount detection means), 72 is a detergent amount display unit (detergent amount display means), 111 Indicates a conductivity sensor.