JP3540798B2 - Fully automatic washing machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fully automatic washing machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a fully automatic washing machine provided with a bath water suction pump that can use remaining hot water from a bath for washing.
[0002]
2. Description of the Related Art
In such a fully automatic washing machine, a self-priming pump is used as a bath water suction pump. In the self-priming pump, priming water must be supplied at the start of operation, and therefore, tap water is always supplied to the pump as priming at the start of operation (see, for example, JP-A-8-131688).
[0003]
In the above-mentioned fully automatic washing machine, the operation of the pump is started after the supply of the priming water is stopped. However, when the pump is operated, a part of the priming water flows out from the discharge port, so that the priming in the pump is reduced. As a result, the time from the start of operation of the pump to the discharge of bath water (self-priming time). Becomes longer. As a result, the operation time of the pump becomes longer, and the water supply time to the washing tub becomes longer. In addition, since the operating time of the pump per washing becomes longer, the number of washings that can be performed before the life of the pump is reached decreases. That is, the pump is easily damaged.
[0005]
Therefore, the present inventionEyesThe goal is to solve the above technical issues,Shortening the washing time when using the bath water suction pump and extending the service life of the bath water suction pump.It is to provide a fully automatic washing machine equipped with a bath water suction pump.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a fully automatic washing machine according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a self-priming pump for pumping bath water and supplying the same to a washing tub, and supplying water to the self-priming pump as a priming water for the self-priming pump. Priming water supply channel for supplying water, priming water supply channel opening / closing means for opening and closing the priming water supply channel, and operation of the self-priming pumpStartThe priming water supply is started by opening the priming water supply channel opening / closing means beforehand, and the self-priming pump operates.And started supplying bath water into the washing tubA priming supply control means for stopping the supply of priming water by closing the priming water supply channel opening / closing means after a lapse of a predetermined time later.
[0008]
According to this configuration, the following operation is achieved. That is, the priming water may be sent out of the self-priming pump with the operation of the self-priming pump. In such a case, the priming water is supplemented by being supplied until after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the operation of the self-priming pump, so that an increase in the self-priming time due to a shortage of the priming water can be prevented. Accordingly, the self-priming time is shorter than when the supply of the priming water is completed before the operation of the self-priming pump is started, so that the operation time of the self-priming pump, and further, the water supply time to the washing tub can be reduced. . Further, by shortening the operation time of the self-priming pump, the life of the self-priming pump can be extended.
[0009]
Further, since the self-priming pump is started to operate after the supply of the priming water, the priming water can be supplied more reliably and the self-priming time can be shortened as compared with the case where the supply of the priming water and the start of the operation of the self-priming pump are performed simultaneously. Therefore, it is possible to further shorten the operation time and the water supply time of the self-priming pump, and further extend the life of the self-priming pump.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0015]
FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a schematic configuration of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016]
This fully automatic washing machine is provided with a box-shaped housing 1, an outer tub 4 supported by a hanging rod 3 as a washing tub 2 inside the housing 1, and a rotatably provided inside the outer tub 4. And an inner tank 5 having a large number of small holes 5a. Wash water is stored in the washing tub 2, and laundry is stored in the inner tub 5. The inner tank 5 and the stirring blade 6 provided at the bottom in the inner tank 5 are driven by a driving device 8 including a motor 7 and the like. During washing and rinsing, only the stirring blade 6 rotates in one direction or both directions, and during dehydration, both the stirring blade 6 and the inner tank 5 rotate in one direction at high speed.
[0017]
In addition, a drainage mechanism having a drainage pipe 21, a valve 22, and the like led out of the machine is provided at a lower portion in the housing 1 to drain the water from the washing tub 2.
[0018]
A water supply mechanism 30 for supplying washing water into the washing tub 2 is provided at an upper portion in the housing 1. The water supply mechanism 30 can supply tap water supplied from an external water supply facility (not shown) such as tap water, and bath water in a bathtub for washing.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a waterway diagram of a schematic configuration of the water supply mechanism 30.
[0020]
The water supply mechanism 30 includes the pipes 41 to 47, the valves 31 and 32, which are, for example, solenoid valves as opening and closing means for opening and closing the following water paths, and a pump P that can suck and send out water. . These parts allow a first tap water supply channel and a second tap water supply channel for guiding tap water supplied from a water supply or the like into the washing tub 2 and a bath water for guiding bath water from the bath tub or the like into the washing tub 2. A bath water supply channel and a priming water supply channel for supplying tap water to the pump P as priming water are formed.
[0021]
The first tap water supply channel has one end connected to tap water and the other end introduced into the upper part of the housing 1 and branched, and a first water supply valve 31 is connected to one end of the other end of the pipe 41. And a tube 43 connected to the tube 42 and led to the upper portion of the washing tub 2. A first water inlet 36 is provided at an end of the pipe 43 on the washing tub 2 side, and a water inlet facing the inside of the washing tub 2 is formed therein, and a detergent container 38 is attached inside. The first tap water supply channel is opened and closed by a first water supply valve 31 to supply tap water into the washing tub 2 and to supply a detergent in a detergent container 38 as described later.
[0022]
The second tap water supply channel is constituted by the above-mentioned pipe 41 and a pipe 45 connected to the other of the other ends of the pipe 41 via the second water supply valve 32 and introduced into the upper part of the washing tub 2. ing. A second water inlet 37 is provided at the end of the pipe 45 on the washing tub 2 side, and a water inlet facing the inside of the washing tub 2 is formed therein, and a softener container 39 can be freely inserted and removed from the front inside. Attached to. The softener container 39 can store a finishing agent therein, and the inside of the softener container 39 communicates with the inside of the washing tub 2 through a bent water channel 39a extending vertically so as to obtain a siphon effect. The second tap water supply channel is opened and closed by the second water supply valve 32 to supply tap water into the washing tub 2 and to allow the finishing agent in the softener container 39 to gradually flow out from the bent channel 39a. .
[0023]
The bath water supply channel has one end led out of the machine, is guided to a bathtub or the like, and the other end is connected to a suction port 51d of the pump P, a water channel in the pump P, and a discharge port 51i of the pump P. And a pipe 47 introduced into the upper part of the washing tub 2. A filter (not shown) is attached to one end of the pipe 46 so that foreign substances in the bath water to be sucked can be captured. The pump P can draw in the bath water through the pipe 46 and send it out of the discharge port 51i.
[0024]
The priming water supply channel is constituted by the above-described pipe 41, the pipe 42, and the pipe 44 connecting the pipe 42 and the priming port 51h of the pump P. The priming water supply channel is also used as a part of the first tap water supply channel, is opened and closed by the first water supply valve 31, and can supply tap water to the pump P as priming water.
[0025]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a schematic structure of a portion near the first water inlet 36.
[0026]
The first water inlet 36 includes a water passage 36a having a number of small holes 36d on a lower wall thereof, and a concave portion 36b located below the water passage 36a. A detergent container 38 capable of accommodating a detergent therein is mounted in the recess 36b so as to be freely taken in and out from the front. At the lower part of the rear wall of the detergent container 38, a rear wall opening 38a is formed. When the detergent container 38 is mounted on the concave portion 36b, a gap 36c exists between the detergent container 38 and the lower wall of the concave portion 36b. The gap 36c communicates with the inside of the detergent container 38 via the rear wall opening 38a. The detergent container 38 has a handle 38b for drawing out at the front.
[0027]
At the time of washing, the detergent is charged in the detergent container 38 in advance, and when the first water supply valve 31 is opened in a state where the detergent container 38 is attached to the concave portion 36b, the tap water passing through the pipes 42 and 43 is It reaches the water inlet 36. Then, the tap water falls into the detergent container 38 from the water passage 36a through the small hole 36d, flows through the gap 36c from the rear wall opening 38a together with the detergent in the detergent container 38, and is supplied into the washing tub 2. .
[0028]
The first water inlet 36 and the above-mentioned second water inlet 37 are the same as those disclosed in the prior application of the present applicant (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-222890). This is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration.
[0029]
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the pump P. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a water channel inside the pump P, and is shown according to an operation state.
[0030]
The pump P includes a casing 51 that defines the suction port 51d, the discharge port 51i, and the priming port 51h, and that divides each chamber serving as a water channel therein, and a rotating member that pushes water in the casing 51. And an impeller 52 that is The impeller 52 can be rotated by a motor 53 via a shaft 56 sealed by a seal member 55.
[0031]
Inside the casing 51, a suction chamber 51a connected to the suction port 51d, a rotation chamber 51b communicating with the suction chamber 51a through the central opening 51e and rotatably receiving the impeller 52, and an upper opening 51g in the rotation chamber 51b. A discharge chamber 51c provided around the rotation chamber 51b in communication with the return water port 51f is defined. A discharge port 51i and a priming port 51h are formed in the discharge chamber 51c. The suction port 51d is provided with a check valve 54 for preventing washing water from flowing out of the suction chamber 51a to the pipe 46.
[0032]
The pump P is a self-priming pump capable of sucking water into an empty pipe 46 when operated in a state where priming water is stored at the start of operation (this operation is referred to as a self-priming operation). The self-priming pump can continuously suck in and discharge water after the self-priming operation. In addition, the pump P may be a self-priming pump, and is not limited to the above-described configuration.
[0033]
The operation of the pump P will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, when a predetermined amount of priming water is supplied from the priming water supply channel into the discharge chamber 51c, for example, the supplied tap water is supplied to such an extent that the return water port 51f is closed, the tap water enters the rotating chamber 51b. Also flows in. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the impeller 52 rotates, the air (open arrow) and the washing water (arrow) in the rotation chamber 51b are discharged to the discharge chamber 51c. The discharged cleaning water passes through the discharge chamber 51c and returns from the water port 51f to the rotation chamber 51b, and the air in the discharge chamber 51c is discharged from the discharge port 51i. At the same time, the inside of the suction chamber 51a becomes negative pressure, the air in the pipe 46 is sucked, and the bath water is absorbed. Eventually, as shown in FIG. 5C, the bath water reaches the suction chamber 51a, fills the casing 51, and is continuously discharged to the pipe 47. Further, even if the rotation of the impeller 52 is stopped, the water in the suction chamber 51 a does not flow out to the pipe 46 by the check valve 54 but is stored in the bottom of the casing 51. This accumulated water can be used as priming water when the pump P is operated thereafter.
[0034]
This will be described with reference to FIG.
[0035]
In the fully automatic washing machine, a control section 11 for controlling each section and a water level detecting means for detecting a water level in the washing tub 2 are provided in the housing 1.
[0036]
The water level detecting means includes a water level sensor 91 provided at an upper part in the housing 1, and a pressure hose 92 connected from the water level sensor 91 to an air trap 4 a provided at a corner of the bottom of the outer tub 4. When the level of the washing water in the washing tub 2 rises, the pressure in the air trap 4a rises. By detecting this pressure with the water level sensor 91 via the pressure hose 92, the control unit 11 can detect the water level in the washing tub 2.
[0037]
The control unit 11 includes a microcomputer (CPU) as a control center, and the CPU executes control based on programs and data stored in advance in a ROM, a RAM, and the like. At this time, the control unit 11 performs control by measuring the time based on the count amount of the counter set on the software.
[0038]
The control unit 11 is connected with a pump P, a first water supply valve 31, a display element 13 such as an LED for displaying an operation, and the like via a drive circuit (not shown). The CPU gives a command signal to each of these devices to operate each device in a desired state. For example, the CPU gives an open / close signal to the first water supply valve 31 to bring the first water supply valve 31 into an open / closed state. Further, the CPU drives the motor 53 to rotate the impeller 52 to operate the pump P. In addition, the CPU can emit a predetermined LED to perform abnormality notification or the like.
[0039]
Further, the control unit 11 is connected with the above-described water level switch 91, an operation panel 12 for operating the fully automatic washing machine, and the like. The CPU controls the operation of each device according to an output signal from the operation panel 12 or the like.
[0040]
The operation panel 12 includes a bath water key for using bath water, a reservation key for performing a reserved operation for starting operation at a predetermined start time after the operation start operation, and a A start key is provided. When the bath water key is set, the bath water can be sucked from the bathtub by the pump P and used as washing water. When the reservation key is set, the operation of the fully automatic washing machine is started after a lapse of a predetermined time. With the combination of the bath water key and the reservation key, a total of four types of operation can be performed. That is, (1) a course (bath water course) in which only the bath water key is set and the operation is started immediately while absorbing the bath water, and (2) a bath water key and a reservation key are simultaneously set to perform the reserved operation. At times, a course to absorb bath water (bath water reservation course), (3) a course to supply tap water and start operation immediately without setting any bath water key or reservation key, (4) reservation key There are (1) to (4) courses in which you set only and reserve operation with tap water.
[0041]
Next, the control contents of the control unit 11 for the above-mentioned courses (1) and (2) will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The operation at that time will be described with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. In each figure, the open state of the first water supply valve 31 (denoted as “water supply valve”) is “ON”, the closed state is “OFF”, the operation state of the pump P is “ON”, and the stop state is “OFF”. As shown.
[0042]
Bath water course
Please refer to FIG. 6 and FIG.
[0043]
When the start key is pressed, first, the first water supply valve 31 is opened (step S1), and tap water starts to be supplied (timing D1). The tap water is supplied to the pump P as priming water, and is supplied into the washing tub 2 from the first water inlet 36. Tap water is continuously supplied for a predetermined time Ta, for example, for 20 seconds (step S2). Here, the predetermined time Ta is set as a time during which a predetermined amount of priming water can be supplied to the pump P. After the elapse of the time Ta (timing D2), the pump P is operated (step S3). In the case of the bath water course (No in step S4), the first water supply valve 31 is closed at the same time (step S6), and the supply of the priming water ends.
[0044]
When the pump P is operated, bath water is sucked up from the bathtub through the pipe 46 and supplied into the washing tub 2. At the start of the operation of the fully automatic washing machine, the bath water starts to be discharged into the washing tub 2 after a lapse of the self-priming time from the start of the operation of the pump P, for example, about one minute (timing D4). At the same time, the bath water is stored in the washing tub 2 and the supply of the bath water is continued by the pump P until the water level reaches the set water level (step S7). That is, the water level detecting means detects that the bath water level has reached a set water level, for example, a water level corresponding to a predetermined amount of washing water in the washing tub 2. When the water level reaches the set water level, the operation of the pump P is stopped (step S8) (timing D3). Thereafter, a washing operation is performed under predetermined conditions (step S9).
[0045]
After the washing operation is completed, the valve 22 is opened and drained (step S10), and the motor 7 is driven under a predetermined condition to perform a dehydrating operation (intermediate dehydrating) (step S11). Thereafter, a rinsing step (step S12) and a dehydration (step S13) described in detail below are performed.
[0046]
Next, the rinsing step will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0047]
As described above, the priming water is supplied in steps S1 to S6 (step S21 in FIG. 7), the pump P is operated in steps S3 to S8 (step S22 in FIG. 7), and the washing operation is performed. Therefore, bath water is sufficiently accumulated in the pump P, and in this state, the pump P can suck up the bath water and supply it to the washing tub 2 without supplying priming water. .
[0048]
Therefore, first, the pump P is operated (step S30). At this time, the supply of priming water as in step S21 is not performed. At the same time as the operation of the pump P is started, the bath water is usually sucked up and discharged in a very short time (timing E1). At the same time, the water level in the washing tub 2 starts to rise.
[0049]
Next, in step S31, it is determined whether or not the water level in the washing tub 2 has reached the reset water level (the lower limit water level detected by the water level detecting means). That is, the water level detecting means detects that the water level reaches the reset water level for a predetermined time from the start of the pump operation. Here, the predetermined time is set as a time during which the water level in the washing tub 2 can sufficiently reach the reset water level due to the water absorption capacity of the pump P. Therefore, if the arrival of the water level cannot be detected, it can be determined that the bath water has not been discharged, while if the arrival of the water level can be detected, it can be determined that the bath water has been discharged. That is, it is possible to detect that water is being supplied into the washing tub 2 in step S31.
[0050]
If bath water is being discharged by the operation of the pump P, the arrival of the water level is detected (YES in step S31), the operation of the pump P is continued, and the water level continues to rise.
[0051]
In step S40, it is determined that the water level in the washing tub 2 has reached the set water level. That is, the water level detecting means detects that the water level reaches the set water level for a predetermined time from the start of the pump operation. Here, the predetermined time is set as a time during which the water level in the washing tub 2 can sufficiently reach the set water level by the water absorption capacity of the pump. Therefore, if the arrival of the water level cannot be detected, it can be determined that the supply of bath water has been interrupted.
[0052]
When bath water is accumulated to the set water level by the operation of the pump P (YES in step S40), the operation of the pump P is stopped (step S41) (timing E2). Thereafter, a rinsing operation under predetermined conditions is performed (step S42), and after the rinsing operation is completed, water is drained (step S43), and the rinsing process ends.
[0053]
In this way, the supply of priming water can be omitted when rinsing, so that tap water supplied as priming water can be saved as compared with the case where priming water is supplied.
[0054]
By the way, the above description assumes that the bath water is sufficiently stored in the bathtub, and that the bath water sucked during washing is stored in the pump P. In an actual washing operation, the situation may be different. For example, the case where the check valve 54 does not function sufficiently and the priming water is not stored in the pump P. Also, when the fully automatic washing machine starts operating from the rinsing step without performing the washing step, step S21 is not performed, and no priming water is stored in the pump P. This will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0055]
In such a case, even when the pump P is operated in step S30, the pump P cannot perform the self-priming operation. As a result, the bath water is not absorbed, and the water level does not reach the reset water level (NO in step S31). Therefore, the pump P is stopped, the first water supply valve 31 is opened, and the priming water is supplied into the pump P (step S32) (timing E3). The priming water is supplied for a predetermined time Tc, for example, for 20 seconds (step S33). Here, the predetermined time Tc is set as a time for priming similarly to the predetermined time Ta.
[0056]
Thereafter, the first water supply valve 31 is closed, and the pump P is operated again (step S34) (timing E4). Since the pump P is supplied with the priming water in steps S32 to S34, it starts sucking bath water, and after the self-priming time, the bath water starts to be discharged into the washing tub 2 and the water level rises.
[0057]
In step S35, similarly to step S31, it is determined whether the water level has reached the reset water level within a predetermined time from the start of operation of the pump P in step S34.
[0058]
If the bath water is being discharged by the operation of the pump P, the arrival is detected within a predetermined time (YES in step S35), the operation of the pump P is continued, and the water level is kept rising. When the bath water is accumulated to the set water level (YES in step S40), the operation of the pump P is stopped (step S41) (timing E5), and thereafter, the rinsing operation and drainage (steps S42 and S43) are performed. .
[0059]
As described above, even when there is no priming in the pump P and the pump P cannot perform the self-priming operation at the time of rinsing, the pump P can be operated without any trouble and the bath water can be supplied by supplying the priming water.
[0060]
By the way, even if the pump P is operated after the supply of the priming water in step S34, a case where the bath water is not discharged is also assumed. For example, when there is no bath water in the bathtub, the bath water is not supplied into the washing tub 2 even if the pump P is operated. In such a case, referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 10, since the water level does not reach the reset water level (NO in step S35), first, the pump P is stopped, and a predetermined LED is caused to emit light to cause an abnormality. A notification is made (step S36). Next, the following tap water supply processing is performed. That is, the first water supply valve 31 is opened (step S37) (timing E6), water is supplied to the set water level (step S38), and the first water supply valve 31 is closed (step S39) (timing E7). Thereafter, the rinsing operation and drainage (steps S42 and S43) are performed as described above.
[0061]
In addition, the loss of bath water is not always before the rinsing step. For example, the pump P may disappear during the operation of the pump P (YES in step S31 or YES in step S35). At this time, the water level rises only halfway to the set water level. In such a case, the arrival of the water level is not detected in step S40 (NO in step S40), and as described above, the operation of the pump P is stopped, the abnormality is notified (step S36), and the tap water is supplied (step S37). To 39) are performed, and then the rinsing operation and drainage (steps S42 and S43) are performed.
[0062]
Thus, even when the pump P cannot discharge bath water, it is possible to supply tap water to supply water for washing without any trouble.
[0063]
Bath water reservation course
This will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0064]
After a predetermined time has elapsed after the setting of the reservation operation using the reservation key, the following processing is performed. During the reservation operation, it is assumed that the detergent is stored in the detergent container 38 and is automatically supplied.
[0065]
First, the first water supply valve 31 is opened (step S <b> 1) (timing D <b> 1), and tap water starts to be supplied to the pump P as priming water, and also starts to be supplied from the first water inlet 36 to the washing tub 2. The tap water flowing through the first water inlet 36 is supplied into the washing tub 2 while the detergent contained in the detergent container 38 flows out.
[0066]
After a lapse of a predetermined time Ta, for example, 20 seconds, from the timing D1 (step S2) (timing D2), the pump P is operated (step S3). In the case of the bath water reservation course (YES in step S4), after a lapse of a predetermined time Tb, for example, 1 minute (step S5) (timing D10), the first water supply valve 31 is closed (step S6). Here, the predetermined time Tb is set as a time during which the detergent in the detergent container 38 can be reliably discharged during the time (Ta + Tb) when the flow rate of tap water is small.
[0067]
After the pump P is operated, the supply of bath water is started in the same manner as in the above-described bath water course. Then, bath water is supplied into the washing tub 2 until the set water level is reached (steps S7 to S8), and thereafter, a washing operation, drainage, intermediate dehydration, a rinsing step, and dehydration (steps S9 to S13) are sequentially performed. .
[0068]
As described above, in the bath water reservation course, the tap water flowing for the predetermined time (Ta + Tb) can more reliably drain the detergent in the detergent container 38 than in the bath water course flowing for the predetermined time Ta.
[0069]
In addition, priming is generally performed for a predetermined time Ta in a normal bath water course in which the detergent container 38 is not used, and is performed for a predetermined time (Ta + Tb) in a bath water reservation course in which the detergent container 38 is assumed to be used. In addition, appropriate priming can be supplied in accordance with the operation mode, that is, the usage state of the detergent container 38, and tap water can be saved.
[0070]
Further, during the time Tb, the priming water is supplied even after the operation of the pump P is started, so that the priming water flowing out by the operation of the pump P can be supplemented. There are also effects such as shortening.
[0071]
By the way, in the above-described embodiment, the priming at the start of the operation of the pump P is performed so as to end at the same time as the start of the operation of the pump P (excluding the water supply at the time of washing the bath water reservation course). The priming may be continued until the operation of the pump P is started.
[0072]
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11 and the timing chart of FIG. 13A and 13B show the case of the above-described embodiment, FIGS. 13C and 11D show the case of FIG. 11, and FIGS. 13E and 13F show the case of FIG. Are respectively shown.
[0073]
First, the first water supply valve 31 is opened (step S70) (timing D1), and tap water starts to be supplied to the pump P as priming water. After a lapse of a predetermined time Ta, for example, 20 seconds, from the timing D1 (step S71) (timing D2), the operation of the pump P is started (step S72). After a lapse of a predetermined time Td, for example, 10 seconds (step S73) (timing D5), the first water supply valve 31 is closed (step S74). Here, the predetermined time Td is set as a time capable of compensating for priming flowing out of the discharge port 51i of the pump P with the rotation of the impeller 52 as described above.
[0074]
Thereafter, bath water is supplied to the set water level (step S75), and the pump P is stopped (step S76) (timing D6).
[0075]
As described above, when a part of the priming water flows out of the discharge port 51i with the operation of the pump P, the priming water is supplemented by being supplied after the operation of the pump P is started. Can be prevented. Therefore, the self-priming time is shorter than when the supply of the priming water is completed before the operation of the pump P is started, so that the operation time of the pump P and the washing time can be reduced. Further, by shortening the operation time of the pump P, it is possible to extend the life of the pump P. For example, the operation time (timing D2 to D6) of the pump P in FIG. 13D is shorter than the operation time (timing D2 to D3) of the pump P in FIG. Has become.
[0076]
In addition, since the operation of the pump P is started after the supply of the priming water is started, the priming water can be reliably supplied and the self-priming time can be shortened as compared with the case where the supply of the priming water and the operation of the pump are started simultaneously. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the operation time and the washing time of the pump P and further extend the service life of the pump P.
[0077]
Further, instead of the above-described control contents of FIG. 11, the control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 below may be performed.
[0078]
First, the first water supply valve 31 is opened (step S80) (timing D1), and tap water starts to be supplied to the pump P as priming water. After a lapse of a predetermined time Ta, for example, 20 seconds, from the timing D1 (step S81) (timing D2), the first water supply valve 31 is closed, and the operation of the pump P is started (step S82). After a lapse of a predetermined time Te, for example, 5 seconds (step S83) (timing D7), the first water supply valve 31 is opened (step S84). Here, the predetermined time Te is set as a time during which the rotation of the pump P sufficiently increases. Next, after a lapse of a predetermined time Tf, for example, 9 seconds (step S85) (timing D8), the first water supply valve 31 is closed (step S86). Here, the predetermined time Tf is set as a time capable of compensating for priming water flowing out from the discharge port 51i of the pump P with the operation of the pump P.
[0079]
Thereafter, bath water is supplied to the set water level (step S87), and the pump P is stopped (step S88) (timing D9).
[0080]
As described above, in the case of the control content shown in FIG. 12, in addition to the effect of FIG. 11, priming can be supplied after the rotation of the impeller 52 of the pump P is increased. Saves water.
[0081]
Note that the above-mentioned predetermined times Td and Tf are not particularly limited. For example, during operation of the pump P, priming may be continued. In this case, priming water flowing out during the operation of the pump P can be supplemented.
[0082]
11 and 12 can be applied to both washing and rinsing. That is, the control contents in FIGS. 11 and 12 can be performed instead of steps S1 to S8 in FIG. 6 (in the case of a bath water course). 11 and 12 may be performed instead of the operations of the pump P and the first water supply valve 31 in steps S34 to S36 in FIG.
[0083]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first tap water supply channel and a part of the priming water supply channel are shared, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, both water channels may be formed separately, and only the first water supply valve 31 that opens and closes both water channels may be shared. Further, the whole of the first tap water supply channel and the priming water supply channel may be shared.
[0084]
In addition, various design changes can be made without changing the gist of the present invention.
[0085]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect, the following effects are obtained. In other words, when the priming water flows out of the self-priming pump with the operation of the self-priming pump, the priming water can be supplied after the start of the operation of the self-priming pump and can be supplemented. it can. Therefore, the operation time and water supply time of the self-priming pump can be reduced, and the life of the self-priming pump can be extended.
[0086]
Further, since the self-priming pump is started to operate after the supply of the priming water, the priming water can be supplied more reliably and the self-priming time can be shortened as compared with the case where the supply of the priming water and the start of the operation of the self-priming pump are performed simultaneously. Therefore, it is possible to further shorten the operation time and the water supply time of the self-priming pump, and further extend the life of the self-priming pump.
[0087]
According to the invention of claim 2, the following effects can be obtained. That is, at the time of the reserved operation, the detergent or the like in the detergent container can be reliably poured out with the tap water flowing for the second predetermined time. In addition, the priming water can be supplied appropriately in accordance with the use condition of the detergent container, and tap water can be saved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional front view of a schematic configuration of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a waterway diagram of a schematic configuration of a water supply mechanism of the fully automatic washing machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of a schematic structure of a portion near a first water inlet of the fully automatic washing machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a pump of the fully automatic washing machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a water channel of the pump of FIG. 4, and (a) to (c) illustrate flows of water (→) and air (white →) for each operation state.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of control contents of the fully automatic washing machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the rinsing step of FIG. 6 in detail.
FIG. 8 is a first timing chart of an operation based on the control contents of FIGS. 6 and 7;
FIG. 9 is a second timing chart of the operation according to the control contents of FIGS. 6 and 7.
FIG. 10 is a third timing chart of the operation according to the control contents of FIGS. 6 and 7;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of control of priming of the fully automatic washing machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 12 is another flowchart of control of priming of the fully automatic washing machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 13 is a timing chart of an operation based on the control contents of FIGS. 11 and 12.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 washing tub
P pump (self-priming pump)
31 1st water supply valve
(Priming water supply channel opening / closing means, tap water supply water channel opening / closing means, water channel opening / closing means)
38 Detergent container
41 pipes (priming water supply channel, tap water supply channel)
42 pipes (priming water supply channel, tap water supply channel)
43 pipes (tap water supply channel)
44 pipes (priming water supply channel)

Claims (1)

A self-priming pump for pumping bath water and supplying it to the washing tub,
A priming water supply channel for supplying water to the self-priming pump as a priming water for the self-priming pump,
A priming water supply channel opening / closing means for opening and closing the priming water supply channel;
By opening the priming water supply channel opening / closing means before starting the operation of the self-priming pump, the supply of priming water is started, the operation of the self-priming pump is started, and the supply of bath water into the washing tub is started . A fully automatic washing machine comprising: priming supply control means for stopping priming water supply by closing a priming water supply channel opening / closing means after a lapse of a predetermined time.

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