JP2016086976A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine which has a holding structure in which a brush for peeling dirt and mold adhered to an outside surface of a dewatering tub does not come off by rotation, and also, which allows a user of the washing machine, which eliminates maintenance work to a contractor, to perform cleaning and replacement of the brush easily.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a brush storage part which is formed on a peripheral wall of an outer tub, which extends in a rotational axis direction and which protrudes in a direction being separated from a rotation axis line out of a radial direction of the outer tub; a washing brush which is detachably provided in the brush storage part and in which a tip of a washing piece 21b comes into contact with the outside surface of a dewatering tub; an opening for attachment/detachment of the washing brush which is formed at an exterior cover at a position corresponding to the opening of the brush storage part; and an opening closing lid 19 for closing the opening for attachment/detachment formed at the exterior cover.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine having a function of removing mold generated in a dewatering tank accommodated in an outer tub.

  In the washing machine in which the dewatering tub is rotatably accommodated in the outer tub, the dewatering tub rotates when the laundry is dewatered, and the washing water and the rinsing water are discharged from the many through holes of the dewatering tub toward the outer tub. For this reason, dirt and detergent residue on the inner surface of the dewatering tank will flow out together with the washing water and the rinsing water and will not remain in the dewatering tank. Moreover, since the inside of the dewatering tank can be visually confirmed, the cleaning work can be easily performed.

  On the other hand, a part of the washing water and the rinsing water spouted from the through hole of the dehydration tank spreads on the outer surface of the dehydration tank and deposits and accumulates dirt and detergent residue. Black mold) will occur. In particular, a vertical fully automatic washing machine has a double structure consisting of an outer tub and a dewatering tub, so moisture and nutrients tend to accumulate in the gap, and air circulation is poor, which promotes mold growth. It will be.

The generation of such mold is mainly caused by soap that remains undissolved during washing. This mold grows at a relative humidity of 75 to 100%, and forms a favorable environment for the growth of black mold with the moisture remaining in the washing tub after washing is completed. Moreover, although the temperature which mold | fungi are easy to propagate is 20-30 degreeC, the fungi which grow even if the temperature is 5 degrees C or less also exist.

Unless the dewatering tank is removed from the structural features of the washing machine, the state of mold adhesion on the outer surface of the dewatering tank cannot be visually confirmed. However, since the dewatering tank is connected to the rotation drive mechanism, the dehydration tank cannot be easily removed by the user.

Therefore, cleaning of the outer surface of the dehydration tank is carried out by a service person by requesting a specialist, but in this case also, it is necessary to remove the dehydration tank by removing the top plate, outer tank cover, etc. Therefore, it becomes a large-scale work and the work cost becomes large.

For this reason, the conventional countermeasures in homes and the like are generally a method of chemically removing with a mold removing agent. However, when the dirt is attached and mold is not generated, the mechanical removal method is superior to the chemical removal method in consideration of water pollution and economic efficiency.

Therefore, as a mechanical removal method, a method employing a brush as disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 has been proposed.

Registered Utility Model No. 3063239 JP 2004-73784 A

  The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a groove formed in an outer tank and a dewatering tank, and a brush is embedded in an elongated plate-like metal or polymer compound that easily bends at the groove. However, a specific configuration for attaching and detaching the brush is not disclosed.

  When cleaning with a brush in this way, the brush remains with some of mold and dirt attached thereto. If the brush is left in a state where dirt is attached, mold and dirt attached to the brush are peeled off and attached to the laundry at the next washing / rinsing. Therefore, in practice, in order to employ a mechanical removal method using a brush, it is also important to remove mold and dirt attached to the brush.

  However, in a washing machine having an actual top opening, the dehydrating tub is a rotating body, so that the user cannot easily remove the dehydrating tub in consideration of safety. That is, the brush cannot be taken out unless the outer tank cover attached to the upper end of the outer tank is removed so as to cover the gap between the outer tank and the dewatering tank.

  In addition, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 causes the brush to float in water staying in the gap between the outer tub and the dehydration tub, and flows between the outer tub and the dehydration tub while flowing between the outer tub and the dehydration tub. Sliding dirt and mold by sliding the wall.

  However, in order for the floating brush to rub against the wall of the dewatering tank uniformly, a large number of floating brushes with floats having different specific gravities are required, and the structure becomes complicated. Further, if a large number of brushes are floated, these brushes are intertwined with each other and become a factor that hinders the rotation of the dewatering tank. Furthermore, if the state where washing, rinsing, and dehydration are not performed is continued, the brush is in contact with the air in the gap between the outer tub and the dehydration tub, and the generation of mold is promoted.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and employs a brush to remove dirt and mold adhering to the outer surface of the dewatering tank. The holding structure prevents the brush from coming off. Furthermore, the present invention provides a washing machine that allows a user of the washing machine to easily clean or replace the brush without requesting maintenance work from a supplier or the like.

Therefore, in the washing machine of the present invention,
A bottomed cylindrical outer tub accommodated in the washing machine body;
A bottomed cylindrical dewatering tub that is rotatably accommodated in the outer tub and has a laundry input opening;
An electric motor for rotationally driving the dehydration tank;
A sealing ring provided at the upper end of the outer tub;
In the washing machine provided with the exterior cover that is provided on the laundry input opening side and covers the sealing ring,
A brush housing portion formed on the peripheral wall of the outer tub, extending in the rotation axis direction, and protruding in a direction away from the rotation axis in the radial direction of the outer tub;
A cleaning brush that is detachably provided in the brush housing portion, and the tip of the cleaning piece contacts the outer surface of the dehydration tank;
An opening for attaching and detaching the cleaning brush formed on the exterior cover at a position corresponding to the opening of the brush accommodating portion;
An open / close lid that covers the opening for attachment / detachment formed in the exterior cover;
To have.

In the washing machine of the present invention,
The cleaning brush is one in which cleaning pieces are arranged on at least one surface of a long plate,
A guide groove extending in the direction of the rotation axis of the dehydration tank is formed on the dehydration tank side of the brush housing portion, and a long plate of the cleaning brush is attached to the guide groove.

In the washing machine of the present invention,
The cleaning brush is one in which cleaning pieces are arranged on at least one surface of a long plate,
The long plate is rotatably supported inside the brush housing portion, and a motor that reverses the cleaning brush is provided.

In the washing machine of the present invention,
The cleaning brush is a linear arrangement of flexible cleaning pieces on the spindle,
The spindle is rotatably supported inside the brush accommodating portion, and has a motor for rotating the cleaning brush.

  In the washing machine of the present invention, since the cleaning brush can be detachably disposed in the brush accommodating portion formed in the outer tub accommodated in the washing machine main body, it stably faces the entire length of the outer surface of the dewatering tub in the rotation axis direction. Therefore, the dehydration tank can be effectively cleaned. In addition, since the brush accommodating portion is formed in the outer tub, the gap between the outer tub and the dewatering tub can be reduced, and the overall size can be reduced. Further, since the exterior cover and the sealing ring are provided with an opening / closing lid, the cleaning brush can be attached and detached, and the cleaning brush itself can be easily cleaned and replaced.

  In the washing machine of the present invention, a cleaning brush in which cleaning pieces are arranged on the surface facing the dehydration tank of the plate-like body is arranged in parallel with the guide groove in the brush housing portion formed in the outer tub accommodated in the washing machine body. Since it arrange | positions, this washing | cleaning brush can be stably arrange | positioned in a brush accommodating part.

  Further, in the washing machine of the present invention, the cleaning brush in which the cleaning pieces are arranged on one side is arranged in a reversible manner in the brush accommodating portion formed in the outer tub accommodated in the washing machine main body. When necessary, the cleaning piece can be brought into contact with the outer surface of the dehydration tank, and effective cleaning can be performed without causing the cleaning piece to wear.

  In the washing machine of the present invention, the cleaning brush in which the flexible cleaning pieces are arranged on the spindle is rotatably disposed in the brush housing portion formed in the outer tub accommodated in the washing machine body. When the water tank needs to be cleaned, the cleaning piece can be raised and brought into contact with the outer surface of the dewatering tank by rotating the spindle, thereby enabling effective cleaning.

... Is a perspective view showing the appearance of the washing machine of the present invention. .......... It is a schematic cross section of the washing machine of Example 1 of the present invention. ... is an assembly perspective view of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. ... A perspective view of a main part of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. ..... It is a control flowchart figure of the washing machine of Example 1 of this invention. ... Is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. ... Is an assembly sectional view of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. ... Is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. ..... It is a principal part assembly drawing of the washing machine of Example 2 of the present invention. ... is a control flowchart of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. ... is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine of Example 3 of the present invention. ... is an assembly perspective view of the washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. ...... It is a principal part perspective view of the washing machine of Example 3 of this invention. ...... It is principal part sectional drawing of the washing machine of Example 3 of this invention. ...... It is principal part sectional drawing of the washing machine of Example 3 of this invention. ...... It is a principal part perspective view of the washing machine of Example 3 of this invention. ...... It is a principal part perspective view of the washing machine of Example 3 of this invention. ... is a control flowchart of the washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. ...... It is a principal part perspective view of Example 2, 3 of this invention. ...... It is a principal part perspective view of Example 2, 3 of this invention. ... is a block diagram of the electric control system of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a rotary drum type washing machine 1 embodying the present invention. A washing tub 3 is opened on the upper surface of a main body 2 and an inner lid for closing the opening of the washing tub 3. 4 and an outer lid 5. An operation panel 6 including a plurality of key switches 7A and 7B for performing a driving instruction operation and a stroke setting operation and a display 7C for displaying a driving state is provided on the front surface of the main body 2. In addition, when the opening of the washing tub 3 is closed by the outer lid 5, a safety of driving can be ensured by providing a sensor for detecting the outer lid 5.

Example 1
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 includes a bottomed cylindrical outer tub 3a having an open upper surface for storing washing water at the time of washing, and a rotating housing around the axis line in the outer tub 3a. It comprises a bottom cylindrical dewatering tank 3b. The upper surface of the dewatering tank 3b is a laundry input opening, and the pulsator 8 for stirring the washing water and clothes in the dewatering tank 3b is disposed on the bottom surface. A balance ring 9 composed of an upper ring 9a and a lower ring 9b is disposed at the opening of the dewatering tank 3b, and the balance ring 9 forms an upper surface opening of the dewatering tank 3b.

  The dewatering tank 3b has a large number of water passage holes 3b-1 through which the washing water stored in the outer tank 3a circulates on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and the pulsator 8 and the dewatering tank 3b are provided below the outer tank 3a. It is fixed to the output shaft 11a of the drum motor 11 which is an electric motor and rotates. In this case, in the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dewatering process, the state in which the pulsator 8 and the dewatering tank 3b rotate simultaneously, the state in which only the pulsator 8 or only the dewatering tank 3b rotates, or the rotation direction of the pulsator 8 and the dewatering tank 3b A clutch device 12 is provided for control such as a forward / reverse switching state.

  In addition, a water supply / drainage pipe 13a is connected to the bottom of the outer tub 3a and the electromagnetic valve 14 is operated to supply washing water from the water supply pipe 13b, and the washing water in the outer tub 3a is drained to the outside from the drainage pipe 13c. I can do it. Further, a siphon pipe 15 is connected to the bottom of the outer tub 3a, and the low water level and the high water level in the outer tub 3a are detected by detecting the float 15a of the siphon pipe 15 with the low water level sensor 16a and the high water level sensor 16b. I can do it.

  The opening of the outer tub 3a is sealed by attaching the sealing ring 17 and the outer cover 18 shown in FIG. 3 to the periphery of the opening. A cutout portion 17a is formed at a position corresponding to the corner of the rear portion of the main body of the sealing ring 17, and a cutout portion 18a is formed in the exterior cover 18 at the same position as the cutout portion 17a. Further, an opening / closing lid 19 whose outer end is rotatable is attached to the outer tub 3a at the opening of the notch 17a of the sealing ring 17 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, an opening / closing lid 20 whose outer end is rotatable is attached to the exterior cover 18 at the opening of the notch 18 a of the exterior cover 18.

  Next, the configuration of the cleaning brush 21 mounted from the cutout portion 17a of the sealing ring 17 and the cutout portion 18a of the exterior cover 18 and the configuration of the outer tub 3a that accommodates the cleaning brush 21 will be described. The cleaning brush 21 includes a plurality of cleaning pieces 21b whose base ends are fixed to at least one surface of the long plate 21a. The cleaning piece 21b includes, for example, a polyolefin resin, a foaming agent, a crosslinking agent, and A foamed resin composition or the like in which an appropriate auxiliary agent is blended and kneaded is suitable.

  The cleaning brush 21 configured as described above can be attached to the outer tub 3a so that the cleaning piece 21b is in contact with the outer surface of the dewatering tub 3b. That is, the portion of the outer tub 3a to which the cleaning brush 21 is attached extends in the direction of the rotation axis of the peripheral wall of the outer tub 3a as shown in FIG. 4, and from the rotation axis of the dehydration tub in the radial direction of the outer tub 3a. The brush accommodating part 3a-1 which protrudes in the direction to separate is formed, and the guide groove 3a-2 over the full length of an opening part is formed in the both ends of the opening part which opposes the dehydration tank 3b of this brush accommodating part 3a-1. . Thus, by comprising brush accommodating part 3a-1, it becomes possible to engage the both-sides edge part of the elongate board 21a of the cleaning brush 21 with the guide groove 3a-2, and to mount | wear. Note that a sensor 22 such as a reed switch is disposed at the bottom of the brush housing 3a-1 and a permanent magnet 21c is disposed at the base end of the cleaning brush 21, thereby determining whether or not the cleaning brush 21 is attached. Is possible.

  When the cleaning brush 21 is attached to the brush accommodating portion 3a-1 of the outer tub 3a configured as described above, the end of the cleaning piece 21b of the cleaning brush 21 is in contact with the outer surface of the dewatering tub 3b as shown in FIG. It becomes a state. In addition, since the brush accommodating part 3a-1 formed in the said outer tank 3a is a corner | angular part of the rear part of the main body 2, since the existing space can be used effectively, it can avoid that the main body 2 enlarges. . Moreover, since the brush accommodating part 3a-1 protrudes in the direction away from the rotation axis in the radial direction of the outer tub 3, the gap with the dewatering tub 3b can be made as small as possible, and the overall size can be reduced. .

  Next, the flow of control of the washing operation of the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

<Step Sa1>
In step Sa1, the inner lid 4 and the outer lid 5 are opened as shown in FIG. 1 to expose the opening of the washing tub 3 so that the mounting operation of the cleaning brush 21 on the main body 2 is facilitated.

<Step Sa2>
In Step Sa2, when the cleaning operation is started, the opening / closing lid 20 of the exterior cover 18 is opened, and the space of the notch 18a covered with the opening / closing lid 20 is opened.

<Step Sa3>
In step Sa3, the opening / closing lid 19 of the sealing ring 17 located under the space of the notch 18a is opened, and the upper opening of the brush accommodating portion 3a-1 closed by the opening / closing lid 19 is opened.

<Step Sa4>
In step Sa4, the lower end portion of the cleaning brush 21 faces the notch portion 18a of the outer cover 18 and the notch portion 17a of the sealing ring 17, and both end portions of the long plate 21a of the cleaning brush 21 are accommodated in the brush of the outer tub 3a. It is inserted into the guide groove 3a-2 of the part 3a-1 and attached.

<Step Sa5>
In step Sa5, the open / close lid 19 of the sealing ring 17 is closed and the lid is applied.

<Step Sa6>
In step Sa6, the opening / closing lid 20 of the exterior cover 18 is closed and applied.

<Step Sa7>
In step Sa7, the opening of the washing tub 3 is covered with the outer lid 5 so that the washing operation can be started.

<Step Sa8>
In step Sa8, the washing button on the operation panel 6 is pushed to instruct the start of the washing operation.

<Step Sa9>
In step Sa9, based on the instruction | indication of the start of the washing | cleaning driving | operation in step Sa8, the washing brush 21 judges the mounting state to the brush accommodating part 3a-1. That is, when the sensor 22 of the brush housing portion 3a-1 reacts to the permanent magnet 21c of the cleaning brush 21, it is determined that the cleaning brush 21 is properly mounted, and the process proceeds to the next step.

<Step Sa10>
In step Sa10, an error is displayed on the display 7C on the basis of the determination result that the signal from the sensor 22 of the brush accommodating portion 3a-1 in step Sa9 is not obtained and the mounting of the cleaning brush 21 is not reliable. Check that the return cleaning brush 21 is mounted.

<Step Sa11>
In step Sa11, when it is confirmed whether the outer lid 5 is securely closed based on the determination result of the attachment of the cleaning brush 21 in step Sa9, the process proceeds to the next step.

<Step Sa12>
In step Sa12, based on the determination result that the outer lid 5 is not securely closed in step Sa11, error display is performed on the display 7C, and the process returns to step Sa7 to check the closed state of the outer lid 5.

<Step Sa13>
In step Sa13, based on the determination result from step Sa11, the electromagnetic valve 14 is actuated to the water supply side to start the supply of washing water from the water supply / drainage pipe 13a to the outer tub 3a.

<Step Sa14>
In step Sa14, the supply of washing water is started based on the determination in step Sa13, the water level of the outer tub 3a gradually rises, and the operation of the low water level sensor 16a and the high water level sensor 16b is confirmed.

<Step Sa15>
In step Sa15, when the washing water is supplied and the high water level sensor 16b is activated, the valve of the electromagnetic valve 14 is closed to stop the supply of the washing water, and the prescribed amount of washing water is stored.

<Step Sa16>
In step Sa16, the rotation of the dewatering tank 3b is started with the stop of the supply of the washing water in step Sa15. As a result, the cleaning piece 21b of the cleaning brush 21 in contact with the dewatering tank 3b removes the deposits on the outer surface of the dewatering tank 3b and is cleaned.

<Step Sa17>
In step Sa17, it is determined whether the cleaning time arbitrarily determined by the timer operation is up.

<Step Sa18>
In step Sa18, when time-up is indicated by step Sa17, rotation of the dewatering tank 3b is stopped and the electromagnetic valve 14 is operated to the drainage side to start drainage from the water supply / drainage pipe 13a to the drainage pipe 13c.

<Step Sa19>
In step Sa19, it is determined that both the low water level sensor 16a and the high water level sensor 16b have stopped operating, and it is confirmed that the washing water has been drained from the outer tub 3a.

<Step Sa20>
In step Sa20, based on the determination result in step Sa19, the electromagnetic valve 14 is actuated to the water supply side to start supplying wash water from the water supply / drainage pipe 13a to the outer tub 3a.

<Step Sa21>
In step Sa21, the supply of washing water in step Sa20 is started, the water level of the outer tub 3a gradually rises, and the operation of the low water level sensor 16a and the high water level sensor 16b is determined.

<Step Sa22>
In Step Sa22, when the washing water is supplied and the high water level sensor 16b is activated, the valve of the electromagnetic valve 14 is closed to stop the supply of the washing water, and the prescribed amount of washing water is stored.

<Step Sa23>
In step Sa23, the rotation of the dewatering tank 3b is started with the stop of the supply of the washing water in step Sa22. As a result, the cleaning piece 21b of the cleaning brush 21 that is in contact with the dewatering tub 3b comes into sliding contact with the outer surface of the dewatering tub 3b, and rinsing with newly supplied wash water is performed.

<Step Sa24>
In step Sa24, it is determined that the cleaning time arbitrarily determined by the timer operation is increased.

<Step Sa25>
In step Sa25, when it is determined that the time is up in step Sa24, rotation of the dewatering tank 3b is stopped and the electromagnetic valve 14 is operated to the drain side to start drainage from the water supply / drainage pipe 13a to the drainage pipe 13c.

<Step Sa26>
In step Sa26, both the low water level sensor 16a and the high water level sensor 16b stop operating, and it is determined that the drainage is completed.

<Step Sa27>
In step Sa27, the valve of the electromagnetic valve 14 is closed based on the determination in step Sa26.

<Step Sa28>
In step Sa28, it is determined whether or not the processing steps from step Sa13 to step Sa27 are completed for the second time. If a negative determination is made, the process returns to step Sa13 to repeat the cleaning process of the dewatering tank 3b. That is, when step Sa28 is omitted, the processing steps from step Sa13 to step Sa27 are performed only once, and when the number of steps corresponding to step Sa28 is increased, the cleaning steps from step Sa13 to step Sa27 corresponding to the number. Will increase. The increase / decrease of the cleaning process can be arbitrarily determined by program design based on the degree of contamination of the dehydration tank 3b or the length of the cleaning interval.

<Step Sa29>
In step Sa29, notification of operation stop upon completion of cleaning in step Sa28 is performed on the display 7C and / or the buzzer.

<Step Sa30>
In step Sa30, in order to take out the cleaning brush 21 to the outside of the main body 2, the outer lid 5 is opened as shown in FIG.

<Step Sa31>
In step Sa31, the opening / closing lid 20 of the exterior cover 18 is opened, and the space of the notch 18a covered with the opening / closing lid 20 is opened.

<Step Sa32>
In step Sa32, the opening / closing lid 19 of the sealing ring 17 located under the space of the notch 18a is opened, and the upper opening of the brush accommodating portion 3a-1 closed by the opening / closing lid 19 is opened.

<Step Sa33>
In step Sa33, the cleaning brush 21 is pulled out from the outer tub 3a brush housing 3a-1. As a result, the cleaning brush 21 itself can be cleaned or replaced.

<Step Sa34>
In step Sa34, it is confirmed that the cleaning brush 21 is taken out of the main body 2 by the sensor 22.

<Step Sa35>
In step Sa35, the open / close lid 19 of the sealing ring 17 is closed.

<Step Sa36>
In step Sa36, the open / close lid 20 of the exterior cover 18 is closed.

<Step Sa37>
In step Sa37, the outer lid 5 is closed.

(Example 2)
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of the washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 is accommodated in the outer tub 3a so as to be rotatable about an axis in the outer tub 3a having a bottom, which has a non-rotating upper surface for storing washing water during washing. It comprises a bottomed cylindrical dewatering tank 3b. The top surface of the dewatering tank 3b is a laundry input opening, and the bottom of the dewatering tank 3b is provided with a pulsator 8 for stirring the washing water and clothes in the dewatering tank 3b. A balance ring 9 composed of a ring 9a and a lower ring 9b is disposed, and the balance ring 9 forms an upper surface opening of the dewatering tank 3b.

  The dewatering tank 3b has a large number of water passage holes 3b-1 through which washing water stored in the outer tank 3a flows, and the pulsator 8 and the dewatering tank 3b are provided below the outer tank 3a. It is fixed to the output shaft 11a of the drum motor 11 which is an electric motor and rotates. In this case, in the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dewatering process, the state in which the pulsator 8 and the dewatering tank 3b rotate simultaneously, the state in which only the pulsator 8 or only the dewatering tank 3b rotates, or the rotation direction of the pulsator 8 and the dewatering tank 3b A clutch device 12 is provided for control such as a forward / reverse switching state.

  In addition, a water supply / drainage pipe 13a is connected to the bottom of the outer tub 3a, and the electromagnetic valve 14 is operated to supply wash water from the water supply pipe 13b, and the wash water in the outer tub 3a is drained to the outside from the drainage pipe 13c. I can do it. Further, a siphon pipe 15 is connected to the bottom of the outer tub 3a, and the low water level and the high water level in the outer tub 3a are detected by detecting the float 15a of the siphon pipe 15 with the low water level sensor 16a and the high water level sensor 16b. I can do it.

  The opening of the outer tub 3a is sealed by attaching a sealing ring 17 and an exterior cover 18 shown in FIG. 7 to the periphery of the opening. A cutout portion 17a is formed at a position corresponding to the corner of the sealing ring 17 at the rear of the main body, and a cutout portion 18a is formed in the exterior cover 18 at the same position as the cutout portion 17a. An opening / closing lid 20 whose outer end is rotatable is attached to the exterior cover 18 at the opening of the notch 18 a of the exterior cover 18.

  Next, the configuration of the cleaning brush 23 mounted from the cutout portion 17a of the sealing ring 17 and the cutout portion 18a of the outer cover 18 and the configuration of the outer tub 3a that accommodates the cleaning brush 23 will be described. The cleaning brush 23 is formed by arranging a plurality of cleaning pieces 23b whose base ends are fixed to one side of the long plate 23a. The cleaning piece 23b is foamed into a polyolefin resin as an example in this embodiment. A foamed resin composition in which an agent, a crosslinking agent, and an appropriate auxiliary agent are blended and kneaded is suitable.

As shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning brush 23 has a long plate 23a fixed to a spindle 24. The upper end of the spindle 24 is connected to an output shaft 25a of a brush motor 25. The upper end of the spindle 24 is a bearing member. 26, the lower end side is supported by the bearing member 27. The brush motor 25 is preferably a synchronous motor such as a stepping motor excellent in angle control.

  The cleaning brush 23 configured as described above can be attached to the outer tub 3a. That is, the portion of the outer tub 3a to which the cleaning brush 23 is attached extends in the direction of the rotation axis of the outer tub 3a as shown in FIG. 9 and extends away from the rotation axis of the dehydration tub in the radial direction of the exterior. The protruding brush accommodating portion 3a-1 is formed. Then, by opening the opening / closing lid 20 of the exterior cover 18, the brush housing portion 3a-1 communicates with the external space, and the cleaning brush 23 can be attached. It is possible to determine the mounting state of the cleaning brush 23 by disposing the sensor 22 such as a reed switch at the bottom of the brush housing 3a-1 and disposing the permanent magnet 23c at the base end of the cleaning brush 23. It becomes.

  When the cleaning brush 23 and the brush motor 25 are attached to the brush housing portion 3a-1 of the outer tub 3a configured as described above, the cleaning brush 23 can be rolled in the brush housing portion 3a-1 by the brush motor 25. When the dehydration tank 3b is not cleaned, the back surface of the long plate 23a is exposed to the dehydration tank 3b. On the other hand, when the dehydrating tank 3a is cleaned, the cleaning brush 23 is inverted by a brush motor to expose the cleaning piece 23b toward the dehydrating tank 3b and contact with the outer surface of the dehydrating tank 3b. To be possible.

  Next, the flow of control of the washing operation of the washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

<Step Sb1>
In step Sb1, the outer lid 5 is opened as shown in FIG. 1, and the cleaning operation can be started in the state where the cleaning brush 23 is attached to the brush accommodating portion 3a-1 of the outer tub 3a. The opening of the washing tub 3 is covered with the outer lid 5.

<Step Sb2>
In step Sb2, the washing button on the operation panel 6 is pushed to instruct the start of the washing operation.

<Step Sb3>
In step Sb3, it is confirmed whether the outer lid 5 is securely closed, and the process proceeds to the next step.

<Step Sb4>
In step Sb4, based on the determination result that the outer lid 5 is not securely closed in step Sb3, error display is performed on the display 7C, and the process returns to step Sb1 to check the closed state of the outer lid 5.

<Step Sb5>
In step Sb5, the brush motor 25 is driven to reverse the cleaning brush 23 to the state shown in FIG.

<Step Sb6>
In step Sb6, the reverse state of the cleaning brush 23 is detected based on the signal from the sensor 22, and the process proceeds to the next step.

<Step Sb7>
In step Sb7, a signal indicating the reversal of the cleaning brush 23 in step Sb6 is not obtained, and based on the determination result that the reversal of the cleaning brush 23 is not reliable, an error is displayed on the display 7C, and the process returns to step Sb5 to return to the cleaning brush. 23 is instructed again.

<Step Sb8>
In step Sb8, based on the determination result from step Sb6, the electromagnetic valve 14 is actuated to the water supply side to start supplying wash water from the water supply / drainage pipe 13a to the outer tub 3a.

<Step Sb9>
In step Sb9, the supply of washing water is started based on the determination in step Sb8, the water level of the outer tub 3a gradually rises, and the low water level sensor 16a and the high water level sensor 16b confirm the operation.

<Step Sb10>
In step Sb10, when the washing water is supplied and the high water level sensor 16b is activated, the valve of the electromagnetic valve 14 is closed to stop the supply of the washing water, and the prescribed amount of washing water is stored.

<Step Sb11>
In step Sb11, the rotation of the dewatering tank 3b is started with the stop of the supply of the washing water in step Sb10. As a result, the cleaning piece 21b of the cleaning brush 21 in contact with the dewatering tank 3b removes deposits on the outer surface of the dewatering tank 3b, and cleaning is performed.

<Step Sb12>
In step Sb12, it is determined whether the cleaning time arbitrarily determined by the timer operation is increased.

<Step Sb13>
In step Sb13, when it is determined that the time is up in step Sb12, the rotation of the dewatering tank 3b is stopped and the electromagnetic valve 14 is operated to the drain side to start drainage from the water supply / drainage pipe 13a to the drainage pipe 13c.

<Step Sb14>
In step Sb14, when the completion of drainage in step Sb13 is confirmed by the low water level sensor 16a, the electromagnetic valve 14 is actuated to the water supply side to start the supply of wash water, and a specified amount of wash water is stored.

<Step Sb15>
In step Sb15, the supply of washing water in step Sb14 is started, the water level of the outer tub 3a gradually rises, and the operation of the low water level sensor 16a and the high water level sensor 16b is determined.

<Step Sb16>
In step Sb16, when the washing water is supplied and the high water level sensor 16b is activated, the electromagnetic valve 14 is closed to stop the supply of the washing water, and a predetermined amount of the washing water is stored.

<Step Sb17>
In step Sb17, the brush motor 25 is driven to bring the cleaning brush 23 into the state shown in FIG.

<Step Sb18>
In step Sb18, the rotation of the dewatering tank 3b is started with the reversal of the cleaning brush 23 in step Sb17. As a result, the cleaning piece 21b of the cleaning brush 21 that is in contact with the dewatering tub 3b comes into sliding contact with the outer surface of the dewatering tub 3b, and rinsing with newly supplied wash water is performed.

<Step Sb19>
In step Sb19, it is determined whether the cleaning time arbitrarily determined by the timer operation is up.

<Step Sb20>
In step Sb20, when it is determined that the time is up in step Sb19, the rotation of the dewatering tank 3b is stopped and the electromagnetic valve 14 is operated to the drain side to start drainage from the water supply / drainage pipe 13a to the drainage pipe 13c.

<Step Sb21>
In step Sb21, both the low water level sensor 16a and the high water level sensor 16b stop operating, and it is determined that drainage is complete.

<Step Sb22>
In step Sb22, the valve of the electromagnetic valve 14 is operated based on the determination in step Sb21.

<Step Sb23>
In step Sb23, it is determined whether or not the processing steps from step Sb8 to step Sb22 are completed for the second time. If a negative determination is made, the process returns to step Sb8 and the washing process of the dewatering tank 3b is repeated. That is, when step Sb23 is omitted, the processing steps from step Sb8 to step Sb22 are performed only once, and when the number of steps corresponding to step Sb23 is increased, the cleaning steps from step Sb8 to step Sb22 are corresponding to the number. Will increase. The increase / decrease of the cleaning process can be arbitrarily determined by program design based on the degree of contamination of the dehydration tank 3b or the length of the cleaning interval.

<Step Sb24>
In step Sb24, the end of the cleaning operation in step Sb23 is notified by the display 7C and / or the buzzer.

<Step Sb25>
In step Sb25, the brush motor 25 is driven with the end of a series of cleaning operations, and the cleaning brush 23 is reversed to the state shown in FIG. Accordingly, the cleaning piece 23b of the cleaning brush 23 does not come into contact with the dewatering tank 23b. Accordingly, the cleaning brush 23 can be left in the outer tub 3a, but the opening / closing lid 20 of the exterior cover 18 can be opened to take out the cleaning brush 23, and the cleaning brush 23 itself can be cleaned or replaced. it can.

(Example 3)
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of the washing machine 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 includes a bottomed cylindrical outer tub 3a having an open upper surface for storing washing water at the time of washing, and a rotating housing around the axis line in the outer tub 3a. It comprises a bottom cylindrical dewatering tank 3b. The top surface of the dewatering tank 3b is a laundry input opening, and the bottom surface is provided with a pulsator 8 for stirring the washing water and clothes in the dewatering tank 3b. The opening of the dewatering tank 3b has an upper ring 9a and a lower ring. The balance ring 9 comprised by 9b is arrange | positioned, The upper surface opening of the dehydration tank 3b is formed with this balance ring 9. FIG.

  The dewatering tank 3b has a large number of water holes 3b-1 through which washing water stored in the outer tank 3a circulates on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and the pulsator 8 and the dewatering tank 3b are provided below the outer tank 3a. It is fixed to the output shaft 11a of the drum motor 11 which is an electric motor and rotates. In this case, in the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydration process, the state in which the pulsator 8 and the dehydration tank 3b rotate simultaneously, the state in which only the pulsator 8 or only the dehydration tank 3b rotates, or the rotation direction of the pulsator 8 and the dehydration tank 3b A clutch device 12 is provided for control such as a forward / reverse switching state.

  In addition, a water supply / drainage pipe 13a is connected to the bottom of the outer tub 3a. The electromagnetic valve 14 is operated to supply wash water from the water supply pipe 13b, and the wash water in the outer tub 3a is discharged from the drainage pipe 13c to the outside. It is possible to drain. Further, a siphon pipe 15 is connected to the bottom of the outer tub 3a, and the low water level and the high water level in the outer tub 3a are detected by detecting the float 15a of the siphon pipe 15 with the low water level sensor 16a and the high water level sensor 16b. I can do it.

  The opening of the outer tub 3a is sealed by attaching a sealing ring 17 and an exterior cover 18 shown in FIG. 14 to the periphery of the opening. A cutout portion 17a is formed at a position corresponding to the corner of the sealing ring 17 at the rear of the main body, and a cutout portion 18a is formed in the exterior cover 18 at the same position as the cutout portion 17a. An opening / closing lid 20 whose outer end is rotatable is attached to the exterior cover 18 at the opening of the notch 18 a of the exterior cover 18.

  Next, the configuration of the cleaning brush 28 mounted from the cutout portion 17a of the sealing ring 17 and the cutout portion 18a of the exterior cover 18 and the configuration of the outer tub 3a that accommodates the cleaning brush 28 will be described. The cleaning brush 28 is formed by arranging a plurality of cleaning pieces 28b whose base ends are fixed to the sliding surface of the spindle 28a. The cleaning piece 28b is a polyolefin resin and a foaming agent as an example in this embodiment. A foamed resin composition or the like in which a cross-linking agent and an appropriate auxiliary agent are blended and kneaded is suitable, so that flexibility can be obtained by adjusting the mixing of the cross-linking agent and auxiliary agent so that it naturally hangs in a stationary state. To do. Further, the cleaning piece 28b may have a hollow structure to reduce the mass to reduce the rigidity, and may hang down naturally in a stationary state.

As shown in FIG. 14, the cleaning brush 28 configured as described above has an output shaft 29a of a brush motor 29 connected to an upper end portion of a spindle 28a. The upper end side of the spindle 28a is connected to the bearing member 30, and the lower end side thereof is a bearing member 31. Support by. The brush motor 29 is preferably an AC motor or a DC motor having a large rotational torque.

  The cleaning brush 28 configured as described above can be attached to the outer tub 3a. That is, the portion of the outer tub 3a to which the cleaning brush 28 is attached extends in the direction of the rotation axis of the peripheral wall of the outer tub 3a as shown in FIG. 15, and is separated from the rotation axis of the dehydrating tub in the radial direction of the exterior. The brush accommodating portion 3a-1 protruding in the direction is formed. Then, by opening the opening / closing lid 20 of the exterior cover 18 above the opening of the brush housing portion 3a-1, the brush housing portion 3a-1 communicates with the external space, and the cleaning brush 28 can be attached. In addition, it is possible to determine the mounting state of the cleaning brush 28 by arranging a sensor 22 such as a reed switch at the bottom of the brush housing portion 3a-1 and disposing a permanent magnet at the base end of the cleaning brush 28. Become.

  When the cleaning brush 28 is attached to the brush housing portion 3a-1 of the outer tub 3a configured as described above, the cleaning brush 28 can be rolled in the brush housing portion 3a-1 by the brush motor 29. When the dehydrating tank 3b is not cleaned, that is, when the cleaning brush 28 is stationary, the cleaning piece 28b is naturally suspended as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 and comes into contact with the outer surface of the dehydrating tank 3b. When the cleaning brush 28 is continuously rotated by the brush motor 29, centrifugal force acts and the cleaning piece 28b stands up in the horizontal direction as shown in FIGS. As a result, the cleaning piece 28b comes into contact with the outer surface of the dewatering tank 3b and cleaning is possible. Note that the rotation direction of the cleaning brush 28 is preferably a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the dewatering tank 28b.

  Next, the flow of control of the washing operation of the washing machine 1 according to the third embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

<Step Sc1>
In step Sc1, the outer lid 5 is opened as shown in FIG. 1, and the cleaning operation can be started in the state where the cleaning brush 28 is attached to the brush accommodating portion 3a-1 of the outer tub 3a. The opening of the washing tub 3 is covered with the outer lid 5.

<Step Sc2>
In step Sc2, the cleaning button on the operation panel 6 is pushed to instruct the start of the cleaning operation.

<Step Sc3>
In step Scb3, it is confirmed whether the outer lid 5 is securely closed, and the process proceeds to the next step.

<Step Sc4>
In step Sc4, based on the determination result that the outer lid 5 is not securely closed in step Sc3, error display is performed on the display 7C, and the process returns to step Sc1 to check the closed state of the outer lid 5.

<Step Sc5>
In step Sc5, based on the determination result from step Sc6, the electromagnetic valve 14 is actuated to the water supply side, and the supply of washing water from the water supply / drainage pipe 13a to the outer tub 3a is started.

<Step Sc6>
In Step Sc6, the supply of washing water is started, the water level of the outer tub 3a gradually rises, and the low water level sensor 16a and the high water level sensor 16b confirm the operation.

<Step Sc7>
In step Sc7, when the washing water is supplied and the high water level sensor 16b is activated, the valve of the electromagnetic valve 14 is closed to stop the supply of the washing water, and the prescribed amount of washing water is stored.

<Step Sc8>
In step Sc8, the brush motor 29 starts the continuous rotation of the cleaning brush 28.

<Step Sc9>
In Step Sc9, the rotation state of the cleaning brush 28 is confirmed based on the signal from the sensor 22, and the process proceeds to the next step.

<Step Sc10>
In step Sc10, a signal indicating the rotation of the cleaning brush 28 in step Sc9 is not obtained, and an error is displayed on the display 7C based on the determination result that the rotation of the cleaning brush 28 is not reliable, and the process returns to step Sc8 and returns to the cleaning brush. The 28 rotation is instructed again.

<Step Sc11>
In step Sc11, the rotation of the dewatering tank 3b is started with the confirmation of the rotation of the cleaning brush 28 in step Sc9. As a result, the cleaning piece 28b of the cleaning brush 28 in contact with the dewatering tank 3b removes deposits on the outer surface of the dewatering tank 3b, and cleaning is performed.

<Step Sc12>
In step Sc12, it is determined that the cleaning time arbitrarily determined by the timer operation is increased.

<Step Sc13>
In Step Sc13, when it is determined that the time is up in Step Sc12, the rotation of the dewatering tank 3b and the cleaning brush 28 is stopped, and the electromagnetic valve 14 is operated to the drainage side to drain the water from the water supply / drainage pipe 13a to the drainage pipe 13c. Start.

<Step Sc14>
In step Sc14, when the completion of drainage in step Sc13 is confirmed by the low water level sensor 16a, the valve of the electromagnetic valve 14 is closed and the supply of the wash water is started, and a specified amount of the wash water is stored.

<Step Sc15>
In step Sc15, the supply of washing water in step Sc14 is started, the water level of the outer tub 3a gradually rises, and the operation of the low water level sensor 16a and the high water level sensor 16b is determined.

<Step Sc16>
In step Sc16, when the washing water is supplied and the high water level sensor 16b is activated, the electromagnetic valve 14 is closed to stop the supply of the washing water, and the prescribed amount of washing water is stored.

<Step Sc17>
In step Sc17, the brush motor 29 is driven and rotation of the cleaning brush 28 is started.

<Step Sc18>
In step Sc18, rotation of the dewatering tank 3b is started with the rotation of the cleaning brush 23 in step Sc17. As a result, the cleaning piece 21b of the cleaning brush 28 that is in contact with the dewatering tub 3b is brought into sliding contact with the outer surface of the dewatering tub 3b, and rinsing with newly supplied washing water is performed.

<Step Sc19>
In step Sc19, it is determined that the cleaning time arbitrarily determined by the timer operation is increased.

<Step Sc20>
In Step Sc20, when it is determined that the time is up in Step Sb19, the rotation of the dewatering tank 3b and the cleaning brush 28 is stopped, and the electromagnetic valve 14 is operated to the drainage side to drain the water from the water supply / drainage pipe 13a to the drainage pipe 13c. Start.

<Step Sc21>
In step Sc21, both the low water level sensor 16a and the high water level sensor 16b stop operating, and it is determined that the drainage is completed.

<Step Sc22>
In step Sc22, the valve of the electromagnetic valve 14 is closed based on the determination in step Sc21.

<Step Sc23>
In Step Sc23, it is determined whether or not the processing steps from Step Sc8 to Step Sc22 are completed for the second time. If a negative determination is made, the processing returns to Step Sc8, and the processing steps of cleaning the dehydrating tank 3b and rinsing are repeated. Will repeat. That is, when step Sc23 is omitted, the processing steps from step Sc8 to step Sc22 are performed only once, and when the number of steps corresponding to step Sc23 is increased, the processing steps from step Sc8 to step Sc22 corresponding to the number. Will increase. The increase / decrease in the number of treatment steps can be arbitrarily determined by program design based on the degree of contamination of the dewatering tank 3b or the length of the cleaning interval.

<Step Sc24>
In step Sc24, the end of the cleaning operation in step Sc23 is notified by the display 7C and / or the buzzer. When a series of cleaning operations are thus completed, the cleaning piece 28b of the cleaning brush 28 hangs down naturally, so that the cleaning piece 28b does not come into contact with the dewatering tank 23b. As a result, the cleaning brush 28 can be left in the outer tub 3a, but the opening / closing lid 20 of the outer cover 18 can be opened to take out the cleaning brush 28, and the cleaning brush 28 itself can be cleaned or replaced. it can.

Below, the example of the attachment structure to the outer tank 3a of the brush motors 25 and 29 in Example 2 and 3 mentioned above is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 19, the brush motors 25 and 29 are integrally formed with the flange plate 33, and a plug 33 a that receives a control signal to the brush motors 25 and 29 is provided on a side portion of the flange plate 33. On the other hand, the connector 34 is provided in the opening of the brush accommodating portion 3a-1 of the outer tub 3a so that it can be connected to the plug 33a, and a control signal is supplied from the signal cable 34.

The flange plate 33 may be fixed with screws 33c as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, but the flange plate 33 is formed with a locking projection 33b, and this locking projection 33b is the brush housing 3a. -1 may be locked by appropriate fixing means such as a clamp fitting 35 provided in the opening, and the brush motors 25 and 29 may be fixed in place as shown in FIG. The spindle 24 of the cleaning brush 23 and the spindle 28a of the cleaning brush 28 may be integrally connected to the output shafts 25a and 29a of the brush motors 25 and 29. However, as shown in FIG. May be.

Next, the configuration of the electric control system of the washing machine 1 of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 21, a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 40 as a main body of the electric control system is constituted by a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, a timer 44, a system bus 30, an I / O buffer 31, and an input / output port 45. ing. The control unit 46 of the CPU 41 extracts and executes instructions, and the calculation unit 47 performs predetermined calculations on data given from an input device or a memory by a control signal from the control unit 46 at the execution stage of the instructions. The RAM 42 stores data related to the washing machine, and the ROM 43 stores in advance means for operating the washing machine, condition settings for determination, procedures for processing various information, and the like. Yes.

On the input side of the input / output port 45, there are an input key circuit 48 composed of key switches 7A and 7B of the operation panel 6, an outer lid safety switch 49 interlocking with opening and closing of the outer lid 5, a low water level sensor 16a and a high water level. A signal from the sensor 16b is input, and the LED group of the operation panel 6 and the display drive circuit 50 of the display 7C, the process end or abnormality buzzer circuit 51 are output from the output unit of the input / output port 45 based on such information. Then, a control signal is sent to the load drive circuit 52 constituted by a bidirectional thyristor or the like.

The load driving circuit 52 controls the operation of the drum motor 11, the electromagnetic valve 14, and the brush motors 25 and 29 based on a control signal from the microcomputer 40, but in the configuration in the first embodiment, the brush by the load driving circuit 52 is used. Operation control of the motors 25 and 29 is not necessary. Reference numeral 53 is a power supply circuit, and a negative sign 54 is a reset circuit for generating a reset signal. The electric control system configured as described above is controlled based on the process sequence of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5, 12, and 18.

1 .... Washing machine 2 .... Main body 3 .... Washing tub 3a ... Outer tub 3b ... Dehydration tub 4 .... Inside Lid 5 ······························································································· 7A 9 ... Balance ring 11 ... Drum motor 12 ... Clutch device 13a ... Water supply / drainage pipe 13b ... Water supply pipe 13c ... Water discharge pipe 14 ... .... Solenoid valve 15 ... Siphon pipe 16a ... Low water level sensor 16b ... High water level sensor 17 ... Sealing ring 18 ... Exterior cover 19 ...・ Opening / closing lid 20 ... Opening / closing lid 21 ... Cleaning brush 21a ... Measure plate 21b ... Cleaning piece 22 ... Sensor 23 ... Cleaning brush 23a ... Long plate 23b ... Cleaning piece 24 ... Spindle 25 ... ··· Brush motor 26 ··· Bearing member 27 ··· Bearing member 28 ··· Cleaning brush 28a ··· Spindle 28b ··· Cleaning piece 29 ··· Brush motor 30 ... Bearing member 31 ... Bearing member 33 ... Flange plate 33a ... Plug 34 ... Connector 35 ... Clamp metal fitting 40 ... Microcomputer

Claims (4)

A bottomed cylindrical outer tub accommodated in the washing machine body;
A bottomed cylindrical dewatering tub that is rotatably accommodated in the outer tub and has a laundry input opening;
An electric motor for rotationally driving the dehydration tank;
A sealing ring provided at the upper end of the outer tub;
In the washing machine provided with the exterior cover that is provided on the laundry input opening side and covers the sealing ring,
A brush housing portion formed on the peripheral wall of the outer tub, extending in the rotation axis direction, and protruding in a direction away from the rotation axis in the radial direction of the outer tub;
A cleaning brush that is detachably provided in the brush housing portion, and the tip of the cleaning piece contacts the outer surface of the dehydration tank;
An opening for attaching and detaching the cleaning brush formed on the exterior cover at a position corresponding to the opening of the brush accommodating portion;
An open / close lid that covers the opening for attachment / detachment formed in the exterior cover;
A washing machine comprising: The cleaning brush is one in which cleaning pieces are arranged on at least one surface of a long plate,
The guide groove extending on the rotation axis direction of the dewatering tank is formed on the dewatering tank side of the brush housing portion, and a long plate of the cleaning brush is attached to the guide groove. Washing machine. The cleaning brush is one in which cleaning pieces are arranged on at least one surface of a long plate,
The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a motor that rotatably supports the elongated plate inside the brush housing portion and reverses the cleaning brush. The cleaning brush is a linear arrangement of flexible cleaning pieces on the spindle,
The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a motor that rotatably supports the spindle in the brush housing portion and that rotates the cleaning brush.