JP7244246B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to washing machines.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, for example, in a drum-type washing machine, it has been considered to provide an automatic detergent dispenser for automatically injecting detergent (liquid detergent) into the drum (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This washing machine is configured to detect the amount of laundry in the drum at the start of the washing operation, determine the amount of laundry in the drum, set the amount of detergent to be added according to the amount of laundry, and automatically add the detergent. ing.

JP 2017-80229 A

By the way, among washing machines, there is known a washing machine capable of executing a soaking course including a "soaking" process in order to thoroughly wash stubbornly soiled laundry. In the soaking process, before proceeding to the main washing operation (washing process), the laundry accommodated in the drum is soaked in washing water in which detergent is dissolved in water for a certain period of time set by the user (for example, 2 hours). ) by soaking.

However, conventionally, in a washing machine capable of executing a soaking course, no consideration has been given to how to control the automatic detergent dispenser to appropriately execute the soaking process. is the actual situation.
Therefore, the present invention provides a washing machine that is equipped with a detergent charging device and is capable of appropriately performing the soaking process.

A first washing machine of the present embodiment includes a washing tub for storing laundry, a water supply device for supplying water to the washing tub, a drainage device for draining water from the washing tub, and a a detergent dispenser for automatically dispensing detergent; a contamination level detector for detecting the degree of contamination of the washing water in the washing tub; A soaking course including a soaking step in which the laundry is soaked in washing water in which detergent is dissolved in the washing tub for a certain period of time before executing the washing operation can be executed, and During execution of the soaking course, the control device performs a stain level sensing process for detecting the stain level of the washing water by the stain level detection device before starting the soaking process, and the stain level sensing process detects the stain. When the degree of contamination detected by the degree detector is greater than the reference value, the washing water is drained, supplied, and detergent is added before the soaking process is started.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment, and is a longitudinal side view showing a schematic configuration of a drum-type washing machine. A block diagram schematically showing the electrical configuration of a drum-type washing machine Flowchart showing the control procedure of the washing operation executed by the control device A diagram showing the relationship between the amount of cloth and the amount of detergent input Flowchart showing the second embodiment, showing the control procedure of the washing operation executed by the control device Flowchart showing the control procedure of the washing operation executed by the control device, which shows the third embodiment. Diagram showing the relationship between the set temperature and the threshold temperature for the warm water soaking course Flowchart showing the control procedure of the washing operation executed by the control device, which shows the fourth embodiment.

Hereinafter, several embodiments applied to a drum-type (horizontal shaft type) washing/drying machine having both washing and drying functions will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, common parts such as the hardware configuration of the washing machine are denoted by the same reference numerals, and new illustrations and repeated explanations are omitted. In the flow charts as well, the same step numbers are assigned to steps that perform the same processing as in the above-described embodiment.

(1) First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. First, referring to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of a drum-type washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. This drum-type washing machine 1 has an outer case 2 which is substantially rectangular. Inside the outer casing 2, a cylindrical water tank 3 is supported in a slightly downwardly inclined state through an elastic support mechanism 6 (only a part of which is shown). A cylindrical drum 4, which is a washing tub in which clothes are stored, is rotatably supported in the water tub 3. As shown in FIG. The drum 4 is configured to rotate around an inclined shaft that extends in the front-rear direction and is slightly inclined rearwardly downward.

The peripheral wall of the drum 4 is formed with a large number of holes 5 for water passage and ventilation (only some of which are shown). A plurality of baffles 7 for agitating the laundry are provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the drum 4 . The rear wall of the drum 4 is provided with a vent (not shown). The drum 4 has an opening 8 in its front face through which clothes are put in and taken out. A clothes inlet 9 connected to the opening 8 is formed in the front part of the water tub 3 . A door 10 for opening and closing the inlet 9 is provided on the front surface of the outer box 2 .

A washing machine motor 11, which is, for example, an outer rotor type brushless motor, is disposed in the rear portion of the water tank 3. As shown in FIG. The tip of the rotating shaft 11a of the washing machine motor 11 penetrates the back surface of the water tank 3 and protrudes into the water tank 3, and is connected and fixed to the rear center of the drum 4. As shown in FIG. As a result, the drum 4 is directly rotationally driven by the washing machine motor 11 . The washing machine motor 11 is provided with a rotation sensor 12 (shown only in FIG. 2) for detecting the rotation of the rotor and thus the drum 4. As shown in FIG.

A drain pipe 13 is connected to the bottom of the water tank 3, and a drain valve 14 constituting a drain device is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 13. As shown in FIG. Although not shown in detail, the drain pipe 13 extends to the outside of the outer box 2, and the water in the water tank 3 is drained to a predetermined drain location such as a washroom. Also, although not shown, an air trap communicating with the interior of the water tank 3 is provided at the bottom of the rear surface of the water tank 3, and this air trap is disposed in the upper part of the outer casing 2 via an air tube. 2) is connected.

A drying unit 16 and an air circulation duct 17 for supplying warm air to the water tank 3 during the drying process are provided inside the outer casing 2 . The air circulation duct 17 as a whole extends from an inlet 17a at the lower end of the back portion of the water tank 3 upwards along the back of the water tank 3, then forwards through the upper portion of the water tank 3, and exits at the upper front end of the water tank 3. 17b. The drying unit 16 includes a blower fan 18 and a heater 19 and is arranged in the middle of the air circulation duct 17, for example, above the water tank 3. As shown in FIG.

In the drying process, the blower fan 18 is driven to draw the air in the water tank 3 and the drum 4 into the air circulation duct 17 from the inlet 17a, heat it by the heater 19, and then flow it into the water tank 3 from the outlet 17b. Circulation such as being supplied is performed. A dehumidifier may be provided in the middle of the air circulation duct 17 . Furthermore, instead of the heater-type drying unit 16, a drying unit having a known heat pump may be provided.

An operation panel 20 is provided on the front upper portion of the outer casing 2 . The operation panel 20 is provided with, for example, various keys for selecting various driving courses and starting driving, a display section for displaying necessary information to the user, and the like. A control device 21 (shown only in FIG. 2) is provided on the back side of the operation panel 20 for overall control. As will be described later in detail, the control device 21 is mainly composed of a microcomputer, and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 based on various input signals and pre-stored control programs.

A water supply device 22 for supplying water from a tap into the water tank 3 and the drum 4 is provided on the upper portion of the outer casing 2 . A detergent injection device 30 for automatically injecting the liquid detergent into the water tank 3 is incorporated in the water supply device 22 portion. A water injection case 23 is provided in the upper portion of the outer casing 2 at the front portion thereof. The water injection case 23 is connected to the front upper portion of the water tank 3 via a water supply hose 23a. Although not shown, the water injection case 23 is provided with a drawer-type detergent input portion, and detergents such as powder detergent, finishing agent, bleach, etc. are previously added to this detergent input portion. , the detergents are supplied into the water tank 3 together with tap water.

A hose connecting portion 24 is provided on the rear end side of the upper portion of the outer casing 2 . Although not shown, the hose connecting portion 24 is connected to the other end of a hose, one end of which is connected to a water faucet. A water supply path 25 extending from the hose connection portion 24 to the water injection case 23 is provided in the outer casing 2 . The water supply path 25 is provided with an electromagnetic water supply valve 26 . An aspirator 27 made of plastic, for example, is inserted downstream of the water supply valve 26 in the middle of the water supply path 25 .

As is well known, the aspirator 27 uses the venturi effect to create a decompressed state. It has an inverted T shape integrally having A check valve (not shown) for preventing backflow is provided in the branch pipe. The aspirator 27 has an inlet portion 27a on the right side in the figure, an outlet portion 27b on the left side, and a suction portion 27c on the upwardly extending portion. It is on the water injection case 23 side. When the water supply valve 26 is opened and water flows through the water supply path 25, the water flows from the inlet portion 27a side toward the outlet portion 27b side, the flow speed increases at the outlet portion of the throttle portion, and the suction portion 27c is decompressed. becomes.

On the rear side of the upper portion of the outer box 2, there is provided a detergent input device 30 that stores the liquid detergent and serves as a supply source of the liquid detergent. In this embodiment, the detergent input device 30 is configured to be directly connectable to a commercially available liquid detergent bottle 31. The bottle connection port 32 is connected with the bottle 31 facing downward, and the bottle in that state. and a bottle holder 33 that supports the bottle 31 . A configuration in which the bottle 31 is housed inside the outer box 2 may be adopted.

Inside the outer box 2, there is provided a liquid detergent reservoir 34 in which the liquid detergent flowing down from the bottle 31 connected to the bottle connection port 32 is temporarily stored. A detergent supply line 35 connected to 34 is provided. The tip of the detergent supply path 35 is connected to the suction portion 27c of the aspirator 27. As shown in FIG. An on-off valve 36 for opening and closing the detergent supply path 35 is provided in the middle of the detergent supply path 35 .

When the bottle 31 is connected to the bottle connection port 32 and the liquid detergent is stored in the liquid detergent reservoir 34, the water supply valve 26 is opened and water is flowing through the water supply path 25. When opened, the liquid detergent is sucked into the aspirator 27 through the detergent supply passage 35 from the suction portion 27c. The sucked liquid detergent flows out from the outlet portion 27b while being mixed with water, and is automatically put into the water tank 3 through the water injection case 23. - 特許庁The water supply valve 26 and the open/close valve 36 are controlled to be opened/closed by the controller 21 .

At this time, since the amount of liquid detergent supplied from the liquid detergent reservoir 34 to the aspirator 27 is proportional to the opening time of the on-off valve 36, for example, by controlling the opening time of the on-off valve 36, the input amount of the liquid detergent can be controlled. It is designed to be In this manner, the detergent input device 30 can supply a predetermined amount of detergent into the water tank 3 (drum 4) at the same time as water is supplied into the water tank 3 by the water supply device 22 . Incidentally, instead of the aspirator 27, a mechanism for introducing detergent using a pump or an electromagnetic valve may be used, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-509464, for example.

A contamination degree detection device 39 for detecting the degree of contamination of the washing water is provided at the inner bottom of the water tub 3 . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the contamination degree detection device 39 includes a transmittance sensor 37 for detecting the light transmittance of the wash water in the water tub 3, and an electric conductivity sensor 37 for detecting the electric conductivity of the wash water. and a sensor 38 . Based on the detection signals of these sensors 37 and 28, it is possible to determine the degree of staining of the washing water, the type of stain such as solid content such as mud, and whether the stain is likely to reattach to the laundry such as pigment stain. Furthermore, the amount of detergent ingredients in the wash water can be determined.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a recess 3a is provided in a portion of the bottom of the water tub 3 where washing water is stored. A hot water heater 40 such as a sheathed heater is provided in the recess 3a as a heating device for heating the washing water in the water tub 3 to generate hot water. Further, although not shown in detail, a temperature sensor 41 (shown only in FIG. 2), which is made up of, for example, a thermistor and detects the temperature of the washing water in the vicinity of the hot water heater 40, is provided in the recess 3a.

Now, FIG. 2 schematically shows an electrical configuration of the drum-type washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, centering on the control device 21 described above. The control device 21 is composed mainly of a computer comprising a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and controls the entire drum washing machine 1 by its software configuration to execute each process of the washing operation. The control device 21 receives an operation signal from the operation section of the operation panel 20 and controls the display of the display section of the operation panel 20 .

Here, although not shown, the operation unit of the operation panel 20 is provided with a power on/off key, a course selection key for selecting the washing operation course, a start key, and the like. At this time, in the present embodiment, the washing operation course includes a default set "standard course", a "soaking course" for soaking and washing heavily soiled clothes, and a washing effect that is higher than room temperature to improve the washing effect. It includes a "hot water washing course" in which a washing process is performed using warm water that is expected to be In the hot water washing course, the hot water temperature can be set between 30°C and 60°C. A user can operate the operation panel 20 to select and execute a desired course.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, detection signals from the rotation sensor 12, the water level sensor 15, the permeability sensor 37, the conductivity sensor 38, and the temperature sensor 41 are input to the control device 21. FIG. The controller 21 drives and controls the washing machine motor 11, and also controls the water supply valve 26, the drain valve 14, the drying unit 16, the detergent input device 30, and the hot water heater 40, respectively. Thus, the control device 21 operates the washing machine motor 11, the water supply valve 26, the drain valve 14, and the drying unit 16 according to the operation control program based on the operation signal of the operation panel 20 by the user and the detection signal of the water level sensor 15 and the like. , the detergent dispenser 30, the hot water heater 40, etc., are controlled, and the washing operation consisting of each process of washing, rinsing, dehydration, etc. is executed.

For example, in the "standard course", washing operations including a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process are executed in order. In the rinsing process, a dehydration rinsing process and a preliminary rinsing process are performed. During the washing process and the pre-rinsing process, the water tank 3 is supplied with water up to a predetermined water level, and the drum 4 is controlled to alternately rotate in the forward and reverse directions at a predetermined time interval at a relatively low speed. In the dewatering and rinsing process and the dewatering process, control is performed to continuously rotate the drum 4 in one direction (for example, forward direction) at high speed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the control device 21 executes the cloth amount detection operation of rotating the drum 4 for a short period of time in a state in which dried clothes are stored in the drum 4 before the start of water supply for the first time, Based on the output signal of the rotation sensor 12 at that time, the rotation load, that is, the weight of the clothes is determined. The control device 21 controls the amount of water supplied by the water supply valve 26, the amount of detergent supplied by the detergent supply device 30 (on-off valve 36) in the washing process, the operating time of each process, etc., according to the detected weight of the clothes. The control device 21 further controls the drying unit 16 to perform, for example, the drying operation after the washing operation.

In this embodiment, as described above, the control device 21 can execute the washing operation of the "pre-soaking course" based on the course selection by the user's operation of the operation panel 20. FIG. As will be described in the following description of action, in this soaking course, when the washing operation is started, the laundry amount detection operation is performed, water supply and detergent are automatically added, and then the drum 4 is rotated at a relatively low speed. After the pre-washing is performed for a short period of time, the soaking process of soaking the clothes in the washing water is performed for a predetermined period of time, such as 1, 2, 4, or 6 hours. After the soaking process is completed, the processes of washing (main wash), rinsing, and dehydration are performed in order, as in the standard course.

At this time, in the present embodiment, the control device 21 performs the contamination level sensing process by the contamination level detection device 39 before starting the soaking process, in this case, during pre-washing, to detect the degree of contamination of the washing water. Then, based on the detection result of the contamination degree sensing process, the control device 21 performs the soaking process after adding detergent by the detergent input device 30 . In this case, the detergent concentration in the soaking process is configured to be higher than the detergent concentration in the contamination level sensing process.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the degree of contamination detected by the degree of contamination detection device 39 in the degree of contamination sensing process is greater than the reference value, the control device 21 opens the drain valve 14 to drain the washing water. After supplying water and detergent, the soaking process is started. Further, when the degree of contamination detected by the degree of contamination detection device 30 is smaller than the reference value in the degree of contamination sensing process, the soaking process is executed after adding detergent without draining water.

Next, the operation of the drum-type washing machine 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 as well. In the drum-type washing machine 1, for example, when washing heavily soiled clothes, the user puts the clothes in the drum 4 and selects the "soaking course" on the operation panel 20 before starting the washing operation. to start. Alternatively, when washing normally soiled clothes, the washing operation is started after selecting the "standard course". The flowchart of FIG. 3 shows the washing operation procedure executed by the control device 21 .

That is, the user sets the washing operation course by operating the operation panel 20 in step S1 while the washing machine 1 is powered on. Subsequently, in step S2, the washing operation is started. Then, in step S3, the cloth amount detection operation is executed to determine the weight of the clothes. In the next step S4, it is determined whether or not the course is the soaking course, and different processing is performed for the standard course and the soaking course.

Here, FIG. 4 shows a specific example of the relationship between the amount of laundry detected and the amount of detergent to be supplied for each of the standard course and the soaking course. In this case, the amount of cloth is judged in four stages of 6 kg, 4 kg, 2 kg and 1 kg, and in the case of the standard course, the amounts of detergent to be put in are 45 g, 40 g, 30 g and 20 g, respectively. In the case of the soaking course, the amount of detergent added in the first pre-wash is slightly larger than in the case of the standard course, and is 50g, 45g, 40g and 35g, respectively.

Returning to FIG. 3, in the case of the standard course (No in step S4), water is supplied up to the determined water level in step S6, and detergent is automatically added in step S7. In the next step S8, the washing process is performed, and after the water is drained in step S9, the dewatering and rinsing process is performed in step S10. After that, water is supplied in step S11, and a rinsing process is performed in step S12. Furthermore, after this, the water is drained in step S13, the dehydration process is executed in step S14, and the washing operation ends.

On the other hand, in the case of the soaking course (Yes in step S4), in step S5, the amount of detergent, the water supply level, etc. are determined according to the detection result of the amount of laundry. In step S6, water is supplied up to the determined water level, and in step S7, the determined amount of detergent is automatically added. Then, in the next step S15, pre-washing is performed, and at that time, the contamination level sensing process is performed. In this contamination level sensing process, the permeability sensor 37 and the conductivity sensor 38 constituting the contamination level detection device 39 detect the permeability and the conductivity of the washing water, respectively. The degree of contamination is determined based on the fact that the electrical conductivity increases as the electrical conductivity decreases. In step S16, it is determined whether the detected degree of contamination is greater than a reference value.

If the degree of contamination is greater than the reference value (Yes at step S16), water is drained at next step S17, and the process proceeds to step S19. The amount of water discharged is controlled by the amount of dirt. For example, if the amount of dirt exceeds the standard value by a predetermined amount or more, all the water in the tank is drained. The amount of water discharged is controlled so that the amount of water discharged is about half the amount. On the other hand, if the degree of contamination is equal to or less than the reference value (No in step S16), the process proceeds directly to step S19 without performing the drainage in step S17. In step S19, the detergent is added and automatically injected. Water may be added along with the addition of detergent. The amount of detergent additionally added at this time is as shown in FIG. be. On the other hand, when the water is drained, about twice as much detergent is put in as when the water is not drained.

After adding the detergent, the soaking process is executed in step S20. When the soaking process for the set time is completed, the main washing process is executed in the next step S21, and after the water is drained in step S22, the dewatering and rinsing process is executed in step S23. After that, water is supplied in step S24, and a rinsing process is performed in step S25. Furthermore, after this, the water is drained in step S26, the dehydration process is executed in step S27, and the washing operation ends.

Thus, when the soaking course is executed, before the main washing process, the soaking process is performed in which the clothes are soaked in the washing water in which the detergent is dissolved in the drum 4 for a certain period of time. It penetrates deep into the skin and makes it easier to remove stubborn dirt. At this time, the control device 21 performs control so that the detergent is added in the pre-washing before the start of the soaking process, and then additional detergent is added by the detergent dispensing device 30 to execute the soaking process. In this manner, by adding a large amount of detergent in the soaking process, it is possible to obtain a sufficient stain removal effect when the clothes are heavily soiled.

In this embodiment, the degree of dirtiness of the washing water is detected by the degree of dirtiness detector 39 in the degree of dirtiness sensing process in the pre-washing, and the control device 21 starts the soaking process when the degree of dirtiness is greater than the reference value. Drain the washing water before washing. After that, water supply and detergent are supplied, and a soaking process with new washing water is executed. By draining the washing water that is heavily soiled in this way, the soil is once discharged, and reattachment of the soil to the clothes can be prevented. When the dirt in the washing water is relatively small, there is no need to drain the water or supply water, so wasteful use of water can be suppressed. The amount of the detergent component in the soaking process is made higher than the amount of the detergent component in the contamination level sensing process. be able to.

According to the drum-type washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the soaking course is provided, and the detergent is added at the start of the soaking process in the soaking course. With the provision, it is possible to appropriately perform the soaking process, which is an excellent effect. In particular, in the present embodiment, when the degree of dirt detected in the degree of dirt sensing process is greater than the reference value, the water is once drained, and then the soaking process is executed with new washing water. As a result, it is possible to satisfactorily remove stains from heavily soiled clothing, and to further enhance the effect of the soaking process. In the case of lightly soiled clothing, wasteful use of water or the like can be suppressed.

It should be noted that an upper limit can be set for the amount of additional detergent to be added during the soaking step. As a result, it is possible to prevent over-supply of the detergent and appropriately reduce the amount of detergent used. Further, as indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 3, when the degree of contamination detected in the degree of contamination sensing process is equal to or less than the reference value (No in step S16), additional detergent is not added. In other words, the step S19 may be skipped and the process may proceed directly to the soaking process (step S20).

(2) Second embodiment,
FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment, and the differences from the first embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment, when the soaking course is executed, the control device 21 determines the type of dirt based on the detection contents of the dirt level detection device 39 in the dirt level sensing process, and determines the type of dirt on the clothes. If the detergent is likely to reattach, the water is drained by the drain valve 14, the water is supplied by the water supply device 22, and the detergent is automatically added by the detergent input device 30 to perform the soaking process.

The flow chart of FIG. 5 shows the control procedure of the washing operation executed by the control device 21, and differs from the first embodiment (flow chart of FIG. 3) in the following points. That is, as in the first embodiment, in step S15, pre-washing is performed and the contamination level sensing process is performed. Then, in the next step S31, it is determined the type of dirt in the washing water, that is, it is determined whether the dirt is likely to reattach to the clothes. Here, among the stains that have adhered to the clothing, it can be said that solids such as mud and pigment stains are stains that are likely to reattach to the clothing. Based mainly on the permeability of the wash water detected by the permeability sensor 37, it is possible to determine whether the stain is likely to adhere to the clothes again. Specifically, for example, when the value of the transmittance sensor 37 is a predetermined value or more, when the degree of change in the value of the transmittance sensor 37 between the start of dirt detection and the end of detection is large, or when the If the increase in transmittance is greater than the change in conductivity by the end of detection, it can be determined that the stain is likely to reattach.

In step S32, it is determined whether or not the determination result of the stain type of the washing water indicates that the stain is likely to adhere to the clothes again. If the stain is likely to reattach to the clothes (Yes in step S32), the water is drained in the next step S17, and the process proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if the dirt is not easily redeposited on the clothes (No in step S32), the process proceeds directly to step S19 without performing the drainage in step S17. In step S19, the detergent is added and automatically injected. At this time, water may be added. After that, the washing operation from the soaking process is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

According to the second embodiment, by executing the contamination level sensing process, it is determined from the detection contents of the contamination level detection device 39 whether or not the type of contamination in the washing water is easily reattached to the clothes. be able to. If the stain in the washing water is likely to reattach to the clothes, water is supplied and detergent is added after draining water during the soaking process. As a result, the dirt that tends to reattach to the clothes can be discharged once, and then the water is supplied to ensure sufficient washing performance of the washing water, and the soaking process can be performed, making it possible to remove the dirt from the clothes better. It can be carried out.

At this time, the contamination degree detection device 39 includes a transmittance sensor 37 that detects the light transmittance of the wash water, and an electrical conductivity sensor 38 that detects the electrical conductivity of the wash water. These two types of sensors 37 and 38 can detect the degree of contamination of the washing water, and also determine the type of contamination, i.e., the type of contamination, i.e., the type of contamination, i. Good judgment becomes possible. In this case, for example, when the degree of change in transmittance is greater than the degree of change in conductivity, or when the value of the transmittance sensor 37 is equal to or greater than a threshold value, it can be determined that dirt is likely to reattach. .

(3) Third Embodiment FIGS. 6 and 7 show a third embodiment, and different points from the first embodiment will be described. In this third embodiment, the washing water in which the detergent is dissolved in the water in the washing tub drum 4 is heated to a set temperature (for example, 60° C., 50° C., 40° C., or 30° C.) by the hot water heater 40. , it is configured to be able to execute a "hot water soaking course" in which clothes are soaked for a certain period of time. When the hot water soaking course is executed, the controller 21 causes the hot water heater 40 to raise the washing water to the set temperature, and when the temperature sensor 41 detects the first predetermined temperature, the detergent injection device 30 additional input.

The flow chart of FIG. 6 shows the control procedure of the washing operation executed by the control device 21, and differs from the first embodiment (flow chart of FIG. 3) in the following points. That is, in step S41, it is determined whether or not the hot water soaking course is selected, and if the standard course is selected (No in step S41), steps S6 to S14 are executed in the same manner as described above. In the case of the hot water soaking course (Yes at step S41), the first water supply (step S6) and detergent injection (step S7) are performed. In the next step S42, washing water dirtiness sensing is performed. Based on the degree of contamination detected by this degree of contamination sensing, the amount of detergent to be added in step S45 is determined. As in the first and second embodiments, it may be configured such that water is drained and water is supplied in accordance with the degree of contamination detected.

At step S43, the hot water heater 40 is turned on to heat the washing water, and the temperature of the washing water gradually rises from normal temperature. In step S44, based on the detection by the temperature sensor 41, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the wash water has reached the first predetermined temperature. This first predetermined temperature is a temperature that serves as a guideline for adding additional detergent. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when the set temperatures of the hot water soaking course are 60° C., 50° C., and 40° C., the first predetermined temperature is 35° C., and the set temperature is 30° C. case, the first predetermined temperature is 30°C. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 reaches the first predetermined temperature (Yes in step S44), additional detergent is added in step S45. Additional water supply may be performed at this time. In step S46, the washing water is further heated.

Such additional water supply and additional detergent input results in a higher amount of detergent components in the wash water. In this case, the detergent is added after the washing water has been heated to a certain extent, so that the degree of dissolution of the detergent can be improved. In the next step S47, it is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 has reached the second predetermined temperature. This second predetermined temperature is the upper limit temperature when adjusting the temperature of the washing water at the set temperature, that is, when performing on/off control of the hot water heater 40 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when the set temperature is 60.degree. C., the second predetermined temperature is 65.degree.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 reaches the second predetermined temperature (Yes in step S47), in step S48, heating by the hot water heater 40 is stopped (turned off) and the soaking process is started. be done. During this soaking process, it is determined in step S49 whether or not a predetermined time (set soaking time) has elapsed. Until the predetermined time elapses (No in step S49), in the next step S50, it is monitored whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 has decreased below the third predetermined temperature. This third predetermined temperature is the lower limit temperature when adjusting the temperature of the washing water at the set temperature, that is, when performing on/off control of the hot water heater 40 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, when the set temperature is 60.degree. C., the third predetermined temperature is also 60.degree.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 becomes equal to or lower than the third predetermined temperature (Yes in step S50), heating by the hot water heater 40 is performed again in step S51. In the next step S52, it is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 has reached the second predetermined temperature. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 has not yet reached the second predetermined temperature (No in step S52), the process returns to step S51 to continue heating the wash water.

Heating is continued until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 reaches the second predetermined temperature, and when the temperature reaches the second predetermined temperature (Yes in step S52), the process returns to step S49. When the predetermined time (the set soaking time) has passed (Yes at step S49), the soaking process is terminated at step S53. After that, in steps S21 to S27, steps from the main washing step to the dehydration step are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment and the like, and the washing operation ends.

According to this, when the hot water soaking course is executed, the washing water in which the detergent is dissolved in the water in the drum 4 is heated to the set temperature by the hot water heater 40, and the clothes are soaked for a certain period of time. can do. In this case, by using warm water, the detergent dissolves well and the stains on the clothes can be removed better than in the case of using normal temperature washing water.

At this time, when the warm water soaking course is executed, the washing water is raised to the set temperature, and when the first predetermined temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 41, the detergent is additionally charged by the detergent charging device 30.例文帳に追加By adding the detergent during heating of the washing water, the detergent can be quickly dissolved in the washing water having a relatively high temperature, and the stain removing effect in the soaking process can be further enhanced. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to appropriately execute the soaking process in the washing machine provided with the detergent feeding device.

Further, in this embodiment, when the temperature sensor 41 detects that the temperature is lower than the third predetermined temperature during execution of the hot water soaking course, the water temperature can be maintained by heating the washing water with the hot water heater 40. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the stain removing effect caused by a decrease in the temperature of the washing water.

(4) Fourth Embodiment and Other Embodiments FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment, which differs from the third embodiment in the following points. That is, in the fourth embodiment, when the hot water soaking course is executed, the controller 21 controls the amount of the detergent component in the washing water based on the conductivity of the washing water detected by the conductivity sensor 38. Determine if greater than or equal to value. When the electric conductivity detected by the electric conductivity sensor 38 is below a predetermined electric conductivity, the control device 21 determines that the amount of unused detergent components (not reacting with dirt) in the washing water has decreased. Determination is made, and after additional detergent is injected by the detergent injection device 30, the soaking process is continued.

The flowchart of FIG. 8 shows the control procedure of the washing operation executed by the control device 21 . Differences from the third embodiment (flow chart in FIG. 6) are mainly described below. At step S41, it is determined whether or not the hot water soaking course is selected. If the standard course is selected (No at step S41), steps S8 to S14 are executed in the same manner as described above. In the case of the hot water soaking course (Yes at step S41), the degree of dirtiness of the washing water is sensed at the next step S42, and the additional amount of detergent to be added is determined. Also in this case, as in the first and second embodiments, it may be configured such that drainage and water supply are performed according to the detected degree of contamination. In step S43, the hot water heater 40 is turned on to heat the washing water, and the temperature of the washing water gradually rises from normal temperature. The hot water heater 40 is turned on to heat the washing water. In step S44, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the wash water has reached the first predetermined temperature, and if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 has reached the first predetermined temperature (Yes in step S44), step In S45, additional detergent is added.

In the next step S61, based on the conductivity of the wash water detected by the conductivity sensor 38, it is determined whether the detergent concentration is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. If it is determined that the electrical conductivity is less than the predetermined value (No in step S61), additional detergent is added in step S45. If it is determined that the electrical conductivity is equal to or higher than the predetermined value (Yes in step S61), the washing water is further heated in step S46. In the next step S47, it is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 has reached the second predetermined temperature.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 reaches the second predetermined temperature (Yes in step S47), in step S48, heating by the hot water heater 40 is stopped (turned off) and the soaking process is started. be done. During this soaking process, it is determined in step S62 whether or not a predetermined time (set soaking time) has elapsed. Until the predetermined time has passed (No in step S62), in the next step S63, based on the conductivity of the washing water detected by the conductivity sensor 38, the amount of the detergent component in the washing water is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. It is always monitored whether there is If it is determined that the amount of the detergent component is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (Yes in step S63), in step S50, it is monitored whether the temperature detected by temperature sensor 41 has decreased below a third predetermined temperature. be done.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 becomes equal to or lower than the third predetermined temperature (Yes in step S50), heating by the hot water heater 40 is performed again in step S51. In the next step S52, it is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 has reached the second predetermined temperature. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 has not yet reached the second predetermined temperature (No in step S52), the process returns to step S51 to continue heating the wash water. Heating is continued until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 reaches the second predetermined temperature, and when the temperature reaches the second predetermined temperature (Yes in step S52), the process returns to step S62.

On the other hand, if the electrical conductivity is determined to be less than the predetermined value (No in step S63), additional detergent is added in step S64. Additional water supply may be performed at this time as well. Then, when the predetermined time (the set soaking time) has passed (Yes at step S62), the soaking process is terminated at step S65. After that, in steps S21 to S27, steps from the main washing step to the dehydration step are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment and the like, and the washing operation ends.

According to such a fourth embodiment, the amount of the detergent component in the wash water can be determined with sufficient certainty from the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor 38, and the amount of the detergent component in the wash water can be determined with sufficient certainty. When the detergent is lowered, the detergent is additionally injected by the detergent injection device 30, and the soaking process is continued. Therefore, the deterioration of the cleaning effect due to the decrease in the amount of the detergent component in the washing water during the soaking process can be covered by adding additional detergent by the detergent input device 30, and the deterioration of the stain removing effect can be suppressed. can do.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the contamination level sensing process (pre-washing process) is configured to be performed by adding detergent. ) may be performed. In addition, in the contamination level sensing process, the amount of detergent is simply increased according to the degree of contamination detected in the contamination level sensing process, and the detergent is added at the start of the soaking process. It is good also as a structure which throws in. The degree of contamination detection device may be modified to include only one of the permeability sensor and the conductivity sensor.

A washing machine having a function of generating fine bubble water containing fine bubbles of several hundred μm to several tens of nm, especially fine bubble water containing a large number of ultra-fine bubbles of 1 μm to several tens of nm, produces fine bubble water. You may make it carry out a soak process using it. Furthermore, various changes are possible for the overall configuration of the washing machine, and it can be applied to, for example, a so-called vertical shaft type washing machine. The washing machine may be configured without a drying function. In addition, specific numerical values such as the dosage of detergent shown in FIG. 4 and the predetermined temperature shown in FIG. 7 are merely examples, and can of course be changed as appropriate.

Each embodiment described above is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

In the drawings, 1 is a drum type washing machine, 2 is an outer case, 3 is a water tank, 4 is a drum (washing tub), 14 is a drain valve (drainage device), 20 is an operation panel, 21 is a control device, and 22 is a water supply device. , 30 is a detergent dispenser, 37 is a permeability sensor, 38 is an electrical conductivity sensor, 39 is a contamination level detector, 40 is a hot water heater (heating device), and 41 is a temperature sensor.

Claims (6)

a washing tub in which the laundry is stored;
a water supply device for supplying water to the washing tub;
a drainage device for draining water from the washing tub;
a detergent input device for automatically inputting detergent into the washing tub;
a contamination degree detection device that detects the degree of contamination of the washing water in the washing tub;
A control device that controls each device to perform a washing operation,
Before executing the main washing operation, a soaking course including a soaking step in which the laundry is soaked in washing water in which detergent is dissolved in the washing tub for a certain period of time can be executed,
The control device, when executing the soaking course,
Before the start of the soaking process, a contamination level sensing process is performed to detect the degree of contamination of the washing water by the contamination level detection device,
When the contamination level detected by the contamination level detection device in the contamination level sensing step is greater than the reference value,
A washing machine in which washing water is drained, water is supplied, and detergent is added before starting the soaking process . Based on the detection result in the contamination degree sensing process, the control device drains the washing water, supplies water, and additionally adds detergent before starting the soaking process, or does not drain the washing water. carry out either a further detergent dosing or no further detergent dosing,
A washing machine according to claim 1. When the soaking course is executed, the control device determines the type of dirt from the detected contents of the dirt degree detection device in the dirt degree sensing process, and the type of dirt is likely to reattach to the laundry. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein water is supplied by said water supplying device after said water is drained by said water draining device. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the contamination degree detection device includes a transmittance sensor for detecting light transmittance of the wash water in the washing tub, and an electrical conductivity sensor for detecting the electrical conductivity of the wash water. A washing machine according to any one of the preceding paragraphs. a heating device for heating the washing water in the washing tub;
a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the wash water in the washing tub;
Hot water including a step of soaking the laundry for a certain period of time in a state where the washing water in which the detergent is dissolved in the water is heated to the set temperature by the heating device before the main washing operation is executed. In addition to being configured to be able to execute the soaking course,
When the warm water soaking course is executed, the control device causes the heating device to raise the washing water to a set temperature, and when the temperature sensor detects a first predetermined temperature, the detergent injection device starts to pour the detergent. make an additional input,
A washing machine according to claim 1. A conductivity sensor that detects the conductivity of the washing water,
In the soaking process, when the electrical conductivity detected by the electrical conductivity sensor is lower than a predetermined electrical conductivity, the control device causes the detergent input device to add additional detergent, and then performs the soaking process. 6. The washing machine of claim 5 , continuing .

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