JP2008125889A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine which can perform the heat washing of the laundry by supplying steam and can automatically apply detergent all over the laundry, and in which the laundry hardly wrinkles. <P>SOLUTION: When the heat washing of the laundry is performed by directly heating the laundry or liquid detergent, a drum 3 is first rotated and the liquid detergent is supplied, so that a dense liquid detergent is applied all over the laundry. Also, the heat washing of the laundry starts at 60°C to be set to a high-middle temperature and is completed at 50°C to be set to a middle temperature. In rinsing after the heat washing, rinse water is heated by the steam and rinsing is performed at 40°C to be set to low temperature. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine capable of heating and washing laundry by supplying steam.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a washing method in which steam is given to laundry impregnated with a detergent solution to increase the temperature of the detergent solution and decompose dirt on the laundry.
A washing machine that executes such a washing method includes, for example, a water receiving tank for storing water and a water receiving tank that communicates with the water receiving tank, and performs processing such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration. A washing and dewatering tank, a water supply valve that is opened and closed to supply water to the water receiving tank, a circulation path for circulating the water in the water receiving tank, and a pump for sucking out the water in the water receiving tank to the circulation path A circulation pump, a watering nozzle provided at the upper part of the washing / dehydrating tub, for spraying water passing through the circulation path into the washing / dehydrating tub, and a steam supply device for supplying steam to the washing / dehydrating tub (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, when a user puts laundry and detergent into the washing and dewatering tub and starts operation, the water supply valve is opened and supplied to the water receiving tub. Water is supplied to a predetermined water level in the dehydration tank. Thereby, detergent and water mix and a detergent liquid produces | generates. Then, when the circulation pump is activated, the detergent liquid in the water receiving tank is sucked out into the circulation path, passes through the circulation path, and is sprayed from the watering nozzle onto the laundry in the washing and dewatering tank. By spraying the detergent liquid on the laundry, the detergent liquid is soaked throughout the laundry. Thereafter, the steam supply device is activated to supply steam to the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub. As a result, the temperature of the detergent liquid soaked into the laundry is raised, and the laundry is cleaned by this hot detergent liquid.

By the way, in recent years, it has been studied to apply a special detergent to a specific part of the laundry and to wash the laundry with a washing machine. For example, a special detergent (stain removal detergent) has been developed that, after being applied to the collar and cuffs of a cutter shirt, can be quickly heated to chemically react with stains and stains to remove stains in a short time. Therefore, it has been studied to heat and wash the laundry by putting the laundry coated with such a special detergent into a washing machine and supplying steam to the laundry.
JP 2003-93775 A

However, when a special detergent is used, the special detergent must be manually applied to the laundry, and such an application work is very troublesome.
In addition, as described above, when the washing is heated to a certain temperature (for example, 70 ° C.) and then washed, when cold water is supplied to rinse the laundry soaked with the detergent, This drastically lowers the temperature of the laundry.

Some chemical fibers have the property of immobilizing wrinkles in the laundry due to sudden temperature changes. Laundry containing chemical fibers with these properties as a composition is rapidly cooled after heat washing. If this happens, wrinkles will occur in the laundry after washing, which is not preferable.
The present invention has been made based on such a background, and in a washing machine capable of heating and washing laundry by supplying steam, the laundry can be automatically applied to the entire laundry. The main purpose is to provide a machine.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can heat-wash laundry, and that is less prone to wrinkles in the laundry after washing.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a treatment tank for storing laundry and performing processing such as washing and rinsing of the laundry, water supply means for supplying water to the treatment tank, and detergent for supplying detergent to the treatment tank. A washing machine having a supply means and a steam supply means for supplying steam to the treatment tank in order to heat the laundry, and sequentially performing a detergent application step and a washing step, in the detergent application step, A washing machine is characterized in that a detergent is supplied from the detergent supply means, and the detergent is applied to the entire laundry.

The invention according to claim 2 is the washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the detergent application step includes a process of supplying a small amount of water from the water supply means to wet the entire laundry.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the detergent application step includes a process of applying the detergent to the entire laundry, supplying steam from the steam supply means, and heating the laundry coated with the detergent with steam. It is a washing machine of Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the treatment tank is provided with an outer tub for storing water, and is rotatably provided in the outer tub, and water and gas are communicated with the outer tub in a freely flowing manner. An inner tub for containing objects, and in the detergent application step, the inner tub is rotated in a predetermined manner to apply the detergent to the entire laundry and to wet the entire laundry. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the washing machine is characterized by that.

  In the invention according to claim 5, prior to the detergent application step, water is supplied from the water supply means, and the first initial setting water level at which the water surface is in contact with the lowermost surface of the inner tank, or the first initial setting. 5. An initial water supply process executing means for executing an initial water supply process for storing water in the outer tank until a second initial set water level at which a water surface of the water level slightly enters the inner tank is provided. It is a washing machine of description.

  The invention according to claim 6 is a treatment tank for storing laundry and performing processing such as washing and rinsing of the laundry, water supply means for supplying water to the treatment tank, and detergent for supplying detergent to the treatment tank. Supply means; steam supply means for supplying steam to the treatment tub to heat the laundry; detergent supplied from the detergent supply means; water supplied from the water supply means; and steam supplied from the steam supply means In a high temperature environment where the environmental temperature around the laundry is predetermined, washing of the laundry is started, and the environmental temperature is lowered to a predetermined low temperature lower than the high temperature, A washing machine comprising: a heating washing process executing means for executing a heating washing process for ending washing.

The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the heat washing process execution means reduces the environmental temperature stepwise by reducing the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply means stepwise. A washing machine according to claim 6.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the heating and washing process execution means supplies the water from the water supply means and gradually decreases the environmental temperature by increasing the amount of water accumulated in the treatment tank. The washing machine according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it is a washing machine.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the detergent application process performed before the washing process, the detergent is supplied from the detergent supply means and applied to the entire laundry.
Since the detergent is automatically applied to the laundry before the washing process of the laundry, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of manually applying the detergent to the laundry before storing the laundry in the treatment tank. In addition, since the steam supply means is provided, the detergent is applied to the entire laundry, and then the steam is supplied from the steam supply means and the washing process is performed, so that the detergent and the laundry soaked in the entire laundry are adhered to the laundry. The chemical reaction with the soiled soil is promoted, and the soiling of the entire laundry can be removed in a short time.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the detergent application step includes a process in which a small amount of water is supplied from the water supply means to wet the entire laundry.
When the entire laundry is wetted with a small amount of water, it is possible to reduce the bulk of the laundry and secure a large space in the treatment tank as compared with the laundry in a dry state. As a result, when the laundry to which the detergent is applied is heated with steam, the treatment tank can be easily filled with steam, so that the entire laundry can be heated uniformly in a short time and efficiently. The chemical reaction between the detergent and dirt can be promoted. In addition, wet laundry is easy to become familiar with the detergent solution, and the detergent is easily applied to the entire laundry.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the detergent application step, the detergent is applied to the entire laundry, steam is supplied from the steam supply means, and the laundry coated with the detergent is heated with steam. Processing is included. By heating the laundry with steam, the chemical reaction between the detergent applied to the laundry and the dirt attached to the laundry can be promoted, and the laundry can be removed in a short time.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the detergent application step, the inner tub is rotated in a predetermined manner in order to apply the detergent to the entire laundry and to wet the entire laundry.

By rotating the inner tub, the detergent can be uniformly applied to the entire laundry. As a result, when the laundry is heated with steam, the dirt attached to the laundry can be removed uniformly.
According to the invention described in claim 5, prior to the detergent application step, the initial water supply step execution means supplies water from the water supply means to the first initial set water level or the second initial set water level. An initial water supply process for storing water is performed.

  Since water is stored up to the first initial set water level where the water surface is in contact with the lowermost surface of the inner tank, a portion of the outer tank space that is lower than the lowermost surface of the inner tank is filled with water. Therefore, when detergent is thrown in a subsequent detergent application process, it can control that the detergent flows into the drain pipe etc. which were connected to the lower part of an outer tub, for example. As a result, the loss of the detergent can be reduced, and the introduced detergent can be applied to the laundry without waste. Moreover, when water is collected up to the second initial setting water level where the water surface of the first initial setting water level slightly enters the inner tub, by rotating the inner tub, the stored water is removed from the laundry. Can contribute to wet.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the environment around the laundry is obtained by supplying the detergent from the detergent supply means, supplying water from the water supply means, and supplying steam from the steam supply means by the heat washing process execution means. In a high temperature environment where the temperature is predetermined, washing of the laundry is started, the high temperature environment temperature is lowered to a low temperature, and the washing process is finished to finish the washing.
Washing is started in a high temperature environment (for example, 70 ° C.) around the laundry, so that the chemical reaction between the detergent and the dirt adhering to the laundry is promoted in a short time. Can clean laundry. Also, since the environmental temperature is kept at a high temperature, the process does not proceed to the rinsing process, the environmental temperature is lowered to a predetermined low temperature lower than the high temperature, the washing is finished, and the process proceeds to the rinsing process. It is possible to prevent the laundry from being rapidly cooled by the water to be discharged.

As a result, even if the laundry contains as a composition chemical fibers having the property of fixing the wrinkles of the laundry due to a rapid temperature change, the laundry can be made less likely to be wrinkled. In order to lower the environmental temperature, the ambient temperature may be lowered gradually or gradually.
According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the environmental temperature is lowered stepwise by the step of reducing the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply means by the heat washing process execution means. Since the amount of steam supplied to the object to be heated and the temperature rise of the object to be heated are in a proportional relationship, it is possible to easily adjust the degree of temperature rise of the object to be heated by adjusting the amount of steam supplied. it can. That is, if the amount of steam from the steam supply means is reduced stepwise as in claim 7, the environmental temperature can be easily reduced stepwise.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the amount of water supplied from the water supply means and stored in the treatment tank is increased stepwise by the heat washing process execution means, so that the environmental temperature is lowered stepwise. Since the amount of water supplied to the object to be cooled and the temperature drop of the object to be cooled are in a proportional relationship, it is possible to easily adjust the temperature drop of the object to be cooled by adjusting the amount of water supplied. it can. That is, as in claim 8, if the amount of water stored in the treatment tank is increased stepwise, the environmental temperature can be easily reduced stepwise.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic piping diagram of a drum type washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The drum type washing machine 1 is a washing machine that is mainly introduced into a coin laundry store, a cleaning facility, a general household, and the like.
The drum-type washing machine 1 includes an outer tub 2 that can store water therein, and a substantially cylindrical drum 3 (inner tub) that is rotatably disposed in the outer tub 2. Laundry can be accommodated in the laundry. The outer tank 2 and the drum 3 correspond to the processing tank of the present invention.

On the peripheral surface of the drum 3, a through-hole 4 is formed through which water and steam communicate with the inside of the outer tub 2 so as to be freely circulated. Therefore, by supplying water or steam to the outer tub 2, it can also be supplied into the drum 3 through the through hole 4.
A plurality of baffles 5 (three in this embodiment) protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the drum 3 at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction. When the drum 3 rotates during washing, the laundry accommodated in the drum 3 is lifted by the baffle 5 and so-called tapping washing is performed in which the laundry falls naturally.

A water supply unit 6 and a steam supply unit 7 (steam supply means) are provided around the outer tub 2.
The water supply part 6 is a part which supplies water and a detergent to the outer tank 2, and contains the tap water supply part 8 (water supply means) and the auxiliary agent supply part 9 (detergent supply means).
The tap water supply unit 8 is a part that supplies tap water to the outer tub 2, and includes a water supply pipe 10 having one end connected to the peripheral wall of the outer tub 2. A water intake 11 connected to an external water supply facility (not shown) such as a water tap is formed at the other end of the water supply pipe 10, and connects the water intake 11 and the external water supply facility. By this, an external water supply equipment and the outer tank 2 can be made to communicate.

In the middle of the water supply pipe 10, a water supply strainer 12, a check valve 13 and a water supply valve 14 are provided in this order from the upstream side in the water flow direction.
In order to supply tap water to the outer tub 2, the water supply valve 14 may be “open”. By opening the water supply valve 14, the tap water that flows into the water supply pipe 10 from the external water supply facility and is blocked by the water supply valve 14 flows through the water supply pipe 10 and is supplied to the outer tub 2. The When foreign matter is mixed in the water flowing through the water supply pipe 10, the foreign matter is captured by the water supply strainer 12. Further, the check valve 13 prevents water from flowing backward.

Further, a merging pipe 15 is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 10 and downstream of the water supply valve 14.
The junction pipe 15 is connected to a hot water supply unit 16 for supplying hot water to the outer tub 2 instead of supplying tap water from the tap water supply unit 8. That is, the hot water supply unit 16 can function as the water supply means of the present invention.

The hot water supply unit 16 includes a hot water supply device 17 for taking in hot water supplied from a hot water supply facility (not shown) such as a hot water heater installed outside.
A hot water supply pipe 18 is accommodated in the hot water supply apparatus 17, and one end of the hot water supply pipe 18 is exposed from the outer wall of the hot water supply apparatus 17 and connected to a connection pipe 19 connected to the junction pipe 15. ing. On the other hand, a hot water inlet 20 connected to an external hot water supply facility is formed at the other end of the hot water supply pipe 18, and by connecting the hot water intake 20 and the external hot water supply facility, an external The hot water supply facility and the outer tub 2 can be communicated with each other.

In the middle of the hot water supply pipe 18, a warm water strainer 21 and a hot water supply valve 22 are provided in this order from the upstream side in the water flow direction in the hot water supply device 17.
In order to supply hot water to the outer tub 2, the water supply valve 14 may be “closed” and the hot water supply valve 22 may be “open”. By operating these valves in this way, the hot water flowing into the hot water supply pipe 18 from the external hot water supply equipment and blocked by the hot water supply valve 22 flows in the hot water supply pipe 18, In 15, it flows to the water supply pipe 10 and is supplied to the outer tub 2. In addition, when the foreign material etc. are mixed in the warm water which flows through the warm water supply pipe 18, the foreign material is captured by the warm water strainer 21.

Further, when it is difficult to provide the hot water supply unit 16 such as when the installation space of the drum type washing machine 1 is limited, the tap water supplied from an external water supply facility without providing the hot water supply unit 16 is provided. It can also be a specification that only uses.
The auxiliary agent supplying unit 9 is a part that supplies the outer tub 2 with a detergent solution containing a detergent or a softener solution containing a softener.

The auxiliary agent supply unit 9 includes an auxiliary agent supply pipe 24 connected to a branch pipe 23 provided in the water supply pipe 10 between the water supply valve 14 and the check valve 13. The terminal end of the auxiliary agent supply pipe 24 is connected to an auxiliary agent supply port 25 formed in the upper part of the peripheral wall of the outer tub 2.
The auxiliary agent supply pipe 24 is branched in the middle into a detergent liquid supply pipe 26 and a softener liquid supply pipe 27, and the ends of these two supply pipes (26, 27) are used for washing. It is connected to the auxiliary agent accommodating part 28 for accommodating auxiliary agents (for example, detergent and a softening agent).

  A detergent container 29 for storing detergent and a softener container 30 for storing a softening agent are stored side by side in the auxiliary agent storage unit 28. In the upper part of the detergent container 29, a terminal opening 31 of the detergent liquid supply pipe 26 is arranged so as to face the inside of the detergent container 29. On the other hand, a terminal opening 32 of the softener liquid supply pipe 27 is arranged on the upper part of the softener container 30 so as to face the softener container 30.

Further, in the middle of the detergent liquid supply pipe 26 and the softener liquid supply pipe 27, there are a detergent liquid supply valve 33 and a softener liquid supply valve 34 for opening and closing the pipelines of these two supply pipes (26, 27). Each is provided.
In order to supply the detergent solution in which the detergent is dissolved to the outer tub 2, the water supply valve 14 may be “closed” and the detergent solution supply valve 33 may be “open”. By operating these valves in this way, the water flows into the water supply pipe 10, the auxiliary agent supply pipe 24 and the detergent liquid supply pipe 26 from the external water supply equipment, and is blocked by the detergent liquid supply valve 33. Water flows out into the detergent container 29. When water flows out into the detergent container 29, the detergent previously stored in the detergent container 29 is dissolved to form a detergent solution, which is supplied again to the outer tub 2 through the auxiliary agent supply pipe 24.

  And since the detergent liquid supplied to the outer tank 2 falls in the outer tank 2 by its own weight, a part of the detergent liquid collides with the peripheral surface of the drum 3. The detergent liquid that has collided with the peripheral surface of the drum 3 is then supplied to the drum 3 from the through hole 4 along the peripheral surface. On the other hand, the other detergent liquid does not collide with the peripheral surface of the drum 3, for example, and travels through a lid (not shown) provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer tub 2 or the front surface of the outer tub 2 to 2 is stored. In this case, when the detergent solution is accumulated in the outer tub 2 to a position higher than the lower surface of the drum 3, the detergent solution is also supplied into the drum 3 through the through hole 4.

On the other hand, in order to supply the softening agent solution in which the softening agent is dissolved to the outer tub 2, the water supply valve 14 may be “closed” and the softening agent liquid supply valve 34 may be “open”. By operating in this way, the softening agent solution in which the softening agent is dissolved is supplied into the outer tub 2 and the drum 3 as in the case of the detergent solution.
In addition, since the manual adjustment valve 35 for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the detergent container 29 and the softener container 30 is provided in the middle of the auxiliary agent supply pipe 24, the user can use the detergent liquid and the softener. When supplying the chemical liquid to the outer tub 2, the water supply amount is adjusted by rotating the adjustment valve 35 while checking whether or not the water overflows from the detergent container 29 and the softener container 30. Can do.

The steam supply unit 7 is a part that supplies steam to the outer tub 2.
The steam supply unit 7 includes a steam supply pipe 36 having one end connected to an external steam generator (not shown). The steam supply pipe 36 includes a first steam supply pipe 37, Branching into a second steam supply pipe 38 and a third steam supply pipe 39.
The terminal end of the first steam supply pipe 37 is connected to a first steam jet outlet 40 formed at a position of the outer tub 2 that is substantially the same height as an overflow port 57 (described later). A first steam supply valve 41 for opening and closing the conduit of the first steam supply pipe 37 is provided in the middle of the first steam supply pipe 37.

  In order to supply steam from the first steam supply pipe 37 to the outer tub 2, the first steam supply valve 41 may be “open”. By opening the first steam supply valve 41, the steam that has flowed into the steam supply pipe 36 and the first steam supply pipe 37 from the external steam generator and was blocked by the first steam supply valve 41. Is ejected into the outer tank 2. At this time, if the water level in the outer tub 2 is lower than the overflow port 57, the steam is jetted into the space of the outer tub 2 and collides with the drum 3 to fill the outer tub 2. When the outer tank 2 is filled with steam, a part of the steam passes through the through hole 4 of the drum 3 and also fills the drum 3. Therefore, when the laundry is accommodated in the drum 3, the laundry is wrapped in the steam filled in the drum 3 and heated. Thus, by supplying the steam from the first steam supply pipe 37, the laundry stored in the drum 3 can be directly heated.

The terminal end of the second steam supply pipe 38 is connected to a second steam outlet 42 formed at a position lower than the lower surface of the drum 3 in the outer tub 2. A second steam supply valve 43 for opening and closing the conduit of the second steam supply pipe 38 is provided in the middle of the second steam supply pipe 38.
In order to supply steam from the second steam supply pipe 38 to the outer tub 2, the second steam supply valve 43 may be “open”. By opening the second steam supply valve 43, the steam that has flowed into the steam supply pipe 36 and the second steam supply pipe 38 from the external steam generator and was blocked by the second steam supply valve 43. Is ejected into the outer tank 2.

  At this time, if the water is stored in the outer tub 2 so as to cover the second steam outlet 42, the steam is jetted into the water stored in the outer tub 2 and mixed with the water. Since steam is hot and water is cooler than steam, when mixed, heat is exchanged between the steam and water to heat the water. Moreover, when the water is stored in the outer tub 2 to such an extent that the drum 3 is immersed, since the drum 3 is heated by this heated water, the laundry in the drum 3 is heated. Laundry is also heated by direct contact with heated water. Thus, by supplying the steam from the second steam supply pipe 38, the water stored in the outer tub 2 can be heated, and the laundry can also be indirectly heated.

The terminal end of the third steam supply pipe 39 is connected to a third steam jet outlet 44 formed at a substantially central portion of the outer tub 2. A third steam supply valve 45 for opening and closing the conduit of the third steam supply pipe 39 is provided in the middle of the third steam supply pipe 39. An ejector 46 is provided in the middle of the third steam supply pipe 39 and downstream of the third steam supply valve 45.
One end of the ejector 46 is connected to a paste water supply pipe 48, which is connected to a paste water container 47 in which paste water is stored.

In order to supply steam from the third steam supply pipe 39 to the outer tub 2, the third steam supply valve 45 may be “open”. By opening the third steam supply valve 45, the steam that flows from the external steam generator into the steam supply pipe 36 and the third steam supply pipe 39 and is blocked by the third steam supply valve 45 Flows through the third steam supply pipe 39 in the direction of the ejector 46.
When the steam passes through the ejector 46 in the direction of the outer tub 2, a negative pressure is generated in the ejector 46, and glue water is sucked into the ejector 46 and mixed into the steam. Steam containing glue water is ejected from the third steam outlet 44 into the outer tub 2 and is applied to the laundry in the drum 3 as in the case of steam supply from the first steam supply pipe 37 to the outer tub 2. Supplied. Since the laundry is wrapped in the steam containing paste water by supplying the steam from the third steam supply pipe 39 in this way, for example, it is easily pasted on clothes that do not want to be out of shape, such as a shirt. Can be performed.

When foreign matter is mixed in the steam flowing through the steam supply pipe 36, the foreign matter is supplied to the steam provided in the steam supply pipe 36 before flowing out to each steam supply pipe (37, 38, 39). It is captured by the strainer 49.
An exhaust port 50 for discharging the air in the outer tub 2 is provided in the upper part of the peripheral wall of the outer tub 2, and one end of an exhaust pipe 51 is connected to the exhaust port 50. Since the other end of the exhaust pipe 51 is exposed outside the machine (not shown), the air in the outer tub 2 is discharged outside the machine through the exhaust pipe 51.

  An exhaust temperature sensor 52 that measures the temperature of the air passing through the exhaust pipe 51 is provided in the middle of the exhaust pipe 51. Since the temperature difference between the air passing through the exhaust pipe 51 and the air in the outer tub 2 is substantially zero, the temperature of the air in the outer tub 2 is measured by measuring the temperature of the exhaust air using the exhaust temperature sensor 52. Can know. Therefore, when steam is supplied from the first steam supply pipe 37 to the outer tub 2 and the laundry in the drum 3 is heated to a predetermined set temperature, whether or not the laundry is heated to the set temperature is exhausted. The determination can be made based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 52.

  A water temperature sensor 53 for measuring the temperature of water stored in the outer tub 2 is provided at the lower part of the outer tub 2. The water temperature sensor 53 can measure not only the water stored in the outer tub 2 but also the temperature of the detergent liquid stored in the outer tub 2. When the detergent solution is heated to a preset temperature, it can be determined based on the temperature measured by the water temperature sensor 53 whether the detergent solution has been heated to the preset temperature.

Further, a drain outlet 54 for discharging water stored in the outer tub 2 is formed at the lowermost part of the outer tub 2, and one end of the drain outlet 54 extends to a drain groove outside the machine. A tube 55 is connected. In order to drain the water in the outer tub 2 outside the apparatus, the drain valve 56 provided in the drain pipe 55 may be “open”.
An overflow port 57 is formed at a predetermined height of the peripheral wall of the outer tub 2, and one end of an overflow pipe 58 is connected to the overflow port 57. Since the other end of the overflow pipe 58 is joined to the downstream side of the drain valve 56 of the drain pipe 55, when the water in the outer tub 2 reaches the height of the overflow port 57, it exceeds the height. Water is discharged outside the machine.

Further, the outer tub 2 is provided with a water level sensor 59 for detecting the water level in the outer tub 2. As the water level sensor 59, for example, a pressure type water level sensor capable of measuring the water level by the pressure of water stored in the outer tub 2 is used.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the drum type washing machine 1, and shows a portion related to the present invention.

The drum-type washing machine 1 is provided with a control unit 60 configured by, for example, a microcomputer.
The control unit 60 includes a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a timer 63, and a RAM 64. For example, the drum type washing machine 1 has a function executed by the CPU 61 based on a program (software) read into the ROM 62. Is controlled, and an initial water supply process executing means and a heating washing process executing means are realized.

  Connected to the control unit 60 are a start / stop key 66 and a program select key 67 provided on an operation panel 65 installed in a casing (not shown) constituting the outer shape of the drum type washing machine 1. When the user operates these keys, an input signal corresponding to the operation is input to the control unit 60. For example, if the user presses the program select key 67 to select a desired washing program and presses the start / stop key 66, an input signal corresponding to the washing program is read into the ROM 62 of the control unit 60, and the control unit 60 This is executed by the CPU 61.

Further, an exhaust gas temperature sensor 52, a water temperature sensor 53, and a water level sensor 59 are connected to the control unit 60 as various sensors.
On the other hand, the drum 3, the water supply valve 14, the detergent liquid supply valve 33, the first steam supply valve 41, the second steam supply valve 43, and the drain valve 56 are connected to the control unit 60 as various control targets. These various objects to be controlled are controlled by the control unit 60 when the user operates the operation unit 65 or the control unit 60 is given input signals from the various sensors.

FIG. 3A is a flowchart showing a flow of operation of the drum type washing machine 1. FIG. 3B is a flowchart showing a flow of operation of the drum type washing machine 1, and is a diagram showing a flow following the flow shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is a flowchart showing a flow of operation of the drum type washing machine 1, and is a diagram showing a flow following the flow shown in FIG. 3B.
Next, the operation flow of the drum type washing machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C in addition to FIG.

In this drum type washing machine 1, when a user selects a desired washing program and starts operation, the washing is performed while heating the laundry while heating the laundry with steam → rinse → dehydration processing in order. It is.
First, the laundry is accommodated in the drum 3, and the operation of the drum type washing machine 1 is started by pressing the program select key 67 and the start / stop key 66. When the operation is started, it is first confirmed whether the door is locked and the drain valve 56 is "closed" (step S1). Here, the confirmation of the door lock is a process for confirming whether the outer tub 2 is liquid-tightly sealed in order to prevent water from leaking from the outer tub 2 to the outside. It is provided in a casing (not shown) constituting the outer shape of the machine 1 and is executed by confirming whether an opening / closing lid (not shown) for sealing the outer tub 2 is closed. Then, following the process of step S1, step 1 is started (step S2).

  When the process 1 is started, water supply into the outer tub 2 is started, whereby an initial water supply process is started, the rotation of the drum 3 is started, and heating of the laundry is started (step S3). ). More specifically, the water supply valve 14 is opened, water is supplied to the outer tub 2, and the water surface slightly enters the drum 3 from the water level (first initial setting water level) that is in contact with the lowermost surface of the drum 3. Water is accumulated up to the water level A (see FIG. 1) (second initial setting water level). In addition to the water supply, the drum 3 is rotated at a preset medium speed (for example, 40 rpm to 50 rpm). Further, the first steam supply valve 41 is opened and steam is supplied to the space of the outer tub 2 so that the laundry is heated. Since water is not accumulated in the outer tub 2 at the time of starting the process 1, the steam supplied to the space of the outer tub 2 also fills the drum 3 through the through holes 4 and wraps the laundry. Therefore, the entire laundry is heated without unevenness.

  Further, when the steam filled in the outer tub 2 passes through the exhaust pipe 51 and goes outside the apparatus, the steam temperature is measured by the exhaust temperature sensor 52. And based on this measured temperature, the time of the "open" state of the 1st steam supply valve 41 and a "closed" state is adjusted suitably. Thereby, since the amount of steam supplied to the outer tub 2 is adjusted, the laundry can be stably heated in the vicinity of a predetermined set temperature (high temperature setting: for example, 70 ° C.).

  Then, after the above process (step S3) is started, it is determined whether or not water has been accumulated in the outer tub 2 up to the water level A (step S4). This determination is measured by the water level sensor 59. If water is not accumulated up to the water level A (No in step S4), the water supply valve 14 is kept "open" until the water level is accumulated, and water supply is continued. Thereafter, when the water level in the outer tub 2 reaches the water level A (Yes in step S4), the water supply valve 14 is closed and the water supply is stopped, whereby the initial water supply process is completed. With the completion of the initial water supply process, the supply of the detergent liquid to the outer tub 2 is started (step S5), whereby the detergent application process is started.

  As described above, in the initial water supply process, water is accumulated up to the water level A before the supply of the detergent liquid is started. Therefore, the portion of the space of the outer tub 2 lower than the drum 3 and the drain valve 56 in the drain pipe 55 The upstream side (see the shaded area B in FIG. 1) is filled with water. Therefore, the detergent solution that is subsequently supplied into the outer tub 2 cannot be used for washing laundry because it accumulates in a portion below the water level A in the outer tub 2 or flows into the drain pipe 55 or the like. Can be suppressed, and the loss of the detergent solution can be reduced. Further, since the water level A is set at a position where the water surface slightly enters the drum 3 from the lowermost surface of the drum 3, when the detergent is introduced later, the cleaning water is formed by mixing the detergent and water. Touches the lower part of the laundry so that the laundry can be washed with this washing water.

In the detergent application step, the detergent liquid supply valve 33 is automatically “opened” by the control of the control unit 60, and water flowing through the auxiliary agent supply pipe 24 and the detergent liquid supply pipe 26 is accommodated in the detergent container 29. The detergent thus prepared is dissolved into a detergent solution and supplied to the outer tub 2. At this time, the detergent solution supply valve 33 is set to the “open” state for a short time, and after the time has elapsed, the detergent solution supply valve 33 is set to the “closed” state. . The detergent contained in the detergent container 29 is a predetermined detergent that can be quickly chemically reacted with stains and the like by heating to remove the stains in a short time. it can.
・ Detergent mixed with form stabilizer, oleic acid, release agent and antioxidant ・ Detergent made by reacting titanium and magnesium with neutral directional bleach (magtan bleach)
-Detergent made of percarbonate-Detergent made of hydrogen peroxide (for example, the concentration is about 35%) And a part of the high-concentration detergent solution supplied to the outer tub 2 passes through the through-hole 4 By flowing into the rotating drum 3, the entire laundry to be stirred by the rotational movement of the drum 3 is evenly applied. On the other hand, other detergent liquids are transferred to the lower surface of the outer tub 2 through the peripheral surface in the outer tub 2 and mixed with the water accumulated up to the water level A to become washing water containing the detergent components. Since the surface of the washing water becomes higher than the water level A by the amount of the supplied detergent solution, the detergent component is also applied to the laundry by using the washing water for the increased amount.

  Then, the washing water accumulated in the outer tub 2 is heated after the start of the detergent application process (step S6). More specifically, the second steam supply valve 43 is opened, and steam is jetted from the second steam outlet 42 into the wash water stored in the outer tub 2, thereby heating the wash water. Done. As a result, heat washing of the laundry is started. At this time, based on the measured temperature of the water temperature sensor 53, the time of the “open” state and the “closed” state of the second steam supply valve 43 is appropriately adjusted. Thereby, since the amount of steam supplied into the cleaning water is adjusted, the cleaning water liquid can be stably heated in the vicinity of a predetermined set temperature (high temperature setting: for example, 70 ° C.).

Also, the laundry is heated by supplying steam from the first steam supply pipe 37 at the same set temperature (high temperature setting: for example, 70 ° C.). Therefore, the laundry in the drum 3 can be stably heated from both the steam and the washing water surfaces around the laundry.
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not 2 minutes have passed since the water in the outer tub 2 reached the water level A (Step S7). If not (No in Step S7), the temperature of the washing water is 70 ° C. It is determined whether or not it exceeds (step S8). When the temperature of the cleaning water exceeds 70 ° C. (Yes in Step S8), the first steam supply valve 41 and the second steam supply valve 43 are both “closed” (Step S9). Is interrupted. On the other hand, when the temperature is 70 ° C. or lower (No in Step S8), the “open” state of both the first steam supply valve 41 and the second steam supply valve 43 is continued (Step S10), and the steam supply is continued. . In this way, it is possible to prevent the laundry from being damaged by heat by always managing the temperature of the washing water at around 70 ° C.

Then, when 2 minutes have passed since the water in the outer tub 2 reached the water level A (Yes in step S7), the process 1 is completed, whereby the detergent application process is completed and the process 2 is started. (Step S11).
In this way, in the detergent application step, the detergent liquid containing the predetermined detergent described above is automatically applied to the entire laundry before heating and washing the laundry using heated washing water. It is possible to eliminate the trouble of manually applying the detergent to the laundry before being stored in the drum 3.

  In addition, in the heating and washing process performed after the detergent application process, the laundry to which the detergent liquid is applied is heated by the supply of steam, so that the detergent liquid uniformly applied to the entire laundry is heated, and the detergent liquid and The chemical reaction with the dirt adhering to the laundry can be promoted. This makes it possible to remove stains attached to the laundry (for example, stubborn stains attached to the cuffs and collars of shirts) in a short time.

  In addition, since the detergent solution has a high concentration, it can be easily decomposed even if stubborn grease stains or stain stains are stuck to the laundry. Furthermore, since the entire laundry is wetted with the detergent liquid by application of the detergent liquid, the bulk of the laundry is reduced as compared with the laundry in the dry state. Therefore, a large space can be secured in the drum 3, and the drum 3 can be easily filled with steam, so that the entire laundry can be heated uniformly in a short time, and the detergent and dirt can be efficiently collected. The chemical reaction with can be promoted. In addition, wet laundry is easy to become familiar with the detergent solution, and the detergent is easily applied to the entire laundry.

  When the process 2 is started, the water supply valve 14 is opened, and water supply is started. At the same time, the rotation of the drum 3 at the medium speed set rotational speed (for example, 40 rpm to 50 rpm) and the first steam supply The heating of the laundry / washing water by the steam supply from the pipe 37 and the second steam supply pipe 38 is continued (step S12). The heating temperature of the laundry / washing water at this time is an intermediate high temperature setting (for example, 60 ° C.) lower than the high temperature setting (for example, 70 ° C.) in Step 1.

  In order to lower the heating temperature to a medium high temperature setting temperature (for example, 60 ° C.), the amount of water supply and the amount of steam supplied may be adjusted. If the water supply amount is increased, the heating temperature can be lowered, and if the steam supply amount is increased, the heating temperature can be raised, so that the water supply valve 14, the first steam supply valve 41 and the second steam supply valve 43 are "open". By appropriately adjusting the time of the state and the “closed” state, if the amount of water and steam that can be controlled to the heating temperature of the medium-high temperature setting is supplied, the heating temperature can be easily lowered.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not water has been stored in the outer tub 2 to a predetermined set water level (low) (step S13), and water is continuously supplied until water is stored to the set water level (low). When the water is accumulated up to the set water level (low) (Yes in step S13), the water supply valve 14 is closed and the water supply is stopped (step S14).
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not 2 minutes have passed since the stop of water supply (step S15). If it has not elapsed (No in step S15), it is determined whether or not the temperature of the cleaning water exceeds 60 ° C. ( Step S16). When the temperature of the cleaning water exceeds 60 ° C. (Yes in Step S16), both the first steam supply valve 41 and the second steam supply valve 43 are “closed” (Step S17). Is interrupted. On the other hand, when the temperature is 60 ° C. or lower (No in Step S16), the “open” state of both the first steam supply valve 41 and the second steam supply valve 43 is continued (Step S18), and the steam supply is continued. . In this way, by adjusting the amount of steam supplied and constantly managing the temperature of the washing water at around 60 ° C., heat washing is performed in which the laundry and washing water are heated and washed at a medium to high temperature setting.

Then, when 2 minutes have elapsed after stopping the water supply (Yes in step S15), the process 2 is completed and the process 3 is started (step S19).
When the process 3 is started, the water supply valve 14 is opened and water supply is started. At the same time, the rotation of the drum 3 at the medium speed set rotational speed (for example, 40 rpm to 50 rpm) and the first steam supply are performed. The heating of the laundry / washing water by the steam supply from the pipe 37 and the second steam supply pipe 38 is continued (step S20). The heating temperature of the laundry / washing water at this time is a medium temperature setting (for example, 50 ° C.) lower than the medium / high temperature setting (for example, 60 ° C.) in Step 2. In this case as well, as in the case of the step 2, the intermediate temperature is adjusted by appropriately adjusting the time of the “open” state and the “closed” state of the water supply valve 14, the first steam supply valve 41, and the second steam supply valve 43. If water and steam in an amount that can be controlled to the set heating temperature are supplied, the temperature can be easily lowered to a medium temperature set temperature (for example, 50 ° C.).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not water has been accumulated in the outer tub 2 to a predetermined set water level (middle) (step S21), and water is continuously supplied until the water is accumulated to the set water level (middle). When the water is accumulated up to the set water level (medium) (Yes in step S21), the water supply valve 14 is closed and the water supply is stopped (step S22).
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not 1 minute has passed since the stop of water supply (step S23), and if it has not elapsed (No in step S23), it is determined whether or not the temperature of the wash water exceeds 50 ° C. ( Step S24). When the temperature of the cleaning water exceeds 50 ° C. (Yes in Step S24), both the first steam supply valve 41 and the second steam supply valve 43 are “closed” (Step S25). Is interrupted. On the other hand, when the temperature is 50 ° C. or lower (No in Step S24), the “open” state of both the first steam supply valve 41 and the second steam supply valve 43 is continued (Step S26), and the steam supply is continued. . In this way, by adjusting the supply amount of steam and managing the temperature of the washing water at around 50 ° C. at all times, heating washing is performed in which the laundry and washing water are heated and washed at an intermediate temperature setting.

Then, after 1 minute has passed since the water supply was stopped (Yes in step S23), the drain valve 56 is opened, and the cleaning water in the outer tub 2 is discharged to the external drain groove. Further, the first steam supply valve 41 and the second steam supply valve 43 are “closed” to stop the supply of steam (step S27).
When drainage is completed, intermediate dehydration is performed to remove the wash water contained in the laundry (step S28). At this time, the laundry is kept warm at a medium temperature (for example, 50 ° C.) by the heat accumulated inside. When the intermediate dehydration is finished, the heat washing is finished by ending the step 3, and the rinsing is started (step S29).

  When rinsing is started, the drain valve 56 is “closed”, the water supply valve 14 is opened, water supply is started, and steam supply from the second steam supply pipe 38 is started. The rinse water is heated (step S30). The heating temperature of the rinsing water at this time is a low temperature setting (for example, 40 ° C.) lower than the medium temperature setting (for example, 50 ° C.) in Step 3. In this case as well, as in the case of step 2, the heating temperature of the low temperature setting can be controlled by appropriately adjusting the time of the “open” state and the “closed” state of the water supply valve 14 and the second steam supply valve 43. If an amount of water and steam are supplied, the temperature can be easily lowered to a low temperature (for example, 40 ° C.).

When the water is accumulated up to a predetermined water level, the drum 3 is rotated to perform rinsing (step S31).
As described above, the heat washing of the laundry is started when the temperature of the laundry is set to the medium / high temperature setting (for example, 70 ° C.) and is ended at the medium temperature setting (for example, 50 ° C.). Also, rinsing after heat washing is performed by heating the laundry to a low temperature setting (for example, 40 ° C.). By decreasing the temperature of the laundry stepwise from 70 ° C. → 60 ° C. → 50 ° C. → 40 ° C., it is possible to prevent the laundry from being rapidly cooled. As a result, even if the laundry contains as a composition chemical fibers having the property of fixing the wrinkles of the laundry due to a rapid temperature change, the laundry can be made less likely to be wrinkled.

In addition, as described above, the control for gradually decreasing the heating temperature of the laundry is performed in the “open” state and the “closed” state of the water supply valve 14, the first steam supply valve 41, and the second steam supply valve 43. The time can be adjusted as appropriate, and the operation can be performed by a simple operation of supplying water and steam in an amount that can be controlled to each heating set temperature (for example, medium / high temperature setting, medium temperature setting, etc.).
Furthermore, the time of washing with heating at each heating temperature (for example, 70 ° C., 60 ° C., etc.) is controlled by the water level, such as how many minutes have passed since reaching the set water level (for example, step S7, step S15, etc.). Since it is not controlled by heat like how many minutes have passed after reaching the heating temperature, the washing time is not prolonged due to slow heating.

Thereafter, rinsing is terminated, dehydration is performed (step S32), and the operation is terminated.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the water is stored up to the water level A in the initial water supply step, but the water may be stored up to the water level where the water surface is in contact with the lowermost surface of the drum 3.

  Moreover, in heating washing, although the heating temperature was reduced in steps of 70 ° C. → 60 ° C. → 50 ° C., it may be gradually reduced from 70 ° C. to 50 ° C. Further, the heating temperature is not limited to these, and may be appropriately changed according to the external environment (for example, a cold region, a warm region, etc.) of the drum type washing machine 1.

It is a schematic piping diagram of the drum type washing machine concerning one embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a drum type washing machine, Comprising: The part relevant to this invention is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a driving | operation of a drum type washing machine. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of a drum type washing machine, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the flow following the flow shown by FIG. 3A. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of a drum type washing machine, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the flow following the flow shown by FIG. 3B.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Drum type washing machine 2 Outer tub 3 Drum 4 Through-hole 7 Steam supply part 8 Tap water supply part 9 Auxiliary supply part 10 Water supply pipe 14 Water supply valve 15 Merge pipe 23 Branch pipe 24 Auxiliary supply pipe 26 Detergent liquid supply pipe 29 Detergent container 33 Detergent liquid supply valve 36 Steam supply pipe 37 First steam supply pipe 38 Second steam supply pipe 41 First steam supply valve 43 Second steam supply valve 60 Controller

Claims (8)

A treatment tank for storing laundry, washing laundry, rinsing, etc .;
Water supply means for supplying water to the treatment tank;
Detergent supply means for supplying detergent to the treatment tank;
A steam supply means for supplying steam to the treatment tank to heat the laundry, and a washing machine for sequentially performing a detergent application step and a washing step,
In the detergent application step, a detergent is supplied from the detergent supply means, and the detergent is applied to the entire laundry.   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the detergent application step includes a process of wetting a whole laundry by supplying a small amount of water from the water supply means.   The detergent application step includes a process of applying the detergent to the entire laundry, supplying steam from the steam supply means, and heating the laundry coated with the detergent with steam. The washing machine according to 1 or 2. The treatment tank includes an outer tank for storing water,
An inner tub for storing laundry, which is rotatably provided in the outer tub, and in which water and gas are circulated freely in the outer tub,
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the detergent application step, the inner tub is rotated in a predetermined manner in order to apply the detergent to the entire laundry and to wet the entire laundry. The washing machine as described in.   Prior to the detergent application step, water is supplied from the water supply means, and the first initial set water level at which the water surface is in contact with the lowermost surface of the inner tank, or the water surface at the first initial set water level is in the inner tank. The washing machine according to claim 4, further comprising an initial water supply process executing means for executing an initial water supply process for storing water in the outer tub up to a second initial set water level that slightly enters the water tank. A treatment tank for storing laundry, washing laundry, rinsing, etc .;
Water supply means for supplying water to the treatment tank;
Detergent supply means for supplying detergent to the treatment tank;
Steam supply means for supplying steam to the treatment tank to heat the laundry;
The detergent is supplied from the detergent supply means, the water is supplied from the water supply means, and the steam is supplied from the steam supply means, so that the laundry ambient temperature is predetermined in a high temperature environment. Heating washing process execution means for starting the washing, and lowering the environmental temperature to a predetermined low temperature lower than the high temperature and executing a washing process for ending the washing, Washing machine.   The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the heat washing process execution unit reduces the environmental temperature stepwise by decreasing the amount of steam supplied from the vapor supply unit stepwise.   The heating and washing process execution means supplies the water from the water supply means and gradually reduces the environmental temperature by increasing the amount of water accumulated in the treatment tank in a stepwise manner. 7. The washing machine according to 7.

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