JP2015070945A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of suppressing generation of saprophyte and odor during a period in which a washing operation is not performed.SOLUTION: A washing machine 10 includes: laundry detection means (opening/closing detection unit 30e, opening/closing sensor 31, weight sensor 38) for detecting presence/absence of laundry inside a washing tub; suppression means (being left notification unit 25d, sterilization and deodorization device 26) for suppressing generation of at least one of saprophyte and odor to the laundry; and control means (control unit 30) for operating the suppression means, when the laundry is detected again after a predetermined standby period elapses without performing a washing operation, after the laundry is detected by the laundry detection means.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a washing machine.

  Conventionally, a washing machine having a sterilization function and a deodorizing function and performing sterilization and deodorization during a washing operation is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-45619 A

By the way, the washing machine is used in place of a so-called laundry basket, and the laundry may be left in the laundry tub. For example, there are users who leave laundry in the washing machine for the time being and leave the laundry as it is until a laundry operation is actually performed. Alternatively, the laundry may be left unattended after the washing operation ends.
However, for example, the clothes after changing clothes are contaminated with dirt and the like, and if left untreated, it may cause germs and odors.
Then, the washing machine which can suppress generation | occurrence | production of miscellaneous bacteria and an odor in the period when washing operation is not performed is provided.

  The washing machine according to the embodiment includes a laundry detection unit that detects the presence or absence of laundry in the laundry tub, a suppression unit that suppresses at least one of germs and odors on the laundry, and a laundry detection unit. And a control unit that activates the suppression unit when the laundry is detected again after a predetermined waiting period has elapsed without the washing operation being performed after the item is detected.

1 is a longitudinal side view schematically showing the configuration of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows typically the electric constitution of the washing machine by 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows typically an example of the operation panel of the washing machine by 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process A at the time of leaving of the washing machine by 1st Embodiment. Sequence diagram showing the flow of processing A when the washing machine is left according to the first embodiment The figure which shows an example of the relationship between the temperature and humidity in 1st Embodiment, and start time The flowchart which shows the flow of the process B at the time of leaving of the washing machine by 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of reservation of the washing machine by 2nd Embodiment. Sequence diagram showing the flow of processing at the time of reservation of the washing machine according to the second embodiment

Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments of a washing machine will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part substantially common in each embodiment, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.
As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 10 includes an outer box 11, a water tank 12, and a washing tank 13. The washing machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called vertical axis type in which the rotation axis of the washing tub 13 extends in the direction of gravity with respect to the ground, and is a washing and drying machine having a drying function. Hereinafter, the upper and lower sides are determined based on the direction of gravity, and the left side in FIG.
The water tank 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose central axis extends in the direction of gravity with respect to the ground, and is accommodated in the outer box 11. The water tank 12 has an opening 121 on one end side, that is, on the upper side. The water tank 12 has an inner lid 14. The inner lid 14 has a handle 141 at the front, and is attached to the upper side surface of the water tank 12 by a hinge 15 so that the opening 121 can be opened and closed.

  Moreover, the water tank 12 has a water supply port and an air supply port (not shown) formed on the upper surface thereof. The water supply port supplies water supplied from a water supply device (not shown) into the washing tub 13 and thus into the water tub 12. The air supply port circulates in the washing machine 10 while supplying the hot air supplied from the hot air supply device 16 into the washing tub 13 and thus into the water tub 12. Moreover, the water tank 12 has an exhaust duct and a filter (not shown). The exhaust duct is provided on the rear surface of the water tank 12, for example, and its lower end is connected to the water tank 12 near the bottom of the water tank 12, while its upper end extends to the upper side of the water tank 12 and has an exhaust port (not shown). Forming. A filter is detachably provided at the exhaust port. The warm air supplied from the air supply port into the washing tub 13 and the water tub 12 flows into the exhaust duct, and is discharged from the exhaust port (not shown) through the filter and above the water tub 12 in the outer box 11. At this time, the filter captures foreign matters such as lint contained in the warm air discharged from the water tank 12. And the warm air discharged | emitted from the exhaust port is discharged | emitted from the clearance gap which is not shown in figure, or an exhaust hole to the outer case 11 exterior. In this way, a so-called drying operation is performed.

  The water tank 12 is elastically supported by a plurality of vibration isolating support devices 17 (only one is shown in FIG. 1). Specifically, the vibration isolating support device 17 includes a suspension rod 18 and a coil spring 19. The suspension bar 18 has one end, that is, an upper end formed in a spherical shape, and is attached to an upper seat (not shown) on the outer box 11. The suspension rod 18 hangs down from the upper seat and swings around the connecting portion with the upper seat. Moreover, the water tank 12 has a lower seat 20 to which the vibration isolating support device 17 is attached. The lower seat 20 is provided so as to protrude outward from the lower four sides of the water tank 12. The hanging rod 18 is passed through the lower seat 20. The coil spring 19 is provided between the lower receiving seat 20 and the lower end portion of the hanging rod 18. Thereby, the anti-vibration support device 17 suspends the water tank 12 by applying the elastic force of the coil spring 19 upward. Since the water tank 12 is allowed to move relative to the outer box 11 in this manner, the vibration of the water tank 12 is buffered and the vibration transmission to the outer box 11 is suppressed.

  The washing tub 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is accommodated in the water tub 12. The washing tub 13 rotates relative to the water tub 12 around a rotation axis extending in the direction of gravity. The rotation axis of the washing tub 13 coincides with the central axis of the water tub 12. The washing tub 13 has an opening 131 on one end side, that is, on the upper side. The laundry is put in and out through the opening 121 and the opening 131. In the washing tub 13, a plurality of holes 132 are formed in the entire area of the cylindrical tubular portion. The hole 132 functions as a water passage hole through which water enters and exits during the washing operation and the dehydration operation, and functions as a ventilation hole through which air enters and exits during the drying operation.

  The washing machine 10 includes a drive motor 21 and a stirring body 22. The drive motor 21 is a so-called outer rotor type direct drive motor, and is provided outside the lower surface of the water tank 12. This drive motor 21 rotates and drives the washing tub 13 and the stirring body 22, and the connection state of the output shaft is switched by a transmission mechanism (not shown). Specifically, the transmission mechanism connects the output shaft to the stirrer 22 during the washing operation, and switches the connection state so that the stirrer 22 is rotationally driven in the forward and reverse directions. Further, the transmission mechanism connects the output shaft to both the washing tub 13 and the stirring body 22 during the dehydrating operation, and switches the connection state so that the washing tub 13 and the stirring body 22 are integrally rotated.

  Such a washing machine 10 includes a top cover 23 and an outer lid 24 and an operation panel 25. Further, a sterilization / deodorization device 26 as a sanitary function means is provided inside the top cover 23, and a sterilization agent having a sterilization / deodorization action is washed from a nozzle 27 communicating with the washing tub 13. It is supplied to the tank 13. Although various configurations can be used as the sterilization and deodorization apparatus 26, in the present embodiment, a configuration that generates a mist exhibiting a sterilization and deodorization action is employed as an example. The structure and action of the sterilization / deodorization device 26 will be briefly described. The discharge electrode, the conductive sheet, the water retaining material, etc. are provided in the insulating case, and the tip of the discharge electrode is supplied by supplying a high voltage from the high voltage generator. For example, a negative high voltage is generated in the part, and the water adhering to the tip of the discharge electrode is given energy exceeding the surface tension to split the water (Rayleigh splitting), and discharge the water as mist-like charged particles ( Electrostatic atomization phenomenon). This mist-like water is negatively charged and contains hydroxy radicals generated by its energy. This hydroxy radical has an oxidizing action, and exhibits oxidizing action and deodorizing action by the oxidizing action. Note that the sterilization and deodorization apparatus 26 is configured to suppress generation of ozone, nitrogen oxides, and the like by providing the counter electrode of the discharge electrode at a position separated from the discharge electrode.

The washing machine 10 having such a configuration is controlled by the control unit 30 shown in FIG. The control unit 30 is composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 30a, a ROM 30b, a RAM 30C, an RTC 30d (real time clock; time measuring means), and the like. For example, the entire washing machine 10 is executed by executing a computer program stored in the ROM 30b. Is controlling. In addition, the control unit 30 implements the open / close detection unit 30e and the setting unit 30f in software as will be described in detail later.
The control unit 30 includes an operation panel 25 for inputting a user operation, an open / close sensor 31 for detecting opening / closing of the outer lid 24, a temperature sensor 32 for detecting the temperature in the washing tub 13, and a humidity for detecting the humidity in the washing tub 13. Sensor 33, water level sensor 34 for detecting the water level in the washing tub 13, water supply valve 35, drive motor 21, drain valve 36, sterilization / deodorizing device 26, communication unit 37 for communicating with external devices, washing A weight sensor 38 that detects the weight of the tank 13 is connected. As an external device, a mobile communication terminal 39 (so-called smart phone or the like) owned by the user is assumed in the present embodiment.

As shown also in FIG. 3, the operation panel 25 includes a plurality of switches 25a, a plurality of indicators 25b, and a buzzer 25c, and a leaving notification unit 25d that leaves the laundry unattended in connection with the present embodiment. (In this embodiment, it is configured by a display). From this operation panel 25, as is well known, setting of washing operation, setting of water level, setting of reserved operation, setting of driving course, and the like are performed. In addition, the set state is displayed on the display device 25b, and the remaining time is displayed during the washing operation.
The control unit 30 sets the amount of water based on the weight of clothes (laundry) detected by the weight sensor 38 in accordance with the setting of the washing operation input from the operation panel 25, and the water level sensor 34 so as to be the amount of water. Then, the water supply valve 35 is controlled while detecting the water level, the washing motor is driven by driving the drive motor 21, and the washing operation is performed such as draining by controlling the drain valve 36 after the washing operation or during the dehydrating operation. The sterilization and deodorization device 26 can be used even during the washing operation, and can also perform sterilization and deodorization during the washing operation.

  Here, the opening / closing detection unit 30e and the setting unit 30f will be described. The open / close detection unit 30e detects whether or not the outer lid 24 has been opened / closed based on the open / closed state of the outer lid 24 detected by the open / close sensor 31. Whether or not the outer lid 24 has been opened and closed serves as a determination material for determining whether or not the laundry has been put in and out, and, as will be described later, is one of the triggers for determining whether or not the laundry is left unattended. Become one. More specifically, after the outer lid 24 is opened and closed, when the weight of the laundry is detected by the weight sensor 38 after a predetermined period (a waiting time described later) (when the laundry is detected), the laundry is Judged to be left alone. Based on the temperature in the washing tub 13 detected by the temperature sensor 32 and the humidity in the washing tub 13 detected by the humidity sensor 33, the setting unit 30f performs sterilization and deodorization in a period other than the washing operation period. Set the time (start time to be described later).

Next, the operation of the washing machine 10 will be described.
<Example 1: Treatment when left standing when used instead of laundry basket>
First, as Example 1, an example in which the washing machine 10 is used instead of a laundry basket will be described. It is assumed that there is no laundry in the washing tub 13 at the initial point of processing.
The control unit 30 determines whether or not the lid (outer lid 24) has been opened and closed in the standing time process A shown in FIG. 4, and when it is not opened and closed (S1: NO), it waits as it is. Note that the control unit 30 is in a power saving mode such as a sleep mode during standby, and enters the normal mode when the lid is opened or closed (that is, when a laundry loading / unloading operation is detected). It is good also as a structure which returns. On the other hand, when it is determined that the lid has been opened / closed (S1: YES), the RTC 30d starts measuring time from that time (S2), and determines whether or not the standby time has elapsed from the start of timing (S3). . Here, the standby time is set to 2 hours in the present embodiment in advance, but the standby time may be changed each time based on temperature and humidity.

  When the standby time has not elapsed (S3: NO), the controller 30 determines whether the lid has been opened or closed (S4). If the lid is not opened / closed (S4: NO), the process proceeds to step S3 as it is. If the lid is opened / closed (S4: YES), the weight is detected (S5) to determine whether there is laundry. Determine (S6). In this case, the weight of the washing tub 13 is detected by the weight sensor 38, and if there is more than the weight of the tub body, it can be determined that there is laundry. If there is no laundry (S6: NO, that is, if the laundry has been taken out), the process proceeds to step S1. On the other hand, if there is laundry (S6: YES, that is, if the laundry has not been taken out or added), the process proceeds to step 3. As a result, the time when the time when the laundry is first detected is reset, that is, the time until the start of the sterilization and deodorizing operation is not extended.

  When the standby time has elapsed (S3: YES), the control unit 30 performs weight detection (S7) and determines whether there is laundry (S8). A specific example is shown in FIG. 5. For example, the weight is detected by the weight sensor 38 when the outer lid 24 is opened and closed at 14:00 (2 pm) and the standby period has elapsed (16:00, 4 pm). To detect the presence or absence of laundry. In the example of FIG. 5, since there is no laundry at that time (S6: NO), the process proceeds to step S1.

  On the other hand, after the lid is opened and closed at 17:00 (5 pm) in FIG. 5 (S1: YES, S2), 19:00 (7 pm) when the standby time has elapsed (S3: YES) ) When the weight sensor 38 is operated (S7), since it is determined that there is laundry (S8: YES), temperature and humidity (whichever is acceptable) are detected (S9), Based on this, a start time is set (S10). Here, the start time is stored in advance as a setting table based on temperature and humidity as shown in FIG. 6, and is stored in the ROM 30b or the like. Therefore, the control unit 30 reads and sets the start time corresponding to the temperature and humidity detected in step S7 from this setting table. For example, if the temperature in the washing tub 13 is in the range of 20 to 30 ° C. and the humidity is in the range of 30 to 50%, the start time is set to 4H (4 hours). This start time is set as a time that does not cause germs and odors in the laundry. In addition, taking into account the above-described waiting time, the start time is expected to generate germs and odors from the time when the laundry is left unattended (in this embodiment, when the outer lid 24 is opened and closed, that is, when the time is started). The time to be set is set. Note that only the temperature or humidity may be detected, and the start time may be set based on the detected temperature.

  When the start time is set, the control unit 30 stands by while determining whether the start time has elapsed (S11) and whether the lid has been opened / closed (S12). At this time, the opening / closing of the lid is detected in step S12. For example, when the user opens the lid and adds laundry, the period until the start of the sterilization / deodorization operation is not reset. Because. The sterilization and deodorization operation starts at the time when the start time elapses from the time when the laundry is first put in (when the lid is opened and closed). In addition to preventing delays in the start of sterilization and deodorization when items are added, etc., when laundry is newly added, or when the temperature or humidity changes due to opening or closing of the door, etc. You can also reset the start time.

  Then, when the start time has passed as it is (S11: YES), the control unit 30 notifies the laundry leaving and starts the sterilization / deodorization operation (S13). In the example of FIG. 5, the notification (display) of leaving the laundry is performed at 21:00 (9:00 pm) when the start time (4 hours) has elapsed from the start of timing (17:00). Here, the notification of leaving the laundry is notified by turning on the above-described leaving notification unit 25d, so that the user can notice the presence of the laundry and perform the washing operation before germs and odors are generated. belongs to. That is, notifying that the laundry is left is also effective in suppressing the generation of germs and odors.

  In addition to visual notification, notification by sound that sounds the buzzer 25c or the like, notification by data such as notification to the mobile communication terminal 39 via the communication unit 37, or the like may be performed. Further, any one of these notification modes may be employed, a plurality of them may be employed, or the notification mode may be selected by the user. In addition, the sterilization and deodorization operation may be started immediately after the notification, but if the lid is not opened and closed after waiting for a time (for example, about several minutes) that the notified user is expected to respond to, the sterilization is performed. The deodorizing operation may be started, or the user may be able to select whether to start the sterilizing and deodorizing operation after the notification. Moreover, the opening / closing of the lid may not be detected, and the laundry may be detected by the weight sensor 38 to detect the loading / unloading of the laundry. That is, the weight sensor 38 may be used as a taking in / out detecting means. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which uses a laundry detection means and a taking in / out detection means mutually.

<Example 2: Processing when left after washing operation>
Next, as Example 2, an example will be described in which after the selection operation is completed, the process at the time of leaving is subsequently executed. In this case, the laundry is in the washing tub 13 at the beginning of the process. Note that detailed description of processes common to the processes shown in FIG. 4 is omitted.
The control unit 30 performs the leaving time process B shown in FIG. 7 and determines whether the washing operation is finished (S30). When the washing operation is completed (S30: YES), time measurement is started (S31), and it is repeatedly determined whether the standby period has elapsed from the start of time measurement (S32) and whether the lid is opened and closed (S33). If the lid is opened and closed (S33: YES), the weight is detected (S34), it is determined whether there is laundry (S35), and if there is laundry (S35: YES), the process proceeds to step S32. That is, in this example 2, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the laundry has been taken out after the end of the washing operation.

When there is no laundry (that is, when the laundry is taken out) (S35: YES), the control unit 30 ends the process. It should be noted that after the standing time process B is completed, the above-mentioned standing time process A shown in FIG. 4 is executed, so that sterilization / deodorization when used instead of the laundry basket is preferably performed.
On the other hand, when the waiting time has elapsed from the time counting without opening / closing the lid (S32: YES), the control unit 30 notifies “laundry remaining” (S36). The notification of the “laundry remaining” is performed by changing the display of the abandon notification unit 25d to “laundry remaining” and turning it on, and by sounding the buzzer 25c. The waiting time is set to about several minutes.

That is, in the washing machine 10 of Example 2, after the washing operation is finished, the laundry remaining (that is, the laundry is not taken out) is periodically notified by the buzzer. Thereby, although it became clean by having performed washing operation, the situation which a smell etc. generate | occur | produces if it is left as it is can also be considered, but it can suppress becoming such a situation. In addition, the laundry can be prevented from wrinkling. Note that, also in this neglected process B, similarly to the neglected process A shown in FIG. 4, a start period may be set, and sterilization / deodorization may be performed after the start period has elapsed.
As described above, the washing machine 10 of the present embodiment has a period other than during the washing operation (a period during which the washing operation is not performed. For example, a period before the washing operation, a relatively short period after the washing operation is completed, When the laundry is left for a period of time after a predetermined waiting period has elapsed after it has been determined that the laundry has been taken in and out, sterilization and deodorization are performed.

According to the washing machine 10 demonstrated above, there exist the following effects.
Laundry detection means (open / close detection unit 30e, open / close sensor 31, weight sensor 38) for detecting the presence or absence of laundry in the laundry tub 13 and suppression means (abandonment notification unit) for suppressing generation of germs and odors on the laundry 25d, after the laundry has been detected by the sterilization / deodorization device 26) and the laundry detection means, the laundry is detected again after a predetermined waiting period (start time) has elapsed without performing the washing operation. At this time, since the control means (control unit 30) for operating the suppression means is provided, it is possible to suppress the generation of germs and odors during the period when the washing operation is not performed.
Further, it is possible to prevent the laundry from being left unattended before the user notices, for example, when the child puts the laundry in the washing machine 10 by himself / herself.
In this case, since the notification means (notification notification unit 25d) for notifying the laundry is provided, the user grasps that the laundry is left even if the user is away from the washing machine 10. be able to.

Moreover, since the sanitary function means (the sterilization and deodorization device 26) for performing the sterilization operation and the deodorization operation is provided, both the propagation of various bacteria and the generation of odor can be suppressed.
Since an open / close detection means (open / close sensor 31) for detecting opening / closing of the lid (outer lid 24) is provided, by detecting that the outer lid 24 is opened / closed (the outer lid 24 may remain open). Including) that the laundry may have been taken in and out. Thereby, the suppression means can be operated not only after the washing operation is finished, but also when used in place of the laundry basket during a period when the washing operation is not executed. In addition, the control unit 30 can be set in the power saving mode until it is determined that the lid is opened and closed (that is, the laundry loading / unloading operation), so that power saving can be achieved.

Since weight detection means (weight sensor 38) for detecting the weight of the washing tub 13 is provided, it can be determined that there is laundry if the weight of the washing tub 13 is greater than the weight of the tub body, and the presence or absence of the laundry is accurately determined. Can be determined.
In addition, these open / close detection means and weight detection means often have an existing configuration in the case of a general washing machine. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide additional parts or the like, and the generation of the above-mentioned germs and odors is suppressed. can do.

  The time until the generation of germs and odors is considered to change depending on the temperature. For example, it is assumed that the higher the temperature, the faster the germs are generated and the faster the breeding speed thereof. Therefore, since temperature detection means (temperature sensor 32) for detecting the temperature in the washing tub 13 is provided, and the start time until the suppression means is operated based on the detection result of the temperature detection means, it is possible to detect germs and odors. An appropriate time can be set to suppress the occurrence. That is, by detecting the temperature, it becomes possible to accurately predict conditions and the like that allow bacteria to propagate.

  The time until the generation of germs and odors is considered to change depending on the humidity. For example, it is assumed that if the humidity is high, the generation of germs is accelerated and the breeding speed thereof is increased. Therefore, a humidity detecting means (humidity sensor 33) for detecting the humidity in the washing tub 13 is provided, and the start time until the suppressing means is operated based on the detection result of the humidity detecting means is set. An appropriate time can be set to suppress the occurrence. In other words, by detecting the humidity, it becomes possible to accurately predict conditions and the like that allow bacteria to propagate easily.

Since the communication means (communication unit 37) for notifying the external device that the laundry is left is provided, the laundry is left for the user away from the washing machine 10. This can be notified.
In Example 1, the time elapsed since the lid was opened and closed by the timing means such as the RTC 25d (estimated that the laundry was taken in and out) was counted, and the laundry was left after the waiting period passed. Therefore, it is possible to perform sterilization and deodorization based on the time since the laundry was left unattended, as well as unnecessary sterilization and sterilization and deodorization operations immediately after the laundry operation is completed. Can be prevented.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Since the structure of the washing machine is the same as that of the first embodiment, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and the like, and the process that is substantially the same as the process when left in FIG. 4 will be described in detail. Is omitted.
In the present embodiment, the suppression means is operated during the reserved operation. Specifically, when the reserved operation is set by the user, the control unit 30 executes the reservation process shown in FIG. In this case, as shown in an example in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the reserved operation is set to start washing at 22:00 (10:00 pm) and at 6:00 (6:00 am, reserved time described later) on the next day. To do. In such a reserved operation, the laundry is in a state of being put into the washing tub 13. Then, the washing machine 10 suppresses generation | occurrence | production of miscellaneous bacteria and an odor at the time of a reservation driving | operation.

When the reservation setting (reserved operation is set) in the reservation time processing shown in FIG. 8 (S20: YES), the control unit 30 starts timekeeping (S21), and the standby time (2 hours) has elapsed from the time measurement start. It is determined whether or not (S22). Then, temperature and humidity (whichever is acceptable) are detected (S23), and a start time (for example, 4 hours) is set (S24). Subsequently, the control unit 30 repeatedly determines whether the start time has elapsed from the start of timing (S25) and whether the reserved time has been reached (S27).
In the example of FIG. 9, since the start time elapses at 2:00 (2:00 am), the control unit 30 determines that the start time elapses at 2:00 (S25: YES). The bacteria deodorizing operation is started (S26). Thereafter, the control unit 30 waits while determining whether the start time has passed again (S25) or the reserved time has been reached (S27). And since it became reservation time at 6:00 (S27: YES), the control part 30 will start a reservation driving | operation as shown also in FIG. 9 (S28). In addition, although 6:00 is also the time when the start time has elapsed, the reserved operation is given priority and the sterilization and deodorization operation is not performed. Of course, when the start time elapses again before the reserved operation is started, the sterilization and deodorization operation is performed again.

As described above, when the reserved operation is set, the hygiene function means is operated until the reserved operation is started (since the sterilization and deodorizing process is included in the reserved operation), the laundry is intended. Suppresses the generation of germs and odors even during reserved driving (more strictly, the period until the actual washing operation is performed) where germs and odors may occur even though they are left unattended. be able to.
Note that the reserved driving is a state in which the laundry is left unattended in a sense, but no notification is made because the state is intended by the user. Further, the washing machine may be a type that does not start the washing operation at the reserved time but completes the washing operation at the reserved time. in this case,

(Other embodiments)
In the embodiment described above, the weight sensor 38 detects the presence / absence of the laundry after the opening / closing sensor 31 detects the opening / closing. However, the presence / absence of the laundry and the removal / insertion based on the detection result of the weight sensor 38 only. It may be detected whether or not an operation has been performed. Thereby, for example, even in a usage mode in which the outer lid 24 is opened (without being “opened / closed”) and the laundry is informed until, for example, the next day, notification, disinfection / deodorization can be performed. it can. The sterilization and deodorization device 26 can operate safely even when the outer lid 24 is opened. That is, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, the step of detecting opening / closing of the lid is removed, the weight sensor 38 is periodically operated to detect the loading / unloading of the laundry, and the laundry is put in based on the detection result. In some cases, it may be configured to start timing.

  In the above-described embodiment, the notification and the sterilization / deodorization operation are performed. However, only one of them may be configured. Further, a notification start time corresponding to the start time until the notification means for notifying the laundry is operated and a sterilization start time corresponding to the start time until the sanitary function means is operated are individually set. It is good also as a structure. In this case, for example, the notification start time is set to the same time as the above-described standby time, the notification is first performed when the standby time has elapsed, and then the sanitary function means is operated when the further sterilization start time has elapsed. Also good. As a result, it is possible to notify the user that the laundry has been left by first informing the user, so if the user takes a countermeasure such as starting the selection operation at that time, the sanitary function means that requires power consumption or the like is activated. This can contribute to power saving.

An estimation means (for example, a weight sensor 38) for estimating the amount of laundry may be provided, and a start time (including the notification start time and the sterilization start time described above) may be set according to the weight.
You may perform the process at the time of leaving shown in FIG. 4 after completion | finish of washing operation or drying operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent the odor from being left unattended even after the washing is finished. In addition, when the lid is not opened or closed within a relatively short time (several minutes to 30 minutes) after the washing operation is finished, or when the laundry is detected by the weight sensor 38, it is temporarily stopped at that time. It is good also as a structure which alert | reports. Thereby, it can suppress that a laundry becomes wrinkled by alerting | reporting completion | finish of washing. In addition, the notification mode may be changed between the leaving time process B (see FIG. 7) executed after the end of the washing operation and the left time process A (see FIG. 4) executed in a period other than during the washing operation. For example, it is conceivable that a notification for sounding a buzzer is issued in the process B when left, and the buzzer is not sounded in the process A when left.

In the above-described embodiment, the mobile communication terminal 39 is exemplified as the notification destination, but other notification destinations or a plurality of notification destinations may be notified. Other notification destinations include, for example, a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) monitor device, other home appliances such as a television set connected to the washing machine 10 via the communication unit 37, a personal computer, or a portable device. For example, a tablet PC. That is, the communication unit 37 of the washing machine 10 may be configured to be connectable to a network, and a home network system (which may be via an external network such as the Internet) may be configured.
In the above-described embodiment, the sterilization / deodorization device 26 having both the sterilization function and the deodorization function is exemplified as the sanitary function means. However, any one of them may be provided. Further, the installation position of the sanitary function means may be another position in the washing machine 10 or may be outside the washing machine 10. Moreover, as a sanitary function means, not only an electrostatic atomization system but the thing of another structure may be employ | adopted, for example, it is a structure which atomizes a deodorizer etc. and sprays it in the washing tub 13. There may be.

The laundry detection means may be other than the weight sensor 38. For example, the presence or absence of laundry may be detected by measuring the distance with a laser distance meter or the like, or the presence or absence of laundry may be detected by performing image processing with an imaging means such as a camera. Information stored in the clothing side, such as a wireless tag, may be detected by an antenna provided near the opening 121 of the washing machine.
The washing machine 10 may not have a drying function. A so-called drum type washing machine may also be used.
The process at the time of leaving performed in the above-described embodiment may be interrupted at that time when an operation for performing a washing operation is input.
Although the start time is set as the time from when the laundry is first detected, it is estimated that the time from the start of time measurement, that is, the outer lid 24 is opened and closed and the laundry is put in the washing tub 13. You may set with the time from the time.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

  In the drawings, 10 is a washing machine, 13 is a washing tub, 24 is an outer lid (lid), 25 is an operation panel (notification means), 26 is a sterilization / deodorization device (suppression means, sanitary function means), and 25d is a neglect notification. 30 (control means, laundry detection means, sanitary function means, notification means), 30 e is an open / close detection section (in / out detection means, open / close detection means), and 30 f is a setting section ( Setting means), 31 is an open / close sensor (in / out detection means, open / close detection means), 32 is a temperature sensor (temperature detection means), 33 is a humidity sensor (humidity detection means), 37 is a communication unit (communication means, notification means), Reference numeral 38 denotes a weight sensor (in / out detection means, laundry detection means, weight detection means), and 39 denotes a portable communication terminal (notification means).

Claims (10)

Laundry detection means for detecting the presence or absence of laundry in the washing tub;
Suppression means for suppressing the generation of at least one of germs and odors on the laundry,
After the laundry is detected by the laundry detection means, when the laundry is detected again after a predetermined waiting period has passed without the washing operation being performed, the control means for operating the suppression means,
A washing machine comprising:   2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the suppression means is a notification means for notifying that laundry is left.   The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the suppression means is a sanitary function means that performs at least one of a sterilization operation and a deodorization operation.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the laundry detection means is configured by an opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of a lid where the laundry is taken in and out.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the laundry detection means includes weight detection means for detecting the weight of the washing tub. A temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature in the washing tub;
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a start time that is a time until the suppression unit is operated is set based on a detection result of the temperature detection unit. It further comprises humidity detecting means for detecting the humidity in the washing tub,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a start time that is a time until the suppression unit is operated is set based on a detection result of the humidity detection unit.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the suppression means is a communication means for notifying an external device that the laundry is left unattended. The suppression means is a sanitary function means that performs at least one of a sterilization operation and a deodorization operation,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the reserved operation is set, the sanitary function means is operated until the reserved operation is started. It further comprises a loading / unloading detecting means for detecting whether the loading / unloading operation of the laundry has been performed,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the laundry detecting unit detects presence or absence of laundry after it is determined that the laundry loading / unloading operation has been performed by the loading / unloading detection unit. .

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