JP2020028542A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To perform sterilization by bringing the inside of a water tub into a high-temperature, high-humidity environment efficiently.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a drum 3 provided rotatably in a water tub 2; a motor 7 for rotationally driving the drum 3; a water supply valve 9 for supplying water into the water tub 2; a drain valve 13 for draining water in the water tub 2; an air passage 18 connected to a blowout port 16 and an intake port 17 provided at the water tub 2 so as to communicate with them; a blower fan 19 for blowing air into the water tub 2 through the air passage 18; a mist generation part 21 for humidifying the air to be blown to the inside of the water tub 2 by the blower fan 19; a heater 20 for heating the air to be blown to the inside of the water tub 2 by the blower fan 19 to make it hot air; and a control part 36 for controlling a washing operation. The control part 36 executes a tub washing operation for performing washing of the water tub 2 and the drum 3, and in the tub washing operation, the air speed during humidification in the water tub 2 is made to be lower than the air speed of the warm air by the blower fan 19.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing clothes and the like.

  In recent years, in a washing machine, during long-term use, detergent scum and dirt accumulate on the inner surface of a water tub and the outer surface of a washing tub, and bacteria and fungi propagate using these as nutrient sources and habitats. As a result, there is a problem that an unpleasant odor is generated in the washing machine or the clothes after the washing, and a part of the dirt may adhere to the washed clothes.

  Further, in order to improve the washing performance, in the case of a washing machine having a shower function for discharging washing water to the washing clothes, there is a case in which a circulating water channel for circulating washing water in the tub into the washing tub is provided. is there. However, since the circulation channel is difficult to maintain, there is a problem that unpleasant odor may be generated due to the accumulation of dirt substances in the circulation channel and the propagation of bacteria and mold using the deposit as a habitat. did. In addition, there is a problem that clothes and clothes may be stained despite the washing, because bacteria and mold adhere to the clothes, and their metabolites and biofilms may adhere to the clothes. .

  In order to solve the above problems, it has been proposed to wash and sterilize a washing tub (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the washing and drying machine described in Patent Document 1, in the washing step and the sterilization step, air heated by a heating unit is sent into a washing tub by a blowing unit to remove the air by raising the temperature in the washing tub. At the same time as obtaining the bactericidal effect, a small amount of water is supplied to the heating section or the washing tub by using a water supply means, thereby making the inside of the washing tub a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, thereby further enhancing the germicidal effect.

JP 2005-253584 A

  However, in the conventional configuration, a small amount of water is supplied to the heated washing tub in order to make the inside of the washing tub a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, and the heat in the washing tub changes the water into steam. There is a problem that it takes a long time to perform the cleaning, and the supplied water is partially condensed, and the inside of the washing tub cannot be quickly set to a high-temperature and high-humidity environment.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of efficiently disinfecting bacteria in a high temperature and high humidity environment in a water tank.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, a washing machine of the present invention includes a washing tub rotatably provided in a water tub, a motor for rotating the washing tub, a water supply unit for supplying water into the water tub, A water drainage section for draining the water, an air passage connected to an outlet and an intake provided in the water tank, an air blowing section for blowing air into the water tank through the air path, and air blown into the water tank by the air blowing section. A humidifying unit for humidifying the air, a heating unit for heating the air blown into the water tub by the air blowing unit to generate hot air, and a control unit for controlling a washing operation, wherein the control unit cleans the water tub and the washing tub. Is performed, and in the tank cleaning operation, the wind speed at the time of humidification in the water tank is made lower than the wind speed of the warm air by the blowing unit.

  As a result, the humidified air introduced into the water tank is prevented from flowing out to the air path, and the bacteria in the water tank can be quickly and efficiently disinfected by using a small amount of energy in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. Bacteria and molds that live on the surface of the tank can be killed.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The washing machine of the present invention can efficiently remove bacteria by setting the inside of a water tank to a high-temperature and high-humidity environment.

Schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a main part of an air passage of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Schematic diagram of a mist generating section of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. AA sectional view of FIG. 3 of the mist generating portion of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Time chart showing an operation during a tub cleaning operation of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Graph showing the relationship between the temperature of the washing machine and the disinfection effect in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Block diagram of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Schematic diagram of another example of the mist generating section of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. (A) Principal part schematic diagram of another example of the air path of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (b) Principal part schematic diagram of another example of the air path of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention (A) Schematic diagram of a main part of another example of the air path of the washing machine in the first embodiment (b) Schematic diagram of a main portion of another example of the air channel of the washing machine in the embodiment of the present invention Time chart showing the operation of the washing machine in the tub washing operation in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Time chart showing the operation of the washing machine in the tub washing operation in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  A washing machine according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a washing tub rotatably provided in a water tub, a motor for rotating and driving the washing tub, a water supply unit for supplying water to the water tub, and a drainage unit for draining water in the water tub. An air path connected to an outlet and an intake port provided in the water tank, a blowing unit for blowing air into the water tank through the air path, and a humidifying unit for humidifying the air blown into the water tank by the blowing unit. A heating unit that heats the air blown into the water tub by the blower unit to generate hot air, and a control unit that controls a washing operation, the control unit performs a tub cleaning operation of cleaning the water tub and the washing tub. Further, in the tank cleaning operation, the wind speed at the time of humidification in the water tank is made lower than the wind speed of the warm air by the blower.

  As a result, the humidified air introduced into the water tank is prevented from flowing out to the air path, and the bacteria in the water tank can be quickly and efficiently disinfected by using a small amount of energy in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. Bacteria and molds that live on the surface of the tank can be killed.

  According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the control section changes a wind speed at the time of humidification in the water tank in the tank cleaning operation.

  Thus, the blown humidified air can be retained in the water tank, and a predetermined high-temperature and high-humidity environment can be effectively realized.

  In a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the controller rotates the washing tub when the tub is humidified in the tub washing operation.

As a result, an air flow is generated in the direction of rotation of the washing tub in the water tub, and the humidified air introduced at a low speed is prevented from flowing out from the intake port to the air passage, and the humidified air stays in the water tub. A predetermined high-temperature and high-humidity environment can be realized.

  In a fourth invention, in particular, in any one of the first to third inventions, the humidifying part is constituted by a mist generating part for generating a mist.

  As a result, the humidified moisture for increasing the humidity can be changed from fine mist to water vapor, the humidity can be efficiently increased with a small amount of heat, and a predetermined high-temperature and high-humidity environment can be realized.

  In a fifth invention, in particular, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, in the tank cleaning operation, the controller heats the inside of the water tank with warm air and then humidifies the inside of the water tank.

  As a result, the inside of the water tank can be quickly heated by high-speed hot air, and humidified air containing mist is introduced into the heated water tank by low-speed blowing, so that water droplets partially condense. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently change the humidity in the water tank with a small amount of water, thereby realizing a predetermined high-temperature and high-humidity environment.

  In a sixth aspect, in particular, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control unit maintains the inside of the water tank at a predetermined temperature with hot air after humidifying the inside of the water tank in the tank cleaning operation. It is.

  As a result, the inside of the water tank can be maintained in a predetermined high-temperature and high-humidity environment, and can be effectively sterilized.

  In a seventh invention, in particular, in any one of the first to sixth inventions, the control unit heats the air for humidifying the inside of the water tank by the heating unit in the tank cleaning operation.

  As a result, the humidified air is heated and introduced into the water tank, so that the temperature in the heated water tank is prevented from lowering, which helps to maintain a predetermined temperature.

  In an eighth invention, in particular, in any one of the first to sixth inventions, in the tank cleaning operation, the control unit turns off the heating unit and does not heat the air for humidifying the inside of the water tank.

  As a result, the water is carried to the water tank and vaporized in the heated water tank, so that a predetermined high-temperature and high-humidity environment can be realized.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a main part of an air passage of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the mist generating section of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the mist generating section of the washing machine according to the first embodiment taken along line AA of FIG. FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 during the tub cleaning operation. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature of the washing machine and the sterilization effect in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a water tank 2 elastically supported in a housing 1 is provided. In the water tub 2, a bottomed cylindrical drum 3 as a washing tub is rotatably provided. Between the inner surface of the water tank 2 and the outer surface of the drum 3, a relatively narrow gap 2a is formed over the entire circumference. The rotation shaft 3a of the drum 3 is inclined forward (upper left in FIG. 1) at an angle θ (for example, 10 degrees).

  A plurality of baffles 4 protruding inward toward the rotation center of the drum 3 and a number of small holes 5 communicating with the inside of the water tank 2 are provided on the inner peripheral side surface of the drum 3. On the front side of the drum 3, an opening 6 is provided, through which laundry such as clothes (hereinafter, referred to as an object to be washed) is put into the drum 3 and taken out from the drum 3.

  A motor 7 for rotating and driving the drum 3 is attached to the rear surface of the water tank 2. The motor 7 is constituted by a brushless DC motor, and the rotation speed can be freely changed by inverter control. A water supply pipe 8 for supplying water into the water tank 2 is connected to a water tap (not shown), and a water supply valve 9 as a water supply unit is provided. The detergent case 10 into which the detergent is charged is connected to the water supply pipe 8. The washing water flows from the water supply pipe 8 through the detergent case 10 and the water supply passage 11 and flows into the water tub 2.

  The washing water in the tub 2 is discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the drainage path 12. The drainage path 12 has a drainage valve 13 as a drainage part and a drainage filter 14. The washing water in the water tub 2 is discharged from a drain port 15 provided at the bottom of the water tub 2 through a drain filter 14, through an open drain valve 13, and out of the washing machine. The drain filter 14 is provided at a position where washing water circulates during washing, and collects buttons and the like that have come off from the object to be washed. The drain filter 14 is configured to be detachable from the front side of the housing 1.

  An outlet 16 provided in the upper front of the water tank 2 and an intake 17 provided in the upper rear of the water tank 2 are connected to each other by an air passage 18. The air passage 18 is provided in the front-rear direction along the upper part outside the water tank 2. A blower fan 19 that is a blower is provided in the air passage 18. By driving the blower fan 19, air is blown from the outlet 16 into the water tank 2 and the drum 3, and is supplied from the intake 17 to the air passage 18 and circulated.

  In the air passage 18, a heater 20 as a heating unit is provided downstream of the blower fan 19. When the heater 20 is energized, the air flowing forward in the air passage 18 is heated, and hot air is blown from the outlet 16. The heater 20 stably heats the air flowing through the air passage 18 to a predetermined temperature by, for example, on / off control or current control.

  A mist generator 21 serving as a humidifier is provided downstream of the heater 20 in the air passage 18. The mist generator 21 generates a mist for humidifying the inside of the water tank 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the mist generating section 21 has a water storage section 22 for storing water for generating mist, and is connected to the water supply pipe 8 via the detergent case 10 by a water supply pipe 23. The water storage unit 22 is provided with a nozzle chamber 24 that supplies a water droplet W to the air passage 18. The bottom of the water storage section 22 and the nozzle chamber 24 are connected by a communication section 22a, and a valve body 25 is provided.

  The nozzle chamber 24 is provided with a plurality of nozzles 24 a having small holes (not shown) facing the air passage 18. The tip of the nozzle 24a protrudes into the air passage 18 so as to be located substantially at the center of the air passage 18 having a substantially circular cross section.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the valve body 25 is opened, the water in the water storage section 22 enters the nozzle chamber 24 via the communication section 22a, and reaches a limited amount from the nozzle 24a to the air passage 18. Water droplets W flow out. The mist generation unit 21 supplies and stops the water droplet W from the nozzle 24a to the air passage 18 by opening and closing the valve 25 provided in the communication unit 22a.

  When the valve body 25 is opened, a set small amount of water droplet W is supplied to the air passage 18 from the plurality of nozzles 24a, and when the valve body 25 is closed, the supply of the water droplet is stopped. The water supplied to the air passage 18 is pulverized by the air flowing through the air passage 18 by the operation of the mist generating unit 21 by opening and closing the valve body 25, and a mist of fine water particles is generated. The mist fine particles generally have a size of several μm to several tens μm, and refer to particles having a range of 1 to 90 μm. The generated mist is introduced into the water tank 2 and the drum 3 from the outlet 16 by the wind flowing through the air passage 18.

  The humidifying unit may be a mist generating unit 21 that generates mist, or may be a steam generating unit (not shown) that generates steam. The steam generated in the steam generating section is supplied to the air passage 18 as in the case of the mist, and is introduced into the water tank 2 and the drum 3 from the outlet 16 by the wind flowing through the air passage 18 by the blower fan 19.

  The circulation water channel 26 is provided so as to guide the water stored at the bottom in the water tank 2 from the drain port 15 to the opening 6 side located at the front part in the water tank 2. The circulating water passage 26 is provided with a pump 27 for circulating water in the water tank 2 and a discharge port 28. The pump 27 is installed at the bottom in the housing 1 and is arranged downstream of the drain filter 14. The discharge port 28 discharges water in the water tank 2 toward the inside of the drum 3 by driving the pump 27.

  The water amount detector 32 detects the amount of water supplied into the water tank 2. The temperature detector 33 detects the surface temperature of the upper part of the water tank 2. The temperature detection unit 33 is configured by a thermistor or the like, and is disposed near the front surface of the upper part of the water tank 2. The cloth amount detection unit 34 detects the amount of the cleaning target put into the drum 3. The rotation detecting unit 35 detects driving of the drum 3.

  The control unit 36 is provided in the housing 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 36 controls the amount of water detected by the water amount detection unit 32, the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 33, the amount of the object to be cleaned detected by the cloth amount detection unit 34, The drive and the like of the drum 3 detected by the rotation detection unit 35 are acquired.

  The control unit 36 controls the motor 7, the water supply valve 9, the drain valve 13, the blower fan 19, the heater 20, the mist generation unit 21, the pump 27, and the like based on these inputs, and performs a washing process, a rinsing process, a dehydrating process. And the like are sequentially controlled to execute the washing operation.

  In the case of a washing / drying machine having a drying function, a drying operation is performed. The washing operation and the drying operation can be performed independently, and the washing operation and the drying operation can be executed as a series of operations, and the drying step is executed after the dehydration step. Further, the control unit 36 executes a tank cleaning operation to clean the water tank 2 and the drum 3.

  The user can take out and put in the cleaning object through the opening 6 provided on the front side of the drum 3 by opening the openable door 37 provided on the front side of the housing 1. The operation display unit 38 is provided at an upper part on the front side of the housing 1. The operation display unit 38 can make settings for operating the washing machine with respect to the control unit 36, and can acquire and display the setting contents and the operation status of the washing machine from the control unit 36.

  The operation and operation of the washing machine configured as described above will be described below.

  First, a washing operation for washing an object to be washed will be described.

In FIG. 1, the user opens the door 37 and throws an object to be cleaned into the drum 3 through the opening 6. Next, the user turns on a power switch (not shown) of the operation display section 38 and operates a start switch (not shown) to start a washing operation.

  In the washing operation, a washing step is first performed.

  First, when the control unit 36 starts the operation, the cloth amount detecting unit 34 detects the amount of the cleaning target put into the drum 3. When the drum 3 is driven to rotate by the motor 7, the cloth amount detection unit 34 can detect the amount of the object to be cleaned from the amount of torque applied to the motor 7 when the drum 3 rotates, the current value of the motor 7, and the like.

  The control unit 36 sets the amount of water according to the amount of the object to be cleaned detected by the cloth amount detection unit 34 and sets the time of each process. Further, the amount of the detergent set according to the amount of the object to be cleaned is determined, and the standard is displayed on the operation display unit 38. The user puts the detergent into the detergent case 10 according to the indicated amount of detergent.

  Next, the control unit 36 opens the water supply valve 9. Thereby, the water from the tap water is supplied into the water tank 2 via the detergent case 10. At this time, the drain valve 13 is closed. Water entering the detergent case 10 through the water supply pipe 8 dissolves the detergent in the detergent case 10 and is supplied into the water tub 2 as washing water. The washing water accumulated at the bottom in the water tub 2 flows into the drum 3 from the small holes 5.

  Next, the water amount detection unit 32 detects the amount of water supplied into the water tank 2, and the control unit 36 determines that the supplied water amount becomes equal to the water amount set according to the amount of the object to be cleaned. Close. The control unit 36 drives the drum 3 to rotate in one direction (for example, 20 rpm) so that the object to be cleaned rolls in the drum 3 during water supply. Thereby, the penetration of the washing water into the object to be washed is accelerated. When the amount of water in the water tub 2 drops below the set water level due to the absorption of the washing water into the object to be washed, the control unit 36 opens the water supply valve 9 to supply water.

  The control unit 36 drives the pump 27 when the water supply to the water tank 2 is completed. The water collected at the bottom in the water tank 2 is guided from the drain port 15 to the circulation channel 26, and the water flowing through the circulation channel 26 is discharged from the discharge port 28 into the drum 3. As a result, the washing water that has permeated the washing target flows out of the small holes 5 into the water tub 2, and circulates from the drain port 15 through the circulation water channel 26.

  The control unit 36 drives the drum 3 by the motor 7 at a predetermined rotation number (for example, 42 rpm) alternately in a forward / reverse rotation at predetermined time intervals to execute a tapping and washing of the object to be cleaned. The object to be cleaned is lifted in the rotation direction of the drum 3 by the baffle 4 due to the rotation of the drum 3, and then falls from the upper portion of the drum 3 to be washed by tapping and washing.

  The control unit 36 executes the above-described washing process for a set predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). Thereafter, the control unit 36 opens the drain valve 13 to discharge the washing water to the outside of the machine, and ends the washing process.

  After that, following the washing step, the control unit 36 executes the rinsing step and the dehydrating step in this order, and ends the washing operation. Detailed description of the rinsing step and the dehydration step will be omitted.

  In the case of a washing machine having a drying function, a drying step can be executed following the dehydration step, and a series of operations from washing to drying can be executed. In addition, the washing operation can be performed as a series of operations from the washing process to the dehydration process, and can be performed only in the dehydration process or only in the drying process.

Next, the tank cleaning operation will be described. FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the operation of the tank cleaning operation in the first embodiment. The tub cleaning operation is performed separately from the washing operation, and cleans the water tank 2, the drum 3, and the like.

  First, the user turns on the power switch (not shown) of the operation display unit 38, sets the tank cleaning operation, and then operates the start switch (not shown) to start the tank cleaning operation.

  The control unit 36 opens the water supply valve 9 when the operation is started. Thereby, the water from the tap water flows through the water supply pipe 8, is supplied to the mist generating section 21 as the humidifying section via the detergent case 10 and the water supply pipe 23, and is stored in the water storage section 22. At this time, the valve element 25 of the mist generating section 21 is closed.

  Since no detergent is put in the detergent case 10, a predetermined amount of water not containing detergent is stored in the water storage unit 22. When a predetermined amount of water is stored in the water storage unit 22, the control unit 36 closes the water supply valve 9. The amount of water stored in the water storage unit 22 is set to an amount such that the inside of the water tank 2 becomes a predetermined humid environment in the tank cleaning operation.

  After the water supply, the control unit 36 drives the blower fan 19 and energizes the heater 20, heats the air flowing through the air passage 18 through the heater 20, and blows warm air from the outlet 16. At this time, the driving of the blower fan 19 is Hi, and the wind speed which is the speed of the warm air blown out from the outlet 16 is, for example, about 10 m / s.

  The inside of the water tank 2 and the drum 3 is heated by warm air, and the control unit 36 determines the temperature of the water tank 2 (the surface temperature of the upper inner surface on the front side of the water tank 2) based on the output of the temperature detection unit 33, at the set temperature T1. Control so that At this time, the drum 3 is rotationally driven at a low speed (for example, 20 rpm). Thereby, a flow of air is generated in the rotation direction of the drum 3 in the water tank 2, and the hot air blown from the outlet 16 is agitated to make the temperature in the water tank 2 heated by the hot air uniform. it can.

  The set temperature T1 is, for example, preferably 50 ° C. or higher, more preferably 50 ° C. or higher and 90 ° C. or lower. This is more advantageous in sterilizing molds and fungi at higher temperatures, but the same effect as at high temperatures can be achieved in a shorter time even at low temperatures due to consideration of the heat resistance temperature of the resin material that is the structure of the washing machine. This is because of the expression.

  FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the heating temperature and the holding time for mold and the bactericidal effect.

  The higher the heating temperature, the greater the sterilization effect. In FIG. 6, the sterilization effect is as follows: temperature a <temperature b <temperature c. For example, temperature a = 45 ° C., temperature b = 48 ° C., and temperature c = 50 ° C.

  The lower the heating temperature, the longer the time required to kill mold and fungi. It is confirmed that a higher heating temperature is more advantageous for reducing the number of molds and fungi inhabiting by two digits or more in a shorter time.

  The control unit 36 drives the mist generation unit 21 when the temperature detection unit 33 detects that the temperature of the upper inner surface of the water tank 2 has reached the set temperature T1. When the valve body 25 is opened, the water stored in the water storage portion 22 flows into the nozzle chamber 24 through the communication portion 22a, and flows from the tip portions of the plurality of nozzles 24a facing the air passage 18 to the air passage 18. Water droplets W are supplied.

The water droplet W flowing out of the small hole of the nozzle 24a into the air passage 18 is pulverized by the warm air flowing through the air passage 18, and a mist of fine water particles is generated. The mist is heated by the warm air flowing through the air passage 18 heated by the heater 20, and is introduced from the outlet 16 into the water tank 2 and the drum 3 which are heated to the set temperature T1.

  At this time, the drive of the blower fan 19 during the humidification for introducing the mist is low, and the wind speed, which is the speed of the hot air blown out from the outlet 16, is, for example, about 0.6 to 3.3 m / s. That is, the wind speed at which the inside of the water tank 2 is humidified by the blower fan 19 is lower than the wind speed at which the inside of the water tank 2 is heated by the warm air.

  The humidified air containing the mist that has been heated and vaporized by the warm air is blown to the gap 2a formed between the inner surface of the water tank 2 and the outer surface of the drum 3, and the high temperature and high humidity set inside the water tank 2 and the drum 3 are set. To the environment. Since the humidified air is introduced by the warm air, a decrease in the temperature in the heated water tank 2 is suppressed, which helps to maintain the set temperature T1. When the supply of the water stored in the water storage section 22 ends, the valve body 25 is closed.

  The timing of introducing the humidified air may be after the heating to the set temperature T1 or before reaching the set temperature T1 if it is near the set temperature T1. Humidified air may be introduced after the inside of 2 is heated, and a predetermined high-temperature and high-humidity environment may be realized.

  The control unit 36 is configured to rotationally drive the drum 3 during humidification in the water tank 2. The drum 3 rotates in one direction at about 20 rpm, for example. As a result, an air flow is generated in the rotation direction of the drum 3 in the water tank 2, and the humidified air introduced at a low speed is prevented from flowing out from the intake 17 to the air passage 18, and the humidification The air stays and a predetermined high-temperature and high-humidity environment can be effectively realized.

  After the inside of the water tank 2 is humidified, the control unit 36 controls the blower fan 19 and the heater 20 such that the set temperature T1 is maintained for a predetermined time by the warm air. When the set temperature is 50 ° C., the time t for maintaining the set temperature T1 is preferably, for example, 10 minutes. When the set temperature is 55 ° C., the maintenance time is preferably, for example, 5 minutes.

  By providing the temperature detection unit 33 at the upper part of the front surface of the water tank 2, the inside of the water tank 2 can be accurately heated to the set temperature.

  The above-described embodiment is configured such that in the tank cleaning operation, heated air is blown into the water tank 2 and the humidified air is introduced into the water tank 2 after the inside of the water tank 2 reaches the set temperature T1. It is.

  Note that, in addition to introducing humidified air after reaching the set temperature T1 as described above, heated air may be introduced into the water tank 2 after introduction of humidified air.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another example of the mist generating unit that is the humidifying unit of the washing machine in the first embodiment. The mist generator 41 is configured using an ultrasonic transducer 42.

  In FIG. 8, the mist generating section 41 has a water storage section 43 that is provided in the air passage 18 and stores water for generating mist. The water storage section 43 is supplied with a predetermined amount of water from a water supply pipe 8 connected via a water supply channel (not shown) and is stored therein. The thin plate-shaped ultrasonic vibrator 42 is provided at the bottom in the water storage section 43, and below the ultrasonic vibrator 42, an oscillation circuit 44 for vibrating the ultrasonic vibrator 42 is provided. .

The ultrasonic vibrator 42 is supported by the support 45 in substantially parallel to the water surface stored in the water storage 43. The water in the water storage section 43 rises by the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 42 to form a water column 46, and collides with the wall 47 to atomize the water. The water storage section 43 has an opening 48 opened to the air passage 18, and the generated mist enters the air passage 18 from the opening 48 formed on the side of the wall portion 47 and flows through the air passage 18. It is carried to the outlet 16 by wind and introduced into the water tank 2 and the drum 3. The generation and stop of the mist are performed under the control of the oscillation circuit 44 by the control unit 36.

  FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams of main parts of another example of the air passage 18 of the washing machine in the first embodiment.

  A first air path 18a that blows heated air into the water tank 2 and a second air path that introduces air humidified by mist into the water tank 2 are provided in an air path 18 that connects and connects the air outlet 16 and the intake port 17. It has two air paths 18b, and an air path switching unit 49 is provided at a branch portion between the first air path 18a and the second air path 18b.

  The outlet sides of the first air passage 18a and the second air passage 18b are respectively connected to the air outlet 16. The blower fan 19 is provided in the air passage 18 on the upstream side of the air passage switching unit 49, and the heater 20 is disposed in the air passage 18 between the blower fan 19 and the air passage switching unit 49. The control unit 36 switches the air path switching unit 49 so that the air blown by the air blowing fan 19 is blown to either the first air path 18a or the second air path 18b.

  FIG. 9A shows a state in which the control unit 36 has switched the air path switching unit 49 so that the air blown by the air blowing fan 19 flows from the air path 18 to the first air path 18a. The warm air heated by the heater 20 flows through the first air passage 18 a through the air passage switching unit 49, and is introduced into the water tank 2 and the drum 3 from the outlet 16. At this time, the driving of the blower fan 19 is Hi, and the mist generating unit 21 is not operating.

  FIG. 9B shows a state in which the control unit 36 has switched the air path switching unit 49 so that the air blown by the air blowing fan 19 flows from the air path 18 to the second air path 18b. In FIG. 9A, when the temperature in the tank rises due to the introduction of warm air from the first air passage 18a into the water tank 2 and the temperature detecting unit 33 detects a predetermined temperature T1, the state shown in FIG. As described above, the control unit 36 switches the air passage switching unit 49 and activates the mist generation unit 21 so that the air blown by the blowing fan 19 flows from the air passage 18 to the second air passage 18b.

  The warm air heated by the heater 20, including the mist generated in the mist generating section 21, is introduced into the water tank 2 and the drum 3 from the outlet 16 and is humidified. At this time, the blower fan 19 is driven low. That is, the wind speed at which the inside of the water tank 2 is humidified by the blower fan 19 is lower than the wind speed when the inside of the water tank 2 is heated by warm air.

  FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of a main part of another example of the air passage 18 of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

  A first air passage 18a for blowing heated air into the water tank 2 and a second air path for introducing air humidified by the mist into the water tank 2 are provided in an air path 18 communicating and connecting the outlet 16 and the intake port 17. It has two air paths 18b, and an air path switching unit 49 is provided at a branch portion between the first air path 18a and the second air path 18b.

The outlet sides of the first air passage 18a and the second air passage 18b are respectively connected to the air outlet 16. The blower fan 19 is provided in the air passage 18 on the upstream side of the air passage switching unit 49. The control unit 36 switches the air path switching unit 49 so that the air blown by the air blowing fan 19 is blown to either the first air path 18a or the second air path 18b. The heater 20 is provided in the first air passage 18a located downstream of the air passage switching unit 49, and the mist generating unit 21 is provided in the second air passage 18b located downstream of the air passage switching unit 49. I have.

  FIG. 10A shows a state in which the control unit 36 has switched the air path switching unit 49 so that the air blown by the air blowing fan 19 flows from the air path 18 to the first air path 18a. The warm air heated by the heater 20 provided in the first air passage 18a is introduced into the water tank 2 and the drum 3 from the outlet 16. At this time, the driving of the blower fan 19 is Hi, and the mist generating unit 21 is not operating.

  FIG. 10B shows a state in which the control unit 36 has switched the air path switching unit 49 so that the air blown by the air blowing fan 19 flows from the air path 18 to the second air path 18b. In FIG. 10A, when the temperature in the tank rises due to the introduction of warm air from the first air path 18a into the water tank 2 and the temperature detecting unit 33 detects the predetermined temperature T1, the state shown in FIG. As shown, the control unit 36 switches the air path switching unit 49 and activates the mist generation unit 21 so that the air blown by the air blowing fan 19 flows from the air path 18 to the second air path 18b.

  The hot air humidified including the mist generated in the mist generating section 21 is introduced into the water tank 2 and the drum 3 from the outlet 16. At this time, the blower fan 19 is driven low. That is, the wind speed at which the inside of the water tank 2 is humidified by the blower fan 19 is lower than the wind speed at which the inside of the water tank 2 is heated by the warm air.

  As described above, the provision of the first air passage 18a for blowing the heated air into the water tank 2 and the second air passage 18b for introducing the humidified air into the water tank 2 are provided in the air passage 18 so that the warm air is provided. The heating of the water tank 2 by the wind and the humidification of the water tank 2 by the humidified air can be individually performed, and the high-temperature and high-humidity environment can be optimized.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the first embodiment includes the drum 3 rotatably provided in the water tub 2, the motor 7 for driving the drum 3 to rotate, the water supply valve 9 for supplying water to the water tub 2, A drain valve 13 for draining water in the water tank 2, an air passage 18 connected to an outlet 16 and an intake port 17 provided in the water tank 2, a mist generator 21 for humidifying the inside of the water tank 2, A blower fan 19 for blowing air into the water tub 2 through the passage 18, a heater 20 for heating the air blown into the water tub 2, and a control unit 36 for controlling the washing operation are provided. The tank cleaning operation for performing the cleaning of No. 3 is performed, and in the tank cleaning operation, the wind speed at which the inside of the water tank 2 is humidified by the blower fan 19 is set to be lower than the wind speed at which the inside of the water tank 2 is heated by hot air.

  Thereby, the inside of the water tank 2 can be quickly heated by high-speed warm air, and the humidified air introduced into the water tank 2 is prevented from flowing out to the air passage 18, so that the humidified air is quickly and with little energy. The inside of the water tank 2 can be efficiently removed under a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, and bacteria and fungi that live on the surfaces of the water tank 2 and the drum 3 can be killed.

  The control unit 36 rotates the drum 3 during humidification in the water tank 2 in the tank cleaning operation.

  As a result, an air flow is generated in the rotation direction of the drum 3 in the water tank 2, and the humidified air introduced at a low speed is prevented from flowing out from the intake 17 to the air passage 18, and the humidification The air is filled, and a predetermined high-temperature and high-humidity environment can be realized.

  The humidifying section is constituted by a mist generating section 21 for generating mist.

  As a result, the humidifying moisture for increasing the humidity can be changed from fine mist to water vapor, the humidity can be efficiently increased with a small amount of heat, and a high-temperature and high-humidity environment can be realized.

  Further, in the tank cleaning operation, the control section 36 heats the inside of the water tank 2 with warm air and then humidifies the inside of the water tank 2.

  Thereby, the inside of the water tank 2 can be quickly heated by the high-speed hot air, and the humidified air containing the mist is introduced into the heated water tank 2 by the low-speed blowing, so that water droplets are partially formed. It can be changed to water vapor without dew condensation, the humidity in the water tank 2 can be efficiently increased with a small amount of water, and a high-temperature and high-humidity environment can be provided.

  In the tank cleaning operation, the control unit 36 keeps the inside of the water tank 2 at a predetermined temperature by warm air after humidifying the inside of the water tank 2.

  Thus, the inside of the water tank 2 can be maintained in a predetermined high-temperature and high-humidity environment, and can be effectively sterilized.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 11 is a time chart illustrating an operation during a tub cleaning operation of the washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  The feature of the second embodiment is that the wind speed when the inside of the water tank 2 is humidified by the blower fan 19 is changed in the tank cleaning operation. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description uses the configuration of the first embodiment. The schematic diagram of the main part of the air passage of the washing machine is the same as FIG. 2 and FIG.

  The control unit 36 opens the water supply valve 9 when the operation is started. Thereby, the water from the tap water flows through the water supply pipe 8, is supplied to the mist generating section 21 as the humidifying section via the detergent case 10 and the water supply pipe 23, and is stored in the water storage section 22.

  After the water supply, the control unit 36 drives the blower fan 19 and energizes the heater 20, heats the air flowing through the air passage 18 through the heater 20, and blows warm air from the outlet 16. At this time, the driving of the blower fan 19 is Hi, and the wind speed which is the speed of the warm air blown out from the outlet 16 is, for example, about 10 m / s.

  The inside of the water tank 2 and the drum 3 is heated by warm air, and the control unit 36 drives the mist generation unit 21 when the temperature detection unit 33 detects that the temperature of the upper inner surface of the water tank 2 has reached the set temperature T1. When the valve body 25 is opened, the water stored in the water storage portion 22 flows into the nozzle chamber 24 through the communication portion 22a, and flows from the tip portions of the plurality of nozzles 24a facing the air passage 18 to the air passage 18. Water droplets W are supplied.

  The water droplets W flowing out of the small holes of the nozzle 24a into the air passage 18 are pulverized by the warm air flowing through the air passage 18 to generate mist of fine water particles. The mist is heated by the warm air flowing through the air passage 18 heated by the heater 20, and is introduced from the outlet 16 into the water tank 2 and the drum 3 which are heated to the set temperature T1.

  The drive of the blower fan 19 at the start of humidification is low, and the wind speed, which is the speed of the warm air blown out from the outlet 16, is, for example, about 0.6 to 3.3 m / s.

  Then, the control unit 36 changes the wind speed when the inside of the water tank 2 is humidified by the blower fan 19. The wind speed at the time of humidification, for example, after the drive of the blower fan 19 gradually decreases from L0 to a low speed side, gradually rises and changes to a substantially V-shape. The humidified air containing the mist introduced into the water tank 2 has a reduced pressure pushed out from the intake port 17 due to a decrease in wind speed, and stays in the water tank 2. The change in the wind speed when the inside of the water tank 2 is humidified by the blower fan 19 may be other than the V-shape.

  At this time, by rotating the drum 3 at, for example, about 20 rpm, an air flow is generated in the rotation direction of the drum 3 in the water tank 2, and the humidified air stagnating in the water tank 2 is blown from the intake 17 by the wind. Outflow to the road 18 is suppressed, which is more effective.

  As described above, in the washing machine of the second embodiment, in the tub washing operation, the control unit 36 changes the wind speed at which the inside of the water tub 2 is humidified by the blower fan 19.

  Thereby, the blown humidified air can be retained in the water tank 2, and a predetermined high-temperature, high-humidity environment can be effectively realized.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 12 is a time chart illustrating an operation during a tub cleaning operation of the washing machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  The feature of the third embodiment is that the heater 20 is turned off and the air is blown into the water tank 2 to humidify the tank during the tank cleaning operation. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description uses the configuration of the first embodiment. The schematic diagram of the main part of the air passage of the washing machine is the same as FIG. 2 and FIG.

  When the temperature detecting unit 33 detects that the temperature of the upper inner surface of the water tank 2 has reached the set temperature T1, the control unit 36 turns off the heater 20 and drives the mist generating unit 21. When the valve body 25 is opened, the water stored in the water storage portion 22 flows into the nozzle chamber 24 through the communication portion 22a, and flows from the tip portions of the plurality of nozzles 24a facing the air passage 18 to the air passage 18. Water droplets W are supplied.

  The water droplet W flowing out of the small hole of the nozzle 24a into the air passage 18 is pulverized by the wind flowing through the air passage 18, and a mist of fine water particles is generated. At this time, the control unit 36 turns off the heater 20 to blow air. The mist flows through the air passage 18 by the unheated wind, and is introduced from the outlet 16 into the water tank 2 and the drum 3 heated to the set temperature T1.

  The drive of the blower fan 19 during humidification is low, and the wind speed which is the speed of the wind blown out from the outlet 16 is, for example, about 0.6 to 3.3 m / s. The humidified air containing the mist introduced at a low speed into the water tank 2 has a reduced pressure pushed out from the intake port 17 and stays in the water tank 2.

  At this time, by rotating the drum 3 at, for example, about 20 rpm, an air flow is generated in the rotation direction of the drum 3 in the water tank 2, and the humidified air stagnating in the water tank 2 is blown from the intake 17 by the wind. Outflow to the road 18 is suppressed, which is more effective.

  As described above, in the washing machine according to the third embodiment, in the tub washing operation, the heater 20 is turned off to blow air into the water tub 2 to humidify it.

  Thereby, the moisture is carried to the water tank 2 by the unheated wind, and is vaporized in the heated water tank 2 so as to create a high-temperature and high-humidity environment.

  In the tank cleaning operation, the control unit 36 controls the inner surface of the upper part of the water tank 2 to a predetermined temperature based on the output of the temperature detection unit 33, so that the water tank 2 and the water tank 2 are controlled by a predetermined heat and humidity. Bacteria and mold living on the surface of the drum 3 can be killed.

  Further, in the tank cleaning operation, the control unit 36 can make the temperature / humidity environment in the water tank 2 uniform by rotating and driving the drum 3, thereby eliminating condensation of water droplets.

  In the tank cleaning operation, the control unit 36 supplies a heated air and mist into the water tank 2 to remove bacteria in the water tank 2, and performs a rinse in the water tank 2 after the bacteria removal step. Steps may be performed. In this case, it is possible to wash out the bacteria, molds, biofilms, etc. killed in the eradication process and discharge them to the outside of the machine. Thus, adhesion to clothing can be suppressed and laundry can be finished cleanly.

  The above embodiments can be implemented in appropriate combinations.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can be effectively used as a washing machine because the water tub can be efficiently disinfected in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment.

2 water tank 3 drum (washing tank)
7 Motor 9 Water supply valve (water supply section)
13 drain valve (drain section)
16 blowout port 17 intake port 18, 18a, 18b air path 19 blower fan (blower section)
20 heater (heating unit)
21, 41 Mist generation part (humidification part)
36 control unit

Claims (8)

A washing tub rotatably provided in the water tank,
A motor that rotationally drives the washing tub,
A water supply unit for supplying water into the water tank,
A drainage unit that drains water in the water tank,
An air passage connected to an outlet and an intake provided in the water tank,
A blower for blowing air into the water tank through the air passage;
A humidifier that humidifies the air blown into the water tank by the blower,
A heating unit that heats the air blown into the water tank by the blowing unit to make it hot air,
A control unit for controlling the washing operation,
The control unit performs a tub cleaning operation for cleaning the water tub and the washing tub, and in the tub cleaning operation, the blowing unit sets the wind speed at the time of humidification in the water bath to be lower than the wind speed of the warm air. Washing machine. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a wind speed at the time of humidification in the water tub during the tub cleaning operation. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit rotates the washing tub during humidification in the tub in the tub washing operation. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the humidifying unit includes a mist generating unit that generates a mist. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit heats the inside of the water tub with the hot air and then humidifies the inside of the water tub in the tub washing operation. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, in the tub cleaning operation, the control unit keeps the inside of the water tub at a predetermined temperature by the warm air after humidifying the inside of the water tub. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit heats the air for humidifying the inside of the water tub by the heating unit in the tub cleaning operation. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit turns off the heating unit and does not heat the air for humidifying the inside of the water tub in the tub cleaning operation.