JP2020054688A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine that is provided with a detergent feeder and is capable of appropriately executing a presoak process.SOLUTION: The washing machine comprises: a detergent feeder for automatically feeding a detergent into a washing tub; a dirt degree detector for detecting a degree of dirt of washing water in the washing tub; and a controller for executing a washing operation by controlling each device. The washing machine is configured to be able to execute a presoak course comprising a presoak process for soaking laundry for a specified period of time in washing water obtained by dissolving a detergent in water in the washing tub before executing a main washing operation. Also, when the presoak course is executed, the controller executes a dirt degree sensing process for detecting a dirt degree of washing water by the dirt degree detector before starting the presoak process, and executes an additional feeding of the detergent by the detergent feeder on the basis of the detection result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a washing machine.

  In recent years, for example, in a drum type washing machine, it has been considered to provide an automatic detergent introduction device for automatically introducing a detergent (liquid detergent) into a drum (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this apparatus, at the start of the washing operation, the laundry amount of the laundry is detected to determine the laundry amount in the drum, the detergent amount is set according to the laundry amount, and the detergent is automatically injected. ing.

JP 2017-80229 A

  By the way, there has been known a washing machine capable of executing a soaking course including a "soaking" process for thoroughly washing stubborn soiled laundry. In the soaking process, before proceeding to the main washing operation (washing process), the laundry housed in the drum is washed with washing water in which detergent is dissolved in water for a certain period of time set by the user (for example, 2 hours or the like). This is done by soaking.

However, conventionally, it has not been considered how to control the automatic detergent feeding device in a washing machine capable of performing a precourse course and to perform a precocious course properly. Is the actual situation.
In view of the above, there is provided a washing machine which is provided with a detergent introduction device and which can appropriately execute a pre-stroke process.

  The first washing machine of the present embodiment includes a washing tub in which laundry is stored, a water supply device that supplies water to the washing tub, a drainage device that drains water from the washing tub, A detergent input device for automatically inputting a detergent, a dirt degree detecting device for detecting a dirt degree of the washing water in the washing tub, and a control device for controlling each of the devices to execute a washing operation; Before executing the washing operation, it is configured to be able to execute a soaking course including a soaking process in which washing is immersed in washing water in which detergent is dissolved in water in the washing tub for a certain period of time. The control device performs a dirt degree sensing step of detecting the degree of dirt of the washing water by the dirt degree detection device before the start of the dicing degree step during the execution of the dicing degree course, and performs a detection in the dirt degree sensing step. Based on the result Te, and add-on detergent by the detergent input device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view showing a schematic configuration of a drum type washing machine according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an electric configuration of the drum type washing machine. Flow chart showing a control procedure of the washing operation executed by the control device Diagram showing the relationship between the amount of cloth and the amount of detergent 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of a washing operation performed by a control device according to a second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of a washing operation performed by a control device according to a third embodiment. Diagram showing the relationship between the set temperature of the hot water soaking course and the threshold temperature 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of a washing operation performed by a control device according to a fourth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, some embodiments applied to a drum type (horizontal axis type) washing / drying machine having both a washing function and a drying function will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in a plurality of embodiments described below, common portions such as a hardware configuration of a washing machine are denoted by the same reference numerals, and new illustration and repeated description will be omitted. Also in the flowchart, the same step numbers are given to the steps that perform the same processing as in the above-described embodiment.

(1) First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, an overall configuration of a drum type washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The drum type washing machine 1 has an outer box 2 having a substantially rectangular box shape. In the outer box 2, a cylindrical water tank 3 is supported via an elastic support mechanism 6 shown only partially in a state of being slightly inclined backward and downward. In the water tub 3, a cylindrical drum 4, which is a washing tub in which clothes as laundry are stored, is rotatably supported. The drum 4 is configured to extend around a tilt axis that extends in the front-rear direction and slightly tilts downward.

  A large number of holes 5 for water passage and ventilation, only a part of which is shown, are formed in the peripheral wall of the drum 4. A plurality of baffles 7 for agitating the laundry are provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the drum 4. A vent (not shown) is provided in the rear wall of the drum 4. An opening 8 through which clothes are taken in and out is provided on a front portion of the drum 4. In the front part of the water tank 3, an input port 9 for clothing connected to the opening 8 is formed. A door 10 that opens and closes the inlet 9 is provided on the front surface of the outer box 2.

  A washing machine motor 11 composed of, for example, an outer rotor type brushless motor is disposed behind the water tub 3. The tip of the rotating shaft 11 a of the washing machine motor 11 penetrates through the back of the water tub 3 and protrudes into the water tub 3, and is connected and fixed to the rear center of the drum 4. Thus, the drum 4 is directly driven to rotate by the washing machine motor 11. The washing machine motor 11 is provided with a rotation sensor 12 (shown only in FIG. 2) for detecting the rotation of the rotor and, consequently, the drum 4.

  A drain pipe 13 is connected to a lower portion of the water tank 3, and a drain valve 14 constituting a drain device is provided at an intermediate portion of the drain pipe 13. Although not shown in detail, the drain pipe 13 extends to the outside of the outer box 2, and water in the water tank 3 is drained to a predetermined drain place such as a washroom. Although not shown, an air trap communicating with the inside of the water tank 3 is provided below the rear surface of the water tank 3, and the air trap is provided with a water level sensor 15 (FIG. 2 only).

  A drying unit 16 and an air circulation duct 17 for supplying hot air into the water tank 3 during the drying process are provided in the outer box 2. The air circulation duct 17 as a whole extends upward from the inlet 17a at the lower end of the back of the water tank 3 to the back of the water tank 3 and then forward to the upper part of the water tank 3, and the outlet at the upper front end of the water tank 3 17b. The drying unit 16 includes a blower fan 18 and a heater 19, and is disposed in a middle part of the air circulation duct 17, for example, above the water tank 3.

  In the drying process, the air in the water tank 3 and the drum 4 is sucked into the air circulation duct 17 from the inlet 17a by being driven by the blowing fan 18 and heated by the heater 19, and then into the water tank 3 from the outlet 17b. Circulation such as supply is performed. Note that a dehumidifier may be provided in the middle of the air circulation duct 17. Further, instead of the heater-type drying unit 16, a drying unit having a heat pump having a well-known configuration may be provided.

  An operation panel 20 is provided on the upper front surface of the outer box 2. The operation panel 20 is provided with, for example, various keys for selecting various driving courses and starting driving, a display unit for performing necessary display for a user, and the like. A control device 21 (shown only in FIG. 2) for controlling the whole is provided on the back side of the operation panel 20. As described later in detail, the control device 21 is mainly configured by a microcomputer, and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 based on various input signals and a control program stored in advance.

  A water supply device 22 for supplying water from the tap water into the water tank 3 and the drum 4 is provided at an upper portion of the outer box 2. A detergent feeding device 30 for automatically feeding a liquid detergent into the water tank 3 is incorporated in the water supply device 22. A water injection case 23 is provided at an upper portion in the outer box 2 at a front portion. The water injection case 23 is connected to the upper front part of the water tank 3 via a water supply hose 23a. Although not shown, the water injection case 23 is provided with a drawer-type detergent introduction section, and the detergents such as powder detergent, finishing agent, and bleaching agent are previously introduced into the detergent introduction section. The detergents are supplied into the water tank 3 together with tap water.

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

  As is well known, the aspirator 27 uses the Venturi effect to create a decompressed state. In an inverted T shape. A check valve (not shown) for preventing backflow is provided in the branch pipe. The aspirator 27 has an inlet portion 27a on the right side, an outlet portion 27b on the left side, and a suction portion 27c on the left side. The inlet portion 27a is located on the upstream water supply source side in the water supply path 25, and the outlet portion 27b is located on the downstream side. It is on the water injection case 23 side. When the water supply valve 26 is opened and water flows in the water supply path 25, water flows from the inlet 27a toward the outlet 27b, the flow velocity increases at the outlet of the throttle, and the inside of the suction part 27c is in a reduced pressure state. Becomes

  On the rear side of the upper part of the outer box 2, there is provided a detergent input device 30 which stores a liquid detergent and serves as a supply source of the liquid detergent. In the present embodiment, the detergent injection device 30 is configured such that a commercially available liquid detergent bottle 31 is directly connectable, and a bottle connection port 32 to which the bottle 31 is connected in a downward state, and a bottle in that state. And a bottle holding portion 33 that supports the bottle 31. Note that a configuration in which the bottle 31 is housed in the outer box 2 may be employed.

  Inside the outer box 2, there is provided a liquid detergent storage portion 34 for temporarily storing the liquid detergent flowing down from the bottle 31 connected to the bottle connection port 32, and the base end portion is provided with the liquid detergent storage portion. A detergent supply path 35 connected to 34 is provided. The tip of the detergent supply passage 35 is connected to the suction portion 27c of the aspirator 27. An opening / closing valve 36 that opens and closes the detergent supply path 35 is provided in the middle of the detergent supply path 35.

  In a state where the bottle 31 is connected to the bottle connection port 32 and the liquid detergent is stored in the liquid detergent reservoir 34, when the water supply valve 26 is opened and water flows through the water supply path 25, the on-off valve 36 is opened. When opened, the liquid detergent is sucked into the aspirator 27 from the suction part 27c through the detergent supply path 35. The sucked liquid detergent flows out of the outlet 27b while being mixed with water, and is automatically injected into the water tank 3 through the water injection case 23. The water supply valve 26 and the on-off valve 36 are controlled to open and close by the control device 21.

  At this time, since the supply amount of the liquid detergent from the liquid detergent storage section 34 to the aspirator 27 is proportional to the opening time of the on-off valve 36, for example, by controlling the opening time of the on-off valve 36, the input amount of the liquid detergent is controlled. It is supposed to be. Thus, the detergent supply device 30 can supply a predetermined amount of detergent into the water tank 3 (drum 4) at the same time as water is supplied into the water tank 3 by the water supply device 22. Note that, instead of the aspirator 27, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-509264, a mechanism for introducing a detergent using a pump or an electromagnetic valve may be used.

  At the inner bottom of the water tub 3, a dirt degree detecting device 39 for detecting the dirt degree of the washing water is provided. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the dirt degree detecting device 39 includes a transmittance sensor 37 for detecting the light transmittance of the washing water in the water tub 3, and an electrical conductivity for detecting the conductivity of the washing water. And a sensor 38. Based on the detection signals of these sensors 37 and 28, it is possible to determine the degree of dirt in the washing water, the type of dirt such as solids such as mud, and whether the dirt is easily re-adhered to the laundry such as pigment stains, Further, the amount of the detergent component in the washing water can be determined.

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

  FIG. 2 schematically shows an electrical configuration of the drum type washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, centering on the control device 21 described above. The control device 21 is mainly configured by a computer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls the entire drum washing machine 1 to execute each step of the washing operation by the software configuration. An operation signal from an operation unit of the operation panel 20 is input to the control device 21, and the control device 21 controls display on a display unit of the operation panel 20.

  Although not shown, the operation unit of the operation panel 20 is provided with a power-on / off key, a course selection key for selecting a washing driving course, a start key, and the like. At this time, in the present embodiment, the washing operation course includes a “standard course” that is set as a default, a “soaking course” in which stubborn dirt is laid on and washed, and an improvement in the washing effect higher than normal temperature. "Washed water cleaning course" for performing the washing process using warm water, which is planned. In the hot water washing course, it is possible to set the temperature of the hot water at 30C to 60C. The user can operate the operation panel 20 to select and execute a desired course.

  As shown in FIG. 2, detection signals from the rotation sensor 12, the water level sensor 15, the transmittance sensor 37, the conductivity sensor 38, and the temperature sensor 41 are input to the control device 21. The control device 21 controls the driving of the washing machine motor 11 and controls the water supply valve 26, the drain valve 14, the drying unit 16, the detergent input device 30, and the hot water heater 40, respectively. The control device 21 then controls the washing machine motor 11, the water supply valve 26, the drain valve 14, the drying unit 16 in accordance with the operation control program based on the operation signal of the operation panel 20 by the user and the detection signal of the water level sensor 15 and the like. , And controls the mechanisms such as the detergent injection device 30 and the hot water heater 40 to execute the washing operation including the respective steps such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration.

  For example, in the “standard course”, the washing operation, the rinsing operation, and the dehydration operation are sequentially performed. In the rinsing step, a dehydration rinsing step and a rinsing step are performed. In the washing step and the rinsing step, the drum 4 is alternately rotated at a relatively low speed in the forward and reverse directions at predetermined time intervals in a water supply state up to a predetermined water level in the water tank 3. In the dehydration rinsing step and the dehydration step, control is performed to continuously rotate the drum 4 at a high speed in one direction (for example, the forward direction).

  Further, in the present embodiment, the control device 21 performs a cloth amount detection operation of rotating the drum 4 for a short time in a state where the dried clothes are stored in the drum 4 before the start of the first water supply, The rotation load, that is, the weight of the clothing is determined based on the output signal of the rotation sensor 12 at that time. The control device 21 controls the amount of water supplied by the water supply valve 26, the amount of detergent supplied by the detergent input device 30 (open / close valve 36) in the washing process, the operation time of each process, and the like, according to the detected weight of the clothes. The control device 21 further controls the drying unit 16 to execute, for example, a drying operation after the washing operation.

  Then, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control device 21 can execute the washing operation of the “fake extra course” based on the course selection by the operation of the operation panel 20 by the user. As will be described in the following description of operation, in this additional course, when the washing operation is started, the above-described cloth amount detection operation is performed, water is supplied and the detergent is automatically supplied, and then the drum 4 is moved at a relatively low speed. After the pre-washing is performed for a short time, the soaking step of immersing the clothes in the washing water is performed for a predetermined time, for example, 1, 2, 4, or 6 hours. When the soaking process is completed, after drainage, washing (main washing), rinsing, and dewatering processes are sequentially performed as in the standard course.

  At this time, in the present embodiment, the control device 21 performs the dirt degree sensing process by the dirt degree detection device 39 before the start of the soaking step, in this case, during the pre-washing, and detects the dirt degree of the washing water. Then, based on the detection result of the dirt degree sensing process, the control device 21 performs the additional feeding of the detergent by the detergent feeding device 30, and then executes the preparatory process. In this case, the concentration of the detergent in the preparatory step is higher than the concentration of the detergent in the contamination degree sensing step.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the contamination degree detected by the contamination degree detecting device 39 in the contamination degree sensing step is larger than the reference value, the control device 21 opens the drain valve 14 to drain the washing water, and thereafter, The water supply and the supply of the detergent are performed to start the preparatory stroke. When the degree of contamination detected by the degree-of-dirt detection device 30 in the degree-of-dirt sensing process is smaller than the reference value, additional drainage is performed without drainage, and then a preparatory step is performed.

  Next, the operation of the drum-type washing machine 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. In the drum-type washing machine 1, for example, when washing clothes with stubborn dirt, the user stores the clothes in the drum 4, selects a “turn on course” on the operation panel 20, and performs a washing operation. Start. Alternatively, when washing ordinary dirty clothes, the washing operation is started after selecting the "standard course". The flowchart of FIG. 3 shows a procedure of the washing operation performed by the control device 21.

  That is, the user operates the operation panel 20 to set the course of the washing operation in step S1 with the power of the washing machine 1 turned on. Subsequently, in step S2, the washing operation is started. Then, in step S3, a cloth amount detection operation is performed, and the weight of the clothes is determined. In the next step S4, it is determined whether or not the course is a special course. Hereinafter, different processing is performed between the standard course and the special course.

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

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

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

  If the degree of contamination is larger than the reference value (Yes in step S16), in the next step S17, drainage is performed, and the process proceeds to step S19. The amount of drainage is controlled by the amount of dirt.For example, if the amount of dirt is larger than the reference value by a predetermined amount or more, all the water in the tank is drained, and if it is determined that the amount of dirt is larger than the reference value and smaller than the predetermined amount, The amount of drainage is controlled so that the amount of drainage is about half. On the other hand, if the degree of contamination is equal to or less than the reference value (No in step S16), the process directly proceeds to step S19 without draining in step S17. In step S19, automatic addition of detergent is performed. Water may be added together with the addition of the detergent. The amount of detergent added at this time is as shown in FIG. 4, and when drainage is not performed, the amount of detergent added is slightly smaller (-10 g) than the amount of detergent added during pre-washing. You. On the other hand, when drainage is performed, about twice the amount of detergent is supplied when drainage is not performed.

  After the additional addition of the detergent, a preparatory stroke is executed in step S20. When the preparatory step of the set time is completed, the main washing step is performed in the next step S21, and after the drainage is performed in step S22, the dehydration rinsing step is performed in step S23. Thereafter, water is supplied in step S24, and a rinsing step is performed in step S25. Thereafter, drainage is performed in step S26, a dehydration process is performed in step S27, and the washing operation ends.

  Thus, when the soaking course is executed, before the main washing step, the soaking clothes are immersed in the washing water in which the detergent is dissolved in the drum 4 for a certain time in the drum 4, and the washing water is washed with the fiber of the clothes. Penetrates all the way to make it easier to remove stubborn dirt. At this time, the control device 21 performs the control so that the detergent is supplied in the pre-washing before the start of the preparatory stroke, and then the detergent is added by the detergent input device 30 to execute the preparatory stroke. In this way, by adding more detergent during the soaking process, it is possible to obtain a sufficient dirt removing effect when the dirt on the clothes is large.

  In the present embodiment, in the dirt degree sensing process in the pre-washing, the dirt degree detection device 39 detects the dirt degree of the washing water, and the control device 21 starts the preparatory stroke when the dirt degree is larger than the reference value. Before washing, drain the washing water. Thereafter, water supply and detergent supply are performed, and a soaking process using new washing water is executed. By draining the washing water with a large amount of dirt, the dirt is once discharged and the re-adhesion of the dirt to the clothes can be prevented. When the stain of the washing water is relatively small, there is no need to drain or supply more water, so that useless use of water can be suppressed. In addition, the amount of the detergent component in the soaking process is set to be higher than the amount of the detergent component in the soiling degree sensing process. In other words, the amount of the detergent component in the soiling degree sensing process is reduced, so that excessive use of the detergent is prevented. be able to.

  According to the drum-type washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, since the washing machine is provided with a warming-up course and is configured to perform the additional introduction of the detergent at the start of the warming-up process in the warming-up course, the detergent charging device 30 is used. The present invention has an excellent effect that the preparatory process can be appropriately executed. In particular, in the present embodiment, when the degree of dirt detected in the dirt degree sensing step is larger than the reference value, drainage is performed once, and then the soaking step is performed with new washing water. This makes it possible to satisfactorily remove dirt from clothing that is heavily soiled, and to further enhance the effect of the extra-stroke process. In the case of clothing with little dirt, useless use of water or the like can be suppressed.

  It should be noted that an upper limit can be set for the additional amount of additional detergent to be added when performing the preparatory stroke. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the detergent from being excessively charged, and it is possible to appropriately suppress the amount of the detergent used. Also, as indicated by the broken line in FIG. 3, when the result of the contamination degree detected in the contamination degree sensing step is equal to or smaller than the reference value (No in step S16), the additional detergent is not supplied. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which the process proceeds to the preparatory process (step S20) without performing step S19.

(2) Second embodiment,
FIG. 5 shows the second embodiment. Hereinafter, points different from the first embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the control device 21 determines the type of dirt from the detection content of the dirt degree detection device 39 in the dirt degree sensing process during the execution of the additional course, and the type of dirt is applied to the clothing. If it is likely to be reattached, after drainage is performed by the drain valve 14, water supply by the water supply device 22 and automatic supply of detergent by the detergent supply device 30 are performed, and the storage process is performed.

  The flowchart of FIG. 5 shows a control procedure of the washing operation performed by the control device 21. The difference from the first embodiment (the flowchart of FIG. 3) is as follows. That is, similarly to the first embodiment, in step S15, the pre-wash is performed, and the dirt degree sensing process is performed. Then, in the next step S31, the type of washing water stain is determined, that is, whether or not the washing water is easily reattached to clothing is determined. Here, among the stains that have adhered to the clothes, solids such as mud, pigment stains, and the like can be said to be stains that easily adhere to the clothes. Based on the permeability of the washing water mainly detected by the permeability sensor 37, it is possible to determine whether or not the stain is easily re-adhered to the clothes. Specifically, for example, when the value of the transmittance sensor 37 is equal to or more than a predetermined value, when the degree of change in the value of the transmittance sensor 37 between the start and the end of the stain detection is large, If the transmittance is larger than the change in conductivity by the end of detection, it can be determined that the stain is easily re-adhered.

  In step S32, it is determined whether or not the determination result of the type of washing water stain is stain easily re-adhering to clothing. If the stain is likely to be re-adhered to the clothes (Yes in step S32), in the next step S17, drainage is performed, and the process proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if the stain is not easily reattached to the clothes (No in step S32), the process proceeds to step S19 without draining in step S17. In step S19, automatic addition of detergent is performed. At this time, water may be added. Thereafter, the washing operation from the pre-stroke process is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  According to the second embodiment, by performing the dirt degree sensing process, it is determined from the detection content of the dirt degree detection device 39 whether or not the type of the dirt of the washing water is dirt easily re-adhering to the clothes. be able to. In the case where the washing water is easily contaminated with the clothes, the water is supplied, the water is supplied, and the detergent is supplied during the soaking process. As a result, it is possible to discharge the dirt easily re-adhering to the clothing once, and then to supply sufficient water to ensure sufficient washing performance of the washing water, thereby performing the preparatory process, and to more effectively remove the dirt from the clothing. It can be carried out.

  At this time, the dirt degree detection device 39 is configured to include a transmittance sensor 37 for detecting the light transmittance of the washing water, and a conductivity sensor 38 for detecting the conductivity of the washing water. The two types of sensors 37 and 38 can detect the degree of dirt in the washing water satisfactorily, and also determine the type of dirt, that is, whether the dirt easily adheres to clothes, such as solids such as mud and pigment stains. It is possible to make a good determination. In this case, for example, when the degree of change in transmittance is greater than the degree of change in conductivity, or when the value of the transmittance sensor 37 is equal to or greater than a threshold, it can be determined that the stain is easily re-adhered. .

(3) Third Embodiment FIGS. 6 and 7 show a third embodiment, and different points from the first embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the washing water obtained by dissolving the detergent in water in the washing tub drum 4 is heated to a set temperature (for example, any of 60 ° C., 50 ° C., 40 ° C., and 30 ° C.) by the hot water heater 40. Thus, it is possible to execute a "hot water soaking course" in which clothes are soaked for a certain period of time. Then, the control device 21 raises the washing water to the set temperature by the hot water heater 40 during the execution of the hot water soaking course, and when the first predetermined temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 41, the detergent by the detergent input device 30 Additional input.

  The flowchart of FIG. 6 shows a control procedure of the washing operation performed by the control device 21. The difference from the first embodiment (the flowchart of FIG. 3) is as follows. That is, in step S41, it is determined whether or not the course is a hot-watering course. If the course is a standard course (No in step S41), the processing of steps S6 to S14 is executed in the same manner as described above. In the case of the hot watering course (Yes in step S41), the first water supply (step S6) is performed and the detergent is supplied (step S7). In the next step S42, washing water contamination degree sensing is performed. Based on the degree of contamination detected by the degree of contamination detection, the additional amount of detergent added in step S45 is determined. It should be noted that, similarly to the first and second embodiments, drainage and water supply may be performed according to the detected degree of contamination.

  In step S43, the warm water heater 40 is turned on to heat the washing water, and the temperature of the washing water gradually increases from the normal temperature. In step S44, it is determined whether the temperature of the washing water has reached the first predetermined temperature based on the detection of the temperature sensor 41. This first predetermined temperature is a temperature at which the detergent is additionally charged. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when the set temperature of the hot water soaking course is 60 ° C., 50 ° C., and 40 ° C., the first predetermined temperature is 35 ° C., and the set temperature is 30 ° C. In this case, the first predetermined temperature is set to 30 ° C. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 has reached the first predetermined temperature (Yes in step S44), additional injection of detergent is performed in step S45. At this time, additional water supply may be performed. In step S46, the washing water is further heated.

  By such additional water supply and additional introduction of the detergent, the amount of the detergent component in the wash water becomes higher. In this case, the detergent is added in a state where the washing water has been heated to some extent, so that the detergent can be melted well. In the next step S47, it is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 has reached a second predetermined temperature. The second predetermined temperature is the upper limit temperature when the temperature adjustment at the set temperature of the washing water, that is, the on / off control of the hot water heater 40 is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when the set temperature is 60 ° C., the second predetermined temperature is 65 ° C., for example, the temperature is set to be higher by 5 ° C. than the set temperature.

  When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 reaches the second predetermined temperature (Yes in Step S47), in Step S48, the heating by the hot water heater 40 is stopped (turned off) and the preparatory stroke is started. Is done. During the preparatory stroke, it is determined in step S49 whether a predetermined time (set preparatory preparatory time) has elapsed. Until the predetermined time has elapsed (No in step S49), in the next step S50, it is monitored whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 has dropped below the third predetermined temperature. The third predetermined temperature is a lower limit temperature in the case where the temperature adjustment at the set temperature of the washing water, that is, the on / off control of the hot water heater 40 is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, when the set temperature is 60 ° C., the third predetermined temperature is also set to 60 ° C., and the temperature is set to be equal to the set temperature.

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

  The heating is continued until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 reaches the second predetermined temperature, and when the temperature reaches the second predetermined temperature (Yes in step S52), the process returns to step S49. When the predetermined time (the set pre-set time) has elapsed (Yes in step S49), the pre-set process is terminated in step S53. Thereafter, as in the first embodiment and the like, in steps S21 to S27, the steps from the main washing step to the dehydration step are executed, and the washing operation ends.

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

  At this time, the washing water is raised to the set temperature during the execution of the hot water soaking course, and when the first predetermined temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 41, the detergent introduction device 30 performs the additional introduction of the detergent. By additionally adding the detergent during the heating of the washing water, the detergent can be quickly dissolved in the washing water having a relatively high temperature, and the effect of removing dirt in the soaking process can be further enhanced. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, there is provided an apparatus having a detergent introduction device, and has an excellent effect that the preparatory stroke can be appropriately executed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the temperature sensor 41 detects the temperature equal to or lower than the third predetermined temperature during the execution of the hot water soaking course, the washing water is heated by the hot water heater 40 to maintain the water temperature. It is possible to prevent the dirt removing effect from being reduced due to the decrease in the temperature of the washing water.

(4) Fourth Embodiment and Other Embodiments FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment, which is different from the third embodiment in the following points. That is, in the fourth embodiment, the control device 21 determines the amount of the detergent component of the washing water based on the electric conductivity of the washing water detected by the electric conductivity sensor 38 during the execution of the hot water soaking course. Determine if it is greater than or equal to the value. Then, when the electric conductivity detected by the electric conductivity sensor 38 falls below the predetermined electric conductivity, the control device 21 determines that the amount of the unused detergent component (not reacting with dirt) in the washing water has decreased. Judgment is made, and after the detergent is added by the detergent adding device 30, the preparatory process is continued.

  The flowchart of FIG. 8 shows a control procedure of the washing operation performed by the control device 21. Hereinafter, mainly the points different from the third embodiment (the flowchart of FIG. 6) will be described. In step S41, it is determined whether or not the course is a hot-watering course. If the course is a standard course (No in step S41), the processing of steps S8 to S14 is executed in the same manner as described above. In the case of the warm water soaking course (Yes in step S41), in the next step S42, the degree of contamination of the washing water is sensed, and the additional amount of detergent is determined. Also in this case, similarly to the first and second embodiments, it may be configured to perform drainage and water supply according to the detected degree of contamination. In step S43, the hot water heater 40 is turned on to heat the washing water, and the temperature of the washing water gradually increases from the normal temperature. The hot water heater 40 is turned on to heat the washing water. In step S44, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the washing water has reached the first predetermined temperature. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 has reached the first predetermined temperature (Yes in step S44), the process proceeds to step S44. At S45, additional introduction of the detergent is performed.

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

  When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 reaches the second predetermined temperature (Yes in Step S47), in Step S48, the heating by the hot water heater 40 is stopped (turned off) and the preparatory stroke is started. Is done. During this preparatory stroke, it is determined in step S62 whether a predetermined time (set preparatory preparatory time) has elapsed. Until the predetermined time elapses (No in step S62), in the next step S63, the amount of the detergent component in the wash water is equal to or more than a predetermined value based on the conductivity of the wash water detected by the conductivity sensor 38. It is constantly monitored for presence. If it is determined that the amount of the detergent component is equal to or more than the predetermined value (Yes in step S63), it is monitored in step S50 whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 has dropped to or below the third predetermined temperature. Is done.

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

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the electric conductivity is less than the predetermined value (No in Step S63), the detergent is additionally added in Step S64. At this time, additional water supply may be performed. Then, when a predetermined time (the set preparatory time) has elapsed (Yes in step S62), the preparatory process is ended in step S65. Thereafter, as in the first embodiment and the like, in steps S21 to S27, the steps from the main washing step to the dehydration step are executed, and the washing operation ends.

  According to such a fourth embodiment, the amount of the detergent component in the washing water can be determined with sufficient certainty based on the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor 38, and the amount of the detergent component in the washing water can be reduced. When the temperature is lowered, additional detergent is supplied by the detergent supply device 30, and the preparatory stroke is continued. Therefore, the deterioration of the cleaning effect due to the decrease in the amount of the detergent component in the washing water during the soaking process can be covered by the additional introduction of the detergent by the detergent introduction device 30, and the decrease in the dirt removal effect is suppressed. can do.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the contamination degree sensing step (pre-washing step) is configured to be performed by adding a detergent. However, the detergent is not used, and only water (detergent concentration 0) is used. ). Also, in the case of performing the contamination degree sensing step, simply increase the amount of the detergent as the degree of contamination increases, and add the detergent at the start of the step according to the degree of contamination detected in the contamination degree sensing step. It is good also as composition which performs injection. The dirt degree detection device may be modified and implemented, for example, a device having only one of the transmittance sensor and the conductivity sensor may be provided.

  In a washing machine having a function of generating fine bubble water containing fine bubbles of several hundred μm to several tens of nm, especially fine bubble water containing many ultra fine bubbles of one μm to several tens of nm, fine bubble water is used. Alternatively, the preparatory process may be executed. Further, various changes can be made to the overall configuration of the washing machine, and the present invention can be applied to, for example, a so-called vertical-axis type washing machine. A washing machine having no drying function may be used. In addition, specific numerical values such as the detergent introduction amount shown in FIG. 4 and the predetermined temperature shown in FIG. 7 are merely examples, and needless to say, they can be appropriately changed.

  Each of the above-described embodiments has been presented by way of example, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  In the drawing, 1 is a drum type washing machine, 2 is an outer box, 3 is a water tub, 4 is a drum (washing tub), 14 is a drain valve (drainage device), 20 is an operation panel, 21 is a control device, and 22 is a water supply device. , 30 is a detergent introduction device, 37 is a transmittance sensor, 38 is a conductivity sensor, 39 is a dirt degree detection device, 40 is a hot water heater (heating device), and 41 is a temperature sensor.

Claims (8)

A washing tub for storing laundry,
A water supply device for supplying water to the washing tub,
A drainage device that drains water from the washing tub,
A detergent feeding device for automatically feeding a detergent into the washing tub,
A dirt degree detecting device for detecting a dirt degree of the washing water in the washing tub,
A control device that controls each of the devices to execute a washing operation,
Before executing the main washing operation, it is configured to be able to execute a soaking course including a soaking process in which washing is soaked in washing water in which detergent is dissolved in water in the washing tub for a certain period of time,
The control device, during the execution of the additional course,
Before the start of the soaking step, a dirt degree sensing step of detecting the dirt degree of the washing water by the dirt degree detection device is performed,
A washing machine that additionally inputs detergent by the detergent input device based on a detection result in the contamination degree sensing step.   2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device executes drainage by the drainage device based on a detection result of the dirt degree sensing process during execution of the additional course. 3. The control device, during the execution of the additional course, when the dirt degree detected by the dirt degree detection device in the dirt degree sensing process is greater than a reference value,
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein drainage of washing water, water supply, and addition of a detergent are performed before the soaking process is started.   The control device determines the type of dirt from the detection content of the dirt degree detection device in the dirt degree sensing step during the execution of the additional course, and the type of dirt easily adheres to the laundry. 4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein after performing drainage by the drainage device, water is supplied by the water supply device. 5.   5. The dirt degree detecting device according to claim 1, further comprising a transmittance sensor that detects a light transmittance of the washing water in the washing tub, and a conductivity sensor that detects an electrical conductivity of the washing water. 6. The washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims. In performing a dirt degree sensing step before the preparatory step,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control device sets the amount of the detergent component in the soaking process higher than the amount of the detergent component in the contamination degree sensing process. A washing tub for storing laundry,
A water supply device for supplying water to the washing tub,
A detergent feeding device for automatically feeding a detergent into the washing tub,
A heating device for heating the washing water in the washing tub,
A temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the washing water in the washing tub,
A control device that controls each of the devices to execute a washing operation,
Before performing the main washing operation, in a state where the washing water in which the detergent is dissolved in water in the washing tub is heated to the set temperature by the heating device, the washing water is soaked in water for a certain period of time. It is configured to be able to execute a special course,
The controller increases the temperature of the washing water to a set temperature by the heating device during the execution of the hot water storage course, and when the first predetermined temperature is detected by the temperature sensor, the detergent is supplied by the detergent input device. A washing machine that performs additional input. An electrical conductivity sensor for detecting the electrical conductivity of the washing water,
The control device, when the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor is less than a predetermined conductivity in the preparatory stroke, perform additional pouring of the detergent by the detergent pouring device, and then perform the preparatory process. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which continues.

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