JP2022034361A - washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine in which re-adhesion of stain to a laundry can be suppressed, the stain having been removed once from the laundry in a pre-washing process.SOLUTION: A washing machine 100 comprises a washing drum 33, a water supply flow passage W3, a water supply valve 13, a drainage flow passage 23, a drain valve 21, and a control unit 70. The washing drum 33 stores laundry and a washing solution. Water is supplied to the washing drum 33 through the water supply flow passage W3. The water supply valve 13 controls water supply to the water supply flow passage W3. Water in the washing drum 33 is discharged to outside through the drainage flow passage 23. The drain valve 21 controls drainage of water from the washing drum 33 to the drainage flow passage 23. The control unit 70 performs a pre-wash process in which the laundry is washed while water is supplied to the washing drum 33 with the drain valve 21 open.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

There is a washing machine that performs a "pre-washing process". The pre-washing process is performed before the "main washing" (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-130238

In Patent Document 1, stains eluted in the washing liquid during pre-washing may reattach to the laundry.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine capable of suppressing the reattachment of dirt dropped from the laundry during the pre-washing process to the laundry.

The washing machine of the present invention includes a washing tub, a water supply flow path, a water supply valve, a drainage flow path, a drainage valve, and a control unit. The washing tub stores laundry and washing liquid. The water supply channel supplies water to the washing tub. The water supply valve controls the supply of water to the water supply flow path. The drainage channel discharges the water in the washing tub to the outside. The drain valve controls the drainage of water from the washing tub to the drainage channel. The control unit executes a pre-washing process for washing the laundry while supplying water to the washing tub with the drain valve open.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the dirt that has fallen from the laundry during the pre-washing process from reattaching to the laundry.

It is a perspective view of the washing machine of embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the washing machine of embodiment. It is a block diagram of the washing machine of an embodiment. It is a flowchart of a prewash process. It is a flowchart of a washing course including pre-washing. It is a perspective view of another washing machine of an embodiment. It is sectional drawing of another washing machine of an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the figure, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description is not repeated.

The washing machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the washing machine 100 of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine 100. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the washing machine 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 100 of the embodiment is a vertical washing machine. The washing machine 100 includes a housing 101, a lid 102, and an operation display unit 103. The housing 101 is a casing that houses each device and each part inside. The washing machine 100 may have a function of drying the laundry.

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 101 has an opening 104 at the upper part. The lid 102 closes the opening 104. The lid 102 is supported so as to be openable and closable by a hinge.

The operation display unit 103 is provided on the upper part of the housing 101. The operation display unit 103 includes a display device 40. The display device 40 has a display unit 41 and an input unit 42 (see FIG. 3).

The internal structure of the washing machine 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine 100 has a water tank 1, a balancer 2, a water supply unit 10, and three water supply valves (first water supply valve 11, second water supply valve 12, and third water supply valve 13), and drainage. A unit 20, a drain valve 21, and a drive unit 30 are provided. The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31, a drive shaft 32, a rotary tank 33 (drum), and a stirring member 34. As shown in FIG. 3, the washing machine 100 further includes various sensors 51 to 53, a detergent charging device 60, a control device 70, and a storage unit 80.

The water tank 1 and the rotary tank 33 are bottomed cylindrical containers. In the vertical washing machine 100, the water tank 1 and the rotary tank 33 have an open upper portion. The water tank 1 and the rotary tank 33 have an opening 22 at a substantially central portion of the bottom surface. The opening 22 penetrates the lower part of the water tank 1 and the rotary tank 33. The opening 22 functions as a drain port for draining the water in the rotary tank 33. Hereinafter, the opening 22 may be referred to as a “drainage port 22”.

The rotary tank 33 is arranged inside the water tank 1. With the lid 102 open, the laundry is thrown into the rotary tub 33 through the opening 104. The rotary tank 33 is rotated by the drive of the drive motor 31.

The balancer 2 is a weight. The balancer 2 is attached around the opening of the rotary tank 33. The balancer 2 suppresses the eccentric rotation (so-called precession motion) of the rotary tank 33.

The rotary tub 33 of the washing machine 100 of the embodiment is a so-called "holeless tub" in which a hole communicating with the water tub 1 is not provided on the side wall (peripheral surface). Therefore, the rotary tank 33 can store water by itself. The rotary tub 33 is an example of a washing tub for storing laundry and washing liquid.

The stirring member 34 is, for example, a pulsator. The stirring member 34 stirs the laundry. Hereinafter, the stirring member 34 may be referred to as "pulsator 34".

The pulsator 34 is arranged at the bottom of the rotary tank 33. The pulsator 34 rotates or swings independently of the rotary tank 33 by driving the drive motor 31 via the drive shaft 32. The drive shaft 32 is inserted through the drain port 22 of the rotary tank 33.

The drive motor 31 drives the rotary tank 33 and the pulsator 34. The drive motor 31 rotates the rotary tank 33 and the pulsator 34 via a drive force transmission mechanism (not shown) and a drive shaft 32. The drive motor 31 is, for example, a DC (direct current) motor unit. The DC motor unit includes a rotation sensor 31a.

The drive motor 31 independently rotates each of the rotary tank 33 and the pulsator 34 via the drive force transmission mechanism. The driving force transmission mechanism includes, for example, a gear and a clutch. The driving force transmission mechanism can individually control the transmission of power to the rotary tank 33 and the pulsator 34.

The drive shaft 32 has a double shaft structure of a stirring shaft and a dehydration shaft. The stirring shaft is connected to the pulsator 34 and rotates the pulsator 34. The dehydration shaft is connected to the rotary tank 33 and rotates the rotary tank 33.

The drive motor 31 receives an instruction from the control device 70 (control unit) and rotates the pulsator 34 at the instructed speed. The rotation sensor 31a sends out a pulse as feedback information every time the motor rotates by a certain angle. The control device 70 (capacity acquisition unit 71 or cloth quality acquisition unit 72) measures the load (torque) of the motor using this pulse.

The load (torque) of the motor measured by using the pulse transmitted from the rotation sensor 31a is used for capacitance (cloth amount) sensing or cloth quality sensing. That is, the rotation sensor 31a is an example of the "cloth quality sensor" in the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the water supply unit 10 includes a first water supply valve 11, a second water supply valve 12, and a third water supply valve 13. The water supply unit 10 further includes a first water supply channel W1, a second water supply channel W2, and a third water supply channel W3 connected to the water supply valves 11, 12, and 13, respectively. Note that FIG. 2 shows only the third water supply channel W3.

The upstream side of the first water supply channel W1, the second water supply channel W2, and the third water supply channel W3 is connected to a water source such as a tap. The water supplied from the water source is directed to the first water supply channel W1, the second water supply channel W2, and the third water supply channel W3 on the upstream side of the first water supply valve 11, the second water supply valve 12, and the third water supply valve 13. Branch.

As shown in FIG. 2, the third water supply channel W3 sprays water directly onto the laundry in a shower shape without passing through the detergent charging section and the softener charging section. The first water supply valve 11 and the second water supply valve 12 may be arranged as one switching valve instead of an individual on-off valve.

The detergent charging device 60 includes a detergent charging unit, a softener charging unit, and a feeding pump 61. The detergent charging section includes a detergent tank 64 and a detergent supply valve 62. The softener charging section includes a softener tank 65 and a softener supply valve 63.

The detergent charging section is arranged, for example, in the flowing water path (flow path) of the first water supply channel W1. The detergent tank 64 stores liquid detergent for clothes. The feed pump 61 supplies the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 64 to the first water supply channel W1 via the detergent supply valve 62. The detergent supply valve 62 is an electromagnetic on-off valve whose opening and closing is controlled by the control device 70.

While the detergent supply valve 62 is open, the detergent pumped from the detergent tank 64 by the feed pump 61 is introduced into the first water supply channel W1. When the first water supply valve 11 of the water supply unit 10 is opened and water flows into the first water supply channel W1, the detergent introduced into the first water supply channel W1 rides on this water flow and enters the rotary tank 33. It is thrown in. This may be referred to as "automatic injection of detergent".

In the present embodiment, the water supply unit 10 includes a detergent storage case 14 and a softener storage case 15. The detergent storage case 14 is located at the end of the water flow path (flow path) of the first water supply channel W1. Similarly, the softener storage case 15 is located at the end of the water flow path (flow path) of the second water supply channel W2.

Then, if the detergent prepared in advance by the user is stored in the detergent storage case 14, when water flows into the first water supply channel W1, the detergent stored in the detergent storage case 14 is stored in the rotary tank 33 due to the flow of water. It is thrown in. This may be referred to as "manual addition of detergent".

The same applies to the addition of the softener. If the liquid softener for clothing is stored in the softener tank 65 in advance, the softener supplied from the softener tank 65 passes through the second water supply channel W2 while the softener supply valve 63 is open. Then, it is put into the rotary tank 33.

Further, if the softener is stored in the softener storage case 15 in advance, the softener stored in the softener storage case 15 is put into the rotary tank 33 by being placed on the water flowing in the second water supply channel W2. can do.

The drainage section 20 includes a drainage channel 23, a drainage channel 24, and an external drainage channel 25, as shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the drainage valve 21 and the drainage port 22 (opening). The drainage channel 23 allows water to flow down from the drainage port 22 of the rotary tank 33 to the drainage valve 21. The drainage channel 24 drains the dehydrated water accumulated in the water tank 1. The external drainage channel 25 leads the drainage from the rotary tank 33 and the water tank 1 to the outside of the machine.

The drain valve 21 is an electromagnetic on-off valve. The opening and closing of the drain valve 21 is also controlled by the command signal of the control device 70. Therefore, the amount of water (water level) in the rotary tank 33 is controlled based on the command of the control device 70.

During the dehydration process by the rotation of the rotary tank 33, the water overflowing from the upper end of the rotary tank 33 to the water tank 1 is constantly drained from the drainage channel 24 to the outside of the machine through the external drainage channel 25.

The washing machine 100 of the present embodiment further includes a circulation pump 35. The circulation pump 35 returns the cleaning liquid flowing from the drain port 22 to the front side (upstream side) of the drain valve 21 to the inside of the rotary tank 33 without draining it to the outside of the machine and circulates it. The circulation pump 35 may be omitted.

The washing machine 100 will be further described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the display device 40 receives an instruction to the washing machine 100. The input unit 42 of the display device 40 includes a group of operation keys. The display unit 41 displays various information.

The display unit 41 is, for example, a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an ELD (Electroluminescence Display). The display unit 41 may include a touch panel and function as an input unit 42.

The washing machine 100 includes a plurality of sensors in order to acquire information about washing. The plurality of sensors include a cleaning liquid sensor 51, a water level sensor 52, and a foam sensor 53.

The washing liquid sensor 51 detects the state of the washing liquid in the washing tub. The cleaning liquid sensor 51 includes, for example, an optical transmittance detector. When the cleaning liquid sensor 51 includes an optical transmittance detector, the cleaning liquid sensor 51 detects the light transmittance of the cleaning liquid. The light transmittance of the cleaning liquid corresponds to the turbidity of the cleaning liquid. The control device 70 (dirt determination unit 73) provides information (data) regarding the degree of dirt on the laundry, the concentration of dirt in the washing liquid, and the concentration of the detergent in the washing liquid, based on the light transmittance (turbidity of the washing liquid) of the washing liquid. ).

The water level sensor 52 detects the height of the water surface (liquid level) in the washing tub. The water level sensor 52 includes, for example, a non-contact water level gauge. The water level sensor 52 transmits the detected water level in the washing tub to the control device 70. The control device 70 (cloth quality acquisition unit 72) acquires data on the cloth quality of the laundry and the concentration of the washing liquid based on the water level (liquid level height) in the washing tub detected by the water level sensor 52.

The foam sensor 53 detects the height or amount of foam (detergent foam) generated in the washing tub and transmits it to the control device 70. The bubble sensor 53 is, for example, a conductivity meter that detects electrical conduction (short circuit) between leads (terminals). The control device 70 acquires data on the degree of dirt on the laundry, the concentration of the washing liquid, and the hardness of the water used for washing, based on the height of the foam in the washing tub or the amount of foam detected by the foam sensor 53. .. The bubble sensor 53 may be omitted.

The storage unit 80 includes a main storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 80 may include an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 80 stores various computer programs and various data.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 70 includes a capacity acquisition unit 71, a cloth quality acquisition unit 72, and a stain determination unit 73. The control device 70 is an example of the control unit of the present invention.

The control device 70 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control device 70 controls each element of the washing machine 100 by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 80.

The capacity acquisition unit 71 acquires the capacity (dry weight and wet weight) of the laundry in the washing tub by calculation based on the change of the rotation pulse transmitted by the rotation sensor 31a as feedback.

The cloth quality acquisition unit 72 acquires the water absorption rate of the laundry indicating the cloth quality of the laundry in the washing tub by calculation based on the change of the rotation pulse transmitted by the rotation sensor 31a as feedback. The cloth quality acquisition unit 72 may acquire the cloth quality of the laundry based on the change in the water level (liquid level) in the washing tub detected by the water level sensor 52.

The dirt determination unit 73 determines the degree of dirt on the laundry, the concentration of dirt in the washing liquid, and the concentration of the detergent in the washing liquid based on the turbidity of the washing liquid in the washing tub detected by the washing liquid sensor 51.

The pre-washing process and the pre-washing rinsing process performed by the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the pre-washing process and the pre-washing rinsing process. The flowchart of FIG. 4 describes a case where "pre-washing" is executed using the washing machine 100 including the vertical washing tub (rotary tub 33) shown in FIG. 1 and the pulsator 34.

[Pre-washing process] (steps S1 to S8)
When the control device 70 starts the "pre-washing process", first, in step S1, confirmation of putting the laundry into the washing tub and confirmation of closure of the lid 102 of the housing 101 for confirmation of user safety. I do. In addition, in the loading of the laundry in the present embodiment into the washing tub, all the laundry to be washed shall be loaded at once before selecting the washing course.

When the lid 102 is closed and the "start" button of the washing machine 100 is pressed, the control device 70 performs capacity sensing in step S2.

Capacity sensing is a step of measuring the dry weight (weight before water absorption) of the laundry put into the washing tub. Specifically, the drive motor 31 is rotated at the rotation speed instructed by the control device 70, and the rotation speed (rotational pulse: measured value) at that time is acquired by the rotation sensor 31a.

The capacity acquisition unit 71 of the control device 70 uses the acquired rotation pulse to measure the "number of input pulses" from the ON of the motor to the fixed time after the OFF of the motor and the time until the motor stops. , Measure the load (torque).

That is, the capacity acquisition unit 71 acquires the capacity of the dry laundry before the start of washing by calculation based on the change of the rotation pulse transmitted by the drive motor 31 as feedback. Then, the capacity acquisition unit 71 stores the acquired data in the storage unit 80 for use in the washing water amount determination process (FIG. 5, step S51) described later in the “main washing”.

Next, in step S3, the control device 70 sends a signal to the drain valve 21 to put the on-off valve in the “open” state. As a result, the washing tub (rotary tub 33) does not store water and is in a state of constantly draining water.

Next, in step S4, the control device 70 opens (opens) one of the water supply valves and starts supplying water to the washing tub. Here, one water supply valve is not connected to the detergent charging section or the softener charging section, and the third water supply valve 13 that feeds only water into the washing tub is selected.

Specifically, a signal is sent to the third water supply valve 13 to put the on-off valve in the "open" state. As a result, water containing no detergent is supplied in a shower shape onto the laundry in the washing tub (rotary tub 33) via the third water supply channel W3.

If it is set not to put detergent or softener into the washing tub, the water is washed via the first water supply channel W1 (first water supply valve 11) or the second water supply channel W2 (second water supply valve 12). It may be supplied to the tank. However, in either case, only water containing no detergent is supplied into the washing tub (rotary tub 33).

While continuing the shower-like water supply, the control device 70 starts driving the washing tub in step S5 and rotates the rotary tub 33.

Next, while rotating the rotary tank 33, in step S6, the pulsator 34 is driven to rotate the pulsator 34 synchronously with the rotary tank 33. The rotation direction of the pulsator 34 may be the same rotation direction as the rotary tank 33, or may be the opposite rotation direction to the rotary tank 33.

In step S7, the control device 70 continues the water supply from the third water supply channel W3 and the rotation of the rotary tank 33 and the pulsator 34. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time (about 1 minute to 10 minutes in this case), the control device 70 ends the "pre-washing process" in step S8 and shifts to the "pre-washing rinsing process" (steps S9 to S15). ..

In the above "pre-washing process" (steps S3 to S8), the drain valve 21 is always in the "open" state during the pre-washing. Therefore, the water supplied from the third water supply channel W3 onto the laundry in the rotary tub 33 and from which the dirt on the laundry has been removed does not stay in the rotary tub 33 but is sequentially drained.

As a result, the dirt that has fallen from the laundry during the pre-washing process does not return (reattach) to the laundry. Therefore, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can prevent the dirt that has fallen from the laundry during the pre-washing process from reattaching to the laundry.

[Pre-washing and rinsing treatment] (steps S9 to S17)
Next, as soon as the "pre-washing rinse process" is started in step S9, a signal is sent to the drain valve 21 in step S10 to put the on-off valve in the "closed" state. As a result, the washing tub (rotary tub 33) is in a state where water can be stored.

Next, in step S11, a signal is sent to one of the water supply valves, for example, the third water supply valve 13 for charging only water into the washing tub, the on-off valve is set to the "open" state, and the rotary tub 33 is set to the rotary tub 33. Supply water for rinsing. As in step S4, if the washing tub is not charged with detergent or softener, it goes through the first water supply channel W1 (first water supply valve 11) or the second water supply channel W2 (second water supply valve 12). Water may be supplied to the washing tub.

While continuing to supply detergent-free water, the control device 70 starts driving the washing tub in step S12 to rotate the rotary tub 33. The pulsator 34 may be driven at the same time as the rotary tank 33 to rotate the pulsator 34 (step S13).

Then, when the water supply to the washing tub maintained from step S11 reaches a predetermined predetermined amount (predetermined "water level" set for prewash rinsing), in step S14, the third water supply valve The on-off valve of 13 is closed to stop the water supply to the washing tub.

The predetermined "water level" set for pre-washing and rinsing is a "water level" obtained by calculation based on the dry weight (weight before water absorption) of the laundry acquired in the "capacity sensing" of step S2.

However, the predetermined "water level" set for pre-washing and rinsing is the washing water level or "rinsing" for "main washing" (step S45) set based on the dry weight (weight before water absorption) of the same laundry. Unlike the water level for step S50), the water level is kept below the water level for "main washing" and "rinsing".

The determination that the water supply to the washing tub has reached a predetermined predetermined amount (predetermined water level) is controlled by detecting the height of the water surface (liquid level) in the washing tub using, for example, the water level sensor 52. It may be transmitted to the device 70. Based on the acquired detection result (water level data), the control device 70 determines whether or not the water level in the washing tub has reached a predetermined "water level" set for pre-washing and rinsing.

When it is confirmed that the water level in the washing tub has reached a predetermined "water level" and the water supply to the washing tub is stopped (step S14), the control device 70 executes "cloth quality sensing" in step S15. ..

The cloth quality sensing is a step of measuring the wet weight (water absorption weight) of the laundry put into the washing tub, unlike the capacity sensing.

Specifically, as in step S2, the drive motor 31 is rotated at the rotation speed instructed by the control device 70, and the rotation speed (rotational pulse: measured value) at that time is acquired by the rotation sensor 31a. Then, the cloth quality acquisition unit 72 acquires the capacity (weight) of the laundry in a water-absorbed state by calculation based on the change in the rotation pulse (torque) transmitted by the rotation sensor 31a of the drive motor 31 as feedback.

Then, the cloth quality acquisition unit 72 stores the acquired data in the storage unit 80 in the washing water amount determination process (FIG. 5, step S51) of the “main washing” described later. This data is later used to correct the planned amount of water to be added in the volume sensing (step S2) according to the actual weight of the laundry after water absorption.

Instead of executing the cloth quality sensing, the second "capacity sensing (2nd)" using the capacity acquisition unit 71 may be performed. The weight of the laundry after water absorption can also be obtained by the second "capacity sensing (2nd)".

Next, the control device 70 performs "dirt sensing" in step S16. In the dirt sensing, the turbidity (light transmittance) of the washing liquid (here, “rinse water”) turbid due to the “dirt” dissolved from the laundry put into the washing tub is measured by using the washing liquid sensor 51. It's a step.

Specifically, in the dirt sensing, the cleaning liquid sensor 51 (optical sensor) is used to detect the turbidity (light transmittance) of the water (cleaning liquid) in the washing tub. Specifically, the dirt determination unit 73 of the control device 70 determines whether the concentration of dirt in the washing liquid or the concentration of the detergent in the washing liquid is appropriate based on the turbidity of the washing liquid in the washing tub detected by the washing liquid sensor 51. Judge whether or not.

Here, the amount of detergent to be added and the amount of water to be added in the "main washing" (steps S61 and S62) are adjusted based on the result of the stain determination. In other words, here, the amount of detergent used in the "main wash" (step S63) is finally adjusted and determined.

If the amount of detergent is already appropriate, the amount of detergent may not be adjusted. Similarly, the amount of water added in the "main washing" (steps S61 and S62) is also adjusted based on the result of the stain determination. If the amount of water is already appropriate, it may not be added.

As described above, when the cloth quality sensing (step S15) and the dirt sensing (step S16) are completed, the control device 70 stops the drive of the rotary tank 33 and the drive of the pulsator 34 in step S17. , Stop the rotation. Further, a signal is sent to the drain valve 21 to put the on-off valve in the "open" state, the water in the washing tub is drained, and the pre-washing and rinsing process is completed.

If the result of the "turbidity" acquired by the stain sensing in step S16 is a value exceeding a predetermined threshold value and it is determined that the stain removal by the "pre-washing" is insufficient, the stain is removed in step S2. The "pre-washing process" of S8 and the "pre-washing and rinsing" of steps S9 to S16 may be repeated again in the order of steps.

Further, in FIG. 4, the next step after the completion of the “pre-washing and rinsing treatment” (steps S9 to S17) is described as “to dehydration treatment”, but the “turbidity” acquired by the stain sensing in step 16 is described. If the result of "" is a low value lower than the predetermined value, the stored rinse water is used as the "main wash" washing water without performing the wastewater treatment (step S17) or the dehydration treatment (pre-washing dehydration). You may use it.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a case where the washing machine 100 performs one entire washing course including the “pre-washing process” will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a washing course including a pre-washing process. The "pre-washing" (step S40) and "pre-washing rinse" (step S50) in FIG. 5 are the "pre-washing treatment" (steps S1 to S8) and the "pre-washing rinsing treatment" in FIG. 4 (steps S1 to S8). Since it is the same as steps S9 to S14), detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the power is turned on, the washing machine 100 first displays a menu, a list, or the like on the display device 40, and accepts the designation of the "washing course" to be used (step S20).

The following flow description describes the case where the "pre-wash + main-wash" course, which is selected when the laundry contains strongly soiled laundry, is selected in step S20 (step S30). ..

When the "pre-wash + main-wash" course is selected and input in step S30, the washing machine 100 subsequently accepts reservations for the end time of the course and details of the course contents. At this time, whether or not detergent is used during "pre-washing", whether or not water is stored during "pre-washing", and additional laundry is added after "pre-washing" and before "main washing". It is possible to select whether or not to perform the above.

When the washing course is decided and the washing start button of the washing machine 100 is pressed, the "pre-washing + main washing" course starts immediately if there is no time specified, and at the specified (reserved) time if there is a time specified. ..

In step S40, the control device 70 executes the "pre-washing process" described in steps S1 to S8 of FIG. That is, in the "pre-washing" of step S40, first, "capacity sensing" (step S2) for acquiring the dry weight (weight before water absorption) of the laundry put into the washing tub is executed, and the obtained result (step S2). Data) is stored in the storage unit 80.

Further, in the "pre-washing" of step S40, shower-like water from the third water supply channel W3 is placed on the laundry in the washing tub (rotary tub 33) with the drain valve 21 open without using detergent. The rotary tub 33 and the pulsator 34 are rotated while supplying the water, and the dirt eluted in the water is immediately discharged to the outside of the washing tub. As a result, it is possible to prevent the dirt that has fallen from the laundry during pre-washing from reattaching to the laundry.

Next, in step 50, the "pre-washing and rinsing process" described in steps S9 to S14 of FIG. 4 is executed. At this time, the control device 70 executes the cloth quality sensing (step S15) and the dirt sensing (step S16) at the end of the “pre-washing and rinsing process”.

Here, the control device 70 has the wet weight (water absorption weight) of the laundry obtained by the cloth quality sensing (step S15) and the washing laundry obtained by the capacity sensing (step S2) stored in the storage unit 80. Based on the dry weight (weight before water absorption), the appropriate amount of water required for the "main washing" (step S63) can be accurately determined (step S51).

In addition, instead of the wet weight (water absorption weight) of the laundry, or together with the water absorption weight, the weight of the laundry after the dehydration treatment (pre-washing dehydration) (pre-washing dehydration weight) may be used. That is, as described above, in addition to obtaining information on the cloth quality by the weight before water absorption and the weight of water absorption of the laundry, information on the cloth quality can be obtained by the weight before water absorption and the weight after pre-washing and dehydration. Alternatively, information on the cloth quality may be obtained by the weight before water absorption, the weight after water absorption, and the weight after pre-washing and dehydration. Then, based on the information on the cloth quality, the appropriate amount of water required for the main washing can be accurately determined.

Further, the control device 70 calculates an appropriate amount of detergent required for "main washing" (step S63) based on the turbidity of the cleaning liquid (water) at the time of pre-washing and rinsing obtained in the dirt sensing (step S16). Can be accurately determined in step S52.

As described above, after performing the pre-washing rinse in step S50, the wastewater treatment (step S17) and the dehydration treatment (pre-washing dehydration) shown in FIG. 4 are performed to perform the main washing or the second and subsequent pre-washing. The effect of can be improved. However, if the result of "turbidity" acquired by the dirt sensing in step S16 is a low value lower than a predetermined value, the wastewater treatment (step S17) and the dehydration treatment (pre-washing dehydration) are not performed. The stored rinse water may be used as washing water for "main washing". By reusing the rinse water, the amount of water in the entire washing course can be reduced and the washing time can be shortened. The wastewater treatment (step S17) or dehydration treatment (pre-washing dehydration) may be performed after the execution of step S50 and before the execution of step S60.

Next, in the "main washing" of steps S60 to S63, the amount of "water" set in step S51 is charged from the water supply unit 10, and the amount of "detergent" set in step S52 is charged into the washing tub. It is input from the device 60.

Specifically, in the water supply step (step S61), the control device 70 has a detergent charging unit from among the first water supply channel W1, the second water supply channel W2, and the third water supply channel W3 constituting the water supply unit 10. The first water supply channel W1 connected to the water supply channel W1 is selected, the first water supply valve 11 is opened, and water supply is started.

Here, since the amount of water charged into the washing tub during the main washing is set in step S51 above, the control device 70 charges water into the rotary tub 33 so as to match the set amount of water. ..

Specifically, the control device 70 opens and closes the first water supply valve 11 that supplies water to the first water supply channel W1 while monitoring the height of the water surface (liquid level) in the rotary tank 33 detected by the water level sensor 52. To control. As a result, excessive water input is suppressed, and as a result, water use can be saved (water saving).

Next, the control device 70 starts the detergent supply step (step S62) after the water injection using the first water supply channel W1 (step S61). This is to prevent the detergent from adhering to the laundry in a concentrated "stock solution" and damaging the laundry fabric. The time (time lag) in which the detergent addition (step S62) starts later than the water addition (step S61) can be arbitrarily set in a time of about 1 minute to 10 minutes.

Specifically, the detergent charging step (step S62) is started several minutes after the water charging start (step S61). Detergent is charged from the detergent charging unit (detergent tank 64) of the detergent charging device 60 into the first water supply channel W1 where the first water supply valve 11 is opened and water is already flowing, using the feed pump 61. It is done by throwing in.

Specifically, the feed pump 61 is started, and the on-off valve of the detergent supply valve 62 is opened by a signal. As a result, the detergent stored in the detergent tank 64 can be mixed with the water flowing through the first water supply channel W1 and charged into the rotary tank 33. In addition, at the start of the supply of the detergent (step S62), the rotary drive of the rotary tank 33 and the pulsator 34 may be started, and the main washing (step S63) may be started.

Further, even during the execution of the main washing (step S63), the rotational torque based on the pulse detected by the rotational sensor 31a may be acquired to monitor whether or not the amount of water and the amount of detergent (concentration) are appropriate. As a result, additional water and / or detergent may be added.

Further, during the execution of the main washing (step S63), the turbidity (light transmittance) of the washing liquid in the washing tub detected by the washing liquid sensor 51 is acquired, and whether or not the amount of water and the amount of detergent (concentration) are appropriate. Alternatively, it may be monitored whether the degree of stain removal is sufficient. If the results are inadequate, additional water and / or detergent may be added.

After driving and rotating the rotary tank 33 and the pulsator 34 for a predetermined time, the main washing (step S63) is completed.

After the main washing is completed, as shown in FIG. 5, a normal rinsing treatment (step S70) and a dehydration treatment (step S80) are performed, and the designated washing course is completed.

When the turbidity (light transmittance) of the washing liquid in the washing tub detected by the washing liquid sensor 51 is acquired during the rinsing process (step S70) and it is determined that the degree of stain removal is insufficient. You may perform "pre-washing"-"main washing"-"rinsing" or "main washing"-"rinsing" again.

Further, during the rinsing treatment (step S70), the amount of water set in the previous step S51 may be applied as the amount of water for rinsing. This makes it possible to save water during rinsing.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be implemented in various embodiments without departing from the gist thereof. For example, some components may be removed from all the components shown in the embodiments. In order to make it easier to understand, the drawings are schematically shown with each component as the main component, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each of the illustrated components are actual for the convenience of drawing creation. Is different. Further, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without substantially deviating from the configuration of the present invention. be.

In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, a vertical (vertical washing tub) washing machine 100 has been described as an example, but the type and type of the washing machine of the present invention are limited to the embodiment. It can be carried out with washing machines having various configurations.

A case where the washing machine of the embodiment is a drum type (horizontal drum type) washing machine 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In the figure, the same or corresponding parts as those of the vertical washing machine 100 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the drum-type washing machine 200, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the drum-type washing machine 200. The block diagram of the drum type washing machine 200 is the same except that the reference numeral "100" indicating the washing machine in FIG. 3 is replaced with "200", and thus the illustration is omitted.

The drum-type washing machine 200 is different from the vertical washing machine 100 in appearance in that it includes a housing 201, a lid 202, an operation display unit 203, and an open / close button 205 of the lid 202. It also has an opening 204 similar to the opening 104.

The internal structure shown in FIG. 7 differs from the vertical washing machine 100 in that the drainage section 20 includes a drainage valve 21, a drainage port 22 (opening), a drainage channel 23, and an external drainage channel 25.

Further, as the stirring member 34, instead of the pulsator 34, a rib for lifting the laundry is arranged on the side wall (peripheral surface) of the rotary tub (drum) 33.

The rotation of the drive motor 31 is detected by the rotation sensor 31a as in the washing machine 100.

Also in the drum type washing machine 200 having the above configuration, the pre-washing process and the pre-washing rinsing process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 can be executed. Therefore, when the steps S1 to S17 are performed, the drum-type washing machine 200 suppresses the reattachment of dirt that has fallen from the laundry during the pre-washing process to the laundry, as in the vertical washing machine 100. Can be done.

The present invention is available in the field of washing machines.

1 Water tank 10 Water supply part 20 Drainage part 30 Drive part 31 Drive motor 40 Display device 33 Rotating tank (drum)
60 Detergent input device 70 Control device 71 Capacity acquisition unit 72 Cloth quality acquisition unit 73 Dirt judgment unit 80 Storage unit 100 Washing machine 200 Washing machine

Claims (8)

A washing tub for storing laundry and washing liquid,
A water supply channel that supplies water to the washing tub and
A water supply valve that controls the supply of water to the water supply flow path,
A drainage channel that discharges water from the washing tub to the outside,
A drain valve that controls the drainage of water from the washing tub to the drainage channel,
A washing machine including a control unit that executes a pre-washing process for washing the laundry while supplying water to the washing tub with the drain valve open. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes a pre-washing and rinsing process in which water is supplied to the washing tub with the drain valve closed and the washing tub is rotated after the pre-washing process is executed. .. A washing liquid sensor for detecting the state of the washing liquid in the washing tub is provided.
The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the control unit executes stain sensing for acquiring a detection result of the washing liquid sensor at the time of executing the pre-washing rinsing process. A cloth quality sensor for detecting the cloth quality of the laundry is provided.
The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the control unit executes cloth quality sensing for acquiring the detection result of the cloth quality sensor. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the control unit executes a washing process for washing the laundry after executing the pre-washing and rinsing process. A detergent charging device for charging detergent into the washing tub is provided.
The control unit
Based on the state of the washing liquid detected by the washing liquid sensor and the cloth quality of the laundry detected by the cloth quality sensor, the amount of detergent to be put into the washing tub and the washing tub when performing the washing process. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the amount of water to be put into the washing machine is determined. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the control unit starts charging the detergent to the washing tub later than the start of charging the water when the washing process is performed. A stirring member for stirring the laundry in the washing tub is provided.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit agitates the laundry using the stirring member when the prewashing process is executed.

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