JP2022102165A - washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which can provide a notification indicating that cleaning of a washing tub is needed, in a timely manner.SOLUTION: A washing machine 1 includes a washing tub 5 in which laundry Q is contained and water can be stored, and a control unit 20 which performs a washing operation in which the laundry Q in the washing tub 5 is washed. Every time a washing operation is performed, the control unit 20 calculates individual points for the washing operation through adding positive or negative state points for the washing operation to a certain baseline points. The control unit 20 calculates a cumulative sum of the individual points. The control unit 20 provides a notification indicating that cleaning of the washing tub 5 is needed via a display operation unit 10 when the calculated cumulative sum of the individual points reaches a certain threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

In a washing machine, the washing tub of the washing machine becomes dirty with use, so it is necessary to wash the washing tub regularly. Conventionally, when a visible size of mold adheres to the laundry after washing or a musty odor is generated, the user who feels the mold is unpleasant determines that it is time to wash the washing tub. , The washing tub is washed by causing the washing machine to perform the washing operation of the washing tub or by applying the cleaner to the washing tub. Alternatively, the user may periodically wash the washing tub according to the number of washing operations, regardless of how dirty the washing tub is.

Mold in the washing tub is nourished by the biofilm from the detergent and dirt left after the washing operation. Biofilms increase in response to various causes, and mold also grows in response to the increase in biofilms. Since the cause of this differs depending on the usage status of the washing machine for each washing operation by the user, the timing at which the washing tub should be washed also differs for each user.

The present invention has been made under such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of notifying the necessity of washing a washing tub at an optimum timing.

The present invention comprises a washing tub for accommodating laundry and storing water, a washing means for performing a washing operation for washing the laundry in the washing tub, and a predetermined washing means each time the washing means performs a washing operation. A calculation means for calculating individual points for each washing operation by adding positive or negative situation points for each washing operation to the reference points of the above, a cumulative means for accumulating the individual points, and the individual for accumulating the cumulative means. A washing machine including a notification means for notifying the necessity of washing the washing tub when the cumulative value of points reaches a predetermined threshold value.

Further, in the present invention, the situation point includes a water level point relating to the water level in the washing tub, and the water level point in the washing operation in which the water level in the washing tub is constant changes the water level in the washing tub. It is characterized by being higher than the water level point of the washing operation.

Further, in the present invention, the situation point includes a type point regarding the type of water supplied into the washing tub at the time of water supply, and a type point of a washing operation in which bath water is supplied into the washing tub at the time of water supply. It is characterized in that it is higher than the type point of the washing operation in which tap water is supplied into the washing tub at the time of water supply.

Further, in the present invention, the situation point includes a treatment agent point related to a treatment agent used in the washing operation, and the treatment agent point in the washing operation in which an amount of the treatment agent exceeding a predetermined amount is used is equal to or less than the predetermined amount. It is characterized in that the amount of treatment agent is higher than the treatment agent point of the washing operation in which it is used.

Further, according to the present invention, when the washing machine executes the washing operation of the washing tub and the washing means performs the washing operation after the notification by the notification means, the cumulative value is reset to zero. It is characterized by including means.

According to the present invention, in the washing machine, individual points are calculated by adding the situation points indicating the usage status of the washing machine at that time to the reference points each time the washing operation is performed. The cumulative value of such individual points accurately indicates the degree of dirtiness of the washing tub where dirt progresses according to the individual usage situation of the user. When the cumulative value reaches the threshold value, it is the optimum timing for washing the washing tub, and the washing machine can notify the user of the necessity of washing the washing tub at this timing.

Further, according to the present invention, the water level point, which is an example of the situation point, is high in the washing operation where mold is likely to occur due to the constant water level in the washing tub, and the water level in the washing tub fluctuates to cause mold. It is low in washing operation where it is hard to occur. The individual points calculated by adding such water level points accurately indicate the degree of dirt in the washing tub caused by the water level in the washing tub for each washing operation. Therefore, when the cumulative value of the individual points reaches the threshold value, the washing machine can notify the user at the optimum timing of the necessity of cleaning the washing tub that has become dirty due to the water level in the washing tub.

Further, according to the present invention, the type point, which is an example of the situation point, is high in the washing operation in which the bath water is supplied to the washing tub at the time of water supply and is prone to mold, and the tap water in the washing tub at the time of water supply. It is low in the washing operation where mold is less likely to occur due to the supply of water. The individual points calculated by adding such type points accurately indicate the degree of contamination of the washing tub due to the type of water at the time of water supply for each washing operation. Therefore, when the cumulative value of the individual points reaches the threshold value, the washing machine can notify the user at the optimum timing of the necessity of cleaning the washing tub which is dirty due to the type of water at the time of water supply.

Further, according to the present invention, the treatment agent point, which is an example of the situation point, is high in the washing operation where mold is likely to occur due to the use of a large amount of treatment agent such as detergent and softener, and a small amount of treatment agent is used. It is low in washing operation where mold is less likely to occur due to being squeezed. The individual points calculated by adding such treatment agent points accurately indicate the degree of contamination of the washing tub due to the amount of treatment agent for each washing operation. Therefore, when the cumulative value of the individual points reaches the threshold value, the washing machine can notify the user at the optimum timing of the necessity of cleaning the washing tub which is dirty due to the amount of the treatment agent used.

Further, according to the present invention, in the washing machine, when the washing operation of the washing tub is executed after the necessity of washing the washing tub is notified, the cumulative value of the individual points is reset to zero. As a result, the washing machine can newly accumulate individual points in order to notify the necessity of washing the next washing tub at the optimum timing.

It is a schematic vertical sectional right side view of the washing machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of a washing machine. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the mold level in a washing tub caused by the water level in a washing tub of a washing machine, and the number of washing operations. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the mold level in a washing tub due to the type of water supplied to a washing tub, and the number of washing operations. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the mold level in a washing tub due to the amount of detergent supplied to a washing tub, and the number of washing operations. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the mold level in a washing tub due to the presence or absence of a softener supplied to a washing tub, and the number of washing operations. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the mold level in a washing tub due to the rinsing method in a washing operation, and the number of washing operations. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the mold level in a washing tub caused by opening and closing of the door of a washing tub after a washing operation, and the number of washing operations. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the mold level in a washing tub due to the type of detergent supplied to a washing tub, and the number of washing operations. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the elapsed time after washing of a washing tub, and the mold level in a washing tub. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the temperature and humidity, and the mold level in a washing tub. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the cumulative value of individual points calculated for each washing operation, and the number of washing operations.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional right side view of the washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The vertical direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the vertical direction Z of the washing machine 1. Of the vertical directions Z, the upper side is called the upper side Z1 and the lower side is called the lower side Z2.

The washing machine 1 also includes a vertical washing machine, a drum type washing machine, and a two-tank type washing machine, but in the following, a vertical washing machine in which the drying function is omitted and only the washing operation is performed is taken as an example. The washing machine 1 will be described. The washing machine 1 includes a housing 2 forming an outer shell thereof, a washing tub 5 composed of an outer tub 3 and an inner tub 4 arranged in the housing 2, and a rotary wing 6 housed in the inner tub 4. Includes an electric motor 7 that generates torque to rotate the inner tank 4 and the rotary blade 6, and a transmission mechanism 8 that switches the transmission destination of the torque generated by the motor 7.

The housing 2 is made of metal, for example, and is formed in a box shape. An opening 2B is formed in the upper surface 2A of the housing 2 to communicate the inside and outside of the housing 2. A door 9 for opening and closing the opening 2B is provided on the upper surface 2A. On the upper surface 2A, for example, in the area of Y1 on the front side of the opening 2B, a display operation unit 10 composed of a touch panel or the like is provided. The display operation unit may be divided into a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel and an operation unit such as a switch or a button.

The outer tank 3 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening 3A formed at the upper end. The opening 3A is arranged directly below the opening 2B of the housing 2. Water is stored in the outer tank 3. A drainage channel 11 is connected to the outer tank 3 from the lower side Z2, and the water in the outer tank 3 is discharged to the outside of the machine from the drainage channel 11. A drain valve 12 that is opened and closed to start and stop drainage is provided in the middle of the drainage channel 11.

The inner tub 4 has a central axis J extending in the vertical direction Z, is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that is one size smaller than the outer tub 3, and can accommodate the laundry Q inside. A doorway 4A is formed at the upper end of the inner tank 4. The doorway 4A is in a state of communicating with the opening 3A of the outer tank 3 and the opening 2B of the housing 2 from the lower side Z2. The user of the washing machine 1 opens the door 9, opens the opening 2B, the opening 3A, and the doorway 4A, and puts the laundry Q in and out of the inner tub 4.

The inner tank 4 is coaxially housed in the outer tank 3 and is arranged along the vertical direction Z, that is, vertically. The inner tank 4 housed in the outer tank 3 is rotatable around the central axis J. A plurality of through holes (not shown) are formed in the inner tank 4, and water in the outer tank 3 can flow between the outer tank 3 and the inner tank 4 through the through holes. A tubular support shaft 13 extending to the lower side Z2 along the central axis J and penetrating the bottom wall of the outer tank 3 is provided on the bottom wall of the inner tank 4.

The rotary blade 6 is a so-called pulsator, is formed in a disk shape centered on the central axis J, and is arranged on the bottom wall of the inner tank 4. The rotary blade 6 is provided with a rotary shaft 14 extending from the center of the circle to the lower side Z2 along the central axis J. The rotary shaft 14 is inserted through the hollow portion of the support shaft 13, and the lower end portion of the rotary shaft 14 is located in Z2 below the bottom wall of the outer tank 3.

The motor 7 has an output shaft 15 that projects to the upper side Z1 and rotates about the central shaft J, and is arranged in the lower side Z2 of the inner tank 4. The transmission mechanism 8 is an electric clutch interposed between the lower ends of the support shaft 13 and the rotary shaft 14 and the upper end of the output shaft 15. The transmission mechanism 8 selectively transmits the torque output from the output shaft 15 by the motor 7 to one or both of the support shaft 13 and the rotary shaft 14. When the torque is transmitted to the support shaft 13, the inner tank 4 rotates, and when the torque is transmitted to the rotary shaft 14, the rotary blade 6 rotates.

In relation to the water supply to the outer tub 3 and the inner tub 4, the washing machine 1 has a water supply channel 16 for supplying tap water from a faucet (not shown) into the inner tub 4 and a housing 2 in the housing 2. Further includes a bath water supply channel 17 that joins the water supply channel 16. One end (not shown) of the water supply channel 16 is pulled out of the housing 2 and connected to the faucet. The other end of the water supply channel 16 faces the entrance / exit 4A of the inner tank 4 from the upper side Z1 as a water supply port 16A arranged in the housing 2. A water supply valve 18 that can be opened and closed is provided in a portion of the water supply channel 16 arranged in the housing 2.

One end of the bath water supply path 17 is pulled out of the housing 2 and immersed in the bath water in the bathtub. The other end of the bath water supply path 17 is arranged in the housing 2 and is connected to a downstream portion of the water supply channel 16 closer to the water supply port 16A than the water supply valve 18. The portion of the bath water supply path 17 drawn out of the housing 2 may be detachable from the housing 2. The bath water supply passage 17 is provided with a bath water pump 19 that sucks the bath water in the bathtub into the bath water supply passage 17 and sends it to the water supply passage 16.

The washing machine 1 has a control unit 20 configured by a microcomputer or the like, a door sensor 21 that detects the opening / closing of the door 9, a water level sensor 22 that detects the water level in the washing tub 5, and a storage unit that stores various information. 23 and the like (see FIG. 2). A motor 7, a transmission mechanism 8, a display operation unit 10, a drain valve 12, a water supply valve 18, a bath water pump 19, a door sensor 21, a water level sensor 22, and a storage unit 23 are electrically connected to the control unit 20. To. The operation content of the display operation unit 10 by the user is input to the control unit 20, and the control unit 20 controls the display content of the display operation unit 10. The detection results of the door sensor 21 and the water level sensor 22 are input to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 refers to the information stored in the storage unit 23, stores new information in the storage unit 23, and updates the information in the storage unit 23.

The control unit 20 executes a washing operation for washing the laundry Q in the washing tub 5 by controlling the operations of the motor 7, the transmission mechanism 8, the drain valve 12, the water supply valve 18, and the bath water pump 19. The control unit 20 in this case functions as an example of the washing means. The washing operation includes a washing step of washing the laundry Q in the inner tub 4 of the washing tub 5, a rinsing step of rinsing the laundry Q after the washing step, and a dehydration step of dehydrating the laundry Q after the rinsing step.

In the washing step, the control unit 20 first supplies water to the washing tub 5 by opening the water supply valve 18 for a predetermined time with the drain valve 12 closed (see the broken line arrow in FIG. 1). The control unit 20 may supply the bath water into the washing tub 5 by operating the bath water pump 19 instead of opening the water supply valve 18 at the time of water supply. The user may open the door 9 and put the detergent into the inner tank 4 from the doorway 4A at the timing before or after the water supply.

When the water level in the washing tub 5 rises to a predetermined water level, the control unit 20 rotates the rotary blade 6 by controlling the motor 7 and the transmission mechanism 8 after stopping the water supply. As a result, the laundry Q in the inner tub 4 is washed by being agitated or by decomposing the dirt with the detergent. Finally, the control unit 20 drains the washing tub 5 by opening the drain valve 12.

In the rinsing step, the control unit 20 first collects tap water in the washing tub 5 by opening the water supply valve 18 for a predetermined time with the drain valve 12 closed. The control unit 20 that has finished supplying water rotates the rotary blade 6 by controlling the motor 7 and the transmission mechanism 8. As a result, the laundry Q in the inner tub 4 is sooted. In the rinsing step, the user may open the door 9 and charge the softener into the inner tank 4 from the doorway 4A at the timing before or after the water supply. The softener permeates the laundry Q. Finally, the control unit 20 drains the washing tub 5.

In the dehydration step, the control unit 20 controls the motor 7 and the transmission mechanism 8 with the drain valve 12 open to rotate the inner tank 4 at a predetermined dehydration rotation speed. As a result, the laundry Q in the inner tub 4 is dehydrated by the action of centrifugal force.

When the number of washing operations is increased by repeating the washing operation, a biofilm is generated in the washing tub 5 and increases. Correspondingly, molds that grow on biofilms as nutrients also grow. The biofilm is a transparent film immediately after it is generated, but when it increases to a visible state, black mold grows so as to cover the entire surface of the biofilm.

Each graph of FIGS. 3 to 9 shows the relationship between the number of washing operations and the mold level, which is an index for the degree of mold generation. In each graph, the horizontal axis represents the number of washing operations, and the vertical axis represents the mold level. The operation time of the washing operation may be used as an index instead of the number of operations. When the mold level is 0, there is almost no biofilm or mold in the washing tub 5. As the biofilm and mold in the washing tub 5 grow, the mold level increases towards 100. When the mold level is 100, there is enough mold in the washing tub 5 that the user recognizes the necessity of washing the washing tub 5. However, in this state, mold and biofilm can be removed by washing the washing tub 5.

The control unit 20 calculates the individual point T for each washing operation based on the following equation (1) each time the washing operation is executed once, that is, one cycle. Equation (1) is stored in the storage unit 23.
Individual point T = reference point N + situation point K ... Equation (1)
In the formula (1), the reference point N is a predetermined numerical value common to all washing operations. The situation point K is a positive or negative numerical value indicating the usage status of the washing machine 1 for each washing operation, is determined by an experiment or the like, and is stored in the storage unit 23. In the formula (1), the control unit 20 calculates the individual point T by adding the situation point K for each washing operation to the reference point N as an example of the calculation means. That is, the control unit 30 calculates the individual point T by weighting according to the situation of each washing operation. Further, each time the control unit 20 calculates the individual point T, the individual point T is accumulated by adding the current individual point T to the previously calculated individual point T. The cumulative value of the individual points T accumulated by the control unit 20 is called the cumulative value X. The control unit 20 in this case is an example of the cumulative means.

Situation point K is a numerical value of the susceptibility of the washing tub 5 to stains based on experimental results and the like, and there are various types. For example, in the washing process, there are a pattern in which the water level in the washing tub 5 after water supply is constant and a pattern in which the water level in the washing tub 5 after water supply fluctuates. Any pattern can be selected by operating the display operation unit 10. The control unit 30 changes the water level in the washing tub 5 by opening and closing each of the drain valve 12 and the water supply valve 18 and operating the bath water pump 19 even after water is supplied.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pattern in which the water level in the washing tub 5 is constant (see the solid line) increases the mold level faster than the pattern in which the water level in the washing tub 5 fluctuates (see the dashed line). do. In the pattern in which the water level in the washing tub 5 fluctuates, the growth of mold levels can also be delayed by delaying the generation of biofilm. Based on such a tendency, the situation point K includes a water level point K1 regarding the water level in the washing tub 5. The water level point K1A in the washing operation in which the water level in the washing tub 5 in the washing process is constant is higher than the water level point K1B in the washing operation in which the water level in the washing tub 5 in the washing process fluctuates. "High points" means that biofilms are likely to increase, that is, mold is likely to occur.

When the user operates the display operation unit 10 to select a washing operation in which the water level in the washing tub 5 is constant, the control unit 30 adds the water level point K1A to the reference point N and performs this washing operation. The individual point T for is calculated. When the user operates the display operation unit 10 to select a washing operation in which the water level in the washing tub 5 fluctuates, the control unit 30 adds the water level point K1B to the reference point N for this washing operation. The individual point T of is calculated.

By operating the display operation unit 10 before the start of the washing operation, the user can set whether or not to use bath water for water supply in the washing process, that is, whether or not to use bath water. At the time of water supply when there is no bath water, the control unit 30 executes water supply by tap water by opening the water supply valve 18. At the time of water supply when there is bath water, the control unit 30 executes water supply by the bath water by operating the bath water pump 19.

As shown in FIG. 4, the setting with bath water (see the solid line) is more likely to generate biofilm than the setting without bath water (see the dashed line), so the mold level increases faster. Based on such a tendency, the situation point K includes a type point K2 relating to the type of water supplied into the washing tub 5 at the time of water supply. The type point K2A of the washing operation in which the bath water is supplied into the washing tub 5 at the time of water supply is higher than the type point K2B of the washing operation in which tap water is supplied into the washing tub 5 at the time of water supply. When the user operates the display operation unit 10 to select the washing operation with bath water, the control unit 30 adds the type point K2A to the reference point N and sets the individual point T for this washing operation. calculate. When the user operates the display operation unit 10 to select the washing operation without bath water, the control unit 30 adds the type point K2B to the reference point N and sets the individual point T for this washing operation. calculate.

Depending on the amount of treatment agents such as detergents and fabric softeners used, the degree of increase in mold level changes. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a washing operation in which a specified amount of detergent according to the amount of laundry Q is added (see the solid line) is used as a reference, and a washing operation in which a smaller amount of detergent is added than the specified amount (see the solid line). The increase in mold level is slow in the broken line line), and the mold level increases quickly in the washing operation (see the one-dot chain line line) in which more detergent than the specified amount is added. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the increase in the mold level is slow in the washing operation without the softener (see the solid line) in which the softener is not used in the rinsing process. On the other hand, the increase in mold level in the washing operation with the softener (see the broken line) in which the softener is used in the rinsing process is about twice as fast as in the washing operation without the softener.

Based on such a tendency, the situation point K includes the treatment agent point K3 relating to the treatment agent used in the washing operation. The treatment agent point K3A in the washing operation in which the treatment agent in an amount exceeding the predetermined amount is used is higher than the treatment agent point K3B in the washing operation in which the treatment agent in the predetermined amount or less is used. Focusing on the softener, the predetermined amount is zero. When the user operates the display operation unit 10 to select the washing operation with the softener, the control unit 30 adds the processing agent point K3A to the reference point N, and the individual point T for this washing operation. Is calculated. When the user operates the display operation unit 10 to select the washing operation without the softener, the control unit 30 adds the processing agent point K3B to the reference point N, and the individual point T for this washing operation. Is calculated.

Focusing on the detergent, the predetermined amount is the above-mentioned specified amount, and the washing machine 1 is provided with a detergent sensor for detecting the input amount of the detergent. Treatment agent points that increase in this order in each washing operation when the amount of detergent added is less than the specified amount, when the amount of detergent added is the specified amount, and when the amount of detergent added is larger than the specified amount. K3 is set, and the control unit 30 calculates the individual point T by adding the treatment agent point K3 according to the amount of the detergent added to the reference point N.

The rinsing process includes rinsing to collect water up to a predetermined water level in the washing tub 5 and water injection rinsing to supply water while draining, and the user operates the display operation unit 10 before starting the washing operation. Depending on the method, either a trial rinse or a water injection rinse can be selected. In the trial rinse, both the drain valve 12 and the water supply valve 18 are closed after water supply, but in the water injection rinse, both the drain valve 12 and the water supply valve 18 are opened after water supply.

As shown in FIG. 7, the trial rinse (see solid line) increases the mold level faster than the water injection rinse (see dashed line). Conversely, rinsing with water can delay the increase in mold levels. Based on such a tendency, the situation point K includes a rinse point K4 relating to the rinse method. The rinsing point K4A of the washing operation for rinsing with water is higher than the rinsing point K4B for the washing operation for rinsing with water. For the washing operation in which the user operates the display operation unit 10 to select the trial rinse, the control unit 30 adds the rinse point K4A to the reference point N to calculate the individual point T. For the washing operation in which the user operates the display operation unit 10 to select the water injection rinse, the control unit 30 adds the rinse point K4B to the reference point N to calculate the individual point T.

For example, the degree of increase in the mold level changes due to the open / closed state of the door 9 during the stop period after the washing operation. As shown in FIG. 8, in the washing operation after the door 9 is left open (see the solid line), the mold level increases slowly, and the washing operation after the door 9 is left closed (see the solid line). (Refer to the broken line), the mold level increases about 1.5 times faster. Based on such a tendency, the situation point K includes an opening / closing point K5 in which the door 9 is opened / closed. The opening / closing point K5A of the washing operation after the door 9 is left in the closed state is higher than the opening / closing point K5B of the washing operation after the door 9 is left in the open state. When the door sensor 21 detects the closed state of the door 9 in the state before the start of the washing operation, the control unit 30 adds the opening / closing point K5A to the reference point N and sets the individual point T for this washing operation. calculate. When the door sensor 21 detects the open state of the door 9 in the state before the start of the washing operation, the control unit 30 adds the opening / closing point K5B to the reference point N and sets the individual point T for this washing operation. calculate.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 9, the degree of increase in the mold level is the same regardless of whether the detergent is a liquid detergent or a powder detergent. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the elapsed time after washing the washing tub 5 and the mold level. In this graph, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time, the unit is "time", and the vertical axis represents the mold level. The tub cleaning cleaner used for cleaning the washing tub 5 includes a chlorine-based one and an oxygen-based one. When the washing tub 5 is washed with a chlorine-based tub cleaning cleaner (see the broken line), the cleaning effect of the tub cleaning cleaner is exhibited quickly, and about 24 hours have passed since the washing tub 5 was washed. , The mold level in the washing tub 5 drops to almost zero. On the other hand, when the washing tub 5 is washed with an oxygen-based tub cleaning cleaner (see the solid line), the mold level in the washing tub 5 does not drop to zero even after 72 hours, and black mold remains. do.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between temperature and humidity and the mold level in the washing tub 5. The washing machine 1 may include a temperature sensor 24 for detecting an ambient temperature, that is, an environmental temperature, and a humidity sensor 25 for detecting an ambient humidity, that is, an environmental humidity (see FIG. 2). The detection results of the temperature sensor 24 and the humidity sensor 25 are input to the control unit 20 in real time. When the ambient temperature is 25 ° C or higher and 38 ° C or lower, the mold level is moderate. The mold level is also moderate when the ambient humidity is 80% or higher. When the ambient temperature is 25 degrees or more and 38 degrees or less and the ambient humidity is 80% or more, the mold level is high and close to 100. On the other hand, when the ambient temperature is less than 25 degrees and the ambient humidity is less than 80%, the mold level is low and close to zero.

Based on this tendency, the situation point K includes the environmental point K6 regarding temperature and humidity. The environmental point K6A when the ambient temperature is 25 degrees or more and 38 degrees or less and the ambient humidity is 80% or more is that the ambient temperature is 25 degrees or more and 38 degrees or less or the ambient humidity is 80% or more. Higher than the environmental point K6B in some cases. Further, the environmental point K6B is higher than the environmental point K6C when the ambient temperature is less than 25 degrees and the ambient humidity is less than 80%. The control unit 30 determines the environment point K6 based on the detection results of the temperature sensor 24 and the humidity sensor 25 at a predetermined timing in the washing operation, adds the environment point K6 to the reference point N, and performs this washing operation. The individual point T for is calculated.

As described above, the control unit 20 determines various situation points K in the current washing operation every time the washing operation is performed, and adds the determined situation points K to the reference point N to calculate the individual point T. Then, the calculated individual point T is stored in the storage unit 23. This individual point T is an individual value that may differ for each washing operation. Since the situation point K is not always a positive value but may be a negative value, the individual point T may be smaller than the reference point N. The situation point K may be zero. Then, each time the control unit 20 calculates the individual point T, the individual point T calculated this time is added to the previous individual point T stored in the storage unit 23 to accumulate the individual points T and the individual points. The cumulative value X of T is stored in the storage unit 23. The cumulative value X increases as the washing operation is repeated.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of washing operations and the cumulative value X. In this graph, the horizontal axis represents the number of operations, and the vertical axis represents the cumulative value X of the individual points T. A predetermined threshold value Y for the cumulative value X is predetermined by an experiment or the like and stored in the storage unit 23. The threshold value is a value representing the washing tub 5 when the state immediately before the mold is generated or when the mold is generated but can be sufficiently removed. An example of the threshold value in this embodiment is 1600 points.

When the user uses the washing machine 1 in the expected normal usage (see the solid line in FIG. 12), when the number of washing operations reaches about 40 times, the cumulative value X of the individual points T is X. Reaches the threshold Y. On the other hand, when the user uses the washing machine 1 in the best way to reduce the mold level (see the broken line in FIG. 12), the cumulative value X increases slowly, so that the number of washing operations is repeated. Does not reach the threshold value Y until the cumulative value X reaches about 54 times. However, when the user uses the washing machine 1 in the worst way such that the mold level becomes high (see the one-dot chain line in FIG. 12), the cumulative value X increases quickly, so that the washing operation is performed. When the number of operations reaches about 30, the cumulative value X reaches the threshold value Y.

When the cumulative value X of the individual points T accumulated by the control unit 20 reaches the threshold value Y, the control unit 20 needs to wash the washing tub 5 by blinking and displaying the "tank cleaning sign" on the display operation unit 10. That is, the user is notified that the washing timing of the washing tub 5 has arrived for a predetermined period of, for example, 2 hours after the washing operation is completed. In this case, the control unit 20 and the display operation unit 10 function as an example of the notification means. The control unit 20 may notify the user of the necessity of cleaning the washing tub 5 by voice using a buzzer or the like in addition to or instead of the display on the display operation unit 10. .. It should be noted that such a notification function is enabled in the initial setting of the washing machine 1, and the notification function may be enabled or disabled by the operation of the display operation unit 10 by the user.

The control unit 20 can execute the washing operation of the washing tub 5 as an example of the washing means. When the user notified of the necessity of washing the washing tub 5 orders the execution of the washing operation by operating the display operation unit 10, the control unit 20 executes the washing operation. Specifically, the control unit 20 stores tap water in the washing tub 5 by opening the water supply valve 18 for a predetermined time with the drain valve 12 closed. After that, when the user puts the above-mentioned tub cleaning cleaner into the washing tub 5, the control unit 20 keeps the state in which the water in which the tub cleaning cleaner is dissolved is accumulated in the washing tub 5 for a while. As a result, mold and biofilm in the washing tub 5 are decomposed and removed by the tub washing cleaner. The control unit 20 may agitate the water in the washing tub 5 by rotating the inner tub 4 and the rotary blade 6 on the way, thereby promoting the removal of mold and biofilm in the washing tub 5. .. When the predetermined time continues, the control unit 20 ends the washing operation by opening the drain valve 12 and draining the washing tub 5.

Further, the control unit 20 updates the storage unit 23, for example, at the timing when the cleaning operation is completed, and resets the cumulative value of the individual points T in the storage unit 23 to zero. The control unit 20 in this case functions as an example of the reset means.

As described above, in the washing machine 1, each time the washing operation is performed, the individual point T is calculated by adding the situation point K indicating the usage status of the washing machine 1 at that time to the reference point N. The cumulative value X of such individual points T accurately indicates the degree of dirtiness of the washing tub 5 in which dirt progresses according to the individual usage situation of the user. For example, the individual point T calculated by adding the water level point K1 which is an example of the situation point K accurately indicates the degree of contamination of the washing tub 5 due to the water level in the washing tub 5 for each washing operation. Further, the individual point T calculated by adding the type point K2, which is an example of the situation point K, accurately indicates the degree of contamination of the washing tub 5 due to the type of water at the time of water supply for each washing operation. The individual point T calculated by adding the treatment agent point K3, which is an example of the situation point K, accurately indicates the degree of contamination of the washing tub 5 due to the amount of the treatment agent for each washing operation.

Then, when the cumulative value X reaches the threshold value Y, it becomes the optimum timing for washing the washing tub 5 which is dirty due to the water level in the washing tub 5, the type of water at the time of water supply, the amount of the treatment agent, and the like. Therefore, the washing machine 1 can notify the user of the necessity of washing the washing tub 5 at this timing. Therefore, it is possible to encourage the user to wash the washing tub 5 at an early stage before a large amount of mold is generated although the biofilm is generated. Further, in the washing machine 1, when the washing operation of the washing tub 5 is executed after the necessity of washing the washing tub 5 is notified, the cumulative value X of the individual points T is reset to zero. As a result, the washing machine 1 can newly accumulate individual points T in order to notify the necessity of the next washing of the washing tub 5 at the optimum timing.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the cumulative value X increased by the point addition method increases to the threshold value Y, the necessity of washing the washing tub 5 is notified, but the cumulative value X decreased by the point deduction method decreases to the threshold value Y. In that case, the necessity of cleaning the washing tub 5 may be notified.

1 Washing machine 5 Washing tub 10 Display operation unit 20 Control unit K Status point K1 Water level point K2 Type point K3 Treatment agent point N Reference point Q Laundry T Individual point X Cumulative value Y Threshold

Claims (5)

A washing tub that houses laundry and stores water,
A washing means for performing a washing operation for washing the laundry in the washing tub,
A calculation means for calculating individual points for each washing operation by adding positive or negative situation points for each washing operation to a predetermined reference point each time the washing means executes a washing operation.
Accumulation means for accumulating the individual points and
A washing machine including a notification means for notifying the necessity of washing the washing tub when the cumulative value of the individual points accumulated by the cumulative means reaches a predetermined threshold value. The situation point includes a water level point relating to the water level in the washing tub.
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water level point of the washing operation in which the water level in the washing tub is constant is higher than the water level point of the washing operation in which the water level in the washing tub fluctuates. The situation point includes a type point regarding the type of water supplied into the washing tub at the time of water supply.
The type point of the washing operation in which the bath water is supplied into the washing tub at the time of water supply is higher than the type point of the washing operation in which tap water is supplied into the washing tub at the time of water supply, according to claim 1 or 2. washing machine. The situation points include treatment agent points related to treatment agents used in washing operations.
Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the treatment agent point of the washing operation in which the treatment agent in an amount exceeding the predetermined amount is used is higher than the treatment agent point in the washing operation in which the treatment agent in the predetermined amount or less is used. The washing machine described in the section. A cleaning means for executing the washing operation of the washing tub and
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a reset means for resetting the cumulative value to zero when the washing means executes a washing operation after the notification by the notification means.

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