JP2023016216A - Washing machine and treatment agent amount changing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine and a method for changing the amount of a treatment agent which can prevent deterioration in washing performance.SOLUTION: A washing machine 100 includes a rotating drum 24, a measurement unit 70, a water supply unit 30, a treatment agent feeding device 40, an operation unit 62, a water supply determination unit 11, and a treatment agent amount changing unit 12. The rotating drum 24 contains laundry. The measurement unit 70 measures the amount of laundry contained in the rotating drum 24. The water supply unit 30 supplies water to the rotating drum 24. The treatment agent feeding device 40 feeds a laundry treatment agent to the rotating drum 24. The operation unit 62 receives an instruction from a user. The water supply determination unit 11 determines, according to the result of the measurement performed by the measurement unit 70, a first water amount which is the amount of water to be fed to the rotating drum 24 and a first treatment agent amount which is the amount of the laundry treatment agent to be fed to the rotating drum 24. The treatment agent amount changing unit 12 changes, when an instruction to change the first water amount to a second water amount is received by the operation unit 62 after the water supply determination unit 11 has determined the first water amount and the first treatment agent amount, the first treatment agent amount to a second treatment agent amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a washing machine and a method for changing the amount of treatment agent.

The drum-type washing machine described in Patent Document 1 has control means, laundry amount detection means, and a water level change input setting switch. The laundry amount detection means detects the amount of laundry in the rotating drum. The control means changes the set water level based on the setting of the water level change input setting switch. If the water level change input setting switch is operated during the washing process, the rotation of the rotary drum is stopped and the set water level is changed based on the operation of the water level change input setting switch.

JP-A-2006-81573

However, in the drum-type washing machine described in Patent Document 1, even if the set water level increases during the washing process, the amount of detergent (the amount of laundry treatment agent) is constant. Therefore, the concentration of the detergent is diluted with respect to the amount of water, and there is a possibility that the cleaning performance will be lowered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine and a method for changing the amount of treatment agents that can suppress deterioration in washing performance.

A washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a washing tub, a measuring section, a water input section, a treatment agent input section, a reception section, a water supply determining section, and a processing agent amount changing section. The washing tub accommodates laundry. The measuring unit measures the amount of the laundry accommodated in the washing tub. The water input unit inputs water into the washing tub. The treatment agent input unit injects a laundry treatment agent into the washing tub. The reception unit receives an instruction from a user. The water supply determination unit determines a first amount of water indicating the amount of water to be put into the washing tub and a first treating agent amount indicating the amount of laundry treatment agent to be put into the washing tub based on the measurement result of the measuring unit. to decide. The processing agent amount changing unit, when the receiving unit receives an instruction to change the first water amount to a second water amount after the water supply determination unit determines the first water amount and the first processing agent amount, Change the amount of treatment agent 1 to the amount of treatment agent 2.

A method for changing the amount of treatment agent according to one aspect of the present invention includes the steps of obtaining an amount of laundry, determining the amount of water and the amount of laundry treatment agent based on the amount of laundry, and After determining the amount and the amount of the laundry treatment agent, receiving a change in the amount of water; and after receiving the change in the amount of water, changing the amount of the laundry treatment agent.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the fall of washing|cleaning performance can be suppressed.

1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a sectional view of a washing machine concerning this embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of a washing machine according to this embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the washing time changed by the washing time change part which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows another example of the washing time changed by the washing time change part which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the alerting|reporting part which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display part which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows a part of washing processing which a washing machine concerning this embodiment performs. 6 is a flow chart showing another part of the washing process executed by the washing machine according to the embodiment; 1 is a perspective view of a drum-type washing machine according to this embodiment; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a drum-type washing machine according to this embodiment; FIG.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 101 has an opening 104 at its top. Lid 102 closes opening 104 . Lid 102 is supported by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed.

The operation display unit 103 is provided on the top of the housing 101 . Operation display unit 103 includes display device 60 . Display device 60 accepts instructions for washing machine 100 .

The internal structure of washing machine 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine 100 includes a water tank 1, a balancer 2, a drive section 20, a water supply section 30, and a drainage section 50 inside.

The drive unit 20 includes a drive motor 21 , a clutch/brake mechanism 22 (see FIG. 3), a drive shaft 23 , a rotating tub 24 (drum), and a stirring member 25 .

The water tank 1 and the rotating tank 24 are containers having a cylindrical shape with a bottom. In the vertical washing machine 100, the water tub 1 and the rotating tub 24 are open at the top. The water tub 1 and the rotating tub 24 have an opening 52 at substantially the center of the bottom surface. The opening 52 penetrates the water tank 1 and the lower part of the rotating tank 24 . The opening 52 functions as a drain port for draining the water inside the rotary tub 24 . Hereinafter, the opening 52 may be referred to as a "drain port 52".

The rotating tank 24 is arranged inside the water tank 1 . With the lid 102 open, the laundry is put into the rotating tub 24 through the opening 104 . The rotary tub 24 is rotated by driving the drive motor 21 . The rotating tub 24 is an example of a "washing tub" that stores laundry and cleaning liquid.

The balancer 2 is a weight. The balancer 2 is attached around the opening of the rotary tub 24 . The balancer 2 suppresses the eccentric rotation of the rotary tub 24 (so-called whirling motion).

Note that the rotating tub 24 of the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment is a so-called “unperforated tub” in which, for example, a side wall (peripheral surface) is not provided with a hole communicating with the tub 1 . Therefore, the rotary tub 24 can store water by itself. However, the rotary tub 24 may have a hole in its side wall.

The stirring member 25 is, for example, a pulsator. The stirring member 25 stirs the laundry accommodated in the rotating tub 24 . The stirring member 25 is arranged at the bottom of the rotating tub 24 . The stirring member 25 is driven by the drive motor 21 via the drive shaft 23 to rotate or swing independently of the rotating tub 24 . The drive shaft 23 is inserted through the drain port 52 of the rotary tub 24 .

The drive motor 21 and the clutch/brake mechanism 22 drive the rotating tub 24 and the stirring member 25 . Specifically, the clutch/brake mechanism 22 transmits the driving force of the driving motor 21 to the rotating tub 24 and the stirring member 25 . As a result, the driving motor 21 rotates the rotating tub 24 and the stirring member 25 . Further, the driving motor 21 is controlled by the control device 10 to rotate the rotating tub 24 and the stirring member 25 at the instructed speed. The drive motor 21 is, for example, a DC (direct current) motor unit. The drive motor 21 can switch the direction of rotation both forward and reverse.

The drive shaft 23 has a dual shaft structure of a stirring shaft and a dewatering shaft. The stirring shaft is connected to the stirring member 25 and rotates the stirring member 25 . The dewatering shaft is connected to the rotating tub 24 and rotates the rotating tub 24 .

The water supply unit 30 supplies (supplies) water to the rotary tub 24 . The water supply unit 30 is an example of a "water input unit". The water supply unit 30 includes a first water supply valve 31 , a second water supply valve 32 and a third water supply valve 33 . The water supply unit 30 further includes a first water supply path W1, a second water supply path W2 and a third water supply path W3 respectively connected to the first water supply valve 31, the second water supply valve 32 and the third water supply valve 33 (see FIG. 3). ). For simplification of the drawing, FIG. 2 shows only the third water supply passage W3.

The upstream sides of the first water supply path W1, the second water supply path W2 and the third water supply path W3 are connected to a water source such as a water faucet. The water supplied from the water source flows upstream of the first water supply valve 31, the second water supply valve 32 and the third water supply valve 33 toward the first water supply path W1, the second water supply path W2 and the third water supply path W3. branch.

The third water supply passage W3 sprays water directly onto the laundry in the form of a shower without passing through the detergent input portion 42 and the softener input portion 43 . In some cases, the first water supply valve 31 and the second water supply valve 32 are arranged as one switching valve instead of individual on-off valves.

Moreover, the washing machine 100 further includes a processing agent input device 40 (see FIG. 3). The treatment agent injection device 40 injects the laundry treatment agent into the rotating tub 24 . The processing agent input device 40 is an example of a "processing agent input unit". Here, the laundry processing agent is a chemical used in laundry processing, such as detergent and softener.

In this embodiment, the processing agent input device 40 includes a feed pump 41 , a detergent input section 42 and a softener input section 43 . Detergent input portion 42 includes a detergent supply valve 421 and a detergent tank 422 . Softener input portion 43 includes a softener supply valve 431 and a softener tank 432 . Detergent tank 422 stores detergent for clothes. Softener tank 432 stores a softener.

The detergent input part 42 is arranged, for example, in the water flow path (channel) of the first water supply path W1. The feed pump 41 supplies the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 422 to the first water supply passage W1 through the detergent supply valve 421 . The detergent supply valve 421 is an electromagnetic opening/closing valve whose opening/closing is controlled by the control device 10 .

While the detergent supply valve 421 is open, the detergent pressure-fed by the feed pump 41 from the detergent tank 422 is introduced into the first water supply path W1. When the first water supply valve 31 of the water supply unit 30 is opened and water flows into the first water supply passage W1, the detergent introduced into the first water supply passage W1 is carried into the rotary tub 24 along with the water flow. thrown in. This may be described as "automatic injection of laundry treatment agent".

The same applies to the addition of the softener. The softener input part 43 is arranged, for example, in the water flow path (channel) of the second water supply path W2. If the softener for clothes is stored in the softener tank 432 in advance, the softener supplied from the softener tank 432 is supplied through the second water supply passage W2 while the softener supply valve 431 is open. and put into the rotating tank 24 . This may be described as "automatic injection of laundry treatment agent".

In addition, in this embodiment, the water supply unit 30 includes a detergent case 34 and a softener case 35 (see FIG. 3). The detergent case 34 is positioned at the terminal end of the water flow path (channel) of the first water supply path W1. The detergent case 34 accommodates detergent. The softener case 35 is located at the terminal end of the water flow path (channel) of the second water supply path W2. Softener case 35 accommodates a softener.

For example, the user stores detergent in the detergent case 34 each time the user manually operates the washing machine 100 to wash clothes. If detergent is stored in the detergent case 34 in advance, the detergent stored in the detergent case 34 is thrown into the rotary tub 24 by the flow of water when water flows through the first water supply passage W1. This is sometimes described as "manual dosing of detergent". It should be noted that the detergent stored in the detergent tank 422 of the detergent input portion 42 may be used when the detergent is manually added. Further, the detergent housed in the detergent case 34 may be liquid or powder.

For example, the user stores softener in the softener case 35 each time the user manually operates the washing machine 100 to wash clothes. If the user stores softener in the softener case 35 in advance, when water flows through the second water supply passage W2, the softener stored in the softener case 35 is moved into the rotating tub 24 by the water flow. thrown in.

The drainage part 50 includes a drainage port 52 (opening), a drainage valve 51 , a drainage channel 53 , a drainage channel 54 , and an external drainage channel 55 . The drainage channel 53 allows water to flow down from the drainage port 52 of the rotary tub 24 to the drainage valve 51 . The drainage channel 54 drains dehydrated water accumulated in the water tank 1 . The external drainage channel 55 leads out the drainage from the rotary tub 24 and the water tub 1 to the outside of the machine.

The drain valve 51 is an electromagnetic open/close valve. Opening and closing of the drain valve 51 is also controlled by the controller 10 . Therefore, the amount of water (water level) in the rotary tub 24 is controlled by the controller 10 .

During the dehydration treatment by rotating the rotary tub 24, the water that overflows from the upper end of the rotary tub 24 to the water tub 1 is always drained out of the machine through the drainage channel 54 and the external drainage channel 55.

The washing machine 100 of this embodiment further includes a circulation pump (not shown). The circulation pump circulates the washing liquid that has flowed out from the drain port 52 to the front (upstream side) of the drain valve 51 by returning it to the inside of the rotary tub 24 without draining it out of the machine. A circulation pump may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, washing machine 100 further includes control device 10, measuring section 70, water level sensor 80, detecting section 90, and storage section 110, as shown in FIG.

The measuring unit 70 measures the amount of laundry accommodated in the rotating tub 24 . For example, the measuring unit 70 rotates the rotating tub 24 in a state in which the laundry is accommodated in the rotating tub 24, and measures the amount of laundry based on the results of detecting the current of the drive motor 21, the drive rotation speed, and the like. Measure. The measurement unit 70 then outputs the measurement result to the control device 10 . Control device 10 calculates the weight of laundry based on the measurement result of measurement unit 70 . Note that the measurement unit 70 may calculate the weight of laundry based on the measurement result of the measurement unit 70 .

A water level sensor 80 detects the height of the water surface (liquid level) in the washing tub. The water level sensor 80 includes, for example, a non-contact water level gauge. The water level sensor 80 outputs detection results to the control device 10 . The control device 10 calculates the height of the water surface in the rotating tub 24 (the water level in the washing tub) based on the detection result of the water level sensor 80 . In addition, the water level sensor 80 may calculate the height of the water surface in the rotary tub 24 based on the detection result of the water level sensor 80 .

The detection unit 90 detects the amount of laundry treatment agent. Specifically, detection unit 90 detects the amount of detergent stored in detergent tank 422 . Further, detection unit 90 detects the amount of softener stored in softener tank 432 . The detector 90 is, for example, an optical sensor including a light emitter and a light receiver. In this case, at least part of the detergent tank 422 and at least part of the softener tank 432 are made of a transparent material. The detection unit 90 outputs the detection result to the control device 10 . Then, the control device 10 calculates the amount of laundry treatment agent based on the detection result of the detection section 90 . Note that the detection unit 90 may calculate the amount of laundry treatment agent based on the detection result of the detection unit 90 .

The storage unit 110 includes main storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). Storage unit 110 may include an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Storage unit 110 stores various computer programs and various data.

Control device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the operation of each part of washing machine 100 . For example, the control device 10 controls the drive section 20 , the water supply section 30 , the processing agent input device 40 , the drainage section 50 , the display device 60 , the measurement section 70 , the water level sensor 80 , the detection section 90 and the storage section 110 .

The control device 10 also includes a water supply determining unit 11 , a processing agent amount changing unit 12 , a washing time setting unit 13 , a washing time changing unit 14 , a drive control unit 15 and a timer 16 . The processing agent amount changing unit 12 includes a detergent amount changing unit 121 and a softening agent amount changing unit 122 in this embodiment.

The control device 10 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Control device 10 controls each element of washing machine 100 by executing a computer program stored in storage unit 110 .

The water supply determination unit 11 determines (calculates) the amount of laundry based on the measurement result output by the measurement unit 70 . In addition, the water supply determining unit 11 sets a first water amount WS1 indicating the amount of water to be put into the rotating tub 24 based on the measurement result (calculation result of the amount of laundry) of the measuring unit 70, and the amount of water put into the rotating tub 24. A first treatment agent amount P1 indicating the amount of laundry treatment agent to be applied is determined. Specifically, the water supply determining unit 11 determines a first detergent amount D1 indicating the amount of detergent to be put into the rotating tub 24 and a first softening agent amount S1 indicating the amount of softening agent to be put into the rotating tub 24. do. Here, the first water amount WS1 is the amount of water put into the rotating tub 24 in the washing process and the amount of water put into the rotating tub 24 in the rinsing process in the washing process performed by the washing machine 100. Show each. The first amount of water WS1 in the washing process and the first amount of water WS1 in the rinsing process may be the same or different.

When the operation unit 62 receives an instruction to change the first water amount WS1 to the second water amount WS2 after the water supply determining unit 11 has determined the first water amount WS1 and the first processing agent amount P1, the processing agent amount changing unit 12 , the first processing agent amount P1 is changed to the second processing agent amount P2. The instruction to change the amount of water is given by the user operating the operation unit 62, for example. For example, when the laundry does not appear to be submerged in water during washing, or when additional laundry is added, the user operates the operation unit 62 to issue an instruction to change the amount of water. When the amount of the second processing agent P2 is greater than the amount of the first processing agent P1, and the processing agent charging device 40 has already charged the laundry processing agent in the first processing agent amount P1 into the rotary tub 24. For example, the treatment agent injection device 40 automatically supplies the laundry treatment agent according to the difference between the first treatment agent amount P1 and the second treatment agent amount P2. Further, when the second water volume WS2 is smaller than the first water volume WS1, for example, the control device 10 discharges an amount of water corresponding to the difference between the first water volume WS1 and the second water volume WS2. Controls the drain section 50 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the laundry treatment agent from increasing or decreasing with respect to the amount of water introduced into the rotary tub 24 . As a result, it is possible to maintain a proper concentration of the laundry treatment agent and obtain proper cleaning performance.

Specifically, after the water supply determination unit 11 determines the first water amount WS1 and the first treatment agent amount P1, the detergent amount changing unit 121 instructs the operation unit 62 to change the first water amount WS1 to the second water amount WS2. is received, the first detergent amount D1 is changed to the second detergent amount D2. Further, after the water supply determination unit 11 determines the first water amount WS1 and the first treatment agent amount P1, the softening agent amount changing unit 122 receives an instruction from the operation unit 62 to change the first water amount WS1 to the second water amount WS2. Then, the first softening agent amount S1 is changed to the second softening agent amount S2. When the second detergent amount D2 is larger than the first detergent amount D1 and the detergent input unit 42 has already input the first detergent amount D1 into the rotary tub 24, the detergent input unit 42 automatically feeds the detergent corresponding to the difference between the first detergent amount D1 and the second detergent amount D2. In addition, when the second softening agent amount S2 is larger than the first softening agent amount S1, and the softening agent charging unit 43 has already charged the first softening agent amount S1 of the softening agent into the rotary tub 24. , the softener charging unit 43 automatically charges the detergent according to the difference between the first softening agent amount S1 and the second softening agent amount S2.

More specifically, for example, after the water supply determining unit 11 determines the first water amount WS1 and the first processing agent amount P1, the user increases the amount of water to be supplied to the rotary tub 24 via the operation unit 62. (instruction to increase the first water amount WS1 to the second water amount WS2), the detergent amount changing unit 121 increases the first detergent amount D1 to the second detergent amount D2. Similarly, the softener amount changer 122 increases the first softener amount S1 to the second softener amount S2. Then, when the detergent input unit 42 has already input the first detergent amount D1 of detergent into the rotating tub 24, the detergent input unit 42 supplies detergent according to the difference between the first detergent amount D1 and the second detergent amount D2. is automatically inserted. Further, when the softening agent charging unit 43 has already charged the first softening agent amount S1 of the softening agent to the rotary tub 24, the softening agent charging unit 43 puts the first softening agent amount S1 and the second softening agent amount S2 together. Automatically injects detergent according to the difference between Therefore, it is possible to suppress the concentration of the detergent and the concentration of the softening agent from being diluted with respect to the amount of water introduced into the rotary tub 24 . As a result, deterioration of cleaning performance can be suppressed more accurately.

Here, the second amount of water WS2 is the amount of water put into the rotating tub 24 in the washing process and the amount of water put into the rotating tub 24 in the rinsing process in the washing process performed by the washing machine 100. Show each. The second amount of water WS2 in the washing process and the second amount of water WS2 in the rinsing process may be the same or different. Further, in the present embodiment, when the operation unit 62 receives an instruction to change the first water amount WS1 in the washing process to the second water amount WS2, the water supply determining unit 11 changes the first water amount WS1 in the rinsing process to the second water amount WS2. Change is preferred.

The drive control section 15 controls the drive section 20 . A timer 16 detects that a predetermined time has passed. For example, the timer 16 detects when the wash time (preset time, additional time, etc.) has elapsed. Preset time and additional time will be described later. Also, the washing time setting unit 13 and the washing time changing unit 14 will be described later.

The display device 60 has a display section 61 and an operation section 62 . An operation unit 62 of the display device 60 includes an operation key group. The operation unit 62 receives instructions from the user. The operation unit 62 is an example of a "reception unit". The display unit 61 displays various information. The display unit 61 is, for example, a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an ELD (Electro Luminescence Display). Note that the display unit 61 may include a touch panel and function as the operation unit 62 .

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the washing time adjusting process executed by the washing time changing unit 14 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the washing time changed by the washing time changer 14. As shown in FIG.

The washing time setting unit 13 sets the washing time for washing the laundry based on the determination of the water supply determining unit 11 . Specifically, the washing time setting unit 13 determines the first water amount WS1 determined by the water supply determination unit 11, the amount of laundry, and the first processing agent amount P1 (that is, the first detergent amount D1 and the first softener amount The washing time for washing the laundry is set based on each or combination of S1). Hereinafter, in this specification, the time preset by the water supply determination unit 11 may be referred to as a preset time (preset time 1 to preset time 3). Here, the washing time is, for example, each of the time for the washing process performed by the washing machine 100 and the time for the rinsing process performed by the washing machine 100 . That is, the washing time setting unit 13 sets the time for the washing process and the time for the rinsing process. The washing time may or may not include the water supply time by the water supply unit 30 .

The washing time changing unit 14 changes the washing time set by the washing time setting unit 13 after the processing agent amount changing unit 12 changes the amount of the washing processing agent. Specifically, after the processing agent amount changing unit 12 changes the first processing agent amount P1 to the second processing agent amount P2, the washing time changing unit 14, after the preset time set by the washing time setting unit 13, Set additional time to wash additional laundry. Hereinafter, additional time may be described as additional time 1, additional time 2, or additional time 3.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the washing time setting unit 13 sets preset time 1. As shown in FIG. Then, the washing time changing unit 14 sets the additional time 1 after the preset time 1. - 特許庁In general, as the amount of laundry increases, the amount of water supplied to the rotary tub 24 increases, and the washing time is lengthened in accordance with the increase in the amount of laundry and the amount of water. performance can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing time from being shortened with respect to the amount of water and the amount of washing treatment agent to be put into the rotary tub 24 . As a result, the effect of cleaning performance is enhanced.

The washing time changing unit 14 changes the washing time set by the washing time setting unit 13 based on each or a combination of the washing time set by the washing time setting unit 13 and the change by the processing agent amount changing unit 12. may For example, the washing time change unit 14 sets the additional time to be shorter as the amount of increase in the amount of the laundry treatment agent by the treatment agent amount change unit 12 (=second treatment agent amount P2-first treatment agent amount P1) is smaller, The additional time may be set longer as the amount of laundry treatment agent increased by the treatment agent amount changing unit 12 increases. Further, the washing time changing unit 14 may set a shorter additional time as the preset time set by the washing time setting unit 13 is longer, and may set a longer additional time as the preset time is shorter.

Moreover, the washing time changing unit 14 changes the washing time so as to make the washing time longer than the washing time set by the washing time setting unit 13 when the amount of water is the same. Specifically, the amount of water when the washing time setting unit 13 presets the preset time 2 based on the determination of the water supply determination unit 11, and the first water amount WS1 instructed to be changed after the water supply determination unit 11 determines the first water amount WS1. When the two amounts of water WS2 are the same, the washing time changing unit 14 makes the washing time longer than the preset time 2. That is, the washing time changing unit 14 changes the washing time so that the sum of the preset time 1 and the additional time 1 set by the washing time changing unit 14 is longer than the preset time 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing time from being shortened with respect to the amount of the laundry processing agent and the amount of water after the laundry processing agent and water are added to the rotating tub 24 . Here, if the washing time is short relative to the amount of washing agent and the amount of water, the washing performance may deteriorate. As a result, the effect of cleaning performance is further enhanced.

Furthermore, the washing time changing unit 14 makes the washing time shorter than the sum of the washing time executed before the washing time changing unit 14 changes the washing time and the washing time set by the washing time setting unit 13. change the washing time to Specifically, the washing time when the washing is performed for the preset time 2 set by the water supply determination unit 11 based on the second water amount WS2 from when the water and the washing treatment agent are added to the rotating tub 24. The washing time changing unit 14 sets the additional time so that the sum of the preset time 1 and the additional time 1 is shorter than the total time. In other words, the washing time changing unit sets the sum of the preset time 1 and the additional time 1 to be shorter than the sum of the washing time executed before the instructed washing time is changed and the preset time 2. 14 changes the washing time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing time from becoming unnecessarily long with respect to the amount of water and the amount of the washing treatment agent to be put into the rotary tub 24 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the laundry from deteriorating due to the longer washing time.

Next, the washing time adjusting process executed by the washing time changing unit 14 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the washing time changed by the washing time changer 14. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the longer the washing time executed before the washing time changer 14 changes the washing time, the longer the washing time changer 14 lengthens the washing time. For example, when the washing time setting unit 13 sets the preset time 3 based on the first water amount WS1, when the washing time is changed to time T1 after the washing time starts, the washing time changing unit 14 adds Set time 2. As a result, preset time 3 ends at time T2, and washing ends at time T3. On the other hand, when the washing time setting unit 13 sets the preset time 3, when the washing time is changed to time T4 later than the time T1 after the washing time starts, the washing time changing unit 14 sets the additional time 3. set. As a result, preset time 3 ends at time T2, and washing ends at time T5 later than time T3. Therefore, the washing time after the washing time is changed, that is, after the water and the laundry treatment agent are added to the rotating tub 24, is prevented from being shortened with respect to the amount of the laundry treatment agent and the amount of water. can. As a result, the effect of cleaning performance is further enhanced.

Here, in the present embodiment, the timing at which the washing time changing unit 14 changes the washing time, the timing at which the water supply determination unit 11 adds water to the rotating tub 24, and the processing agent input device 40 to the rotating tub 24 The timing of adding the laundry treatment agent is substantially the same. However, the timing at which the washing time changing unit 14 changes the washing time, the timing at which the water supply determining unit 11 additionally supplies water to the rotating tub 24, and the processing agent input device 40 additionally supplying the laundry processing agent to the rotating tub 24 are The timing of injection may be different.

Next, notification by the notification unit 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6A. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the notification unit 120. As shown in FIG. Washing machine 100 further includes notification unit 120 . The notification unit 120 is arranged, for example, in the operation display unit 103 provided on the upper part of the housing 101 of the washing machine 100 . Note that the notification unit 120 may be included in the display device 60 , or the display unit 61 of the display device 60 may function as the notification unit 120 . Moreover, the notification unit 120 may be arranged at a position different from the operation display unit 103 in the washing machine 100 .

The notification unit 120 notifies, for example, when the amount of laundry treatment agent detected by the detection unit 90 is less than the amount of laundry treatment agent added by the treatment agent amount changing unit 12 . Specifically, when the amount of the laundry treatment agent detected by the detection unit 90 is less than the amount of the laundry treatment agent added by the treatment agent amount changing unit 12, the control device 10 notifies the shortage of the laundry treatment agent. The notification unit 120 is controlled as follows. The notification unit 120 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp. If the notification unit 120 is an LED lamp, it emits light (turns on) when the amount of laundry treatment agent detected by the detection unit 90 is less than the amount of laundry treatment agent added by the treatment agent amount changing unit 12. ) to inform the user that the laundry treatment agent is insufficient. The notification unit 120 may be the LED lamp 120a that notifies the user that the detergent is insufficient, or may be the LED lamp 120b that notifies the user that the softener is insufficient. .

Next, the washing time displayed by the display unit 61 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6B. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the display unit 61. As shown in FIG. The display unit 61 displays the washing time changed by the washing time changing unit 14 . Specifically, when the preset time ends with 15 minutes remaining and the additional time set by the washing time changing unit 14 is 5 minutes, the display unit 61 displays, for example, "20 minutes remaining". is displayed. Therefore, it is easy for the user to know when to finish washing. As a result, user convenience is improved.

When the additional time set by the washing time changing unit 14 is 5 minutes, the display unit 61 displays the washing time changed by the washing time changing unit 14, such as "+5 minutes" or "Additional time is 5 minutes". As the time, the additional time set by the washing time changing unit 14 may be displayed. Therefore, the user can learn how much additional time is set according to the amount of water additionally introduced into the rotating tub 24 and the timing of additionally introducing water into the rotating tub 24 . As a result, every time the user uses the washing machine 100, the user's usability of the washing machine 100 is improved.

Next, the washing process executed by washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing part of the washing process executed by washing machine 100 . FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another part of the washing process executed by washing machine 100. As shown in FIG. The washing process executed by washing machine 100 includes steps S1 to S30. Also, the laundry treatment includes a method for changing the amount of treatment agent.

In step S<b>1 , the measuring unit 70 measures the amount of laundry accommodated in the rotating tub 24 . The measurement unit 70 then outputs the measurement result to the control device 10 . That is, step S1 corresponds to the step of acquiring the amount of laundry in the method for changing the amount of processing agent.

In step S<b>2 , the water supply determination unit 11 determines a first water amount WS<b>1 indicating the amount of water to be introduced into the rotary tub 24 based on the measurement result of the measurement unit 70 . In step S<b>3 , the water supply determination unit 11 determines a first processing agent amount P<b>1 indicating the amount of laundry processing agent to be put into the rotary tub 24 based on the measurement result of the measurement unit 70 . That is, steps S2 and S3 correspond to the steps of determining the amount of water and the amount of laundry treatment agent based on the amount of laundry in the method of changing the amount of treatment agent.

In step S<b>4 , the washing time setting unit 13 sets the washing time for washing the laundry based on the determination by the water supply determining unit 11 .

In step S<b>5 , the water supply unit 30 supplies (supplies) the first amount of water WS<b>1 to the rotary tub 24 .

In step S<b>6 , the detergent input unit 42 inputs detergent into the rotary tub 24 . That is, the detergent is automatically put into the rotary tub 24 . In addition, if the undiluted detergent solution adheres directly to the laundry, the laundry may be damaged. Therefore, it is preferable that the detergent is injected by the detergent injection unit 42 after the water injection (water supply) by the water supply unit 30 in step S5. In this embodiment, for example, step S6 is executed while step S5 is being executed, but step S6 may be executed after step S5 is executed.

When the injection of water into the rotary tub 24 (step S5) and the injection of detergent into the rotary tub 24 (step S6) are completed, in step S7, the drive control unit 15 controls the drive unit 20 to wash. Execute the process. That is, the drive control unit 15 drives the drive motor 21 to rotate the rotating tub 24 and the stirring member 25 .

In step S8, after the water supply determining unit 11 determines the first water amount WS1 and the first processing agent amount P1, the control unit determines whether the operation unit 62 has received an instruction to change the first water amount WS1 to the second water amount WS2. 10 decides. That is, after step S4, the control device 10 determines whether or not the operation unit 62 has received an instruction to change the first water amount WS1 to the second water amount WS2. If a negative determination (No) is made in step S8, the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if affirmative determination (Yes) is made in step S8, the process proceeds to step S9 in FIG. In other words, affirmative determination (Yes) in step S8 means that the amount of water and the amount of laundry treatment agent are determined and then the amount of water is changed. Equivalent to.

As shown in FIG. 8, in step S9, the treatment agent amount changing unit 12 changes the first treatment agent amount P1 to the second treatment agent amount P2. That is, the detergent amount changing unit 121 changes the first detergent amount D1 to the second detergent amount D2, and the softener amount changing unit 122 changes the first softener amount S1 to the second softener amount S2. In other words, step S9 corresponds to the step of changing the amount of laundry treatment agent after accepting a change in the amount of water in the method of changing the amount of treatment agent.

In step S10, the washing time changing unit 14 changes the washing time set by the washing time setting unit 13 in step S4. That is, the washing time changing unit 14 sets the additional time after the preset time set by the washing time setting unit 13 .

In step S11, the display unit 61 displays the washing time changed by the washing time changing unit 14 in step S10.

In step S<b>12 , detection unit 90 detects the amount of detergent stored in detergent tank 422 . The detection unit 90 then outputs the detection result to the control device 10 .

In step S13, the controller 10 determines that the amount of detergent stored in the detergent tank 422 is equal to the amount of laundry treatment agent added by the treatment agent amount changing unit 12 (=second detergent amount D2-first detergent amount D1). Determine whether it is less than If a negative determination (No) is made in step S13, the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, when a positive determination (Yes) is made in step S13, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S<b>14 , the control device 10 controls the notification section 120 based on the detection result of the detection section 90 . As a result, notification unit 120 notifies that the amount of detergent stored in detergent tank 422 is insufficient. Then, the process returns to step S12.

In step S15, the water supply unit 30 feeds (water supplies) additional water (=water of the second water amount WS2-the first water amount WS1) into the rotary tub .

In step S16, the detergent input unit 42 inputs additional detergent (=second detergent amount D2-first detergent amount D1) into the rotary tub 24. As shown in FIG.

When the addition of water to the rotary tub 24 and the addition of the detergent to the rotation tub 24 are completed, the drive control section 15 controls the drive section 20 to perform the washing step in step S17. That is, the drive control unit 15 drives the drive motor 21 to rotate the rotating tub 24 and the stirring member 25 . Then, the process proceeds to step S18 in FIG.

In step S<b>18 , the control device 10 controls the drain section 50 to drain the washing water from the rotating tub 24 . Then, the drive control unit 15 controls the drive unit 20 to perform the dehydration process. That is, the drive control unit 15 drives the drive motor 21 to rotate the rotary tub 24 . As a result, the amount of water retained by the laundry is reduced.

In step S19, the controller 10 controls the water supply unit 30 to supply water (water supply) to the rotary tub 24, and the drive control unit 15 controls the drive unit 20 to perform the rinsing process. That is, the drive control unit 15 drives the drive motor 21 to rotate the rotating tub 24 and the stirring member 25 . As a result, the detergent adhering to the laundry is washed away. Here, in step 19, shower rinsing is preferably performed. In the shower rinsing, water is supplied to the laundry in the form of a shower while the rotating tub 24 is rotated for rinsing.

In step S<b>20 , the control device 10 controls the drain section 50 to drain the washing water from the rotating tub 24 . Specifically, the control device 10 sends a signal to the drain valve 51 to open the on-off valve and drain the water in the rotary tub 24 . Then, the drive control unit 15 controls the drive unit 20 to perform the dehydration process. That is, the drive control unit 15 drives the drive motor 21 to rotate the rotary tub 24 . As a result, the amount of water retained by the laundry is reduced.

In step S21, after the water supply determining unit 11 determines the first water amount WS1 and the first processing agent amount P1, the control unit determines whether or not the operating unit 62 has received an instruction to change the first water amount WS1 to the second water amount WS2. 10 decides. That is, after step S4, the control device 10 determines whether or not the operation unit 62 has received an instruction to change the first water amount WS1 to the second water amount WS2. If a negative determination (No) is made in step S21, the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if affirmative determination (Yes) is made in step S21, the process proceeds to step S24 in FIG. Note that even if a negative determination (No) is made in step S8, if the operation unit 62 receives an instruction to change the first water volume WS1 to the second water volume WS2 after step S18, affirmative determination will be made in step S21. A determination (Yes) is made.

In step S<b>22 , the water supply unit 30 supplies (supplies) the water of the first water volume WS<b>1 to the rotary tub 24 .

In step S<b>23 , the softener charging unit 43 charges the first softener amount S<b>1 of the softener into the rotary tub 24 .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8 , in step S<b>24 , detection unit 90 detects the amount of softener stored in softener tank 432 . The detection unit 90 then outputs the detection result to the control device 10 .

In step S25, control device 10 determines whether the amount of softening agent stored in softening agent tank 432 is less than the amount of softening agent changed by processing agent amount changing unit 12 (second softening agent amount S2). determine whether If a negative determination (No) is made in step S25, the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, when a positive determination (Yes) is made in step S25, the process proceeds to step S26.

In step S<b>26 , the control device 10 controls the notification section 120 based on the detection result of the detection section 90 . As a result, notification unit 120 notifies that the amount of softener stored in softener tank 432 is insufficient. Then, the process returns to step S24.

In step S<b>27 , the water supply unit 30 supplies (supplies) the second amount of water WS<b>2 to the rotary tub 24 .

In step S<b>28 , the softener charging unit 43 charges the second softening agent amount S<b>2 to the rotary tub 24 . Then, the process proceeds to step S29 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, in step S29, the controller 10 controls the water supply unit 30 to supply water, and the drive control unit 15 controls the drive unit 20 to perform the rinsing process. That is, the drive control unit 15 drives the drive motor 21 to rotate the rotating tub 24 and the stirring member 25 . As a result, the detergent adhering to the laundry is washed away. Here, in step 29, a dry rinse is preferably carried out. In pre-rinsing, water to be supplied is stored in the rotating tub 24, and then the rotating tub 24 rotates to rinse the laundry.

In step S<b>30 , the control device 10 controls the drain section 50 to drain the washing water from the rotating tub 24 . Specifically, the control device 10 controls the drain valve 51 to put the drain valve 51 into the “open” state, and drains the water in the rotary tub 24 . Then, the drive control unit 15 controls the drive unit 20 to perform the dehydration process. That is, the drive control unit 15 drives the drive motor 21 to rotate the rotary tub 24 . As a result, the amount of water retained by the laundry is reduced.

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-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, some components may be omitted from all components shown in the embodiments. In order to make the drawings easier to understand, the drawings mainly show each component schematically. is different. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiment are examples and are not particularly limited, and various changes are possible without substantially departing from the configuration of the present invention. be.

(1) In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, the vertical type (vertical washing tub) washing machine 100 was described as an example, but the type and type of the washing machine of the present invention are different from the embodiment. , and can be implemented in washing machines of 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. 9 and 10 . In the drawing, the same or corresponding parts as those of the vertical washing machine 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a drum-type washing machine 200, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the drum-type washing machine 200. As shown in FIG. A block diagram of the drum-type washing machine 200 is the same except that the reference numeral "100" indicating the washing machine in FIG.

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

The internal structure shown in FIG. 10 differs from the vertical washing machine 100 in that the drainage section 50 includes a drainage valve 51 , a drainage port 52 (opening), a drainage channel 53 and an external drainage channel 55 . As the stirring member 25, instead of the stirring member 25, ribs are arranged on the side wall (peripheral surface) of the rotating tub (drum) 33 for lifting the laundry.

The drum-type washing machine 200 configured as described above can also perform the washing process (process for changing the amount of treatment agent) described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 . Therefore, the drum-type washing machine 200 can suppress deterioration of the washing performance in the same manner as the vertical washing machine 100 .

(2) Further, as described with reference to FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, after the water supply determination unit 11 determines the first water amount WS1 and the first treatment agent amount P1, the operation unit 62 determines the first water amount WS1. to the second water amount WS2, the water supply determining unit 11 changes the first water amount WS1 in the washing process to the second water amount WS2, and changes the first water amount WS1 in the rinsing process to the second water amount WS2. bottom. However, the water supply determination unit 11 may change the first water amount WS1 in the washing process to the second water amount WS2 and maintain the first water amount WS1 in the rinsing process. Further, the water supply determining unit 11 may maintain the first water amount WS1 in the washing process and change the first water amount WS1 in the rinsing process to the second water amount WS2.

(3) The order of steps S1 to S30 in FIGS. 7 and 8 can be changed as appropriate.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used in the field of washing machines and has industrial applicability.

100 washing machine 11 water supply determining unit 12 processing agent amount changing unit 13 washing time setting unit 14 washing time changing unit 24 rotating tub (washing tub)
30 Water supply unit (water input unit)
40 treatment agent input device (treatment agent input unit)
61 display unit 62 operation unit (reception unit)
70 measuring unit 90 detecting unit 120 reporting unit 200 washing machine

Claims (8)

a washing tub for storing laundry;
a measuring unit that measures the amount of the laundry accommodated in the washing tub;
a water input unit for inputting water into the washing tub;
a treatment agent introduction unit for injecting a laundry treatment agent into the washing tub;
a reception unit that receives instructions from a user;
Determination of water supply for determining a first amount of water indicating the amount of water to be put into the washing tub and a first amount of treating agent indicating the amount of laundry treatment agent to be put into the washing tub based on the measurement result of the measuring unit. Department and
When the reception unit receives an instruction to change the first water amount to a second water amount after the water supply determination unit determines the first water amount and the first treatment agent amount, the first treatment agent amount is changed to the second water amount. A washing machine comprising: a processing agent amount changing unit that changes the processing agent amount. a washing time setting unit that sets a washing time for washing the laundry based on the determination of the water supply determination unit;
The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a washing time changing unit that changes the washing time set by the washing time setting unit after the processing agent amount changing unit changes the amount of the laundry processing agent. 3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein said washing time changing unit changes the washing time so as to make the washing time longer for the same amount of water than the washing time set by said washing time setting unit. The washing time changing unit makes the washing time shorter than the sum of the washing time executed before the washing time changing unit changes the washing time and the washing time set by the washing time setting unit. The washing machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the washing time is changed. 5. The washing time changing unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the longer the washing time executed until the washing time changing unit changes the washing time, the longer the washing time changing unit lengthens the washing time. washing machine. The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising a display unit that displays the washing time changed by the washing time changing unit. a detection unit that detects the amount of the laundry treatment agent;
and a notification unit that notifies when the amount of the laundry treatment agent detected by the detection unit is smaller than the amount of the laundry treatment agent added by the treatment agent amount changing unit. The washing machine according to any one of . obtaining the amount of laundry;
determining an amount of water and an amount of laundry treatment agent based on the amount of laundry;
receiving a change in the amount of water after determining the amount of water and the amount of laundry treatment agent;
and a step of changing the amount of laundry treatment agent after receiving a change in the amount of water.

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