JP2023107261A - washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of enhancing an effect of adding fragrance to laundry by a softener.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a water tub; a water supply part for supplying washing water to the water tub; a drain part for draining the washing water from the water tub; an agitation part for agitating laundry and the washing water in the water tub; a heating part for heating the washing water; and a control part which executes a heating step of supplying water to be heated to the water supply part as the washing water until it becomes a water level lower than a first rinsing water level, allowing the heating part to heat the water to be heated, and allowing the drain part to drain the water to be heated, before executing a final rinsing step of supplying the first rinsing water to the water supply part as the washing water until it becomes the first rinsing water level, and allowing the agitation part to agitate the laundry and the first rinsing water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present disclosure relates to washing machines.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a washing and drying machine. In the washing/drying machine, the heater heats the washing water in the second rinsing process immediately before the final dehydration process. As a result, the generated hot water raises the temperature of the laundry and the temperature inside the rotating tub. Therefore, in the drying operation, time is not spent on raising the temperature of the laundry and raising the temperature in the rotating tub, and the laundry can be dried efficiently (paragraphs 0038 to 0039). .

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-320194

In the second rinsing process immediately before the final dehydration process, the laundry may be scented with a softener. However, the washing/drying machine disclosed in Patent Literature 1 cannot enhance the fragrance effect.

The present disclosure has been made in view of this problem. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine capable of enhancing the effect of adding fragrance to laundry with a softener.

A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a water tank, a water supply unit that supplies washing water into the water tank, a drain unit that discharges the washing water from the water tank, and the laundry and the washing water in the water tank. a heating unit for heating the washing water; and a first rinsing water as the washing water is supplied to the water supply unit until the washing water reaches a first rinsing water level, and the washing and the washing are supplied to the stirring unit. Before executing the final rinsing step of agitating the first rinsing water, the water supply unit is made to supply heated water as the washing water until the water level becomes lower than the first rinsing water level, and the heating unit is made to supply the heated water. and a control unit that performs a heating step of heating water and causing the drain unit to drain the water to be heated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view which illustrates the washing machine of 1st Embodiment typically. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is sectional drawing which illustrates the washing machine of 1st Embodiment typically. It is a block diagram illustrating typically the control system of the washing machine of 1st Embodiment. 4 is a flow chart showing the course operation flow of a standard course performed by the washing machine of the first embodiment; 4 is a flow chart showing a course operation flow of a water-saving course performed by the washing machine of the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a flow chart explaining the course operation flow of the standard course and the water-saving course to which the heating process is added, which is performed by the washing machine of the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 5 is a flow chart explaining the course operation flow of the standard course and the water-saving course to which the heating process is added, which is performed by the washing machine of the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of default values of a set temperature T1 for a hot water washing process, a set temperature T2 for a heating process, and the number of times of rinsing n in the washing machine of the first embodiment; It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the tumbling operation|movement performed by the washing machine of 1st Embodiment. 7 is a graph showing an example of changes over time in the water level and temperature in the water tub when the washing machine of the first embodiment performs a course operation of a standard course to which a heating process is added. 7 is a graph showing an example of changes over time in the water level and temperature in the water tub when the washing machine of the first embodiment performs a course operation of a standard course to which a heating process is added. It is sectional drawing which illustrates a part of washing machine of 2nd Embodiment typically. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the heating process performed by the washing machine of 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

1. First Embodiment 1.1 Outline of Washing Machine FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the washing machine of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the washing machine of the first embodiment.

A washing machine 1 of the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a drum-type washing and drying machine. The washing machine 1 performs a heating step of immersing the laundry in a small amount of hot wash water to sterilize the laundry or remove the detergent from the laundry. The washing machine 1 performs a heating process before the final rinsing process. The heating step may be performed by a vertical washer/dryer.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 11, a door 12, a water tank 13, a water supply section 14, a drainage section 15, an agitating/dehydrating section 16, a heating section 17, a drying section 18, a water level A detection unit 19 , a water temperature detection unit 20 , an operation unit 21 and a control unit 22 are provided.

The housing 11 includes the water tank 13, the main part of the water supply unit 14, the main part of the drainage unit 15, the stirring/dewatering unit 16, the heating unit 17, the drying unit 18, the water level detection unit 19, the water temperature detection unit 20, the operation unit 21 and It accommodates the control unit 22 . An opening 11A is formed in the housing 11 .

Door 12 is coupled to housing 11 via hinges. The door 12 can rotate around the hinge between a closed position that blocks the opening 11A of the housing 11 and an open position that does not block the opening 11A of the housing 11 .

The water tank 13 stores washing water. The water tank 13 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. Therefore, the water tank 13 is formed with an opening 13A. The central axis of the water tank 13 is inclined from the horizontal direction by 5 to 30°. The opening 13A is arranged obliquely above the bottom of the water tank 13 . Opening 13A faces opening 11A of housing 11 . The water tank 13 does not have to be inclined from the horizontal direction.

The water supply unit 14 supplies washing water into the water tub 13 . The water supply unit 14 supplies washing water, first rinsing water, or second rinsing water as washing water. Wash water contains tap water and detergent dissolved in tap water and is used to wash laundry. The first rinse contains tap water and softener dissolved in the tap water and is used to finally rinse the laundry. A second rinse water containing tap water but no softener is used to rinse the laundry.

The drain part 15 drains the washing water from inside the water tub 13 .

The stirring/dehydrating section 16 operates as a stirring section for stirring the laundry and washing water in the water tank 13 or as a dehydrating section for dehydrating the laundry in the water tank 13 .

The heating unit 17 heats the washing water. The heating unit 17 is arranged inside the water tank 13 . Therefore, the heating unit 17 heats the washing water in the water tub 13 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the heated wash water from being cooled before the heated wash water is led into the water tub 13 . However, the heating unit 17 may be arranged outside the water tank 13 . Therefore, the heating unit 17 may heat the washing water outside the water tub 13 . A lower end portion 31 of the end portion of the water tank 13 on the opening 13A side protrudes radially outward of the water tank 13 . The heating part 17 is arranged at the projecting lower end part 31 . The heating unit 17 is an electric heater that generates heat according to the power supplied.

Drying unit 18 dries the laundry in water tub 13 .

The water level detector 19 detects the water level of the wash water stored in the water tub 13 .

A water temperature detector 20 detects the water temperature of the wash water stored in the water tub 13 .

The operation unit 21 accepts operations.

The control unit 22 controls the water supply unit 14, the drainage unit 15, and the stirring/dewatering unit based on the water level detected by the water level detection unit 19, the water temperature detected by the water temperature detection unit 20, the operation received by the operation unit 21, and the like. 16, heating section 17 and drying section 18 are controlled.

1.2 Water Supply Unit As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the water supply unit 14 includes a water supply port 41 , a water supply valve 42 , a water supply duct 43 and a detergent case 44 .

Tap water is supplied to the water supply port 41 . The water supply valve 42 is in an open state that allows the tap water supplied to the water supply port 41 to pass through, or in a closed state that does not allow the tap water to pass through. The water supply duct 43 guides tap water that has passed through the water supply valve 42 to the detergent case 44 . The detergent case 44 accommodates detergent and softener. The detergent case 44 supplies tap water guided by the water supply duct 43 into the water tub 13 . The detergent case 44 can dissolve the contained detergent or softener in the tap water that is introduced into the water tank 13 .

When supplying washing water to the water supply unit 14, the control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 42 to dissolve the detergent in the detergent case 44 in the tap water. As a result, the detergent case 44 dissolves the detergent in the introduced tap water to generate wash water, and supplies the generated wash water into the water tank 13 .

When supplying the first rinse water to the water supply unit 14, the control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 42 and dissolves the softener in the detergent case 44 in the tap water. As a result, the detergent case 44 dissolves the softener in the introduced tap water to generate the first rinsing water, and supplies the generated first rinsing water into the water tub 13 .

When causing the water supply unit 14 to supply the second rinse water, the control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 42 so that neither the detergent nor the softener in the detergent case 44 is dissolved in the tap water. As a result, the detergent case 44 supplies the introduced tap water to the water tank 13 as it is. When supplying the second rinsing water after supplying the washing water to the water supply unit 14, tap water may be supplied to the detergent case 44 in the same manner as when supplying the washing water. In order to switch between the washing water, the first rinse water, and the second rinse water, a plurality of water supply valves 42 and a plurality of water supply ducts 43 are provided to switch the water supply duct 43 that guides tap water supplied to the water supply port 41. Alternatively, the detergent case 44 may be provided with a switching mechanism.

When the water supply unit 14 does not supply washing water, the control unit 22 closes the water supply valve 42 .

1.3 Drainage Section As shown in FIG. 2, the drainage section 15 includes a drainage duct 51 , a filter 52 , a drainage valve 53 and a drainage hose 54 .

The drain duct 51 guides washing water from the inside of the water tub 13 to the filter 52 . Filter 52 removes lint contained in the washing water guided by drain duct 51 . The drain valve 53 is in an open state that allows the washing water from which the lint has been removed by the filter 52 to pass, or in a closed state that does not allow the washing water to pass. The drain hose 54 guides the wash water that has passed through the drain valve 53 to the outside of the housing 11 .

The control unit 22 opens the drain valve 53 when draining the washing water through the drain unit 15 . The control unit 22 closes the drain valve 53 when not allowing the drain unit 15 to drain the washing water.

The drainage part 15 may be provided with a drainage pump instead of the drainage valve 53 . When the drainage unit 15 is provided with a drainage pump instead of the drainage valve 53, the control unit 22 operates the drainage pump when the drainage unit 15 is caused to drain the washing water, and does not allow the drainage unit 15 to drain the washing water. Then, stop the drain pump.

1.4 Stirring/Dehydrating Section As shown in FIG. 2 , the stirring/dehydrating section 16 includes a drum 61 and a drum motor 62 .

The drum 61 accommodates laundry. The drum 61 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. Therefore, the drum 61 is formed with an opening 61A. The drum 61 is arranged inside the water tank 13 . The central axis of the drum 61 is parallel to the central axis of the water tank 13 . The opening 61A is arranged obliquely above the bottom of the drum 61 . Opening 61A faces opening 11A of housing 11 . Thereby, when the door 12 is arranged at the open position, the laundry can be put into the drum 61 from the outside of the housing 11 via the openings 11A and 61A. Also, the laundry can be taken out of the housing 11 from inside the drum 61 via the openings 61A and 11A. A large number of holes 61B are formed in the drum 61 . As a result, washing water can flow between the inside of the drum 61 and the outside of the drum 61 via the holes 61B. As a result, when the washing water is supplied into the water tank 13, the washing water is also supplied into the drum 61. - 特許庁Further, when the washing water is discharged from the water tub 13, the washing water is also discharged from the drum 61. - 特許庁

The drum motor 62 rotates the drum 61 around the central axis of the drum 61 .

When operating the stirring/dehydrating section 16 as a stirring section, the control section 22 causes the drum motor 62 to rotate the drum 61 at a low speed while reversing the direction of rotation, thereby causing the drum motor 62 to perform a tumbling operation. This agitates the laundry and the washing water.

When operating the stirring/dehydrating section 16 as the dehydrating section, the control section 22 causes the drum motor 62 to rotate the drum 61 at high speed. As a result, the washing water permeating or adhering to the laundry is removed from the laundry by centrifugal force. Further, the removed washing water is discharged from the inside of the drum 61 to the outside of the drum 61 through the holes 61B of the drum 61 .

1.5 Drying Section As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the drying section 18 includes a blower 71 , a heater 72 , an air duct 73 , a heat exchanger 74 and a filter 75 .

The blower 71 blows dry air. The heater 72 heats the dry air blown by the blower 71 . The air duct 73 guides the dry air heated by the heater 72 to the opening 61A of the drum 61 . As a result, the dry air heated by the heater 72 is applied to the laundry accommodated in the drum 61, and the washing water permeating or adhering to the laundry evaporates to generate moist air. Heat exchanger 74 cools the produced moist air to produce dry air. Blower 71 draws in dry air produced by heat exchanger 74 . A filter 75 removes dust contained in the dry air guided by the air duct 73 .

The control unit 22 operates the blower 71 and the heater 72 when drying the laundry in the drying unit 18 .

1.6 Water Level Detection Section As shown in FIG.

The air trap 81 is connected to the drainage duct 51 and stores air. The stored air has a pressure corresponding to the water pressure of the wash water stored in the water tank 13. - 特許庁

The pressure guide pipe 82 transmits the pressure of the stored air to the water level sensor 83 .

The water level sensor 83 detects the transmitted pressure. The detected pressure is the pressure corresponding to the water pressure of the wash water stored in the water tank 13 , so the pressure is the pressure corresponding to the water level of the wash water stored in the water tank 13 . Thereby, the water level sensor 83 can detect the water level.

The water level sensor 83 includes, for example, an inductor and a magnetic body. The magnetic body is arranged at a position according to the transmitted pressure. The inductor has an inductance corresponding to the position of the magnetic body. Therefore, the water level sensor 83 can detect the transmitted pressure by detecting the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit provided with the inductor.

1.7 Operation Unit As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 21 includes an on button 91, an off button 92, a start button 93, a course selection button 94, a water temperature setting button 95, a rinsing frequency setting button 96, and a heating process addition button. A button 97 is provided.

When the ON button 91 receives an operation while the washing machine 1 is in the OFF state, the control unit 22 turns the washing machine 1 into the ON state, sets the selected course to the standard course, and sets the washing machine 1 to the standard course. to the operation standby state of the course operation.

Control unit 22 turns washing machine 1 off when off button 92 receives an operation while washing machine 1 is on.

The control unit 22 starts the course operation when the start button 93 receives an operation when the washing machine 1 is in the operation standby state for the course operation of the selected course.

The control unit 22 switches the selected course according to the operation accepted by the course selection button 94 . Courses that can be selected include a standard course and a water saving course. The amount of tap water used when the course operation of the water-saving course is performed is less than the amount of tap water used when the course operation of the standard course is performed. Courses that can be selected may include courses other than the standard course and the water saving course.

The control unit 22 sets the set temperature T1 for the hot water washing process and the set temperature T2 for the heating process according to the operation received by the water temperature setting button 95 .

The control unit 22 sets the number of times of rinsing n according to the operation received by the number of times of rinsing setting button 96 .

When the heating process addition button 97 receives an operation while the washing machine 1 is in the operation standby state of the course operation in which the heating process is not performed, the control unit 22 adds the heating process to the course operation of the selected course. do. Thereby, the user can add the heating process to the course operation only by operating the heating process addition button 97 when the washing machine 1 is in the operation standby state of the course operation in which the heating process is not performed. Thereby, the user can easily add the heating process to the course operation.

The ON button 91, OFF button 92, start button 93, course selection button 94, water temperature setting button 95, number of rinsing setting button 96, and heating process addition button 97 may be replaced with operation members other than buttons. For example, these buttons may be replaced with dials, sliders, touch panels, or the like.

1.8 Control System of Washing Machine FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the control system of the washing machine of the first embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the control unit 22 includes a processor 101, a memory 102 and a storage 103. FIG.

The processor 101 is a central processing unit (CPU) or the like. The memory 102 is a random access memory (RAM) or the like. The storage 103 is a flash memory or the like. The processor 101, memory 102 and storage 103 constitute an embedded computer.

Storage 103 stores control program 111 . Processor 101 executes control program 111 loaded from storage 103 to memory 102 . As a result, the control unit 22 controls the water supply unit 14, the water discharge unit 15, the water supply unit 15, the water discharge unit 15, and the Agitation/dehydration section 16, heating section 17 and drying section 18 are controlled.

The stirring/dewatering unit 16, the water level detection unit 19, and the control unit 22 function as an acquisition unit 131 that acquires information indicating at least one type from the group consisting of the amount and type of laundry accommodated in the drum 61. When the acquisition unit 131 acquires the amount of laundry, the control unit 22 acquires the amount of laundry from the fluctuation amount of the torque of the drum motor 62 . When the acquisition unit 131 acquires the type of laundry, the control unit 22 acquires the type of laundry from the fluctuation amount of the torque of the drum motor 62 and the decrease amount of the water level 121 detected by the water level detection unit 19. .

1.9 Flow of Course Operation of Standard Course FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of course operation of the standard course performed by the washing machine of the first embodiment.

When the start button 93 receives the operation while the washing machine 1 is in the operation standby state for the standard course course operation, the control unit 22 starts the standard course course operation from steps S101 to S110 shown in FIG. I do.

In the course operation of the standard course, the washing process from steps S101 to S104, the rinsing process from S105 to S107, and the final rinsing process from steps S108 to S110 are sequentially performed.

A washing process is a process of washing the laundry. The rinsing step is the step of rinsing the washed laundry. The final rinse step is the final rinse of the rinsed laundry.

In step S101, the control unit 22 causes the water supply unit 14 to supply washing water until the washing water level is reached. At that time, the control unit 22 causes the water supply unit 14 to supply the washing water while monitoring the water level 121 detected by the water level detection unit 19, and the water supply unit 14 is interlocked with the water level 121 reaching the washing water level. Terminate the wash water supply. The washing water level is, for example, 60 mm. The water level reference is the lowest portion of the drum 61 .

In subsequent step S102, control unit 22 causes stirring/dehydration unit 16 and heating unit 17 to wash the laundry with warm water. At that time, the control unit 22 operates the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 as a stirring unit to cause the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 to stir the laundry and the wash water. Further, the control unit 22 causes the heating unit 17 to heat the washing water to the set temperature T1 for the hot water washing process.

In subsequent step S103, control unit 22 causes agitating/dehydrating unit 16 to wash the laundry with cold water. At that time, the control unit 22 operates the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 as a stirring unit, causing the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 to stir the laundry and the wash water, but not causing the heating unit 17 to heat the wash water.

In subsequent step S104, the control unit 22 causes the drain unit 15 to drain the washing water. Further, the control unit 22 causes the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 to operate as a dehydrating unit, and causes the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 to dehydrate the laundry.

In subsequent step S105, the control unit 22 causes the water supply unit 14 to supply the second rinse water until the second rinse water level is reached. At that time, the control unit 22 causes the water supply unit 14 to supply the second rinsing water while monitoring the water level 121 detected by the water level detection unit 19, and interlocks with the water level 121 reaching the second rinsing water level. Then, the supply of the second rinse water to the water supply unit 14 is terminated. The second rinse water level is, for example, 60 mm.

In subsequent step S106, control unit 22 causes agitating/dehydrating unit 16 to rinse the laundry. At that time, the control unit 22 operates the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 as a stirring unit to cause the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 to stir the laundry and the second rinse water.

In subsequent step S107, the control unit 22 causes the drain unit 15 to drain the second rinsing water. Further, the control unit 22 causes the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 to operate as a dehydrating unit, and causes the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 to dehydrate the laundry.

In subsequent step S108, the control unit 22 causes the water supply unit 14 to supply the first rinsing water until the first rinsing water level is reached. At that time, the control unit 22 causes the water supply unit 14 to supply the first rinsing water while monitoring the water level 121 detected by the water level detection unit 19, and interlocks with the water level 121 reaching the first rinsing water level. Then, the supply of the first rinse water to the water supply unit 14 is terminated. The first rinse water level is, for example, 60 mm.

In subsequent step S109, control unit 22 causes agitation/dehydration unit 16 to finally rinse the laundry. At that time, the control unit 22 operates the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 as a stirring unit to cause the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 to stir the laundry and the first rinse water.

In subsequent step S110, the control unit 22 causes the drain unit 15 to drain the first rinse water. Further, the control unit 22 causes the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 to operate as a dehydrating unit, and causes the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 to dehydrate the laundry.

1.10 Course Operation Flow of Water Saving Course FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the course operation flow of the water saving course performed by the washing machine of the first embodiment.

When the start button 93 receives an operation while the washing machine 1 is in the water-saving course operation standby state, the control unit 22 controls steps S101 to S104 and steps S108 to S110 shown in FIG. to run.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the standard course course operation performs the rinsing process from steps S105 to S107 and the final rinsing process from steps S108 to S110. For this reason, the standard course course run performs two rinses. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the course operation of the water-saving course executes the final rinsing process from steps S108 to S110, but does not execute the rinsing process from steps S105 to S107. different from course driving. Therefore, the course operation of the water-saving course differs from the course operation of the standard course in that only one rinse is performed.

1.11 Flow of Course Operation of Standard Course and Water Saving Course Added with Heating Process FIGS. It is a flow chart explaining the flow of operation.

In the course operation of the standard course and the water saving course shown by the flow charts of FIGS. In course operation of the water-saving course, a heating step is included during rinsing. In the following description, the course operation flow of the standard course to which the heating process is added and the course operation flow of the water-saving course to which the heating process is added are explained in the same flow chart. The drive flow and the latter course drive flow may be different, described in different flow charts and/or having different settings. Settings that are different from each other may be settings that do not appear in the flow chart.

If the start button 93 receives an operation after the heating process addition button 97 has received an operation while the washing machine 1 is in the operation standby state of the course operation of the standard course or the water saving course, the control unit 22 performs the operations shown in FIGS. Course operation of the standard course and the water-saving course to which the heating process is added from steps S111 to S114 illustrated in FIG. 7 is performed.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the course operation of the standard course and the water-saving course to which the heating process is added performs the heating process from steps S111 to S114. It is different from the course driving of the course.

In the heating process from steps S111 to S114, a small amount of washing water is heated to a high temperature, and the laundry is immersed in the high temperature washing water to sterilize the laundry or remove the detergent from the laundry. or The heating process is performed immediately before the final rinsing process from steps S108 to S110 is performed. Before the heating process and the final rinsing process are performed, the washing process from steps S101 to S104 and the rinsing process from steps S105 to S107 are performed.

In step S111, the control unit 22 causes the water supply unit 14 to supply the water to be heated until the water level for the heating process is reached. At that time, the control unit 22 causes the water supply unit 14 to supply the water to be heated while monitoring the water level 121 detected by the water level detection unit 19, and supplies water in conjunction with the water level 121 reaching the heating process water level. The supply of the heated water to the unit 14 is terminated. The water level for the heating step is a water level lower than the wash water level, the first rinse water level and the second rinse water level. Therefore, the washing water level, the first rinsing water level and the second rinsing water level are higher than the water level for the heating process. The water level for the heating process is a water level at which at least part of the heating unit 17 is immersed in the water to be heated. The water level for the heating process is the water level at which the water to be heated enters the drum 61 and at least part of the laundry in the drum 61 is immersed in the water to be heated. The water level for the heating process is, for example, 30 mm. The heated water is the second rinse water.

In subsequent step S112, the control unit 22 causes the heating unit 17 to heat the water to be heated to the set temperature T2. The set temperature T2 is a temperature of 60° C. or higher. Thereby, at least part of the laundry is immersed in the hot water to be heated.

Laundry can be effectively disinfected at temperatures of 60° C. and above. Moreover, the detergent remaining on the laundry dissolves in heated water having a temperature of 60° C. or higher. In step S112, the laundry is immersed in heated water having a temperature of 60° C. or higher discharged in step S114. Thereby, in step S112, the laundry can be effectively sterilized. Also, the detergent remaining on the laundry can be discharged. As a result, in the final rinsing process from steps S108 to S110, it is possible to effectively scent the laundry with the softener. That is, it is possible to enhance the effect of adding fragrance to the laundry by the softening agent, and to enhance the value-added effect such as the softening agent effect.

Further, it is generally known that mites, which are allergens, die at a temperature of 60° C. or higher. Also, in step S112, the laundry is immersed in heated water having a temperature of 60° C. or higher. As a result, in step S112, mites adhering to the laundry can be effectively killed.

Furthermore, in step S112, water vapor is generated from the heated water having a temperature of 60° C. or higher, and the generated water vapor hits the laundry not immersed in the heated water. This can promote sterilization of the laundry.

At step S112, at least part of the heating unit 17 is immersed in the water to be heated. Thereby, empty heating and overheating by the heating unit 17 can be suppressed.

In step S112, the water to be heated is supplied into the water tank 13 only up to the water level for the heating process which is lower than the washing water level, the first rinsing water level and the second rinsing water level. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of tap water used. Moreover, the time required for heating the water to be heated can be shortened. Also, the energy used to heat the water to be heated can be reduced.

In subsequent step S113, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the water temperature 122 detected by the water temperature detection unit 20 is equal to or lower than the drainable temperature. If the control unit 22 determines that the water temperature 122 is equal to or lower than the water dischargeable temperature, the control unit 22 executes step S114. When the control unit 22 determines that the water temperature 122 is not equal to or lower than the water dischargeable temperature, the control unit 22 executes step S113 again. As a result, the water to be heated is cooled until the water temperature 122 becomes equal to or lower than the water dischargeable temperature. The water dischargeable temperature is set so that the user's safety is ensured and the water discharge unit 15 is not damaged by heat even if the heated water having the water dischargeable temperature is discharged.

In subsequent step S114, the control unit 22 causes the drain unit 15 to drain the water to be heated. Further, the control unit 22 causes the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 to operate as a dehydrating unit, and causes the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 to dehydrate the laundry. As a result, the final rinsing process from steps S108 to S110 is started in a state in which the amount of the heated water remaining in the water tank 13 is small and the amount of the heated water permeated or adhered to the heated water is small. As a result, it is possible to effectively impart fragrance to the laundry with the softener.

In the first embodiment, even if the water-saving course with one rinse is selected, the number of rinses is changed to two when the heating step is added. Thus, if a heating step is added to the course operation of the selected course, it is preferable to perform at least one rinsing step prior to the heating step. As a result, the laundry can be rinsed in advance before the heating process, and the sterilization of the laundry and the discharge of detergent remaining on the laundry in the heating process can be performed more efficiently. Further, in the first embodiment, the heating step is performed immediately before the final rinsing step. Thus, a heating step can be added to the course operation of each course.

1.12 Set temperature for hot water washing process Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of default values for the set temperature T1 for the hot water wash process, the set temperature T2 for the heating process, and the number of times of rinsing n in the washing machine of the first embodiment.

The control unit 22 sets the set temperature T1 of the hot water washing process in step S102 to a default value suitable for the selected course and whether or not the heating process from steps S111 to S114 is added to the course operation of the selected course. set to For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the selected course is the standard course and the heating process is not added to the course operation of the standard course, the control unit 22 sets the set temperature T1 to the default value. Set to 40°C. If the selected course is the water-saving course and the heating process is not added to the course operation of the water-saving course, the control unit 22 sets the set temperature T1 to the default value of 60°C. Further, when the selected course is the standard course and the heating process is added to the course operation of the standard course, the control unit 22 sets the set temperature T1 to the default value of 60°C. If the selected course is the water-saving course and the heating process is added to the course operation of the water-saving course, the control unit 22 sets the set temperature T1 to the default value of 60°C. Accordingly, the user can set the set temperature T1 to a temperature suitable for the laundry only by selecting a course suitable for the laundry and operating the heating process addition button 97 as necessary.

The default value of the set temperature T1 when the heating process from steps S111 to S114 is added to the course operation is desirably 60° C. or higher. As a result, the laundry can be effectively sterilized not only in the heating process but also in the hot water washing process of step S102. As a result, the laundry can be effectively sterilized during the entire course operation.

However, when the water temperature setting button 95 receives an operation, the controller 22 gives priority to the temperature specified by the operation over the default value, and sets the set temperature T1 for the hot water washing process in step S102 to the specified temperature.

1.13 Set Temperature for Heating Process The control unit 22 sets the set temperature T2 for the heating process from steps S111 to S114 to a default value suitable for the selected course. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the selected course is the standard course, the controller 22 sets the set temperature T2 to the default value of 60.degree. Further, when the selected course is the water-saving course, the control unit 22 sets the set temperature T2 to the default value of 60°C. Accordingly, the user can set the set temperature T2 to a temperature suitable for the laundry only by selecting a course suitable for the laundry and operating the heating process addition button 97 .

However, when the water temperature setting button 95 receives an operation, the control unit 22 gives priority to the temperature specified by the operation over the default value, and sets the set temperature T2 of the heating process from steps S111 to S114 to the specified temperature. do.

1.14 Rinsing times The control unit 22 sets the rinsing times n to a default value suitable for the selected course and the addition or non-addition of the heating process from steps S111 to S114 to the course operation of the selected course. do. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, if the selected course is the standard course and the heating process is not added to the course operation of the standard course, the control unit 22 sets the number of times of rinsing n to the default value. Set to 2. If the selected course is the water-saving course and the heating process is not added to the course operation of the water-saving course, the controller 22 sets the number of times of rinsing n to 1, which is the default value. If the selected course is the standard course and the heating process is added to the course operation of the standard course, the controller 22 sets the number of times of rinsing n to 2, which is the default value. If the selected course is the water-saving course and the heating process is added to the course operation of the water-saving course, the controller 22 sets the number of times of rinsing n to 2, which is the default value. Accordingly, the user can set the number of rinsing times n to the number of rinsing times suitable for the laundry only by selecting a course suitable for the laundry and operating the heating process addition button 97 as necessary.

However, when the number-of-rinses setting button 96 receives an operation, the controller 22 gives priority to the number of rinses specified by the operation over the default value, and sets the number of rinses n to the specified number of rinses.

Desirably, the default value of the number of rinsing times n when the heating process from steps S111 to S114 is added to the course operation is 2 or more, and the number of rinsing times n is limited to 2 or more. This enables effective rinsing of the laundry when the heating step is added to the course operation. Also, after the heating process is performed, the final rinsing process from steps S108 to S110 is performed. Thereby, the laundry heated in the heating step can be cooled in the final rinsing step. As a result, it is possible to prevent the components of the softening agent added in the final rinsing step, such as the scenting component, from volatilizing at high temperatures and lowering the effect of the component.

When the number of times of rinsing n is 3 or more, the rinsing process from steps S105 to S107 is performed n-1 times. In this case, the heating process from steps S111 to S114 may be performed before or after any rinsing process from after the first rinsing process to before the final rinsing process.

1.15 Tumbling operation The control unit 22 controls the washing process from steps S101 to S104, the rinsing process from steps S105 to S107, the final rinsing process from steps S108 to S110, and the heating process from steps S111 to S114. , the stirring/dehydrating section 16 is operated as a stirring section, and the stirring/dehydrating section 16 is caused to perform a tumbling operation.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the flow of the tumbling operation performed by the washing machine of the first embodiment.

The control unit 22 repeatedly executes steps S131 to S134 when causing the stirring/dewatering unit 16 to perform the tumbling operation.

In step S131, the controller 22 causes the drum motor 62 to rotate the drum 61 in the first rotation direction.

In subsequent step S132, the controller 22 causes the drum motor 62 to stop the drum 61. FIG.

In subsequent step S133, the controller 22 causes the drum motor 62 to rotate the drum 61 in the second rotation direction. The second direction of rotation is the direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation.

In the subsequent step S134, the drum motor 62 is caused to stop the drum 61. FIG.

The cycle of the tumbling operation is the time from the start of step S131 to the end of step S132, and the time from the start of step S133 to the end of step S134.

The control unit 22 sets the second cycle, which is the cycle of the tumbling operation performed by the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 in the heating process from steps S111 to S114, to the washing process from steps S101 to S104 and the rinsing process from steps S105 to S107. Each step and the final rinsing step from steps S108 to S110 are made longer than the first cycle, which is the cycle of the tumbling operation that the stirring/dewatering unit 16 is caused to perform. As a result, in the heating process, the laundry immersed in the heated water near the heating unit 17 having the highest temperature can be moved upward in the water tub 13 and then dropped downward. As a result, even if the laundry is not fully immersed in the heated water because the water level for the heating process is set low, the laundry immersed in the heated water near the heating unit 17 is tumbling. , and the laundry can be evenly immersed in the heated water. As a result, a large amount of laundry can be uniformly sterilized. In addition, by lengthening the cycle of the tumbling operation in the heating process, it is possible to ensure a sufficient time for the laundry to be immersed in the hot water to be heated, and even if the laundry is immersed in the heated water while changing the laundry. , the laundry can be sufficiently sterilized and residual detergent can be removed.

1.16 Example of Time Change of Water Level and Temperature in Water Tank FIGS. and a graph showing an example of time change of water temperature.

When the course operation of the standard course with the addition of the heating step is performed, as shown in FIG. 10, when the laundry is washed with warm water in step S102, the water level in water tank 13 is maintained at 60 mm of the wash water level. be done. Also, the water temperature in the water tank 13 is maintained at 60° C., which is the set temperature T1.

When the laundry is washed with cold water in the subsequent step S103, the water level in the water tub 13 is maintained at 60 mm, which is the washing water level. Also, the water temperature in the water tank 13 drops from 60°C. The reason why the water temperature in the water tank 13 drops is that the heating unit 17 does not heat the washing water.

In the subsequent step S104, the wash water is discharged, and when the laundry is dewatered after that, the water level in the water tub 13 drops to 0 mm or less.

When the second rinsing water is supplied in subsequent step S105, the water level in the water tank 13 rises to 60 mm, which is the second rinsing water level. Also, the water temperature in the water tank 13 is the temperature of the tap water supplied from the water supply unit 14 .

When the laundry is rinsed in the subsequent step S106, the water level in water tub 13 is maintained at 60 mm.

The second rinsing water is discharged in subsequent step S107, and the water level in the water tank 13 drops to 0 mm or less when the laundry is dehydrated thereafter.

When the water to be heated is supplied in subsequent step S111, the water level in the water tank 13 rises to 30 mm, which is the water level for the heating process.

When the water to be heated is heated in the following step S112, the water level in the water tank 13 is maintained at 30 mm, which is the water level for the heating process. Also, the water temperature in the water tank 13 is maintained at 60°C after rising to 60°C, which is the set temperature T2.

In the subsequent step S114, the water to be heated is discharged, and when the laundry is dehydrated thereafter, the water level in the water tank 13 drops to 0 mm or less. At this time, the water in the water tank 13 may be discharged after the water temperature is lowered.

When the first rinsing water is supplied in subsequent step S108, the water level in the water tank 13 rises to 60 mm, which is the first rinsing water level. Also, the water temperature in the water tank 13 is the temperature of the tap water supplied from the water supply unit 14 .

When the laundry is finally rinsed in subsequent step S109, the water level in water tank 13 is maintained at 60 mm.

The first rinsing water is discharged in subsequent step S110, and the water level in the water tub 13 drops to 0 mm or less when the laundry is dehydrated thereafter.

2. Second Embodiment In the following, points of difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. As for the points that are not explained, the same configuration as that employed in the first embodiment is also employed in the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating part of the washing machine of the second embodiment.

In the washing machine 2 of the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 , the drying section 18 has a cooling section 141 .

The cooling unit 141 cools the moist air inside the heat exchanger 74 . The cooling part 141 also cools the water to be heated in the lower end part 31 .

As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the cooling section 141 includes a water supply duct 151 and a water discharge duct 152 .

The water supply valve 45 is in an open state in which the tap water supplied to the water supply port 41 of the water supply unit 14 is passed through the water supply duct 151, or in a closed state in which the tap water is not passed.

The water supply duct 151 guides tap water that has passed through the water supply valve 45 to the heat exchanger 74 . The tap water guided to the heat exchanger 74 becomes cooling water that contacts the moist air in the heat exchanger 74 and cools the moist air. The cooling water travels along the inner surface of the heat exchanger 74 and does not enter the water tank 13 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the cooling water from adhering to the laundry.

The drain duct 152 guides the cooling water obtained by cooling the moist air to the drain hose 54 . The drainage duct 152 passes under the water tank 13 and contacts the lower part of the water tank 13 including the lower end 31 . Thereby, heat exchange can be performed between the cooling water guided by the drain duct 152 and the heated water in the lower end portion 31 through the wall of the water tank 13 . Thereby, the to-be-heated water heated by the heating part 17 can be cooled by the said cooling water. A tube passing through the lower end 31 of the water tank 13 may be provided so that cooling water, which has cooled the moist air, passes through the tube. The drain duct 152 is connected to the drain hose 54 downstream of the drain valve 53 . Thereby, the heated water to be heated can be cooled without raising the water level in the water tank 13 .

When the cooling unit 141 is to cool the moist air or the water to be heated, the control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 45 . The control unit 22 closes the water supply valve 45 when not allowing the cooling unit 141 to cool the moist air or the water to be heated.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the flow of the heating process performed by the washing machine of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, after the heating unit 17 finishes heating the water to be heated in step S112, the control unit 22 causes the cooling unit 141 to cool the water to be heated in step S201. After the cooling unit 141 cools the water to be heated in step S201, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the water temperature 122 of the water to be heated is equal to or lower than the water dischargeable temperature in step S113. The unit 15 discharges the water to be heated, and the agitation/dehydration unit 16 dehydrates the laundry. As a result, heated water having a temperature equal to or lower than the safe water discharge temperature for the user is discharged from the washing machine 2 .

In the washing machine 2, the water to be heated is cooled by the cooling water passing through the cooling unit 141, so the time required for cooling is shortened. Thereby, the time required for performing the heating process can be shortened. In addition, even if the set temperature T2 of the heating process is increased, it is possible to discharge heated water having a temperature equal to or lower than the safe discharge temperature for the user. It can effectively disinfect and deodorize. In addition, since the cooling water that contacts and cools the moist air in the heat exchanger 74 of the drying section 18 is also used to cool the heated water, the increase in equipment for cooling the heated water is minimized. can be

The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, but has substantially the same configuration, the same effect, or the same purpose as the configuration shown in the above embodiment. can be replaced with

Reference Signs List 1, 2 washing machine, 11 housing, 11A opening, 12 door, 13 water tank, 13A opening, 14 water supply unit, 15 drainage unit, 16 stirring/dewatering unit, 17 heating unit, 18 drying unit, 19 water level detection unit, 20 water temperature detector, 21 operation unit, 22 control unit, 31 lower end, 41 water supply port, 42 water supply valve, 44 detergent case, 45 water supply valve, 51 drainage duct, 52 filter, 53 drainage valve, 54 drainage hose, 61 drum, 61A opening, 61B hole, 62 drum motor, 71 fan, 72 heater, 73 fan duct, 74 heat exchanger, 75 filter, 81 air trap, 82 impulse pipe, 83 water level sensor, 91 on button, 92 off button, 93 start button, 94 course selection button, 95 water temperature setting button, 96 rinsing number setting button, 97 heating process addition button, 101 processor, 102 memory, 103 storage, 111 control program, 121 water level, 122 water temperature, 131 acquisition unit, 141 cooling unit , 151 water supply duct, 152 drainage duct

Claims (9)

a water tank;
a water supply unit that supplies washing water into the water tank;
a drainage unit for discharging the washing water from the water tank;
a stirring unit for stirring the laundry and the washing water in the water tank;
a heating unit that heats the washing water;
Before executing the final rinsing step of supplying the first rinsing water as the washing water to the water supply unit until the first rinsing water level is reached and causing the stirring unit to stir the laundry and the first rinsing water, A heating step of supplying heated water as the washing water to the water supply unit until the water level becomes lower than the first rinsing water level, causing the heating unit to heat the heated water, and causing the drainage unit to discharge the heated water. a control unit that executes
washing machine. The heating unit is arranged in the water tank,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water level is a water level at which at least part of the heating unit is immersed in the heated water. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the heating step, the heating unit heats the water to be heated to a temperature of 60°C or higher. A cooling unit that cools the water to be heated,
In the heating step, the cooling unit cools the water to be heated after the heating unit finishes heating the water to be heated, and the drain unit cools the water to be heated by the cooling unit. 4. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water to be heated is drained. The final rinsing step causes the stirring unit to perform a tumbling operation in a first period,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating step causes the stirring section to perform a tumbling operation in a second period longer than the first period. A dehydration unit for dehydrating the laundry,
In the heating step, the water to be heated is supplied to the water supply unit, the water to be heated is heated by the heating unit, and the water to be heated is discharged by the drainage unit, and then the laundry is dehydrated by the dehydration unit. 6. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Equipped with an operation unit that accepts operations,
7. The control unit adds the heating step to the course operation when the operation is accepted in an operation standby state of the course operation in which the final rinsing step is performed but the heating step is not performed. A washing machine according to any one of the preceding paragraphs. The control unit causes the water supply unit to supply washing water as the washing water to a washing water level higher than the water level before performing the heating step and the final rinsing step, and causes the heating unit to heat the washing water. 8. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a course operation is performed in which a washing step is performed in which the agitation unit agitates the laundry and the wash water. Before executing the heating step and the final rinsing step, the control unit causes the water supply unit to supply second rinsing water as the washing water until a second rinsing water level higher than the water level is reached. 9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a course operation is performed in which a rinsing step is performed in which the laundry and the second rinsing water are agitated.

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