JP2023107262A - washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of reducing energy consumed in heating of washing water.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 in the washing tub; and a control part which executes a heating step of allowing the drain part to drain the washing water until it becomes a water level lower than an agitation water level, and allowing the heating part to heat the washing water, after executing an agitation step of allowing the water supply part to supply wash water or first rinsing water as the washing water until it becomes the agitation water level, and allowing the agitation part to agitate the laundry and the washing 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 washing/drying machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, the entire washing water used in the second rinsing process is heated. Therefore, the washing and drying machine of Patent Document 1 uses a lot of energy to heat the wash water.

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 reducing energy consumed for heating washing water.

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 in the water tank; and washing water or first rinsing water as the washing water is supplied to the water supply unit until the water level reaches the stirring water level. After performing the stirring step of stirring the laundry and the washing water, performing the heating step of discharging the washing water from the drain unit until the water level becomes lower than the stirring water level and heating the washing water with the heating unit. and a control unit.

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; It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the washing process to which the heating process was added which is performed by the washing machine of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the rinsing process to which the heating process was added performed by the washing machine of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the tumbling operation|movement performed by the washing machine of 1st Embodiment. 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 washing process to which the heating process was added performed by the washing machine of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the rinsing process to which the heating process was added 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 at the end of the washing process and/or the 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 water contains tap water but no softener and is used to rinse the laundry. The second rinse water contains tap water and softener dissolved in the tap water and is used to finally rinse the laundry. The second rinse water may be free of softening agents.

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 . 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 tank 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 second 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 second rinsing water, and supplies the generated second rinsing water into the water tub 13 .

When supplying the first rinsing water to the water supply unit 14, 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 first 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 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 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 first rinse water.

In subsequent step S107, the control unit 22 causes the drain unit 15 to drain the first 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 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 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 second rinse water.

In subsequent step S110, 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.

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 Washing Process with Added Heating Process FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the washing process with the added heating process performed by the washing machine of the first embodiment.

In the case where 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 controls the washing process when the start button 93 receives the operation after the heating process addition button 97 receives the operation. Steps S101 to S103 and S151 to S155 illustrated in FIG. 6 are performed.

In the heating process from steps S151 to S155, a small amount of wash water is heated to generate steam, and the laundry is exposed to the generated steam to sterilize the laundry. A heating process is performed after the stirring process from step S101 to S103 is performed. After the stirring process and the heating process are performed, the rinsing process from steps S105 to S107 and the final rinsing process from steps S108 to S110 are performed, or the final rinsing process is performed.

In step S151 following step S103, the control unit 22 causes the drain unit 15 to drain the washing water.

In subsequent step S152, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the water level 121 detected by the water level detection unit 19 is equal to or lower than the heating process water level. When the control unit 22 determines that the water level 121 is equal to or lower than the heating process water level, the control unit 22 executes step S153. When the control unit 22 determines that the water level 121 is not equal to or lower than the heating process water level, the control unit 22 executes step S151 again. As a result, the control unit 22 causes the drain unit 15 to drain the washing water until it reaches the heating process water level, and discharges the washing water to the drain unit 15 in conjunction with the water level 121 reaching the heating process water level. end things. The water level for the heating process is a water level lower than the washing water level, which is the stirring water level in the washing 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 washing water.

When the heating process from steps S151 to S155 is performed before the stirring process from steps S101 to S103 is performed, washing water is supplied into the water tank 13 until the water level for the heating process is reached. At that time, part of the supplied wash water permeates the laundry accommodated in the drum 61 . Therefore, it is difficult to control the water level accurately. In addition, it takes a long time to set the water level to the water level for the heating process. On the other hand, when the heating process is executed after the stirring process is executed, the washing water is discharged from the water tank 13 until the water level for the heating process is reached. At that time, the laundry accommodated in the drum 61 is already soaked with washing water. Therefore, the wash water does not further permeate the laundry accommodated in the drum 61 . Therefore, it is easy to control the water level accurately. Also, the time required to set the water level to the water level for the heating process is shortened. This advantage is particularly pronounced when precise control of the water level is required in order to reduce the heated wash water and at least partially submerge the heating portion 17 in the wash water.

Further, when the heating process from steps S151 to S155 is performed before the stirring process from steps S101 to S103 is performed, the protein-based stains permeating or adhering to the laundry are denatured in the heating process. , there is a possibility that the dirt cannot be easily removed in the stirring process. Therefore, when the heating process is performed before the stirring process is performed, it is conceivable to control the temperature of the washing water in the heating process so as not to make it too high. For example, it is conceivable to control the temperature of the washing water to 45° C. or less in the heating process. On the other hand, when the heating process is executed after the stirring process is executed, the dirt before the deterioration can be removed first in the stirring process. Thereby, the temperature of the washing water can be increased in the heating step. For example, the temperature of the washing water can be set to 60° C. or higher in the heating step.

In step S153, the control unit 22 causes the heating unit 17 to heat the wash water to the set temperature T2. The set temperature T2 is a temperature of 60° C. or higher. This exposes the laundry to steam having a temperature of 60° C. or higher that evaporates from the wash water.

In step S153, the laundry is exposed to steam having a temperature of 60°C or higher. As a result, the laundry can be effectively sterilized in step S153. Thereby, the laundry can be effectively deodorized.

Further, it is generally known that mites, which are allergens, die at a temperature of 60° C. or higher. Also, in step S153, the laundry is exposed to steam having a temperature of 60° C. or higher. As a result, in step S153, mites adhering to the laundry can be effectively killed.

At step S153, at least part of the heating unit 17 is immersed in the washing water. Thereby, empty heating and overheating by the heating unit 17 can be suppressed.

The wash water heated in step S153 only has a water level for the heating process that is lower than the wash water level. This can shorten the time required to heat the wash water. Also, the energy used to heat the wash water can be reduced.

The wash water heated in step S153 is part of the wash water supplied into water tank 13 in step S101. Therefore, it is not necessary to further supply washing water into the water tank 13 in order to perform the heating process from steps S151 to S155. As a result, even when the heating process is added to the washing process, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of tap water used compared to the amount of tap water used when the heating process is not added to the washing process. can.

The wash water heated in step S153 has already been heated when the laundry was washed with warm water in step S102. This can reduce the energy used to heat the wash water in step S153.

The laundry exposed to the steam in step S153 is blended with the washing water when the laundry and the washing water are agitated in steps S102 and S103, and dirt components such as oil adhering to the laundry are removed by the detergent. It becomes easy to separate from laundry. As a result, the steam can easily enter the laundry, and the laundry can be effectively sterilized.

In subsequent step S154, 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. When 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 S155. 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 S154 again. As a result, after the heating unit 17 finishes heating the washing water, the washing water is cooled until the water temperature 122 becomes equal to or lower than the drainable temperature. The water discharge 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 washing water having the water discharge temperature is discharged.

In subsequent step S155, control unit 22 causes drain unit 15 to drain the washing water, and agitation/dehydration unit 16 to dehydrate the laundry. As a result, the washing water used for sterilizing the laundry is discharged from the water tank 13 immediately after the laundry is sterilized. As a result, it is possible to suppress redeposition of dirt on the laundry, secondary contamination of the laundry, and the like.

1.12 Flow of Rinsing Process Added with Heating Process FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the flow of the rinsing process with an added heating process, which is performed by the washing machine of the first embodiment.

When the start button 93 receives the operation after the heating process addition button 97 receives the operation in the case where the washing machine 1 is in the operation standby state of the course operation of the standard course, the control unit 22 performs the operation shown in FIG. 7 in the rinsing process. The illustrated steps S105 to S106 and S161 to S165 are executed.

In the heating process from steps S161 to S165, a small amount of the first rinse water is heated to generate steam, and the laundry is exposed to the generated steam to sterilize the laundry. A heating process is performed after the stirring process from step S105 to S106 is performed. After the stirring process and the heating process are performed, the final rinsing process from steps S108 to S110 is performed.

In step S161 following step S106, the control unit 22 causes the drain unit 15 to drain the first rinse water.

In subsequent step S162, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the water level 121 detected by the water level detection unit 19 is equal to or lower than the heating process water level. When the control unit 22 determines that the water level 121 is equal to or lower than the heating process water level, the control unit 22 executes step S163. When the control unit 22 determines that the water level 121 is not equal to or lower than the heating process water level, the control unit 22 executes step S161 again. As a result, the control unit 22 causes the drain unit 15 to drain the first rinsing water until the water level for the heating process is reached. finish draining the rinse water. The water level for the heating process is a water level lower than the first rinsing water level, which is the stirring water level in the rinsing 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 washing water.

When the heating process from steps S161 to S165 is performed before the stirring process from steps S105 to S106 is performed, the first rinsing water is supplied into the water tank 13 until the water level for the heating process is reached. At that time, part of the supplied first rinsing water permeates the laundry accommodated in the drum 61 . Therefore, it is difficult to control the water level accurately. In addition, it takes a long time to set the water level to the water level for the heating process. On the other hand, when the heating process is executed after the stirring process is executed, the first rinsing water is discharged from the water tank 13 until the water level for the heating process is reached. At that time, the laundry accommodated in the drum 61 is already soaked with the first rinse water. Therefore, the first rinse water does not further permeate the laundry accommodated in the drum 61 . Therefore, it is easy to control the water level accurately. Also, the time required to set the water level to the water level for the heating process is shortened. This advantage is particularly pronounced when precise control of the water level is required to reduce the amount of heated first rinse water while at least part of the heating section 17 is immersed in the first rinse water. Become.

In step S163, the control unit 22 causes the heating unit 17 to heat the first rinsing water to the set temperature T2. The set temperature T2 is a temperature of 60° C. or higher. This exposes the laundry to steam having a temperature of 60° C. or higher evaporated from the first rinse water.

Also in step S163, the laundry can be effectively sterilized as in step S153. Thereby, the laundry can be effectively deodorized. In addition, mites adhering to the laundry can be effectively killed.

At step S163, at least part of the heating unit 17 is immersed in the first rinse water. Thereby, empty heating and overheating by the heating unit 17 can be suppressed.

The first rinse water heated in step S163 has a heating step water level that is lower than the first rinse water level. This can reduce the time required to heat the first rinse water. Also, the energy used to heat the first rinse water can be reduced.

The wash water heated in step S163 is part of the first rinse water supplied into water tank 13 in step S105. Therefore, it is not necessary to further supply the first rinsing water into the water tank 13 in order to perform the heating process from steps S161 to S165. As a result, even when the heating process is added to the rinsing process, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of tap water used compared to the amount of tap water used when the heating process is not added to the rinsing process. can.

In subsequent step S164, 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. When the control unit 22 determines that the water temperature 122 is equal to or lower than the drainable temperature, the control unit 22 executes step S165. If 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 S164 again. Thereby, after the heating part 17 finishes heating the first rinse water, the first rinse water is cooled until the water temperature 122 becomes equal to or lower than the drainable temperature. The water discharge 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 washing water having the water discharge temperature is discharged.

In subsequent step S165, control unit 22 causes drain unit 15 to drain the first rinsing water, and causes agitation/dehydration unit 16 to dehydrate the laundry. As a result, the first rinsing water used for disinfecting the laundry is discharged from the water tank 13 immediately after the washing is disinfected. As a result, it is possible to suppress redeposition of dirt on the laundry, secondary contamination of the laundry, and the like.

1.13 Relationship Between Heating Step and Final Rinsing Step A heating step is not added to the final rinsing step from steps S108 to S110. Therefore, the final rinsing process is always performed after the heating process from steps S151 to S155 or the heating process from steps S161 to S165 is performed. Thereby, even when the heating step is performed, the laundry can be cooled when the final rinsing step is performed. Thereby, when the laundry is taken out from the drum 61, the temperature of the laundry can be lowered. Also, in the final rinsing step, the softener can effectively impart the fragrance to the laundry.

1.14 Set Temperature and Heating Process Water Level in Heating Process The set temperature T2 and the water level for the heating process may be set based on information indicating at least one type from the group consisting of types. For example, the control unit 22 sets the set temperature T2 to a relatively high temperature when the type of laundry is cotton, and sets the set temperature T2 to a relatively high temperature when the type of laundry is chemical fibers. Set to low temperature. In addition, the control unit 22 sets the water level for the heating process to a relatively high water level when the amount of laundry is large, and sets the water level for the heating process to a relatively low water level when the amount of laundry is small. set. Accordingly, it is possible to set the set temperature T2 and the water level for the heating process suitable for at least one type from the group consisting of the amount and type of laundry. Thereby, the laundry can be effectively sterilized.

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 S108 to S110, the stirring process from steps S101 to S103, and the steps S151 to S155. , the stirring process from steps S105 to S106, and the heating process from steps S161 to 4S165, the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 is operated as a stirring unit, and the stirring/dehydrating unit 16 is caused to perform a tumbling operation. .

FIG. 8 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 rotation speed of the tumbling operation is the rotation speed for rotating the drum 61 in step S131 and the rotation speed for rotating the drum 61 in step S133.

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 S151 to S155 and the heating process from steps S161 to S165, to the stirring process from steps S101 to S103. The process and the stirring process from steps S105 to S106 are made longer than the first cycle, which is the cycle of the tumbling operation performed by the stirring/dewatering section 16 . Further, the control unit 22 sets the second rotation speed, which is the rotation speed of the tumbling operation that the stirring/dehydration unit 16 performs in the heating step, to the rotation speed of the tumbling operation that the stirring/dehydration unit 16 performs in the stirring step. Lower than the first rotational speed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the washing water or the first rinsing water heated by the heating unit 17 and the steam generated therefrom from being cooled by the tumbling operation. Thereby, the energy for heating the washing water or the first rinsing water by the heating unit 17 can be reduced. Also, the temperature inside the drum 61 can be maintained at a high temperature. Also, the laundry can be turned over inside the drum 61 . As a result, a large amount of laundry can be effectively sterilized. Also, many laundry items can be uniformly exposed to the steam. As a result, a large amount of laundry can be uniformly sterilized. It should be noted that if the laundry is exposed to steam evaporated exclusively from the wash water or the first rinse water, the heating process may cause the agitating/dehydrating section 16 to stop the tumbling operation.

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. 9 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. 9 , the drying section 18 has a cooling section 141 .

The cooling unit 141 cools the moist air inside the heat exchanger 74 . The cooling portion 141 also cools the wash water or first rinse water in the lower end portion 31 .

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , 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 is allowed to pass through to the water supply duct 151 or in a closed state in which the tap water is not allowed to pass.

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 washing water or the first rinsing water in the lower end portion 31 through the wall of the water tub 13 . Thereby, the washing water or the first rinsing water heated by the heating unit 17 can be cooled by the cooling water. A pipe passing through the water tank 13 may be provided so that cooling water, which has cooled the moist air, passes through the pipe. The drain duct 152 is connected to the drain hose 54 downstream of the drain valve 53 . Thereby, the heated wash water or first rinse water can be cooled without raising the water level in the water tank 13 .

The control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 45 when the cooling unit 141 is to cool the moist air, the wash water, or the first rinse water. The control unit 22 closes the water supply valve 45 when not allowing the cooling unit 141 to cool the moist air, the wash water, or the first rinse water. As a result, the water supply valve 45 does not allow tap water to pass through.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of the washing process to which the heating process is added, performed by the washing machine of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of the rinsing process to which the heating process is added, which is executed by the washing machine of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, after the heating unit 17 finishes heating the washing water or the first rinse water in step S153 or S163, the control unit 22 cools down in step S201 or S211. Allow section 141 to cool the wash water or first rinse water. After the cooling unit 141 cools the washing water or the first rinsing water in step S201 or S211, the control unit 22 determines whether the water temperature 122 is equal to or lower than the drainable temperature in step S154 or S164. Then, in step S155 or S165, the wash water or the first rinsing water is discharged to the drain section 15, and the laundry is dehydrated to the agitation/dehydration section 16. As a result, washing water or first rinsing water having a temperature equal to or lower than the safe drainable temperature for the user is discharged from the washing machine 2 .

In the washing machine 2, the wash water or the first rinse water is cooled by the cooling water passing through the cooling section 141, so the time required for cooling is shortened. As a result, the time required to perform the heating process from steps S151 to S154 or the heating process from steps S161 to S164 can be shortened. Also, even if the set temperature T2 of the heating process is increased, the washing water or the first rinse water having a temperature lower than the safe discharge temperature for the user can be discharged, so the set temperature T2 of the heating process is increased. can effectively disinfect and deodorize the laundry.
3 Third Embodiment In the second embodiment, the washing water or the first rinsing water is heated after discharging the washing water or the first rinsing water to the water level for the heating process. No washing process or rinsing process is included before the process, or tap water is newly supplied to the water tank 13 in the water supply part 14 after all the washing water or the first rinsing water used in the washing process or the rinsing process is discharged. Let Then, the control unit 22 supplies tap water to the water supply unit 14 until it reaches the water level for the heating process, and then performs the processes from step S153 or S163 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 . As described above, even when the heating process is performed independently, by cooling the water to be heated with the cooling water for cooling the heat exchanger 74 of the drying section 18, the time required for cooling the water to be heated is reduced. Shorten. Moreover, since the water to be heated is cooled through the wall of the water tank 13 without supplying the cooling water to the water tank 13, it is possible to prevent the cooling water from adhering to the laundry. In this embodiment, for example, when it is difficult to wash laundry (for example, leather products) that is difficult to wash by immersing it in washing water, it is possible to prevent direct contact of the heated water with the laundry when trying to clean and disinfect the laundry with steam. can.

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 (10)

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 in the water tank;
After performing a stirring step of supplying washing water or first rinsing water as the washing water to the water supply unit until the water level reaches the stirring water level and causing the stirring unit to stir the laundry and the washing water, a control unit for performing a heating step of causing the heating unit to heat the washing water by discharging the washing water until the water level becomes lower than the stirring water level;
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 washing water. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the heating step, the washing water is drained to the drain after the heating of the washing water is completed by the heating unit. 4. Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the heating step, the washing water is cooled after the heating unit finishes heating the washing water, and then the washing water is discharged through the drain unit. washing machine described in . a drying unit for drying the laundry in the water tank, comprising a heat exchanger that cools moist air released from the laundry in the water tank to generate dry air;
The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the washing water heated by the heating unit is cooled by cooling water supplied to the heat exchanger. 6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the cooling water cools the washing water in the water tub through a partition wall. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heating step causes the heating unit to heat the washing water to a temperature of 60°C or higher. The stirring 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 7, wherein the heating step causes the stirring section to perform a tumbling operation in a second period longer than the first period. After executing the stirring step and the heating step, the control unit causes the water supply unit to supply second rinsing water as the washing water until the rinsing water level is higher than the water level. 9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a course operation is performed in which a final rinsing step of agitating the second rinsing water is performed. An acquisition unit that acquires information indicating at least one selected from the group consisting of the amount and type of laundry,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heating step sets the set temperature and the water level based on the information, and causes the heating unit to heat the washing water to the set temperature.

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