JP2023128445A - washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique allowing an operation content of a tub washing operation to be an appropriate operation content.SOLUTION: A washing machine has a washing tub, a first odor sensor to detect odor in the washing tub, a laundry sensor to detect presence or absence of laundry in the washing tub, and a control part, and can execute a tub washing operation to wash the washing tub. When determining that the laundry is not present in the washing tub based on the detection by the laundry sensor, the control part determines an operation content of the tub washing operation based on the detection by the first odor sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The technology disclosed herein relates to a washing machine.

Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine equipped with a sensor that measures odor in a washing tub. In the washing machine of Patent Document 1, the tank cleaning step is performed when a value that predicts the degree of contamination is greater than a predetermined value is obtained, and the tank cleaning step is not performed in other cases.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a clothing processing device that includes a sensor that can measure the characteristics (intensity and type) of odor present in a clothing storage tank.

JP2013-226241A JP2019-97920A

In the washing machine of Patent Document 1, it is only necessary to decide whether or not to perform the tank cleaning process, and therefore it is not possible to determine the specific operation details in the tank cleaning process. The present specification provides a technique that allows the operation details in tank cleaning operation to be made appropriate.

A washing machine disclosed in this specification includes a washing tub, a first odor sensor that detects odor in the washing tub, a laundry sensor that detects the presence or absence of laundry in the washing tub, and a control unit. and is capable of executing a tank cleaning operation for cleaning the washing tub, and the control unit is configured to perform a washing operation when determining that there is no laundry in the washing tub based on the detection by the laundry sensor. The operation details of the tank cleaning operation are determined based on the detection by the odor sensor.

The figure which shows typically the washer dryer of an Example. The figure which shows typically the structure inside the housing|casing of the washer-dryer of an Example. The block diagram of the control system of the washing dryer of an Example. A table showing an example of operation details of tank cleaning operation. Flowchart of tank cleaning operation according to the embodiment. Flowchart (1) of tank cleaning operation processing according to the embodiment. Flowchart (2) of tank cleaning operation processing in the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a screen displayed on an operation panel. FIG. 2 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel. FIG. 3 is a diagram (3) showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel.

A washer/dryer 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washer/dryer 10 includes a casing 11, a water tank 12 disposed within the casing 11, and a washing tub 13 disposed within the water tank 12. . The washer/dryer 10 also includes a cold water supply channel 20, a hot water supply channel 22, a drainage channel 15, and a circulation air channel 40, which are connected to the water tank 12.

The washer/dryer 10 is a so-called oblique drum type washer/dryer that includes a washing tub 13 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal. In addition, in a modification, the washer-dryer 10 may be a so-called vertical-type washer-dryer that includes a pulsator that rotates within the water tank 12, for example. The type of washer/dryer 10 is not particularly limited. The washer/dryer 10 can perform a washing operation in which the laundry in the washing tub 13 is washed and a drying operation in which the laundry in the washing tub 13 is dried. Further, the washer/dryer 10 can perform a tank cleaning operation for cleaning the washing tub 13.

A door 18 is rotatably attached to the casing 11 of the washer/dryer 10. When the door 18 rotates relative to the housing 11, the opening 122 of the water tank 12 and the opening 132 of the washing tub 13 are opened and closed. A water tank 12 disposed within the housing 11 can store water. The washer/dryer 10 washes laundry using water stored in a water tank 12 during a washing operation. The washing tub 13 can accommodate laundry and is rotatably arranged within the water tub 12. The washing tub 13 is rotationally driven by a motor 14. As the washing tub 13 rotates, the laundry in the washing tub 13 is washed. In addition, in the drying operation, the laundry in the washing tub 13 is dried by rotating the washing tub 13.

The cold water supply channel 20 has an upstream end connected to a cold water supply source (for example, a water supply), and a downstream end connected to the water tank 12 . The cold water supply channel 20 supplies cold water supplied from a cold water supply source into the water tank 12 . The cold water supply channel 20 is provided with a cold water supply valve 24 . When the cold water supply valve 24 opens, cold water is supplied into the water tank 12. The hot water supply channel 22 has an upstream end connected to a hot water supply source (for example, a water heater), and a downstream end connected to the water tank 12 . A downstream portion of the hot water supply channel 22 merges with a downstream portion of the cold water supply channel 20. The hot water supply channel 22 supplies hot water supplied from a hot water supply source into the water tank 12 . The hot water supply channel 22 is provided with a hot water supply valve 26 . When the hot water supply valve 26 is opened, hot water is supplied into the water tank 12.

The drainage channel 15 has an upstream end connected to the water tank 12 and a downstream end connected to a drainage destination (for example, a drainage pan). The drainage channel 15 discharges water discharged from the water tank 12 to a drainage destination. A drain valve 16 is provided in the drain channel 15. When the drain valve 16 opens, the water in the water tank 12 is discharged to a destination.

The circulation air passage 40 is a passage that circulates air for drying the laundry in the washing tub 13. The circulation air passage 40 includes, in order from the upstream side, an exhaust air passage 41, a heat exchange air passage 42, and an air supply air passage 43. The upstream end of the exhaust air passage 41 is connected to an exhaust port 71 provided at the top of the water tank 12. Air in the water tank 12 and the washing tub 13 is discharged to the exhaust air passage 41 through the exhaust port 71. A downstream end of the exhaust air passage 41 is connected to a heat exchange air passage 42 . The air that has flowed through the exhaust air passage 41 is sent to the heat exchange air passage 42.

The heat exchange air passage 42 is provided between the exhaust air passage 41 and the air supply air passage 43. The upstream end of the heat exchange air passage 42 is connected to the exhaust air passage 41, and the downstream end of the heat exchange air passage 42 is connected to the air supply air passage 43. The air that has flowed through the heat exchange air passage 42 is sent to the air supply air passage 43.

The downstream end of the air supply air passage 43 is connected to an air supply port 72 provided at the rear of the water tank 12. The air flowing through the air supply air path 43 is supplied into the water tank 12 and the washing tub 13 through the air supply port 72. The laundry in the washing tub 13 is dried by the air supplied into the washing tub 13.

In the heat exchange air passage 42 of the circulation air passage 40, an evaporator 54 and a condenser 52 of the heat pump 50 are arranged. The evaporator 54 is arranged upstream of the condenser 52 in the flow direction of the air flowing through the heat exchange air passage 42 . The evaporator 54 and condenser 52 of the heat pump 50 dehumidify and heat the air flowing through the heat exchange air path 42 .

Further, a blower fan 30 is arranged within the heat exchange air passage 42 . The blower fan 30 is arranged upstream of the condenser 52 in the flow direction of the air flowing through the heat exchange air passage 42 . The blower fan 30 is rotatably disposed within the heat exchange air passage 42 and is rotated by the operation of the motor 32. As the blower fan 30 rotates, air is sent from the upstream side to the downstream side of the heat exchange air path 42. As a result, the air in the water tank 12 and the washing tub 13 is circulated through the circulation air path 40.

The heat pump 50 includes a refrigerant circulation path 55, a compressor 51, a condenser 52 (heat exchanger for heating), an expansion valve 53, and an evaporator 54 (heat exchanger for dehumidification). The operation of the compressor 51 causes the refrigerant to circulate through the refrigerant circuit 55 . The heat pump 50 dehumidifies and heats the drying air flowing through the circulation air path 40 using the heat of the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circulation path 55 . Dry air that has been dehumidified and heated by the heat pump 50 is supplied from the circulation air path 40 into the water tank 12 and the washing tub 13 . The laundry in the washing tub 13 is dried by the dry air supplied into the water tub 12 and the washing tub 13. Note that since the principle of the heat pump 50 is well known, detailed explanation will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the washer/dryer 10 further includes an opening/closing sensor 66, an odor sensor 60 (an example of a first odor sensor and a laundry sensor), a weight sensor 62, a camera 64, and an operation panel 80 ( (an example of a notification section) and a control section 90. The opening/closing sensor 66 is provided near the door 18 attached to the housing 11 (see FIG. 1). The opening/closing sensor 66 detects that the door 18 is opened or closed.

The odor sensor 60 is arranged in the exhaust air passage 41 of the circulation air passage 40 (see FIG. 1). The odor sensor 60 is placed near the exhaust port 71 of the aquarium 12. The odor sensor 60 detects the odor of the air flowing through the exhaust air path 41. The odor sensor 60 is configured to be able to detect the type and intensity of odor. The intensity of the odor detected by the odor sensor 60 is classified into "intensity 1", "intensity 2", etc., for example. Further, the types of odors detected by the odor sensor 60 are classified into, for example, "detergent odor", "fatty acid odor", etc. The configuration of odor sensor 60 is not particularly limited. The odor sensor 60 is configured to identify odors using, for example, a crystalline lens membrane, and can identify odors by patterning the degree of adsorption of odorants to the crystalline lens membrane. Further, the odor sensor 60 may identify odors based on the distribution of the main component and the second component of the odorant adsorbed on the crystalline lens membrane. Odor sensors capable of detecting the type and intensity of odor are already known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

Weight sensor 62 detects the weight of laundry in washing tub 13 . Weight sensor 62 detects the weight of the laundry in washing tub 13, for example, based on the load acting on motor 14 that rotationally drives washing tub 13.

The camera 64 is provided near the opening 122 of the water tank 12 (see FIG. 1). The camera 64 is arranged diagonally above the washing tub 13. The camera 64 images the inside of the washing tub 13 through the opening 122 of the water tub 12 and the opening 132 of the washing tub 13. When there is laundry in the washing tub 13, an image of the laundry is present in the image captured by the camera 64.

The operation panel 80 is provided at the top of the housing 11 (see FIG. 1). The operation panel 80 includes, for example, a touch panel. The operation panel 80 can display various information regarding the washer/dryer 10. Further, the operation panel 80 can input various instructions for operating the washer/dryer 10.

The control unit 90 includes a CPU (not shown) and a storage unit 92. The storage unit 92 includes, for example, a ROM and a RAM (both not shown). The control unit 90 executes various controls and processes regarding the washer/dryer 10 based on programs stored in the storage unit 92 . The control and processing executed by the control unit 90 will be described later.

The storage unit 92 stores an operation content table 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the driving details table 100 includes information on odor intensity (for example, "intensity 1", "intensity 2", etc.) and odor type (for example, "detergent odor", "intensity 2", etc.). It includes information on "fatty acid odor," etc.) and information on operation details (for example, cleaning time, type of water used, whether to use detergent for tank cleaning, etc.). The driving content table 100 shows the relationship between odor intensity, odor type, and driving content.

(Tank cleaning operation; Figure 5)
Next, the tank cleaning operation of the embodiment will be explained. The tank cleaning operation is an operation in which the water tank 12 and the washing tank 13 are cleaned using water supplied into the tank 12. As shown in FIG. 5, the tank cleaning operation of the embodiment includes a water supply process (S102), a cleaning process (S104), and a drainage process (S106).

The water supply step (S102) is a step of supplying water into the water tank 12. The control unit 90 opens the cold water supply valve 24 and/or the hot water supply valve 26 in the water supply process. When the cold water supply valve 24 opens, cold water is supplied into the water tank 12 through the cold water supply channel 20. When the hot water supply valve 26 opens, hot water is supplied into the water tank 12 through the hot water supply channel 22. When a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the water tank 12, the control unit 90 closes the cold water supply valve 24 and/or the hot water supply valve 26.

The cleaning step (S104) is a step of cleaning the water tank 12 and the washing tub 13 with water supplied into the water tank 12. In the washing process, the control unit 90 rotates the washing tub 13 by rotating the motor 14 while water is stored in the water tub 12 . As the washing tub 13 rotates, the water in the water tub 12 is stirred, and the agitated water washes the water tub 12 and the washing tub 13. The control unit 90 ends the cleaning process after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

The draining step (S106) is a step of draining the water in the water tank 12. In the drainage process, the control unit 90 opens the drainage valve 16. When the drain valve 16 opens, the water in the water tank 12 is discharged to a destination through the drain channel 15.

(Tank cleaning operation process; Figure 6, Figure 7)
Next, the tank cleaning operation process of the embodiment will be explained. As shown in FIG. 6, in S2 of the tank cleaning operation process, the control unit 90 recognizes that the washing operation or drying operation of the washer/dryer 10 has ended. For example, the control unit 90 recognizes that the washing operation or drying operation has ended based on a predetermined end signal.

In subsequent S4, the control unit 90 determines whether the door 18 of the washer/dryer 10 has been opened or closed. Opening/closing of the door 18 is detected by an opening/closing sensor 66. If the door 18 is opened or closed (YES), the process advances to S6. For example, when the user of the washer/dryer 10 opens and closes the door 18 to take out the laundry in the washing tub 13, YES is determined in S4. If the door 18 is not opened or closed (NO), the process waits. When all the laundry in the washing tub 13 is taken out, there is no laundry in the washing tub 13.

In subsequent S6, the control unit 90 operates the blower fan 30 disposed within the circulation air path 40. When the blower fan 30 operates, the air within the circulation air path 40 is blown. As a result, the air in the washing tub 13 is discharged into the exhaust air passage 41 of the circulation air passage 40, and the air is circulated through the circulation air passage 40. In the washer/dryer 10 of the embodiment, an odor sensor 60 is disposed within the exhaust air path 41. The odor sensor 60 in the exhaust air passage 41 detects the odor of the air discharged from the washing tub 13 into the exhaust air passage 41. Thereby, the odor of the air inside the washing tub 13 is detected by the odor sensor 60.

In subsequent S8, the control unit 90 determines whether there is any laundry in the washing tub 13 based on the detected value of the odor sensor 60. Specifically, the control unit 90 determines whether the detected value of the odor sensor 60 is less than a predetermined first reference value. If the detected value of the odor sensor 60 is less than the first reference value (YES), it is determined that there is no laundry in the washing tub 13. In this case, the process proceeds to S10. On the other hand, if the detected value of the odor sensor 60 is equal to or higher than the first reference value (NO), it is determined that there is laundry in the washing tub 13. In this case, the process proceeds to S22. For example, if the laundry in the washing tub 13 remains without being taken out by the user, the determination in S8 is NO.

In S22 after NO in S8, the control unit 90 notifies that laundry is present in the washing tub 13. For example, the control unit 90 displays a screen SC2 on the operation panel 80, as shown in FIG. 8, including a message such as "Laundry remains in the washing tub." This screen SC2 includes an end button B2 for accepting a predetermined end instruction.

In subsequent S24, the control unit 90 determines whether a predetermined termination instruction has been accepted. If the end button B2 (see FIG. 8) on the screen SC2 displayed on the operation panel 80 is touched, the control unit 90 determines that the end instruction has been accepted. If the termination instruction is accepted (in the case of YES), the control unit 90 stops the blower fan 30 and terminates the tank cleaning operation process. Otherwise (in the case of NO), the process proceeds to S26. In S26, the control unit 90 determines whether the door 18 of the washer/dryer 10 has been opened or closed, similarly to S4 above. If the door 18 is opened or closed (YES), the process returns to S8. In this case, the control unit 90 again determines whether there is any laundry in the washing tub 13. If the door 18 is not opened or closed (NO), the process returns to S24. In this case, the control unit 90 again determines whether the termination instruction has been accepted.

On the other hand, in S10 after YES in S8, the control unit 90 stops the blower fan 30. Further, in S10, the control unit 90 determines the operation details of the tank cleaning operation based on the detection value of the odor sensor 60 and the operation details table 100 (see FIG. 4) stored in the storage unit 92. For example, if the intensity of the odor detected by the odor sensor 60 is "intensity 1" and the type of odor is "mold odor", the control unit 90 selects "1 hour" cleaning as the operation content. Determine the time. Further, the control unit 90 determines that the water to be used is "cold water" and also determines to use a detergent for cleaning the tank. Further, in S10, the control unit 90 notifies the determined driving details. For example, the control unit 90 displays a screen SC4 showing the determined driving details on the operation panel 80, as shown in FIG. This screen SC4 includes an execution button B4 for accepting an instruction to execute the tank cleaning operation, and an end button B6 for accepting an instruction to end the tank cleaning operation.

As shown in FIG. 6, in subsequent S12, the control unit 90 determines whether an instruction to execute tank cleaning operation has been accepted. When the execution button B4 (see FIG. 9) on the screen SC4 displayed on the operation panel 80 is touched, the control unit 90 determines that an instruction to execute the tank cleaning operation has been accepted. If the execution instruction for tank cleaning operation is accepted (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S14. If not (NO), the process proceeds to S28. In S28, the control unit 90 determines whether an instruction to end the tank cleaning operation has been accepted. When the end button B6 (see FIG. 9) on the screen SC4 displayed on the operation panel 80 is touched, the control unit 90 determines that the end instruction has been accepted. If the termination instruction is accepted (in the case of YES), the control unit 90 terminates the tank cleaning operation process. If not (NO), the process returns to S12.

In S14 after YES in S12, the control unit 90 executes the tank cleaning operation based on the operation details determined in S10 above. The tank cleaning operation is as described above (see FIG. 5).

After the tank cleaning operation is completed, in subsequent S16, the control unit 90 operates the blower fan 30 disposed in the circulation air path 40, similarly to S6 above. Thereby, the odor inside the washing tub 13 is detected by the odor sensor 60.

In subsequent S18, the control unit 90 determines whether the detected value of the odor sensor 60 is less than a predetermined second reference value. If the detected value of the odor sensor 60 is less than the second reference value (YES), the control unit 90 stops the blower fan 30 and ends the tank cleaning operation process. In this case, the washer/dryer 10 is in a state where the odor inside the washing tub 13 has been sufficiently removed by the tub cleaning operation. On the other hand, if the detected value of the odor sensor 60 is equal to or higher than the second reference value (NO), the process proceeds to S32 (see FIG. 7). In this case, the washer/dryer 10 is in a state where the odor inside the washing tub 13 has not been sufficiently removed.

As shown in FIG. 7, in S32 after NO in S18, the control unit 90 stops the blower fan 30. Further, in S32, the control unit 90 executes the tank cleaning operation again based on the operation details determined in S10 above. The tank cleaning operation is as described above (see FIG. 5).

After the tank cleaning operation is completed again, in the following S34, the control unit 90 operates the blower fan 30 disposed in the circulation air path 40, similarly to S6 above. Thereby, the odor inside the washing tub 13 is detected by the odor sensor 60.

In subsequent S36, the control unit 90 determines whether the detected value of the odor sensor 60 is less than a predetermined second reference value, similarly to S18 above. If the detected value of the odor sensor 60 is less than the second reference value (YES), the control unit 90 stops the blower fan 30 and ends the tank cleaning operation process. In this case, the washer/dryer 10 is in a state where the odor inside the washing tub 13 has been sufficiently removed by the tub cleaning operation again. On the other hand, if the detected value of the odor sensor 60 is equal to or greater than the second reference value (NO), the process proceeds to S38. In this case, the washer/dryer 10 is in a state where the odor inside the washing tub 13 has not been sufficiently removed.

In S38 after NO in S36, the control unit 90 notifies that the detected value of the odor sensor 60 is greater than or equal to the second reference value (that is, that the odor in the washing tub 13 has not been sufficiently removed). For example, the control unit 90 displays a screen SC6 on the operation panel 80, as shown in FIG. 10, including a message such as "I can't get the smell out of the washing tub." This screen SC6 includes an execution button B8 for accepting an instruction to execute the tank cleaning operation, and an end button B10 for accepting an instruction to end the tank cleaning operation.

In subsequent S40, the control unit 90 determines whether an instruction to end the tank cleaning operation has been accepted. When the end button B10 (see FIG. 10) on the screen SC6 displayed on the operation panel 80 is touched, the control unit 90 determines that the instruction to end the tank cleaning operation has been accepted. If the termination instruction is accepted (in the case of YES), the control unit 90 stops the blower fan 30 and terminates the tank cleaning operation process. Otherwise (in the case of NO), the process advances to S42.

In S42 after NO in S40, the control unit 90 determines whether an instruction to execute tank cleaning operation has been accepted. When the execution button B8 (see FIG. 10) on the screen SC6 displayed on the operation panel 80 is touched, the control unit 90 determines that an instruction to execute the tank cleaning operation has been accepted. If the execution instruction for tank cleaning operation is accepted (in the case of YES), the process returns to S30. In this case, the control unit 90 stops the blower fan 30 and performs the tank cleaning operation again based on the operation details determined in S10 above. If NO in S42, the process returns to S40.

(effect)
The washer/dryer 10 of the embodiment has been described above. As described above, the washer/dryer 10 includes the odor sensor 60 that detects the odor inside the washing tub 13. Further, the washer/dryer 10 can perform a tank cleaning operation in which the washing tub 13 is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism. When determining that there is no laundry in the washing tub 13 based on the detection by the scent sensor 60, the control unit 90 determines the operation details of the tub cleaning operation based on the detection by the scent sensor 60 (S8 in FIG. 6). , S10).

According to this configuration, the operation details in the tank cleaning operation can be made appropriate. For example, if there is laundry in the washing tub 13, the smell in the washing tub 13 may become stronger due to the laundry. If the operation details for the tank cleaning operation are determined in this state based on the detection by the odor sensor 60, the operation contents may be inappropriate, such as making the cleaning time longer than necessary, for example. However, by determining the operation contents in a state where there is no laundry in the washing tub 13, it is possible to determine the appropriate operation contents without being influenced by the smell of the laundry.

The washer/dryer 10 includes a door 18 that opens and closes an opening 132 of the washing tub 13. The washer/dryer 10 can perform a washing operation in which the laundry in the washing tub 13 is washed and a drying operation in which the laundry in the washing tub 13 is dried. The control unit 90 uses the opening/closing of the door 18 after the end of the washing operation or the drying operation as a trigger, and determines the presence or absence of laundry in the washing tub 13 based on the detection by the laundry sensor (S2 in FIG. 6). , S4, S8). According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether there is laundry in the washing tub 13 at a timing when the laundry in the washing tub 13 is considered to be taken out after the washing operation or the drying operation ends.

The odor sensor 60 is capable of detecting odor intensity and odor type. The control unit 90 determines the details of the tank cleaning operation based on the intensity and type of odor detected by the odor sensor 60. According to this configuration, appropriate operation details can be determined by using two types of parameters.

The washer/dryer 10 includes a circulating air passage 40 that supplies air discharged from the washing tub 13 into the washing tub 13 again, and a blower fan 30 disposed within the circulating air passage 40. The odor sensor 60 is disposed within the circulating air passage 40 and detects the odor within the washing tub 13 by detecting the odor within the circulating air passage 40 . The control unit 90 operates the blower fan 30 when determining the operation details in the tank cleaning operation based on the detection by the odor sensor 60 (S6 and S10 in FIG. 6). According to this configuration, the odor in the washing tub 13 is discharged into the circulation air passage 40 by the operation of the ventilation fan 30, so that the odor sensor 60 disposed within the circulation air passage 40 can detect the odor with high accuracy. I can do it.

The control unit 90 notifies the operation panel 80 of the operation details of the tank cleaning operation determined based on the detection by the odor sensor 60 (S10 in FIG. 6). According to this configuration, the user can be informed of the details of the tank cleaning operation.

The control unit 90 executes the tank cleaning operation based on the operation details determined based on the detection by the odor sensor 60 (S14 in FIG. 6). According to this configuration, tank cleaning operation can be performed with appropriate operation details. For example, when the odor inside the washing tub 13 is strong, the washing time can be lengthened, and when the odor inside the washing tub 13 is weak, the washing time can be shortened to perform the tub cleaning operation. Further, for example, when the smell inside the washing tub 13 is strong, hot water can be used, and when the smell inside the washing tub 13 is weak, the tub cleaning operation can be performed using cold water.

If the detected value by the odor sensor 60 does not become less than a predetermined reference value after performing the tank cleaning operation, the control unit 90 performs the tank cleaning operation again (S18 in FIG. 6, S32 in FIG. 7). According to this configuration, when the odor inside the washing tub 13 remains even after the tub cleaning operation is executed, the odor inside the washing tub 13 can be weakened by executing the tub cleaning operation again.

If the detected value by the odor sensor 60 does not become less than a predetermined reference value after performing the tank cleaning operation again, the control unit 90 notifies information indicating this from the operation panel 80 (S36 in FIG. 7, S38). According to this configuration, if the smell remains in the washing tub 13 even after performing the tub cleaning operation again, the user can be notified of this fact.

(Modified example)
The reference value in S18 of the tank cleaning operation process (see FIG. 6) and the reference value in S36 may be the same value or different values.

In S10, S22, and S38 of the tank cleaning operation process (see FIG. 6), the control unit 90 may transmit the information displayed on the operation panel 80 to a mobile terminal (not shown) that can communicate with the washer/dryer 10. . A mobile terminal may broadcast similar information.

When the detected value of the odor sensor 60 is an abnormal value, the control unit 90 may display information indicating this on the operation panel 80.

The washer/dryer 10 may be configured to have only either a washing function or a drying function.

In the above embodiment, the odor sensor 60 is an example of a "laundry sensor", but the structure is not limited to this. In a modified example, in S8 of the tub cleaning operation process (see FIG. 6), the control unit 90 may determine whether there is no laundry in the washing tub 13 based on the detected value of the weight sensor 62. . In this case, if the detected value of the weight sensor 62 is less than a predetermined reference value, the control unit 90 determines that there is no laundry in the washing tub 13. In this example, the weight sensor 62 is an example of a "laundry sensor."

Further, in S8, the control unit 90 may determine whether or not there is any laundry in the washing tub 13 based on the image captured by the camera 64. In this case, if there is no laundry image in the image captured by the camera 64, the control unit 90 determines that there is no laundry in the washing tub 13. In this example, camera 64 is an example of a "laundry sensor."

Further, in S8, the control unit 90 determines whether or not there is laundry in the washing tub 13 based on the detection results of at least two of the odor sensor 60, the weight sensor 62, and the camera 64. good. That is, the laundry sensor includes at least two of the odor sensor 60, the weight sensor 62, and the camera 64. According to this configuration, it is possible to accurately detect whether there is laundry in the washing tub 13 or not.

For example, the control unit 90 may determine whether or not there is laundry in the washing tub 13 based on the detection value of the odor sensor 60 and the detection value of the weight sensor 62. In this case, when the detection value of the odor sensor 60 is less than the predetermined odor reference value and the detection value of the weight sensor 62 is less than the predetermined weight reference value, the control unit 90 controls the It is determined that there is no laundry. In this example, the combination of odor sensor 60 and weight sensor 62 is an example of a "laundry sensor."

Further, the control unit 90 may determine whether or not there is laundry in the washing tub 13 based on the detection value of the odor sensor 60 and the captured image of the camera 64. In this case, when the detection value of the odor sensor 60 is less than a predetermined odor reference value and there is no image of laundry in the image captured by the camera 64, the control unit 90 controls the amount of laundry in the washing tub 13. It is determined that there is no In this example, the combination of odor sensor 60 and camera 64 is an example of a "laundry sensor."

Further, the control unit 90 may determine whether or not there is any laundry in the washing tub 13 based on the detected value of the weight sensor 62 and the captured image of the camera 64. In this case, when the detection value of the weight sensor 62 is less than a predetermined weight reference value and there is no image of the laundry in the image captured by the camera 64, the control unit 90 controls whether the laundry is in the washing tub 13 or not. It is determined that there is no In this example, the combination of weight sensor 62 and camera 64 is an example of a "laundry sensor."

Further, the control unit 90 may determine whether or not there is laundry in the washing tub 13 based on the detection value of the odor sensor 60, the detection value of the weight sensor 62, and the captured image of the camera 64.

Although the above embodiment has a configuration in which hot water is supplied into the water tank 12 through the hot water supply channel 22, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In a modified example, the cold water in the water tank 12 may be heated by a heater placed in the water tank 12. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the cold water in the water tank 12 is heated by supplying warm air into the water tank 12.

When the blower fan 30 operates in S6 of the tank cleaning operation process (see FIG. 6), if the drying filter (not shown) disposed in the exhaust air path 41 is clogged, the odor sensor 60 detects There may be insufficient air supply. Further, the detection value of the odor sensor 60 may be affected by the odor of the lint captured by the dry filter. Therefore, in S2 and/or S4 of the tank cleaning operation process, the control unit 90 may display a screen on the operation panel 80 to prompt the user to clean the dry filter. Further, the control unit 90 may display a screen on the operation panel 80 to prompt the user to clean the dry filter, for example in S38 or the like.

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The techniques described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims as filed. Further, the techniques illustrated in this specification or the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of the objectives has technical utility in itself.

10: Washer/dryer, 11: Housing, 12: Water tank, 13: Washing tank, 14: Motor, 15: Drain channel, 16: Drain valve, 18: Door, 20: Cold water supply channel, 22: Hot water supply channel, 24: cold water supply valve, 26: hot water supply valve, 30: ventilation fan, 32: motor, 40: circulation air path, 41: exhaust air path, 42: heat exchange air path, 43: air supply air path, 50: heat pump, 60: Odor sensor, 62: Weight sensor, 64: Camera, 66: Open/close sensor, 71: Exhaust port, 72: Air supply port, 80: Operation panel, 90: Control unit, 92: Storage unit

Claims (9)

washing tub and
a first odor sensor that detects odor in the washing tub;
a laundry sensor that detects the presence or absence of laundry in the washing tub;
comprising a control unit;
It is possible to execute a tank cleaning operation for cleaning the washing tub,
When the control unit determines that there is no laundry in the washing tub based on the detection by the laundry sensor, the control unit determines the operation details of the tub cleaning operation based on the detection by the first odor sensor. washing machine. The laundry sensor is any two of a scent sensor that detects a smell in the washing tub, a weight sensor that detects the weight of laundry in the washing tub, and a camera that images the inside of the washing tub. The washing machine according to claim 1, comprising: Further comprising a door for opening and closing the opening of the washing tub,
A washing operation for washing the laundry in the washing tub, and/or a drying operation for drying the laundry in the washing tub,
The control unit is configured to determine the presence or absence of laundry in the washing tub based on detection by the laundry sensor, using the opening and closing of the door after the washing operation or the drying operation as a trigger. The washing machine according to 1 or 2. The first odor sensor is capable of detecting odor intensity and odor type,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit determines the operation details of the tank cleaning operation based on the intensity and type of odor detected by the first odor sensor. . a circulation air passage that supplies air discharged from the inside of the washing tub back into the washing tub;
further comprising a blower fan disposed within the circulation air path,
The first odor sensor is disposed in the circulation air path, and detects the odor in the washing tub by detecting the odor in the circulation air path,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit operates the blower fan when determining the operation details in the tank cleaning operation based on the detection by the first odor sensor. Additionally equipped with a notification department,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit notifies the notification unit of information on the operation details in the tub cleaning operation determined based on detection by the first odor sensor. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit executes the tub cleaning operation based on operation details determined based on detection by the first odor sensor. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein the control unit executes the tub cleaning operation again if the detected value by the first odor sensor does not become less than a predetermined reference value after executing the tub cleaning operation. . Additionally equipped with a notification department,
2. The control unit, if the detected value by the first odor sensor does not become less than a predetermined reference value after performing the tank cleaning operation again, the control unit notifies information indicating this from the notification unit. 8. The washing machine according to item 8.

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