JP7426567B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to washing machines.

Patent Document 1 discloses a drum-type washing machine that supplies steam into the drum.

The drum-type washing machine according to Patent Document 1 supplies washing water into a tub at a water level lower than the bottom of the drum, and uses a washing heater provided in the tub to heat the washing water and generate steam, while also heating the drum. The drum is rotated and steam is supplied into the drum through a small hole in the side wall of the drum.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-151187

The present disclosure provides a washing machine that can efficiently supply steam into a storage tank.

A washing machine according to the present disclosure includes a tub, a storage tank provided in the tub, a steam generation section provided in the tub to generate steam, an air intake port that takes in air from the tub, and an air blower. a ventilation passage having an air outlet for blowing air supplied by a section into the tub; An air blowing section , the steam generation section is provided at a lower part within the tub, and the air intake port is provided at an upper part of the tub at a higher position than the steam generation section .

Further, the washing machine according to the present disclosure includes a tub, a storage tank provided in the tub, a water supply unit that supplies water to the tub, a wind supply unit that supplies wind to the tub, and a storage tank provided in the tub. a steam generating section that generates steam; and a control section , the steam generating section being provided at a lower part within the tub, and the wind supply unit being located at a higher position than the steam generating section. The tub has an intake port provided at the top of the tub to take in air from the tub, and an air outlet to blow air into the tub, and the control unit drives the water supply unit to supply water into the tub and supply the steam. The generator is driven to generate steam from the water in the tub , the wind supply unit is driven to suck the steam in the tub from the air intake port, and the steam is drawn into the storage tank through the air outlet. Blowing steam inside.

The washing machine according to the present disclosure can efficiently supply steam into the storage tank.

FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing the configuration of a washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic front sectional view showing the configuration of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing steam supply control of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing the flow of steam in the steam process of a conventional washing machine. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing the flow of steam in the steam process of a conventional washing machine. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of steam in the steam process of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing the flow of steam in the steam process of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic front sectional view showing the configuration of a washing machine according to Embodiment 4.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings and the following description.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, a washing machine 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using FIGS. 1 to 7.

[Washing machine configuration]
FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic front cross-sectional view showing the configuration of washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment. First, the configuration of washing machine 100 will be explained using FIGS. 1 and 2. Note that, hereinafter, the vertical direction in the state in which the washing machine 100 is installed as shown in FIG. 1 (corresponding to the installation state according to the present disclosure) may be referred to as the up-down direction. This also applies to washing machines according to other embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 100 is a drum-type washing machine, and includes a housing 110 and a tub unit 200 that accommodates objects to be processed within the housing 110. The tank unit 200 includes a drum 210, which is an example of a storage tank according to the present disclosure, and a tab 220 that stores the drum 210, and has a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall 211 surrounding the rotation axis RX. The drum 210 is configured to accommodate objects to be processed, and the tub 220 is configured to store water (hereinafter also referred to as "washing water"). That is, the washing machine 100 includes a tub 220 and a drum 210 provided within the tub 220. The objects to be processed include, for example, clothing, hats, shoes, toys, and the like. A plurality of holes 214 are formed in the peripheral wall 211 to communicate the inside and outside of the drum 210, and the plurality of holes 214 allow water stored in the tab 220 to pass into the inside of the drum 210. Three baffles (not shown) are provided inside the drum 210 at predetermined intervals, and as the drum 210 rotates, the baffles lift up the object to be processed and cause it to fall downward.

Further, the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a steam generation section 160 that is installed in the tub 220 and generates steam. Steam generation unit 160 includes a hot water heater 163 that heats the washing water stored in tub 220, which is an example of a heater according to the present disclosure. The hot water heater 163 is provided with a thermal fuse (not shown), which will be described later. It is desirable that the steam generating section 160 according to this embodiment be located at a position lower than the bottom surface of the drum 210. This is because steam generated in the tub 220 can be efficiently supplied into the drum 210 because the steam generates an upward air current. Hot water heater 163 according to this embodiment is disposed below tab 220. That is, the steam generating section 160 and the hot water heater 163 are arranged below the drum 210 when the washing machine 100 is installed.

Further, the hot water heater 163 is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane when the washing machine 100 is installed. That is, hot water heater 163 is arranged horizontally below drum 210 when washing machine 100 is installed. Thereby, compared to a case where the hot water heater 163 is provided so that the longitudinal direction thereof is substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the drum 210, the washing machine 100 can submerge the hot water heater 163 with less washing water. The washing machine 100 is configured to use a small amount of washing water for steam, thereby improving thermal efficiency and generating steam in a short time. Further, the washing machine 100 can increase the distance between the innermost end of the drum 210 and the set water level required for steaming, thereby suppressing the items to be treated stored in the drum 210 from being submerged in water due to erroneous detection of the water level. Note that the hot water heater 163 may be provided so that its longitudinal direction is inclined downward. In this case, it is desirable that the heat generating portion of the hot water heater 163 be located below the thermal fuse. Thereby, even if the hot water heater 163 is heated without being submerged in water, when the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature or higher, the power is cut off by the thermal fuse and heating is stopped. Therefore, even if the set water level required for steam is provided near the hot water heater 163, safety is ensured.

The hot water heater 163 has a built-in thermal fuse. Since the hot water heater 163 automatically stops heating by a thermal fuse when the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature or higher, even if the water level sensor 321 incorrectly detects the water level, the hot water heater 163 is prevented from running dry without being submerged in water. Note that the thermal fuse may be provided on the outer wall of the tub 220 instead of being built into the hot water heater 163. Furthermore, if the water temperature T detected by the water temperature detection sensor 161 exceeds a predetermined abnormal temperature higher than the upper limit temperature control temperature, the hot water heater 163 may be stopped and an error display may be displayed on the operation unit 123.

The housing 110 includes a front wall 111 in which an input port 119 for inputting the object to be processed into the tank unit 200 is formed, and a rear wall 112 located on the opposite side of the front wall 111. The housing 110 also includes a housing top wall 113 that extends substantially horizontally between the front wall 111 and the rear wall 112, and a housing bottom wall 114 located on the opposite side of the housing top wall 113. . The drum 210 and the tab 220 are each formed with an opening 213 that communicates with the input port 119 formed in the front wall 111.

Washing machine 100 further includes a door body 120 attached to front wall 111. The door body 120 rotates between a closed position in which the input port 119 formed in the front wall 111 is closed and an open position in which the input port 119 is opened. The user can rotate the door body 120 to the open position and load the object to be processed into the drum 210 through the input port 119 of the front wall 111. After that, the user can move the door body 120 to the closed position and allow the washing machine 100 to wash the object to be processed. Note that the door body 120 shown in FIG. 1 is in the closed position.

The drum 210 rotates around a rotation axis RX extending between the front wall 111 and the rear wall 112. The object to be processed that has been placed in the drum 210 moves within the drum 210 as the drum 210 rotates, and undergoes processing according to the course selected by the user among washing, rinsing, and dehydration.

The drum 210 includes a peripheral wall 211 and a bottom wall 212 facing the door body 120 in the closed position. The tab 220 includes a bottom portion 221 that surrounds the bottom wall 212 and part of the peripheral wall 211 of the drum 210, and a front portion 222 that surrounds the other portion of the peripheral wall 211 of the drum 210 between the bottom portion 221 and the door body 120. Be prepared.

The tank unit 200 includes a rotating shaft 230 attached to the bottom wall 212 of the drum 210. The rotation shaft 230 extends toward the rear wall 112 along the rotation axis RX. Rotating shaft 230 passes through bottom 221 of tab 220 and emerges between tab 220 and rear wall 112.

The washing machine 100 includes a motor 231 installed below the tub 220 , a pulley 232 attached to a rotating shaft 230 exposed outside the tub 220 , and a belt 233 for transmitting the power of the motor 231 to the pulley 232 . , further comprising. When the motor 231 operates, the power of the motor 231 is transmitted to the belt 233, pulley 232, and rotating shaft 230. As a result, drum 210 rotates within tab 220.

The washing machine 100 further includes a packing structure 116 disposed between the front portion 222 of the tub 220 and the door body 120. The door body 120 rotated to the closed position compresses the packing structure 116. As a result, the packing structure 116 forms a watertight seal structure between the door body 120 and the front portion 222.

Washing machine 100 performs cloth amount sensing to measure the amount of objects to be processed. The amount of cloth is sensed, for example, by accelerating the drum 210 to a specified rotation speed and measuring from the current value of the motor 231 at that time.

Washing machine 100 further includes a drying unit 700, which is an example of a wind supply unit according to the present disclosure. The drying unit 700 supplies air to the tub 220. The drying unit 700 includes an air filter 711, a drying duct 710, a heat exchange section 712 which is an example of an air heating section according to the present disclosure, a blower fan 730 which is an example of a blower section according to the present disclosure, and an intake pipe 750. and an air pipe 760. The intake pipe 750 and the air supply pipe 760 constitute a part of an air passage as an example of an air passage according to the present disclosure, in which the blowing fan 730 is provided and connected to the tab 220.

Here, the air filter 711 removes lint from the air sent out from the drum 210. The heat exchange unit 712 is configured with a heat pump or a drying heater, and heats the supplied air by exchanging heat with the air that has passed through the air filter 711. The drying duct 710 houses an air filter 711 and a heat exchange section 712. A blower fan 730 is connected to the drying duct 710 and generates air. That is, the blower fan 730 supplies the steam generated by the steam generator 160 into the drum 210 . The intake pipe 750 defines an air flow path from the tank unit 200 to the blower fan 730. The air pipe 760 defines the flow of air sent from the air blower fan 730 to the tank unit 200.

The drying unit 700 takes in air from the tank unit 200 through an intake pipe 750 and sends the air to the tank unit 200 through an air supply pipe 760, thereby forming a circulating air path including the tank unit 200.

When the blower fan 730 rotates, a negative pressure environment is created within the intake pipe 750, while a positive pressure environment is created within the air supply pipe 760, and air is supplied into the drum 210. Therefore, the washing machine 100 is a circulation-type washer-dryer that includes a circulation air path configured by a drying unit 700 and a tub unit 200.

An air intake port 751 is provided at the joint surface between the intake pipe 750 and the tank unit 200, and an air supply port 761 is provided at the joint surface between the air supply pipe 760 and the tank unit 200. Drying unit 700 includes an intake port 751 and an air supply port 761. The intake port 751 is an opening for connecting the tab 220 and the intake pipe 750 at a position above the steam generating section 160 in the installed state of the washing machine 100 on the upstream side of the blower fan 730, and for sucking the air in the tub 220. Department. The air supply port 761 is an opening for connecting the tab 220 and the air pipe 760 on the downstream side of the heat exchange section 712 and the blower fan 730 and for blowing air (steam) into the drum 210 . Intake port 751 is desirably provided at a higher position than hot water heater 163 included in steam generation section 160 according to the present embodiment, since rising air current is generated by steam. It is desirable that the intake port 751 be provided above the tab 220, where warm air containing steam is likely to accumulate. Furthermore, it is desirable that the intake port 751 be provided at a higher position than the air supply port 761.

The drying unit 700 is provided with a drying temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the air within the drying unit 700. Note that, as in this embodiment, as drying temperature sensors, a suction temperature sensor 162a that detects the temperature of the air sucked in from the intake port 751, and a blowout temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the air heated by the heat exchanger 712 are used. A temperature sensor 162b may be provided, respectively. That is, the blowout temperature sensor 162b is an example of a blowout temperature detection unit according to the present disclosure, and detects the temperature of steam near the air supply port 761.

As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine 100 includes a water supply unit 139 that supplies water to the tub 220, as an example of a water supply unit according to the present disclosure. The water supply unit 139 includes a water supply port 140 connected to a faucet (not shown), a water supply valve 141, a detergent storage section 150 that stores detergent, and a water supply pipe 151 that connects the detergent storage section 150 and the tank unit 200. ,including.

It is preferable that the supplied washing water is supplied to the inside of the tub 220 so as not to hit the objects to be treated stored in the drum 210. Therefore, the water supply pipe 151 is arranged at the upper rear side of the tab 220, and the flow path formed by the water supply pipe 151 may be formed along the rear surface of the tab 220. Alternatively, in order to prevent water from splashing inside the drum 210, the water supply valve 141 may be opened intermittently to reduce the amount of water supplied, and the supplied water may flow down along the inner surface of the tub 220. good. Note that there is a first water supply channel that supplies water so that the washing water hits the objects to be processed stored in the drum 210, and a second water supply channel that supplies water so that the washing water does not hit the objects to be processed that are accommodated in the drum 210. A water supply channel may be provided, and the first water supply channel and the second water supply channel may be used properly depending on the purpose.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 100 includes an upstream circulation pipe 640, a downstream circulation pipe 650, a drain pipe 660, a drain valve 690, and a lint filter 152. Here, the upstream circulation pipe 640 defines a path for water flowing from the tub 220 to the circulation pump 610. Downstream circulation pipe 650 defines the path of water from circulation pump 610 back to tub 220. Drain pipe 660 defines a drainage path to the outside of housing 110. The lint filter 152 collects foreign matter such as lint. Drain valve 690 is attached to drain pipe 660. The drainage section according to the present embodiment that drains water stored in the tub 220 includes a drainage valve 690 and is defined by a flow path from the drum 210 to the drainage pipe 660. The upstream circulation pipe 640 branches near the connection with the tab 220 to form an air trap 630, and is connected to an air pipe 631 above the air trap 630. A water level sensor 321 that is an example of a water level detection unit according to the present disclosure and that detects the water level within the tub 220 is provided at the top of the air pipe 631.

Washing machine 100 includes a water level sensor 321 that is an example of a water level detection unit according to the present disclosure. The water level sensor 321 is constituted by a MEMS pressure sensor. Since the water level sensor 321 can accurately detect the water level by employing a MEMS pressure sensor, it is possible to prevent water from entering the drum 210 or exposing the hot water heater 163. Therefore, there is no need to increase the distance from the lower end of the drum 210 to the hot water heater 163 in order to cope with erroneous detection of the water level, so the degree of freedom in design is improved.

Note that, as an example of the water level detection unit according to the present disclosure, instead of the water level sensor 321 configured with a MEMS pressure sensor, a sensor that performs electrode detection that detects the water level by reading potential changes between electrodes, or a float sensor may be used. A sensor that detects water level may be used. Since these water level detection units sensitively reflect a decrease in the water level, it is possible to effectively prevent the hot water heater 163 from running dry without being submerged in water.

The lint filter 152 may be configured to be locked from attachment or detachment when the washing water reaches a high temperature. Thereby, during steam supply control to be described later, it is possible to prevent the lint filter 152 from being removed and high-temperature washing water from flowing out.

Washing machine 100 includes water temperature detection sensor 161, which is an example of a water temperature detection unit according to the present disclosure. The water temperature detection sensor 161 is attached to the outer wall surface of the tub 220 and detects the temperature of the washing water inside the tub 220. Note that the mounting location of the water temperature detection sensor 161 is not limited to the outer wall surface of the tub 220, and may be mounted on the inside of the tub 220 as long as it can detect the water temperature T within the tub 220.

The washing machine 100 also includes an operation section 123. The operation unit 123 includes buttons and a display unit that accept user operations. The user can select various courses using buttons on the operation unit 123, and information regarding the selected course is displayed on the display unit. Note that the operation unit 123 may be configured by a touch panel. The various courses are a washing course, a drying course, a washing/drying course where everything from washing to drying is done as part of the process, a refresh course where the items to be processed are treated with steam only without washing them, and a washing tub which is processed without putting any items in it. Including tub cleaning course, etc. As part of these courses, steam supply control, which will be described later, is performed. Note that the various courses may include a course configured only by steam supply control.

Additionally, washing machine 100 includes a control section 170. In addition to controlling the washing machine 100 as a whole, the control unit 170 particularly controls steam supply. Although details will be described later, the control unit 170 drives the water supply unit 139 to supply water into the tub 220, drives the steam generation unit 160 to generate steam from the supplied water, and drives the drying unit 700. Steam is blown into the drum 210. Note that the position of the control unit 170 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and it may be placed at another position. Further, the control unit 170 includes a computer system having a processor and memory. The computer system functions as the control unit 170 by the processor executing the program stored in the memory. Although the program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system here, it may also be recorded and provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, or it may be provided over a telecommunications line such as the Internet. May be provided through.

[Steam supply control]
Steam supply control exhibits effects such as removing wrinkles from clothing, sterilizing and deodorizing clothes, and removing or deactivating allergens by applying steam to the object to be treated. The steam supply control includes, for example, a water supply process for supplying water to the steam generation unit 160, a steam process for generating steam, a drying process for drying a wet object to be processed, and a cooling process for cooling the washing water in the tub 220. ,including. The process time related to steam supply control, the rotation time limit of the drum 210, etc. are determined based on the amount of objects to be processed or the temperature of the washing water.

Hereinafter, a refresh course including a steam process and a drying process will be described as an example of steam supply control. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 2, the water level that is higher than the inner bottom surface of the drum 210 is the A water level, the water level that is lower than the bottom surface of the drum 210 and is the set water level for the steam process is the B water level, and the water level that is lower than the B water level. The water level at which the hot water heater 163 may be exposed is referred to as water level C.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing steam supply control (refresh course) of washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the refresh course starts (step S101), the control unit 170 executes a water supply process (step S102). Specifically, the control unit 170 opens the water supply valve 141 to supply water to the detergent storage unit 150, and the supplied water is placed inside the tub 220 so as not to hit the objects to be treated stored in the drum 210. Water is supplied to (step S102). The control unit 170 determines whether the water level detected by the water level sensor 321 is equal to or higher than the B water level (step S103). The control unit 170 continues water supply until the water level B is reached (Step S103, No) (Step S102). When the water level sensor 321 detects that the water level B has been reached (step S103, Yes), the control unit 170 closes the water supply valve 141 and proceeds to the steam process. That is, the control unit 170 executes a steam process of blowing steam into the tub 220 .

When the steam process starts, the control unit 170 starts energizing the hot water heater 163 (step S104). In this way, by starting the steam process after the water supply is completed, it is possible to heat the hot water heater 163 while the hot water heater 163 is completely immersed in the washing water. Therefore, the hot water heater 163 can be prevented from running dry. Note that if the hot water heater 163 is completely immersed in the washing water, energization of the hot water heater 163 may be started during the water supply process.

The control unit 170 causes the hot water heater 163 to heat the washing water until the temperature of the washing water detected by the water temperature detection sensor 161 reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature control temperature. The upper limit temperature control temperature is set to, for example, 60°C. The washing water stored in the steam generating section 160 is subcooled to boil near the hot water heater 163 to generate steam. Note that the washing water stored in the steam generating section 160 may generate steam by normal boiling.

When the washing water reaches the upper limit temperature control temperature, the control unit 170 stops the hot water heater 163. When the washing water drops to the lower limit temperature control temperature, which is lower than the upper limit temperature control temperature, the control unit 170 starts energizing the hot water heater 163 again. The lower limit temperature control temperature is set to, for example, 55°C.

In this embodiment, when two minutes have elapsed since the start of energization of hot water heater 163, control unit 170 drives blower fan 730 (step S105). That is, the control unit 170 causes the drying unit 700 to start blowing air when the water in the tub 220 reaches a predetermined water temperature in the steam process of generating steam.

Further, while the drying unit 700 is stopped, the control unit 170 drives the water supply unit 139 to supply water into the tub 220, and drives the steam generation unit 160 to generate steam from the supplied water. The control unit 170 then drives the drying unit 700 to blow steam into the drum 210. In this way, by starting the steam process when the water supply is completed so that the water level is equal to or higher than the B water level, it is possible to suppress the water level sensor 321 from erroneously detecting the water level due to a change in wind pressure due to the drive of the ventilation fan 730. Note that the blower fan 730 may be driven intermittently in the steam process. By detecting the water level with the water level sensor 321 when the blower fan 730 stops, false detection due to changes in wind pressure can be suppressed.

In the steam process, the control unit 170 operates the motor 231 that rotates the drum 210 continuously or intermittently. The rotational speed of the drum 210 is set, for example, to approximately 50 to 60 r/min at which the workpiece accommodated in the drum 210 tumbles. When the drum 210 is rotating at about 50 to 60 r/min, the object to be processed in the drum 210 is lifted up into the drum 210 by the baffle and dropped from above. In this embodiment, since the air inlet 761 is provided on the back surface of the drum 210, when the object to be processed falls from above, it passes in front of the air inlet 761 and is sprayed with steam. Thereby, the object to be treated can efficiently obtain the effect of steam. Further, when the object to be processed is clothing, the clothing is spread by the wind blown when it falls from above, so that wrinkles in the clothing can be efficiently smoothed out.

The control unit 170 determines whether the water level detected by the water level sensor 321 is less than water level C (step S106). If the water level is equal to or higher than water level C (step S106, No), the control unit 170 proceeds to the process of step S108. When the water level becomes less than water level C (step S106, Yes), the control unit 170 stops energizing the hot water heater 163 and proceeds to the process of step S108 (step S107). The control unit 170 determines whether the steam process time ts has elapsed since the start of energization of the hot water heater 163 (step S108). The control unit 170 repeatedly performs the processing from step S104 until the steam process time ts has elapsed (step S108, No). When the steam process time ts has elapsed (Step S108, Yes), the control unit 170 ends the steam process and proceeds to the drying process (Step S109). The steam process time ts is set to, for example, about 5 minutes.

The object to be treated after the steam process is wetted by the steam and cannot be used or worn immediately. Therefore, as in the drying process of a general washing machine, it is necessary to drive only the blower fan 730 or the heat exchanger 712 and the blower fan 730 simultaneously while rotating the drum 210 to dry the wet object. There is. That is, the control unit 170 executes a drying process of drying the processing object accommodated in the tub 220.

In this embodiment, when the drying process starts, the control unit 170 stops the hot water heater 163 and starts driving the drying function, that is, starts driving the ventilation fan 730 and the heat exchange unit 712 (step S109). The control unit 170 determines the degree of dryness of the object from the difference between the suction temperature detected by the suction temperature sensor 162a and the blowout temperature detected by the blowoff temperature sensor 162b. As the object to be treated dries, the amount of heat used to evaporate the moisture of the object decreases, so the control unit 170 determines that the degree of drying has increased when the difference between the suction temperature and the blowout temperature becomes smaller. .

Next, a cooling process for cooling the washing water in the tub 220 will be explained. The purpose of the cooling process is to cool the washing water to a predetermined temperature or lower and then drain it to prevent burns to the user. Note that if the temperature T of the washing water after the steaming process is below a predetermined temperature, the cooling process may not be performed. In this embodiment, since the amount of heat dissipated from the washing water is larger than the amount of heat obtained from the drying air, a part of the drying process also serves as the cooling process, but the cooling process and the drying process may be performed separately.

In this embodiment, the washing water is allowed to cool until the temperature of the washing water detected by the water temperature detection sensor 161 falls below a predetermined temperature. The control unit 170 determines whether the water temperature T detected by the water temperature detection sensor 161 is less than 50° C. (step S110). When the water temperature T detected by the water temperature detection sensor 161 is 50° C. or higher (step S110, No), the control unit 170 causes the operating fan 730 to cool the washing water. Note that, as described above, the amount of heat radiated from the washing water is greater than the amount of heat obtained from the drying air, so the washing water is cooled even when the heat exchange section 712 is driven.

Further, the control unit 170 adds a cooling time t', which is the time during which cooling was performed, to t2, which will be described later (step S111). The water temperature T is determined every time a predetermined cooling time t' elapses.

The draining operation is performed when the washing water is cooled to a predetermined water temperature or lower after or during the cooling process. In this embodiment, when the water temperature T falls below 50° C. (Step S110, Yes), the control unit 170 performs a drainage operation (Step S112). When the control unit 170 opens the drain valve 690, the washing water in the tub 220 is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100 via the drain pipe 660. The water flow generated by the drainage washes away scale deposited on the surface of the hot water heater 163 during the steam process. This suppresses the accumulation of scale, so that the steam generation ability of the hot water heater 163 can be suppressed from being reduced due to the accumulation of impurities. In this way, when the steam process of blowing steam into the tub 220 is completed, the control unit 170 stops driving the steam generating unit 160 and then starts driving the drying unit 700 (blow fan 730). Then, when the water in the tub 220 reaches a predetermined water temperature (50° C. in this example), the control unit 170 causes the water in the tub 220 to be drained.

After the draining operation is completed, the control unit 170 determines whether the drying process time td has elapsed (step S113). The control unit 170 continues to drive the heat exchange unit 712 until the drying process time td has elapsed (step S113, No). The drying process time td is set as the sum of a predetermined time t2 and a cooling time t'. For example, t2 is set to approximately 5 minutes. In addition, when cooling is performed multiple times, the cooling time t' for the multiple times may be added to t2. When the drying process time td has elapsed (step S113, Yes), the drying process is completed and the refresh course is completed (step S114).

[Effect of steam process]
FIG. 4 is a schematic view from the front showing the flow of steam in the steam process of the conventional washing machine 1000, and FIG. 5 is a schematic view from the side showing the flow of steam in the steam process of the washing machine 1000. It is.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the conventional washing machine 1000 includes a water supply unit 1139, a steam generation section 1160, a drum 1210, a tab 1220, a motor 1231, a circulation pump 1610, a drying unit 1700, Equipped with The water supply unit 1139 includes a water supply port 1140, a water supply valve 1141, a detergent storage section 1150, and a water supply pipe 1151. Steam generation section 1160 includes hot water heater 1163. Drum 1210 and tab 1220 each have an opening 1213 formed therein. A plurality of holes 1214 are formed in the drum 1210 to communicate the inside and outside of the drum 1210. Drying unit 1700 includes an intake pipe 1750, a blower fan 1730, and an air pipe 1760. The conventional washing machine 1000 generates steam by heating washing water stored in a steam generating unit 1160, and rotates the drum 1210 to supply steam into the drum 1210 through holes 1214 in a side wall of the drum 1210. In this way, the conventional washing machine 1000 uses natural convection generated by the rotation of the drum 1210 as a means for supplying steam into the drum 1210. Therefore, the conventional washing machine 1000 has a problem in that the amount of steam supplied to the object to be processed in the drum 1210 is small, and the effect of steam cannot be fully exerted.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of steam in the steam process of washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of steam in the steam process of washing machine 100 when viewed from the side. be.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the steam process of this embodiment, the water accumulated in the steam generating section 160 is heated by the hot water heater 163, and the blower fan 730 is driven. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the steam generated in the steam generation section 160 (a) rises to the upper part of the tank unit 200, and (b) is introduced into the drying unit 700 from the intake port 751 via the air pipe 760. be done. Then, (c) the steam is supplied from the drying unit 700 to the workpiece in the drum 210 through the air inlet 761 via the intake pipe 750. Thereby, a large amount of steam can be supplied to the object to be processed in the drum 210, and the moisture content of the object to be processed can be increased.

In the steam process, the washing machine 100 may be modified to drive the heat exchange section 712, which is an example of the air heating section according to the present disclosure. The washing machine according to Modification 1 can send high-temperature steam to the drum 210 by operating the heat exchanger 712 in the steam process, so that it improves the wrinkle removal performance of the processed material and the sterilization and deodorization performance. etc. will be improved. Furthermore, by keeping the steam at a high temperature, the washing machine according to the first modification can prevent the steam from condensing and reducing the amount of steam blown into the tub 220.

Additionally, the washing machine 100 may be modified to drive the motor 231 to rotate the drum 210 during the steam process. The washing machine according to the second modified example rotates the drum 210 to agitate the object to be treated, thereby making it possible to apply steam evenly to the object to be treated.

Further, when the object to be processed is clothing, the clothing is loosened by rotating the drum 210, so that steam effectively acts on the washing machine according to the second modification. Further, in the washing machine according to the second modification, by operating the blower fan 730, a pulling force is applied to the clothes by the circulating air, so that the ability to remove wrinkles from the clothes is improved. Note that if the object to be treated is shoes, stuffed toys, or the like, steam may be sprayed while the drum 210 is stationary.

In addition, in the case of a drum-type washing machine like the washing machine 100, it is desirable that the temperature of the steam is set to 70° C. or lower. That is, it is desirable for the control unit 170 to stop the heating by the heat exchange unit 712 when the temperature of the steam detected by the blowout temperature sensor 162b is 70° C. or higher. This is because, especially when the object to be treated is polyester fiber, there is a risk that secondary wrinkles will form on folded clothing at temperatures above 70° C., where polyester tends to undergo plastic deformation. On the other hand, if the present disclosure is applied to a refresher-type clothing processing device in which objects to be processed are hung from above, it is desirable that the temperature of the steam be set to 70° C. or higher. Particularly when the object to be treated is polyester fiber, wrinkles can be efficiently smoothed out by treating hanging clothing with steam at 70° C. or higher. In addition, sterilization effects can be expected by processing at high temperatures.

[Effects etc.]
Washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a tub 220, a drum 210 provided in tub 220, a hot water heater 163, and a blower fan 730. The hot water heater 163 is provided in the tub 220 and is part of the steam generation section 160 that generates steam. The blower fan 730 supplies steam generated by the hot water heater 163 to the drum 210.

Thereby, the steam generated within the tub 220 is supplied to the drum 210 by the blower fan 730. Therefore, washing machine 100 can increase the amount of steam supplied into drum 210 compared to conventional washing machines. That is, washing machine 100 can efficiently supply steam into the drum.

Washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a tub 220, a drum 210 provided in tub 220, a water supply unit 139, a drying unit 700, a hot water heater 163, and a control section 170. Water supply unit 139 supplies water to tub 220. Drying unit 700 supplies air to tub 220. The hot water heater 163 is provided within the tub 220 and is part of a steam generation section that generates steam. The control unit 170 drives the water supply unit 139 to supply water into the tub 220 , drives the hot water heater 163 to generate steam from the supplied water, and drives the ventilation fan 730 to blow steam into the drum 210 . let

Thereby, the steam generated within the tub 220 is supplied to the drum 210 by the blower fan 730. Therefore, washing machine 100 can increase the amount of steam supplied into drum 210 compared to conventional washing machines. That is, washing machine 100 can efficiently supply steam into the drum.

Steam generating unit 160 of washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a hot water heater 163 that heats water stored in tub 220, and hot water heater 163 is located below drum 210 when washing machine 100 is installed. It may be placed in

Thereby, the washing machine 100 can store water in the tub 220 and generate steam in the lower part of the tub 220 so that objects to be treated such as clothes stored in the drum 210 do not get wet. Further, since the heated steam rises, washing machine 100 can efficiently supply steam into drum 210.

Drying unit 700 of washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment may include a blower fan 730, an intake pipe 750, an air supply pipe 760, and an intake port 751. The blower fan 730 generates wind. The intake pipe 750 and the air supply pipe 760 constitute a part of an air path where the blower fan 730 is provided and connected to the tab 220. The intake port 751 is for connecting the tab 220 and the intake pipe 750 at a position above the hot water heater 163 in the installed state of the washing machine 100 on the upstream side of the blower fan 730, and for sucking the air inside the tub 220. be.

As a result, when steam, which is lighter than air, is generated, it rises to the top of the tab 220 and is sucked in through the intake port 751.

Therefore, washing machine 100 can efficiently take in the generated steam and supply it to drum 210.

The drying unit 700 of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes an air outlet 761 for connecting the tab 220 and the air pipe 760 to blow air into the drum 210 on the downstream side of the air blower fan 730; May include.

Thereby, the sucked steam is blown into the drum 210 on the downstream side of the blower fan 730, which is a positive pressure environment.

Therefore, washing machine 100 can efficiently send steam into drum 210.

Washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment may further include a water level sensor 321 that detects the water level in tub 220, and hot water heater 163 may be disposed below drum 210. Further, the control unit 170 of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment drives the water supply unit 139 to supply water into the tub 220 and drives the hot water heater 163 to supply water when the drying unit 700 is stopped. Steam may be generated by the water. Control unit 170 of washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment may drive drying unit 700 to blow steam into drum 210.

Thereby, washing machine 100 can perform the water supply process in a state where air blowing by drying unit 700 is stopped, so that it is possible to suppress water level sensor 321 from erroneously detecting the water level due to wind pressure.

Therefore, washing machine 100 can prevent the water level of water stored in the lower part of tub 220 used for steam generation from falling below water level C.

The washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment further includes a water temperature detection sensor 161 that detects the water temperature T in the tub 220, and when the water in the tub 220 reaches a predetermined temperature in the steam process, the control unit 170 controls Air blowing by the drying unit 700 may be started.

Thereby, washing machine 100 can efficiently supply steam by starting air blowing after the water temperature reaches a temperature at which steam is generated.

Control unit 170 of washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment may temporarily stop air blowing by drying unit 700 at a predetermined timing during the steam process.

Thereby, washing machine 100 can suppress erroneously detecting water level due to wind pressure when detecting water level fluctuation in the steam process.

Drying unit 700 of washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment may include a heat exchange section 712 that heats the supplied air.

Thereby, the washing machine 100 can send high-temperature steam to the drum 210, so that the wrinkle removal performance, sterilization/deodorization performance, etc. of the processed object can be improved. Further, by heating the steam blown by the drying unit 700, the washing machine 100 can suppress the temperature of the steam from decreasing and condensation.

Drying unit 700 of washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment may include an air supply port 761 and a blowout temperature sensor 162b. The air supply port 761 connects the tab 220 and the air supply pipe 760 on the downstream side of the heat exchange section 712, and is used to blow steam into the drum 210. The blowout temperature sensor 162b detects the temperature of steam near the air supply port 761. Further, the control unit 170 may stop the heating by the heat exchange unit 712 when the temperature of the steam detected by the blowout temperature sensor 162b is 70° C. or higher.

Thereby, in the washing machine 100, secondary wrinkles can be suppressed from being formed on the clothes, which are the objects to be processed, by spraying high-temperature steam.

The control unit 170 of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment may execute a steam process of blowing steam into the tub 220 and a drying process of drying the object accommodated in the tub 220. .

As a result, the washing machine 100 processes the object with a large amount of steam and then dries the object in a wet state, so that the user can immediately use the processed object after the operation is finished. Or you can wear it.

When the steam process is finished, control unit 170 of washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment stops driving hot water heater 163 and then starts driving drying unit 700, so that the water in tub 220 reaches a predetermined water temperature. Once reached, the water in tub 220 may be allowed to drain.

Thereby, the washing machine 100 can reduce the water temperature T in the tub 220 without supplying additional water to the tub 220 by letting the water in the tub 220 cool by blowing air.

Steam generating unit 160 of washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a hot water heater 163 that heats water stored in tub 220, and hot water heater 163 is located below drum 210 when washing machine 100 is installed. It may also be arranged horizontally.

As a result, in a drum-type washing machine such as the washing machine 100 in which the drum 210 is installed at an angle, the water surface and the hot water heater 163 are approximately parallel, so that the hot water heater 163 can be completely submerged with the minimum amount of water. can.

(Embodiment 2)
The washing machine according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that steam supply control is performed in the washing course. That is, the control unit of the washing machine according to the second embodiment differs from the control unit 170 of the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment in its control content. The other configuration of the washing machine according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, the control unit of the washing machine according to the second embodiment will be mainly described here.

The washing course includes a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydration process. A steam process is performed within at least one of the washing process, rinsing process, and dehydration process. In the following, the case where the steam process is implemented in the washing process (hereinafter also referred to as "Application example 1"), the case where the steam process is implemented in the rinse process (hereinafter also referred to as "Application example 2"), and the case in which the dehydration process A case where a steam process is implemented (hereinafter also referred to as "Application Example 3") will be explained in order. In addition, below, application examples 1 to 3 will be explained assuming that the steam process is implemented in one of the washing process, rinsing process, and dehydration process. A steam step may be performed within multiple steps.

[Application example 1: Steam process in washing process]
Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the control unit according to Application Example 1 performs a steam process at the end of the washing process.

Immediately after the start of operation, the control unit according to Application Example 1 supplies washing water to a water level A higher than the inner bottom surface of the drum 210. When water is supplied, the detergent contained in the detergent storage section 150 is supplied into the tub 220 together with the washing water, and the washing process is started.

In the washing process, the control unit according to application example 1 operates the motor 231 that rotates the drum 210 to perform a washing operation that combines tapping, pushing, massaging, etc., to remove any particles that have adhered to the object to be processed. Dirt is removed. Here, the beating washing is a washing method in which the object to be processed is struck against the drum 210. Push washing is a washing method in which the drum 210 is rotated at high speed and the object to be processed is washed while being stuck to the drum 210. Massage washing is a washing method in which the direction of rotation of the drum 210 is reversed in a short period of time. At the same time, the circulation pump 610 is driven to spray washing water onto the object to be processed, further enhancing the cleaning effect of the object to be processed.

At the end of the washing process, the control unit according to Application Example 1 drains water to the B water level and performs a steam process. This is to prevent the object to be processed, such as clothing, from being damaged by heating the washing water with the hot water heater 163 while the object is immersed in the washing water. Of course, the steam process may be performed with the A water level maintained.

The control unit according to Application Example 1 performs a cooling process of cooling the washing water in the tub 220 after the steam process. The control unit according to Application Example 1 lowers the temperature of the washing water to a predetermined temperature by supplying water into the tub 220, drains the washing water, and moves to the rinsing process. When the rinsing process and dehydration process are completed, the washing course is completed.

In this way, by implementing the steam process during the washing process, effects such as sterilization, deodorization, removal or deactivation of allergens, and loosening of entangled objects can be obtained. It will be done.

In addition, although the case where the steam process is performed in the latter half of the washing process has been described here, the steam process may be modified to be performed in the early stage of the washing process. When carrying out the steam process at the beginning of the washing process, the control unit according to the modification of application example 1 first supplies washing water to water level B and executes the steam process. After the steam process, the control unit according to the modification of Application Example 1 further supplies washing water up to water level A and executes a washing operation. In addition, as a further modification, the control unit according to a further modification of Application Example 1 may perform the steam process after supplying water to the A water level from the beginning.

[Application example 2: Steam process in rinsing process]
Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the control unit according to Application Example 2 performs a steam process during the rinsing process.

In the rinsing step, one or more rinsing steps are provided, and in Application Example 2, a case will be described using as an example a case where a steam step is provided in the final rinsing step immediately before the dehydration step.

In order to obtain the effect of loosening the tangled objects by steam, it is preferable to carry out the steam step at the end of the final rinsing step. At the beginning of the rinsing process, the control unit according to application example 2 performs rinsing at water level A or higher, similar to a general washing machine, and at the end of the rinsing process, drains the water to level B to perform a steam process.

The control unit according to Application Example 2 performs a cooling process after the steam process. In the cooling process, the control unit according to Application Example 2 lowers the temperature of the washing water to a predetermined temperature by supplying water into the tub 220, drains the washing water, and moves to the dehydration process. Note that the cooling means may be a method of providing a cooling time until the water temperature T naturally cools down to a predetermined temperature.

Thus, in Application Example 2, by implementing the steam step in the rinsing step, effects such as sterilization, deodorization, inactivation of allergens, and loosening of entangled objects to be processed can be obtained.

[Application example 3: Steam process in dehydration process]
Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the control unit according to Application Example 3 performs a steam process during a dehydration process.

The steam process during the dehydration process can be carried out by supplying water up to water level B at the beginning of the dehydration process and performing the steam process while rotating the drum 210 at high speed, or by supplying water up to water level B after the high speed rotation of the drum 210 has finished. Either method is fine. After the steam process is executed, the process moves to a cooling process, and the control unit according to application example 3 cools the washing water and then drains it out of the washing machine 100.

In this way, by implementing the steam step in the dehydration step, effects such as sterilization, deodorization, removal or inactivation of allergens, and reduction of wrinkles by loosening tangled objects to be processed can be obtained.

(Embodiment 3)
The washing machine according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that steam supply control is performed after performing a series of operations from washing to drying. That is, the control unit of the washing machine according to the third embodiment differs from the control unit 170 of the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment in its control content. The other configuration of the washing machine according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, the control section of the washing machine according to the third embodiment will be mainly described here.

[Steam supply control after the first drying process]
Hereinafter, a case will be described in which a steam process is performed after the drying process.

When a series of operations including a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydration process are completed, a first drying process is performed. In the drying process, the control unit according to Embodiment 3 drives the blower fan 730 and the heat exchange unit 712 while rotating the drum 210 to dry the object that has been wetted by washing. At this time, the control unit according to the third embodiment drives the drain valve 690 to be continuously or intermittently open. When the object to be treated becomes dry, no energy is used to evaporate the water contained in the object, so the temperature of the air circulating through the drum 210 gradually increases.

When the control unit according to the third embodiment detects that the air has reached a predetermined temperature by the drying temperature sensor (the suction temperature sensor 162a and the blowout temperature sensor 162b), the control unit closes the drain valve 690 and stops the water supply. The valve 141 is opened and washing water is supplied to the B water level. In order to prevent water from splashing onto the object to be treated in the drum 210, the blower fan 730 and the heat exchange section 712 may be stopped during water supply. Further, the predetermined temperature refers to the temperature in the latter half of the lapse rate drying period when the hot air temperature approaches temperature equilibrium. At this stage, the object to be treated is dry enough to be used or worn.

Once the water supply is complete, a steam process is carried out. When the steam process is completed, a drying course proceeds in the order of a second drying process for drying the wet object after the steam process, a cooling process, and a drainage operation.

In the drying course in this embodiment, since the steam process is performed after the first drying process, the steam process can be started while the tank unit 200 is warmed, so that the effects of steam can be easily obtained.

As in this embodiment, by performing the steam process after the drying process, the workpiece can be sterilized and deodorized, allergens attached to the workpiece can be inactivated, and dry wrinkles can be removed by the steam. Effects such as reduction can be obtained.

(Embodiment 4)
[Configuration of washing machine with second water supply pipe]
Washing machine 100a in Embodiment 4 is different from Embodiment 1 in that it includes a second water supply pipe 153 that connects water supply valve 141 and upstream circulation pipe 640 as an example of the second water supply unit according to the present disclosure. This is different from the washing machine 100 according to the above. Further, control unit 170a of washing machine 100a according to the fourth embodiment differs in control content from control unit 170 of washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment. The other configurations of washing machine 100a according to Embodiment 4 are the same as those of washing machine 100 according to Embodiment 1, so the differences will be mainly described here.

FIG. 8 is a schematic front sectional view showing the configuration of a washing machine 100a according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure.

Note that the position of the control unit 170a shown in FIG. 8 is an example, and it may be placed at another position. Further, the control unit 170a includes a computer system having a processor and a memory. The computer system functions as the control unit 170a by the processor executing the program stored in the memory. Although the program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system here, it may also be recorded and provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, or it may be provided over a telecommunications line such as the Internet. May be provided through.

Hereinafter, a drainage operation different from that in Embodiment 1 will be explained using FIG. 8.

After the steam process is completed, if the temperature inside the tub 220 is higher than the predetermined water temperature, the control unit 170a opens the water supply valve 141 and the drain valve 690 at the same time. The water supplied from the water supply valve 141 is directly supplied to the upstream circulation pipe 640 through the second water supply pipe 153 and joins with the washing water drained from the tub 220 . Thereby, the washing water is cooled in the upstream circulation pipe 640 before being drained from the washing machine 100. Therefore, since there is no need to provide additional time for the cooling process, the washing machine 100a according to the fourth embodiment can complete steam supply control in a shorter time than the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment.

[Effect, etc.]
The washing machine 100a according to the present embodiment further includes a drain valve 690 that constitutes a part of a drain section that drains water accumulated in the tub 220, and a second water supply that supplies water so as to join the drained water. A tube 153 may be provided. When the steam process of blowing steam into the tub 220 is completed, the control unit 170a may stop driving the hot water heater 163 and cause the drain valve 690 to drain water and the second water supply pipe 153 to supply water.

As a result, the temperature of the drained washing water can be rapidly cooled, so that the washing machine 100a can complete steam supply control in a short time.

(Other embodiments)
In Embodiments 1 to 4, a drum-type washing machine was described as an example of a washing machine according to the present disclosure. The washing machine according to the present disclosure is not limited to a drum type washing machine, but may be a vertical type washing machine or a refresher.

In Embodiments 1 to 4, the steam generating section 160 formed integrally with the tab 220 has been described as an example of the steam generating section according to the present disclosure. The steam generating section according to the present disclosure only needs to be provided in communication with the tab according to the present disclosure, so it may be a separate steam tank provided at the bottom of the tab according to the present disclosure.

In Embodiments 1 to 4, as an example of water supply by the water supply unit according to the present disclosure, a configuration has been described in which the water supply unit 139 performs water supply while air blowing is stopped. Water supply can be performed as long as the water level can be detected while eliminating the influence of wind pressure, so the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which water supply is performed while air blowing is stopped. For example, water may be supplied while the blower fan 730 is driven at a constant rotation speed. The wind pressure generated when the blower fan 730 is rotated at a constant rotation speed is approximately constant. Therefore, since the differential pressure before and after water supply corresponds to a change in water pressure, it is possible to prevent the water level sensor 321 from erroneously detecting the water level. Further, the washing machine according to the present disclosure includes a wind pressure detection section in the wind supply unit according to the present disclosure, and calculates the water level by taking the difference in wind pressure from the pressure detected by the water level detection section according to the present disclosure. configuration may also be used. The washing machine according to this modification can supply water while blowing air.

In Embodiments 1 to 4, as an example of the timing for starting the drive of the steam generation unit according to the present disclosure and the wind supply unit according to the present disclosure, the configuration is such that the drive of the blower fan 730 is started after heating by the hot water heater 163. explained. The timing to start driving the steam generation unit according to the present disclosure and the wind supply unit according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the steam process, the hot water heater 163 and the blower fan 730 may be started to be driven at the same time, or the blower fan 730 may be started to be driven first. Further, the driving of the blower fan 730 may be configured to start when the temperature of the washing water detected by the water temperature detection sensor 161 reaches a predetermined temperature. As a result, the washing machine according to the present modification can suppress heat dissipation of the washing water due to air circulation, and can efficiently increase the water temperature T.

In Embodiments 1 to 4, two configurations have been described as examples of configurations for controlling the water level so that the water level does not reach a level where the heater may be exposed in the steam process. That is, a configuration has been described in which the hot water heater 163 is stopped when the water level falls below C level, and a configuration in which the blower fan 730 is operated intermittently and the water level is detected when the blower fan 730 is stopped. The configuration for controlling the water level so that the water level does not reach a level where the heater may be exposed is not limited to these. For example, in the steam process, when the water level in the tub 220 becomes lower than a preset rewatering level (not shown), the water supply valve 141 may be opened to resupply water to a predetermined water level. By setting the resupply water level higher than the C water level, it is possible to prevent a portion of the hot water heater 163 from being above the water surface. Further, in the steam process, when the water level sensor 321 detects a sudden drop in pressure, the hot water heater 163 may be stopped. This is because the sudden drop in pressure is likely to be due to a change in water level due to water leakage, rather than the effect of air being blown by the blower fan 730.

In Embodiments 1 to 3, as an example of a configuration in which washing water is cooled before being drained, a cooling process in which the washing water is allowed to cool when the water temperature T is 50° C. or higher has been described. The cooling process is not limited to this as long as it can cool the washing water before draining. For example, with the drain valve 690 closed, the blower fan 730 may be driven to circulate air within the tub 220 to promote heat dissipation of the washing water. Further, if there is a sufficient distance between the B water level and the lowest end inside the drum 210, water may be further supplied in the cooling process to lower the temperature of the washing water.

In the first embodiment, a method of cooling the washing water in the tub 220 over time has been described. Means for cooling the washing water in the tub 220 include, for example, a method of further supplying washing water into the tub 220 to lower the water temperature T in the tub 220, or a method of draining water while supplying water to lower the drainage temperature. It's okay. For example, in a course in which steam supply control is executed at water level A, the temperature of the washing water may be lowered by further supplying washing water in order to quickly cool the washing water. On the other hand, in the course of executing steam supply control at water level B, washing water may be further supplied to lower the temperature of the washing water only when there is a sufficient distance between the water level B and the bottom of the drum 210.

The present disclosure is applicable to a washing machine that supplies steam into a storage tank. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to vertical washing machines, drum washing machines, two-tub washing machines, and the like.

100 Washing machine 100a Washing machine 110 Housing 111 Front wall 112 Rear wall 113 Housing top wall 114 Housing bottom wall 116 Packing structure 119 Inlet 120 Door body 123 Operation unit 139 Water supply unit (water supply part)
140 Water supply port 141 Water supply valve 150 Detergent storage section 151 Water supply pipe 152 Lint filter 153 Second water supply pipe (second water supply part)
160 Steam generation section 161 Water temperature detection sensor (water temperature detection section)
162a Suction temperature sensor 162b Blowout temperature sensor (Blowout temperature detection section)
163 Hot water heater (heater)
170 control section 170a control section 200 tank unit 210 drum (accommodation tank)
211 Peripheral wall 212 Bottom wall 213 Opening 214 Hole 220 Tab 221 Bottom 222 Front 230 Rotating shaft 231 Motor 232 Pulley 233 Belt 321 Water level sensor (water level detection part)
610 Circulation pump 630 Air trap 631 Air pipe 640 Upstream circulation pipe 650 Downstream circulation pipe 660 Drain pipe 690 Drain valve 700 Drying unit (air supply unit)
710 Drying duct 711 Air filter 712 Heat exchange section (air heating section)
730 Ventilation fan (ventilation part)
750 Intake pipe 751 Intake port 760 Air supply pipe 761 Air supply port 1000 Washing machine 1139 Water supply unit 1140 Water supply port 1141 Water supply valve 1150 Detergent storage section 1151 Water supply pipe 1160 Steam generation section 1163 Hot water heater 1210 Drum 1213 Opening 1214 Hole 1220 Tab 1231 Motor 1610 Circulation pump 1700 Drying unit 1730 Blow fan 1750 Intake pipe 1760 Air pipe RX Rotating shaft T Water temperature td Drying process time ts Steam process time t' Cooling time

Claims (14)

tab and
a storage tank provided in the tub;
a steam generating section that is provided in the tab and generates steam;
a ventilation path having an air intake port that takes in air from the tub, and a ventilation port that sends air supplied by a ventilation section into the tub;
the ventilation unit that sucks the steam in the tub through the intake port and blows the steam into the storage tank through the ventilation port ;
Equipped with
The steam generating section is provided at a lower part within the tub,
The intake port is provided at the top of the tab at a higher position than the steam generation section,
washing machine. tab and
a storage tank provided in the tub;
a water supply unit that supplies water to the tub;
a wind supply unit that supplies wind to the tab;
a steam generating section that is provided in the tab and generates steam;
comprising a control unit;
The steam generating section is provided at a lower part within the tub,
The wind supply unit has an intake port provided on the top of the tub at a higher position than the steam generation section and takes in air from the tub, and an air outlet that blows air into the tub,
The control unit includes:
Driving the water supply unit to supply water into the tub,
driving the steam generation unit to generate steam from the water in the tub ;
driving the wind supply unit to suck the steam in the tub through the intake port and blow the steam into the storage tank through the ventilation port;
washing machine. The steam generating section is
including a heater that heats water stored in the tub,
The heater is disposed below the storage tank when the washing machine is installed.
A washing machine according to claim 1 or 2. The steam generation section is not provided in the ventilation path, but is provided below the inner bottom surface of the storage tank,
The intake port is provided above the ventilation port,
A washing machine according to claim 1 . The steam generation section is not provided in the wind supply unit, but is provided below the inner bottom surface of the storage tank,
The intake port is provided above the ventilation port,
A washing machine according to claim 2 . The washing machine further includes a water level detection unit that detects the water level in the tub,
The steam generation section is disposed below the storage tank,
The control unit includes:
Driving the water supply unit to supply water into the tub while the wind supply unit is stopped;
Driving the steam generating section to generate steam using the supplied water,
driving the wind supply unit to blow steam into the storage tank;
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 5. The washing machine further includes a water temperature detection unit that detects the water temperature in the tub,
The control unit includes:
In the steam process that generates steam,
When the water in the tub reaches a predetermined water temperature, the air supply unit starts blowing air;
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 6. The control unit includes:
In the steam process that generates steam,
temporarily stopping the air blowing by the air supply unit at a predetermined timing;
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 6. The wind supply unit includes:
including an air heating section that heats the supplied air;
A washing machine according to claim 2 . The wind supply unit includes:
An air outlet for connecting the tab and an air blowing path and blowing steam into the storage tank on the downstream side of the air heating section;
an outlet temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the steam near the air outlet;
The control unit stops heating by the air heating unit when the temperature of the steam detected by the blowout temperature detection unit is 70° C. or higher.
A washing machine according to claim 9. The control unit includes:
a steam step of blowing steam into the tub;
performing a drying step of drying the workpiece accommodated in the tub;
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 10. The control unit includes:
When the steam process of blowing steam into the tub is completed, the steam generating section is stopped, and then the air supply unit is started, and when the water in the tub reaches a predetermined water temperature, the tub is closed. Drain the water inside
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 11. The washing machine further includes a drainage section that drains water accumulated in the tub;
A second water supply unit that supplies water so as to join the drained water,
The control unit includes:
When the steam step of blowing steam into the tub is completed, the drive of the steam generating section is stopped, and the draining section performs drainage and the second water supply section performs water supply.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 11. The steam generating section is
including a heater that heats water stored in the tub,
The heater is
When the washing machine is installed, it is arranged horizontally below the storage tank.
A washing machine according to claim 1 or 2.

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