JPWO2020003760A1 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The washing machine is composed of a drum (3) provided in the water tank (2), a motor (7) for driving the drum (3), a water supply valve (9) for supplying water to the water tank (2), and a water tank (2). A drain valve (13) for draining washing water, a heater (19) for heating the water in the water tank (2), a temperature detection unit (21) for detecting the temperature of the water in the water tank (2), and a washing operation. And a control unit (22) that controls the tank cleaning operation. In the tank cleaning operation, the control unit (22) puts laundry detergent into the water tank (2), supplies water to the water tank (2) by the water supply valve (9), and a heater (19) for the water in the water tank (2). With and without heating. When the temperature detection unit (21) detects that the water in the water tank (2) has been heated to a predetermined temperature, the rotation of the drum (3) is controlled to stir the water in the water tank (2). As a result, the tub can be washed with the laundry detergent used for washing clothes and the like.

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing clothes and the like.

In general, a washing machine accumulates detergent residue and dirt on the inner surface of the water tub and the outer surface of the washing tub after long-term use. As a result, fungi and molds propagate using detergent residue and dirt as a nutrient source and habitat. Therefore, after washing, the user may feel an unpleasant odor from the inside of the washing machine or clothes, or a part of the dirt may adhere to the washed clothes.

In recent years, in order to wash the above-mentioned stains, a washing machine provided with a tub washing course has been considered.

In the washing machine having the above configuration, the washing tub does not contain laundry such as clothes in the tub washing course. Further, when a laundry detergent is used in the tub washing course, bubbles are generated in the washing tub, and a load is applied to the motor that rotationally drives the washing tub, resulting in power loss. In addition, when the water in the washing machine is drained, bubbles remain in the washing tub, which causes the washing tub to become dirty. Therefore, a washing machine having a configuration for removing the detergent remaining in the washing tub at the initial stage of the tub washing course has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Further, a detergent for a washing tub with reduced foaming has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

However, in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, since the detergent is removed at the initial stage of operation in the tub cleaning course, the cleaning power of the detergent cannot be used for tub cleaning. Further, in the case of Patent Document 2, when washing the tub, it is necessary to use a special detergent for tub cleaning with reduced foaming, in addition to the laundry detergent used for washing clothes.

Special Table 2009-509623 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-149775

The present invention provides a washing machine that can wash the tub with a laundry detergent used for washing clothes and the like.

The washing machine of the present invention includes a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub, a motor for rotating the washing tub, a water supply unit for supplying water to the water tub, a drainage unit for draining water in the water tub, and a water tub. It includes a heating unit that heats the water stored in the water tank, a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the water in the water tank, and a control unit that controls the washing operation and the tank washing operation. In the tank washing operation, the control unit inputs the laundry detergent into the water tank, supplies water in the water tank by the water supply unit, and heats the water stored in the water tank by the heating unit. Further, when the temperature detection unit detects that the water in the water tub has been heated to a predetermined temperature, the control unit controls the rotation of the washing tub and agitates the water in the water tub.

According to this configuration, the water containing the laundry detergent is agitated in a state where the water temperature has risen. This makes it possible to provide a washing machine capable of tub washing with a laundry detergent while suppressing foaming of the detergent.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of the washing machine. FIG. 3 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing machine during the tub washing operation. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature of the washing machine and the sterilization effect. FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing machine during the tub washing operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of the washing machine. FIG. 3 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing machine during the tub washing operation. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature of the washing machine and the sterilization effect.

The washing machine of the first embodiment is a so-called drum-type washing machine in which the rotating shaft 3a of the drum 3 which is the washing tub 3 is arranged in the horizontal direction (including inclination).

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine of the first embodiment includes a housing 1 and a water tank 2 elastically supported in the housing 1. The water tub 2 includes a bottomed cylindrical drum 3 which is a rotatably provided washing tub 3 inside. The drum 3 is arranged so that the rotation axis 3a is inclined forward (in the upper left direction of the drawing) at an angle θ (for example, 10 degrees).

In the following description, the door 25 side is defined as the front, the motor 7 side is defined as the rear, the detergent charging device 10 side is defined as the upper side, and the drainage path 12 side is defined as the lower side.

The drum 3 includes a plurality of baffles 4 protruding inward toward the center of rotation of the drum 3 and a large number of small holes 5 communicating with the inside of the water tank 2 on the inner peripheral side surface. Further, the drum 3 includes an opening 6 provided on the front surface side. The user can put laundry such as clothes into the drum 3 (hereinafter, may be referred to as “object to be washed”) and take it out from the drum 3 through the opening 6.

The water tank 2 is attached to the rear surface and includes a motor 7 that rotationally drives the drum 3. The motor 7 is composed of, for example, a brushless DC motor controlled by an inverter. The rotation speed of the motor 7 is variably driven by inverter control.

The water supply pipe 8 for supplying washing water into the water tank 2 is connected to, for example, a tap (not shown) of a water supply, and includes a water supply valve 9 which is a water supply unit. The water supply pipe 8 is communicated with the detergent charging device 10 for charging the detergent. The detergent charging device 10 is communicated with the water tank 2 via the water supply channel 11. As a result, the washing water flows from the water supply pipe 8 through the detergent charging device 10 and the water supply channel 11 and is supplied into the water tank 2. It should be noted that the washing water includes not only the water in which the detergent is dissolved but also the meaning of mere water.

The drainage path 12 includes a drain valve 13 which is a drainage portion, a drainage filter 14, and the like.

When the drain valve 13 is opened, the washing water supplied into the water tank 2 goes out of the machine from the drain port 15 provided at the bottom of the water tank 2 via the drain filter 14, the drain valve 13, and the drain path 12. It is discharged. The drainage filter 14 is arranged at a position where the washing water circulates during washing, and collects, for example, a button that has come off the object to be washed. The drainage filter 14 is arranged so as to be removable from the front surface side of the housing 1.

The circulation water channel 16 is arranged so as to guide the washing water in the water tank 2 from the drain port 15 of the water tank 2 to the opening 6 side of the drum 3 located at the front portion in the water tank 2. The circulation water channel 16 includes a pump 17 for circulating washing water, a discharge port 18, and the like. The pump 17 is installed at the bottom of the housing 1 and is arranged on the downstream side of the drainage filter 14. By driving the pump 17, the washing water in the water tank 2 is discharged from the discharge port 18 toward the inside of the drum 3.

The heater 19 constitutes a heating portion for heating the water stored in the water tank 2, and is arranged near the bottom portion in the water tank 2. The heater 19 is arranged at a position where it is submerged when a predetermined amount of water is stored in the water tank 2.

The water amount detection unit 20 detects the amount of washing water supplied to the water tank 2. The temperature detection unit 21 is arranged near the drain port 15 of the water tank 2 and detects the temperature of the water in the water tank 2. The temperature detection unit 21 is composed of, for example, a thermistor.

The cloth amount detecting unit 23 detects the amount of the object to be cleaned that is put into the drum 3. The rotation detection unit 24 detects the driving amount of the drum 3, for example, the rotation speed.

The control unit 22 is arranged in the housing 1 and controls various components based on the input information to execute a washing operation, a tub washing operation, and the like.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 22 has the amount of the object to be cleaned detected by the cloth amount detection unit 23, the amount of washing water detected by the water amount detection unit 20, and the temperature detection unit 21. The detected water temperature and the driving amount (for example, the number of rotations) of the drum 3 detected by the rotation detection unit 24 are input as information.

Then, the control unit 22 controls the motor 7, the water supply valve 9, the drain valve 13, the pump 17, the heater 19, and the like based on the input information, and sequentially controls the washing step, the rinsing step, the dehydration step, and the like. , Perform a washing operation.

Further, the control unit 22 executes a tank cleaning operation described later to clean the water tank 2, the drum 3, the circulating water channel 16, and the like.

When using the washing machine, the user first opens the door 25 provided on the front surface of the housing 1 so as to be openable and closable. As a result, the object to be cleaned can be taken in and out through the opening 6 of the drum 3 provided on the front surface side of the drum 3.

The operation display unit 26 is arranged at the upper part on the front surface side of the housing 1. The user can input the setting for operating the washing machine via the operation display unit 26. Further, the operation display unit 26 displays the setting contents and the operation status of the washing machine. As a result, the user can grasp the setting contents and the driving situation, and can correct the setting contents as necessary.

As described above, the washing machine of the first embodiment is configured.

Hereinafter, the operation and operation of the washing machine in the washing operation and the tub washing operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

First, the operation and action in the washing operation for washing the laundry to be washed will be described.

In the washing operation, the user opens the door 25 and puts the object to be cleaned into the drum 3 through the opening 6.

Next, the user turns on (ON) the power switch (not shown) of the operation display unit 26, and presses, for example, the start switch (not shown). As a result, the washing operation including the washing step, the rinsing step, the dehydration step and the like is sequentially started.

In the washing operation, a washing step is first performed.

When the washing step is started, the control unit 22 first detects the amount (for example, weight) of the object to be washed put into the drum 3 by the cloth amount detecting unit 23. Specifically, the cloth amount detecting unit 23 detects the amount of the object to be cleaned from the torque amount applied to the motor 7 and the current value of the motor 7 when the drum 3 is rotationally driven by the motor 7.

Next, the control unit 22 sets the amount of water to be supplied into the water tank 2 according to the amount of the object to be cleaned detected by the cloth amount detection unit 23. Further, the control unit 22 sets a time for executing each step such as a washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydration step. Further, the control unit 22 determines a reference detergent amount from a preset amount of detergent according to the amount of the object to be cleaned, and displays it on the operation display unit 26. At this time, the user puts the laundry detergent in a detergent container (not shown) in the detergent charging device 10 in advance.

Next, the control unit 22 automatically injects an appropriate amount of detergent in the detergent container into the water tank 2 by a tube pump (not shown) according to the amount of the charged object to be cleaned.

Specifically, the control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 9. As a result, the water supplied from the tap water flows through the water supply channel 11 as washing water together with the injected detergent via the detergent charging device 10, and is supplied into the water tank 2. At this time, since the drain valve 13 is closed, the washing water collects at the bottom of the water tank 2. The washing water collected in the water tank 2 flows into the drum 3 through the small holes 5 on the outer peripheral side surface of the drum 3.

Depending on the setting of the user, the laundry detergent may be manually added by the user according to the guideline of the amount of detergent displayed on the operation display unit 26 without automatically adding the detergent.

Next, the control unit 22 detects the amount of water supplied to the water tank 2 by the water amount detecting unit 20. Then, the control unit 22 closes the water supply valve 9 when the set amount of water is supplied according to the amount of the object to be cleaned. At this time, the control unit 22 rotationally drives the drum 3 in one direction by the motor 7, for example, at a rotation speed of 20 rpm, so that the object to be cleaned rolls in the drum 3 during water supply. This accelerates the penetration of washing water into the object to be washed. At this time, the amount of water in the water tank 2 generally drops from the set water level due to the absorption of the washing water into the object to be washed. Therefore, the control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 9 again, replenishes the water tank 2 with a reduced amount of water, and returns the water level to the set water level. This does not apply if the water level does not drop from the set water level.

Next, when the water supply is finished, the control unit 22 drives the pump 17. As a result, the washing water collected at the bottom of the water tank 2 is guided from the drain port 15 to the circulation water channel 16. The washing water guided to the circulation water channel 16 flows in the circulation water channel 16. Then, it is discharged into the drum 3 from the discharge port 18 of the circulation water channel 16. The discharged washing water flows out from the small hole 5 of the drum 3 into the water tank 2, and is circulated again from the drain port 15 through the circulation water channel 16. As a result, the cleaning water sufficiently permeates the object to be cleaned.

Next, the control unit 22 executes so-called tap washing of the object to be cleaned. Specifically, the beating wash is executed by driving the drum 3 at a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 42 rpm) alternately in the forward and reverse rotations at a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) by the motor 7. To. In tapping, the object to be washed is first lifted by the baffle 4 in the direction of rotation of the drum 3. After that, the object to be cleaned falls from the upper part in the lifted drum 3. As a result, the object to be cleaned is washed.

Then, the control unit 22 executes the washing step for a set predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). After that, the control unit 22 opens the drain valve 13 to discharge the washing water from the washing machine to the outside of the machine. This completes the washing step of the washing operation.

Next, the control unit 22 executes the rinsing step and the dehydration step in this order after the washing step is completed. Then, the control unit 22 ends the washing operation. Detailed description of the rinsing step and the dehydration step will be omitted.

The above-mentioned washing water is a general term for water used in a washing machine. That is, the washing water includes water containing no detergent supplied to the washing machine, washing water containing the added detergent and the like, and rinsing water for washing away detergent components and dirt in the rinsing step.

Hereinafter, the tub washing operation of the washing machine will be described with reference to FIG.

The tank washing operation is an operation operation for washing the water tank 2, the drum 3, the circulating water channel 16, and the like, which is executed separately from the washing operation.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the tank cleaning operation is composed of each step such as a tank cleaning step, a drainage step, a rinsing step, and a drainage step, and is executed in order.

In the tank cleaning operation, the user first turns on the power switch (not shown) of the operation display unit 26 to set the tank cleaning operation. After setting, the user presses, for example, a start switch (not shown). As a result, the tank cleaning operation is started.

In the tank cleaning operation, the tank cleaning step is first performed.

The control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 9 when the tank cleaning step is started. As a result, the water supplied from the tap water is supplied into the water tank 2 via the detergent charging device 10. At this time, the laundry detergent is put into the water tank 2 as in the washing step of the washing operation. Then, the water collected at the bottom of the water tank 2 flows into the drum 3 through the small holes 5 on the outer peripheral side surface of the drum 3.

Next, the control unit 22 detects the amount of water supplied to the water tank 2 by the water amount detecting unit 20. At this time, in each step of the tank washing operation of the first embodiment, the amount of water to be supplied is set to, for example, two stages of the water level "low" and "high", and in the tank washing step, the water level is set to "low". Will be done. That is, when the water amount detection unit 20 detects a predetermined water level "low", the control unit 22 closes the water supply valve 9. The water level "low" corresponds to the amount at which the heater 19 is submerged in the supplied water and the lower part of the drum 3 comes into contact with the water.

The user may set the amount of the laundry detergent to be added to the detergent charging device 10 in advance according to the type of detergent (for example, powder or liquid).

Next, after supplying water, the control unit 22 energizes the heater 19 to heat the water having a temperature T0 stored in the bottom of the water tank 2 to a set temperature T1. Specifically, the control unit 22 controls the amount of electricity supplied to the heater 19 based on the output (detection temperature) of the temperature detection unit 21. As a result, water evaporates with heating, and steam is generated in the water tank 2. At this time, since the lower part of the drum 3 is in contact with the heated hot water, the drum 3 is directly heated by the hot water. As a result, the drum 3 having a large mass and heat capacity is efficiently heated, and the temperature in the water tank 2 can be rapidly raised.

Next, the control unit 22 rotationally drives the drum 3 with the rotation control S0 almost simultaneously with the energization of the heater 19. As a result, the peripheral side surface of the drum 3 and the like are heated with warm water. Further, the rotation of the drum 3 agitates the hot water and promotes the generation of steam. That is, the drum 3 is rotationally driven while the temperature is raised by heating the water in the water tank 2. Therefore, the inside of the water tank 2 can be quickly heated from the stage where the inside of the water tank 2 is low temperature.

At this time, if the rotation speed of the drum 3 is higher than that during the washing step of the washing operation, foaming of the detergent is likely to occur. However, at the time of the washing step, laundry such as clothes is put into the drum 3. Therefore, the surfactant of the detergent is adsorbed on the laundry, and the foaming of the detergent is suppressed. On the other hand, in the tub washing operation, the drum 3 is rotated in a state where the laundry is not put into the drum 3. Therefore, as the drum 3 rotates, foaming due to the detergent's surfactant becomes intense. Therefore, in the tank cleaning operation, as shown in FIG. 3, the drum 3 is driven by the rotation control S0. The rotation control S0 is, for example, a control operation that repeats "20 rpm, 5 seconds drive, and 25 seconds stop".

Next, when the temperature detection unit 21 detects that the water temperature has reached the set temperature T1, the control unit 22 controls the heater 19 so as to maintain the temperature near the set temperature T1 for a predetermined time. For example, when the set temperature T1 is 60 ° C., the control unit 22 turns off the heater 19 when the water temperature reaches 60 ° C. Then, when the water temperature drops to 59 ° C., the control unit 22 turns on the heater 19 again. The ON / OFF control is repeated to maintain the water temperature near 60 ° C., which is the set temperature T1.

When the water temperature reaches the set temperature T1, the control unit 22 drives the drum 3 with the rotation control S2. The rotation control S2 is, for example, a control operation that repeats "40 rpm, 10 seconds drive, and 10 seconds stop". As a result, the hot water is agitated by the rotation of the drum 3. As a result, the water tank 2 and the drum 3 are effectively washed with the agitated hot water.

That is, the inside of the water tank 2 can be sterilized by heating the inside of the water tank 2 with steam or hot water. At this time, for sterilization, it is desirable to raise the temperature in the water tank 2 to 50 ° C. or higher and 90 ° C. or lower. In general, the higher the temperature, the more advantageous in eradicating molds and bacteria. However, when the set temperature T1 is set to a high temperature, it is necessary to consider the heat resistant temperature of the resin material which is the structure of the washing machine. Further, it takes time to heat the water supplied into the water tank 2 to the high temperature set temperature T1. Therefore, the set temperature T1 is set in the above temperature range because the same effect as at high temperature can be exhibited in a shorter time and at low temperature.

Here, the relationship between the heating temperature and retention time for mold and the sterilization effect will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the heating temperature and retention time for mold and the sterilization effect. Each heating temperature shown in FIG. 4 has a magnitude relationship of temperature a <temperature b <temperature c. Specifically, for example, the temperature a = 45 ° C., the temperature b = 48 ° C., and the temperature c = 50 ° C.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lower the heating temperature, the longer it takes to kill molds and fungi. That is, it is confirmed that the higher the heating temperature is, the more advantageous it is in order to reduce the number of inhabiting molds and fungi in a shorter time.

For example, the time required to reduce the bacterial count from 1.0E + 07 to 1.0E + 05 is compared. The temperature a is more than 10 minutes, while the temperature c is shortened to less than 5 minutes. Also, compare the number of bacteria that decreases with the same retention time. During the holding time of 0 to 5 minutes, the number of bacteria decreases from 1.0E + 07 to 1.0E + 06 at the temperature a, whereas the number of bacteria decreases from 1.0E + 07 to less than 1.0E + 02 at the temperature c. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the set temperature T1 is set to the above 50 ° C.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 22 drives the pump 17 when the water temperature reaches the set temperature T1. As a result, the heated water in the water tank 2 flows through the circulation water channel 16 and circulates. Specifically, the heated water is sucked from the drain port 15 at the bottom of the water tank 2, passes through the drain filter 14, and is guided to the circulation water channel 16. The water that has flowed into the circulation water channel 16 is discharged from the discharge port 18 into the drum 3. Then, the water discharged into the drum 3 flows out into the water tank 2 from the small hole 5 of the drum 3, and is circulated again through the circulation water channel 16 from the drain port 15.

As a result, bacteria and molds living in the route of the circulating water channel 16 are killed. As a result, bacteria and molds living in the route can be eradicated more reliably. At this time, it is preferable to drive the pump 17 at a low speed to bring bacteria and mold into contact with warm water for a long time. Specifically, it is preferable to drive the pump 17 so that the hot water flows in the circulation channel 16 without staying at a speed that allows the hot water to flow. The pump 17 may be driven either continuously or intermittently.

Then, the control unit 22 executes the tank cleaning step for a predetermined time set in advance (for example, 10 minutes after reaching the set temperature T1), and stops the energization of the heater 19.

Next, the control unit 22 executes the drainage step of the tank cleaning operation following the tank cleaning step.

In the drainage step, the control unit 22 opens the drainage valve 13 as shown in FIG. As a result, water containing dirt in the water tank 2 and the circulation water channel 16 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drainage path 12.

Next, the control unit 22 executes a rinsing step following the drainage step.

The rinsing step is a step of peeling off the detergent added in the tank washing step and the removed dirt from the wall surface of the water tank 2 and the drum 3 and washing them away.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 9 to supply water into the water tank 2. At this time, the water level to be supplied is set to a water level "high", which is higher than the water level "low" at the time of the tank washing step. Then, when water is stored in the water tank 2 to a predetermined water level "high", the control unit 22 closes the water supply valve 9. As a result, the lower part of the drum 3 is sufficiently immersed in water. At this time, the control unit 22 does not operate the detergent charging device 10 and does not charge the laundry detergent into the water tank 2. Therefore, the water supplied into the water tank 2 is tap water.

Next, the control unit 22 controls the drum 3 with the rotation control S3 while the drum 3 is immersed in water. The rotation control S3 is an operation of controlling the rotation to the left at 120 rpm for 1 minute and then to the right at 100 rpm for 1 minute. At this time, the water in the water tank 2 that has increased to the water level "high" due to the water supply is wound upward by the high-speed rotation of the drum 3 and reaches the inner surface on the upper side of the water tank 2.

That is, by executing the rinsing step after the tank cleaning step, the dirt such as bacteria, mold, and biofilm on the upper surface of the water tank 2 that died in the tank cleaning step is removed by the rolled up water on the wall surface of the water tank 2 and the drum 3. It is peeled off from. As a result, dirt such as dead bacteria, mold, and biofilm adhering to the vicinity of the upper surface of the water tank 2 can be washed away more reliably.

Further, the control unit 22 drives the pump 17 when the water amount detection unit 20 detects a set amount of water level “high”. As a result, the water in the water tank 2 flows through the circulation water channel 16 and circulates. As a result, stains and detergents such as bacteria, molds, and biofilms that have adhered to the wall surface in the circulating water channel 16 and have died in the tank cleaning step are washed away.

Then, the control unit 22 executes the rinsing step for a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) set in advance.

Next, the control unit 22 executes a drainage step following the rinsing step.

In the drainage step, the control unit 22 first opens the drainage valve 13. As a result, the water in the water tank 2 and the circulation water channel 16 including the dirt washed away in the rinsing step is drained to the outside of the machine.

After drainage, the control unit 22 rotates the drum 3 at a high speed (for example, 300 rpm) for a short time as shown in FIG. As a result, water droplets and the like adhering to the drum 3 are blown into the water tank 2 by centrifugal force and discharged to the outside of the machine through the drainage path 12. Then, the tank cleaning operation is completed.

As described above, the washing machine of the first embodiment includes a drum 3 rotatably provided in the water tank 2, a motor 7 for rotationally driving the drum 3, a water supply valve 9 for supplying water into the water tank 2, and a water tank 2. A drain valve 13 for draining the water inside, a heater 19 for heating the water stored in the water tank 2, a temperature detection unit 21 for detecting the temperature of the water in the water tank 2, and a washing operation and a tank washing operation are controlled. The control unit 22 is included. In the tank cleaning operation, the control unit 22 supplies water into the water tank 2 by the water supply valve 9, puts laundry detergent into the water tank 2, and heats the water stored in the water tank 2 by the heater 19. Further, when the temperature detection unit 21 detects that the water in the water tank 2 has been heated to a predetermined temperature, the control unit 22 rotates and drives the drum 3 to agitate the water in the water tank 2. ..

According to this configuration, the water containing the laundry detergent is agitated in a state where the water temperature has risen. As a result, foaming of the laundry detergent can be suppressed, and the tub cleaning can be performed with the laundry detergent without using a special detergent for tub cleaning.

Further, the washing machine of the first embodiment has a circulation water channel 16 provided so as to guide the water in the water tank 2 from the bottom of the water tank 2 into the drum 3, and a pump 17 that circulates the water in the water tank 2 through the circulation water channel 16. And have. Then, the control unit 22 is configured to drive the pump 17 and circulate the water in the water tank 2 through the circulation water channel 16 in the tank cleaning operation.

According to this configuration, heated water is allowed to flow through the circulating water channel 16 to kill bacteria and molds inhabiting the circulating water channel 16. Further, the dead bacteria, mold, biofilm and other stains are peeled off from the circulating water channel 16 and discharged to the outside of the machine. As a result, it is possible to clean the inner surface of pipes around water such as a circulating water channel 16 where the humidity is high and it easily becomes a habitat for fungi and molds. As a result, it is possible to suppress the reattachment of stains to clothes at the next washing operation.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The washing machine of the second embodiment is different from the washing machine of the first embodiment in that the washing detergent is added after the water in the water tub 2 is heated to a predetermined temperature in the tub washing step of the tub washing operation. different. Since the other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same configuration is designated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description will refer to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing machine during the tub washing operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the tank cleaning operation of the second embodiment is composed of each step such as a tank cleaning step, a drainage step, a rinsing step, and a drainage step, and is executed in order, as in the first embodiment.

In the following, the tank cleaning step of the tank cleaning operation, which is different from the first embodiment, will be described in detail.

In the tank cleaning operation, the control unit 22 first opens the water supply valve 9 when the tank cleaning step is started. As a result, the water supplied from the tap water flows through the water supply pipe 8 and is supplied into the water tank 2 via the detergent input device 10 and the water supply channel 11. At this time, the laundry detergent is charged into the detergent charging device 10 in advance, but the control unit 22 uses the detergent until the water stored in the water tank 2 is heated to a predetermined temperature (set temperature T1). Do not operate the loading device 10. Therefore, in the initial stage of water supply, the laundry detergent is not put into the water tank 2, and only water is supplied.

Next, when the water amount detecting unit 20 detects that the water has been supplied to the water level "low", the control unit 22 energizes the heater 19 to heat the water having a temperature T0 stored in the bottom of the water tank 2. At the same time, the control unit 22 rotationally drives the drum 3 with the rotation control S1. As a result, the peripheral side surface of the drum 3 and the like are heated with warm water. Further, the rotation of the drum 3 agitates the heated water and promotes the generation of steam. That is, the drum 3 is rotationally driven while the temperature is raised by heating the water in the water tank 2. Therefore, the inside of the water tank 2 can be quickly heated from the stage where the inside of the water tank 2 is low temperature.

At this time, in the second embodiment, the laundry detergent is not put into the water tank 2. Therefore, the rotation speed of the drum 3 can be set higher than that in the case where the laundry detergent of the first embodiment is charged. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the drum 3 is controlled by the rotation control S1 instead of the rotation control S0. The rotation control S1 is, for example, a control operation that continuously drives at 40 rpm.

Next, when the temperature detection unit 21 detects that the water temperature has reached the set temperature T1, the control unit 22 operates the detergent charging device 10 to charge the laundry detergent into the water tank 2. At this time, at the same time, the control unit 22 drives the drum 3 with the rotation control S2. The rotation control S2 is a control operation that repeats, for example, "40 rpm, 10 seconds drive, and 10 seconds stop" as in the first embodiment. As a result, the water containing the laundry detergent is agitated in a state where the water temperature has risen. Therefore, foaming of the laundry detergent is suppressed. As a result, the tub can be washed with the laundry detergent without using the special detergent for tub cleaning.

As described above, the washing machine of the second embodiment has a detergent charging device 10 for charging the laundry detergent into the water tank 2. Then, the control unit 22 is configured to charge the laundry detergent by the detergent charging device 10 when the water stored in the water tank 2 is heated to a predetermined temperature.

According to this configuration, when the water temperature is low, the laundry detergent is not added, so that the drum 3 does not foam even if the drum 3 is rotationally driven while the water temperature is rising. Therefore, the water tank 2 and the drum 3 can be washed with the water being heated. In addition, the stirring time of the water stored in the water tank 2 driven by the rotation of the drum 3 can be lengthened. Therefore, the temperature inside the water tank 2 can be efficiently raised while the temperature of the water is rising.

As described above, the washing machine of the present invention has a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub, a motor for rotating the washing tub, a water supply unit for supplying water to the water tub, and draining water in the water tub. It includes a drainage unit, a heating unit that heats the water stored in the water tank, a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the water in the water tank, and a control unit that controls the washing operation and the tank washing operation. In the tank washing operation, the control unit inputs the laundry detergent into the water tank, supplies water in the water tank by the water supply unit, and heats the water stored in the water tank by the heating unit. Further, when the temperature detection unit detects that the water in the water tub has been heated to a predetermined temperature, the control unit is configured to rotate and drive the washing tub to agitate the water in the water tub.

According to this configuration, the water containing the laundry detergent is agitated in a state where the water temperature has risen. As a result, foaming of the laundry detergent can be suppressed, and the tub cleaning can be performed with the laundry detergent without using a special detergent for tub cleaning.

Further, the washing machine of the present invention has a detergent charging device for charging a laundry detergent into a water tank. Then, it is desirable that the control unit has a configuration in which the laundry detergent is charged by the detergent charging device when the water stored in the water tank is heated to a predetermined temperature.

According to this configuration, when the water temperature is low, the laundry detergent is not added, so that the washing tub does not foam even if the washing tub is rotationally driven while the water temperature is rising. Therefore, the water tub and the washing tub can be washed with the water being heated. In addition, the stirring time of the water stored in the water tank can be long. Therefore, the temperature in the water tank can be efficiently raised during the temperature rise.

Further, the washing machine of the present invention has a circulation water channel that guides the water in the water tank from the bottom of the water tank to the inside of the washing tank, and a pump that circulates the water in the water tank through the circulation water channel. Then, in the tank cleaning operation, the control unit is preferably configured to drive a pump and circulate the water in the water tank through the circulation water channel.

According to this configuration, heated water can be flowed through the circulating water channel to kill bacteria and molds living in the circulating water channel. Furthermore, dead bacteria, mold, biofilm, and other stains can be peeled off from the circulating water channel and discharged to the outside of the machine. As a result, it is possible to clean the inner surface of the pipe around the water, which has high humidity and tends to be a habitat for bacteria and mold. As a result, it is possible to suppress the reattachment of dirt to clothes at the time of the next washing operation.

According to the present invention, tub cleaning can be performed using a laundry detergent. Therefore, it is useful for washing machines and the like where it is desired to suppress running costs and the like.

1 housing 2 water tank 3 drum (washing tub)
3a Rotating shaft 4 Baffle 5 Small hole 6 Opening 7 Motor 8 Water supply piping 9 Water supply valve (water supply section)
10 Detergent injection device 11 Water supply channel 12 Drainage route 13 Drain valve (drainage section)
14 Drainage filter 15 Drainage port 16 Circulation water channel 17 Pump 18 Discharge port 19 Heater (heating part)
20 Water amount detection unit 21 Temperature detection unit 22 Control unit 23 Cloth amount detection unit 24 Rotation detection unit 25 Door 26 Operation display unit

Claims (3)

A washing tub that is rotatably provided in the aquarium,
A motor that rotationally drives the washing tub and
The water supply unit that supplies water to the aquarium and
A drainage unit that drains water from the aquarium,
A heating unit that heats the water stored in the water tank,
A temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the water in the water tank,
Including a control unit that controls the washing operation and the tub washing operation,
The control unit
In the tank cleaning operation
Putting laundry detergent into the aquarium,
Water supply in the aquarium by the water supply unit and
Heating by the heating part of the water stored in the water tank, and
When the temperature detection unit detects that the water in the water tub has been heated to a predetermined temperature, the washing tub is rotated and controlled to stir the water in the water tub.
Washing machine. A detergent charging device for charging the laundry detergent into the water tank is provided.
When the water stored in the water tank is heated to the predetermined temperature, the control unit charges the laundry detergent by the detergent charging device.
The washing machine according to claim 1. It has a circulation water channel that guides the water in the water tank from the bottom of the water tank to the washing tub, and a pump that circulates the water in the water tank through the circulation water channel.
The control unit
In the tank cleaning operation, the pump is driven to circulate the water in the water tank through the circulation water channel.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 and 2.

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