WO2012147434A1

WO2012147434A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2012147434A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/057438
Authority: WO
Inventors: 下口　浩二
Original assignee: シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2011-04-27
Filing date: 2012-03-23
Publication date: 2012-11-01
Also published as: CN103459703A; JP5198621B2; JP2012228410A; CN103459703B

Abstract

Provided is a washing machine whereby the time required for a rinse step can be reduced without any decline in rinsing performance. A washing machine (10) comprises an outer case (1), a water tank (2), a rotating drum (3), and a steam supply unit (75). The steam supply unit (75) supplies water vapor toward the interior of the rotating drum (3). The washing machine (10) performs a wash step, a rinse step, and a dehydration step in the stated order. The rinse step includes supplying water vapor from the steam supply unit (75) into the rotating drum (3).

Description

Washing machine

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

As a conventional washing machine in which a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process are performed, for example, a drum type washing machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-54941 (Patent Document 1) is known. 16 to 18 are control flowcharts of a rinsing process performed by a conventional washing machine. FIG. 19 is a sequence of a rinsing process performed by a conventional washing machine. As shown in FIG. 19, in the drum type washing machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-54941 (Patent Document 1), in the rinsing process, an intermediate dehydration process, a shower rinsing process, a irrigation / water injection rinsing process, Is done.

JP 2008-54941 A

Referring to FIGS. 17 to 19, the washing machine according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-54941 (Patent Document 1) rotates the rotating drum at a high speed dewatering speed in the intermediate dewatering process before the shower rinsing process. After (Step S911), water is supplied to the water tank (Step S915) while reducing the rotational speed of the rotating drum to the rotational speed of the low-speed dewatering (Step S914). Furthermore, after the amount of water at the set water level is supplied to the water tank (step S919), the circulation pump is turned on (step S923). After the circulation pump is turned on (step S923), shower-like water is put on the laundry, and then the rotating drum rotates again at the high-speed dewatering speed (step S927).

In recent years, in a washing machine such as a drum-type washing machine, there has been a demand from users for suppressing excess power consumption and water consumption.

In the washing machine according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-54941 (Patent Document 1), extra time is generated when water is supplied (steps S915 to S922) and when the rotational speed of the rotating drum is decreased (step S914). Therefore, it takes extra time for the rinsing process. As a result, extra power is consumed or extra water is consumed. Further, water is supplied to the water tank before the shower rinsing, and water is consumed excessively by repeating this water supply for the number of times of shower rinsing.

However, simply reducing the number of shower rinses may reduce the rinse performance.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of shortening the time required for the rinsing process without deteriorating the rinsing performance.

The washing machine according to the present invention includes an outer box, a water tub, a washing tub, and a steam supply unit. The water tank is supported by the outer box and disposed inside the outer box. The washing tub is disposed inside the water tub so as to be able to rotate in a predetermined direction and accommodates the laundry. The steam supply unit supplies steam toward the inside of the washing tub. Moreover, the washing machine according to the present invention sequentially performs a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process. The rinsing process includes supplying steam from the steam supply unit toward the inside of the washing tub.

According to the present invention, relatively high-temperature steam is supplied into the washing tub during the rinsing process. The steam supplied to the washing tub easily diffuses throughout the washing tub even with a relatively small amount of water. Therefore, according to the present invention, even when the amount of water supplied during the rinsing process is relatively small, moisture can be sufficiently permeated into the laundry containing the detergent by the washing process. Therefore, the laundry inside the washing tub can be in a state in which the detergent and moisture contained in the laundry are easily separated from the laundry. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the consumption of excess water without deteriorating the rinsing performance.

Further, according to the present invention, steam is supplied to the washing tub in the rinsing process regardless of the change in the number of rotations of the washing tub. Furthermore, according to the present invention, in the rinsing process, steam is supplied to the washing tub regardless of whether or not water of a predetermined water level is stored in the washing tub a plurality of times. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to shorten or omit the time during which the number of rotations of the washing tub is increased or decreased, and to suppress excessive consumption of water. it can. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time required for the rinsing process without degrading the rinsing performance.

In the washing machine according to the present invention, it is preferable to change the time during which steam is supplied from the steam supply unit in the rinsing process based on the capacity of the laundry stored in the washing tub.

According to this configuration, it is possible to supply the washing tub with an amount of steam suitable for the capacity of the laundry accommodated in the washing tub. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the consumption of excess water.

The washing machine according to the present invention, in the rinsing process, after the intermediate dehydration process, after the intermediate dehydration process, steam is supplied from the steam supply unit toward the inside of the washing tub, and the steam supply process for rotating the washing tub, It is preferable to sequentially perform the irrigation / water injection rinsing process after the steam supply process.

According to this configuration, steam is supplied to the washing tub in the steam supply process and the washing tub is rotated, so that the laundry after the intermediate dehydration process has sufficiently infiltrated moisture into the laundry, The detergent can be separated from the laundry along with moisture by centrifugal force. Therefore, in the washing machine according to the present invention, the laundry can be efficiently rinsed in the rinsing process including the intermediate dehydration process, the steam supply process, and after the steam supply process / the water injection rinse process.

In the washing machine according to the present invention, it is preferable to perform the steam supply process when the washing tub is rotated at a rotation speed equal to or higher than a predetermined rotation speed in the intermediate dehydration process.

According to this configuration, the steam supply process is not performed when the washing tub is not rotating at a rotation speed equal to or higher than the predetermined rotation speed in the intermediate dehydration process. As described above, according to this configuration, the steam can be supplied to the laundry after rotating the washing tub at a desired number of rotations, so that the steam is not supplied unnecessarily. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to further suppress excessive consumption of water and to rinse the laundry efficiently.

The washing machine according to the present invention preferably changes the time during which steam is supplied from the steam supply unit in the steam supply process, based on the number of rotations of the washing tub rotating in the intermediate dehydration process.

According to this configuration, it is possible to supply an amount of steam suitable for the number of rotations of the washing tub detected before the steam supply process to the washing tub. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the consumption of excess water.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine capable of shortening the time required for the rinsing process without deteriorating the rinsing performance.

It is a perspective view which shows the whole washing machine of this invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a cross section taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2. It is a schematic front view of the water tub of the washing machine of the present invention. It is a control block diagram of the washing machine of the present invention. It is the sequence of the rinse process performed with the washing machine of this invention. It is a control flowchart of the rinse process performed by the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart of the rinse process performed by the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart of the rinse process performed by the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart of the rinse process performed by the washing machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart of the rinse process performed by the washing machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart of the rinse process performed by the washing machine which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart of the rinse process performed by the washing machine which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart of the rinse process performed by the washing machine which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart of the rinse process performed by the washing machine which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart of the rinse process performed with the conventional washing machine. It is a control flowchart of the rinse process performed with the conventional washing machine. It is a control flowchart of the rinse process performed with the conventional washing machine. It is the sequence of the rinse process performed with the conventional washing machine.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a washing machine 10 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 10 includes an outer box 1. The outer box 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The outer box 1 forms the outer shape of the main body of the washing machine 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine 10 includes a water tub 2 and a rotating drum 3 as a washing tub. The washing machine 10 is a fully automatic drum type washing and drying machine.

The rotating drum 3 is disposed inside the water tank 2 so as to be able to rotate in a predetermined direction. The rotating drum 3 rotates around a rotation axis L2 extending in a direction inclined from the horizontal direction L1. An angle θ formed by the rotation axis L2 of the rotary drum 3 and the horizontal direction L1 is, for example, 5 ° to 30 °. However, the rotation axis L2 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the horizontal direction L1.

Rotating drum 3 stores laundry. A plurality of small holes 27 for water supply, drainage, and ventilation are formed in the peripheral wall 3a and the bottom 3b of the rotary drum 3. In addition, illustration of the small hole formed in the bottom part 3b is abbreviate | omitted.

The peripheral wall 3 a is a cylindrical part of the rotating drum 3. In the washing machine 10, the peripheral wall 3a has a substantially cylindrical shape. The peripheral wall 3a extends in a direction parallel to the direction in which the rotation axis L2 extends. A plurality of baffles 28 are arranged on the peripheral wall 3a. The baffle 28 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis L2. Further, the baffle 28 protrudes from the peripheral wall 3a inward in the radial direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis L2. A liquid balancer 29 is attached outside the edge of the opening 26 of the rotary drum 3.

The water tank 2 has a bottomed cylindrical shape. The water tank 2 is disposed inside the outer box 1 and supported by the outer box 1. The water tank 2 is elastically supported by a damper 6. The rotating drum 3 is accommodated in the space inside the water tank 2. A counterweight (not shown) is attached to the lower part of the water tank 2. A plurality of counterweights may be attached to the water tank 2 in order to balance the entire water tank 2. The counterweight may be attached to the upper part of the water tank 2. A motor 4 is attached to the outer surface of the bottom of the water tank 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 11 is disposed on the upper part of the front surface of the outer box 1. The operation panel 11 has operation keys, a display unit, and the like. When the user operates the operation keys on the operation panel 11, a washing process, a rinsing process, a dehydrating process, and a drying process are sequentially performed, or each process is performed independently.

An outer door 8 is attached to the approximate center of the front of the outer box 1. The opening 7 of the outer box 1 is disposed in front of the opening 15 of the water tank 2. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the outer door 8 opens and closes the opening 15 of the water tank 2 together with the opening 7 of the outer box 1. By opening the outer door 8, the laundry is put into the rotating drum 3 through the opening 7 of the outer box 1, the opening 15 of the water tank 2, and the opening 26 of the rotating drum 3, or the laundry is discharged from the rotating drum 3. It can be taken out. The outer door 8 has a transparent window 81. Thereby, the user of the washing machine 10 can visually recognize the inside of the rotating drum 3 from the outside of the outer box 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, a packing 16 formed of an elastic body such as rubber is attached to the edge of the opening 15 of the water tank 2. The packing 16 connects the opening 7 of the outer box 1 and the water tank 2. The packing 16 seals between the opening 7 of the outer box 1 and the outer door 8.

A detergent case 34, a water supply port 40 for tap water, a water supply port 39 for bath water, and a water level sensor 33 are arranged on the upper side of the outer box 1. The user puts a detergent, a bleaching agent, a softening agent or the like necessary for washing into the detergent case 34.

Tap water out of the water supplied to the water tank 2 flows into the outer box 1 from the water supply port 40. On the other hand, of the water supplied to the aquarium 2, the water stored in a bath tub (not shown) flows into the outer box 1 from the water supply port 39. A water supply valve 38 is disposed in a water supply path 36 extending from the tap water supply port 40 to the detergent case 34. On the other hand, a pump 37 is disposed in a water supply path 35 extending from the bath water supply port 39 to the detergent case 34.

A water supply duct 41 extends between the lower part of the detergent case 34 and the upper part of the water tank 2. Water containing detergent or the like stored in the detergent case 34 or water not containing detergent (hereinafter referred to as washing water) flows into the water tank 2 through the water supply duct 41. On the other hand, a drain port 17 is formed in the lower part of the water tank 2. The washing water stored in the water tank 2 flows out from the drain port 17 to the drain duct 18.

A filter case 19 is connected to the drain duct 18. A resin or metal lint filter 30 is accommodated in the filter case 19. Foreign matter such as lint contained in the washing water passing through the filter case 19 is removed by the lint filter 30. The space inside the filter case 19 communicates with the space inside the air trap 31. Part of the water that has flowed into the filter case 19 flows into the air trap 31.

The air trap 31 and the water level sensor 33 are connected by a pressure guiding pipe 32. The water level sensor 33 detects the water level in the water tank 2. The water level sensor 33 contains a coil and a magnetic material. The magnetic body inside the water level sensor 33 moves in the coil in accordance with the change in air pressure inside the air trap 31. The water level sensor 33 is disposed at a position higher than the upper end of the water tank 2.

By the way, the path through which the wash water after passing through the filter case 19 from the drain duct 18 flows out of the outer box 1 by circulating the drain hose 20 according to the opening and closing of the drain valve 24, The path returning to the inside of the water tank 2 by switching the circulation hose 21 is switched.

The drain valve 24 is attached to the end of the drain hose 20 on the filter case 19 side. The drain valve 24 is opened and closed by a drain motor 25. The drain motor 25 is controlled by the control device 5.

When the drain valve 24 is closed, the wash water stored in the water tank 2 is circulated through the circulation hose 21 after passing through the filter case 19 from the drain duct 18 by driving the circulation pump 23. It is sent to the shower nozzle 22. The washing water sent to the shower nozzle 22 is supplied again to the rotating drum 3 from the shower nozzle 22.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drying unit 50 includes a blower 52, a hot air unit 53, and a cooling plate 51 (see FIG. 4). The blower 52 is attached to the lower rear portion of the water tank 2. The blower 52 sucks in air that has been cooled and dehumidified by the cooling plate 51. The blower 52 blows the sucked air to the warm air unit 53. The blower 52 and the water tank 2 are configured such that washing water flows into the blower 52. A fan (not shown) or the like is disposed inside the blower 52. The fan or the like is washed by the washing water flowing into the blower 52.

The hot air unit 53 includes a drying heater 54, a heater case 55, and a blower case 56. The drying heater 54 is constituted by a sheathed heater or the like. The heater case 55 accommodates most of the drying heater 54. The blower case 56 is for guiding the air heated by the drying heater 54 to the inside of the rotary drum 3.

The drying heater 54 is disposed beside the cooling plate 51 and between the lower part of the water tank 2 and the lower part of the rotating drum 3. The drying heater 54 heats the air blown by the blower 52. The air cooled and dehumidified by the cooling plate 51 is blown to the drying heater 54 by the blower 52. In the drying heater 54, the blown air is heated. Further, the heater case 55 and the water tank 2 are configured such that washing water flows into the heater case 55. Thereby, the heater 54 for drying can be immersed in washing water. The temperature of the washing water rises by heating the drying heater 54 soaked in the washing water. Thus, in the washing machine 10, the laundry can be washed or rinsed with the washing water whose temperature has increased.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cooling plate 51 is disposed between the lower part of the water tank 2 and the lower part of the rotating drum 3. The cooling plate 51 is cooled by cooling water supplied from the water supply hose 57 during operation of the drying unit 50, that is, during the drying process. When the air containing moisture evaporated from the laundry comes into contact with the cooled cooling plate 51, moisture in the air is condensed. Thereby, the air containing the moisture evaporated from the laundry is dehumidified. The air thus dehumidified is sucked into the blower 52.

The air outlet of the blower case 56 is located between the lower edge of the opening 15 of the water tank 2 and the lower edge of the opening 26 of the rotating drum 3. The air heated by the drying heater 54 is blown into the rotary drum 3 from this blowout port. Drying of the laundry inside the rotating drum 3 proceeds by the heated air blown out inside the rotating drum 3.

A water supply valve 58 (see FIG. 5) for cooling water is attached to the water supply hose 57. The water supply hose 57 is connected to the detergent case 34, the water supply path 36 extending from the water supply opening 40 to the detergent case 34, or the water supply path 35 extending from the water supply opening 39 for bath water to the detergent case 34. When the water supply valve 58 for cooling water is opened, water is supplied to the cooling plate 51 from the water supply port 40 for tap water or the water supply port 39 for bath water through the water supply hose 57. In this way, the supply of cooling water to the cooling plate 51 is started and stopped in accordance with the opening and closing of the water supply valve 58.

2, the upper end portion of the circulation hose 21 is connected to the shower nozzle 22. On the other hand, the lower end of the circulation hose 21 is connected to the circulation pump 23. The circulation pump 23 is disposed behind the filter case 19.

The shower nozzle 22 injects shower-like water when supplying the water flowing through the circulation hose 21 into the rotary drum 3. As shown in FIG. 3, a lid member 45 is attached to the shower nozzle 22. A part of the ejection port 46 of the shower nozzle 22 is closed by a lid member 45. Specifically, the lid member 45 closes the lower portion of the ejection port 46. On the other hand, the upper part of the injection port 46 is opened. The water sprayed from the upper part of the spray port 46 of the shower nozzle 22 diffuses inside the rotary drum 3 in a fan shape. Therefore, the water sprayed from the shower nozzle 22 falls on the entire inner peripheral surface of the rotary drum 3. For example, in order to be described later / in the rinsing process or the washing process, washing water is ejected from the ejection port 46 of the shower nozzle 22.

The washing machine 10 includes a steam supply unit 75 that supplies steam toward the inside of the rotary drum 3. The steam supply unit 75 includes at least a steam generator 70 and a hose 73 for supplying steam. The tip of the hose 73 is disposed inside the edge of the opening 15 of the water tank 2 and faces the inside of the rotating drum 3.

One end of a water supply channel 74 is connected to the steam generator 70. Although not shown, the other end of the water supply channel 74 is connected to the detergent case 34. However, the other end of the water supply channel 74 may be connected to the water supply channel 36 for tap water, or may be connected to the water supply channel 35 for bath water. The steam generator 70 generates steam using water supplied via the water supply channel 74. The generated steam flows through the hose 73 and is ejected to the rotating drum 3. The steam ejected from the hose 73 into the rotary drum 3 is uniformly applied to the laundry accommodated in the rotary drum 3. Note that the steam ST shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 schematically shows the steam supplied to the inside of the rotary drum 3, and does not indicate the speed of the steam flow or the amount of steam.

Also, the upper end of the circulation hose 72 is connected to the steam generator 70. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower end portion of the circulation hose 72 is connected to the branch valve 71. The branch valve 71 is attached to the circulation hose 21. The branch valve 71 switches between the circulation hose 21 and the circulation hose 72 so that the water flows after passing through the filter case 19 from the drain duct 18 when the drain valve 24 is closed.

When the branch valve 71 is operated so that the washing water flows through the circulation hose 72, the washing water stored in the water tank 2 passes through the filter case 19 from the drainage duct 18 by driving the circulation pump 23. Then, it is sent to the steam generator 70 by circulating the circulation hose 72. Thus, the steam generator 70 can generate steam using the wash water supplied through the circulation hose 72.

Hereinafter, the control device 5 of the washing machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 5 has a microcomputer 101. The microcomputer 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 104, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 107, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 108, a counting unit 118, a timer 119, a system bus 109, and a plurality of I / Os. An O port 110 is provided. The microcomputer 101 operates when a constant voltage is supplied from the power supply circuit 102 to the power supply terminals Vdd and Vss, and receives a signal from the reset circuit 103 at the RESET terminal. In the washing machine 10, the time required for control is measured by the timer 119.

The CPU 104 includes at least a control unit 105 and a calculation unit 106. The control unit 105 retrieves an instruction stored in the ROM 108 and executes the instruction. Further, the CPU 104 can write information in the nonvolatile memory 111 and read information written in the nonvolatile memory 111.

The microcomputer 101 receives signals from the input key circuit 112 and the state detection circuit 113 via the I / O port 110. The state detection circuit 113 receives a signal transmitted from the water level sensor 33. Further, the state detection circuit 113 receives a signal transmitted from the rotation speed sensor 61 that detects the number of rotations of the rotating drum 3 and a signal transmitted from the vibration sensor 60 that detects an unbalance of rotation of the rotating drum 3. Receive. Moreover, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the temperature sensor which detects the temperature inside the rotating drum 3, or the temperature of the washing water stored in the rotating drum 3 may be connected.

Based on signals transmitted from the input key circuit 112 and the state detection circuit 113, the calculation unit 106 performs calculations necessary for controlling the washing machine 10. The microcomputer 101 controls the display device 114, the buzzer 115, and the load driving circuit 116 based on the calculation result.

The load drive circuit 116 includes a steam generator 70, a branch valve 71, a bath water pump 37, a cooling water supply valve 58, a blower 52, a drying heater 54, a circulation pump 23, a water supply valve 38, and a drainage valve. The motor 25 and the like are driven. Further, the motor 4 is connected to the load drive circuit 116 via an inverter 117. Based on the load drive circuit 116 driving the inverter 117, the rotation speed of the motor 4 is freely changed. In this way, the rotational speed of the rotating drum 3 is freely changed.

FIG. 6 is a sequence of the rinsing process of the washing machine 10 by the control device 5. The rinsing process of the washing machine 10 includes an intermediate dehydration process as a dehydration process before the dehydration process, a steam rinse process as an example of a steam supply process, and a post-steam rinse process / water injection rinse process. ing. In the steam rinsing process, steam is supplied from the steam supply unit 75 toward the inside of the rotating drum 3 and the rotating drum 3 is rotated.

The sequence shown in FIG. 6 is for the case where water is supplied to the steam generator 70 not from the circulation hose 72 but from the water supply path 74. Further, the sequence shown in FIG. 6 is a case where the unbalance of the rotating drum 3 is not detected by the vibration sensor 60, as will be described later, and the case where the low-speed dewatering 2 is performed without the low-speed dewatering 1 being performed. In the steam rinsing process, steam is supplied three times.

Hereinafter, the control of the control device 5 when the rinsing process is performed in the washing machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 7, in step S101, the steam rinse execution counter is cleared. Specifically, the number of executions of the steam rinse stored in the count unit 118 is set to zero.

Subsequently, in step S102, the drainage valve 24 is opened by driving the drainage motor 25. Thereby, the washing water inside the water tank 2 is drained to the outside of the outer box 1.

Subsequently, in step S103, balance tumbling is performed to eliminate the unbalance of the rotating drum 3. Specifically, the forward rotation, the rotation stop, and the reverse rotation of the rotating drum 3 are sequentially repeated, whereby the laundry inside the rotating drum 3 is tumbled.

Subsequently, in step S104, it is determined whether the tumbling of the laundry has been completed. Whether or not tumbling has ended is determined by whether or not the time elapsed since the start of step S103 has reached a preset time. If it is determined in step S104 that the tumbling of the laundry has been completed, the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the tumbling of the laundry has not been completed, the process returns to step S103. Steps S103 and S104 are repeated until it is determined that the tumbling of the laundry has been completed.

In step S105 following step S104, unbalance sensing is performed in order to apply the laundry to the inner peripheral surface of the rotating drum 3 substantially evenly. Specifically, the rotation drum 3 is rotated in a predetermined direction, and then the fluctuation of the rotation speed of the rotation drum 3 is detected.

Subsequently, in step S106, it is determined whether an imbalance has occurred in the rotary drum 3 or whether the imbalance has been eliminated. Specifically, it is determined whether or not an imbalance has occurred in the rotating drum 3 based on the fluctuation in the rotational speed of the rotating drum 3. If it is determined in step S106 that no imbalance has occurred in the rotating drum 3, the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S106 that an imbalance has occurred in the rotary drum 3, the process returns to step S103. Steps S103 to S106 are repeated until it is determined that there is no imbalance in the rotating drum 3 or when it is determined that the imbalance has been eliminated.

In step S107 following step S106, low speed dewatering 1 is performed. The low-speed dewatering 1 dehydrates the laundry accommodated in the rotating drum 3 by rotating the rotating drum 3 in a predetermined direction at, for example, 300 rpm.

Subsequently, in step S108, it is determined whether or not the low speed dewatering 1 has been completed. Whether or not the low-speed dehydration 1 has ended is determined by whether or not the time elapsed since the start of step S107 has reached a preset time. If it is determined in step S108 that the low speed dewatering 1 has been completed, the process proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S108 that the low-speed dehydration 1 has not ended, the process returns to step S107. Step S107 and step S108 are repeated until it is determined that the low speed dewatering 1 has been completed.

Subsequent to step S108, low speed dewatering 2 is performed in step S109. The low-speed dewatering 2 dehydrates the laundry stored in the rotating drum 3 by rotating the rotating drum 3 in a predetermined direction, for example, at 500 rpm.

Subsequently, in step S110, it is determined whether or not the low speed dewatering 2 has been completed. Whether or not the low-speed dehydration 2 has ended is determined by whether or not the time elapsed since the start of step S109 has reached a preset time. The set time used in the determination in step S106, the set time used in the determination in step S108, and the set time used in the determination in step S110 may be the same time or different times.

If it is determined in step S110 that the low-speed dewatering 2 has been completed, the process proceeds to step S111 (see FIG. 8). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that the low-speed dewatering 2 has not ended, the process returns to step S109. Step S109 and step S110 are repeated until it is determined that the low speed dewatering 2 has been completed. Note that the sequence shown in FIG. 6 includes the low-speed dewatering 2, but does not include the low-speed dewatering 1.

As shown in FIG. 8, high-speed dehydration is performed in step S111. The high-speed dehydration is to dehydrate laundry stored in the rotary drum 3 by rotating the rotary drum 3 in a predetermined direction, for example, at 900 rpm.

In step S113 following step S111, it is determined whether or not a predetermined T1 time has elapsed. The predetermined T1 time is a time that has elapsed since Step S111 was started, and is a preset time. The T1 time used in the determination in step S113 may be the same as the set time used in the determination in step S108 or the set time used in the determination in step S110, or may be a different time.

If it is determined in step S113 that the time T1 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S114. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S113 that the time T1 has not elapsed, the process returns to step S111. Step S111 and step S113 are repeated until it is determined that the time T1 has elapsed.

Following step S113, high-speed dehydration is continued in step S114. In step S115, the steam generator 70 is energized while the high speed dewatering is continued. Thereby, the steam generator 70 produces | generates a vapor | steam. The generated steam is supplied into the rotary drum 3 through the hose 73.

Subsequent to step S115, in step S116, it is determined whether or not the steam supply time has elapsed. The steam supply time is a time elapsed from the start of step S115, and is set in advance based on, for example, an experiment.

If it is determined in step S116 that the steam supply time has not elapsed, step S116 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S116 that the steam supply time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S117.

Following step S116, in step S117, energization of the steam generator 70 is turned off while high-speed dewatering is continued. Thereby, the steam generator 70 stops the production | generation of a vapor | steam. Therefore, the supply of steam to the rotating drum 3 is stopped.

Subsequently, in step S118, it is determined whether or not a predetermined T2 time has elapsed. If it is determined in step S118 that the time T2 has not elapsed, step S118 is performed again. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S118 that the time T2 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S119. That is, step S118 is repeated until it is determined in step S118 that T2 time has elapsed.

The predetermined T2 time is a time that has elapsed since the start of step S117, and is a preset time. The T2 time used for the determination in step S118 may be the same time as the T1 time used for the determination in step S113, or may be a different time.

Following step S118, in step S119, the steam rinse execution counter is incremented. Specifically, 1 is added to the number of executions of the steam rinse stored in the count unit 118.

As shown in FIG. 9, in step S120 following step S119, it is determined whether or not to end the steam rinsing. That is, it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the steam rinse has reached a predetermined number. If it is determined in step S120 that the number of executions of the steam rinse has reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S121. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S120 that the number of executions of the steam rinse has not reached the predetermined number, the process returns to step S114. Steps S114 to S119 are repeated until it is determined that the number of executions of the steam rinse has reached a predetermined number.

In the washing machine 10, the number of executions of the steam rinsing, that is, the number of times the steam is supplied to the rotating drum 3 is three as shown in FIG. However, the number of times is not particularly limited, and may be four times or more, or once or twice. Thus, in the number of executions of the steam rinse set a plurality of times, the respective steam supply times may be the same or different. Further, the interval between adjacent steam supply times among the steam supply times set a plurality of times (that is, the time used for the determination in step S118) may be the same or different.

In step S121, the motor 4 that drives the rotary drum 3 is stopped. Even after the motor 4 is stopped in step S121, the drive shaft of the motor 4 rotates by inertia for a while.

In step S122, it is determined whether or not the motor 4 has stopped. That is, it is determined whether or not the rotation of the drive shaft of the motor 4 is stopped. If it is determined in step S122 that the rotation of the drive shaft of the motor 4 has not stopped, step S122 is performed again. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S122 that the rotation of the drive shaft of the motor 4 is stopped, the process proceeds to step S123. That is, step S122 is repeated until it is determined in step S122 that the rotation of the drive shaft of the motor 4 is stopped.

In step S123 following step S122, the drainage valve 24 is closed by driving the drainage motor 25. Thereby, drainage of water from the inside of the water tank 2 to the outside of the outer box 1 is stopped.

In step S124, normal (final) rinsing, that is, a rinsing process or a water rinsing process is performed. In the rinsing process, the water inside the rotating drum 3 is repeatedly washed by repeating the forward rotation, the rotation stop, and the reverse rotation of the rotating drum 3 in a state where water of a predetermined water level is accumulated in the water tank 2. Is rinsed while tumbling. On the other hand, in the water injection rinsing process, water is poured into the rotary drum 3 while the forward rotation, the rotation stop, and the reverse rotation of the rotary drum 3 are sequentially repeated, so that the laundry inside the rotary drum 3 is washed. Rinse while tumbling. In the water rinsing process, water may be stored in the water tank 2.

Therefore, in the rinsing process or the water rinsing process, when the circulation pump 23 is turned on, washing water circulates through the water tank 2, the drainage duct 18, and the circulation hose 21, and a shower is jetted from the shower nozzle 22. Further, in the rinsing process or the water injection rinsing process, the rotational speed of the rotating drum 3 in the normal rotation and the reverse rotation is, for example, 49 rpm. The number of rotations of 49 rpm may be the same in the case where the rinsing process is performed and the case where the rinsing process is performed, or may be different from each other.

Among the steps of the flowcharts (FIGS. 7 to 9) executed by the control device 5 in the washing machine 10, the intermediate dehydration process is executed in steps S101 to S114. Further, the steam rinsing process is executed in steps S115 to S123. In step S124, the irrigation / water injection rinsing process is executed.

In addition, the steam rinsing process is not limited to the process performed only between the intermediate dehydration process and the irrigation / water injection rinsing process, and may be performed in the rinsing process.

As described above, the washing machine 10 according to the first embodiment sequentially performs the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydration process. The rinsing process includes supplying steam from the steam supply unit 75 toward the inside of the rotating drum 3.

According to the washing machine 10, relatively high-temperature steam is supplied into the rotary drum 3 during the rinsing process. The steam supplied to the rotating drum 3 is easily diffused throughout the rotating drum 3 even with a relatively small amount of water. Therefore, according to the washing machine 10, even when the amount of water supplied during the rinsing process is relatively small, moisture can be sufficiently permeated into the laundry containing the detergent by the washing process. Therefore, the laundry inside the rotary drum 3 can be in a state in which the detergent and moisture contained in the laundry are easily separated from the laundry. Thus, according to the washing machine 10, it is possible to suppress consumption of excess water without deteriorating the rinsing performance.

Further, according to the washing machine 10, steam is supplied to the rotating drum 3 regardless of a change in the number of rotations of the rotating drum 3 in the rinsing process. Furthermore, according to the washing machine 10, steam is supplied to the rotating drum 3 regardless of whether or not water of a predetermined water level is stored in the rotating drum 3 a plurality of times in the rinsing process. Therefore, according to the washing machine 10, it is possible to shorten or omit the time during which the rotational speed of the rotary drum 3 is increased or decreased, and to suppress excessive consumption of water. be able to. Therefore, according to the washing machine 10, it is possible to reduce the time required for the rinsing process without degrading the rinsing performance.

In the rinsing process, the washing machine 10 performs an intermediate dehydration process, a steam rinsing process for supplying steam from the steam supply unit 75 toward the inside of the rotary drum 3 and rotating the rotary drum 3 after the intermediate dehydration process, and a steam rinse. After the treatment, the irrigation / water rinsing treatment is sequentially performed.

According to this configuration, the steam is supplied to the rotating drum 3 and the rotating drum 3 is rotated in the steam rinsing process, so that moisture is sufficiently permeated into the laundry in which the detergent after the intermediate dehydration process remains. Thus, the detergent can be separated from the laundry together with moisture by centrifugal force. Therefore, in the washing machine 10, the laundry can be efficiently rinsed in the rinsing process including the intermediate dewatering process, the steam rinsing process, and the irrigation / water rinsing process.

The washing machine 10 may be a so-called vertical washing machine. That is, the rotation axis of the washing tub of the washing machine 10 may extend in a substantially vertical direction. Moreover, the washing machine 10 may not have a drying function. That is, the washing machine 10 may not include the drying unit 50.

The washing machine 10 may not include the circulation hose 72 and the branch valve 71. The steam generator 70 may be supplied with water only from the water supply channel 74 as water for generating steam.

It should be noted that the steam supplied to the rotating drum 3 in the rinsing process is not limited to that ejected. The steam generated by the steam generator 70 only needs to be supplied to the inside of the rotary drum 3. For example, the washing machine 10 may include a plurality of hoses 73. Moreover, the shape of the tip of the hose 73 may have a characteristic like a general shower nozzle. On the other hand, the washing machine 10 may include a blower, a pump, or the like that blows air from the hose 73 toward the rotary drum 3 for causing the steam generated by the steam generator 70 to be ejected to the rotary drum 3.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the control of the control device 5 when the rinsing process is performed in the washing machine 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 10 to 11. In addition, below, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the thing of the same structure as the washing machine 10 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the rinsing process of the washing machine 10 according to the second embodiment, steps S101 to S110 are executed in the same manner as the washing machine 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, in step S211 following step S110, high-speed dewatering is performed so that the laundry stored in the rotating drum 3 is dehydrated by rotating the rotating drum 3 in a predetermined direction, for example, at 900 rpm. .

In step S212 following step S211, it is determined whether or not the high-speed dewatering in step S211 is appropriately performed. Specifically, in step S212, it is determined whether or not the rotary drum 3 is rotating at a set rotational speed (900 rpm) or more as a predetermined rotational speed.

If it is determined in step S212 that the rotating drum 3 is rotating at 900 rpm or higher, the process proceeds to step S213. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S212 that the rotating drum 3 is not rotating at 900 rpm or higher, the process proceeds to step S221. In step S221, the motor 4 is stopped.

In step S213, it is determined whether or not a predetermined T1 time has elapsed. The predetermined T1 time is a time that has elapsed since the start of step S211 and is a preset time. The T1 time used for the determination in step S213 may be the same as or different from the set time used for the determination in step S113 or the determination time used in the determination in step S110.

If it is determined in step S213 that the time T1 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S214. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S213 that the time T1 has not elapsed, the process returns to step S211. Steps S211 to S213 are repeated until it is determined that the time T1 has elapsed.

Subsequent to step S213, step S214 is executed. Steps S214 to S219 are the same as steps S114 to S119 (see FIG. 8), and a description thereof will be omitted. Further, steps S220 to S224 shown in FIG. 11 are the same steps as steps S120 to S124 (see FIG. 9), and thus description thereof is omitted.

Among the steps of the flowchart (FIGS. 7 and 10 to 11) executed by the control device 5 in the washing machine 10 according to the second embodiment, the intermediate dehydration process is executed in steps S101 to S214. Further, the steam rinsing process is executed in steps S215 to S223. In step S224, the irrigation / water injection rinsing process is executed.

As described above, the washing machine 10 according to the second embodiment performs the steam rinsing process when the rotating drum 3 is rotated at a rotation speed equal to or higher than the set rotation speed as the predetermined rotation speed in the intermediate dehydration process. .

According to this configuration, the steam rinsing process is not performed when the rotating drum 3 is not rotating at a rotational speed equal to or higher than a predetermined rotational speed in the intermediate dewatering process. Thus, according to this configuration, since the steam can be supplied to the laundry after rotating the rotating drum 3 at a desired number of rotations, the steam is not supplied unnecessarily. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to further suppress excessive consumption of water and to rinse the laundry efficiently.

(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, the control of the control device 5 when the rinsing process is performed in the washing machine 10 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 12 to 13. In addition, below, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the thing of the same structure as the washing machine 10 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the rinsing process of the washing machine 10 according to the third embodiment, steps S101 to S110 are executed in the same manner as the washing machine 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, step S311 is executed subsequent to step S110. Steps S311 to S315 are the same as steps S211 to S215 (see FIG. 10), and thus the description thereof is omitted. However, step S312 may be omitted, and step S313 may be executed subsequent to step S311.

In step S3151, following step S315, it is determined whether the laundry volume is large, medium, or small. When it is determined that the laundry has a large capacity, the time for supplying steam is determined to be 60 seconds as an example in step S315a. If it is determined that the laundry has a medium capacity, the time for supplying steam is determined to be 45 seconds as an example in step S315b. If it is determined that the laundry volume is small, the time for supplying steam is determined to be 30 seconds as an example in step S315c.

On the operation panel 11 (see FIG. 1) of the washing machine 10, a capacity determination unit (not shown) for selecting the capacity of the laundry is arranged. At the start of the washing process or the rinsing process, the capacity of the laundry is determined based on the user operating the operation key for the large, medium, or small capacity of the laundry.

In step S316, it is determined whether or not the steam supply time determined in any of step S315a, step S315b, or step S315c has elapsed. If it is determined in step S316 that the determined steam supply time has not elapsed, step S316 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S316 that the determined steam supply time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S317.

Since steps S317 to S319 are the same as steps S117 to S119 (see FIG. 8), description thereof will be omitted. Steps S320 to S324 shown in FIG. 13 are the same as steps S120 to S124 (see FIG. 9), and thus the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, the washing machine 10 according to the third embodiment changes the time during which steam is supplied from the steam supply unit 75 in the rinsing process based on the capacity of the laundry accommodated in the rotating drum 3. According to this configuration, it is possible to supply the rotating drum 3 with an amount of steam that matches the capacity of the laundry accommodated in the rotating drum 3. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the consumption of excess water.

The steam supply times determined in step S315a, step S315b, and step S315c in FIG. 12 are not limited to 60 seconds, 45 seconds, and 30 seconds, but may be other times. Further, the longer steam supply time is determined as the laundry capacity is larger, and the steam supply time may be shorter as the laundry capacity is larger.

The capacity of the laundry may be detected or calculated based on the level or weight of the washing water in the water tank 2 detected by the water level sensor 33 (see FIG. 5). The washing machine 10 may include a weight sensor that detects or measures the weight of the laundry stored in the rotary drum 3.

(Fourth embodiment)
Hereinafter, control of the control device 5 when the rinsing process is performed in the washing machine 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 14 to 15. In addition, below, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the thing of the same structure as the washing machine 10 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the rinsing process of the washing machine 10 according to the fourth embodiment, steps S101 to S110 are executed in the same manner as the washing machine 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, step S411 is executed following step S110. Steps S411 to S415 are the same as steps S211 to S215 (see FIG. 10), and thus description thereof is omitted. However, step S412 may be omitted, and step S413 may be executed subsequent to step S411.

In step S4151, following step S415, it is determined whether the rotational speed of the high-speed dewatering rotary drum 3 executed in step S411 is 850 rpm or more, 800 to 849 rpm, or 750 to 799 rpm. Is done. When it is determined that the rotational speed of the high-speed dewatering rotary drum 3 is 850 rpm or more, the time for supplying steam is determined to be 60 seconds as an example in step S415a. When it is determined that the rotational speed of the high-speed dewatering rotary drum 3 is 800 to 849 rpm, the time for supplying steam is determined as 45 seconds as an example in step S415b. When it is determined that the rotational speed of the high-speed dewatering rotary drum 3 is 750 to 799 rpm, the time for supplying steam is determined to be 30 seconds as an example in step S415c.

In step S416, it is determined whether or not the steam supply time determined in any of step S415a, step S415b, or step S415c has elapsed. If it is determined in step S416 that the determined steam supply time has not elapsed, step S416 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S416 that the determined steam supply time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S417.

Steps S417 to S419 are the same as steps S117 to S119 (see FIG. 8), and thus description thereof is omitted. Further, steps S420 to S424 shown in FIG. 15 are the same steps as steps S120 to S124 (see FIG. 9), and thus the description thereof is omitted.

Among the steps of the flowchart (FIGS. 7 and 14 to 15) executed by the control device 5 in the washing machine 10 according to the fourth embodiment, the intermediate dehydration process is executed in steps S101 to S414. Further, the steam rinsing process is executed in steps S415 to S423. In step S424, the irrigation / water injection rinsing process is executed.

As described above, the washing machine 10 according to the fourth embodiment changes the time during which steam is supplied from the steam supply unit 75 in the steam rinsing process, based on the rotation speed of the rotating drum 3 that rotates in the intermediate dehydration process. According to this configuration, it is possible to supply the rotating drum 3 with an amount of steam suitable for the rotational speed of the rotating drum 3 detected before the steam rinsing process. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the consumption of excess water.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed above are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above embodiment but by the scope of claims, and includes all modifications and variations within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine capable of shortening the time required for the rinsing process without deteriorating the rinsing performance, and therefore the present invention is useful for the washing machine.

1: Outer box, 2: Water tank, 3: Rotating drum, 10: Washing machine, 70: Steam generator, 75: Steam supply unit

Claims

Outer box (1),
A water tank (2) supported by the outer box (1) and disposed inside the outer box (1);
A washing tub (3) disposed inside the water tub (2) so as to be able to rotate in a predetermined direction, and for storing laundry;
A steam supply unit (75) for supplying steam toward the inside of the washing tub (3),
A washing process, a rinsing process and a dehydration process are performed in order,
The rinsing process includes a washing machine (10) including supplying steam from the steam supply unit (75) toward the inside of the washing tub (3).
The washing machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein a time period during which steam is supplied from the steam supply unit (75) in the rinsing process is changed based on a capacity of the laundry stored in the washing tub (3). .
In the rinsing step, after the intermediate dehydration process for rotating the washing tub (3) at a predetermined number of revolutions, and after the intermediate dehydration process, the steam supply unit (75) moves toward the inside of the washing tub (3). The washing machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein a steam supplying process for supplying steam and rotating the washing tub (3), and a rinsing / water rinsing process after the steam supplying process are performed in order.
The washing machine (10) according to claim 3, wherein in the intermediate dehydration process, the steam supply process is performed when the washing tub (3) is rotated at a rotation speed equal to or higher than a predetermined rotation speed.
The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein a time period during which steam is supplied from the steam supply unit (75) in the steam supply process is changed based on a rotation speed of the washing tub (3) rotating in the intermediate dehydration process. (10).