WO2019202891A1

WO2019202891A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2019202891A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/011315
Authority: WO
Inventors: 脇田　克也; 池水　麦平
Original assignee: パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date: 2018-04-16
Filing date: 2019-03-19
Publication date: 2019-10-24
Also published as: JPWO2019202891A1; CN111727281A; TW201945612A; JP7398678B2; CN111727281B

Abstract

The present invention includes a drum (3) provided inside a water tank (2), a motor (7) that drives the drum (3), a water supply valve (9) that supplies washing water inside the water tank (2), a water discharge valve (13) that discharges the washing water, a heater (19) that heats the water inside the water tank (2), and a control unit (22) that controls a washing operation. The control unit (22) controls a tank washing operation in which washing of the water tank (2) and the drum (3) is performed, the tank washing operation comprising a disinfecting step for using the heater (19) to heat the water inside the water tank (2) and disinfecting the interior of the tank (2) using generated steam, a washing step for washing the interior of the water tank (2) after the disinfecting step, and a water discharge step for discharging the water inside the water tank (2). This suppresses the occurrence of discoloration and bad odors due to adhesion of bacteria and mold to clothes during succeeding washings.

Description

Washing machine

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

Generally, washing machines accumulate detergent residue and dirt on the inner surface of a water tub and the outer surface of a washing tub after long-term use. As a result, fungi and molds are propagated using the detergent residue and dirt as nutrient sources and habitats. Therefore, after washing, unpleasant odors from the washing machine or clothing may be generated, and some of the dirt may adhere to the washed clothing.

Recently, in order to improve the cleaning performance, there is a washing machine having a shower function for discharging washing water to clothes to be washed. The washing machine having this configuration includes a circulation water channel for circulating the washing water in the water tub into the washing tub. However, since it is difficult to care for the inside of the circulation channel, dirt substances accumulate in the circulation channel. For this reason, there are cases where fungi and molds propagate and produce an unpleasant odor using the sediment as a habitat. In addition, bacteria and molds may adhere to washed clothes, and bacteria and mold metabolites and biofilms may adhere. As a result, there is a risk that the clothes will become dirty despite the laundry.

In order to solve the above problems, the following washing machine has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 first performs a tank washing step using a tank washing detergent or the like in order to wash the washing tub.

Next, the sterilization step is performed after the tank washing step. Specifically, the air in the washing tub is heated by the heating unit. And the air heated by heating is sent in in a washing tub by a ventilation part, and the inside of a washing tub is made into high temperature.

Next, with the inside of the washing tub at a high temperature, a small amount of water is further supplied to the heating unit or the washing tub to make the inside of the washing tub a hot and humid environment. Thereby, it is proposed to disinfect the washing tub.

However, in the configuration of the washing machine of Patent Document 1, the sterilization step is performed after the tub cleaning step using a tub cleaning agent or the like. Therefore, dirt such as bacteria and mold that have been killed in the sterilization step remains on the wall surface in the washing tub. Then, at the time of the next washing, the biofilm formed together with the inhabiting bacteria and mold, and the dead bacteria and mold peel off from the wall surface of the washing tub. As a result, the biofilm, bacteria, mold, and the like attached to the laundry again may become a source of dirt and odor after washing.

Also, in the tank cleaning step using the tank cleaning agent, it is necessary to prepare a dedicated tank cleaning agent separately from the laundry detergent. Furthermore, generally, the time required for washing the tank is as long as several hours, and therefore it is difficult to remove the fungus and mold flora in the growing state in which a biofilm is formed. At this time, even when the tank cleaning agent contains a disinfecting component such as a bleaching agent, only local disinfection can be performed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-253584

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a washing machine that can suppress dirt and off-flavors caused by adhesion of bacteria and mold to clothes during washing.

The washing machine of the present invention includes a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub, a motor that rotationally drives the washing tub, a water supply unit that supplies the washing water to the water tub, and a drainage unit that drains the washing water in the water tub. And a heating unit for heating the water stored in the water tank, and a control unit for controlling the washing operation and the tank cleaning operation. In the tank cleaning operation, the control unit heats the water stored in the water tank by the heating unit, disinfects the inside of the water tank with the generated steam, a washing step of washing the water tank after the disinfection step, It is configured to perform a drainage step that drains the water within.

According to this configuration, the temperature and humidity in the water tank can be increased by the steam generated in the water tank in the tank cleaning operation. Thereby, the microbe and mold | fungi which inhabit the surface of a water tank and a washing tub can be killed by the heat and humidity more than fixed. The dead bacteria, mold, biofilm, etc. are washed away and discharged out of the machine. Thereby, at the time of the next washing, exfoliation of bacteria, mold, a biofilm, etc. from a water tub or a washing tub can be controlled. As a result, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of bacteria, molds, biofilms and other clothing to the laundry in a clean state.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the washing machine. FIG. 3 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing machine during the tank cleaning 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 another example during the tank washing operation of the washing machine. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

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

In addition, the washing machine of Embodiment 1 is what is called a drum type washing machine with which the rotating shaft 3a of the drum 3 which is the washing tub 3 is arrange | positioned in a horizontal direction (an inclination is included).

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine of the first embodiment includes a housing 1 and a water tank 2 that is elastically supported in the housing 1. The water tub 2 includes a cylindrical drum 3 with a bottom that is a washing tub 3 provided rotatably. The drum 3 is disposed such that the rotation shaft 3a is inclined upward (in the upper left direction in the drawing) by an angle θ (for example, 10 degrees).

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

The drum 3 is provided with a plurality of baffles 4 projecting inward toward the rotation center 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. Furthermore, the drum 3 includes an opening 6 provided on the front side. The user can insert and remove laundry such as clothes (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “object to be cleaned”) to and from the drum 3 through the opening 6.

The water tank 2 is attached to the rear surface and includes a motor 7 that rotates the drum 3. The motor 7 is configured by, for example, a brushless DC motor that is inverter-controlled. The motor 7 is driven by an inverter control so that the rotation speed is variable.

The water supply pipe 8 for supplying washing water into the water tank 2 is connected to, for example, a water tap (not shown) and includes a water supply valve 9 serving as a water supply unit. The water supply pipe 8 is connected in communication with a detergent case 10 into which detergent is introduced. The detergent case 10 is connected to the water tank 2 through the water supply path 11. Thereby, the washing water flows from the water supply pipe 8 through the detergent case 10 and the water supply passage 11 and is supplied into the water tank 2. The washing water includes not only water in which a detergent is dissolved but also a simple water meaning.

The washing water supplied to the water tank 2 is discharged out of the washing machine through the drainage path 12.

The drainage path 12 includes a drainage valve 13 that is a drainage part and a drainage filter 14. That is, when the drain valve 13 is opened, the wash water is discharged from the washing machine through the drain filter 14 and the drain valve 13 through the drain port 15 provided at the bottom of the water tank 2. The drainage filter 14 is provided at a position where the wash water circulates during washing, and collects, for example, a button detached from the object to be cleaned. The drainage filter 14 is configured to be removable from the front side of the housing 1.

The circulating water channel 16 is disposed 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 in the front part of the water tank 2. The circulation water channel 16 includes a pump 17 for circulating the wash water and a discharge port 18. The pump 17 is installed at the bottom of the housing 1 and is disposed 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 drum 3.

The heater 19 constitutes a heating unit that heats the water stored in the water tank 2, and is disposed at the bottom of the water tank 2. The heater 19 is disposed at a position where the water 19 is submerged when a predetermined amount of water is accumulated in the water tank 2.

The water amount detection unit 20 detects the amount of washing water supplied into the aquarium 2. The temperature detector 21 is disposed near the front surface of the upper part of the water tank 2 and detects the temperature near the upper part of the water tank 2. The temperature detection unit 21 is configured with, for example, a thermistor.

The cloth amount detection unit 23 detects the amount of the object to be cleaned put into the drum 3. The rotation detection unit 24 detects the driving amount of the drum 3 such as the number of rotations.

Further, the control unit 22 is disposed in the housing 1 and controls various components based on input information to execute a washing operation and a tank washing operation.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 22 detects 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. Information such as the temperature in the water tank 2 and the driving amount (for example, the number of rotations) of the drum 3 detected by the rotation detector 24 is input.

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. Execute washing operation.

Furthermore, the control unit 22 performs a tank cleaning operation to be described later, and cleans the water tank 2, the drum 3, the circulation water channel 16, and the like.

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

Further, the operation display unit 26 is provided at the upper part on the front side of the housing 1. The user inputs settings for operating the washing machine via the operation display unit 26. The setting input on the operation display unit 26 is output to the control unit 22. Thereby, the control part 22 performs the said washing | running operation, tank washing | cleaning operation, etc. based on the input setting content. Furthermore, the operation display part 26 acquires the setting content of a washing machine, a driving | running condition, etc. from the control part 22, and displays it. As a result, the user can grasp the setting contents, the driving situation, and the like, and can correct the setting contents as necessary.

As described above, the washing machine of Embodiment 1 is configured.

Hereinafter, operations and effects of the washing machine in the washing operation and the tank washing operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

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

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

In washing operation, the washing step is executed first.

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

Next, the control unit 22 sets the amount of water supplied into the water tank 2 according to the amount of the object to be cleaned detected by the cloth amount detection unit 23. Moreover, the control part 22 sets the time which performs each step, such as a washing step, a rinse step, and a dehydration step. Further, the control unit 22 determines a standard detergent amount from a preset detergent amount in accordance with the amount of the object to be cleaned, and displays it on the operation display unit 26. The user puts detergent or the like into the detergent case 10 according to the standard detergent amount displayed on the operation display unit 26.

Next, the control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 9. Thereby, the water supplied from the water supply is supplied into the water tank 2 via the water supply pipe 8, the detergent case 10 and the water supply path 11. At this time, the drain valve 13 is closed. That is, the water that has entered the detergent case 10 through the water supply pipe 8 dissolves the detergent in the detergent case 10 to generate washing water. The generated washing water is supplied into the water tank 2 through the water supply channel 11 and accumulated at the bottom of the water tank 2. The washing water collected at the bottom flows into the drum 3 from the small hole 5 on the outer peripheral side surface of the drum 3.

Next, the control unit 22 detects the amount of water supplied into the water tank 2 with the water amount detection unit 20. And the control part 22 will close the water supply valve 9, if the preset amount of water and the amount of supplied water will become the same according to the quantity of to-be-cleaned object. At this time, the control unit 22 rotates the drum 3 in one direction at a rotational speed of, for example, 20 rpm by the motor 7 so that the object to be cleaned rolls in the drum 3 during the water supply. Thereby, the penetration of the washing water into the object to be cleaned is accelerated. At this time, the amount of water in the aquarium 2 generally falls from the set water level due to water absorption into the wash object. Then, the control part 22 opens the water supply valve 9 again, replenishes water in the water tank 2, and returns it to a setting water level. However, this does not apply if the water level does not drop from the set water level.

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

Next, the control unit 22 performs so-called washing of the object to be cleaned. Specifically, the tapping washing is executed by driving the drum 3 alternately and forward / reversely every predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) at a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 42 rpm) by the motor 7. The In tapping, the object to be cleaned is first lifted by the baffle 4 in the rotation direction of the drum 3. Thereafter, the object to be cleaned falls from the upper part in the lifted drum 3. As a result, the object to be cleaned is cleaned.

And the control part 22 performs the above-mentioned washing | cleaning step for the set predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). Thereafter, the control unit 22 opens the drain valve 13 and discharges the washing water from the washing machine to the outside of the machine. Thereby, the washing step of the washing operation is completed.

Next, the control unit 22 executes a rinsing step and a dehydrating step in this order after the washing step is completed. Then, the control unit 22 ends the washing operation.

It should be noted that a detailed description of the rinsing step and the dehydrating step is the same as that of a conventional washing machine, and is therefore omitted.

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

FIG. 3 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing machine in the first embodiment during the tank cleaning operation.

In addition, the tank cleaning operation is an operation operation for cleaning the water tank 2, the drum 3, the circulation 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 steps such as a sterilization step, a washing step, and a drainage step, and is executed in order.

The user first turns on the power switch (not shown) of the operation display unit 26 and sets the tank cleaning operation. After the setting, the user operates a start switch (not shown). Thereby, the tank cleaning operation is started.

In the tank cleaning operation, first, a sterilization step is executed.

When the operation of the sterilization step is started, the control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 9. Thereby, the water supplied from the water supply is supplied into the water tank 2 via the water supply pipe 8, the detergent case 10 and the water supply path 11. At this time, no detergent is put into the detergent case 10 in the tank cleaning operation. Therefore, only water not containing the detergent is supplied into the water tank 2 and collected at the bottom of the water tank 2. The water accumulated at the bottom flows into the drum 3 from the small hole 5 on the outer peripheral side surface of the drum 3.

Next, the control unit 22 detects the amount of water supplied into the water tank 2 with the water amount detection unit 20. At this time, in each step of the tank cleaning operation of the first embodiment, the amount of water to be supplied is set to, for example, two levels of water level “low” and “high”, and in the sterilization step, the water level is set to “low”. Is set. The water level “low” corresponds to the amount that the heater 19 is submerged in the supplied water. Then, when the water level detection unit 20 detects that the supplied water level has become the set level water level “low”, the control unit 22 closes the water supply valve 9.

After the water supply, the controller 22 energizes the heater 19 to heat the water stored at the bottom of the water tank 2. Specifically, the control unit 22 controls energization to the heater 19 based on the output (detection temperature) of the temperature detection unit 21 provided near the front surface of the upper part of the water tank 2. Thereby, water evaporates and steam is generated in the water tank 2. And the inside of the water tank 2 is heated by the steam generated in the water tank 2.

Furthermore, the control unit 22 controls energization to the heater 19 based on the output of the temperature detection unit 21 so that the temperature (surface temperature) of the upper inner surface of the water tank 2 becomes the set temperature T1. For example, the set temperature T1 is preferably 50 ° C. or higher, more preferably 50 ° C. or higher and 90 ° C. or lower.

In the sterilization of mold and fungi, it is more advantageous to set the set temperature T1 to a higher temperature. 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 that is the structure of the washing machine. Furthermore, it takes time to heat the water supplied into the water tank 2 to the high set temperature T1. Therefore, the set temperature T1 is set to the above temperature range for the reason that the same effect as that at the time of high temperature can be exhibited even in a short time and at a low temperature.

Here, the relationship between the heating temperature and holding 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 holding 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, temperature a = 45 ° C., temperature b = 48 ° C., and temperature c = 50 ° C.

As shown in FIG. 4, it can be seen that the higher the heating temperature, the higher the sterilization effect can be obtained in a shorter time. In addition, the lower the heating temperature, the longer the time required to kill mold and fungi.

In other words, it is confirmed that the higher the heating temperature, the more advantageous in order to reduce the number of molds and fungi that live in a shorter time and more than two orders of magnitude. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the set temperature T1 is set to 50 ° C.

And if the control part 22 detects that the temperature of the upper inner surface of the water tank 2 reached | attained the setting temperature T1 (50 degreeC) with the temperature detection part 21, as shown in FIG. The amount of energization to the heater 19 and the energization time are controlled so as to be maintained. At this time, when the set temperature T1 is 50 ° C., the predetermined time to be maintained is preferably about 10 minutes, for example. Further, when the set temperature is 55 ° C., the predetermined time to be maintained is preferably about 5 minutes, for example. Thereby, the high disinfection effect with respect to mold | fungi and fungi can be expressed in a shorter time and also at a low temperature, similar to that at a high temperature, while taking into consideration the heat resistant temperature of the resin material.

In the washing machine of the first embodiment, the temperature detection unit 21 is provided at the upper front portion of the water tank 2. That is, the temperature of the part farthest from the place where water is heated at the bottom of the water tank 2 is detected. Thereby, the control part 22 can heat reliably the whole inside of the water tank 2 to the temperature more than the preset temperature T1 at least.

At this time, the control unit 22 drives the drum 3 to rotate in one direction at a low speed of 40 rpm, for example, while the water stored in the bottom of the water tank 2 is heated. Thereby, the temperature of drum 3 itself rises by contact with the heated water. Then, the drum 3 whose temperature has increased rotates in the water tank 2. Thereby, heat can be applied also to the upper part of the water tank 2 away from the water heated by the heater 19 by heat radiation from the drum 3 whose temperature has been raised. That is, the temperature difference between the upper part and the lower part of the water tank 2 is reduced. As a result, even if the steam generated from the heated water comes into contact with the water tank 2 in the low temperature portion, condensation (condensation) does not occur. Therefore, the temperature in the water tank 2 can be raised more quickly.

Further, the water heated by the heater 19 is agitated by the rotation of the drum 3. Thereby, the temperature of the water in the water tank 2 is equalized. As a result, the release of vapor evaporating from the surface of the water is further promoted.

In the above state, the control unit 22 drives the pump 17. As a result, the water in the water tank 2 heated by the heater 19 flows into the circulation water channel 16 and is discharged into the water tank 2 from the discharge port 18. That is, heated water circulates. Specifically, when the pump 17 is driven, the water in the water tank 2 heated by the heater 19 is sucked from a drain port 15 provided at the bottom of the water tank 2. The sucked water passes through the drainage filter 14 and is guided to the circulation channel 16. The water guided to the circulation channel 16 is discharged from the discharge port 18 into the drum 3. Then, the water discharged into the drum 3 flows out from the small hole 5 of the drum 3 into the water tank 2 and circulates again through the drainage port 15 through the circulation water channel 16.

That is, in the sterilization step of the tank cleaning operation, the heated water (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “heated water”) circulates along a route passing from the drain port 15 through the circulation channel 16. As a result, the heated water kills bacteria and fungi that live in the path through the circulating water channel 16. As a result, bacteria and molds that inhabit the route can be sterilized more reliably. At this time, it is preferable that the pump 17 is driven at a low speed so that bacteria and fungi are brought into contact with the heated water for a long time. Specifically, it is preferable to drive the pump 17 so that the heating water flows at a speed that does not stay in the path passing through the circulating water path 16. The pump 17 may be driven continuously or intermittently.

And the control part 22 performs the said disinfection step for the predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) set beforehand.

Next, the control unit 22 executes the washing step of the tank washing operation following the sterilization step.

The washing step is a step in which dirt such as bacteria, mold and biofilm killed in the sterilization step is peeled off from the walls of the water tank 2 and the drum 3 and washed away.

Specifically, the control unit 22 first stops energization of the heater 19. Then, the control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 9 to supply water into the water tank 2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the water level to be supplied is set to a water level “high” that is higher than the water level “low” at the time of the sterilization step described above. Thereby, it can wash away to the inner surface of the upper side of the water tank 2 so that it may mention later. The water level “high” is a water level corresponding to a state in which the lower part of the rear side of the drum 3 is sufficiently immersed in water. For example, the central part of the outer peripheral wall of the oblique drum 3 is a water level sufficiently immersed in water.

Then, when the water level detection unit 20 detects that the supplied water level has become the set level water level “high”, the control unit 22 closes the water supply valve 9. Thereby, the lower part of the back of the drum 3 is sufficiently immersed in water.

Next, the control unit 22 drives the motor 7 to rotate the drum 3 at a high speed (for example, 100 rpm). 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.

Thus, the bacteria, mold, biofilm, etc. on the upper surface of the water tank 2 that have been killed in the sterilization step are peeled off from the wall surface of the water tank 2 or the drum 3 with the rolled up water. As a result, dirt such as dead bacteria, mold, and biofilm attached to the upper surface of the water tank 2 can be more reliably washed away.

As described above, in the washing step of the tank washing operation, by supplying water into the water tank 2, the tap water at room temperature is mixed with the heated water generated in the sterilization step to lower the temperature of the heated water. . Thereby, the drum 3 can be rotated at high speed in consideration of the heat-resistant temperature of the resin material.

Further, when the water level detection unit 20 detects that the water level to be supplied has reached the set level, that is, the water level “high”, the control unit 22 closes the water supply valve 9 and drives the pump 17. Thereby, the water in the water tank 2 flows through the circulation water channel 16 and circulates. As a result, dirt such as bacteria, mold, and biofilm that have been killed in the sterilization step and adhere to the wall surface in the circulation channel 16 are peeled off from the wall surface in the circulation channel 16.

And the control part 22 performs the said washing | cleaning step for the predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) preset.

Here, the operation of another example of the washing step during the tank washing operation in Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the operation of another example during the tank cleaning operation in the first embodiment. In another example, the operation of the washing step is different from the washing step of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

Specifically, another example is that the water level in the water tank 2 and the number of rotations of the drum 3 are set to a plurality of times in the washing step of the tank cleaning operation. Different from the operation of the washing step.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the controller 22 first stops energization of the heater 19 in the washing step. Then, the control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 9 to supply water into the water tank 2. At this time, in each step of the tank cleaning operation according to another example, as shown in FIG. 5, the amount of water supplied is set to, for example, three levels of water level “low”, “medium”, and “high”, In the washing step, first, the water level is set to “medium”. That is, the water level of the water supply in the washing step is higher than the water level “low” in the above-mentioned sterilization step, and is set in a two-stage configuration of water levels “medium” and “high”. In another example washing step, the rotation speed of the drum 3 is set to “low speed”, “medium speed”, and “high speed” according to the water level. In the following, an example in which the water level of the washing step is changed in a two-stage configuration will be described, but the water level may be changed in a three-stage configuration or more.

First, when the water level detection unit 20 detects that the water level corresponding to the first stage in the water tank 2 has become “medium”, the control unit 22 closes the water supply valve 9. Then, the control unit 22 controls the motor 7 to rotate the drum 3 at a medium speed (for example, 80 rpm). Thereby, the water in the water tank 2 increased by the water supply up to the water level “medium” is wound up by the rotation of the drum 3. As a result, dirt such as bacteria, molds, and biofilms killed in the sterilization step are peeled off from the wall surface of the water tank 2 and the drum 3 by the rolled up water.

Next, the control unit 22 drives the pump 17. Thereby, the water in the water tank 2 flows through the circulation water channel 16 and circulates. At this time, dirt such as bacteria, mold, and biofilm that have been killed in the sterilization step attached to the wall surface in the circulation channel 16 is peeled off from the wall surface in the circulation channel 16.

Next, the control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 9 and supplies water into the water tank 2 again after a predetermined time has elapsed since the water level “medium” was detected by the water amount detection unit 20. And the control part 22 will close the water supply valve 9, if the water quantity detection part 20 detects that the water level corresponding to the 2nd step | level in the water tank 2 became "high". At this time, when water is accumulated in the water tank 2 to the water level “high”, as described above, the lower portion of the drum 3 is sufficiently immersed in the water.

Further, the control unit 22 stops the driving of the pump 17 when the water level detection unit 20 detects the water level “high”.

Then, in a state where the set water level is “high”, the control unit 22 drives the motor 7 to rotate the drum 3 at a high speed (for example, 100 rpm). Thereby, the water in the water tank 2 is further wound upward by the high-speed rotation of the drum 3 and reaches the innermost surface of the water tank 2. As a result, dirt such as bacteria, mold, and biofilm is effectively peeled off from the wall surface of the water tank 2 and the drum 3 with the rolled up water and washed away. At this time, since the control unit 22 stops driving the pump 17, the water in the water tank 2 cannot flow into the circulation channel 16. Therefore, the water level in the water tank 2 is maintained in a “high” state. As a result, a sufficient amount of water to be rolled up by the high-speed rotation of the drum 3 is ensured. As a result, the washing effect can be further enhanced.

And the control part 22 performs the washing | cleaning step of the tank washing | cleaning driving | operation concerning another example for the preset predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes).

As described above, the operation of the washing step of the tank washing operation according to the first embodiment and other examples is completed.

Next, the control unit 22 executes a draining step subsequent to the washing step of the first embodiment and other examples. In addition, since it is the same except the operation | movement of the washing | cleaning step of Embodiment 1 and another example of the tank washing | cleaning driving | operation, it demonstrates, referring FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, without distinguishing a drainage step.

In the drain step, the controller 22 first opens the drain valve 13. Thereby, the water in the water tank 2 and the circulating water channel 16 including the bacteria, molds, biofilms and the like killed in the sterilization step are drained through the drainage channel 12.

After draining, the control unit 22 controls the motor 7 to rotate the drum 3 at a higher speed (for example, 300 rpm) for a short time (for example, 5 minutes) than the high speed rotation of the washing step. Thereby, water droplets and the like adhering to the drum 3 are blown off into the water tank 2 by centrifugal force. The blown water droplets flow down to the drain port 15 of the water tank 2 and are discharged out of the machine through the drainage path 12.

And the control part 22 closes the drain valve 13, and complete | finishes a tank washing | cleaning driving | operation.

As described above, the washing machine according to the first embodiment includes the drum 3 that is rotatably provided in the water tank 2, the motor 7 that rotationally drives the drum 3, and the water supply valve 9 that supplies the washing water to the water tank 2. , A drain valve 13 for draining the washing water in the aquarium 2, a heater 19 for heating the water stored in the aquarium 2, and a controller 22 for controlling the washing operation and the tank washing operation. In the tank cleaning operation, the controller 22 heats the water stored in the water tank 2 by the heater 19 and disinfects the inside of the water tank 2 with the generated steam, and the inside of the water tank 2 is washed after the disinfection step. It is comprised so that the washing | cleaning step and the drainage step which drains the water in the water tank 2 may be performed.

According to this configuration, the temperature and humidity in the water tank 2 can be increased by the steam generated in the water tank 2 in the tank cleaning operation. Thereby, the microbe and mold which inhabit the surface of the aquarium 2 and the drum 3 can be killed by heat and humidity above a certain level. The dead bacteria, mold, biofilm, etc. are washed away and discharged out of the machine. Thereby, at the time of the next washing, peeling of bacteria, mold, biofilm, etc. from the water tank 2 or the drum 3 can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to finish the laundry in a clean state by suppressing adhesion to the object to be cleaned such as bacteria, mold, and biofilm.

Moreover, the control part 22 controls the heater 19 based on the output of the temperature detection part 21 which detects the temperature of the water tank 2 in a disinfection step, and heats the upper part of the water tank 2 to predetermined temperature. Thereby, the generation amount of the vapor | steam in the water tank 2 can be optimized, and the inhabiting microbe and mold | fungi can be killed efficiently.

Further, the control unit 22 maintains a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time. Thereby, the generated steam spreads throughout the entire water tank 2. As a result, the fungus and mold that inhabit the entire aquarium 2 can be more reliably killed by the steam.

In addition, the control unit 22 agitates the heated water stored in the water tank 2 by rotating the drum 3 in the sterilization step. Thereby, the water stored at the bottom of the water tank 2 is heated uniformly. Further, the amount of heat of the heated water is transmitted to the entire drum 3 by stirring. Thereby, the temperature rise in the water tank 2 can be accelerated by the heat radiation from the entire drum 3 heated by heat transfer. That is, the temperature in the water tank 2 can be increased efficiently, and the temperature in the water tank 2 can be quickly uniformized. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the condensation of the vapor | steam by the cold part in the water tank 2 can be prevented more reliably. As a result, the steam can be efficiently distributed throughout the water tank 2.

In addition, the washing machine of the first embodiment includes a circulating water channel 16 provided to guide water in the water tank 2 from the bottom of the water tank 2 into the drum 3, and a pump that circulates the water in the water tank 2 through the circulating water channel 16. 17. And the control part 22 drives the pump 17 in a tank washing | cleaning driving | operation, and lets the water in the water tank 2 circulate through the circulation water channel 16. FIG.

This causes the heated water to flow through the circulation channel 16 to kill the fungus and mold that inhabit the circulation channel 16. Furthermore, dirt such as dead bacteria, mold, and biofilm can be peeled off from the circulation channel 16 and discharged outside the apparatus. This makes it possible to clean the inner surface of the piping around the water, which is highly humid and easily becomes a habitat for fungi and mold. As a result, it is possible to suppress the reattachment of dirt to the object to be cleaned at the next washing.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine of the second embodiment is different from the drum-type washing machine of the first embodiment in that the washing machine is a so-called vertical washing machine.

That is, in the washing machine of the second embodiment, the rotation axis of the washing tub 3 is set in the vertical direction. Since other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the detailed description uses the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the washing machine of the second embodiment, the washing tub 3 is rotatably provided in the water tub 2. The washing tub 3 is rotatably provided with a stirring blade 27 at the bottom. The stirring blade 27 is rotationally driven by the motor 7 and stirs the washing water stored in the water tank 2.

The heater 19 is disposed at the bottom of the water tank 2 and heats the washing water stored in the water tank 2. The temperature detector 21 is disposed on the upper part of the water tank 2 and detects the temperature in the water tank 2.

Also in the vertical washing machine of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 22 controls the washing operation and the tank washing operation for washing the water tub 2 and the washing tub 3.

In addition, the tank washing | cleaning driving | operation is comprised by each step, such as a disinfection step, a washing | cleaning step, and a drainage step similarly to Embodiment 1, and is performed in order.

That is, in the sterilization step of the tank cleaning operation, the control unit 22 energizes the heater 19 based on the output of the temperature detection unit 21. Thereby, the water stored in the water tank 2 is heated and generates steam. The water tank 2 is heated by the generated steam.

At this time, when the temperature of the upper inner surface in the water tank 2 detected by the temperature detection unit 21 reaches the set temperature by the steam, the control unit 22 energizes the heater 19 so as to maintain the set temperature for a predetermined time. To control. Then, germs and molds that inhabit the wall surfaces of the water tub 2 and the washing tub 3 are killed by steam at a set temperature or higher.

Next, the control unit 22 executes a washing step that is executed following the sterilization step.

In the washing step, the control unit 22 first opens the water supply valve 9 to supply a predetermined amount of water into the water tank 2. Then, when the water level detection unit 20 detects that the supplied water level has reached the set level, the control unit 22 closes the water supply valve 9. Next, the control part 22 rotationally drives the stirring blade 27 at high speed. Thereby, with the centrifugal force by the water flow which generate | occur | produces in the water tank 2, water sticks to the inner peripheral surface of the water tank 2, and the circumference | surroundings of a water surface rise in V shape. At this time, due to the water rising in a V shape, dirt such as bacteria, molds, and biofilms that have been killed in the sterilization step and are attached to the water tank 2 are washed away from the water tank 2.

Next, the control unit 22 executes a draining step.

In the draining step, the control unit 22 opens the drain valve 13 and discharges the water in the water tank 2 to the outside of the washing machine through the drain path 12.

In addition, in Embodiment 2, although the stirring blade 27 demonstrated to the example the structure driven separately from the washing tub 3, it is not restricted to this. For example, it is good also as a structure which rotationally drives the stirring blade 27 and the washing tub 3 integrally.

As described above, the washing machine of the present invention includes a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub, a motor that rotationally drives the washing tub, a water supply unit that supplies the washing water to the water tub, A drainage unit for draining the washing water, a heating unit for heating the water stored in the water tank, and a control unit for controlling the washing operation and the tank washing operation are included. In the tank cleaning operation, the control unit heats the water stored in the water tank by the heating unit, a sterilization step of sterilizing the inside of the water tank with the generated steam, a washing step of washing the water tank after the sterilization step, It is configured to perform a drainage step that drains the water in the aquarium.

According to this configuration, the temperature and humidity in the water tank can be increased by the steam generated in the water tank in the tank cleaning operation. Thereby, the microbe and mold | fungi which inhabit the surface of a water tank and a washing tub can be killed by the heat and humidity more than fixed. The dead bacteria, mold, biofilm, etc. are washed away and discharged out of the machine. Thereby, at the time of the next washing, exfoliation of bacteria, mold, biofilm, etc. from a water tub or a washing tub can be controlled. As a result, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of bacteria, molds, biofilms and other clothing to the laundry in a clean state.

In addition, it is desirable that the control unit of the washing machine of the present invention is configured to control the heating unit based on the output of the temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the water tank and to heat the upper part of the water tank to a predetermined temperature in the sterilization step.

This makes it possible to optimize the generation of steam in the aquarium and to efficiently kill living bacteria and mold.

In addition, the control unit of the washing machine of the present invention is preferably configured to maintain a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time.

This causes the steam to spread throughout the water tank 2 without any problem. As a result, the fungus and mold that inhabit the entire aquarium 2 can be more reliably killed by the steam.

In the washing machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit stirs the heated water stored in the water tub by rotating the washing tub in the sterilization step.

This causes the heated water stored at the bottom of the water tank to be heated uniformly. Further, the amount of heat transferred to the heated water is transferred to the entire washing tub by stirring. Thereby, the temperature increase in the water tub can be accelerated by the heat radiation from the entire washing tub heated by heat transfer. That is, the temperature in the water tank can be efficiently increased and the temperature in the water tank can be made uniform quickly. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the dew condensation of the vapor | steam by the cold part in a water tank can be prevented more reliably. As a result, the steam can be efficiently distributed throughout the water tank.

Further, the washing machine of the present invention has a circulation channel provided to guide the water in the aquarium from the bottom of the aquarium into the washing tub, and a pump for circulating the water in the aquarium through the circulation channel. In the tank cleaning operation, the control unit desirably drives the pump and passes the water in the water tank through the circulation water channel.

This configuration allows the heated water to flow through the circulation channel and kills bacteria and mold that inhabit the circulation channel. And dirt, such as dead bacteria, mold, and biofilm can be peeled off from the circulation channel and discharged outside the machine. This makes it possible to clean the inner surface of the piping around the water, which is highly humid and easily becomes a habitat for fungi and mold. As a result, it is possible to suppress the reattachment of dirt to the clothing at the next washing.

The present invention is useful for washing machines and the like that suppress the adhesion of bacteria, molds, biofilms and the like to the object to be cleaned and require a clean finish of the laundry during washing.

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 part)
10 Detergent case 11 Water supply channel 12 Drainage channel 13 Drain valve (drainage part)
14 Drain filter 15 Drain port 16 Circulating water channel 17 Pump 18 Discharge port 19 Heater (heating unit)
20 Water quantity detection part 21 Temperature detection part 22 Control part 23 Cloth quantity detection part 24 Rotation detection part 25 Door 26 Operation display part 27 Stirring blade

Claims

A washing tub provided rotatably in the water tub;
A motor for rotationally driving the washing tub;
A water supply unit for supplying washing water into the water tank;
A drainage section for draining the washing water in the water tank;
A heating unit for heating the water stored in the water tank;
A control unit for controlling the washing operation and the tank washing operation,
In the tank cleaning operation, the control unit heats the water stored in the water tank by the heating unit, disinfects the water tank with generated steam, and the water tank after the disinfection step. Performing a washing step of washing the inside and a draining step of discharging the water in the water tank,
Washing machine.
In the sterilization step, the control unit controls the heating unit based on an output of a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the water tank, and heats the upper part of the water tank to a predetermined temperature.
The washing machine according to claim 1.
The control unit maintains the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time;
The washing machine according to claim 2.
In the sterilization step, the control unit stirs the heated water stored in the water tub by rotating the washing tub.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The washing machine
A circulating water channel provided to guide the water in the water tank from the bottom of the water tank into the washing tank;
A pump for circulating the water in the water tank through the circulation channel,
In the tank cleaning operation, the control unit drives the pump and passes the water in the water tank through the circulation water channel.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.