WO2022001223A1

WO2022001223A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2022001223A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/082647
Authority: WO
Inventors: 间宫春夫
Original assignee: 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司; Aqua株式会社; 海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority date: 2020-06-30
Filing date: 2021-03-24
Publication date: 2022-01-06
Also published as: JP2022011737A; CN115812114A

Abstract

A washing machine, comprising: a motor (6); a washing drum (4), which accommodates laundry (L); an impeller (5), disposed in the washing drum (4); a detergent storage part (38); an ultrasonic cleaning unit (13); and a microcomputer (60). The ultrasonic cleaning unit (13) has a tray (48) and an ultrasonic generating part (55) disposed at the periphery of the tray (48) and configured to generate an ultrasonic wave. The microcomputer (60) executes: an ultrasonic cleaning operation, i.e., supplying detergent to the tray (48) and generating an ultrasonic wave by the ultrasonic generating part (55); and a washing operation, comprising a cleaning process of supplying water to the washing drum (4) and at least enabling, by means of the motor (6), the impeller (5) to rotate. The microcomputer (60) waits for input of a start command of the washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation ends, and according to the input of the start command, starts the washing operation.

Description

washing machine

technical field

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background technique

The washing machine described in the following Patent Document 1 includes: a main body that accommodates a washing tub; a cover that is provided on the main body and can be opened by a mountain fold; recess. On the lid of the Yamazuri hangs a detergent container containing a cleaning solution for spot cleaning. The local cleaning device has a built-in ultrasonic vibration generator. The ultrasonic vibration generating unit applies ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid container by the gear pump. When the user inserts and moves the object to be cleaned in the slit formed in the partial cleaning device, the cleaning liquid to which the vibration has been applied is supplied to the object to be cleaned, thereby removing dirt from the object to be cleaned. The partial cleaning device is rotatably assembled to the cover through the hinge mechanism, so the user who has used the partial cleaning device rotates the partial cleaning device and stores it in the recessed portion of the cover.

In the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the ultrasonic cleaning operation of cleaning the objects to be cleaned using the local cleaning device and the washing operation of putting the objects to be cleaned into the washing tub for washing are independent operations. Therefore, it can be seen that even if the user wants to continuously perform the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation, the washing operation must be restarted after the ultrasonic cleaning operation is turned on again. In addition, the user must prepare the cleaning fluid container for the ultrasonic cleaning operation. In this way, it is difficult to improve the usability.

prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-178984

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problem to be solved by the invention

The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of improving usability in a configuration capable of performing an ultrasonic cleaning operation and a washing operation.

solution to the problem

The present invention relates to a washing machine, comprising: a driving part for generating driving force; a washing tub for accommodating laundry and receiving the driving force of the driving part to rotate; and a rotary blade arranged in the washing tub and receiving the driving A detergent storage unit, which stores detergents; an ultrasonic cleaning unit, which has a tray and an ultrasonic wave generating unit that is arranged around the tray and generates ultrasonic waves; a water supply unit that supplies water to at least the washing tub; a detergent supply unit for supplying at least the detergent in the detergent storage unit to the tray; and a control unit for controlling the drive unit, the ultrasonic wave generating unit, the water supply unit, and the detergent supply unit , wherein the control unit executes: an ultrasonic cleaning operation in which detergent is supplied to the tray by the detergent supply unit and ultrasonic waves are generated by the ultrasonic wave generating unit; and a washing operation including a cleaning operation by the water supply unit In a cleaning process in which water is supplied to the washing tub and at least the rotor is rotated by the drive unit, the control unit waits for an input of a start command of the washing operation upon completion of the ultrasonic cleaning operation, and according to the The washing operation is started upon input of the start command.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the control unit supplies detergent to the tray through the detergent supply unit during the ultrasonic cleaning operation.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the washing machine includes a detergent supply path for supplying detergent from the detergent storage unit to the tray during the ultrasonic cleaning operation, and the control unit controls the ultrasonic wave In the washing operation after the washing operation is performed, a maintenance process for causing water to flow through the detergent supply passage by the water supply unit is performed.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the washing operation includes a standard mode and a dedicated mode whose operation time is shorter than that of the standard mode, and the control unit supplies the water supply unit to the washing operation during the washing process in the standard mode. After the washing tub is supplied with water, the rotary blade is rotated by the driving unit, and the control unit passes through the The drive unit rotates the rotor.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the washing machine includes: a cover for opening and closing the entrance and exit through which the laundry is taken in and out of the washing tub; and a detection unit for detecting whether the cover closes the entrance and exit, The control unit starts the washing operation by using, as the input of the start command, that the detection unit detects that the lid closes the inlet and outlet after the ultrasonic cleaning operation ends.

Invention effect

According to the present invention, the washing machine can perform the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation. In the ultrasonic cleaning operation, ultrasonic waves are generated while the detergent is supplied to the tray, so that the user can ultrasonically clean the laundry by applying the ultrasonic waves to the laundry soaked in the detergent in the tray. In addition, in the washing process of the washing operation, the laundry in the washing tub is washed by the rotation of the rotor in the washing tub to which the water is supplied, or the like. The control unit that executes the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation in the washing machine waits for an input of a start command of the washing operation upon completion of the ultrasonic cleaning operation, and starts the washing operation according to the input of the start command. That is, the control unit executes the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation in conjunction with each other. Therefore, a user who wants to continuously perform the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation can start the washing operation without turning on the power supply of the washing machine again after the ultrasonic cleaning operation, for example. In addition, the washing machine includes a detergent storage part that stores the detergent to be supplied to the tray and a detergent supply part that supplies the detergent of the detergent storage part to the tray, so the user may not prepare the detergent in the tray for the ultrasonic cleaning operation . As a result of the above, the usability can be improved.

Further, according to the present invention, even if the detergent in the tray decreases during the ultrasonic cleaning operation, the detergent supply unit automatically replenishes the detergent to the tray, so that the user does not need to replenish the detergent to the tray. Therefore, further improvement in usability can be achieved.

Further, according to the present invention, in the ultrasonic cleaning operation, the detergent in the detergent storage portion flows through the detergent supply path and is supplied to the tray. The controller executes a maintenance process during the washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation, thereby causing water to flow through the detergent supply passage. That is, in the washing machine, since the automatic maintenance of the detergent supply path is performed during the washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation, the user does not need to maintain the detergent supply path. Therefore, further improvement in usability can be achieved.

In addition, according to the present invention, in the washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation, for example, when washing a small amount of laundry is desired, the laundry can be washed in a short time by selecting the washing operation in the dedicated mode. In particular, in the cleaning process of the exclusive mode, the rotation of the rotor is started from the middle of the water supply of the washing tub, so that the laundry in the washing tub can be efficiently washed in a short time.

Further, according to the present invention, after the ultrasonic cleaning operation is completed, the user can start the washing operation by a simple operation such as closing the cover, so that the usability can be further improved.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional right side view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a principle related to water supply and drainage of the washing machine.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of the washing machine.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the washing machine.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an operation panel and a display unit in the washing machine.

6 is a flowchart showing an ultrasonic cleaning operation and a washing operation performed in the washing machine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the washing operation.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the details of the ultrasonic cleaning operation.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detergent supply process in the ultrasonic cleaning operation.

10 is a flowchart showing the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation in the first modification.

11 is a flowchart showing a maintenance process during the washing operation in the first modification.

12 is a flowchart showing the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation in the second modification.

FIG. 13 is a table showing the operating conditions of the washing operation in the standard mode.

FIG. 14 is a table showing the operating conditions of the washing operation in the exclusive mode.

Description of reference numerals

1: washing machine; 4: washing tub; 5: rotary wing; 6: motor; 13: ultrasonic cleaning unit; 15: cover; 19: entrance and exit; 30: first water supply valve; 35: treatment agent supply path; 36: second water supply valve; 37: pump; 38: detergent storage part; 42: detergent supply valve; 45: ultrasonic switching valve; 48: tray; 55: ultrasonic generating part; 60: microcomputer; 62: lid switch; L: washing thing.

detailed description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional right side view of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is called the left-right direction X of the washing machine 1, the left-right direction in FIG. 1 is called the front-rear direction Y of the washing machine 1, and the vertical direction in FIG. 1 is called the vertical direction of the washing machine 1. Z. In the left-right direction X, the back side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is called the left side X1, and the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is called the right side X2. In the front-rear direction Y, the left side is called the front side Y1, and the right side is called the rear side Y2. Among the vertical directions Z, the upper side is referred to as an upper side Z1, and the lower side is referred to as a lower side Z2.

The washing machine 1 includes: a box body 2, which constitutes an outer shell of the washing machine 1; an outer tub 3, which is accommodated in the box body 2 and can store water; a washing tub 4, which is accommodated in the outer tub 3, accommodates laundry L and can store water; and The rotary vane 5 is arranged in the washing tub 4 . The washing machine 1 further includes a motor 6 as an example of a drive unit that generates a driving force for rotating the washing tub 4 and the rotary blade 5, and an electric transmission mechanism 7 that transmits the driving force of the motor 6 to the washing tub 4 and the rotary blade. 5. The washing machine 1 further includes: a guide cover 8 disposed in the washing tub 4 for circulating water; and a filter unit 9 attached to the guide cover 8 to capture foreign matter from the water. The washing machine 1 further includes: a drainage circuit 10 for draining the water stored in the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4; a water supply unit 11 for supplying water to the washing tub 4; an input unit 12 for automatically injecting detergent, A treatment agent for washing such as a softener; and an ultrasonic cleaning unit 13 for cleaning the laundry L by ultrasonic waves. The water in this embodiment is tap water, detergent water in which a detergent is dissolved in tap water, or the like. The washing machine 1 can perform a washing operation of washing the laundry L put into the washing tub 4 and an ultrasonic cleaning operation of washing the laundry L by ultrasonic waves.

The case 2 is made of metal, for example, and is formed in a box shape. The part which comprises the upper end part of the upper surface 2A and the rear surface 2B in the case 2 is, for example, the upper panel 2C made of resin. A port 14 that communicates the inside and outside of the case 2 is formed on the upper surface 2A. The upper panel 2C is provided with a cylindrical partition wall 2D extending to the lower side Z2 while surrounding the inlet and outlet 14 . The inner space of the partition wall 2D is a part of the inlet and outlet 14 , and the inner peripheral surface 2E of the partition wall 2D defines the inlet and outlet 14 . An opening 2F related to the ultrasonic cleaning unit 13 is formed in the region of the rear side Y2 in the inner peripheral surface 2E. The opening 2F is a substantially rectangular opening that penetrates a part of the partition wall 2D in the front-rear direction Y (see also FIG. 3 described later).

A cover 15 that opens and closes the inlet and outlet 14 is provided on the upper surface 2A of the case 2 . The operation panel 16 and the display part 17 are provided in the area|region around the entrance and exit 14 in 2A of upper surfaces. The operation panel 16 and the display unit 17 are integrated, for example, in the form of a liquid crystal operation panel. The user of the washing machine 1 can freely select the operating conditions of the washing machine 1 or instruct the washing machine 1 to start or stop the operation by operating various keys 65 (see FIG. 5 described later) provided on the operation panel 16 . On the display unit 17, information related to the operation of the washing machine 1 is displayed visually.

The outer tub 3 is made of resin, for example, and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer tub 3 has: a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall 3A arranged along the vertical direction Z; a bottom wall 3B which blocks the hollow portion of the peripheral wall 3A from the lower side Z2; The upper edge of the wall 3A protrudes toward the center of the circumference of the peripheral wall 3A while the upper edge is wrapped. Inside the annular wall 3C, a port 18 that communicates with the hollow portion of the peripheral wall 3A from the upper side Z1 is formed. The inlet and outlet 18 are in a state of being opposed to and communicating with the inlet and outlet 14 of the casing 2 from the lower side Z2. The bottom wall 3B is formed in a substantially horizontally extending disk shape, and a through hole 3D penetrating the bottom wall 3B in the vertical direction Z is formed at the center of the bottom wall 3B.

The washing tub 4 is made of metal, for example, and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that is slightly smaller than the outer tub 3, and can accommodate the laundry L inside. The washing tub 4 has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 4A arranged along the vertical direction Z, and a bottom wall 4B provided at the lower end of the washing tub 4 and blocking the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A from the lower side Z2.

In the upper end of the washing tub 4, an inlet and outlet 19 surrounded by the upper end of the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 4A is formed. The port 19 exposes the hollow portion of the peripheral wall 4A to the upper side Z1, and is in a state of communicating with the port 18 of the tub 3 from the lower side Z2. The user allows the laundry L to be taken in and out of the washing tub 4 from the upper side Z1 through the open inlet and outlet 14 , the inlet and outlet 18 , and the inlet and outlet 19 . The port 14 , the port 18 , and the port 19 are opened and closed together by the cover 15 .

The washing tub 4 is accommodated in the outer tub 3 coaxially. The washing tub 4 in the state accommodated in the outer tub 3 is rotatable around a rotation axis J extending in the vertical direction Z through the center of the washing tub 4 . The washing machine 1 is a vertical washing machine, and the rotation axis J in the present embodiment extends in the vertical direction strictly, but may extend in an inclined direction with respect to the vertical direction. As an example, the inclination direction is a direction shifted toward the front side Y1 as it goes toward the upper side Z1. The rotation axis J also passes through the center of the outer tub 3 . The rotation direction of the washing tub 4 coincides with the circumferential direction P around the rotation axis J. Hereinafter, the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis J is referred to as the radial direction R, among the radial directions R, the side closer to the rotation axis J is referred to as the radially inner side R1, and the side away from the rotation axis J is referred to as the radial direction Outer R2.

A plurality of through holes 4C are formed in at least one of the peripheral wall 4A and the bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4 , and the water in the outer tub 3 can flow between the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 through the through holes 4C. As a result, water is also stored in the washing tub 4 , and the water level in the outer tub 3 matches the water level in the washing tub 4 .

An annular balancer 20 along the circumferential direction P is attached to the upper end portion of the inner peripheral surface of the washing tub 4 . The balancer 20 is a member that damps the vibration of the washing tub 4 during rotation, and the cavity 20A inside the balancer 20 accommodates a liquid such as salt water to help dampen the vibration.

Bottom wall 4B of washing tub 4 is formed in the shape of a disc extending substantially parallel to upper side Z1 at intervals with respect to bottom wall 3B of outer tub 3 . A through hole 4D penetrating the bottom wall 4B in the up-down direction Z is formed in the bottom wall 4B at a center position corresponding to the rotation axis J. The bottom wall 4B is provided with a tubular support shaft 21 extending to the lower side Z2 along the rotation axis J while surrounding the through hole 4D. The support shaft 21 is inserted through the through hole 3D of the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3 , and the lower end of the support shaft 21 is located on the lower side Z2 than the bottom wall 3B.

The rotary vane 5 is a so-called pulsator, is formed in a disk shape with the rotation axis J as the center, and is arranged on the bottom wall 4B in the washing tub 4 . On the upper surface portion of the rotary blade 5 facing the inlet and outlet 19 of the washing tub 4, a plurality of raised portions 5A are provided radially centered on the rotation axis J while being raised toward the upper side Z1. A plurality of dorsal vanes 5B radially arranged with the rotation axis J as the center are provided on the lower surface of the rotor 5 . The lower end portion of the back vane 5B in which the rotor 5 is arranged in the inner space of the washing tub 4 is referred to as a space S. The rotary blade 5 is provided with a rotary shaft 22 extending from the central portion thereof to the lower side Z2 along the rotary axis J. The rotary shaft 22 is inserted through the hollow portion of the support shaft 21 , and the lower end portion of the rotary shaft 22 is positioned on the lower side Z2 from the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3 .

The motor 6 is an electric motor such as an inverter motor. The motor 6 is arranged on the lower side Z2 of the tub 3 in the casing 2 . The motor 6 has an output shaft 23 that protrudes toward the upper side Z1 and rotates about the rotation axis J, generates a driving force, and outputs the driving force from the output shaft 23 .

The transmission mechanism 7 is interposed between the respective lower end portions of the support shaft 21 and the rotating shaft 22 and the upper end portion of the output shaft 23 of the motor 6 . The transmission mechanism 7 selectively transmits the driving force output by the motor 6 from the output shaft 23 to one or both of the support shaft 21 and the rotating shaft 22 . A known clutch or the like can be used for the transmission mechanism 7 . When the driving force from the motor 6 is transmitted to the support shaft 21, the washing tub 4 receives the driving force of the motor 6 and rotates about the rotation axis J as the rotation center. When the driving force from the motor 6 is transmitted to the rotary shaft 22 , the rotary blade 5 receives the driving force of the motor 6 and rotates about the rotation axis J as the rotation center. Since each of the washing tub 4 and the rotary vane 5 can change the direction of rotation, it can rotate not only in one direction in the circumferential direction P, but also in the other direction.

A plurality of guide covers 8 are present, and the guide covers 8 are arranged in a dispersed manner in the circumferential direction P on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 4A. Preferably, these guide covers 8 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction P. As shown in FIG. Each guide cover 8 has a groove shape extending from the lower end portion of the peripheral wall 4A of the washing tub 4 to the upper side Z1, for example, is made of resin, and its plan cross section is formed in, for example, an arc shape convexly curved radially inward R1. The guide cover 8 is fixed to the circumferential wall 4A so as to cover a part of the circumferential wall 4A from the radially inner side R1 . Thereby, a circulation flow path 24 extending from the lower end portion of the circumferential wall 4A in the washing tub 4 to the upper side Z1 is formed between the guide cover 8 and the circumferential wall 4A. That is, the guide cover 8 constitutes the circulation flow path 24 . Since a plurality of guide covers 8 exist, a plurality of circulation flow paths 24 are also provided.

The lower end portion of the circulation flow path 24 is connected from the radially outer side R2 as the inlet 24A of the circulation flow path 24 to the space S in which the back vane 5B of the rotary blade 5 is arranged in the inner space of the washing tub 4 . That is, the inlet 24A is arranged on the bottom wall 4B side of the washing tub 4 . An opening 8A that penetrates the guide cover 8 in the radial direction R is formed in the guide cover 8 . The portion of the circulation flow path 24 exposed to the radially inner side R1 from the opening 8A is the outlet 24B, and the outlet 24B is arranged at a position higher than the inlet 24A and faces the inside of the washing tub 4 .

The filter unit 9 includes a frame 25 that is just received in the opening 8A of the guide cover 8 , and a filter 26 fitted to the frame 25 . The filter 26 is, for example, a sheet shape made of a mesh or the like, and covers the opening 8A.

The drainage channel 10 is connected to the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3 from the lower side Z2 , and the water in the outer tub 3 is drained from the drainage channel 10 to the outside of the machine, that is, the outside of the casing 2 . A drain valve 27 that opens and closes in order to start or stop draining is provided in the middle of the drain passage 10 .

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a principle related to water supply and drainage of the washing machine 1 . The water supply unit 11 includes: a water injection part 28, which is arranged in the box body 2; a water supply channel 29, which connects the water injection part 28 with a faucet outside the box body 2; In the middle; and the bath water supply path 31 is connected to the water injection part 28 in the casing 2 (see also FIG. 1 ).

The water injection part 28 is, for example, a box shape flat in the left-right direction X, and is arranged on the rear side Y2 of the partition wall 2D of the upper panel 2C and on the upper side Z1 of the inlet and outlet 18 of the tub 3 (see FIG. 1 ). A discharge port 28A that faces the port 18 and the port 19 of the washing tub 4 from the upper side Z1 is formed at the bottom of the water injection portion 28 .

The first water supply valve 30 is constituted by a solenoid valve or the like. When the first water supply valve 30 is opened while the drain valve 27 is closed, after the tap water from the faucet flows through the water supply passage 29 and is injected into the water filling part 28, the water is pumped as indicated by the broken line arrow A1 in FIG. 2 (see also FIG. 1 ). It is poured into the washing tub 4 from the discharge port 28A, and stored in the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 . When the first water supply valve 30 is closed, the water supply of the tap water is stopped.

The other end of the bath water supply path 31 opposite to the one connected to the water injection part 28 is exposed as the suction port 32 to the upper surface of the upper panel 2C, that is, the surface of the casing 2 (see FIG. 1 ). A hose 33 whose one end is immersed in the bath water of a bathtub (not shown) is connected to the suction port 32 . An electric pump 34 is provided in the hose 33 . When the pump 34 operates, the bath water is taken into the hose 33 and sent into the bath water supply path 31 from the suction port 32 . The bath water flowing through the bath water supply path 31 is poured into the water pouring part 28 and then poured into the washing tub 4 from the discharge port 28A. The hose 33 and the pump 34 may be external components called a so-called bath water pump. The pump 34 may not be provided in the hose 33 but may be provided in the bath water supply path 31, and in this case, only the hose 33 is an external member.

The input unit 12 includes: a treatment agent supply path 35, which branches from an area on the upstream side of the water faucet in the water supply path 29 in the casing 2, and is connected to the water injection part 28 after being branched; the second water supply valve 36 is provided in the The processing agent supply path 35 ; and the pump 37 are provided in a region of the processing agent supply path 35 that is closer to the downstream side of the water injection portion 28 than the second water supply valve 36 (see also FIG. 1 ). The input unit 12 includes: a detergent storage part 38 that stores liquid detergent; a softener storage part 39 that stores a liquid softener also called a softener; and a detergent outflow path 40 that extends from the detergent storage part 38 To the treatment agent supply path 35 ; and the softener outflow path 41 extends from the softener storage portion 39 to the treatment agent supply path 35 . The input unit 12 includes a detergent supply valve 42 and a softener supply valve 43 provided in a midway region between the second water supply valve 36 and the pump 37 in the treatment agent supply path 35 .

The second water supply valve 36 is constituted by a solenoid valve or the like. When the second water supply valve 36 is opened while the drain valve 27 is closed, the tap water from the faucet flows through the treatment agent supply path 35 and is injected into the water injection part 28 . The tap water injected into the water injection part 28 is injected into the washing tub 4 from the discharge port 28A, and is stored in the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 . When the second water supply valve 36 is closed, the supply of tap water is stopped. The pump 37 constitutes a part of the treatment agent supply path 35 and is arranged so as not to interfere with the flow of water in the treatment agent supply path 35 when the second water supply valve 36 is open.

The detergent storage portion 38 and the softener storage portion 39 are containers for accommodating corresponding treatment agents, respectively. In the present embodiment, since the detergent storage part 38 is arranged deep on the left side of the partition wall 2D of the upper panel 2C, and the softener storage part 39 is arranged on the deep side of the right side of the partition wall 2D, when the user opens the cover 15 , the detergent storage part 38 and the softener storage part 39 are exposed (refer to FIG. 3 ). A replenishment port 38A is formed in the upper surface portion of the detergent storage portion 38 , and a replenishment port 39A is formed in the upper surface portion of the softener storage portion 39 (see FIG. 3 ). Therefore, the user can replenish the detergent to the detergent storage part 38 from the replenishment port 38A or replenish the softener to the softener storage part 39 from the replenishment port 39A.

The detergent outflow passage 40 extends from the lower end portion of the detergent storage portion 38 to the lower side Z2 and is connected to the processing agent supply passage 35 via the detergent supply valve 42 . The softener outflow path 41 extends from the lower end portion of the softener storage portion 39 to the lower side Z2 and is connected to the treatment agent supply path 35 via the softener supply valve 43 .

The detergent supply valve 42 is constituted by a solenoid valve or the like. The softener supply valve 43 is also constituted by a solenoid valve or the like. When the pump 37 operates with the detergent supply valve 42 open, the detergent in the detergent storage unit 38 is sucked to the treatment agent supply channel 35 through the detergent outflow channel 40 . When the second water supply valve 36 is opened and the tap water from the faucet flows through the treatment agent supply path 35, the detergent flowing out of the treatment agent supply path 35 is injected into the water injection part 28 together with the tap water in the treatment agent supply path 35, It is poured into the washing tub 4 from the discharge port 28A. When the pump 37 operates with the softener supply valve 43 open, the softener in the softener reservoir 39 is sucked into the treatment agent supply channel 35 through the softener outflow channel 41 . When the second water supply valve 36 is opened and the tap water from the faucet flows through the treatment agent supply path 35 , the softener flowing out into the treatment agent supply path 35 is injected into the water injection part 28 along with the tap water in the treatment agent supply path 35 . , and pour into the washing tub 4 from the discharge port 28A.

In association with the ultrasonic cleaning unit 13 , a concave storage chamber 44 (refer to FIG. 1 ) that is recessed toward the rear side Y2 while surrounding the opening 2F is provided on the partition wall 2D of the upper panel 2C of the case 2 . The ultrasonic cleaning unit 13 includes: an ultrasonic switching valve 45 provided in the area between the water injection part 28 and the pump 37 in the treatment agent supply path 35; a tank 46; 46 connected. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 13 has: a tray 48 accommodated in the accommodating chamber 44 ; a second water guide 49 connecting the box 46 and the tray 48 ; The ultrasonic cleaning unit 13 has: an ultrasonic drainage channel 51 connecting the tray 48 to the drainage channel 10 ; an ultrasonic drainage valve 52 arranged in the ultrasonic drainage channel 51 ; In addition, in FIG. 2, the overflow water path 54 which makes the water exceeding the upper limit water level in the washing tub 4 escape to the drainage path 10 is shown. The overflow passage 54 connects the peripheral wall 3A (see FIG. 1 ) of the tub 3 and the drain passage 10 . The ultrasonic cleaning unit 13 further includes an ultrasonic wave generating unit 55 arranged around the tray 48 .

The ultrasonic switching valve 45 is a so-called multi-port valve, and causes the water flowing through the treatment agent supply path 35 to continue to flow toward the treatment agent supply path 35 or to the first water guide path 47 toward the water injection portion 28 . The water flowing through the first water conduit 47 is stored in the tank 46 .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upper panel 2C and its peripheral portion in the washing machine 1 . The tray 48 has a recess 48A, which is open to the upper side Z1, and a handle 48B, which is arranged on the front side Y1 rather than the recess 48A.

The end portion of the second water guide 49 is open to the tray 48 in, for example, the accommodating chamber 44 . The ultrasonic water supply valve 50 is constituted by a solenoid valve or the like. When the ultrasonic water supply valve 50 is opened, the water stored in the tank 46 falls to the recess 48A of the tray 48 through the second water guide 49 . The ultrasonic drainage path 51 is connected to the bottom of the tray 48 . The ultrasonic drain valve 52 is constituted by a solenoid valve or the like. When the ultrasonic water supply valve 50 is opened while the ultrasonic water drain valve 52 is closed, the water from the tank 46 is stored in the recess 48A of the tray 48 . When the ultrasonic water supply valve 50 is opened in this state, the water in the tray 48 flows out to the drainage channel 10 through the ultrasonic drainage channel 51 and is discharged out of the machine. The water exceeding the upper limit water level in the tank 46 flows out to the ultrasonic overflow path 53 and is supplied to the tray 48 .

The ultrasonic generating portion 55 has a nozzle shape extending in the front-rear direction Y, and a distal end portion located at the front end thereof is bent downwardly Z2. A vibration horn 56 is provided at the distal end of the ultrasonic wave generating portion 55 . The ultrasonic wave generator 55 generates ultrasonic waves when the vibration horn 56 is energized. In addition, the lamp|ramp 57 which can be turned on when electricity is supplied may be provided in the front-end|tip part of the ultrasonic wave generating part 55. As shown in FIG. The ultrasonic generator 55 , which is an example of such an ultrasonic generator, is positioned on the tray 48 so that at least the vibration horn 56 is arranged on the tray 48 . The tray 48 is integrated with the ultrasonic generator 55 to constitute the extraction unit 58 .

The extraction unit 58 is slidably supported in the front-rear direction Y by the accommodating chamber 44 provided in the upper panel 2C of the case 2 . Specifically, the extraction unit 58 can be extracted from the storage chamber 44 to the front side Y1 at the storage position (refer to FIG. 1 ) accommodated in the storage chamber 44 and the extraction position (refer to FIG. 3 ) from the storage chamber 44 through the opening 2F of the partition wall 2D of the upper panel 2C. ) to slide forward and backward in the Y direction. The user can hold the handle 48B of the tray 48 in a state where the cover 15 is opened, and pull it out, thereby sliding the extraction unit 58 .

The partition wall 2D may be provided with a shutter (not shown) that opens and closes the opening 2F in conjunction with the sliding movement of the extraction unit 58 . This shutter closes the opening 2F when the extraction unit 58 is located at the accommodation position, and opens the opening 2F when the extraction unit 58 at the accommodation position starts to slide. In this case, even in the state where the shutter closes the opening 2F, the handle 48B is exposed in the entrance 14 of the upper panel 2C so that the user can grasp it. In addition, the first water guide path 47 , the second water guide path 49 , the ultrasonic drainage path 51 , and the ultrasonic overflow water path 53 each surround the extraction unit 58 so as not to hinder the sliding movement of the extraction unit 58 .

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the washing machine 1 . The washing machine 1 further includes: a microcomputer 60 as an example of a control unit; a water level sensor 61 for detecting the water level in the washing tub 4; An example of ; and the buzzer 63. The microcomputer 60 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 60A, a memory 60B, and a timer 60C for timekeeping. The water level sensor 61, the lid switch 62, and the buzzer 63 can each have a known structure. The operation panel 16 , the display unit 17 , the water level sensor 61 , the lid switch 62 , and the buzzer 63 are each electrically connected to the microcomputer 60 . The operation content of the user on the operation panel 16 is input to the microcomputer 60 . The microcomputer 60 controls the display contents of the display unit 17 . The respective detection results of the water level sensor 61 and the lid switch 62 are input to the microcomputer 60 . The microcomputer 60 controls the operation of the buzzer 63 .

Motor 6, transmission mechanism 7, drain valve 27, first water supply valve 30, second water supply valve 36, pump 37, detergent supply valve 42, softener supply valve 43, ultrasonic switching valve 45, ultrasonic water supply valve 50, ultrasonic water drain The valve 52 and the ultrasonic generator 55 are each electrically connected to the microcomputer 60 via, for example, the drive circuit 64 , and are controlled by the microcomputer 60 . The aforementioned bath water pump can be electrically connected to the microcomputer 60 via a cable (not shown) composed of at least one of a signal line and a power supply line, and can be controlled by the microcomputer 60 .

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the operation panel 16 and the display unit 17 . The operation panel 16 is arranged side by side with the display unit 17, for example, from the lower side Z2. The operation panel 16 includes a plurality of keys 65 arranged in the left-right direction X. Each key 65 may be a touch key or an ordinary button. The keys 65 related to the following description are: a power on key 65A for turning on the power of the washing machine 1; a power off key 65B for turning off the power of the washing machine 1; a start key 65C for starting a washing operation; a mode key 65D for selecting the mode of the washing operation; and an ultrasonic key 65E for starting the ultrasonic cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning unit 13 .

The display portion 17 includes: a numerical value display column 66, which displays numerical values such as the remaining time of the washing operation; a mode display column 67, which is arranged adjacent to the right side of the numerical value display column 66, and displays the mode being selected; and a detail display column 68, which is arranged on the On the left side of the numerical value display column 66, detailed conditions during the washing operation are displayed. The display contents of the display unit 17 will be described later.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation performed in the washing machine 1 . When the user presses the power ON key 65A and turns it on, the microcomputer 60 monitors whether the user presses the ultrasonic key 65E and turns it on (step S1 ). At this time, all the valves, such as the first water supply valve 30 in the washing machine 1, are in a closed state.

When the user selects the mode of the washing operation by pressing the mode key 65D to turn it on without turning on the ultrasonic key 65E (No in step S1), the microcomputer 60 monitors whether the user presses The start key 65C is pressed to turn it on (step S3). The microcomputer 60 illuminates the display area corresponding to the mode selected by the user in the mode display field 67 (see Fig. 5). When the user puts the laundry L into the washing tub 4, closes the lid 15 and turns on the start key 65C (YES in step S3), the microcomputer 60 executes the washing operation (step S4). When the washing operation ends, the microcomputer 60 automatically turns off the power supply of the washing machine 1 (step S5). It should be noted that the user can also cause the microcomputer 60 to cut off the power supply of the washing machine 1 by pressing the power cutoff key 65B (see FIG. 5 ).

When the user turns on the ultrasonic key 65E (YES in step S1 ) and then turns on the start key 65C (YES in step S6 ), the microcomputer 60 executes the ultrasonic cleaning operation (step S7 ). The microcomputer 60 lights up the display area 66A corresponding to the ultrasonic cleaning operation in the numerical value display column 66 according to the turning on of the ultrasonic key 65E, and flashes the display area 66A during the ultrasonic cleaning operation or displays the meaning that the ultrasonic cleaning operation is in progress on the numerical value. A segment 66B (see FIG. 5 ) of the column 66 is displayed. When the ultrasonic cleaning operation ends, the microcomputer 60 waits for the start of the cleaning operation (step S8). That is, the microcomputer 60 does not automatically cut off the power supply of the washing machine 1, but waits for the user to turn on the start key 65C to perform the washing operation (step S3). In this state, when the user puts the laundry L into the washing tub 4, closes the lid 15 and turns on the start key 65C (YES in step S3), the microcomputer 60 executes the washing operation (step S4). When the washing operation ends, the microcomputer 60 automatically turns off the power supply of the washing machine 1 (step S5).

In this way, the microcomputer 60 waits for the input of the start command of the washing operation upon completion of the ultrasonic cleaning operation (step S8), and starts the washing operation upon the input of the start command (YES in step S3) (step S4). The input of the start command here means that the user turns on the start key 65C. In this way, the microcomputer 60 performs the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation in conjunction with each other. Therefore, even if the user who wants to continuously perform the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation does not turn on the power of the washing machine 1 again by operating the power-on key 65A (see FIG. 5 ) after the ultrasonic cleaning operation, for example, the user can turn on the power of the washing machine 1 by pressing the start key. 65C is turned on to quickly start the washing operation. Therefore, the usability can be improved. In addition, the waiting state of the microcomputer 60 may be regarded as the initial state of the washing operation. In addition, the washing operation mode after the end of the ultrasonic cleaning operation is the standard mode, which will be described later, by default. However, when the mode of the next washing operation is to be changed from the default mode after the end of the ultrasonic cleaning operation, the microcomputer 60 may After the mode selection in step S2, it waits for the start key 65C to be turned on (step S3).

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the details of the washing operation in step S4. The washing operation includes a standard mode and an exclusive mode, and FIG. 7 shows the washing operation in the standard mode. When the standard mode is selected by the user's operation of the mode key 65D, the microcomputer 60 lights a display area 67A corresponding to the standard mode in the mode display field 67 (see FIG. 5 ). The microcomputer 60 first detects the amount of the laundry L in the washing tub 4, that is, the detected load amount along with the start of the washing operation (step S11). As an example of the load amount detection, the microcomputer 60 detects the load amount from fluctuations in the rotational speed of the motor 6 when the washing tub 4 is rotated stably at a low speed. The microcomputer 60 determines the water level at which water is to be stored in the washing tub 4 next based on the previously detected load. The relationship between the water level and the load is obtained in advance through experiments or the like, and is stored in the memory 60B of the microcomputer 60 . Then, the microcomputer 60 sequentially executes the washing process, the first rinsing process, the second rinsing process, and the final spin-drying process in the washing operation of the standard mode.

The microcomputer 60 first executes the water supply process to the washing tub 4 in the washing process (step S12). Specifically, the microcomputer 60 opens the second water supply valve 36 and controls the ultrasonic switching valve 45, whereby the tap water from the faucet is poured from the treatment agent supply path 35 into the water filling part 28 and poured from the discharge port 28A of the water filling part 28 to washing inside the barrel 4 (refer to FIG. 2 ). At this time, the microcomputer 60 opens the detergent supply valve 42 and operates the pump 37 , thereby supplying a primary amount of the detergent to the processing agent supply path 35 . Thereby, the water in which the detergent is dissolved, that is, the detergent water is poured into the washing tub 4 .

When the water level of the washing tub 4 is raised to the water level determined in step S11 by such water supply, the microcomputer 60 ends the water supply process and executes the stirring process (step S13). Specifically, the microcomputer 60 controls the transmission mechanism 7 as necessary to transmit the driving force of the motor 6 to the rotor 5 , and then drives the motor 6 , thereby continuously rotating the rotor 5 . Thereby, in the washing tub 4, since the detergent is easily dissolved in water, high-concentration detergent water is generated. The contamination from the laundry L is mechanically removed by the raised portion 5A of the rotating rotor 5 (see FIG. 1 ), or the contamination of the laundry L is chemically decomposed by the detergent components in the detergent water. When the predetermined stirring time has elapsed, the microcomputer 60 ends the stirring process.

After the stirring process, the microcomputer 60 then executes the unwinding process in a state where water is stored in the washing tub 4 (step S14). The microcomputer 60 intermittently drives the motor 6 in the disentanglement process under conditions different from the stirring process, thereby causing the rotor 5 to be slightly reversed. In the present embodiment, as an example, the rotor 5 is reversed at a higher rotational speed than that during the stirring process so that forward rotation and reverse rotation are alternately repeated at intervals shorter than those in the stirring process. Thereby, the laundry L immersed in water in the washing tub 4 is unwound by the reversing rotor 5 . Therefore, the bias of the laundry L is eliminated. The bias of the laundry L refers to the bias of the laundry L in the washing tub 4 , and is also referred to as unbalance. When a predetermined unwinding time has elapsed, the microcomputer 60 ends the unwinding process. Thus, the cleaning process ends.

The stirring process and the unwinding process in the cleaning process are collectively referred to as the cleaning process. During the cleaning process, the water in the space S on the bottom wall 4B side in the washing tub 4 is pushed out to the radially outer side R2 by the back vanes 5B of the rotary vane 5 rotating at high speed and sent to the inlets 24A of the respective circulation channels 24 (refer to figure 1). The water flowing upward Z1 in each circulation flow path 24 flows out radially inward R1 from the outlet 24B of the circulation flow path 24 through the filter 26 of the filter unit 9 (see dotted arrow A2 in FIG. 1 ). The filter 26 captures foreign matters such as thread tips from the water passing through the filter 26 and stores them in the filter unit 9 . The water returning to the washing tub 4 from the outlet 24B circulates as follows: after being poured on the laundry L in the washing tub 4 from the upper side Z1, it flows down to the space S, and is poured onto the laundry L through the circulation flow path 24 again. . In addition, in the cleaning process, the microcomputer 60 may rotate not only the rotary blade 5 but also the washing tub 4 .

Next, the microcomputer 60 starts the first rinsing process, and first, as the draining process of the washing tub 4, the drain valve 27 is opened (step S15). Thereby, the water in the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 is discharged out of the machine through the drain passage 10 . Next, the microcomputer 60 executes the spin-drying process of the laundry L with the drain valve 27 opened (step S16). Specifically, first, the microcomputer 60 controls the transmission mechanism 7 to transmit the driving force of the motor 6 to the washing tub 4 to rotate the washing tub 4 at a high speed. The laundry L in the washing tub 4 is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated by the high-speed rotation. The water that seeps out of the laundry L by dehydration is drained out of the machine through the drainage channel 10 . In the final stage of the spin-drying process, the microcomputer 60 controls the transmission mechanism 7 so that the driving force of the motor 6 is not transmitted to the washing tub 4 and stops the motor 6, so that the washing tub 4 rotates by inertia.

The microcomputer 60 executes the shower rinsing process after the dehydration process (step S17). Specifically, the microcomputer 60 then opens the first water supply valve 30 with the drain valve 27 open, so that the tap water from the water faucet is poured into the water filling part 28 from the water supply passage 29 and poured into the washing tub from the discharge port 28A of the water filling part 28 4, while rotating the washing tub 4 at a low speed. Therefore, in the shower rinsing process, the laundry L is rinsed by rotating the washing tub 4 at a low speed while simultaneously performing water supply and drainage. With the end of the spray rinsing process, the first rinsing process ends.

Next, the microcomputer 60 starts the second rinsing process, and first performs the same spin-drying process as in step S16 (step S18). Next, the microcomputer 60 executes the water supply process to the washing tub 4 (step S19). Specifically, the microcomputer 60 opens the second water supply valve 36 with the drain valve 27 closed, and controls the ultrasonic switching valve 45, whereby the tap water from the faucet is poured from the treatment agent supply path 35 into the water injection part 28, and the water is injected from the water injection part The discharge port 28A of 28 is poured into the washing tub 4 (refer to FIG. 2 ). At this time, the microcomputer 60 opens the softener supply valve 43 and operates the pump 37 , thereby supplying a primary amount of the softener to the processing agent supply passage 35 . Thereby, the water in which the softener is dissolved is poured into the washing tub 4 and stored therein.

When the water level of the washing tub 4 rises to the water level determined in step S11, the microcomputer 60 ends the water supply process, and executes the same stirring process as in step S13 (step S20). Thereby, in the washing tub 4, the laundry L is rinsed, and the softener penetrates into the laundry L. In addition, in the stirring process, the water in the washing tub 4 circulates so as to be poured onto the laundry L through the circulation flow path 24 in accordance with the rotation of the rotary blade 5 . When the predetermined stirring time has elapsed, the microcomputer 60 ends the stirring process.

After the stirring process, the microcomputer 60 then executes the same disengagement process as in step S14 in a state where water is stored in the washing tub 4 (step S21). Thereby, the bias of the laundry L in the washing tub 4 is eliminated. When the predetermined unwinding time has elapsed, the microcomputer 60 ends the unwinding process. Thus, the second rinsing process ends. The stirring process and the unwinding process in the second rinsing process are collectively referred to as a water storage rinsing process.

Next, the microcomputer 60 starts the final dehydration process, and firstly, the drain valve 27 is opened to perform the drain process of the washing tub 4 (step S22). Then, the microcomputer 60 performs the spin-drying process of the laundry L similarly to the spin-drying process of step S16 and step S18 (step S23). However, the rotation conditions of the washing tub 4 in step S23 may be different from the rotation conditions of the washing tub 4 in steps S16 and S18. As an example, the maximum rotational speed of the washing tub 4 in step S23 is higher than the maximum rotational speed of the washing tub 4 in steps S16 and S18. With the end of the spin-drying process, the final spin-drying process ends, and thus the washing operation itself ends.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the ultrasonic cleaning operation in step S7. It should be noted that, before the start of the ultrasonic cleaning operation, the aforementioned extraction unit 58 is extracted to the extraction position by the user (see FIG. 3 ). The microcomputer 60 first executes the first detergent supply process along with the start of the ultrasonic cleaning operation (step S31).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detergent supply process. The microcomputer 60 operates by first opening the detergent supply valve 42 and turning on the pump 37 along with the start of the detergent supply process (step S301). Then, when the predetermined Ta seconds have elapsed (YES in step S302 ), the microcomputer 60 turns off the pump 37 to stop, and closes the detergent supply valve 42 (step S303 ). Thereby, the predetermined amount of the detergent in the detergent storage part 38 is sucked to the processing agent supply path 35 (refer FIG. 2).

Next, the microcomputer 60 opens and turns on the second water supply valve 36 (step S304). Thereby, the detergent suctioned to the treatment agent supply path 35 just now flows through the treatment agent supply path 35 as detergent water following the tap water. At this time, the microcomputer 60 controls the ultrasonic switching valve 45 so that the detergent water flowing through the treatment agent supply path 35 goes to the tank 46 (see FIG. 2 ). Then, when the predetermined Tb seconds have elapsed (YES in step S305 ), the microcomputer 60 closes the second water supply valve 36 and turns it off (step S306 ). As a result, the tank 46 is filled with the detergent water to a predetermined water level. It should be noted that a sensor (not shown) for detecting the water level of the tank 46 may be provided, and the microcomputer 60 may determine that the tank 46 is full of water based on the detection result of the sensor in step S305. When the tank 46 is full of water and the second water supply valve 36 is turned off, the detergent supply process ends.

Returning to FIG. 8 , the microcomputer 60 sounds the buzzer 63 upon completion of the first detergent supply process to notify the user of the start of supply of detergent water from the tank 46 to the tray 48 (step S32 ). At this time, the microcomputer 60 opens the ultrasonic water supply valve 50 (see FIG. 2 ) to supply detergent water to the tray 48 . Note that the ultrasonic water supply valve 50 may be omitted, and in this case, the detergent water in the tank 46 is naturally supplied to the tray 48 from the middle of the detergent supply process by, for example, a siphon effect.

The second water supply valve 36 , the pump 37 , the detergent supply valve 42 , and the ultrasonic switch valve 45 provided in the region from the upstream end of the faucet side to the ultrasonic water supply valve 50 in the treatment agent supply passage 35 are used to wash the detergent storage portion 38 . An example of a detergent supply unit that supplies the agent to at least the tray 48 (see FIG. 2 ). The ultrasonic water supply valve 50 can also be regarded as an example of the detergent supply part. Furthermore, the processing agent supply path 35 is an example of a detergent supply path for supplying the detergent from the detergent storage unit 38 to the tray 48 during the ultrasonic cleaning operation. In addition, the detergent supply part supplies the detergent of the processing agent supply path 35 from the water injection part 28 to the washing tub 4 in the cleaning process as mentioned above.

When a predetermined time of, for example, 16 seconds has elapsed from the start of the notification (YES in step S33), almost all the detergent water in the tank 46 is transferred from the tray 48 to the recess 48A (refer to FIG. 3) of the tray 48, so that the micro The computer 60 notifies the user of the start of ultrasonic waves by sounding the buzzer 63 (step S34). The processing of steps S32 to S34 is called tray water supply processing.

The microcomputer 60 which has notified the start of the ultrasonic wave energizes and turns on the vibration horn 56 of the ultrasonic wave generating part 55, thereby generating the ultrasonic wave (step S35). In this state, the user immerses the collar and sleeve of a shirt, which is an example of the laundry L, in the detergent water in the recess 48A of the tray 48 and brings it close to the vibration horn 56, thereby applying ultrasonic waves to the laundry. Local fouling of L (see Fig. 3). Then, due to the ultrasonic vibration generated by the horn 56 that is energized, the detergent water immersed in the laundry L generates bubbles and bursts, so that the impact of the bursting blows dirt from the gaps between the fibers of the laundry L. Even if the user does not rub the laundry L strongly, the user can ultrasonically clean the laundry L by causing the ultrasonic waves of the ultrasonic generating unit 55 to act on the stubborn local dirt on the laundry L for a predetermined period of time.

Detergent for the ultrasonic cleaning operation is stored in the detergent storage unit 38 provided in the washing machine 1 and is automatically put into the tray 48 by the pump 37 or the like, so the user does not need to prepare the detergent in the tray 48 for the ultrasonic cleaning operation. Therefore, the usability can be improved. In addition, since the detergent used for the washing operation can also be used for the ultrasonic cleaning operation, there is no need to prepare separate detergents for the washing operation and the ultrasonic cleaning operation.

During the ultrasonic cleaning operation, when a predetermined time, for example, one minute has elapsed after the vibration horn 56 is turned on (YES in step S36 ), the detergent water in the tray 48 is infiltrated into the laundry L and greatly reduced Therefore, the microcomputer 60 executes the second detergent supply process with the vibration horn 56 kept on (step S37). The content of the second detergent supply process is the same as that of the first detergent supply process (step S31). By the second detergent supply process, the tray 48 is automatically replenished with detergent water. Thereby, since the user does not need to replenish the detergent to the tray 48, it is possible to further improve the usability.

When a predetermined time, for example, 3 minutes has elapsed after the second detergent supply process (YES in step S38 ), since the user should have completed the ultrasonic cleaning of the laundry L, the microcomputer 60 turns off the vibration horn 56 (step S39). Then, the microcomputer 60 sounds the buzzer 63 to notify the user of the end of the ultrasonic cleaning operation (step S40). Thereby, the ultrasonic cleaning operation ends. It should be noted that, when the user who has completed the ultrasonic cleaning before the buzzer 63 sounds, for example, presses the start key 65C (see FIG. 5 ), the microcomputer 60 can end the ultrasonic cleaning operation in advance. Alternatively, when the user presses the start key 65C during the ultrasonic cleaning operation, the microcomputer 60 may temporarily stop the ultrasonic cleaning operation.

The user who has completed the ultrasonic cleaning returns the extraction unit 58 to the accommodating position (refer to FIG. 1 ). Thereby, the microcomputer 60 opens the ultrasonic drain valve 52, and drains the detergent water remaining in the tray 48 to the outside of the machine via the drain path 10 (see FIG. 2). In addition, the drain lever 70 (refer FIG. 3) for opening the bottom of the tray 48 may be provided in the tray 48. As shown in FIG. When the user operates the drain lever 70 with the extraction unit 58 at the extraction position, the bottom of the tray 48 is opened and the detergent water in the tray 48 flows out into the washing tub 4, so that the tray 48 can be drained manually.

10 is a flowchart showing the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation in the first modification. In the first modification, when the user presses and turns on the power ON key 65A, the microcomputer 60 monitors whether or not the user has turned on the ultrasonic key 65E similarly to step S1 (step S51 ). When the user turns on the ultrasonic key 65E (YES in step S51 ) and turns on the start key 65C (YES in step S52 ), the microcomputer 60 executes the ultrasonic cleaning operation similarly to step S7 (step S53 ).

When the ultrasonic cleaning operation ends, the microcomputer 60 temporarily stores the flag related to the maintenance of the treatment agent supply passage 35 through which the detergent water flows during the ultrasonic cleaning operation from "not required" to "required", for example, in the memory 60B. (step S54). Then, the microcomputer 60 can wait for the start of the washing operation like step S8 of the flowchart of FIG. 6 . If the washing operation of the ultrasonic cleaning operation is not required, the microcomputer 60 can automatically cut off the power supply of the washing machine 1 .

When the user does not turn on the ultrasonic key 65E (NO in step S51 ) but selects the mode of the washing operation with the mode key 65D as in step S2 (YES in step S55 ) and turns on the start key 65C as in step S3 When ON (YES in step S56), the microcomputer 60 confirms the flag temporarily stored in the memory 60B (step S57). When the flag "required" is stored (YES in step S57), a special washing operation is performed (step S58). In this washing operation, that is, in the cleaning process of the first washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation is performed, the microcomputer 60 executes, for example, between the water supply process in step S12 and the stirring process in step S13 (see FIG. 7 ) shown in FIG. 11 . Maintenance processing.

In the maintenance process, the microcomputer 60 opens and turns on the second water supply valve 36 (step S501). Thereby, the tap water from the faucet flows through the treatment agent supply path 35 and is injected into the water injection part 28 , and is supplied into the washing tub 4 from the discharge port 28A of the water injection part 28 . When tap water flows through the treatment agent supply path 35, the residual detergent supplied to the treatment agent supply path 35 during the ultrasonic cleaning operation is washed away with the tap water, so the treatment agent supply path 35 is cleaned. Thereby, it is possible to prevent troubles due to adhesion of the detergent in the processing agent supply path 35 . In addition, the microcomputer 60 can control the ultrasonic switching valve 45 so that the tap water which flows through the processing agent supply path 35 does not flow to the water injection part 28, but flows to the tray 48 side (refer FIG. 2). Thereby, the tank 46, the tray 48, etc. can also be cleaned.

When the predetermined Tc seconds have elapsed after the second water supply valve 36 was turned on (YES in step S502 ), the microcomputer 60 closes and turns off the second water supply valve 36 (step S503 ). Thereby, the maintenance process ends. Further, the microcomputer 60 deletes the flag from the memory 60B, or resets "required" to "unnecessary". In this way, since the washing machine 1 performs automatic maintenance of the treatment agent supply path 35 during the washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation, the user does not need to maintain the treatment agent supply path 35 . Therefore, further improvement in usability can be achieved. It should be noted that the water supply amount in the immediately preceding water supply process (step S12 ) may be set to be slightly smaller in accordance with the water amount to be added in the maintenance process.

On the other hand, if the flag "required" does not exist in the aforementioned memory 60B (NO in step S57), the washing operation without maintenance processing is executed (step S59). The washing operation of step S59 is the same as the washing operation explained with reference to FIG. 7 . Regardless of the presence or absence of the maintenance process, when the washing operation ends, the microcomputer 60 automatically shuts off the power supply of the washing machine 1 as in step S5 (step S60 ).

12 is a flowchart showing the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation in the second modification. The second modification is an embodiment assuming the washing operation in the above-mentioned dedicated mode. The dedicated mode is a mode in which a small amount of laundry L, such as laundry L that has been partially cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning operation, is used as a washing object. When the user selects the dedicated mode with the mode key 65D (YES in step S71) and turns on the start key 65C (YES in step S72), the microcomputer 60 first executes the ultrasonic cleaning operation as in step S7 (step S73).

When the ultrasonic cleaning operation ends, the microcomputer 60 waits for the start of the cleaning operation (step S74). Specifically, the microcomputer 60 waits for the input of the detection result of the lid switch 62 that "the user who put the laundry L into the washing tub 4 after the ultrasonic cleaning operation has closed the lid 15" (step S75). When the user closes the lid 15 (YES in step S75), the microcomputer 60 executes the washing operation in the dedicated mode (step S76).

In this way, after the end of the ultrasonic cleaning operation, the microcomputer 60 uses the lid switch 62 to detect that the lid 15 has closed the inlet 14, the inlet 18, and the inlet 19 (YES in step S75) as the input of the above-described start command, thereby starting washing. operation (step S76). In this case, after the ultrasonic cleaning operation is completed, the user can start the washing operation of the washing machine 1 by a simple operation of closing the lid 15, so that the usability can be further improved. When the dedicated mode is selected, the microcomputer 60 lights up the display area 67B corresponding to the dedicated mode in the mode display column 67 (see FIG. 5 ). The microcomputer 60 which has executed the washing operation in the exclusive mode automatically turns off the power supply of the washing machine 1 (step S77).

FIG. 13 is a table showing the operating conditions of the washing operation in the above-mentioned standard mode. In the standard mode (refer to FIG. 7 ), as an example, the microcomputer 60 executes the water supply process for 3 minutes and the wash process for 9 minutes during the washing process, and executes the drainage process for 1 minute and the drain process for 4 minutes during the first rinsing process. Dehydration and 1 minute spray rinse. After the microcomputer 60 supplies water to the washing tub 4 as described above in the cleaning process in the standard mode, that is, after the water supply process is completed, the rotor 5 is rotated by the motor 6 without additional water supply during the cleaning process. Then, the microcomputer 60 performs dehydration processing for 3 minutes, water supply processing for 3 minutes, and water storage rinsing processing for 3 minutes in the second rinsing process, and drainage processing for 1 minute and dehydration processing for 6 minutes in the final dehydration process. In this case, the time required for the washing operation in the standard mode is 34 minutes.

FIG. 14 is a table showing the operating conditions of the washing operation in the exclusive mode. On the other hand, the washing operation of the dedicated mode (refer to FIG. 12 ) includes a washing process different from the standard mode, a single rinsing process, and a final spin-drying process. As an example, the microcomputer 60 executes the water supply process for 2 minutes during the cleaning process in the dedicated mode. Thus, when the water level in the washing tub 4 reaches a predetermined minimum water level higher than zero, the microcomputer 60 executes the cleaning process for 4 minutes during the cleaning process, and continues the water supply until the water level in the washing tub 4 during the cleaning process. The rotary blade 5 is rotated while rising to a predetermined water level, and the laundry L in the washing tub 4 is stirred. That is, the microcomputer 60 supplies water from the lowest water level while stirring the laundry L in the cleaning process in the exclusive mode. In other words, the microcomputer 60 rotates the rotary vane 5 from the middle of the water supply to the washing tub 4 in the cleaning process of the exclusive mode. 13 and 14 , it can be seen that the required time of 6 minutes in the cleaning process of the special mode is shorter than the required time of 12 minutes in the cleaning process of the standard mode.

The microcomputer 60 executes a drainage process for 1 minute, a dehydration process for 2 minutes, a water supply process for 2 minutes, and a water storage rinsing process for 3 minutes during the rinsing process in the dedicated mode. When the water level in the washing tub 4 reaches a predetermined minimum water level by this water supply process, the microcomputer 60 rotates the rotor 5 while continuing to supply water as a 3-minute water storage rinsing process to stir the laundry L in the washing tub 4 . That is, in this water storage rinsing process, the microcomputer 60 starts water supply from the lowest water level while stirring the laundry L similarly to the washing process. The microcomputer 60 executes the drainage process for 1 minute and the dehydration process for 5 minutes in the final dehydration process. In this case, the time required for the washing operation in the dedicated mode is 20 minutes. The time required for the washing operation in the standard mode is 34 minutes, so the operation time in the dedicated mode is shorter than that in the standard mode.

In the washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation, for example, when it is desired to wash a small amount of the laundry L, the laundry L can be washed in a short time by selecting the washing operation in the dedicated mode. In particular, in the cleaning process of the exclusive mode, the rotation of the rotor 5 is started from the middle of the water supply of the washing tub 4, so that the laundry L in the washing tub 4 can be efficiently washed in a short time.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope described in the claims.

For example, the first water supply valve 30 and the second water supply valve 36 (see FIG. 2 ) are, as described above, an example of a water supply unit that supplies water to at least the washing tub 4, but these water supply valves may not be separated and may be used as multi-port valves. And integration. In addition, the ultrasonic switching valve 45 which switches the destination of the water flowing through the treatment agent supply path 35 to the water filling part 28 on the washing tub 4 side and the tank 46 on the tray 48 side can also be regarded as an example of the water supply part.

Furthermore, the aforementioned various features may be appropriately combined. For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 6 , the microcomputer 60 in the waiting state (step S8 ) may be based on the detection result of the cover switch 62 (step S75 in FIG. 12 ) not by the operation of the start key 65C by the user (step S3 ) ) to start the washing operation (step S4). In addition, the mode of the washing operation may not be a standard mode but an exclusive mode, but the user needs to select a mode in advance by operating the mode key 65D.

Claims

A washing machine, characterized in that, comprising:

The driving part generates driving force;

The washing tub accommodates the laundry and rotates by receiving the driving force of the driving part;

a rotary blade, disposed in the washing tub, and rotated by receiving the driving force of the driving part;

Detergent storage part, storing detergent;

an ultrasonic cleaning unit, which has a tray and an ultrasonic generating part that is arranged around the tray and generates ultrasonic waves;

a water supply part, at least supplying water to the washing tub;

a detergent supply part for supplying at least the detergent of the detergent storage part to the tray; and

a control unit that controls the drive unit, the ultrasonic wave generating unit, the water supply unit, and the detergent supply unit,

The control unit performs: an ultrasonic cleaning operation including supplying detergent to the tray by the detergent supply unit and generating ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic generating unit; and a washing operation including supplying the water to the tray by the water supply unit A washing process in which water is supplied to the washing tub and at least the rotary blade is rotated by the driving part,

The control unit waits for an input of a start command of the washing operation according to the end of the ultrasonic cleaning operation, and starts the washing operation according to the input of the start command.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein

The control unit supplies detergent to the tray through the detergent supply unit during the ultrasonic cleaning operation.
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, comprising:

a detergent supply path for supplying detergent from the detergent storage unit to the tray during the ultrasonic cleaning operation,

The control unit executes a maintenance process for causing water to flow through the detergent supply passage by the water supply unit during the washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation is performed.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein

In the washing operation, there is a standard mode and a dedicated mode whose operation time is shorter than the standard mode,

The control part supplies water to the washing tub through the water supply part during the washing process in the standard mode, and then rotates the rotary blade through the driving part,

The control unit rotates the rotary blade by the drive unit from the middle of the water supply unit to the washing tub in the washing process in the exclusive mode.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, comprising:

a cover for opening and closing the entrance and exit for the laundry to enter and exit the washing tub; and

a detection unit for detecting whether the cover closes the entrance and exit,

The control unit starts the washing operation by using, as the input of the start command, that the detection unit detects that the lid closes the inlet and outlet after the ultrasonic cleaning operation ends.