WO2024008036A1

WO2024008036A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2024008036A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/105508
Authority: WO
Inventors: 铃木肇; 新村光则
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: 2022-07-05
Filing date: 2023-07-03
Publication date: 2024-01-11
Also published as: JP2024007294A

Abstract

The present invention provides a washing machine, for use in allowing a user to well apply a detergent to a stain-adhered part of clothes before a washing operation and the like. A drum washing machine (1) comprises: an outer tub (20) provided in a box body (10); a drum (23) provided in the outer tub (20) for accommodating clothes; a detergent foam generation part (310), which generates detergent foam by foaming a detergent and delivers the generated detergent foam; a nozzle (320) for discharging the detergent foam delivered from the detergent foam generation part (310), so as to apply the detergent foam to part of the clothes outside the drum (23); and a control part. The control part executes the process of applying the detergent foam delivered from the detergent foam generation part (310) by means of the nozzle (320); the control part measures a specified standby time in the detergent foam application process; and on the basis of completion of the measurement of the standby time, the control part executes a washing operation for washing the clothes accommodated in the drum (23).

Description

washing machine

Technical field

The invention relates to a washing machine.

Background technique

In the past, when stubborn dirt such as sebum stains adhered to parts of clothing such as collars and sleeves, it was often done at home to directly apply detergent liquid to the parts where the dirt adhered and then put the clothes into the washing machine. The user holds the container containing the detergent liquid to the dirt-adhering part of the clothes, pours the detergent liquid from the container, and applies it to the dirt-adhering part.

It should be noted that before being put into the washing machine, a local cleaning device using ultrasonic waves, such as the portable washing equipment described in Patent Document 1, may be used to pre-clean the portion coated with detergent.

However, in the case of applying the detergent liquid to the dirt-adhering part as described above, a place for placing the clothes is required during the operation. In addition, there is a possibility that the detergent may be sprayed onto the dirt due to dripping of the applied detergent liquid. The danger of attachment around.

existing technical documents

patent documents

Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019/225093

Contents of the invention

Problems to be solved by inventions

The present invention was made in view of the related technical problems, and an object thereof is to provide a washing machine in which a user can successfully apply detergent to stain-adhered portions of clothing before a washing operation or the like.

solutions to problems

A washing machine according to a main aspect of the present invention is provided with: an outer tub disposed in a cabinet; an inner tub disposed in the outer tub to accommodate laundry; and a detergent foam generating unit that generates detergent foam by foaming detergent. and send out the generated detergent foam; the detergent foam releasing part releases the detergent foam sent out from the detergent foam generating part so as to coat the detergent foam outside the inner cylinder The part related to clothing; and the control part. Wherein, the control unit executes a detergent foam coating process in which the detergent foam sent out by the detergent foam generating unit is discharged from the detergent foam discharge unit, and during the detergent foam coating process A predetermined standby time is measured, and a washing operation for washing the laundry contained in the inner tub is performed based on completion of the measurement of the standby time.

According to the washing machine of this aspect, the user can apply detergent foam to the dirt-adherent portion accommodating the laundry before washing in the inner tub. Therefore, during subsequent washing operations, the stain removal effect on clothes becomes better.

Furthermore, while the standby time is being measured, the laundry coated with detergent foam is placed in the inner tub, and then the washing operation is automatically started. This allows the detergent foam to fully penetrate into parts of the clothes while the clothes are being left, and the decontamination effect of the clothes becomes better during the washing operation. In addition, the user only needs to start the washing operation while applying the detergent foam, and does not need to wait for the elapse of time to leave the laundry before starting the operation. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

The washing machine according to this aspect may be configured to further include a display unit. In this case, the washing machine may be configured such that during the detergent foam application process, the control unit causes the display unit to display a display indicating that the washing machine is on standby before starting the washing operation.

According to the above-mentioned structure, the user can understand that it is on standby before starting the washing operation based on the display on the display unit. This allows the user to easily put the laundry coated with detergent foam and other laundry into the inner tub during the standby period.

The washing machine according to this aspect may be configured to further include an operating unit that accepts a start operation. In this case, the washing machine may be configured such that the control unit executes the washing operation based on the start operation being performed before the measurement of the standby time is completed.

According to the above-mentioned structure, the user can immediately start the washing operation after putting the clothes into the inner drum as needed.

In the washing machine of this aspect, the following structure can be adopted: the inner cylinder includes a horizontal axis type drum, the outer cylinder has an opening on the front surface, and the box has an input port on the front surface, and the input port is composed of The door cover is provided with an elastic annular gasket between the input port and the opening. In this case, the detergent foam discharging portion may be a nozzle located at the upper part of the pad and discharging the detergent foam toward the lower part of the pad.

According to the above structure, even if the detergent foam is released from the nozzle when there is no clothes under the nozzle, the detergent foam can be received by the lower part of the pad, thereby preventing the detergent foam from flowing out of the washing machine.

The washing machine according to this aspect may be configured to further include a liquid tank that stores detergent liquid, a water supply unit that stores detergent liquid, and a water tank that supplies water flowing out from the liquid tank. The water that dilutes the detergent liquid with the water supplied from the water supply part is stored in the water storage tank as the detergent liquid. In this case, the detergent foam generating unit may be configured to include a pump and a mesh filter. The pump takes in the detergent liquid from the water reservoir and supplies the taken in detergent liquid to the water tank. The air is mixed and then sent toward the detergent foam discharge part, and the detergent liquid mixed with air sent from the pump passes through the filter.

According to the above structure, by diluting the detergent liquid with water to prepare the detergent liquid, the fluidity is improved and foaming becomes easier. This makes it easy to take the detergent liquid into the pump, and when the detergent liquid mixed with air in the pump is allowed to pass through the filter, detergent foam is easily generated.

Invention effect

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine in which a user can successfully apply detergent to a stain-adhered portion of clothing before a washing operation or the like.

The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiments are merely examples for implementing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments.

Description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the structure of the drum washing machine according to the embodiment.

2 is a top view of the water supply device and the detergent foam dispenser of the embodiment.

3 is a front view of the water supply device and the detergent foam dispenser of the embodiment.

4 is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the water supply device taken at the position of the water storage tank according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of the drum washing machine according to the embodiment.

6 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the control unit executed during the washing operation including the detergent foam application process according to the embodiment.

Explanation of reference signs

1: drum washing machine (washing machine); 10: box; 11: input port; 12: door; 20: outer cylinder; 20a: opening; 23: drum (inner cylinder); 24: liner; 51: water supply valve unit (water supply part); 220: liquid tank; 240: water reservoir; 310: detergent foam generating part; 320: nozzle (detergent foam releasing part); 350: foam generating pump (pump); 361: filter; 501 : Control part; 503: Operation part; 504: Display part.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, a drum washing machine as one embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the structure of the drum washing machine 1 .

The drum washing machine 1 includes a square box 10 . A circular insertion opening 11 into which laundry is inserted is formed on the front surface of the box 10 . The input port 11 is covered with a substantially disk-shaped openable and closable door 12 .

The outer cylinder 20 is arranged inside the box 10 . The outer cylinder 20 is elastically supported by a plurality of dampers 21 and springs 22 . Inside the outer cylinder 20, a horizontal axis type drum 23 is disposed rotatably. The drum 23 rotates around a horizontal axis. The drum 23 has a circular opening 23a on the front surface. The drum 23 corresponds to the inner drum of this invention.

The outer cylinder 20 has a circular opening 20a on its front surface in front of the opening 23a of the drum 23. An elastic annular gasket 24 is provided between the insertion port 11 of the box 10 and the opening 20 a of the outer tube 20 . The front peripheral edge portion of the gasket 24 is connected to the peripheral edge portion of the insertion port 11 , and the rear peripheral edge portion of the gasket 24 is connected to the peripheral edge portion of the opening 20 a . The peripheral surface of the closed door 12 is in contact with the gasket 24, and the input port The space between 11 and door 12 is sealed by water.

A plurality of dewatering holes 23b are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23. In addition, three lifting ribs 25 having a substantially triangular prism shape are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

The drive motor 30 which generates the torque for rotating the drum 23 is arrange|positioned behind the outer cylinder 20. The drive motor 30 is, for example, an outer rotor type DC (direct current) brushless motor. The drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force exerted on the laundry in the drum 23 is less than gravity and the laundry tumbling during the washing process and the rinsing process. On the other hand, during the dehydration process, the driving motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at such a speed that the centrifugal force exerted on the laundry in the drum 23 is much greater than gravity and the laundry adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23 .

A drain opening 20b is formed at the bottom of the outer tube 20 . The drain port 20b is connected to a drain part 40 that drains water from the inside of the outer cylinder 20. The drain part 40 is composed of a drain valve 41, a drain hose 42, and a drain filter 43. The drain port 20b is connected to the drain filter 43. The drain valve 41 is provided downstream of the drain filter 43 and includes, for example, a valve and a torque motor that opens and closes the valve. The drain valve 41 is connected to the drain hose 42 . When the drain valve 41 is opened, the water accumulated in the outer cylinder 20 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain port 20b, the drain filter 43, and the drain hose 42. Foreign matter such as lint dust is captured by the drain filter 43 .

A water supply device 50 and a detergent foam dispenser 60 are arranged in the upper portion of the box 10 . The water supply device 50 mainly has a function of supplying water to the outer tub 20 and a function of automatically pouring the detergent liquid and liquid softener stored in the liquid tank 220 into the outer tub 20 . The detergent foam dispenser 60 uses the detergent liquid in the liquid tank 220 to generate detergent foam obtained by foaming the detergent liquid. Then, the detergent foam dispenser 60 discharges the generated detergent foam from the nozzle 320 so as to apply the detergent foam to the portion accommodating the laundry before entering the drum 23 outside the drum 23 , that is, at the position of the pad 24 . .

2 and 3 are respectively a top view and a front view of the water supply device 50 and the detergent foam dispenser 60. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the water supply device 50 taken at the position of the water storage tank 240. In FIG. 2 , the water supply device 50 is shown in a state in which the upper member 230 a of the water channel forming member 230 is removed. In FIG. 3 , the water filling unit 52 is shown in a cross-sectional view cut at the position of the water reservoir 240 . Furthermore, in FIG. 3 , the upper portion of the gasket 24 is shown in a cross-sectional view cut at the position of the nozzle 320 .

1 to 4 , the detailed structure of the water supply device 50 and the detergent foam dispenser 60 will be described. bright.

The water supply device 50 includes a water supply valve unit 51 and a water filling unit 52 . The water supply valve unit 51 includes a water supply valve 110 , a first water supply hose 120 , and a second water supply hose 130 . The water supply valve 110 has a first valve 111 and a second valve 112 . The water supply port 113 of the water supply valve 110 is connected to the faucet via a connecting hose (not shown). The rated flow rate of the first valve 111 is, for example, 5 to 10 L/min. The rated flow rate of the second valve 112 is set to be much smaller than the rated flow rate of the first valve 111, for example, 0.5 to 1.0 L/min.

The inlet of the first water supply hose 120 is connected to the first valve 111 , and the inlet of the second water supply hose 130 is connected to the second valve 112 . When the first valve 111 is opened, water will flow to the first water supply hose 120, and when the second valve 112 is opened, the water will flow to the second water supply hose 130.

In addition, the water supply valve unit 51 corresponds to the water supply part of this invention.

The water filling unit 52 includes a water filling port member 210 with an open front surface; a liquid tank 220 that is retractably accommodated in the water filling port member 210 ; and a water path forming member 230 disposed on the upper surface of the water filling port member 210 .

A water injection port 211 is provided at the bottom of the water injection port member 210 . The water filling hose 53 extending downward from the water filling port 211 is connected to the outer cylinder 20 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , the interior of the liquid agent box 220 is divided into a detergent chamber 221 for accommodating detergent liquid and a softener chamber 222 for accommodating liquid softener. The detergent liquid accumulated in the detergent chamber 221 is used in the cleaning process in the washing operation and the detergent foam application operation. The liquid softener accumulated in the softener chamber 222 is used during the rinsing process in the washing operation.

A rear-open detergent discharge port 223 is formed in a lower portion of the rear surface of the detergent chamber 221 . In addition, a rear-opening softener outlet 224 is formed in a lower portion of the rear surface of the softener chamber 222 . A gap is formed inside the water inlet member 210 below the liquid tank 220 , and this gap serves as a flow path 212 for water discharged from the water path forming member 230 .

The liquid cartridge 220 is accommodated in the water filling port member 210 via the accommodation opening 13 provided on the front surface of the box 10 . A cover 220 a is provided on the front surface of the liquid agent box 220 to block the accommodating opening 13 . The user pulls the liquid box 220 forward to replenish detergent liquid and liquid softener into the detergent chamber 221 and the softener chamber 222 respectively.

The water channel forming member 230 is formed by combining the upper member 230a and the lower member 230b, and protrudes rearward than the water inlet member 210. In the introduction pipe 231 provided at the rear end of the water channel forming member 230, The outlet of the first water supply hose 120 and the outlet of the second water supply hose 130 are connected.

A water supply channel 232 is formed inside the water channel forming member 230 . The starting end of the water supply channel 232 is located at the rear left end of the water channel forming member 230 and is curved like a spiral labyrinth. The terminal end of the water supply channel 232 is connected to the water filling chamber 233 provided on the right side of the center of the water channel forming member 230 . The introduction pipe 231 is connected to the inflow port 232a formed at the starting end of the water supply path 232. A plurality of circular and square water injection holes 234 connected to the inside of the water injection port member 210 are formed on the bottom surface of the water injection chamber 233 . The detergent chamber 221 of the liquid agent box 220 has a shape that avoids directly below the water filling chamber 233 , and the water falling from the water filling hole 234 flows to the flow path 212 at the bottom of the water filling port member 210 .

Inside the water channel forming member 230, a water storage tank 240 is provided in the middle of the water supply channel 232. The water storage tank 240 has a rectangular parallelepiped box shape that is flat in the left-right direction, and is located behind the water filling chamber 233 at the right end of the water channel forming member 230 . At the upper end of the water tank 240, an inflow port 241 is formed on the rear side, and an overflow port 242 is formed on the front side. The water storage tank 240 has a recessed portion 243 that is depressed downward in the center portion of the bottom surface thereof. The recess 243 is formed with an outflow port 244 protruding rearward.

The water supply path 232 is divided into: a first water supply path 235 extending from the starting end to the inlet 241 of the water storage tank 240; and a second water supply path 236 extending from the overflow port 242 of the water storage tank 240 to the water filling chamber 233. In the first water supply path 235, a detergent inlet 237 is formed on the right side, and a softener inlet 238 is formed on the left side.

As shown in FIG. 2 , a detergent pump 250 and a softener pump 260 are arranged behind the water inlet member 210 . The detergent pump 250 is, for example, a piston pump. Its suction port is connected to the detergent discharge port 223 of the detergent chamber 221 , and its discharge port is connected to the detergent inlet 237 of the first water supply path 235 . The softener pump 260 is, for example, a piston pump. Its suction port is connected to the softener discharge port 224 of the softener chamber 222 , and its discharge port is connected to the softener inlet 238 of the first water supply path 235 .

Through the operation of the detergent pump 250, the detergent liquid in the detergent chamber 221 is sent to the first water supply path 235. Through the operation of the softener pump 260, the liquid softener in the softener chamber 222 is sent to the first water supply path 235. The detergent pump 250 and the softener pump 260 are provided with check valves at their discharge ports so that water flowing through the first water supply path 235 does not enter the liquid tank through the detergent pump 250 and the softener pump 260. Within 220.

The detergent foam dispenser 60 includes a detergent foam generating unit 310, a nozzle 320, and a first hose. 330 and a second hose 340. The detergent foam generating unit 310 generates detergent foam by foaming the detergent liquid, which is the detergent liquid diluted with water and flowing out from the liquid tank 220 . The nozzle 320 is a detergent foam discharge unit that discharges the detergent foam generated by the detergent foam generation unit 310 so that the detergent foam is applied to the portion of the clothes outside the drum 23 , that is, at the position of the pad 24 . The first hose 330 connects the water storage tank 240 and the detergent foam generating part 310 . The second hose 340 connects the detergent foam generating part 310 and the nozzle 320 .

The detergent foam generating unit 310 includes a foam generating pump 350, a filter unit 360, and a connecting pipe 370. The foam generating pump 350 is, for example, a gas-liquid mixing type diaphragm pump. The filter unit 360 includes: a mesh filter 361; and a housing 362 to accommodate the filter 361. The discharge port 351 of the foam generating pump 350 and the inlet 363 of the housing 362 are connected by a connecting pipe 370. The foam generating pump 350 corresponds to the pump of the present invention.

The nozzle 320 is disposed on the upper part of the gasket 24 , with its top end facing the inside of the gasket 24 . The discharge port 321 at the top end of the nozzle 320 is directed substantially directly downward, and the detergent foam is discharged toward the lower part of the pad 24 . The base end side of the nozzle 320 protrudes upward outside the pad 24 .

The inlet of the first hose 330 is connected to the outflow port 244 of the water reservoir 240 , and the outlet of the first hose 330 is connected to the suction port 352 of the foam generating pump 350 . The inlet of the second hose 340 is connected to the outlet 364 of the housing 362 , and the outlet of the second hose 340 is connected to the base end of the nozzle 320 .

The detergent foam generating section 310 is configured such that the foam generating pump 350 and the filter unit 360 are arranged next to the water filling unit 52 . Therefore, the position of the foam generating pump 350 is slightly lower than the position of the water supply path 232 of the water path forming member 230 . However, since the middle portion of the first hose 330 is lifted to a position higher than the water supply path 232 and there is resistance generated by the valve body of the foam generating pump 350 and the filter 361, flow through the water supply path 232 is prevented. The water flows to the foam generating pump 350.

As shown in FIG. 3 , a distance sensor 400 is disposed adjacent to the nozzle 320 at the upper part of the pad 24 . The distance sensor 400 detects that the clothing approaches the nozzle 320 from below to a predetermined distance. The distance sensor 400 is, for example, a reflective photoelectric sensor for distance measurement. The distance sensor 400 may also be another sensor capable of detecting the distance to an object, such as an ultrasonic sensor.

When the laundry approaches to a predetermined distance, detergent foam is released from the nozzle 320 . The predetermined distance is set to a distance where it is easy for the user to apply the detergent foam from the nozzle 320 to the target portion of the clothes.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of the drum washing machine 1 .

In addition to the above-described structure, the drum washing machine 1 further includes a control unit 501, a storage unit 502, an operation unit 503, a display unit 504, a water level detection unit 505, a motor drive unit 506, a water supply drive unit 507, a drainage drive unit 508, and a pump drive unit. 509 and door sensor 510.

The operation unit 503 includes a power button for turning on and off the power of the device, a start button for starting the operation, and a mode selection button for selecting an arbitrary mode from a plurality of modes of the washing operation. Furthermore, the operation part 503 includes a foam application button for starting and ending the detergent foam application operation. The operation unit 503 outputs an input signal corresponding to the button operated by the user to the control unit 501 .

The display unit 504 includes a light-emitting element such as an LED and a display such as a liquid crystal panel, and displays the selected mode, the progress status of the washing operation, notification of abnormality, etc. based on the control signal from the control unit 501 .

The water level detection unit 505 detects the water level in the outer cylinder 20 and outputs a water level signal corresponding to the water level to the control unit 501 .

The distance sensor 400 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 501 when the laundry approaches the nozzle 320 of the detergent foam dispenser 60 from below to a predetermined distance.

The motor drive unit 506 drives the drive motor 30 based on the control signal from the control unit 501 . The motor driving unit 506 includes a rotation sensor that detects the rotation speed of the drive motor 30 , an inverter circuit, and the like, and adjusts the driving power so that the drive motor 30 rotates at the rotation speed set by the control unit 501 .

The water supply drive unit 507 drives the first valve 111 and the second valve 112 of the water supply valve 110 based on the control signal from the control unit 501. The drain drive unit 508 drives the drain valve 41 based on the control signal from the control unit 501 . The pump driving unit 509 drives the detergent pump 250, the softener pump 260, and the foam generating pump 350 based on the control signal from the control unit 501.

The door sensor 510 detects the opening and closing of the door 12 and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the opening and closing of the door 12 to the control unit 501 .

The storage section 502 includes EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The storage unit 502 stores programs for executing various modes of washing operation and detergent foam application operation. In addition, various parameters and various control flags for executing these programs are stored in the storage unit 502 .

The control unit 501 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and is based on water level detection from the operation unit 503 The display unit 504, the motor driving unit 506, the water supply driving unit 507, the drainage driving unit 508, the pump driving unit 509, etc. are controlled according to the programs stored in the storage unit 502. .

It should be noted that the operation unit 503 and the display unit 504 may also be configured by touch panels. In this case, various buttons are arranged on the screen of the touch panel.

Furthermore, in the drum washing machine 1 , the washing operation in various operation modes is performed based on the user's operation of the operation unit 503 . In the washing operation, the cleaning process, the intermediate dehydration process, the rinsing process and the final dehydration process are performed in sequence. Depending on the operation mode, more than two rinsing processes and intermediate dehydration processes may be performed.

During the cleaning process, water containing detergent is stored in the outer drum 20 until the washing water level corresponds to the load of laundry accommodated in the drum 23, and the drum 23 is repeatedly rotated forward and reversely to soak the water in the drum 23. The laundry tumbles in the water. Water containing detergent penetrates into the inside of the laundry, and dirt adhering to the surface and inside of the laundry is removed through the effectiveness of the detergent and the mechanical force generated by tumbling.

During the rinsing process, with water stored in the outer drum 20 reaching a predetermined rinsing water level, the drum 23 performs forward and reverse rotation, and the laundry is tumbled. Thereby, the detergent contained in the laundry is discharged together with the water, and the laundry is rinsed.

During the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process, the drive motor 30 rotates in one direction at a high speed, and the drum 23 rotates in one direction at a speed where the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum 23 is much greater than gravity. Due to the action of centrifugal force, the laundry is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23 and dehydrated. In the final dehydration process, the drum 23 rotates at a higher rotation speed than that in the intermediate dehydration process.

During the water supply during the cleaning process, the water supply device 50 performs automatic injection of detergent while supplying water. That is, first, the detergent pump 250 is operated to introduce a predetermined amount of detergent liquid in the detergent chamber 221 of the liquid tank 220 into the water supply path 232 of the water path forming member 230, that is, the first water supply path 235. Next, the first valve 111 of the water supply valve 110 is opened, and water is supplied into the water supply path 232 through the first water supply hose 120 . The detergent liquid in the water supply path 232 is mixed with the water flowing into the water supply path 232 , and together with the water, passes through the water injection chamber 233 , the flow path 212 of the water injection port member 210 , the water injection port 211 and the water injection hose 53 , and reaches the outer cylinder 20 .

Similarly, during the rinsing process, the water supply device 50 performs automatic dosing of softener while supplying water. enter. That is, the softener pump 260 operates to introduce the liquid softener in the softener chamber 222 of the liquid tank 220 into the water supply path 232 in a predetermined amount. Next, when the first valve 111 is opened, the liquid softener in the water supply path 232 is mixed with the water flowing into the water supply path 232 , and is sent to the outer cylinder 20 together with the water. It should be noted that when two rinsing processes are performed, adding the softener becomes the final rinsing process.

In the drum washing machine 1, when stubborn dirt such as sebum dirt adheres to the collar, sleeves, etc. of the clothes, the user can perform the detergent foam application process and then start the washing operation with the detergent foam application process. washing operation. Thereby, the user can apply the detergent foam generated by the detergent foam dispenser 60 to the part where dirt adheres, and then put the clothes into the drum 23 of the drum washing machine 1 to start the washing operation. The detergent concentration of detergent foam is much higher than that of the detergent-containing water used in the cleaning process. Therefore, high-concentration detergent foam is applied to the stain-adhered portion of the clothes, and the stain-adhered portion is effectively removed after the washing operation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the control unit 501 executed during the washing operation including the detergent foam application process.

In the operation unit 503, when the user presses the foam application button after selecting a desired operation mode with the mode selection button, the washing operation with the detergent foam application process starts.

Referring to FIG. 6 , when the operation starts, the control section 501 first executes the detergent foam coating process. The processing of steps S1 to S8 in FIG. 6 is the processing of the detergent foam coating process.

That is, the control unit 501 first operates the detergent pump 250 to introduce a predetermined amount of detergent liquid into the first water supply path 235 , and then opens the second valve 112 of the water supply valve 110 for a predetermined time to supply water to the first water supply path 235 . Water supply. Thereby, the control unit 501 stores a predetermined volume of detergent liquid in which the detergent liquid is diluted with water in the water reservoir 240 (S1). At this time, the detergent liquid is impacted by the water supplied into the first water supply path 235 and flows to the water storage tank 240 , and is mixed with the water while flowing through the first water supply path 235 .

The prescribed capacity is, for example, about tens of milliliters, which is not a very large capacity. Here, by opening the second valve 112 with a small rated flow rate, a large amount of water does not flow to the first water supply path 235 at once, so that a predetermined capacity of water can be easily stored in the water storage tank 240 .

It should be noted that due to uneven tap water pressure, the water flow rate when the second valve 112 is opened may be uneven. Therefore, the predetermined time for opening the second valve 112 can be set so that a predetermined volume of detergent liquid can be stored in the water reservoir 240 even when the flow rate is small.

Therefore, depending on the flow rate, the detergent liquid in the water storage tank 240 can be equal to or more than the predetermined capacity. In this case, the water level in the water storage tank 240 reaches the overflow port 242, and the detergent liquid overflows from the overflow port 242. The overflowing detergent liquid flows through the second water supply path 236 and is discharged into the outer cylinder 20 via the water filling chamber 233, the flow path 212 of the water filling port member 210, the water filling port 211, and the water filling hose 53. The second water supply path 236 , the water filling chamber 233 , the flow path 212 , the water filling port 211 and the water filling hose 53 form a discharge path DR for discharging the detergent liquid overflowing from the overflow port 242 into the outer tub 20 .

In this way, preparations for generating detergent foam are completed by storing a predetermined volume of detergent liquid in the water reservoir 240 .

When the preparation for generating detergent foam is completed, the control unit 501 causes the display unit 504 to display a display notifying that the preparation is completed (S2). Furthermore, the control unit 501 causes the display unit 504 to start a standby display indicating that the unit is in standby before starting the washing operation (S3). The standby display is also an input signal indicating that clothes coated with detergent foam and other clothes can be put into the drum washing machine 1 during the display period.

Next, the control unit 501 uses the distance sensor 400 to monitor whether the clothes are close to a predetermined distance relative to the nozzle (S4).

The user opens the door 12 and inserts the hand-held clothes into the position of the pad 24 from the input port 11. As shown in FIG.

When the control unit 501 determines that the clothes are close to the predetermined distance from the nozzle 320 (S2: Yes), the foam generation pump 350 is operated for a predetermined foam release time, for example, several seconds, to release a fixed amount of detergent foam from the nozzle 320 (S5) .

That is, when the foam generation pump 350 operates, the detergent liquid in the water storage tank 240 is taken into the foam generation pump 350 via the first hose 330 . At this time, air is taken in from the outside in the foam generating pump 350, and the taken-in air is mixed with the detergent liquid. The detergent liquid mixed with air is sent from the foam generating pump 350 toward the nozzle 320 . The detergent liquid mixed with air sent from the foam generating pump 350 passes through the mesh filter 361 of the filter unit 360 .

By mixing the air and passing through the filter 361, the detergent liquid contained in the detergent liquid is foamed, generating fine detergent foam. The detergent foam reaches the nozzle 320 through the second hose 340 and is discharged from the discharge port 321 of the nozzle 320 substantially directly downward.

In this way, as shown in FIG. 3 , the high-concentration detergent foam is applied to the portion of the clothing where the dirt is attached.

In addition, since the detergent foam is discharged from the nozzle 320 by automatic detection of the clothes by the distance sensor 400, the user can reliably hold the clothes with both hands.

When the user continues to apply detergent foam to other parts of the laundry, the laundry is briefly moved away from the nozzle 320 and then approaches the nozzle 320 again. Alternatively, when the user applies detergent foam to a part of other clothes, the user puts the previous clothes into the drum 23 of the drum washing machine 1 and then brings the other part of the clothes close to the nozzle 320 .

When the laundry approaches the nozzle 320 to a predetermined distance again (S4: Yes), the control unit 501 operates the foam generation pump 350 to discharge detergent foam from the nozzle 320 (S5).

In this way, each time a portion of the laundry approaches the nozzle 320, a fixed amount of detergent foam is applied to the portion.

When all the laundry coated with detergent foam and other laundry are put into the drum 23, the user closes the door 12 and leaves the washing machine.

The control unit 501 measures a predetermined standby time so that the washing operation is started after the applied detergent foam has fully penetrated into the clothes. Taking into consideration the penetration of the detergent foam into the clothes, the standby time can be set to about 30 minutes to 1 hour, for example. The timing of starting the measurement of the standby time may be, for example, a time point when preparations for generating detergent foam are completed, a time point when detergent foam is first released based on the approach of the laundry to a predetermined distance, or after completion of preparations for generating detergent foam or after washing. An appropriate time point from the start of the washing operation with the detergent foam application process is the time point when the door 12 is first closed after the detergent foam is first discharged. The later the measurement starts, the shorter the standby time is.

The control unit 501 monitors whether the measurement of the standby time has been completed while monitoring the fact that the laundry has approached the nozzle 320 to a predetermined distance (S6). Then, when the measurement of the standby time is completed (S6: Yes), the control unit 501 causes the display unit 504 to stop the standby display (S8).

Thus, the detergent foam coating process ends. It should be noted that the detergent foam application process includes not only a period of applying detergent foam to the clothes, but also a period of leaving the clothes coated with the detergent foam to allow the detergent foam to penetrate.

When the detergent foam coating process is completed, after confirming that the door 12 is closed (S9: Yes), the control unit 501 starts the washing operation of the set operation mode (S10).

It should be noted that when the door 12 is open when the detergent foam application process is completed (S9: No), the control unit 501 causes the display unit 504 and the speaker (not shown) to issue a notification urging the door 12 to be closed. (S11), wait for the door 12 to close (S9).

When giving priority to time over the penetration of detergent foam into the clothes, the user presses the start button of the operation unit 503 when all the clothes are put into the drum 23 .

When the start operation is performed using the start button before the measurement of the standby time is completed (S6: No → S7: Yes), the control unit 501 stops the standby display on the display unit 504 (S8) and ends washing without waiting for the elapse of the standby time. agent foam coating process. Then, after confirming that the door 12 is closed (S9: Yes), the control unit 501 starts the washing operation (S10).

It should be noted that when it is detected that the laundry approaches the nozzle 32 to a predetermined distance, and a portion of the laundry is removed from below the nozzle 320 before the detergent foam is released, the released detergent foam may still fall. In addition, during the detergent foam application operation, it is also conceivable that the detergent foam remaining in the discharge port 321 of the nozzle 320 after the operation may drip. In such a case, the detergent foam will fall on the lower part of the pad 24. Therefore, the detergent foam is prevented from flowing out of the drum washing machine 1 . It should be noted that the detergent foam remaining on the pad 24 is flushed away by the washing operation.

The detergent liquid that is not released as detergent foam but remains in the water reservoir 240 is discharged from the water reservoir 240 during the water supply during the washing process and is sent to the outer cylinder 20 for cleaning when the washing operation is subsequently performed. process.

In addition, in order to discharge the detergent foam and detergent liquid remaining in the detergent foam dispenser 60 and clean the inside of the detergent foam dispenser 60, the control unit 501 activates the foam generating pump in the final stage of the water supply of the cleaning process. 350 jobs. The water in the water reservoir 240 flows through the first hose 330, the detergent foam generating part 310, and the second hose 340, and is discharged from the nozzle 320 together with the detergent foam and the detergent liquid. The discharged water and the like flow into the outer cylinder 20 .

Such cleaning of the inside of the detergent foam dispenser 60 prevents the detergent liquid remaining in the detergent foam dispenser 60 from solidifying due to contact with air and causing clogging in the detergent foam dispenser 60 .

It should be noted that the operation of the foam generating pump 350 will continue for a period of time even if there is no more water in the water storage tank 240 after the water supply is completed. When there is no more water in the water storage tank 240, the air in the water storage tank 240 is sent to the detergent foam dispenser 60 and discharged from the nozzle 320 . Therefore, liquid such as water does not remain in the detergent foam dispenser 60 .

Furthermore, when a plurality of rinsing processes are performed, in the final rinsing process, after water is supplied to the outer cylinder 20 , the control unit 501 operates the foam generating pump 35 . Thereby, water can be discharged from the water tank 240 through the nozzle 320 and water that may contain softener can be prevented from remaining in the water tank 240 .

It should be noted that in this embodiment, the softener inlet 238 is provided in the first water supply path 235 upstream of the water storage tank 240 . However, the softener inlet 238 may be provided in the second water supply path 236 downstream of the water storage tank 240 . In this structure, water containing softener will not pass through the water reservoir 240 during the rinsing process, and water that may contain softener will not remain in the water reservoir 240 . In this case, it is also desirable that the water in the water storage tank 240 is discharged through the nozzle after the water supply.

It should be noted that when the foam application button is pressed with the operation mode selected in the operation unit 503 and then the start button is pressed, the washing operation with the detergent foam application process can be performed. start. Alternatively, the operation mode may be set to perform a washing operation with a detergent foam application process, and when the start button is pressed with this operation mode selected, the washing operation with a detergent foam application process may be performed. Operation begins.

The drum washing machine 1 of this embodiment may be equipped with a drying device for drying laundry. In this case, the drying device is provided with a circulation path connected to the outer cylinder 20, for example. A blower fan, cooler and heater are arranged in the circulation path. The air heated by the heater circulates between the outer drum 20 and the circulation path through the operation of the blower fan to dry the laundry in the drum 23 . The air returned to the circulation path from the outer cylinder 20 is cooled by the cooler and dehumidified before being heated by the heater.

＜Effects of Embodiment＞

According to this embodiment, the drum washing machine 1 includes: a detergent foam generating unit 310 that generates detergent foam by foaming detergent and sends out the generated detergent foam; and a nozzle 320 that ejects the generated detergent foam from the detergent foam generating unit 310 The delivered detergent foam is released so that the detergent foam is applied to the portion of the clothes outside the drum 23 .

According to this structure, the user can apply detergent foam to the dirt-adhered portion of the laundry stored in the drum 23 before the washing operation. Therefore, when subsequent washing operations are performed, the stain removal effect on clothes becomes good. In addition, unlike the case where detergent liquid is directly applied to parts of clothing, users do not need to worry Heart fluid dripping. Furthermore, the user only needs to bring parts of the clothes near the nozzle 320 to apply the detergent foam, and there is no need for a place to place the clothes to perform the coating operation.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 501 of the drum washing machine 1 executes the detergent foam application process of causing the detergent foam sent from the detergent foam generation unit 310 to be discharged from the nozzle 320, and the control unit 501 performs the detergent foam application process. The predetermined standby time is measured during the process, and the washing operation is executed based on the completion of the measurement of the standby time.

According to this structure, the laundry coated with detergent foam is placed in the drum 23 while the standby time is being measured, and then the washing operation is automatically started. This allows the detergent foam to fully penetrate into parts of the clothes while the clothes are being left, and the decontamination effect of the clothes becomes better during the washing operation. In addition, the user only needs to start the washing operation while applying the detergent foam, and does not need to wait for the elapse of time to leave the laundry before starting the operation. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the drum washing machine 1 is configured to further include a display unit 504, and during the detergent foam application process, the control unit 501 causes the display unit 504 to display a display indicating that it is on standby before starting the washing operation.

According to this configuration, the user can know from the display on the display unit 504 that the machine is on standby before starting the washing operation. This allows the user to easily put the laundry coated with detergent foam and other laundry into the drum 23 during the standby period.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the drum washing machine 1 may be configured such that the control unit 501 executes the washing operation based on the start operation being performed before the measurement of the standby time is completed.

According to this structure, when time is given priority over the penetration of detergent foam into the clothes, the user can start the washing operation immediately after putting the clothes into the drum 23 .

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the drum washing machine 1 may adopt a structure in which the nozzle 320 is provided on the upper part of the pad 24 and emits detergent foam toward the lower part of the pad 24 .

According to this structure, even if the detergent foam is released from the nozzle 320 when there is no clothes under the nozzle 320 , the detergent foam can be received by the lower part of the pad 24 , thereby preventing the detergent foam from flowing out of the drum washing machine 1 .

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the drum washing machine 1 further includes a liquid tank 220 that stores detergent liquid, a water supply valve unit 51 that supplies water for diluting the detergent liquid flowing out from the liquid tank 220, and The water storage tank 240 stores the detergent liquid diluted with the water supplied from the water supply valve unit 51 as the detergent liquid. The detergent foam generation unit 310 has a structure including the following components: a foam generation pump 350 that takes the water from the water storage tank 240. and a mesh filter 361 through which the air-mixed detergent liquid sent from the foam generating pump 350 passes. .

According to this structure, by diluting the detergent liquid with water to prepare the detergent liquid, the fluidity is improved and foaming becomes easy. This makes it easy to take the detergent liquid into the foam generating pump 350, and when the detergent liquid mixed with air in the foam generating pump 350 is passed through the filter 361, detergent foam is easily generated.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like, and the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways other than those described above.

For example, in the above embodiment, the nozzle 320 of the detergent foam dispenser 60 is provided on the upper part of the pad 24 . However, the nozzle 320 may be provided at a position other than the above as long as the detergent foam can be released so as to apply the detergent foam to a portion of the clothes outside the drum 23 . For example, the nozzle 320 may be provided on the front surface, the left and right side surfaces, and the top surface of the box 10 .

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the detergent foam generating unit 310 has a structure including the foam generating pump 350 and the mesh-shaped filter 361. The detergent liquid foams to generate detergent foam. However, the detergent foam generating unit 310 may have any structure as long as it can generate detergent foam by foaming the detergent. In addition, the detergent used may not be a liquid detergent but a powder detergent.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the liquid agent box 220 is provided at a lower position than the first water supply path 235 , and the detergent liquid in the liquid agent box 220 is sent to the first water supply path 235 by the detergent pump 250 . However, the liquid tank 220 may be provided at a higher position than the first water supply path 235, and the detergent liquid in the liquid agent box 220 may be sent to the first water supply path 235 by opening and closing the valve.

Furthermore, a structure may be adopted in which the detergent liquid in the liquid tank 220 is directly sent to the water storage tank 240 without being sent to the first water supply path 235, and the detergent liquid and water are mixed in the water storage tank 240.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the water storage tank 240 is provided in the middle of the water supply path 232 . However, the water storage tank 240 does not need to be provided in the middle of the water supply path 232 . In this case, for example, the second water supply hose 130 is connected to the water storage tank 240 directly or via a prescribed waterway. In addition, in this case, the overflow port 242 does not need to be provided in the water storage tank 240 . When the overflow port 242 is not provided, a water level detector for detecting the water level can be provided in the water storage tank 240 .

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a flow sensor that detects the flow rate of water from the water supply valve unit 51 may be provided in the first water supply path 235 or the like, and the timing of water supply to the water storage tank 240 may be changed according to the flow rate so that the water is supplied evenly. Even if the flow rate of water from the water supply valve unit 51 is uneven, a predetermined volume of detergent liquid can be easily stored in the water storage tank 240 .

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the detergent liquid obtained by diluting the detergent liquid with water is stored in the water storage tank 240, and the detergent liquid is taken into the foam generating pump 350 of the detergent foam generating section 310 to generate washing|cleaning. agent foam. However, for example, when appropriate fluidity and foamability can be obtained even without diluting the detergent liquid with water, the water reservoir 240 may not be provided and the detergent foam generating unit 310 may use undiluted detergent. liquid to generate detergent foam.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the discharge of detergent foam from the nozzle 320 may be started not based on the detection of the laundry but by receiving input of pressing an operation button or a voice for instructing the start.

Moreover, the drum washing machine 1 was shown in the above-mentioned embodiment. However, the present invention is also applicable to washing machines other than the drum washing machine 1 , for example, to a fully automatic washing machine having a vertical axis type washing and dehydrating tub as an inner tub in an outer tub. A fully automatic washing machine can be a fully automatic washing and drying machine with a drying function.

In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea shown in the technical claims.

Claims

A washing machine is characterized by having:

The outer cylinder is arranged inside the box;

The inner cylinder is arranged in the outer cylinder to accommodate clothing;

a detergent foam generating unit that generates detergent foam by foaming detergent and sends out the generated detergent foam;

a detergent foam releasing part that releases the detergent foam sent from the detergent foam generating part so as to apply the detergent foam to clothes outside the inner cylinder; and

control department,

the control unit executes a detergent foam application process in which the detergent foam sent out by the detergent foam generating unit is discharged from the detergent foam discharge unit,

The control unit measures the prescribed standby time during the detergent foam coating process,

The control unit executes a washing operation for washing the laundry contained in the inner tub based on completion of the measurement of the standby time.
The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that:

It also has a display unit,

During the detergent foam application process, the control unit causes the display unit to display a display indicating that the washing machine is on standby before starting the washing operation.
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

Also equipped with: operation department, accepting the start of operation,

The control unit executes the washing operation based on the start operation being performed before the measurement of the standby time is completed.
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

The inner cylinder includes a horizontal axis type roller,

The outer cylinder has an opening on its front surface,

The box has an input port on the front surface,

The input opening is covered by a door,

An elastic annular gasket is provided between the input port and the opening,

The detergent foam discharging part adopts a nozzle provided on the upper part of the pad and discharging the detergent foam toward the lower part of the pad.
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

Liquid box to store detergent liquid;

a water supply unit that supplies water for diluting the detergent liquid flowing out from the liquid tank; and

a water storage tank that stores the detergent liquid diluted with the water supplied from the water supply part as the detergent liquid,

The detergent foam generating part includes:

a pump that takes in the detergent liquid from the water reservoir, mixes air with the taken in detergent liquid, and sends it toward the detergent foam releasing part; and

A mesh filter through which the detergent liquid mixed with air sent from the pump passes.