Washing machine

Abstract

[Problem] When selecting an automatic operation for drum cleaning that includes a soaking step for immersing an inner drum in water stored in an outer drum, the motor sometimes operates at night or early morning, requiring a user to calculate the time or duration of the operation. [Solution] Provided is a washing machine having a built-in clock and comprising a means for enabling a user to set, in advance, a time range in which a motor is not allowed to operate, wherein the user is warned during an automatic operation for drum cleaning when a drum main cleaning start time after completion of soaking falls within the abovementioned time range.

Description

washing machine

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine.

[0002] It is known that repeated washing cycles in washing machines cause dirt to adhere to the inside of the inner and outer tubs, which can lead to the development of black mold, etc. When such dirt accumulates, it can peel off and adhere to laundry during the wash and rinse cycles.

[0003] For this reason, washing machines have traditionally been equipped with an automatic tub cleaning function. In automatic tub cleaning mode, the user selects the tub cleaning function. The water supply begins, and the user adds the tub cleaning detergent and closes the lid. After the water supply stops, the washing machine rotates the tub, pulsator, and drum for a few minutes, after which it enters a soaking cycle lasting approximately 8 to 12 hours. The control program stops the motor during this soaking cycle. After the soaking cycle, the machine enters a main tub wash and several rinse cycles. Many automatic tub cleaning cycles last more than 10 hours. For example, the Hitachi NW-T73 instruction manual states that the tub cleaning cycle lasts 11 hours and the tub drying cycle lasts 30 minutes. The 11-hour tub cleaning cycle includes the 600-minute soaking cycle. It also recommends tub cleaning every 1 to 2 months. The Haier AQW-P70A instruction manual states that the tub cleaning cycle lasts 12 hours. The 12-hour tub cleaning cycle includes the 11-hour soaking cycle. It also says not to leave the detergent in the machine for more than 24 hours, as this can cause malfunctions. It also says that when cleaning the tub, the water level is 4 centimeters higher than the maximum water level when using automatic washing.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-13364 discloses a washing machine with a clock that switches to silent mode at night. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-226241 discloses a vertical or drum-type washing machine or washer-dryer that is capable of cleaning the tub and is composed of a housing, an outer tub, and an inner tub. Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 64-1681 discloses a fully automatic washing machine that is capable of cleaning the tub. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-299280 discloses an automatic washing machine that has, within a single fully automatic course, a course for starching clothes and a course for cleaning the washing tub after the clothes have been starched. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-99586 discloses a technology for automatically cleaning the tub of a rotary drum washing machine, and during that process, rotating the rotary drum for a predetermined time and then leaving the clothes to soak. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-244090 discloses a user-friendly washing machine that changes the sound output of the alarm between daytime and nighttime, thereby reducing the volume of the alarm even when used at night, thereby reducing sleep disturbance and nuisance to neighbors. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-248295 discloses a washing machine that automatically supplies water higher than the maximum water level during washing when cleaning the tub, and that includes a soaking step in the tub cleaning process. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-284888 discloses a washing machine equipped with an operation panel for additional operations in addition to basic operations. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-81508 discloses a washing machine equipped with an automatic tub cleaning course and an operation panel for operating the course.

[0005] JP 2013-226241, JP 64-1681, JP 7-299280, JP 10-99586, JP 10-244090, JP 2002-248295, JP 2003-284888, JP 2004-81508, JP 2016-13364

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a vertical or drum-type washing machine or washer-dryer that is capable of cleaning the tub and is composed of a housing, an outer tub, and an inner tub. Patent Document 2 discloses a fully automatic washing machine that is capable of cleaning the tub. Patent Document 3 discloses an automatic washing machine that has, within a single fully automatic course, a course for starching clothes and a course for cleaning the washing tub after starching the clothes. Patent Document 4 discloses a technology that automatically cleans the tub of a rotary drum washing machine, and during that process, rotates the rotary drum for a predetermined time and then soaks the clothes. Patent Document 5 discloses a user-friendly washing machine that changes the sound output of an alarm between daytime and nighttime, thereby reducing the alarm sound even when used at night, thereby reducing sleep disturbance and nuisance to neighbors. Patent Document 6 discloses a washing machine that automatically supplies water above the maximum water level during tub cleaning and includes a soaking cycle. Patent Document 7 discloses a washing machine equipped with an operation panel for additional operations in addition to basic operations. Patent Document 8 discloses a washing machine with an automatic tub cleaning course and an operation panel for operating the course. Patent Document 9 discloses a washing machine with a clock that switches to silent mode at night. However, there was no washing machine that could set in advance the time periods during which the motor could not be operated.

[0007] In the case of tub cleaning including a soaking cycle, as shown in Figure 7, the first washing cycle is followed by the soaking cycle, and then the second washing cycle begins. The second washing cycle may start late at night or early in the morning, which can be a nuisance to neighbors in apartment buildings. Therefore, users must carefully read the instruction manual and calculate the motor rotation time in advance. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a washing machine that allows for safe tub cleaning.

[0008] By incorporating a clock into the washing machine and providing a means for setting in advance the time periods during which the motor cannot be operated, it is possible to clean the tub without causing a nuisance to the neighborhood.

[0009] The washing machine of the present invention has a built-in clock and comprises an outer tub that stores wash water inside the washing machine, an inner tub that is arranged inside the outer tub and stores clothes, a tub cleaning means that performs a water supply process to supply water to the outer tub, a soaking process to immerse the inner tub in water stored in the outer tub, and a drainage process to drain the water from the outer tub, thereby cleaning the outer tub and the inner tub, and a means that can set time periods during which the motor cannot be operated.

[0010] The washing machine has a built-in clock that allows you to set in advance the time periods when the motor cannot be operated, so that the motor will not be operated at night or early in the morning when performing automatic washing including tub cleaning and soaking, or when scheduling washing, and as a result, there is no need to worry about causing a nuisance to neighbors.

[0011] 1 is a basic block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a washing machine according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1 with an external information input unit added to it, for transmitting the setting of a motor-disabled time period set via an external terminal to the washing machine using a storage medium. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of the washing machine shown in FIG. 2 with a communication unit added for operation via an external terminal. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of the washing machine according to the present invention with a battery unit for a clock unit added. FIG. 4 is an example of a panel for display and operation in the washing machine according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for setting a motor-disabled time period and an example of the display or process of the washing machine in the washing machine according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the conventional automatic operation of tub cleaning. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the automatic operation of tub cleaning of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process of changing the soaking time in the automatic operation of tub cleaning of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the automatic operation of washing including a soaking wash step of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process of changing the soaking time in the automatic operation of washing including a soaking wash step of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the automatic operation pattern when a washing machine is scheduled to run. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the automatic operation pattern when a washing machine is scheduled to run a washing machine including a soaking step. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process of changing the soaking time in the automatic operation when a washing machine is scheduled to run a washing machine including a soaking step.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing is merely a schematic illustration to allow a sufficient understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0013] (Conventional Tub Cleaning) The following describes conventional tub cleaning. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of conventional tub cleaning. When the tub cleaning button is selected, water supply begins and continues until the water level reaches the tub cleaning level (S2). During this time, the user adds tub cleaning detergent. When the washing machine lid is closed, the washing machine enters the first wash cycle to uniformly mix the tub cleaning detergent (S3). After the first wash cycle is completed, the washing machine enters the soak cycle (S4). After a predetermined time has passed and the soak cycle is completed, the washing machine enters the second wash cycle (S5). S6, S7, S8, and S9 are then performed. S6 through S9 are preferably repeated two or three times. Furthermore, after S9, the washing machine preferably enters the drying cycle. During S3, S5, S7, and S9, as well as the drying cycle, the motor operates to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum. Because the washing machine does not have a clock, the second wash cycle of the tub cleaning may begin late at night or early in the morning without any warning.

[0014] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0015] The washing machine 1 according to this embodiment shown in Figure 1 is equipped with a clock unit. The time display unit that displays the time is provided on the display. After purchasing the washing machine, the user or installer sets the time as an initial setting. Figure 5 shows an example of a display and operation panel. After power is turned on, the clock is set by operating this panel. As shown in Figure 4, it is preferable to provide a battery unit inside the washing machine so that the clock function can be maintained for a certain period of time even if power is lost due to a power outage or the like.

[0016] The washing machine of the present invention is equipped with a means, separate from the clock, that can set time periods during which the motor cannot be operated. As an example of a control program, we will explain time conversion in this washing machine. If the current time is x hours and y minutes in 24-hour format, the time is converted to minutes using the formula 60 x x + y. Let this minute time be z. When z reaches 1440, it is reset to 0. For example, at 9:30 p.m., z is 1290, at 10:45 a.m., z is 645, and at 11:59 p.m., z is 1439. At 12:00 p.m., z is reset to 0.

[0017] As an example of a control program, we will explain time conversion during motor non-operational time periods. When the start of the motor non-operational time period is set to a:b, it is converted to c:00 using the formula 60 x a + b. When the end of the motor non-operational time period is set to d:e, it is converted to f:00 using the formula 60 x d + e.

[0018] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of the automatic operation of the washing machine's tub cleaning in this invention. The duration of each process will be explained. In this automatic operation, the water supply in S2 lasts for 15 minutes (although it can be as long as 5 minutes, we set it at 15 minutes for safety), the first wash in S3 lasts for α minutes, the soaking in S4 lasts for β minutes, and the processes from S5 to S9 last for γ minutes. The time determination unit shown in Figures 1 to 4 employs a control program that does not trigger a warning when f < z < c - (15 + α + β + γ) or c - 20 > z > f + 1440 - (15 + α + β). The Hitachi NW-T73 offers a tub cleaning program that combines an 11-hour tub cleaning, including a 600-minute soaking, with a 30-minute drying period. In this case, the 30-minute drying period can be incorporated into the control program. If the user has set the motor disable time from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM, the program will not issue a warning when 420 < z < 690 (starting from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM) or 1170 > z > 1360 (starting from 7:30 PM to 10:40 PM). If the tub cleaning button is pressed at any time other than 420 < z < 690 (starting from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM) or 1170 > z > 1360 (starting from 7:30 PM to 10:40 PM), a warning will be issued. If the start time is between 7:00 AM and 11:30 AM, the soaking process will be performed outside of the motor disable time. If the start time is between 7:30 PM and 10:40 PM, the soaking process will be performed during the motor disable time. Furthermore, for automatic operation that repeats steps S6 to S9 several times, the repetition time can be incorporated into the control program.

[0019] Figure 6 shows an example of the flow for setting the motor disable time period. After setting the clock, the user or installer sets the time period by operating the display and operation panel as shown in Figure 5. Of course, the washing machine can be used without setting this time period. However, it is preferable to have a warning message on the panel indicating that the time period has not been set. This setting would be even easier to use if it could be set not only from the washing machine's panel but also from an external device with a dedicated app installed. Portable storage media is used from the external device. In this case, a dedicated external information input unit is provided on the washing machine. This external information input unit includes an insertion slot for the storage medium (Figure 2). Examples include an SD card or USB memory. Alternatively, a communication unit can be added to the washing machine in addition to the storage medium, so that the time and the motor disable time can be set from the external device via the communication means (Figure 3).

[0020] In a washing machine with a motor disable time period set, after the user presses the button to start the tub cleaning course, the system determines whether or not to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum for tub cleaning during the motor disable time period, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 8. If it determines that the motor will not rotate during the time period, the system starts automatic tub operation and starts water supply. If it determines that the motor will rotate during the time period, the system automatically cancels automatic tub operation and automatically turns off the power. This allows users to avoid causing inconvenience to their neighbors.

[0021] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, after a warning is issued, the tub cleaning is automatically canceled and the power is turned off. In this case, a user who wants to clean the tub ignoring the motor non-operation time period must turn the power back on and change the settings for the motor non-operation time period. This is inconvenient. In the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, a means is provided to change the soaking time on the spot after a warning is issued. It is possible to change the soaking time. The user changes the soaking time using the operation panel.

[0022] In the second embodiment, the washing machine issues a warning, either by sound or by lighting a lamp. The default soak time then flashes on the clock display of the control panel (Figure 5). The user uses the up and down arrow keys to change the soak time and presses the OK button. Note that this change in soak time applies only to that wash or wash cycle; it is reset to the default value after each wash or wash. If the motor is determined not to rotate during the motor-disabled time period, automatic tub operation begins. Water supply begins. As shown in Figure 5, displaying the recommended soak time via the control program makes operation easier. Therefore, a help screen, such as an LCD screen, capable of displaying the recommended time would make operation even easier. Using the Hitachi NW-T73 as an example, we have already disclosed the time periods during which tub cleaning can begin. If the tub cleaning start time is between 7:00 and 11:30, shortening the soak time is recommended. If the tub cleaning start time is between 19:30 and 22:40, extending the soak time is recommended. If the time is shortened, it is expected that the effectiveness of tank cleaning will decrease, so it may be a good idea to set a limit to the time that can be shortened.

[0023] Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0024] (Soaking effect) In conventional washing machines, washing is done by automatic operation of the washing machine. As time saving is prioritized, there are many cases where the washing process ends and the water is drained before the detergent's capabilities are fully utilized. It is well known that soaking laundry in washing allows the detergent's capabilities to be fully utilized and improves the cleaning and sterilizing effects. The third embodiment is an application of the first embodiment to washing that includes a soaking process. Automatic operation of washing that includes a soaking process is shown in Figure 10.

[0025] (Fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, the soaking time can be changed in the third embodiment. The flow is shown in FIG.

[0026] Fifth Embodiment A fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0027] (Reservation function) Conventionally, there have been washing machines with a reservation function. However, they only allow you to schedule the start and end time from the current time. With this invention, it becomes possible to schedule the completion time of the washing.

[0028] The fifth embodiment is made possible by a control program that determines the start time by calculating backwards the time required for each process from the scheduled completion time of the wash or wash & dry cycle, assuming that the water supply is completed at 12 liters per minute and the drain is completed at 20 liters per minute. Because the time required for water supply and drainage varies depending on the living environment, the actual time the wash cycle is completed may differ slightly from the scheduled time. For this reason, it is sufficient to state in the user's manual that this is within the margin of error.

[0029] (Example of User Operation in Fifth Embodiment) The user places laundry in the inner tub and presses the "Schedule" button in Figure 5. The washing machine determines the amount of water using the laundry weight calculation unit and water amount determination unit in Figure 1, and displays the amount of water for the wash on the water amount display unit in Figure 5. The current time also flashes on the clock display unit of the operation panel in Figure 5. The user operates the arrow keys to change the current time to the desired wash completion time and presses the "OK" button. The time display changes to the scheduled time, and the flashing light changes to a steady light. The "Schedule" light in the process pilot light column lights up. This lets the user know the scheduled time and that the reservation has been completed. The washing machine then begins to supply water. The user adds detergent and closes the lid. Water supply begins until the determined amount of water is reached. The water level, at which the amount of water is determined based on the weight of the laundry, is detected by the water level sensor in Figure 5, and water supply is complete. The flow of the fifth embodiment is shown in Figure 12. As shown in this flowchart, operation stops when water supply is complete. The washing machine calculates the total time required from S5 onwards and the time required for draining and refilling water, calculated based on the amount of water, and determines the start time of the wash by counting backward from the scheduled completion time of the wash.

[0030] (Example of Scheduled Time and Wash Start Time) In the fifth embodiment, an example in which the water volume is determined to be 48 liters is shown below. If the standard wash cycle is selected and the program for washing with 48 liters of water is set to 7 minutes 12 seconds for the wash cycle, 8 minutes for the rinse cycle, and 5 minutes for the spin cycle, the schedule in the fifth embodiment will be as follows: 5 minutes for the spin cycle in S9, 2 minutes 24 seconds for the drain in S8, 8 minutes for the rinse cycle including the water supply in S7, 2 minutes 24 seconds for S6, and 7 minutes 12 seconds for the wash cycle in S5, resulting in a total time of 25 minutes from the wash cycle to the completion of the wash cycle. If a schedule is set to complete the wash cycle at 8:00, the schedule will be completed starting from S5 at 7:35. Furthermore, if a 20-minute drying cycle after the spin cycle is scheduled to end at 8:00, the schedule will be completed starting from S5 at 7:15.

[0031] The flow of the fifth embodiment may be a type in which the first washing step is performed immediately after water is supplied, followed by the soaking step, as shown in Fig. 13. In this type of reservation, the start of the second washing step in S6 in Fig. 13 is determined by calculating the sum of the time required from S6 onwards and the time required for draining and supplying water, and calculating the start time of the washing backwards from the reserved washing completion time.

[0032] Sixth Embodiment A sixth embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0033] The sixth embodiment is intended to prevent the motor from rotating in the early morning or at night when the fifth embodiment is implemented, an example of which is shown in FIG.

Claims

1. A washing machine having a built-in clock, a means for setting a time period during which the motor cannot be operated, a means for automatically operating the tub cleaning including the soaking wash process, and a means for warning the user if the washing tub, pulsator or drum rotates during the time period during which the motor cannot be rotated when the automatic tub cleaning operation is selected.

2. A washing machine with a built-in clock, a means for setting a time period during which the motor cannot be operated, a means for automatically operating the tub cleaning including the soaking wash process, a means for warning the user if the washing tub, pulsator or drum rotates during the time period during which the motor cannot rotate when the automatic tub cleaning operation is selected, and a means for changing the soaking time at that time.

3. A washing machine having a built-in clock, means for setting a time period during which the motor cannot be operated, means for automatic operation of the washing process including a soaking wash cycle, and means for warning the user if the washing tub, pulsator or drum rotates during the time period during which the motor cannot be rotated when automatic operation of the washing process including a soaking wash cycle is selected.

4. A washing machine having a built-in clock, a means for setting a time period during which the motor cannot be operated, a means for automatically operating the washing machine including a soaking wash cycle, a means for warning the user if the washing tub, pulsator or drum rotates during the time period during which the motor cannot rotate when automatic operation of the washing machine including a soaking wash cycle is selected, and a means for allowing the user to select whether to shorten or extend the soaking time at that time.

5. A washing machine having a built-in clock, means for setting a time period during which the motor cannot be operated, means for automatic washing operation, automatic washing operation means for setting a time for completion of washing or drying, and means for issuing a warning to the user if the rotation of the washing tub, pulsator or drum occurs during the time period during which the motor cannot be rotated when automatic operation is selected.

6. A washing machine having a built-in clock, means for setting a time period when the motor cannot be operated, means for automatic washing operation, automatic washing operation means for setting the time when washing or drying is complete, means for issuing a warning to the user if the washing tub, pulsator or drum rotates during the time period when the motor cannot rotate when automatic operation is selected, and means for changing the time when the warning is issued.

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