washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine is provided that can extend the life of microbubbles so that they effectively act on laundry. The washing machine includes: a water tub; a fine bubble generating device that generates fine bubbles primarily consisting of microbubbles in water supplied to the water tub; an automatic treatment agent injecting device that automatically injects a detergent treatment agent into the water tub; and a control device capable of executing a water supply process for supplying water containing fine bubbles to the water tub and a treatment agent injecting process for injecting the detergent treatment agent from the automatic treatment agent injecting device into the water tub. The control device can execute the treatment agent injecting process during the water supply process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] Technology that uses fine bubble water containing microbubbles, such as microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles, in washing machines to improve cleaning performance is gaining attention. Microbubbles in microbubbles have a larger diameter than ultrafine bubble particles, so they float or dissolve and disappear in a relatively short period of time. Therefore, conventional systems have room for improvement in ensuring that microbubbles effectively act on laundry.

[0003] Prior art literature:

[0004] Patent Literature:

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-175050 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, a washing machine is provided which can extend the life of microbubbles and allow them to effectively act on laundry.

[0007] A washing machine according to an embodiment includes: a water tub; a fine bubble generating device for generating fine bubbles primarily comprising microbubbles in water supplied to the water tub; an automatic agent injecting device for automatically injecting a detergent into the water tub; and a control device capable of executing a water supply process for supplying water containing the fine bubbles to the water tub and an agent injecting process for injecting the detergent from the automatic agent injecting device into the water tub, wherein the control device is capable of executing the agent injecting process during the water supply process.

[0008] Effects of the invention:

[0009] According to the present invention, a washing machine can be provided that can improve stability by covering the surface of microbubbles with a detergent before they disappear, thereby extending the life of the microbubbles and allowing them to effectively act on laundry for a long time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a pressure dissolution device for the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the structure of a pressurized tank of the pressurized dissolution device in the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a fine bubble generator in the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an example of the fine bubble generator according to the first embodiment is shown along the line X5-X5.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram schematically showing another example of the configuration of the fine bubble generator in the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an example of the fine bubble generator according to the first embodiment is shown along line X7-X7.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the injection pump according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the injection pump according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of changes in the suction operation and discharge operation of the injection pump according to the first embodiment over time.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of the configuration of the injection pump according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical configuration of the control device of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of actual values ​​accumulated by the control device in the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing details of the calibration process for the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 15 This is a flowchart showing an example of control content executed by the control device in the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 16This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a storage unit according to the second embodiment.

[0026] Description of Reference Numerals

[0027] 10...Washing machine, 12...Water tub, 25...Micro bubble generator, 60...Automatic treatment agent dispenser, 90...Control unit, 82...Water level sensor, 611, 612...Tank, 70...Dispensing pump, 722, 732...Discharge outlet, 77...Storage unit, 771...Slanted surface DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Below, with reference to the attached Figure 1 The embodiments of the present invention will be described. In each embodiment, substantially identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In each of the following embodiments, the terms "first" and "second" added to components are merely used to distinguish similar components and do not indicate superiority or inferiority between the components or timing factors.

[0029] (First embodiment)

[0030] Reference Figures 1 to 16 A first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 The washing machine 10 shown is a drum-type washing machine in which the rotating axis of the rotary drum 13 is oriented horizontally or an inclined axis type that is inclined downward and tilted toward the rear. In addition, the washing machine 10 can also be a longitudinal axis type washing machine in which the rotating axis of the rotary drum 13 is oriented vertically. The washing machine 10 of this embodiment includes an outer box 11, a water storage tub 12, a rotary drum 13, a drum motor 14, a drainage path 15, a drainage valve 16, a filter device 17, a circulation path 18, and a circulation pump 19. In addition, Figure 1 In the figure, the installation surface side of washing machine 10, i.e., the vertical lower side, is referred to as the lower side of washing machine 10, and the side opposite to the installation surface, i.e., the vertical upper side, is referred to as the upper side of washing machine 10. Furthermore, the front side of washing machine 10 as viewed from the user is referred to as the front side of washing machine 10, and the side opposite to the user, i.e., the back side of washing machine 10, is referred to as the rear side of washing machine 10.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In the washing machine 10 shown, a water tub 12 is disposed in an outer case 11 and elastically supported by suspensions (not shown). A rotary drum 13 is rotatably disposed in the water tub 12 and is rotationally driven by a drum motor 14.

[0032] Drain path 15 is a path for draining water stored in tub 12 to the outside of washing machine 10. Drain path 15 is formed of, for example, a flexible drain hose, one end of which is connected to drain valve 16 and the other end of which is led out of washing machine 10.

[0033] Drain valve 16 is an electromagnetically operable liquid on-off valve. It is located between drain port 121 at the bottom of tub 12 and drain path 15. Drain valve 16 opens and closes drain path 15 based on a control signal from control device 90.

[0034] The filter device 17 is provided between the drain port 121 and the drain valve 16. The filter device 17 has a mesh filter 171 therein, and the filter 171 collects lint and dust contained in water passing through the filter device 17.

[0035] Circulation path 18 is a path for drawing up water stored in tub 12 and supplying the drawn-up water back into tub 12 from the top of tub 12. Circulation path 18 is provided outside tub 12. One end of circulation path 18 is connected to drain port 121 of tub 12 via filter device 17, and the other end is connected to nozzle 181 provided at the top of tub 12. Although not shown in detail, nozzle 181 is configured so that water discharged from nozzle 181 is directed toward the center of tub 12.

[0036] A circulation pump 19 is provided on the circulation path 18. When the circulation pump 19 is driven while the drain path 15 is closed by the drain valve 16, the circulation pump 19 draws water from the water tank 12 through the drain port 121 and refills the water tank 12 through the nozzle 181. Thus, the circulation pump 19 circulates the water stored in the water tank 12 through the circulation path 18.

[0037] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, washing machine 10 includes a connection port 21, a first water supply path R1, a second water supply path R2, water supply valves 22 and 23, and a fine bubble generating device 25. Connection port 21 is connected to an external water supply source, such as a faucet in a water pipe, via a hose 100. First water supply path R1 and second water supply path R2 branch off downstream of connection port 21 and reach tub 12 via a water filling box 261 (described later).

[0038] The first water supply path R1 runs from the connection port 21 through the water supply valve 22 to the tub 12, in this case, the rotating tub 13. The first water supply path R1 supplies water supplied from an external water source, such as tap water or bath water, into the tub 12. The second water supply path R2 runs from the connection port 21 through the water supply valve 23 to the tub 12. The second water supply path R2 supplies fine-bubble water, primarily containing microbubbles, supplied from the external water source, into the tub 12. In this embodiment, the first water supply path R1 does not include additional devices such as the fine-bubble generator 25 and can directly supply water from the external water source to the tub 12. Therefore, the amount of water supplied per unit time is greater than that supplied by the second water supply path R2.

[0039] The water supply valves 22 and 23 are electromagnetically operated on-off valves for liquids. Figure 1 As shown, the water supply valve 22 is provided on the first water supply path R1 between the connection port 21 and the automatic treatment agent injection device 60, and has the function of opening and closing the first water supply path R1. The water supply valve 23 is provided on the second water supply path R2 between the connection port 21 and the micro-bubble generating device 25, and has the function of opening and closing the second water supply path R2. In the following description, the water supply valve 22 of the two water supply valves may be referred to as the first water supply valve 22, and the water supply valve 23 may be referred to as the second water supply valve 23.

[0040] Generally speaking, fine bubbles or microbubbles are classified according to their particle size as follows. For example, bubbles with a particle size of several μm to approximately 100 μm, or on the micron scale, are referred to as microbubbles, as described above. In contrast, bubbles with a particle size of less than 50 nm to 1,000 nm, or on the nanometer scale, are referred to as ultrafine bubbles, as described above.

[0041] For example, microbubbles have the following properties. Microbubbles have a negative electrical charge, making them susceptible to electrostatic attraction to positively charged dirt such as sebum attached to laundry. Dirt removed from the laundry through the electrical reaction with the microbubbles, adsorbed on the surface of the microbubbles, floats to the surface of the water due to the buoyancy of the microbubbles and is retained. Furthermore, since the negatively charged microbubbles repel each other, they disperse in the liquid instead of combining. This prevents dirt removed from the laundry from reattaching to the laundry in the wash water. Their cleaning capabilities, such as removing dirt from the laundry and allowing it to float to the surface, and preventing it from reattaching to the laundry through dispersion in the liquid, are particularly expected to be effective in the washing process. However, microbubbles have the property of disappearing a few minutes after their generation, such as by floating to the surface.

[0042] In addition, the washing machine 10 of this embodiment is as follows Figure 1As shown, a fine bubble generating device 25 is provided. The fine bubble generating device 25 generates fine bubbles, primarily consisting of microbubbles, in the water supplied to the water storage tub 12. The fine bubble generating device 25 is located on the second water supply path R2 and includes, for example, a fine bubble generator 30 and a pressurized dissolution device 40. The pressurized dissolution device 40 is located on the path from the second water supply valve 23 to the water filling box 261. In this embodiment, the pressurized dissolution device 40 is removable from the second water supply path R2. Furthermore, the pressurized dissolution device 40 has the function of pressurizing and dissolving air in water supplied from an external water supply source. This allows water containing dissolved air to be supplied to the fine bubble generator 30, located downstream of the pressurized dissolution device 40.

[0043] The pressure dissolving device 40 is as follows Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 4 , a flow path is formed to allow water to flow in the direction of arrow A. The pressure dissolving device 40 is as shown in FIG. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, there is a pressurized tank 41, an inlet portion 42, an outlet portion 43, and an air inlet portion 44. The pressurized tank 41 is made of, for example, a container made of a synthetic resin that is airtight, watertight, and pressure-resistant. In this case, pressure resistance means the ability to withstand pressures above atmospheric pressure. The inlet portion 42 is provided at the upper portion of the pressurized tank 41 and is connected to the discharge side of the second water supply valve 23. Water supplied from an external water supply source to the second water supply valve 23 via the connection port 21 is introduced into the pressurized tank 41 through the inlet portion 42. In this case, since there is no structure that constitutes a large resistance between the second water supply valve 23 and the inlet portion 42, the water discharged from the second water supply valve 23 is supplied to the pressurized tank 41 under relatively high pressure.

[0044] The outlet portion 43 is provided at the lower portion of the pressurized dissolution device 40. Water flowing into the pressurized tank 41 from the inlet portion 42 flows out of the pressurized tank 41 through the outlet portion 43. Furthermore, in this embodiment, water is drained from the outlet portion 43 solely by utilizing the water pressure, i.e., the hydrostatic pressure, of the water stored in the pressurized tank 41, and a drive source such as a dedicated pump for draining water is not required.

[0045] The air intake section 44 is provided above the pressurized tank 41, connecting the interior of the pressurized tank 41 to the outside in an openable and closable manner. In this embodiment, the air intake section 44 includes an air intake pipe 441 and an air intake valve 442. The air intake valve 442 is, for example, an air solenoid valve that is driven to open and close based on a signal from the control device 90. When the air intake valve 442 is opened based on a signal from the control device 90, external air is supplied to the pressurized tank 41 via the air intake pipe 441.

[0046] Normally, the air intake valve 442 is closed when the second water supply valve 23 is open and water is being supplied. After water supply begins with the opening of the second water supply valve 23, if the water level in the pressurized tank 41 rises to a predetermined level or if water supply has elapsed for a predetermined period of time, the second water supply valve 23 is closed based on a signal from the control device 90, temporarily halting water supply to the pressurized tank 41. Then, while the second water supply valve 23 is closed, the air intake valve 442 is opened to introduce new air into the pressurized tank 41.

[0047] The pressurized dissolution device 40 can, for example, increase the amount of water flowing into the pressurized tank 41 compared to the amount of water flowing out of the pressurized tank 41, thereby pressurizing the interior of the pressurized tank 41 solely using the tap water line pressure. For example, if the second water supply valve 23 is opened while the pressure within the pressurized tank 41 is at atmospheric pressure, that is, in the initial stage when almost no water is accumulated within the pressurized tank 41, the remaining water that has flowed into the pressurized tank 41 from the inlet 42 and has not flowed out from the outlet 43 is stored within the pressurized tank 41, causing the water level within the pressurized tank 41 to rise. At this time, the air within the pressurized tank 41 is compressed by the rising water level, thereby increasing the pressure within the pressurized tank 41.

[0048] If water continues to flow in from the inlet 42 and the water level in the pressurized tank 41 rises to a predetermined level, the pressure in the pressurized tank 41 equalizes with the pressure of the water flowing in from the external water supply, in this case, the water main pressure. As a result, the amount of water flowing into the pressurized tank 41 from the inlet 42 and the amount of water flowing out of the pressurized tank 41 from the outlet 43 become approximately equal, and the pressure in the pressurized tank 41 reaches its maximum value, in this case, a pressure close to the water main pressure. This facilitates the dissolution of air in the pressurized tank 41 into the water stored therein. By raising the pressure in the pressurized tank 41 above atmospheric pressure, the air in the pressurized tank 41 dissolves more readily into the water stored therein. Specifically, by passing water supplied from the external water supply through the pressurized dissolution device 40, the water supplied to the downstream side of the pressurized dissolution device 40 can be supplied with water containing a larger amount of dissolved air than normal water that does not pass through the pressurized dissolution device 40.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the pressure dissolution device 40 has a partition wall 45. The partition wall 45 is provided at the bottom of the pressure tank 41 and divides the lower space of the pressure tank 41 in the horizontal direction. In other words, the partition wall 45 divides the lower space of the pressure tank 41 into a space on the side of the inlet 42 and a space on the side of the outlet 43.

[0050] A slit 451 is formed in the partition wall 45. The slit 451 blocks bubbles of relatively large particle diameter, effectively preventing air from escaping the pressurized tank 41. Water flowing into the pressurized tank 41 from the inlet 42 and located below the upper end of the partition wall 45 flows through the slit 451 in the partition wall 45 toward the space near the outlet 43. At this point, relatively large bubbles, such as those on the order of millimeters, generated by falling from the inlet 42, do not pass through the slit 451 and disappear into the space near the outlet 43.

[0051] Alternatively, an air pump can be used to introduce air instead of the intake valve 442. The intake valve 442 can be, for example, a one-way valve that allows air from outside the pressurized tank 41 to pass into it, but blocks air from inside the pressurized tank 41 to pass out. In this case, the intake valve 442 is configured to close when the pressure inside the pressurized tank 41 is above atmospheric pressure and to open when the pressure inside the pressurized tank 41 is below atmospheric pressure. Thus, when the second water supply valve 23 is opened and water flows into the pressurized tank 41, the water level inside the pressurized tank 41 rises, pressurizing the interior of the pressurized tank 41. On the other hand, when the second water supply valve 23 is closed, the water level inside the pressurized tank 41 drops, causing the pressure inside the pressurized tank 41 to drop below atmospheric pressure, and the intake valve 442 opens, allowing outside air to enter.

[0052] The fine bubble generator 30 is provided downstream of the pressurized dissolution device 40 in the second water supply path R2. The fine bubble generator 30 also functions to precipitate micron- or nanometer-sized fine bubbles in the water supplied to the water storage tub 12. In this embodiment, the terms "nanoscale fine bubbles," "ultrafine bubbles," and "nanobubbles" are used synonymously, meaning bubbles with a particle size of nanometers.

[0053] While referring to Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The structure of the fine bubble generator 30 will now be described. The diameter and total length of the fine bubble generator 30 are set to, for example, several to several dozen millimeters, specifically a maximum diameter of approximately 15 mm and a length of approximately 10 mm. Furthermore, the fine bubble generator 30 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the second water supply path R2.

[0054] In addition, in this embodiment, the fine bubble generator 30 partially reduces the area through which water can pass, thereby causing the water passing through the fine bubble generator 30 to contain fine bubbles. Specifically, the fine bubble generator 30 is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the microbubble generator 30 includes a throttle portion 31, a straight portion 32, and a collision portion 33. The throttle portion 31 and the straight portion 32 constitute a flow path for allowing water to flow in the direction of arrow B along the longitudinal direction of the microbubble generator 30.

[0055] The throttle portion 31 is provided on the inflow side, or upstream, of the fine-bubble generator 30. The throttle portion 31 is formed into a so-called frusto-conical tapered tube shape, where the cross-sectional area, or inner diameter, of the flow path continuously decreases from the upstream end to the midway point in the longitudinal direction of the fine-bubble generator 30. The straight portion 32 is provided on the downstream side of the throttle portion 31. The straight portion 32 is formed into a cylindrical shape, or a so-called straight tube shape, where the inner diameter, or the cross-sectional area, or area through which liquid can pass, remains constant.

[0056] The collision portion 33 is provided at the downstream end of the straight portion 32. The collision portion 33 locally reduces the cross-sectional area through which water in the fine bubble generator 30 can pass, thereby generating a large number of fine bubbles in the liquid passing through the fine bubble generator 30. In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the collision portion 33 is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, for example, it is composed of four rod-shaped portions with tapered tips, projecting from the inner circumferential surface of the straight portion 32 toward the center of the cross-section of the straight portion 32. The four collision portions 33 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cross-section of the straight portion 32. In this case, the downstream surface of each collision portion 33 is formed as a flat surface. Furthermore, the area of ​​the gap formed by each collision portion 33 represents the minimum cross-sectional area through which water in the micro-bubble generator 30 can pass.

[0057] When water flows upstream of the fine-bubble generator 30, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path narrows in the throttle portion 31, which is formed to reduce in a frusto-conical shape. This increases the flow velocity based on Bernoulli's law in fluid mechanics and generates cavitation due to reduced pressure. This generates fine bubbles, which are then fragmented by the shear force exerted by the high-speed flow colliding with the collision portion 33. As a result, the fine-bubble generator 30 can cause air dissolved in the water passing through the fine-bubble generator 30 to precipitate as fine bubbles in large quantities, thereby supplying water containing a greater amount of fine bubbles than before passing through the fine-bubble generator 30. Furthermore, the fine-bubble generator 30 does not require a dedicated drive source, such as a pump, for generating fine bubbles, other than water pressure.

[0058] Furthermore, as the amount of dissolved air in the water supplied to the fine bubble generator 30 increases, the amount of microbubbles, compared to ultrafine bubbles, among the precipitated fine bubbles can be significantly increased. Therefore, in this embodiment, a pressurized dissolution device 40 is provided upstream of the fine bubble generator 30. Thus, water with increased dissolved air, supplied to the fine bubble generator 30 by the pressurized dissolution device 40, precipitates a large number of microbubbles, primarily among the fine bubbles, in the water passing through the fine bubble generator 30. In other words, the water passing through the fine bubble generator 25 can primarily contain a large number of microbubbles. Furthermore, microbubble water primarily containing a large number of microbubbles can be supplied to the water holding tub 12 from the second water supply path R2. Furthermore, the microbubble water primarily containing microbubbles is shown.

[0059] As described above, the fine-bubble generating device 25 has the function of primarily precipitating microbubbles. However, water passing through the fine-bubble generating device 25 may contain, in addition to microbubbles, nanometer-sized fine bubbles precipitated by the fine-bubble generator 30. Therefore, the expression "primarily" means that the generated concentration of these bubbles is higher than that of fine bubbles belonging to other classes. For example, it means that the peak of the fine-bubble concentration distribution, where the vertical axis represents the fine-bubble concentration and the horizontal axis represents the fine-bubble particle diameter, is primarily present at micron-sized fine bubbles.

[0060] In addition, the washing machine 10 may also include a Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The fine bubble generator 50 shown here serves as a mechanism for generating micron-sized bubbles. The fine bubble generator 50 has the function of precipitating micron-sized bubbles in the water supplied to the water storage tub 12. In this case, the diameter and overall length of the fine bubble generator 50 are set to, for example, several to several tens of millimeters, specifically, a maximum diameter of approximately 20 mm and a length of approximately 25 mm.

[0061] The fine bubble generator 50 is as follows Figure 6 As shown, the microbubble generator 50 includes an inlet 51, a small-diameter flow path 52, and an open portion 53. The inlet 51, the small-diameter flow path 52, and the open portion 53 constitute a flow path for allowing water to flow in the direction of arrow C along the longitudinal direction of the microbubble generator 50.

[0062] The inlet section 51 is provided on the inflow side, or upstream side, of the fine bubble generator 50. The inlet section 51 is cylindrical in shape. The small-diameter flow path section 52 connects the inlet section 51 with the open section 53. Specifically, the small-diameter flow path section 52 connects the downstream end of the inlet section 51 with the upstream end of the open section 53. The cross-sectional area of ​​the small-diameter flow path section 52 is extremely small compared to that of the inlet section 51. In other words, the cross-sectional area through which water can flow in the small-diameter flow path section 52 is significantly smaller than that of the inlet section 51.

[0063] The fine-bubble generator 50 has multiple small-diameter flow path sections 52, in this case, five small-diameter flow path sections 52. An open portion 53 is provided downstream of the multiple small-diameter flow path sections 52, i.e., on the outflow side of the fine-bubble generator 50. The open portion 53 is formed into a cylindrical shape, or so-called straight tube, with a constant inner diameter, i.e., a constant cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, i.e., the area through which liquid can pass. In the open portion 53, water passing through the multiple small-diameter flow path sections 52 is collected and supplied to the water storage tub 12 at a constant flow rate.

[0064] As water flows upstream of the fine bubble generator 50, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path decreases rapidly as the water flows from the inlet 51 into the plurality of small-diameter flow path portions 52. This increases the flow rate according to Bernoulli's theorem, and cavitation occurs due to reduced pressure. Consequently, the fine bubble generator 50 can cause air dissolved in the water passing through the fine bubble generator 50 to precipitate in large quantities as microbubbles, thus supplying microbubble water containing a greater number of microbubbles than before passing through the fine bubble generator 50. In this case, microbubble water refers to functional water primarily containing microbubbles. Furthermore, the fine bubble generator 50 of this embodiment is similar to the Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The fine bubble generator 30 shown is the same and does not require a driving source such as a dedicated pump for generating microbubbles other than water pressure.

[0065] Furthermore, since the pressure dissolution device 40 is provided upstream of the fine-bubble generator 50, water containing dissolved air by the pressure dissolution device 40 can be supplied to the fine-bubble generator 50. This significantly increases the number of microbubbles generated in the fine-bubble generator 50 compared to a case where the pressure dissolution device 40 is not provided. Furthermore, when the water pressure applied to the fine-bubble generator 30 and the fine-bubble generator 50 is the same, the fine-bubble generator 50 can precipitate more microbubbles than the fine-bubble generator 30. Therefore, if the fine-bubble generator 50 alone can produce a sufficient amount of microbubbles to enhance the cleaning effect, the pressure dissolution device 40 is not necessarily required and can be omitted.

[0066] The washing machine 10 of this embodiment also includes a manual treatment agent dispenser 26 and an automatic treatment agent dispenser 60. Both the manual treatment agent dispenser 26 and the automatic treatment agent dispenser 60 are located on the upper portion of the outer casing 11. The manual treatment agent dispenser 26 stores the amount of detergent required for a single wash cycle, which is manually added by the user before the wash cycle begins, and dispenses the necessary amount of detergent into the water tub 12 as the wash cycle progresses. The automatic treatment agent dispenser 60 stores the amount of detergent required for multiple wash cycles and automatically dispenses the necessary amount of detergent into the water tub 12 as the wash cycle progresses. The user can select which of the manual treatment agent dispenser 26 and the automatic treatment agent dispenser 60 to use, depending on the type of laundry.

[0067] In this embodiment, the term "detergent" encompasses detergents such as powder detergents and liquid detergents, as well as finishing agents such as softeners and fragrances. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the manual detergent dispenser 26 is adapted for both liquid and powder detergents, as well as liquid finishing agents, while the automatic detergent dispenser 60 is adapted for both liquid detergents and liquid finishing agents.

[0068] The manual treatment agent feeding device 26 is as follows Figure 1 As shown, it is located downstream of the water supply paths R1 and R2 and is connected to the water supply paths R1 and R2. Furthermore, the manual treatment agent feeding device 26 includes a water filling box 261, a manual treatment agent cartridge 262, and a water filling port 263. The water filling box 261 constitutes the outer shell of the manual treatment agent feeding device 26 and is made of, for example, resin and is shaped like a box with a space inside.

[0069] The manual agent cartridge 262 is made of, for example, resin and is shaped like a container capable of storing the detergent required for a single washing cycle. Furthermore, the manual agent cartridge 262 is configured to be removable and retractable from the water inlet box 261 like a drawer. The user removes the manual agent cartridge 262 from the water inlet box 261, adds detergent thereto, and then pushes the manual agent cartridge 262 back into the water inlet box 261. Water supplied from an external water supply flows into the water inlet box 261 and mixes with the detergent stored in the manual agent cartridge 262. A water inlet 263 is provided at the bottom of the water inlet box 261, connecting the water inlet box 261 to the outside and opening toward the water tub 12. The water inlet 263 allows the water, which has been mixed with the detergent by the manual agent cartridge 262 and then flowed into the water inlet box 261, to be poured into the water tub 12.

[0070] The automatic treatment agent feeding device 60 is as follows Figure 1As shown, the second water supply path R2 is directly connected via a connecting member 78 that forms a flow path for the detergent. In this case, the automatic detergent dosing device 60 is connected downstream of the fine-bubble generating device 25 and upstream of the water filling box 261, that is, between the fine-bubble generating device 25 and the water filling box 261. In other words, the automatic detergent dosing device 60 is connected to the path between the fine-bubble generating device 25 and the water storage tub 12. As a result, the fine-bubble water flowing through the second water supply path R2 is directly mixed with the detergent within the second water supply path R2, and the mixed water can then be supplied to the water storage tub 12.

[0071] In this case, compared to supplying fine-bubble water and detergent into the water tub 12 through separate pathways, the microbubbles can come into contact with the detergent relatively early after the microbubbles are generated. This allows the detergent to cover the surface of the microbubbles before they disappear, resulting in the microbubbles being covered with detergent. This improves the stability of the microbubbles and thus extends their lifespan. Furthermore, the mixing of detergent and microbubbles generates micron-sized, fine, foamy cleaning bubbles. This further enhances the cleaning effectiveness of the microbubbles and protects laundry from excessive mechanical forces.

[0072] The supply of detergent from the automatic detergent dispenser 60 into the water tub 12 is not limited to being via the second water supply path R2. For example, the automatic detergent dispenser 60 may be directly connected to the water filling box 261. In this case, the detergent supplied from the automatic detergent dispenser 60 is mixed with the fine-bubble water supplied from the second water supply path R2 in the water filling box 261 before being supplied into the water tub 12.

[0073] The automatic treatment agent feeding device 60 includes a detergent tank 611 and a finishing agent tank 612, which are tanks capable of storing multiple amounts of washing treatment agent, and a feeding pump 70. The detergent tank 611 is made of, for example, resin and is configured as a container capable of storing detergent. The finishing agent tank 612 is made of, for example, resin and is configured as a container capable of storing finishing agents such as softener. Both the detergent tank 611 and the finishing agent tank 612 can store the washing treatment agent required for multiple washing operations. In addition, in the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the detergent tank 611 and the finishing agent tank 612 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, but the present invention is not limited to this. They may be arranged side by side in the front-back direction in an overlapping position when viewed from the front.

[0074] The input pump 70 has a function of automatically supplying a predetermined amount of the detergent required for the washing operation from the detergent stored in each tank 611, 612 to the second water supply path R2. Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, for example, it is configured as a piston pump having a pump motor 71 and pump bodies 72 and 73. Pump motor 71 is located on the upper rear side of input pump 70 and is electrically connected to control device 90. It is configured to be rotationally driven based on a control signal from control device 90. Pump bodies 72 and 73 are configured to repeatedly perform a suction operation for the detergent stored in tanks 611 and 612 and a discharge operation for discharging the sucked detergent into second water supply path R2. In this case, pump body 72 corresponds to detergent tank 611, and pump body 73 corresponds to finishing agent tank 612.

[0075] The driving force of the pump motor 71 is as follows Figure 9 As shown, the rotational motion of the pump motor 71 is transmitted to the pump bodies 72 and 73 by the interlocking and meshing of the motor-side gear 74 provided on the pump motor 71 and the piston-side gears 75 and 76 connected to the pump bodies 72 and 73. In other words, the rotational motion of the pump motor 71 is converted into linear motion of the pump bodies 72 and 73 via the motor-side gear 74 and the piston-side gears 75 and 76.

[0076] In the case of this embodiment, one pump motor 71 can selectively drive two pump bodies 72 and 73. Specifically, by switching the rotation direction of the pump motor 71 between forward and reverse rotation, the pump bodies 72 and 73 to be driven can be selected. In this case, the piston side gears 75 and 76 each have a latch that engages only when the motor side gear 74 rotates in one direction. Moreover, if, for example, the pump motor 71 and the motor side gear 74 rotate forward, the motor side gear 74 only engages with the piston side gear 75 and 76. Figure 9 The piston side gear 75 on the right side of the paper is engaged and only the pump body 72 is driven. On the other hand, if the pump motor 71 and the motor side gear 74 are reversed, the motor side gear 74 is only engaged with the pump body 72. Figure 9 The piston side gear 76 on the left side of the drawing is engaged, and only the pump body 73 is driven. Therefore, when the pump motor 71 rotates forward, detergent is supplied from the detergent tank 611 corresponding to the pump body 72, and when the pump motor 71 rotates backward, finishing agent is supplied from the finishing agent tank 612 corresponding to the pump body 73.

[0077] The pump bodies 72 and 73 have suction ports 721 and 731, respectively, and discharge ports 722 and 732. The suction ports 721 and 731 are located at the rear side of the lower portion of the pump bodies 72 and 73. The suction ports 721 and 731 are connected to the tanks 611 and 612, and function to introduce the detergent stored in the tanks 611 and 612 into the pump bodies 72 and 73. The discharge ports 722 and 732 are located at the bottom of the pump bodies 72 and 73. The discharge ports 722 and 732 function to discharge the detergent introduced into the pump bodies 72 and 73 out of the pump bodies 72 and 73. In this case, the detergent is discharged from the discharge ports 722 and 732 into the second water supply path R2 via the connecting member 78.

[0078] In this manner, the pump bodies 72 and 73, driven by the rotation of the pump motor 71, repeatedly perform a suction operation of the detergent stored in the tanks 611 and 612 and a discharge operation of the sucked detergent into the second water supply path R2, thereby supplying a predetermined amount of detergent required for the washing operation into the water tub 12.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the capacity of the pump bodies 72 and 73 is smaller than the specified amount of detergent used in a single washing operation. That is, the amount of detergent discharged by the pump bodies 72 and 73 during one cycle is less than the specified amount. In this case, the detergent discharge volume of the pump bodies 72 and 73 is set to a relatively small volume of less than 2 ml per cycle. Consequently, compared to a case where a larger-capacity pump is used, the frequency of the pump bodies 72 and 73 cycles (i.e., the discharge frequency) required to deliver the specified amount of detergent increases. This allows for a more distributed supply of the specified amount of detergent.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, Figure 10 As shown, the discharge time of the input pump 70 in one cycle can be set to be longer than the suction time. In this case, one method of setting the discharge time longer than the suction time is to control the rotational speed of the pump motor 71. Specifically, the rotational speed of the pump motor 71 can be increased during the suction operation (i.e., when the pump bodies 72, 73 are moving upward) compared to the discharge operation (i.e., when the pump bodies 72, 73 are moving downward). This allows the discharge and suction times of the input pump 70 to be adjusted within one cycle.

[0081] In addition, as another method of setting the execution time of the discharge operation to be longer than the execution time of the suction operation, for example, Figure 11 As shown, there is a method of using non-circular gears for the motor side gear 74 and the piston side gears 75, 76 to make the pump bodies 72, 73 reciprocate at unequal speeds. Figure 11 In the two sets of pump bodies 72, 73 and piston side gears 75, 76, only the Figure 9 The pump body 72 and the piston side gear 75 are shown on the right side of the paper. Figure 11 In the figures, reference numerals of the components of the pump body 73 and the piston side gear 76 corresponding to the pump body 72 and the piston side gear 75 are shown in parentheses.

[0082] exist Figure 11 In the example, the motor-side gear 74 includes a large-diameter portion 741 and a small-diameter portion 742 having a smaller pitch diameter than the large-diameter portion 741. In this case, the center angle β of the small-diameter portion 742 is set to be larger than the center angle α of the large-diameter portion 741. In addition, the piston-side gears 75 and 76 include small-diameter portions 751 and 761, respectively, and large-diameter portions 752 and 762 having larger pitch diameters than the small-diameter portions 751 and 761. The center angles between the small-diameter portions 751 and 761 and the large-diameter portions 752 and 762 are set to 180°, respectively. Moreover, the large-diameter portion 741 of the motor-side gear 74 meshes with the small-diameter portions 751 and 761 of the piston-side gears 75 and 76 and are driven, and the small-diameter portion 742 of the motor-side gear 74 meshes with the large-diameter portions 752 and 762 of the piston-side gears 75 and 76 and are driven.

[0083] In this structure, when the large diameter portion 741 of the motor side gear 74 meshes with the small diameter portions 751 and 761 of the piston side gears 75 and 76 and rotates, Figure 11 As shown in the order of (a) and (b), the pump bodies 72 and 73 are caused to perform suction operations. In addition, if the small diameter portion 742 of the motor side gear 74 meshes with the large diameter portions 752 and 762 of the piston side gears 75 and 76 and rotates, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 The pump bodies 72 and 73 perform a discharge operation in the order shown in (b), (c), (d), and (a). In this configuration, the center angle β of the small-diameter portion 742 of the motor-side gear 74, required for the discharge operation, is set larger than the center angle α of the large-diameter portion 741 required for the suction operation. Therefore, if the motor-side gear 74 rotates at a constant speed, the duration of the discharge operation can be extended compared to the suction operation.

[0084] By making the discharge operation time longer than the suction operation time in one cycle of the injection pump 70, the detergent can be supplied from the automatic detergent injection device 60 to the second water supply path R2 continuously and uniformly for a long time.

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, a configuration is employed in which multiple pump bodies 72 and 73 can be selectively driven according to the rotation direction of a single pump motor 71. However, this is not limiting. Alternatively, a configuration may be employed in which a motor corresponding to each pump body is provided, and a configuration in which the pump body can be selectively driven by selecting the motor to be driven. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a piston pump is employed as the pump type, but this is not limiting. For example, a solenoid pump, a gear pump, or other pump type configuration may also be employed.

[0086] In addition, the washing machine 10 is as Figure 12 As shown, the system includes an operation panel 81, a water level sensor 82, a flow meter 83, and a control device 90. The operation panel 81 includes a display and an operation unit, receives user input, and displays the details of the input operations and the operating status. The water level sensor 82 can detect the water level in the water tank 12. The flow meter 83 is located, for example, upstream of the branching point of the water supply paths R1 and R2, and measures the flow rate of water flowing through the water supply paths R1 and R2.

[0087] The control device 90 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, and a rewritable flash memory and other storage areas (not shown), and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 10. Figure 12 As shown, the control device 90 is electrically connected to the drum motor 14, the drain valve 16, the water supply valves 22 and 23, the air intake valve 442, the pump motor 71, the operation panel 81, the water level sensor 82, and the flow meter 83. The control device 90 controls the operation of the drum motor 14, the drain valve 16, the water supply valves 22 and 23, the air intake valve 442, the pump motor 71, the operation panel 81, the water level sensor 82, and the flow meter 83.

[0088] In this case, the control device 90 controls the opening and closing of the water supply valves 22 and 23 to appropriately select and combine the first water supply path R1, which supplies water from an external water supply source such as tap water, and the second water supply path R2, which supplies microbubble water primarily containing microbubbles. For example, by opening the water supply valve 22, the control device 90 can supply water that has not passed through the fine-bubble generating device 25 to the water holding tub 12. Alternatively, by opening the water supply valve 23, the control device 90 can supply microbubble water that has passed through the fine-bubble generating device 25 and primarily contains microbubbles to the water holding tub 12. Furthermore, by opening the water supply valves 22 and 23, both the first water supply path R1 and the second water supply path R2 can be used simultaneously. By using both simultaneously, the cleaning effect can be improved while reducing water supply time.

[0089] Furthermore, the control device 90 virtually implements the setting processing unit 91, the estimation processing unit 92, the adjustment processing unit 93, the water supply processing unit 94, the treatment agent injection processing unit 95, and the calibration processing unit 96 using software by executing a control program on the CPU. Furthermore, the control device 90 may implement these processing units 91 to 96 using hardware such as integrated circuits, or through a combination of software and hardware.

[0090] The setting processing unit 91 is capable of executing setting processing. This setting processing includes setting the amount of detergent to be added based on the weight of the laundry placed in the rotary drum 13 or a user setting. Furthermore, when the manual detergent dispensing device 26 is used, the user-set amount of detergent to be added is determined by the amount of detergent added by the user into the manual detergent cartridge 262. On the other hand, when the automatic detergent dispensing device 60 is used, the user-set amount of detergent to be added is determined by the amount of detergent set on the operation panel 81.

[0091] The inference processing unit 92 is capable of performing inference processing. The inference processing includes a process of inferring the water supply time Tk required for the water supply processing. Specifically, the water supply time Tk is inferred based on the actual value of the water supply processing performed in the past. Here, since the pressure of the tap water pipe in each household varies depending on the water supply equipment, etc., the time required to supply the same amount of water also varies from household to household. Therefore, the actual value of the water supply processing performed in the past is accumulated in the storage area of ​​the control device 90. Thus, the water supply time is inferred based on the actual value, so that the water supply time Tk can be predicted more accurately. In this case, as Figure 13 As shown, the actual value includes the weight of the laundry, the amount of water supplied, the time required for water supply, and the water supply speed calculated based on the amount of water supplied and the required time.

[0092] The adjustment processing unit 93 is capable of performing an adjustment process. This adjustment process involves adjusting the execution time Ts of the treatment agent injection process within the water supply time Tk estimated by the estimation process to facilitate the execution of the treatment agent injection process described later. Specifically, the adjustment processing unit 93 has the function of setting the start and end timings of the execution time Ts within the water supply time Tk. The execution time Ts is set, for example, to be at least half of the water supply time Tk and less than the water supply time Tk.

[0093] In conventional washing machines, detergent is added to the water tub 12 during the initial water supply phase. Specifically, the standard water supply time is approximately 2 minutes, and the detergent injection rate is approximately 50 mL per minute. Assuming the set amount of detergent is 20 mL, detergent injection into the water tub 12 begins simultaneously with the start of water supply, and completes in approximately 0.8 minutes. In contrast, in this embodiment, when the water supply time Tk is estimated to be 2 minutes, the same as the standard water supply time, the detergent injection execution time Ts is set to a longer time than conventional methods, for example, between 1 minute and 2 minutes. This conditioning process allows detergent to be continuously supplied to the second water supply path R2 for a longer period of time, compared to normal water supply, i.e., water supply without conditioning.

[0094] The water supply processing unit 94 is capable of performing a water supply process. This process includes supplying fine-bubble water generated by the fine-bubble generating device 25 provided in the second water supply path R2 into the water receiving tub 12 by controlling the opening and closing of the water supply valve 23. During the water supply process, water is supplied in batches until a predetermined water supply volume H is reached, which is set based on the weight of the laundry, etc.

[0095] The detergent dispensing unit 95 is capable of performing a detergent dispensing process. This process involves dispensing detergent from the automatic detergent dispensing device 60 into the water tub 12. Specifically, the detergent dispensing unit 95 controls the driving of the pump motor 71 within the execution time Ts set by the adjustment process, thereby dispensing the detergent contained in the automatic detergent dispensing device 60 into the second water supply path R2.

[0096] The correction processing unit 96 can perform correction processing. The correction processing includes a process of correcting the execution time Ts based on the change in the water level detected by the water level sensor 82 during the execution of the water supply time Tk. Specifically, Figure 14 As shown, when the water supply valve 23 is opened and water begins to be supplied from the second water supply path R2 to the water holding tub 12, the water level sensor 82 detects the change in the water level within the water holding tub 12 over a certain period of time. Based on this change, a water supply rate Vk is calculated. A corrected water supply time Tkh is then determined based on this water supply rate Vk. Furthermore, the execution time Ts of the treatment agent injection process is corrected to a corrected execution time Tsh based on the corrected water supply time Tkh. Specifically, the correction processing unit 96 has the function of setting the end timing of the corrected execution time Tsh within the corrected water supply time Tkh.

[0097] In this case, the corrected execution time Tsh is set to at least half the corrected water supply time Tkh and less than the corrected water supply time Tkh. For example, if the water supply time Tk is estimated to be 2 minutes through the above-mentioned estimation process, the execution time Ts is set to at least 1 minute and less than 2 minutes through the adjustment process. Under these conditions, water supply is started, and the water supply time Tk is corrected based on the detection value of the water level sensor 82. The corrected water supply time Tkh is set to 2.2 minutes. In this case, the corrected execution time Tsh is corrected to at least 1.1 minutes and less than 2.2 minutes. By performing this correction process, the detergent injection time can be effectively set according to the current water supply status.

[0098] Furthermore, the correction processing unit 96 includes, for example, a process for correcting the execution time Ts without changing the set amount of detergent by changing the amount of detergent driven per unit time by the injection pump 70, i.e., the rotational speed of the pump motor 71. If the rotational speed of the pump motor 71 is kept constant and the corrected execution time Tsh is extended compared to the execution time Ts, more detergent will be supplied to the water tub 12. This excessive supply of detergent may actually reduce cleaning performance and is not preferable from the perspective of the load on the water environment after drainage.

[0099] Therefore, if the corrected execution time Tsh becomes longer than the execution time Ts, the speed of the pump motor 71 is reduced, thereby reducing the amount of detergent injected per unit time from the automatic detergent injector 60. This allows for a prolonged supply of detergent without changing the set amount of detergent corresponding to the weight of the laundry, etc. On the other hand, if the corrected execution time Tsh becomes shorter than the execution time Ts, the speed of the pump motor 71 is increased, thereby increasing the amount of detergent injected per unit time from the automatic detergent injector 60. This allows for a prolonged supply of detergent without changing the set amount of detergent. Furthermore, the correction process is not limited to one based on the change in water level detected by the water level sensor 82; it may also be based on the flow rate of water flowing through the water supply paths R1 and R2 as measured by the flowmeter 83.

[0100] The control device 90 receives the operation of the operation panel 81 from the user, or executes the cleaning operation according to the pre-set reservation content. In the case of this embodiment, the cleaning operation means a series of processes including the water supply process, the washing process, the rinsing process and the dehydration process. Figure 15, the control contents in the water supply process are explained. In the following description, the processes performed by the setting processing unit 91, the estimation processing unit 92, the adjustment processing unit 93, the water supply processing unit 94, the treatment agent injection processing unit 95, and the calibration processing unit 96 are all described as being performed primarily by the control device 90.

[0101] If the control device 90 executes the water supply process ( Figure 15 If the washing machine starts (the washing machine starts), first, in step S11, the rotary drum 13 is rotated at a low speed. At this time, the weight of the laundry is detected by measuring the q-axis current of the drum motor 14. Alternatively, the weight of the laundry in the rotary drum 13 can be directly measured physically using a weight meter or the like. Next, in step S12, the control device 90 determines the water supply amount based on the measured laundry weight, and the process proceeds to step S13.

[0102] In step S13, control device 90 determines the amount of detergent to be added based on the weight of the laundry put into rotary tub 13 or the user's setting through the processing of setting processing unit 91, and then shifts the process to step S14.

[0103] In step S14, the control device 90 estimates the water supply time Tk required for the water supply process through processing by the estimation processing unit 92. At this time, the water supply time Tk is estimated based on the actual values ​​of the water supply processes performed in the past accumulated in the storage area. The control device 90 then shifts the process to step S15.

[0104] In step S15, the control device 90 adjusts the execution time Ts of the treatment agent injection process to be executed for a time period equal to or longer than half the water supply time Tk and shorter than the water supply time Tk through the processing of the adjustment processing unit 93. The control device 90 then moves the process to step S16.

[0105] In step S16 , the control device 90 opens the water supply valve 23 by the process of the water supply processing unit 94 to start supplying the microbubble water from the second water supply path R2 , and then shifts the process to step S17 .

[0106] In step S17, the control device 90 drives the pump motor 71 in the forward direction by the processing of the treatment agent injection processing unit 95, and starts injecting the detergent stored in the detergent tank 611 into the second water supply path R2. The control device 90 then shifts the processing to step S18.

[0107] In step S18, the control device 90 uses the correction processing unit 96 to correct the water supply time Tk to the corrected water supply time Tkh based on the change in the water level detected by the water level sensor 82. Next, the execution time Ts of the treatment agent injection process is corrected to the corrected execution time Tsh. In this case, the corrected execution time Tsh is corrected to a time that is at least half of the corrected water supply time Tkh and less than the corrected water supply time Tkh. The control device 90 then proceeds to step S19.

[0108] In step S19, the control device 90 determines whether the corrected execution time Tsh and the corrected water supply time Tkh have expired. If the corrected execution time Tsh and the corrected water supply time Tkh have not yet expired (No in step S19), the control device 90 proceeds to step S18 and repeats the process from step S18 onward. If the corrected execution time Tsh and the corrected water supply time Tkh have expired (Yes in step S19), the control device 90 ends the series of controls (end).

[0109] According to the embodiment described above, the washing machine 10 includes a water tub 12, a fine-bubble generating device 25, an automatic treatment agent injector 60, and a control device 90. The fine-bubble generating device 25 generates fine bubbles primarily consisting of microbubbles in the water supplied to the water tub 12. The automatic treatment agent injector 60 automatically injects a detergent into the water tub 12. The control device 90 can execute a water supply process and a treatment agent injector process. The water supply process supplies microbubble water primarily consisting of microbubbles to the water tub 12. The treatment agent injector process injects the detergent from the automatic treatment agent injector 60 into the water tub 12. Furthermore, the control device 90 can execute the treatment agent injector process while the water supply process is in progress.

[0110] Thus, detergent can be supplied to the water tub 12 while the microbubble water is being supplied to the water tub 12. This allows the microbubble water to mix with the detergent, generating fine, micron-sized foamy cleaning bubbles, thereby improving the cleaning performance of the washing machine 10. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the microbubble water and detergent can be mixed relatively early after the microbubbles are generated. This allows the detergent to coat the surface of the microbubbles before they disappear, improving their stability. As a result, the lifespan of the microbubbles can be extended, allowing them to effectively act on the laundry for a longer period of time.

[0111] Furthermore, the automatic detergent dispensing device 60 is connected to the path between the microbubble generating device 25 and the water tub 12. This allows the microbubble water to mix with the detergent on its way to the water tub 12. Compared to supplying the microbubble water and detergent into the water tub 12 via separate paths, the detergent directly acts on the microbubbles, coating the surface of the microbubbles with the detergent, thereby improving the stability of the microbubbles. This extends the life of the microbubbles, further enhancing the cleaning performance of the washing machine 10.

[0112] The control device 90 can also perform both estimation and adjustment processes. The estimation process estimates the water supply time Tk required for the water supply process. The adjustment process adjusts the time Ts for the treatment agent injection process so that the treatment agent injection process occurs within at least half of the water supply time Tk estimated by the estimation process. This allows the detergent to be supplied to the second water supply path R2 for a prolonged period within the water supply time Tk. This ensures a longer contact time between the microbubble water supplied from the second water supply path R2 and the detergent, thereby extending the life of the microbubbles and further improving the cleaning effect.

[0113] The estimation process also includes estimating the water supply time Tk based on actual values ​​of the water supply process performed in the past. Thus, estimating the required time for water supply based on past actual values ​​can more accurately predict the water supply time Tk, thereby further improving the reliability of the washing performance of the washing machine 10.

[0114] Washing machine 10 also includes a water level sensor 82 for detecting the water level in tub 12. Furthermore, control unit 90 can execute a correction process to calibrate the detergent injection time Ts based on the change in water level detected by water level sensor 82 during the water supply process. This allows for more accurate determination of the detergent injection time, resulting in a more uniform supply of detergent. This ensures a longer contact time between microbubble water and detergent, extending the life of the microbubbles and further improving cleaning performance.

[0115] The control device 90 can also perform a setting process for setting the amount of detergent to be dispensed based on the weight of the laundry or a user setting. Furthermore, the automatic detergent dispensing device 60 includes tanks 611 and 612 and a dispensing pump 70. Tanks 611 and 612 can hold multiple amounts of detergent. The dispensing pump 70 can repeatedly perform a suction operation for the detergent stored in tanks 611 and 612 and a discharge operation for discharging the sucked detergent into the path that reaches the water receiving tub 12. Furthermore, the correction process includes a process for correcting the detergent dispensing process execution time Ts by changing the amount of detergent pump 70 driven per unit time without changing the set amount of detergent.

[0116] By correcting the execution time Ts to the corrected execution time Tsh, even if the detergent injection time fluctuates, the speed of the pump motor 71 can be increased or decreased according to the corrected execution time Tsh, thereby maintaining the supply of detergent for a long period of time without changing the set amount of detergent based on the weight of the laundry, etc. This allows the detergent to be supplied for a long period of time while the microbubble water is being supplied, thereby improving the cleaning performance of the washing machine 10.

[0117] Furthermore, the detergent delivery rate of injection pump 70 is set to 2 ml or less per cycle. This increases the frequency of pump bodies 72 and 73 cycles (i.e., discharge times) required to deliver a predetermined amount of detergent, compared to using a larger-capacity pump. This allows for a more distributed supply of detergent, ensuring a longer contact time between the detergent and the microbubbles, thereby extending the life of the microbubbles. Consequently, the cleaning performance of washing machine 10 is enhanced.

[0118] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the discharge operation duration of the injection pump 70 is set longer than the suction operation duration during one cycle. This allows for a continuous and uniform supply of detergent from the automatic detergent injection device 60. This ensures a longer contact time between the detergent and the microbubbles, extending the life of the microbubbles. Consequently, the cleaning performance of the washing machine 10 can be improved.

[0119] (Second embodiment)

[0120] Next, refer to Figure 16 A second embodiment will be described.

[0121] In the first embodiment, the automatic treatment agent feeding device 60 is as follows. Figure 1As shown, the second water supply path R2 is directly connected to the automatic water supply device 60, and the detergent is supplied directly into the second water supply path R2 from the automatic water supply device 60. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a storage unit 77 is provided below the discharge ports 722 and 732 of the pump bodies 72 and 73 in the automatic water supply device 60. That is, in this embodiment, the detergent is indirectly supplied from the automatic water supply device 60 to the second water supply path R2 via the storage unit 77. The storage unit 77 can temporarily store the detergent discharged from the discharge ports 722 and 732. Furthermore, the bottom of the storage unit 77 is open and connected to the connecting unit 78. Furthermore, the detergent stored in the storage unit 77 is supplied to the second water supply path R2 via the connecting unit 78.

[0122] Furthermore, the amount of detergent supplied from storage member 77 per unit time is less than the amount of detergent discharged from outlets 722 and 732 per unit time. This ensures that detergent is reliably stored within storage member 77, allowing detergent intermittently discharged from outlets 722 and 732 to be continuously supplied to second water supply path R2 via storage member 77. This allows for continuous mixing of microbubble water and detergent. This minimizes the loss of generated microbubbles without mixing with the detergent, effectively extending the life of the microbubbles.

[0123] In addition, the storage component 77 is as follows Figure 16 As shown, the storage member 77 is made of, for example, resin, and has an inner circumferential surface formed into a funnel shape, with the opening area gradually decreasing from the upper opening toward the lower opening. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the storage member 77 includes an inclined surface 771 that slopes downward toward the discharge ports 722 and 732. Consequently, the detergent discharged from the discharge ports 722 and 732 is supplied to the second water supply path R2 via the inclined surface 771 without remaining within the storage member 77.

[0124] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments may be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A washing machine, wherein: have: bucket for water; a fine bubble generating device for generating fine bubbles mainly including micron bubbles in the water supplied to the water tub; An automatic treatment agent feeding device automatically feeds a washing treatment agent into the water tub; as well as The control device is capable of executing a water supply process of supplying the water containing the fine bubbles to the water receiving tub and a treatment agent injection process of injecting the washing treatment agent from the treatment agent automatic injection device into the water receiving tub. The fine bubble generating device includes: a pressure dissolution device for pressurizing and dissolving air in the water supplied to the water tub; and a fine bubble generator provided on the downstream side of the pressure dissolution device for precipitating the fine bubbles in the water supplied to the water tub. The automatic treatment agent feeding device comprises: a tank capable of accommodating multiple amounts of the cleaning treatment agent; and an injection pump capable of repeatedly performing a suction operation of sucking the detergent stored in the tank and a discharge operation of discharging the sucked detergent to a path that reaches the tub. The control device can execute the treatment agent injection process during the water supply process. The control device can further perform the following adjustment process: adjusting the execution time of the treatment agent injection process by changing the driving amount of the injection pump per unit time so that a predetermined amount of the detergent treatment agent is dispersed and supplied to the water tub during the water supply process.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein The treatment agent automatic feeding device is connected to a path between the fine bubble generating device and the water tub.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein The control device is also capable of performing: Inferring the water supply time required for the water supply process, The adjustment process further includes a process of adjusting the execution time of the treatment agent injection process so that the treatment agent injection process is executed for more than half of the water supply time estimated by the estimation process.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein: The estimation process further includes a process of estimating the water supply time based on an actual value of the water supply process performed in the past.

5. The washing machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: It also has a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the water tub. The control device can further execute a correction process for correcting the execution time of the treatment agent injection process based on the amount of change in the water level detected by the water level sensor during the execution of the water supply process.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein The control device can also execute a setting process for setting the amount of the detergent to be added based on the weight of the laundry or a setting by a user. The correction process further includes a process of correcting the execution time of the treatment agent injection process without changing the set amount of the washing treatment agent.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein: The discharge amount of the cleaning agent by the injection pump is set to 2 ml or less per cycle.

8. The washing machine according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: In one cycle of the injection pump, the execution time of the discharge operation is set to be longer than the execution time of the suction operation.

9. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein The washing machine further comprises a storage unit provided below the discharge port of the automatic washing agent feeding device, capable of temporarily storing the washing agent discharged from the discharge port and supplying the stored washing agent to a path leading to the water receiving tub. A supply amount per unit time of the washing agent supplied from the storage member is smaller than a discharge amount per unit time of the washing agent discharged from the discharge port.

10. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein The storage member has an inclined surface portion on its inner peripheral surface, which is inclined from below toward the discharge port.

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