Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

A garment processing device is provided that efficiently cleans the supply routes by installing water supply valves in both manual and automatic supply routes. The garment processing device includes: an outer casing; a garment processing tank housed inside the outer casing for storing garments; a container holding a garment processing agent; an automatic dispensing unit that dispenses the garment processing agent from the container into the garment processing tank; a manual supply route that supplies the garment processing agent manually dispensed by the user into the garment processing tank; a manual water supply valve that supplies water to the manual supply route; an automatic supply route that supplies the garment processing agent automatically dispensed by the automatic dispensing unit into the garment processing tank; an automatic water supply valve that supplies water to the automatic supply route; and a control unit that controls the operation of the manual and automatic water supply valves, thereby enabling the execution of a washing process for both the manual and automatic supply routes.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on May 27, 2020, with application number 202010461016.8 and invention title "Clothing Processing Device". Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a garment processing apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Conventional washing machines, as examples of garment handling devices that perform prescribed treatments on clothing, include washing machines with a manual dispensing unit where the user manually adds garment handling agents such as detergent or fabric softener. Furthermore, in recent years, to meet the demand for improved user convenience, washing machines have been developed with an automatic dispensing unit that pre-stores multiple doses of garment handling agent in an automatic dispensing tank and automatically dispenses the required amount of garment handling agent from the tank into the water tank for the washing cycle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In other words, a washing machine combining both a manual dispensing unit and an automatic dispensing unit has been developed.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-11618

[0007] However, in washing machines, laundry detergent may adhere to the supply path that supplies detergent to the tub. Therefore, there is ongoing development of technologies for cleaning the supply path. Furthermore, the inventors of this application have focused on a configuration that includes water valves in both a manual supply path for supplying laundry detergent manually added by the user and an automatic supply path for supplying laundry detergent automatically added by the automatic dispensing unit. This configuration promotes the development of technologies capable of efficiently cleaning the supply path. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This embodiment provides a garment cleaning device that can efficiently clean the supply lines by installing water valves in both the manual and automatic supply lines.

[0009] The garment processing apparatus of this embodiment includes: an outer casing; a garment processing tank disposed inside the outer casing for storing garments; a container for storing a garment processing agent; an automatic dispensing unit for dispensing the garment processing agent stored in the container into the garment processing tank; a manual supply line for supplying garment processing agent manually dispensed by the user into the garment processing tank; a manual water supply valve for supplying water to the manual supply line; an automatic supply line for supplying garment processing agent automatically dispensed by the automatic dispensing unit into the garment processing tank; an automatic water supply valve for supplying water to the automatic supply line; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the manual water supply valve and the automatic water supply valve. The control unit controls the operation of the manual water supply valve and the automatic water supply valve to perform a washing process that cleans the manual supply line and the automatic supply line.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] According to the present invention, in a garment processing device in which water supply valves are respectively installed in the manual supply route and the automatic supply route, the supply route can be washed efficiently. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional side view showing an example of the configuration of the washing machine according to this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the water supply unit according to this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the control system of the washing machine according to this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This diagram schematically illustrates an example of a general mode involved in this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a first variation of the implementation method.

[0017] Figure 6 This diagram schematically illustrates an example of the second variation of this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 This diagram schematically illustrates an example of the third variation of this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a flowchart (1) schematically illustrating a control example of a washing machine according to this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9This is a flowchart (2) schematically illustrating a control example of a washing machine according to this embodiment.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0022] In the attached diagram, 1 is a washing machine (clothes handling device), 2 is the outer casing, 3 is the washing tub (clothes handling tub), 7 is the drain valve, 10a is the manual water supply valve, 10b is the automatic water supply valve, 11 is the automatic dispensing unit, 13a is the manual supply route, 13b is the automatic supply route, 15 is the detergent tank, 16 is the fabric softener tank, 19 is the water temperature sensor, and 50 is the control device (control unit). Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the garment handling apparatus will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, configurations that are substantially the same in the various embodiments will be given the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0024] (First Embodiment)

[0025] Figure 1 The washing machine 1 described is an example of a garment processing device capable of performing prescribed treatments on clothes, in this case at least including rubbing, rinsing, and spin-drying. Furthermore, the washing machine 1 is a so-called drum-type washing machine in which the rotation center axis of the rotating drum extends in a horizontal direction or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0026] The washing machine 1 has a washing tub 3 for washing clothes inside a rectangular box-shaped outer casing 2 that forms its outer contour. The washing tub 3 is an example of a clothes handling tub, and it has a bottomed cylindrical drum that is rotatable inside a bottomed cylindrical water tank. Numerous small holes are provided on the peripheral wall of the drum, and a baffle for lifting clothes is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drum. The front opening of the washing tub 3 can be opened and closed through a door 5 located on the front of the outer casing 2. Users can open the door 5 and take clothes out of the washing tub 3 through the front opening.

[0027] Furthermore, the washing machine 1 includes a water supply section 4 for supplying water to the washing tub 3, and a drain section 6 for draining water from the washing tub 3 to the outside of the machine. The water supply section 4 is configured to include a water supply valve unit 10 (described later) midway along a water supply path extending from a water source (not shown), such as tap water, to the washing tub 3. The drain section 6 is configured to include a drain valve 7 midway along a drain path extending from the bottom of the washing tub 3 to the outside of the machine. By supplying water to the washing tub 3 through the water supply section 4 with the drain valve 7 closed, a predetermined amount of water is accumulated in the washing tub 3. Furthermore, by opening the drain valve 7, the water in the washing tub 3 is discharged to the outside of the machine via the drain path.

[0028] like Figure 2 As illustrated, the water supply unit 4 is configured to include a water supply valve unit 10, an automatic dispensing unit 11, and a water filling box 12, etc., along a water supply route extending from a water source (not shown) to the washing tank 3. The inlet of the water supply valve unit 10 is connected to a water source (not shown), such as tap water. Furthermore, the water supply valve unit 10 has at least two water supply valves 10a and 10b. Water supply valve 10a is an example of a manual water supply valve, connected to the water filling box 12 via a manual supply route 13a. Water supply valve 10b is an example of an automatic water supply valve, connected to the water filling box 12 via an automatic supply route 13b. Hereinafter, water supply valve 10a will be referred to as the manual water supply valve 10a, and water supply valve 10b will be referred to as the automatic water supply valve 10b. The outlet of the water filling box 12 is connected to the washing tank 3 via a water supply hose 14.

[0029] The automatic dispensing unit 11 includes a laundry detergent tank 15 and a fabric softener tank 16. The laundry detergent tank 15 and fabric softener tank 16 are arranged in a manner that allows them to be loaded and unloaded relative to the water supply unit 4. The laundry detergent tank 15 can hold a quantity of laundry detergent that can be dispensed multiple times; in this case, it is laundry detergent used to wash clothes in the washing tub 3. The fabric softener tank 16 can hold a quantity of laundry softener that can be dispensed multiple times; in this case, it is fabric softener used to soften clothes in the washing tub 3.

[0030] The laundry detergent tank 15 is connected to the automatic supply line 13b via a laundry detergent metering pump 17. The laundry detergent metering pump 17 is configured to draw and dispense liquid by driving a piston via an actuator such as a motor or solenoid. The laundry detergent metering pump 17 draws a predetermined amount of laundry detergent from the laundry detergent tank 15—in this case, the amount used for one operation—and dispenses it into the automatic supply line 13b. The laundry detergent dispensed into the automatic supply line 13b, along with water supplied from the automatic water supply valve 10b of the water supply valve unit 10, is then introduced into the water filling box 12. The laundry detergent introduced into the water filling box 12, along with the water similarly introduced into the water filling box 12, is then supplied to the washing tank 3 via the water supply hose 14. Thus, laundry detergent is automatically dispensed from the laundry detergent tank 15 into the washing tank 3. Furthermore, the laundry detergent metering pump 17 is not limited to drawing liquid; for example, it can also dispense liquid.

[0031] The fabric softener tank 16 is connected to the automatic supply line 13b via a fabric softener metering pump 18. The fabric softener metering pump 18 is configured to draw and deliver liquid by driving a piston via an actuator such as a motor or solenoid. The fabric softener metering pump 18 draws a predetermined amount of fabric softener from the fabric softener tank 16—in this case, the amount needed for one operation—and delivers the drawn fabric softener into the automatic supply line 13b. The fabric softener delivered into the automatic supply line 13b, along with water supplied from the automatic water supply valve 10b of the water supply valve unit 10, is then introduced into the water filling box 12. The fabric softener introduced into the water filling box 12, along with the water similarly introduced into the water filling box 12, is then supplied to the washing tank 3 via the water supply hose 14. Thus, fabric softener is automatically added from the fabric softener tank 16 into the washing tank 3. In addition, the fabric softener metering pump 18 is not limited to aspirating liquid; for example, it can also squeeze out liquid.

[0032] Furthermore, a manual dispensing box 12a is housed within the water inlet box 12 in a removable manner. Within the manual dispensing box 12a, there is a (not shown) manual detergent dispensing section for manually dispensing laundry detergent and a (not shown) manual fabric softener dispensing section for manually dispensing fabric softener. The laundry detergent dispensed into the manual detergent dispensing section, or the fabric softener dispensed into the manual fabric softener dispensing section, together with water injected into the water inlet box 12 from the water supply valve unit 10 via the manual supply line 13a, is supplied to the washing tub 3 via the water supply hose 14.

[0033] In the water supply unit 4 configured as described above, the manual supply route 13a is configured to supply laundry detergent or fabric softener, etc., manually added by the user, into the washing tank 3. Furthermore, the automatic supply route 13b is configured to supply laundry detergent or fabric softener, etc., automatically added by the automatic dispensing unit 11, into the washing tank 3.

[0034] Next, an example of the configuration of the control system of washing machine 1 will be described. Figure 3 The control device 50 shown is an example of a control unit. The control device 50 is configured, for example, with a microcomputer as its main component, and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 based on a control program or various setting information. Various drive system components, such as a drain valve 7, a manual water inlet valve 10a, an automatic water inlet valve 10b, a detergent metering pump 17, a fabric softener metering pump 18, and a drum rotation motor (not shown), are connected to the control device 50, and the control device 50 controls their operation. Furthermore, a water temperature sensor 19, as an example of a sensor, is connected to the control device 50. The water temperature sensor 19 is configured, for example, with a thermistor, and in this case, is configured to sense the temperature of the water supplied to the water inlet valve unit 10.

[0035] Furthermore, an operation unit 20 is connected to the control device 50. The operation unit 20 includes, for example, touch buttons formed on a display panel 40 located on the upper front of the outer casing 2, and mechanical operation buttons located near the display panel 40. The operation unit 20 includes setting buttons for setting various information related to operation, such as the executed operating program or operating time; and buttons for starting or temporarily stopping operation. Additionally, the operation unit 20 includes a setting button for setting whether the automatic dispensing of laundry detergent or fabric softener is performed by the automatic dispensing unit 11. In this case, the operation unit 20 independently sets whether the automatic dispensing of laundry detergent and fabric softener is performed.

[0036] Furthermore, a storage unit 21 is connected to the control device 50. The storage unit 21 is composed of a storage medium such as a memory, and stores various information related to operation, such as settings set via the operation unit 20. In addition, the storage unit 21 can store past operation history, such as the number of times the operation has been performed in the past, and can also distinguish between the number of times the operation was performed when the automatic dispensing of the laundry detergent was set and the number of times the operation was performed when the automatic dispensing of the laundry detergent was not set.

[0037] In the washing machine 1 according to this embodiment, the control device 50 is configured to perform a washing process that washes multiple supply routes, in this case, a manual supply route 13a and an automatic supply route 13b. In this case, the control device 50 is configured to perform the washing process of the supply routes by controlling the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. Hereinafter, details of this washing process will be described.

[0038] In the washing machine 1 according to this embodiment, the control device 50 is configured to perform a washing process by switching between multiple modes. Hereinafter, each mode will be described in turn.

[0039] (Normal mode)

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown in the example, the normal mode contains multiple, in this case, two wash settings. Then, the first setting contains multiple, in this case, seven periods, and the second setting contains multiple, in this case, seven periods.

[0041] During the first period of the first setting, the control device 50 actuates the manual water supply valve 10a for a predetermined time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the automatic water supply valve 10b. Thus, during the first period of the first setting, water is supplied to the manual water supply line 13a. Then, during the second period of the first setting, the control device 50 actuates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a. Thus, during the second period of the first setting, water is supplied to the automatic water supply line 13b.

[0042] Here, during the first and second periods of the first setting, the control device 50 causes the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b to operate independently, respectively. That is, the control device 50 causes the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b to operate in an independent operation mode. Furthermore, in this independent operation mode, the control device 50 sets the time for operating the manual water supply valve 10a to be the same as the time for operating the automatic water supply valve 10b. Alternatively, the control device 50 may set the time for operating the manual water supply valve 10a to be different from the time for operating the automatic water supply valve 10b.

[0043] Then, during the third, fourth, and fifth periods of the first setting, the control device 50 stops the operation of both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. As a result, during the third, fourth, and fifth periods of the first setting, the water supply to both the manual supply line 13a and the automatic supply line 13b is stopped. Then, during the sixth period of the first setting, the control device 50 activates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a. As a result, during the sixth period of the first setting, water is supplied to the automatic supply line 13b.

[0044] In addition, during the washing process, the detergent dispenser 15 or the fabric softener dispenser 16 can also be washed. In this case, the user adds water or hot water to the detergent dispenser 15 or the fabric softener dispenser 16. Furthermore, the user can set the pump washing process for washing the detergent dispenser 15 or the fabric softener dispenser 16 via the operation unit 20. The liquid added to the detergent dispenser 15 or the fabric softener dispenser 16 during the washing process can also be a cleaning agent. Examples of cleaning agents include those containing cleaning agents such as citric acid, water, and hot water.

[0045] Then, when the pump washing process is set, the control device 50 activates the automatic dispensing unit 11 from the first set period to the sixth period. The predetermined time for activating the automatic dispensing unit 11, in other words, the time required from the beginning of the first period to the end of the sixth period, is, for example, about 300 seconds. Furthermore, when the automatic dispensing unit 11 is activated, both the detergent metering pump 17 and the fabric softener metering pump 18 can be activated, or only one of the detergent metering pump 17 and the fabric softener metering pump 18 can be activated. In addition, the detergent metering pump 17 and the fabric softener metering pump 18 can be switched alternately, or they can be activated simultaneously.

[0046] Furthermore, the setting of which pumps 17 and 18 operate in the aforementioned pump washing process, or in other words, the setting of which pumps 17 and 18 operate, can be set by the user via the operation unit 20. Alternatively, the setting of which pumps 17 and 18 operate in the pump washing process can also be automatically set by the control device 50 based on, for example, the operating history of the washing machine 1.

[0047] Then, during the seventh period set in the first configuration, the control device 50 stops the operation of both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. Furthermore, the control device 50 stops the operation of the automatic start-up unit 11. That is, this seventh period is set as a standby period during which washing is not actually performed. The predetermined time for stopping the operation of the automatic water supply valve 10b, the manual water supply valve 10a, and the automatic start-up unit 11, in other words, the duration of the seventh period of the standby period, is, for example, a time of about 20 seconds.

[0048] Next, during the first period of the second setting, the control device 50 actuates the manual water supply valve 10a for a predetermined time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the automatic water supply valve 10b. Thus, during the first period of the second setting, water is supplied to the manual supply line 13a. Then, during the second, third, fourth, and fifth periods of the second setting, the control device 50 stops the operation of both the manual and automatic water supply valves 10a and 10b. Thus, during the second, third, fourth, and fifth periods of the second setting, the water supply to both the manual and automatic supply lines 13a and 13b is stopped. Then, during the sixth period of the second setting, the control device 50 actuates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a. Thus, during the sixth period of the second setting, water is supplied to the automatic supply line 13b.

[0049] Furthermore, when the pump washing process is set to run, the control device 50 activates the automatic dispensing unit 11 during the first to sixth periods of the second setting. The predetermined time for activating the automatic dispensing unit 11, in other words, the time required from the beginning of the first period to the end of the sixth period, is, for example, about 300 seconds. Moreover, when the automatic dispensing unit 11 is activated, both the detergent metering pump 17 and the fabric softener metering pump 18 can be activated, or only one of them can be activated. Furthermore, the detergent metering pump 17 and the fabric softener metering pump 18 can be switched alternately, or they can be activated simultaneously.

[0050] In addition, the settings of pumps 17 and 18 operating in the above-mentioned pump cleaning process can be set by the user through manual operation of the operation unit 20, or they can be set automatically by the control device 50.

[0051] Then, during the seventh period of the second setting, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. Furthermore, the control device 50 stops the operation of the automatic start-up unit 11. That is, this seventh period is set as a standby period during which washing is not actually performed. The predetermined time for stopping the operation of the automatic water supply valve 10b, the manual water supply valve 10a, and the automatic start-up unit 11, in other words, the duration of the seventh period of standby, is, for example, about 40 seconds. That is, the control device 50 sets the standby period in the first setting to be different from the standby time in the second setting. Alternatively, the control device 50 may also set the standby period in the first setting to be the same as the standby time in the second setting.

[0052] Furthermore, in the typical configuration described above, the control device 50 is also configured to control the operation of the drain valve 7. In this case, the control device 50 is configured to close the drain valve 7 during the first period of the first setting, and to open the drain valve 7 from the beginning of the second period of the subsequent first setting until the end of the seventh period of the second setting.

[0053] The control device 50 is configured to execute multiple, in this case three, variant modes in addition to the normal mode described above. Each variant mode will be explained below.

[0054] (First Transformation Mode)

[0055] The first variation mode is based on the above-described normal mode, but modifies the operating time of the manual water supply valve 10a. That is, as follows: Figure 5As illustrated, the control device 50 continuously actuates the manual water supply valve 10a during the first and second periods of the first setting. Therefore, the control device 50 actuates the manual water supply valve 10a for a predetermined time, for example, about 20 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the automatic water supply valve 10b.

[0056] Then, during the third period of the first setting, the control device 50 actuates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a. Here, during the first, second, and third periods of the first setting, the control device 50 actuates the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b separately. That is, the control device 50 actuates the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in an independent operation mode. Furthermore, in this independent operation mode, the control device 50 sets the time for actuating the manual water supply valve 10a to be different from the time for actuating the automatic water supply valve 10b.

[0057] Then, during the fourth and fifth periods of the first setting, the control device 50 stops the operation of both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. Then, during the sixth period of the first setting, the control device 50 activates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a. Then, during the seventh period of the first setting, the control device 50 stops the operation of both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b.

[0058] In the second configuration, the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b is the same as in the first configuration. However, the control device 50 sets the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the second configuration to be different from the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the first configuration. Furthermore, the operation of the automatic dispensing unit 11 and the drain valve 7 in this first modified mode is the same as in the normal mode described above. However, the control device 50 sets the operation of the automatic dispensing unit 11 and the drain valve 7 in this first modified mode to be different from the operation of the normal mode described above.

[0059] (Second Transformation Mode)

[0060] The second variation mode is based on the above-described normal mode, but modifies the operating time of the automatic water supply valve 10b. That is, as follows: Figure 6As illustrated, the control device 50 continuously actuates the automatic water supply valve 10b during the first and second periods of the first setting. Therefore, the control device 50 actuates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined time, for example, approximately 20 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a.

[0061] Then, during the third period of the first setting, the control device 50 actuates the manual water supply valve 10a for a predetermined time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the automatic water supply valve 10b. Here, during the first, second, and third periods of the first setting, the control device 50 actuates the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b separately. That is, the control device 50 operates the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in an independent operation mode. Furthermore, in this independent operation mode, the control device 50 sets the time for actuating the manual water supply valve 10a to be different from the time for actuating the automatic water supply valve 10b.

[0062] Then, during the fourth and fifth periods of the first setting, the control device 50 stops the operation of both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. Then, during the sixth period of the first setting, the control device 50 activates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a. Then, during the seventh period of the first setting, the control device 50 stops the operation of both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b.

[0063] In the second configuration, the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b is the same as in the first configuration. However, the control device 50 sets the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the second configuration to be different from the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the first configuration. Furthermore, the operation of the automatic dispensing unit 11 and the drain valve 7 in this second modified mode is the same as in the normal mode described above. However, the control device 50 sets the operation of the automatic dispensing unit 11 and the drain valve 7 in this second modified mode to be different from the operation of the normal mode described above.

[0064] (Third Transformation Mode)

[0065] The third variation mode is based on the aforementioned normal mode, but modifies the operating time of both the automatic and manual water supply valves 10b. That is, as follows: Figure 7As illustrated in the example, during the first period of the first setting, the control device 50 activates both the automatic water supply valve 10b and the manual water supply valve 10b. Here, during the first period of the first setting, the control device 50 activates both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b simultaneously. That is, the control device 50 activates the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in a simultaneous operation mode. Furthermore, in this simultaneous operation mode, the control device 50 sets the activation time of the manual water supply valve 10a to be the same as the activation time of the automatic water supply valve 10b.

[0066] Then, during the second period of the first setting, the control device 50 actuates the manual water supply valve 10a for a predetermined time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the automatic water supply valve 10b.

[0067] Then, during the third, fourth, and fifth periods of the first setting, the control device 50 stops the operation of both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. Then, during the sixth period of the first setting, the control device 50 activates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a. Then, during the seventh period of the first setting, the control device 50 stops the operation of both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b.

[0068] In the second configuration, the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b is the same as in the first configuration. However, the control device 50 can also set the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the second configuration to be different from the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the first configuration. Furthermore, the operation of the automatic dispensing unit 11 and the drain valve 7 in this third variant mode is the same as in the normal mode described above. However, the control device 50 can also set the operation of the automatic dispensing unit 11 and the drain valve 7 in this third variant mode to be different from the operation of the normal mode described above.

[0069] The control device 50 is configured to appropriately switch between the multiple modes involved in the washing process described above, depending on the conditions. Next, an example of the control flow when the control device 50 switches between washing process modes will be described.

[0070] like Figure 8As illustrated in the example, the control device 50 checks whether the number of times the operation has been performed in the past exceeds a predetermined number (A1). Furthermore, the predetermined number in step A1 can be appropriately changed and set; in this case, it is set to 30 times. In addition, the control device 50 stores the number of executions in the storage unit 21 each time an operation is performed, thereby determining the number of times the operation has been performed in the past.

[0071] If the number of times the control device 50 has performed the operation in the past has not exceeded the predetermined number (A1: No), the washing process is performed in the normal mode (A2). On the other hand, if the number of times the control device 50 has performed the operation in the past has exceeded the predetermined number (A1: Yes), the control device 50 checks whether the number of manual operations is more than the number of automatic operations (A3). The manual number is the number of times the operation is performed when the automatic dispensing of laundry detergent is not set. The automatic number is the number of times the operation is performed when the automatic dispensing of laundry detergent is set. The control device 50 stores the respective number of operations in the storage unit 21 each time an operation is performed, thereby determining the number of manual operations and the number of automatic operations.

[0072] When the number of manual cycles is no more than the number of automatic cycles (A3: No), the control device 50 sets the washing process mode to the second variation mode and performs the washing process (A4). On the other hand, when the number of manual cycles is more than the number of automatic cycles (A3: Yes), the control device 50 sets the washing process mode to the first variation mode and performs the washing process (A5).

[0073] also, Figure 9 The text shows the relationship with... Figure 8 This is an example of a different control flow. Specifically, if the number of times the control device 50 has performed the operation in the past has not exceeded a predetermined number (B1: No), or if the number of manual operations is not greater than the number of automatic operations (B3: No), the washing process is performed in the normal mode (B2). On the other hand, if the number of manual operations is greater than the number of automatic operations (B3: Yes), the control device 50 is performed in the third modified mode (B5).

[0074] According to the washing machine 1 described above, the control device 50 controls the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b, thereby enabling the washing process to clean the manual supply line 13a and the automatic supply line 13b. With this configuration, by appropriately switching the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b, the water supply to the manual supply line 13a and the automatic supply line 13b can be switched as desired, allowing for separate washing of each supply line. In other words, according to the washing machine 1, by utilizing the configuration of providing water supply valves 10a and 10b in the manual supply line 13a and the automatic supply line 13b respectively, the supply lines 13a and 13b can be washed efficiently respectively.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the control device 50 can perform a separate operation mode in the washing process, in which the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b operate separately, and in a simultaneous operation mode, in which the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b operate simultaneously.

[0076] Here, according to the individual operation mode in which multiple water supply valves 10a and 10b operate independently, water can be supplied centrally to the manual supply line 13a connected to the manual water supply valve 10a or the automatic supply line 13b connected to the automatic water supply valve 10b. On the other hand, according to the simultaneous operation mode in which multiple water supply valves 10a and 10b operate simultaneously, water can be supplied separately to the manual supply line 13a connected to the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic supply line 13b connected to the automatic water supply valve 10b. Therefore, according to the washing machine 1, by appropriately switching the operation modes of the water supply valves 10a and 10b, the water supply method, or in other words, the washing method, of the manual supply line 13a and the automatic supply line 13b can be appropriately switched.

[0077] To illustrate with a concrete example, suppose that during the initial stage of the washing process, there is residual laundry detergent in, for instance, the automatic supply line 13b. In such a case, if a large amount of water is supplied to the automatic supply line 13b in a concentrated manner, it is likely that foaming, leakage, and air bubbles will occur. Therefore, it is preferable that, during the initial stage of the washing process, the water supply valves 10a and 10b operate simultaneously. This disperses the water in each supply line 13a and 13b, thus suppressing the amount of water supplied to the automatic supply line 13b. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the washing process, it is conceivable that the residual laundry detergent in the automatic supply line 13b will be rinsed away to some extent or completely. Therefore, it is preferable to switch the operating mode of the water supply valves 10a and 10b to an individual operating mode. This allows for a concentrated supply of a large amount of water to the automatic supply line 13b, enabling efficient washing of the automatic supply line 13b.

[0078] As described above, according to the washing machine 1, the operating modes of the water supply valves 10a and 10b are appropriately switched to individual operating mode and simultaneous operating mode, thereby enabling appropriate washing corresponding to the degree of contamination in the supply routes 13a and 13b.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the control device 50 can also activate the automatic dispensing unit 11 when the automatic water supply valve 10b is activated to clean the automatic water supply line 13b. With this configuration, when the automatic water supply valve 10b is activated to clean the automatic water supply line 13b, the automatic dispensing unit 11 is activated while water or hot water is stored in the detergent tank 15 and the fabric softener tank 16, thereby also cleaning the contents of the detergent tank 15 and the fabric softener tank 16. Additionally, the tank storing water or hot water during this operation can be either the detergent tank 15 or the fabric softener tank 16.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the control device 50 can change the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b during the washing process based on the operating history. It is conceivable that as the operating history of the washing machine 1 increases, for example, the number of times it has been operated increases, the contamination in the manual supply route 13a or the automatic supply route 13b will increase. Therefore, by appropriately changing the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b during the washing process based on the number of times it has been operated, a washing process corresponding to the degree of contamination in the supply routes 13a and 13b can be performed. Moreover, the operating history is not limited to the number of times it has been operated; for example, it can also refer to the elapsed time since the last washing process.

[0081] Furthermore, if the control device 50 has a history of more manual operation than automatic operation, it will operate the manual water supply valve 10a independently in a separate operation mode, thereby enabling concentrated cleaning of the manual supply route 13a. On the other hand, if the control device 50 has a history of more automatic operation than manual operation, it will operate the automatic water supply valve 10b independently in a separate operation mode, thereby enabling concentrated cleaning of the automatic supply route 13b.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the control device 50 can set a standby period during the washing process, during which the operation of both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b is stopped. With this configuration, during this standby period, it is expected that contaminants in the manual supply line 13a or the automatic supply line 13b will dissolve in water or be shed by water, allowing for more efficient washing in the supply lines 13a and 13b. Additionally, for example, by opening the drain valve 7 during this standby period, the water used for washing accumulated in the washing tub 3 can be quickly drained out of the machine, preventing contaminants removed by the washing process through the supply lines 13a and 13b from re-adhering to the washing tub 3.

[0083] (Second Implementation)

[0084] In this embodiment, the control device 50 is configured to adjust the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b during the washing process based on the sensing result of the water temperature sensor 19, i.e., the temperature of the water supplied to the water supply valve unit 10. Specifically, when the water temperature sensed by the water temperature sensor 19 is higher than a predetermined upper limit temperature, the control device 50 sets at least one of the operating time of the manual water supply valve 10a and the operating time of the automatic water supply valve 10b to be shorter than a predetermined standard operating time. Furthermore, when the water temperature sensed by the water temperature sensor 19 is lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature, the control device 50 sets at least one of the operating time of the manual water supply valve 10a and the operating time of the automatic water supply valve 10b to be longer than a predetermined standard operating time. Additionally, the predetermined upper limit temperature, lower limit temperature, and standard operating time can be appropriately varied and set.

[0085] According to the second embodiment, when the water temperature is high, it is easier to remove contaminants with water. Therefore, even if the operating time of the water supply valves 10a and 10b is set to a shorter time, the supply routes 13a and 13b can be thoroughly cleaned, and the cleaning time can be shortened. On the other hand, when the water temperature is low, it is not easy to remove contaminants with water. Therefore, by setting the operating time of the water supply valves 10a and 10b to a longer time, the cleaning of the supply routes 13a and 13b can be promoted.

[0086] (Third Implementation)

[0087] In this embodiment, the water temperature sensor 19 is configured to be installed inside the washing tank 3 to sense the temperature of the water inside the washing tank 3. During the washing process, water flowing from the manual supply line 13a or the automatic supply line 13b is supplied to the washing tank 3. Therefore, by detecting the temperature of the water inside the washing tank 3, the temperature of the water supplied to the manual supply line 13a or the automatic supply line 13b can be indirectly sensed.

[0088] Then, in this case, the control device 50 is configured to cause the water temperature sensor 19 to perform sensing processing while the drain valve 7 is closed. Also in this embodiment, the control device 50 is configured to change the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b during the washing process based on the sensing result of the water temperature sensor 19.

[0089] According to the third embodiment, in the configuration that indirectly senses the temperature of the water supplied to the supply routes 13a and 13b based on the temperature of the water in the washing tank 3, the drain valve 7 is closed when the temperature of the water in the washing tank 3 is sensed. With this configuration, the water temperature can be sensed even when a sufficient amount of water has accumulated in the washing tank 3. Therefore, even when indirectly sensing the water temperature, the sensing accuracy can be improved, and the operation of the water supply valves 10a and 10b can be controlled with high precision based on the water temperature.

[0090] (Other implementation methods)

[0091] Furthermore, this embodiment is not limited to the multiple embodiments described above, and various modifications and extensions can be made without departing from its essence. For example, the multiple embodiments described above can be appropriately combined and implemented. Additionally, the washing machine 1 can also be configured to have three or more supply routes, each with a water supply valve. In this case, by appropriately switching the operation of the multiple water supply valves, each supply route can be washed efficiently. Furthermore, the sensor is not limited to the water temperature sensor 19; for example, it could be an odor sensor, a water quality sensor, a humidity sensor, a turbidity sensor, etc. Moreover, the washing machine 1 can also be configured to have multiple types of such sensors.

[0092] Furthermore, the number of settings constituting the washing process is not limited to two; it can be one or more than three. Additionally, the duration of a single setting is not limited to seven periods and can be adjusted as needed.

[0093] Furthermore, the washing machine 1 can also be configured to have a dedicated operating program for performing the aforementioned washing process. By configuring it so that the execution of such a dedicated operating program can be selected using the operation of the control unit 20, the washing process can be performed according to the user's wishes. In addition, the execution of such a dedicated operating program can also be configured to be automatically executed by the control device 50 based on the operating history of the washing machine 1. That is, it can also be configured so that the control device 50 automatically executes the dedicated operating program based on the situation where the number of times the operation has been performed exceeds a predetermined number, for example, after the normal washing program ends, and the door 5 is closed after the clothes are removed from the washing tub 3. In addition, the situation where the door 5 is closed can be determined, for example, based on the sensing result of a known door lock sensor.

[0094] Furthermore, when the control device 50 sets a standby period during the washing process, it is preferable to perform a fine washing cycle that supplies water to the supply routes 13a and 13b with a strong water flow before the start of the standby period. According to this configuration, the removal of contaminants in the supply routes 13a and 13b can be promoted before entering the standby period, thereby further improving the washing performance.

[0095] Furthermore, the control device 50 preferably activates the water supply valves 10a and 10b before stopping the operation of the automatic dispensing unit 11, in other words, before stopping the operation of the laundry detergent metering pump 17 or the fabric softener metering pump 18. With this configuration, residual laundry detergent flowing out of the automatic dispensing unit 11 after its operation stops can be flushed into the washing tank 3 by water supplied from the water supply valves 10a and 10b, thus preventing residual laundry detergent from remaining in the supply routes 13a and 13b.

[0096] Furthermore, the container is not limited to laundry detergent container 15 or fabric softener container 16; any container that holds various treatment agents capable of treating clothing, such as deodorizer container or antibacterial agent container, is acceptable. Additionally, the multiple containers provided with the water supply section 4 can hold the same type of treatment agent or different types of treatment agents. Furthermore, the washing machine 1 can be configured to have one container in the water supply section 4, or it can be configured to have three or more containers. Furthermore, the laundry detergent metering pump 17 and the fabric softener metering pump 18 are not limited to aspirating liquid; for example, they can also dispense liquid.

[0097] Furthermore, this embodiment can also be applied to so-called longitudinal axis type washing machines where the rotation center axis of the rotating tank extends in the vertical direction. Furthermore, this embodiment can also be applied to washing machines with a drying function. Furthermore, this embodiment can also be applied to washing machines without a drying function. Moreover, this embodiment can be applied to various clothing treatment devices, as long as they are devices that perform some kind of treatment on clothing, such as deodorizing, removing odors, or sterilizing.

[0098] The foregoing has described one embodiment of the present invention, but these embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, comprising: outer box; A clothing handling compartment is located inside the outer casing to hold clothing; A container for storing garment treatment agents; The water supply valve unit is connected to an external water source; The automatic dispensing unit dispenses the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank into the laundry treatment tank; A manual supply route is used to supply the garment treatment agent manually added by the user into the garment treatment tank; An automatic supply route is used to supply the garment treatment agent automatically dispensed by the automatic dispensing unit into the garment treatment tank; and The control unit controls the operation of the water supply valve unit. The water supply valve unit is capable of supplying water to both the manual and automatic water supply lines. The control unit, by controlling the operation of the water supply valve unit, can perform a cleaning process on both the manual and automatic water supply routes. The following can be performed in the washing process: Control of supplying water only to at least one of the manual supply route and the automatic supply route; and Control of simultaneously supplying water to both the manual and automatic water supply routes.

2. The garment handling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The washing process also includes a period during which water is not supplied to both the manual supply route and the automatic supply route.

3. The garment handling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It has a manual dispensing unit for users to manually add the laundry detergent. The manual supply route can supply water to the manual input unit without going through the automatic supply route.

4. The garment handling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The period during which water is not supplied to either the manual or automatic supply route is set after control is implemented to supply water only to at least one of the manual or automatic supply routes.

5. The garment handling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The period during which water is not supplied to either the manual or automatic supply line is set after control is performed to supply water only to the manual supply line, and then control is performed to supply water only to the automatic supply line.

6. The garment handling apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The period during which water is supplied only to the manual supply route is shorter than the period during which water is supplied only to the automatic supply route.

7. The garment handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 5, wherein, After controlling the supply of water to both the manual and automatic supply lines to cease, control the supply of water to both the manual and automatic supply lines to proceed simultaneously.

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