Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine capable of determining whether or not a detergent has been put into a washing tub in a case where a washing operation is performed in a state where water is stored in the washing tub. The washing machine (1) includes a water detection section (38), a conductivity detection section (39) that detects a conductivity of water in the washing tub, a putting section, a control section (40), and a storage section (41). In a case where the water detection section (38) detects that no water is present in the washing tub at the start of the washing operation, the control section (40) adjusts an operation condition based on a detection result of the conductivity detection section (39) after water supply, and puts a detergent in an amount corresponding to the adjusted operation condition into the washing tub through the putting section. The storage section (41) stores a setting related to whether or not the detergent is to be put into the washing tub through the putting section. In a case where the water detection section (38) detects that water was present in the washing tub at the start of the washing operation, the control section (40) determines whether or not the detergent has been put into the washing tub based on the setting stored in the storage section (41).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to washing machines. Background Technology

[0002] The washer-dryer described in Patent Document 1 below includes: a washing and dehydrating tub for holding laundry; an outer tub for holding the washing and dehydrating tub; and an inlet device for adding detergent and finishing agent between the washing and dehydrating tub and the outer tub.

[0003] In washing machines with an automatic detergent dispensing function, such as the washer-dryer combo described in Patent Document 1, the washing machine's power is disconnected to stop the washing cycle after water is supplied to the washing / spinning tub and the outer tub, according to the user's instructions. Then, the power is turned on, and the washing cycle is restarted with water remaining in the washing / spinning tub and the outer tub. In this case, when it is unknown whether detergent has been added to the water in the washing / spinning tub and the outer tub, it is difficult to determine whether detergent should be automatically added during the new washing cycle after the power is turned on.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-202018 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The present invention was made under the above background, and its purpose is to provide a washing machine that can determine whether detergent has been added to the washing tub when the washing operation is performed with water in the washing tub.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] This invention relates to a washing machine, comprising: a washing tub for containing laundry and storing water; a water supply unit for supplying water to the washing tub; a water detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of water in the washing tub; a conductivity detection unit for detecting the conductivity of the water in the washing tub; an additive unit for adding detergent to the washing tub; a control unit for performing a washing cycle on the laundry in the washing tub, wherein, if the water detection unit detects that there is no water in the washing tub at the start of the washing cycle, the control unit, after supplying water to the washing tub through the water supply unit, adjusts the operating conditions of the washing cycle based on the detection result of the conductivity detection unit, and adds an amount of detergent corresponding to the adjusted operating conditions to the washing tub through the additive unit; and a storage unit for storing settings related to whether detergent should be added to the washing tub through the additive unit, wherein, if the water detection unit detects that there is water in the washing tub at the start of the washing cycle, the control unit determines whether detergent has been added to the washing tub based on the settings stored in the storage unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the setting includes a current setting related to whether or not detergent is to be added to the washing tub through the dispensing unit; if the current setting is to not add detergent to the washing tub through the dispensing unit, the control unit determines that detergent has not been added to the washing tub.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the setting also includes a setting for when the washing machine is powered on, relating to whether or not detergent is to be added to the washing tub via the dispensing unit. If the current setting is to add detergent to the washing tub via the dispensing unit, and the setting when the power is on is to not add detergent to the washing tub via the dispensing unit, then the control unit determines that detergent has not been added to the washing tub.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the storage unit also stores whether detergent was added to the washing tub via the dispensing unit when the power was last disconnected. If the current setting is to add detergent to the washing tub via the dispensing unit and the setting when the power is on is also to add detergent to the washing tub via the dispensing unit, and if detergent was added to the washing tub via the dispensing unit when the power was last disconnected, the control unit determines that detergent has been added to the washing tub.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, when the current setting is to add detergent into the washing tub via the dispensing unit and the setting when the power is on is to add detergent into the washing tub via the dispensing unit, if detergent was not added into the washing tub via the dispensing unit when the power was last turned off, the control unit determines that detergent was not added into the washing tub.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to the present invention, in a washing machine, when the water detection unit detects that there is no water in the washing tub at the start of the washing cycle, the control unit supplies water to the washing tub via the water supply unit, adjusts the operating conditions of the washing cycle based on the detection results of the conductivity detection unit, and adds an appropriate amount of detergent to the washing tub via the dispensing unit, corresponding to the adjusted operating conditions. Thus, during the washing cycle, the laundry in the washing tub can be effectively washed using the appropriate amount of detergent added to the washing tub.

[0017] The storage unit stores settings related to whether or not detergent should be added to the washing tub via the dispensing unit. If the water detection unit detects that there is already water in the washing tub when the washing cycle starts, the control unit determines whether detergent has been added to the washing tub based on the settings stored in the storage unit.

[0018] Specifically, if the storage unit stores a current setting related to whether or not detergent should be added to the washing tub via the dispensing unit, and the current setting is to not add detergent to the washing tub via the dispensing unit, the control unit determines that detergent has not been added to the current washing tub.

[0019] Alternatively, the storage unit may also store settings related to whether or not detergent should be added to the washing tub via the dispensing unit when the washing machine is powered on. If the current setting is to add detergent to the washing tub via the dispensing unit, and the previous setting when the power was turned on was to not add detergent to the washing tub via the dispensing unit, the control unit determines that detergent has not been added to the current washing tub.

[0020] Alternatively, the storage unit may also store whether detergent was added to the washing tub via the dispensing unit when the power was last disconnected. If the current setting is to add detergent to the washing tub via the dispensing unit and the power-on setting is also to add detergent to the washing tub via the dispensing unit, and if detergent was added to the washing tub via the dispensing unit when the power was last disconnected, the control unit determines that detergent has been added to the current washing tub.

[0021] On the other hand, if the current setting is to add detergent into the washing tub via the dispensing unit and the power-on setting is also to add detergent into the washing tub via the dispensing unit, and if detergent was not added into the washing tub via the dispensing unit when the power was last turned off, the control unit determines that detergent was not added into the current washing tub.

[0022] Based on the above, when the washing operation is performed with water in the washing tub, it can be determined whether detergent has been added to the current washing tub. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional right view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a block diagram representing the electrical structure of a washing machine.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a table representing the storage compartment of the washing machine.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the washing process performed in a washing machine.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0028] 1: Washing machine; 4: Washing tub; 21: Input section; 23: Water supply valve; 36: Bath water pump; 38: Water detection section; 39: Conductivity detection section; 40: Control section; 41: Storage section; Q: Laundry. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional right view of a washing machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The direction perpendicular to the paper is called the left-right direction X of washing machine 1. Figure 1 The left-right direction in the middle is called the front-back direction Y of washing machine 1. Figure 1 The vertical direction in the image is called the vertical direction Z of washing machine 1. The horizontal direction X is... Figure 1 The inside of the paper is called the left side X1. Figure 1 The surface of the paper is called the right side X2. In the front-back direction Y, the left side is called the front side Y1, and the right side is called the back side Y2. In the up-down direction Z, the top side is called the top side Z1, and the bottom side is called the bottom side Z2.

[0030] Washing machine 1 includes a washer-dryer combo with a drying function, but the following description uses a washing machine that omits the drying function and only performs washing operations as an example. Washing machine 1 includes: a housing 2, which forms the outer outline of washing machine 1; an outer tub 3, which is disposed inside the housing 2; a washing tub 4, which is housed inside the outer tub 3; a rotary vane 5, which is housed inside the washing tub 4; an electric motor 6, which generates torque to rotate the washing tub 4 and the rotary vane 5; and an electric transmission mechanism 7, which switches the transmission target of the torque generated by the motor 6.

[0031] The housing 2 is made of metal and is box-shaped. An opening 2B is formed on the upper surface 2A of the housing 2, which connects the inside and outside of the housing 2. A door 8 is provided on the upper surface 2A for opening and closing the opening 2B. In the upper surface 2A, for example, in a region Y1 forward of the opening 2B, a display and operation section 10 composed of a touch panel or the like is provided.

[0032] Users can turn the power supply to the washing machine 1 on and off, freely select washing conditions, or give instructions such as start or stop operation to the washing machine 1 through the operation display unit 10. Information related to the washing operation can be visually displayed on the operation display unit 10.

[0033] The outer barrel 3 is made of resin, for example, and is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer barrel 3 has a nearly cylindrical circumferential wall 3A arranged in the vertical direction Z, a bottom wall 3B that blocks the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A from the lower side Z2, and an annular wall 3C that surrounds the upper edge Z1 of the circumferential wall 3A and protrudes towards the center of the circumferential wall 3A. An opening 3D is formed on the inner side of the annular wall 3C. The opening 3D is located directly below the opening 2B of the casing 2. The hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A protrudes from the opening 3D to the upper side Z1. The bottom wall 3B is formed as a circular plate extending horizontally, and a through hole 3E is formed at the center of the bottom wall 3B. Water is stored in the outer barrel 3.

[0034] A drain passage 11 is connected to the outer tub 3 from the lower side Z2, through which water in the outer tub 3 is discharged to the outside of the machine. A drain valve 12 is provided in the middle of the drain passage 11 for starting or stopping drainage.

[0035] The washing tub 4 is made of metal, for example, and has a central axis J extending in the vertical direction Z. It is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape that is slightly smaller than the outer tub 3, and can hold laundry Q inside. The washing tub 4 has an approximately cylindrical circumferential wall 4A arranged in the vertical direction Z and a bottom wall 4B that blocks the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A from the lower side Z2.

[0036] The space enclosed by the upper end of the inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 4A is the entrance / exit 4C, which exposes the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A to the upper side Z1. The entrance / exit 4C is in a state of communication with the opening 3D of the outer tub 3 and the opening 2B of the housing 2 from the lower side Z2. The user of the washing machine 1 opens the door 8 to open the openings 2B, 3D, and the entrance / exit 4C, and puts and takes out the laundry Q into the washing tub 4 through the openings 2B, 3D, and the entrance / exit 4C.

[0037] The washing tub 4 is coaxially housed within the outer tub 3 and positioned vertically along the Z direction. The washing tub 4, housed within the outer tub 3, can rotate around its central axis J. Multiple through holes (not shown) are formed on the circumferential wall 4A and bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4. Water from the outer tub 3 flows between the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 through these through holes and is also stored within the washing tub 4. Therefore, the water level in the outer tub 3 is the same as the water level in the washing tub 4.

[0038] The bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4 is formed as a circular plate extending approximately parallel to the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3 at an upper Z1 interval. A through hole 4D is formed in the bottom wall 4B at a center position consistent with the central axis J. A tubular support shaft 13 is provided in the bottom wall 4B, surrounding the through hole 4D and extending downward along the central axis J to the lower Z2. The support shaft 13 is inserted into the through hole 3E of the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3, and the lower end of the support shaft 13 is located at a position Z2 lower than the bottom wall 3B.

[0039] The rotating vane 5, also known as the impeller, is formed as a disc centered on the central axis J and is arranged coaxially with the bottom wall 4B inside the washing tub 4. Multiple blades 5A are arranged radially on the upper surface of the rotating vane 5, facing the inlet / outlet 4C of the washing tub 4 from the lower side Z2.

[0040] The rotating wing 5 is provided with a rotating shaft 14 extending downward from its center along the central axis J to the lower side Z2. The rotating shaft 14 is inserted into the hollow part of the support shaft 13, and the lower end of the rotating shaft 14 is located at a position Z2 lower than the bottom wall 3B of the outer barrel 3.

[0041] Motor 6 is disposed within housing 2 on the lower side Z2 of outer barrel 3. Motor 6 has an output shaft 15 that rotates around central shaft J. Transmission mechanism 7 is located between the lower ends of support shaft 13 and rotating shaft 14 and the upper end of output shaft 15. Transmission mechanism 7 selectively transmits the torque output from output shaft 15 of motor 6 to one or both of support shaft 13 and rotating shaft 14. A known clutch or the like can be used as transmission mechanism 7.

[0042] When the torque from the motor 6 is transmitted to the support shaft 13, the washing tub 4 rotates around the central axis J. When the torque from the motor 6 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 14, the rotating blade 5 rotates around the central axis J. The rotation direction of the output shaft 15 of the motor 6 can be changed, so the washing tub 4 and the rotating blade 5 can each rotate not only in one direction, but also in the opposite direction.

[0043] In connection with the water supply to the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4, the washing machine 1 also includes: a water supply line 20 for supplying tap water from a faucet (not shown) into the washing tub 4; an inlet 21 disposed in the housing 2 for automatically dispensing detergent and fabric softener into the water supply line 20; and a bath water supply line 22 that merges with the water supply line 20 in the housing 2.

[0044] One end of the water supply path 20 (not shown) extends outside the housing 2 and connects to a faucet. The other end of the water supply path 20 is located inside the housing 2 and serves as a water inlet 20A, facing the inlet / outlet 4C of the washing tub 4 from the upper side Z1. Alternatively, the upstream portion 20B located outside the housing 2 and the downstream portion 20C located inside the housing 2 and having the water inlet 20A can be separated. In this case, the upstream portion 20B and the downstream portion 20C are connected by a connector (not shown).

[0045] A water supply valve 23 that can be opened and closed is provided in the downstream section 20C. The water supply valve 23 is composed of a solenoid valve, etc. When the water supply valve 23 is opened, tap water from the faucet flows through the water supply circuit 20 and is supplied from the water supply port 20A to the washing tub 4 (see reference). Figure 1 (The dashed arrow indicates that the water is stored in the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4.) The water supply valve 23 functions as an example of a water supply unit for supplying water to the washing tub 4. When the water supply valve 23 is closed, the supply of tap water stops.

[0046] The dispensing unit 21 includes: a detergent dispensing unit 21A for dispensing detergent into the washing tub 4 via the water supply passage 20; and a fabric softener dispensing unit 21B for dispensing fabric softener into the washing tub 4 via the water supply passage 20. The detergent dispensing unit 21A is disposed within the housing 2 at a position Z1 above the washing tub 4. The detergent dispensing unit 21A includes: a detergent receiving section 24 for receiving detergent such as liquid detergent; a detergent supply passage 25 connected to the lower end of the detergent receiving section 24 and the water supply passage 20; and a detergent supply valve 26 disposed on the detergent supply passage 25.

[0047] The detergent container 24 is formed in the shape of a box or can and is fixed to the housing 2. At least the upper part of the detergent container 24 is exposed to the opening 2B on the upper surface 2A of the housing 2 when the user opens the door 8 of the housing 2. A cover 27 that can be opened, closed or removed is provided on the upper part of the detergent container 24.

[0048] When the user opens or removes the cover 27 by touching it through the opening 2B, the interior of the detergent container 24 is exposed, allowing the user to replenish detergent into the container 24. The detergent container 24 can hold an amount of detergent sufficient for multiple wash cycles. After replenishing the detergent, the user closes or attaches the cover 27 to the detergent container 24. Alternatively, the cover 27 may be exposed on the upper surface 2A of the housing 2, in which case the user can access the cover 27 without opening the door 8.

[0049] The detergent supply path 25 extends from the lower end of the detergent receiving section 24 at least downward Z2, and connects to the downstream region 20D of the water supply path 20, which is closer to the water inlet 20A than the water supply valve 23, at the downstream portion 20C. The detergent supply valve 26 is electrically operated and, in this embodiment, is composed of a solenoid valve or the like, and the detergent supply path 25 can be opened and closed by opening and closing the detergent supply valve 26 itself.

[0050] In the detergent dispensing section 21A, when the detergent supply valve 26 is opened, the detergent supply path 25 is open. Therefore, the detergent in the detergent receiving section 24 flows down the detergent supply path 25 due to its own weight and is then supplied to the downstream region 20D of the water supply path 20. At this time, if the water supply valve 23 is open, the detergent supplied to the downstream region 20D is added to the washing tub 4 from the water supply port 20A along with the tap water flowing through the water supply path 20. When the detergent supply valve 26 is closed, the detergent supply path 25 is cut off, and therefore the supply of detergent from the detergent receiving section 24 stops.

[0051] The fabric softener supply unit 21B is disposed inside the housing 2 at a position Z1 above the washing tub 4. The fabric softener supply unit 21B includes: a fabric softener receiving section 30 for receiving liquid fabric softener; a fabric softener supply passage 31 connected to the lower end of the fabric softener receiving section 30 and the detergent supply passage 25; and a fabric softener supply valve 32 disposed in the fabric softener supply passage 31.

[0052] The fabric softener container 30 is formed in the shape of a box or can and is fixed to the housing 2. In this embodiment, the detergent container 24 and the fabric softener container 30 are arranged side by side adjacent to each other, but they can also be arranged far apart from each other. At least the upper part of the fabric softener container 30 is exposed to the opening 2B of the upper surface 2A of the housing 2 when the user opens the door 8 of the housing 2. A cover 33 that can be opened, closed, or removed is provided on the upper part of the fabric softener container 30.

[0053] When the user opens or removes the cover 33 by touching it through the opening 2B, the interior of the fabric softener compartment 30 is exposed, allowing the user to replenish fabric softener. The fabric softener compartment 30 can hold an amount of fabric softener sufficient for multiple wash cycles. After replenishing the fabric softener, the user closes or attaches the cover 33 to the fabric softener compartment 30. Alternatively, the cover 33 may be exposed on the upper surface 2A of the housing 2, in which case the user can access the cover 33 without opening the door 8.

[0054] Fabric softener supply path 31 extends from the lower end of fabric softener receiving section 30 at least downward Z2, and connects to the downstream region 25A of detergent supply path 25, which is closer to water supply path 20 than detergent supply valve 26. In this embodiment, fabric softener supply path 31 is connected to fabric softener receiving section 30 and water supply path 20 via downstream region 25A. Alternatively, fabric softener supply path 31 may be connected to water supply path 20 without passing through downstream region 25A, thereby directly connecting fabric softener receiving section 30 and water supply path 20.

[0055] The fabric softener supply valve 32 is electrically operated and, in this embodiment, is composed of a solenoid valve or the like. The fabric softener supply path 31 can be opened or closed by the fabric softener supply valve 32 itself. In the fabric softener supply unit 21B, the fabric softener supply path 31 is open when the fabric softener supply valve 32 is opened.

[0056] In this way, the fabric softener in the fabric softener reservoir 30, after flowing down the fabric softener supply path 31 and the detergent supply path 25 due to its own weight, is supplied to the downstream area 20D of the water supply path 20. At this time, if the water supply valve 23 is in the open state, the fabric softener supplied to the downstream area 20D is added into the washing tub 4 from the water inlet 20A along with the tap water flowing through the water supply path 20. When the fabric softener supply valve 32 is closed, the fabric softener supply path 31 is cut off, and therefore the supply of fabric softener from the fabric softener reservoir 30 stops.

[0057] Specifically, an electrically operated dispensing pump 34 may be installed in the downstream region 25A of the detergent supply line 25, closer to the water supply line 20 than the connection portion with the fabric softener supply line 31. The dispensing pump 34 is driven to draw in the detergent or fabric softener in the downstream region 25A and discharge it towards the downstream region 20D of the water supply line 20. Therefore, the detergent in the detergent container 24 or the fabric softener in the fabric softener container 30 can be efficiently supplied to the downstream region 20D. Furthermore, the user can set whether to automatically dispense the dispensing agent into the washing tub 4 via the dispensing unit 21 using the operation display unit 10. It should be noted that in the following description, the dispensing agent primarily refers to the detergent.

[0058] Associated with the bath water supply path 22, an inlet 35 for drawing in bath water is provided on the upper surface 2A of the housing 2. One end 22A of the bath water supply path 22 is connected to the inlet 35, and the other end 22B of the bath water supply path 22 is connected to the downstream region 20D of the water supply path 20. The inlet 35 is a hole exposed on the upper surface 2A, i.e., the surface of the housing 2. The inlet 35 can refer to either a hole formed in the housing 2 or an opening exposed at the end 22A of that hole.

[0059] An electric bath water pump 36 is provided in the bath water supply line 22. A bath water hose (not shown) with one end immersed in the bath water is connected to the inlet 35. When the bath water pump 36 is activated, bath water is drawn into the bath water hose and drawn into the bath water supply line 22 through the inlet 35. The bath water drawn into the bath water supply line 22 is supplied to the downstream area 20D of the water supply line 20 and then supplied to the washing tub 4 from the water supply outlet 20A. The bath water pump 36 also functions as an example of the aforementioned water supply unit. When the bath water pump 36 stops, the bath water supply stops.

[0060] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of washing machine 1. Washing machine 1 also includes a water detection unit 38, a conductivity detection unit 39, a control unit 40, and a storage unit 41.

[0061] The water detection unit 38 is a sensor that detects the water level in the washing tub 4, or at least the presence or absence of water in the washing tub 4. A known sensor can be used as the water detection unit 38.

[0062] The conductivity detection unit 39 is a sensor that detects the conductivity of the water stored in the washing tub 4. A known sensor can be used as the conductivity detection unit 39. The conductivity detection unit 39 is disposed inside the outer tub 3 at a position where it will be submerged in water (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0063] The control unit 40 is configured, for example, as a microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM), and a timer for timing, and is built into the housing 2 (see reference). Figure 1 The water detection unit 38, the conductivity detection unit 39, the motor 6, the transmission mechanism 7, the display and operation unit 10, the drain valve 12, the water supply valve 23, the detergent supply valve 26, the fabric softener supply valve 32, the dispensing pump 34, the bath water pump 36, and the storage unit 41 are each electrically connected to the control unit 40.

[0064] The detection results from the water detection unit 38 and the conductivity detection unit 39 are input to the control unit 40 in real time. The control unit 40 controls the operation of the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7. The user's operation content on the display operation unit 10 is input to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 controls the display content of the display operation unit 10. The control unit 40 controls the opening and closing (on / off) of the drain valve 12, the water supply valve 23, the detergent supply valve 26, and the fabric softener supply valve 32. The control unit 40 controls the operation of the injection pump 34 and the bath water pump 36.

[0065] Storage unit 41 stores various types of information. Control unit 40 refers to the information stored in storage unit 41, or stores new information in storage unit 41, or updates the information in storage unit 41.

[0066] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing Table T stored in storage unit 41. Table T stores settings related to whether detergent should be automatically added to the washing tub 4 via the dispensing unit 21. These settings include a "current setting" related to whether detergent should be added to the washing tub 4 via the dispensing unit 21 in the future, and a "power-on setting" related to whether detergent should be added to the washing tub 4 via the dispensing unit 21. The current setting (at the present time) may not be the same as the power-on setting, which is slightly earlier than the present time. In addition, Table T also stores whether detergent was added to the washing tub 4 via the dispensing unit 21 when the power was last disconnected, i.e., "whether detergent was added when the power was last disconnected".

[0067] Figure 3 In the example, table T stores the current settings as automatic detergent dispensing with detergent present and the settings as automatic detergent dispensing without detergent present when the power is on, and the settings as automatic detergent dispensing without detergent present when the power was last disconnected. It should be noted that the last power disconnection usually occurs during the previous wash cycle, corresponding to the completion of all processes, but sometimes the power may be disconnected midway through the previous wash cycle. Therefore, Figure 3 The phrase "no detergent was added when the power was disconnected" means that the previous washing cycle was interrupted due to a power outage before the detergent was automatically added to the washing tub 4, or that the automatic detergent addition setting was not enabled during the previous washing cycle.

[0068] The control unit 40 controls the operation of the motor 6, transmission mechanism 7, drain valve 12, water supply valve 23, detergent supply valve 26, fabric softener supply valve 32, injection pump 34, and bath water pump 36 to perform washing operations on the laundry Q in the washing tub 4. The washing operation includes: a washing process to clean the laundry Q, a rinsing process to rinse the laundry Q after the washing process, and a dehydration process to spin-dry the laundry Q after the rinsing process. The rinsing process can be performed multiple times. The dehydration process includes an intermediate dehydration process performed immediately following the washing and rinsing processes, and a final dehydration process performed at the end of the washing operation.

[0069] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the washing operation. The control unit 40, which has already started the washing operation, first confirms whether there is water in the washing tub 4 at the start of the washing operation based on the detection results of the water detection unit 38 (step S1). The absence of water in the washing tub 4 can mean that there is no water in the washing tub 4 except for the laundry Q, or it can mean that there is some water but the water level in the washing tub 4 is lower than the specified reference water level. The reference water level can be the bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4 (refer to...). Figure 1 The water level below the upper surface of the surface.

[0070] If the water detection unit 38 detects that there is no water in the washing tub 4 at the start of the washing cycle (no in step S1), the control unit 40 detects the load of the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 (step S2). The load is equivalent to the capacity of the laundry Q. As an example of the load detection method, the control unit 40 immediately stops the drive of the motor 6 after the rotating blade 5 carrying the laundry Q has rotated for a predetermined time, allowing the motor 6 to rotate inertia, and measures the amount of inertial rotation of the motor 6 at this time. Since the laundry Q is heavy, the greater the load, the smaller the amount of inertial rotation of the motor 6. Since the laundry Q is light, the smaller the load, the greater the amount of inertial rotation of the motor 6. The control unit 40 detects the load based on the magnitude of the inertial rotation speed.

[0071] The control unit 40 determines the dosage of detergent and fabric softener, the target water level in the washing tub 4 during the washing and rinsing processes, and the washing cycle time based on the detected load. The dosage of detergent and fabric softener per load, the target water level per load, and the cycle time per load are predetermined and stored in the storage unit 41 as operating conditions per load. The control unit 40 can inform the user by displaying the determined dosage of detergent and fabric softener on the display operation unit 10.

[0072] Then, with at least the drain valve 12 and the fabric softener supply valve 32 closed, the control unit 40 supplies water to the washing tub 4 by opening the water supply valve 23 for a predetermined time (step S3). It should be noted that the control unit 40 can supply bath water to the washing tub 4 by operating the bath water pump 36 without opening the water supply valve 23, or it can operate the bath water pump 36 at the same time as opening the water supply valve 23.

[0073] When water is supplied, the control unit 40 refers to Table T to confirm whether there is automatic detergent dispensing in the current setting (step S4). If there is no automatic detergent dispensing in the current setting (no in step S4), the washing operation is a standard operation, and the control unit 40 waits for the user to manually add detergent to the washing tub 4 (step S5). For example, if an opening / closing detection unit (not shown) detects the opening and closing of the door 8 within a specified time from the start of water supply, the standby control unit 40 determines that manual detergent dispensing has occurred and proceeds to the next step.

[0074] If the current setting is automatic detergent dispensing (Yes in step S4), this wash cycle is an automatic operation that automatically dispenses the most appropriate amount of detergent. The control unit 40 automatically dispenses the amount of detergent for one wash cycle from the detergent storage unit 24 into the washing tub 4 via the detergent dispensing unit 21A (step S6). Specifically, the control unit 40 adjusts the operating conditions for this wash cycle based on the detection results of the conductivity detection unit 39, which is related to the conductivity of the water currently stored in the washing tub 4. In particular, it corrects the amount of detergent dispensed and the operating time under the operating conditions.

[0075] The adjusted detergent dosage and running time are more suitable for the water quality in the washing tub 4 than the detergent dosage and running time determined in step S2 based on the load; that is, the most suitable values ​​for this washing cycle. The control unit 40, having adjusted the operating conditions in this way, adds the appropriate amount of detergent to the washing tub 4 by opening the detergent supply valve 26 of the detergent dispensing unit 21A. At this time, the control unit 40 can drive the dispensing pump 34 as needed.

[0076] After the detergent is manually added (step S5) or automatically added (step S6) as described above, the control unit 40 executes the washing process, namely the cleaning process and the rinsing process (step S7).

[0077] During the washing process, the control unit 40 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 to rotate the rotating blade 5. As a result, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is cleaned by agitation or by the breakdown of dirt using detergent. In the automatic operation described above, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 can be effectively washed by adding an appropriate amount of detergent to the washing tub 4, based on adjustments made according to the detection results of the conductivity detection unit 39. Finally, at the end of the washing process, the control unit 40 drains the washing tub 4 by opening the drain valve 12.

[0078] During the rinsing process, the control unit 40 first fills the washing tub 4 with tap water by opening the water supply valve 23 for a predetermined time, with at least the drain valve 12 and detergent supply valve 26 closed. At this time, the control unit 40 may also open the fabric softener supply valve 32 for a predetermined time and, if necessary, drive the injection pump 34 for a predetermined time, thereby injecting the amount of fabric softener from the fabric softener reservoir 30 for one wash cycle into the washing tub 4 along with the tap water flowing through the water supply line 20. Then, the control unit 40 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 to rotate the rotor 5. This rinses the laundry Q in the washing tub 4. Finally, the control unit 40 drains the washing tub 4.

[0079] Then, the control unit 40 executes the dehydration process (step S8). During the dehydration process, the control unit 40 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 to rotate the washing tub 4 at a predetermined dehydration speed while the drain valve 12 is open. As a result, the laundry Q inside the washing tub 4 is dehydrated due to centrifugal force. It should be noted that the operating conditions may differ between the intermediate and final dehydration processes; for example, the dehydration speed in the final dehydration process may be higher than that in the intermediate dehydration process. Corresponding to the end of the final dehydration process, this washing cycle ends.

[0080] Furthermore, consider the following scenario: with water in the washing tub 4, the user stops the washing cycle by disconnecting the power to the washing machine 1 via the operation display 10, and then restarts the washing cycle by operating the operation display 10 again. In this case, although a new washing cycle starts with water in the washing tub 4, it is necessary to prevent excessive detergent addition and wash the laundry Q with an appropriate amount of detergent, as the detergent added in the previous washing cycle is dissolved in the water in the washing tub 4.

[0081] Therefore, when the water detection unit 38 detects that there is already water in the washing tub 4 when a new washing operation starts (yes in step S1), the control unit 40 determines whether detergent has been added to the washing tub 4 based on the information stored in the storage unit 41.

[0082] Specifically, firstly, the control unit 40 compares the conductivity of the water currently stored in the washing tub 4 with a threshold value pre-stored in the storage unit 41 (step S9). This threshold value is used to determine whether the water in the washing tub 4 contains dissolved powdered detergent. If the current conductivity exceeds the threshold value (yes in step S9), the previous washing cycle was likely to have been terminated while the powdered detergent had been added to the water-filled washing tub 4. Therefore, the control unit 40 performs the washing process (step S7) and the dehydration process (step S8) without re-adding detergent. It should be noted that, in order to perform the washing process, the control unit 40 may replenish the water supply to the washing tub 4 by opening the water supply valve 23 or activating the bath water pump 36.

[0083] If the current conductivity is below the threshold (No in step S9), it is highly likely that the previous washing cycle was stopped without powder detergent being added. However, it is unclear whether the cycle was stopped while liquid detergent had already been added to the water-filled washing tub 4. Unlike the case with powder detergent, the difference in conductivity between tap water and water containing dissolved liquid detergent is small, making it difficult to accurately determine whether liquid detergent has been added to the water-filled washing tub 4 based on conductivity alone. Therefore, the control unit 40 uses table T (see reference) stored in the storage unit 41 as a reference. Figure 3 The settings in () are used to determine whether detergent has been added to the washing tub 4.

[0084] Specifically, first, the control unit 40 confirms the current setting in table T (step S10). If the current setting is to automatically add detergent to the washing tub 4 via the dispensing unit 21 (no in step S10), the control unit 40 determines that detergent has not been added to the washing tub 4 and waits for the user to manually add detergent to the washing tub 4 (step S11). After the detergent is manually added, the control unit 40 executes the washing process (step S7) and the spin-drying process (step S8). During the washing process, the control unit 40 may replenish water to the washing tub 4.

[0085] If the current setting is to automatically add detergent to the washing tub 4 via the dispensing unit 21 (Yes in step S10), then the control unit 40 confirms the power-on setting in table T (step S12). If the power-on setting is to not add detergent to the washing tub 4 via the dispensing unit 21 (No in step S12), then for this washing operation, the user is highly likely to change the current setting to automatic detergent dispensing by operating the display operation unit 10 after turning on the power to the washing machine 1.

[0086] In this case (No in step S12), the control unit 40 determines that the detergent has not been added to the current washing tub 4, and automatically adds the amount of detergent for one wash cycle to the washing tub 4 via the detergent addition unit 21A (step S6). Then, the control unit 40 executes the washing process (step S7) and the dehydration process (step S8). During the washing process, the control unit 40 may add water to the washing tub 4.

[0087] On the other hand, if the setting when the power is on is to add detergent to the washing tub 4 via the dispensing unit 21 (yes in step S12), then it is highly likely that the detergent was added to the washing tub 4 via the dispensing unit 21 when the power was off during the last wash cycle. Therefore, the control unit 40 refers to Table T to confirm whether the detergent was added to the washing tub 4 via the dispensing unit 21 when the power was off last time (step S13). If the detergent was already added to the washing tub 4 via the dispensing unit 21 when the power was off last time (yes in step S13), the control unit 40 determines that the detergent has been added to the current washing tub 4 and executes the washing process (step S7) and the spin-drying process (step S8) without adding detergent again. During the washing process, the control unit 40 can perform supplemental water supply to the washing tub 4.

[0088] If the detergent was not added to the washing tub 4 via the dispensing unit during the previous power outage (no in step S13), the control unit 40 determines that the detergent was not added to the current washing tub 4, and automatically adds the required amount of detergent for this wash cycle to the washing tub 4 via the detergent dispensing unit 21A (step S6). Then, the control unit 40 executes the washing process (step S7) and the spin-drying process (step S8). During the washing process, the control unit 40 may replenish water to the washing tub 4.

[0089] As described above, when the washing operation is performed with water in the washing tub 4 (yes in step S1), the control unit 40 rationally determines whether detergent has been added to the current washing tub 4 based on settings stored in the storage unit 41, thus confirming whether detergent has been added to the current washing tub 4. Therefore, when the washing operation is performed with water in the washing tub 4, the washing operation can be performed even if the water in the washing tub 4 is not drained temporarily.

[0090] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical solution.

[0091] For example, the processing performed from the start of the washing operation to the cleaning process (step S7) before the washing process (the processing of steps S1 to S6 and S9 to S13) can be regarded as either processing independent of the cleaning process as described above, or processing within the cleaning process.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 is a vertical washing machine with the washing tub 4 arranged vertically, but the central axis J of the washing tub 4 can be arranged not only along the vertical direction Z, but also at an angle relative to the vertical direction. Alternatively, the washing machine 1 can also be a drum-type washing machine with the central axis J horizontal.

Claims

1. A washing machine, comprising: A washing tub that holds laundry and can store water; The water supply unit is used to supply water to the washing tub; The water detection unit detects the presence or absence of water in the washing tub; The conductivity detection unit detects the conductivity of the water in the washing tub; An input section is used to add detergent into the washing tub; The control unit performs a washing operation on the laundry in the washing tub. When the water detection unit detects that there is no water in the washing tub at the start of the washing operation, the control unit supplies water to the washing tub through the water supply unit, adjusts the operating conditions of the washing operation based on the detection results of the conductivity detection unit, and adds the amount of detergent corresponding to the adjusted operating conditions to the washing tub through the dispensing unit. as well as The storage unit stores settings related to whether or not detergent should be added to the washing tub via the dispensing unit. If the water detection unit detects that there is already water in the washing tub when the washing operation starts, the control unit determines whether detergent has been added to the washing tub based on the settings stored in the storage unit. The settings include a current setting related to whether or not detergent is added to the washing tub through the dispensing unit. If the current setting is to not add detergent to the washing tub through the dispensing unit, the control unit determines that detergent has not been added to the washing tub. The settings also include a power-on setting for the washing machine related to whether or not detergent is added to the washing tub via the dispensing unit. If the current setting is to add detergent to the washing tub via the dispensing unit, and the power-on setting is to not add detergent to the washing tub via the dispensing unit, then the control unit determines that detergent has not been added to the washing tub.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The storage unit also stores whether detergent was added to the washing tub via the dispensing unit when the power was last disconnected. If the current setting is to add detergent to the washing tub via the dispensing unit and the setting when the power is on is to add detergent to the washing tub via the dispensing unit, and if detergent was added to the washing tub via the dispensing unit when the power was last disconnected, the control unit determines that detergent has been added to the washing tub.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein, If the current setting is to add detergent into the washing tub via the dispensing unit, and the power-on setting is also to add detergent into the washing tub via the dispensing unit, and if detergent was not added into the washing tub via the dispensing unit when the power was last turned off, the control unit determines that detergent was not added into the washing tub.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The washing machine includes a housing that forms the outline of the washing machine.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein, The washing machine includes an outer tub, which is disposed inside the housing.

6. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein, One end of the water supply unit is led out of the box, and the other end is disposed inside the box and serves as a water inlet.

7. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein, One end of the water supply unit, which extends outside the tank, includes an upstream portion disposed outside the tank and a downstream portion disposed inside the tank.

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein, A water supply valve that can be opened and closed is provided in the downstream section.

Images