Washing machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine capable of obtaining a high sterilization effect by irradiating ultraviolet rays. The washing machine includes: an outer tub; a rotating tank rotatably provided in the outer tank and capable of accommodating clothes; the water supply mechanism can inject water from an external water source into the outer tank; an ultraviolet irradiation device capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays into the rotating tank; and an operation processing unit capable of executing a washing operation in which water is stored in the outer tub to wash the laundry in the rotating tub, and an ultraviolet irradiation operation in which the ultraviolet irradiation device is operated to irradiate ultraviolet light to the laundry stored in the rotating tub before execution of the washing operation.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, there have been proposed washing machines and the like that can irradiate clothes with ultraviolet rays to suppress the growth of bacteria on the clothes and the like.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-176646

[0004] However, in such conventional washing machines, there is still room for improvement in terms of obtaining a higher sterilization effect by irradiating ultraviolet rays. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, a washing machine is provided which can obtain a high sterilization effect by irradiating ultraviolet rays.

[0006] The washing machine of the embodiment comprises: an outer tank; a rotating tank rotatably disposed in the outer tank and capable of storing clothes; a water supply mechanism connected to an external water source and capable of injecting water from the external water source into the outer tank; an ultraviolet irradiation device capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays into the rotating tank; and an operation processing unit capable of performing a laundry operation of accumulating water in the outer tank and washing the clothes in the rotating tank, and an ultraviolet irradiation operation of activating the ultraviolet irradiation device before performing the laundry operation and irradiating ultraviolet rays to the clothes stored in the rotating tank.

[0007] Effects of the Invention

[0008] The washing machine of the present invention can obtain a higher sterilization effect by irradiating ultraviolet rays. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional side view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a longitudinal sectional rear view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a block diagram schematically showing the electrical configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device of the washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a block diagram schematically showing the electrical configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of a program included in the washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation content of the ultraviolet irradiation operation executed by the washing machine according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the operation content of the washing operation performed by the washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the operation content of the drying operation performed by the washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0017] Explanation of symbols

[0018] 10… washing machine, 13… outer tank, 15… rotating tank, 17… water supply mechanism, 40… ultraviolet irradiation device, 52… operation processing unit, 90… clothing DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, a washing machine according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The washing machine 10 shown is a horizontal axis or oblique axis drum type washing and drying machine with a drying function. In addition, the washing machine of this embodiment can also be applied to a so-called fully automatic washing and drying machine of a vertical axis type. In addition, the washing machine 10 of this embodiment can also be applied to a structure without a drying function.

[0020] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the washing machine 10 includes an outer box 11, a door 12, an outer tank 13, a bellows 14, a rotating tank 15, a motor 16, a water supply mechanism 17, a drainage mechanism 18, and an operation panel 19. In addition, in the present embodiment, the door 11 side is relative to the outer box 11. Figure 1 The left side of the paper is set as the front side of the washing machine 10. The outer box 11 is formed into a rectangular hollow box shape, for example, by a stainless steel plate, and constitutes the outer contour of the washing machine 10. The outer box 11 has a clothing inlet and outlet 111 that connects the inside of the outer box 11 with the outside at the front side.

[0021] The door 12 is provided at the front of the outer box 11 and is configured to be able to open and close the clothing entrance 111. With the door 12 opened, the user can put clothing 90 into or take out clothing 90 from the rotary tank 15 through the clothing entrance 111.

[0022] The outer tank 13 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape having an opening 131 on the front side. In the case of the present embodiment, the outer tank 13 can store water inside, and in this case functions as a water tank. The outer tank 13 has an exhaust port 132 and an air inlet 133. The exhaust port 132 is provided, for example, at the upper front portion of the peripheral wall constituting the cylindrical portion of the outer tank 13, and is a position away from the center of the outer tank 13 in the left-right direction, that is, the topmost portion of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the outer tank 13 in the left-right direction. The air inlet 133 is provided, for example, at the bottom of the outer tank 13 at a portion slightly above the center of the bottom in the up-down direction. The exhaust port 132 and the air inlet 133 connect the inside of the outer tank 13 with the outside.

[0023] Bellows 14 is provided around clothing inlet 111 of outer box 11 and opening 131 of outer tub 13. Bellows 14 is formed into, for example, a cylindrical bellows shape, and elastically connects outer box 11 and outer tub 13 while connecting clothing inlet 111 and opening 131.

[0024] The rotating tank 15 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape capable of storing clothes 90, and can be rotatably stored inside the outer tank 13. The rotation axis of the rotating tank 15 coincides with the central axis of the outer tank 13. The rotating tank 15 has a plurality of communication ports 151. The communication ports 151 connect the inside of the rotating tank 15 with the outside. The communication ports 151 are formed in the entire area of ​​the peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion of the rotating tank 15 that constitutes the cylindrical shape and the bottom of the rotating tank 15. The communication ports 151 mainly function as a water hole for water in and out during the washing operation and the dehydration operation, and function as a ventilation hole for air in and out during the drying operation. In addition, although the details are not shown, a plurality of baffles are provided on the inner side of the cylindrical portion in the rotating tank 15. The baffles stir the clothes 90 stored inside the rotating tank 15.

[0025] The motor 16 is, for example, disposed outside the bottom of the outer tank 13. The front end side of the shaft 161 of the motor 16 protrudes into the inner part of the outer tank 13 and is connected to the rotating tank 15. For example, the motor 16 can use an outer rotor type direct drive motor. The shaft 161 of the motor 16 penetrates the bottom of the outer tank 13 and protrudes into the inner part of the outer tank 13, and is fixed to the bottom of the rotating tank 15. The motor 16 causes the rotating tank 15 to rotate relative to the outer tank 13. In this case, the shaft 161 of the motor 16, the central axis of the outer tank 13, and the rotating axis of the rotating tank 15 are respectively consistent.

[0026] The water supply mechanism 17 is a device for injecting water supplied from an external water source such as tap water into the outer tank 13. The water supply mechanism 17 is provided, for example, above the left and right sides of the outer tank 13 in the outer box 11. The water supply mechanism 17 includes a water supply valve 171, a water injection box 172, and a water injection hose 173. The water supply valve 171 is an electromagnetically driven on-off valve for liquid, and is connected to an external water source such as tap water (not shown).

[0027] The water injection box 172 is configured to be able to store laundry treatment agents such as laundry detergent and softener inside. The water injection hose 173 connects the water injection box 172 to the outer tub 13. The water supply valve 171 opens and closes the water injection path from the external water source to the outer tub 13 via the water supply mechanism 17. When the water supply valve 171 is opened, water from the external water source is injected into the outer tub 13 via the water injection box 172. During the water injection, when the laundry treatment agent is accumulated in the water injection box 172, the laundry treatment agent in the water injection box 172 flows into the outer tub 13 along with the water flowing through the water injection box 172. In addition, the washing machine 10 does not necessarily have to include the water injection box 172. That is, the washing machine 10 may also be configured so that the user directly injects the laundry treatment agent into the outer tub 13. In addition, the washing machine 10 may also be provided with an automatic injection device that automatically injects a specified amount of laundry treatment agent into the outer tub 13 together with or instead of the water injection box 172.

[0028] The drainage mechanism 18 has the function of discharging the water accumulated in the outer tub 13 to the outside of the washing machine 10. The drainage mechanism 18 is composed of a drainage valve 181 and a drainage pipe 182. The drainage valve 181 is an electromagnetically driven on-off valve for liquid. The drainage valve 181 opens and closes the drainage path from the outer tub 13 through the drainage mechanism 18 to the outside of the machine.

[0029] The operation panel 19 has the following functions: accepting operation input related to the setting and operation of the washing machine 10 from the user, and presenting information related to the setting and operation of the washing machine 10 to the user through display, voice, etc. The operation panel 19 can be composed of, for example, a touch panel display, and can also be composed of a touch switch, a mechanical switch, etc. In addition, the operation panel 19 can also be composed of a touch panel display, a touch switch, a mechanical switch, etc. The operation panel 19 is provided, for example, at the front side portion of the upper surface of the outer box 11.

[0030] In addition, the washing machine 10 has a drying function. In the case of the present embodiment, the washing machine 10 has a circulation air duct 20 and a hot air supply device 30. The circulation air duct 20 connects an exhaust port 132 and an air inlet 133 on the outside of the outer tub 13. The circulation air duct 20 has the following functions: the air in the outer tub 13 is taken into the circulation air duct 20 from the exhaust port 132, and after the air passes through the hot air supply device 30 and becomes hot air, the hot air is supplied to the outer tub 13 from the air inlet 133.

[0031] The circulation air passage 20 can be configured by, for example, having an exhaust duct 21, a filter device 22, a connecting duct 23, a heat exchange unit 24, and an intake duct 25. The exhaust duct 21, the filter device 22, the connecting duct 23, the heat exchange unit 24, and the intake duct 25 are sequentially arranged along the flow of air flowing in the circulation air passage 20.

[0032] The exhaust duct 21 is a duct that connects the exhaust port 132 of the outer tank 13 with the filter device 22. The filter device 22 is provided with a filter (not shown) inside, which captures lint and impurities contained in the air flowing in the circulating air path 20. The connecting duct 23 is a duct that connects the filter device 22 with the heat exchange unit 24. The heat exchange unit 24 is provided at the lower inner part of the outer box 11 and is below the outer tank 13 and the rotating tank 15. The air taken into the circulating air path 20 from the outer tank 13 is dehumidified and heated when passing through the heat exchange unit 24 to become dry hot air. The air intake duct 25 is a duct that connects the heat exchange unit 24 with the air intake port 133 of the outer tank 13.

[0033] The hot air supply device 30 has a function of generating hot air for drying the clothes in the rotating tank 15 and supplying the hot air from the air inlet 133 to the outer tank 13. The hot air supply device 30 can be composed of a heat pump type or a heater type heating device, for example. In the case of this embodiment, the hot air supply device 30 is composed of a heat pump type heating device and has an evaporator 31, a condenser 32, and a compressor 33.

[0034] The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 are arranged in the heat exchange section 24. The evaporator 31 is arranged at a position on the upstream side of the condenser 32 relative to the air flow in the heat exchange section 24 during the drying operation. The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 together with the compressor 33 arranged outside the heat exchange section 24 constitute a heat pump mechanism, that is, a refrigeration cycle. The air passing through the heat exchange section 24 is cooled by the evaporator 31 and thus dehumidified. The air dehumidified by the evaporator 31 is then heated by the condenser 32 to become hot air.

[0035] The downstream side of the heat exchange section 24 is connected to the air inlet 133 of the outer tank 13 through the air inlet duct 25. In addition, the hot air supply device 30 includes a blower 34. The blower 34 is, for example, provided at the connection portion between the heat exchange section 24 and the air inlet duct 25, and can be composed of, for example, a sirocco fan or the like. The blower 34 sucks the air in the heat exchange section 24 and discharges it to the air inlet duct 25 side. Thus, the hot air dehumidified and heated by the heat exchange section 24 is supplied from the air inlet 133 to the outer tank 13 and further to the rotating tank 15 by the blowing action of the blower 34.

[0036] In addition, when the blower 34 is operated while the compressor 33 is stopped, unheated air is supplied into the rotating tank 15, thereby reducing the temperature in the rotating tank 15. Therefore, by operating the blower 34 while the compressor 33 is stopped, the blower 34 functions to cool the temperature in the rotating tank 15.

[0037] In addition, the washing machine 10 includes an ultraviolet irradiation device 40. The ultraviolet irradiation device 40 can be provided, for example, at a position other than the rotary tank 15 and facing the inside of the rotary tank 15. The ultraviolet irradiation device 40 can be provided, for example, at the inner peripheral surface of the opening 131 of the outer tank 13, the inner peripheral surface of the bellows 14, or the inside of the door 12. In the case of the present embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 is provided, for example, at the inner peripheral surface of the opening 131 of the outer tank 13 or at the uppermost portion of the inner peripheral surface of the bellows 14.

[0038] The ultraviolet irradiation device 40 has a function of irradiating light containing ultraviolet rays into the rotating tank 15, for example, it can emit ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 200nm to 380nm. In this case, the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 can irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the bottom of the rotating tank 15, that is, toward the lower part of the peripheral wall of the rotating tank 15, in other words, when water is accumulated in the outer tank 13, toward the water surface side. The ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 have a sterilization or disinfection ability through ultraviolet rays alone, that is, without using a catalyst or the like. In this case, when considering the sterilization or disinfection power, the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 is preferably within the range of 200nm to 280nm.

[0039] The ultraviolet irradiation device 40 can adjust the intensity of the irradiated ultraviolet rays, that is, the irradiation energy of the ultraviolet rays irradiated per unit time, to more than two stages. The ultraviolet irradiation device 40 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to adjust the intensity of the irradiated ultraviolet rays, for example, to two stages, "strong" and "weak". In this case, the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 adjusts the intensity of the irradiated ultraviolet rays by adjusting the irradiation time of the ultraviolet rays per unit time, that is, the duty ratio of the ultraviolet irradiation period and the non-irradiation period. In this case, in the case of "strong", for example, the duty ratio is 100%, that is, the ultraviolet rays are always irradiated. In addition, in the case of "weak", the duty ratio is set to a value smaller than 100% of "strong", for example, less than 50%. In addition, the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 can also be configured to adjust the intensity of the ultraviolet rays by adjusting the illuminance of the ultraviolet rays.

[0040] The ultraviolet irradiation device 40 may also be configured to irradiate visible light while irradiating ultraviolet light or in addition to irradiating ultraviolet light. In the case of the present embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 may be configured to irradiate visible light while irradiating ultraviolet light. In this case, it may be set so that the irradiation area of ​​ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 overlaps at least a part of the irradiation area of ​​visible light irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device 40. Moreover, for example, it may also be set so that the irradiation area of ​​visible light is entirely converging inside the irradiation area of ​​ultraviolet light, and it may also be set so that the irradiation area of ​​ultraviolet light is entirely converging inside the irradiation area of ​​visible light.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 can include, for example, a light source circuit 41, an ultraviolet light source 42, a blue light source 43, and a white light source 44. The ultraviolet irradiation device 40 can be configured by mounting the light source circuit 41, the ultraviolet light source 42, the blue light source 43, and the white light source 44 on, for example, a substrate 401.

[0042] The light source circuit 41 is an electrical circuit for controlling the operation of the ultraviolet light source 42, the blue light source 43, and the white light source 44. The ultraviolet light source 42 is a light source capable of irradiating ultraviolet light, and can be composed of, for example, an ultraviolet lamp or an ultraviolet LED. The blue light source 43 is a light source capable of irradiating blue visible light, for example, visible light close to purple, and can be composed of, for example, a blue lamp or a blue LED. In addition, the white light source 44 is capable of irradiating white visible light, and can be composed of, for example, a white lamp or a white LED.

[0043] The ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet light source 42 are invisible to the human eye. Therefore, the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 emits blue visible light close to purple from the blue light source 43 when the ultraviolet rays are emitted from the ultraviolet light source 42, thereby enabling the user to recognize that the ultraviolet rays are being emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation device 40. In this case, the ultraviolet light source 42 and the blue light source 43 can be configured to be connected to the light source circuit 41 through a common electrical wiring, so that the ultraviolet light source 42 and the blue light source 43 always emit light at the same time. In addition, the ultraviolet light source 42 and the blue light source 43 can also be configured to be connected to the light source circuit 41 through different electrical wirings and emit light independently of each other.

[0044] In addition, the white light source 44 can be used, for example, for lighting inside the rotating tank 15. In this case, the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 also functions as a lighting device for lighting the inside of the rotating tank 15. The white light source 44 can be configured to be connected to the light source circuit 41 through electrical wiring different from the ultraviolet light source 42 and the blue light source 43, and emit light independently of the ultraviolet light source 42 and the blue light source 43.

[0045] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the washing machine 10 includes a control device 50, a weight detection unit 51, and an operation processing unit 52. The control device 50 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 501, a ROM, a RAM, a storage area 502 such as a non-volatile memory. The control device 50 has a function of managing the overall operation of the washing machine 10. The motor 16, the water supply valve 171, the drain valve 181, the operation panel 19, the compressor 33, the blower 34, and the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 are electrically connected to the control device 50 and operate under the control of the control device 50.

[0046] Weight detection unit 51 has a function of detecting the weight of laundry such as clothing 90 stored in rotating tank 15. Weight detection unit 51 can be implemented, for example, by an ammeter (not shown) that measures the current flowing in motor 16. Weight detection unit 51 measures the load acting on motor 16 by measuring the current flowing in motor 16 when rotating tank 15, and detects the weight of the laundry stored in rotating tank 15 based on the load. In addition, weight detection unit 51 can also be implemented, for example, using an encoder that detects the rotation speed of motor 16. In this case, weight detection unit 51 measures the load of motor 16 based on the difference between the target rotation speed and the actual rotation speed, and detects the weight of the laundry based on the load.

[0047] In addition, the storage area 502 of the control device 50 stores, for example, a program for realizing the operation processing unit 52. The control device 50 virtually realizes the operation processing unit 52 by software by executing the above-mentioned program stored in the storage area 502 in the CPU 501. In addition, the operation processing unit 52 may also be realized by hardware as an integrated circuit integrated with the control device 50.

[0048] The operation processing unit 52 operates the motor 16, the water supply valve 171, the drain valve 181, the compressor 33, the blower 34, the ultraviolet irradiation device 40, and the weight detection unit 51 as needed, thereby selectively executing a program consisting of one or more combinations of ultraviolet irradiation operation, laundry operation, and drying operation. In addition, in the present embodiment, the "operation" in ultraviolet irradiation operation, laundry operation, and drying operation is a concept including more than one process. In addition, a program is a concept including more than one operation, and is a unit that can be selected by the user. That is, the user, for example, operates the operation panel 19, thereby being able to select and execute a program including the desired operation in ultraviolet irradiation operation, laundry operation, and drying operation.

[0049] like Figure 5As shown, the washing machine 10 of this embodiment is set with, for example, a washing program, a washing and drying program, a drying program, a sterilizing washing program, and a sterilizing washing and drying program. Figure 5 In the above, "0" means that the corresponding operation is executed, and "none" means that the corresponding operation is not executed. The laundry program is a program that only executes the laundry operation. The wash and dry program is a program that sequentially executes the laundry operation and the drying operation. The drying program is a program that only executes the drying operation. The sterilization laundry program is a program that sequentially executes the ultraviolet irradiation operation and the laundry operation. The sterilization laundry program is suitable for washing a small amount of clothes that are not heat-resistant, for example, but is not limited to this. In addition, the sterilization wash and dry program is a program that sequentially executes the ultraviolet irradiation operation, the laundry operation, and the drying operation.

[0050] The washing operation is an operation content in which water is accumulated in the outer tank 13 and the clothes in the rotary tank 15 are washed for the purpose of washing clothes. The drying operation is an operation content in which hot air is supplied to the outer tank 13 to dry the clothes in the rotary tank 15 for the purpose of drying clothes. In addition, the ultraviolet irradiation operation is an operation content in which the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 is operated to irradiate the clothes stored in the rotary tank 15 with ultraviolet rays for the purpose of sterilizing clothes. The ultraviolet irradiation operation is performed before the washing operation. The specific content of each operation can be appropriately changed automatically according to the amount of clothes and the state of dirt or based on the operation of the operation panel 19 by the user.

[0051] For details of each operation, refer to the following example, taking the sterilization washing program or sterilization washing and drying program as an example. Figures 6 to 8 When the sterilization washing program is executed, the operation processing unit 52 executes Figure 6 UV radiation operation and Figure 7 In addition, when the sterilization washing and drying program is executed, the operation processing unit 52 Figure 6 UV radiation operation and Figure 7 In addition to the washing operation, Figure 8 Dry operation.

[0052] In addition, Figures 6 to 8 In the above, "on" means that the device is in operation, and "off" means that the device is not in operation. When the operation processing unit 52 starts the sterilization washing program or the sterilization washing and drying program, it first executes Figure 6 The operation processing unit 52 maintains the water supply valve 171 and the drain valve 181 in a closed state during the ultraviolet irradiation operation. In addition, the drain valve 181 may be maintained in an open state during the ultraviolet irradiation operation.

[0053] Furthermore, during the ultraviolet irradiation operation, the operation processing unit 52 operates the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 to irradiate ultraviolet rays into the rotating tub 15. In this case, the intensity of the irradiated ultraviolet rays is set to "strong". Thus, the clothes in the rotating tub 15 are sterilized by ultraviolet rays.

[0054] Here, when the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 is operated for a long time at "strong", the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 generates heat and reaches a high temperature, which may promote the degradation of the ultraviolet irradiation device 40. Therefore, the operation processing unit 52 of this embodiment is to maintain the compressor 33 in a stopped state and operate the blower 34 during the ultraviolet irradiation operation. As a result, unheated air is supplied to the outer tank 13. In addition, the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 is cooled by the unheated air supplied to the outer tank 13, thereby suppressing the degradation of the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 due to heat.

[0055] In addition, the ultraviolet irradiation operation of this embodiment includes a stationary irradiation process and a stirring irradiation process. The stationary irradiation process is a process of irradiating ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 in a state where the motor 16 is stopped, that is, the rotation of the rotating tank 15 is stopped. The stirring process is a process of irradiating ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 while rotating the rotating tank 15 by operating the motor 16 to stir the clothes in the rotating tank 15. In this case, the rotation speed of the motor 16 is set to a low speed. The stirring irradiation process is performed after the stationary irradiation process.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the so-called low speed refers to, for example, a rotation speed at which the clothes in the rotating tank 15 do not adhere to the inner peripheral wall of the rotating tank 15, that is, a speed at which the clothes are temporarily lifted and then fall down as the rotating tank 15 rotates. In addition, the medium speed refers to a speed faster than the low speed, for example, a rotation speed at which the clothes in the rotating tank 15 begin to adhere to the inner peripheral wall of the rotating tank 15. Then, the high speed refers to a speed faster than the medium speed, for example, a rotation speed at which the clothes in the rotating tank 15 are maintained in a state of being adhered to the inner peripheral wall of the rotating tank 15. In addition, the rotation speed of the motor 16 in each process, that is, the rotation speed of the rotating tank 15, can be appropriately changed according to the content of the process, etc.

[0057] In addition, the execution period A2 of the stirring irradiation process is shorter than the execution period A1 of the stationary irradiation process. That is, the stationary irradiation process continuously irradiates ultraviolet rays during the execution period A1 which is longer than the execution period A2 of the stirring irradiation process. The ratio of the execution period A1 of the stationary irradiation process to the execution period A2 of the stirring irradiation process is set to, for example, about 4 to 9:1. In the case of the present embodiment, the ratio of the execution period A1 of the stationary irradiation process to the execution period A2 of the stirring irradiation process is set to 7:1. That is, when the execution period of the ultraviolet irradiation operation is, for example, 40 minutes, the execution period A1 of the stationary irradiation process is 35 minutes, and the execution period A2 of the stirring irradiation process is 5 minutes.

[0058] When the ultraviolet irradiation operation is finished, the operation processing unit 52 executes Figure 7 The laundry operation shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, a weight detection step, a washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydration step. The rinsing step and the dehydration step can be set once or multiple times. In the case of this embodiment, the laundry operation includes two rinsing steps and two dehydration steps in addition to the dehydration action in the washing step.

[0059] In addition, in this specification, when the washing machine 10 performs a plurality of different processes in one process, the processes constituting the process are referred to as "actions". In addition, the first rinsing process and the spin-drying process are referred to as the intermediate rinsing process and the intermediate spin-drying process, respectively, and the second or final rinsing process and the spin-drying process are referred to as the final rinsing process and the final spin-drying process, respectively. In addition, when the rinsing process and the spin-drying process included in the washing operation are each performed once, the first rinsing process and the spin-drying process become the final rinsing process and the final spin-drying process.

[0060] In addition, the rinsing process and the dehydration process can also be set to be performed more than three times based on the user's setting. In the following description, when the rinsing process is called, it is a general term for the intermediate rinsing process and the final rinsing process, and when the dehydration process is called, it is a general term for the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process.

[0061] When the operation processing unit 52 performs the laundry operation, it sequentially performs the weight detection process, the washing process, the intermediate rinsing process, the intermediate dehydration process, the final rinsing process, and the final dehydration process. The weight detection process is a process in which the weight detection unit 51 detects the weight of the laundry in the rotary tub 15. When the operation processing unit 52 performs the weight detection process, it operates the motor 16 to rotate the rotary tub 15, for example, in a range from low speed to medium speed, thereby detecting the load of the motor 16, that is, the weight of the laundry.

[0062] The washing process includes, for example, a water injection action, a washing action, a water discharge action, and a dehydration action. The operation processing unit 52 sequentially performs the water injection action, the washing action, the water discharge action, and the dehydration action in the washing process. The water injection action in the washing process is an action of injecting water supplied from an external water source into the outer tub 13, and is performed before the washing action. When the operation processing unit 52 performs the water injection action in the washing process, for example, the water supply valve 171 is opened while the water discharge valve 181 is closed to inject water into the outer tub 13. At this time, the laundry treatment agent such as laundry detergent injected into the water injection box 172 is injected into the outer tub 13 along with the water injection.

[0063] The washing operation is an operation in which the clothes in the rotating tub 15 are stirred by operating the motor 16 and rotating the rotating tub 15 while water is stored in the outer tub 13, thereby washing the clothes. When the operation processing unit 52 performs the washing operation, for example, the motor 16 is operated to rotate the rotating tub 15 while the water supply valve 171 and the drain valve 181 are closed, thereby beating and washing the clothes in the rotating tub 15. In addition, during the washing operation, the operation processing unit 52 may intermittently open and close the water supply valve 171 to inject water.

[0064] The drainage operation in the washing process is an operation to drain the water accumulated in the outer tub 13 to the outside of the washing machine 10, and is performed after the washing process. When the operation processing unit 52 performs the drainage operation in the washing process, for example, the drainage valve 181 is opened while the water supply valve 171 is closed, thereby draining the water accumulated in the outer tub 13.

[0065] The dehydration action in the washing process is to make the rotary tank 15 rotate at high speed to centrifuge the clothes after the washing action, and is performed after the drainage action in the washing process. The control device 50, for example, maintains the drain valve 181 in an open state and operates the motor 16 to rotate the rotary tank 15 at high speed, thereby centrifugally dehydrating the clothes in the rotary tank 15.

[0066] The rinsing process includes, for example, a water filling operation, a rinsing operation, and a water discharge operation. The operation processing unit 52 sequentially performs the water filling operation, the rinsing operation, and the water discharge operation in the rinsing process. The water filling operation in the rinsing process is the same as the water filling operation in the washing process, and is an operation of filling water supplied from an external water source into the outer tub 13, and is performed before the rinsing operation. When the operation processing unit 52 performs the water filling operation in the rinsing process, it is the same as the water filling operation in the washing process, for example, the water supply valve 171 is opened while the water discharge valve 181 is closed to fill water into the outer tub 13.

[0067] The rinsing operation is an operation in which the clothes in the rotating tub 15 are stirred by operating the motor 16 and rotating the rotating tub 15 while water is accumulated in the outer tub 13, thereby rinsing the clothes. When the operation processing unit 52 performs the rinsing operation, the operation processing unit 52 operates the motor 16 and rotates the rotating tub 15 in the same manner as the washing operation, for example, while the water supply valve 171 and the drain valve 181 are closed, thereby rinsing the clothes in the rotating tub 15. In addition, during the rinsing operation, the control device 50 may intermittently open and close the water supply valve 171 to inject water.

[0068] The drainage operation in the rinsing process is an operation to drain the water accumulated in the outer tub 13 to the outside of the washing machine 10, and is performed after the rinsing process. When the operation processing unit 52 performs the drainage operation in the rinsing process, it is the same as the drainage operation in the washing process, for example, the drainage valve 181 is opened in the state where the water supply valve 171 is closed, thereby draining the water accumulated in the outer tub 13.

[0069] The dehydration process is a process of rotating the rotary tub 15 at high speed to centrifugally dehydrate the clothes after the washing process and the rinsing process. The dehydration process in the laundry operation is an action of rotating the rotary tub 15 at high speed to centrifugally dehydrate the clothes without operating the hot air supply device 30. When executing the dehydration process, the operation processing unit 52 drives the motor 16 to rotate the rotary tub 15 at high speed in a state where the water supply valve 171 is closed and the drain valve 181 is opened. The laundry operation is completed by completing the final dehydration process. Then, in a case where the selected program is a sterilization laundry program, the operation processing unit 52 completes the sterilization laundry program by completing the laundry operation. On the other hand, in a case where the selected program is a sterilization wash-dry program, the operation processing unit 52 executes after the execution of the laundry operation. Figure 8 Dry operation.

[0070] The operation processing unit 52 can perform ultraviolet irradiation processing. The ultraviolet irradiation processing is a processing in which the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 is operated during a period different from the ultraviolet irradiation operation to irradiate the clothes stored in the rotating tank 15 with ultraviolet rays. In the case of this embodiment, the operation processing unit 52 can perform the ultraviolet irradiation processing during the execution of the laundry operation. The operation processing unit 52 can perform the ultraviolet irradiation processing during the execution of the washing process, the execution of the final rinsing process, and the execution of the final dehydration process.

[0071] In this case, the execution period B1 of the ultraviolet irradiation treatment executed in the execution of the washing process, the execution period B2 of the ultraviolet irradiation treatment executed in the execution of the final rinsing process, and the execution period B3 of the ultraviolet irradiation treatment executed in the execution of the final dehydration process are respectively shorter than the execution period A0 of the ultraviolet irradiation operation and the execution period A1 of the stationary irradiation process. In addition, the execution period B0 of the entire washing operation is longer than the execution period A0 of the entire ultraviolet irradiation operation.

[0072] Furthermore, the operation processing unit 52 stops the compressor 33 and the blower 34 during the execution of the laundry operation. In this case, the operation processing unit 52 sets the intensity of the irradiated ultraviolet light to "weak" when the ultraviolet irradiation process is performed during the execution of the laundry operation. That is, the intensity of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 in the ultraviolet irradiation process during the laundry operation is set to be weaker than the intensity of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 in the ultraviolet irradiation operation.

[0073] When the operation processing unit 52 performs the drying operation, Figure 8 As shown, the weight detection process and the drying process are performed in sequence. In addition, it can also be configured that, based on the user's selection, the preheating and dehydration process is performed between the weight detection process and the drying process. The weight detection process in the drying operation is the same as the weight detection process in the washing operation, and is a process for detecting the weight of the laundry in the rotating tank 15 by the weight detection unit 51. When the weight detection process is performed in the drying operation, the operation processing unit 52 activates the motor 16 to rotate the rotating tank 15, for example, in the range of low speed to medium speed, thereby detecting the load of the motor 16, that is, the weight of the laundry.

[0074] The preheating and dehydrating process is a process in which the compressor 33 and the blower 34 are operated and the rotary drum 15 is rotated at a high speed, thereby expelling water from the clothes while the clothes are heated by contacting the hot air. Figure 8 In the example, the preheating and dehydrating process is performed with the drain valve 181 opened, but the preheating and dehydrating process may be performed with the drain valve 181 closed. In this case, the operation processing unit 52 can perform ultraviolet irradiation during the execution of the preheating and dehydrating process in the drying operation.

[0075] The execution period C1 of the preheating and dehydrating process is shorter than the execution period C2 of the drying process. In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, the execution period C0 of the entire drying operation is longer than the execution period A0 of the ultraviolet irradiation operation and the execution period B0 of the washing operation. In the preheating and dehydrating process, although the compressor 33 and the blower 34 are in operation, most of the heat of the hot air generated by the compressor 33 and the blower 34 is absorbed by the clothes containing moisture, so it is difficult for the temperature in the outer tank 13 to rise. Therefore, it is difficult for the operation of the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 to increase the temperature. Therefore, the operation processing unit 52 sets the intensity of the irradiated ultraviolet rays to "strong" in the ultraviolet irradiation process in the preheating and dehydrating process.

[0076] The drying process is a process of drying the clothes by operating the hot air supply device 30 while rotating the rotary tank 15 at a medium speed to stir the clothes. When the operation processing unit 52 performs the drying process, the motor 16, the compressor 33, and the blower 34 are operated with the water supply valve 171 and the drain valve 181 closed. In addition, during the drying process, the operation processing unit 52 does not perform ultraviolet irradiation. When the drying process is completed, the operation processing unit 52 completes the sterilization washing and drying program.

[0077] According to the embodiment described above, the washing machine 10 includes an outer tub 13, a rotary tub 15, a water supply mechanism 17, an ultraviolet irradiation device 40, and an operation processing unit 52. The rotary tub 15 is configured to be rotatably disposed in the outer tub 13 and to accommodate clothes. The water supply mechanism 17 is configured to be connected to an external water source and to be able to inject water from the external water source into the outer tub 13. The ultraviolet irradiation device 40 is configured to be able to irradiate ultraviolet rays into the rotary tub 15.

[0078] The operation processing unit 52 is configured to be able to perform a washing operation and an ultraviolet irradiation operation. The washing operation is an operation content of accumulating water in the outer tank 13 and washing the clothes in the rotary tank 15. The ultraviolet irradiation operation is performed before the washing operation, and is an operation content of operating the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 to irradiate ultraviolet rays to the clothes stored in the rotary tank 15.

[0079] Accordingly, by performing the ultraviolet irradiation operation before the washing operation using water, the bacteria disinfected by the ultraviolet irradiation operation can be washed out by the washing operation after the ultraviolet irradiation operation. As a result, the remains of bacteria remaining on the clothes can be reduced, so the clothes can be cleaned, and as a result, a higher sterilization effect can be obtained by ultraviolet irradiation.

[0080] The ultraviolet irradiation operation includes a stationary irradiation process and a stirring irradiation process. The stationary irradiation process is a process of irradiating ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 while the rotating tank 15 is stopped. The stirring irradiation process is a process performed after the stationary irradiation process, in which ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 while the clothes in the rotating tank 15 are stirred while the rotating tank 15 is rotated. In this case, the execution period A2 of the stirring irradiation process is shorter than the execution period A1 of the stationary irradiation process.

[0081] According to this, when the user places the clothes in the rotating tank 15, the ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the part that the user wants to sterilize intensively, and thus the ultraviolet rays can be continuously irradiated to the part that the user wants to sterilize intensively by executing the static irradiation process. Thus, the part that the user wants to sterilize intensively can be sterilized efficiently. Then, by executing the stirring process after the static irradiation process, the ultraviolet rays can also be irradiated to other parts, and thus the entire clothes can be sterilized.

[0082] In addition, the operation processing unit 52 can perform ultraviolet irradiation processing during the execution of the laundry operation by operating the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 to irradiate ultraviolet rays to the clothes stored in the rotary tank 15. Accordingly, in addition to the sterilization in the above-mentioned ultraviolet irradiation operation, by irradiating ultraviolet rays during the execution of the laundry operation, a higher sterilization effect can be obtained.

[0083] Here, the laundry operation includes a washing process and a rinsing process performed after the washing process. Then, the operation processing unit 52 can perform ultraviolet irradiation processing during the washing process. According to this, the bacteria transferred from the clothes to the water during the washing process can be sterilized by ultraviolet rays, so that the bacteria can be suppressed from returning to the clothes, and as a result, the clothes can be made cleaner.

[0084] In addition, the laundry operation includes a washing process and one or more rinsing processes performed after the washing process. In addition, the operation processing unit 52 can perform ultraviolet irradiation during the execution of the final rinsing process. Accordingly, the bacteria transferred from the clothes to the water in the final rinsing process can be sterilized by ultraviolet rays, so that the bacteria can be inhibited from returning to the clothes, and as a result, the clothes can be made cleaner. In addition, in this case, the operation processing unit 52 does not perform ultraviolet irradiation in the intermediate rinsing process and the intermediate dehydration process.

[0085] In addition, the laundry operation includes a washing process, one or more rinsing processes performed after the washing process, and one or more dehydration processes performed after each rinsing process. In addition, the operation processing unit 52 can perform ultraviolet irradiation treatment during the execution of the final dehydration process, i.e., the final dehydration process. Accordingly, the bacteria remaining in the final rinsing process can be sterilized by ultraviolet rays, so that the clothes can be cleaner.

[0086] Furthermore, the intensity of ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 in the ultraviolet irradiation treatment is set to be weaker than the intensity of ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 in the ultraviolet irradiation operation. That is, in the ultraviolet irradiation operation before the washing operation, since there are many bacteria present in the clothes, ultraviolet rays are irradiated at a stronger intensity, thereby enabling efficient sterilization. Furthermore, in the ultraviolet irradiation treatment during the execution of the washing operation, since the bacteria present in the clothes are reduced due to the ultraviolet irradiation operation and the washing operation, the intensity of ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 is suppressed to be low. Therefore, in the ultraviolet irradiation treatment during the washing operation, bacteria that are not completely removed by the ultraviolet irradiation operation and the washing operation are sterilized, and the intensity of ultraviolet rays in the ultraviolet irradiation treatment is suppressed to be low, thereby enabling the life of the ultraviolet irradiation device 40 to be extended.

[0087] Above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described, but this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and subject matter of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising: External tank; A rotating tank, rotatably disposed in the outer tank, capable of storing clothes; A water supply mechanism, connected to an external water source, capable of injecting water from the external water source into the outer tank; An ultraviolet irradiation device capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays into the rotating tank; as well as The operation processing unit can perform a laundry operation for washing the clothes in the rotary tub by accumulating water in the outer tub, and an ultraviolet irradiation operation for activating the ultraviolet irradiation device before performing the laundry operation to irradiate the clothes stored in the rotary tub with ultraviolet rays.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The ultraviolet irradiation operation includes: a stationary irradiation step of irradiating ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiation device while the rotating tank is stopped; and The stirring irradiation step is performed after the static irradiation step, and irradiates the clothes in the rotating tub with ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiation device while rotating the rotating tub for a shorter period than the static irradiation step.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The operation processing unit can operate the ultraviolet irradiation device during the execution of the laundry operation to perform an ultraviolet irradiation process for irradiating the clothes accommodated in the rotary tub with ultraviolet rays.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein: The laundry operation includes a washing process and a rinsing process performed after the washing process. The operation processing unit can perform the ultraviolet irradiation process during execution of the washing step.

5. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein: The laundry operation includes a washing process and one or more rinsing processes performed after the washing process. The operation processing unit can perform the ultraviolet irradiation process during execution of the final rinsing step.

6. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein: The laundry operation includes a washing process, one or more rinsing processes performed after the washing process, and one or more dehydration processes performed after each of the rinsing processes. The operation processing unit can perform the ultraviolet irradiation process during execution of the final dehydration step.

7. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein: The intensity of ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device in the ultraviolet irradiation treatment is set to be weaker than the intensity of ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device in the ultraviolet irradiation operation.

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