Washing machine

Abstract

To provide technology capable of executing operation suitable for a blanket and operation suitable for a sheet in a blanket course.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes a rotary tub capable of storing a blanket, and a motor for rotationally driving the rotary tub, and the washing machine includes a blanket course for washing a blanket. The washing machine can execute blanket washing operation for executing operation for washing a blanket, and sheet washing operation for executing operation for washing a sheet, in the blanket course. A control part determines whether to execute the blanket washing operation or to execute the sheet washing operation on the basis of a predetermined condition, in the case where the blanket course is selected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine having a blanket cycle for washing blankets. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-46170 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a washing machine having a blanket course for washing blankets, even if the blanket course is selected, laundry other than blankets (for example, sheets) may be washed. The washing machine of Patent Document 1 cannot flexibly respond to such a situation.

[0005] The present specification provides a technique that can execute an operation suitable for a blanket and an operation suitable for a sheet in a blanket course. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The washing machine disclosed in this specification includes a spin tub capable of accommodating a blanket, a motor for rotating the spin tub, and a blanket course for washing the blanket. In the blanket course, the washing machine can execute a blanket washing operation for washing the blanket, and a sheet washing operation for washing the sheets. When the blanket course is selected, the control unit determines whether to execute the blanket washing operation or the sheet washing operation based on a predetermined condition. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart of a process executed by a control unit of the embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is a graph showing the rotation speed of a rotating tub in a dehydration process in an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] A washing machine 2 of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, the washing machine 2 of the embodiment includes a housing 4, a water tub 10 arranged in the housing 4, a spin tub 12 arranged in the water tub 10, and a pulsator 14 arranged in the spin tub 12. The washing machine 2 also includes a water supply path 20 and a drain path 24 connected to the water tub 10.

[0009] The housing 4 is provided with, for example, a door 6 that can be opened and closed. When the door 6 is opened and closed, an opening of the water tub 10 and an opening of the spin tub 12 are opened and closed. The water tub 10 arranged in the housing 4 is capable of storing water for washing. The spin tub 12 arranged in the water tub 10 is capable of storing laundry (e.g., clothes, blankets, sheets, etc.). The spin tub 12 is arranged in the water tub 10 in a rotatable state, and is driven to rotate by a motor 40. In addition, the pulsator 14 in the spin tub 12 is arranged at the bottom of the spin tub 12, and is driven to rotate by the motor 40. The motor 40 drives and rotates each of the spin tub 12 and the pulsator 14 via a power transmission mechanism 42. When the spin tub 12 or the pulsator 14 rotates, the laundry in the spin tub 12 is washed.

[0010] The rotating tub 12 and the pulsator 14 are mechanically connected to the motor 40 via a power transmission mechanism 42. The power transmission mechanism 42 includes, for example, a belt, a pulley, and a clutch (none of which are shown), and transmits the rotational power of the motor 40 to the rotating tub 12 and the pulsator 14, respectively. The power transmission mechanism 42 can switch between a first state in which the motor 40 and the rotating tub 12 are mechanically connected, and a second state in which the motor 40 and the pulsator 14 are mechanically connected. In the first state, the rotational power of the motor 40 is transmitted to the rotating tub 12. In the first state, the mechanical connection between the motor 40 and the pulsator 14 is cut off, and the rotational power of the motor 40 is not transmitted to the pulsator 14. On the other hand, in the second state, the rotational power of the motor 40 is transmitted to the pulsator 14. In the second state, the mechanical connection between the motor 40 and the rotating tub 12 is cut off, and the rotational power of the motor 40 is not transmitted to the rotating tub 12. The mechanical configuration of the power transmission mechanism 42 is not particularly limited.

[0011] The upstream end of water supply path 20 of washing machine 2 is connected to a water supply source (e.g., a water mains) and the downstream end is connected to water tub 10. Water supply path 20 supplies water from the water supply source into water tub 10. Water supply path 20 is provided with a water supply valve 22 that opens and closes water supply path 20. When water supply valve 22 is opened, water is supplied into water tub 10.

[0012] Drainage path 24 of washing machine 2 has an upstream end connected to water tub 10 and a downstream end connected to a drainage destination (e.g., a drain pan). Drainage path 24 drains water discharged from water tub 10 to the drainage destination. Drainage path 24 is provided with a drainage valve 26 that opens and closes drainage path 24. When drainage valve 26 opens, water in water tub 10 is drained to the drainage destination.

[0013] An operation panel 90 is provided on the top surface of the housing 4 (see FIG. 1). The operation panel 90 can display various pieces of information related to the washing machine 2. The operation panel 90 can also accept various user operations related to the washing machine 2. The operation panel 90 may be configured as a touch panel, for example. The operation panel 90 may have a screen for displaying various pieces of information.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 90 includes, for example, a power button B2, a course button B4, and a start button B6. The power button B2 is a button for turning on / off the power of the washing machine 2. The course button B4 is a button for selecting a course that can be executed in the washing machine 2. When the course button B4 is pressed, one course is selected from a plurality of courses. The start button B6 is a button for starting the selected course. When the start button B6 is pressed with a course selected, the selected course starts.

[0015] The washing machine 2 has a plurality of courses for washing laundry. The courses for washing laundry include, for example, a standard course, a blanket course, etc. The washing machine 2 may have one or more courses other than the standard course and the blanket course.

[0016] The blanket course is a course for washing blankets. Although the blanket course is originally a course for washing blankets, it can also wash sheets instead of blankets. In the blanket course, the washing machine 2 can execute a blanket washing operation for washing blankets and a sheet washing operation for washing sheets.

[0017] The blanket course includes, for example, a water supply step, a washing step, a drainage step, and a spin-dry step in each of the blanket washing operation and the sheet washing operation. The blanket course may include one or more steps other than these steps.

[0018] The standard course is a course different from the blanket course. The standard course is a course for washing laundry other than blankets (e.g., ordinary clothes, etc.). The standard course includes, for example, a water supply step, a washing step, a draining step, and a spin-drying step. The standard course may include one or more steps other than these steps.

[0019] The water supply process is a process for supplying washing water into the water tub 10 (into the rotating tub 12). In the water supply process, a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the water tub 10 (into the rotating tub 12) through the water supply path 20. For example, in the water supply process in the standard course, a predetermined first amount of water is supplied into the water tub 10 (into the rotating tub 12).

[0020] The washing process is a process for washing laundry (e.g., blankets, sheets, or clothes) in the spin tub 12. In the washing process, laundry detergent is poured into the water tub 10 (inside the spin tub 12). In the washing process, the motor 40 drives the spin tub 12 or the pulsator 14 to rotate, thereby washing the laundry in the spin tub 12.

[0021] The drainage process is a process for draining water from within water tub 10 (rotating tub 12) to the outside. In the drainage process, the water from within water tub 10 (rotating tub 12) is drained to the outside of water tub 10 through drainage path 24.

[0022] The dehydration process is a process for dehydrating laundry (e.g., blankets, sheets, or clothes) in the spin tub 12. In the dehydration process, the motor 40 drives the spin tub 12 to rotate, thereby dehydrating the laundry in the spin tub 12.

[0023] Washing machine 2 of the embodiment further includes water level sensor 30 for detecting the water level in water tub 10 (in rotating tub 12), load sensor 32 for detecting the load on motor 40, and control unit 100 (see FIG. 1). Water level sensor 30 includes, for example, a tube (not shown) connected to water tub 10, and is configured to detect the water level in water tub 10 (in rotating tub 12) by detecting the pressure in the tube when water in water tub 10 has entered the tube.

[0024] The load sensor 32 is, for example, a torque sensor that detects a torque acting on a rotating shaft of the motor 40. In a modified example, the load sensor 32 may be a current sensor that detects a current flowing through a coil of the motor 40. The configurations of the water level sensor 30 and the load sensor 32 are not particularly limited.

[0025] The control unit 100 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and executes various controls and processes related to the washing machine 2 according to a predetermined program.

[0026] Next, the process executed by the control unit 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the process executed by the control unit. The process in FIG. 3 is started, for example, when the power of the washing machine 2 is turned on. As shown in FIG. 3, in S2 of this process, the control unit 100 monitors whether or not the blanket course has been started. The blanket course is started, for example, by pressing the course button B4 (see FIG. 2) of the washing machine 2 to select the blanket course, and then pressing the start button B6. If the blanket course is started (YES in S2), the process proceeds to S4. If the blanket course is not started (NO in S2), the process in S2 continues.

[0027] In S4, the control unit 100 starts a water supply process. The water supply process is a process for supplying washing water to the water tub 10 (rotating tub 12). In the water supply process, the control unit 100 opens the water supply valve 22 of the water supply path 20 (see FIG. 1) to supply water to the water tub 10 (rotating tub 12) through the water supply path 20.

[0028] In the next S6, control unit 100 determines whether the rate at which the water level in water tub 10 (in rotating tub 12) rises is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference rate during the water supply process. The water level in water tub 10 (in rotating tub 12) is detected by water level sensor 30. The predetermined reference rate can be set as appropriate.

[0029] In the water supply process in the blanket course, when the laundry contained in the spin tub 12 is a blanket, the blanket absorbs a relatively large amount of water, so the water level in the water tub 10 (in the spin tub 12) rises relatively slowly. On the other hand, when the laundry contained in the spin tub 12 is a sheet rather than a blanket, the sheet absorbs less water compared to a blanket, so the water level in the water tub 10 (in the spin tub 12) rises faster than for a blanket.

[0030] In S6, if the rate of rise of the water level detected by the water level sensor 30 is equal to or greater than the reference rate (YES in S6), the process proceeds to S14. If the result is YES in S6, the rate of rise of the water level in the water tub 10 (in the spin tub 12) is relatively fast, so it is considered that the laundry contained in the spin tub 12 is a sheet. Therefore, if the result is YES in S6, a sheet washing operation is performed to wash the sheets. On the other hand, if the rate of rise of the water level detected by the water level sensor 30 is less than the reference rate (NO in S6), the process proceeds to S8. If the result is NO in S6, the rate of rise of the water level in the water tub 10 (in the spin tub 12) is relatively slow, so it is considered that the laundry contained in the spin tub 12 is a blanket. Therefore, if the result is NO in S6, a blanket washing operation is performed to wash a blanket.

[0031] In the blanket washing operation after NO in S6, the processes of S8, S10, and S12 are executed. In S8, the control unit 100 supplies a predetermined second amount of water to the water tub 10 (rotating tub 12) in the water supply step (see S4). The predetermined second amount of water is a larger amount of water than the first amount of water, which is the amount of water supplied to the water tub 10 (rotating tub 12) in the water supply step of the standard course. Here, the first amount of water in the standard course and the second amount of water in the blanket washing operation of the blanket course are the amounts of water relative to the weight X of the laundry in the rotating tub 12 when the weight X is the same in the blanket washing operation of the standard course and the blanket course. More specifically, the amount of water supplied to water tub 10 (rotating tub 12) when the weight of laundry in rotating tub 12 is X in the standard course is defined as a first water amount, and the amount of water supplied to water tub 10 (rotating tub 12) when the weight of laundry in rotating tub 12 is X in blanket washing operation in the blanket course is defined as a second water amount. In this case, the second water amount in the blanket washing operation in the blanket course is a water amount greater than the first water amount in the standard course.

[0032] When the second amount of water is supplied to the water tub 10 (rotating tub 12) during the blanket washing operation, the control unit 100 ends the water supply process by closing the water supply valve 22 of the water supply path 20 (see FIG. 1). When the water supply process during the blanket washing operation ends, the process proceeds to S10.

[0033] In S10, the control unit 100 executes a washing step in the blanket washing operation (hereinafter referred to as the "first washing step"). The first washing step (washing step in the blanket washing operation) is a step for washing the blanket in the spin tub 12. In the first washing step, the control unit 100 rotates the spin tub 12 by driving the motor 40. More specifically, the control unit 100 rotates the spin tub 12 by operating the motor 40 with the power transmission mechanism 42 switched to the first state. On the other hand, in the first washing step, the pulsator 14 is not rotated. In the first washing step, the blanket in the spin tub 12 is washed by rotating the spin tub 12 without rotating the pulsator 14 by the motor 40. When the first washing step is completed, the process proceeds to S12.

[0034] In S12, the control unit 100 executes a drainage step in the blanket washing operation (hereinafter referred to as the "first drainage step"). The first drainage step (the drainage step in the blanket washing operation) is a step for draining the water in the water tub 10 (in the rotating tub 12) out of the water tub 10. In the first drainage step, the control unit 100 opens the drainage valve 26 in the drainage path 24 (see FIG. 1) to drain the water in the water tub 10 (in the rotating tub 12) out of the water tub 10 through the drainage path 24. In the first drainage step, the control unit 100 executes the first drainage step without rotating the rotating tub 12 and the pulsator 14. The rotating tub 12 and the pulsator 14 do not rotate during the first drainage step. When the first drainage step ends, the process proceeds to S20.

[0035] Next, the sheet washing operation after YES in S6 above will be described. In the sheet washing operation after YES in S6, the processes of S14, S16, and S18 are executed. In S14, the control unit 100 supplies a predetermined third amount of water to the water tub 10 (rotating tub 12) in the water supply process (see S4). The predetermined third amount of water is a larger amount of water than the first amount of water, which is the amount of water supplied to the water tub 10 (rotating tub 12) in the water supply process of the standard course. In addition, the predetermined third amount of water is a smaller amount of water than the second amount of water, which is the amount of water supplied to the water tub 10 (rotating tub 12) in the water supply process of the blanket washing operation in the blanket course. Here, the first water volume in the standard course, the second water volume in the blanket washing operation in the blanket course, and the third water volume in the sheet washing operation in the blanket course are the water volumes relative to the weight X of the laundry in the spin tub 12 when the weight is the same as the weight X in the standard course, the blanket washing operation in the blanket course, and the sheet washing operation in the blanket course. More specifically, the amount of water supplied to the water tub 10 (in the spin tub 12) when the weight of the laundry in the spin tub 12 is X in the standard course is the first water volume, the amount of water supplied to the water tub 10 (in the spin tub 12) when the weight of the laundry in the spin tub 12 is X in the blanket washing operation in the blanket course is the second water volume, and the amount of water supplied to the water tub 10 (in the spin tub 12) when the weight of the laundry in the spin tub 12 is X in the sheet washing operation in the blanket course is the third water volume. In this case, the third water amount in the sheet washing operation of the blanket course is a water amount greater than the first water amount in the standard course and is a water amount less than the second water amount in the blanket washing operation of the blanket course.

[0036] When the third amount of water is supplied to the water tub 10 (rotating tub 12) in the sheet washing operation, the control unit 100 ends the water supply process by closing the water supply valve 22 in the water supply path 20 (see FIG. 1). When the water supply process in the sheet washing operation ends, the process proceeds to S16.

[0037] In S16, the control unit 100 executes a washing step in the sheet washing operation (hereinafter referred to as the "second washing step"). The second washing step (washing step in the sheet washing operation) is a step for washing the sheets in the spin tub 12. In the second washing step, the control unit 100 rotates the pulsator 14 by driving the motor 40. More specifically, the control unit 100 rotates the pulsator 14 by operating the motor 40 with the power transmission mechanism 42 switched to the second state. On the other hand, in the second washing step, the spin tub 12 is not rotated. In the second washing step, the sheets in the spin tub 12 are washed by rotating the pulsator 14 without rotating the spin tub 12 by the motor 40. When the second washing step is completed, the process proceeds to S18.

[0038] In S18, the control unit 100 executes a drainage process in the sheet washing operation (hereinafter referred to as the "second drainage process"). The second drainage process (the drainage process in the sheet washing operation) is a process for draining the water in the water tub 10 (in the rotating tub 12) out of the water tub 10. In the second drainage process, the control unit 100 opens the drainage valve 26 in the drainage path 24 (see FIG. 1) to drain the water in the water tub 10 (in the rotating tub 12) out of the water tub 10 through the drainage path 24.

[0039] In the second drainage step, the control unit 100 executes the second drainage step while rotating the spin tub 12 by driving the motor 40. More specifically, the control unit 100 rotates the spin tub 12 by operating the motor 40 with the power transmission mechanism 42 switched to the first state. The rotation speed of the spin tub 12 in the second drainage step is lower than the second rotation speed of the spin tub 12 in the second spin-drying step described below. When the second drainage step ends, the process proceeds to S20.

[0040] In the next step S20, the control unit 100 starts a spin-drying process. The spin-drying process is a process in which the spin tub 12 is rotated to spin water contained in the laundry in the spin tub 12 by centrifugal force. In the spin-drying process, the control unit 100 rotates the spin tub 12 by operating the motor 40 with the power transmission mechanism 42 switched to the first state.

[0041] In the next S22, the control unit 100 determines whether the load on the motor 40 immediately after the start of the spin-drying process is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value. More specifically, for example, the control unit 100 determines whether the average value of the load on the motor 40 within a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) from the start of the spin-drying process is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value. The load on the motor 40 is detected by the load sensor 32. The predetermined reference value can be set as appropriate.

[0042] In the dehydration step of the blanket course, when the laundry contained in the spin tub 12 is a blanket, the weight of the blanket is relatively heavy, so the load on the motor 40 that rotates the spin tub 12 is relatively large. On the other hand, when the laundry contained in the spin tub 12 is a sheet instead of a blanket, the weight of the sheet is lighter than that of a blanket, so the load on the motor 40 that rotates the spin tub 12 is smaller than that of a blanket.

[0043] In S22, if the load detected by the load sensor 32 is equal to or greater than the reference value (YES in S22), the process proceeds to S24. If the result is YES in S22, the load on the motor 40 is relatively large, and therefore the laundry contained in the spin tub 12 is considered to be a blanket. Therefore, if the result is YES in S22, a blanket washing operation is performed to wash the blanket. On the other hand, if the load detected by the load sensor 32 is less than the reference value (NO in S22), the process proceeds to S26. If the result is NO in S22, the load on the motor 40 is relatively small, and therefore the laundry contained in the spin tub 12 is considered to be a sheet. Therefore, if the result is NO in S22, a sheet washing operation is performed to wash the sheets.

[0044] In the blanket washing operation after YES in S22, the process of S24 is executed. In S24, the control unit 100 executes the first spin-drying process. The first spin-drying process is a process for spin-drying the blanket in the spin tub 12. As shown in FIG. 4, in the first spin-drying process, the control unit 100 rotates the spin tub 12 at a predetermined first rotation speed. The control unit 100 increases the rotation speed of the spin tub 12 to the first rotation speed in a predetermined first time from the start of the first spin-drying process. The start of the first spin-drying process may be regarded as the start of the process of S20 described above.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, in the sheet washing operation after NO in S22, the process of S26 is executed. In S26, the control unit 100 executes the second spin-drying process. The second spin-drying process is a process for spin-drying the sheets in the spin tub 12. As shown in FIG. 4, in the second spin-drying process, the control unit 100 rotates the spin tub 12 at a predetermined second rotation speed. The control unit 100 increases the rotation speed of the spin tub 12 to the second rotation speed in a predetermined second time from the start of the second spin-drying process. The start of the second spin-drying process may be regarded as the start of the process of S20. The second time for increasing the rotation speed of the spin tub 12 to the second rotation speed is shorter than the first time (see S24) for increasing the rotation speed of the spin tub 12 to the first rotation speed. The total operation time of the second spin-drying process is shorter than the total operation time of the first spin-drying process (see S24). The second rotation speed is greater than the first rotation speed.

[0046] (effect) The washing machine 2 of the embodiment has been described above. As described above, the washing machine 2 of the embodiment can execute a blanket washing operation for washing a blanket and a sheet washing operation for washing a sheet in a blanket course. When the blanket course is selected, the control unit 100 determines whether to execute a blanket washing operation or a sheet washing operation based on a predetermined condition. With this configuration, it is possible to execute an operation suitable for a blanket and an operation suitable for a sheet in the blanket course.

[0047] The control unit 100 determines whether to perform a blanket washing operation or a sheet washing operation based on the rate of rise of the water level detected by the water level sensor 30 (see S6). With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine whether to perform a blanket washing operation or a sheet washing operation based on the difference between the water absorption amount of the blanket and the water absorption amount of the sheets.

[0048] The control unit 100 may determine whether to perform a blanket washing operation or a sheet washing operation based on the load detected by the load sensor 32 (see S22). With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine whether to perform a blanket washing operation or a sheet washing operation based on the difference between the weight of the blanket and the weight of the sheets.

[0049] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 executes a blanket washing operation in the blanket course, it executes the washing process by rotating the spin tub 12 without rotating the pulsator 14 by the motor 40 (see S10). On the other hand, when the control unit 100 executes a sheet washing operation in the blanket course, it executes the washing process by rotating the pulsator 14 without rotating the spin tub 12 by the motor 40 (see S16).

[0050] According to this configuration, in the blanket washing operation, the pulsator 14 is not rotated, so that damage to the blanket by the pulsator 14 can be suppressed. Also, in the sheet washing operation, the sheets can be washed powerfully by rotating the pulsator 14. Therefore, both the blanket and the sheets can be washed well.

[0051] Furthermore, in the first spin-drying step of the blanket washing operation, the control unit 100 increases the rotation speed of the spin tub 12 to the first rotation speed in a predetermined first time from the start of the first spin-drying step (S24, see FIG. 4). On the other hand, in the second spin-drying step of the sheet washing operation, the control unit 100 increases the rotation speed of the spin tub to the second rotation speed in a predetermined second time, which is shorter than the first time, from the start of the second spin-drying step (S26, see FIG. 4).

[0052] Since blankets absorb more water than sheets, the first dehydration step allows sufficient time to remove the water from the blanket. On the other hand, since sheets absorb less water than blankets, the second dehydration step allows the water from the sheets to be removed quickly. Therefore, both the blanket and the sheets can be dehydrated well.

[0053] Furthermore, when the standard course is executed, the control unit 100 supplies a first amount of water into the spin tub 12 in the water supply process. When the blanket washing operation is executed in the blanket course, the control unit 100 supplies a second amount of water, which is greater than the first amount of water, into the spin tub 12 in the water supply process (see S8). When the sheet washing operation is executed in the blanket course, the control unit 100 supplies a third amount of water, which is greater than the first amount of water and less than the second amount of water, into the spin tub 12 in the water supply process (see S14).

[0054] Washing a blanket requires more water than washing normal clothes. According to the above configuration, when performing a blanket washing operation, a second amount of water, which is greater than the first amount of water in the standard course, is supplied into the spin tub 12, thereby making it possible to wash the blanket well.

[0055] Furthermore, washing sheets requires more water than washing normal clothes, but less water than washing blankets. According to the above configuration, when performing the sheet washing operation, a third amount of water that is greater than the first amount of water in the standard course and less than the second amount of water in the blanket washing operation is supplied to the spin tub 12, thereby making it possible to wash the sheets well.

[0056] Furthermore, when the sheet washing operation is performed in the blanket course, the control unit 100 executes a draining process while rotating the spinning tub 12 by the motor 40 (see S18). The sheets may float on water in the spinning tub 12 and become biased to one side within the spinning tub 12. According to the above configuration, when the sheet washing operation is performed, the draining process is executed while rotating the spinning tub 12, so that it is possible to prevent the sheets from becoming biased to one side within the spinning tub 12 at the end of the draining process.

[0057] (Modification) (1) The blanket course may include a rinsing step in each of the blanket washing operation and the sheet washing operation. The standard course may also include a rinsing step. The rinsing step is a step in which laundry (e.g., blankets, sheets, or clothes) in the spin tub 12 is rinsed with water. In the rinsing step, detergent is not put into the water tub 10 (in the spin tub 12). In the rinsing step, the spin tub 12 is rotated by driving the motor 40, so that the laundry in the spin tub 12 can be rinsed.

[0058] The control unit 100 may execute a rinsing step instead of the washing step (see S10, S16) in the blanket course (see FIG. 3). The control unit 100 may execute a rinsing step after the water supplying step (see S4, S8, S14) is completed, and execute a draining step (see S12, S18) after the rinsing step is completed. The control unit 100 may further execute a water supplying step, a rinsing step, a draining step, and a draining step after the spinning step (see S24, S26) is completed. The water supplying step, the draining step, and the draining step are as described above.

[0059] (2) In the above embodiment, the control unit 100 judges whether to execute the blanket washing operation or the sheet washing operation based on the load detected by the load sensor 32 in S22 (see FIG. 3), but is not limited to this configuration. In a modified example, the control unit 100 may use the judgment result of S6 in S22. Specifically, the control unit 100 stores the judgment result of S6 in a storage unit (e.g., ROM or RAM), and judges whether to execute the blanket washing operation or the sheet washing operation based on the judgment result of S6 in S22. If the control unit 100 judges in S6 that the rising speed of the water level detected by the water level sensor 30 is equal to or higher than the reference speed, it judges in S22 that the sheet washing operation is to be executed and proceeds to S26. On the other hand, if the control unit 100 judges in S6 that the rising speed of the water level detected by the water level sensor 30 is lower than the reference speed, it judges in S22 that the blanket washing operation is to be executed and proceeds to S24.

[0060] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology exemplified in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives is itself technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 2: washing machine, 4: housing, 10: water tub, 12: spin tub, 14: pulsator, 20: water supply path, 22: water supply valve, 24: drain path, 26: drain valve, 30: water level sensor, 32: load sensor, 40: motor, 42: power transmission mechanism, 90: operation panel, 100: control unit

Claims

1. A washing machine having a rotating tub capable of accommodating a blanket, a motor for rotating the rotating tub, and a blanket cycle for washing the blanket, In the blanket course, a blanket washing operation for washing a blanket and a sheet washing operation for washing a sheet can be executed, The washing machine includes a control unit that, when the blanket course is selected, determines whether to execute the blanket washing operation or the sheet washing operation based on a predetermined condition.

2. Further, a water level sensor is provided to detect a water level in the rotating tub. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines whether to perform the blanket washing operation or the sheet washing operation based on a rate of rise of the water level detected by the water level sensor.

3. A load sensor is further provided to detect a load on the motor. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines whether to execute the blanket washing operation or the sheet washing operation based on the load detected by the load sensor.

4. The rotating drum further includes a pulsator disposed in the rotating drum. The motor is capable of rotating the rotating tub and the pulsator, The blanket washing operation and the sheet washing operation each include a washing process for washing the laundry in the spin tub, The control unit is When the blanket washing operation is performed in the blanket course, the washing step is performed by rotating the rotating tub without rotating the pulsator by the motor, 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein when the sheet washing operation is performed in the blanket course, the washing step is performed by rotating the pulsator without rotating the spin tub by the motor.

5. The blanket washing operation includes a first dehydration step of dehydrating the blanket in the rotating tub by rotating the rotating tub at a predetermined first rotation speed, The sheet washing operation includes a second dehydration step of dehydrating the sheets in the rotating tub by rotating the rotating tub at a predetermined second rotation speed, The control unit is In the first dehydration step, the rotation speed of the rotating tub is increased to the first rotation speed within a predetermined first time from the start of the first dehydration step, The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein in the second spin-drying step, the rotation speed of the spin tub is increased to the second rotation speed within a second predetermined time period from the start of the second spin-drying step, the second predetermined time period being shorter than the first time period.

6. A washing machine further having a standard course different from the blanket course, The blanket course and the standard course each include a water supply step for supplying water into the rotating tub, The control unit is When the standard course is executed, a predetermined first amount of water is supplied into the rotating tub in the water supply step; The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein when the sheet washing operation is performed in the blanket course, water larger than the first water amount is supplied into the spin tub in the water supplying step.

7. The sheet washing operation includes a draining step for draining water from the spin tub, The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit, when performing the sheet washing operation in the blanket course, performs the draining stroke while rotating the spin tub by the motor.

Images