Drum type washing machine

Abstract

To suppress washing unevenness by improving detergency required for washing a futon.SOLUTION: A drum-type washing machine is provided which can implement a washing step, a rinsing step and a dewatering step of a futon and includes: an outer tub; a drum rotatable around a horizontal axis; a drive motor of the drum; a water supply pipe; a water supply valve; a drain pipe and a drain valve; and a control portion controlling the drive motor, the water supply valve and the drain valve so that a futon washing preliminary step is implemented before starting the washing step. In the futon washing preliminary step, a futon water supply operation for making futon wet by supplying water in the outer tub and a futon dewatering operation for reducing the volume by rotating the drum after the futon water supply operation and suppressing the swelling of the futon are implemented. In the washing step implemented after the futon washing preliminary step is completed, a first washing operation for rotating the drum in a state in which water of a first water level is supplied in the outer tub and a second washing operation for rotating the drum in a state in which water of a second water level which is more than the first water level is supplied in the outer tub after the first washing operation are implemented.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] When washing laundry with a drum-type washing machine, after the laundry is loaded into the drum, it is common for the washing machine to perform the following operations in that order: washing, rinsing, and spin-drying. In the washing process, the water supply operation for supplying water into the drum, the washing operation for rotating the drum, and the drainage operation for draining water from the drum are performed in that order, followed by the spin-drying operation.

[0003] During the washing operation, a horizontal-axis drum is rotated inside an outer tub with water stored at the bottom, and laundry is lifted and dropped by a baffle installed inside the drum, smacking the laundry against the inner surface of the drum, a process known as beating wash (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2018-33512 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventionally, in a drum-type washing machine, in addition to laundry such as clothes, a futon may be washed. In this case, like laundry such as clothes, after the futon is put into the drum, the washing process, the rinsing process, and the spin-drying process are performed in that order.

[0006] However, futons (especially down futons) have a large volume when the cotton filled inside is dry and swollen, and they tend to float in water. Therefore, when a futon is placed in the drum, the space inside the drum is filled with the futon with almost no gaps. Furthermore, when water is supplied to the drum, the futon floats and is less likely to come into contact with the baffle. If the washing operation of the washing process is performed in this state, there is almost no gap inside the drum even when the drum is rotated, and the futon is floating, so the baffle cannot lift it up. Therefore, the futon inside the drum is maintained in a state where it is barely rotating.

[0007] Therefore, even though the drum rotates to perform the cleaning action of the washing process, the futon inside the drum does not rotate. As a result, the washing water is sprayed on the outer periphery of the futon, but the washing water does not reach the center of the futon, and the futon cannot be lifted, so the futon cannot be loosened inside the drum and the beating wash cannot be performed effectively. As a result, the drum-type washing machine of the conventional technology has the problem that uneven washing occurs and it is difficult to thoroughly wash the entire futon.

[0008] When a futon is washed in a conventional drum-type washing machine, the drum rotates alternately clockwise and counterclockwise for a predetermined period of time in the washing process with a preset amount of water being supplied to the outer tub. In Fig. 15, wrinkles formed on the futon are marked with circles to make it easier to see the changes in the state of the futon. In Fig. 15, the drum rotation speed in the washing process is 40 rpm.

[0009] When futons are placed into the drum and the drum rotates to the right, the futons packed tightly inside the drum move slightly in the clockwise direction, as shown in Figure 15(a). When the drum continues to rotate to the left, the futons packed tightly inside the drum move slightly in the counterclockwise direction, as shown in Figure 15(b). When the drum then rotates to the right, the futons packed tightly inside the drum move slightly in the clockwise direction, as shown in Figure 15(c).

[0010] In this way, the drum rotates alternately clockwise and counterclockwise, causing the futon stored in the drum to move slightly clockwise and then slightly counterclockwise repeatedly, so the futon does not rotate inside the drum and the wash water hardly reaches the center of the futon.

[0011] Therefore, it is desired to further improve the cleaning performance of futons, and an object of the present invention is to provide a drum-type washing machine that can thoroughly clean futons without uneven washing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A drum-type washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention is a drum-type washing machine capable of performing a washing process, a rinsing process and a spin-drying process for a futon, and includes an outer tub arranged in a housing, a drum arranged in the outer tub and rotatable about a horizontal axis or an inclined axis inclined relative to the horizontal direction, a drive motor for rotating the drum, water supply and drainage means for supplying water into the outer tub and draining water from the outer tub, and control means for controlling the drive motor and the water supply and drainage means so as to perform a futon washing preliminary process before starting the washing process, and in the futon washing preliminary process, The washing machine is characterized in that it carries out a futon water supplying operation in which water is supplied into the outer tub to wet the futon, and a futon dehydrating operation in which the drum is rotated after the futon water supplying operation to reduce the volume by suppressing the swelling of the futon, and in the washing process which is carried out after the completion of the futon washing preliminary process, it carries out a first washing operation in which the drum is rotated with a first water level of water supplied into the outer tub, and a second washing operation in which the drum is rotated with a second water level, which is higher than the first water level, supplied into the outer tub after the first washing operation.

[0013] In this case, the futon, whose volume has been reduced in the preliminary futon washing process, is dropped into the drum in the first washing operation, which uses a small amount of water so that the futon does not expand, and is then beaten to wash.Then, in the second washing operation, which uses an increased amount of water, the futon is expanded and rolled around, and is then kneaded / scrubbed.This allows the futon to be thoroughly washed without unevenness.

[0014] When viewed from the front, if the bottom end of the drum is 0 degrees and the center of the drum is 10 degrees, it is preferable that the first water level is a water volume of 2 to 3 degrees, and the second water level is a water volume of 4 to 5 degrees.

[0015] In this case, an appropriate water level can be set for beating the futon in the first washing action, and an appropriate water level can be set for kneading / scrubbing the futon in the second washing action.

[0016] It is preferable that the drum is rotated at 35 to 45 rpm in the first cleaning operation, and that the drum is rotated at 45 to 55 rpm in the second cleaning operation.

[0017] In this case, an appropriate drum rotation speed can be set for beating the futon in the first washing action, and an appropriate drum rotation speed can be set for kneading / scrubbing the futon in the second washing action.

[0018] The comforter is preferably a feather comforter.

[0019] In this case, even if the comforter is a down comforter, which is particularly fluffy, the comforter can be washed thoroughly and evenly. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, a futon can be thoroughly washed without unevenness. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drum type washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the drum-type washing machine 1 of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a drum-type washing machine 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a method of operating the drum type washing machine 1. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a washing step in a standard washing course. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of a preliminary washing step in the bedding-only washing course. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing changes in the state of the futon in the drum 4 during the preliminary washing process. [Figure 8] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing changes in the state of the futon in the drum 4 during the preliminary washing process. [Figure 9] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing changes in the state of the futon in the drum 4 during the preliminary washing process. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the washing process of the futon-only cleaning course. [Figure 11] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing changes in the state of the futon in the drum 4 during the washing process. [Figure 12] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing changes in the state of the futon in the drum 4 during the washing process. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the change in state of the futon in the drum 4 when the washing operation is performed by rotating the drum 4 at 50 rpm without performing the preliminary washing step. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the change in state of the futon in the drum 4 when the drum 4 is rotated at 40 rpm for the washing operation after the preliminary washing step has been performed. [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram showing changes in the state of a futon inside a drum when the futon is washed in a conventional drum-type washing machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, a drum type washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the drum type washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the drum type washing machine 1 of Fig. 1.

[0023] 1 and 2, a drum type washing machine 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as washing machine 1) of this embodiment has a box-shaped housing 2, an outer tub 3 having a substantially cylindrical inner circumferential surface is disposed inside the housing 2, and a drum 4 having a substantially cylindrical inner circumferential surface for accommodating laundry is supported inside the outer tub 3 by a main shaft 5 extending in the front-rear direction. The drum 4 is rotatable around a horizontal axis.

[0024] The front surface of the housing 2 is formed with an operating section 2a for a user to operate, and a clothes insertion opening 6 that faces an opening 4a formed at the front end of the drum 4. The housing 2 is provided with a door 8 for opening and closing the clothes insertion opening 6, which is opened and closed by the door 8, and laundry can be put in and taken out of the drum 4 when the door 8 is open.

[0025] A plurality of baffles 4b are provided on the inner peripheral surface of drum 4 so as to protrude into drum 4. Baffles 4b are protrusions for lifting up laundry contained in drum 4. For example, during the washing process, when drum 4 is rotated by the driving force of motor 11 (described later), the laundry containing water inside drum 4 is lifted up by baffles 4b and falls naturally, which is called beating washing.

[0026] A large number of water holes 4c are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 4, and water supplied into the outer tub 3 during washing and rinsing flows into the drum 4 through the water holes 4c, and water discharged from the laundry in the drum 4 during centrifugal dehydration is splashed through the water holes 4c toward the outer tub 3. Note that the drum type washing machine 1 of this embodiment may have a laundry washing capacity (drum volume) of 17 kg or 27 kg, for example.

[0027] The main shaft 5 is rotatably supported by a bearing 5a attached to the rear wall of the outer tub 3, and a main pulley 10 is attached to the tip of the main shaft 5 that protrudes further rearward. A motor 11 is installed at the bottom of the housing 2, and a motor pulley 12 is attached to the rotating shaft of the motor 11. The rotational power of the motor pulley 12 is transmitted to the main pulley 10 via a timing belt 16. As a result, when the motor 11 is driven, the drum 4 rotates around the main shaft 5.

[0028] A water supply pipe 30 with a water supply valve 30a installed midway is connected to the upper part of the rear wall of the outer tub 3, and when the water supply valve 30a is opened, water supplied from the outside is supplied to the outer tub 3 via the water supply pipe 30. A drain pipe 31 with a drain valve 31a installed midway is connected to a drain outlet installed at the bottom of the outer tub 3, and when the drain valve 31a is opened, the water in the outer tub 3 is discharged outside the machine through the drain pipe 31.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a control block diagram of the drum type washing machine 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 50 of the drum type washing machine 1 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a CPU, a ROM in which a program for controlling the operation of the drum type washing machine 1 is stored, and a RAM in which data used when executing the program is temporarily stored. The operation of the drum type washing machine 1 is controlled by this control unit 50. The control unit 50 is connected to an operation unit 2a, a water supply valve 30a, a drain valve 31a, and a motor 11.

[0030] In the washing machine 1, a user can select between a standard washing course and a futon dedicated washing course by operating the operation unit 2a of the housing 2. In the washing machine 1, various operation courses can be selected by operating the operation unit 2a of the housing 2, but in the following explanation, only the standard washing course and the futon dedicated washing course will be explained.

[0031] The standard wash course is a standard course used when washing clothes, etc., and is carried out in the order of a washing step, a rinsing step, and a spin-drying step.

[0032] The futon-only washing course is a course used when washing futons such as down comforters, and the washing machine operates in the following order: pre-washing step, washing step, rinsing step, and spin-drying step.

[0033] A method for operating the drum type washing machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the method for operating the drum type washing machine 1.

[0034] <Step S1> In step S1, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the standard washing course or the bedding-only washing course has been selected, based on the operation performed on the operation unit 2a.

[0035] (Standard wash cycle) <Step S2: Washing process> If the control unit 50 determines in step S1 that the standard washing course has been selected, the washing step of the standard washing course is carried out in step S2.

[0036] A specific operation of the washing step of the standard washing course will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the washing step of the standard washing course.

[0037] <Step S201: Water Supply Operation> When a user opens the door 8 and places laundry such as clothes in the drum 4, the control unit 50 opens the water supply valve 30a to supply water to the outer tub 3 with the door 8 closed. At this time, the control unit 50 closes the drain valve 31a, and the supplied water is stored in the outer tub 3 and also passes through the water passage hole 4c and is stored in the drum 4. Then, when a predetermined amount of water has been supplied, the control unit 50 closes the water supply valve 30a.

[0038] <Step S202: Cleaning Operation> When the water supplying operation is completed, the control unit 50 drives the motor 11. When the motor 11 is driven, the driving force is transmitted to the drum 4 via the motor pulley 12, the timing belt 16, and the main pulley 10. In the washing operation, the control unit 50 rotates the drum 4 at, for example, 40 rpm, alternately rotating clockwise and counterclockwise, and performs a beating wash for a predetermined time (for example, 4 minutes) in which the laundry containing water in the drum 4 is lifted by the baffle 4b and allowed to fall naturally.

[0039] <Step S203: Drainage Operation> When the washing operation is completed, the control unit 50 opens the drain valve 31a to drain the wash water in the outer tub 3 through the drain pipe 31 to the outside of the machine.

[0040] <Step S204: Dehydration Operation> When the draining operation is completed, the control unit 50 drives the motor 11. When the motor 11 is driven, the drum 4 rotates at a high speed, for example, at 600 rpm, and the washing water contained in the laundry is dewatered. The washing water dewatered from the laundry is discharged into the outer tub 3 through the water passage hole 4c, and is drained outside the machine from the drain outlet 31.

[0041] <Step S3: Rinse process> When the washing step is completed, the control unit 50 closes the drain valve 31 and then opens the water supply valve 30a to supply a predetermined amount of rinsing water to the outer tub 3. Then, when the predetermined amount of water has been supplied, the control unit 50 closes the water supply valve 30a and drives the motor 11 to rotate the drum 4 to rinse the laundry in the drum 4 for a predetermined time. When the rinsing is completed, the control unit 50 opens the drain valve 31a to drain the rinsing water in the outer tub 3 to the outside of the machine via the drain pipe 31.

[0042] <Step S4: Dehydration process> When the rinsing step is completed, the control unit 50 drives the motor 11 to rotate the drum 4 at high speed and perform high speed spin-drying for a predetermined time. When the high speed spin-drying is completed, the control unit 50 stops the rotation of the drum 4 and ends the operation of the standard washing course. The water dehydrated in the high speed spin-drying is also drained outside the machine from the drain outlet 31 in the same manner as above.

[0043] (Futon-only cleaning course) <Step S5: Preliminary washing process (preliminary futon washing process)> If the control unit 50 determines in step S1 that the bedding-only washing course has been selected, a preliminary washing step is carried out in step S5.

[0044] The specific operation of the preliminary washing step will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation of the preliminary washing step in the dedicated bedding washing course.

[0045] <Step S501: Water Supply Operation> After the user opens the door 8 and places a duvet, such as a down comforter, into the drum 4, the control unit 50 performs a water supply operation with the door 8 closed, by opening the water supply valve 30a and supplying water to the outer tub 3. At this time, the control unit 50 closes the drain valve 31a, and the supplied water is stored in the outer tub 3 and also in the drum 4 through the water passage hole 4c. Then, when a predetermined amount of water has been supplied, the control unit 50 closes the water supply valve 30a.

[0046] When the futon is placed into the drum 4 and the water supply operation begins, the futon (especially the down comforter) has a large volume, so the space inside the drum 4 is filled with the futon with almost no gaps, as shown in Figure 7(a).

[0047] When the washing water is then poured onto the futon by the water supply operation, the water penetrates the outer periphery of the futon, but the washing water does not reach the center of the futon. At this time, the condition that there is almost no space inside the drum 4 remains unchanged.

[0048] <Step S502: Stirring Operation> When the water supply operation is completed, the control unit 50 drives the motor 11 to perform the stirring operation. In the stirring operation, when the control unit 50 drives the motor 11, the driving force is transmitted to the drum 4 via the motor pulley 12, the timing belt 16, and the main pulley 10. In the stirring operation, the control unit 50 rotates the drum 4 alternately clockwise and counterclockwise at, for example, 45 to 55 rpm (50 rpm in this embodiment), to perform the stirring operation for a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute).

[0049] During the agitation operation, immediately after the drum 4 starts rotating to the right, the futon inside the drum 4 rotates to the right as shown in Figure 7(b), and thereafter the futon continues to rotate to the right as it becomes loose. In Figures 7(a) and 7(b), wrinkles formed in the futon are marked with circles to make it easier to see the changes in the futon's condition. Figure 7(c) shows the state when the drum 4 switches from rotating to rotating to the left, and the futon inside the drum 4 has been rotating since the start of the agitation operation, and has changed significantly from its state at the start of the agitation operation.

[0050] Immediately after the drum 4 starts rotating left, as shown in Figure 8(a), the futon inside the drum 4 rotates left, and water seeps into the gaps in the futon. Figure 8(b) shows the state when the drum 4 switches from rotating left to rotating right, and immediately after the drum 4 starts rotating right, the futon inside the drum 4 rotates right, as shown in Figure 8(c).

[0051] In this way, during the agitation operation, the drum 4 alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, so that the futon stored in the drum 4 is loosened in the water as it rotates, causing the moisture to penetrate most of the futon, as shown in Figure 9(a). At that time, the moisture has not penetrated to the center of the futon inside the drum 4.

[0052] By rotating the drum 4 at 50 rpm for one minute as the agitation operation, the moisture can be quickly absorbed into most of the futon. The rotation speed of the drum 4 during the agitation operation is preferably 45 rpm or more, and preferably 55 rpm or less, and more preferably around 50 rpm.

[0053] For the agitation operation, it is not enough to simply rotate the drum 4: for example, even if it is rotated at a speed slower than 45 rpm, the futon does not rotate inside the drum 4, making it difficult to quickly penetrate the moisture into most of the futon. For this reason, a rotation speed of 45 to 55 rpm for the drum 4 during the agitation operation in the preliminary washing process is considered appropriate.

[0054] More specifically, during the agitation operation, even if the drum 4 is rotated at 40 rpm, the baffle 4b will only indent the surface of the inflated futon and will not rotate the futon. In contrast, when the drum 4 is rotated at 45 to 55 rpm, the baffle 4b can rotate the inflated futon.

[0055] In this way, during the stirring operation, the futon can be rotated when the drum 4 is rotated at 45 to 55 rpm, but the futon cannot be rotated when the drum 4 is rotated at a speed slower than 45 rpm; this is thought to be the same regardless of the drum volume.

[0056] <Step S503: Drainage Operation> When the stirring operation is completed, the control unit 50 opens the drain valve 31a to drain the water in the outer tub 3 through the drain pipe 31 to the outside of the machine.

[0057] <Step S504: Dehydration Operation> When the draining operation is completed, the control unit 50 drives the motor 11 to rotate the drum 4 at high speed, for example at 600 rpm for two minutes, to perform the dehydration operation. The water dehydrated from the futon is discharged into the outer tub 3 through the water passage 4c, and then drained outside the machine through the drain outlet 31.

[0058] For the dehydration operation, drum 4 is rotated at 600 rpm for 2 minutes, allowing moisture to penetrate the entire futon, thereby reducing the volume of the futon.

[0059] More specifically, in the dehydration operation, drum 4 is rotated at 600 rpm, and the water inside drum 4 is forced to the outer periphery by centrifugal force. At this time, as shown in Figure 9(b), centrifugal force also acts on futon A inside drum 4, and futon A rotates while being pressed against the outer periphery, forming a gap near the center of rotation inside drum 4. At this time, moisture escapes from the inside to the outside of the futon, which has been sufficiently permeated with moisture, and by allowing the moisture to fully permeate the futon and squeezing it, the cotton in the futon can be compressed and the volume of the futon can be reduced.

[0060] Thereafter, when the spin-drying operation is completed, the volume of the futon, which was initially present inside drum 4 with no gaps, becomes smaller, and as shown in Figure 9(c), the dehydrated futon sticks to the inner circumferential surface of drum 4. In this way, when the spin-drying operation of the preliminary washing process is completed, the volume of the futon inside drum 4 becomes smaller, and large gaps are formed inside drum 4 that contains the futon.

[0061] The rotation speed of drum 4 in the dehydration operation is preferably 500 to 600 rpm. Even if drum 4 is rotated at a rotation speed lower than 500 rpm in the dehydration operation, it is difficult to reduce the volume of the futon because the futon is not pressed against the outer periphery while rotating inside drum 4. Furthermore, even if drum 4 is rotated for one minute in the dehydration operation, the volume of the futon inside drum 4 is not reduced sufficiently.

[0062] <Step S6: Washing process> After the control unit 50 has completed the preliminary washing step of the futon-only washing course in step S5, the washing step of the futon-only washing course is carried out in step S6.

[0063] The specific operation of the washing step of the futon-only washing course will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation of the washing step of the futon-only washing course.

[0064] <Step S601: First Water Supply Operation> In the first water supply operation, the control unit 50 opens the water supply valve 30a to perform a water supply operation to supply water to the outer tub 3. At this time, the control unit 50 closes the drain valve 31a, and the supplied water is stored in the outer tub 3 and also stored in the drum 4 through the water passage hole 4c. Then, when water is supplied up to the preset first water level, the control unit 50 closes the water supply valve 30a. Note that, as described above, during the first water supply operation of the washing process, the volume of the futon in the drum 4 has become smaller due to the preliminary washing process, and a large gap has been formed in the drum 4 containing the futon.

[0065] In this embodiment, the water level supplied to the outer tub 3 in the washing step of the futon-only washing course is set as follows. As shown in FIG. 11, when the drum-type washing machine 1 is viewed from the front (as seen from the front), the water level is set in 10 stages, with the bottom end of the drum 4 in a stationary state being 0 degrees and the center of the drum 4 being 10 degrees. In this embodiment, the first water level of the first washing operation is set in advance to a water level of 2 to 3 degrees (low water level). That is, in the first water supplying operation, the water level of the supplied water gradually rises from the bottom end of the drum 4, and water supply is stopped when it reaches a water level of 2 to 3 degrees.

[0066] <Step S602: First Cleaning Operation> When the first water supplying operation is completed, the control unit 50 drives the motor 11 to move to the first washing operation. When the motor 11 is driven, the driving force is transmitted to the drum 4 via the motor pulley 12, the timing belt 16, and the main pulley 10. In the first washing operation, the control unit 50 rotates the drum 4 alternately clockwise and counterclockwise at, for example, 35 to 45 rpm (40 rpm in this embodiment), and performs beating washing for a predetermined time (for example, 4 minutes) in which the compressed and water-containing futon in the drum 4 is lifted by the baffle 4b and allowed to fall naturally. In this way, in the first washing operation (low water level agitation), as shown in FIG. 12(a), the water level is small enough that the futon does not expand, so the futon can be dropped in a small volume and beating / pressing washing can be performed. Beating / pressing washing is a washing method that pushes out dirt from inside the futon.

[0067] Specifically, when the first washing operation starts, the futon inside the drum 4 is compressed as shown in Fig. 13(a), and therefore as the drum 4 alternately rotates clockwise and counterclockwise, the futon inside the drum 4 is lifted by the baffle 4b and then dropped, as shown in Fig. 13(b) and Fig. 13(c), and is washed by being slammed down. At that time, in addition to the washing effect of beating, washing effects of scrubbing and kneading due to rotation are also obtained, improving the washing power.

[0068] In the first washing operation, as shown in Fig. 14(a), the futon expands and its volume increases slightly, but the volume of the futon is reduced by the preliminary washing process, so the amount of expansion of the futon can be suppressed. Fig. 14(b) shows the state at the end of the washing operation, and it can be seen that the amount of expansion of the futon is suppressed until the washing operation is completed. The rotation speed of the drum 4 in the first washing operation is preferably 35 rpm or more, and preferably 45 rpm or less, and more preferably around 40 rpm.

[0069] In the second washing operation, the drum 4 is rotated at 50 rpm for 4 minutes, so that the futon can be rotated and loosened while being washed. The rotation speed of the drum 4 in the second washing operation is preferably 45 rpm or more, and preferably 55 rpm or less, and more preferably around 50 rpm.

[0070] In the second washing operation, the futon may expand and its volume may increase slightly, but by rotating drum 4 at 45 to 55 rpm, the futon can be rotated and loosened while being washed.

[0071] As mentioned above, the volume of the futon may increase slightly during the washing operation, but when the washing operation of the washing process is performed after the preliminary washing process, the increase in the futon volume is smaller than when the washing operation of the washing process is performed without the preliminary washing process. Therefore, by performing the preliminary washing process, the increase in the futon volume during the washing operation of the washing process is suppressed, making it easier to loosen the futon.

[0072] <Step S603: Second Water Supply Operation> Then, when the first washing operation is completed, the control unit 50 opens the water supply valve 30a to perform a second water supply operation to supply water to the outer tub 3. At this time, the control unit 50 closes the drain valve 31a, and the supplied water is stored in the outer tub 3 and also stored in the drum 4 through the water passage hole 4c. Then, when water is supplied up to the preset second water level, the control unit 50 closes the water supply valve 30a. Note that after the first washing operation is completed, the control unit 50 does not drain the water in the outer tub 3, but opens the water supply valve 30a to perform a second water supply operation to supply water to the outer tub 3.

[0073] In this embodiment, the second water level of the second washing operation is preset to a water level of 4 to 5 degrees (medium water level). That is, in the second water supplying operation, the water level of the supplied water gradually rises from a water level of 2 to 3 degrees in the drum 4, and when it reaches a water level of 4 to 5 degrees, the water supply is stopped.

[0074] <Step S604: Second Cleaning Operation> When the second water supplying operation is completed, the control unit 50 drives the motor 11 to move to the second washing operation. When the motor 11 is driven, the driving force is transmitted to the drum 4 via the motor pulley 12, the timing belt 16, and the main pulley 10. In the second washing operation, the control unit 50 rotates the drum 4 alternately clockwise and counterclockwise at, for example, 45 to 55 rpm (50 rpm in this embodiment), and performs kneading / scrubbing for a predetermined time (for example, 4 minutes) while rolling the swelled and water-filled futon in the drum 4. In this way, in the second washing operation (medium water level stirring), as shown in FIG. 12(b), the amount of water increases and the water level is such that the futon swells, so that the swelled futon can be kneaded / scrubbed while rolling. Kneading / scrubbing is a washing method in which dirt on the surface of the futon is washed off by rubbing the futon against itself.

[0075] <Step S605: Drainage Operation> When the second cleaning operation is completed, the control unit 50 opens the drain valve 31a to drain the cleaning water in the outer tub 3 through the drain pipe 31 to the outside of the machine.

[0076] <Step S606: Dehydration Operation> After draining, the control unit 50 drives the motor 11. When the motor 11 is driven, the drum 4 is rotated at high speed, and the washing water contained in the laundry is dewatered. The washing water dewatered from the laundry by the dewatering is discharged into the outer tub 3 through the water passage hole 4c, and is drained outside the machine from the drain outlet 31.

[0077] <Step S7: Rinse process> When the washing step is completed, the control unit 50 closes the drain valve 31 and opens the water supply valve 30a to supply a predetermined amount of rinsing water to the outer tub 3. Then, when the predetermined amount of water has been supplied, the water supply valve 30a is closed and the drum 4 is rotated by the motor 11 to rinse the laundry in the drum 4 for a predetermined time.

[0078] When the rinsing is completed, the control unit 50 opens the drain valve 31a to drain the rinsing water in the outer tub 3 through the drain pipe 31 to the outside of the machine.

[0079] <Step S8: Dehydration process> When the rinsing step is completed, the control unit 50 drives the motor 11 to rotate the drum 4 at high speed and perform high speed spin-drying for a predetermined time. When the high speed spin-drying is completed, the control unit 50 stops the rotation of the drum 4 and ends the operation of the standard washing course. The water dehydrated in the high speed spin-drying is also drained outside the machine from the drain outlet 31 in the same manner as above.

[0080] The drum type washing machine 1 of this embodiment is a drum type washing machine capable of performing a futon washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process, and includes an outer tub 3 arranged in a housing 2, a drum 4 arranged in the outer tub 3 and rotatable about a horizontal axis, a drive motor 11 for rotating the drum 4, a water supply pipe 30, a water supply valve 30a, a drain pipe 31, and a drain valve 31a which are water supply and drainage means for supplying water into the outer tub 3 and draining water from the outer tub 3, and a device for controlling the drive motor 11, the water supply valve 30a, and the drain valve 31a so as to perform a futon washing preliminary process before starting the washing process. The washing machine is provided with a control unit 50 which is a control means for controlling the washing of the futon. In the futon preparatory process, a futon water supplying operation is carried out in which water is supplied into the outer tub 3 to wet the futon, and a futon dehydrating operation is carried out in which the drum 4 is rotated after the futon water supplying operation to reduce the volume by suppressing the swelling of the futon. In the washing process carried out after the completion of the futon preparatory process, a first washing operation is carried out in which the drum 4 is rotated with a first water level supplied into the outer tub 3, and a second washing operation is carried out in which the drum 4 is rotated with a second water level, which is higher than the first water level, supplied into the outer tub 3 after the first washing operation.

[0081] This allows the futon, whose volume has been reduced in the preliminary futon washing process, to be dropped into the drum and beaten in the first washing operation, which uses a small amount of water so that the futon does not expand.Then, in the second washing operation, which uses an increased amount of water, the futon expands and is rolled around while being kneaded and scrubbed.This allows the futon to be thoroughly washed without unevenness.

[0082] In the drum type washing machine 1 of this embodiment, when viewed from the front, if the bottom end of the drum 4 is set to 0 degrees and the center of the drum 4 is set to 10 degrees, the first water level is a water volume of 2 to 3 degrees, and the second water level is a water volume of 4 to 5 degrees.

[0083] This makes it possible to set an appropriate water level for beating the futon in the first washing action, and also to set an appropriate water level for kneading / scrubbing the futon in the second washing action.

[0084] In the drum type washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the drum 4 is rotated at 35 to 45 rpm in the first washing operation, and the drum 4 is rotated at 45 to 55 rpm in the second washing operation.

[0085] This makes it possible to set an appropriate drum rotation speed for beating the futon in the first washing operation, and also to set an appropriate drum rotation speed for kneading / scrubbing the futon in the second washing operation.

[0086] In the drum type washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the futon is a feather futon.

[0087] This allows the comforter to be thoroughly washed without unevenness, even in the case of down comforters, which are particularly fluffy among comforters.

[0088] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0089] For example, in the above embodiment, the first water level, the second water level, and the rotation speed of the drum 4 are described as examples for the first and second washing operations in the washing step of the bedding-only washing course, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the water supply operation, the stirring operation, the drainage operation, and the spin-drying operation are performed in the pre-washing process, but the pre-washing process of the present invention may be one in which at least the water supply operation and the spin-drying operation are performed.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the rotation speed and operation time of the drum 4 when the stirring operation and the spin-drying operation in the preliminary washing process are performed are exemplified, but are not limited thereto. In the above embodiment, the drum 4 of the drum type washing machine 1 is rotatable about a horizontal axis, but the drum 4 may be rotatable about an inclined axis inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0092] The clothes washing capacity of the drum type washing machine to which the present invention is applied is arbitrary. That is, the present invention is applicable to a drum type washing machine having a drum volume capable of accommodating a futon (for example, a drum volume of 12 kg or more). In addition, the present invention is not limited to a drum type washing machine 1 capable of performing a washing step, a rinsing step, and a spin-drying step, but is also applicable to a drum type washing and drying machine capable of performing a drying step in addition to the washing step, the rinsing step, and the spin-drying step. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1. Drum type washing machine 2. Chassis 3 Outer tank 4 Drums 11 Motor 30 Water supply pipe (supply and drainage means) 30a Water supply valve (water supply and drainage means) 31 Drain pipe (water supply and drainage means) 31a Drain valve (water supply and drainage means) 50 Control section (control means)

Claims

1. A drum-type washing machine capable of performing a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process for a futon, An outer tank disposed within the housing; A device is disposed in the outer tank and is rotatable about a horizontal axis or an inclined axis inclined relative to the horizontal direction. Drums and A drive motor for rotating the drum; A water supply and drainage means for supplying water into the outer tank and draining water from the outer tank; a control means for controlling the drive motor and the water supply and drainage means so as to perform a futon washing preliminary process before starting the washing process; In the preliminary process of washing the futon, a futon water supplying operation for supplying water into the outer tub to wet the futon; After the futon water supply operation, a futon dehydration operation is performed to reduce the volume of the futon by rotating the drum to suppress the futon from expanding, In the washing process carried out after the completion of the futon washing preliminary process, a first washing operation in which the drum is rotated in a state where a first level of water is supplied into the outer tub; a second washing operation is performed after the first washing operation, in which the drum is rotated while a second water level, which is higher than the first water level, is supplied into the outer tub.

2. When viewed from the front, the bottom end of the drum is set to 0 degrees and the center of the drum is set to 10 degrees.

2. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the first water level is a water volume of 2 to 3 degrees, and the second water level is a water volume of 4 to 5 degrees.

3. 3. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the drum is rotated at 35 to 45 rpm in the first cleaning operation, and the drum is rotated at 45 to 55 rpm in the second cleaning operation.

4. 3. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the futon is a feather futon.

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