Washing machine

Abstract

To improve usability regarding tub washing.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a washing tub for receiving laundry; a notification part for notifying of various types of information; and a control part for controlling operation for performing predetermined treatment on the laundry received in the washing tub, and for performing tub washing notification, by the notification part, which is notification of urging execution of tub washing operation for washing the washing tub in the case where an operation count which is an accumulated value of the number of times of the operation being executed has reached a preset number. In the case where the tub washing notification has been performed a predetermined number of times, then, the control part stops the tub washing notification when the operation is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a washing machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a washing machine having a function of cleaning the inside of a washing tub has been known. A conventionally configured washing machine is configured to notify, by a notification means, when the number of operations counted by a counting means that counts the number of operations, the number of water supply times, etc. reaches a predetermined number, and has a tub cleaning course that can be selected by the notification of the notification means. In the conventional configuration, when the number of operations reaches a predetermined number, the contamination situation due to foreign matters such as biofilms and black mold generated on the outer surface of the washing tub and the inner surface of the outer tub is predicted, and by notifying with the notification means, it is possible to recognize the necessity of removing foreign matters in the washing tub before the contamination of clothes by foreign matters occurs, and by selecting the tub cleaning course, it is possible to remove foreign matters in the washing tub and prevent the contamination of clothes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the conventional configuration, the number of operations, the number of water supply times, etc. are counted every time the washing machine operates, but there are some operations that have little influence on the dirt of the washing tub. For this reason, even if a notification prompting the cleaning of the washing tub is performed when the simply counted number of operations, the number of water supply times, etc. reaches a predetermined number, it cannot be said that the degree of dirt of the washing tub is taken into consideration, and it is not possible to accurately inform the user that tub cleaning is necessary. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of improving the usability regarding tub cleaning.

[0005] Therefore, an object is to provide a technology capable of improving the usability related to tub cleaning.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The washing machine according to the present embodiment includes a washing tub that houses clothes, a notification unit that notifies various information, and controls an operation for performing a predetermined process on the clothes housed in the washing tub, and when the number of operation times, which is the cumulative value of the number of times the operation has been executed, reaches a set number of times, a control unit that causes the notification unit to perform a tub cleaning notification that prompts the execution of a tub cleaning operation for cleaning the washing tub. The control unit stops the tub cleaning notification when the tub cleaning notification is performed a predetermined number of times and then the operation is performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, the washing machine according to a plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, substantially the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0009] (First Embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called vertical-axis washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotary tub 12 is oriented in the vertical direction. Note that the left side of FIG. 1 is defined as the front side of the washing machine 1, and the right side of FIG. 1 is defined as the rear side of the washing machine 1. Also, the installation surface side of the washing machine 1, that is, the vertically downward side, is defined as the lower side of the washing machine 1, and the side opposite to the installation surface, that is, the vertically upward side, is defined as the upper side of the washing machine 1. Then, the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the vertical direction of the washing machine 1 is defined as the left-right direction. The washing machine 1 is not limited to a vertical-axis washing machine, and may be a so-called drum-type washing machine of a horizontal-axis type in which the rotation axis of the rotary tub is horizontal or an inclined-axis type in which the rotation axis slopes downward toward the rear.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a washing machine main body 10, a water tub 11, a rotary tub 12, a motor 13, a stirring blade 14, a drainage mechanism 15, an operation display device 16, a water supply mechanism 20, and a drying unit 30. The washing machine main body 10 constitutes the outer shell of the washing machine 1. The washing machine main body 10 has a box body 101, a top cover 102, a back cover 103, and a lid 104. The box body 101 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape by, for example, a steel plate or the like, and is open at the upper side. The top cover 102 is provided on the upper part of the box body 101. As shown in FIG. 1, the top cover 102 has an upper opening 102a inside thereof. The upper opening 102a communicates the inside and the outside of the washing machine 1.

[0011] The back cover 103 is provided at the rear end part and a part of the upper part of the top cover 102. The back cover 103 is configured as a rectangular box shape that is long in the left - right direction of the washing machine 1 as a whole. Inside the back cover 103, for example, a part of the water supply mechanism 20 is accommodated. The lid 104 is provided on the upper part of the top cover 102 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction about the rear side as an axis, and opens and closes the upper opening 102a of the top cover 102. The lid 104 is composed of, for example, one lid body formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape as a whole.

[0012] Both the water tank 11 and the rotary tub 12 are formed in a so - called bottomed cylindrical shape where one side in the axial direction, that is, the upper side, is open and the other side, that is, the lower side, has a bottom. The water tank 11 and the rotary tub 12 function as a washing tub for accommodating clothes. The water tank 11 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, is disposed inside the box body 101, and is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). The rotary tub 12 is made of, for example, a stainless - steel plate and is rotatably provided inside the water tank 11. The rotary tub 12 can accommodate clothes and is rotationally driven by a motor 13. The user can put clothes in and out of the rotary tub 12 through the upper opening 102a with the lid 104 open.

[0013] The motor 13 is provided outside the bottom of the water tank 11 and rotates the rotary tub 12. The motor 13 is composed of, for example, an outer - rotor type three - phase brushless DC motor. The stirring blade 14 is rotatably provided around a vertical axis at the inner bottom of the rotary tub 12. The stirring blade 14 is connected to the motor 13 and is rotationally driven by the motor 13. Also, although not shown, on the back side of the stirring blade 14, there is a well - known blade member for scooping up water, and it has a function of circulating the water in the water tank 11 through a circulation water path (not shown) provided between the rotary tub 12 and the water tank 11.

[0014] The drainage mechanism 15 has the function of discharging the water stored in the water tank 11 to the outside of the washing machine 1. The drainage mechanism 15 has a drain valve 151 and a drain pipe 152. The drain valve 151 is a liquid on-off valve that can be opened and closed electromagnetically. The drain pipe 152 is composed of, for example, a flexible hose. One end of the drain pipe 152 is connected to the drain valve 151, and the other end is drawn out to the outside of the washing machine 1. When the drain valve 151 is opened, the water stored in the water tank 11 is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1 through the drain pipe 152.

[0015] The operation display device 16 is provided, for example, at the front part of the top surface of the top cover 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation display device 16 can include an input unit 161, a display unit 162, and a sound output unit 163. The input unit 161 is composed of, for example, a touch panel or a mechanical switch, and accepts input operations for the user to perform settings related to the operation and the course for each operation. The display unit 162 has the function of presenting information to the user. In this case, the display unit 162 displays various information such as the operation content input to the input unit 161 and the operation status. The display unit 162 can be composed of, for example, a touch panel display arranged to overlap with the input unit 161. The sound output unit 163 is composed of, for example, a buzzer or a speaker, and has the function of presenting various information to the user by sound. The display unit 162 and the sound output unit 163 function as a notification unit for notifying the user of various information.

[0016] The user can perform settings related to the operation by input operations on the operation display device 16. The operation means that a plurality of different steps are executed in sequence. Examples of the types of operations include well-known operations such as a washing operation, a drying operation, a wash-dry operation, and a tub cleaning operation. The washing operation is an operation that only performs washing. For example, a washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydration step are performed in sequence. The drying operation is an operation that only performs drying. For example, a drying step is performed. The wash-dry operation is an operation that performs washing and drying. For example, a washing step, a rinsing step, a dehydration step, and a drying step are performed in sequence.

[0017] The tank cleaning operation is an operation for cleaning the water tank 11 and the rotary tank 12 using the water supplied into the water tank 11. In the tank cleaning operation, for example, a water supply step, a cleaning step, and a drainage step are performed in sequence. The time, number of times, etc. of each step executed in each operation are configured to be changeable according to the user's requirements, etc.

[0018] In the washing operation, one of a plurality of operation courses is executed. The plurality of operation courses include, for example, a trial operation course in addition to well-known courses such as a standard course, a speed course, a soak course, and a tank cleaning course. In the tank cleaning course, the tank cleaning operation is executed. The trial operation course is a dedicated course executed, for example, when performing a trial operation to confirm whether there is any problem with the installation of the washing machine 1 after installing the washing machine 1. The trial operation course includes, for example, a washing step and a dehydration step. The trial operation course is executed in a state where no washing treatment agent is used and no clothes are put into the rotary tank 12. The user performs an input operation on the input unit 161 before starting the operation to select the operation course to be executed in the washing operation.

[0019] The water supply mechanism 20 is connected to an external water source such as a water supply, for example, and has a function of injecting the water supplied from the external water source into the water tank 11 and the rotary tank 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the water supply mechanism 20 is provided at the upper rear side in the washing machine main body 10. The water supply mechanism 20 has a water supply valve unit 21, a water injection case 22, and a treatment agent case 23. The water supply mechanism 20 can be configured to have an automatic dosing device (not shown). The automatic dosing device stores the washing treatment agent required for a plurality of washing operations and has a function of automatically injecting a predetermined amount of the washing treatment agent into the water tank 11 as the washing operation progresses. In this case, the water supply valve unit 21 has a plurality of water supply valves that can be opened and closed electromagnetically. The water supply valve unit 21 has a function of individually opening and closing a plurality of water supply paths leading from the external water source into the water tank 11 via the water injection case 22. The plurality of water supply paths include a manual water supply path passing through the treatment agent case 23 and an automatic water supply path passing through the automatic dosing device. That is, the water supply valve unit 21 includes a manual water supply valve for opening and closing the manual water supply path and an automatic water supply valve for opening and closing the automatic water supply path.

[0020] The water injection case 22 is formed, for example, of synthetic resin and has a rectangular box shape with an open front side. The upstream side of the water injection case 22 is connected to the water supply valve unit 21, and the downstream side is connected to the water tank 11 via a water injection hose (not shown). The water injection hose is composed of, for example, a flexible hose and is the part connecting the water injection case 22 and the water tank 11. The water supplied into the water injection case 22 from an external water source is supplied into the water tank 11 through the water injection hose. The treatment agent case 23 is used when the user manually inputs the laundry treatment agent and receives, for example, the input of the laundry treatment agent required for one laundry operation. The laundry treatment agent includes, for example, detergents such as powder detergents and liquid detergents, and finishing agents such as softeners and fabric softeners. Although not shown in detail, inside the treatment agent case 23, for example, a detergent storage case for receiving the input of the detergent and a softener storage case for receiving the input of the finishing agent are arranged side by side left and right. When the manual water supply valve is opened and water from an external water source is supplied in a state where the laundry treatment agent is input into the treatment agent case 23, the laundry treatment agent input into the treatment agent case 23 is mixed with the water supplied from the external water source and supplied into the water tank 11.

[0021] The drying unit 30 is housed inside the back cover 103. The drying unit 30 is for heating the air flowing through the air passage 301 to generate warm air and supplying the warm air into the rotary tub 12 to dry the clothes inside the rotary tub 12. The air passage 301 is provided outside the water tank 11 and the rotary tub 12 and is configured to be able to circulate at least a part of the air flowing out from the water tank 11 and the rotary tub 12. The air passage 301 is connected to an exhaust port and an air supply port (not shown) that communicate the inside and the outside of the water tank 11.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the drying unit 30 includes a heater 31 and a blower 32. The heater 31 is constituted by, for example, a PTC heater which is an example of an electric heater, and has a function of heating the air flowing through the air duct 301 to make warm air. The blower 32 is constituted by, for example, a sirocco fan, a turbo fan, or the like. The blower 32 is located upstream of the heater 31 in the air duct 301 and supplies the air flowing through the air duct 301 to the heater 31 side.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine 1 includes a water level sensor 41, a current sensor 42, a conductivity sensor 43, a control unit 50, and a storage unit 61. The water level sensor 41 can detect the water level in the water tank 11. The current sensor 42 can detect the current flowing through the motor 13. The conductivity sensor 43 can detect the conductivity of the water in the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12. The conductivity sensor 43 functions as a conductivity detection unit.

[0024] The control unit 50 is mainly constituted by, for example, a microcomputer (not shown) having a storage area such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a rewritable flash memory. The control unit 50 controls the operation for performing a predetermined process on the clothes accommodated in the rotating tank 12 and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1. The storage area of the control unit 50 stores a control program for controlling the washing machine 1 to execute the operation. Each process of the control unit 50 is realized by the CPU executing the control program. An operation signal from the input unit 161 is input to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 controls the notifications from the display unit 162 and the sound output unit 163.

[0025] The control unit 50 receives detection signals from the water level sensor 41, the current sensor 42, and the conductivity sensor 43. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the motor 13, the water supply valve unit 21, the drain valve 151, the heater 31, and the blower 32. The control unit 50 receives an operation signal from the input unit 161, detection signals from various sensors 41, 42, 43, etc., and controls the operations of the motor 13, the water supply valve unit 21, the drain valve 151, the heater 31, and the blower 32 based on a control program to execute the operation. The storage unit 61 is electrically connected to the control unit 50 and is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM, for example. The storage unit 61 stores various information related to the operation. Note that the storage unit 61 can be configured by a predetermined area set in the storage area of the control unit 50, for example.

[0026] When the number of operations of the washing machine 1 reaches the set number Nd, the control unit 50 performs a tub cleaning notification, which is a notification prompting the execution of the tub cleaning operation, by either one or both of the display unit 162 and the sound output unit 163. The number of operations is the cumulative value of the number of times the operation has been executed, and is the cumulative value from the start to the end of a series of steps and operations included in each operation. The value of the number of operations that increases when one operation is executed can be set to, for example, "1". The set number Nd is set to, for example, 45 times, but is not limited to this. Also, the set number Nd may have a configuration with a plurality of numbers such as 30 times, 45 times, and 60 times, for example. The set number Nd can be appropriately changed by the user operating the input unit 161.

[0027] In the tub cleaning notification, the control unit 50 notifies the user, for example, by displaying an explanatory text prompting the execution of the tub cleaning operation on the display unit 162, and generates a buzzer sound by the sound output unit 163. The user can recognize that it is the time to perform the tub cleaning, that is, that the tub cleaning is necessary, by the tub cleaning notification. Note that the tub cleaning notification may be performed by either one of the display using the display unit 162 or the sound output using the sound output unit 163. The control unit 50 performs the tub cleaning notification, for example, after the operation is completed. The number of operations of the washing machine 1 is stored in the storage unit 61. In other words, the storage unit 61 stores the number of operations of the washing machine 1.

[0028] The control unit 50 can execute the tank cleaning notification in each operation continuously performed from the time when the number of operations reaches the set number Nd. Specifically, for example, when the set number Nd is set to 45 times, when the number of operations reaches 45 times, the control unit 50 performs the tank cleaning notification. After that, when the operation is performed without executing the tank cleaning operation, the control unit 50 also executes the tank cleaning notification in that operation. The number of times the tank cleaning notification has been executed, that is, the cumulative value of the tank cleaning notification, is stored in the storage unit 61. In other words, the storage unit 61 stores the cumulative value of the tank cleaning notification. Hereinafter, the cumulative value of the tank cleaning notification may be referred to as the number of notifications.

[0029] When the tank cleaning operation is executed, the control unit 50 initializes the number of operations and the number of notifications stored in the storage unit 61. Initializing the number of operations means setting the number of operations to a preset operation number initial value, for example, "0". Note that the operation number initial value is not limited to "0" and may be any value set by the user. On the other hand, initializing the number of notifications means setting the number of notifications to a preset notification number initial value, for example, "0". Note that the notification number initial value is not limited to "0" and may be any value set by the user. In this way, when the tank cleaning operation is executed, the number of operations of the washing machine 1 becomes less than the set number Nd, so the tank cleaning notification is stopped until the number of operations reaches the set number Nd in subsequent operations.

[0030] Here, the tank cleaning operation is an operation for removing dirt and mold in, for example, the water tank 11 and the rotary tank 12. By the way, the drying operation performed by the washing machine 1 is an operation that does not affect the growth of mold in the water tank 11 and the rotary tank 12 because the inside of the water tank 11 and the rotary tank 12 is dried without using a washing treatment agent. In addition, as described above, the test operation course performed by the washing machine 1 is an operation course in which the washing treatment agent is not used and no clothes are put into the rotary tank 12, so that the adhesion of sebum dirt of clothes, which is a cause of mold generation, to the inside of the water tank 11 and the rotary tank 12 is suppressed. Therefore, depending on the type of operation and operation course performed by the washing machine 1, the necessity of the tank cleaning operation may not be affected. In such a case, if the operation count is added simply considering that the operation has been performed, the tank cleaning notification will be made at an inaccurate time.

[0031] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 50 executes processing related to adding the operation count based on the operation content of the operation to be executed. The processing related to adding the operation count includes processing for determining whether to add the operation count. The operation content includes content related to the operation process, content related to whether clothes are put into the rotary tank 12, and content related to the use or non-use of the washing treatment agent. In the present embodiment, for example, when the operation process of the operation to be executed is only the drying process, that is, when the operation to be executed is the drying operation, the control unit 50 does not add the operation count.

[0032] In addition, when no clothes are put into the rotary tank 12 in the operation to be executed by the control unit 50, the control unit 50 does not add the operation count. Specifically, for example, when the control unit 50 executes the test operation course among the operation courses, it determines that no clothes are put into the rotary tank 12. Not limited to this, the control unit 50 may determine whether or not clothes are put into the rotary tank 12 by weight detection. The weight detection may be configured such that, for example, the rotary tank 12 is rotated at a low speed and the current sensor 42 measures the q-axis current of the motor 13 at that time to detect the weight of the clothes, or the weight of the clothes in the rotary tank 12 may be directly physically measured by a weighing scale or the like.

[0033] Here, for example, in an operation course involving water supply such as a test operation course, there is a possibility that various bacteria and the like contained in the water may adhere to the water tank 11 and the rotary tank 12. Therefore, when water supply is executed in the operation to be performed and no clothes are put into the rotary tank 12, the control unit 50 may be configured to add a value less than a predetermined value (in this case, "1"), for example, "0.5", to the number of operations. As a result, when no clothes are put into the rotary tank 12, it is possible to suppress the premature implementation of the tank cleaning operation while accurately notifying the user of the time when the tank cleaning operation is necessary.

[0034] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, an example of the control content executed by the control unit 50 will be described. First, when the power of the washing machine 1 is turned on (start), the control unit 50 determines, in step S11, whether or not a start key (not shown) that forms part of the input unit 161 has been input after the operation course to be executed is selected by the user operating the input unit 161, that is, whether or not the operation has started. If the operation has started (YES in step S11), the control unit 50 performs a predetermined process in step S12 to complete a series of steps, and determines whether or not the operation has ended.

[0035] If the operation has ended (YES in step S12), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S13 and determines whether or not the steps included in the executed operation are only the drying step. If the executed operation is only the drying step (YES in step S13), the control unit 50 determines, in step S14, whether or not the number of operations has reached the set number Nd.

[0036] If the number of operations has not reached the set number Nd (NO in step S14), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S16 and turns off the power of the washing machine 1 and ends a series of controls (end) when a predetermined time, for example, 15 seconds, has elapsed since the operation ended. On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached the set number Nd (YES in step S14), the control unit 50 performs a tank cleaning notification in step S15. Next, the control unit 50 proceeds with the processing after step S16.

[0037] On the other hand, when the executed operation is not only the drying process (NO in step S13), the control unit 50 shifts the process to step S17 and determines whether the executed operation course is a trial operation course. When it is a trial operation course (YES in step S17), the control unit 50 shifts the process to step S14 and executes the subsequent process. On the other hand, when it is not a trial operation course (NO in step S17), the control unit 50 adds, for example, "1" to the number of operations in step S18 and stores the added number of operations in the storage unit 61. Then, the control unit 50 proceeds with the processes after step S14.

[0038] According to the embodiment described above, the washing machine 1 includes a water tub 11 and a rotary tub 12 that accommodate clothes, a display unit 162 and a sound output unit 163 that notify various information, and a control unit 50. The control unit 50 controls an operation for performing a predetermined process on the clothes accommodated in the rotary tub 12, and when the number of operations, which is the cumulative value of the number of times the operation has been executed, reaches the set number of times, a tub cleaning notification, which is a notification prompting the execution of a tub cleaning operation for cleaning the water tub 11 and the rotary tub 12, is performed by either one or both of the display unit 162 and the sound output unit 163. Then, the control unit 50 executes a process related to the addition of the number of operations based on the operation content of the operation to be executed.

[0039] According to this, by executing the process related to the addition of the number of operations used to prompt the tub cleaning operation based on the operation content of the operation to be executed, it is possible to accurately notify the user of the timing when the tub cleaning operation is necessary. Thereby, the usability regarding tub cleaning can be improved.

[0040] The operation content includes content related to the operation process. When the operation process of the operation to be executed is only the drying process, the control unit 50 does not add the number of operations. According to this, when the operation process is only the drying process, the inside of the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12 is dried, so the generation of mold in the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12 is suppressed. Therefore, when only the drying process is executed, it is not appropriate to advance the execution timing of the tank cleaning operation, so the number of operations is not added. Thereby, the user can be informed more accurately of the timing when tank cleaning is required.

[0041] The operation content includes content related to whether clothes are put into the rotating tank 12 or not. When no clothes are put into the rotating tank 12 in the operation to be executed, the control unit 50 does not add the number of operations or adds the number of operations less than a predetermined amount. Here, sebum stains and the like attached to the clothes can be a factor in the generation of mold. Therefore, in the case of an operation where no clothes are put into the rotating tank 12, since the influence on the dirt and the like of the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12 is small, the number of operations is not added. Thereby, the user can be informed more accurately of the timing when tank cleaning is required.

[0042] After the operation is completed, the control unit 50 performs the tank cleaning notification by either one or both of the display unit 162 or the sound emitting unit 163. According to this, after the operation is completed, by performing the tank cleaning notification, it becomes easier for the user to grasp that it is necessary to perform the tank cleaning operation.

[0043] Note that the control unit 50 may perform tub cleaning notification before the start of operation. In this case, instead of the content of FIG. 3, the control unit 50 can execute the control content of FIG. 4. In the example of FIG. 4, steps A11 to A12 are added to the control content of FIG. 3. That is, when the power of the washing machine 1 is turned on (start in FIG. 4), the control unit 50 determines whether the number of operations has reached the set number Nd. If the number of operations has not reached the set number Nd (NO in step A11), the control unit 50 transfers the process to step S11 and executes the subsequent processes. On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached the set number Nd (YES in step A11), the control unit 50 performs tub cleaning notification in step A12. Next, the control unit 50 proceeds with the processes after step S11.

[0044] According to this, by performing tub cleaning notification before the start of operation, it becomes easier for the user to grasp that it is necessary to perform the tub cleaning operation.

[0045] (Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. In this second embodiment, the control content executed by the control unit 50 is different from that in the first embodiment. Note that the configuration other than the control content executed by the control unit 50 in the second embodiment is common to the first embodiment. Specifically, in the second embodiment, regarding the addition of the number of operations of the operation to be executed, when the control unit 50 does not use a washing treatment agent in the operation to be executed, the number of operations is not added. In this case, the control unit 50 can determine whether to use a washing treatment agent in the operation to be executed based on the type of operation to be executed and the operation course. And the control unit 50 determines that no washing treatment agent is used, for example, when a drying operation is executed or when a trial operation course among the operation courses is executed.

[0046] In addition, in an operation course involving water supply, such as a test operation course, there is a possibility that various bacteria and the like contained in the water may adhere to the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12. Therefore, when water supply is performed in the operation to be executed and no washing treatment agent is used, the control unit 50 may be configured to add the number of operations less than a predetermined value (in this case, less than "1"). Thereby, when the washing treatment agent is not used, it is possible to suppress the premature timing of performing the tank washing operation and to accurately notify the user of the timing when the tank washing operation is necessary.

[0047] Further, the control unit 50 may determine whether to use a washing treatment agent in the operation to be executed based on the detection result of the conductivity sensor 43. In this case, the control unit 50 determines the presence or absence of the use of the washing treatment agent based on the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor 43 when water is supplied into the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 61 stores saturation information indicating, for example, the relationship between the output value of the conductivity sensor 43 and the saturation of the surfactant in the washing liquid. The control unit 50 determines the saturation of the washing liquid in the water tank 11 according to the output value of the conductivity sensor 43 with reference to the saturation information. Then, when the saturation is, for example, 10% or less, the control unit 50 determines that the washing treatment agent is not used.

[0048] In this way, by automatically determining the presence or absence of the use of the washing treatment agent based on the detection result of the conductivity sensor 43 when water is supplied into the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12, it is possible to accurately determine whether the washing treatment agent is used. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the excessive addition of the number of operations and to more accurately notify the user of the timing when the tank washing is necessary.

[0049] In this second embodiment, instead of the control content shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 50 executes the control content shown in FIG. 5. In this case, when the power of the washing machine 1 is turned on (start in FIG. 5), the control unit 50 determines, in step S21, whether or not the operation has started. If the operation has started (YES in step S21), the control unit 50 operates the water supply valve unit 21 in step S22 to supply water into the water tank 11 and the rotary tub 12. Next, the control unit 50 acquires, in step S23, the conductivity of the water in the water tank 11 and the rotary tub 12 detected by the conductivity sensor 43. Next, the control unit 50 determines, in step S24, whether or not the operation has ended.

[0050] If the operation has ended (YES in step S24), the control unit 50 determines, in step S25, whether or not a washing treatment agent has been used in the executed operation. If a washing treatment agent has been used (YES in step S25), the control unit 50 adds "1" to the number of operations in step S26 and stores the added number of operations in the storage unit 61. Next, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S27 to determine whether or not the number of operations has reached the set number Nd. If the number of operations has not reached the set number Nd (NO in step S27), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S29 to turn off the power of the washing machine 1 and end a series of controls (end).

[0051] On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached the set number Nd (YES in step S27), the control unit 50 performs a tub cleaning notification in step S28. Next, the control unit 50 proceeds with the processing after step S29. Also, if a washing treatment agent has not been used (NO in step S25), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S27 and proceeds with the processing after step S27.

[0052] Also by such a second embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved. Here, the laundry treatment agent can be a factor in the generation of mold in the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12. Therefore, in the case of an operation without using the laundry treatment agent, it is considered that the influence on the generation of mold in the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12 is small. Thus, when the control unit 50 performs an operation without using the laundry treatment agent, the number of operations is not added. As a result, it is possible to more accurately notify the user of the timing when tank cleaning is necessary.

[0053] (Third Embodiment) Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The control content executed by the control unit 50 in this third embodiment is different from that in each of the above embodiments. Specifically, in the third embodiment, the presence or absence of use of the laundry treatment agent is determined based on the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor 43 when drainage is performed from the inside of the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12. In this third embodiment, the control unit 50 executes the control content shown in FIG. 6 instead of the control content shown in FIG. 5.

[0054] The control content shown in FIG. 6 has steps B11 to B12 added instead of step S23 of the control content in FIG. 5. In this case, after the control unit 50 performs water supply into the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12 in step S22, in step B11, for example, after performing a washing operation in the washing process, the drain valve 151 is operated to perform drainage from the inside of the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12. Thereafter, in step B12, the control unit 50 acquires the conductivity of the water drained from the inside of the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12 detected by the conductivity sensor 43. Next, the control unit 50 executes the processing after step S24.

[0055] Even with such a third embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment described above are achieved. Also, by automatically determining the presence or absence of use of the laundry treatment agent based on the detection result of the conductivity sensor 43 when drainage is performed from the inside of the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12, it is possible to accurately determine whether the laundry treatment agent is being used. As a result, it is possible to suppress the excessive addition of the number of operations and more accurately notify the user of the timing when tank cleaning is necessary.

[0056] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The control content executed by the control unit 50 is different from that of each of the above embodiments. Specifically, in the fourth embodiment, when the control unit 50 performs the tub cleaning notification, it extends the predetermined time until the power is turned off. In this fourth embodiment, the control unit 50 executes the control content shown in FIG. 7 instead of the control content shown in FIG. 3.

[0057] The control content shown in FIG. 7 is obtained by adding steps C11 to C14 instead of steps S15 to S16 of the control content in FIG. 3. In this case, in step S14, the control unit 50 determines whether the number of operations has reached the set number Nd. If the number of operations has not reached the set number Nd (NO in step S14), the control unit 50 transfers the process to step C11 and determines whether the first time T1, for example, 15 seconds has elapsed. The first time T1 corresponds to the predetermined time from the end of the operation during normal times until the power is turned off. When the first time T1 has elapsed (YES in step C11), the control unit 50 transfers the process to step C14, turns off the power of the washing machine 1, and ends a series of controls (end).

[0058] On the other hand, when the number of operations has reached the set number Nd (YES in step S14), the control unit 50 performs the tub cleaning notification in step C12. Next, in step C13, the control unit 50 determines whether the second time T2, for example, 60 minutes has elapsed. When the second time T2 has elapsed (YES in step C13), the control unit 50 executes the processes after step C14.

[0059] Note that when the control unit 50 performs the tub cleaning notification, it may be configured not to automatically turn off the power. This makes it easier for the user to know that the tub cleaning notification has been executed. Also, after the control unit 50 performs the tub cleaning notification, when the lid 104 is opened, the time until the power is turned off may be changed to a time longer than the first time T1 and shorter than the second time T, for example, 10 minutes. In this case, the control unit 50 can determine whether the lid 104 has been opened based on the detection result of a well-known lid opening / closing sensor (not shown). When the lid 104 is opened, that is, when it is assumed that the user has performed an operation of taking out clothes from the rotary tub 12, since the user is likely to be aware of the tub cleaning notification, the time to turn off the power thereafter is changed to a time longer than the first time T1 and shorter than the second time. This can make it easier for the user to know that the tub cleaning notification has been executed while suppressing power consumption.

[0060] Even with such a fourth embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved. Also, since the time for the tub cleaning notification can be set longer, it is easier for the user to check the tub cleaning notification. This can surely inform the user that the tub cleaning operation is necessary.

[0061] (Fifth Embodiment) Next, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In this fifth embodiment, the control content executed by the control unit 50 is different from that of the above embodiments. Specifically, in the fifth embodiment, when the control unit 50 performs the tub cleaning notification a predetermined number of times Na, for example, 3 times, the tub cleaning notification during subsequent operations is stopped. For example, when the set number is set to 45 times, when the number of operations reaches 45 times, the control unit 50 performs the first tub cleaning notification. Thereafter, if the tub cleaning operation is not executed and the operation is performed twice, the tub cleaning notification is performed in each operation. When the number of operations reaches 47 times, the cumulative value of the tub cleaning notification becomes "3", indicating that the tub cleaning notification has been performed a predetermined number of times Na, which is 3 times in this case. Further, if the operation is executed without executing the tub cleaning operation, the control unit 50 does not execute the tub cleaning notification in that operation.

[0062] Further, when the tank cleaning notification is performed a predetermined number of times Na, the control unit 50 changes the operation count to the initial operation count value set in advance or decreases the operation count. Decreasing the operation count means setting the operation count to a value smaller than the current operation count value. Thereby, when the operation is executed after the tank cleaning notification is stopped, when the operation count is added again and reaches the set count Nd, it is possible to notify the user to prompt the execution of the tank cleaning operation.

[0063] In this fifth embodiment, the control unit 50 executes the control content shown in FIG. 8 instead of the control content shown in FIG. 3. The control content shown in FIG. 8 is obtained by adding steps D11 to D12 to the control content of FIG. 3. In this case, in step S14, the control unit 50 determines whether the operation count has reached the set count Nd. If the operation count has not reached the set count Nd (NO in step S14), the control unit 50 transfers the process to step D11 and determines whether the tank cleaning notification has been performed a predetermined number of times Na. If the tank cleaning notification has not been performed a predetermined number of times (NO in step D11), the control unit 50 transfers the process to step S16, turns off the power of the washing machine 1, and ends a series of controls (end).

[0064] On the other hand, when the tank cleaning notification has been performed a predetermined number of times Na (YES in step D11), in step D12, the control unit 50 changes the operation count to the initial operation count value “0” and stores the changed operation count in the storage unit 61.

[0065] Further, when the operation count has reached the set count Nd (YES in step S14), in step S15, after performing the tank cleaning notification, the control unit 50 proceeds with the processes after step D11.

[0066] Also by such a fifth embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved. Also, when the operation continues after the tank cleaning notification is given, if the tank cleaning notification is given a predetermined number of times, the tank cleaning notification will stop thereafter. This can improve the usability regarding tank cleaning for the user.

[0067] Note that when the set number Nd is changed, the control unit 50 may be configured to change the notification count, which is the cumulative value of the tank cleaning notifications, to the initial notification count value or to decrease the notification count. Decreasing the notification count means setting the notification count to a value smaller than the current notification count. In this case, instead of the content of FIG. 8, the control unit 50 can execute the control content of FIG. 9.

[0068] In the example of FIG. 9, steps D13 to D14 are added to the control content of FIG. 8. That is, when the control unit 50 changes the operation count to the initial operation count value “0” in step D12 and stores the changed operation count in the storage unit 61, the process proceeds to step D13. The control unit 50 determines in step D13 whether the set number Nd has been changed.

[0069] If the set number Nd has not been changed (YES in step D13), the control unit 50 turns off the power of the washing machine 1 in step S16 and ends a series of controls (end). On the other hand, if the set number Nd has been changed (NO in step D13), the control unit 50 changes the notification count to the initial notification count value “0” in step D14 and stores the changed notification count in the storage unit 61. Thereafter, the control unit 50 proceeds with the processing after step S16.

[0070] According to this, when the set number Nd is changed, by changing the notification count to the initial notification count value or decreasing the notification count, when the operation count reaches the changed set number Nd, the tank cleaning notification can be continuously given until a predetermined number Na is reached. Thus, even when the set number Nd is changed, the tank cleaning notification can be given to the user a predetermined number Na of times. Therefore, the usability regarding tank cleaning can be further improved.

[0071] In addition, the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other. Also, it is possible to extract and combine only the characteristic parts of two or more embodiments. As described above, a plurality of embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0072] 10... Washing machine, 11... Water tank (washing tub), 12... Rotating tub (washing tub), 162... Display unit (notification unit), 163... Sound output unit (notification unit), 50... Control unit

Claims

1. A washing tub for accommodating clothes, A notification unit for notifying various information, Controls an operation for performing a predetermined process on the clothes accommodated in the washing tub, and when the number of operation times, which is the cumulative value of the number of times the operation has been executed, reaches a set number of times, prompts the execution of a tub cleaning operation for cleaning the washing tub, and a control unit that performs the tub cleaning notification by the notification unit, When the control unit has performed the tub cleaning notification a predetermined number of times, the tub cleaning notification is stopped when the operation is performed thereafter. A washing machine.

2. When the control unit has performed the tub cleaning notification a predetermined number of times, it changes the number of operation times to an initial operation times value set in advance or decreases the number of operation times. The washing machine according to Claim 1.

3. When the set number of times is changed, the control unit changes the number of notification times, which is the cumulative value of the tub cleaning notification, to an initial notification times value set in advance or decreases the number of notification times. The washing machine according to Claim 1.

4. After the operation ends, the control unit performs the tub cleaning notification by the notification unit. The washing machine according to Claim 1.

5. Before the operation starts, the control unit performs the tub cleaning notification by the notification unit. The washing machine according to Claim 1.

6. The control unit Is capable of executing control to turn off the power of the washing machine when a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation ends, When performing the tub cleaning notification by the notification unit, extends the predetermined time until the power is turned off or does not turn off the power. The washing machine according to Claim 1.

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