Washing machine

Abstract

To improve usability regarding tub washing.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a washing tub for storing clothing; a notification part for notifying a user of various types of information; and a control part for controlling the operation for performing predetermined processing with respect to the clothing stored in the washing tub, and for performing tub washing notification which is the notification for urging execution of the tub washing operation for washing the washing tub by the notification part. In the setting of the operation, a cleaning function for performing cleaning regarding the washing tub during execution of the operation can be included. In the case where the setting of the operation is the setting that includes the cleaning function, the control part delays the timing of performing the tub washing notification than the case where the setting of the operation is the setting that does not include the cleaning function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, washing machines with a function for cleaning the inside of a washing tub have been known. Conventional washing machines are configured to use a counting device that counts the number of cycles, the number of water refills, etc., to notify a user when a predetermined number of cycles has been reached, and have a selectable tub wash course based on the notification from the notification device. In the conventional configuration, when the predetermined number of cycles has been reached, a contamination level due to foreign matter such as biofilm or black mold that may have formed on the outer surface of the washing tub or the inner surface of the outer tub is predicted and notified by the notification device, thereby enabling the user to recognize the need to remove the foreign matter from the washing tub before it causes contamination of clothes. Then, by selecting the tub wash course, foreign matter from the washing tub can be removed, thereby preventing contamination of clothes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-263392 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even if a notification is issued to prompt the user to clean the washing tub when the number of operations or water supply times counted reaches a predetermined number, it cannot be said that the degree of dirtiness of the washing tub is taken into consideration, and it is not possible to accurately notify the user that the tub needs to be cleaned. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of improving the usability of the tub cleaning.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can improve the usability of tank cleaning. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The washing machine of this embodiment comprises a washing tub for storing clothes, an alarm unit for notifying various information, and a control unit that controls operation to perform predetermined processing on the clothes stored in the washing tub and issues a tub cleaning alarm using the alarm unit to prompt the user to perform a tub cleaning operation to clean the washing tub.The operation settings can include a cleaning function that cleans the washing tub while the operation is being performed, and the control unit issues the tub cleaning alarm later when the operation settings include the cleaning function than when the operation settings do not include the cleaning function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an internal configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a path of water supplied from an external water source into a water tub in a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control content executed by a control unit in the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the control content executed by the control unit in the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by a control unit in a washing machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of control executed by a control unit in a washing machine according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an example of control executed by a control unit in a washing machine according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9]10 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of control executed by a control unit in a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating another example of the control executed by the control unit in the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by a control unit in a washing machine according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, washing machines according to a number of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that substantially the same elements in the respective embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0009] (First embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called vertical-axis washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub 12 faces vertically. The left side of FIG. 1 is the front side of the washing machine 1, and the right side of FIG. 1 is the rear side of the washing machine 1. The side of the installation surface of the washing machine 1, i.e., the vertically lower side, is the lower side of the washing machine 1, and the side opposite the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upper side, is the upper side of the washing machine 1. The direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear and up-down directions of the washing machine 1 is the left-to-right direction. The washing machine 1 is not limited to a vertical-axis washing machine, but may also be a so-called drum-type washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub faces horizontally or an inclined-axis type that slopes downward toward the rear. The washing machine 1 may also be equipped with a drying function, such as a heater or heat pump, or may not have a drying function.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, washing machine 1 includes washing machine main body 10, water tub 11, rotating tub 12, motor 13, agitator 14, drainage mechanism 15, water supply mechanism 16, automatic dispenser 17, and operation display device 18. Washing machine main body 10 forms the outer shell of washing machine 1. Washing machine main body 10 includes box body 101, top cover 102, back cover 103, and lid 104. Box body 101 is formed into a substantially rectangular box shape using, for example, a steel plate, and is open at the top. Top cover 102 is provided on top of box body 101. As shown in FIG. 1, top cover 102 has an upper opening 102a on its inner side. Upper opening 102a connects the inside and outside of washing machine 1.

[0011] Back cover 103 is provided on the rear end and part of the upper part of top cover 102. Back cover 103 is configured as a rectangular box that is long in the left-right direction of washing machine 1 as a whole. For example, part of water supply mechanism 16 is housed inside back cover 103. Lid 104 is provided on the upper part of top cover 102 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction around the rear edge as an axis, and opens and closes upper opening 102a of top cover 102. Lid 104 is configured as a single lid body that is formed, for example, in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate as a whole.

[0012] Water tub 11 and rotatable tub 12 are both cylindrical, with an opening on one axial side (i.e., the upper side) and a bottom on the other axial side (i.e., the lower side), so-called bottomed cylinders. Water tub 11 and rotatable tub 12 function as washing tubs for storing clothes. Water tub 11 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, is placed inside box 101, and is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). Rotatable tub 12 is made of, for example, a stainless steel plate, and is rotatably mounted inside water tub 11. Rotatable tub 12 can store clothes and is rotated by motor 13. With lid 104 open, a user can load or unload clothes into rotatable tub 12 through top opening 102a.

[0013] Motor 13 is provided on the outside of the bottom of water tank 11 and rotates rotating tank 12. Motor 13 is, for example, an out-rotor three-phase brushless DC motor. Agitator 14 is provided on the inner bottom of rotating tank 12 so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis. Agitator 14 is connected to motor 13 and is driven to rotate by motor 13. In addition, a well-known blade member (not shown) that stirs up water is provided on the back side of agitator 14, and functions to circulate water in water tank 11 through a circulation water channel (not shown) provided between rotating tank 12 and water tank 11.

[0014] Drain mechanism 15 has the function of draining water stored in water tub 11 to the outside of washing machine 1. Drain mechanism 15 has drain valve 151 and drain pipe 152. Drain valve 151 is an on-off valve for liquid that can be electromagnetically opened and closed. Drain pipe 152 is composed of, for example, a flexible hose, one end of which is connected to drain valve 151 and the other end of which is drawn out to the outside of washing machine 1. When drain valve 151 is opened, the water stored in water tub 11 is drained to the outside of washing machine 1 through drain pipe 152.

[0015] Water supply mechanism 16 is connected to an external water source 100, such as a water line, and has the function of injecting water supplied from external water source 100 into water tub 11 and spin tub 12. As shown in FIG. 1, water supply mechanism 16 is provided at the upper rear side inside washing machine body 10. Water supply mechanism 16 has a water supply valve 161 and a water supply case 162. Water supply valve 161 is configured to be electromagnetically openable and closable. As shown in FIG. 2, water supply valve 161 opens and closes a water supply path 163 that runs from external water source 100 through water supply case 162 into water tub 11.

[0016] The water injection case 162 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and is formed in a box shape with an internal space. The water injection case 162 is provided midway along the water supply path 163. The water injection case 162 can be configured to have a treatment agent dispenser 162a. The treatment agent dispenser 162a is provided so as to be removable and retractable from the water injection case 162. The treatment agent dispenser 162a receives, for example, the amount of laundry treatment agent required for one wash cycle. Examples of laundry treatment agents include detergents such as powder detergents and liquid detergents, and finishing agents such as fabric softeners and fragrances. In this case, the treatment agent dispenser 162a is used when the user manually dispenses the laundry treatment agent. When the water supply valve 161 is opened with the laundry treatment agent dispensed in the treatment agent dispenser 162a, the laundry treatment agent dispensed in the treatment agent dispenser 162a is mixed with water supplied from the external water source 100 and is supplied into the water tub 11 and the spin tub 12.

[0017] The automatic dispenser 17 stores the laundry treatment agent required for multiple wash cycles and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of laundry treatment agent into the water tub 11 and the rotatable tub 12 as the wash cycle progresses. The automatic dispenser 17 includes multiple (in this case, two) treatment agent containers 171, 172 and a dispensing pump 173. The treatment agent containers 171, 172 are made of, for example, synthetic resin and are configured in a container shape, and are capable of storing the liquid laundry treatment agent required for multiple wash cycles. In this embodiment, one treatment agent container 171 stores a detergent among the laundry treatment agents, and the other treatment agent container 172 stores a fabric softener among the laundry treatment agents. The capacity, shape, etc. of each treatment agent container 171, 172 may be the same or different.

[0018] 2, the dosing pump 173 is provided downstream of each of the treatment agent containers 171, 172. The dosing pump 173 is configured, for example, as a piston pump, and has the function of sucking up the laundry treatment agent stored in each of the treatment agent containers 171, 172 and supplying it into the water injection case 162 that forms part of the water supply path 163. The laundry treatment agent dispensed from the treatment agent containers 171, 172 into the water injection case 162 by the dosing pump 173 is mixed with water supplied from the external water source 100 and supplied into the water tub 11 and the rotatable tub 12.

[0019] The operation and display device 18 is provided, for example, on the front portion of the top surface of the top cover 102. The operation and display device 18 is used to set operation-related settings. A user can set operation-related settings by inputting information to the operation and display device 18. An operation refers to the sequential execution of multiple different processes, and examples of the operation include a washing operation and a tub cleaning operation. A washing operation is an operation that only performs washing, and for example, a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process are performed sequentially. A rinsing process may include, for example, multiple processes. Specifically, the rinsing process may include an intermediate rinsing process and a final rinsing process. The intermediate rinsing process is performed before the final rinsing process. In this case, fabric softener may be added to the water tub 11 and the spin tub 12 in the final rinsing process. A tub cleaning operation is an operation for cleaning the water tub 11 and the spin tub 12 using water supplied to the water tub 11. In the tub cleaning operation, for example, a water supply process, a cleaning process, and a draining process are performed sequentially. The time and number of times each process is performed in each operation can be changed according to the user's requests.

[0020] Furthermore, during the wash operation, one of a plurality of operation courses is executed. The plurality of operation courses include, for example, a standard course, a speed course, and a memory course. An automatic cleaning function can be set as a cleaning function for each operation course. The automatic cleaning function adds a process for cleaning the water tub 11 and the spin tub 12. When the automatic cleaning function is set, for example, a storage spin-drying process is added after the final rinse process and before the spin-drying process. The storage spin-drying process is a process for automatically cleaning the walls of the water tub 11 and the spin tub 12. In the storage spin-drying process, the wash water used in the final rinse process remains in the water tub 11, and the water flow generated by rotating the spin tub 12 at high speed automatically washes away sebum stains and the like adhering to the outside and inside of the spin tub 11. Note that the addition of the automatic cleaning function is not limited to the storage spin-drying process, but includes any process that automatically cleans the walls of the water tub 11 and the spin tub 12. For example, before starting operation, the user can perform an input operation on the input unit 181 to set or cancel the automatic cleaning function.

[0021] The user can set the amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed when the automatic dispenser 17 dispenses the laundry treatment agent by inputting information on the operation display device 18. In this case, for example, the user can select a desired setting for the amount of detergent or fabric softener to be dispensed from among "standard," "large," and "small." In the "standard" setting, the detergent or fabric softener dosage is set to a reference dosage amount, which is a standard value for the amount of detergent or fabric softener to be dispensed. In this embodiment, the reference detergent dosage amount is set to, for example, 25 ml / 30 L of water, and the reference fabric softener dosage amount is set to, for example, 10 ml / 30 L of water. In the "large" setting, the detergent or fabric softener dosage is set to a predetermined amount more than the reference dosage amount. In the "small" setting, the detergent or fabric softener dosage is set to a predetermined amount less than the reference dosage amount.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3 , the operation display device 18 can be configured to include an input unit 181, a display unit 182, and a sound generation unit 183. The input unit 181 is configured, for example, by a touch panel or mechanical switches, and accepts input operations, etc., for the user to make settings related to driving and the course for each driving. The display unit 182 has a function of presenting information to the user. In this case, the display unit 182 displays various information, such as the operation content and driving status input to the input unit 181. The display unit 182 can be configured, for example, by a touch panel display arranged on top of the input unit 181. The sound generation unit 183 is configured, for example, by a buzzer, a speaker, etc., and has a function of presenting various information to the user by sound. The display unit 182 and the sound generation unit 183 function as notification units for notifying the user of various information.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, washing machine 1 includes control unit 20 and memory unit 31. Control unit 20 is mainly configured with a microcomputer (not shown) having memory areas such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory. Control unit 20 controls the operation of washing machine 1 to perform predetermined processing on the clothes stored in spin tub 12, and also controls the overall operation of washing machine 1. The memory area of ​​control unit 20 stores a control program for controlling washing machine 1 to perform operations. Each process of control unit 20 is realized by the CPU executing the control program. Operation signals are input to control unit 20 from input unit 181. Control unit 20 controls notifications from display unit 182 and sound unit 183.

[0024] Control unit 20 is electrically connected to motor 13, drain valve 151, water supply valve 161, and input pump 173. Control unit 20 receives operation signals from input unit 181 and detection signals from various sensors equipped in washing machine 1, and controls the operations of motor 13, drain valve 151, water supply valve 161, and input pump 173 based on a control program to perform operation. Memory unit 31 is electrically connected to control unit 20 and is configured, for example, by a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM. Memory unit 31 stores various information related to operation. Note that memory unit 31 can be configured, for example, by a predetermined area set in the memory area of ​​control unit 20.

[0025] Control unit 20 issues a tub cleaning notification, which is a notification to prompt the user to perform a tub cleaning operation, by either display unit 182 or sound unit 183, or both. Control unit 20 issues a tub cleaning notification, for example, when the number of times washing machine 1 has been operated reaches a set number of times Nd. The number of operations is the cumulative value of the number of times an operation has been performed, and is the cumulative value of the number of times a series of steps or operations included in each operation has been performed from the start to the end. The value of the number of operations that increases when one operation is performed is set to, for example, "1," but is not limited to this. Furthermore, set number of times Nd is set to, for example, 45 times, but is not limited to this. The user can change the set value of set number of times Nd as appropriate by operating input unit 181.

[0026] In notifying the user of the tub cleaning, control unit 20 notifies the user by, for example, displaying an explanatory message on display unit 182 urging the user to perform a tub cleaning operation, and also generates a buzzer sound via sound output unit 183. The tub cleaning notification allows the user to recognize that it is time to perform tub cleaning, i.e., that tub cleaning is necessary. The tub cleaning notification may be performed either by display using display unit 182 or by sound output using sound output unit 183. Control unit 20 performs the tub cleaning notification, for example, after an operation has ended. Control unit 20 can also perform the tub cleaning notification before the start of an operation. "Before the start of an operation" refers, for example, to a period after power is turned on to washing machine 1 and the user is selecting operation settings using operation display device 18. The number of times washing machine 1 has operated and the time when the tub cleaning operation was performed are stored in memory unit 31. In other words, memory unit 31 stores the number of times washing machine 1 has operated and the time when the tub cleaning operation was performed.

[0027] The control unit 20 can issue a tank cleaning notification for each operation that is executed consecutively, for example, once the number of operations reaches the set number Nd. Specifically, for example, if the set number Nd is set to 45, the control unit 20 will issue a tank cleaning notification when the number of operations reaches 45. If an operation is subsequently performed without executing a tank cleaning operation, the control unit 20 will also issue a tank cleaning notification for that operation. The number of times that a tank cleaning notification has been issued, i.e., the cumulative value of tank cleaning notifications, is stored in the memory unit 31. In other words, the memory unit 31 stores the cumulative value of tank cleaning notifications. Hereinafter, the cumulative value of tank cleaning notifications may be referred to as the number of notifications.

[0028] When the tub cleaning operation is performed, the control unit 20 initializes the number of operations and the number of alarms stored in the memory unit 31. Initializing the number of operations means setting the number of operations to a preset initial value for the number of operations, for example, "0." The initial value for the number of operations is not limited to "0" and may be a value arbitrarily set by the user. On the other hand, initializing the number of alarms means setting the number of alarms to a preset initial value for the number of alarms, for example, "0." The initial value for the number of alarms is not limited to "0" and may be a value arbitrarily set by the user. In this way, when the tub cleaning operation is performed, the number of operations of the washing machine 1 becomes less than the set number of operations Nd, and therefore the tub cleaning alarm is stopped in subsequent operations until the number of operations reaches the set number of operations Nd.

[0029] Here, the tub cleaning operation is an operation for removing dirt and mold from, for example, water tub 11 and rotating tub 12. Incidentally, when operation is performed with the above-mentioned automatic cleaning function set, it can be said that adhesion of dirt and mold to water tub 11 and rotating tub 12 is suppressed. For this reason, it is desirable to determine the frequency of the tub cleaning operation taking into consideration whether or not the automatic cleaning function is set. Specifically, it is considered more appropriate to perform the tub cleaning operation less frequently when the automatic cleaning function is set than when the automatic cleaning function is not set.

[0030] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the operation setting includes the automatic cleaning function, the control unit 20 delays the timing of the tub cleaning notification compared to when the operation setting does not include the automatic cleaning function. Specifically, when the operation setting includes the automatic cleaning function, the control unit 20 delays the timing of the tub cleaning notification by increasing the set number of times Nd compared to when the operation setting does not include the automatic cleaning function. In this case, the set number of times Nd1 when the operation setting includes the automatic cleaning function is set to, for example, 45 times. On the other hand, the set number of times Nd2 when the operation setting does not include the automatic cleaning function is set to, for example, 30 times. This prevents the tub cleaning operation from being performed too early when maintenance of the water tub 11 and the rotating tub 12, which are set with the automatic cleaning function, is performed regularly. Furthermore, the user can be accurately notified of the timing when the tub cleaning operation is required. The operation settings, including whether or not the automatic cleaning function is set, can be stored in the memory unit 31.

[0031] An example of the control contents executed by control unit 20 will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. First, when washing machine 1 is powered on (start), control unit 20 reads the current number of operations from storage unit 31 in step S11. Next, in step S12, it determines whether or not a start key (not shown) constituting part of input unit 181 has been pressed after the user has operated input unit 181 to select an operation course to be executed, that is, whether or not operation has started. If operation has started (YES in step S12), control unit 20 determines in step S13 whether a predetermined process has been performed, a series of steps has been completed, and operation has ended.

[0032] If the operation has ended (YES in step S13), the control unit 20 proceeds to step S14, increments the number of operations by, for example, "1," and stores the incremented number of operations in the memory unit 31. Next, in step S15, the control unit 20 determines whether the settings for the operation currently executed included the automatic cleaning function. If the settings for the operation included the automatic cleaning function (YES in step S15), the control unit 20 determines in step S16 whether the number of operations has reached the set number of operations Nd1.

[0033] If the number of operations has not reached the set number of times Nd1 (NO in step S16), control unit 20 proceeds to step S18, where it turns off the power to washing machine 1 after a predetermined time, for example, 15 seconds, has elapsed since the operation ended, thereby ending the series of controls (END). On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd1 (YES in step S16), control unit 20 issues a tub cleaning notification in step S17. Next, control unit 20 proceeds with the processes from step S18 onwards.

[0034] On the other hand, if the operation settings do not include the automatic cleaning function (NO in step S15), control unit 20 determines in step S19 whether the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd2. If the number of operations has not reached the set number of times Nd2 (NO in step S19), control unit 20 proceeds to step S18, turns off the power to washing machine 1, and ends the series of control (END). On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd2 (YES in step S19), control unit 20 issues a tub cleaning notification in step S17. Next, control unit 20 proceeds with the process from step S18 onwards.

[0035] According to the embodiment described above, washing machine 1 includes water tub 11 and spun tub 12 for storing clothes, display unit 182 and sound unit 183 for providing various information, and control unit 20. Control unit 20 controls operation to perform a predetermined process on clothes stored in spun tub 12, and issues a tub cleaning notification, which is a notification to prompt the user to perform a tub cleaning operation to clean water tub 11 and spun tub 12, via either display unit 182 or sound unit 183, or both. Operation settings can include an automatic cleaning function that cleans water tub 11 and spun tub 12 while the operation is in progress. When the operation settings include the automatic cleaning function, control unit 20 delays the timing of issuing the tub cleaning notification compared to when the operation settings do not include the automatic cleaning function.

[0036] This allows the user to be notified accurately of the time when a tank cleaning operation is required, taking into consideration the daily maintenance of water tank 11 and rotating tank 12. This improves the usability of tank cleaning.

[0037] Furthermore, the control unit 20 can issue a tank cleaning notification when the number of operations, which is the cumulative number of times the operation has been executed, reaches a set number of times Nd. When the operation setting includes the automatic cleaning function, the control unit 20 delays the timing of issuing the tank cleaning notification by making the set number of times Nd larger than when the operation setting does not include the automatic cleaning function.

[0038] According to this, when maintenance is performed on the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12 on a regular basis, the set number of times Nd is made larger than when maintenance is not performed, thereby more accurately informing the user when the tank needs to be cleaned.

[0039] The control unit 20 may adjust the timing of the tank cleaning notification based on whether an operation including the automatic cleaning function was performed between the previous tank cleaning operation and the current operation. Specifically, if the settings for the operations performed between the previous tank cleaning operation and the current operation include the automatic cleaning function, the control unit 20 delays the timing of the tank cleaning notification compared to when the settings for the operations performed during that period do not include the automatic cleaning function. In this case, the control unit 20 can execute the control content of FIG. 5 instead of the content of FIG. 4.

[0040] In the example of Fig. 5, step A11 is added instead of step S15 of the control content of Fig. 4. In step A11, control unit 20 determines whether the settings of the operations performed during the period from the previous tank cleaning operation to the current operation include the automatic cleaning function. That is, in step A11, control unit 20 determines whether the automatic cleaning function was performed during the operations performed during the period from the previous tank cleaning operation to the current operation. If the automatic cleaning function was performed (YES in step A11), control unit 20 determines in step S16 whether the number of operations has reached the set number Nd1.

[0041] If the number of operations has not reached the set number of times Nd1 (NO in step S16), control unit 20 proceeds to step S18, turns off the power to washing machine 1, and ends the series of controls (END). On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd1 (YES in step S16), control unit 20 issues a tub cleaning notification in step S17. Next, control unit 20 proceeds with the processes from step S18 onwards.

[0042] On the other hand, if the operation settings do not include the automatic cleaning function (NO in step A11), control unit 20 determines in step S19 whether the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd2. If the number of operations has not reached the set number of times Nd2 (NO in step S19), control unit 20 proceeds to step S18, turns off the power to washing machine 1, and ends the series of control (END). On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd2 (YES in step S19), control unit 20 issues a tub cleaning notification in step S17. Next, control unit 20 proceeds with the process from step S18 onwards.

[0043] This also makes it possible to accurately notify the user of the timing when a tank cleaning operation is required, taking into consideration daily maintenance of water tank 11 and rotating tank 12. This improves usability regarding tank cleaning.

[0044] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the control content executed by the control unit 20. The second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in other configurations except for the control content executed by the control unit 20. Specifically, in the second embodiment, when the operation setting includes the automatic cleaning function, the control unit 20 delays the timing of issuing a tub cleaning notification by reducing the value added to the number of operations compared to when the operation setting does not include the automatic cleaning function. In this case, the value added to the number of operations when the operation setting includes the automatic cleaning function is set to, for example, "1." On the other hand, the value added to the number of operations when the operation setting does not include the automatic cleaning function is set to, for example, "0.5." In this embodiment, the set number of times Nd used to determine whether to issue a tub cleaning notification is set to, for example, 45 times, regardless of whether the operation setting includes the automatic cleaning function.

[0045] In this second embodiment, control unit 20 executes the control contents shown in Fig. 6 instead of the control contents shown in Fig. 4. In this case, when washing machine 1 is powered on (START in Fig. 6), control unit 20 reads the current number of operations from memory unit 31 in step S21. Next, in step S22, it determines whether operation has started. If operation has started (YES in step S22), control unit 20 determines in step S23 whether predetermined processing has been performed, a series of steps has been completed, and operation has ended.

[0046] If the operation has ended (YES in step S23), the control unit 20 proceeds to step S24 and determines whether the settings for the operation currently performed included the automatic cleaning function. If the settings for the operation included the automatic cleaning function (YES in step S24), the control unit 20 adds 0.5 to the number of operations in step S25 and stores the number of operations after the addition in the memory unit 31. Next, in step S26, the control unit 20 determines whether the number of operations has reached the set number of operations Nd.

[0047] If the number of operations has not reached the set number of times Nd (NO in step S26), control unit 20 proceeds to step S28, turns off the power to washing machine 1, and ends the series of controls (END). On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd (YES in step S26), control unit 20 issues a tub cleaning notification in step S27. Next, control unit 20 proceeds with the processes from step S28 onwards.

[0048] On the other hand, if the operation settings do not include the automatic cleaning function (NO in step S24), in step S29, the control unit 20 adds "1" to the number of operations and stores the added number of operations in the memory unit 31. Next, the control unit 20 proceeds with the processing from step S26 onwards.

[0049] The second embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. In addition, if maintenance is performed on the water tank 11 and the rotating tank 12 on a regular basis, the number of operations added when an operation is performed can be made smaller than when maintenance is not performed, thereby more accurately informing the user when the tank needs to be cleaned.

[0050] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The third embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in the control performed by the control unit 20. Specifically, in the third embodiment, the control unit 20 switches the timing of issuing a tub cleaning notification depending on the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed from the automatic dispenser 17 during operation. In this case, the control unit 20 advances the timing of issuing a tub cleaning notification by decreasing the set number of times Nd as the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed from the automatic dispenser 17 increases. In other words, the control unit 20 delays the timing of issuing a tub cleaning notification by increasing the set number of times Nd as the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed from the automatic dispenser 17 decreases. For example, when the amount of detergent or fabric softener dispensed is set to "low," the set number of times Nd21 is set to, for example, 60 times. When the amount of detergent or fabric softener dispensed is set to "standard," the set number of times Nd22 is set to, for example, 45 times. When the amount of detergent or fabric softener dispensed is set to "high," the set number of times Nd23 is set to, for example, 30 times.

[0051] Note that if the detergent dosage setting and the fabric softener dosage setting are different, the control unit 20 can set the set number of times Nd based on the detergent dosage setting or the fabric softener dosage setting that will advance the timing of the tub cleaning notification. For example, if the detergent dosage setting is "standard" and the fabric softener dosage setting is "low," the set number of times Nd22 based on the detergent dosage setting of "standard" will be 45 times, and the set number of times Nd21 based on the fabric softener dosage setting of "low" will be 60 times. In this case, the detergent dosage setting is the condition that will advance the timing of the tub cleaning device, so the set number of times Nd22 is set based on the detergent dosage setting.

[0052] In this third embodiment, the control unit 20 executes the control contents shown in Figures 7 and 8 instead of the control contents shown in Figure 4. Note that in Figures 7 and 8, the control contents relating to setting the amount of detergent to be dispensed, out of the settings for the amount of detergent or fabric softener to be dispensed, will be described as an example. The control contents shown in Figures 7 and 8 have steps B11 to B15 added instead of step S19 of the control contents in Figure 4. In this case, if the control unit 20 determines in step S15 that the operation settings do not include the automatic cleaning function (NO in step S15), it proceeds to step B11 and executes a processing agent dispense amount determination process.

[0053] In the processing for determining the amount of treatment agent dispensed, in step B12 of FIG. 8, the control unit 20 determines whether the setting for the amount of treatment agent (detergent in this case) dispensed using the automatic dispenser 17 is "standard," "large," or "small." If the setting for the amount of detergent dispensed is "small" (small in step B12), the control unit 20 determines in step B13 whether the number of operations has reached the set number of operations Nd21. If the number of operations has not reached the set number of operations Nd21 (NO in step B13), the control unit 20 proceeds to step S18 of FIG. 7, turns off the power to the washing machine 1, and ends the series of control steps (END). On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached the set number of operations Nd21 (YES in step B13), the control unit 20 issues a tub cleaning notification in step S17. Next, the control unit 20 proceeds to the processing from step S18 onward.

[0054] Furthermore, if the detergent dosage setting is "standard" (standard in step B12), control unit 20 determines in step B14 whether the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd22. If the number of operations has not reached the set number of times Nd22 (NO in step B14), control unit 20 proceeds to step S18 in FIG. 7, turns off the power to washing machine 1, and ends the series of control (END). On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd22 (YES in step B14), control unit 20 issues a tub cleaning notification in step S17, and then proceeds with the processing from step S18 onwards.

[0055] Furthermore, if the detergent dosage setting is "large" (large in step B12), control unit 20 determines in step B15 whether the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd23. If the number of operations has not reached the set number of times Nd23 (NO in step B15), control unit 20 proceeds to step S18 in FIG. 7, turns off the power to washing machine 1, and ends the series of control (END). On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd23 (YES in step B15), control unit 20 issues a tub cleaning notification in step S17, and then proceeds to the processing from step S18 onwards.

[0056] The third embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. Here, laundry treatment agents adhering to the water tub 11 and the rotatable tub 12 can cause mold growth. The more laundry treatment agent is added, the more the amount of laundry treatment agent adhering to the water tub 11 and the rotatable tub 12 increases, making mold more likely to grow. Therefore, by taking the amount of laundry treatment agent added into consideration, the user can be more accurately notified of the timing to execute the tub cleaning notification. This further improves the usability of tub cleaning.

[0057] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. The fourth embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in the control content executed by the control unit 20. In this embodiment, the control unit 20 increases the value to be added to the number of operations as the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed from the automatic dispenser 17 increases, thereby advancing the timing of issuing a tub cleaning notification. In other words, the control unit 20 decreases the value to be added to the number of operations as the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed from the automatic dispenser 17 decreases, thereby delaying the timing of issuing a tub cleaning notification. For example, when the amount of detergent or fabric softener dispensed is set to "low," the value to be added to the number of operations is set to, for example, "0.5." When the amount of detergent or fabric softener dispensed is set to "standard," the value to be added to the number of operations is set to, for example, "1." When the amount of detergent or fabric softener dispensed is set to "high," the value to be added to the number of operations is set to, for example, "1.5."

[0058] In this fourth embodiment, the control unit 20 executes the control contents shown in Figures 9 and 10 instead of the control contents shown in Figure 6. Note that in Figures 9 and 10, the control contents relating to setting the amount of detergent to be dispensed will be described as an example, out of the settings for the amount of detergent or fabric softener to be dispensed. The control contents shown in Figures 9 and 10 have steps C11 to C15 added instead of step S29 of the control contents in Figure 6. In this case, if the control unit 20 determines in step S24 that the operation settings do not include the automatic cleaning function (NO in step S24), it proceeds to step C11 and executes a processing agent dispense amount determination process.

[0059] In the processing for determining the amount of treatment agent dispensed, in step C12 of Fig. 10, the control unit 20 determines whether the setting for the amount of treatment agent (in this case, detergent) dispensed using the automatic dispenser 17 is "standard," "large," or "small." If the setting for the amount of detergent dispensed is "small" (small in step C12), the control unit 20 adds "0.5" to the number of operations in step C13 and stores the number of operations after the addition in the memory unit 31. Next, the control unit 20 proceeds with the processing from step S26 onwards in Fig. 9.

[0060] Furthermore, if the detergent dosage setting is "standard" (standard in step C12), the control unit 20 adds "1" to the number of operations in step C14 and stores the number of operations after the addition in the memory unit 31. Next, the control unit 20 proceeds with the processing from step S26 onwards in FIG. 9. Furthermore, if the detergent dosage setting is "excessive" (excessive in step C12), the control unit 20 adds "1.5" to the number of operations in step C15 and stores the number of operations after the addition in the memory unit 31. Next, the control unit 20 proceeds with the processing from step S26 onwards in FIG. 9.

[0061] The fourth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, by taking into consideration the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed, the timing for executing the tub cleaning notification can be more accurately notified to the user, thereby further improving the usability of the tub cleaning function.

[0062] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. This fifth embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in the content of control executed by the control unit 20. Specifically, in the fifth embodiment, when the operation setting is changed to include or exclude the automatic cleaning function, the control unit 20 changes the set number of times Nd to correspond to the changed operation setting. In this case, when the operation setting is changed from including the automatic cleaning function to not including the automatic cleaning function, the control unit 20 changes the set number of times Nd1 to the set number of times Nd2 corresponding to the setting not including the automatic cleaning function.

[0063] Here, it is considered that the set number of times Nd1 is usually set to a value smaller than the set number of times Nd2. Therefore, depending on the number of operations, if the setting is changed from including the automatic cleaning function to not including the automatic cleaning function, the state in which the tank cleaning notification is executed can be transitioned to a state in which the tank cleaning notification is not executed. For example, assume that the number of operations is 32, the set number of times Nd1 is set to 30, and the set number of times Nd2 is set to 45. In this case, if the automatic cleaning function is enabled, the number of operations exceeds the set number of times Nd1, and the tank cleaning notification is executed. At this time, if the automatic cleaning function is disabled, the set number of times Nd1 compared with the number of operations is changed to the set number of times Nd2, and the number of operations falls below the set number of times Nd2, and the tank cleaning notification is not executed. In this way, if the setting is changed from including the automatic cleaning function to not including the automatic cleaning function, excessive execution of the tank cleaning notification can be suppressed, and the user can be appropriately notified of the time when the tank cleaning operation is required.

[0064] Furthermore, when the operation setting is changed from a setting that does not include the automatic cleaning function to a setting that includes the automatic cleaning function, the control unit 20 changes the set number Nd2 to the set number Nd1 corresponding to the setting that includes the automatic cleaning function. In this case, depending on the number of operations, when the setting is changed from a setting that does not include the automatic cleaning function to a setting that includes the automatic cleaning function, the state in which the tub cleaning notification is not executed can be transitioned to a state in which the tub cleaning notification is executed. For example, assume that the number of operations is 43, the set number Nd1 is set to 30, and the set number Nd2 is set to 45. In this case, if the automatic cleaning function is not set, the number of operations falls below the set number Nd2, and the tub cleaning notification is not executed. In this case, when the automatic cleaning function is set, the set number Nd2 compared with the number of operations is changed to the set number Nd1, and the number of operations exceeds the set number Nd1, and the tub cleaning notification is executed. In this way, when the setting is changed from a setting that does not include the automatic cleaning function to a setting that includes the automatic cleaning function, the user can be appropriately notified of the time when the tub cleaning operation is necessary.

[0065] In the fifth embodiment, the control unit 20 executes the control content shown in Fig. 11. In this case, when the power of the washing machine 1 is turned on (Start in Fig. 11), the control unit 20 reads the current number of operations from the memory unit 31 in step S31. Next, the control unit 20 reads the current setting of the automatic cleaning function from the memory unit 31 in step S32. Thereafter, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the automatic cleaning function is included in the current operation setting in step S33. If the automatic cleaning function is included in the operation setting (YES in step S33), the control unit 20 determines whether or not the number of operations has reached the set number of operations Nd1 in step S34.

[0066] If the number of operations has not reached the set number of times Nd1 (NO in step S34), the control unit 20 proceeds to step S36. On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd1 (YES in step S34), the control unit 20 issues a tank cleaning notification in step S35. Next, the control unit 20 proceeds with the processing from step S36 onwards.

[0067] Furthermore, if the current operation settings do not include the automatic cleaning function (NO in step S33), the control unit 20 determines in step S41 whether the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd2. If the number of operations has not reached the set number of times Nd2 (NO in step S41), the control unit 20 proceeds to step S36. On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd2 (YES in step S41), the control unit 20 issues a tank cleaning notification in step S35. Next, the control unit 20 proceeds to the processing from step S36 onwards.

[0068] In step S36, control unit 20 determines whether the setting for the automatic cleaning function has been changed in the operation settings. That is, in step S36, control unit 20 determines whether the setting has been changed from one that includes the automatic cleaning function to one that does not include the automatic cleaning function, or whether the setting has been changed from one that does not include the automatic cleaning function to one that includes the automatic cleaning function.

[0069] If the setting of the automatic cleaning function has not been changed (NO in step S36), in step S40, the control unit 20 determines whether or not operation has been started by, for example, an input operation being performed on the start key of the input unit 181. If operation has been started (YES in step S40), the control unit 20 executes operation (execute operation in FIG. 11).

[0070] On the other hand, if the setting of the automatic cleaning function has been changed (YES in step S36), the control unit 20 determines in step S37 whether the operation setting includes the automatic cleaning function. If the operation setting includes the automatic cleaning function (YES in step S37), the control unit 20 determines in step S38 whether the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd1.

[0071] If the number of operations has not reached the set number of times Nd1 (NO in step S38), the control unit 20 proceeds to step S40 and continues the subsequent processing. On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd1 (YES in step S38), the control unit 20 issues a tank cleaning notification in step S39. Next, the control unit 20 proceeds with the processing from step S40 onwards.

[0072] Furthermore, if the operation settings do not include the automatic cleaning function (NO in step S37), the control unit 20 determines in step S42 whether the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd2. If the number of operations has not reached the set number of times Nd2 (NO in step S42), the control unit 20 proceeds with the subsequent processing by shifting the processing to step S40. On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached the set number of times Nd2 (YES in step S42), the control unit 20 issues a tank cleaning notification in step S39. Next, the control unit 20 proceeds with the processing from step S40 onwards.

[0073] The fifth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, depending on whether or not the automatic cleaning function is set, the user can be appropriately notified of the time when the tank cleaning operation is required.

[0074] The above-described embodiments can be combined with each other. It is also possible to extract and combine only the characteristic parts of the above. Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1... washing machine, 11... water tub (washing tub), 12... rotating tub (washing tub), 182... display unit (notification unit), 183... sound generation unit (notification unit), 20... control unit

Claims

1. a washing tub for storing clothes; a notification unit for notifying various information; a control unit that controls an operation for performing a predetermined process on the clothes accommodated in the washing tub, and issues a tub cleaning notification, which is a notification that prompts the user to perform a tub cleaning operation for cleaning the washing tub, by the notification unit; The setting of the operation may include a cleaning function for cleaning the washing tub during the execution of the operation, When the operation setting is a setting including the cleaning function, the control unit delays the timing of performing the tank cleaning notification compared to when the operation setting is a setting not including the cleaning function. washing machine.

2. a washing tub for storing clothes; a notification unit for notifying various information; a control unit that controls an operation for performing a predetermined process on the clothes accommodated in the washing tub, and issues a tub cleaning notification, which is a notification that prompts the user to perform a tub cleaning operation for cleaning the washing tub, by the notification unit; The setting of the operation may include a cleaning function for cleaning the washing tub during the execution of the operation, When the setting of the operation performed during the period from the previous tank cleaning operation to the current operation includes the cleaning function, the control unit delays the timing of the tank cleaning notification compared to when the setting of the operation performed during the period does not include the cleaning function. washing machine.

3. The control unit The tank cleaning notification can be executed when the number of operations, which is the cumulative number of times the operation has been executed, reaches a set number of times, When the operation setting includes the cleaning function, the set number of times is made larger than when the operation setting does not include the cleaning function, thereby delaying the timing of the tank cleaning notification. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit The tank cleaning notification can be executed when the number of operations, which is the cumulative number of times the operation has been executed, reaches a set number of times, When the operation setting includes the cleaning function, the value to be added to the number of operations is made smaller than when the operation setting does not include the cleaning function, thereby delaying the timing of the tank cleaning notification. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The washing machine further includes an automatic dispenser that automatically dispenses a laundry treatment agent into the washing tub, The control device switches the timing of issuing the tub cleaning notification depending on the amount of the laundry treatment agent dispensed from the automatic dispenser during the execution of the operation. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2.

6. When a setting of the operation including or not including the cleaning function is changed, the control unit changes the set number of times in accordance with the changed operation setting. The washing machine according to claim 4.

7. When the operation setting is changed from a setting including the cleaning function to a setting not including the cleaning function, the control unit changes the set number of times to the set number of times corresponding to the setting not including the cleaning function. The washing machine according to claim 6.

8. When the operation setting is changed from a setting that does not include the cleaning function to a setting that includes the cleaning function, the control unit changes the set number of times to the set number of times that corresponds to the setting that includes the cleaning function. The washing machine according to claim 6.

Images