Clothing treatment apparatus

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment apparatus capable of effectively sterilizing clothing, while suppressing damage to the clothing.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment apparatus in an embodiment includes a clothing accommodation tank in which clothing is accommodated, a stirring mechanism that stirs the clothing accommodated in the clothing accommodation tank, an electrolysis apparatus which electrolyzes water stored in the clothing accommodation tank to generate an active component, a detection part which detects a predetermined parameter affecting the performance of the electrolysis apparatus, and a control unit which controls the stirring mechanism, the electrolysis apparatus and the detection part to perform sterilizing operation. The control unit sets an operation period of the sterilizing operation based on the detection results of the detection part, and performs adjustment processing to adjust the mechanical force applied to the clothing by the stirring mechanism based on the operation period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothing treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] Washing machines that use activated water, such as water containing metal ions or electrolyzed water, have been studied. The use of activated water is expected to provide antibacterial treatment to clothing.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that uses antibacterial metal ions added to water, in which the amount of metal ions is adjusted to match the amount of laundry, thereby providing sufficient antibacterial properties even when the amount of laundry is large. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-105692 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To enhance the effectiveness of the sterilization treatment using activated water, it is necessary to bring the clothes into sufficient contact with the activated water. If the clothes are agitated with the activated water for a long period of time, excessive mechanical force may be applied to the clothes, which may damage the fabric.

[0006] To provide a clothes treating device capable of effectively sterilizing clothes and suppressing damage to the clothes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The clothing treatment device according to an embodiment includes a clothing storage tub for storing clothing therein, an agitation mechanism for agitating the clothing stored in the clothing storage tub, an electrolyzer for electrolyzing water stored in the clothing storage tub to produce active ingredients, a detection unit for detecting predetermined parameters that affect the performance of the electrolyzer, and a control device for controlling the agitation mechanism, the electrolyzer, and the detection unit to perform a sterilization operation. The control device sets an operation period for the sterilization operation based on the detection result of the detection unit, and performs an adjustment process to adjust the mechanical force applied to the clothing by the agitation mechanism based on the operation period. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an example of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating a configuration of an example of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an electrolysis device of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] A table showing parameters that affect the performance of the electrolyzer of the washing machine according to the first embodiment and an example of setting an operation period based on each parameter. [Figure 7] 1 is a table showing an example of an operation period set according to the weight of clothes in a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a table showing an example of an operation period set according to a current value of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a timing chart showing an example of an operation of a rotation tub motor in a normal operation and a sterilization operation of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 10] 1 is a table showing an example of the operation frequency of the rotation tub motor in normal operation and sterilization operation of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, expressed as a ratio when the operation frequency in normal operation is set to 1. [Figure 11]10 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of a rotation tub motor in a normal operation and a sterilization operation of a washing machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a table showing an example of the driving rotation speed of the rotation tub motor in normal operation and sterilization operation of the washing machine according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of a rotation tub motor in a normal operation and a sterilization operation of a washing machine according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a timing chart showing another example of the operation of the rotatable tub motor in the normal operation and the sterilization operation of the washing machine according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] Table showing an example of the amount of water supplied in normal operation and sterilization operation of the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment [Figure 16] Table showing an example of the driving rotation speed of the pulsator motor in normal operation and sterilization operation of a vertical washing machine according to another embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Components common to several embodiments will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0010] (First embodiment) A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a washing machine 10 serving as a laundry treatment device includes an outer case 11, a water tub 12, a rotating tub 13, a rotating tub motor 14, a drainage path 15, a drainage valve 16, a water supply path 17, a water supply valve 18, a circulation water channel 19, a circulation pump 20, a filter device 21, an electrolyzer 30, and a control device 40. In FIG. 1, the side of the installation surface of the washing machine 10, i.e., the vertically lower side, is defined as the lower side of the washing machine 10, and the opposite side of the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upper side, is defined as the upper side of the washing machine 10. The left-right direction when viewed from the front of the washing machine 10 is defined as the left-right direction of the washing machine 10. The washing machine 10 is, for example, a horizontal-axis type in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub 13 is horizontal, or an inclined-axis type in which the rotation axis is tilted downward toward the rear. In this embodiment, the washing machine 10 is an inclined-axis type drum washing machine. The washing machine 10 may or may not have a drying function, for example, a heat pump type or a heater type.

[0011] The outer casing 11 is made of, for example, steel or resin and has a rectangular box-like shape, constituting the outer shell of the washing machine 10. The water tub 12 is cylindrical with a bottom and disposed within the outer casing 11. It is resiliently supported by a suspension (not shown). The rotatable tub 13 is cylindrical with a bottom and disposed rotatably within the water tub 12. In this configuration, the water tub 12 and the rotatable tub 13 function as a laundry storage tub for storing laundry. A water tub cover (not shown) is disposed around the front periphery of the water tub 12, partially closing the front openings of the water tub 12 and the rotatable tub 13. The rotatable tub motor 14 is disposed outside and behind the water tub 12. The rotatable tub motor 14 is connected to the rotatable tub 13 and drives it to rotate. The rotatable tub motor 14 functions as a stirring mechanism for stirring the clothes stored in the rotatable tub 13.

[0012] Drain path 15 is a path for draining water from water tub 12 to the outside. One end of drain path 15 is connected to drain section 121 provided at the bottom of water tub 12, and the other end is drawn out to the outside of washing machine 10. Drain valve 16 is configured, for example, as an on-off valve for liquid that can be opened and closed electromagnetically. Drain valve 16 is provided downstream of drain section 121 and opens and closes drain path 15.

[0013] Water supply path 17 is a path that receives water from an external water source, such as a water line, and supplies the water to water tub 12. Specifically, water supply path 17 connects connection port 171 to water tub 12 and rotating tub 13. Connection port 171 is connected to the external water source, for example, via a hose. Connection port 171 is provided on the top surface of outer casing 11 so as to be exposed, for example, at the left rear portion. Water supply valve 18 is provided in water supply path 17 between connection port 171 and water tub 12, and opens and closes water supply path 17. Water supply valve 18 is, for example, an on-off valve for liquid that can be opened and closed electromagnetically. A water filling case 172 is provided midway along water supply path 17.

[0014] Circulation water channel 19 is provided inside outer casing 11 and is a channel for circulating water drained from water tank 12 by discharging it back into water tank 12. Circulation water channel 19 is a channel connecting drain section 121 and water discharge section 22, and is a channel for pumping up water stored in water tank 12 with circulation pump 20 and supplying the pumped water back into water tank 12 from above. Drainage channel 15 and circulation water channel 19 share a section from drain section 121 to a portion upstream. In this embodiment, drainage channel 15 and circulation water channel 19 branch off downstream of drain section 121 and upstream of drain valve 16.

[0015] Downstream of the circulation pump 20, the circulation water passage 19 extends upward, tracing an arc along the outer shape of the water tub 12 inside the water tub cover (not shown), and extends to the water discharge section 22. The water discharge section 22 is provided near the upper end of the water tub 12 and faces the interior of the water tub 12 and the rotating tub 13. Downstream of the circulation pump 20, the circulation water passage 19 extends generally upward.

[0016] Circulation pump 20 is provided midway along circulation water channel 19 and has the function of pumping up water from water tank 12. Circulation pump 20 is provided downstream of the branch point of drainage path 15 and circulation water channel 19. Water discharge section 22 is the terminal end of circulation water channel 19, i.e., the end opposite drainage section 121. When circulation pump 20 is driven with drainage valve 16 closed, circulation pump 20 pumps up water from water tank 12 through drainage section 121 and supplies the water back into water tank 12 from water discharge section 22. In this way, circulation pump 20 circulates the water stored in water tank 12 through circulation water channel 19.

[0017] The filter device 21 is provided midway through the drainage path 15 and / or the circulation water path 19, and has the function of removing foreign matter such as lint from the water discharged from the drain section 121. The filter device 21 can be disposed, for example, at the branch point of the drainage path 15 and the circulation water path 19 or in an upstream portion thereof. In this embodiment, the filter device 21 is disposed in an upstream portion of the branch point of the drainage path 15 and the circulation water path 19.

[0018] When operated in water, the electrolyzer 30 electrolyzes reactants in the water to generate active ingredients such as free radicals, ozone, and hypochlorous acid, which have disinfecting and deodorizing effects. The electrolyzer 30 can be placed inside the water tank 12 or along the circulating water channel 19. By operating the electrolyzer 30, the water stored in the water tank 12 can be converted into activated water containing the active ingredients. In this embodiment, the electrolyzer 30 is placed at the bottom inside the water tank 12, i.e., below the rotating tank 13.

[0019] As shown in Figure 5, the electrolyzer 30 includes a pair of electrodes 31 and a case 32. When a control device 40 applies a voltage between the electrodes 31, active ingredients are produced. The electrodes 31 can be formed into rectangular plates, for example, by plating platinum on titanium plates. The case 32 is configured to allow water to pass in and out.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 4, control device 40 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having CPU 301 and storage area 402 such as ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory, and controls the overall operation of washing machine 10. Control device 40 is electrically connected to rotating tub motor 14, drain valve 16, water supply valve 18, circulation pump 20, and electrolyzer 30, and controls the operation of these. Control device 40 also controls rotating tub motor 14, drain valve 16, water supply valve 18, circulation pump 20, and electrolyzer 30, and is capable of performing a sterilization operation in which water containing active ingredients produced by electrolyzer 30 is supplied to laundry.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, washing machine 10 includes water level detection unit 41, weight detection unit 42, water temperature detection unit 43, and current detection unit 44. Water level detection unit 41 has a function of detecting the water level of water stored in water tub 12. For example, water level detection unit 41 can be a pressure switch that detects the water level in water tub 12 by detecting the pressure in a tube (not shown) connected to the bottom of water tub 12. Weight detection unit 42 has a function of detecting the weight of clothes stored in rotatable tub 13. Water temperature detection unit 43 has a function of detecting the temperature of water stored in water tub 12. Current detection unit 44 has a function of detecting the magnitude of the current flowing between electrodes 31, 31 of electrolyzer 30.

[0022] The control device 40 controls the rotatable tub motor 14, the drain valve 16, the water supply valve 18, the circulation pump 20, the electrolyzer 30, the water level detector 41, the weight detector 42, the water temperature detector 43, and the current detector 44 to execute a washing operation course. The washing operation course includes at least a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process. In the washing process, the control device 40 executes a washing operation. The washing operation is performed by opening the water supply valve 18 with the drain valve 16 closed, storing water in the water tub 12, and driving the rotatable tub motor 14, which serves as an agitation mechanism, at low to medium speed to agitate and wash the clothes in water containing, for example, detergent. In the rinsing process, the control device 40 executes a rinsing operation. The rinsing operation is performed by opening the water supply valve 18 with the drain valve 16 closed, storing water in the water tub 12, and driving the rotatable tub motor 14 at low to medium speed to agitate and rinse the clothes in water. The dehydration process is a process in which water is removed from the clothes by driving the rotary tub motor 14 at high speed with the drain valve 16 open.

[0023] When executing a washing operation course, the washing machine 10 can selectively execute operation contents including a sterilization operation and a normal operation. The operation contents including the sterilization operation and the normal operation are set based on the user's operation on an operation panel (not shown). The sterilization operation is an operation content in which the electrolyzer 30 is driven during operation to treat clothes with activated water containing an active ingredient. In particular, the electrolyzer 30 is driven with water stored in the water tub 12. The normal operation is an operation content in which clothes are treated during operation without driving the electrolyzer 30.

[0024] When executing the sterilization operation, the control device 40 executes a setting process to set the operation period of the sterilization operation. The operation period of the sterilization operation means one or more of the operation period of the washing operation executed by the sterilization operation, the execution period of the washing step included in the washing operation, and the execution period of the rinsing step included in the washing operation. The operation period of the sterilization operation is set to a period necessary to obtain a desired sterilization effect on the clothes stored in the spin tub 13.

[0025] In this case, the control device 40 sets the operating period of, for example, the washing step in the sterilization operation based on the detection results of the detection unit that detects a predetermined parameter that affects the performance of the electrolyzer 30. The predetermined parameter that affects the performance of the electrolyzer 30 can be one or more parameters selected from, for example, the weight of the clothes placed in the rotating tub 13, the amount, temperature, hardness, or electrical conductivity of the water stored in the water tub 12, the value of the current flowing between the electrodes 31, 31 of the electrolyzer 30, or the value of the voltage applied between the electrodes 31, 31.

[0026] 6 shows the operation period set by the control device 40 based on predetermined parameters that affect the performance of the electrolyzer 30, focusing on the magnitude relationship between these parameters. For example, the control device 40 sets a shorter operation period as the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 42 becomes lighter, and sets a longer operation period as the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 42 becomes heavier. This is because the greater the amount of clothes, i.e., the amount of fabric, the greater the amount of active ingredient required for sterilization treatment. The control device 40 sets a shorter operation period as the amount of water in the water tub 12 becomes smaller, i.e., the lower the water level detected by the water level detection unit 41, and sets a longer operation period as the amount of water in the water tub 12 becomes larger, i.e., the higher the water level detected by the water level detection unit 41. This is because the greater the amount of water, the lower the concentration of the active ingredient required for sterilization treatment. Furthermore, the control device 40 sets a longer operation period as the water temperature in the water tank 12, i.e., the lower the temperature detected by the water temperature detection unit 43, and sets a shorter operation period as the water temperature in the water tank 12, i.e., the higher the temperature detected by the water temperature detection unit 43. This is because the higher the water temperature, the higher the electrolysis efficiency and the more active components are produced.

[0027] The control device 40 sets a longer operation period for the lower hardness of the water in the water tank 12, and a shorter operation period for the higher hardness of the water in the water tank 12. This is because the higher the hardness of the water, the higher the current flowing between the electrodes 31 of the electrolyzer 30, and therefore the greater the amount of active components produced. The control device 40 sets a longer operation period for the lower electrical conductivity of the water in the water tank 12, and a shorter operation period for the higher electrical conductivity of the water in the water tank 12. This is because the higher the electrical conductivity, the higher the current flowing between the electrodes 31 of the electrolyzer 30, and therefore the greater the amount of active components produced. Note that the detector for detecting water hardness and / or the detector for detecting water electrical conductivity can be realized by any known method. For example, the detector for detecting water hardness and / or the detector for detecting water electrical conductivity can be realized by using the detected current value of the current detector 44.

[0028] The control device 40 sets a longer operation period as the current value detected by the current detection unit 44 decreases, and sets a shorter operation period as the current value detected by the current detection unit 44 increases. This is because, when the electrolyzer 30 is under constant voltage control, the higher the current value flowing between the electrodes 31, 31, the greater the amount of active components produced. The control device 40 sets a longer operation period as the voltage value applied between the electrodes 31, 31 of the electrolyzer 30 decreases, and sets a shorter operation period as the voltage value applied between the electrodes 31, 31 increases. This is because, when the electrolyzer 30 is under constant current control, the higher the voltage value applied between the electrodes 31, 31, the greater the amount of active components produced. Although not shown in detail, the washing machine 10 may be equipped with a voltage detection unit that detects the voltage value applied between the electrodes 31, 31.

[0029] Figure 7 shows an example of a table of the sterilization operation duration set according to the weight of the clothes. In this case, the weight of the clothes is categorized into multiple weight categories (in this case, three categories). For example, when the weight detected by the weight detection unit 42 is 1.0 kg or less, the control device 40 sets the operation duration of the washing process to 60 minutes; when the detected weight is greater than 1.0 kg but less than 2.0 kg, the control device 40 sets the operation duration to 120 minutes; and when the detected weight is greater than 2.0 kg, the control device 40 sets the operation duration to 180 minutes.

[0030] FIG. 8 shows an example of a table of the operation period of the sterilization operation, which is set according to the value of the current flowing between the electrodes 31, 31. In this case, the current value is categorized into multiple categories (in this case, three categories) according to its magnitude. In this embodiment, the control device 40 controls the electrolyzer 30 at a constant voltage. For example, when the current value detected by the current detection unit 44 is 0.5 A or less, the control device 40 sets the operation period of the washing process to 180 minutes; when the detected current value is greater than 0.5 A and less than or equal to 1.0 A, the control device 40 sets the operation period to 120 minutes; and when the detected current value is greater than 1.0 A, the control device 40 sets the operation period to 60 minutes.

[0031] The above describes how the control device 40 sets the operation period using the washing process as an example, but the control device 40 can also set the operation period for the rinsing process and / or the operation period for a washing operation course that includes the washing process and the rinsing process in the same way.

[0032] Although the above describes an example in which the control device 40 sets the operation period based on one of a plurality of predetermined parameters, the present invention is not limited to this. The control device 40 may set the operation period based on one parameter, or may set the operation period by combining the influences of a plurality of predetermined parameters.

[0033] The control device 40 performs an adjustment process when performing the sterilization operation. The adjustment process is a process of adjusting the mechanical force applied to the clothes stored in the rotatable tub 13 by the operation of the rotatable tub motor 14 as an agitation mechanism based on an operation period set in accordance with predetermined parameters that affect the performance of the electrolyzer 30. In this case, the adjustment process includes a process of controlling the operation of the rotatable tub motor 14 as an agitation mechanism to reduce the mechanical force applied to the clothes stored in the rotatable tub 13 as the set operation period is longer. For example, the control device 40 may control the operation of the rotatable tub motor 14 as an agitation mechanism to reduce the mechanical force applied to the clothes stored in the rotatable tub 13 when the set operation period is longer than the predetermined period compared to when the set operation period is shorter than the predetermined period.

[0034] The control device 40 can execute the adjustment process using various specific methods. For example, in the example shown in Figures 9 and 10, the control device 40 adjusts the drive frequency of the rotatable tub motor 14 to reduce the mechanical force applied to the clothes stored in the rotatable tub 13. In this case, the control device 40 executes the adjustment process of decreasing the drive frequency of the rotatable tub motor 14 as the operation period becomes longer.

[0035] FIG. 9 shows the drive control of the electrolyzer 30 and the rotatable tub motor 14 during the operation period, for example, during the wash step, in normal operation and sterilization operation. During sterilization operation, the control device 40 drives the electrolyzer 30 throughout the entire operation period. During normal operation and sterilization operation, the control device 40 rotates the rotatable tub motor 14 forward and reverse at a drive speed of R0 rpm. Because the operation period during sterilization operation is set longer than the operation period during normal operation, the control device 40 sets the drive frequency of the rotatable tub motor 14 during sterilization operation to be less than the drive frequency of the rotatable tub motor 14 during normal operation. In other words, the control device 40 sets the interval between drive periods of the rotatable tub motor 14 during sterilization operation to be longer than the interval between drive periods of the rotatable tub motor 14 during normal operation. This reduces the mechanical force applied to the clothes during the long sterilization operation, allowing the clothes to be sterilized while minimizing damage to the clothes.

[0036] 9, the operating period t1 of the washing process in the sterilization operation is set to be a times longer than the operating period t0 of the washing process in the normal operation, and the driving frequency of the rotatable tub motor 14 in the sterilization operation is set to be approximately 1 / a times the driving frequency of the rotatable tub motor 14 in the normal operation. In other words, the driving frequency of the rotatable tub motor 14 can be set so that the operating period and the driving frequency of the rotatable tub motor are inversely proportional to each other.

[0037] 10 shows the drive frequency of the rotatable tub motor 14 when the operating period in normal operation is, for example, 15 minutes, and when the operating periods set for sterilization operation are 60, 120, and 180 minutes, respectively, as a ratio where the drive frequency for a 15-minute operating period is set to 1. When the operating period is 60 minutes, the control device 40 sets the drive frequency to 1 / 4 of the operating period in normal operation, when the operating period is 120 minutes, the drive frequency to 1 / 8 of the operating period in normal operation, and when the operating period is 180 minutes, the drive frequency to 1 / 12 of the operating period in normal operation.

[0038] Here, the sterilization operation using the active ingredients generated by the electrolyzer 30 requires a longer operating period than normal operation in order to achieve a sufficient effect. If the same agitation control as normal operation is performed during the sterilization operation, mechanical force will be continuously applied to the clothes for a long period of time, which may damage the clothes. On the other hand, the sterilization effect of the electrolyzer 30 varies depending on various factors such as water quality and water temperature, and therefore the operating period required to achieve a desirable sterilization effect also varies.

[0039] According to the present embodiment described above, washing machine 10 as a clothing treatment device includes water tub 12 and rotatable tub 13 as clothing storage tubs, rotatable tub motor 14 as an agitation mechanism, electrolyzer 30, detectors 41, 42, 43, and 44, and controller 40. Water tub 12 and rotatable tub 13 store clothes therein. Rotatable tub motor 14 rotates rotatable tub 13 to agitate the clothes stored in rotatable tub 13. Electrolyzer 30 electrolyzes water stored in water tub 12 to generate active ingredients. Detectors 41, 42, 43, and 44 detect predetermined parameters that affect the performance of electrolyzer 30. Controller 40 controls rotatable tub motor 14 as an agitation mechanism, electrolyzer 30, and detectors 41, 42, 43, and 44 to perform a sterilization operation. The control device 40 sets the operation period of the sterilization operation based on the detection results of the detection units 41, 42, 43, and 44, and executes an adjustment process to adjust the mechanical force applied to the clothes by the agitation mechanism based on the operation period.

[0040] This provides a clothing treatment device that can achieve desirable sterilization and cleaning effects while minimizing damage to clothing by setting an appropriate operating period according to specified parameters and then adjusting the mechanical force applied to the clothing by the stirring mechanism based on the operating period.

[0041] According to this embodiment, the specified parameter is one or more parameters selected from the weight of the clothes placed in the rotating tub 13, the amount of water stored in the tub, the temperature, hardness, or electrical conductivity, the current value flowing between the electrodes 31, 31 of the electrolyzer 30, or the voltage value applied between the electrodes 31, 31.

[0042] The total amount of active ingredients produced by the electrolyzer 30 during sterilization operation depends on these parameters, so by setting the operation period based on these predetermined parameters, the control device 40 can set an appropriate operation period.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the adjustment process includes a process of reducing the mechanical force applied to the clothes when the set operating period is longer than a predetermined period, compared to when the set operating period is shorter than the predetermined period.

[0044] This provides a clothing processing device that can reduce the mechanical force applied to clothing by the agitation mechanism, thereby suppressing physical damage to clothing, even if the sterilization operation is performed for a long period of time.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the clothing storage tub includes a water tub 12 and a rotatable tub 13 rotatably disposed within the water tub 12. The agitation mechanism is a rotatable tub motor 14 that rotates and drives the rotatable tub 13. The adjustment process includes a process of reducing the rotation frequency of the rotatable tub motor 14 when the set operating period is longer than a predetermined period compared to when the set operating period is shorter than the predetermined period.

[0046] In this embodiment, the predetermined period is an operating period during normal operation.

[0047] This reduces the rotation frequency of the rotating tub motor 14 and lengthens the interval, thereby reducing the mechanical force applied to the clothes per unit time. This provides a clothing treatment device that can suppress damage to the clothes while achieving desirable sterilization and cleaning effects.

[0048] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. In this embodiment, the control device 40 executes an adjustment process to adjust the drive rotation speed of the rotatable tub motor 14. Specifically, as the adjustment process, the control device 40 reduces the drive rotation speed of the rotatable tub motor 14 as the operation period becomes longer.

[0049] FIG. 11 shows the drive control of the electrolyzer 30 and the rotatable tub motor 14 during the operation period, for example, during the wash step, in normal operation and sterilization operation. During sterilization operation, the control device 40 drives the electrolyzer 30 throughout the entire operation period. In this embodiment, the control device 40 rotates the rotatable tub motor 14 forward and reverse at the same drive frequency during normal operation and sterilization operation. That is, the length of the drive period and the interval length of the rotatable tub motor 14 are set to be the same during normal operation and sterilization operation. Because the operation period during sterilization operation is set to be longer than the operation period during normal operation, the control device 40 sets the drive rotation speed R1 of the rotatable tub motor 14 during sterilization operation to be lower than the drive rotation speed R0 of the rotatable tub motor 14 during normal operation. This reduces the mechanical force applied to the clothes per cycle, thereby reducing the mechanical force applied to the clothes throughout the entire operation period of sterilization operation, allowing the clothes to be sterilized while minimizing damage to the clothes.

[0050] 11, the operating period t1 of the washing process in the sterilization operation is set to a times the operating period t0 of the washing process in the normal operation, and the driving rotation speed R1 of the rotatable tub motor 14 in the sterilization operation is set to approximately 1 / a times the driving rotation speed R0 of the rotatable tub motor 14 in the normal operation. In other words, the driving rotation speed of the rotatable tub motor 14 can be set so that the operating period and the driving rotation speed of the rotatable tub motor are generally inversely proportional to each other.

[0051] 10 shows the drive rotation speed of the rotational tub motor 14 when the operation period in normal operation is, for example, 15 minutes, and when the operation period set for sterilization operation is 60 minutes, 120 minutes, and 180 minutes, respectively. When the operation period in normal operation is 15 minutes and the drive rotation speed is 50 rpm, the control device 40 sets the drive rotation speed to 40 rpm when the operation period in sterilization operation is 60 minutes, sets the drive rotation speed to 25 rpm when the operation period is 120 minutes, and sets the drive rotation speed to 10 rpm when the operation period is 180 minutes.

[0052] The present embodiment described above also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

[0053] According to this embodiment, the clothing storage tub includes a water tub 12 and a rotatable tub 13 rotatably disposed within the water tub 12. The agitation mechanism is a rotatable tub motor 14 that rotates and drives the rotatable tub 13. The adjustment process includes a process of reducing the drive rotation speed of the rotatable tub motor 14 when the set operating period is longer than a predetermined period compared to when the set operating period is equal to or shorter than the predetermined period.

[0054] In this embodiment, the predetermined period is an operating period during normal operation.

[0055] This reduces the mechanical force applied to the clothes during each cycle of forward and reverse rotation of the rotatable tub motor 14 when the operating period is longer than a predetermined period, thereby reducing the mechanical force applied to the clothes throughout the entire operating period. This provides a clothing treatment device that can achieve desirable sterilization and cleaning effects while minimizing damage to the clothes.

[0056] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. In this embodiment, the control device 40 performs the washing or rinsing operation in the same manner as in normal operation for a predetermined first period as an adjustment process, and then, in a second period after the first period has elapsed, stops the rotatable tub motor 14, or reduces the driving frequency of the rotatable tub motor 14 compared to the driving frequency during the washing or rinsing operation, or reduces the driving rotation speed of the rotatable tub motor 14 compared to the driving rotation speed during the washing or rinsing operation.

[0057] In the example shown in FIG. 13 , after the start of the washing process, during a first period during which the washing operation is performed, the control device 40 drives the rotatable tub motor 14 at the same rotation speed R0 as in normal operation, i.e., the same drive frequency as in normal operation, during a first period, for example, from time 0 to t0. Thereafter, during a second period, for example, from time t0 to t1, the control device 40 drives the rotatable tub motor 14 at the same rotation speed R0 as in normal operation. In this case, the percentage x% of the drive frequency of the rotatable tub motor 14 during the second period can be set to, for example, 10% or less, preferably 5% or less, with the drive frequency during the first period being 100%. In this embodiment, the percentage x% of the drive frequency of the rotatable tub motor 14 during the second period is set to 5% with the drive frequency during the first period being 100%. In this case, the control device 40 drives the rotatable tub motor 14 for, for example, one cycle of forward and reverse rotation and then stops it for 19 cycles, thereby setting the drive frequency to 5%.

[0058] 14, after the start of the washing process, in a first period during which the washing operation is performed, the control device 40 drives the rotatable tub motor 14 at the same drive rotation speed R0 as in normal operation and at the same drive frequency as in normal operation, for example, from time 0 to t0. Thereafter, the control device 40 stops the rotatable tub motor 14 in a second period, for example, from time t0 to t1.

[0059] The control device 40 may drive the circulation pump 20 to circulate the water stored in the water tub 12 during either or both of the first and second periods. In particular, by driving the circulation pump 20 during the second period in which the rotation tub motor 14 is stopped or driven less frequently, the water and the clothes can be agitated, and contact between the water containing the active ingredient and the clothes can be promoted.

[0060] The present embodiment described above also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the adjustment process is a process in which the agitation mechanism is operated at a predetermined frequency for washing or rinsing during a predetermined first period, and during a second period following the first period, the rotating tub motor 14 as the agitation mechanism is stopped or the operating frequency of the rotating tub motor 14 is reduced compared to the operating frequency during the first period.

[0062] According to this, after the normal washing or rinsing period has elapsed, the rotation tub motor 14 stops or slightly agitates the clothes, reducing the total mechanical force applied to the clothes even during a long period of sterilization treatment. This provides a clothing treatment device that can effectively sterilize clothes and prevent damage to the clothes.

[0063] (Fourth embodiment) A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 15. In this embodiment, foam generated by laundry treatment agents such as water and detergent is used as a cushioning material and lubricant to reduce the mechanical force applied to the clothes. For example, the control device 40 executes a process to increase the amount of water supplied to the water tub 12 as the operating period of the sterilization operation becomes longer. Because water serves as a cushioning material and lubricant, the more water is supplied, the less damage to the fabric caused by clothes rubbing against each other.

[0064] For example, Fig. 15 shows an example of the amount of water to be supplied according to the weight of clothes for each of the normal operation and the sterilization operation. In this case, the operation periods for the normal operation and the sterilization operation are set as shown in Figs. 6 to 8. The operation period for the sterilization operation is set longer than the operation period for the normal operation. The amount of water to be supplied for the sterilization operation is set larger than the amount of water to be supplied for the normal operation.

[0065] For example, when the weight detected by the weight detection unit 42 is 1 kg or less, the control device 40 sets the water supply amount for normal operation to 20 L and the water supply amount for sterilization operation to 22 L. When the weight detected by the weight detection unit 42 is greater than 1 kg but less than or equal to 2 kg, the control device 40 sets the water supply amount for normal operation to 22 L and the water supply amount for sterilization operation to 24 L. When the weight detected by the weight detection unit 42 is greater than 2 kg but less than or equal to 3 kg, the control device 40 sets the water supply amount for normal operation to 23 L and the water supply amount for sterilization operation to 26 L. When the weight detected by the weight detection unit 42 is greater than 3 kg, the control device 40 sets the water supply amount for normal operation to 24 L and the water supply amount for sterilization operation to 27 L. In this case, the operating period of the sterilization operation is set longer as the weight of the clothes increases, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 . That is, the control device 40 sets a larger water amount for a longer operating period in the sterilization operation.

[0066] The present embodiment described above also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

[0067] According to this embodiment, washing machine 10 as a clothing processing device includes water supply path 17 that supplies water from an external water source to water tub 12, and water supply valve 18 that opens and closes water supply path 17. Control device 40 controls the opening and closing of water supply valve 18. The adjustment process includes a process of increasing the amount of water supplied to water tub 12 when the set operation period is longer than a predetermined period, compared to when the set operation period is equal to or shorter than the predetermined period.

[0068] This allows the water to act as a cushioning and lubricant, preventing the clothes from rubbing against each other, reducing the mechanical force applied to the clothes even when they are stirred for a long period of time for sterilization. This provides a clothing treatment device that can effectively sterilize clothes while minimizing damage to the clothes.

[0069] Furthermore, as an adjustment process, the control device 40 may execute a process to increase the discharge rate of the circulation pump 20 or lengthen the driving period of the circulation pump 20 when the set operation period is longer than a predetermined period, compared to when the set operation period is equal to or shorter than the predetermined period. In this case, foaming in the water tub 12 increases as the amount of circulated water increases. Therefore, the foam of the laundry treatment agent acts as a cushioning material and a lubricant, thereby reducing the mechanical force applied to the clothes.

[0070] Although the clothing treatment device in each of the above embodiments is a drum-type washing machine, this is not limiting. In other embodiments, the clothing treatment device may be a vertical washing machine. In this case, the vertical washing machine is equipped with a pulsator as an agitation mechanism and a pulsator motor that rotates the pulsator. Even in the case of a vertical washing machine, the control device 40 performs the adjustment process similar to the above embodiments. For example, as the adjustment process, the control device 40 may adjust the driving frequency of the pulsator motor or the driving rotation speed of the pulsator motor. Figure 16 shows an example of the driving rotation speed of the pulsator motor during normal operation and sterilization operation. In this case, too, the driving rotation speed of the pulsator motor can be set so that the operating period and the driving rotation speed of the pulsator motor are roughly inversely proportional to each other.

[0071] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. For example, the control device 40 may adjust both the drive frequency and the drive rotation speed of the rotation tub motor as the adjustment process.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, it has been described that the washing operation course can be selectively executed between sterilization operation and normal operation. However, the washing machine 10 may also be capable of executing a sterilization operation course for the purpose of sterilization without a washing step. Even in this case, the control device 40 can perform an adjustment process for the operation period of the sterilization operation, as described in the above embodiments. Furthermore, the washing machine 10 may execute both normal operation and sterilization operation without a washing step in one operation course. For example, the control device 40 can additionally execute a sterilization operation after executing a normal washing operation course. This allows the sterilization operation to be arbitrarily added to various washing operation courses conventionally provided by the washing machine 10 as normal operation, thereby adding a sterilization function according to the user's wishes. In this case, the control device 40 also performs an adjustment process during the sterilization operation, allowing the washing machine 10 to finish the washing operation by sterilizing clothes while suppressing damage to the fabric after normal operation, such as a washing operation.

[0073] 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 modifications thereof are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 10... washing machine (clothing treatment device), 11... outer box, 12... water tub (clothing storage tub), 13... rotating tub (clothing storage tub), 14... rotating tub motor (agitation mechanism), 30... electrolyzer, 40... control device, 41... water level detection unit (detection unit), 42... weight detection unit (detection unit), 43... water temperature detection unit (detection unit), 44... current detection unit (detection unit)

Claims

1. a clothing storage tub for storing clothing therein; a stirring mechanism for stirring the clothes stored in the clothes storage tub; an electrolysis device that electrolyzes the water stored in the clothing storage tub to generate active ingredients; a detection unit that detects predetermined parameters that affect the performance of the electrolyzer; a control device that controls the stirring mechanism, the electrolyzer, and the detection unit to perform a sterilization operation, The control device sets an operation period of the sterilization operation based on the detection result of the detection unit, and executes an adjustment process to adjust the mechanical force applied to the laundry by the stirring mechanism based on the operation period. Clothes treatment device.

2. The predetermined parameter is one or more parameters selected from the weight of the clothes stored in the clothes storage tub, the amount, temperature, hardness, or electrical conductivity of water stored in the clothes storage tub, the value of a current flowing between electrodes of the electrolyzer, or the value of a voltage applied between the electrodes. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

3. the adjustment process includes a process of reducing the mechanical force applied to the laundry when the set operation period is longer than a predetermined period, compared to when the set operation period is equal to or shorter than the predetermined period. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

4. The clothing storage tub includes a water tub and a rotating tub rotatably provided within the water tub, The stirring mechanism is a rotary tub motor that rotates the rotary tub, The adjustment process includes a process of reducing the rotation frequency of the rotation tub motor when the set operation period is longer than a predetermined period, compared to when the set operation period is equal to or shorter than the predetermined period. The clothing treatment device according to claim 3 .

5. The clothing storage tub includes a water tub and a rotary tub rotatably provided therein, The stirring mechanism is a rotary tub motor that rotates the rotary tub, The adjustment process includes a process of reducing the driving rotation speed of the rotation tub motor when the set operating period is longer than a predetermined period, compared to when the set operating period is equal to or shorter than the predetermined period. The clothing treatment device according to claim 3 .

6. The adjustment process includes a process of operating the stirring mechanism at a predetermined frequency for washing or rinsing during a predetermined first period, and stopping the stirring mechanism or reducing the operating frequency of the stirring mechanism compared to the operating frequency during the first period during a second period that is a period after the first period. The clothing treatment device according to claim 2 .

7. a water supply path for supplying water from an external water source to the clothing storage tub; a water supply valve that opens and closes the water supply path, the control device controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve; the adjustment process includes a process of increasing the amount of water supplied to the clothing storage tub when the set operation period is longer than a predetermined period, compared to when the set operation period is equal to or shorter than the predetermined period. The clothing treatment device according to claim 3 .

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