Washing machine, washing method

Abstract

Offering a laundry cycle that provides deodorizing effects. [Solution] The washing machine comprises a washing tub having an outer tub and an inner tub communicating with the outer tub, capable of agitating clothes placed in the inner tub; a water supply unit that supplies water to the washing tub; a heater unit that heats the water supplied to the washing tub; a motor unit that drives the inner tub; and a control unit. The control unit performs a first process in which the heater unit heats the water supplied from the outer tub to the inner tub, generating steam in the washing tub; and a second process in which the motor unit agitates the inner tub while heated water and steam are present in the inner tub as a result of the first process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of washing machines and washing methods.

Background Art

[0002] In many washing machines, various washing programs are provided, allowing users to select a program and operate the washing machine.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that heats water and washes clothes with steam in a so-called drum-type washing machine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, as a washing program of a washing machine, in addition to normal washing, a program mainly for deodorizing or reducing odor is also desired. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a program for deodorizing or reducing odor of clothes as one of the course menus in a washing machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The washing machine according to the present invention comprises an outer tub, an inner tub communicating with the outer tub, a washing tub capable of agitating clothes placed in the inner tub, a water supply unit for supplying water to the washing tub, a heater unit for heating the water supplied to the washing tub, a motor unit for driving the inner tub, and a control unit, wherein the control unit performs a first process in which the water supplied from the outer tub to the inner tub by the water supply unit is heated by the heater unit to generate steam in the washing tub, and a second process in which, with heated water and steam present in the inner tub as a result of the first process, the motor unit drives the inner tub to agitate. In this case, a portion of the water stored in the washing tub is evaporated to generate steam, creating a hot and humid environment inside the tub. The clothes placed in the tub are then agitated in this hot and humid environment, and the clothes are washed using the heated water and steam. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, odor particles attached to clothing can be encapsulated by steam particles, and a washing course primarily aimed at deodorizing or reducing odors in clothing can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the washing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram of the internal structure of the washing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of the control configuration of the washing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the control of the steam deodorization course in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the control of the steam deodorization course in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes a washing machine and washing method as embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments, a drum-type washing machine is used as an example, and in particular, the control of a course for deodorizing or reducing the odor of clothes will be described. For the purposes of this description, this course will be referred to as the "steam deodorizing course."

[0010] <Washing machine configuration> Figure 1 shows an example of the external appearance of the washing machine 1 according to the embodiment. The washing machine 1 is a drum-type washing machine, and a door 2 for loading and unloading clothes is formed on the front side. An operation panel 3 is provided at the top front. The operation panel 3 is equipped with buttons, dials, and other controls that allow the user to perform operations such as selecting a washing course and setting the time, as well as a display section using LEDs to show the washing course, time, etc.

[0011] Furthermore, adjacent to the control panel 3, a detergent case 4 for dispensing detergent, etc., is provided on the upper front, and can be opened and closed. Also, on the lower front, a lint case 5 for collecting and removing lint, etc., is provided, and can be opened and closed.

[0012] Figure 2 schematically shows the internal structure of washing machine 1. Inside the washing machine 1, in the center, there is an outer tub 15 and an inner tub 16, both roughly cylindrical in shape, which together form the washing tub 50. The user can put clothes and other items into and out of the inner tub 16 by opening the door 2.

[0013] The outer tank 15 is a tank capable of storing water. The inner tank 16 is provided with numerous holes (not shown) that communicate with the outer tank 15, so that the water stored in the outer tank 15 can reach the inside of the inner tank 16. The inner tub 16 is positioned inside the outer tub 15 and attached to the shaft portion 17a, and is rotatable by the inner tub drive motor 17. The rotation by the inner tub drive motor 17 agitates the clothes placed in the inner tub 16.

[0014] As a water supply unit that supplies water to the washing tub 50, a water supply passage 23a, a water supply valve 11, a water injection unit 12, and a water supply passage 23b are provided. The water supply passage 23a is connected to an external water supply (not shown). When the water supply valve 11 is opened, water from the water supply flows into the water injection unit 12 and further into the washing tub 50 through the water supply passage 23b. A packing 14 is formed around the front side of the outer tub 15 to prevent water leakage. The water supplied to the washing tub 50 accumulates on the bottom side of the outer tub 15, and when the water volume increases, the water level reaches inside the inner tub 16. For example, the dashed line indicates the water level 60 that has reached the inner tub 16 due to water supply.

[0015] When draining the water in the washing tub 50, the drain valve 21 is opened. Thereby, the water flows into the drain passage 24a, passes through the lint capture unit 22, and is drained out of the washing machine 1 from the drain passage 24b. The lint capture unit 22 collects the lint contained in the drained water. This lint can be collected in the lint case 5 shown in FIG. 1 and recovered.

[0016] A heater unit 18 is disposed in the washing tub 50. The heater unit 18 is attached inside the outer tub 15 below the inner tub 16. When water is injected into the outer tub 15, the heater unit 18 is in a submerged state. Also, a temperature sensor 20 is provided near the heater unit 18 or inside the heater unit 18. The temperature sensor 20 enables detection of the water temperature and the temperature inside the layer.

[0017] A water level sensor 19 is provided in the washing tub 50. The water level sensor 19 enables detection of the amount of water injected in the washing tub 50.

[0018] The control unit 10 is arranged near the operation panel 3 or the like. The control unit 10 is a unit having a control board on which a microprocessor chip and a memory chip are arranged on a circuit board. The control unit 10 controls each part so that various washing courses can be operated according to the user's operation. Although the arrangement position of the control unit 10 is not limited to the vicinity of the operation panel 3, setting it near the operation panel 3 is convenient for maintenance of the electrical system and the like.

[0019] The control configuration by the control unit 10 is shown in FIG. 3. The control unit 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 30 as a microprocessor chip and a memory unit 31. Here, the memory unit 31 comprehensively shows a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory) 73, a non-volatile memory, and the like. In the ROM and non-volatile memory in the memory unit 31, programs executed by the CPU 30 and various parameters are stored. The CPU 30 performs calculations using the RAM in the memory unit 31 as a work area and executes control processing based on the programs.

[0020] As the operation panel 3, a display unit 3a and an operation unit 3b are provided. The operation unit 3b has operation elements such as switches and dials as described above, and an operation detection circuit thereof. Information on the user operation on the operation elements is transmitted from the operation unit 3b to the control unit 10. The display unit 3a is provided with an LED light emitting unit and an LED segment light emitting unit, and performs display of the washing course, time display, etc. by light emission based on the control of the control unit 10.

[0021] For the water supply valve 11, a valve drive unit 40 as a valve actuator for driving the water supply valve 11 to open and close is provided. The control unit 10 performs opening and closing control on the valve drive unit 40. Thereby, the execution and stop of water supply into the washing tub 50 are controlled.

[0022] A valve drive unit 41 is provided for the drain valve 21, which acts as a valve actuator to open and close the drain valve 21. The control unit 10 controls the opening and closing of the valve drive unit 41. This controls the start and stop of drainage from the washing tub 50.

[0023] A motor drive unit 42 is provided for the inner tank drive motor 17. The control unit 10 gives instructions to the motor drive unit 42, such as rotation / stop, rotation speed, and rotation direction. The motor drive unit 42 applies a motor drive current to the inner tank drive motor 17 according to the instructions. This causes the inner tank 16 to rotate based on the control of the control unit 10.

[0024] A heater drive unit 43 is provided to supply current for heating to the heater unit 18. The control unit 10 instructs the heater drive unit 43 to turn heating on / off, set the heating level, etc. In response, the heater drive unit 43 supplies current to the heater unit 18. As a result, the heater unit 18 heats up based on the control of the control unit 10.

[0025] The temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 20 and the water level information detected by the water level sensor 19 are transmitted to the control unit 10. This allows the control unit 10 to perform control processing according to the temperature information and water level information.

[0026] <First Embodiment> For example, the control of the steam deodorizing course in a washing machine 1 with the configuration shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 above will be explained. Figure 4 shows an example of control processing as the first embodiment. Figure 4 and Figure 5, which will be described later, show the control processing executed by the CPU 30 of the control unit 10 based on the program.

[0027] The user places clothes into the inner tub 16 and selects the steam deodorizing course. Once the user selects the steam deodorizing course and the course starts, the control unit 10 begins the process shown in Figure 4.

[0028] In step S101, the control unit 10 performs water supply start control. The control unit 10 controls the valve drive unit 40 to open the water supply valve 11 and start supplying water to the washing tub 50.

[0029] In step S102, the control unit 10 determines whether water has been supplied for a predetermined time. At this stage, the control unit 10 measures the time since the start of water supply and makes a simplified determination of the amount of water supplied to determine whether water has been supplied for a predetermined time. After supplying water for a predetermined time, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S103, where it instructs the valve drive unit 40 to stop the water supply, causing the water supply valve 11 to close and the water supply to stop. Then, in step S104, the control unit 10 checks the water volume based on the detection information from the water level sensor 19.

[0030] In the steam deodorizing course, the water supply should aim for a water level such that the water slightly reaches the inside of the inner tub 16, as shown by the dashed line 60 in Figure 2. Depending on the capacity of the washing machine 1, approximately 1 liter of water should be supplied. For example, if the predetermined water supply time confirmed in step S102 is set to the amount of water that can be supplied when the water flowing through the water channels 23a and 23b is at its maximum volume, then when the water level sensor 19 detects the water level in step S104, it is often the case that there is enough stored water to reach approximately a water level of 60.

[0031] If the water level sensor 19 detects that the water level is below 60, the control unit 10 returns to step S101 and resumes water supply. The predetermined time in step S102 when resuming is set to be shorter than the time of the initial water supply. This is because it is assumed that the amount of water needed will not be as large as the first time, as it is only a top-up.

[0032] At step S104, the water supply is stopped during the water volume confirmation stage. This allows the water level sensor 19 to accurately determine the water level. During water supply, the water surface ripples, making the detection value by the water level sensor 19 unstable and making accurate water level detection difficult. By stopping the water supply and performing the water level determination, the accuracy of water level detection is improved, and it becomes possible to supply water up to the desired water level.

[0033] If the water level is determined to be OK in step S104, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S105 to start heating. That is, the control unit 10 instructs the heater drive unit 43 to perform heating using the heater unit 18. In this case, since the water level has reached around 60, which is the water level in the inner tank 16, the heater unit 18 is submerged in water when heating starts. Therefore, the heater unit 18 does not end up in a dry-heating state during heating.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 4, heating is started after the required amount of water has accumulated in the washing tub 50. However, heating may also be started while the water is being supplied. Such an example will be explained in the second embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0035] After starting heating in step S105, the control unit 10 confirms in step S106 that a predetermined heating termination condition has been met. The heating termination condition may be, for example, the elapsed of a predetermined heating time or the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 20 being above a predetermined value. Steam is generated by heating water, filling the inner tank 16 with steam, and the remaining water is also heated. For example, the heated water is set to about 66 degrees Celsius so that heated water remains in the inner tank 16 while it is filled with steam. For this purpose, an appropriate heating time is set in advance and becomes the predetermined time for the heating completion condition. For example, vaporization is achieved by heating for about 20 minutes.

[0036] Furthermore, the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 20 may be approximately 66 degrees Celsius, and the degree of steam filling may be detected by a humidity sensor or the like to ensure that appropriate vaporization is being performed, which may also be added as conditions for terminating the heating process.

[0037] If the water temperature is around 66 degrees Celsius, the temperature of the clothing exposed to the small amount of heated water and steam is expected to be around 40 to 50 degrees Celsius. At temperatures of 40 to 50 degrees Celsius, there will be almost no damage to the fabric of the clothing.

[0038] Once the heating termination conditions are met, the control unit 10 proceeds from step S106 to step S107 and instructs the heater drive unit 43 to stop heating by the heater unit 18. Although heating is stopped at this point, heating may be continued during the next tumbling to maintain the temperature.

[0039] Next, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S108, instructing the motor drive unit 42 to rotate the inner tub 16 and perform tumbling of the clothes.

[0040] This fills the inner tub 16 with steam and also contains a small amount of heated water, which then causes the clothes to tumble. Clothing has odor particles from body odor and odor particles adsorbed from the outside attached to it. Tumbling in the steam envelops the odor particles attached to the clothing with steam particles and evaporates them together, thus eliminating the odor. In addition, the inner tub 16 contains a small amount of heated water, which promotes the floating of particles and enhances the deodorizing effect.

[0041] Perform this tumbling for, for example, about 20 minutes. Note that no detergent is added in the steam deodorizing course in this example. The tumbling is performed in the inner tub 16, which contains only steam and a small amount of heated water, and no detergent has been added.

[0042] In step S109, the control unit 10 checks whether the predetermined time of tumbling has been completed. If the control unit 10 detects that the end time has been reached based on the time count since the start of tumbling, it proceeds to step S110 to perform dewatering control. Specifically, the control unit 10 instructs the motor drive unit 42 to end the tumbling for deodorization and instructs the valve drive unit 41 to drain. As a result, water is drained from the washing tub 50. The control unit 10 then instructs the motor drive unit 42 to rotate the inner tub 16 for centrifugal dewatering.

[0043] For dehydration, the control unit 10 counts time, for example, about 15 minutes, and monitors the completion time in step S111. When the end time is reached, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S112 to determine whether a cooling process is necessary. For example, if the temperature sensor 20 or the like determines that the temperature inside the washing tub 50 is high and a cooling process is necessary, the control unit performs the execution of the cooling process in step S113. For example, it cools the inside of the washing tub 50 by supplying the necessary amount of water to the outer tub 15, thereby lowering the temperature of the clothes. The control of the series of steam deodorizing courses then ends when the cooling process is completed. If the temperature inside the washing tub 50 is not high and it is determined that a cooling process is unnecessary, the control unit 10 will end the process from step S112 and terminate control of the steam deodorizing course.

[0044] <Second Embodiment> Next, an example of control processing as a second embodiment will be explained in Figure 5. When the user places clothes into the inner tub 16 and selects the steam deodorizing course, the control unit 10 starts the process shown in Figure 5.

[0045] In step S201, the control unit 10 sets the heating start time. This sets how many minutes and seconds after the water supply starts the heating by the heater unit 18 will begin. Heating may start simultaneously with the start of water supply, or it may start after a certain amount of time has elapsed since the start of water supply. Therefore, the heating start time is set based on the water supply start timing, ranging from 0 minutes 0 seconds (i.e., heating starts simultaneously with water supply) to x minutes y seconds (heating starts x minutes y seconds after water supply starts).

[0046] The setting for the start time of heating can be a fixed value or it can be adjusted according to user input. For example, if the control panel 3 allows the user to specify the type of clothing, the heating start time can be set according to the selected type of clothing. For example, if the heating end time is set to a specific time after the water supply starts, changing the heating start time will change the heating duration, thereby allowing adjustment of the heating temperature. For example, by delaying the start of heating, it is possible to set the temperature to around 60 degrees or 55 degrees instead of 66 degrees. For example, in the case of delicate clothing, it is possible to shorten the heating time and run the steam deodorizing course at a relatively low temperature.

[0047] Furthermore, the user may be able to directly specify the heating start time in minutes / seconds. Alternatively, several selectable heating start times may be provided for the user to choose from. These measures allow the user to control the temperature at which the steam deodorizing course is applied. Alternatively, the user may be able to select the applicable temperature for the steam deodorization course, and the control unit 10 may set the heating start time according to the selected temperature.

[0048] In step S202, the control unit 10 performs water supply start control. The control unit 10 controls the valve drive unit 40 to open the water supply valve 11 and start supplying water to the washing tub 50. In step S203, the control unit 10 determines whether the heating start time set in step S201 has been reached. When the heating start time has been reached, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S204 and performs the process of starting heating. That is, the control unit 10 instructs the heater drive unit 43 to perform heating by the heater unit 18. For example, if the heating start time is set to 0 minutes and 0 seconds, heating will start as soon as water is supplied. If the heating start time is set to 1 minute and 10 seconds, heating will start 1 minute and 10 seconds after water is supplied.

[0049] In step S205, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the predetermined amount of water has been supplied. This can be determined simply by the control unit 10 based on the time elapsed since the start of water supply. The control unit 10 may also make a decision based on the value detected by the water level sensor 19. When making a decision based on the value detected by the water level sensor 19, it is advisable to temporarily stop the water supply before acquiring the detected value.

[0050] For example, once the control unit 10 determines that a predetermined amount of water has been supplied, resulting in a water level of approximately 60 as shown in Figure 2, it proceeds to step S206 and controls the valve drive unit 40 to stop the water supply. Then, in step S207, the control unit 10 determines whether the heating termination condition is met. For example, the heating termination condition can be set to a predetermined time, such as 20 minutes, from the time when water supply is first started (the start of the steam deodorization course). In this case, the elapsed time of 20 minutes is determined to be the satisfying of the heating termination condition. In particular, this heating termination is performed when the inner tank 16 is filled with steam and heated water is present. For this reason, in addition to the elapsed time, detection information from the temperature sensor 20 may also be included in determining whether the condition is met.

[0051] When the heating termination conditions are met, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S208 and instructs the heater drive unit 43 to terminate heating, thereby ending the heating by the heater unit 18. Then, the process proceeds to step S108, where the clothes are tumbling. Steps S108 through S114 are the same as those shown in Figure 4, so we will avoid repeating the explanation.

[0052] In the case of the process shown in Figure 5 above, heating may begin before the heater unit 18 is submerged in water. However, as the water supply progresses, the heater unit 18 is quickly submerged. Therefore, the dry-heating state does not last for a long time. On the other hand, by performing heating during the water supply time, the overall time required for the steam deodorization course can be shortened.

[0053] <Effects of the Embodiment> According to the above embodiments, the following effects can be obtained.

[0054] The washing machine 1 of this embodiment has an outer tub 15 and an inner tub 16 communicating with the outer tub 15, and a washing tub 50 capable of agitating clothes placed in the inner tub 16. The washing machine 1 also has a water supply unit (water supply valve 11, water injection unit 12, water supply channels 23a, 23b) that supplies water to the washing tub 50, a heater unit 18 that heats the water supplied to the washing tub 50, a motor unit (inner tub drive motor 17) that drives the inner tub 16, and a control unit 10. The control unit 10 performs a first process in which the water supplied from the outer tub 15 to the inner tub 16 is heated by the heater unit 18, generating steam in the washing tub 50 (steps S101 to S107, steps S201 to S208). The control unit 10 then performs a second process in which, with heated water and steam present in the inner tub 16 after the first process, the inner tub 16 is agitated by the inner tub drive motor 17 (steps S108 to S109). By agitating clothing in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment with a small amount of water and steam present, odor particles attached to the clothing can be encapsulated by the steam particles, resulting in a deodorizing effect. In particular, adding an appropriate amount of heated water promotes the lifting of odor particles from the clothing, further enhancing the deodorizing effect. Note that because only a small amount of heated water is used, the clothing will not become completely wet, but will remain slightly damp while reducing odors.

[0055] Furthermore, clothes that have gone through this steam deodorizing cycle will have their temperature raised due to being placed in a hot and humid environment, making it easier for dirt to loosen. Therefore, running a regular wash cycle with detergent immediately afterward will enhance the dirt removal effect.

[0056] In the first and second embodiments, a water level sensor 19 is provided to detect the water level in the washing tub 50, and an example was described in which the control unit 10 determines the water level using the water level sensor 19 while the water supply is stopped. By stopping the water supply, the water level sensor 19 can accurately determine the water level. Therefore, the appropriate amount can be determined and heating can be performed accordingly.

[0057] In the second embodiment, the control unit 10 sets a heating start time (heating start timing) relative to the start of water supply, and after the water supply is started, it starts heating the water with the heater unit 18 when the set heating start time has been reached. By adjusting the timing of the start of heating after the water supply has begun, it is possible to control the temperature of the heated water. Furthermore, heating the water during the water supply process can shorten the overall time required for the steam deodorization course.

[0058] In the second embodiment, the control unit 10 sets the heating start time (heating start timing) according to user operation via the operation panel 3. For example, users can select the type of clothing, their desired washing time, and the washing course. By setting the timing of when heating begins after water supply starts according to these selections, the system can execute a steam deodorizing course tailored to the type of clothing and the user's requests.

[0059] The operation of the washing machine 1 performed by the first process of the control unit 10 corresponds to the first step of the washing method in the embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the washing machine 1 performed by the second process corresponds to the second step of the washing method. The above-mentioned effects can be obtained by this washing method that performs the first and second steps.

[0060] The steam deodorizing course described in the first and second embodiments is also applicable to top-loading washing machines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1. Washing machine 10 Control Unit 11 Water supply valve 12 Water Inlet 15 Outer tank 16 Inner tank 17. Inner tank drive motor 18 Heater section 19 Water level sensor 20 Temperature Sensors 23a, 23b Water supply channel 50 Washing tub

Claims

1. A washing tub having an outer tub and an inner tub communicating with the outer tub, and capable of agitating the clothes placed in the inner tub, A water supply unit that supplies water to the washing tub, A heater unit that heats the water supplied to the washing tub, A motor unit that drives the inner tank, Control unit and It has, The control unit, The first process involves heating the water supplied from the outer tub to the inner tub by the water supply unit using the heater unit, thereby generating steam in the washing tub. The process is as follows: With heated water and steam present in the inner tank as a result of the first process, the motor unit is used to drive the inner tank to agitate it. washing machine.

2. The washing machine has a water level sensor that detects the water level in the washing tub, The control unit, In the first process, with the water supply by the water supply unit stopped, the water level is determined by the water level sensor, and the heating unit is initiated to heat the water. The washing machine according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, In the first process, a heating start timing is set relative to the start of water supply, and after the water supply unit starts supplying water, the heater unit starts heating the water in accordance with the set heating start timing. The washing machine according to claim 1.

4. It has an operating section, The control unit, The heating start timing is set according to user operation by the control unit. The washing machine according to claim 3.

5. A washing tub having an outer tub and an inner tub communicating with the outer tub, and capable of agitating the clothes placed in the inner tub, A water supply unit that supplies water to the washing tub, A heater unit that heats the water supplied to the washing tub, A motor unit that drives the inner tank, Control unit and As a washing method for a washing machine having, The first step involves supplying water from the outer tub to the inner tub by the water supply unit, heating the water with the heater unit, and generating steam in the washing tub. The process is as follows: In the state where heated water and steam are present in the inner tank as a result of the first step, the motor unit is used to drive the inner tank to agitate it. Washing instructions.

6. In the first step described above, With the water supply unit stopped, the water level in the washing tub is determined by a water level sensor, and the heater unit is executed to heat the water. The washing method according to claim 5.

7. In the first step described above, The heating start timing is set relative to the start of water supply, and after the water supply unit starts supplying water, the heater unit starts heating the water in accordance with the set heating start timing. The washing method according to claim 5.

8. In the first step described above, The aforementioned heating start timing is set according to user operation via the control unit. The washing method according to claim 7.

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