Drum-type washing machine, control method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides a drum-type washing machine, a control method, and a program that can accurately detect the amount of fabric being washed. [Solution] The drum-type washing machine comprises a motor that rotates the drum, a water supply unit that supplies water into the drum, and a control unit that controls the rotation of the motor and the operation of the water supply unit. The control unit includes a fabric quantity detection unit that detects the amount of fabric, which indicates the weight of the laundry, based on the moment of inertia when the motor is rotated at a constant angular acceleration with laundry inside the drum. Before the fabric quantity detection unit detects the amount of fabric, the control unit controls the water supply unit to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a drum-type washing machine, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for detecting the amount of laundry by controlling the angular acceleration of a motor to a constant value and utilizing the relationship that the amount of current supplied to the motor is proportional to the amount of laundry contained in the drum. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6078783 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 had room for improvement in terms of improving the accuracy of fabric quantity detection.

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve these problems and provides a drum-type washing machine, a control method, and a program that can accurately detect the amount of fabric. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A drum-type washing machine in one aspect of the present disclosure is a drum-type washing machine comprising: a motor for rotating a drum; a water supply unit for supplying water into the drum; and a control unit for controlling the rotation of the motor and the operation of the water supply unit, wherein the control unit includes a fabric quantity detection unit that detects the amount of fabric, which indicates the weight of the laundry, based on the moment of inertia when the motor is rotated at a constant angular acceleration with laundry contained in the drum, and controls the water supply unit to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum before the fabric quantity detection unit detects the amount of fabric, wherein the control unit controls the water supply unit to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum.

[0007] A control method in another aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a drum-type washing machine, the drum-type washing machine comprising: a motor for rotating a drum; a water supply unit for supplying water into the drum; and a computer for controlling the rotation of the motor and the operation of the water supply unit, wherein the computer includes detecting a fabric quantity indicating the weight of the laundry based on the moment of inertia when the motor is rotated at a constant angular acceleration with laundry contained in the drum, and controlling the water supply unit to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum before detecting the fabric quantity.

[0008] A program in another aspect of the present disclosure is a program for a drum-type washing machine, the drum-type washing machine comprising: a motor for rotating a drum; a water supply unit for supplying water into the drum; and a computer for controlling the rotation of the motor and the operation of the water supply unit, wherein the computer is instructed to detect a fabric quantity, which indicates the weight of the laundry, based on the moment of inertia when the motor is rotated at a constant angular acceleration with laundry contained in the drum; and, before detecting the fabric quantity, to control the water supply unit to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This disclosure enables accurate detection of the amount of fabric in a drum-type washing machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic cross-sectional view of the drum-type washing machine in this embodiment. [Figure 2] A circuit diagram showing the schematic configuration of the control device for the drum-type washing machine in this embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the control panel in this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the first table, which defines the amount of water supplied and the control settings for each washing process. [Figure 5]A diagram showing an example of a second table defining the relationship between the amount of fabric, the amount of water supply, the amount of detergent, and the amount of softener. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of the amount of water supply during the water supply stirring process. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of the relationship between the measured value of the current flowing through a motor rotating at a constant angular acceleration and the amount of fabric. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of the distribution of dry laundry in the drum when the motor is stopped and when it is rotating. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of the distribution of wet laundry in the drum when the motor is stopped and when it is rotating.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] (Knowledge underlying the present disclosure) Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1 and the like, in a drum washing machine, the angular acceleration of the motor is controlled to be constant, and the relationship that the amount of current flowing through the motor is proportional to the amount of fabric indicating the weight of the laundry accommodated in the drum is utilized to detect the amount of fabric.

[0012] Specifically, assuming that the weight of the laundry is m, the average radius of the laundry distributed on the inner circumference of the drum (the average value of the distance from the axis of the drum to the laundry) is r, and the moment of inertia of the drum and the rotation axis of the motor is denoted as Jd. In this case, the moment of inertia (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as the overall moment of inertia) J when the motor is rotated at a constant angular acceleration α with the laundry accommodated in the drum is expressed as in Equation (1). J = Jd + mr 2 (1)

[0013] Assuming that the torque required for the rotation of the drum and the rotation axis of the motor is T, the torque equation of motion when the drum is rotated at a constant angular acceleration α is expressed as in Equation (2). T = J × α (2)

[0014] When the drum is rotated with a constant angular acceleration α, if the current flowing through the motor is Iq and the motor constant inherent to the motor is K, the torque T is expressed as in Equation (3). T = K × Iq (3)

[0015] Eliminating the torque T from Equations (1) to (3) gives Equation (4). (Jd + mr 2 ) × α = K × Iq (4)

[0016] When the drum is rotated with a constant angular acceleration α, the average radius r of the laundry distributed on the inner circumference of the drum will eventually become constant and approach the radius of the drum. As a result, the moment of inertia Jd of the rotation axis of the drum and the motor becomes negligibly small compared to the moment of inertia mr 2 of the laundry. Therefore, assuming that the overall moment of inertia J (= Jd + mr 2 ) can be used to approximate the moment of inertia mr 2 of the laundry.

[0017] Based on this assumption, when deleting the moment of inertia Jd of the rotation axis of the drum and the motor from Equation (4), Equation (5) is obtained, which shows the relationship that the measured value Iq of the current flowing through the motor when rotated with a constant angular acceleration α is proportional to the laundry quantity m. Iq = (αr 2 / K) × m (5)

[0018] Therefore, in the conventional method for detecting the laundry quantity m, the current flowing through the motor when the motor is rotated with a constant angular acceleration α is measured. Then, the measured value Iq of this current, the motor constant K, and the angular acceleration α are substituted into Equation (5), and the radius of the drum is substituted into Equation (5) as the average radius r of the laundry distributed on the inner circumference of the drum. Thereby, the laundry quantity m is calculated (detected).

[0019] However, this detection method had a problem: when the amount of cloth m exceeded a certain weight, the detection accuracy of the amount of cloth m decreased as the amount of cloth m increased. Figure 7 shows an example of the relationship between the measured amount of current (hereinafter referred to as current value) Iq supplied to a motor rotating with a constant angular acceleration α and the amount of cloth m. Graph G0 in Figure 7 shows the relationship between the amount of cloth m and the current value Iq that satisfies equation (5). Graph G1 in Figure 7 shows the relationship between the measured weight of the laundry contained in the drum and the measured amount of current supplied to a motor rotating with a constant angular acceleration α. ​​In the example in Figure 7, when the amount of cloth m exceeds 3 kg, it can be seen that the difference between graphs G0 and G1 increases as the amount of cloth m increases, and the detection accuracy of the amount of cloth m decreases.

[0020] Furthermore, the inventors have discovered that with the conventional method of detecting the amount of fabric m using the above formula (5), it is difficult to accurately detect the amount of fabric m even if the amount of fabric m does not exceed a certain weight, when large-volume laundry items such as sweaters are placed in the drum in a dry state.

[0021] Figure 8 shows an example of the distribution of dry laundry 15 inside the drum 3 when the motor is stopped and when it is rotating. Specifically, as shown in the left figure of Figure 8, the inventors piled a large volume of dry laundry 15 up to the axis V0 of the drum 3 and rotated the motor with a constant angular acceleration α. ​​In this case, as shown in the right figure of Figure 8, it was found that the laundry 15 was not sufficiently distributed on the inner circumference of the drum 3, and the average radius r was significantly smaller than the radius of the drum 3. As a result, the moment of inertia mr of the laundry 15 2 However, it was found that this deviates significantly from equation (5), which shows a proportional relationship with the current value Iq.

[0022] As a result, the inventors have found that when a large volume of laundry 15 is stored in the drum 3 in a dry state, the moment of inertia of the laundry 15 mr 2 Using equation (5), which was derived by approximating it with the total moment of inertia J, we discovered that it is difficult to accurately detect the amount of fabric m.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the distribution of the wet laundry 15 in the drum 3 when the motor is stopped and rotating. Therefore, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 9, the inventors rotated the motor at a constant angular acceleration α with the laundry 15 wet and its volume reduced. In this case, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 9, it was confirmed that the laundry 15 was distributed on the inner circumference of the drum 3 and the average radius r increased. As a result, it was found that the moment of inertia mr 2 of the laundry 15 approaches the formula (5) showing the proportional relationship with the current value Iq.

[0024] As a result, the inventors obtained the idea that if the laundry 15 is wet and its volume is reduced before detecting the fabric amount m, the fabric amount m can be accurately detected using the formula (5) derived by approximating the moment of inertia mr 2 of the laundry 15 with the overall moment of inertia J, and thus arrived at the present disclosure.

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, overly detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description overly redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0026] Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0027] (Embodiment) [Overall Structure of Washing Machine] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a drum-type washing machine 100 in the present embodiment. The drum-type washing machine 100 includes a housing 1. An operation panel 10 is provided at the upper front of the housing 1. The operation panel 10 has a display (display unit) for displaying information, operation buttons for performing operations related to each washing process, indicators for displaying the states related to each washing process, and the like.

[0028] The housing 1 has an opening 4 on its front, upward-sloping surface into which laundry 15 is inserted. The housing 1 has a door 5 for opening and closing the opening 4. The housing 1 houses a control device 200 for performing one or more washing processes. One or more washing processes include a washing process in which the laundry 15 is washed with detergent, a rinsing process in which the laundry 15 is rinsed, and a dewatering process in which the laundry 15 is dewatered. In the washing and rinsing processes, a washing operation is performed in which the laundry 15 is washed while being agitated in water. In the dewatering process, a dewatering operation is performed in which water is separated from the laundry 15 by centrifugal force.

[0029] The housing 1 includes a water tank 9. The water tank 9 stores water during the washing and rinsing processes. The water tank 9 is elastically supported by a suspension mechanism (not shown) fixed to the bottom wall of the housing 1.

[0030] A water inlet 91 is provided at the top of the peripheral wall of the water tank 9. The water inlet 91 supplies water into the water tank 9 during the washing and rinsing processes. The downstream end of the connecting pipe 82 is connected to the water inlet 91. The upstream end of the connecting pipe 82 is connected to the discharge port 94 provided on the automatic dispensing device 46. The downstream end of the water injection pipe 81 is connected to the water inlet 95 provided on the automatic dispensing device 46. The upstream end of the water injection pipe 81 is connected to the water supply valve 47 (water supply section).

[0031] The automatic dispensing device 46 includes tanks for storing detergent and fabric softener, respectively. The automatic dispensing device 46 also includes a pipeline (not shown) connected to the water inlet 95 and discharge port 94 of the automatic dispensing device 46. Under the control of the control unit 31 described later, the automatic dispensing device 46 dispenses the indicated amounts of detergent and fabric softener stored in the tanks into the pipeline.

[0032] A drain outlet 92 is provided at the very bottom of the tank 9. The drain outlet 92 drains the water used in the washing and rinsing processes. A branch pipe 83 is connected to the drain outlet 92. The branch pipe 83 branches into a drain pipe 84 and a circulation pipe 85. A drain valve 48 (drain section) is provided in the drain pipe 84. A circulation pump 49 is provided in the circulation pipe 85. An inlet 93 is provided at the downstream end of the circulation pipe 85.

[0033] The circulation pump 49 draws up water from the tank 9 and recirculates it. Specifically, under the control of the control unit 31 (described later), the circulation pump 49 draws water from the tank 9 via the branch pipe 83, pumps it up through the circulation pipe 85 to the water inlet 93, and injects it back into the tank 9 through the inlet 4. Figure 1 shows an example where the water inlet 93 is located above the front side of the inlet 4, but the water inlet 93 may be located in another position where the water pumped up by the circulation pump 49 through the circulation pipe 85 can be injected into the tank 9 through the inlet 4.

[0034] The tank 9 contains a bottomed cylindrical drum 3. The drum 3 holds the laundry 15 that is put in from the opening 4. The drum 3 is supported such that its axis V0 is inclined downward from the front to the back. The drum 3 is rotated in both forward and reverse directions by a motor 7 attached to the back of the tank 9. The rotation of the motor 7 is transmitted to the drum 3 via a rotating shaft 17.

[0035] Multiple through-holes 6 are provided on the circumferential surface of the drum 3, which connect to the water tank 9. Water supplied to the water tank 9 from the water inlet 91 is injected into the drum 3 through the through-holes 6. In addition, water injected again into the water tank 9 from the water inlet 93 via the inlet 4 by the circulation pump 49 enters the drum 3 and is stored in the water tank 9 through the through-holes 6. Furthermore, the drum 3 is provided with agitation protrusions (not shown) for agitating the laundry 15 while it is rotating.

[0036] [Circuit Configuration] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing the schematic configuration of the control device 200 of the drum-type washing machine 100 in this embodiment. The control device 200 includes a rectifier circuit 21, a choke coil 22, a smoothing capacitor 23, an inverter circuit 24, and a control unit 31.

[0037] The rectifier circuit 21 is connected to the commercial power supply 20 and rectifies the AC voltage supplied from the commercial power supply 20. The choke coil 22 and smoothing capacitor 23 constitute a smoothing circuit. This smoothing circuit smooths the AC voltage rectified by the rectifier circuit 21 and outputs a DC voltage.

[0038] The inverter circuit 24 is composed of a three-phase inverter circuit. The inverter circuit 24 converts the DC voltage output from the smoothing circuit into an AC voltage and supplies that AC voltage to the motor 7, thereby driving the motor 7 to rotate.

[0039] The inverter circuit 24 includes six switching elements 24a to 24f. The connection point between switching elements 24a and 24b constitutes the U-phase AC output terminal of the motor 7. The connection point between switching elements 24c and 24d constitutes the V-phase AC output terminal of the motor 7. The connection point between switching elements 24e and 24f constitutes the W-phase AC output terminal of the motor 7.

[0040] The switching elements 24a to 24f are composed of, for example, IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors). However, this is just one example, and the switching elements 24a to 24f may also be composed of MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors). Reverse flow diodes are connected to the switching elements 24a to 24f. Reverse direction means the opposite direction to the forward direction, where the forward direction is defined as the direction in which current flows from the collector to the emitter.

[0041] The motor 7 comprises a stator having three-phase windings 7a, 7b, and 7c, and a rotor having two-pole permanent magnets. The motor 7 is configured as a DC brushless motor equipped with three position detection elements 30a, 30b, and 30c. The rotation of the motor 7 is controlled by PWM control using an inverter circuit 24. The rotor position detection signals detected by the position detection elements 30a, 30b, and 30c are input to the control unit 31.

[0042] The control unit 31 is composed of a microcontroller (computer) equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and peripheral circuits thereof. The control unit 31 includes a motor control unit 32, an operation control unit 33, a rotation speed detection unit 34, a current detection unit 35, a fabric amount detection unit 36, a calculation unit 37, and an output unit 38.

[0043] The motor control unit 32, operation control unit 33, rotation speed detection unit 34, fabric amount detection unit 36, calculation unit 37, and output unit 38 are configured by the CPU executing a control program stored in memory. However, the motor control unit 32, operation control unit 33, rotation speed detection unit 34, fabric amount detection unit 36, calculation unit 37, and output unit 38 may be configured as hard logic circuits. The hard logic circuit may consist of one or more semiconductor chips. A microcomputer and peripheral circuits may be used in combination with the hard logic circuit. The current detection unit 35 is configured, for example, by a shunt resistor and a circuit built into the microcontroller.

[0044] The motor control unit 32 controls the rotation of the motor 7 based on the rotor position detection signals detected by the position detection elements 30a, 30b, and 30c. Specifically, the motor control unit 32 controls the drive circuit 27 based on the rotor position detection signals detected by the position detection elements 30a, 30b, and 30c. In this way, the motor control unit 32 PWM controls the on / off state of the switching elements 24a to 24f of the inverter circuit 24. In other words, the motor control unit 32 controls the energization to the three-phase windings 7a, 7b, and 7c of the stator to rotate the rotor at a desired rotational speed.

[0045] The operation control unit 33 executes one or more washing processes based on the operation instructions entered on the operation panel 10. In each washing process, the operation control unit 33 controls the operation of the automatic dispensing device 46, the water supply valve 47, the drain valve 48, and the circulation pump 49 by controlling the load drive unit 26.

[0046] The rotation speed detection unit 34 detects the period each time the state of the rotor position detection signal detected by any of the three position detection elements 30a, 30b, and 30c changes. Based on the detected period, the rotation speed detection unit 34 calculates the rotation speed of the rotor. The rotation speed of the rotor detected by the rotation speed detection unit 34 corresponds to the rotation speed of the drum 3. In the following explanation, the rotation speed of the drum 3 is obtained from the rotation speed of the rotor detected by the rotation speed detection unit 34.

[0047] The current detection unit 35 detects the current supplied to the motor 7 and outputs the current value Iq of the detected current.

[0048] The fabric quantity detection unit 36 ​​detects the fabric quantity m, which represents the weight of the laundry 15 contained in the drum 3, based on the moment of inertia J when the motor 7 is rotated with a constant angular acceleration α while the laundry 15 is contained in the drum 3.

[0049] Specifically, the fabric load detection unit 36 ​​instructs the motor control unit 32 to rotate the motor 7 with a predetermined constant angular acceleration α until the rotation speed of the motor 7 detected by the rotation speed detection unit 34 reaches a predetermined rotation speed, while the laundry 15 is placed inside the drum 3.

[0050] The memory constituting the control unit 31 has a fabric quantity calculation table pre-stored in association with the angular acceleration α. ​​The fabric quantity calculation table corresponding to the angular acceleration α is a table that associates the current value Iq of the current supplied to the motor 7 when the motor 7 is rotated with the angular acceleration α with the fabric quantity m obtained when the current value Iq and the angular acceleration α are substituted into equation (5), and the radius of a predetermined drum 3 is substituted as the average radius r of the laundry 15 distributed around the inner circumference of the drum 3.

[0051] The fabric quantity detection unit 36 ​​acquires (detects) the fabric quantity m, which is associated with the current value Iq of the current detected by the current detection unit 35, in the fabric quantity calculation table corresponding to the angular acceleration α.

[0052] Furthermore, the method for detecting the amount of fabric m by the fabric amount detection unit 36 ​​is not limited to this. For example, the fabric amount detection unit 36 ​​may rotate the motor 7 for a time predetermined to correspond to each of several constant angular accelerations α. The fabric amount detection unit 36 ​​may then obtain the amount of fabric m corresponding to the current value Iq of the current detected by the current detection unit 35 when the motor 7 is rotated at each angular acceleration α, in a fabric amount calculation table corresponding to each angular acceleration α, as the amount of fabric m when the motor 7 is rotated at each angular acceleration α. ​​The fabric amount detection unit 36 ​​may also detect a representative value of the amount of fabric m when the motor 7 is rotated at each angular acceleration α as the amount of fabric m. A representative value is, for example, the average value, maximum value, or minimum value.

[0053] The calculation unit 37 calculates the time required for each of the one or more washing processes (hereinafter referred to as "operating time") and the amount of detergent based on the amount of fabric m detected by the fabric amount detection unit 36. Details of how to calculate the operating time and the amount of detergent required for each washing process will be described later.

[0054] The output unit 38 outputs information regarding the operating time and detergent amount required for each washing process, which has been calculated by the calculation unit 37. Furthermore, the output unit 38 outputs information indicating the currently executing washing process (hereinafter referred to as current process information).

[0055] For example, the output unit 38 calculates the remaining operating time by summing the operating times required for each washing process from the currently running washing process onward (hereinafter, the remaining washing processes) out of the operating time required for each washing process calculated by the calculation unit 37. The output unit 38 outputs this remaining operating time information to the operation panel 10 as information regarding the operating time required for each washing process calculated by the calculation unit 37. Furthermore, the output unit 38 outputs information indicating the amount of detergent calculated by the calculation unit 37 and the current process information to the operation panel 10.

[0056] As a result, the control panel 10 displays information on the display of the control panel 10 indicating the remaining operating time and the amount of detergent output by the output unit 38. The control panel 10 also lights up an indicator on the control panel 10 that corresponds to the washing process indicated by the current process information.

[0057] Figure 3 shows an example of the operation panel 10 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the operation panel 10 includes a display 101 for displaying information, an operation button 102a for performing operations related to the washing process, an operation button 102b for performing operations related to the rinsing process, and an operation button 102c for performing operations related to the dewatering process. Operation button 102a includes an indicator 103a for displaying the status related to the washing process. Operation button 102b includes an indicator 103b for displaying the status related to the rinsing process. Operation button 102c includes an indicator 103c for displaying the status related to the dewatering process.

[0058] Figure 3 shows an example where the display 101 shows information indicating the amount of detergent output by the output unit 38, "1.0 cup," and information indicating the remaining operating time, "0 hours 30 minutes." Figure 3 also shows an example where the indicator 103a, which displays the status related to the washing process, is lit because the current process information output by the output unit 38 indicates the washing process.

[0059] Furthermore, the output unit 38 may control the communication circuit 11 to transmit (output) display instructions to an external device indicating information about the remaining operating time and the amount of detergent. The external device includes information processing devices such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and personal computers used by the user of the drum-type washing machine 100. In this way, the external device that receives the display instructions may display the information about the remaining operating time and the amount of detergent on its own display in accordance with the received display instructions.

[0060] [Washing machine operation] Next, the operation of the drum-type washing machine 100 as a washing machine will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the first table which defines the amount of water supplied and the control contents in each washing process. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the second table which defines the relationship between the amount of fabric m, the amount of water supplied, the amount of detergent, and the amount of fabric softener. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the amount of water supplied during the water supply and agitation process.

[0061] The first table (Figure 4) and the second table (Figure 5) are stored in the memory of the microcontroller constituting the control unit 31 or in the memory of the peripheral circuit of the hard logic circuit constituting the control unit 31. In the following description, the memory of the microcontroller constituting the control unit 31 or the memory of the peripheral circuit of the hard logic circuit constituting the control unit 31 will be referred to as the storage unit.

[0062] After the laundry 15 is placed in the drum 3 and a washing operation instruction is received from the operation panel 10, the operation control unit 33 refers to the first table (Figure 4) and executes each washing process in the order of the washing process, rinsing process, and spin-drying process listed in the first row. The second row of the first table (Figure 4) lists the multiple processes that make up each of the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes in the order they are to be executed.

[0063] [Washing process] In the washing process, the operation control unit 33 refers to the second row of the first table (Figure 4) and executes each process in the following order, as listed below the washing process: water supply and agitation process, drainage process, fabric quantity detection process, water supply process, and washing and agitation process (an example of the washing process).

[0064] The operating times for each of the washing processes—the water supply and agitation process, the drainage process, the fabric load detection process, the water supply process, and the washing and agitation process—are stored in the memory unit. Similarly, the operating times for each of the rinsing processes—the drainage process, the intermediate dewatering process, the water supply process, and the rinse and agitation process—as well as the operating times for the dewatering processes—the drainage process and the dewatering process—are also stored in the memory unit. The amount of detergent required for washing is also stored in the memory unit.

[0065] [Water supply and stirring process in the washing process] When the water supply and agitation process begins, the output unit 38 obtains the operating time and detergent amount required for each of the multiple processes that constitute the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes from the storage unit. The output unit 38 calculates the remaining operating time as the sum of the obtained operating times. The output unit 38 outputs information indicating the remaining operating time and information indicating the detergent amount to the control panel 10. The output unit 38 further outputs current process information indicating the washing process, which is the washing process currently being executed, to the control panel 10.

[0066] As a result, the control panel 10 displays information on the display 101 (Figure 3) indicating the remaining operating time and the amount of detergent output by the output unit 38. The control panel 10 also lights up an indicator 103a that displays the status of the washing process as indicated by the current process information.

[0067] In the water supply and agitation process, the operation control unit 33 controls the opening and closing timing of the water supply valve 47 via the load drive unit 26 so that an amount of water equivalent to a water level of "0 mm" is supplied into the water tank 9. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the height of the lowest point of the drum 3 is set as the reference water level of "0 mm". The amount equivalent to a water level of "0 mm" corresponds to the amount of water that fills the space from the lowest point of the water tank 9 to the lowest point of the drum 3 (for example, about 2.4 L). In the example in Figure 6, the lowest point of the water tank 9 is 10 mm lower than the lowest point of the drum 3.

[0068] Furthermore, during the water supply and agitation process, the operation control unit 33 operates the circulation pump 49 via the load drive unit 26. This recirculates the water that has flowed into the water tank 9 through the perforations 6 without being absorbed by the laundry 15 back into the drum 3. Therefore, in the water supply and agitation process prior to the laundry load detection process, in addition to the water supplied into the water tank 9 from the water inlet 91 and supplied into the drum 3 through the perforations 6, the water recirculated using the circulation pump 49 is also utilized, efficiently wetting the laundry 15 in the drum 3 and reducing the volume of the laundry 15.

[0069] Furthermore, during the water supply and agitation process, the motor control unit 32 controls the drive circuit 27 and accelerates the rotation of the motor 7 (drum 3) until the rotation speed of the motor 7 (drum 3) detected by the rotation speed detection unit 34 reaches "45 rpm". This agitates the wet laundry 15 inside the drum 3 and distributes the laundry 15 evenly around the inner circumference of the drum 3.

[0070] [Wastewater treatment process in the washing process] After the start of the water supply agitation process, once the operating time required for the water supply agitation process has elapsed, the operation control unit 33 executes the drainage process. In the drainage process, the motor control unit 32 controls the drive circuit 27 to decelerate the rotation of the motor 7 (drum 3) until the rotation speed of the motor 7 (drum 3) detected by the rotation speed detection unit 34 becomes "0 rpm". The operation control unit 33 opens the drain valve 48 via the load drive unit 26 and drains the water remaining in the water tank 9 through the drain port 92 and the drain pipe 84.

[0071] [Fabric quantity detection process in the washing process] After the drainage process has started and the required operating time for the drainage process has elapsed, the operation control unit 33 executes a fabric quantity detection process. In the fabric quantity detection process, the operation control unit 33 closes the drain valve 48 via the load drive unit 26.

[0072] The fabric quantity detection unit 36 ​​instructs the motor control unit 32 to rotate the motor 7 (drum 3) with a constant angular acceleration α until the rotation speed of the motor 7 (drum 3), as detected by the rotation speed detection unit 34, reaches "180 rpm". The fabric quantity detection unit 36 ​​obtains (detects) the fabric quantity m, which is associated with the current value Iq of the current detected by the current detection unit 35, in the fabric quantity calculation table corresponding to the angular acceleration α.

[0073] The calculation unit 37 categorizes the amount of fabric m detected by the fabric amount detection unit 36 ​​into levels using multiple thresholds. For example, if the amount of fabric m is less than the smallest of the eight thresholds, the calculation unit 37 sets the level of the amount of fabric m to "0". If the amount of fabric m is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold (the next smallest value after the first threshold), the calculation unit 37 sets the level of the amount of fabric m to "1". In this way, the calculation unit 37 categorizes the amount of fabric m detected by the fabric amount detection unit 36 ​​into nine levels from "0" to "8" using the first to eighth thresholds.

[0074] The calculation unit 37 obtains from the storage unit the operating time required for each step that constitutes each washing step after the currently executing water supply agitation step (hereafter, the remaining steps). Note that the currently executing water supply agitation step is the first step performed in the washing operation. For this reason, the calculation unit 37 obtains from the storage unit the operating time required for each of the multiple steps that constitute the washing step including the water supply agitation step, the multiple steps that constitute the rinsing step, and the multiple steps that constitute the spin-drying step.

[0075] The calculation unit 37 uses the fabric quantity m level and the remaining operating time required for each process obtained from the memory unit to calculate the operating time required for each remaining process. Specifically, the calculation unit 37 shortens the operating time required for each remaining process as obtained, and calculates this shortened time as the operating time required for each remaining process.

[0076] For example, if the fabric quantity m level is "2" or less, the calculation unit 37 reduces or multiplies the operating time required for each step included in the washing step among the remaining steps obtained from the storage unit by a first predetermined rate of 1 or less, so that the sum of the operating times required for each step included in the washing step among the remaining steps obtained from the storage unit becomes a first predetermined time (for example, "8 minutes").

[0077] On the other hand, if the fabric quantity m level is "3" or higher, the calculation unit 37 expands the operating time required for each step included in the washing process among the remaining steps obtained from the memory unit by a second predetermined rate that is greater than the first predetermined rate, so that the sum of the operating times required for each step included in the washing process among the remaining steps obtained from the memory unit becomes a second predetermined time (for example, "9 minutes") which is longer than the first predetermined time.

[0078] However, the method for calculating the operating time required for each process according to the fabric quantity m level by the calculation unit 37 is not limited to this.

[0079] The output unit 38 calculates the sum of the operating times required for each remaining washing process calculated by the calculation unit 37 as the remaining operating time. The output unit 38 outputs this information indicating the remaining operating time to the control panel 10 as information regarding the operating time required for each washing process. As a result, the control panel 10 displays the information indicating the remaining operating time output by the output unit 38 on the display 101 (Figure 3).

[0080] Meanwhile, the calculation unit 37 calculates the amount of detergent corresponding to the level of cloth amount m in the second table (Figure 5). For example, if the level of cloth amount m is "0", the calculation unit 37 calculates "0.4 cups" as the amount of detergent corresponding to cloth amount m.

[0081] The output unit 38 outputs information indicating the amount of detergent calculated by the calculation unit 37 to the operation panel 10. As a result, the control panel 10 displays information on the display 101 (Figure 3) indicating the amount of detergent output by the output unit 38.

[0082] [Water supply process in the washing process] After the start of the fabric quantity detection process, once the operating time required for the fabric quantity detection process has elapsed, the operation control unit 33 executes the water supply process. In the water supply process, the motor control unit 32 controls the drive circuit 27 and decelerates the rotation of the motor 7 (drum 3) until the rotation speed of the motor 7 (drum 3) detected by the rotation speed detection unit 34 becomes "0 rpm".

[0083] The operation control unit 33 controls the opening and closing timing of the water supply valve 47 via the load drive unit 26 so that an amount of water corresponding to the water level corresponding to the amount of fabric m detected by the fabric amount detection unit 36 ​​is supplied into the water tank 9.

[0084] Specifically, the operation control unit 33 refers to the second table (Figure 5) and obtains the water level corresponding to the fabric quantity m level. For example, if the fabric quantity m level is "0", the operation control unit 33 obtains the water level "minimum". The operation control unit 33 refers to the first table (Figure 4) and controls the opening and closing timing of the water supply valve 47 via the load drive unit 26 so that an amount of water corresponding to the water level obtained is supplied into the water tank 9.

[0085] Furthermore, the operation control unit 33 controls the automatic dispensing device 46 via the load drive unit 26 to dispense the amount of detergent corresponding to the amount of fabric m calculated by the calculation unit 37 into the pipeline provided by the automatic dispensing device 46.

[0086] For example, suppose the water level corresponding to the amount of cloth m is "minimum," and the amount of detergent corresponding to the amount of cloth m is "0.4 cups." In this case, the operation control unit 33 refers to the first table (Figure 4) and obtains the water level of "25 mm" in the water supply process during the washing process, which corresponds to the "minimum" water level. The operation control unit 33 controls the opening and closing timing of the water supply valve 47 via the load drive unit 26 so that an amount of water equivalent to the obtained water level of "25 mm" is supplied into the water tank 9. The amount equivalent to the water level of "25 mm" corresponds to the amount of water that fills the space from the bottom of the water tank 9 to a position 25 mm higher than the bottom of the drum 3, which indicates the standard water level of "0 mm."

[0087] Furthermore, the operation control unit 33 controls the automatic dispensing device 46 via the load drive unit 26 to dispense an amount of detergent equivalent to the acquired detergent amount "0.4 cups" into the pipeline provided by the automatic dispensing device 46. An amount equivalent to "0.4 cups" of detergent is equivalent to 0.4 capfuls of a typical detergent bottle (for example, 25 ml).

[0088] [Washing and stirring process in the washing process] After the water supply process has started and the operating time required for the water supply process has elapsed, the operation control unit 33 executes the washing and stirring process.

[0089] In the washing and agitation process, the output unit 38 calculates the remaining operating time as the sum of the operating times required for each remaining process, which are calculated by the calculation unit 37 according to the level of fabric quantity m. Here, the remaining processes are the multiple processes that make up the washing and agitation process, the rinsing process, and the dewatering process in the washing process. The output unit 38 outputs this information indicating the remaining operating time to the operation panel 10. As a result, the operation panel 10 displays the information indicating the remaining operating time output by the output unit 38 on the display 101 (Figure 3).

[0090] The operation control unit 33, similar to the water supply process, controls the opening and closing timing of the water supply valve 47 via the load drive unit 26 so that an amount of water corresponding to the water level corresponding to the amount of fabric m detected by the fabric amount detection unit 36 ​​is further supplied into the water tank 9.

[0091] The motor control unit 32 controls the drive circuit 27 and accelerates the rotation of the motor 7 (drum 3) until the rotation speed of the motor 7 (drum 3) detected by the rotation speed detection unit 34 reaches "45 rpm", and then rotates the motor 7 at a constant rotation speed of "45 rpm".

[0092] The operation control unit 33 operates the circulation pump 49 via the load drive unit 26. This recirculates the water that has flowed from inside the drum 3 through the perforations 6 into the water tank 9 back into the drum 3.

[0093] Therefore, in the washing and agitation process, the laundry 15 can be agitated in water while being pounded against the inner surface of the drum 3. This pounding action removes dirt from the laundry 15 into the water in the tank 9. The motor control unit 32 may also control the drive circuit 27 so that the drum 3 rotates forward and backward at a constant rotation speed of 45 rpm at predetermined intervals.

[0094] [Rinsing process] After the start of the washing and stirring process, once the operating time required for the washing and stirring process has elapsed, the operation control unit 33 terminates the washing process and executes the rinsing process. In the rinsing process, the operation control unit 33 refers to the second row of the first table (Figure 4) and executes each process in the order listed below the rinsing process: the draining process, the intermediate dewatering process, the water supply process, and the rinsing and stirring process.

[0095] [Drainage process in the rinsing process] In the drainage process, the output unit 38 calculates the remaining operating time as the sum of the operating times required for each remaining step, which are calculated by the calculation unit 37 according to the level of fabric quantity m, similar to the washing and agitation step in the washing process. Here, the remaining steps are the multiple steps that make up the rinsing and dewatering steps, respectively. The output unit 38 outputs this information indicating the remaining operating time to the operation panel 10. As a result, the operation panel 10 displays the information indicating the remaining operating time output by the output unit 38 on the display 101 (Figure 3).

[0096] Furthermore, the output unit 38 outputs current process information, which indicates the rinsing process, the currently running washing process, to the control panel 10, similar to the water supply and agitation process in the washing process. As a result, the control panel 10 lights up the indicator 103b (Figure 3) which displays the status of the rinsing process indicated by the current process information.

[0097] The motor control unit 32 controls the drive circuit 27, similar to the drainage process in the washing process, and decelerates the rotation of the motor 7 (drum 3) until the rotation speed of the motor 7 (drum 3) detected by the rotation speed detection unit 34 becomes "0 rpm". The operation control unit 33 opens the drain valve 48 via the load drive unit 26 and drains the water remaining in the tank 9 through the drain port 92 and the drain pipe 84. In this drainage process, the water containing dirt and detergent that was dropped into the tank 9 during the washing process can be drained through the drain port 92 and the drain pipe 84.

[0098] [Intermediate dewatering process in the rinsing process] After the start of the drainage process, once the operating time required for the drainage process has elapsed, the operation control unit 33 executes the intermediate dewatering process.

[0099] In the intermediate dewatering process, the output unit 38 calculates the remaining operating time as the sum of the operating times for each remaining step, which are calculated by the calculation unit 37 according to the level of fabric quantity m, similar to the drainage step in the rinsing process. Here, the remaining steps are the intermediate dewatering step, water supply step, and rinse agitation step that constitute the rinsing process, and the multiple steps that constitute the dewatering process. The output unit 38 outputs this information indicating the remaining operating time to the operation panel 10. As a result, the operation panel 10 displays the information indicating the remaining operating time output by the output unit 38 on the display 101 (Figure 3).

[0100] The motor control unit 32 controls the drive circuit 27 and accelerates the rotation of the motor 7 (drum 3) until the rotation speed of the motor 7 (drum 3) detected by the rotation speed detection unit 34 reaches "900 rpm," after which the motor 7 rotates at a constant rotation speed of "900 rpm." The operation control unit 33 opens the drain valve 48 via the load drive unit 26 and drains the water in the tank 9 through the drain port 92 and the drain pipe 84. As a result, the water that has been dewatered from the laundry 15 stuck to the inner circumference of the drum 3 by the high-speed rotation of the motor 7 and flowed into the tank 9 through the perforations 6 can be drained through the drain port 92 and the drain pipe 84.

[0101] [Water supply process in the rinsing process] After the intermediate dewatering process has started and the operating time required for the intermediate dewatering process has elapsed, the operation control unit 33 executes the water supply process.

[0102] In the water supply process, the output unit 38, similar to the drainage process in the rinsing process, calculates the remaining operating time as the sum of the operating times required for each remaining process, which are calculated by the calculation unit 37 according to the level of fabric quantity m. Here, the remaining processes are the water supply process and the rinse agitation process that constitute the rinsing process, and the multiple processes that constitute the dewatering process. The output unit 38 outputs this information indicating the remaining operating time to the operation panel 10. As a result, the operation panel 10 displays the information indicating the remaining operating time output by the output unit 38 on the display 101 (Figure 3).

[0103] The motor control unit 32 controls the drive circuit 27, similar to the water supply process in the washing process, and decelerates the rotation of the motor 7 (drum 3) until the rotation speed of the motor 7 (drum 3) detected by the rotation speed detection unit 34 becomes "0 rpm".

[0104] The operation control unit 33 controls the opening and closing timing of the water supply valve 47 via the load drive unit 26 so that an amount of water corresponding to the water level corresponding to the amount of fabric m detected by the fabric amount detection unit 36 ​​is supplied into the water tank 9, similar to the water supply process in the washing process.

[0105] Furthermore, the operation control unit 33 controls the automatic dispensing device 46 via the load drive unit 26 to dispense the amount of fabric softener corresponding to the amount of fabric m calculated by the calculation unit 37 into the pipeline provided by the automatic dispensing device 46.

[0106] For example, suppose the water level corresponding to the amount of fabric m is "minimum," and the amount of fabric softener corresponding to the amount of fabric m is "0.3 cups." In this case, the operation control unit 33 refers to the first table (Figure 4) and obtains a water level of "20 mm" in the water supply process during the rinsing process, which corresponds to the "minimum" water level. The operation control unit 33 controls the opening and closing timing of the water supply valve 47 via the load drive unit 26 so that an amount of water equivalent to the obtained water level of "20 mm" is supplied into the water tank 9.

[0107] Furthermore, the operation control unit 33 controls the automatic dispensing device 46 via the load drive unit 26 to dispense an amount of fabric softener equivalent to the acquired amount of "0.3 cups" into the pipeline provided by the automatic dispensing device 46. An amount equivalent to "0.3 cups" of fabric softener is equivalent to 0.3 capfuls of a typical fabric softener bottle (for example, 10 ml).

[0108] [Rinsing and stirring process in the rinsing process] After the start of the water supply process, once the operating time required for the water supply process has elapsed, the operation control unit 33 executes the rinsing and stirring process.

[0109] In the rinse-and-stirring process, the output unit 38 calculates the remaining operating time as the sum of the operating times for each remaining step, which are calculated by the calculation unit 37 according to the level of fabric quantity m, similar to the drainage process in the rinse process. Here, the remaining steps are the rinse-and-stirring step that constitutes the rinse process and the multiple steps that constitute the dewatering process. The output unit 38 outputs this information indicating the remaining operating time to the operation panel 10. As a result, the operation panel 10 displays the information indicating the remaining operating time output by the output unit 38 on the display 101 (Figure 3).

[0110] The operation control unit 33, similar to the water supply process, controls the opening and closing timing of the water supply valve 47 via the load drive unit 26 so that an amount of water corresponding to the water level corresponding to the amount of fabric m detected by the fabric amount detection unit 36 ​​is further supplied into the water tank 9.

[0111] Furthermore, in the rinse-and-agitate process, it is not necessary to pound the laundry 15 against the drum 3; instead, the laundry 15 is agitated in water to rinse off the detergent. For this reason, in the first table (Figure 4), the water level indicating the amount of water supplied to the water tank 9 during the rinse-and-agitate process is set to be higher than that during the wash-and-agitate process.

[0112] The motor control unit 32 controls the drive circuit 27 and accelerates the rotation of the motor 7 (drum 3) until the rotation speed of the motor 7 (drum 3) detected by the rotation speed detection unit 34 reaches "45 rpm", and then rotates the motor 7 at a constant rotation speed of "45 rpm".

[0113] The operation control unit 33 operates the circulation pump 49 via the load drive unit 26. This recirculates the water that has flowed from inside the drum 3 through the perforations 6 into the water tank 9 back into the drum 3.

[0114] Therefore, in the rinsing and agitating process, the laundry 15 is agitated in water to rinse off the detergent from the laundry 15 while simultaneously allowing fabric softener to adhere to various parts of the laundry 15. The motor control unit 32 may also control the drive circuit 27 so that the drum 3 rotates forward and backward at a constant rotation speed of "45 rpm" at predetermined intervals.

[0115] [Dehydration process] After the start of the rinsing and stirring process, once the operating time required for the rinsing and stirring process has elapsed, the operation control unit 33 terminates the rinsing process and executes the dewatering process. In the dewatering process, the operation control unit 33 refers to the second row of the first table (Figure 4) and executes each process in the order of the draining process and the dewatering process, as listed below the dewatering process.

[0116] [Wastewater drainage process in the dewatering process] In the drainage process, the output unit 38 calculates the remaining operating time as the sum of the operating times required for each remaining step, which are calculated by the calculation unit 37 according to the level of fabric quantity m, similar to the drainage process in the rinsing process. Here, the remaining steps are the multiple steps that make up the dewatering process. The output unit 38 outputs this information indicating the remaining operating time to the operation panel 10. As a result, the operation panel 10 displays the information indicating the remaining operating time output by the output unit 38 on the display 101 (Figure 3).

[0117] Furthermore, the output unit 38 outputs current process information, which indicates the currently running washing process (the spin-drying process), to the control panel 10, similar to the drainage process in the rinsing process. As a result, the control panel 10 lights up the indicator 103c (Figure 3), which displays the status of the spin-drying process as indicated by the current process information.

[0118] The motor control unit 32 controls the drive circuit 27, similar to the drainage process in the rinsing process, and decelerates the rotation of the motor 7 (drum 3) until the rotation speed of the motor 7 (drum 3) detected by the rotation speed detection unit 34 becomes "0 rpm". The operation control unit 33 opens the drain valve 48 via the load drive unit 26 and drains the water remaining in the water tank 9 through the drain port 92 and the drain pipe 84. In this drainage process, the water containing detergent that was dropped into the water tank 9 during the rinsing and agitation process can be drained through the drain port 92 and the drain pipe 84.

[0119] [Dehydration process within the dehydration process] After the drainage process has started and the required operating time for the drainage process has elapsed, the operation control unit 33 executes the dewatering process.

[0120] In the dewatering process, the output unit 38, similar to the draining process in the dewatering process, calculates the remaining operating time as the sum of the operating times required for each remaining process, which are calculated by the calculation unit 37 according to the level of fabric quantity m. Here, the remaining processes are the dewatering processes that constitute the dewatering process. The output unit 38 outputs this information indicating the remaining operating time to the operation panel 10. As a result, the operation panel 10 displays the information indicating the remaining operating time output by the output unit 38 on the display 101 (Figure 3).

[0121] The motor control unit 32 controls the drive circuit 27 and accelerates the rotation of the motor 7 (drum 3) until the rotation speed of the motor 7 (drum 3) detected by the rotation speed detection unit 34 reaches "900 rpm," after which the motor 7 rotates at a constant rotation speed of "900 rpm." The operation control unit 33 opens the drain valve 48 via the load drive unit 26 and drains the water in the tank 9 through the drain port 92 and the drain pipe 84. As a result, the water that has been dewatered from the laundry 15 stuck to the inner circumference of the drum 3 by the high-speed rotation of the motor 7 and flowed into the tank 9 through the perforations 6 can be drained through the drain port 92 and the drain pipe 84.

[0122] [Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 31 includes a fabric quantity detection unit 36 ​​that detects the fabric quantity m, which indicates the weight of the laundry 15, based on the moment of inertia J when the motor 7 is rotated at a constant angular acceleration α with the laundry 15 contained in the drum 3. Before the fabric quantity detection unit 36 ​​detects the fabric quantity m, the control unit 31 controls the water supply valve 47 to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum 3.

[0123] Therefore, by wetting the laundry 15 in the drum 3 with a predetermined amount of water before detecting the amount of laundry m, the volume of the laundry 15 can be reduced. This allows the laundry 15 to be distributed to the inner circumference of the drum 3 when the amount of laundry m is detected, and the average radius r of the laundry 15 (the average distance between the axis V0 of the drum 3 and the laundry 15) can be increased. As a result, the moment of inertia mr of the laundry 15, which is expressed as the product of the square of the average radius r and the weight m of the laundry 15, is reduced when the amount of laundry m is detected. 2 This can be brought closer to a relationship proportional to the measured value Iq of the amount of current supplied to the motor 7 when the motor 7 is rotated with a constant angular acceleration α. ​​Therefore, according to this embodiment, the moment of inertia mr due to the laundry 15 2 Since this can be accurately approximated by the moment of inertia J when the motor 7 is rotated with a constant angular acceleration α while the laundry 15 is contained in the drum 3, the amount of fabric m can be accurately detected based on this approximation.

[0124] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the drum-type washing machine 100 may further include an automatic detergent dispenser 46 that automatically dispenses detergent into the drum 3. The control unit 31 may further control the automatic detergent dispenser 46 after detecting the amount of fabric m by the fabric amount detection unit 36 ​​to automatically dispense an amount of detergent into the drum 3 corresponding to the detected amount of fabric m.

[0125] As a result, after the fabric quantity detection unit 36 ​​detects the fabric quantity m, an amount of detergent corresponding to the detected fabric quantity m is automatically dispensed into the drum 3. Therefore, the appropriate amount of detergent can be dispensed into the drum 3 without making the user wait until the fabric quantity detection unit 36 ​​has finished detecting the fabric quantity m.

[0126] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the drum-type washing machine 100 may also include a water tank 9 that encloses the drum 3. The drum 3 may have a plurality of through holes 6 that lead into the water tank 9. The amount of water (determined amount) supplied into the drum 3 during the water supply and agitation process may be the amount of water that fills the space from the bottom of the water tank 9 to the bottom of the drum 3.

[0127] As a result, before detecting the amount of fabric m, enough water is supplied into the drum 3 to fill the space from the bottom of the water tank 9 to the bottom of the drum 3. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the flow of water that has passed through the perforations 6 and flowed into the water tank 9 without being absorbed by the laundry 15 before detecting the amount of fabric m, into the drum 3 by passing through the perforations 6 when detecting the amount of fabric m. This suppresses a decrease in the accuracy of detecting the amount of fabric m due to the effect of the moment of inertia of the water that has flowed into the drum 3.

[0128] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the drum-type washing machine 100 may also include a water tank 9 that encloses the drum 3. The drum 3 may have a plurality of through holes 6 that lead into the water tank 9. The drum-type washing machine 100 may further include a circulation pump 49 that circulates the water in the water tank 9 into the drum 3.

[0129] This allows water that has passed through the perforations 6 and flowed into the water tank 9 without being absorbed by the laundry 15 before the amount of fabric m is detected to be circulated back into the drum 3. As a result, the laundry 15 can be moistened efficiently.

[0130] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the drum-type washing machine 100 may also be equipped with a drain valve 48 for draining water from the water tank 9. The control unit 31 may, before detecting the amount of fabric m, control the water supply valve 47 to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum 3, and then, immediately before detecting the amount of fabric m, control the drain valve 48 to drain the water from the water tank 9.

[0131] This allows water that has passed through the perforations 6 and flowed into the water tank 9 without being absorbed by the laundry 15 before the amount of fabric m is detected to be discharged just before the amount of fabric m is detected. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the flow of water that has passed through the perforations 6 and flowed into the water tank 9 without being absorbed by the laundry 15 before the amount of fabric m is detected, into the drum 3 when the amount of fabric m is detected. This suppresses a decrease in the accuracy of detecting the amount of fabric m due to the effect of the moment of inertia of the water that has flowed into the drum 3.

[0132] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the control unit 31 may further include a calculation unit 37 that calculates the operating time and detergent amount required for each of one or more washing processes based on the amount of fabric m detected by the fabric amount detection unit 36, and an output unit 38 that outputs information regarding the operating time and detergent amount required for each washing process calculated by the calculation unit 37.

[0133] This allows the system to output information regarding the operating time and detergent amount required for each washing process, calculated based on the amount of fabric m detected by the fabric quantity detection unit 36. Therefore, the system can obtain information regarding the operating time and detergent amount required for each washing process according to the amount of fabric m from the outputted information.

[0134] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the drum-type washing machine 100 may also be equipped with a display 101 (Figure 3) that displays information output by the output unit 38.

[0135] As a result, information regarding the operating time and detergent amount required for each washing process, calculated based on the amount of fabric m detected by the fabric amount detection unit 36, is displayed on the display 101. Therefore, the user can easily understand the information regarding the operating time and detergent amount required for each washing process according to the amount of fabric m.

[0136] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, omitted, etc. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0137] Therefore, other embodiments are illustrated below.

[0138] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which, during the water supply and agitation process, an amount of water corresponding to a water level of "0 mm" (Figures 4 and 6) is supplied into the water tank 9 to fill the space from the bottom of the water tank 9 to the bottom of the drum 3. However, the amount of water (determined amount) supplied into the water tank 9 during the water supply and agitation process is not limited to this, and may be less than the amount corresponding to a water level of "25 mm" (Figure 4), which is the amount of water supplied into the water tank 9 during the water supply process or the washing and agitation process in the washing process.

[0139] This allows the volume of laundry 15 to be reduced by wetting the laundry 15 in the drum 3 with a smaller amount of water than the amount supplied to the drum 3 in the water supply or washing agitation step of the washing step, in the water supply agitation step before detecting the amount of laundry m.

[0140] (Modification 2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the washing process consists of a water supply and agitation process, a drainage process, a fabric quantity detection process, a water supply process, and a washing and agitation process. However, the drainage process may be omitted, and the washing process may consist of a water supply and agitation process, a fabric quantity detection process, a water supply process, and a washing and agitation process. This can shorten the operating time required for the washing process.

[0141] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the drum-type washing machine 100 is equipped with an automatic dispensing device 46. However, the drum-type washing machine 100 may also be configured without the automatic dispensing device 46. This makes it possible to provide a drum-type washing machine at a lower cost.

[0142] (Modification 4) In the above embodiment, during the fabric quantity detection process, the fabric quantity m, which represents the weight of the laundry 15 containing the water supplied in the water supply and agitation process, is detected.

[0143] Therefore, the fabric quantity detection unit 36 ​​may detect the amount of fabric m as the result of subtracting a weight less than or equal to the weight of water supplied into the drum 3 during the water supply and agitation process from the amount of fabric m detected in the same manner as in the above embodiment. This improves the detection accuracy of the amount of fabric m.

[0144] Alternatively, immediately before the fabric quantity detection process, the operation control unit 33 may execute a dehydration process similar to the intermediate dehydration process included in the rinsing process or the dehydration process included in the dehydration process. In this dehydration process, the rotation speed of the motor 7 may be set to a rotation speed similar to that of a rotary shaker, for example, 100 to 200 rpm. This allows the laundry 15 to be moistened to reduce its volume and the amount of moisture it contains, before the fabric quantity m can be detected with accuracy.

[0145] (Variation 5) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which, during the water supply and agitation process, the output unit 38 calculates the remaining operating time and outputs information indicating the remaining operating time and information indicating the amount of detergent stored in the memory unit to the operation panel 10. However, instead, during the water supply and agitation process, the output unit 38 may output a message (for example, "-- -" or "Measuring") to the operation panel 10 indicating that the remaining operating time and detergent amount are being measured. In conjunction with this, the operation panel 10 may display the message on the display 101. This allows the user who sees the message to easily understand that the remaining operating time and detergent amount are being measured during the water supply and agitation process immediately after the start of the washing operation.

[0146] (Technology 1) A drum-type washing machine in one aspect of the present disclosure is a drum-type washing machine comprising: a motor for rotating a drum; a water supply unit for supplying water into the drum; and a control unit for controlling the rotation of the motor and the operation of the water supply unit, wherein the control unit includes a fabric quantity detection unit that detects the amount of fabric, which indicates the weight of the laundry, based on the moment of inertia when the motor is rotated at a constant angular acceleration with laundry contained in the drum, and controls the water supply unit to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum before the fabric quantity detection unit detects the amount of fabric, wherein the control unit controls the water supply unit to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum.

[0147] With this configuration, the volume of laundry can be reduced by wetting the laundry inside the drum with a predetermined amount of water before detecting the amount of laundry. This distributes the laundry to the inner circumference of the drum when the amount of laundry is detected, and increases the average radius of the laundry (the average distance between the drum's axis and the laundry). As a result, the moment of inertia due to the laundry, which is expressed as the product of the square of the average radius and the weight of the laundry, can be made to be more proportional to the amount of current supplied to the motor when the motor is rotated at a constant angular acceleration. Therefore, with this configuration, the moment of inertia due to the laundry can be accurately approximated by the moment of inertia when the motor is rotated at a constant angular acceleration with the laundry contained in the drum, and the amount of laundry can be accurately detected based on this approximation.

[0148] (Technology 2) In the drum-type washing machine described in Technology 1, an automatic detergent dispenser is further provided for automatically dispensing detergent into the drum, and the control unit may further control the automatic detergent dispenser after detecting the amount of fabric by the fabric amount detection unit to automatically dispense an amount of detergent into the drum corresponding to the detected amount of fabric.

[0149] In this configuration, after the fabric quantity detection unit detects the amount of fabric, the appropriate amount of detergent is automatically dispensed into the drum. Therefore, the user does not have to wait for the fabric quantity detection unit to finish detecting the amount of fabric, and the correct amount of detergent can be dispensed into the drum.

[0150] (Technology 3) In the drum-type washing machine described in Technology 1 or 2, the predetermined amount may be less than the amount of water supplied into the drum during the washing process.

[0151] With this configuration, the volume of laundry can be reduced by wetting the laundry inside the drum with a smaller amount of water than the amount supplied to the drum during the washing process, before detecting the amount of laundry.

[0152] (Technology 4) In a drum-type washing machine described in any one of the technologies 1 to 3, the washing machine further comprises a water tank enclosing the drum, the drum having a plurality of perforations leading into the water tank, and the predetermined amount may be the amount of water that fills the space from the bottom of the water tank to the bottom of the drum.

[0153] In this configuration, before detecting the amount of laundry, enough water is supplied into the drum to fill the space from the bottom of the water tank to the bottom of the drum. This prevents water that has passed through the perforations and flowed into the water tank without being absorbed by the laundry before detecting the amount of laundry from passing through the perforations and flowing into the drum when the amount of laundry is detected. This prevents a decrease in the accuracy of laundry detection due to the effect of the moment of inertia of the water that has flowed into the drum.

[0154] (Technology 5) A drum-type washing machine according to any one of the technologies 1 to 4 may further include a water tank enclosing the drum, the drum having a plurality of perforations leading into the water tank, and a circulation unit for circulating the water in the water tank into the drum.

[0155] With this configuration, water that has passed through the perforations and flowed into the water tank without being absorbed by the laundry before the amount of fabric is detected can be circulated within the drum. Therefore, the laundry can be moistened efficiently.

[0156] (Technology 6) In a drum-type washing machine described in any one of the technologies 1 to 5, the washing machine further comprises a drain unit for discharging water from the water tank, and the control unit may, before detecting the amount of fabric, control the water supply unit to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum, and then immediately before detecting the amount of fabric, control the drain unit to discharge the water from the water tank.

[0157] With this configuration, water that has passed through the perforations and flowed into the tank without being absorbed by the laundry before the amount of laundry is detected can be discharged just before the amount of laundry is detected. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the flow of water that has passed through the perforations and flowed into the tank without being absorbed by the laundry before the amount of laundry is detected back into the drum when the amount of laundry is detected. This suppresses the decrease in the accuracy of laundry detection due to the effect of the moment of inertia of the water that has flowed into the drum.

[0158] (Technology 7) In a drum-type washing machine described in any one of the technologies 1 to 6, the control unit may further include a calculation unit that calculates the operating time, which is the time required for each of one or more washing processes, and the amount of detergent, based on the amount of fabric detected by the fabric amount detection unit, and an output unit that outputs information relating to the operating time and the amount of detergent required for each washing process calculated by the calculation unit.

[0159] In this configuration, information regarding the operating time and detergent amount required for each washing process, calculated based on the amount of fabric detected by the fabric quantity detection unit, is output. Therefore, from the output information, it is possible to understand the operating time and detergent amount required for each washing process according to the amount of fabric.

[0160] (Technology 8) In the drum-type washing machine described in Technical 7, a display unit may be further provided to display the information output by the output unit.

[0161] In this configuration, the operating time and detergent amount required for each washing cycle, calculated based on the amount of fabric detected by the fabric quantity detection unit, are displayed on the display unit. Therefore, users can easily understand the operating time and detergent amount required for each washing cycle according to the amount of fabric.

[0162] (Technology 9) A control method in another aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a drum-type washing machine comprising a motor for rotating a drum and a water supply unit for supplying water into the drum, the method comprising: a computer detecting a fabric quantity indicating the weight of the laundry based on the moment of inertia when the motor is rotated at a constant angular acceleration with laundry contained in the drum; and, before detecting the fabric quantity, controlling the water supply unit to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum.

[0163] This configuration provides the same effects and benefits as the drum-type washing machine described in Technology 1.

[0164] (Technology 10) A program in another aspect of the present disclosure is a program for a drum-type washing machine, the drum-type washing machine comprising: a motor for rotating a drum; a water supply unit for supplying water into the drum; and a computer for controlling the rotation of the motor and the operation of the water supply unit, wherein the computer is instructed to detect a fabric quantity, which indicates the weight of the laundry, based on the moment of inertia when the motor is rotated at a constant angular acceleration with laundry contained in the drum; and, before detecting the fabric quantity, to control the water supply unit to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum.

[0165] This configuration provides the same effects and benefits as the drum-type washing machine described in Technology 1. [Industrial applicability]

[0166] This disclosure is applicable to drum-type washing machines that detect the amount of fabric. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 1 cabinet 3 Drums 4 Inlet 5 doors 6. Through-holes 7 Motor 7a, 7b, 7c three-phase winding 9 Aquariums 10. Control Panel 11 Communication Circuit 15 Laundry 17 Rotation axis 20 Commercial power supply 21 Rectifier circuit 22 Choke coil 23 Smoothing Capacitor 24 Inverter Circuit 24a~24f switching elements 26 Load drive unit 27 Drive Circuit 30a~30c Position detection element 31 Control Unit 32 Motor control unit 33 Operation Control Unit 34. Rotation speed detection unit 35 Current detection unit 36 Fabric quantity detection unit 37 Calculation Section 38 Output section 46 Automatic loading device 47 Water supply valve 48 Drain valve 49 Circulation pump 81 Water injection pipe 82 Connecting conduits 83 Branch pipeline 84 Drainage pipeline 85 Circulation pipeline 91 Water inlet 92 Drain 93 Water inlet 94 Discharge port 95 Water inlet 100 Drum-type washing machines 101 displays 102a~102c Operation Buttons 103a~103c Indicator 200 Control device G0, G1 graphs Iq: Measured value of the amount of current supplied to the motor (current value) J: Total moment of inertia (the moment of inertia when the motor is rotated at a constant angular acceleration with laundry inside the drum) Jd Moment of inertia of the rotation axis of the drum and motor K motor constant Torque required for the rotation of the drum and motor shaft. V0 Drum axis m Fabric volume (weight of laundry) r: Average radius of laundry distributed around the inner circumference of the drum. α angular acceleration

Claims

1. It is a drum-type washing machine, A motor that rotates the drum, A water supply unit that supplies water into the drum, The system includes a control unit that controls the rotation of the motor and the operation of the water supply unit, The control unit, The system includes a fabric quantity detection unit that detects the amount of fabric, which indicates the weight of the laundry, based on the moment of inertia when the motor is rotated at a constant angular acceleration with laundry placed inside the drum, and before the fabric quantity detection unit detects the amount of fabric, the system controls the water supply unit to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum. Drum-type washing machine.

2. The drum is further equipped with an automatic dispensing unit that automatically dispenses detergent into the drum. The control unit further controls the automatic dispensing unit to automatically dispense an amount of detergent into the drum corresponding to the detected amount of fabric, after the fabric amount detection unit has detected the amount of fabric. The drum-type washing machine according to claim 1.

3. The predetermined amount is less than the amount of water supplied into the drum during the washing process. A drum-type washing machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system further comprises a water tank containing the aforementioned drum, The drum has a plurality of through holes that lead into the water tank, The predetermined amount is the amount of water that fills the space from the bottom of the tank to the bottom of the drum. The drum-type washing machine according to claim 3.

5. The system further comprises a water tank containing the aforementioned drum, The drum has a plurality of through holes that lead into the water tank, The system further includes a circulation unit that circulates the water in the tank into the drum. The drum-type washing machine according to claim 1.

6. The tank further comprises a drainage section for discharging water from the tank, The control unit controls the water supply unit to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum before detecting the amount of fabric, and then controls the drainage unit to drain the water from the tank immediately before detecting the amount of fabric. The drum-type washing machine according to claim 1.

7. The control unit, A calculation unit calculates the operating time, which is the time required for each of the one or more washing processes, and the amount of detergent, based on the amount of fabric detected by the fabric amount detection unit. An output unit that outputs information regarding the operating time and the amount of detergent required for each washing process calculated by the calculation unit, It also has, The drum-type washing machine according to claim 1.

8. The system further includes a display unit that displays the information output by the output unit. The drum-type washing machine according to claim 7.

9. A motor that rotates the drum, A water supply unit that supplies water into the drum, A control method for a drum-type washing machine equipped with, Computers Based on the moment of inertia when the motor is rotated at a constant angular acceleration with laundry placed inside the drum, the amount of fabric indicating the weight of the laundry is detected. This includes controlling the water supply unit to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum before detecting the amount of fabric, Control method.

10. This is a program for a drum-type washing machine. The aforementioned drum washing machine, A motor that rotates the drum, A water supply unit that supplies water into the drum, The system includes a computer that controls the rotation of the motor and the operation of the water supply unit, To the aforementioned computer, Based on the moment of inertia when the motor is rotated at a constant angular acceleration with laundry placed inside the drum, the amount of fabric indicating the weight of the laundry is detected. Before detecting the amount of fabric, the water supply unit is controlled to supply a predetermined amount of water into the drum. program.

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