washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine that can appropriately shorten operating time and suppress fabric damage while ensuring washing performance. [Solution] The washing machine comprises a water tank, a rotating tub, a motor that rotates the rotating tub, a water supply valve that opens and closes a water supply path that supplies water from an external water source into the water tank, a spray unit that sprays water flowing through the water supply path, and a control unit that performs a washing operation including a washing process. The control unit can control the water supply valve during the washing process to perform a spray operation that sprays water containing detergent from the spray unit, and when the spray operation of water containing detergent is performed, the washing period is set to be shorter than when the spray operation of water containing detergent is not performed.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for improving detergency by allowing a detergent to penetrate into laundry. In Patent Document 1, the rotation of a washing drum tub is maintained at a speed at which the sticking caused by centrifugal force occurs by removing the rolling state in which dry laundry rolls on the inner peripheral surface of the washing drum tub, and a dissolved detergent is sprayed into the washing drum tub rotating at the speed at which the sticking occurs to penetrate the laundry.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the prior art, a detergent is uniformly sprayed over the entire laundry to improve detergency, but shortening the operation time and suppressing fabric damage are not considered. Therefore, in the conventional configuration, there is room for improvement in shortening the operation time and suppressing fabric damage while ensuring cleaning performance.

[0005] Therefore, a washing machine is provided that can appropriately shorten the operation time and suppress fabric damage while ensuring cleaning performance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The washing machine of the embodiment comprises a water tank, a rotating drum provided in the water tank and rotatable around a rotation axis, a motor that rotates the rotating drum, a water supply valve connected to an external water source and opening and closing a water supply path that supplies water from the external water source into the water tank, a spray unit that sprays water flowing through the water supply path, and a control unit that performs a washing operation including a washing process. The control unit can perform a spray operation in the washing process by controlling the water supply valve to spray water containing detergent from the spray unit, and when the spray operation of water containing detergent is performed, the washing period is set to be shorter than when the spray operation of water containing detergent is not performed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A longitudinal cross-sectional side view showing an example of a schematic configuration when a drum-type washing machine is applied to the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of the water supply path from an external water source for the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing an example of a microbubble generator for a washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view showing an example of a microbubble generator for a washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of a washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing an example of the entire washing process for a washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the control content of the automatic dispensing mode during the washing operation of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the relationship between the washing time in manual dispensing mode and automatic dispensing mode for the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows the results of a verification test to confirm the difference in washing ratio between the manual dispensing mode and the automatic dispensing mode for the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10]This figure shows an example of delaying the start of the circulation period when a spray operation is performed on the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the control content when performing a spray operation during intermediate spin-drying for a washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] A longitudinal cross-sectional side view showing an example of a schematic configuration when a top-loading washing machine is applied to the washing machine according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows other examples of the installation position of the spray unit and the shower water supply path for the washing machine according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Several embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0009] (First Embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. The washing machine 10 shown in Figure 1 is, for example, a drum-type washing machine in which the rotation axis Ra of the rotating drum 13 is horizontal or inclined downward toward the rear. The washing machine 10 is equipped with a washing function and is capable of performing a washing operation including the processes of washing, rinsing, and spinning. The washing machine 10 may also be equipped with a drying function, for example, a heater type or a heat pump type.

[0010] The washing machine 10 comprises an outer casing 11, a water tank 12, a rotating drum 13, a motor 14, a drainage mechanism 15, a circulation mechanism 16, an operation panel 17, and a water supply device 20. In Figure 1, the side of the washing machine 10 facing the installation surface, i.e., the vertically downward side, is considered the lower side of the washing machine 10, and the side opposite the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upward side, is considered the upper side of the washing machine 10. The outer casing 11 is formed as a rectangular hollow box by a combination of metal materials such as stainless steel plates or resin materials. The outer casing 11 constitutes the outer enclosure of the washing machine 10. The outer casing 11 also has an opening on the front side that connects the inside and outside of the outer casing 11, and this opening is opened and closed by a door (not shown).

[0011] Both the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13 are formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The water tank 12 is capable of storing water inside. The water tank 12 is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown) located within the outer casing 11. The water tank 12 has a drain port 121 and a water inlet 122. The drain port 121 and the water inlet 122 communicate the inside and outside of the water tank 12. The drain port 121 is located, for example, at the bottom of the water tank 12 and is the part that discharges water from the water tank 12 to the outside. The water inlet 122 is the part that supplies water into the water tank 12 from an external water source, such as a water supply. The water inlet 122 is located, for example, at the top of the water tank 12 and is positioned to the left of the center of the water tank 12 in the left-right direction. The water inlet 122 is positioned so that the water flowing out of the water inlet 122 strikes the outer surface of the rotating tank 13. In other words, the water that passes through the water inlet 122 is supplied between the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13.

[0012] The rotating tub 13 is capable of holding clothes inside and is rotatably positioned within the water tank 12 around a rotation axis Ra. The rotating tub 13 is rotationally driven by a motor 14. The rotating tub 13 also has baffles (not shown). Multiple baffles are provided on the inner circumferential wall of the rotating tub 13 and have the function of agitating and stirring the clothes contained inside the rotating tub 13 when the tub 13 rotates. The motor 14 is located on the outside of the bottom of the water tank 12 and has the function of rotationally driving the rotating tub 13 relative to the water tank 12. The motor 14 is, for example, a brushless direct-drive motor with a variable rotation speed. The center line between the water tank 12 and the rotating tub 13 coincides with the rotation axis Ra of the rotating tub 13. In this embodiment, the direction in which the rotation axis Ra extends coincides with the front-to-back direction of the washing machine 10.

[0013] The drainage mechanism 15 is for discharging the water in the water tank 12 to the outside of the washing machine 10. The drainage mechanism 15 has a drain valve 151 and a drain hose 152. The drain valve 151 is configured to be electromagneticly opened and closed. The inflow side of the drain valve 151 is connected to the drain port 121 of the water tank 12 via a connection hose 181. One end of the drain hose 152 is connected to the drain valve 151, and the other end is drawn out to the outside of the washing machine 10. When the drain valve 151 is opened with water stored in the water tank 12, the water stored in the water tank 12 is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 10 through the drain hose 152. That is, the drain valve 151 opens and closes a drainage path for draining the water stored in the water tank 12 to the outside.

[0014] The circulation mechanism 16 has a function of refilling the water flowing out of the water tank 12 back into the water tank 12. The circulation mechanism 16 has a circulation pump 161, a circulation hose 162, and a water discharge part 163. The circulation pump 161 has a function of pumping up the water in the water tank 12. The inflow side of the circulation pump 161 is connected to the drain port 121 of the water tank 12 via connection hoses 181 and 182. The discharge side of the circulation pump 161 is connected to the water discharge part 163 via the circulation hose 162. The circulation hose 162 is composed of, for example, a flexible hose. The water discharge part 163 is provided, for example, on the upper side of the water tank 12 and discharges water toward the inside of the water tank 12.

[0015] When the circulation pump 161 is driven with the drain valve 151 closed, the circulation pump 161 pumps up the water in the water tank 12 through the drain port 121 and refills the water back into the water tank 12 from the water discharge part 163. A circulation path 164 is formed by the path from the drain port 121 of the water tank 12, passing through the circulation pump 161, and returning to the water tank 12 from the water discharge part 163. The circulation path 164 is provided outside the water tank 12 and is a path for returning the water flowing out of the water tank 12 back into the water tank 12. Then, the circulation pump 161 circulates the water in the water tank 12 through the circulation path 164. The circulation pump 161 functions as a circulation part that supplies the water in the water tank 12 to the circulation path 164.

[0016] The operation panel 17 is provided, for example, at the front side portion of the upper surface of the outer box 11. The operation panel 17 has a function of receiving operation inputs related to the settings and operations of the washing machine 10 from the user and presenting information related to the settings and operations of the washing machine 10 to the user by display, voice, etc. The operation panel 17 is constituted by, for example, a touch panel display.

[0017] The water supply device 20 is for injecting water supplied from an external water source into the water tank 12. The water supply device 20 has a water injection case 21, a water injection hose 22, an automatic input device 23, a plurality of mixing parts 241, 242, an injection part 25, a water supply valve unit 26, a pressure dissolution device 27, and a fine bubble generator 30. The water injection case 21 is made of, for example, resin and has a space formed inside. The water injection case 21 can be formed in a hollow box shape extending along the front-rear direction of the washing machine 10. The water injection case 21 has a function of receiving water supplied from an external water source and supplying the water into the water tank 12 via the water injection hose 22.

[0018] The water injection hose 22 is constituted by, for example, a flexible bellows hose. The water injection hose 22 is a part connecting the water injection case 21 and the inside of the water tank 12. One end of the water injection hose 22 is connected to the water injection case 21, and the other end is connected to the water injection port 122. The water supplied into the water injection case 21 from an external water source is supplied into the water tank 12 through the water injection hose 22. Inside the water injection case 21, a treatment agent case 211 is provided. The treatment agent case 211 is constituted by, for example, a resin container and is configured to be able to accommodate a washing treatment agent such as detergent and finishing agent in an amount used for one washing operation inside. The treatment agent case 211 is, for example, detachably accommodated inside the water injection case 21. When a washing treatment agent is put into the treatment agent case 211 in a state where the treatment agent case 211 is accommodated inside the water injection case 21, the water supplied from the external water source flowing into the water injection case 21 and the washing treatment agent are mixed inside the water injection case 21 and then supplied into the water tank 12 and the rotary tub 13.

[0019] The automatic dispensing device 23 is capable of storing the amount of laundry detergent used for multiple wash cycles and has the function of automatically dispensing the required amount of laundry detergent into the water tank 12 as the wash cycle progresses. Water supplied from an external water source is mixed with the laundry detergent supplied from the automatic dispensing device 23 in the mixing units 241 and 242, and then supplied into the water tank 12. The automatic dispensing device 23 includes, for example, a detergent tank 231, a finishing agent tank 232, and a dispensing pump 233. The detergent tank 231 and the finishing agent tank 232 function as detergent tanks. The detergent tank 231 is for storing the amount of liquid detergent used for multiple wash cycles. The finishing agent tank 232 is for storing the amount of liquid finishing agent used for multiple wash cycles. The dispensing pump 233 is, for example, a piston pump and has the function of individually pumping a predetermined amount of laundry detergent from each tank 231 and 232 and supplying them to the mixing units 241 and 242, respectively.

[0020] The mixing units 241 and 242 are configured, for example, as containers capable of storing a certain amount of laundry detergent. Water supplied from an external water source is also supplied to the mixing units 241 and 242. Hereinafter, the mixing unit 241 may be referred to as the detergent mixing unit 241, and the mixing unit 242 may be referred to as the finishing agent mixing unit 242. The detergent mixing unit 241 temporarily holds the detergent that has been dispensed from the detergent tank 231 by the dispensing pump 233 until the next water supply begins. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a check valve 234 is provided between the dispensing pump 233 and the detergent mixing unit 241. The check valve 234 has the function of allowing liquid to pass from the dispensing pump 233 to the detergent mixing unit 241, but blocking liquid from the detergent mixing unit 241 to the dispensing pump 233. This prevents water supplied to the detergent mixing unit 241 from flowing into the input pump 233 side when water pressure from the tap is applied to the waterway connected to the detergent mixing unit 241. Hereafter, the input pump 233 used when drawing detergent from the detergent mixing unit 241 may be referred to as the detergent input pump 233.

[0021] The finishing agent mixing unit 242 temporarily holds the finishing agent that has been introduced from the finishing agent tank 232 by the pump 233 until the next water supply begins. The finishing agent introduced into the finishing agent mixing unit 242 is mixed with water supplied from an external water source within the finishing agent mixing unit 242 and then supplied to the water tank 12 via the water supply case 21. The detergent mixing unit 241 may also serve as the finishing agent mixing unit 242. In other words, the finishing agent sucked from the finishing agent tank 232 by the pump 233 may be introduced into the detergent mixing unit 241.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the spray unit 25 is located downstream of the detergent mixing unit 241 and is connected to the detergent mixing unit 241 via a water supply hose 28. The spray unit 25 is configured either integrally with or separately from the water supply hose 28 by a nozzle having one or more small holes at its outlet that are sufficiently smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the water channel of the water supply hose 28, or by having slit holes that are long in the diffusion direction. In other words, one end of the water supply hose 28 is connected to the detergent mixing unit 241, and the other end is connected to the spray unit 25. The mixed water, which is a mixture of detergent put into the detergent mixing unit 241 and water supplied to the detergent mixing unit 241 from an external water source, is supplied to the spray unit 25 through the water supply hose 28. The spray unit 25 uses, for example, the water pressure from an external water source, such as a tap water source, to spray the mixed water of detergent and water in a shower-like manner. Shower-like is synonymous with spray-like, and means a state in which water with water pressure from, for example, a tap water source, is dispersed and ejected.

[0023] The spray unit 25 is located outside the rotating tank 13, in a position overlooking the inside of the rotating tank 13 from above. The spray unit 25 is located, for example, around the inner circumferential surface of the water tank 12, above the rotation axis Ra. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the spray unit 25 is located at a position circumferentially offset from directly above the rotation axis Ra, for example, offset to the left in a front view. The water sprayed from the spray unit 25 is sprayed directly toward the clothes in the rotating tank 13. Therefore, the detergent initially introduced from the input pump 233 into the detergent mixing unit 241 is dissolved and mixed with water supplied to the detergent mixing unit 241 from an external water source, and then can be directly supplied to the dry clothes in the water tank 12 and rotating tank 13 before water is added via the spray unit 25, which can spray widely in a shower-like manner due to the water pressure. Note that the spray unit 25 may be configured to be located directly above the rotation axis Ra. In other words, the spray unit 25 may be located in a position that includes the center of the water tank 12 in the left-right direction.

[0024] The water supply valve unit 26 has the function of individually opening and closing multiple water supply routes R1, R2, and R3 that lead from an external water source to the water tank 12 via the water supply device 20. The water supply valve unit 26 is configured as a multi-unit type having, for example, multiple water supply valves 261, 262, and 263, and includes a main water supply valve 261, a sub-water supply valve 262, and a shower water supply valve 263. Each of the water supply valves 261, 262, and 263 is an electromagnetically operated on-off valve for liquids. As shown in Figure 1, the washing machine 10 is equipped with a main water supply route R1, a sub-water supply route R2, and a shower water supply route R3. Both the main water supply route R1 and the shower water supply route R3 are routes that supply water from an external water source to the water tank 12. Each of the water supply routes R1, R2, and R3 is a route that leads from the water supply valve unit 26 to the water tank 12 via a different route. The main water supply valve 261 opens and closes the main water supply path R1. The sub-water supply valve 262 opens and closes the sub-water supply path R2. The shower water supply valve 263 opens and closes the shower water supply path R3. The shower water supply valve 263 functions as a water supply valve, and the shower water supply path R3 functions as a water supply path.

[0025] Each of the water supply routes R1, R2, and R3 has the function of supplying water containing mainly nano-order microbubbles, specifically ultrafine bubbles, generated by passing through the microbubble generator 30, to the water tank 12 using tap water pressure. The main water supply route R1 is a route from the main water supply valve 261 to the water tank 12 via the microbubble generator 30, the treatment agent case 211, and the finishing agent mixing unit 242. The main water supply route R1 branches downstream of the microbubble generator 30, and after passing through the treatment agent case 211 or the finishing agent mixing unit 242, the two routes merge inside the water filling case 21. In other words, the main water supply route R1 has the function of supplying the laundry treatment agent put into the treatment agent case 211 to the water tank 12, and also has the function of supplying the finishing agent in the finishing agent tank 232 that has been put into the finishing agent mixing unit 242, through the inside of the water filling case 21 to the water tank 12.

[0026] The sub-water supply route R2 is a path from the sub-water supply valve 262 through the pressurized dissolution device 27, the microbubble generator 30, and the water supply case 21 to the water tank 12. In this case, the sub-water supply route R2 has the function of supplying microbubble water, which is water supplied from an external water source with microbubbles added, to the water tank 12. Microbubble water means that the concentration of microbubbles generated among the fine bubbles contained in the water is greater than the concentration of fine bubbles belonging to other orders, such as nano-order or milli-order. The sub-water supply route R2 functions as a microbubble water supply route.

[0027] In this embodiment, the sub-water supply path R2 is configured as a path that reaches the water tank 12 without passing through the treatment agent case 211 within the water injection case 21, as shown in Figure 2. For example, when a laundry treatment agent is put into the treatment agent case 211 and water flows simultaneously from the main water supply path R1 and the sub-water supply path R2, the water flowing through the main water supply path R1 and the sub-water supply path R2 is mixed within the water injection case 21 before being supplied to the water tank 12. The water inlet 122 constitutes the outlet for the main water supply path R1 and the sub-water supply path R2. In other words, the main water supply path R1 and the sub-water supply path R2 are paths that supply water from an external water source between the water tank 12 and the rotating tub 13 via the water inlet 122.

[0028] The shower water supply path R3 is a path that goes from the shower water supply valve 263 through the microbubble generator 30, the detergent mixing unit 241, and the spray unit 25 to the water tank 12. The spray unit 25 constitutes the outlet of the shower water supply path R3. The mixed water supplied to the spray unit 25 contains detergent and microbubble water. Furthermore, when the shower water supply valve 263 is opened while no detergent has been added to the detergent mixing unit 241, the spray unit 25 sprays detergent-free microbubble water in a shower-like manner using the water pressure from the tap.

[0029] The pressurized dissolution device 27 is located on the sub-water supply path R2, between the sub-water supply valve 262 and the microbubble generator 30. The pressurized dissolution device 27 pressurizes water supplied from an external water source using the pressure of that water to dissolve air components. The pressurized dissolution device 27 is composed of a container-like member that is airtight, watertight, and pressure-resistant. The pressurized dissolution device 27 has a well-known configuration, so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but for example, the flow path area of ​​the inlet into the pressurized dissolution device 27 is larger than the flow path area of ​​the outlet from which water flows out of the pressurized dissolution device 27. Therefore, the amount of water flowing into the pressurized dissolution device 27 is greater than the amount of water flowing out of the pressurized dissolution device 27, so that the water inside the pressurized dissolution device 27 can be pressurized using only the water pressure. The pressurized dissolution device 27 then pressurizes the water and increases the internal pressure, making it easier to dissolve the air inside the pressurized dissolution device 27 into the water stored inside the pressurized dissolution device 27. As a result, the pressurized dissolution device 27 can supply water to the downstream side of the pressurized dissolution device 27 that contains a larger amount of dissolved air compared to ordinary water that does not pass through the pressurized dissolution device 27.

[0030] The microbubble generator 30 has the function of generating microbubbles containing ultrafine bubbles in a liquid, such as water supplied from an external water source, as the liquid passes through the inside of the microbubble generator 30. Ultrafine bubbles are bubbles with a particle size of 50 nm to less than 1,000 nm. Because of their small particle size, ultrafine bubbles can penetrate even into intricate parts, such as deep within the fibers of clothing, and can exhibit a cleaning effect that can remove dirt from objects that cannot be completely removed by other microbubbles, such as microbubbles, which have a larger particle size than ultrafine bubbles, due to their low penetration ability. In addition, ultrafine bubbles have the properties of having a nano-order particle size, low buoyancy, and high hydrophobicity, making them difficult to dissolve in water, resulting in a long residence time in liquids.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the microbubble generator 30 is located downstream of each water supply valve 261, 262, and 263, and is installed outside the water injection case 21. The microbubble generator 30 is made of synthetic resin, for example, and has a diameter and overall length of, for example, several millimeters to several tens of millimeters, specifically a maximum diameter of about 15 mm and a length of about 10 mm. As shown in Figure 3, the microbubble generator 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a flange, for example. The microbubble generator 30 has a main body 40 and an impact part 50. The main body 40 is located on the upstream side of the microbubble generator 30.

[0032] The main body 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, with a step on its outer surface. The main body 40 has an inlet 41, an outlet 42, and a flow path 43. The inlet 41 and outlet 42 are formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. The inlet 41 is the part through which water flows into the main body 40 from the outside. Water that has passed through the water supply valves 261 and 262 from an external water source is introduced into the main body 40 through the inlet 41. The outlet 42 is the part through which water flows out of the main body 40 from the inside to the outside. The inner diameter of the outlet 42 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet 41. The flow path 43 is provided inside the main body 40, connects the inlet 41 and the outlet 42, and allows liquid to pass through.

[0033] The flow path 43 is composed of a constricted section 431 and a straight section 432. The constricted section 431 and the straight section 432 are provided around the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the main body 40. The constricted section 431 is provided on the inlet side, i.e., the upstream side, of the main body 40. The constricted section 431 is connected to the inlet section 41 and is provided between the inlet section 41 and the outlet section 42. The constricted section 431 is formed so as to gradually decrease the cross-sectional area, i.e., the inner diameter, of the flow path 43 from the inlet section 41 to the middle portion in the direction extending from the main body 40. In this embodiment, the constricted section 431 is formed in the shape of a so-called truncated cone tapered tube, which continuously and gradually decreases the cross-sectional area, i.e., the inner diameter, of the flow path 43. The constricted section 431 may also be configured to gradually decrease the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43 in a step-like manner.

[0034] The straight section 432 is located downstream of the constricted section 431. The straight section 432 is connected to the outlet section 42. The straight section 432 is formed in a cylindrical, so-called straight tube shape, in which the inner diameter does not change, that is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43, i.e., the area through which liquid can pass, does not change. The inner diameter of the straight section 432 is set to be approximately the same as the minimum inner diameter of the constricted section 431.

[0035] The impact section 50 is designed to generate fine bubbles in the liquid passing through the flow path 43 by locally reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the impact section 50 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43 can be set to approximately 25% to 45%. As shown in Figure 4, the impact section 50 is located near the downstream end of the main body 40, with at least a portion of it provided in the straight section 432. The impact section 50 is formed integrally with the main body 40, for example, by injection molding of a synthetic resin material. The impact section 50 is not limited to being integrated with the main body 40; it may also be constructed as a separate part.

[0036] The impact section 50 is composed of, for example, three rod-shaped protrusions 51, which protrude into the flow path 43 from the inner circumferential surface of the outlet section 42 and the straight section 432. In this case, the impact section 50 divides the flow path 43 into multiple sections, in this case three, radially with respect to the center of the flow path 43 along the direction in which the liquid flows. Each protrusion 51 is connected at its tip and integrated into a roughly Y-shape. The area of ​​the gap formed between each protrusion 51 becomes the minimum cross-sectional area through which water can pass in the microbubble generator 30. Note that there can be four or more protrusions 51.

[0037] When water flows upstream of the microbubble generator 30, the flow path cross-sectional area is narrowed in the throttling section 431, which is formed to gradually decrease its inner diameter. Based on Bernoulli's principle of fluid dynamics, this increases the flow velocity and generates cavitation due to the reduced pressure. The shear force acting on this high-speed flow as it collides with the impact section 50, and the negative pressure generated in the negative pressure region, for example, below -1.0 MPa, formed near the downstream end face of the impact section 50, subdivides the flow into microbubbles. As a result, the microbubble generator 30 generates a large amount of microbubbles from the air dissolved in the water passing through it, supplying microbubble water containing a larger amount of microbubbles than before it passed through the microbubble generator 30. Furthermore, the microbubble generator 30 can dramatically improve the amount of microbubbles generated by increasing the amount of air dissolved in the water passing through it using the pressurized dissolution device 27.

[0038] In this embodiment, the microbubble generator 30 is located on the shower water supply path R3. Therefore, using the water that has passed through the shower water supply path R3, microbubble water containing ultrafine bubbles can be sprayed onto the clothes in the rotating tub 13 at an appropriate time during the washing operation. This is expected to improve the washing effect, such as removing relatively small dirt particles attached to intricately interwoven fibers of the laundry.

[0039] The operation of the washing machine 10 is controlled by the control unit 60 shown in Figure 5. The control unit 60 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having memory areas such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory, and controls the operation of the entire washing machine 10. The washing machine 10 also includes a weight detection unit 61, a rotation speed detection unit 62, and a water level detection unit 63. The weight detection unit 61 has the function of detecting the weight of the clothes contained in the rotating tub 13. The weight detection unit 61 can measure the load acting on the motor 14 by measuring the current flowing to the motor 14 when the rotating tub 13 is rotated, and can detect the weight of the clothes contained in the rotating tub 13 based on that load.

[0040] The rotational speed detection unit 62 has the function of detecting the rotational speed of the rotating tank 13. The rotational speed detection unit 62 is composed of, for example, an encoder, and detects the rotational speed of the rotating tank 13 by measuring the rotational speed of the motor 14. The water level detection unit 63 has the function of detecting the water level in the water tank 12. The water level detection unit 63 is composed of, for example, a water level sensor or a pressure sensor. Detection signals from the weight detection unit 61, the rotational speed detection unit 62, and the water level detection unit 63 are input to the control unit 60.

[0041] The motor 14, drain valve 151, circulation pump 161, control panel 17, input pump 233, main water supply valve 261, sub water supply valve 262, and shower water supply valve 263 are electrically connected to the control unit 60 and operate under control from the control unit 60. The memory area of ​​the control unit 60 stores a control program for controlling the washing machine 10 and executing its operation. Each process of the control unit 60 is realized by the CPU executing the control program. The control unit 60 receives detection signals from various detection units 61 to 63 and, based on the control program, controls the operation of the motor 14, drain valve 151, circulation pump 161, control panel 17, input pump 233, main water supply valve 261, sub water supply valve 262, and shower water supply valve 263 to execute the operation.

[0042] The control unit 60 controls the opening and closing of the main water supply valve 261 or the shower water supply valve 263 based on the settings for an automatic dispensing mode, in which detergent is supplied to the water tank 12 by the automatic dispensing device 23, and a manual dispensing mode, in which the user manually puts detergent into the processing agent case 211 and supplies it to the water tank 12. The user can set either the automatic dispensing mode or the manual dispensing mode by making an input operation on the operation panel 17, for example, before starting a washing operation. When the automatic dispensing mode is set, the control unit 60 opens the shower water supply valve 263 and the main water supply valve 261 during the period when detergent is supplied to the water tank 12. On the other hand, when the manual dispensing mode is set, the control unit 60 opens the main water supply valve 261 and closes the shower water supply valve 263 during the period when detergent is supplied to the water tank 12.

[0043] When the user initiates a washing operation via the control panel 17, the control unit 60 starts the flow shown in Figure 6 (start). First, the control unit 60 detects the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 13 (step S11). Next, the control unit 60 uses the control panel 17 to display information about the operation, such as the amount of water to be supplied and the amount of detergent to be added during the washing process (step S12). The amount of water to be supplied and the amount of detergent to be added during the washing process are determined, for example, based on the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 61. Subsequently, the control unit 60 sequentially executes the washing process (step S13) to wash the clothes, the rinsing process (step S14) to rinse the clothes, and the dewatering process (step S15) to dewater the clothes.

[0044] In the washing process, as shown in Figure 7, water is supplied, followed by a washing period, and then drained. In Figure 7 and other figures, the parts driven by the control unit 60, i.e., the parts that are operating, are shown in black, and the parts not driven by the control unit 60, i.e., the parts that are stopped, are shown in white. The water supply period in the washing process is a period set at the beginning of the washing process, and is the period during which water is supplied to the water tank 12 from the main water supply route R1 and the shower water supply route R3 until a predetermined water level is reached. In addition, during the water supply period in the washing process, water may be supplied using the sub-water supply route R2 alone or in parallel with the main water supply route R1.

[0045] The control unit 60 can perform a spray operation in at least one of the washing and rinsing processes by controlling the shower water supply valve 263 to spray water from the spray unit 25. The content of the spray operation performed by the control unit 60 differs between the washing and rinsing processes. In the spray operation during the washing process, the control unit 60 can perform an operation by controlling the shower water supply valve 263 and the detergent dispensing pump 233 to spray a mixture of detergent and microbubble water containing ultrafine bubbles from the spray unit 25. On the other hand, in the spray operation during the rinsing process, the control unit 60 controls the shower water supply valve 263 to spray microbubble water from the spray unit 25. In other words, the control unit 60 drives the dispensing pump 233 in the spray operation performed in the washing process, but does not drive the dispensing pump 233 in the spray operation performed in the rinsing process.

[0046] In this case, the spraying action, by acting as a shower, is expected to have the effect of penetrating water deep into the fibers of the clothing from the beginning of the water supply period. In other words, the spraying action can provide a cleaning effect equivalent to the effect of soaking the clothes in the wash water. Furthermore, if the spraying action is performed during the water supply period, which is performed before the washing period of the washing process and the rinsing period of the rinsing process in which the clothes in the rotating tub 13 are agitated, the time required for the subsequent washing and rinsing periods can be shortened compared to when the spraying action is not performed. In addition, during the washing process, even when the water level in the water tank 12 from the main water supply path R1 is low enough not to reach the clothes, the spraying action allows the mixed water of detergent and water to come into contact with the clothes in a shower-like manner, enabling the direct supply and penetration of a higher concentration of detergent water over a wide area and deep into the fibers of the clothes, thus achieving a significant improvement in cleaning performance during the agitation process in the subsequent washing period.

[0047] For example, as shown in Figure 8, in manual dispensing mode, where no spraying action is performed, the clothes are simply submerged during the water supply period T1 and no cleaning effect is obtained. Therefore, the washing period T2 required to achieve a predetermined cleaning effect is set accordingly. On the other hand, in automatic dispensing mode, the spraying action is performed during the water supply period T1. By adding the subsequent washing period T3 and the water supply period T1, a cleaning effect equivalent to the washing period T2 in manual dispensing mode can be obtained. For this reason, the washing period T3 in automatic dispensing mode can be set shorter than the washing period T2 in manual dispensing mode. When comparing the end times of the process, in automatic dispensing mode, the end time of the process can be advanced by a certain period ΔT, which is the difference between the washing period T2 in manual dispensing mode and the washing period T3 in automatic dispensing mode.

[0048] Figure 9 shows the results of a verification test that confirmed the washing ratio in manual dispensing mode and automatic dispensing mode when a certain period ΔT is set to 2.5 minutes. The washing ratio is an index representing washing power, and is the ratio of the washing degree of the test washing machine to the washing degree of a standard washing machine, as defined in the Japanese Industrial Standard "Method for Measuring the Performance of Household Electric Washing Machines (JISC9811)". As shown in Figure 9, it was confirmed that even when the washing time in automatic dispensing mode is shortened by 2.5 minutes compared to manual dispensing mode, the standard value for ensuring washing performance is satisfied and a washing ratio approximately equivalent to that of manual dispensing mode is obtained. Furthermore, the washing effect of the spray action can be obtained similarly not only in the washing process but also in the rinsing process. In this way, the washing time required for operation can be shortened by the washing effect of the spray action. In addition, since the time for agitating the clothes in the rotating tub 13 can be shortened, damage to the fabric can be suppressed.

[0049] Therefore, when the spray operation is performed, the control unit 60 sets the stirring time in the washing and rinsing processes to be shorter than when the spray operation is not performed. The stirring time corresponds, for example, to the time the motor 14 that drives the rotating tank 13 operates during the washing period. For example, if the spray operation is performed only in the washing process, the control unit 60 sets the stirring time in the washing process to be shorter and does not change the stirring time in the rinsing process. Also, if the spray operation is performed in both the washing and rinsing processes, the control unit 60 sets the stirring time in both the washing and rinsing processes to be shorter.

[0050] Thus, the control unit 60 can change the contents of the washing and rinsing processes in which the spraying operation is performed, depending on whether or not the spraying operation is performed. Furthermore, since a greater cleaning effect can be expected with a larger water supply volume during the spraying operation, the control unit 60 can set the agitation time of the washing and rinsing processes in which the spraying operation is performed to be shorter. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for operation while ensuring the cleaning effect. In addition, shortening the agitation time can help prevent damage to the fabric.

[0051] Furthermore, the cleaning effect of the spraying action can be substituted for the cleaning effect of agitation in the rotating tank 13 during the washing or rinsing period. Therefore, the control unit 60 sets the agitation force of the washing and rinsing processes in which the spraying action is performed to be weaker the greater the amount of water supplied during the spraying action. In other words, when the spraying action is performed, the control unit 60 can set the agitation force of the washing and rinsing processes in which the spraying action is performed to be weaker than when the spraying action is not performed, while still satisfying the standard value for ensuring cleaning performance and obtaining a cleaning ratio that is approximately the same as when the spraying action is not performed. The agitation force refers to, for example, the rotational speed or on / off duty cycle of the motor 14. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the fabric while ensuring the cleaning effect.

[0052] Furthermore, the control unit 60 can open the main water supply valve 261 while the spraying operation is in progress, allowing water to be supplied into the water tank 12 from the main water supply path R1. This allows water to be supplied to the specified level in the water tank 12 quickly, and because the main water supply path R1 supplies water from between the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13, the dilution of the high-concentration detergent water supplied by the spraying operation is minimized, allowing the high-concentration cleaning performance to be maintained for a longer period. In addition, while the spraying operation is in progress, the control unit 60 performs an operation that includes an agitation operation, which drives the motor 14 to agitate the clothes in the rotating tank 13. The operation includes a stop operation, which stops the motor 14 and stops the rotation of the rotating tank 13.

[0053] In this embodiment, the control unit 60 performs the stirring operation by driving the motor 14. The rotation speed of the rotating tank 13 during the stirring operation can be set to a rotation speed at which the clothes in the rotating tank 13 stick to the inner circumferential wall of the rotating tank 13, are lifted up, and then fall due to gravity. This allows the clothes in the rotating tank 13 to be lifted and stirred appropriately during the spraying operation. Therefore, by effectively changing the contact surface of the spraying operation with the clothes through the combined use of spraying and stirring, the washing performance of the clothes can be improved evenly. Note that the motor 14 is not limited to being driven continuously during the spraying operation; it may also be driven intermittently, that is, the motor 14 alternates between operating and stopping.

[0054] Furthermore, during the spraying operation, the rotation direction of the rotating tank 13 due to the stirring operation is set to a direction in which the spray unit 25 is offset with respect to the rotation axis Ra. In this embodiment, since the spray unit 25 is offset to the left with respect to the rotation axis Ra, the rotation direction of the rotating tank 13 due to the stirring operation is set to the same leftward direction. This makes it possible to make the rotation direction of the clothes rotating inside the rotating tank 13 and the direction of the water sprayed from the spray unit 25 opposite, allowing the water to come into effective contact with the clothes.

[0055] Next, we will explain in detail the control contents in the washing and rinsing processes when the spraying operation is performed. In the spraying operation during the washing process, the control unit 60 alternately performs the operation of driving the input pump 233 to input detergent from the detergent tank 231 to the detergent mixing unit 241, and the operation of opening the shower water supply valve 263 to supply fine-bubble water to the detergent mixing unit 241 by tap water pressure. In other words, in the spraying operation during the washing process, the control unit 60 does not perform the operation of inputting detergent to the detergent mixing unit 241 and the operation of supplying fine-bubble water to the detergent mixing unit 241 simultaneously. This control operation and the function of the check valve 234 prevent problems such as the supply of detergent from the detergent tank 231 via the input pump 233 being interrupted by the water pressure of the fine-bubble water supplied to the detergent mixing unit 241, i.e., the tap water pressure.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 60 performs the operation of adding detergent to the first detergent mixing unit 241 in the washing process at the same time as the display of the detergent amount, which is the operation content, on the operation panel 17 before the washing process. This allows for early addition and mixing of detergent to the water supplied to the water tank 12 from the shower water supply path R3, which starts simultaneously with the start of water supply from the main water supply valve 261 when the washing process begins. In the early stages of the washing process, before the detergent-free water from the main water supply path R1 penetrates the fibers of the clothes in the rotating tub 13, the highly concentrated detergent mixture containing ultrafine bubbles and detergent can be effectively delivered deep into the fibers by spraying it onto the clothes as a shower with high-speed water supply, combined with the mechanical force of the water.

[0057] Then, as described above, the control unit 60 sprays mixed water from the spray unit 25 in a shower-like manner onto the clothes in the rotating tub 13, which are dry and do not contain water supplied from an external water source. By spraying this mixed water, which is a mixture of detergent and fine-bubble water, onto dry clothes, the detergent and fine-bubble water can be effectively impregnated into the clothes before the detergent-free water supplied from an external water source. This improves the cleaning efficiency and shortens the time required for the washing process.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 60 can perform the spraying operation multiple times during the water supply period of the washing process. That is, the control unit 60 divides a predetermined amount of detergent according to the weight of the clothes and puts it into the water tank 12 via the shower water supply path R3. In this embodiment, the number of spraying operations is set to three, alternating between detergent dispensing by the detergent dispensing pump 233 and water supply from the spraying unit 25, but is not limited to this. Multiple spraying operations can reduce the amount dispensed per spray, and the detergent mixing unit 241 can be miniaturized. In addition, by mixing a predetermined amount of detergent with fine-bubble water in the detergent mixing unit 241 and dividing it before putting it into the water tank 12, the mixture of detergent and fine-bubble water can be applied more uniformly to the clothes in the agitated rotating tank 13. The time for which the shower water supply valve 263 is open during multiple spraying operations can be set to, for example, about 20 seconds.

[0059] The control unit 60 can change the time the shower water supply valve 263 is opened during multiple spraying operations. In this case, the control unit 60 can set the time the shower water supply valve 263 is opened during the final spraying operation to be longer than during the previous spraying operations. This allows the detergent absorbed by the clothes positioned opposite the spraying unit 25 to be released from the clothes, thus distributing it throughout the rotating tub 13. Furthermore, the end time of the final spraying operation is set to be before the end of the water supply period of the washing process. This prevents the detergent soaked into the clothes in the rotating tub 13 from being diluted by the sprayed water.

[0060] Furthermore, during the water supply period of the washing process, the motor 14 is driven continuously to agitate the clothes in the rotating tub 13. This allows the mixed water to penetrate the clothes evenly. In this embodiment, since the mixed water contains microbubble water including ultrafine bubbles, a high concentration of detergent can penetrate into the inside of the clothes more quickly and efficiently. Therefore, the washing performance can be improved. Alternatively, during the water supply period of the washing process, the motor 14 may be driven simultaneously with the water supply via the shower water supply path R3 to rotate the rotating tub 13. This allows the clothes to be agitated at the same time that the mixed water comes into contact with the clothes in the rotating tub 13. This makes it possible to obtain a washing effect during the water supply period of the washing process.

[0061] During the washing cycle, the circulation pump 161 and motor 14 are driven to supply water from the circulation path 164 and agitate the clothes in the rotating tub 13. In other words, during the washing process, water is supplied to the water tank 12 from the shower water supply path R3, followed by water supply from the circulation path 164. This allows the clothes to soak for a certain period of time after the mixed water with high-concentration detergent is sprayed onto them from the spray unit 25 through the shower water supply path R3. This prevents the detergent that has soaked into the clothes in the rotating tub 13 from becoming diluted too quickly. This improves the washing performance for the clothes. When draining the water during the washing process, the drain valve 151 is driven by the control unit 60 to open the drain path.

[0062] Furthermore, when the spray operation is performed, the control unit 60 may start the circulation period for driving the circulation pump 161 later than when the spray operation is not performed. In this embodiment, the circulation period is included in the washing period. In this case, as shown in the example in Figure 10, when the spray operation is performed, the control unit 60 drives the circulation pump 161 at a predetermined time Td later than when the spray operation is not performed to circulate the water in the water tank 12. This extends and enhances the soaking effect of the detergent water that has penetrated deep into the fibers of the clothes by the spray operation.

[0063] Furthermore, when performing a spray operation, the control unit 60 can delay the start time of the circulation period that drives the circulation pump 161 according to the amount of water supplied during the spray operation. For example, the control unit 60 delays the start time of the circulation period that drives the circulation pump 161 because a larger amount of water supplied during the spray operation requires a greater soaking effect. This allows for an appropriate delay in dilution by the circulating water according to the amount of high-concentration detergent water that has penetrated deep into the fibers of the clothing by the spray operation, thereby achieving a soaking effect.

[0064] In the rinsing process, the intermediate dewatering, water supply period, rinsing period, and drainage are considered as one set, and multiple sets, for example two sets, are repeated. During the intermediate dewatering, the motor 14 is driven to dewater the clothes in the rotating tub 13, and the control unit 60 drives the drain valve 151 to open the drainage path. As shown in the example in Figure 11, the control unit 60 can open the shower water supply valve 263 to perform a spray operation during the execution of intermediate dewatering. This can improve rinsing performance. The spray operation performed during intermediate dewatering may be performed only for a portion of the intermediate dewatering period. During the water supply period of the rinsing process, water is supplied to the water tank 12 from the main water supply path R1 and the shower water supply path R3 until a predetermined water level is reached. During the water supply period of the rinsing process, the sub-water supply path R2 may be used alone or in parallel with the main water supply path R1 to supply water.

[0065] During the water supply period of the rinsing process, the control unit 60 can control the shower water supply valve 263 to perform a spraying operation in which fine bubble water is sprayed from the spray unit 25. As a result, compared to simply spraying tap water onto the clothes, for example, the ultrafine bubbles contained in the fine bubble water are delivered deep into the fibers, and detergent components remaining deep within the fibers can be efficiently discharged, thereby improving rinsing performance. Hereinafter, the spraying operation in the rinsing process may be referred to as the shower operation.

[0066] During the shower operation, the control unit 60 opens the main water supply valve 261 to supply water to the water tank 12 from the main water supply path R1. As shown in Figure 7, during the water supply period of the rinsing process, for example, the main water supply valve 261 and the shower water supply valve 263 are always open, and water is constantly supplied to the water tank 12 via the main water supply path R1 and the shower water supply path R3. During the water supply period of the rinsing process, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotating tub 13 during intermediate dewatering causes clothes to stick to the inner circumferential wall of the rotating tub 13, and at the same time, fine bubble water can be sprayed from the spray unit 25 onto the clothes that are stuck to the inner circumferential wall of the rotating tub 13. This allows fine bubble water containing ultrafine bubbles, which provides a higher rinsing effect than simply spraying ordinary water such as tap water onto the clothes stuck to the inner circumferential wall of the rotating tub 13, to be evenly applied to the rotating clothes. Furthermore, the fine bubble water can penetrate deep into the fibers from the start of the rinsing process, even before the circulation pump 161 starts operating, thereby efficiently achieving a rinsing effect and maximizing the rinsing time.

[0067] Furthermore, during the water supply period of the rinsing process, the circulation pump 161 and motor 14 are driven to supply water from the circulation path 164 and agitate the clothes in the rotating tub 13. In other words, the control unit 60 performs an operation that includes an agitation operation, which involves driving the motor 14 to rotate the rotating tub 13 while the shower operation is being performed. In this embodiment, the control unit 60 performs the agitation operation at the same time as the start of the shower operation. That is, during the water supply period of the rinsing process, the motor 14 is driven to rotate the rotating tub 13 at the same time as the water is supplied via the shower water supply path R3. This allows the clothes in the rotating tub 13 to be agitated at the same time that the fine bubble water comes into contact with the clothes. This makes it possible to obtain a rinsing effect during the water supply period of the rinsing process.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, the circulation pump 161 is driven during the water supply period of the rinsing process after a certain period of time has elapsed since the main water supply path R1 and the shower water supply path R3 were opened. This is to prevent the circulation pump 161 from running dry by driving the circulation pump 161 after the water tank 12 has been filled to a certain level or higher. During the rinsing period, for example, the rotating tub 13 is rotated while the water tank 12 is filled with water. During the rinsing period, the rotating tub 13 may be rotated while water is being supplied and drained. Also, if fabric softener is added to the processing agent case 211 as a finishing agent, the fabric softener is supplied to the water tank 12 via the main water supply path R1 during the second rinsing period. When draining during the rinsing process, the drain valve 151 is driven by the control unit 60 to open the drain path. In the dewatering process, the motor 14 is driven to dewater the clothes in the rotating tub 13, and the drain valve 151 is driven by the control unit 60 to open the drain path.

[0069] According to the embodiment described above, the washing machine 10 comprises a water tank 12, a rotating drum 13, a motor 14, a shower water supply valve 263, a spray unit 25, and a control unit 60. The rotating drum 13 is provided inside the water tank 12 and is rotatable around a rotation axis Ra. The shower water supply valve 263 is connected to an external water source and opens and closes a shower water supply path R3 that supplies water from the external water source into the water tank 12. The spray unit 25 biases and sprays the water flowing through the shower water supply path R3 in a shower-like manner. The control unit 60 performs a washing operation including a washing process and a rinsing process.

[0070] The control unit 60 can perform a spray operation in at least one of the washing and rinsing processes by controlling the shower water supply valve 263 to spray water from the spray unit 25. The control unit 60 then changes the content of the washing and rinsing processes in which the spray operation is performed according to the amount of water supplied during the spray operation. This allows for setting the optimal operating content according to the amount of water supplied during the spray operation. As a result, it is possible to appropriately shorten the operating time and suppress damage to the fabric while ensuring washing performance. It should be noted that "according to the amount of water supplied" naturally includes a comparison based on whether or not the spray operation is performed.

[0071] The control unit 60 sets the agitation time for the washing and rinsing processes in which the spraying operation is performed to be shorter the greater the amount of water supplied during the spraying operation. As a result, since a predetermined cleaning performance can be ensured by the spraying operation, the agitation time can be set to be shorter the greater the amount of water supplied during the spraying operation. This makes it possible to reduce the time required for operation while suppressing damage to the fabric.

[0072] The control unit 60 sets the agitation force of the washing and rinsing processes in which the spraying operation is performed to be weaker the greater the amount of water supplied during the spraying operation. This ensures that a predetermined cleaning performance is achieved through the spraying operation, and therefore the agitation force can be set to be weaker the greater the amount of water supplied during the spraying operation. This helps to suppress damage to the fabric.

[0073] The washing machine 10 includes processing agent tanks 231 and 232, a dispensing pump 233, and mixing units 241 and 242. The processing agent tanks 231 and 232 are capable of storing laundry processing agent. The dispensing pump 233 pumps out a predetermined amount of laundry processing agent from the processing agent tanks 231 and 232. The mixing units 241 and 242 are located downstream of the dispensing pump 233 and mix water from an external water source with the laundry processing agent pumped out by the dispensing pump 233. The control unit 60 drives the dispensing pump 233 during the spraying operation performed in the washing process, but does not drive the dispensing pump 233 during the spraying operation performed in the rinsing process. This allows for efficient penetration of the mixed water, which is a mixture of water and detergent, into the clothes during the washing process, while during the rinsing process, the detergent components remaining deep within the fibers of the clothes can be efficiently discharged by showering them with water sprayed from the spray unit 25. This effectively improves both washing and rinsing performance.

[0074] The washing machine 10 is further equipped with a main water supply valve 261. The main water supply valve 261 opens and closes the main water supply path R1 that supplies water from an external water source between the water tank 12 and the rotating drum 13. The control unit 60 opens the main water supply valve 261 during the spraying operation to supply water from the main water supply path R1. This increases the amount of water supplied to the water tank 12 per unit time during the spraying operation, thereby shortening the water supply time. This makes it possible to improve washing performance while suppressing the prolongation of the operating time.

[0075] The control unit 60 performs an operation that includes an agitation operation, which involves driving the motor 14 to agitate the clothes in the rotating tub 13 while the spraying operation is being performed. This allows the clothes in the rotating tub 13 to be replaced by agitation, ensuring that the water sprayed from the spray unit 25 comes into even contact with all the clothes in the rotating tub 13. This further improves the washing performance.

[0076] The rotational speed of the rotating tank 13 during the agitation operation is the speed at which the clothes inside the rotating tank 13 stick to the inner circumferential wall of the rotating tank 13, are lifted, and then fall due to gravity. This allows the water sprayed from the spray unit 25 to come into uniform contact with the clothes while loosening them inside the rotating tank 13. Therefore, the washing performance can be improved.

[0077] The spray unit 25 is positioned above the rotation axis Ra of the rotating tank 13, and circumferentially offset from directly above the rotation axis Ra. The rotation direction of the rotating tank 13 during the agitation operation is set so that the spray unit 25 is offset from the rotation axis Ra. This allows the water sprayed from the spray unit 25 to come into contact with the clothes inside the rotating tank 13, thereby further improving the washing performance.

[0078] The washing machine 10 further includes a circulation path 164 and a circulation pump 161. The circulation path 164 is located outside the water tank 12 and circulates the water inside the water tank 12. The circulation pump 161 supplies water from the water tank 12 to the circulation path 164. When the spray operation is performed, the control unit 60 delays the start of the circulation period that drives the circulation pump 161 according to the amount of water supplied during the spray operation. By delaying the start of the circulation period, the dilution of the highly concentrated detergent water that has penetrated deep into the fibers of the clothes by the spray operation is delayed, allowing for a more sufficient soaking effect. This improves washing performance.

[0079] Furthermore, the rinsing process includes intermediate dewatering, in which the clothes in the rotating tub 13 are dewatered. The control unit 60 performs a spray operation during the execution of intermediate dewatering. This allows for efficient discharge of detergent components remaining deep within the fibers of the clothes due to the synergistic effect of the centrifugal force generated during intermediate dewatering and the spray force generated during the spray operation. This further improves the rinsing effect.

[0080] The washing machine 10 is further equipped with a microbubble generator 30. The microbubble generator 30 is located downstream of the shower water supply valve 263 and generates microbubble water by incorporating ultrafine bubbles or other microbubbles into the water passing through it. This allows for high washing and rinsing performance due to the penetrating power of the microbubble water into the fibers.

[0081] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. In this second embodiment, the washing machine is applied to a so-called vertical washing machine 70 in which the rotation axis is in the vertical direction. The washing machine 70 shown in Figure 12 comprises an outer casing 71, a water tank 72, a rotating drum 73, a motor 74, agitator blades 75, a drainage mechanism 76, an operation panel 77, a water supply device 20, and a control unit 60. The washing machine 70 also includes a weight detection unit 61, a rotation speed detection unit 62, and a water level detection unit 63 (not shown) that have the same functions as those of the washing machine 10. The control unit 60 of the washing machine 70 receives detection signals from various detection units and, based on a control program, controls the operation of the motor 74, the drain valve 761, the operation panel 77, and the water supply device 20 to perform operation.

[0082] The outer casing 71 constitutes the outer shell of the washing machine 70. Both the water tank 72 and the rotating tub 73 are formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The water tank 72 is capable of storing water inside. The water tank 72 is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown) located inside the outer casing 71. The water tank 72 has a drain port 721 and a water inlet 722. The drain port 721 and the water inlet 722 connect the inside and outside of the water tank 72. The drain port 721 is located, for example, at the bottom of the water tank 72 and is the part that discharges water from the water tank 72 to the outside. The water inlet 722 is the part that supplies water from an external water source into the water tank 72 and is connected to the water inlet hose 22. The water inlet 722 is located, for example, at the top of the water tank 72. The water inlet 722 is located at a position where the water flowing out from the water inlet 722 strikes the outer surface of the rotating tub 73. In other words, the water that passes through the water inlet 722 is supplied between the water tank 72 and the rotating tank 73.

[0083] The rotating tank 73 is capable of accommodating clothing and is rotatably positioned within the water tank 72 around a rotation axis Rb. The rotating tank 73 is rotationally driven by a motor 74. The motor 74 is located on the outside of the bottom of the water tank 72 and rotates the rotating tank 73. The agitator blade 75 is located at the inner bottom of the rotating tank 73 and is rotatably positioned around a rotation axis Rb. The agitator blade 75 is connected to the motor 74 and is rotationally driven by the motor 74. Multiple back blades 751 are provided on the underside of the agitator blade 75. A back blade housing section 752 capable of accommodating the back blades 751 is formed in the space between the bottom of the rotating tank 73 and the underside of the agitator blade 75. As the agitator blade 75 rotates, the back blades 751 rotate, pushing the water in the back blade housing section 752 radially outward.

[0084] As shown in Figure 12, a balance ring 78 is attached to the top of the rotating tank 73. The balance ring 78 is, for example, an annular shape and is provided around the entire inner circumference of an opening (not shown) located on the top surface of the rotating tank 73. The balance ring 78 is filled with a liquid, such as saltwater, and has the function of correcting vibrations caused by uneven distribution of clothing during the rotation of the rotating tank 73 by moving the enclosed liquid appropriately to maintain balance.

[0085] The drainage mechanism 76 is for discharging water from the water tank 72 to the outside of the washing machine 70. The drainage mechanism 76 includes a drain valve 761 and a drain hose 762. The drain valve 761 is configured to be electromagnetically openable and closable. The inlet side of the drain valve 761 is connected to the drain port 721 of the water tank 72 via a connecting hose 763. One end of the drain hose 762 is connected to the drain valve 761, and the other end is led out of the washing machine 70. The drain valve 761 opens and closes the drainage path for draining water stored in the water tank 72 to the outside. The control panel 77 is provided, for example, on the front part of the top surface of the outer casing 71. The control panel 77 receives operational input from the user regarding the settings and operation of the washing machine 70, and has the function of presenting information regarding the settings and operation of the washing machine 70 to the user through display, sound, etc.

[0086] Furthermore, the washing machine 70 is equipped with a water passage forming member 81. As shown in Figure 12, the water passage forming member 81 is provided on the inner circumference side of the rotating drum 73 and extends along the inner surface of the rotating drum 73. In the axial direction of the rotating drum 73, the water passage forming member 81 extends, for example, from the outer circumference of the agitator blade 75 to the lower end of the balance ring 78. The water passage forming member 81 forms a water passage 82. The water passage 82 functions as a circulation path. Water from the tank 72, which is pumped up from the bottom of the tank 72, flows through the water passage 82. The water passage 82 is passable to water that is pushed radially outward by the back blade 751 of the agitator blade 75 as the agitator blade 75 rotates. That is, the back blade 751 has a pump function that raises the water in the tank 72 through the water passage 82. In this case, the back blade 751 functions as a circulation part.

[0087] Water pushed out from the back blade housing 752 by the back blade 751 of the agitator blade 75 rises through the water passage 82 and is returned to the rotating tub 73 through the discharge port 83. In this way, the washing machine 70 can circulate the water in the water tank 72 through the water passage 82. Alternatively, the washing machine 70 may be configured to have a dedicated pump device instead of the back blade 751, and the water stored in the water tank 72 may be circulated through the water passage 82 by this pump device. In this embodiment, the spray unit 25 is positioned to look into the rotating tub 73 from above. The water sprayed from the spray unit 25 is diffused over a wide area by the spray unit 25 and sprayed directly towards the clothes in the rotating tub 73. This second embodiment also produces the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0088] In the washing machine 70, the water sprayed from the spray unit 25 is not limited to being sprayed directly towards the clothes in the rotating tub 73, but may also be supplied indirectly to the clothes in the rotating tub 73. In this case, as shown in the example in Figure 13, the water sprayed from the spray unit 25 can be supplied into the rotating tub 73 via the inside of the water supply case 21. In the example in Figure 13, the washing machine 70 includes a partition unit 701, a water supply member 702, and an agitator unit 703. The partition unit 701 is for dividing the internal space of the water supply case 21 into multiple spaces, in this case two spaces. The internal space of the water supply case 21 is divided by the partition unit 701 into a first space S1 through which water flows via the main water supply path R1 and the sub water supply path R2, and a second space S2 through which water flows via the shower water supply path R3.

[0089] The water supply member 702 is the part that connects the water injection case 21 and the inside of the water tank 72. One end of the water supply member 702 is connected to the water injection case 21, and the other end is located at the top of the rotating tank 73. The water supply member 702 receives water that has flowed through the second space S2 of the water injection case 21 and supplies it into the water tank 72. The water supply member 702 constitutes the outlet of the shower water supply path R3. The stirring section 703 is provided between the injection section 25 and the water supply member 702. The stirring section 703 is formed by including, for example, a comb-shaped member and has the function of rapidly stirring the water injected from the injection section 25.

[0090] For example, a portion of the detergent-water mixture sprayed from the spray unit 25 is agitated as it passes through the agitator unit 703, and as it flows through the agitator unit 703, it is generated as a foamy substance containing a high concentration of detergent. This foamy mixture then passes through the water supply member 702 and penetrates the clothes in the rotating tub 73. As a result, the washing machine 70 can appropriately shorten the operating time and suppress fabric damage while ensuring washing performance.

[0091] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10, 70…Washing machine, 12, 72…Water tank, 13, 73…Rotating drum, 14, 74…Motor, 25…Spray unit, 263…Shower water supply valve (water supply valve), 60…Control unit, R3…Shower water supply path (water supply path)

Claims

[Claim 1] A fish tank and A rotating tank provided within the aforementioned water tank and capable of rotating around a rotation axis, A motor that rotates the aforementioned rotating tank, A water supply valve that is connected to an external water source and opens and closes a water supply path that supplies water from the external water source into the water tank, An injection unit that sprays water flowing through the aforementioned water supply path, It comprises a control unit that performs a washing operation including a washing process, The control unit, In the washing process, the water supply valve can be controlled to perform a spraying operation in which water containing detergent is sprayed from the spraying unit. When the aforementioned spraying operation of water containing the detergent is performed, the washing period is set to be shorter than when the aforementioned spraying operation of water containing the detergent is not performed. washing machine.

Images