washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine that achieves both the suppression of shifting of filling and improved washing power. [Solution] The washing machine according to the present disclosure comprises a washing tub, a water supply valve for supplying water to the washing tub, a liquid supply device for supplying a liquid to the washing tub, a drive unit for rotating the washing tub around a rotation axis, a circulation channel extending between an inlet and a discharge port, a circulation pump provided in the circulation channel for circulating the washing water so that washing water is drawn in from the inlet and discharged from the discharge port, a plurality of baffles protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the washing tub toward the rotation axis, and a control unit, wherein the control unit executes a first washing course which includes the discharge of washing water to the washing tub at a rate of 15 L / min or less by the circulation pump and the agitation operation of the washing tub by the drive unit, and the agitation operation includes a rotation step in which the drive unit rotates the washing tub and a stop step which is performed between the two rotation steps and in which the drive unit stops the rotation of the washing tub, and the rotation angle of the washing tub in one rotation step is 360° or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a washing machine.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine including a washing tub capable of accommodating laundry, an automatic supply device for automatically supplying a liquid agent to the washing tub, and a control unit capable of executing a plurality of courses.

[0003] The control unit described in Patent Document 1 is capable of executing a first washing course with standard operation content and a second course with operation content that is less likely to damage the laundry compared to the first washing course.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, when washing an object in which quilts or stuffed items such as feathers like down and feathers are stuffed inside, there is still room for improvement in achieving both suppression of unevenness of the stuffed items and improvement of detergency.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems and provide a washing machine that can achieve both suppression of unevenness of stuffed items and improvement of detergency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a washing tub capable of accommodating an object, a water supply valve for supplying water to the washing tub in an open state, a liquid supply device for supplying a liquid to the washing tub, a drive unit for rotating the washing tub around a rotation axis, a circulation channel extending between a suction port communicating with the lower part of the washing tub and a discharge port communicating with the upper part of the washing tub, a circulation pump provided in the circulation channel for circulating the washing water so that washing water is drawn in from the suction port and discharged from the discharge port, a plurality of baffles protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the washing tub toward the rotation axis, and a control unit for controlling the water supply valve, the drive unit, and the circulation pump, wherein the control unit executes a first washing course including the discharge of washing water to the washing tub at a rate of 15 L / min or less by the circulation pump and an agitation operation of the washing tub by the drive unit, the agitation operation including a rotation step in which the drive unit rotates the washing tub and a stop step performed between the two rotation steps in which the drive unit stops the rotation of the washing tub, and the rotation angle of the washing tub in one rotation step is 360° or less. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a washing machine that achieves both suppression of stuffing shifting and improvement of washing power. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Schematic front view of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure [Figure 2] schematic cross-section of a washing machine [Figure 3] Perspective view of the automatic feeding unit [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of the automatic feeding unit [Figure 5] Flowchart for the first wash cycle of a washing machine [Figure 6] Schematic front view of the washing machine during the first washing cycle. [Figure 7] Schematic cross-section of the washing machine during the first washing cycle. [Figure 8] Flowchart of the shower agitation step [Figure 9] Schematic front view of the washing machine during the first washing cycle. [Figure 10] Front view of the washing machine in the first washing cycle [Figure 11] Front view of the washing machine in the first washing cycle

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] (Embodiment 1) The washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine 1. Hereinafter, two directions orthogonal to each other in the horizontal plane are defined as the width direction X and the front-rear direction Y, and the vertical direction orthogonal to the horizontal plane is defined as the up-down direction Z.

[0012] The washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 is a drum-type washing machine having a washing function. The washing machine 1 can execute a normal washing cycle for objects such as everyday clothes, underwear, and towels. Further, separately from the normal washing cycle, the washing machine 1 can execute a first washing cycle which is a washing cycle for objects having stuffing inside, such as a down coat, a down jacket, and a down vest. The washing machine 1 may further execute a washing cycle different from the normal washing cycle and the first washing cycle.

[0013] Note that the washing machine 1 may further have a drying function.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, a washing tub 4, a drive unit 5 (FIG. 2), an automatic dosing unit 6, a connection flow path 8, a water supply valve 10, a drain valve 11, a circulation flow path 13, a circulation pump 14, a control unit 16, and an operation unit 17.

[0015] The housing 2 is a member that forms the appearance of the washing machine 1. As shown in FIG. 2, an opening 20 and an openable and closable door 21 covering the opening 20 are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

[0016] The outer tub 3 is a substantially cylindrical member provided inside the housing 2 and having a function of storing washing water. The outer tub 3 may be referred to as a water tank or a tub. The outer tub 3 is provided with an opening 31 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2, and the edge of the opening 31 is connected to the opening 20 by a bellows 32.

[0017] The washing tub 4 is a substantially cylindrical member provided rotatably around the rotation axis V0 inside the outer tub 3 and capable of accommodating an object. The washing tub 4 is arranged such that the rotation axis V0 is inclined downward toward the rear side (+Y side) with respect to the horizontal. The washing tub 4 may be referred to as a drum, an inner tub, or a storage tub. A large number of through holes 40 are formed in the washing tub 4, and the through holes 40 communicate the washing tub 4 with the outer tub 3. The washing tub 4 is provided with an opening 41 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2 and the opening 31 of the outer tub 3. When the user opens the door 21, the user can put an object into the washing tub 4 through the openings 20, 31, and 41.

[0018] Returning to FIG. 1, in the washing tub 4, a plurality of baffles 42 are provided on the inner peripheral surface S1 extending along the rotation axis V0. Each baffle 42 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface S1 toward the rotation axis V0. In the first embodiment, three baffles 42 are provided in the washing tub 4, but any number of baffles 42 may be provided.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the baffle 42 has two side surfaces 43 extending along the rotation axis V0 and inclined so as to approach each other toward the rotation axis V0. The two side surfaces 43 are in contact with each other at the first side 44. Therefore, when viewed from the front-rear direction Y, the baffle 42 has a triangular cross section. The first side 44 protrudes, for example, 3 cm to 4 cm from the inner peripheral surface S1 of the washing tub 4.

[0020] The baffle 42 may extend from the bottom of the washing tub 4 to the midpoint between the bottom and the opening 41.

[0021] By the side surface 43, the baffle 42 can scoop up the bubbles floating on the liquid surface.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the drive unit 5 is a component that rotates the washing tub 4 around the rotation axis V0. The drive unit 5 has, for example, a motor that rotates the washing tub 4.

[0023] The automatic dispensing unit 6 is a device that automatically supplies a predetermined amount of liquid agent from a tank that stores multiple doses of liquid agent to the washing tub 4. The liquid agent is a liquid treatment agent used when processing clothes, towels, sheets, etc. in the washing machine 1. The predetermined amount of liquid agent in the automatic dispensing unit 6 is, for example, an appropriate amount of the appropriate type of liquid agent determined by the control unit 16 according to the weight of the object, the amount of water supplied, or user input.

[0024] The connecting channel 8 connects the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the outer tub 3. Therefore, the liquid flows from the automatic dispensing unit 6 through the connecting channel 8 into the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4. Since the automatic dispensing unit 6 is positioned above the outer tub 3, the connecting channel 8 extends downward.

[0025] The water supply valve 10 has an openable and closable valve that is connected to a faucet via an external hose. When the water supply valve 10 is open, water is supplied to the washing tub 4. Specifically, when the water supply valve 10 is open, water flows into the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 via the automatic dispensing unit 6 and the connecting channel 8.

[0026] In place of or in addition to the water supply valve 10, other water supply devices may be provided to supply water to the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4.

[0027] The drain valve 11 is an openable and closable valve that, when closed, stores wash water in the outer tub 3, and when open, drains the wash water stored in the outer tub 3. The drain valve 11 is located below the outer tub 3. Alternatively, another drainage device may be provided to drain water from the outer tub 3 instead of the drain valve 11.

[0028] Returning to Figure 1, the circulation channel 13 is located inside the housing 2 and is a channel for circulating the wash water from the washing tub 4. Specifically, the circulation channel 13 extends between the suction port 13A located at the bottom of the outer tub 3 and the discharge port 13B located at the top of the outer tub 3, drawing up the wash water accumulated at the bottom of the outer tub 3 and discharging it from the top of the outer tub 3. The suction port 13A communicates with the bottom of the washing tub 4, and the discharge port 13B communicates with the top of the washing tub 4.

[0029] When viewed from the direction in which the rotation axis extends, the discharge port 13B is positioned offset in the width direction X with respect to the rotation axis V0 of the washing tub 4. With this configuration, the washing water discharged from the discharge port 13B is more likely to fall near the inner circumferential surface S1 of the washing tub 4.

[0030] The circulation pump 14 is installed in the circulation channel 13 and has a pump that circulates the wash water in the circulation channel 13 so that the wash water is sucked in from the suction port 13A and discharged from the discharge port 13B.

[0031] The rotation speed of the circulation pump 14 is controlled by the control unit 16. By controlling the rotation speed of the circulation pump 14, the flow rate of laundry water discharged from the discharge port 13B can be controlled.

[0032] The control unit 16 is a controller that oversees the control of the washing machine 1. The control unit 16 controls the components of the washing machine 1, such as the drive unit 5, automatic dispensing unit 6, water supply valve 10, drain valve 11, circulation pump 14, and operation unit 17. The control unit 16 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, MPU, FPGA, DSP, or ASIC that realizes predetermined functions by executing a program. The control unit 16 can realize various controls in the washing machine 1 by calling and executing a control program stored in the memory unit 16a. The control unit 16 is not limited to realizing predetermined functions through the cooperation of hardware and software, but may also be a hardware circuit specifically designed to realize predetermined functions.

[0033] The storage unit 16a is a recording medium for recording various information and control programs, and may also be a memory that functions as a work area for the control unit 16. The storage unit 16a can be implemented as, for example, flash memory, SSD (Solid State Device), hard disk, RAM, other storage devices, or a combination thereof as appropriate.

[0034] The memory unit 16a stores the operating conditions for the washing course executed by the washing machine 1. Specifically, the memory unit 16a stores the operating conditions for the drive unit 5, the operating conditions for the automatic dispensing unit 6, the opening and closing conditions for the water supply valve 10, and the opening and closing conditions for the drain valve 11 for each of the washing, rinsing, and spinning processes of the washing course.

[0035] The memory unit 16a further stores information about the liquid agent. Specifically, the memory unit 16a stores the types of liquid agents contained in the tanks of the automatic dispensing unit 6. For example, the memory unit 16a stores whether the liquid agent contained in each tank of the automatic dispensing unit 6 is detergent, fabric softener, or delicate laundry detergent (i.e., neutral detergent).

[0036] The control unit 17 is the part of the washing machine 1 that is operated by the user. The control unit 17 may consist of one or more buttons, or it may consist of a liquid crystal touch panel. The control unit 17 includes a start button or a display that functions as a start button. In response to user operations on the control unit 17, the control unit 16 controls the washing machine 1.

[0037] The user can set information regarding the washing course to be executed by the washing machine 1 via the control unit 17. Specifically, the user can set the type of washing course to be executed by the washing machine 1. In addition, if the user wants to execute a washing course under conditions different from those stored in the memory unit 16a, the user can manually input and set the operating conditions for the washing course.

[0038] Next, we will describe the more detailed structure of the automatic feeding unit 6. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the automatic feeding unit 6. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the automatic feeding unit 6.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the automatic dispensing unit 6 includes a case 61, tanks 62A to 62C, pump mechanisms 63A to 63C, a liquid discharge channel 64, and a manual dispensing case 65. Figure 4 shows one tank 62A and one pump mechanism 63A, but the other tanks 62B to 62C and pump mechanisms 63B to 63C have a similar configuration.

[0040] Case 61 is a container that houses three tanks 62A to 62C and a manual dispensing case 65. A liquid discharge channel 64 and a water supply valve 10 are connected to the back surface 57 of case 61.

[0041] Tanks 62A to 62C are containers for storing liquids. Tanks 62A to 62C are housed in case 61, arranged side by side on the outer K1 (horizontal direction away from the rotation axis V0 in Figure 1). The depth and volume of the three tanks 62A to 62C increase on the outer K1.

[0042] The pump mechanisms 63A, 63B, and 63C are connected to tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively, via the rear surface 57 of the case 61. They are devices that draw a predetermined amount of liquid from tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C and discharge it into the liquid discharge channel 64. In Embodiment 1, the pump mechanisms 63A, 63B, and 63C have piston pumps, but are not limited to piston pumps. For example, they may have on-off valve mechanisms that discharge liquid by gravity, gear pumps, etc.

[0043] A liquid discharge channel 64 is connected to the lower part of the pump mechanisms 63A to 63C. The liquid discharge channel 64 is a channel member connected to the case 61, and it combines the water flowing in from the case 61 with the liquid discharged from the pump mechanisms 63A to 63C and returns it to the case 61. The case 61 has a channel below the tanks 62A to 62C that communicates with the liquid discharge channel 64 and through which water and liquid flow.

[0044] The manual dispensing case 65 is a container for the user to manually add one dose of the liquid agent each time the washing machine 1 is run. The liquid agent added manually is supplied to the washing tub 4 in the amount added.

[0045] In Embodiment 1, the liquid stored in tanks 62A to 62C or the liquid dispensed into the manual dispensing case 65 includes a first delicate laundry detergent. The first delicate laundry detergent is a liquid containing a surfactant that reduces the surface tension of the wash water. The first delicate laundry detergent is, for example, a detergent in which the amount of surfactant in the composition of the liquid concentrate is 19-21% or less, which is less than the amount of surfactant in the composition of a normal liquid detergent. For example, the amount of surfactant in a non-concentrated normal laundry detergent is 22-26%, and the amount of surfactant in a concentrated normal laundry detergent is about 43-55%.

[0046] Furthermore, the first type of delicate laundry detergent may be a liquid detergent in which the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ether as an essential component. Alternatively, it may be a liquid detergent in which anionic surfactants such as sulfonates or sulfate esters are also included in addition to nonionic surfactants.

[0047] [Operation] As an example of the operation of the washing machine 1 having the above configuration, a first washing course performed to wash an object 18 having stuffing inside will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the first washing course of the washing machine 1. Figures 6, 9 to 11 are schematic front views of the washing machine 1 in the first washing course. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine in the first washing course. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the shower agitation step.

[0048] The object 18 for the first washing cycle has a fabric that forms an internal space and a filling that is packed into the formed space. The fabric is made of a water-repellent material, such as polyester or nylon as its main component. The filling may be made of any material, such as batting containing synthetic fibers or down or feathers. The object 18 for the first washing cycle is, for example, a product including a down coat, down jacket, down pants, and down vest. The object 18 for the first washing cycle is not limited to clothing, but may also be, for example, a futon or a sleeping bag.

[0049] As preparation for the first washing course, the user places the soiled object 18 into the washing tub 4 and selects the first washing course as the desired washing course via the control unit 17. Once the first washing course is selected, the control unit 16 refers to the memory unit 16a to obtain the operating conditions for the first washing course.

[0050] The control unit 16 displays a start button on the operation unit 17. When the user presses the start button, the control unit 16 starts the first washing cycle.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, first the control unit 16 executes the washing process (S11 to S13).

[0052] The control unit 16 drives the pump mechanism 63A to draw the first delicate laundry detergent from the tank 62A and discharge it into the liquid discharge channel 64 (S11: liquid supply step). Specifically, the control unit 16 determines the amount of the first delicate laundry detergent to be supplied and operates the pump mechanism 63A for a number of piston strokes or pump operating time corresponding to the determined supply amount.

[0053] The amount of the first delicate laundry detergent supplied in the first washing cycle may be a predetermined amount stored in the memory unit 16a. Alternatively, the control unit 16 may determine the amount of the first delicate laundry detergent supplied based on the weight or number of items 18.

[0054] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 16 opens the water supply valve 10 and supplies water to the washing tub 4 (S12: water supply step). Specifically, the control unit 16 controls the water supply valve 10 so that the water level L1 in the washing tub 4 is higher than a predetermined water level L0. In Embodiment 1, the control unit 16 controls the water supply valve 10 so that the water level L1 in the washing tub 4 is higher than twice the predetermined water level L0. By raising the water level L1 to more than twice the predetermined water level L0, the object 18 can be floated on the liquid surface and separated from the baffle 42, thereby suppressing collision with the baffle 42.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, the predetermined water level L0 is the water level that passes over the upper end of the rear end (+Y side end) of baffle 42A, which is located at the lowest point due to the rotation of the washing tub 4. That is, the predetermined water level L0 is the water level that passes over the first side 44 of the rear end of baffle 42A. Baffle 42A, located at the lowest point, protrudes vertically Z from the inner circumferential surface S1.

[0056] Since the washing tub 4 is positioned so that the rotation axis V0 is inclined, the height H1 of the first side 44 of the baffle 42A decreases toward the rear (+Y side). Therefore, the predetermined water level L0 is the water level that passes through the minimum height H1 of the baffle 42A.

[0057] In Embodiment 1, the control unit 16 determines the amount of water supplied in the water supply step S12 to be 15L or more so that the water level L1 is higher than a predetermined water level L0, and opens the water supply valve 10 until the amount of water supplied is 15L or more. Preferably, the amount of water supplied in the water supply step S12 is 17L. This operation prevents the first delicate laundry detergent and water from mixing in the washing tub 4 and prevents the first delicate laundry detergent from being maintained at a high concentration. If the concentration of the first delicate laundry detergent is low, the wash water will have difficulty passing through the fabric of the object 18, and absorption by the stuffing will be suppressed. If the stuffing does not absorb the wash water and remains dry, the volume of the stuffing will not shrink, so it will not shift around in the object 18.

[0058] In addition, in the water supply step S12, the control unit 16 may determine the amount of water to be supplied, taking into consideration the amount of delicate laundry detergent supplied in the liquid supply step S11, so that the concentration of surfactant in the wash water in the washing tub 4 is less than a first predetermined value.

[0059] Returning to Figure 5, the control unit 16 then performs the shower agitation step (S13). As shown in Figure 8, in the shower agitation step, the control unit 16 performs the discharge of washing water into the washing tub 4 by the circulation pump 14 and the agitation operation of the washing tub 4 by the drive unit 5.

[0060] In the shower agitation step, first the control unit 16 operates the circulation pump 14 to start discharging the washing water into the washing tub 4 (S41).

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, when the control unit 16 operates the circulation pump 14, the circulation pump 14 draws up the wash water accumulated at the bottom of the outer tub 3 through the suction port 13A. The wash water passes through the circulation channel 13 and is discharged into the washing tub 4 from the discharge port 13B. The discharged wash water falls onto the liquid surface, and the impact of the fall can cause the wash water to foam. As a result, foam is floating on the liquid surface below the discharge port 13B.

[0062] Since the discharge port 13B is positioned off-center in the X direction with respect to the rotation axis V0, a ​​portion of the discharged wash water is more likely to fall directly onto the liquid surface, avoiding the object 18, thus facilitating the foaming of the wash water.

[0063] The control unit 16 controls the circulation pump 14 so that the flow rate of the wash water discharged from the discharge port 13B and flowing into the washing tub 4 is 15 L / min or less. The control unit 16 may also control the circulation pump 14 so that the flow rate of the wash water flowing into the washing tub 4 is preferably 7 L / min or more and 13 L / min or less, more preferably 10 L / min. In this specification, the flow rate of the wash water flowing into the washing tub 4 is calculated based on the volume of wash water that has flowed into the washing tub 4 from the discharge port 13B over a predetermined period. The predetermined period may be, for example, 10 seconds. The flow rate of the wash water flowing into the washing tub 4 may also be calculated from the flow velocity of the wash water flowing into the washing tub 4.

[0064] Reducing the flow rate into the washing tub 4 reduces the water pressure of the washing water on the object 18, thereby suppressing the uneven distribution of the filling in the object 18. In this specification, the uneven distribution of the filling is evaluated by the uneven distribution rate of a portion of the object 18. The uneven distribution rate is the area ratio of a region in a portion of the object 18 that has less filling, for example, a region where the amount of filling is below a certain amount and most of the internal space of the fabric is hollow. If the object 18 is a down jacket, the uneven distribution rate is, for example, the ratio of the area of ​​a region with less down on the back to the total area of ​​the back.

[0065] Returning to Figure 8, the control unit 16 then performs an agitation operation of the washing tub 4. During the agitation operation, the control unit 16 alternately performs multiple rotation steps (S42) in which the drive unit 5 rotates the washing tub 4, and multiple stop steps (S43) in which the drive unit 5 stops the rotation of the washing tub 4. In other words, the stop step is performed between two consecutive rotation steps. By performing the stop step between two rotation steps, it is possible to encourage a change in the posture and spreading of the object 18 during the stop step. As a result, the washing water can be applied to parts of the object 18 that were folded and had not been touched by the washing water until now.

[0066] In this specification, "agitation" means the repeated rotation and stopping of the washing tub 4, and may also be referred to as "rocking agitation." "Agitation" does not include actions that continue to rotate without stopping for a long period of time (e.g., 1 minute or more) at 100 rpm or more, such as the high-speed rotation of the washing tub 4 in the spin-drying process. However, "agitation" may include actions that continue to rotate without stopping for several seconds to tens of seconds.

[0067] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, during the rotation step of the agitation operation, the side surface 43 of the baffle 42 can scoop up foam near the inner circumferential surface S1 of the washing tub 4, and the foam can be moved circumferentially as the washing tub 4 rotates. The rotation angle of the washing tub 4 in one rotation step is 90° or more and 360° or less. Preferably, the rotation angle of the washing tub 4 in one rotation step is 131°. Because the rotation angle is small, it becomes easy to drop the foam scooped up by the side surface 43 of the baffle 42 onto the object 18. Therefore, the foam can cover the entire object 18, improving the washing power of the washing machine 1.

[0068] In this specification, cleaning power is evaluated by the change in an object 18, which has dirt such as mud, foundation, and sebum attached to it, before and after washing.

[0069] The rotation angle of the washing tub 4 in one rotation step may be changed according to the arrangement of the baffles 42. For example, the rotation angle of the washing tub 4 in one rotation step may be the rotation angle from a position where one baffle 42 is submerged in the washing water and scoops up foam with its side 43, to a position where the side 43 is tilted so that the foam on the side 43 can be dropped.

[0070] The rotation time t1 for one rotation step is 3 seconds or less. Preferably, the rotation time t1 for one rotation step is 2 seconds. That is, in Embodiment 1, in one rotation step, the washing tub 4 rotates 131° over 2 seconds.

[0071] On the other hand, the stopping time t2 of one stopping step is longer than the rotation time t1 of one rotation step. In other words, during the agitation operation, the time the washing tub 4 is stopped is longer than the time the washing tub 4 is rotating. This operation ensures time for the object 18 to change its posture and spread out, and also reduces the mechanical force acting on the object 18, thereby suppressing the shifting of the filling.

[0072] The control unit 16 executes rotation steps at a frequency of 1 or more times per minute and less than 4 times per minute. Preferably, the control unit 16 executes rotation steps at a frequency of 1.5 or more times per minute and 4.0 or less times per minute. Therefore, the stop time t2 of one stop step is, for example, 15 seconds.

[0073] In Embodiment 1, the direction of rotation of the rotation step reverses with each rotation step. This operation allows foam to adhere more uniformly to the object 18. The direction of rotation of the rotation step may remain constant throughout part or all of the stirring operation.

[0074] The total operating time of the stirring operation, i.e., the sum of the multiple rotation steps and stop steps, is defined as the operating time T10. In Embodiment 1, the operating time T10 is 16 minutes or more and 30 minutes or less. Preferably, the operating time T10 is 18 minutes.

[0075] Returning to Figure 8, the control unit 16 then stops the operation of the circulation pump 14 (S44), ending the shower agitation step.

[0076] In Embodiment 1, the control unit 16 controls the circulation pump 14 to operate continuously while the agitation operation is being performed. Therefore, the discharge of wash water to the washing tub 4 continues while the agitation operation is being performed. The control unit 16 may stop the circulation pump 14, for example, during the rotation step S42. Preferably, during the agitation operation, the control unit 16 controls the circulation pump 14 to operate for 80% or more of the operating time T10 of the agitation operation.

[0077] Furthermore, while Embodiment 1 describes an example in which the control unit 16 starts the agitation operation of the washing tub 4 after starting the discharge of wash water to the washing tub 4, it is not limited to this. The control unit 16 may start the discharge of wash water and the agitation operation of the washing tub 4 simultaneously, or the start timing may be staggered. Also, the control unit 16 may perform the discharge of wash water and the agitation operation of the washing tub 4 independently.

[0078] Returning to Figure 5, the control unit 16 then performs the draining process (S21). In the draining process, the control unit 16 opens the drain valve 11 to drain the water accumulated in the outer tub 3 to the outside. In Embodiment 1, the control unit 16 drains the water until the water level in the washing tub 4 reaches the bottom of the washing tub 4. On the other hand, after the draining process, the water level in the washing tub 4 may be higher or lower than the bottom of the washing tub 4.

[0079] Next, the control unit 16 executes the rinsing process (S22). In the rinsing process, the control unit 16 opens the water supply valve 10 to supply water to the washing tub 4 and rotates the washing tub 4 to rinse the object 18. In the rinsing process, fabric softener may be supplied to the washing tub 4 along with the water.

[0080] Next, the control unit 16 executes the dewatering process (S23) and finishes the first washing course. In the dewatering process, the control unit 16 opens the drain valve 11 to drain the water accumulated in the outer tub 3 to the outside, and then the drive unit 5 (Figure 2) rotates the washing tub 4 at high speed to dewater the object 18.

[0081] In each process, the control unit 17 displays the currently ongoing process. For example, during the washing process (S11-S13), "Washing Process" is displayed on the control unit 17; during the rinsing process (S22), "Rinsing Process" is displayed; and during the dewatering process (S23), "Dewatering Process" is displayed.

[0082] [effect] The washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 can achieve the following effects.

[0083] The washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 includes a washing tub 4 capable of accommodating an object 18, a water supply valve 10 that supplies water to the washing tub 4 when it is open, an automatic dispensing unit 6 (liquid supply device) that supplies liquid to the washing tub 4, and a drive unit 5 that rotates the washing tub 4 around a rotation axis V0. The washing machine 1 further includes a circulation channel 13 extending between a suction port 13A communicating with the lower part of the washing tub 4 and a discharge port 13B communicating with the upper part of the washing tub 4, and a circulation pump 14 provided in the circulation channel 13. The circulation pump 14 circulates the washing water so that it is drawn in from the suction port 13A and discharged from the discharge port 13B. The washing machine 1 further includes a plurality of baffles 42 protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the washing tub 4 toward the rotation axis V0, and a control unit 16 that controls the water supply valve 10, the drive unit 5, and the circulation pump 14. The control unit 16 executes a first washing course which includes the discharge of washing water into the washing tub 4 at a rate of 15 L / min or less by the circulation pump 14 and the agitation operation of the washing tub 4 by the drive unit 5. The agitation operation includes a rotation step in which the drive unit 5 rotates the washing tub, and a stop step performed between the two rotation steps in which the drive unit 5 stops the rotation of the washing tub 4, and the rotation angle of the washing tub 4 in one rotation step is 360° or less.

[0084] This configuration allows for lower water flow rates, thereby reducing the water pressure on the object 18 and suppressing the shifting of the packing material in the object 18 while simultaneously performing agitation to improve cleaning power. Furthermore, by reducing the rotation angle in the rotation step, the baffle 42 can scoop up foam near the inner surface S1 of the washing tub 4 and drop it onto the object 18, further improving the cleaning power of the washing machine 1.

[0085] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the rotation axis V0 of the washing tub 4 is inclined downward toward the rear with respect to the horizontal. In the first washing course, the control unit 16 controls the water supply valve 10 so that the water level L1 in the washing tub 4 becomes higher than a predetermined water level L0. The predetermined water level L0 is the water level that passes through the first side 44 (upper end) of the rear end of the baffle 42A, which is located at the lowest point due to the rotation of the washing tub 4.

[0086] This configuration allows the object 18 to float on the liquid surface, separating it from the baffle 42 and suppressing collision with the baffle 42. As a result, the uneven distribution of the packing material in the object 18 can be further suppressed.

[0087] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the stop time t2 of one stop step is longer than the rotation time t1 of one rotation step.

[0088] This configuration makes it easier to ensure that the object 18 has time to change its posture during the stopping step. As a result, the cleaning power of the object 18 as a whole can be improved. In addition, compared to the case where the rotation time t1 is longer, the mechanical force acting on the object 18 can be reduced, thereby suppressing the shifting of the filling material.

[0089] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, during the agitation operation, the control unit 16 performs rotation steps at a frequency of 1 or more times per minute and less than 4 times per minute.

[0090] This configuration reduces the frequency of rotation steps, allowing sufficient time for foam to be generated during the stopping step, and enabling the foam generated during the rotation step to fall onto the object 18. As a result, the washing power of the washing machine 1 can be further improved.

[0091] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the operating time T10 of the agitation operation is 30 minutes or less.

[0092] This configuration further suppresses the uneven distribution of the filling in object 18.

[0093] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the operating time T10 of the agitation operation is 16 minutes or more.

[0094] This configuration can improve cleaning power.

[0095] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, during the agitation operation, the control unit 16 controls the circulation pump 14 so that it operates for 80% or more of the operating time T10 of the agitation operation.

[0096] This configuration allows for the generation of more foam through the discharge of wash water, thereby further improving cleaning power.

[0097] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, during the agitation operation, the control unit 16 controls the circulation pump 14 to operate continuously.

[0098] This configuration allows for the generation of even more foam when the wash water is discharged. Therefore, the cleaning power can be further improved.

[0099] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, when viewed from the direction in which the rotation axis V0 extends, the discharge port 13B is positioned at a location that is horizontally offset from the rotation axis V0.

[0100] This configuration makes it less likely for the discharged washing water to directly hit the object 18 floating in the center of the washing tub 4. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the shifting of the stuffing.

[0101] This disclosure is not limited to Embodiment 1, and can be implemented in various other forms.

[0102] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the rotation axis V0 of the washing tub 4 is inclined to have an angle with respect to the horizontal, but the invention is not limited to this. The rotation axis V0 of the washing tub 4 may extend horizontally.

[0103] Although an example has been described in which the automatic dispensing unit 6 supplies a liquid treatment agent to the washing tub 4, the system is not limited to this. For example, the automatic dispensing unit 6 may supply a powdered treatment agent or a solid treatment agent such as a tablet to the washing tub 4.

[0104] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the operation unit 17 is provided on the washing machine 1, but the invention is not limited to this. The operation unit 17 may be provided on a device separate from the washing machine 1. For example, an application stored on the user's smartphone may function as the operation unit 17. Specifically, the washing machine 1 may have a communication unit, and the communication unit of the washing machine 1 and the smartphone may communicate, displaying an operation unit 17 such as a start button on the smartphone's display.

[0105] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the control unit 16 controls the circulation pump 14 so that the flow rate of wash water flowing into the washing tub 4 is 15 L / min or less, but the invention is not limited to this. The control unit 16 may also control the circulation pump 14 so that the flow rate of wash water flowing into the washing tub 4 is greater than 15 L / min in a part of the washing process. In this case, the control unit 16 controls the circulation pump 14 so that the time spent in the process where the flow rate of wash water flowing into the washing tub 4 is greater than 15 L / min is shorter than the time spent in the process where the flow rate is 15 L / min or less. By executing the process in which the flow rate of wash water flowing into the washing tub 4 is greater than 15 L / min, the surface of the object 18 becomes more easily wetted.

[0106] The washing machine in the first embodiment includes a washing tub capable of accommodating an object, a water supply valve for supplying water to the washing tub in an open state, a liquid supply device for supplying a liquid to the washing tub, a drive unit for rotating the washing tub around a rotation axis, a circulation channel extending between a suction port communicating with the lower part of the washing tub and a discharge port communicating with the upper part of the washing tub, a circulation pump provided in the circulation channel for circulating the washing water so that washing water is drawn in from the suction port and discharged from the discharge port, a plurality of baffles protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the washing tub toward the rotation axis, and a control unit for controlling the water supply valve, the drive unit, and the circulation pump. The control unit executes a first washing course which includes the discharge of washing water to the washing tub at a rate of 15 L / min or less by the circulation pump and the agitation operation of the washing tub by the drive unit. The agitation operation includes a rotation step in which the drive unit rotates the washing tub and a stop step performed between the two rotation steps in which the drive unit stops the rotation of the washing tub, and the rotation angle of the washing tub in one rotation step is 360° or less.

[0107] In a second embodiment of the washing machine, in the washing machine of the first embodiment, the rotation axis of the washing tub is inclined downward toward the rear with respect to the horizontal, and in the first washing course, the control unit controls the water supply valve so that the water level in the washing tub is higher than a predetermined water level, the predetermined water level being the water level that passes over the upper end of the rear end of the baffle located at the lowest point due to the rotation of the washing tub.

[0108] In a third embodiment of the washing machine, in the washing machine of the first or second embodiment, the time of one stop step is shorter than the time of one rotation step.

[0109] In the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment, in the washing machine according to the third embodiment, during the agitation operation, the control unit performs rotation steps at a frequency of 1 or more times per minute and less than 4 times per minute.

[0110] In the fifth embodiment, the washing machine is one of the washing machines in any of the first to fourth embodiments, and the operating time of the agitation operation is 30 minutes or less.

[0111] In the washing machine of the sixth embodiment, as in the washing machine of the fifth embodiment, the operating time of the agitation operation is 16 minutes or more.

[0112] In the seventh embodiment, as a washing machine in any of the first to sixth embodiments, during the agitation operation, the control unit controls the circulation pump to operate for 80% or more of the operating time of the agitation operation.

[0113] In the washing machine according to the eighth embodiment, as in the washing machine according to the seventh embodiment, during the agitation operation, the control unit controls the circulation pump to operate continuously.

[0114] In the ninth embodiment, as in the washing machine of any of the first to eighth embodiments, the discharge port is positioned so as to be horizontally offset from the rotation axis when viewed from the direction in which the rotation axis extends.

[0115] While this disclosure is adequately described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and alterations will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and alterations should be understood to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0116] The washing machine of this disclosure is useful as a household washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer-dryer (e.g., a household drum-type washing machine or a top-loading washing machine) because it can wash objects. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 1. Washing machine 2 cabinets 3 Outer tank 4. Washing tub 5 Drive Unit 6. Automatic feeding unit 10 Water supply valve 11 Drain valve 13 Circulation channels 14 Circulation pump 16 Control Unit 17 Control section 42 baffles

Claims

1. A washing tub capable of accommodating the object, A water supply valve that supplies water to the washing tub when in the open state, A liquid supply device that supplies liquid to the washing tub, A drive unit that rotates the washing tub around a rotating shaft, A circulating channel extending between a suction port communicating with the lower part of the washing tub and a discharge port communicating with the upper part of the washing tub, A circulation pump is provided in the aforementioned circulation channel and circulates the washing water so that washing water is drawn in from the intake port and discharged from the discharge port, A plurality of baffles protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the washing tub toward the rotating shaft, The system comprises the water supply valve, the drive unit, and a control unit that controls the circulation pump, The control unit executes a first washing course which includes the discharge of washing water into the washing tub at a rate of 15 L / min or less by the circulation pump and the agitation operation of the washing tub by the drive unit. The agitation operation includes a rotation step in which the drive unit rotates the washing tub, and a stop step performed between the two rotation steps in which the drive unit stops the rotation of the washing tub. A washing machine in which the rotation angle of the washing tub in one rotation step is 360° or less.

2. The rotating shaft of the washing tub is inclined downward toward the rear with respect to the horizontal, In the first washing cycle, the control unit controls the water supply valve so that the water level in the washing tub becomes higher than a predetermined water level. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined water level is the water level that passes over the upper end of the rear end of the baffle, which is located at its lowest point due to the rotation of the washing tub.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the time of one stop step is longer than the time of one rotation step.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein in the stirring operation, the control unit performs the rotation step at a frequency of 1 or more times per minute and less than 4 times per minute.

5. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operating time of the agitation operation is 30 minutes or less.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the operating time of the stirring operation is 16 minutes or more.

7. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, in the stirring operation, the control unit controls the circulation pump so that it operates for 80% or more of the operating time of the stirring operation.

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein, in the stirring operation, the control unit controls the circulation pump to operate continuously.

9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when viewed from the direction in which the rotating shaft extends, the discharge port is provided at a position that is horizontally offset with respect to the rotating shaft.

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