washing machine

Abstract

We provide a washing machine that can intensively disinfect and deodorize specific laundry items without separating them from other laundry. [Solution] The fully automatic washing machine 1 comprises a washing and spin-drying tub 22, a pulsator 24 positioned inside the washing and spin-drying tub 22, a drive unit 30 for rotating the pulsator 24, a water supply device 100 for supplying water into the washing and spin-drying tub 22, a treatment agent dispenser for dispensing detergent and bleach into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 from above, and a control unit capable of executing a washing operation of a concentrated disinfection course which includes a disinfection washing step for washing laundry with detergent and bleach. In the disinfection washing step, the control unit performs a first operation in which it supplies water using the water supply device 100 and dispenses detergent using the treatment agent dispenser to fill the washing and spin-drying tub 22 with water containing detergent up to the washing water level, then dispenses bleach using the treatment agent dispenser, then performs a second operation in which it soaks the laundry for a soaking time, and then performs a third operation in which it rotates the pulsator 24.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine. [Background Art]

[0002] Handkerchiefs and towels accumulate various stains, and due to their small size, they easily get caught among other laundry, making it difficult for mechanical force from water flow and the like to act on them, so stains and odors tend to remain thereon. Furthermore, handkerchiefs and towels often get wet during use, and if stains remain, odor tends to reoccur when they get wet. Therefore, although handkerchiefs and towels are laundry items that people desire to intensively disinfect and deodorize, separating them from other laundry for washing is time-consuming and uneconomical. Accordingly, there is a demand for intensively disinfecting and deodorizing specific laundry items such as handkerchiefs and towels without washing them separately from other laundry.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 describes a washing machine capable of executing a fully automatic course including a bleaching agent step after a cloth amount measuring step of measuring the amount of laundry and before a washing step. In the bleaching agent step, a bleaching agent is added while water is supplied into the washing and dewatering tub, and when water is supplied up to the soaking water level, soaking is performed for a soaking duration. During water supply and soaking, water containing the bleaching agent is stirred by rotation of a stirring blade. [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-74937 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] In the washing machine described above, the bleaching process can easily disinfect and deodorize laundry. However, because the bleach spreads easily throughout the water in the washing and spinning tub due to the water supply and agitation after the bleach is added, the bleach acts on the entire load of laundry in the same way, resulting in the entire load being disinfected and deodorized equally. For this reason, it is difficult to disinfect or deodorize specific items of laundry intensively without washing them separately from other items.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a washing machine that can intensively disinfect and deodorize specific laundry items without separating them from other laundry items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A washing machine according to a main aspect of the present invention comprises a washing tub in which laundry is placed, a pulsator disposed at the bottom of the washing tub, a drive unit for rotating the pulsator, a water supply device for supplying water into the washing tub, a dispensing device for dispensing detergent and bleach into the washing tub from above, and a control unit capable of executing a washing operation of a first course having a first washing step of washing the laundry with detergent and bleach. Here, in the first washing step, the control unit performs a first operation to fill the washing tub with water containing detergent up to a predetermined water level by supplying water with the water supply device and dispensing detergent with the dispensing device, and following the first operation, it performs a second operation to soak the laundry for a predetermined time after dispensing bleach with the dispensing device, and following the second operation, it performs a third operation to rotate the pulsator.

[0008] According to the washing machine of this embodiment, by placing specific laundry items in the washing tub so that they are at the top of the laundry group and performing a first wash cycle, the bleaching effect can be concentrated on the specific laundry items during the first washing step, thereby disinfecting and deodorizing the specific laundry items, and the specific laundry items can be washed together with other laundry items using detergent.

[0009] In the washing machine according to this embodiment, the control unit may be configured to perform a washing operation of a second course having a second washing step of washing the laundry with detergent. In this case, the control unit may be configured to perform a load detection step before the second washing step by rotating the pulsator when there is no water in the washing tub and detecting the load amount of the laundry based on the load applied to the pulsator by the laundry in the washing tub, and not perform the load detection step before the first washing step of the first course.

[0010] With the above configuration, in the first course, the load detection process is not performed. Therefore, the rotation of the pulsator in the load detection process causes the laundry to be rearranged vertically, preventing specific laundry items from getting mixed up with others before the first washing cycle. This prevents bleach from adhering poorly to specific laundry items during the first washing cycle of the first course.

[0011] In the washing machine according to this embodiment, the control unit may be configured to rotate the pulsator in the first washing step after the detergent is dispensed by the dispensing device, so as to generate a water flow weaker than that of the third operation.

[0012] With the above configuration, the detergent can be mixed uniformly into the water in the washing tub, and the change in the order of the laundry items prevents bleach from adhering to specific items.

[0013] In the washing machine according to this embodiment, the dispensing device may be configured to include a foaming section for foaming the bleach that is put into the washing tub.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the foamed bleach tends to accumulate in the upper layer of the detergent-containing water in the washing machine drum. This makes it easier for the bleach to concentrate and adhere to specific items of laundry. Therefore, the bleach's effects are more easily exerted on specific items of laundry, enhancing its disinfecting and deodorizing effects.

[0015] In the washing machine according to the present aspect, a configuration may be adopted that further comprises an operation unit that receives an operation for changing the predetermined water level.

[0016] According to this configuration, the predetermined water level in the second washing step can be changed in accordance with the load amount of laundry put into the washing tub.

Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can intensively disinfect and deodorize specific laundry without separating the specific laundry from other laundry.

[0018] The effects and significance of the present invention will become further apparent from the description of the embodiments given below. However, the following embodiments are merely illustrative of one example when embodying the present invention, and the present invention is not limited in any way to what is described in the following embodiments.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a water supply device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3(a) is a side cross-sectional view of a jet flow generating unit arranged in a first water channel according to an embodiment. FIG. 3(b) is a rear view of the jet flow generating unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of a washing operation in a standard course according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of a washing operation in an intensive disinfection course according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control operation executed by a control unit in a disinfection washing step according to an embodiment. [Figure 8]FIGS. 8(a) to 8(f) are diagrams for explaining the washing operation of the intensive sterilization course according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, a fully automatic washing machine 1, which is an embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0022] The fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a casing 10 that constitutes the external appearance of the washing machine. The casing 10 includes a rectangular cylindrical body portion 11 with open upper and lower surfaces, a top plate 12 covering the upper surface of the body portion 11, and a leg base 13 supporting the body portion 11. A laundry inlet 14 is formed in the top plate 12. The laundry inlet 14 is covered by an openable and closable top lid 15.

[0023] An outer tub 20 with an open upper surface is disposed inside the casing 10. The outer tub 20 is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension rods 21 each having a vibration isolator. A washing and dewatering tub 22 with an open upper surface is disposed inside the outer tub 20. The washing and dewatering tub 22 rotates about a rotation shaft extending in the vertical direction. A large number of dewatering holes 22a are formed over the entire inner circumferential surface of the washing and dewatering tub 22. In addition, a large number of drain holes 22b are formed on the inner bottom surface of the washing and dewatering tub 22.

[0024] A balance ring 23 is provided on an upper portion of the washing and dewatering tub 22. A pulsator 24 is rotatably disposed at a bottom portion of the washing and dewatering tub 22. A plurality of blades 24a are radially provided on a surface of the pulsator 24. The washing and dewatering tub 22 corresponds to the "washing tub" in the present invention.

[0025] A drive unit 30 is positioned at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20 to generate torque for driving the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the pulsator 24. The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism 32. The transmission mechanism 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and through a switching operation by the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the pulsator 24 during the washing and rinsing processes to rotate only the pulsator 24, and during the dewatering process, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 to rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 together. The drive unit 30 may also be configured such that the drive motor 31 rotates the pulsator 24 without going through the transmission mechanism 32.

[0026] A drain port 20a is formed at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided at the drain port 20a. The drain valve 40 is connected to a drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water accumulated in the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is discharged outside the machine through the drain hose 41.

[0027] The outer tank 20 is provided with a water level detection unit 50 for detecting the water level inside the outer tank 20. The water level detection unit 50 includes an air trap 51 formed at the bottom of the outer tank 20 and a water level sensor 53 connected to the air trap 51 via a hose 52. The water level sensor 53 is a diaphragm-type water level sensor that detects the water level inside the outer tank 20 by detecting the air pressure inside the air trap 51, which changes in accordance with the water level inside the outer tank 20.

[0028] A water supply device 100 is located at the rear of the top panel 12. The water supply device 100 is connected to a water tap and has the function of supplying water to the washing and dewatering tub 22, i.e., the outer tub 20. The water supply device 100 also includes a processing agent dispenser 100a that automatically dispenses liquid detergent, fabric softener, and bleach into the washing and dewatering tub 22, i.e., the outer tub 20. Detergent, fabric softener, and bleach are processing agents used for laundry. Hereinafter, water containing detergent may be referred to as "detergent water," and water containing fabric softener may be referred to as "fabric softener water."

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the water supply system 100.

[0030] The water supply device 100 includes a water supply valve unit 110, a water inlet 120, a water supply channel 130, a first treatment agent supply unit 140, a second treatment agent supply unit 150, a third treatment agent supply unit 160, and a jet generation unit 170.

[0031] The water supply valve unit 110 is a so-called double valve, having a first valve 111 and a second valve 112. The water inlet 113 of the water supply valve unit 110 is connected to a water tap via a water supply hose (not shown). The second valve 112 has a higher rated flow rate than the first valve 111.

[0032] The water inlet section 120 is box-shaped and located above the rear of the washing and drying tub 22. A water inlet 121 is formed on the bottom surface of the water inlet section 120. The water inlet 121 opens downwards and faces into the washing and drying tub 22.

[0033] The water supply channel 130 includes a first channel 131 through which water from the first valve 111 flows, and a second channel 132 through which water from the second valve 112 flows. The first channel 131 and the second channel 132 are connected to the water inlet section 120. The second channel 132 has a larger flow path cross-sectional area than the first channel 131.

[0034] The first treatment agent supply unit 140 includes a first treatment agent tank 141, a first supply channel 142, a first pump 143, and a first check valve 144. Liquid treatment agent is stored in the first treatment agent tank 141. The upper end of the first supply channel 142 is connected to an outlet provided on the bottom of the first treatment agent tank 141. The lower end of the first supply channel 142 is connected to the first water channel 131. The first pump 143 is, for example, a piston pump and is located in the first supply channel 142. The first check valve 144 is, for example, a spring-loaded check valve and is located in the first supply channel 142, closer to the first water channel 131 than the first pump 143.

[0035] When the first pump 143 operates, the treatment agent in the first treatment agent tank 141 is sent to the first water channel 131 via the first supply channel 142. At this time, the first check valve 144 opens. The first check valve 144 closes when water from the first water channel 131 flows into the first supply channel 142 and flows towards the first treatment agent tank 141. This prevents water from entering the first treatment agent tank 141.

[0036] The configurations of the second treatment agent supply unit 150 and the third treatment agent supply unit 160 are the same as those of the first treatment agent supply unit 140. Specifically, the second treatment agent supply unit 150 includes a second treatment agent tank 151, a second supply channel 152, a second pump 153, and a second check valve 154. The third treatment agent supply unit 160 includes a third treatment agent tank 161, a third supply channel 162, a third pump 163, and a third check valve 164.

[0037] The second supply channel 152 of the second treatment agent supply unit 150 is connected in the first waterway 131 downstream of the connection point of the first supply channel 142. The third supply channel 162 of the third treatment agent supply unit 160 is connected in the first waterway 131 downstream of the connection point of the second supply channel 152.

[0038] In this embodiment, liquid detergent is stored in the first treatment tank 141, liquid bleach (for example, oxygen-based bleach) is stored in the second treatment tank 151, and liquid fabric softener is stored in the third treatment tank 161. Thus, the first treatment tank 141, the second treatment tank 151, and the third treatment tank 161 function as a detergent tank, a bleach tank, and a fabric softener tank, respectively.

[0039] The jet generation unit 170 is positioned within the first water channel 131, upstream of the connection point of the first supply channel 142 of the first treatment agent supply unit 140. The jet generation unit 170 corresponds to the "foaming unit" of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3(a) is a side cross-sectional view of the jet generating unit 170 as it is positioned within the first water channel 131. Figure 3(b) is a rear view of the jet generating unit 170.

[0041] The jet generating unit 170 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is installed in the first water channel 131 such that its front surface 170a and rear surface 170b are on the downstream and upstream sides in the direction of water flow, i.e., the water flow direction D. The first water channel 131 has a flow channel cross-section in the area where the jet generating unit 170 is located that has the same shape and size as the front surface 170a and rear surface 170b of the jet generating unit 170.

[0042] The jet generation unit 170 has four first throttling channels 171 and two second throttling channels 172. These first throttling channels 171 and second throttling channels 172 penetrate the jet generation unit 170 in the front-to-back direction, i.e., the water flow direction D.

[0043] The four first diaphragm channels 171 are arranged in two rows, vertically and horizontally, in the center of the jet generation section 170 in the left-right direction. The two second diaphragm channels 172 are provided to the left and right of the four first diaphragm channels 171.

[0044] Each first throttling channel 171 and each second throttling channel 172 is constricted such that the cross-section perpendicular to the water flow direction D narrows from the inlets 171a and 172a on the rear surface 170b to the outlets 171b and 172b on the front surface 170a. Furthermore, each first throttling channel 171 has a horizontally elongated shape where the left-right dimension is greater than the up-down dimension, and each second throttling channel 172 has a vertically elongated shape where the up-down dimension is longer than the left-right dimension.

[0045] The jet generating section 170 has a bypass channel 173 that penetrates in the front-to-back direction, i.e., the water flow direction D, below the four first throttling channels 171. The bypass channel 173 has a roughly rectangular shape with a cross section perpendicular to the water flow direction D that is elongated in the left-to-right direction, and widens from the inlet 173a on the rear surface 170b to the outlet 173b on the front surface 170a.

[0046] An intake vent 131a for taking in outside air is formed on the upper wall of the first water channel 131, between the jet generating unit 170 and the first treatment agent supply unit 140, and in the vicinity of the jet generating unit 170.

[0047] The water flowing through the first channel 131 increases in velocity as it flows through the first throttling channel 171 and the second throttling channel 172 of the jet generation unit 170, and is ejected from the outlets 171b and 172b. As a result, a jet is generated downstream of the jet generation unit 170, and water mixed with air bubbles flows to the water inlet 120. At this time, a negative pressure is generated by the jet near the intake hole 131a of the first channel 131, so air is drawn into the first channel 131 through the intake hole 131a. As a result, air mixes with the water ejected from the jet generation unit 170, making it easier for many air bubbles to be generated.

[0048] A portion of the water flowing through the first channel 131 flows through the bypass channel 173, avoiding the first and second throttling channels 171 and 172. This suppresses the reduction in the flow rate of the water flowing through the first channel 131.

[0049] In the water supply device 100, a treatment agent dispensing device 100a for dispensing a treatment agent into the washing and dewatering tub 22 is formed by a first valve 111, a water inlet 120, a first water channel 131, a first treatment agent supply unit 140, a second treatment agent supply unit 150, a third treatment agent supply unit 160, and a jet generation unit 170. The treatment agent dispensing device 100a corresponds to the "dispensing device" of the present invention.

[0050] When a treatment agent (detergent, bleach, fabric softener) is dispensed into the washing and drying tub 22 by the treatment agent dispenser 100a, a predetermined amount of treatment agent is sent from the first treatment agent supply unit 140, the second treatment agent supply unit 150, or the third treatment agent supply unit 160 to the first water channel 131, where it accumulates. Then, the first valve 111 is opened, and water flows through the first water channel 131. The treatment agent accumulated in the first water channel 131 is washed away by the water and released into the washing and drying tub 22 from the water inlet 121 of the water inlet section 120. At this time, the water that washes away the treatment agent is a jet of water from the jet generation section 170, and if the treatment agent is a detergent or bleach, the air (bubbles) contained in the jet of water mixes with the detergent or bleach, causing the detergent or bleach to foam. Furthermore, contact with a jet of water, i.e., water with increased force, makes the detergent and bleach foam even more easily. Therefore, the foamed detergent and bleach are more easily added to the washing and drying tub 22.

[0051] When the treatment agent is added and water is supplied to the washing and dewatering tub 22, i.e., the outer tub 20, the second valve 112 is opened at the same time as the first valve 111 is opened. As a result, water flows through the second water channel 132 and is supplied to the washing and dewatering tub 22 from the water inlet 121. The first valve 111 remains open even after the treatment agent has been added. As a result, water is supplied from both the first water channel 131 and the second water channel 132.

[0052] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0053] In addition to the above-described configuration, the fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, an operation unit 203, a display unit 204, a motor drive unit 205, a clutch drive unit 206, a water supply valve drive unit 207, a drain valve drive unit 208, and a pump drive unit 209.

[0054] The control unit 203 includes various operation buttons, such as a power button for turning the fully automatic washing machine 1 on and off, a start button for starting the washing operation, and a course selection button for selecting a washing course from among several washing courses. The control unit 203 also includes a water volume change button for changing the water volume. The control unit 203 outputs an input signal to the control unit 201 corresponding to the operation button pressed by the user.

[0055] The display unit 204 includes light-emitting elements such as LEDs and a display such as a liquid crystal panel, and performs functions such as displaying the selected operating course, displaying the progress of the washing operation, and notifying of abnormalities, in accordance with control signals from the control unit 201.

[0056] The water level sensor 53 outputs a water level signal to the control unit 201 corresponding to the water level in the outer tank 20. The control unit 201 can detect the water level in the outer tank 20 using the water level sensor 53, i.e., the water level detection unit 50.

[0057] The motor drive unit 205 drives the drive motor 31 according to the control signal output from the control unit 201. The motor drive unit 205 includes a rotation sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the drive motor 31, an inverter circuit, etc., and adjusts the drive power so that the drive motor 31 rotates at the rotational speed set by the control unit 201.

[0058] The clutch drive unit 206 drives the clutch mechanism 32a of the transmission mechanism unit 32 according to the control signal output from the control unit 201. The water supply valve drive unit 207 drives the first valve 111 and the second valve 112 according to the control signal from the control unit 201. The drain valve drive unit 208 drives the drain valve 40 according to the control signal from the control unit 201. The pump drive unit 209 drives the first pump 143, the second pump 153 and the third pump 163 according to the control signal from the control unit 201.

[0059] The memory unit 202 includes EEPROM, RAM, etc. The memory unit 202 stores programs for executing various washing cycles. The memory unit 202 also stores various operating conditions used for the washing cycle.

[0060] The control unit 201, which includes a CPU and the like, controls the display unit 204, motor drive unit 205, clutch drive unit 206, water supply valve drive unit 207, drain valve drive unit 208, pump drive unit 209, etc., according to a program stored in the memory unit 202, based on signals from the operation unit 203, water level sensor 53, etc.

[0061] In the fully automatic washing machine 1, washing operations for various operating courses are performed under the control of the control unit 201.

[0062] The operating courses include a standard course for performing a typical wash. The standard course washes everyday clothes, pajamas, underwear, etc. The standard course corresponds to the "second course" of the present invention, and the washing process performed in the standard course corresponds to the "second washing process" of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of a standard washing cycle.

[0064] After placing the laundry into the washing and spinning tub 22, the user selects the standard course using the course selection button on the control panel 203 and presses the start button. This starts the standard course washing operation.

[0065] The control unit 201 sequentially executes the load detection process, washing process, intermediate dewatering process, rinsing process, and final dewatering process (S11~S15). Depending on the washing course, the rinsing process may be executed twice, in which case the intermediate dewatering process is executed after the first rinsing process.

[0066] In the load detection step (S11), the control unit 201 rotates the pulsator 24 in the forward and reverse directions using the drive unit 30 when there is no water in the washing and dewatering tub 22, and detects the load amount of laundry based on the load applied to the pulsator 24 by the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub 22. The magnitude of the load applied to the pulsator 24 is detected by the drive current of the drive motor 31 and the amount of inertial rotation until the drive motor 31 stops. The greater the load of laundry, the greater the load applied to the pulsator 24, so the drive current increases and the amount of inertial rotation decreases. The control unit 201 determines the amount of water to be used in the washing and rinsing processes and the operating time required for the washing operation according to the detected load amount, and displays the determined amount of water and operating time on the display unit 204. In addition, the amount of detergent and fabric softener to be put in by the processing agent dispensing device 100a is determined according to the determined amount of water.

[0067] In the washing process (S12), the control unit 201 dispenses a determined amount of detergent using the processing agent dispenser 100a, and also supplies water using the water supply device 100 up to the washing water level corresponding to the determined amount of water. As a result, detergent water is stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22.

[0068] Subsequently, the control unit 201 uses the drive unit 30 to rotate the pulsator 24 in the forward and reverse directions. The on-time during this forward and reverse rotation of the pulsator 24 is set to, for example, 0.7 to 1.2 seconds, the off-time to, for example, 0.8 to 0.5 seconds, and the rotation speed to, for example, 480 to 600 rpm. The on-time, off-time, and rotation speed are set to values ​​corresponding to the determined load of laundry. Inside the washing and dewatering tub 22, the washing operation caused by the forward and reverse rotation of the pulsator 24 generates a water flow of strength corresponding to the on / off time and rotation speed. The generated water flow agitates the laundry, causing it to move in both counterclockwise and clockwise directions, as well as to change positions vertically. The cleaning power of the detergent also acts on the laundry. As a result, the laundry is washed.

[0069] During the washing cycle, the pulsator 24 can be rotated forward and backward at a specified water level lower than the washing water level. In this case, the on-time of the pulsator 24 can be set to, for example, 0.7 seconds, the off-time to, for example, 1.0 second, and the rotation speed to, for example, 1200 rpm. Because the on-time is short, the rotation speed will not reach the set speed, but the acceleration will be greater. This forward and reverse rotation of the pulsator 24 helps to spread the detergent evenly within the washing and dewatering tub 22. Also, the laundry is washed with a high concentration of detergent.

[0070] In the rinsing process (S14), the control unit 201 uses the water supply device 100 to dispense a determined amount of fabric softener and supply water up to the rinsing water level corresponding to the determined amount of water. The fabric softener water is then stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22. Subsequently, the control unit 201 uses the drive unit 30 to rotate the pulsator 24 in both forward and reverse directions. The water flow generated by the rotation of the pulsator 24 agitates the laundry, and the laundry is rinsed. At this time, the fabric softener acts on the laundry, resulting in a soft finish. If the rinsing process is performed twice, the fabric softener is dispensed in the final rinsing process.

[0071] In the intermediate dewatering process (S13) and the final dewatering process (S15), the control unit 201 uses the drive unit 30 to rotate the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the pulsator 24 together at a predetermined dewatering rotation speed. The laundry is dewatered by the centrifugal force generated in the washing and dewatering tub 22.

[0072] In this embodiment of the fully automatic washing machine 1, the operating courses include a concentrated sterilization course. In the concentrated sterilization course, specific laundry items such as towels and handkerchiefs can be intensively sterilized and deodorized while being washed together with other laundry. In the concentrated sterilization course, as described later, the amount of laundry load is not detected, so the load is fixed at a certain amount, for example, 4 kg. The concentrated sterilization course corresponds to the "first course" of the present invention, and the sterilization washing process performed in the concentrated sterilization course corresponds to the "first washing process" of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the washing operation for the intensive sterilization course. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the control operations performed by the control unit 201 during the sterilization washing process. Figures 8(a) to 8(f) are diagrams illustrating the washing operation for the intensive sterilization course.

[0074] The user places the laundry into the washing and spinning tub 22. At this time, as shown in Figure 8(a), the user places specific items of laundry that they want to disinfect and deodorize intensively, such as handkerchiefs and towels, on top of the laundry. Then, the user selects the intensive disinfection course using the course selection button on the control panel 203 and presses the start button. This starts the standard washing course. The display panel 204 may also provide a notification at the start of the cycle, prompting the user to place specific items of laundry on top of the laundry.

[0075] The control unit 201 sequentially executes the disinfection washing process, the intermediate dewatering process, the rinsing process, and the final dewatering process (S21-S24).

[0076] In the intensive disinfection course, the control unit 201 does not perform the load detection step before the disinfection washing step (S21). This allows the washing water level and detergent input amount to be set according to a fixed load (for example, 4 kg). The washing water level in the disinfection washing step corresponds to the "predetermined water level" of the present invention.

[0077] Furthermore, the user can change the water volume by operating the water volume change button on the control unit 203 before starting operation. For example, if the user puts less or more laundry into the washing and spinning tub 22 than the fixed load, they will adjust the water volume. The control unit 201 will change the washing water level and the amount of detergent added to correspond to the changed load.

[0078] When the pulsator 24 rotates to detect the load, the laundry may be agitated and rearranged. In the concentrated sterilization course, the load detection process is not performed, so the laundry group does not rearrange, and the state in which a specific piece of laundry remains at the top of the laundry group is maintained.

[0079] The control unit 201 first performs the disinfection washing process (S21). Referring to Figure 7, the control unit 201 starts supplying water to the washing and dewatering tub 22 by the water supply device 100 and simultaneously dispenses detergent into the washing and dewatering tub 22 by the treatment agent dispenser 100a (S101). That is, the control unit 201 sends the detergent from the first treatment agent tank 141 into the first water channel 131 by the first pump 143, and then opens the first valve 111 and the second valve 112. As shown in Figure 8(b), detergent water accumulates in the washing and dewatering tub 22 (inside the outer tub 20).

[0080] The control unit 201 monitors whether the water level in the washing and dewatering tub 22 has reached the agitation level (S102). The agitation level is set to be lower than the washing level and higher than the water level at which the pulsator 24 is submerged.

[0081] When the water level in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 reaches the agitation level (S102:YES), the control unit 201 performs a detergent water agitation operation (S103), as shown in Figure 8(c). That is, the control unit 201 rotates the pulsator 24 in the forward and reverse directions for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). The on time for this forward and reverse rotation of the pulsator 24 is set to, for example, 1.8 to 5.0 seconds, the off time to, for example, 1.8 seconds, and the rotation speed to, for example, 240 to 300 rpm.

[0082] During the detergent water agitation operation, the pulsator 24 rotates at a lower speed and for a longer duration during each on-time than the washing operation described later in S108-S110. Furthermore, the pulsator 24 rotates at a lower speed than the rotation of the pulsator 24 at a specified water level that may occur during water supply in a standard course. As a result, a weaker water flow is generated in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 than the water flow generated by the washing operation, etc. Therefore, the detergent water is agitated and the detergent is mixed uniformly, but as shown in Figure 8(c), the laundry items do not get mixed up vertically, and a state in which specific laundry items remain on top is maintained.

[0083] The control unit 201 may perform the detergent water agitation operation multiple times until the water level in the washing and dewatering tub 22 reaches the wash water level.

[0084] When the water level in the washing and dewatering tub 22 reaches the washing water level (S104: YES), the control unit 201 closes the first valve 111 and the second valve 112 to stop the water supply (S105).

[0085] Next, the control unit 201 dispenses bleach into the washing and dewatering tub 22 using the treatment agent dispenser 100a (S106). Specifically, the control unit 201 sends the bleach from the second treatment agent tank 151 into the first water channel 131 using the second pump 153, and then opens the first valve 111 to allow water to flow into the first water channel 131. The amount of bleach dispensed is, for example, an amount corresponding to a fixed load. If the fixed load is changed, the amount dispensed is also changed accordingly. When enough water has been supplied to sufficiently flush the bleach accumulated in the first water channel 131 to the washing and dewatering tub 22, the control unit 201 closes the first valve 111 to stop the water supply.

[0086] As shown in Figure 8(d), cloudy water containing foamed bleach is poured into the washing and drying tub 22, and the bleach is sprinkled onto specific laundry items from above the washing and drying tub 22.

[0087] Bleach is added after the detergent water has reached the wash level, and no water is supplied to the washing and spinning tub 22 after the bleach has been added (except for the water supplied to add the bleach). As a result, as shown in Figure 8(e), the bleach does not easily spread throughout the detergent water and tends to remain in the upper layer of the wash water where specific laundry items are located. This causes a high concentration of bleach to concentrate on and adhere to specific laundry items.

[0088] Furthermore, when the cloudy water containing the foamed bleach is poured into the washing and spinning tub 22, the foamed bleach tends to remain in the upper layer of the detergent water. This makes it easier for the bleach to concentrate and adhere to specific laundry items.

[0089] Furthermore, when bleach is added, the control unit 201 may rotate the washing and dewatering tub 22 at a low speed using the drive unit 30. This may make it easier for the bleach to be evenly distributed over specific items of laundry.

[0090] The control unit 201 soaks the laundry for a predetermined soaking time (S107). The soaking time can be set to, for example, 15 minutes to 2 hours. The effect of a high concentration of bleach is concentrated on specific laundry items, and those items are intensively disinfected and deodorized. The soaking time corresponds to the "predetermined time" in this invention.

[0091] Next, the control unit 201 starts the washing operation using the pulsator 24 (S108). That is, the control unit 201 rotates the pulsator 24 in the forward and reverse directions. This washing operation is the same as the washing operation in the washing process of the standard course, and the on time, off time, and rotation speed in this forward and reverse rotation operation of the pulsator 24 are set to be the same as, for example, the on time, off time, and rotation speed in the washing operation of the washing process when the load detected in the load detection process is a fixed load (for example, 4 kg).

[0092] As shown in Figure 8(f), the water flow generated by the washing action agitates the laundry, including specific items, causing them to move in both counterclockwise and clockwise directions, as well as to be swapped vertically. The detergent's cleaning power also acts on the laundry. As a result, the laundry is washed.

[0093] When a predetermined washing time has elapsed (S109: YES), the control unit 201 stops the pulsator 24 and stops the washing operation (S110). Subsequently, the control unit 201 opens the drain valve 40 and drains the washing and dewatering tub 22, i.e., the outer tub 20 (S111). This completes the disinfection and washing process.

[0094] In the control operation shown in Figure 7, operations S101 to S105 correspond to the first operation of the present invention, operations S106 and S107 correspond to the second operation of the present invention, and operations S108 to S110 correspond to the third operation of the present invention.

[0095] Once the disinfection washing process (S21) is completed, the control unit 201 sequentially executes the intermediate dewatering process (S22), the rinsing process (S23), and the final dewatering process (S24). The operation in these processes is the same as in the intermediate dewatering process (S22), the rinsing process (S23), and the final dewatering process (S24) in the standard course.

[0096] Thus, in the concentrated disinfection course, by placing specific laundry items at the top of the laundry load in the washing and spinning tub 22, the bleaching effect can be concentrated on those specific items during the disinfection washing process, thereby disinfecting and deodorizing them. Furthermore, specific laundry items can be washed together with other laundry using detergent.

[0097] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, according to this embodiment, the fully automatic washing machine 1 performs a washing operation of a concentrated sterilization course which includes a sterilization washing step in which the laundry is washed with detergent and bleach. The control unit 201 then performs a first operation in the sterilization washing step, which involves supplying water from the water supply device 100 and dispensing detergent from the treatment agent dispenser 100a to fill the washing and spin-drying tub 22 with water containing detergent up to the washing water level. Following the first operation, the control unit 201 dispenses bleach from the treatment agent dispenser 100a, then performs a second operation in which the laundry is soaked for a set soaking time, and following the second operation, performs a third operation in which the pulsator 24 is rotated.

[0098] This configuration allows for concentrated bleaching and deodorizing of specific laundry items during the disinfection and washing process. Furthermore, these specific items can be washed together with other laundry using detergent.

[0099] Furthermore, in the concentrated disinfection course, the control unit 201 does not perform the load detection step before the disinfection washing step.

[0100] With this configuration, the rotation of the pulsator 24 during the load detection process causes the laundry to be rearranged vertically, preventing specific laundry items from getting mixed in with others before the disinfection wash process. This prevents bleach from adhering poorly to specific laundry items during the disinfection wash process.

[0101] Furthermore, in the disinfection washing process, the control unit 201 rotates the pulsator 24 after the detergent is dispensed by the treatment agent dispenser 100a so that a weaker water flow is generated than that of the third operation described above.

[0102] This configuration allows the detergent to be mixed uniformly with the water in the washing and spinning tub 22, and also prevents bleach from adhering to specific items of laundry as the laundry is rearranged vertically.

[0103] Furthermore, the treatment agent dispensing device 100a includes a jet generator 170 for foaming the bleach that is dispensed into the washing and dewatering tub 22.

[0104] With this configuration, the foamed bleach tends to accumulate in the upper layer of the detergent water in the washing and spinning tub 22. This makes it easier for the bleach to concentrate and adhere to specific laundry items. As a result, the bleach's effects are more easily exerted on specific laundry items, enhancing the disinfecting and deodorizing effects.

[0105] Furthermore, the fully automatic washing machine 1 is equipped with an operating unit 203 that accepts operations to change the water level during the sterilization wash process.

[0106] With this configuration, the water level during the sterilization wash process can be changed according to the load of laundry placed in the washing and dewatering tub 22.

[0107] <Example of changes> Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited in any way by the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible to the embodiments of the present invention other than those described above.

[0108] For example, if there is no concern that the laundry may be turned upside down due to load detection by the rotation of the pulsator 24, the load detection step may be performed before the sterilization wash step in the concentrated sterilization course.

[0109] Furthermore, in the disinfection washing process, the timing of adding detergent to the washing and spinning tub 22 does not have to be simultaneous with the start of water supply; for example, it may be during the water supply process or after the water supply has stopped once the wash water level is reached.

[0110] Furthermore, during the disinfection washing process, the control unit 201 may choose not to perform the detergent water agitation operation.

[0111] Furthermore, the configuration of the water supply device 100 and the treatment agent dispensing device 100a is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. For example, the water supply device 100 does not have to include the treatment agent dispensing device 100a. For example, the treatment agent dispensing device 100a may not be configured in such a way that the treatment agent is washed in by water, but rather in such a way that the treatment agent is directly dispensed into the washing and dewatering tub 22 from the first treatment agent supply unit 140 or the like.

[0112] Furthermore, the treatment agent input device 100a may be provided with a foaming section having a different configuration from the jet generation section 170. Alternatively, the treatment agent input device 100a may not be provided with a foaming section.

[0113] Furthermore, the control unit 203 may be configured not to accept operations to change the washing water level in the disinfection washing process.

[0114] Furthermore, the above embodiment shows an example in which the present invention is applied to a fully automatic washing machine 1. However, the present invention can also be applied to a fully automatic washer-dryer equipped with a clothes drying function.

[0115] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea set forth in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 1. Fully automatic washing machine (washing machine) 22. Washing and drying tub (washing tub) 24 Pulseta 30 Drive unit 100 Water supply equipment 100a Treatment agent dispensing device (dispensing device) 170 Jet Generating Unit (Foaming Unit) 201 Control Unit 203 Operation section

Claims

1. A washing tub in which laundry is placed, A pulsator positioned at the bottom of the washing tub, A drive unit for rotating the pulsator, A water supply device that supplies water into the washing tub, A dispensing device for pouring detergent and bleach into the washing tub from above, The system includes a control unit capable of executing a first washing cycle having a first washing step of washing laundry with detergent and bleach, The control unit, in the first washing step, The first operation is performed by supplying water using the water supply device and dispensing detergent using the detergent dispenser, thereby filling the washing tub with water containing detergent up to a predetermined water level. Following the first operation, after dispensing bleach using the dispensing device, a second operation is performed in which the laundry is soaked for a predetermined time. Following the second operation, a third operation is performed to rotate the pulsator. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

2. In the washing machine according to claim 1, The control unit, It is possible to perform a second washing cycle, which includes a second washing step in which the laundry is washed with detergent. Before the second washing step, a load detection step is performed in which the pulsator is rotated with no water in the washing tub, and the load amount of the laundry is detected based on the load applied to the pulsator by the laundry in the washing tub. The load detection step is not performed before the first washing step of the first course. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

3. In the washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, In the first washing step, the control unit rotates the pulsator after the detergent is dispensed by the dispensing device so that a weaker water flow is generated than that of the third operation. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

4. In the washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, The dispensing device includes a foaming section for foaming the bleach dispensed into the washing tub. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

5. In the washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, The system further includes an operating unit that receives an operation to change the predetermined water level. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

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