washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which can shorten time required for washing laundry including partial cleaning by an ultrasonic cleaning device.SOLUTION: A fully automatic washing machine 1 includes: a washing and dewatering tub which is arranged in a housing, and in which laundry is stored; a water supply unit for performing water supply into the washing and dewatering tub; an ultrasonic cleaning device for washing the laundry by ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generating body; and a control part 701 for executing an operation course in which a washing operation is performed for washing the laundry stored in the washing and dewatering tub following the cleaning operation for cleaning the laundry by the ultrasonic cleaning device. The control part 701 allows the water supply unit to perform water supply into the washing and dewatering tub for a washing step of the washing operation, when the cleaning operation is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A washing machine equipped with an ultrasonic cleaning device that cleans laundry with ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generator is described in Patent Document 1. In this washing machine, before the laundry is placed in the washing and spin-drying tub and a washing operation is performed, a cleaning operation is performed using the ultrasonic cleaning device, thereby making it possible to remove dirt partially attached to the laundry. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-23547 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, if a cleaning operation is performed using an ultrasonic cleaning device prior to a washing operation, the washing operation will be performed again after the cleaning operation is completed, which may result in a longer time required to wash the laundry, including partial cleaning using the ultrasonic cleaning device.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of shortening the time required for washing laundry, including partial cleaning using an ultrasonic cleaning device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A washing machine according to a main aspect of the present invention includes a washing tub arranged in a housing and accommodating laundry, a water supply unit that supplies water to the washing tub, The ultrasonic cleaning device has an ultrasonic generator and a water tank located below the ultrasonic generator for storing cleaning water containing a detergent,an ultrasonic cleaning device that cleans laundry using ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator; and a control unit that executes an operation course in which a washing operation that cleans the laundry using the ultrasonic cleaning device and a washing operation that washes the laundry contained in the washing tub are performed successively; an automatic supply mechanism that automatically supplies detergent to the washing tub when water is supplied to the washing tub during the washing operation and supplies washing water to be stored in the water tank during the cleaning operation; Here, the control unit controls the water supply unit to supply water into the washing tub for a washing step of the washing operation while the washing operation is being performed. When water is to be supplied into the washing tub while the washing operation is being performed, the automatic supply mechanism is controlled to supply the washing water to the water tank, and then the automatic supply mechanism is controlled to supply detergent into the washing tub when water is being supplied.

[0007] According to the above configuration, water is supplied to the washing tub for the washing step of the washing operation while the washing operation is being performed, so the total operation time when the washing operation is performed following the washing operation can be shortened. This makes it possible to shorten the time required to wash the laundry, including partial washing.

[0008] In the washing machine according to the present aspect, the water supply section may be configured to discharge water into the washing tub from above the washing tub.

[0009] According to the above configuration, when the cleaning water used in the cleaning operation adheres to the user's hands during the cleaning operation, the user can wash his / her hands using the water supplied into the washing tub during the cleaning operation.

[0010] In the washing machine according to this embodiment, the control unit may be configured to interrupt the operation of the operating course upon completion of the cleaning operation, and to resume the operation of the operating course upon detection of an operation for resuming the operation.

[0011] According to the above configuration, after preparations for the washing operation are completed, such as when laundry that has been partially washed is placed into the washing tub, the operation can be resumed and the washing operation can be started.

[0012] The washing machine according to the present aspect may further include a load amount detection unit for detecting the load amount of laundry contained in the washing tub. In this case, the control unit may be configured to determine the amount of water to be supplied to the washing step based on the load amount detected by the load amount detection unit before water supply to the washing tub is started, and to set the determined amount of water to be supplied to the washing step as an upper limit amount of water to be supplied to the washing tub during the cleaning operation.

[0013] According to the above configuration, it is possible to store the amount of water required for the washing process in the washing tub during the washing operation, thereby significantly shortening the time required to wash laundry, including partial cleaning.

[0014] The washing machine according to the present embodiment may further include a load amount detection unit for detecting the load amount of laundry stored in the washing tub. In this case, the control unit may be configured to set the minimum value of the amount of water to be supplied to the washing tub during the washing operation, which is determined based on the load amount detected by the load amount detection unit, as the upper limit of the amount of water to be supplied to the washing tub during the washing operation, correct the load amount detected by the load amount detection unit after the washing operation is completed according to the amount of water to be supplied to the washing tub during the washing operation, and determine the amount of water to be supplied to the washing process based on the corrected load amount.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the load amount can be detected while the laundry washed by the ultrasonic cleaning device is reliably contained in the washing tub. Furthermore, since the detected load amount is corrected according to the amount of water supplied to the washing tub during the washing operation, the detected load amount can be accurately corrected, and the amount of water required for the washing process can be accurately set.

[0016] In the washing machine according to the present aspect, a configuration may be adopted in which a presence / absence detection unit for detecting whether or not laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator is further provided. In this case, the control unit may be configured to operate the ultrasonic generator during the washing operation while the presence / absence detection unit detects the presence of laundry.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the operation of the ultrasonic generator stops when laundry is not being washed by the ultrasonic cleaning device, thereby preventing the user from unintentionally touching the ultrasonic generator while it is in operation. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time required for washing laundry, including partial washing, using an ultrasonic cleaning device.

[0019] The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of the embodiments. However, the following embodiment is merely an example of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a water supply unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] Fig. 3(a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the top plate drawn out from the storage unit according to the embodiment, and Figs. 3(b) and 3(c) are perspective views of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the main part of the top plate stored in the storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment with the water storage unit detached from the main body unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the main body unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device, the storage tank, the supply valve, the supply nozzle, and the wastewater receiver when the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored in the storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device, the storage tank, the supply valve, the supply nozzle, and the wastewater receiver when the ultrasonic cleaning device is pulled out of the storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a storage tank, a supply valve, and a supply nozzle according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] Fig. 10(a) is a flow chart showing a control process for a cleaning operation according to an embodiment, and Fig. 10(b) is a flow chart showing a transducer on / off control included in the control process for a cleaning operation according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation control process for an operation course in which a washing operation is performed following a cleaning operation, according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a water supply process for supplying water into the washing and spin-drying tub when a cleaning operation is being performed according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation control process for an operation course in which a washing operation is performed following a cleaning operation, according to the first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine 1. As shown in FIG.

[0023] The fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a housing 10 that forms an outer shell. The housing 10 includes a rectangular cylindrical body 11 with open top and bottom faces, a top panel 12 that covers the top face of the body 11, and a foot stand 13 that supports the body 11. A laundry inlet 14 is formed in the top panel 12. The laundry inlet 14 is covered by a top lid 15 that can be opened and closed. A control unit 16 is disposed inside and in front of the top panel 12. The control unit 16 controls the washing operation by the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, which will be described later.

[0024] In the housing 10, an outer tub 20 with an open top is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension rods 21 with vibration isolation devices. A washing and spin-drying tub 22 is disposed in the outer tub 20. The washing and spin-drying tub 22 has an open top and rotates around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. A large number of spin-drying holes 22a are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the washing and spin-drying tub 22 all around. A balance ring 23 is provided on the top of the washing and spin-drying tub 22. A pulsator 24 is disposed on the bottom of the washing and spin-drying tub 22. A plurality of blades 24a are provided radially on the surface of the pulsator 24. The washing and spin-drying tub 22 corresponds to the washing tub of the present invention.

[0025] A drive unit 30 that generates torque to drive the washing / spinning tub 22 and the pulsator 24 is disposed on the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism 32. The transmission mechanism 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and by switching operation of the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the pulsator 24 to rotate only the pulsator 24 in the washing step and the rinsing step, and the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing / spinning tub 22 to rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing / spinning tub 22 integrally in the spinning step.

[0026] A drain outlet 20a is formed at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided at the drain outlet 20a. The drain valve 40 is connected to a drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is drained outside the machine through the drain hose 41.

[0027] An overflow outlet 20b is formed at the top of the outer tub 20. When water reaches a predetermined overflow level or more in the outer tub 20, the water is discharged from the overflow outlet 20b. An overflow receiver 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tub 20 so as to cover the overflow outlet 20b. One end of an overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiver 25. The other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to a drain hose 41. The water discharged from the overflow outlet 20b is received by the overflow receiver 25, and then flows through the overflow pipe 26 to the drain hose 41.

[0028] An ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is disposed approximately at the center of the rear part of the top panel 12. In the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, a cleaning operation is mainly performed to remove dirt partially attached to the object to be cleaned prior to washing in the fully-automatic washing machine 1.

[0029] A storage tank 60 is disposed behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 at the rear of the upper panel 12, and a drainage receiving section 70 is disposed below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The storage tank 60 stores water containing detergent supplied to the water tank 210 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 as cleaning water.

[0030] The drainage receiver 70 receives water drained from the water tank 210. A drain hole 71 through which the received water is drained is formed in the drainage receiver 70. One end of a drainage pipe 72 is connected to the drain hole 71. The other end of the drainage pipe 72 is connected to the upper part of the overflow pipe 26.

[0031] A water supply unit 80 for supplying tap water into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 is disposed at the rear of the top panel 12. The water supply unit 80 corresponds to the water supply section of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the water supply unit 80. As shown in FIG.

[0033] The water supply unit 80 has a water supply valve 81. The water supply valve 81 is a so-called dual valve, and has a main valve 82 and a sub-valve 83, which are electromagnetic valves. A water inlet 81a of the water supply valve 81 is connected to a water faucet via a water supply hose (not shown). A main water supply passage 84 is connected to an outlet of the main valve 82. The main water supply passage 84 is connected to a water injection box 85 located at the top of the washing and spin-drying tub 22.

[0034] The water supply unit 80 includes an automatic dispenser mechanism 90 for automatically dispensing liquid detergent into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. The automatic dispenser mechanism 90 also has a function of supplying wash water to the storage tank 60.

[0035] The automatic dispensing mechanism 90 includes a detergent tank 91, a supply pipe 92, a first three-way valve 93, a sub-water supply passage 94, a detergent supply passage 95, a second three-way valve 96, a wash water supply passage 97, and a supply pump 98. The sub-valve 83 of the water supply valve 81 is also included in the automatic dispensing mechanism 90.

[0036] Liquid detergent in an undiluted state is stored in the detergent tank 91. A supply pipe 92 guides the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 91 to one inlet of a first three-way valve 93.

[0037] The sub-supply passage 94 is connected to the outlet of the sub-valve 83 and the other inlet of the first three-way valve 93 .

[0038] A detergent supply passage 95 is connected to the outlet of the first three-way valve 93. The detergent supply passage 95 is connected to a water injection box 85. The water injection box 85 is located above the washing and spin-drying tub 22, and has a water injection port 85a on the bottom surface thereof.

[0039] The first three-way valve 93 can be switched between a state in which the supply pipe 92 communicates with the detergent supply passage 95 and a state in which the sub-water supply passage 94 communicates with the detergent supply passage 95 .

[0040] A second three-way valve 96 is provided in the detergent supply path 95. An upstream supply path 95a of the detergent supply path 95 is connected to an inlet of the second three-way valve 96, and a downstream supply path 95b of the detergent supply path 95 is connected to one outlet of the second three-way valve 96. In addition, one end of a cleaning water supply path 97 is connected to the other outlet of the second three-way valve 96. The other end of the cleaning water supply path 97 is connected to the storage tank 60.

[0041] The second three-way valve 96 can be switched between a state in which the upstream supply passage 95a communicates with the downstream supply passage 95b and a state in which the upstream supply passage 95a communicates with the cleaning water supply passage 97.

[0042] A supply pump 98 is disposed in the upstream supply passage 95a. The supply pump 98 may be, for example, a piston pump.

[0043] Next, the configuration of ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the peripheral configuration of ultrasonic cleaning device 50, including storage tank 60 and wastewater receiving portion 70, will be described in detail.

[0044] Fig. 3(a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the top plate 12 pulled out from the storage section 17. Figs. 3(b) and (c) are perspective views of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the main parts of the top plate 12 stored in the storage section 17. In Fig. 3(c), the cover 19 is omitted so that the inside of the storage section 17 can be seen.

[0045] A storage section 17 for storing an ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided in the center of the rear part of the top panel 12. The top panel 12 has an opening in front of the storage section 17 as an entrance / exit 18. A cover 19 is provided on the entrance / exit 18.

[0046] The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 includes an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, a water storage unit 200, and a main body unit 300. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 has an ultrasonic generator 110 that generates ultrasonic waves. The main body unit 300 holds the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100. The water storage unit 200 is attached to the main body unit 300 and is located below the ultrasonic generator 110. The water storage unit 200 is provided with a water tank 210 that stores cleaning water.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 3(a), when a cleaning operation is performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled forward from the storage section 17 and protrudes inside the inlet 14 of the top panel 12. On the other hand, as shown in Figs. 3(b) and (c), when a cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage section 17. The entrance 18 is closed by the cover 19.

[0048] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of ultrasonic cleaning device 50 with water storage unit 200 detached from main body unit 300. Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and main body unit 300.

[0049] In the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is held by a main body unit 300, and the water storage unit 200 is removably attached to the main body unit 300.

[0050] The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110 and a housing 120. The ultrasonic generator 110 includes an ultrasonic transducer 111 and a vibration horn 112 coupled to the ultrasonic transducer 111. The ultrasonic generator 110 generates ultrasonic waves from the tip of the vibration horn 112 by high-frequency vibration of the ultrasonic transducer 111. The housing 120 has an arm shape that is long in the front-rear direction and has a tip 121 that is bent downward. The ultrasonic generator 110 is disposed at the front part of the housing 120. The ultrasonic generator 110 is pressed from above by a frame-shaped fixing member 130. The tip of the vibration horn 112 is exposed from an opening 122 of the housing 120. The rear part 123 of the housing 120 is fixed to the upper part of the main body part 300.

[0051] The water storage section 200 is formed with a handle 201 on the front side. The water storage section 200 is also formed with a water tank 210 having a shape that matches the shape of the water storage section 200. The water tank 210 is formed with a drain port 211 on the lower part of the rear side. The drain port 211 is closed by a valve body 220. A valve movable member 230 is connected to the valve body 220. A rear part 231 of the valve movable member 230 protrudes rearward beyond the water storage section 200. The valve movable member 230 is biased by a spring 240 shown in FIG. 6 in the rear direction so that the valve body 220 closes.

[0052] Fig. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the storage tank 60, the supply valve 400, the supply nozzle 500, and the drainage receiver 70 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage unit 17. Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the storage tank 60, the supply valve 400, the supply nozzle 500, and the drainage receiver 70 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from the storage unit 17. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the storage tank 60, the supply valve 400, and the supply nozzle 500.

[0053] In the storage section 17, a storage tank 60, a supply valve 400, and a supply nozzle 500 are arranged behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0054] The supply valve 400 is an electromagnetic valve. The supply valve 400 includes a valve casing 410 having inlets on the left and right side surfaces and an outlet on the bottom surface, a valve body 420 that opens and closes the outlet of the valve casing 410, and a drive unit 430 such as a solenoid that drives the valve body 420. The outlet of the valve casing 410 is connected to the inlet of the supply nozzle 500.

[0055] The storage tank 60 is made of a resin material, and is divided into a first tank 61 and a second tank 62 with a supply valve 400 in between. The first tank 61 and the second tank 62 are connected at their upper parts by a communication part 63 extending from the first tank 61. An outlet 64 formed in the lower part of the first tank 61 is connected to an inlet on the left side of the valve casing 410. An outlet 65 formed in the lower part of the second tank 62 is connected to an inlet on the right side of the valve casing 410. The first tank 61 and the second tank 62 are connected to each other's outlets 64, 65 via the valve casing 410.

[0056] The first tank 61 is formed with an inlet 66 for flushing water into the storage tank 60. The inlet 66 is connected to a flushing water supply passage 97 of the automatic dosing mechanism 90. The flushing water supplied from the automatic dosing mechanism 90 flows into the first tank 61 from the inlet 66, and then flows into the second tank 62 through the valve casing 410 and the communication part 63. This causes the flushing water to be stored in the storage tank 60. The storage capacity of the storage tank 60 is made larger than the storage capacity of the water tank 210.

[0057] When the supply valve 400 , that is, the valve body 420 is opened, cleaning water flows out from each of the first tank 61 and the second tank 62 of the storage tank 60 through the outlet of the valve casing 410 .

[0058] Supply nozzle 500 is made of a resin material, extends forward from supply valve 400, and has a tip 500a that is bent downward. A discharge port 501 is formed on the lower surface of tip 500a.

[0059] In the storage section 17, a substantially square, dish-shaped drainage receiver 70 is disposed below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. A drain hole 71 is formed at the lower end of the rear of the right side surface of the drainage receiver 70. A drain pipe 72 is connected to a connection pipe 73 extending rightward from the drain hole 71.

[0060] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fully automatic washing machine 1. As shown in FIG.

[0061] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the fully automatic washing machine 1 includes an operation unit 610, a water level sensor 620, a water level detection unit 630, a distance sensor 640, and a rotation detection unit 650. The control unit 16 includes a control unit 701, a storage unit 702, an operation detection unit 703, a motor drive unit 704, a clutch drive unit 705, five valve drive units 706-710, a pump drive unit 711, and a vibrator drive unit 712.

[0062] The operation unit 610 includes various operation buttons such as a power on button 611, a power off button 612, a start button 613, and a course selection button 614. The power on button 611 and the power off button 612 are buttons for turning on and off the power to the fully-automatic washing machine 1, respectively. The start button 613 is a button for starting a washing operation or a cleaning operation. The course selection button 614 is a button for selecting an arbitrary operation course from a plurality of operation courses prepared in the fully-automatic washing machine 1.

[0063] Water level sensor 620 is, for example, a diaphragm type water level sensor that detects the water level in outer tub 20, that is, in washing and spin-drying tub 22, and outputs a detection signal to control unit 701 according to the detected water level.

[0064] The water level detection unit 630 includes a pair of electrode terminals arranged inside the storage tank 60, and detects when the water level inside the storage tank 60 reaches a full water level.

[0065] Distance sensor 640 measures the distance to the detection object by using reflection of light or ultrasonic waves, and outputs a measurement signal according to the measured distance to control unit 701. Distance sensor 640 is disposed, for example, facing downward at the tip of housing 120 of ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, and is used to detect whether or not laundry is present below ultrasonic generator 110. Distance sensor 640 corresponds to the presence / absence detection unit of the present invention.

[0066] When laundry, i.e., a dirty portion of laundry, is not set in the water tank 210 and no laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110, the distance sensor 640 measures the distance to the bottom surface of the water tank 210 and outputs a measurement signal indicating the distance. On the other hand, when laundry is set in the water tank 210 and laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110, the distance sensor 640 measures the distance to the laundry and outputs a measurement signal indicating the distance. The control unit 701 sets a predetermined distance shorter than the distance to the bottom surface of the water tank 210 as a threshold value, and when the measured distance is shorter than the threshold value, it determines that laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110, and when the measured distance is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it determines that laundry is not present below the ultrasonic generator 110.

[0067] The rotation detection unit 650 is, for example, an encoder, which detects the amount of inertial rotation of the drive motor 31 corresponding to the amount of inertial rotation of the pulsator 24 when the pulsator 24 is rotated to detect the amount of laundry load in the washing and spinning tub 22, and outputs a rotation amount signal corresponding to the detected amount of inertial rotation to the control unit 701. The amount of inertial rotation of the pulsator 24 changes depending on the amount of laundry load. Therefore, the control unit 701 can detect the amount of load based on the rotation amount signal from the rotation detection unit 650. The rotation detection unit 650 corresponds to the load amount detection unit of the present invention.

[0068] The operation detection unit 703 outputs to the control unit 701 an operation signal corresponding to an operation button operated by the user from among various operation buttons of the operation unit 610 .

[0069] The motor driving unit 704, the clutch driving unit 705, the five valve driving units 706-710, the pump driving unit 711 and the transducer driving unit 712 each drive the driving motor 31, the clutch mechanism 32a, the water supply valve 81, the first three-way valve 93, the second three-way valve 96, the supply valve 400, the drain valve 40, the supply pump 98 and the ultrasonic transducer 111 in accordance with control signals from the control unit 701.

[0070] The storage unit 702 includes an EEPROM, a RAM, etc. Programs for executing a washing operation and a cleaning operation are stored in the storage unit 702. In addition, the storage unit 702 stores various parameters and various control flags used in executing these programs.

[0071] The control unit 701 includes a CPU and the like, and controls the motor driving unit 704, the clutch driving unit 705, the five valve driving units 706 to 710, the pump driving unit 711, the transducer driving unit 712, and the like in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 702, based on signals from the operation detection unit 703, the water level sensor 620, the water level detection unit 630, the distance sensor 640, the rotation detection unit 650, and the like. As a result, the control unit 701 controls the ultrasonic generator 110, the water supply unit 80, and the automatic dosing mechanism 90.

[0072] In the fully automatic washing machine 1, by selecting the course selection button 614, an operation course in which only a washing operation is performed, an operation course in which only a cleaning operation is performed, or an operation course in which a cleaning operation is followed by a washing operation can be performed.

[0073] laundry In the operation course where only the washing operation is performed, the washing process, the intermediate spin-drying process, the rinsing process, and the final spin-drying process that constitute the washing operation are performed in order. As the operation course where only the washing operation is performed, multiple operation courses can be prepared, such as a standard course for washing standard clothes and a delicate course for washing delicate clothes.

[0074] In the washing and rinsing steps, the pulsator 24 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise while water is stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22. The rotation of the pulsator 24 generates a water flow in the washing and spin-drying tub 22. In the washing step, the laundry is washed by the generated water flow and the detergent contained in the water. In the rinsing step, the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow.

[0075] In the intermediate spin-drying step and the final spin-drying step, the washing / dewatering tub 22 and the pulsator 24 rotate integrally at high speed. The laundry is dewatered by the action of the centrifugal force generated in the washing / dewatering tub 22.

[0076] When water is supplied in the washing step, the automatic supply mechanism 90 automatically supplies liquid detergent into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 together with water. That is, when water is supplied into the washing and spin-drying tub 22, the first three-way valve 93 is first switched to a state in which the supply pipe 92 communicates with the detergent supply passage 95. The second three-way valve 96 is also switched to a state in which the upstream supply passage 95a communicates with the downstream supply passage 95b. When the supply pump 98 is operated, the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 91 is discharged into the detergent supply passage 95 by the pumping action, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 2. The supply pump 98 operates for a predetermined time, and a predetermined amount of liquid detergent is accumulated in the detergent supply passage 95.

[0077] Next, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the sub-water supply passage 94 is connected to the detergent supply passage 95, and the main valve 82 and the sub-valve 83 are opened. Water from the water faucet flows through the main water supply passage 84 and is discharged from the water inlet 85a of the water supply box 85, that is, from above the washing and spin-drying tub 22 into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. At the same time, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 2, water from the water faucet flows through the sub-water supply passage 94 and the first three-way valve 93 into the detergent supply passage 95, and washes away the liquid detergent. The liquid detergent washed away by the water flows through the detergent supply passage 95 together with the water, as shown by the dashed-dotted arrow in FIG. 2, and is poured into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 from the water inlet 85a. When the water level in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 reaches a predetermined wash water level, the main valve 82 and the sub-valve 83 are closed, and water supply is terminated.

[0078] When a user uses ultrasonic cleaning device 50 to partially wash laundry, as shown in Fig. 3(a), the user pulls out ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from storage unit 17. As shown in Fig. 7, water tank 210 is in a state in which drain outlet 211 is closed by valve body 220.

[0079] When the user selects an operation course including only the cleaning operation by using the course selection button 614 and operates the start button 613, the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is started.

[0080] Fig. 10(a) is a flow chart showing the control process for the cleaning operation, and Fig. 10(b) is a flow chart showing the transducer on / off control included in the control process for the cleaning operation.

[0081] 10(a), when the flushing operation is started, the control unit 701 controls the automatic dosing mechanism 90 and the supply valve 400 to execute a flushing water supply process for supplying flushing water to the water tank 210 (S101).

[0082] In the cleaning water supply process, first, cleaning water is supplied into the storage tank 60 by the automatic dispenser mechanism 90. That is, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the supply pipe 92 communicates with the detergent supply path 95. Also, the second three-way valve 96 is switched to a state in which the upstream supply path 95a communicates with the cleaning water supply path 97. Furthermore, the supply valve 400 is closed. The supply pump 98 operates for a predetermined time, and a predetermined amount of liquid detergent accumulates in the detergent supply path 95.

[0083] Next, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the sub-water supply passage 94 communicates with the detergent supply passage 95, and the sub-valve 83 is opened. Water from the water faucet flows through the sub-water supply passage 94 and the first three-way valve 93 into the detergent supply passage 95, washing away the liquid detergent. The water and the liquid detergent are mixed to become wash water. As shown by the bold arrow in FIG. 2, the wash water flows into the storage tank 60 through the wash water supply passage 97.

[0084] When the water level detector 630 detects that the water level in the storage tank 60 has reached the full water level, the sub-valve 83 is closed. In this way, a predetermined amount of wash water with a predetermined detergent concentration is stored in the storage tank 60 by the supply of wash water from the automatic dispenser mechanism 90.

[0085] Next, the supply valve 400 is opened. The cleaning water in the storage tank 60 is discharged from the discharge port 501 through the supply nozzle 500 into the water tank 210. The cleaning water is stored in the water tank 210, and the water level in the water tank 210 rises. As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 7, when the water level in the water tank 210 rises to the height of the discharge port 501 and the discharge port 501 is blocked by the cleaning water, the air pressure in the storage tank 60 and the external air pressure are balanced. As a result, the supply valve 400 remains open and the supply of water from the storage tank 60 stops. About one-third of the cleaning water at the time of full water remains in the storage tank 60. The tip of the ultrasonic generator 110 touches the water surface.

[0086] When the cleaning water supply process is completed, the control unit 701 judges whether or not laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110 (S102).

[0087] When the washing water is stored in the water tank 210, the user inserts the dirty part of the laundry between the water tank 210 and the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110, and sets it in the water tank 210. The dirty part of the item to be washed is immersed in the washing water in the water tank 210, and the washing water that has penetrated into the inside of the item to be washed seeps out to the surface. A thin layer of water is formed on the surface of the item to be washed, and the vibration horn 112 comes into contact with this layer of water.

[0088] When the object to be washed absorbs water, the amount of water in the water tank 210 decreases and the water level drops, and the discharge port 501 of the supply nozzle 500 is no longer blocked by cleaning water, cleaning water is replenished from the storage tank 60 into the water tank 210 until the discharge port 501 is blocked by cleaning water again. This keeps the water level, i.e. the amount of water, in the water tank 210 at an appropriate state.

[0089] When laundry is placed in the water tank 210, the laundry is placed below the ultrasonic generator 110. When the control unit 701 determines that laundry is placed below the ultrasonic generator 110 (S102: YES), it energizes the ultrasonic vibrator 111, activating the ultrasonic generator 110 (S103). Ultrasonic waves are generated from the tip of the vibration horn 112, and dirt is peeled off from the laundry by the action of the ultrasonic waves. At this time, the power of the detergent is added, thereby increasing the cleaning power.

[0090] The control unit 701 starts transducer on / off control for turning on and off the ultrasonic transducer 111 depending on whether or not laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110 (S104).

[0091] 10(b), the control unit 701 monitors whether or not there is no laundry below the ultrasonic generator 110 (S201). When the user finishes washing one laundry item, the user removes the laundry item from the water tank 210. As a result, there is no laundry below the ultrasonic generator 110. When there is no laundry below the ultrasonic generator 110 (S201: YES), the control unit 701 stops the supply of electricity to the ultrasonic vibrator 111 to stop the operation of the ultrasonic generator 110 (S202).

[0092] Next, the control unit 701 monitors whether or not laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110 (S203). When a user wants to wash new laundry, the user sets the laundry in the water tank 210. This causes the laundry to be present below the ultrasonic generator 110. When laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110 (S203: YES), the control unit 701 energizes the ultrasonic vibrator 111 to activate the ultrasonic generator 110 (S204). The control unit 701 repeats the processes of S201 to S204. In this way, the ultrasonic generator 110 operates only while the laundry is set in the water tank 210 and being washed, so that it is possible to prevent the user from unintentionally touching the ultrasonic generator 110 in operation.

[0093] Returning to FIG. 10(a), when a predetermined refill time, for example, one minute, has elapsed since the ultrasonic generator 110 was first activated (S105: YES), the control unit 701 executes a wash water refill process to refill the storage tank 60 with wash water (S106). The operation of the wash water refill process is the same as that of the wash water supply process. Wash water is supplied to the storage tank 60 until the storage tank 60 is full. As a result, even if multiple laundry items with high water absorption are washed at once, the storage tank 60 does not become empty during the wash operation, and a situation in which the wash water in the water tank 210 runs short does not occur.

[0094] When a predetermined cleaning time, for example, 3 minutes, has elapsed since the ultrasonic generator 110 was first activated (S107: YES), the control unit 701 ends the transducer on / off control (S108) and the cleaning operation ends. At this time, if electricity is being applied to the ultrasonic transducer 111, the control unit 701 stops the application of electricity.

[0095] The user stores the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the storage unit 17 as shown in Figs. 3(b) and (c). As shown in Fig. 6, the valve movable member 230 abuts against the rear wall of the drainage receiving unit 70 and moves forward. This causes the valve body 220 to move forward, and the drain outlet 211 is opened. When the drain outlet 211 is opened, the cleaning water in the water tank 210 is discharged into the drainage receiving unit 70. The cleaning water discharged into the drainage receiving unit 70 is discharged from the discharge hole 71, flows through the drain pipe 72, the overflow pipe 26, and the drain hose 41, and is discharged outside the machine. At this time, the supply valve 400 is open, and the cleaning water remaining in the storage tank 60 is also discharged outside the machine via the water tank 210, etc.

[0096] As described above, the fully automatic washing machine 1 of the present embodiment has an operation course in which a washing operation is performed following a cleaning operation. Hereinafter, this operation course is referred to as a "continuous operation course." When a user washes laundry including the partially washed laundry after partially washing laundry with the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the user can select the continuous operation course.

[0097] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation control process of the continuous operation course. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the water supply process for supplying water into washing and spin-drying tub 22 when the washing operation is being performed. The operation control process of the continuous operation course includes the control process of the washing operation in Fig. 10(a) and the water supply process in Fig. 12.

[0098] The user places all laundry including laundry to be partially washed in washing / drying tub 22, or places laundry other than laundry to be partially washed in washing / drying tub 22, and then selects the continuous operation course using course selection button 614 and operates start button 613. Control unit 701 starts the operation control process for the continuous operation course.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 11, the control unit 701 rotates the pulsator 24 by the drive motor 31, and detects the amount of inertial rotation of the pulsator 24, i.e., the drive motor 31, by the rotation detection unit 650, thereby detecting the load amount of laundry in the washing and dehydrating tub 22 (S11). Then, the control unit 701 sets the upper limit water supply amount for water supply to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 to be performed in the next ultrasonic cleaning process based on the detected load amount (S12). That is, the control unit 701 determines the amount of water supply to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 required for the washing process of the washing operation performed after the ultrasonic cleaning process (hereinafter referred to as "washing water supply amount") based on the detected load amount, and sets the determined washing water supply amount as the upper limit water supply amount. In this embodiment, the amount of water supply to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 is detected as the water level in the washing and dehydrating tub 22. Therefore, the control unit 701 determines the washing water level corresponding to the washing water supply amount, and sets the washing water level to the upper limit water level corresponding to the upper limit water supply amount.

[0100] Next, the control unit 701 executes the ultrasonic cleaning process (S13). In the ultrasonic cleaning process, the control unit 701 executes the control process of the cleaning operation of Fig. 10(a). The cleaning operation is started, and laundry is set in the water tank 210 in which cleaning water is stored. The laundry is partially washed by ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator 110, and partial dirt on the laundry is removed.

[0101] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic cleaning step, the control unit 701 executes the water supply process of Fig. 12 in parallel with the control process of the cleaning operation of Fig. 10(a), whereby water is supplied into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 while the cleaning operation is being performed.

[0102] 12, the control unit 701 waits for the completion of the wash water supply process of S101 in Fig. 10(a), that is, for the completion of the supply of wash water to the water tank 210 (S301). This is because it is necessary to add detergent when supplying water to the washing and spin-drying tank 22, and the automatic detergent addition mechanism 90 is used.

[0103] When the wash water supply process is completed (S301: YES), the control unit 701 controls the water supply unit 80 and the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 to start supplying water into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 (S302). When supplying water, the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 dispenses detergent into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. This water supply operation accompanied by detergent dispensing is the same as the water supply operation in the washing step of the operation course with only the washing operation described above. That is, after the liquid detergent is discharged from the detergent tank 91 into the detergent supply passage 95 by the operation of the supply pump 98, the main valve 82 and the sub-valve 83 are opened, and water is supplied through the main water supply passage 84 and detergent is dispensed from the detergent supply passage 95. Even after the detergent is dispensed, the sub-valve 83 remains open, and in addition to the water being supplied through the main water supply passage 84, water is also supplied through the sub-water supply passage 94 and the detergent supply passage 95.

[0104] When washing laundry partially with ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the washing water in water tank 210 may adhere to the user's hands. In such a case, the user can wash his / her hands with the water flowing down into washing / drying tank 22 from water inlet 85a above washing / drying tank 22.

[0105] The control unit 701 monitors whether the amount of water supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 has reached the upper limit water supply amount, i.e., whether the water level in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 has reached the upper limit water level (S303). Furthermore, the control unit 701 monitors whether the washing operation has ended (S304). If the upper limit water level, i.e., the upper limit water supply amount, is reached before the washing operation ends (S303: YES), the control unit 701 closes the main valve 82 and the sub-valve 83 to stop the water supply to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 (S305) and ends the water supply process. Furthermore, if the washing operation ends before the upper limit water supply amount is reached (S303: NO → S304: YES), the control unit 701 also stops the water supply to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 (S305) and ends the water supply process.

[0106] During the wash operation, when wash water is replenished into the storage tank 60, the automatic supply mechanism 90 is used for this replenishment. Therefore, under the control of the control unit 701, only water is supplied into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 through the main water supply passage 84 while the replenishment is being performed, and as soon as the replenishment is completed, water supply is resumed through the sub water supply passage 94 and the detergent supply passage 95. Note that while the replenishment is being performed, the supply of water into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 through the main water supply passage 84 may be temporarily stopped.

[0107] 12, water containing detergent is stored in washing and spin-drying tub 22 up to the maximum upper limit water supply amount, that is, the upper limit water level, during the cleaning operation in the ultrasonic cleaning step.

[0108] 11, when the ultrasonic cleaning process ends due to the end of the cleaning operation, the control unit 701 temporarily suspends the operation of the continuous operation course and waits for a restart operation to be performed (S14). For example, at least one of the operation of the start button 613 and the operation of closing the top lid 15 is regarded as the restart operation. The closing of the top lid 15 can be detected by an opening / closing switch (not shown).

[0109] The user loads the laundry that has been partially washed with ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into washing and spin-drying tub 22, and when preparations for the washing operation are complete, performs a restart operation.

[0110] When the restart operation is performed (S14: YES), the control unit 701 judges whether or not the supply of the upper limit water supply amount into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 has been completed (S15). If the supply of the upper limit water supply amount has not been completed (S15: NO), the control unit 701 supplies additional water into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 until the upper limit water supply amount, i.e., the upper limit water level, is reached (S16).

[0111] When the supply of the upper limit amount of water to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 is completed (S15: YES), or when the supply of the upper limit amount of water is completed by the additional water supply in S16, the control unit 701 starts the washing operation and executes the washing process (S17). At this time, the upper limit amount of water, which is the amount of water required for the washing process, is already stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22. Therefore, in the washing process, water is not supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22, and the washing operation by the pulsator 24 is immediately started.

[0112] When the washing step is completed, the control unit 701 executes the intermediate spin-drying step, the rinsing step, and the final spin-drying step in that order (S18, S19, S20). When the final spin-drying step is completed, the washing operation ends, and the operation of the continuous operation course ends. Note that, in the washing operation, the intermediate spin-drying step and the rinsing step may be performed multiple times, for example, twice.

[0113] <Effects of the embodiment> According to this embodiment, the control unit 701 executes a continuous operation course in which a washing operation is performed following a cleaning operation, and during the continuous operation course, while the cleaning operation is being performed, causes the water supply unit 80 to supply water into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 for the washing step of the washing operation. With this configuration, since water is supplied into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 for the washing step while the cleaning operation is being performed, the total operation time when a washing operation is performed following a cleaning operation can be shortened. This makes it possible to shorten the time required to wash laundry, including partial washing.

[0114] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, water supply unit 80 discharges water into washing and dehydrating tub 22 from above washing and dehydrating tub 22. With this configuration, when the washing water in water tank 210 adheres to the user's hands during the washing operation, the user can wash his or her hands by using the water supplied into washing and dehydrating tub 22 during the washing operation.

[0115] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 701 suspends the operation of the continuous operation course when the washing operation is completed, and then resumes the operation of the continuous operation course when the restart operation is detected. With this configuration, the operation can be resumed and the washing operation can be started after preparations for the washing operation are completed, such as when the laundry that has been partially washed is put into the washing and spin-drying tub 22.

[0116] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 701 determines the amount of wash water supply required for the washing process based on the load amount of laundry in the washing and dehydrating tub 22 detected by the rotation detection unit 650, which is the load amount detection unit, before the supply of water to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 is started, and sets the determined amount of wash water supply as the upper limit amount of water supply to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 in the washing operation. According to this configuration, it is possible to store the amount of wash water supply in the washing and dehydrating tub 22 during the washing operation, and it is possible to significantly shorten the time required for washing the laundry, including partial washing.

[0117] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 701 operates the ultrasonic generator 110 during the cleaning operation while the presence of laundry is detected by the distance sensor 640, which is the presence / absence detection unit. With this configuration, the operation of the ultrasonic generator 110 stops when laundry is not being washed by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, so that it is possible to prevent the user from unintentionally touching the ultrasonic generator 110 during operation.

[0118] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications of the embodiment of the present invention are possible.

[0119] <Change Example 1> 13 is a flowchart showing an operation control process for a continuous operation course according to Modification Example 1. The operation control process for the continuous operation course in FIG. 13 includes the control process for the cleaning operation in FIG. 10(a) and the water supply process in FIG.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the control unit 701 detects the load of laundry in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 before the ultrasonic cleaning process, and determines the amount of washing water supply for the washing process of the washing operation performed after the ultrasonic cleaning process based on the detected load, and sets the determined washing water supply amount as the upper limit water supply amount.

[0121] In this modified example 1, the minimum value of the washing water supply amount determined based on the laundry load amount is set as the upper limit water supply amount to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 during the washing operation. Furthermore, after the ultrasonic cleaning process is completed, the load amount is detected, and the washing water supply amount is set based on the detected load amount.

[0122] 13, the control unit 701 sets the upper limit water supply amount for water supply into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 in the next ultrasonic cleaning process (S31). At this time, the minimum value of the washing water supply amount determined based on the laundry load is set as the upper limit water supply amount. That is, the minimum value of the washing water level corresponding to the washing water supply amount is set as the upper limit water level corresponding to the upper limit water supply amount.

[0123] Next, the control unit 701 executes the ultrasonic cleaning process (S32). The control unit 701 executes the control process of the cleaning operation of Fig. 10(a) and the water supply process of Fig. 12, as in the ultrasonic cleaning process in the continuous operation course of the above embodiment. The cleaning operation partially washes the laundry. Furthermore, the water supply process accumulates the minimum amount of washing water supply determined based on the load amount of the laundry in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 at the maximum during the cleaning operation.

[0124] When the ultrasonic cleaning process is completed, the control unit 701 temporarily suspends the operation of the continuous operation course. When a restart operation is performed (S33: YES), the control unit 701 detects the water level in the washing and spin-drying tub 22, which corresponds to the amount of water supplied, as the amount of water supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 during the cleaning operation, by the water level sensor 620 (S34). Then, the control unit 701 rotates the pulsator 24 by the drive motor 31 to detect the load amount of laundry in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 (S35). When detecting the load amount, since water is stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22, the rotating pulsator 24 is subjected to a load of water in addition to the load of laundry. The load of water increases as the amount of water supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 during the cleaning operation increases. Therefore, the control unit 701 corrects the detected load amount so that the load amount decreases as the amount of water supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 during the cleaning operation increases (S36).

[0125] Next, the control unit 701 sets the amount of wash water to be supplied based on the corrected load amount (S37). Then, the control unit 701 starts supplying water to the washing / drying tub 22 (S38), and when the water level in the washing / drying tub 22 reaches the washing water level corresponding to the amount of wash water to be supplied (S39: YES), stops the water supply (S40).

[0126] Thereafter, the control unit 701 starts the washing operation in the same manner as the continuous operation course of the above embodiment, and executes the washing step, the intermediate spin-drying step, the rinsing step, and the final spin-drying step in that order (S41 to S44). When the final spin-drying step ends, the washing operation ends, and the operation of the continuous operation course ends.

[0127] According to the configuration of this modified example 1, as in the above embodiment, water is supplied into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 for the washing process while the cleaning operation is being performed, thereby shortening the time required to wash laundry, including partial washing.

[0128] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the present modified example 1, the load amount can be detected in a state where the laundry that has been partially washed in the washing operation is certainly accommodated in the washing and dehydrating tub 22. Furthermore, since the detected load amount is corrected according to the amount of water supplied to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 during the washing operation, the detected load amount can be accurately corrected, and the amount of washing water supply can be accurately set.

[0129] <Other changes> In the above embodiment, in the water supply process of FIG. 12, the control unit 701 starts supplying water into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 after the supply of washing water to the water tank 210 in the washing operation is completed. However, the control unit 701 may start supplying water into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 at the same time as the start of the washing operation. In this case, since the automatic supply mechanism 90 is used to supply washing water to the water tank 210, only water is supplied through the main water supply path 84 until the supply of washing water is completed. Then, after the supply of washing water is completed, the automatic supply mechanism 90 supplies detergent into the washing and spin-drying tub 22, and thereafter, the water supplied through the sub water supply path 94 and the detergent supply path 95 is added to the water supplied through the main water supply path 84.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the water supply process of Fig. 12, when the cleaning operation ends before water is supplied up to the upper limit of the water supply amount into the washing and spin-drying tub 22, the control unit 701 stops the water supply. However, the control unit 701 may not stop the water supply even when the cleaning operation ends until water is supplied up to the upper limit of the water supply amount into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. In this case, if the supply of the upper limit of the water supply amount is not completed when the cleaning operation ends, the control unit 701 waits for the water supply to be completed, ends the ultrasonic cleaning process of S13 in Fig. 11, and interrupts the operation. Furthermore, additional water is not supplied into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 in S16 in Fig. 11.

[0131] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the load amount of laundry in the washing and spinning tub 22 was detected by using the rotation detection unit 650 to detect the amount of inertial rotation when the pulsator 24 was rotated. However, the method of detecting the load amount is not limited to the above, and any method may be used. For example, the load amount may be detected by using a current detection unit to detect the magnitude of the current flowing through the drive motor 31 when the pulsator 24 is rotated. In this case, the current detection unit serves as the load amount detection unit.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the control process of the washing operation in Fig. 10(a), the washing operation is ended based on the elapse of the washing time. However, the washing operation may be ended based on another event, such as a termination operation.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the distance sensor 640 is used as a presence / absence detection unit for detecting whether or not laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110. However, a detection element other than the distance sensor 640, such as a photosensor, may be used as the presence / absence detection unit. Furthermore, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may not be provided with a presence / absence detection unit such as the distance sensor 640, and the ultrasonic generator 110 may be constantly operating during the cleaning operation.

[0134] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the storage tank 60 is provided, but a configuration may be adopted in which the storage tank 60 is not provided and flush water is supplied directly from the water supply unit 80 to the water tank 210.

[0135] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, cleaning water, which is water mixed with detergent, is supplied to storage tank 60 by water supply unit 80 and stored in water tank 210. However, water without detergent mixed in may be supplied to storage tank 60 by water supply unit 80 and stored in water tank 210.

[0136] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 may be configured to automatically dispense detergent and fabric softener. In this case, a fabric softener tank that contains liquid fabric softener is provided. The fabric softener tank is connected to the sub-supply passage 94 via a supply pipe and a three-way valve. During the rinsing process, the fabric softener in the fabric softener tank is supplied into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 by an operation similar to that of supplying detergent from the detergent tank 91.

[0137] Furthermore, the configuration of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be any configuration as long as the laundry can be cleaned by the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator 110.

[0138] Furthermore, the configurations of the water supply unit 80 and the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 are not limited to those in the above embodiment. The water supply unit 80 may have any configuration as long as it can supply water to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 and the storage tank 60, and the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 may have any configuration as long as it can supply detergent to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 and the storage tank 60.

[0139] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water supply unit 80 includes the automatic filling mechanism 90. However, the water supply unit 80 may be configured not to include the automatic filling mechanism.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided in the fully automatic washing machine 1. However, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may be provided in a washing machine other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, for example, a drum type washing machine. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may also be provided in, for example, a fully automatic washer-dryer or a drum type washer-dryer having a drying function. In the drum type washing machine and the drum type washer-dryer, a drum, which is a washing tub, is disposed in an outer tub.

[0141] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1. Fully automatic washing machine (washing machine) 10. Chassis 22 Washing and spinning tub (washing tub) 50 Ultrasonic cleaning equipment 80 Water supply unit (water supply section) 110 Ultrasonic generator 640 Distance sensor (presence detection section) 650 Rotation detector (load detector) 701 Control Unit

Claims

1. A washing tub disposed in the housing and accommodating laundry; A water supply unit that supplies water into the washing tub; an ultrasonic cleaning device that includes an ultrasonic generator and a water tank located below the ultrasonic generator and that stores cleaning water containing detergent, and that cleans laundry with ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator; a control unit that executes an operation course in which a washing operation for washing the laundry contained in the washing tub is performed subsequent to a washing operation for washing the laundry by the ultrasonic cleaning device; an automatic supply mechanism for automatically supplying detergent into the washing tub when water is supplied into the washing tub in the washing operation and supplying the washing water to be stored in the water tank in the cleaning operation; The control unit is When the washing operation is being performed, the water supply unit is caused to supply water into the washing tub for a washing step of the washing operation, When supplying water into the washing tub while the washing operation is being performed, the automatic supply mechanism is controlled to supply the washing water to the water tank, and then the automatic supply mechanism is controlled to supply detergent into the washing tub when supplying water. A washing machine characterized by:

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, The water supply unit discharges water into the washing tub from above the washing tub. A washing machine characterized by:

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit is interrupting the operation of the operation course based on the completion of the cleaning operation; restarting the operation course based on the detection of an operation for restarting the operation course; A washing machine characterized by:

4. In the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The washing machine further includes a load amount detection unit for detecting a load amount of laundry contained in the washing tub, The control unit is determining an amount of water to be supplied for the washing step based on the load amount detected by the load amount detection unit before the supply of water into the washing tub is started; The determined amount of water required for the washing step is set as an upper limit amount of water to be supplied to the washing tub in the washing operation. A washing machine characterized by:

5. In the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The washing machine further includes a load amount detection unit for detecting a load amount of laundry contained in the washing tub, The control unit is A minimum value of the amount of water to be supplied in the washing step, which is determined based on the load amount detected by the load amount detection unit, is set as an upper limit of the amount of water to be supplied to the washing tub in the washing operation; After the washing operation is completed, the load amount detected by the load amount detection unit is corrected according to the amount of water supplied into the washing tub during the washing operation, and the amount of water required for the washing step is determined based on the corrected load amount. A washing machine characterized by:

6. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The ultrasonic washing machine further includes a presence / absence detection unit for detecting whether or not laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator, The control unit operates the ultrasonic generator while the presence / absence detection unit detects the presence of laundry during the cleaning operation. A washing machine characterized by:

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