washing machine

Abstract

When selecting the automatic operation of the tub cleaning, which includes a soaking process in which the inner tub is immersed in water stored in the outer tub, the motor may start to rotate at night or early in the morning, requiring the user to calculate the time and duration. [Solution] A washing machine is provided that has a built-in clock and a means for allowing the user to set in advance a time period during which the motor cannot be operated, and that warns the user if the start time of the main tub wash after the end of soaking falls within the above-mentioned time period during automatic tub cleaning operation.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] It is known that repeated washing cycles in washing machines cause dirt to adhere to the inside of the inner and outer tubs, which can lead to the development of black mold, etc. When such dirt accumulates, it can peel off during the wash and rinse cycles and adhere to laundry.

[0003] For this reason, washing machines have traditionally been equipped with an automatic tub cleaning function. In the automatic tub cleaning mode, the user selects tub cleaning. Water supply starts, and the user adds detergent specifically for tub cleaning and closes the lid. After the water supply stops, the washing tub, pulsator, and drum rotate for a few minutes, after which the machine enters a soaking process that lasts for about 8 to 12 hours. The control program stops the motor during this soaking process. After the soaking process is complete, the machine enters a main tub wash and several rinses. The tub cleaning process often takes more than 10 hours to complete automatically. for example, The Hitachi NW-T73 user manual states: It states that the tank cleaning takes 11 hours and the tank drying takes 30 minutes, and the 11 hours of tank cleaning includes the 600 minutes of soaking. It also recommends that the tank be cleaned once every 1-2 months. The Haier AQW-P70A user manual states: It states that the tub cleaning time is 12 hours. The 12 hours of tub cleaning includes an 11-hour soaking period. It also states that care should be taken not to leave the cleaning solution in the machine for more than 24 hours, as this can cause the machine to malfunction. It also states that when cleaning the tub, water is supplied 4 centimeters higher than the maximum water level during automatic washing.

[0004] JP 2016-13364 discloses a washing machine that has a clock and goes into silent mode at night. In JP 2013-226241, a vertical or drum type water dispenser consisting of a housing, an outer tank, and an inner tank is described. A washing machine or a washer-dryer capable of cleaning the tub is disclosed. Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1681 / 1989 discloses a fully automatic washing machine with a washable tub. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 7-299280 discloses an automatic washing machine having, within one fully automatic course, a course for sizing clothes and a course for cleaning the washing tub after sizing of the clothes is completed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-99586 discloses a technique for automatically cleaning the tub of a rotary drum washing machine, in which the rotary drum is rotated for a predetermined period of time during the process and then left in a soaking state. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-244090 discloses a user-friendly washing machine that changes the sound output of an alarm sound between daytime and nighttime, thereby reducing the volume of the alarm sound even when used at night, thereby reducing sleep disturbance and nuisance to neighbors. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-248295 discloses a washing machine in which, when cleaning the tub, water is automatically supplied at a level higher than the maximum water level during washing, and the tub cleaning process includes a soaking process. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-284888 discloses a washing machine equipped with an operation panel for additional operations in addition to basic operations. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-81508 discloses a washing machine that is provided with an automatic tub cleaning course and an operation panel for operating the course. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2013-226241 [Patent Document 2] Published in 1681-1989 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 7-299280 [Patent Document 4] JP 10-99586 [Patent Document 5] Patent Publication No. 10-244090 [Patent Document 6] Patent Publication No. 2002-248295 [Patent Document 7] Patent Publication No. 2003-284888 [Patent Document 8] Patent Publication No. 2004-81508 [Patent Document 9] Patent Publication No. 2016-13364 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a vertical or drum-type cleaning device that is composed of a housing, an outer tank, and an inner tank. A washing machine or a washer-dryer capable of cleaning the tub is disclosed. Patent Document 2 discloses a fully automatic washing machine that can wash the tub. Patent Document 3 discloses an automatic washing machine having, within one fully automatic course, a course for sizing clothes and a course for cleaning the washing tub after sizing of the clothes is completed. Patent Document 4 discloses a technology for automatically cleaning the tub of a rotary drum washing machine, and during this process, for rotating the rotary drum for a predetermined period of time and then leaving the laundry in a soaking state. Patent Document 5 discloses a user-friendly washing machine that changes the sound output of an alarm between daytime and nighttime, thereby reducing the volume of the alarm even when used at night, thereby reducing sleep disturbance and nuisance to neighbors. Patent Document 6 discloses a washing machine that automatically supplies water to a level higher than the maximum water level during washing when cleaning the tub, and also includes a soaking step. Patent Document 7 discloses a washing machine equipped with an operation panel for additional operations in addition to basic operations. Patent Document 8 discloses a washing machine that is provided with an automatic tub cleaning course and an operation panel for operating the course. Patent Document 9 discloses a washing machine that has a clock and goes into silent mode at night. However, there has been no washing machine that allows the user to preset a time period during which the motor cannot be operated.

[0007] When cleaning a tank that includes a soaking process, As shown in Figure 7, after the first washing process, there is a soaking process, and then the second washing process. The second washing process may start at night or early in the morning. In apartment complexes, this could be a nuisance to neighbors. Therefore, users should carefully read the instruction manual and It was necessary to calculate in advance the time it would take for the motor to rotate. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, To provide a washing machine whose tub can be washed safely. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A clock is built into the washing machine. By providing a means for setting a time period during which the motor cannot be operated in advance, To enable cleaning of a tank without causing a nuisance to the neighborhood.

[0009] The washing machine of the present invention has a built-in clock and is equipped with an outer tub that stores wash water inside the washing machine, an inner tub that is disposed within the outer tub and stores clothes, a tub cleaning means that performs a water supply process that supplies water to the outer tub, a soaking process that immerses the inner tub in water stored in the outer tub, and a drainage process that drains the water from the outer tub, thereby cleaning the outer tub and the inner tub, and a means that can set time periods during which the motor cannot be operated. Effect of the Invention

[0010] It has a built-in clock, A washing machine that can set the time periods during which the motor cannot be operated Tank cleaning and Automatic washing including soaking process, When booking laundry, This prevents the motor from running at night or early in the morning. As a result, you won't have to worry about causing a nuisance to your neighbors. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a basic block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a washing machine according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] This is a diagram in which an input unit for external information is added to the electrical configuration of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1 in order to transmit the setting of the motor disable time period set on an external terminal to the washing machine using a storage medium. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of FIG. 2 to which a communication unit for operating from an external terminal is added. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of a washing machine of the present invention, with a battery section for a clock section added. [Diagram 5] 2 is an example of a display and operation panel in the washing machine of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing an example of an operation for setting a time period during which the motor cannot be operated in the washing machine of the present invention, and an example of a display or process of the washing machine. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing a conventional automatic operation of tank cleaning. [Figure 8] 2 is a flowchart showing an automatic operation of tub cleaning of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 2 is a flowchart showing how to change the soaking time in the automatic operation of the tub cleaning of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 2 is a flowchart showing an automatic washing operation including a soaking wash process of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing how to change the soaking time in automatic washing operation including a soaking wash step of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the automatic operation pattern when a washing machine is scheduled for washing. [Figure 13]This is a flowchart showing the automatic operation pattern when a washing machine is scheduled to wash including a soaking process. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing how to change the soaking time during automatic operation when a washing machine is scheduled to perform a wash including a soaking step. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing is merely a schematic illustration to allow a sufficient understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0013] (Conventional tank cleaning) Conventional tank cleaning will now be described. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of conventional tank cleaning. When the Tub Cleaning button is selected, Water supply begins and continues until the water level reaches the level required for cleaning the tank (S2). During this time, the user adds tank cleaning detergent. When the lid of the washing machine is closed, the washing machine enters the first wash cycle to mix the tub cleaning detergent evenly (S3). Once the first washing step is completed, the soaking step begins (S4). After a predetermined time has elapsed and the soaking process is completed, the second washing process begins (S5). Then S6, S7, S8 and S9 are carried out. It is preferable that steps S6 to S9 are repeated two or three times. In addition, after S9, a drying step is preferably carried out. During steps S3, S5, S7, and S9, as well as the drying process, the motor operates and the washing tub, pulsator, and drum rotate. Because the machine was not equipped with a clock, no warning was given during tub cleaning, and the second washing process of tub cleaning sometimes began at night or early in the morning.

[0014] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] The washing machine 1 according to this embodiment shown in FIG. The watch is equipped with a clock section. The time display section that displays the time is equipped on the display. After purchasing a washing machine, the user or installer sets the time as the initial setting. Figure 5 shows an example of a display and operation panel. After turning on the power, the clock is set by operating this panel. As shown in Figure 4, it is preferable to provide a battery unit in the washing machine so that the clock function can be maintained for a certain period of time even if power is cut off due to a power outage or the like.

[0016] The washing machine of the present invention is Apart from the clock, The motor is provided with a means for setting a time period during which the motor cannot be operated. An example of a control program is: This section describes time conversion in this washing machine. If the current time is x hours and y minutes in 24-hour format, convert the time to minutes using the formula 60 x + y. Let z be the time in minutes. When z reaches 1440, reset it to 0. For example, if it is 21:30, z is 1290, If it is 10:45 a.m., z becomes 645. If it is 23:59, z becomes 1439. At 12:00 PM z is reset to 0.

[0017] An example of a control program is: This section describes time conversion during periods when the motor cannot operate. When the start of the motor non-operation time period is set to a:b, it is converted to c:c using the formula 60 x a + b. When the end of the motor non-operating time period is set to d hours and e minutes, it is converted to f minutes using the formula 60 x d + e.

[0018] FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of the automatic operation of the washing machine tub cleaning in the present invention. Describe the time for each process. The water supply in S2 is for 15 minutes (although it is about 5 minutes, it is set to 15 minutes for safety). The first washing process in S3 is for α minutes, The soaking process in S4 is for β minutes, The processes from S5 to S9 are for γ minutes, In the automatic operation set as such, When f < z < c - (15 + α + β + γ) or, When c - 20 > z > f + 1440 - (15 + α + β), the control program that is not a warning target is adopted by the time determination unit in FIGS. 1 to 4. In the case of NW-T73 manufactured by Hitachi, There is a course in which an 11-hour tank cleaning including a 600-minute soaking process for tank cleaning and a 30-minute drying are set. In this case, the 30 minutes of the drying process can be set as a control program incorporated into γ. When the user sets the non-operable time of the motor from 23:00 to 7:00, 420 < z < 690 (starting from 07:00 to 11:30) Or when 1170 > z > 1360 (starting from 19:30 to 22:40), it is not a warning target It will be program controlled. 420 < z < 690 (starting from 07:00 to 11:30) Or when the tank cleaning button is pressed other than when 420 < z < 690 (starting from 07:00 to 11:30) Or when 1170 > z > 1360 (starting from 19:30 to 22:40), a warning is issued, When starting from 07:00 to 11:30, the soaking process is carried out outside the non-operable time zone of the motor. When starting from 19:30 to 22:40, the soaking process is carried out during the non-operable time zone of the motor.

[0019] An example of the flow of setting the non-operable time zone of the motor is shown in FIG. 6. That time zone is After setting the clock, The user or installer The settings are made by operating the display and operation panel as shown in Figure 5. Of course, you can use the washing machine without setting this time period, but it would be better to have a warning on the panel to let you know that it has not been set. This setting can be used not only on the washing machine panel, It would be even easier to use if the settings could be made from an external device with a dedicated app installed. A portable storage medium is used from the external device. In this case, a dedicated external information input unit is equipped on the washing machine. This external information input unit includes an insertion slot for the storage medium (Figure 2). Examples include SD cards and USB memory sticks. Also, a communication unit may be added to the washing machine in addition to the recording medium, so that the time can be adjusted and the motor disable time can be set from an external terminal via the communication means (Figure 3).

[0020] In a washing machine with a motor disable time period set, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 8, after the user presses the button to start the tub cleaning course, a decision is made from that time on whether or not to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum for tub cleaning during the motor disable time period. If it is determined that the motor will not rotate during the above time period, The tank starts to operate automatically and water supply begins. . If it is determined that the motor is rotating during the above time period, the automatic operation of the tank is automatically canceled and the power is automatically turned off. This allows users to avoid causing a nuisance to their neighbors.

[0021] Second embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, after issuing a warning, the tank cleaning is automatically canceled and the power is turned off. In that case, a user who wants to clean the tank ignoring the motor non-operation time period must turn the power back on and change the settings for the motor non-operation time period. This is inconvenient. In the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, a means is provided to change the soaking time on the spot after the warning is issued. This makes it possible to change the soaking time. The user can change the soaking time using the operation panel.

[0022] In the second embodiment, The washing machine will sound a warning or light a warning light, and then the clock display on the control panel in Figure 5 will flash to show the default soak time. The user uses the up and down arrow keys to change the soaking time and presses the decision button. Note that this change in soaking time only applies to that wash or wash session, and will be reset to the default value each time a wash or wash session is completed. During the time when the motor cannot operate, If it is determined that the motor should not rotate, the automatic operation of the tank begins and water supply begins. As shown in Figure 5, if the control program can display the recommended soaking time, operation will be easier. Therefore, if there is a help screen such as an LCD that can display the recommended time, operation will be even easier. Let's take Hitachi's NW-T73 as an example. Regarding the time when tank cleaning can start, As already disclosed, If the tank cleaning start time is between 7:00 and 11:30, we recommend shortening the soaking time. If it is between 19:30 and 22:40, we recommend extending the soaking time. In the case of shortening the time, it is expected that the effectiveness of tank cleaning will decrease, A limit to the shortening may be set.

[0023] Third embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0024] (Soaking effect) In the past, washing with a washing machine Washing was done by automatic operation of the washing machine. Time saving was prioritized, and in many cases the washing process was completed and the laundry was drained without the detergent's full potential. It is well known that soaking laundry in the laundry allows the detergent to fully utilize its potential and improves the cleaning and disinfecting effects. The third embodiment is This is an application of the first embodiment to laundry that includes a soaking process. Fig. 10 shows the automatic washing operation including the soaking process.

[0025] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which the soaking time can be changed in the third embodiment. The flow is shown in Figure 11.

[0026] Fifth embodiment The fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0027] (Reservation function) There have been washing machines with a timer function in the past. However, all of them only scheduled the start and end time from the current time. With this invention, it becomes possible to schedule the completion time of the wash.

[0028] Water supply is completed at 12 liters per minute. The fifth embodiment is made possible by a control program that determines the start time by calculating backwards from the completion time of the scheduled wash or wash & dry process, assuming that drainage is completed at 20 liters per minute, the time required for each process. Because the time it takes to fill and drain water varies depending on living conditions, the time the wash is actually completed may differ slightly from the scheduled time, but for this reason, it should be noted in the instruction manual that this is within the margin of error.

[0029] (An example of a user's operation in the fifth embodiment) The user places the laundry in the inner tub and presses the reservation button shown in Figure 5. The washing machine determines the amount of water by the laundry weight calculation unit and the water amount determination unit shown in FIG. 1, and displays the amount of water for the washing on the water amount display unit shown in FIG. Also, the clock display section of the operation panel in Figure 5 The current time will flash. The user operates the arrow keys to change the current time to the desired time for completion of the washing and presses the "OK" button. The time display will change to the reserved time, the flashing will change to a steady light, and the "Reserved" light in the row of process pilot lights will light up. This will let the user know the time of the reservation and that the reservation has been completed. The washing machine then starts supplying water. The user pours in detergent and closes the lid. Water supply will begin up to the determined amount. The water level is determined by the weight of the laundry. When the water level sensor in Figure 5 detects this, water supply is complete. The flow of the fifth embodiment is shown in FIG. As shown in this flowchart, operation will be suspended once water supply has finished. The washing machine is calculated according to the amount of water. Calculate the total time required after S5 and the time required for drainage and water supply. The start time of the washing is determined by counting backwards from the reserved completion time of the washing.

[0030] (Example of reservation time and start time for washing) In the fifth embodiment, Below is an example where the amount of water is determined to be 48 liters. When the standard course is selected and 48 liters of water is used for washing, the program is as follows: If the washing process is 7 minutes 12 seconds, the rinsing process is 8 minutes, and the spin cycle is 5 minutes, In the reservation of the fifth embodiment, The spin cycle of S9 takes 5 minutes, the drain cycle of S8 takes 2 minutes 24 seconds, the rinse cycle of S7 takes 8 minutes including the water supply, S6 takes 2 minutes 24 seconds, and the washing cycle of S5 takes 7 minutes 12 seconds, making the total time from the washing cycle to the completion of the laundry 25 minutes. If a reservation is made to complete laundry at 8:00, This means your reservation for S5 starting at 7:35 has been completed. In addition, in the process of drying for 20 minutes after dehydration, If drying completion is scheduled for 8:00, Reservations are for S5 starting at 7:15.

[0031] The flow of the fifth embodiment may be a type in which the first washing step is carried out immediately after water supply, and then the soaking step is started, as shown in FIG. For this type of booking, The second washing process in S6 in Figure 13 begins when Calculate the total time required from S6 onwards, plus the time required for draining and refilling water, The start time of the washing is determined by counting backwards from the reserved completion time of the washing.

[0032] Sixth embodiment A sixth embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0033] The sixth embodiment is When implementing the fifth embodiment, This prevents the motor from rotating in the early morning or at night. An example is shown in Figure 14.

Claims

1. It has a built-in clock, A means for setting a time period during which the motor cannot be operated; A means for automatically operating the tank cleaning process including the soaking and washing process; When automatic tank cleaning is selected, The rotation of the washing tub, pulsator, and drum If the motor rotation is not possible during the time period, a means for warning the user is provided. Equipped washing machine.

2. It has a built-in clock, A means for setting a time period during which the motor cannot be operated; An automatic operation means for tank cleaning including a soaking washing process; When automatic tank cleaning is selected, The rotation of the washing tub, pulsator, and drum a means for warning a user when the motor rotation is disabled during the period of time; In this case, the washing machine is equipped with a means for changing the soaking time.

3. It has a built-in clock, A means for setting a time period during which the motor cannot be operated; A means for automatically operating a laundry machine including a soaking process; When automatic washing operation including the soaking wash step is selected, The rotation of the washing tub, pulsator, and drum a means for warning a user when the motor rotation is disabled during the period of time; Equipped with a washing machine.

4. It has a built-in clock, A means for setting a time period during which the motor cannot be operated; A means for automatically operating a laundry machine including a soaking process; When automatic washing operation including the soaking wash step is selected, The rotation of the washing tub, pulsator, and drum a means for warning a user when the motor rotation is disabled during the period of time; In this case, the washing machine is provided with a means for allowing the user to choose whether to shorten or extend the soaking time.

5. It has a built-in clock, A means for setting a time period during which the motor cannot be operated; Means for automatic operation of the washing machine; An automatic washing operation means for programming the time for completion of washing or drying; When self-driving reservation is selected, The rotation of the washing tub, pulsator, and drum If this is done during the time period when the motor cannot rotate, a means for issuing a warning to a user; Equipped with a washing machine.

6. It has a built-in clock, A means for setting a time period during which the motor cannot be operated; Means for automatic operation of the washing machine; An automatic washing operation means for programming the time for completion of washing or drying; When self-driving reservation is selected, The rotation of the washing tub, pulsator, and drum If this is done during the time period when the motor cannot rotate, A means for issuing a warning to a user, and a means for allowing the user to change the washing completion time when the warning is issued; Equipped with a washing machine.

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