Washing machine and washing method

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of adding a drying step after washing is started.SOLUTION: A washing machine 100 includes a control unit 120 and an instruction unit 15a. The control unit 120 executes a washing mode including a washing step, a rinsing step or a dewatering step. The instruction unit 15a instructs addition of a drying step while executing the washing mode. The control unit 120 executes the drying step after completing the washing mode, in the case where the addition of the drying step is instructed. It is preferable that the washing machine 100 further includes a temporary stop instruction unit 15b for instructing the execution of the washing mode to be stopped temporarily.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, washing machines equipped with a drying function are known (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-018256 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With conventional washing machines, it is not possible to add a drying cycle after the wash has started.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine and a washing method that can add a drying process after starting washing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a washing machine includes a control unit and an instruction unit. The control unit executes a washing mode including a washing process, a rinsing process, or a spin-drying process. The instruction unit instructs addition of a drying process. When the instruction to add the drying process is received during execution of the washing mode, the control unit executes the drying process after completion of the washing mode.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a laundry method includes the steps of executing a laundry mode including a washing process, a rinsing process, or a spin-drying process, instructing the addition of a drying process, and, if the addition of the drying process is instructed during execution of the laundry mode, executing the drying process after completion of the laundry mode. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a drying step can be added after starting the washing process. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing an additional drying process of the washing machine of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a laundry system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a laundry system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing an additional drying process of the washing system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] A description will be given of a washing machine 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 100 includes a housing 1, a lid 10, a lid-opening button 13, a connection port 14, and an operation panel 15.

[0013] The housing 1 houses various functional parts (see FIG. 2). In the example of FIG. 1, the housing 1 is a vertically long, approximately rectangular parallelepiped casing. The housing 1 has an opening 11. The opening 11 is located on the front surface of the housing 1.

[0014] The lid 10 is provided on the opening 11. When the lid 10 is closed, it covers and blocks the opening 11. On the other hand, when the lid 10 is open, it opens the opening 11. For example, the lid 10 is supported by a hinge portion so that it can be opened and closed. The lid opening button 13 is provided on the front surface of the housing 1 and is adjacent to the lid 10. When the lid opening button 13 is operated, the lid 10 opens.

[0015] The connection port 14 is provided on the upper part of the housing 1. The connection port 14 is connected to a water supply source such as a water mains.

[0016] The operation panel 15 is provided on the upper part of the housing 1. The operation panel 15 receives input operations for the washing machine 100 from a user, and displays various information.

[0017] Next, a further description will be given of the washing machine 100. FIG.

[0018] 2, the washing machine 100 further includes a washing unit 110 and a control unit 120. The washing unit 110 and the control unit 120 are housed inside the housing 1.

[0019] The washing section 110 washes laundry. Specifically, the washing section 110 has a water tub 2, a rotating drum 3, and a drum motor 4.

[0020] Water tub 2 is a bottomed tubular (e.g., cylindrical) container. Therefore, one end of water tub 2 is open. In other words, water tub 2 has an opening 20. Rotating drum 3 is disposed inside water tub 2. Water tub 2 is inclined obliquely upward with respect to the horizontal direction. Water is supplied to water tub 2 through connection port 14. Water tub 2 is supported within housing 1 so as to be able to swing.

[0021] The rotating drum 3 is a bottomed tubular (for example, cylindrical) container. Therefore, one end of the rotating drum 3 is open. That is, the rotating drum 3 has an opening 30. The opening 30 is disposed inside the opening 20. The rotating drum 3 is inclined obliquely upward with respect to the horizontal direction. The rotating drum 3 has a large number of small holes 32 (only some of which are shown). The large number of small holes 32 are formed penetrating the entire surface of the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 3. The rotating drum 3 receives laundry that is inserted through the openings 11, 20, and 30.

[0022] The rotating drum 3 is connected to an output shaft 40 of a drum motor 4. The drum motor 4 rotates the rotating drum 3. Therefore, the rotating drum 3 rotates inside the water tub 2. As the rotating drum 3 rotates, water containing laundry treatment agents such as detergent flows between the rotating drum 3 and the water tub 2 through a plurality of holes 32 in the rotating drum 3. As a result, the laundry is washed.

[0023] The control unit 120 controls the operation panel 15 and the washing unit 110 (specifically, the drum motor 4). The control unit 120 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0024] 2, the water supply to the washing machine 100 will be described. The washing machine 100 further includes a water supply valve 51, a main water supply pipe 52, a sub water supply pipe 53, a water supply nozzle 54, and a cooling water pipe 55. The water supply valve 51 is a multiple type solenoid valve. The water supply valve 51 has a first water supply outlet 51a, a second water supply outlet 51b, a third water supply outlet 51c, and a fourth water supply outlet 51d. The fourth water supply outlet 51d is connected to the connection port 14.

[0025] The first water supply outlet 51a is connected to the top surface of the aquarium 2 by a main water supply pipe 52. When the water supply valve 51 switches the water supply destination to the first water supply outlet 51a, the water supply from the water supply source and the connection port 14 is sent into the inside of the aquarium 2 through the main water supply pipe 52.

[0026] The second water supply outlet 51b is connected to the water supply nozzle 54 by an auxiliary water supply pipe 53. The water supply nozzle 54 is provided midway through the introduction duct 61. When the water supply valve 51 switches the water supply destination to the second water supply outlet 51b, the water supply from the water supply source and the connection port 14 reaches the water supply nozzle 54 through the auxiliary water supply pipe 53. Then, the water supply nozzle 54 supplies water into the inside of the introduction duct 61.

[0027] The third water supply outlet 51c is connected to the front lower part of the water tank 2 by a cooling water pipe 55. A groove 22 is formed in the water tank 2. The groove 22 extends in the axial direction on the lower peripheral surface of the water tank 2. The axial direction indicates the axial direction of the output shaft 40. A cooling plate 23 is arranged in the water tank 2 so as to cover the upper part of the groove 22. The cooling plate 23 is inclined upward with respect to the horizontal direction. When the water supply valve 51 switches the water supply destination to the third water supply outlet 51c, the water supply from the water supply source and the connection port 14 is sent to the front upper part of the cooling plate 23 through the cooling water pipe 55. The water sent to the front upper part of the cooling plate 23 flows backward along the upper surface of the cooling plate 23. The water flowing backward along the upper surface of the cooling plate 23 is used as cooling water for cooling the circulating dry air as described later.

[0028] Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, drainage from washing machine 100 will be described. Washing machine 100 further includes drainage unit 220. Drainage unit 220 drains water inside water tub 2 to the outside of housing 1. Specifically, drainage unit 220 has drainage pipe 24, drainage valve 26, and drainage hose 27. Drainage pipe 24 is connected to the rear end of groove 22. Drainage hose 27 communicates with the outside of housing 1.

[0029] Drain valve 26 opens and closes drain pipe 24. When drain valve 26 is open, drain pipe 24 is opened. As a result, water inside water tank 2 is discharged to the outside of housing 1 via drain pipe 24 and drain hose 27. On the other hand, when drain valve 26 is closed, drain pipe 24 is blocked. As a result, water is stored inside water tank 2. When drain valve 26 is closed, water is supplied to water tank 2.

[0030] 2, the drying function of washing machine 100 will be described. Washing machine 100 further includes dry air duct 59, drying section 160, connecting duct 63, and inlet pipe 64. Dry air duct 59 circulates dry air. Dry air duct 59 extends along the bottom surface of water tub 2. Specifically, dry air duct 59 has outlet duct 60 and inlet duct 61 formed integrally with water tub 2.

[0031] A lower portion of the outlet duct 60 communicates with an outlet port 62. The outlet port 62 opens toward the inside of the water tank 2 behind the cooling plate 23. An upper end portion of the outlet duct 60 communicates with a connecting duct 63.

[0032] The introduction duct 61 communicates with an introduction pipe 64. The introduction pipe 64 extends upward on the upper peripheral surface of the water tub 2. The output shaft 40 of the drum motor 4 protrudes from the introduction duct 61. The introduction duct 61 is also provided with an introduction port 65. The introduction port 65 opens toward the inside of the water tub 2. The introduction port 65 is circular, and is arranged so as to be coaxial with the output shaft 40.

[0033] The drying section 160 dries the laundry in the rotating drum 3. In detail, the drying section 160 has a fan 70, a filter 71, and a heater 72. The fan 70 generates dry air. The dry air is air for drying the laundry. The fan 70 is disposed above the water tub 2. The fan 70 is fixed inside the housing 1. The fan 70 is unitized with a filter 71 on the suction side of the fan 70 and a heater 72 on the discharge side of the fan 70. The filter 71 purifies the dry air on the suction side of the fan 70. The heater 72 heats the dry air on the discharge side of the fan 70. An end of the connecting duct 63 is connected to the suction side of the fan 70. An end of the introduction pipe 64 is connected to the discharge side of the fan 70.

[0034] In the dry air duct 59 and the drying section 160 configured as above, when the fan 70 is driven, the fan 70 sucks in dry air from the outlet duct 60 and the connecting duct 63 and pressurizes the dry air. The fan 70 then sends the dry air to the introduction duct 61 via the heater 72 and the introduction pipe 64. The dry air sent into the introduction duct 61 is dry air heated by the heater 72, and is introduced into the rotating drum 3 from the introduction port 65. The laundry in the rotating drum 3 is dried by the dry air. The dry air introduced into the rotating drum 3 flows out into the water tub 2 through the many small holes 32. The dry air that flows out into the water tub 2 is then led out into the outlet duct 60 via the outlet port 62, and is drawn into the fan 70 again via the connecting duct 63.

[0035] Specifically, in the drying operation of washing machine 100, control unit 120 drives fan 70 and operates heater 72. In addition, control unit 120 drives drum motor 4 to repeatedly rotate rotating drum 3. Furthermore, control unit 120 switches the water supply destination of water supply valve 51 to third water supply outlet 51c, and causes cooling water to flow onto cooling plate 23.

[0036] Dry air circulates inside dry air duct 59 by driving fan 70. The dry air is heated as it passes through heater 72 and is introduced into rotating drum 3. Laundry inside rotating drum 3 is repeatedly lifted and dropped by the rotation of drum motor 4. The dry air introduced into rotating drum 3 removes moisture from the laundry inside rotating drum 3 and flows out into water tub 2. The dry air then flows toward outlet 62 that opens at the bottom of water tub 2.

[0037] The dry air flowing in this manner comes into contact with the cooling water on the cooling plate 23 provided at the bottom of the water tank 2 and is cooled, becoming dry air from which the moisture contained therein has been condensed and removed. The dry air reaches the outlet 62 and is sent into the outlet duct 60. The moisture from which the condensation has been removed flows backward on the cooling plate 23 together with the cooling water, and falls into the recessed groove 22.

[0038] Meanwhile, the dry air rises in outlet duct 60, passes through connecting duct 63, and is sucked into fan 70 where it is pressurized. The dry air sent out by fan 70 is then reheated by heater 72 to become high-temperature, low-humidity hot air, which is then introduced into the rotating drum 3. The laundry inside rotating drum 3 is dried by repeatedly coming into contact with the dry air (hot air) circulating while being cooled and heated as described above.

[0039] Next, the modes executed by the control unit 120 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the washing machine 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the washing machine 100 further includes a memory unit 175. The washing machine 100 may further include a notification unit 90, a weather information acquisition unit 95, and an amount sensor 170. The operation panel 15 may further include a pause instruction button 15b. The pause instruction button 15b, the notification unit 90, the weather information acquisition unit 95, and the amount sensor 170 will be described later.

[0040] The storage unit 175 includes a storage device and stores data and computer programs. Specifically, the storage unit 175 includes a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and an auxiliary storage device such as a semiconductor memory and / or a solid-state drive. The storage unit 175 may include removable media. The storage unit 175 corresponds to an example of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0041] The control unit 120 executes a computer program stored in the storage unit 175 to execute the "wash mode", the "wash and dry mode" or the "dry only mode".

[0042] The "washing mode" includes a washing process, a rinsing process, or a spin-drying process. Hereinafter, the "washing mode" includes a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process. In addition, the "washing and drying mode" includes a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, and a drying process (drying operation). The "drying only mode" includes the drying process. The "drying only mode" does not include a washing process, a rinsing process, or a spin-drying process.

[0043] In the washing process, the laundry is washed with water containing detergent. In the rinsing process, detergent adhering to the laundry is rinsed. In the spin-drying process, moisture is removed from the laundry. In the drying process, the laundry is dried with dry air. Note that, for example, the length of the spin-drying time (spin-drying period) of the spin-drying process in the "washing mode" is shorter than the length of the spin-drying time (spin-drying period) of the spin-drying process in the "washing and drying mode."

[0044] The control unit 120 executes the "washing mode," "washing and drying mode," or "drying only mode" in accordance with the operation of the operation panel 15. Specifically, when the input operation received by the operation panel 15 from the user indicates the "washing mode," the control unit 120 executes the "washing mode." Furthermore, when the input operation received by the operation panel 15 from the user indicates the "washing and drying mode," the control unit 120 executes the "washing and drying mode." Furthermore, when the input operation received by the operation panel 15 from the user indicates the "drying only mode," the control unit 120 executes the "drying only mode."

[0045] Operation panel 15 also includes instruction button 15a. Instruction button 15a is an example of an "instruction section." Instruction button 15a instructs control section 120 to add a drying process while the "washing mode" is being executed. For example, a user presses instruction button 15a while the "washing mode" is being executed. The pressed instruction button 15a outputs a signal to control section 120 instructing the addition of a drying process.

[0046] When the control unit 120 receives an instruction to add a drying process during execution of the "washing mode" by using the instruction button 15a, the control unit 120 executes the drying process after the completion of the "washing mode." For example, the control unit 120 executes the washing process, rinsing process, spin-drying process, and drying process in this order. That is, in this case, the control unit 120 adds the drying process after the spin-drying process.

[0047] As described above with reference to FIG. 3, according to the first embodiment, a drying process can be added after starting washing by issuing an instruction via instruction button 15a. For example, even when the "washing mode" is being executed, control unit 120 accepts an instruction to add a drying process via instruction button 15a, so the user can instruct washing machine 100 to add a drying process without waiting for the completion of the "washing mode". Also, for example, the user can add a drying process without having to turn off washing machine 100 and select the "washing and drying mode". As a result, convenience for the user is improved.

[0048] Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 15 may further include a pause instruction button 15b. The pause instruction button 15b is an example of a "pause instruction unit". The pause instruction button 15b instructs the control unit 120 to pause the execution of the "washing mode". For example, the user presses the pause instruction button 15b during the execution of the "washing mode". The pressed pause instruction button 15b outputs a signal to the control unit 120 to instruct the pause of the "washing mode". When the pause instruction button 15b instructs the control unit 120 to pause the "washing mode" during the execution of the "washing mode", the control unit 120 pauses the "washing mode". For example, the control unit 120 pauses the currently executed process among the washing process, the rinsing process, and the spin-drying process. As an example, when the execution of the washing mode is paused, it may be possible to add a drying process. As a result, it is possible to suppress the erroneous addition of a drying process.

[0049] For example, after starting the "washing mode", the control unit 120 pauses the execution of the "washing mode" during the washing process, rinsing process, or spin-drying process in accordance with a pause instruction from the pause instruction button 15b. Then, it becomes possible to add a drying process from the instruction button 15a. If the instruction button 15a does not instruct the addition of a drying process, the control unit 120 resumes the washing process, rinsing process, or spin-drying process, and continues operation of the "washing mode". On the other hand, if the instruction button 15a instructs the addition of a drying process, the control unit 120 resumes the washing process, rinsing process, or spin-drying process, and starts the drying process after the spin-drying process of the "washing mode" is completed.

[0050] Next, the operation of the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the addition of a drying process to the washing machine. As shown in Fig. 4, in step S101, the control unit 120 selects the "washing mode" and executes the "washing mode". Specifically, the control unit 120 executes the washing process, the rinsing process, and the spin-drying process in this order.

[0051] Next, in step S102, the pause instruction button 15b instructs the control unit 120 to pause the "washing mode" in response to a user's operation. As a result, the control unit 120 pauses the execution of the "washing mode". For example, when the control unit 120 receives a pause instruction from the pause instruction button 15b during the execution of the washing process, the control unit 120 pauses the execution of the washing process. For example, when the control unit 120 receives a pause instruction from the pause instruction button 15b during the execution of the rinsing process, the control unit 120 pauses the execution of the rinsing process. For example, when the control unit 120 receives a pause instruction from the pause instruction button 15b during the execution of the spin-drying process, the control unit 120 pauses the execution of the spin-drying process.

[0052] Next, in step S103, the control unit 120 determines whether or not to add a drying process. If the control unit 120 determines that a drying process is to be added in response to an instruction from the instruction button 15a (Yes in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the control unit 120 determines that an instruction to add a drying process has not been received from the instruction button 15a (No in step S103), the process proceeds to step S105.

[0053] Next, in step S104, the control unit 120 executes the drying process after the completion of the "washing mode". For example, the control unit 120 resumes the washing process, the rinsing process, or the spin-drying process, and executes the washing process, the rinsing process, the spin-drying process, and the drying process in this order. Then, the washing ends.

[0054] On the other hand, in step S105, the control unit 120 resumes the "washing mode." For example, the control unit 120 resumes the washing process, the rinsing process, or the spin-drying process, and executes the washing process, the rinsing process, and the spin-drying process in this order. Then, the washing ends.

[0055] Note that step S102 may be omitted. That is, the control unit 120 may receive an instruction to add the drying process from the instruction button 15a without temporarily stopping the "washing mode".

[0056] Here, when the control unit 120 receives an instruction from the instruction button 15a to add a drying step during execution of the washing step or rinsing step in the "washing mode", the control unit 120 may extend the spin-drying time of the spin-drying step with respect to the initial spin-drying time preset for the spin-drying step in the "washing mode". In this case, the laundry can be dried more effectively. For example, the control unit 120 may set the length of the spin-drying time of the spin-drying step to be the same as the length of the spin-drying time of the spin-drying step in the "washing and drying mode".

[0057] Furthermore, when an instruction to add a drying step is given from instruction button 15a while a spinning step is being performed, control unit 120 may execute an additional spinning step after the spinning step is completed and before the drying step. In other words, control unit 120 may execute a spinning step again and then execute a drying step. In this case, the laundry can be dried more effectively.

[0058] 3, the washing machine 100 may further include an amount sensor 170 that measures the amount of laundry, and an alarm unit 90 that issues an alarm. The alarm unit 90 may be a speaker or a display. The display is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The amount sensor 170 may be a weight sensor. For example, the weight sensor measures the weight of the laundry before water is supplied, and the control unit 120 stores the weight of the laundry in the memory unit 175.

[0059] In the first embodiment, when the instruction button 15a instructs the addition of a drying process during execution of the "washing mode", if the weight of the laundry exceeds the drying capacity of the drying process, the notification unit 90 performs the control of the control unit 120 to notify the user of the excess capacity. The drying capacity indicates the maximum weight of laundry that the washing machine 100 can dry. The notification unit 90 may also perform the control of the control unit 120 to notify the user of advice regarding the drying of the laundry. For example, if the weight of the laundry exceeds the drying capacity, the notification unit 90 executes a notification such as "Cannot add drying function" or "Can add drying function if X (kg) of clothes are reduced". As a result, the user can know that the drying cannot be performed effectively. Note that even if the drying capacity is exceeded, the notification unit 90 may execute "drying" once, and if the drying is insufficient, the notification unit 90 may execute a notification of "additional drying" after the drying is completed.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the washing machine 100 may further include a weather information acquisition unit 95 that acquires weather information of the current location. The weather information of the current location indicates weather information of the area including the installation location of the washing machine 100. For example, the weather information acquisition unit 95 is a communication device and is connected to a network. The network includes, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a public telephone network, and a short-distance wireless network. The communication device includes, for example, a wireless communication module that performs wireless communication, or a wired communication module that performs wired communication. The wireless communication module executes, for example, short-distance wireless communication. The short-distance wireless communication is, for example, communication conforming to a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi. For example, the communication device may also include a network interface controller (NIC) that communicates according to a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, the TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) protocol suite (i.e., the Internet Protocol Suite).

[0061] The weather information acquisition unit 95, for example, accesses a server and acquires weather information for the current location from the server. Then, the notification unit 90 notifies the user of a suggestion to add a drying process based on the weather information. Therefore, the user can appropriately determine whether or not to add a drying process based on the current weather.

[0062] The weather information includes, for example, information indicating the current weather (for example, sunny, cloudy, rainy, etc.) or a washing index. The washing index indicates "ease of drying laundry" calculated from predictions of weather, temperature, etc., and includes, for example, "indoor drying recommended", "slightly dry", "dry", "dry well", and "very dry". During execution of the "washing mode" including the washing process, rinsing process, and spin-drying process, the weather information acquisition unit 95 acquires weather information for the current location. Based on the washing index in the acquired weather information, if the weather information is, for example, "indoor drying recommended", "slightly dry", or "dry", the washing machine 100 notifies the user by voice and / or on the display screen of a suggestion to add a drying process.

[0063] [Embodiment 2] A laundry system 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that it includes a portable device 180. The following mainly describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a laundry system 200 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the laundry system 200 includes a washing machine 100 and a portable device 180. The washing machine 100 is connected to a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a public telephone network, and a short-distance wireless network. The portable device 180 is, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The portable device 180 is carried by a user. For example, the user is out. The portable device 180 is connected to the network NW. The portable device 180 and the washing machine 100 communicate with each other via the network NW.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the laundry system 200. As shown in FIG. 6, the washing machine 100 includes a communication unit 95a. The communication unit 95a is an example of an "instruction unit". The communication unit 95a performs wireless communication with the portable device 180. For example, the communication unit 95a communicates with the portable device 180 via the network NW. Specifically, the communication unit 95a is a communicator, and includes a wireless communication module for performing wireless communication or a wired communication module for performing wired communication. The wireless communication module executes, for example, short-range wireless communication. The communication unit 95a may also include a network interface controller.

[0066] The communication unit 95a instructs the control unit 120 to add a drying process during execution of the "washing mode". For example, the portable device 180 transmits information instructing the addition of a drying process to the washing machine 100 in response to an input operation by the user. Then, the communication unit 95a receives information instructing the addition of a drying process from the portable device 180. Then, the communication unit 95a outputs information instructing the addition of a drying process to the control unit 120. As a result, the user can add a drying process by remote operation. Furthermore, the washing machine 100 may transmit a suggestion to add a drying process to the portable device 180 of the user by the communication unit 95a. Note that the process after the control unit 120 receives information instructing the addition of a drying process from the communication unit 95a is the same as the process when the control unit 120 receives an instruction to add a drying process from the instruction button 15a in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the communication unit 95a may function as the weather information acquisition unit 95 (FIG. 3) in the first embodiment.

[0067] Next, the operation of laundry system 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of adding a drying step in laundry system 200 according to embodiment 2. Fig. 7 shows a process after the washing mode is completed. As shown in Fig. 7, in step S201, control unit 120 determines whether communication unit 95a has received information instructing addition of a drying step (drying step addition instruction information) from portable device 180.

[0068] When control unit 120 determines that communication unit 95a has not received drying step addition instruction information from portable device 180 (No in step S201), the process ends. On the other hand, when control unit 120 determines that communication unit 95a has received drying step addition instruction information from portable device 180 (Yes in step S201), the process proceeds to step S202.

[0069] Next, in step S202, the control unit 120 executes a drying process, and the process ends.

[0070] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, some components may be deleted from all components shown in the embodiments. The drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of each component for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings are different from the actual ones due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various changes are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention.

[0071] (1) In the first and second embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 7, a horizontal drum-type washing machine 100 has been described as an example. However, the type and style of the washing machine of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments, and the present invention can be embodied in washing machines of various configurations (e.g., vertical washing machines).

[0072] (2) In the first and second embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 7, the "washing mode" is described as including a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process. However, this is not limited to the embodiments, and the "washing mode" may include at least one of the washing process, the rinsing process, and the spin-drying process. [Industrial Applicability]

[0073] The present invention can be used in the field of washing machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 15a Instruction section 15b Temporary stop instruction section 100 Washing Machine 120 Control section

Claims

1. A control unit that executes a washing mode including a washing step, a rinsing step, or a spin-drying step; An instruction section which is a button for a user to instruct the addition of a drying process; a pause instruction section which is a button for a user to instruct to pause execution of the washing mode; Equipped with The control unit is When an instruction to suspend the execution of the washing mode is received from the suspension instruction unit during the execution of the washing mode, the execution of the washing mode is suspended; the washing machine, when an instruction to add the drying process is received from the instruction unit while the execution of the washing mode is temporarily stopped, the drying process is executed after the completion of the washing mode.

2. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, when the control unit is instructed by the instruction unit to add the drying process while the execution of the washing mode is paused, the control unit resumes the paused washing mode and executes the drying process after the washing mode is completed.

3. A control unit that executes a washing mode including a washing step, a rinsing step, or a spin-drying step; An instruction section which is a button for a user to instruct the addition of a drying process; Equipped with When an instruction to add the drying step is received from the instruction unit during execution of the washing step or the rinsing step, the control unit extends a spin-drying time of the spin-drying step.

4. A control unit that executes a washing mode including a washing step, a rinsing step, or a spin-drying step; An instruction section which is a button for a user to instruct the addition of a drying process; Equipped with When the control unit is instructed by the instruction unit to add the drying process while the spinning process is being performed, the control unit performs an additional spinning process after the spinning process is completed and before the drying process.

5. A quantity sensor for measuring the quantity of laundry; A notification unit that issues a notification; Further equipped with 5. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, when an instruction to add the drying process is received, if an amount of the laundry exceeds a drying capacity of the drying process, the notification unit notifies the user of the excess capacity.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5 , wherein the notification unit issues advice regarding drying of the laundry.

7. A weather information acquisition unit for acquiring weather information is further provided, The washing machine according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the notification unit provides a notification of a suggestion to add the drying process based on the weather information.

8. A washing method for a washing machine including an instruction unit that is a button for a user to instruct the addition of a drying process, and a pause instruction unit that is a button for a user to instruct the user to pause execution of a washing mode including a washing process, a rinsing process, or a spin-drying process, executing the wash mode; a step of temporarily suspending the execution of the washing mode when an instruction to temporarily suspend the execution of the washing mode is received from the temporary suspension instruction unit during the execution of the washing mode; executing the drying process after the completion of the washing mode when the instruction unit instructs the addition of the drying process while the execution of the washing mode is temporarily stopped; A washing method including:

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