washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which can specify whether or not a detergent has been inputted in a washing tub, in the case where a washing operation is executed in a state where water is stored in the washing tub.SOLUTION: A washing machine 1 includes: a water detection part 38; an electric conductivity detection part 39 for detecting the electric conductivity of water in a washing tub; an input part; a control part 40; and a storage part 41. The control part 40 adjusts an operation condition according to a detection result of the electric conductivity detection part 39 after water supply in the case where the water detection part 38 has detected that water does not exist in the washing tub at the start of the washing operation, and inputs a detergent of an input amount according to the operation condition after adjustment by the input part. The storage part 41 stores the setting regarding whether or not the detergent is inputted in the washing tub by the input part. In the case where the water detection part 38 has detected that the water already exists in the washing tub at the start of the washing operation, the control part 40 determines whether or not the detergent has already been inputted in the washing tub based on the setting stored in the storage part 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The washer-dryer described in Patent Document 1 below includes a washing / spin-drying tub for storing laundry, an outer tub for storing the washing / spin-drying tub, and an injection device for injecting detergent and finishing agent between the washing / spin-drying tub and the outer tub. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-202018 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a washing machine with an automatic detergent dispenser function, such as the washer-dryer described in Patent Document 1, for example, a user may stop a wash run by turning off the power of the washing machine after water has been dispensed into the washing / spinning tub and outer tub, and then turn the power on to start a new wash run with water already stored in the washing / spinning tub and outer tub. In this case, if it is not known whether detergent has already been dispensed into the water stored in the washing / spinning tub and outer tub, it is difficult to determine whether detergent should be automatically dispensed in the new wash run after the washing machine is turned on.

[0005] The present invention has been made against this background, and aims to provide a washing machine that can determine whether detergent has been added to the washing tub when a washing operation is performed with water accumulated in the washing tub. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] the control unit controls the water supply unit to supply water into the washing tub when the water detection unit detects that there is no water in the washing tub at the start of the washing operation, and then controls the water supply unit to supply water into the washing tub, adjusts the operating conditions of the washing operation in accordance with the detection result of the conductivity detection unit, and controls the operating conditions of the washing operation to be adjusted in accordance with the adjusted operating conditions, and controls the controlling unit to supply detergent into the washing tub in an amount appropriate to the adjusted operating conditions; and a memory unit to store settings regarding whether or not to supply detergent into the washing tub by the input unit, and when the water detection unit detects that there is already water in the washing tub at the start of the washing operation, the control unit determines whether or not detergent has been input into the washing tub based on the settings stored in the memory unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the setting includes a current setting as to whether or not detergent is to be dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser, and if the current setting is a setting that detergent is not to be dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser, the control unit determines that detergent has not been dispensed into the washing tub.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the setting also includes a setting when the washing machine is turned on as to whether or not detergent is to be added to the washing tub by the adding unit, and if the current setting is a setting to add detergent to the washing tub by the adding unit and the setting when the power is turned on is a setting to not add detergent to the washing tub by the adding unit, the control unit determines that detergent has not been added to the washing tub.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the memory unit also stores whether or not detergent had been dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser unit the previous time the power was turned off, and in a case where the current setting is a setting to dispense detergent into the washing tub by the dispenser unit and the setting at the time the power was turned on is a setting to dispense detergent into the washing tub by the dispenser unit, if detergent had been dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser unit the previous time the power was turned off, the control unit determines that detergent has been dispensed into the washing tub.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, when the current setting is a setting in which detergent is dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser and the setting when the power is turned on is a setting in which detergent is dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser, if detergent was not dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser the last time the power was turned off, the control unit determines that detergent has not been dispensed into the washing tub. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, in a washing machine, when the water detection unit detects that there is no water in the washing tub at the start of a wash run, the control unit controls the water supply unit to supply water to the washing tub, adjusts the operating conditions for the wash run according to the detection result of the conductivity detection unit, and controls the dispenser to dispense an amount of detergent into the washing tub according to the adjusted operating conditions. As a result, during the wash run, the laundry in the washing tub can be effectively washed with the appropriate amount of detergent dispensed into the washing tub.

[0012] The setting for whether or not the detergent dispenser dispenses the detergent into the washing tub is stored in the memory unit. When the water detector detects that water is already present in the washing tub at the start of a washing operation, the controller logically determines whether or not the detergent has been dispensed into the washing tub based on the setting stored in the memory unit.

[0013] Specifically, when the memory unit stores the current setting regarding whether or not detergent is to be dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser, if the current setting is such that detergent is not to be dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser, the control unit determines that detergent has not yet been dispensed into the washing tub.

[0014] The memory unit may also store a setting at the time of power-on of the washing machine regarding whether or not the detergent is to be dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser. If the current setting is to dispense detergent into the washing tub by the dispenser, and the setting at the time of power-on a little earlier is to not dispense detergent into the washing tub by the dispenser, the control unit will determine that detergent has not yet been dispensed into the washing tub.

[0015] The memory unit may also store whether or not detergent has been dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser the previous time the power was turned off. If the current setting is to dispense detergent into the washing tub by the dispenser and the setting at the time the power was turned on is to dispense detergent into the washing tub by the dispenser, and if detergent has been dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser the previous time the power was turned off, the control unit will determine that detergent has been dispensed into the current washing tub.

[0016] On the other hand, if the current setting is to add detergent to the washing tub using the dispenser and the setting when the power is turned on is to add detergent to the washing tub using the dispenser, and if no detergent was added to the washing tub using the dispenser the last time the power was turned off, the control unit will determine that no detergent has been added to the current washing tub.

[0017] As described above, when a washing operation is performed with water remaining in the washing tub, it is possible to determine whether detergent has already been added to the washing tub. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional right side view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the washing machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a table stored in a storage unit of the washing machine. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a washing operation performed in the washing machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic right side view in vertical section of a washing machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper is referred to as the left-right direction X of the washing machine 1, the left-right direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the front-rear direction Y of the washing machine 1, and the up-down direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the up-down direction Z of the washing machine 1. In the left-right direction X, the back side of the plane of the paper in FIG. 1 is referred to as the left side X1, and the front side of the plane of the paper in FIG. 1 is referred to as the right side X2. In the front-rear direction Y, the left side is referred to as the front side Y1, and the right side is referred to as the rear side Y2. In the up-down direction Z, the upper side is referred to as the upper side Z1, and the lower side is referred to as the lower side Z2.

[0020] Washing machine 1 also includes a washer-dryer with a drying function, but the following will explain washing machine 1 using as an example a washing machine that performs only a washing operation without the drying function. Washing machine 1 includes housing 2 that forms its outer shell, outer tub 3 arranged in housing 2, washing tub 4 housed in outer tub 3, rotor 5 housed in washing tub 4, electric motor 6 that generates torque to rotate washing tub 4 and rotor 5, and electric transmission mechanism 7 that switches the destination of the torque generated by motor 6.

[0021] The housing 2 is made of, for example, metal and formed in a box shape. An opening 2B that connects the inside and outside of the housing 2 is formed in an upper surface 2A of the housing 2. A door 8 that opens and closes the opening 2B is provided on the upper surface 2A. A display operation unit 10 formed of a touch panel or the like is provided on the upper surface 2A, for example, in an area Y1 in front of the opening 2B.

[0022] By operating the display operation unit 10, the user can turn the power of the washing machine 1 on or off, freely select washing conditions, and instruct the washing machine 1 to start or stop operation. Information related to the washing operation is visually displayed on the display operation unit 10.

[0023] The outer tub 3 is made of, for example, resin and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The outer tub 3 has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 3A arranged along the vertical direction Z, a bottom wall 3B that closes the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A from the lower side Z2, and a ring-shaped annular wall 3C that frames the edge of the upper side Z1 of the circumferential wall 3A and extends toward the center of the circumferential wall 3A. An opening 3D is formed inside the annular wall 3C. The opening 3D is located directly below the opening 2B of the housing 2. The hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A is exposed to the upper side Z1 through the opening 3D. The bottom wall 3B is formed in a disk shape extending horizontally, and a through-hole 3E that penetrates the bottom wall 3B is formed at the center of the bottom wall 3B. The outer tub 3 stores water.

[0024] A drainage channel 11 is connected to the outer tub 3 from the lower side Z2, and the water in the outer tub 3 is discharged outside the machine through the drainage channel 11. A drainage valve 12 is provided in the middle of the drainage channel 11, which is opened and closed to start and stop drainage.

[0025] The washing tub 4 is made of, for example, metal, has a central axis J extending in the vertical direction Z, is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom that is slightly smaller than the outer tub 3, and can accommodate laundry Q inside. The washing tub 4 has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 4A arranged along the vertical direction Z, and a bottom wall 4B that closes the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A from the lower side Z2.

[0026] The space surrounded by the upper end of the inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 4A is an entrance 4C that exposes the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A to the upper side Z1. The entrance 4C is in communication with the opening 3D of the outer tub 3 and the opening 2B of the housing 2 from the lower side Z2. A user of the washing machine 1 opens the door 8 to expose the openings 2B, 3D, and the entrance 4C, and then puts laundry Q in or takes out laundry Q from the washing tub 4 through the openings 2B, 3D, and the entrance 4C.

[0027] The washing tub 4 is housed coaxially within the outer tub 3 and is arranged along the vertical direction Z. When housed within the outer tub 3, the washing tub 4 can rotate around the central axis J. A plurality of through-holes (not shown) are formed in the circumferential wall 4A and bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4, and water in the outer tub 3 flows between the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 through the through-holes and also accumulates in the washing tub 4. Therefore, the water level in the outer tub 3 and the water level in the washing tub 4 are the same.

[0028] The bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4 is formed in a disk shape extending generally parallel to and spaced apart from the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3 on the upper side Z1, and a through-hole 4D penetrating the bottom wall 4B is formed in the bottom wall 4B at the circular center position coinciding with the central axis J. A tubular support shaft 13 is provided in the bottom wall 4B, surrounding the through-hole 4D and extending to the lower side Z2 along the central axis J. The support shaft 13 is inserted into the through-hole 3E of the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3, and the lower end of the support shaft 13 is located on the lower side Z2 of the bottom wall 3B.

[0029] Rotating blade 5 is a so-called pulsator, and is formed in a disk shape with central axis J as the circular center, and is arranged coaxially with washing tub 4 along bottom wall 4B within washing tub 4. Rotating blade 5 has a plurality of blades 5A arranged radially on its upper surface facing entrance / exit 4C of washing tub 4 from lower side Z2.

[0030] The rotor 5 is provided with a rotating shaft 14 extending from its circular center to the lower side Z2 along the central axis J. The rotating shaft 14 is inserted into the hollow portion of the support shaft 13, and the lower end of the rotating shaft 14 is located on the lower side Z2 below the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3.

[0031] The motor 6 is disposed inside the housing 2 on the lower side Z2 of the outer tub 3. The motor 6 has an output shaft 15 that rotates around a central axis J. The transmission mechanism 7 is interposed between the lower ends of the support shaft 13 and the rotating shaft 14 and the upper end of the output shaft 15. The transmission mechanism 7 selectively transmits the torque output from the output shaft 15 by the motor 6 to one or both of the support shaft 13 and the rotating shaft 14. A known clutch or the like is used as the transmission mechanism 7.

[0032] When torque from motor 6 is transmitted to support shaft 13, washing tub 4 rotates around central axis J. When torque from motor 6 is transmitted to rotary shaft 14, rotor 5 rotates around central axis J. Since the rotation direction of output shaft 15 of motor 6 can be changed, washing tub 4 and rotor 5 can each rotate not only in one direction but also in the other direction opposite to the one direction.

[0033] In connection with the supply of water to the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4, the washing machine 1 further includes a water supply passage 20 for supplying tap water from a faucet (not shown) into the washing tub 4, an input unit 21 arranged within the housing 2 for automatically inputting detergent and fabric softener into the water supply passage 20, and a bath water supply passage 22 that merges with the water supply passage 20 within the housing 2.

[0034] One end (not shown) of water supply channel 20 is drawn out of housing 2 and connected to a faucet. The other end of water supply channel 20 is arranged inside housing 2 and faces entrance / exit 4C of washing tub 4 from upper side Z1 as water supply port 20A. In water supply channel 20, upstream portion 20B arranged outside housing 2 and downstream portion 20C arranged inside housing 2 and having water supply port 20A may be separable, and in this case, upstream portion 20B and downstream portion 20C are connected by a joint (not shown).

[0035] Downstream portion 20C is provided with water supply valve 23 that can be opened and closed. Water supply valve 23 is composed of a solenoid valve or the like. When water supply valve 23 is opened, tap water from the faucet flows through water supply path 20 and is supplied into washing tub 4 from water supply port 20A (see the dashed arrow in FIG. 1), and accumulates in outer tub 3 and washing tub 4. Water supply valve 23 functions as an example of a water supply unit for supplying water into washing tub 4. When water supply valve 23 is closed, the supply of tap water is stopped.

[0036] The dispenser 21 includes a detergent dispenser 21A for dispensing detergent into the washing tub 4 via the water supply channel 20, and a fabric softener supplying unit 21B for dispensing fabric softener into the washing tub 4 via the water supply channel 20. The detergent dispenser 21A is disposed on the upper side Z1 of the washing tub 4 within the housing 2. The detergent dispenser 21A has a detergent storage unit 24 for storing a detergent such as a liquid detergent, a detergent supply channel 25 connecting the lower end of the detergent storage unit 24 with the water supply channel 20, and a detergent supply valve 26 provided in the detergent supply channel 25.

[0037] The detergent storage section 24 is formed in a box or tank shape and is fixed to the housing 2. When a user opens the door 8 of the housing 2, at least the upper surface of the detergent storage section 24 is exposed to an opening 2B in the upper surface 2A of the housing 2. A lid 27 that can be opened, closed, or attached / detached is provided on the upper surface of the detergent storage section 24.

[0038] When a user accesses lid 27 through opening 2B and opens or removes lid 27, the interior of detergent storage compartment 24 is exposed, allowing the user to refill detergent into detergent storage compartment 24. A quantity of detergent sufficient for multiple wash cycles can be stored in detergent storage compartment 24 in advance. After refilling the detergent, the user closes or attaches lid 27 to detergent storage compartment 24. Lid 27 may be exposed on top surface 2A of housing 2, in which case the user can access lid 27 without opening door 8.

[0039] Detergent supply passage 25 extends from the lower end of detergent storage section 24 at least toward lower side Z2, and is connected to downstream region 20D, which is closer to water inlet 20A than water supply valve 23, in downstream section 20C of water supply passage 20. Detergent supply valve 26 is electrically driven and in this embodiment is implemented by an electromagnetic valve or the like, and detergent supply passage 25 can be opened and closed by detergent supply valve 26 itself opening and closing.

[0040] In detergent input section 21A, when detergent supply valve 26 opens, detergent supply path 25 is opened, and the detergent in detergent storage section 24 flows down detergent supply path 25 by its own weight and is then supplied to downstream region 20D of water supply path 20. If water supply valve 23 is open at this time, the detergent supplied to downstream region 20D will be carried by the tap water flowing through water supply path 20 and will be introduced into washing tub 4 from water supply port 20A. When detergent supply valve 26 closes, detergent supply path 25 is shut off, and the supply of detergent from detergent storage section 24 is stopped.

[0041] The fabric softener supply unit 21B is disposed in the housing 2 on the side Z1 above the washing tub 4. The fabric softener supply unit 21B has a fabric softener storage unit 30 that stores a liquid fabric softener, a fabric softener supply path 31 that connects the lower end of the fabric softener storage unit 30 and the detergent supply path 25, and a fabric softener supply valve 32 provided in the fabric softener supply path 31.

[0042] The fabric softener storage compartment 30 is formed in a box or tank shape and is fixed to the housing 2. In this embodiment, the detergent storage compartment 24 and the fabric softener storage compartment 30 are arranged side by side, but they may also be arranged apart from each other. When a user opens the door 8 of the housing 2, at least the upper surface of the fabric softener storage compartment 30 is exposed to the opening 2B on the top surface 2A of the housing 2. A lid 33 that can be opened, closed, or removed is provided on the upper surface of the fabric softener storage compartment 30.

[0043] When a user accesses the lid 33 through the opening 2B and opens or removes the lid 33, the interior of the fabric softener storage compartment 30 is exposed, allowing the user to refill the fabric softener storage compartment 30 with fabric softener. The fabric softener storage compartment 30 can be pre-loaded with enough fabric softener to perform multiple wash cycles. After refilling the fabric softener, the user closes or attaches the lid 33 to the fabric softener storage compartment 30. The lid 33 may be exposed on the top surface 2A of the housing 2, in which case the user can access the lid 33 without opening the door 8.

[0044] The fabric softener supply channel 31 extends from the lower end of the fabric softener storage compartment 30 at least toward the lower side Z2, and is connected to a downstream region 25A of the detergent supply channel 25 that is closer to the water supply channel 20 than the detergent supply valve 26. The fabric softener supply channel 31 of this embodiment connects the fabric softener storage compartment 30 and the water supply channel 20 via the downstream region 25A. Alternatively, the fabric softener supply channel 31 may be connected to the water supply channel 20 without the downstream region 25A, thereby directly connecting the fabric softener storage compartment 30 and the water supply channel 20.

[0045] The fabric softener supply valve 32 is electrically operated and is configured by an electromagnetic valve or the like in this embodiment, and can open and close the fabric softener supply path 31 by opening and closing the fabric softener supply valve 32 itself. In the fabric softener supply unit 21B, when the fabric softener supply valve 32 opens, the fabric softener supply path 31 is opened.

[0046] Then, the fabric softener in fabric softener storage section 30 flows down fabric softener supply path 31 and detergent supply path 25 in that order due to its own weight, and is then supplied to downstream region 20D of water supply path 20. If water supply valve 23 is open at this time, the fabric softener supplied to downstream region 20D will ride on the tap water flowing through water supply path 20 and be poured into washing tub 4 from water supply port 20A. When fabric softener supply valve 32 closes, fabric softener supply path 31 is blocked, and the supply of fabric softener from fabric softener storage section 30 is stopped.

[0047] An electric dosing pump 34 may be provided in downstream region 25A of detergent supply channel 25, more specifically, in a region of downstream region 25A closer to water supply channel 20 than the connection portion with fabric softener supply channel 31. When driven, dosing pump 34 sucks in a laundry treatment agent, i.e., a washing detergent or fabric softener, in downstream region 25A and discharges it toward downstream region 20D of water supply channel 20. This allows the detergent in detergent storage section 24 or the fabric softener in fabric softener storage section 30 to be efficiently supplied to downstream region 20D. The user can then operate display / operation section 10 to set whether or not to automatically dispense a treatment agent into washing tub 4 using dosing unit 21. In the following description, the treatment agent will be mainly focused on a detergent.

[0048] In connection with the bath water supply channel 22, an inlet 35 for taking in bath water is provided on the top surface 2A of the housing 2. One end 22A of the bath water supply channel 22 is connected to the inlet 35, and the other end 22B of the bath water supply channel 22 is connected to the downstream region 20D of the water supply channel 20. The inlet 35 is a hole exposed on the top surface 2A, i.e., the surface of the housing 2. The inlet 35 may refer to a hole formed in the housing 2, or it may refer to the opening of the one end 22A exposed through this hole.

[0049] An electric bath water pump 36 is provided in the bath water supply path 22. One end of a bath water hose (not shown) is connected to the inlet 35, the other end of which is immersed in bath water. When the bath water pump 36 is driven, bath water is sucked into the bath water hose and taken into the bath water supply path 22 at the inlet 35. The bath water taken into the bath water supply path 22 is supplied to the downstream region 20D of the water supply path 20, and then supplied into the washing tub 4 from the water supply port 20A. The bath water pump 36 also functions as an example of the water supply unit mentioned above. When the bath water pump 36 is stopped, the supply of bath water is stopped.

[0050] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 further includes a water detection unit 38, a conductivity detection unit 39, a control unit 40, and a storage unit 41.

[0051] Water detection unit 38 is a sensor that detects the water level in washing tub 4, or at least the presence or absence of water in washing tub 4. As water detection unit 38, a known sensor can be used.

[0052] Conductivity detection unit 39 is a sensor that detects the conductivity of the water accumulated in washing tub 4. A known sensor can be used as conductivity detection unit 39. Conductivity detection unit 39 is placed in a position inside outer tub 3 where it is immersed in water (see FIG. 1).

[0053] The control unit 40 is configured as a microcomputer including, for example, a CPU, memories such as ROM and RAM, and a timer for measuring time, and is built into the housing 2 (see FIG. 1). The water detection unit 38, the conductivity detection unit 39, the motor 6, the transmission mechanism 7, the display operation unit 10, the drain valve 12, the water supply valve 23, the detergent supply valve 26, the fabric softener supply valve 32, the injection pump 34, the bath water pump 36, and the memory unit 41 are electrically connected to the control unit 40.

[0054] The detection results of the water detection unit 38 and the conductivity detection unit 39 are input to the control unit 40 in real time. The control unit 40 controls the operation of the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7. The operation details of the display operation unit 10 by the user are input to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 controls the display details of the display operation unit 10. The control unit 40 controls the opening and closing, i.e., ON / OFF, of the drain valve 12, the water supply valve 23, the detergent supply valve 26, and the fabric softener supply valve 32. The control unit 40 controls the operation of the input pump 34 and the bath water pump 36.

[0055] The storage unit 41 stores various information. The control unit 40 refers to the information stored in the storage unit 41, stores new information in the storage unit 41, and updates the information in the storage unit 41.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing table T stored in memory unit 41. Table T stores a setting as to whether or not detergent is to be automatically dispensed into washing tub 4 by dispenser unit 21. This setting includes a "current setting" as to whether or not detergent will be dispensed into washing tub 4 by dispenser unit 21, and a "setting at power-on" of washing machine 1 as to whether or not detergent will be dispensed into washing tub 4 by dispenser unit 21. The current setting, i.e., the setting at the time of power-on a little while ago, is not necessarily the same as the setting at the time of power-on a little while ago. Table T also stores whether or not detergent was dispensed into washing tub 4 by dispenser unit 21 the last time the power was turned off, i.e., "presence or absence of detergent dispensed at the time of power-off the last time."

[0057] In Fig. 3, as an example, the current setting is to enable automatic detergent dispensing, the setting at power-on is to disable automatic detergent dispensing, and the fact that no detergent was dispensed the previous time the power was turned off is stored in table T. Note that, with regard to the previous time the power was turned off, the power is usually turned off after all steps in the previous, or immediately preceding, wash run have been completed to the end, but the power may also be turned off in the middle of the previous wash run. Therefore, the fact that no detergent was dispensed the previous time the power was turned off in Fig. 3 means that the previous wash run was stopped midway due to the power being turned off before detergent was automatically dispensed into washing tub 4, or that automatic detergent dispensing was not set in the previous wash run.

[0058] The control unit 40 controls the operation of the motor 6, the transmission mechanism 7, the drain valve 12, the water supply valve 23, the detergent supply valve 26, the fabric softener supply valve 32, the dosing pump 34, and the bath water pump 36 to perform a washing operation on the laundry Q in the washing tub 4. The washing operation includes a washing process for washing the laundry Q, a rinsing process for rinsing the laundry Q after the washing process, and a spin-drying process for spin-drying the laundry Q after the rinsing process. The rinsing process may be performed multiple times. The spin-drying process includes an intermediate spin-drying process performed immediately after the washing process or the rinsing process, and a final spin-drying process performed at the end of the washing operation.

[0059] 4 is a flowchart showing the washing operation. When the washing operation is started, the control unit 40 first checks whether or not there is water in the washing tub 4 at the start of the washing operation based on the detection result of the water detection unit 38 (Step S1). The absence of water in the washing tub 4 may mean that there is no water in the washing tub 4 other than the laundry Q, or that there is some water but the water level in the washing tub 4 is lower than a predetermined reference water level. The reference water level may be a water level below the top surface of the bottom wall 4B (see FIG. 1) of the washing tub 4.

[0060] If water detection unit 38 detects that there is no water in washing tub 4 at the start of the washing operation (NO in step S1), control unit 40 detects the load amount of laundry Q in washing tub 4 (step S2). The load amount corresponds to the amount of laundry Q that can be accommodated. As an example of a method for detecting the load amount, control unit 40 stops driving motor 6 immediately after rotating rotor 5 with laundry Q placed on it for a predetermined time, causes motor 6 to rotate by inertia, and measures the amount of inertia rotation of motor 6 at that time. The heavier the laundry Q is, the smaller the amount of inertia rotation of motor 6. The lighter the laundry Q is, the smaller the amount of load is, and the larger the amount of inertia rotation of motor 6. Control unit 40 detects the load amount according to the magnitude of the inertia rotation speed.

[0061] Based on the detected load amount, the control unit 40 determines the amounts of detergent and fabric softener to be dispensed, the target water levels in the washing tub 4 for the washing and rinsing steps, and the operation time for the washing operation. The amounts of detergent and fabric softener to be dispensed for each load amount, the target water levels for each load amount, and the operation time for each load amount are predetermined as operation conditions for each load amount and stored in the memory unit 41. The control unit 40 may notify the user of the determined amounts of detergent and fabric softener to be dispensed by displaying them on the display operation unit 10.

[0062] Then, control unit 40 supplies water into washing tub 4 by opening water supply valve 23 for a predetermined time while keeping at least drain valve 12 and fabric softener supply valve 32 closed (step S3). Note that when supplying water, control unit 40 may supply bath water into washing tub 4 by operating bath water pump 36 instead of opening water supply valve 23, or may open water supply valve 23 and operate bath water pump 36 at the same time.

[0063] When water is dispensed, control unit 40 refers to table T to check whether the current setting is for automatic detergent dispensing (step S4). If the current setting is not for automatic detergent dispensing (NO in step S4), the current wash operation is a standard operation, and control unit 40 waits for the user to manually dispense detergent into washing tub 4 (step S5). For example, if an open / close detection unit (not shown) is provided that detects whether door 8 is open or closed, and the open / close detection unit detects that door 8 is open or closed within a predetermined time from the start of water dispensing, control unit 40, which is on standby, determines that detergent has been manually dispensed, and proceeds to the next process.

[0064] If the current setting is for automatic detergent dispensing (YES in step S4), the current washing operation is an automatic operation in which an optimal amount of detergent is automatically dispensed, and control unit 40 automatically dispenses the amount of detergent for one washing operation that is in detergent storage unit 24 into washing tub 4 using detergent dispenser 21A (step S6). Specifically, control unit 40 adjusts the operating conditions for the current washing operation in accordance with the detection result of conductivity detector 39 regarding the conductivity of the water currently accumulated in washing tub 4, thereby correcting, in particular, the amount of detergent dispensed and the operating time in the operating conditions.

[0065] The corrected detergent dosage and operating time are more suited to the quality of the water in washing tub 4 than the detergent dosage and operating time determined in step S2 according to the load amount, i.e., are optimal values ​​for the current washing operation. After adjusting the operating conditions in this way, control unit 40 opens detergent supply valve 26 of detergent dosage unit 21A to dispense the detergent dosage amount according to the adjusted operating conditions into washing tub 4. At this time, control unit 40 may drive dosage pump 34 as necessary.

[0066] After the detergent is manually added (step S5) or automatically added (step S6) as described above, the control unit 40 executes the laundry process, that is, the washing process and the rinsing process (step S7).

[0067] In the washing process, the control unit 40 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 to rotate the rotor 5. As a result, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is washed by being agitated and having dirt broken down by the detergent. In the case of the automatic operation described above, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 can be effectively washed by the appropriate amount of detergent that is added to the washing tub 4 after being adjusted according to the detection result by the conductivity detection unit 39. Then, at the end of the washing process, the control unit 40 drains the washing tub 4 by opening the drain valve 12.

[0068] In the rinsing process, control unit 40 first stores tap water in washing tub 4 by opening water supply valve 23 for a predetermined time while keeping at least drain valve 12 and detergent supply valve 26 closed. At this time, control unit 40 may open fabric softener supply valve 32 for a predetermined time and, if necessary, drive supply pump 34 for a predetermined time, thereby adding the amount of fabric softener in fabric softener storage unit 30 for one washing run to washing tub 4 on the tap water flowing through water supply path 20. Then, control unit 40 controls motor 6 and transmission mechanism 7 to rotate impeller 5. This causes laundry Q in washing tub 4 to be rinsed. Finally, control unit 40 drains water from washing tub 4.

[0069] Then, control unit 40 executes the spin-drying process (step S8). In the spin-drying process, control unit 40 controls motor 6 and transmission mechanism 7 with drain valve 12 open to rotate washing tub 4 at a predetermined spin-drying rotation speed. As a result, laundry Q in washing tub 4 is dehydrated by the action of centrifugal force. Note that the operating conditions may be different between the intermediate spin-drying process and the final spin-drying process. For example, the spin-drying rotation speed in the final spin-drying process may be higher than the spin-drying rotation speed in the intermediate spin-drying process. Upon completion of the final spin-drying process, the current washing operation ends.

[0070] Incidentally, it is assumed that, with water remaining in washing tub 4, the user operates display operation unit 10 to turn off washing machine 1, thereby stopping the washing operation, and then operates display operation unit 10 to turn on washing machine 1 and start a new washing operation. In this case, the new washing operation will start with water remaining in washing tub 4, but if the new washing operation starts with the detergent added in the previous washing operation still dissolved in the water in washing tub 4, it is necessary to prevent excessive detergent from being added in the new washing operation and wash laundry Q with an appropriate amount of detergent.

[0071] Therefore, when the water detection unit 38 detects that water is already present in the washing tub 4 at the start of a new washing operation (YES in step S1), the control unit 40 determines whether detergent has already been added to the washing tub 4 based on the information stored in the memory unit 41.

[0072] Specifically, first, control unit 40 compares the conductivity of the water currently stored in washing tub 4 with a threshold value pre-stored in memory unit 41 (step S9). This threshold value is used to determine whether powder detergent is dissolved in the water in washing tub 4. If the current conductivity exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S9), it is highly likely that the previous washing operation was stopped with powder detergent added to washing tub 4 filled with water. Therefore, control unit 40 executes the washing process (step S7) and the spin-drying process (step S8) without adding new detergent. Note that for the washing process, control unit 40 may supply water to washing tub 4 by opening water supply valve 23 or operating bath water pump 36.

[0073] If the current conductivity is equal to or lower than the threshold value (NO in step S9), it is highly likely that the previous wash operation was stopped without adding powder detergent, but it is unclear whether the operation was stopped with liquid detergent added to washing tub 4 filled with water. Unlike the case of powder detergent, the difference in conductivity between tap water and water in which liquid detergent has been dissolved is small, so it is difficult to accurately determine based on conductivity whether liquid detergent has been added to washing tub 4 filled with water. Therefore, control unit 40 determines whether detergent has been added to washing tub 4 based on settings stored in table T (see FIG. 3) of memory unit 41.

[0074] Specifically, first, control unit 40 checks the current setting in table T (step S10). If the current setting is such that detergent is not automatically dispensed into washing tub 4 by dispenser 21 (NO in step S10), control unit 40 determines that detergent is not currently dispensed into washing tub 4, and waits for the user to manually dispense detergent into washing tub 4 (step S11). After the detergent is manually dispensed, control unit 40 executes the washing process (step S7) and the spin-drying process (step S8). During the washing process, control unit 40 may dispense water into washing tub 4.

[0075] If the current setting is to automatically dispense detergent into washing tub 4 by dispenser 21 (YES in step S10), control unit 40 checks the setting in table T at power-on (step S12). If the setting at power-on is to not dispense detergent into washing tub 4 by dispenser 21 (NO in step S12), it is highly likely that the user has changed the current setting for this wash run by operating display / operation unit 10 after turning on power to washing machine 1.

[0076] In this case (NO in step S12), control unit 40 determines that detergent has not yet been dispensed into washing tub 4, and automatically dispenses an amount of detergent for the current wash run into washing tub 4 using detergent dispenser 21A (step S6). Then, control unit 40 executes a washing process (step S7) and a spin-drying process (step S8). During the washing process, control unit 40 may also dispense water into washing tub 4.

[0077] On the other hand, if the setting at power-on is such that detergent is dispensed into washing tub 4 by dispenser 21 (YES in step S12), there is a possibility that detergent was dispensed into washing tub 4 by dispenser 21 when power was turned off during the previous wash run. Therefore, control unit 40 refers to table T to confirm whether detergent was dispensed into washing tub 4 by dispenser 21 when power was turned off the previous time (step S13). If detergent was dispensed into washing tub 4 by dispenser 21 when power was turned off the previous time (YES in step S13), control unit 40 determines that detergent has already been dispensed into the current washing tub 4, and executes the washing process (step S7) and the spin-drying process (step S8) without newly dispensing detergent. During the washing process, control unit 40 may dispense water into washing tub 4.

[0078] If detergent was not dispensed into washing tub 4 by dispenser 21 when the power was last turned off (NO in step S13), control unit 40 determines that detergent is not currently dispensed into washing tub 4, and automatically dispenses an amount of detergent for one wash run into washing tub 4 by detergent dispenser 21A (step S6). Then, control unit 40 executes a washing process (step S7) and a spin-drying process (step S8). During the washing process, control unit 40 may also dispense water into washing tub 4.

[0079] As described above, when a washing operation is to be performed with water remaining in washing tub 4 (YES in step S1), control unit 40 logically determines whether detergent has already been added to washing tub 4 based on the settings stored in memory unit 41, etc., and can therefore identify whether detergent has already been added to washing tub 4. As a result, when a washing operation is to be performed with water remaining in washing tub 4, the washing operation can be performed without first draining the water from washing tub 4.

[0080] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0081] For example, the processes (steps S1 to S6 and S9 to S13) executed from the start of the washing operation and before the washing process (step S7) of the washing process may be regarded as processes independent of the washing process as described above, or may be regarded as processes within the washing process.

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 is a vertical washing machine in which the washing tub 4 is arranged vertically, but the central axis J of the washing tub 4 may be arranged along the up-down direction Z, i.e., the vertical direction, or may be arranged at an angle relative to the vertical direction. Furthermore, the washing machine 1 may be a drum type washing machine in which the central axis J is horizontal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 washing machine 4 Washing machine 21 Insertion section 23 Water supply valve 36 Bath water pump 38 Water detector 39 Conductivity detector 40 Control Unit 41 Storage section Q Laundry

Claims

1. a washing tub that holds laundry and water; a water supply unit for supplying water into the washing tub; a water detection unit that detects the presence or absence of water in the washing tub; a conductivity detection unit for detecting the conductivity of water in the washing tub; An input section for inputting detergent into the washing tub; a control unit that executes a washing operation for the laundry in the washing tub, and when the water detection unit detects that there is no water in the washing tub at the start of the washing operation, supplies water into the washing tub using the water supply unit, adjusts operating conditions of the washing operation according to the detection result of the conductivity detection unit, and dispenses an amount of detergent into the washing tub according to the adjusted operating conditions using the dispense unit; a storage unit that stores a setting as to whether or not the detergent is to be dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser, When the water detection unit detects that water is already present in the washing tub at the start of the washing operation, the control unit determines whether detergent has been added to the washing tub based on the setting stored in the memory unit.

2. The setting includes a current setting as to whether or not the detergent is to be dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser, The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines that the detergent has not been dispensed into the washing tub if the current setting is a setting that does not dispense the detergent into the washing tub by the dispenser.

3. The setting includes a setting at the time of power-on of the washing machine as to whether or not the detergent is to be dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser, 3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein, when the current setting is a setting in which the detergent is dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser, if the setting at the time of power-on is a setting in which the detergent is not dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser, the control unit determines that the detergent has not been dispensed into the washing tub.

4. The storage unit also stores whether or not the detergent has been dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser when the power was last turned off, 4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein, when the current setting is a setting for dispensing detergent into the washing tub by the dispensing unit and the setting at the time of power-on is a setting for dispensing detergent into the washing tub by the dispensing unit, if detergent has been dispensed into the washing tub by the dispensing unit the previous time the washing machine was powered off, the control unit determines that detergent has been dispensed into the washing tub.

5. 5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein, in a case where the current setting is a setting in which the detergent is dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser and the setting at the time of power-on is a setting in which the detergent is dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser, if the detergent was not dispensed into the washing tub by the dispenser the previous time the power was turned off, the control unit determines that the detergent has not been dispensed into the washing tub.

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