Drum-type washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine in which a user can set required time which is necessary for washing, and according to the required time, time allocation of washing, rinsing and dewatering is automatically adjusted.SOLUTION: A washing machine can execute a washing operation including washing, rinsing and dewatering. The washing machine includes: required time input means for inputting required time from washing operation start to washing operation finish; time allocation adjustment means for adjusting time allocation of washing, rinsing and dewatering so as to be settled within the required time inputted by the required time input means; and operation control means for controlling so that the washing operation including washing, rinsing and dewatering is performed according to the time allocation adjusted by the time allocation adjustment means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine capable of performing a washing operation including washing, rinsing, and dehydration. Drum type

[0002] A general drum-type washing machine installed in a general household includes an outer tub provided inside the washing machine body and a drum accommodated in the outer tub so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis. In this drum-type washing machine, after clothes are put into the drum, washing is performed by rotating the drum in a state where water is supplied into the outer tub, and then dehydration is performed by draining water from the outer tub and rotating the drum at a high speed.

[0003] As a drum-type washing machine, there is one in which the washing time, rinsing time, dehydration time, and the number of times of washing, rinsing, and dehydration can be individually set by a setting switch provided on an operation display panel (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] ​When a user attempts to start a washing machine, they may have an appointment at a specific time and need to finish the laundry by that time. In such a case, with the drum-type washing machine described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to individually adjust the washing, rinsing, and spinning times and cycles to ensure the laundry is completed by the specified time, which is extremely cumbersome. Furthermore, if the drum-type washing machine has multiple courses, such as a standard course (50 minutes) and a quick course (30 minutes), and the remaining time until the specified time is, for example, 40 minutes, the user has no choice but to select the quick course (30 minutes), which is shorter than the remaining time, and cannot effectively use the remaining time until the specified time. It is believed that similar problems occur with top-loading washing machines as well.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention allows the user to set the time required for washing, and the time allocation for washing, rinsing, and spinning is automatically adjusted according to that time. Drum type We provide washing machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention Drum type A washing machine is capable of performing a washing cycle that includes washing, rinsing, and spinning. Drum type A washing machine comprising: a time input means for inputting the time required from the start to the end of the washing cycle; a time distribution adjustment means for adjusting the time distribution of washing, rinsing, and spinning so that it fits within the time required input by the time input means; and an operation control means for controlling the washing cycle, including washing, rinsing, and spinning, to be performed according to the time distribution adjusted by the time distribution adjustment means. The standard course, which performs a washing operation including washing, rinsing, and spinning within a specified time, includes a first spin-drying after washing and a second spin-drying after rinsing, and the time distribution adjustment means adjusts the times of the first and second spin-drying so that they do not exceed the upper limit. It is characterized by the following: According to the present invention, the time allocation for washing, rinsing, and spinning is adjusted so that it fits within the time entered by the user, allowing the washing cycle to be set to finish by the time specified by the user. Furthermore, by keeping the duration of the first spin-drying after washing and the second spin-drying after rinsing below the upper limit, the finished laundry will look better.

[0008] According to the present invention Drum typeIn a washing machine, a standard course is set that performs a washing operation including washing, rinsing, and spinning for a standard required time, and the time distribution adjustment means preferably adjusts the time distribution for washing, rinsing, and spinning according to the ratio of the required time to the standard required time. According to the present invention, the time distribution for washing, rinsing, and spinning is adjusted to the same ratio as that of a standard course, thereby enabling proper washing of laundry.

[0010] According to the present invention Drum type In a washing machine, if the operation control means does not fit within the required time based on the actual operating time measured from the start of the washing operation and the time distribution adjusted by the time distribution adjustment means, it is preferable to shorten the time for washing, rinsing, or spinning so that it fits within the required time. According to the present invention, even when the time required for water supply becomes long, such as when the water pressure of the water supply device is low, and the washing operation cannot be completed within the required time, the washing operation can be controlled to be completed within the required time by shortening the time for washing, rinsing, or spinning. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the washing machine can be set to complete by a time determined by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the drum-type washing machine 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a control block diagram of drum-type washing machine 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 illustrates the time allocation for a standard course that can be performed with drum-type washing machine 1. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates how to adjust the time allocation when a user enters 40 minutes as the required time. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates how to adjust the time allocation when a user enters 50 minutes as the required time. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates how to adjust the time allocation when a user enters 50 minutes as the required time and sets the washing time to 10 minutes. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the processing procedure for time-priority courses. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the time-priority course.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, a drum washing machine 1 which is an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the drum washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the drum washing machine 1 of the present embodiment has a box-shaped housing 2. Inside the housing 2, an outer tub 3 having a substantially cylindrical inner peripheral surface is disposed. Inside the outer tub 3, a drum 4 having a substantially cylindrical inner peripheral surface for accommodating laundry is supported by a main shaft 5 extending in the front-rear direction. The drum 4 is rotatable about a horizontal axis.

[0018] On the front surface of the housing 2, an operation unit 2a for the user to operate and a clothing inlet 6 facing an opening 4a formed at the front end of the drum 4 are formed. The housing 2 is provided with a door 8 for opening and closing the clothing inlet 6. The clothing inlet 6 is opened and closed by the door 8, and the laundry can be taken in and out of the drum 4 when the door 8 is opened.

[0019] On the inner peripheral surface of the drum 4, a plurality of baffles 4b are provided so as to project into the drum 4. The baffle 4b is a projection for lifting the laundry accommodated in the drum 4. For example, during the washing process, when the drum 4 is rotated by the driving force of a driving motor 11 described later, the laundry containing water in the drum 4 is lifted by the baffle 4b and naturally falls, so-called pounding washing is performed.

[0020] On the inner peripheral surface of the drum 4, a large number of water passing holes 4c are formed. The water supplied into the outer tub 3 during washing and rinsing flows into the drum 4 through the water passing holes 4c, and the water discharged from the laundry in the drum 4 during centrifugal dehydration scatters to the outer tub 3 side through the water passing holes 4c.

[0021] The main spindle 5 is rotatably supported by a bearing 5a mounted on the rear wall of the outer tank 3, and a main pulley 10 is attached to the tip of the main spindle 5 that protrudes further rearward. A drive motor 11 is installed at the bottom of the housing 2, and a motor pulley 12 is attached to the rotating shaft of the drive motor 11. The torque of the motor pulley 12 is transmitted to the main pulley 10 via a timing belt 16. As a result, when the drive motor 11 is driven, the drum 4 rotates around the main spindle 5.

[0022] A water supply pipe 30, equipped with a water supply valve 30a, is connected to the upper part of the rear wall of the outer tank 3. When the water supply valve 30a is opened, water supplied from the outside is supplied to the outer tank 3 via the water supply pipe 30. A drain pipe 31, equipped with a drain valve 31a, is connected to a drain port 3a located at the bottom of the outer tank 3. When the drain valve 31a is opened, the water inside the outer tank 3 is discharged outside the machine through the drain port 3a and the drain pipe 31.

[0023] Figure 2 is a control block diagram of the drum-type washing machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 50 of the drum-type washing machine 1 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a CPU, a ROM that stores a program for controlling the operation of the drum-type washing machine 1, and a RAM that temporarily stores data used when executing the program. The operation of the drum-type washing machine 1 is controlled by this control unit 50.

[0024] The drum-type washing machine 1 is capable of performing washing operations including washing, rinsing, and spinning, and has a standard course set for standard washing.

[0025] The control unit 50 includes a standard course storage unit 51, a time allocation adjustment unit 52, and an operation control unit 53. The control unit 50 is also connected to an operation unit 2a, a water supply valve 30a, a drain valve 31a, and a drive motor 11. The operation unit 2a includes a time priority button 81 and a required time input unit 82.

[0026] The time priority button 81 is operated by the user when they want to prioritize the end time of the washing cycle.

[0027] The time input unit 82 is operated when the user inputs the time required from the start of washing to the end of washing.

[0028] The standard course memory unit 51 stores the time allocation for the washing operation, including washing, rinsing, and spinning, in a standard course for performing a standard wash. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the standard course in this embodiment is a 34-minute course that proceeds in the following order: load detection 20 seconds, water supply 2 minutes 40 seconds, washing 5 minutes, draining 1 minute, first spinning 3 minutes, water supply 2 minutes, first rinse 3 minutes, draining 1 minute, second spinning 3 minutes, water supply 2 minutes, second rinse 3 minutes, draining 1 minute, and third spinning 6 minutes.

[0029] In the standard course of this embodiment, the 20-second load detection, 2 minutes and 40 seconds water supply, 1 minute drainage, 2 minutes water supply, 1 minute drainage, 2 minutes water supply, and 1 minute drainage are fixed sections that represent the time required to perform the washing, and their total is 10 minutes. In contrast, in the standard course, the 5 minutes of washing, 3 minutes of first spin-drying, 3 minutes of first rinse, 3 minutes of second spin-drying, 3 minutes of second rinse, and 6 minutes of third spin-drying, which are not fixed sections, are variable sections that represent the time that can be varied when performing the washing, and their total is 24 minutes.

[0030] After the user operates the time priority button 81 and the required time is entered via the required time input unit 82, the time allocation adjustment unit 52 adjusts the time allocation for washing, rinsing, and spinning, as shown in Figure 4. Specifically, the time allocation adjustment unit 52 adjusts the time allocation for washing, rinsing, and spinning based on the time allocation of the standard course, but since there is a 10-minute fixed section in the 34-minute standard course, it adjusts the time of the variable section excluding that fixed section.

[0031] In this embodiment, it is not possible to set a washing cycle shorter than the standard course, and the time entered by the user is longer than the standard course (34 minutes). Therefore, the time distribution adjustment unit 52 adjusts the time distribution of the washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles included in the variable portion so that they fit within the time entered by the user. At that time, the washing, rinsing, and spinning times are increased based on the ratio of the time entered by the user to the standard course time of 34 minutes.

[0032] In this embodiment, the adjustment based on the ratio of the time required by the user to the standard course time of 34 minutes, as described above, is referred to as "percentage extension." Therefore, the values ​​obtained by multiplying the washing, rinsing, and spinning times of the standard course by the above ratio are referred to as "simple calculation values."

[0033] The time allocation adjustment unit 52 adds the difference to the washing time if the sum of the simple calculation values ​​obtained by multiplying the washing, rinsing, and spinning times of the standard course by the above ratios is shorter than the required time entered by the user. This is to increase the washing time and properly clean the laundry.

[0034] The standard course in this embodiment includes a first spin-drying cycle performed immediately after washing and a second spin-drying cycle performed immediately after rinsing. However, if the first and second spin-drying times are too long, the laundry will not be properly finished. Therefore, if the simply calculated value of the first spin-drying time exceeds the upper limit (4 minutes), the time distribution adjustment unit 52 shortens the simply calculated value of the first spin-drying time to the upper limit (4 minutes) and adds the difference to the washing time. Similarly, if the simply calculated value of the second spin-drying time exceeds the upper limit (4 minutes), the time distribution adjustment unit 52 shortens the simply calculated value of the second spin-drying time to the upper limit (4 minutes) and adds the difference to the washing time. This is to increase the washing time and properly clean the laundry.

[0035] In this embodiment, as described above, the difference obtained when correcting the simply calculated value extended by a constant rate is added to the washing time. However, if the washing time is fixed to a set value, for example, it cannot be added to the washing time. In that case, the difference obtained when correcting the simply calculated value extended by a constant rate is added to the first rinse time.

[0036] The operation control unit 53 performs the washing operation according to the time allocation adjusted by the time allocation adjustment unit 52 so that it fits within the required time input by the user. At that time, the operation control unit 53 measures the actual operating time from the start of the washing operation.

[0037] Even if the washing cycle is started to fit within the time entered by the user, if, for example, the water pressure of the water supply device supplying water to the drum-type washing machine 1 is low, the water supply time may take longer than the set time. In that case, even if washing, rinsing, and spinning are performed according to the time allocation adjusted to fit within the time entered by the user, the total time will exceed the time entered by the user.

[0038] Therefore, the operation control unit 53 compares the measured actual working time with the time allocation adjusted by the time allocation adjustment unit 52, and if it does not fit within the required time input by the user, it shortens the time of the third spin-drying, which is performed at the end of the washing operation, and controls the washing operation so that it fits within the required time input by the user. The third spin-drying time includes the actual working time and the steady rotation time until the final spin-drying steady rotation is reached.

[0039] In drum-type washing machine 1, a third spin cycle is performed at the end of the washing cycle. If the steady rotation time included in this third spin cycle continues for 5 minutes, the laundry will be properly dewatered. Therefore, if the steady rotation time included in the simply calculated value of the third spin cycle exceeds the lower limit (5 minutes), the laundry will be properly dewatered even if the time exceeding the lower limit is shortened to complete the steady rotation time included in the third spin cycle. Thus, the time exceeding the lower limit (5 minutes) in the simply calculated value of the third spin cycle is used as time to shorten the cycle if it does not fit within the time entered by the user.

[0040] As mentioned above, if the water supply time is longer than the set time due to low water pressure in the water supply system, and the extended time is relatively short, the washing operation can be controlled to fit within the user-inputted time by shortening the steady rotation time included in the third spin cycle. On the other hand, if the extended time is relatively long, shortening the steady rotation time included in the third spin cycle will not allow the washing operation to fit within the user-inputted time. Furthermore, if the steady rotation time included in the third spin cycle is shortened below the lower limit (5 minutes), the laundry will not be properly dewatered.

[0041] Therefore, in this embodiment, if the third spin-drying time is shorter than the lower limit (5 minutes), the priority is given to properly dewatering the laundry, and exceptionally, even if the washing operation does not fit within the time entered by the user, the third spin-drying time is performed for the lower limit of 5 minutes.

[0042] Therefore, the operation control unit 53 compares the measured actual working time with the time allocation adjusted by the time allocation adjustment unit 52, and if the third spin-drying time is shorter than the lower limit (5 minutes), it performs the third spin-drying time for the lower limit of 5 minutes, even if the washing operation does not fit within the time input by the user.

[0043] (First embodiment) The adjustment of the time allocation when a user enters 40 minutes as the required time will be explained based on Figure 4.

[0044] When performing a 40-minute wash cycle, the standard 10-minute fixed section is still required, so the variable section of the 40-minute wash cycle is 30 minutes. In other words, the total length of washing, rinsing, and spinning, which is included in the 24-minute variable section of the standard cycle, can be extended to a total of 30 minutes. Since the 24-minute variable section of the standard cycle can be extended to a total of 30 minutes, the ratio of the time that can be extended in the variable section (variable section ratio) is 30 / 24 = 1.25.

[0045] If the lengths of the 5-minute wash, 3-minute first spin-dry, 3-minute first rinse, 3-minute second spin-dry, 3-minute second rinse, and 6-minute third spin-dry sections included in the standard course are each multiplied by 1.25, then, as shown in Figure 4, the simple calculation of the constant rate extensions becomes 6.3 minutes for washing, 3.8 minutes for the first spin-dry, 3.8 minutes for the first rinse, 3.8 minutes for the second spin-dry, 3.8 minutes for the second rinse, and 7.5 minutes for the third spin-dry.

[0046] At that time, while the variable portion can be extended up to 30 minutes, the sum of the simply calculated values ​​for the constant-rate extension is 28.8 minutes, which is 1.2 minutes shorter. Therefore, when recalculated to match the set time, the 1.2 minutes that was shortened in the total variable portion is added to the 6.3 minutes of washing, correcting it to 7.5 minutes.

[0047] In this way, by performing the laundry according to the time allocation after correcting the simple calculation value of the constant rate extension, the required time will be kept within the 40 minutes entered by the user.

[0048] (Second example) The adjustment of time allocation when a user enters 50 minutes as the required time will be explained based on Figure 5.

[0049] When performing a 50-minute wash cycle, the standard 10-minute fixed section is still required, so the variable section of the 50-minute wash cycle is 40 minutes. In other words, the total length of washing, rinsing, and spinning, which is included in the 24-minute variable section of the standard cycle, can be extended to a total of 40 minutes. Since the 24-minute variable section of the standard cycle can be extended to a total of 40 minutes, the ratio of the time that can be extended in the variable section (variable section ratio) is 40 / 24 = 1.67.

[0050] If the lengths of the 5-minute wash, 3-minute first spin cycle, 3-minute first rinse, 3-minute second spin cycle, 3-minute second rinse, and 6-minute third spin cycle included in the variable section of the standard course are each multiplied by 1.67, then, as shown in Figure 5, the simple calculation values ​​for constant rate extension become 8.3 minutes for wash, 5 minutes for first spin cycle, 5 minutes for first rinse, 5 minutes for second spin cycle, 5 minutes for second rinse, and 10 minutes for third spin cycle.

[0051] The time allocation for the first spin-drying time after washing and the second spin-drying time after the first rinse is adjusted so as not to exceed the upper limit of 4 minutes. Therefore, the simple calculation values ​​of 5 minutes for the first spin-drying and 5 minutes for the second spin-drying, which are the fixed-rate extension values, are corrected to 4 minutes each.

[0052] At that time, while the variable time can be extended up to 40 minutes, the sum of the simply calculated values ​​for the constant rate extension is 38.3 minutes, which is 1.7 minutes shorter. Therefore, when recalculated according to the set time, the 2 minutes shortened for the first and second spin-drying cycles and the 1.7 minutes shortened for the variable time are added to the 8.3 minutes of the washing cycle, correcting it to 12 minutes.

[0053] In this way, by performing the laundry according to the time allocation after correcting the simple calculation value of the constant rate extension, the required time will be kept within the 50 minutes entered by the user.

[0054] (Third embodiment) Figure 6 illustrates how to adjust the time allocation when a user enters 50 minutes as the required time and sets the washing time to 10 minutes.

[0055] When performing a 50-minute wash cycle, the standard 10-minute fixed section is still required, so the variable section of the 50-minute wash cycle is 40 minutes. In other words, the total length of washing, rinsing, and spinning, which is included in the 24-minute variable section of the standard cycle, can be extended to a total of 40 minutes. Since the 24-minute variable section of the standard cycle can be extended to a total of 40 minutes, the ratio of the time that can be extended in the variable section (variable section ratio) is 40 / 24 = 1.67.

[0056] If the lengths of the 5-minute wash, 3-minute first spin-dry, 3-minute first rinse, 3-minute second spin-dry, 3-minute second rinse, and 6-minute third spin-dry sections included in the standard course are each multiplied by 1.25, then, as shown in Figure 6, the simple calculation of the constant rate extension becomes 8.3 minutes for washing, 5 minutes for the first spin-dry, 5 minutes for the first rinse, 5 minutes for the second spin-dry, 5 minutes for the second rinse, and 10 minutes for the third spin-dry.

[0057] In this embodiment, the washing time is set to 10 minutes by the user. Therefore, when recalculated according to the set time, the washing time of 8.3 minutes, which is the simple calculation value of the constant rate extension, is corrected to 10 minutes, as shown in Figure 6.

[0058] In other words, the rinsing and spinning times, which are included in the 24-minute variable section of the standard course, can be extended to a total of 30 minutes. Since the 19 minutes obtained by subtracting the 5-minute washing time from the 24-minute variable section of the standard course can be extended to a total of 30 minutes, the ratio of the time that can be extended in the variable section (variable section ratio) is 30 / 19 = 1.58.

[0059] If we recalculate by multiplying the lengths of the first spin-dry (3 minutes), first rinse (3 minutes), second spin-dry (3 minutes), second rinse (3 minutes), and third spin-dry (6 minutes) included in the variable section of the standard course by 1.58, the simple calculation values ​​for constant rate extension are as shown in Figure 6: first spin-dry 4.7 minutes, first rinse 4.7 minutes, second spin-dry 4.7 minutes, second rinse 4.7 minutes, and third spin-dry 9.5 minutes.

[0060] The time allocation for the first spin-drying time after washing and the second spin-drying time after the first rinse is adjusted so as not to exceed the upper limit of 4 minutes. Therefore, the simple calculation values ​​of 5 minutes for the first spin-drying and 5 minutes for the second spin-drying, which are the fixed-rate extension values, are corrected to 4 minutes each.

[0061] At that time, while the variable time can be extended up to 30 minutes, the sum of the simply calculated values ​​of the recalculated constant-rate extension is 26.9 minutes, which is 3.1 minutes shorter. This surplus time is allocated to washing and rinsing in that order, but since the washing time is set to 10 minutes by the user, it is added to the first rinse. Therefore, when recalculated according to the set time, the surplus time of 3.1 minutes is added to the first rinse of 4.7 minutes, correcting it to 7.8 minutes.

[0062] In this way, by performing the laundry according to the time allocation after correcting the simple calculation value of the constant rate extension, the washing time will be 10 minutes, and the total time required will fit within the 50 minutes entered by the user.

[0063] The processing procedure for the time-priority course of washing machine 100 will be explained based on Figures 7 and 8. Figures 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure for the time-priority course.

[0064] <Step S1> In step S1, the control unit 50 receives the required time input by the user.

[0065] <Step S2> In step S2, the control unit 50 calculates a simple calculation value for constant rate extension based on the required time received in step S1, so that the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying included in the variable section of the standard course are extended.

[0066] <Step S3> In step S3, the control unit 50 corrects the difference between the sum of the simple calculation values ​​of constant-rate extension calculated in step S2 and the required time received in step S1. Specifically, the control unit 50 adds the difference between the required time and the sum of the constant-rate extension operating time to the washing time.

[0067] <Step S4> In step S4, the control unit 50 determines whether the first spin-drying after washing is less than 4 minutes. If the control unit 50 determines that the first spin-drying is not less than 4 minutes, the process proceeds to step S5. If the control unit 50 determines that the first spin-drying is less than 4 minutes, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0068] <Step S5> In step S5, the control unit 50 corrects the first dewatering time to 4 minutes. Then, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0069] <Step S6> In step S6, the control unit 50 determines whether the second dehydration is less than 4 minutes. If the control unit 50 determines that the second dehydration is not less than 4 minutes, the process proceeds to step S7. If the control unit 50 determines that the second dehydration is less than 4 minutes, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0070] <Step S7> In step S7, the control unit 50 corrects the second dehydration time to 4 minutes. Then, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0071] <Step S8> In step S8, the control unit 50 adds the excess time resulting from the first and second dehydration processes exceeding 4 minutes to the washing time. Then, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0072] <Step S9> In step S9, the control unit 50 starts washing.

[0073] <Step S10> In step S10, the control unit 50 detects the load and starts measuring the actual operating time after the start of the washing operation.

[0074] <Step S11> In step S11, the control unit 50 repeatedly determines whether the rotational speed of the drum 4 has reached the final steady rotation speed for dewatering. If the control unit 50 determines that the rotational speed of the drum 4 has reached the final steady rotation speed for dewatering, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0075] <Step S12> In step S12, when the control unit 50 reaches the final dewatering steady rotation, it stops measuring the actual operating time.

[0076] <Step S13> In step S13, the control unit 50 calculates the difference between the actual operating time until the final dewatering steady rotation is reached and the required time entered by the user, and determines the final dewatering time.

[0077] <Step S14> In step S14, the control unit 50 determines whether the final dewatering time determined in step S13 exceeds 5 minutes. If the control unit 50 determines that the final dewatering time does not exceed 5 minutes, the process proceeds to step S15. If the control unit 50 determines that the final dewatering time exceeds 5 minutes, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0078] <Step S15> In step S15, the control unit 50 determines the final dewatering time to be 5 minutes and corrects the third dewatering time to 5 minutes. Then, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0079] <Step S16> In step S16, the control unit 50 performs a dewatering operation for a third dewatering time as the final dewatering operation, and then terminates the operation.

[0080] As described above, the drum-type washing machine 1 of this embodiment is a washing machine capable of performing a washing operation including washing, rinsing, and spinning, and includes a required time input unit 82 for inputting the required time from the start of the washing operation to the end of the washing operation, a time distribution adjustment unit 52 for adjusting the time distribution of washing, rinsing, and spinning so that it fits within the required time input by the required time input unit 82, and an operation control unit 53 for controlling the washing operation including washing, rinsing, and spinning to be performed according to the time distribution adjusted by the time distribution adjustment unit 52.

[0081] This allows the washing, rinsing, and spinning times to be adjusted to fit within the time entered by the user, so that the washing cycle can be set to finish by the time specified by the user.

[0082] In the drum-type washing machine 1 of this embodiment, a standard course is set that performs a washing operation including washing, rinsing, and spinning for a standard required time, and the time distribution adjustment unit 52 adjusts the time distribution for washing, rinsing, and spinning according to the ratio of the required time to the standard required time.

[0083] This adjusts the washing, rinsing, and spinning time distribution to the same ratio as the standard cycle, ensuring that laundry is properly cleaned.

[0084] In the drum-type washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the standard course includes a first spin-drying cycle performed after washing and a second spin-drying cycle performed after rinsing, and the time distribution adjustment unit 52 adjusts the times of the first and second spin-drying cycles so that they do not exceed the upper limit.

[0085] This improves the finish of laundry by keeping the duration of the first spin-drying after washing and the second spin-drying after rinsing below the upper limit.

[0086] In the drum-type washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the operation control unit 53 shortens the time for washing, rinsing, or spinning so that the washing operation is completed within the required time, based on the actual operating time measured from the start of the washing operation and the time distribution adjusted by the time distribution adjustment unit 52.

[0087] This allows the washing machine to complete its cycle within the allotted time, even if, for example, the water pressure in the water supply system is low and the time required for water supply is extended, by shortening the time for either the washing, rinsing, or spinning cycles.

[0088] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the configuration of this embodiment is not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible.

[0089] For example, in the above embodiment, a standard course is set for performing a standard wash. The standard course is a course that performs washing, first spin-drying, first rinse, second spin-drying, second rinse, and third spin-drying in that order, but is not limited to this. The number of washes, rinses, and spin-drying cycles included in the standard course is arbitrary.

[0090] In the above embodiment, when performing laundry to fit within the time entered by the user, the time allocation for washing, rinsing, and spinning is adjusted without changing the order of washing, rinsing, and spinning included in the standard course, but it is not limited to this. The time allocation for washing, rinsing, and spinning may be adjusted by changing the order and number of times washing, rinsing, and spinning included in the standard course. Furthermore, if the time allocation for washing, rinsing, and spinning can be adjusted to fit within the time entered by the user, it is not necessary to adjust it based on the ratio of the time entered by the user to the standard time of the standard course.

[0091] In the above embodiment, it is not possible to set a washing cycle shorter than the standard course, and the time entered by the user is longer than the standard course (34 minutes), and the time distribution is adjusted so that the washing, rinsing, and spinning times are longer, but is not limited to this. A washing cycle longer than the time entered by the user may be set in the drum-type washing machine 1, and the time distribution of the washing, rinsing, and spinning times included in that washing cycle may be adjusted so that they are shorter in accordance with the time entered by the user.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the final spin-drying time is determined by calculating the difference between the actual operating time until the final steady spin-drying rotation is reached and the time entered by the user, but it is not limited to this. For example, the final spin-drying time may be determined by calculating the difference between the actual operating time from the start of the washing operation until the third spin-drying is reached and the time entered by the user.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the actual working time measured from the start of the washing operation is compared with the time allocation adjusted by the time allocation adjustment unit 52. If the time does not fit within the required time input by the user, the washing operation is controlled by shortening the time of the third spin-drying, which is performed at the end of the washing operation, so that it fits within the required time input by the user. However, it is not limited to this. If the time does not fit within the required time input by the user, the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying times may be shortened to control the operation so that it fits within the required time.

[0094] In the above embodiment, upper limits were set for the time of the first spin-drying performed after washing and the second spin-drying performed after rinsing, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, threshold and upper limits may be set for the washing time. If the washing time exceeds the threshold (e.g., 10 minutes), an OFF time may be set or the OFF time may be lengthened (e.g., a washing operation with 20 seconds on and 20 seconds off) to prevent the motor from overheating, and if the washing time exceeds the upper limit (e.g., 15 minutes), the machine may enter a soaking state of 10 seconds / minute.

[0095] Although the above embodiments described a drum-type washing machine, the present invention is not limited to that. The same effects can be obtained with a top-loading washing machine.

[0096] Other configurations can also be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 1. Drum-type washing machine (washing machine) 52 Time allocation adjustment unit (time allocation adjustment means) 53 Operation control section (operation control means) 82. Time Input Section (Time Input Means)

Claims

1. A drum-type washing machine capable of performing a washing cycle including washing, rinsing, and spinning, A means for inputting the time taken from the start of the washing cycle to the end of the washing cycle, A time distribution adjustment means adjusts the time distribution for washing, rinsing, and spinning so that it fits within the time entered by the aforementioned time input means, The system includes an operation control means that controls the washing operation, including washing, rinsing, and spinning, to be performed according to the time allocation adjusted by the time allocation adjustment means, The standard course, which performs a washing cycle including washing, rinsing, and spinning within the specified time, includes the first spin-drying after washing and the second spin-drying after rinsing. The drum-type washing machine is characterized in that the time distribution adjustment means adjusts the time of the first and second spin-drying so that it does not exceed an upper limit.

2. A standard course is set that performs the washing, rinsing, and spinning cycle within the standard time required. The drum-type washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the time distribution adjustment means adjusts the time distribution for washing, rinsing, and spinning according to the ratio of the required time and the standard required time.

3. The drum-type washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operation control means controls the washing, rinsing, and spinning time to be shortened if the actual operating time measured from the start of the washing operation and the time distribution adjusted by the time distribution adjustment means do not fit within the required time.

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