Washing apparatus

Abstract

[Problem] In an automatic operation of a washing apparatus, there has been a problem that, although the amount of laundry is detected and an optimum amount of water is determined, laundry tends to be damaged due to rotation of the washing tub, pulsator, or drum before an optimum amount of water is reached in a washing liquid generation process. [Solution] Provided is a washing apparatus with a means for receiving detergent type information indicated by a user, the washing apparatus having a control program for automatic operation according to the type of detergent, wherein a process of automatic operation most suitable for the type of detergent is adopted, thereby enabling automatic operation with good balance between reduction of the tendency of damage to the laundry and ensuring of washing performance.

Description

washing equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry machine.

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-64791 discloses the automatic operation process of a typical washing machine. In the automatic operation process, a typical washing machine is equipped with a water volume determination unit that detects the amount of laundry and determines the amount of water, and a laundry liquid generation unit that dissolves detergent in water to generate laundry liquid. Each process is controlled by a control program that controls the washing, rinsing, and spin cycles. Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-210123 discloses a washing machine that detects the electrical conductivity of the laundry liquid, determines whether it contains powder detergent, and changes the time of the laundry liquid generation process depending on whether the detergent is powder or not. Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-29614 discloses a washing machine that allows the user to evaluate the washing results and modify the washing machine's default process to suit the user's preferences. Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-225988 discloses an "automatic operation process including a detergent dissolving process at a low water level." Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-338488 discloses a washing machine that automatically detects the amount of laundry, the type of laundry fiber, the degree of soiling of the laundry, and the water temperature to determine the type and amount of detergent. It also discloses a technical concept that enables automatic detergent dispensing by button operation, and "determines the type of laundry materials to be used and the timing of dispensing." Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-108593 discloses "a fully automatic washing machine that sends air to dissolve the detergent in the pre-soaking process" and "a highly concentrated washing liquid." Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-38393 discloses "a washing machine characterized by having a detergent dissolution control means that ends the detergent dissolution course without operating the drainage means." Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 5-35082 discloses "an input means for inputting the type of powder detergent, and if the input powder detergent is poorly soluble in water, it controls the degree of rinsing to be stronger."

[0003] Patent Publication No. 2014-64791, Patent Publication No. 2014-210123, Patent Publication No. 2021-29614, Patent Publication No. 6-225988, Patent Publication No. 4-338488, Patent Publication No. 59-108593, Patent Publication No. 5-38393, Patent Application Publication No. 5-35082

[0004] Previous washing machines lacked a means to communicate the type of detergent to be used. Therefore, automated operation was adopted for both the washing liquid preparation process, which involves dissolving or diluting the detergent in water, and the main wash process. Types of laundry detergent include powder, solid, low-concentration liquid, high-concentration liquid, gel, and capsule. For solid and powder detergents, the dissolving process is crucial, so the washing liquid preparation process and the main wash process, which depend on the amount of water and time, are based on the assumption that powder detergent, which is the least soluble in water, is used. On the other hand, low-concentration liquid, high-concentration liquid, and gel detergents are already dissolved, so there is no need to carefully dissolve them. Capsule detergents contain ultra-high-concentration detergent sealed in a water-soluble film, so the detergent will not disperse in the water if they are not immersed in water. Previous washing machines with automatic operation functions automatically determined the optimal amount of water for the detected laundry load. However, in order to dissolve the powder detergent and complete the wash quickly, they would rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum before the optimal amount of water was reached, which created a problem of increased damage to laundry during the washing liquid preparation process. When the optimal amount of water was used, laundry was less likely to be damaged. On the other hand, the dissolving process for liquid detergents is less important than for powder detergents. In addition to the powder and liquid detergents mentioned above, high-concentration liquid detergents and gel detergents are also now available. Many previous washing machines prioritized preventing residual powder detergent and reducing washing time, resulting in increased damage to laundry. While low-concentration liquid detergents do not require a dissolving process, they offer inferior cleaning power compared to powder and high-concentration liquid detergents. After the washing machine detected the laundry load and displayed the optimal water amount, the user would add the amount of detergent recommended by the detergent manufacturer based on the amount of water. Because detergent prices vary depending on the type of detergent, the cost of each wash also varies. Furthermore, the type of detergent used varies widely depending on the user's preferences and habits. Different detergents may be used depending on whether the laundry is heavily soiled or not. There has been a demand for washing machines that can adopt the most suitable automatic operation process depending on the type of detergent.

[0005] The washing machine of the present invention, which solves the above problems, is characterized by having a means for receiving information input by a user about the type of detergent used during automatic operation, and a program for controlling the automatic operation process according to the type of detergent, and adopting the process according to the type of detergent specified. Note that the type of detergent in this invention is determined by the combination of the state and shape of the detergent.

[0006] The washing machine of the present invention can communicate the type of detergent, making it possible to solve the problem of reducing washing time and ensuring the ability to remove dirt while minimizing damage to laundry when operated automatically.

[0007] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a washing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a diagram showing the operating process of a washing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a diagram showing examples of control values ​​related to the type of detergent, the amount of water and time in the laundry liquid generation process, and the amount of water and time in the main washing process. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a part of a data table stored in a storage unit or memory. 7 is a diagram showing modified examples of control values ​​related to the type of detergent, the amount of water and time in the laundry liquid generation process, and the amount of water and time in the main washing process.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing is merely a schematic illustration to allow a sufficient understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of water for the main wash determined by the laundry weight calculation unit in FIG. 1 and the information on the type of detergent provided by the user via the operation switch in FIG. 1 or the external information input unit in FIG. 2 are used to determine the amount of water and time for the laundry liquid generation process and the time for the main wash process using the control values ​​in FIG. 5 stored in the memory unit in FIG. 1, and the automatic operation process in FIG. 4 is performed.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows an example block diagram illustrating the configuration of the washing machine of the present invention. The means for communicating the type of detergent used in the washing machine is described below. The operating switch shown in FIG. 1 is provided on the housing as a means for communicating the type of detergent. The operating switch is provided as a touch panel or button. Examples of options available on the button or touch panel are as follows: a washing machine with two options (powder detergent and liquid detergent); a washing machine with three options (powder detergent, low-concentration liquid detergent, and high-concentration liquid detergent); a washing machine with four options (powder detergent, low-concentration liquid detergent, high-concentration liquid detergent, and gel detergent); a washing machine with five options (powder detergent, low-concentration liquid detergent, high-concentration liquid detergent, gel detergent, and capsule detergent); and a washing machine with six options (powder detergent, low-concentration liquid detergent, high-concentration liquid detergent, gel detergent, capsule detergent, and tablet detergent). In addition to inputting detergent type information, the operating switch also includes conventional buttons for powering on / off, selecting modes, and starting and pausing.

[0011] The external information input unit recited in claim 2 refers to a device for reading the barcode or two-dimensional barcode printed on the detergent container. It may be possible to add a voice recognition unit to the input unit to allow input by voice, or to add a communication unit to the input unit to allow input via a communication terminal. Figure 2 shows a configuration in which an external information input unit is added to the configuration of claim 1. It is also possible to input the product number printed on the detergent container using a touch panel or button. The type of detergent to be used is indicated by the detergent's product number itself, rather than by the type of detergent, such as powder or liquid. In this case, data linking the detergent's product number and type, disclosed by the detergent manufacturer, is stored in a storage unit or memory within the control device. An example of a portion of the data table is shown in Figure 6.

[0012] Figure 3 shows a configuration in which an information input means for rewriting the control program or rewriting or adding to the data table is added to the configuration of claim 2. It is preferable that the washing machine manufacturer, based on information from the detergent manufacturer, determine the automatic operation process as an after-sales service so that it can handle new detergents released after the washing machine is shipped, and create an environment in which it can be provided to users. For this purpose, a wired or wireless communication unit is provided. The control program is rewritten or the data table is rewritten or added via the communication unit. Figure 3 shows a configuration in which a communication unit is added to the configuration of claim 2. It is preferable that the microcomputer in the control device is rewritable, but if the microcomputer is not rewritable, a rewritable memory is provided within the control device.

[0013] The automatic operation of the present invention is described below. Figure 5 shows an example of the control values ​​for the water volume and duration in the liquid preparation process and the water volume and duration in the main wash process for each type of detergent. When a powder detergent is selected by the user, the motor is driven for two minutes at 50% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum during the liquid preparation process. During the main wash, the motor is driven for five minutes at 100% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum. When a low-concentration detergent is selected by the user, the motor is driven for three seconds at 100% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum during the liquid preparation process. During the main wash, the motor is driven for eight minutes at 100% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum. When a high-concentration detergent is selected by the user, the motor is driven for 30 seconds at 85% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum during the liquid preparation process. During the main wash, the motor is driven for 6 minutes at 100% of the optimum amount of water, rotating the washing tub, pulsator, and drum. When capsule detergent is selected by the user, the washing liquid generation process involves driving the motor for 45 seconds at 65% of the optimum amount of water, rotating the washing tub, pulsator, and drum. During the main wash, the motor is driven for 7 minutes at 100% of the optimum amount of water, rotating the washing tub, pulsator, and drum.

[0014] Currently, automatic washing machines generally allow users to select modes such as "thorough wash" and "quick wash." The phrase "adopting a process" in claim 1 refers to adopting a process that determines the optimal amount of water and its duration for the liquid preparation process and the amount of water and its duration for the main wash based on information about the type of detergent provided to the user, rather than selecting a mode. However, because the type of detergent is provided after the mode is selected, the relationship between the amount of water and its duration for the liquid preparation process and the amount of water and its duration for the main wash process will differ for each mode, even if the same type of detergent is used.

[0015] The automatic operation process of the present invention will be described below. The automatic operation process is shown in Figure 4. In a conventional washing machine, the power is turned on by flipping a switch, laundry is placed in the washing tub, and a fully automatic operation mode such as normal wash, thorough wash, or quick wash is selected. After pressing the operation start button, the washing tub and pulsator rotate before adding water, the amount of laundry is detected, and the optimal amount of water is displayed. The user then adds the optimal amount of detergent based on the displayed information. After displaying the amount of water, the washing machine starts supplying water and begins the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes. In the case of a washing machine according to the present invention, the power is turned on, laundry is placed in the washing tub, and a fully automatic operation mode such as normal wash, thorough wash, or quick wash is selected. After pressing the operation start button, the washing tub and pulsator rotate before supplying water, the amount of laundry is detected, and the optimal amount of water is displayed. The user then informs the washing machine of the type of detergent to be used, and then adds detergent. After closing the lid, water supply begins. The washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes then begin. It would be even better if the "usual detergent type" could be registered and prioritized so that if the user closes the top lid without selecting a detergent type, a sound or a display would indicate that a detergent type has not been selected, and if a certain amount of time has passed without the top lid being opened again, the automatic operation process would be adopted assuming that the preset "usual detergent" had been selected.Of course, one embodiment of the present invention would also be to equip a conventional washing machine with a function that uses a touch panel and display to indicate the type of detergent, for example, a "gentle mode," which prioritizes reducing damage to laundry.

[0016] The water volume and duration for the liquid preparation process and the main wash process for each type of detergent in the washing machine according to the present invention are shown below. When a powder detergent is selected by the user, the motor is driven for two minutes at 50% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum during the liquid preparation process. During the main wash, the motor is driven for five minutes at 100% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum. When a low-concentration detergent is selected by the user, the motor is driven for three seconds at 100% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum during the liquid preparation process. During the main wash, the motor is driven for eight minutes at 100% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum. When a high-concentration detergent is selected by the user, the motor is driven for 30 seconds at 85% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum during the liquid preparation process. In the main wash, the motor is driven for 6 minutes with 100% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum. When a capsule detergent is selected by the user, the motor is driven for 45 seconds with 65% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum in the washing liquid generation process. In the main wash, the motor is driven for 7 minutes with 100% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum. Example 1

[0016] The water volume and duration in the washing liquid generation process and the water volume and duration in the main wash process for each type of detergent in the washing machine according to the present invention are shown below. When a powder detergent is selected by the user, the motor is driven for 2 minutes with 50% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum in the washing liquid generation process. In the main wash, the motor is driven for 5 minutes with 100% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum. When a low-concentration detergent is requested by the user, the washing liquid generation process runs the motor for three seconds at 100% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum. During the main wash, the motor runs for eight minutes at 100% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum. When a high-concentration detergent is requested by the user, the washing liquid generation process runs the motor for 30 seconds at 85% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum.In the main wash, the motor is driven for 6 minutes with 100% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum. When a capsule detergent is selected by the user, in the washing liquid generation process, the motor is driven for 45 seconds with 65% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum. In the main wash, the motor is driven for 7 minutes with 100% of the optimal amount of water to rotate the washing tub, pulsator, and drum.

[0017] As a variation of Figure 5, Figure 7 shows the relationship between the amount of water and its time in the washing liquid generation process and the amount of water and its time in the main wash process for each type of detergent. Variation 1 (thorough wash) When the optimum amount of water for the main wash determined by the amount of laundry is x liters, if powder detergent is input, the control values ​​are 65% of the water amount x for the washing liquid generation process, the time is 3 minutes, and the main wash time is 10 minutes; if low-concentration liquid detergent is input, the control values ​​are 100% of the water amount x for the washing liquid generation process, the time is 5 seconds, and the main wash time is 10 minutes; if high-concentration liquid detergent is input, the control values ​​are 90% of the water amount x for the washing liquid generation process, the time is 50 seconds, and the main wash time is 10 minutes; if capsule detergent is input, the control values ​​are 90% of the water amount x for the washing liquid generation process, the time is 1 minute, and the main wash time is 10 minutes.

[0018] Variation 2. (Quick wash) When the optimum amount of water for the main wash determined based on the amount of laundry is x liters, if powder detergent is input, the control values ​​are 50% of the water amount x for the washing liquid generation process, 1 minute for the time, and 5 minutes for the main wash; if low-concentration liquid detergent is input, 100% of the water amount x for the washing liquid generation process, 0 seconds for the time, and 5 minutes for the main wash; if high-concentration liquid detergent is input, 85% of the water amount x for the washing liquid generation process, 15 seconds for the time, and 5 minutes for the main wash; if capsule detergent is input, 65% of the water amount x for the washing liquid generation process, 30 seconds for the time, and 5 minutes for the main wash.

[0019] Variant 3 (Main wash priority) When the optimal amount of water for the main wash determined based on the amount of laundry is x liters, if powder detergent is input, the control values ​​are 50% of the water amount x in the washing liquid generation process, the time is 30 seconds, and the main wash time is 6 minutes; if low-concentration liquid detergent is input, the control values ​​are 90% of the water amount x in the washing liquid generation process, the time is 0 seconds, and the main wash time is 6 minutes; if high-concentration liquid detergent is input, the control values ​​are 50% of the water amount x in the washing liquid generation process, the time is 5 seconds, and the main wash time is 6 minutes; if capsule detergent is input, the control values ​​are 50% of the water amount x in the washing liquid generation process, the time is 10 seconds, and the main wash time is 6 minutes.

Claims

1. An automatically operated washing machine characterized by comprising a means for determining the optimum amount of washing water depending on the amount of laundry, a means for receiving information on the type of detergent, and a ratio table of the amount of water for the washing liquid generation process to the optimum amount of washing water determined for each type of detergent, and determining the amount of water for the washing liquid generation process according to the type of detergent.

2. The laundry device according to claim 1, further comprising an external information input means for inputting detergent product information, and a storage means.

3. The laundry machine according to claim 2, further comprising information input means for rewriting the control program or rewriting or adding to the data table.

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