Washing machine
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/CN2026/080226
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-02-28
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-03
Smart Images
Figure CN2026080226_03092026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
washing machine Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a washing machine. Background Technology
[0002] Handkerchiefs and towels easily accumulate various stains, and because they are small items, they tend to get mixed with other laundry items. The mechanical force generated by water flow is insufficient to effectively remove these stains and odors, making them prone to residue. Furthermore, handkerchiefs and towels often become wet after use, and if stains remain, they can easily develop an unpleasant odor when wet. Therefore, while handkerchiefs and towels are items that require focused disinfection and deodorization, washing them separately from other laundry items is time-consuming, laborious, and uneconomical. Thus, there is a desire to achieve targeted disinfection and deodorization of specific items like handkerchiefs and towels without separating them from other laundry items.
[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a washing machine capable of performing a bleaching process after a fabric weight measurement process and before the washing process. In the bleaching process, bleach is pre-added when water is supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub, and soaking is performed according to the soaking time once the water level is reached. The bleach-containing water is agitated by the rotation of the agitator blades during water supply and soaking.
[0004] In the aforementioned washing machine, the bleaching process effectively disinfects and deodorizes the laundry. However, due to the water supply and agitation after adding bleach, it easily diffuses throughout the water in the washing and spin-drying drum. Consequently, the bleach acts on the entire laundry, resulting in the same disinfection and deodorization of the entire garment. Therefore, it is difficult to target specific laundry items for disinfection and deodorization without separating them from other laundry items during washing.
[0005] Existing technical documents
[0006] Patent documents
[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-74937 Summary of the Invention
[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve
[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a washing machine that can perform targeted sterilization and deodorization on a specific laundry without separating it from other laundry.
[0010] Solution for solving the problem
[0011] The main embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention includes: a washing tub for holding laundry; a pulsator disposed at the bottom of the washing tub; a drive unit for rotating the pulsator; a water supply device for supplying water to the washing tub; an inlet device for adding detergent and bleach into the washing tub from above; and a control unit capable of performing a washing operation in a first mode having a first washing process, wherein the first washing process is a process of washing laundry with detergent and bleach. During the first washing process, the control unit performs a first action, which is to supply water through the water supply device and add detergent through the inlet device to fill the washing tub with detergent-containing water to a predetermined water level. Following the first action, the control unit then performs a second action, which is to soak the laundry for a predetermined time after adding bleach through the inlet device. Following the second action, the control unit then performs a third action to rotate the pulsator.
[0012] According to this washing machine, by placing specific laundry items on top of the laundry group in the washing tub and performing a first-mode washing operation, the bleach can effectively target specific laundry items during the first washing process, achieving sterilization and deodorization, and the specific laundry items can be washed together with other laundry items using detergent.
[0013] In the washing machine of this solution, the following structure can be adopted: the control unit can execute a washing operation in a second mode with a second cleaning process, the second cleaning process being a process of cleaning the laundry with detergent. In this case, the following structure can be adopted: the control unit performs a load detection process before the second cleaning process, the load detection process being a process of rotating the pulsator in a waterless state in the washing tub and detecting the load of the laundry based on the load applied to the pulsator by the laundry in the washing tub, the control unit not performing the load detection process before the first cleaning process of the first mode.
[0014] Based on the above structure, the load detection process is not performed in the first mode, thus preventing specific laundry items from entering other laundry items before the first washing process due to the displacement of the laundry group caused by the rotation of the impeller during the load detection process. Therefore, in the first washing process of the first mode, it is possible to prevent bleach from failing to adhere to specific laundry items.
[0015] In the washing machine of this solution, the following structure can be adopted: During the first washing process, after the control unit adds detergent through the dispensing device, it causes the impeller to rotate in a way that generates a water flow weaker than the third action.
[0016] Based on the above structure, the detergent can be mixed into the water in the washing tub in a uniform manner, and the bleach can be prevented from being unable to adhere to specific items due to the displacement of the laundry.
[0017] In the washing machine of this solution, the feeding device may include a structure for foaming the bleach fed into the washing tub.
[0018] Based on the structure described above, the foamed bleach tends to accumulate in the upper layer of the detergent-containing water within the washing tub. This allows the bleach to adhere more effectively to specific items being washed. Consequently, the bleaching effect is more pronounced on these items, resulting in improved antibacterial and deodorizing properties.
[0019] In the washing machine of this solution, a structure may be adopted that also includes an operating unit for accepting operations to change the specified water level.
[0020] According to this structure, the specified water level in the second washing process can be changed according to the load of laundry put into the washing tub.
[0021] Invention Effects
[0022] According to the present invention, a washing machine is provided that can perform targeted sterilization and deodorization on a specific laundry without separating it from other laundry.
[0023] The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer through the following description of the embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely examples of how to implement the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 is a side sectional view of the fully automatic washing machine according to the embodiment.
[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the water supply device according to the embodiment.
[0026] Figure 3(a) is a side sectional view of the jet generator in the embodiment, configured within the first water passage. Figure 3(b) is a rear view of the jet generator in the embodiment.
[0027] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment.
[0028] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the washing operation process of the standard mode of the implementation method.
[0029] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the washing operation process of the key sterilization mode in the implementation method.
[0030] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the control actions performed by the control unit during the sterilization and cleaning process of the embodiment.
[0031] Figures 8(a) to (f) are diagrams used to illustrate the washing operation of the key sterilization mode of the implementation method.
[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0033] 1: Fully automatic washing machine (washing machine); 22: Washing and spin-drying drum (washing drum); 24: Impeller; 30: Drive unit; 100: Water supply device; 100a: Treatment agent addition device (addition device); 170: Jet generation unit (foaming unit); 201: Control unit; 203: Operation unit. Detailed Implementation
[0034] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a fully automatic washing machine 1, which is one embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention, will be described.
[0035] Figure 1 is a side sectional view of the fully automatic washing machine 1.
[0036] The fully automatic washing machine 1 has a housing 10 that forms its appearance. The housing 10 includes: a square cylindrical body 11 with open upper and lower surfaces; a top panel 12 covering the upper surface of the body 11; and a base 13 supporting the body 11. An inlet 14 for washing clothes is formed on the top panel 12. The inlet 14 is covered by an openable and closable top cover 15.
[0037] An outer tub 20 with an open upper surface is disposed within the housing 10. The outer tub 20 is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension rods 21 with anti-vibration devices. A washing and dehydrating tub 22 with an open upper surface is disposed within the outer tub 20. The washing and dehydrating tub 22 rotates about a rotation axis extending vertically. A plurality of dehydration holes 22a are formed on the inner circumference of the washing and dehydrating tub 22 in a manner covering the entire circumference. In addition, a plurality of discharge holes 22b are formed on the inner bottom surface of the washing and dehydrating tub 22.
[0038] A balance ring 23 is provided at the upper part of the washing and spin-drying tub 22. Furthermore, a pulsator 24 is rotatably arranged at the bottom of the washing and spin-drying tub 22. Multiple blades 24a are radially arranged on the surface of the pulsator 24. It should be noted that the washing and spin-drying tub 22 is equivalent to the "washing tub" of this invention.
[0039] A drive unit 30 is disposed at the bottom of the outer tub 20, which generates torque to drive the washing and spin-drying tub 22 and the impeller 24. The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism 32. The transmission mechanism 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a. Through the switching operation performed by the clutch mechanism 32a, during the washing and rinsing processes, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the impeller 24, causing only the impeller 24 to rotate. During the spin-drying process, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to both the impeller 24 and the washing and spin-drying tub 22, causing the impeller 24 and the washing and spin-drying tub 22 to rotate as a unit. It should be noted that the drive unit 30 may also be configured such that the drive motor 31 rotates the impeller 24 without passing through the transmission mechanism 32.
[0040] A drain outlet 20a is formed at the bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided at the drain outlet 20a. The drain valve 40 is connected to a drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain hose 41.
[0041] The outer tub 20 is provided with a water level detection unit 50 for detecting the water level inside the outer tub 20. The water level detection unit 50 includes: an air trap 51 formed at the bottom of the outer tub 20; and a water level sensor 53 connected to the air trap 51 via a hose 52. The water level sensor 53 is a diaphragm-type water level sensor, which detects the water level inside the outer tub 20 by detecting the air pressure inside the air trap 51, which changes according to the water level inside the outer tub 20.
[0042] A water supply device 100 is disposed at the rear of the top panel 12. The water supply device 100 is connected to a faucet and has the function of supplying water to the washing and spin-drying tub 22, i.e., the outer tub 20. Furthermore, the water supply device 100 includes a treatment agent dispensing device 100a that automatically dispenses liquid detergent, fabric softener, and bleach into the washing and spin-drying tub 22, i.e., the outer tub 20. It should be noted that detergent, fabric softener, and bleach are treatment agents used for washing. Hereinafter, water containing detergent will sometimes be referred to as "detergent water," and water containing fabric softener will sometimes be referred to as "fabric softener water."
[0043] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the water supply device 100.
[0044] The water supply device 100 includes a water supply valve unit 110, a water inlet 120, a water supply path 130, a first treatment agent supply unit 140, a second treatment agent supply unit 150, a third treatment agent supply unit 160, and a jet generator 170.
[0045] The water supply valve unit 110 is a so-called double valve, having a first valve 111 and a second valve 112. The inlet 113 of the water supply valve unit 110 is connected to a faucet via a water supply hose (not shown). The second valve 112 has a larger rated flow rate than the first valve 111.
[0046] The water inlet 120 is box-shaped and located above the rear of the washing and spin-drying tub 22. A water inlet 121 is formed on the bottom surface of the water inlet 120. The water inlet 121 opens downwards and faces into the washing and spin-drying tub 22.
[0047] The water supply path 130 includes: a first water path 131 for supplying water from a first valve 111; and a second water path 132 for supplying water from a second valve 112. The first water path 131 and the second water path 132 are connected to the water inlet 120. The second water path 132 has a larger flow path cross-sectional area than the first water path 131.
[0048] The first treatment agent supply unit 140 includes a first treatment agent tank 141, a first supply path 142, a first pump 143, and a first check valve 144. The first treatment agent tank 141 contains liquid treatment agent. The upper end of the first supply path 142 is connected to an outlet located on the bottom surface of the first treatment agent tank 141. The lower end of the first supply path 142 is connected to a first water passage 131. The first pump 143, for example, is a piston pump, and is disposed in the first supply path 142. The first check valve 144, for example, is a spring-loaded check valve, and is disposed in the first supply path 142 at a position closer to the first water passage 131 than the first pump 143.
[0049] When the first pump 143 operates, the treatment agent in the first treatment agent box 141 is sent to the first water passage 131 via the first supply passage 142. At this time, the first check valve 144 opens. The first check valve 144 closes when water from the first water passage 131 flows into the first supply passage 142 and towards the first treatment agent box 141. This prevents water from entering the first treatment agent box 141.
[0050] The structures of the second treatment agent supply unit 150 and the third treatment agent supply unit 160 are the same as those of the first treatment agent supply unit 140. That is, the second treatment agent supply unit 150 includes a second treatment agent box 151, a second supply path 152, a second pump 153, and a second check valve 154. In addition, the third treatment agent supply unit 160 includes a third treatment agent box 161, a third supply path 162, a third pump 163, and a third check valve 164.
[0051] The second supply path 152 of the second treatment agent supply unit 150 is connected to the first water path 131 at a position downstream of the connection position of the first supply path 142. The third supply path 162 of the third treatment agent supply unit 160 is connected to the first water path 131 at a position downstream of the connection position of the second supply path 152.
[0052] In this embodiment, liquid detergent is stored in the first treatment cartridge 141, liquid bleach (e.g., oxygen bleach) is stored in the second treatment cartridge 151, and liquid fabric softener is stored in the third treatment cartridge 161. Therefore, the first treatment cartridge 141, the second treatment cartridge 151, and the third treatment cartridge 161 function as a detergent cartridge, a bleach cartridge, and a fabric softener cartridge, respectively.
[0053] The jet generator 170 is located in the first water passage 131 at a position upstream of the water flow, relative to the connection position of the first supply passage 142 of the first treatment agent supply unit 140. The jet generator 170 is equivalent to the "foaming part" of the present invention.
[0054] Figure 3(a) is a side sectional view of the jet generator 170 in its configuration within the first water passage 131. Figure 3(b) is a rear view of the jet generator 170.
[0055] The jet generator 170 is rectangular in shape and is disposed in the first water passage 131 with its front surface 170a and rear surface 170b being the downstream and upstream sides of the water flow direction, i.e., the water flow direction D. The flow path cross-section of the area of the first water passage 131 in which the jet generator 170 is disposed has the same shape and size as the front surface 170a and rear surface 170b of the jet generator 170.
[0056] The jet generator 170 has four first contraction flow paths 171 and two second contraction flow paths 172. These first contraction flow paths 171 and second contraction flow paths 172 penetrate the jet generator 170 in the front-to-back direction, i.e., the water flow direction D.
[0057] Four first contraction flow paths 171 are arranged in two rows, one above the other and one to the left and right, in the center of the jet generation section 170. Two second contraction flow paths 172 are located to the left and right of the four first contraction flow paths 171.
[0058] Each first contraction flow path 171 and each second contraction flow path 172 is contracted in a manner that the cross-section orthogonal to the water flow direction D decreases as it approaches the outlet 171b and outlet 172b of the front surface 170a from the inlet 171a and inlet 172a of the rear surface 170b. Furthermore, the cross-section of each first contraction flow path 171 has a transversely elongated shape with a left-right dimension larger than its top-bottom dimension, and the cross-section of each second contraction flow path 172 has a longitudinally elongated shape with a top-bottom dimension larger than its left-right dimension.
[0059] The jet generating section 170 has a bypass flow path 173 extending in the front-to-back direction, i.e., the water flow direction D, below the four first contraction flow paths 171. The cross-section of the bypass flow path 173, which is orthogonal to the water flow direction D, has a generally square shape that is elongated in the left-to-right direction and widens as it approaches the outlet 173b of the front surface 170a from the inlet 173a of the rear surface 170b.
[0060] An air intake hole 131a for taking in external air is formed on the upper wall of the first water passage 131, between the jet generating section 170 and the first treatment agent supply unit 140 and near the jet generating section 170.
[0061] Water flowing through the first water passage 131 experiences increased velocity due to passing through the first contraction flow path 171 and the second contraction flow path 172 of the jet generator 170, and is ejected from outlets 171b and 172b. This generates a jet downstream of the jet generator 170, with water mixed with air bubbles flowing towards the inlet 120. At this time, a negative pressure is generated near the air intake 131a of the first water passage 131 due to the jet, causing air to be drawn into the first water passage 131 through the air intake 131a. Consequently, air is mixed into the water ejected from the jet generator 170, easily generating a large number of air bubbles.
[0062] A portion of the water flowing through the first water passage 131 bypasses the first contraction flow passage 171 and the second contraction flow passage 172 and flows through the bypass flow passage 173. This reduces the flow rate of the water remaining in the first water passage 131.
[0063] The water supply device 100 is equipped with a treatment agent injection device 100a, which injects the treatment agent into the washing and dehydration tub 22 via a first valve 111, a water inlet 120, a first water passage 131, a first treatment agent supply unit 140, a second treatment agent supply unit 150, a third treatment agent supply unit 160, and a jet generator 170. The treatment agent injection device 100a is equivalent to the "injection device" of the present invention.
[0064] When a treatment agent (detergent, bleach, fabric softener) is added to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 via the treatment agent addition device 100a, a predetermined amount of treatment agent is supplied to the first water passage 131 from the first treatment agent supply unit 140, the second treatment agent supply unit 150, or the third treatment agent supply unit 160, and stored in the first water passage 131. Then, the first valve 111 is opened, and water flows through the first water passage 131. The treatment agent stored in the first water passage 131 is flushed away by the water and released into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 from the water inlet 121 of the water inlet 120. At this time, the water flushing away the treatment agent is jet water from the jet generator 170. When the treatment agent is detergent or bleach, the air (bubbles) contained in this jet water mixes into the detergent or bleach, thereby causing the detergent or bleach to foam. Moreover, by contacting the jet water, i.e., the water with increased water potential, the detergent or bleach foams more easily. Therefore, it is easy to add foaming detergents and bleach into the washing and spin-drying tub 22.
[0065] When the treatment agent is added and water is supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 (i.e., the outer tub 20), the first valve 111 opens, and the second valve 112 opens simultaneously. Water then flows through the second water passage 132 and is supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 from the water inlet 121. The first valve 111 remains open after the treatment agent is added. Thus, water is supplied from both the first water passage 131 and the second water passage 132.
[0066] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of the fully automatic washing machine 1.
[0067] In addition to the structure described above, the fully automatic washing machine 1 also includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, an operation unit 203, a display unit 204, a motor drive unit 205, a clutch drive unit 206, a water supply valve drive unit 207, a drain valve drive unit 208, and a pump drive unit 209.
[0068] The operation unit 203 includes various operation buttons such as a power button for connecting and disconnecting the power supply to the fully automatic washing machine 1, a start button for starting the washing operation, and a mode selection button for selecting any operating mode from multiple washing operation modes. In addition, the operation unit 203 includes a water volume adjustment button for changing the water volume. The operation unit 203 outputs input signals corresponding to the operation buttons operated by the user to the control unit 201.
[0069] The display unit 204 includes light-emitting elements such as LEDs and displays such as LCD panels. It displays the selected operating mode, the status of the washing operation, and provides notifications of abnormalities based on control signals from the control unit 201.
[0070] The water level sensor 53 outputs a water level signal corresponding to the water level inside the outer tub 20 to the control unit 201. The control unit 201 can use the water level sensor 53, i.e., the water level detection unit 50, to detect the water level inside the outer tub 20.
[0071] The motor drive unit 205 drives the drive motor 31 according to the control signal output from the control unit 201. The motor drive unit 205 includes a rotation sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the drive motor 31, an inverter circuit, etc., and adjusts the drive power to make the drive motor 31 rotate at the speed set by the control unit 201.
[0072] The clutch drive unit 206 drives the clutch mechanism 32a of the transmission mechanism unit 32 according to the control signal output from the control unit 201. The water supply valve drive unit 207 drives the first valve 111 and the second valve 112 according to the control signal from the control unit 201. The drain valve drive unit 208 drives the drain valve 40 according to the control signal from the control unit 201. The pump drive unit 209 drives the first pump 143, the second pump 153, and the third pump 163 according to the control signal from the control unit 201.
[0073] The storage unit 202 includes EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 202 stores programs for performing washing operations in various operating modes. Furthermore, the storage unit 202 stores various operating conditions for the washing operation.
[0074] The control unit 201 includes a CPU (central processing unit) and the like, and controls the display unit 204, motor drive unit 205, clutch drive unit 206, water supply valve drive unit 207, drain valve drive unit 208, pump drive unit 209, etc. based on signals from the operation unit 203, water level sensor 53, etc., and according to the program stored in the storage unit 202.
[0075] In the fully automatic washing machine 1, various washing modes are performed under the control of the control unit 201.
[0076] The operating modes include a standard washing mode. In standard mode, casual wear, pajamas, underwear, etc., are washed. Standard mode is equivalent to the "second mode" of this invention, and the washing process performed in standard mode is equivalent to the "second washing process" of this invention.
[0077] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the standard washing operation process.
[0078] After the user puts the laundry into the washing and spin-drying tub 22, they select the standard mode using the mode selection button on the control unit 203 and press the start button. The standard mode washing cycle then begins.
[0079] The control unit 201 sequentially executes the load sensing process, the washing process, the intermediate dehydration process, the rinsing process, and the final dehydration process (S11 to S15). Depending on the washing mode, sometimes two rinsing processes are executed. In this case, the intermediate dehydration process is executed after the initial rinsing process.
[0080] During the load detection process (S11), the control unit 201, with no water in the washing and spin-drying tub 22, drives the impeller 24 to rotate forward and backward via the drive unit 30, detecting the load of the laundry on the impeller 24 based on the load applied to it by the laundry in the washing and spin-drying tub 22. The magnitude of the load applied to the impeller 24 is detected based on the drive current of the drive motor 31 and the amount of inertial rotation until the drive motor 31 stops. The greater the load of the laundry, the greater the load applied to the impeller 24, therefore the greater the drive current and the less the amount of inertial rotation. The control unit 201 determines the water volume during the washing and rinsing processes and the required operating time for the washing operation based on the detected load, and displays the determined water volume and operating time on the display unit 204. Furthermore, the amount of detergent and fabric softener added by the treatment agent dispensing device 100a is determined based on the determined water volume.
[0081] During the cleaning process (S12), the control unit 201 adds a predetermined amount of detergent via the detergent addition device 100a and supplies water to the cleaning water level corresponding to the predetermined water volume via the water supply device 100. As a result, detergent water is stored in the washing and dehydration tub 22.
[0082] Subsequently, the control unit 201 drives the impeller 24 to rotate forward and backward via the drive unit 30. The on-time of the impeller 24 during forward and reverse rotation is set to, for example, 0.7 to 1.2 seconds, the off-time to, for example, 0.8 to 0.5 seconds, and the rotation speed to, for example, 480 to 600 rpm. The on-time, off-time, and rotation speed are set to values corresponding to the determined load of laundry. Within the washing and spin-drying tub 22, the washing action achieved by the forward and reverse rotation of the impeller 24 generates a water flow of intensity corresponding to the on / off time and rotation speed. Through the generated water flow, the laundry is agitated, moved counterclockwise and clockwise, and repositioned vertically. Furthermore, the cleaning force of the detergent acts on the laundry. Thus, the laundry is cleaned.
[0083] It should be noted that during the washing process, the impeller 24 can rotate forward and backward at a specified water level lower than the washing water level. In this case, the on-time of the impeller 24 can be set to, for example, 0.7 seconds, the off-time to, for example, 1.0 second, and the rotation speed to, for example, 1200 rpm. The short on-time allows for accelerated rotation even though the set rotation speed is not reached. Through the forward and reverse rotation of the impeller 24, the detergent easily diffuses and becomes evenly distributed within the washing and spin-drying tub 22. Furthermore, the laundry is washed at a high detergent concentration.
[0084] During the rinsing process (S14), the control unit 201 adds a predetermined amount of fabric softener via the water supply device 100 and supplies water to the rinsing water level corresponding to the predetermined water volume. Fabric softener water is stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22. Then, the control unit 201 drives the impeller 24 to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise via the drive unit 30. The laundry is agitated and rinsed by the water flow generated by the rotation of the impeller 24. At this time, the fabric softener acts on the laundry, and the laundry is softened. It should be noted that when performing two rinsing processes, the fabric softener is added during the final rinsing process.
[0085] In the intermediate dehydration process (S13) and the final dehydration process (S15), the control unit 201 causes the washing and dehydration tub 22 and the impeller 24 to rotate at a predetermined dehydration speed via the drive unit 30. The laundry is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated in the washing and dehydration tub 22.
[0086] In the fully automatic washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the operating modes include a targeted sterilization mode. During the washing operation in the targeted sterilization mode, specific items such as towels and handkerchiefs can be targeted for sterilization and deodorization while being washed with other items. In the targeted sterilization mode, as described later, the load of the laundry is not detected, therefore the load is fixed at a constant amount, for example, 4 kg. The targeted sterilization mode is equivalent to the "first mode" of this invention, and the sterilization cleaning process performed in the targeted sterilization mode is equivalent to the "first cleaning process" of this invention.
[0087] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the washing operation of the focused sterilization mode. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the control actions performed by the control unit 201 during the sterilization cleaning process. Figures 8(a) to (f) are diagrams used to explain the washing operation of the focused sterilization mode.
[0088] The user places the laundry into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. At this time, as shown in Figure 8(a), the user places specific items, such as handkerchiefs and towels, that they wish to focus on for disinfection and deodorization, on top of the laundry. Then, the user selects the targeted disinfection mode using the mode selection button on the operation unit 203 and presses the start button. Thus, the standard washing cycle begins. It should be noted that, alternatively, a notification can be displayed on the display unit 204 at the start of the cycle reminding the user to place specific items on top of the laundry.
[0089] The sterilization cleaning process, intermediate dehydration process, rinsing process and final dehydration process (S21 to S24) are executed sequentially by the control unit 201.
[0090] In the focused sterilization mode, the control unit 201 does not perform the load detection process before the sterilization cleaning process (S21). Therefore, the cleaning water level and detergent dosage are set according to a fixed load (e.g., 4 kg). The cleaning water level during the sterilization cleaning process corresponds to the "prescribed water level" of this invention.
[0091] It should be noted that the user can change the water volume by operating the water volume change button on the operation unit 203 before starting operation. For example, if the amount of laundry added to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 is less or more than the fixed load, the user can change the water volume by decreasing or increasing it. The control unit 201 changes the washing water level and detergent dosage in a manner that corresponds to the changed load.
[0092] When the impeller 24 is rotated to detect the load, the laundry is agitated and sometimes shifts position. In the targeted sterilization mode, the load detection process is not performed, so the laundry does not shift position and certain laundry items remain on top of the laundry.
[0093] The control unit 201 first executes the sterilization and cleaning process (S21). Referring to FIG7, the control unit 201 begins to supply water to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 through the water supply device 100, and simultaneously adds detergent to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 through the treatment agent addition device 100a (S101). That is, the control unit 201 sends the detergent in the first treatment agent box 141 to the first water passage 131 through the first pump 143, and then opens the first valve 111 and the second valve 112. As shown in FIG8(b), detergent water is gradually accumulated in the washing and dehydrating tub 22 (inside the outer tub 20).
[0094] The control unit 201 monitors whether the water level in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 has reached the stirring water level (S102). The stirring water level is set to be lower than the washing water level but higher than the water level in which the impeller 24 is submerged.
[0095] When the water level in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 reaches the stirring water level (S102: Yes), as shown in Figure 8(c), the control unit 201 executes the detergent water stirring action (S103). That is, the control unit 201 causes the impeller 24 to rotate forward and backward for a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds). The on-time of the forward and reverse rotation of the impeller 24 is set to, for example, 1.8 to 5.0 seconds, the off-time is set to, for example, 1.8 seconds, and the rotation speed is set to, for example, 240 to 300 rpm.
[0096] During the detergent water agitation operation, the impeller 24 rotates for an extended period at a speed lower than the speed of the washing operation described later in S108 to S110, upon initial activation. Furthermore, the impeller 24 rotates at a speed lower than the speed at which the impeller 24 rotates at a specified water level in the standard mode. As a result, a weaker water flow is generated within the washing and spin-drying tub 22 than that generated by the washing operation. Consequently, the detergent water is agitated, and the detergent is mixed in a uniform manner, as shown in Figure 8(c), preventing the laundry from shifting and maintaining a specific layer of laundry on top.
[0097] It should be noted that, alternatively, the control unit 201 may perform multiple detergent water agitation actions during the period from when the water level in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 reaches the washing water level.
[0098] When the water level in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 reaches the washing water level (S104: Yes), the control unit 201 closes the first valve 111 and the second valve 112 to stop the water supply (S105).
[0099] Next, the control unit 201 adds bleach to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 via the treatment agent addition device 100a (S106). Specifically, the control unit 201 uses the second pump 153 to deliver the bleach from the second treatment agent box 151 to the first water passage 131, and then opens the first valve 111 to allow water to flow through the first water passage 131. The amount of bleach added is, for example, set to a amount corresponding to a fixed load. If the fixed load changes, the amount added also changes accordingly. When enough water has been supplied to flush the bleach stored in the first water passage 131 into the washing and spin-drying tub 22, the control unit 201 closes the first valve 111 to stop the water supply.
[0100] As shown in Figure 8(d), turbid water containing foaming bleach is poured into the washing and spin-drying tub 22, and the bleach is poured from above the washing and spin-drying tub 22 onto the specific laundry.
[0101] Bleach is added after the detergent water has reached the washing water level. No water is supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 after bleach is added (except for the water supplied for adding bleach). Therefore, as shown in Figure 8(e), bleach does not easily diffuse in the detergent water and tends to remain on the surface of the washing water containing the specific laundry item. Consequently, high concentrations of bleach tend to adhere more strongly to the specific laundry item.
[0102] Furthermore, when cloudy water containing foaming bleach is added to the washing and spin-drying tub 22, the foaming bleach tends to remain on the surface of the detergent water. As a result, the bleach is more likely to adhere to specific items being washed.
[0103] It should be noted that, alternatively, when bleach is added, the control unit 201 can cause the washing and spin-drying tub 22 to rotate at a low speed via the drive unit 30. This allows the bleach to be easily applied to the entirety of the specific laundry item.
[0104] The control unit 201 soaks the laundry for a predetermined soaking time (S107). The soaking time can be set, for example, to approximately 15 minutes to 2 hours. This allows for the targeted application of a high concentration of bleach to specific laundry items, resulting in focused sterilization and deodorization. It should be noted that the soaking time corresponds to the "predetermined time" of this invention.
[0105] Next, the control unit 201 begins the cleaning operation performed by the impeller 24 (S108). That is, the control unit 201 causes the impeller 24 to rotate forward and backward. This cleaning operation is the same as the cleaning operation in the standard mode cleaning process. The on-time, off-time, and speed of the impeller 24 in the forward and reverse rotation are, for example, set to be the same as the on-time, off-time, and speed in the cleaning operation when the load detected in the load detection process is a fixed load (e.g., 4 kg).
[0106] As shown in Figure 8(f), the laundry, including specific items, is agitated by the water flow generated by the washing action, moving in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions and changing position vertically. Furthermore, the cleaning force of the detergent acts on the laundry. Thus, the laundry is cleaned.
[0107] When the prescribed washing time has elapsed (S109: Yes), the control unit 201 stops the impeller 24 to halt the washing operation (S110). Afterward, the control unit 201 opens the drain valve 40 to drain water from the washing and spin-drying tub 22, i.e., the outer tub 20 (S111).
[0108] This completes the sterilization and cleaning process.
[0109] It should be noted that in the control actions shown in Figure 7, the actions of S101 to S105 are equivalent to the first action of the present invention, the actions of S106 and S107 are equivalent to the second action of the present invention, and the actions of S108 to S110 are equivalent to the third action of the present invention.
[0110] When the sterilization cleaning process (S21) ends, the control unit 201 sequentially executes the intermediate dehydration process (S22), the rinsing process (S23), and the final dehydration process (S24). The actions in these processes are the same as those in the intermediate dehydration process (S22), the rinsing process (S23), and the final dehydration process (S24) in the standard mode.
[0111] In this targeted sterilization mode, specific laundry items are positioned on top of the laundry group within the washing and spin-drying tub 22. During the sterilization washing process, the bleaching agent is applied specifically to these items, effectively sterilizing and deodorizing them. Furthermore, detergent can be used to wash these specific items together with other laundry items.
[0112] <Effects of the Implementation Method>
[0113] According to this embodiment, the fully automatic washing machine 1 performs a washing operation in a key sterilization mode with a sterilization cleaning process. This sterilization cleaning process involves cleaning the laundry with detergent and bleach. During the sterilization cleaning process, the control unit 201 performs a first action: supplying water through the water supply device 100 and adding detergent through the detergent dispensing device 100a to fill the washing and spin-drying tub 22 with detergent-containing water up to the washing water level. Following the first action, the control unit 201 performs a second action: soaking the laundry for a specified time after adding bleach through the detergent dispensing device 100a. Following the second action, the control unit 201 performs a third action: rotating the impeller 24.
[0114] Based on this structure, during the sterilization and cleaning process, the bleach can be applied specifically to certain items, achieving sterilization and deodorization. Furthermore, it allows the use of detergent to wash these specific items together with other items.
[0115] Furthermore, in the key sterilization mode, the control unit 201 does not perform a load detection process before the sterilization and cleaning process.
[0116] This structure prevents specific laundry items from being mixed with other laundry items before the sterilization cleaning process due to the rotation of the impeller 24 during the load detection process causing the laundry items to shift positions. Therefore, during the sterilization cleaning process, it prevents bleach from failing to adhere to specific laundry items.
[0117] Furthermore, during the sterilization and cleaning process, after the control unit 201 adds detergent through the treatment agent injection device 100a, it causes the impeller 24 to rotate in a manner that generates a weaker water flow than the third action described above.
[0118] According to this structure, detergent can be mixed into the water in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 in a uniform manner, and the bleach can be prevented from being unable to adhere to specific items due to the displacement of the laundry.
[0119] Furthermore, the treatment agent feeding device 100a includes a jet generating section 170 for causing the bleach fed into the washing and dehydration tub 22 to foam.
[0120] According to this structure, the foamed bleach tends to accumulate in the upper layer of the detergent water within the washing and spin-drying tub 22. Therefore, the bleach easily adheres to specific items being washed. Consequently, the bleaching effect is more pronounced on specific items, improving the antibacterial and deodorizing effects.
[0121] Furthermore, the fully automatic washing machine 1 is equipped with an operation unit 203 that accepts operations for changing the washing water level during the sterilization and washing process.
[0122] According to this structure, the cleaning water level during the sterilization cleaning process can be changed according to the load of laundry put into the washing and dehydration tub 22.
[0123] <Example of Change>
[0124] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to any of the above embodiments. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways other than those described above.
[0125] For example, without worrying about the laundry shifting due to the rotation of the impeller 24 to detect the load, the load detection process can be performed before the sterilization cleaning process in the targeted sterilization mode.
[0126] Furthermore, during the sterilization and cleaning process, the timing of adding detergent into the washing and dehydration tub 22 may not be simultaneous with the start of water supply. For example, it may be done in the middle of water supply, after the water supply reaches the cleaning level and stops.
[0127] Furthermore, during the sterilization and cleaning process, the control unit 201 can be configured not to perform the detergent water stirring action.
[0128] Furthermore, the structure of the water supply device 100 and the treatment agent inlet device 100a is not limited to the structure of the above-described embodiment. For example, the water supply device 100 may not include the treatment agent inlet device 100a. For example, the treatment agent inlet device 100a may not be a structure in which the treatment agent is flushed away by water and then added, but rather a structure in which the treatment agent is added directly from the first treatment agent supply unit 140 or the like into the washing and dehydration tub 22.
[0129] Furthermore, a foaming section with a different structure from the jet generating section 170 may be provided in the treatment agent dispensing device 100a. Alternatively, a foaming section may not be provided in the treatment agent dispensing device 100a.
[0130] Alternatively, the operation unit 203 can be configured not to accept operations for changing the cleaning water level in the sterilization cleaning process.
[0131] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example of the present invention being applicable to a fully automatic washing machine 1 has been shown. However, the present invention can also be applied to a fully automatic washer-dryer combo equipped with a clothes drying function.
[0132] Furthermore, various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present invention within the scope of the technical concept shown in the claims.
Claims
1. A washing machine, characterized in that, have: A washing tub to hold laundry; The impeller is located at the bottom of the washing tub; A drive unit for rotating the impeller; A water supply device supplies water to the washing tub; An input device is used to input detergent and bleach into the washing tub from above; as well as The control unit is capable of executing a washing operation in a first mode, which involves cleaning the laundry using detergent and bleach. During the first cleaning process The control unit performs a first action, which involves supplying water through the water supply device and adding detergent through the dispensing device to fill the washing tub with detergent-containing water to a predetermined water level. Following the first action, the control unit then executes a second action, which involves soaking the laundry for a predetermined time after the bleach has been added via the dispensing device. Following the second action, the control unit then performs a third action to rotate the impeller.
2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is capable of executing a second mode of washing operation with a second cleaning process, wherein the second cleaning process involves cleaning the laundry with detergent. The control unit performs a load detection process before the second washing process. This load detection process involves rotating the impeller while the washing tub is dry and detecting the load of the laundry on the impeller based on the load applied to the impeller by the laundry in the washing tub. The control unit does not perform the load detection process before the first cleaning process in the first mode.
3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During the first cleaning process, after the control unit adds detergent through the dispensing device, it causes the impeller to rotate in a manner that generates a weaker water flow than the third action.
4. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The feeding device includes a foaming section for foaming the bleach added into the washing tub.
5. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also has: The operations department handles operations for changing the specified water level.