JP2009039318A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of easily and inexpensively washing an entire tub including a portion of the highest water level or higher that is not usually subjected to washing by washing with a small amount of water.
SOLUTION: A water tank capable of storing and draining washing water, a washing / dehydration tank rotatably disposed in the water tank, a rotation driving means for rotating the washing / dehydration tank, and water supply to the washing / dehydration tank And a control means for controlling the rotation drive means and the water supply means. The control means supplies water from the water supply means into the washing and dewatering tub, and the rotation driving means is driven to drive the washing and dewatering tub. , The tank is washed by causing water to flow in the washing water in the water tank and generating bubbles between the washing and dewatering tank and the water tank.
[Selection] Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a washing machine having a tank washing function.

  Conventionally, as a washing machine of this type, supplying water up to a higher water level than at the time of washing, leaving the water tank and the washing and dehydration tank installed in the interior for a predetermined time in a state immersed in water, and Some have a tank cleaning course including a step of rotating the washing and dewatering tank in a state where at least part of the water remains in the water tank (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, as a washing machine with other tank cleaning functions, when water is supplied to the tank cleaning course, the temporary water supply is interrupted at each of the multiple water levels lower than the final water level at the time of water supply, and the water accumulated in the water tank is stirred. In some cases, the tank is washed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-108494 (FIG. 1) Japanese Patent No. 3317613 (FIG. 1, paragraph 0018)

  By the way, normally, the water tank is provided with an overflow drain for preventing water leakage, and it is impossible to supply water beyond the height of the overflow drain. For this reason, as in Patent Document 1, in the case of standing cleaning, there is a problem that a portion higher than the overflow drainage port cannot be sufficiently cleaned. In addition, even if there is no overflow drainage outlet, if you want to wash the upper part of the aquarium and supply water to the top opening of the aquarium, or operate the washing and dehydration tank with water supplied to the top opening of the aquarium, The problem of water leakage occurs. In addition, in the case of standing cleaning, there is a problem that much water and time are required.

  In the technique of Patent Document 2, stirring and washing are performed a plurality of times, but such stirring and washing with water is also performed during normal washing and rinsing, and there is a problem in that it does not have a significant effect. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a washing machine that can easily and inexpensively wash an entire tub including a portion above the highest water level that is not subjected to washing by washing with a small amount of water. For the purpose.

  A washing machine according to the present invention includes a water tank capable of storing and draining washing water, a washing and dewatering tank rotatably disposed in the water tank, a rotation driving means for rotating the washing and dewatering tank, and a washing and dewatering A water supply means for supplying water into the tank, a control means for controlling the rotation drive means and the water supply means to execute a plurality of operation courses, the control means includes a foam tank cleaning course as an operation course, In the foam creation and washing process that constitutes the foam tank cleaning course, a smaller amount of water than the normal washing course is fed from the water supply means into the washing and dehydrating tank, and the rotation driving means is driven to rotate the washing and dehydrating tank Then, a water flow is generated in the washing water in the water tank to generate bubbles between the washing and dewatering tank and the water tank, and the tank is washed.

  According to the washing machine of the present invention, it is possible to generate foam between the washing / dehydrating tub and the water tub with a small amount of water and a detergent. It is possible to clean the entire tank including the height above the unreachable water level.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
1 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
The washing machine is provided with a housing (outer box) 1, a water tank 2 that can store and drain washing water, and a washing and dewatering tank that is rotatably disposed in the water tank 2. 3, a pulsator 4 rotatably disposed at the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub 3, and a rotation driving means 5 for rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and the pulsator 4.

(Casing)
The casing 1 has a cylindrical shape with a rectangular cross section (same as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped). A top surface opening 11 is formed on the top surface, and a door 12 is installed in the top surface opening 11 so as to be freely opened and closed. The door 12 is provided with a lock mechanism (not shown) that locks the door 12 in a closed state. An operation panel 13 is provided on the top surface of the housing 1 as an operation means for performing various settings. Further, a bottom frame 14 is connected to the housing 1, and a sound insulating plate 15 and rubber feet 16 are installed on the bottom plate of the bottom frame 14.
Further, the casing 1 is provided with a suspension plate 17 near the upper end of the four corners, and the suspension plate 17 is provided with a suspension seat 18.

(Aquarium)
The water tank 2 is suspended from the housing 1 by a plurality of suspension bars 21. That is, the upper end of the suspension bar 21 is locked to the suspension seat 18, and the lower end is connected to the suspension bar 21 at the suspension bar support portion 22. An anti-vibration member 23 is disposed at the connecting portion between the water tank 2 and the suspension rod 21 to suppress vibration transmitted from the water tank 2 to the housing 1. The vibration isolation member 23 includes a spring 231 and a spring receiver 232.

  Further, an inner lid base 25 having a top surface opening 24 is provided on the top surface of the water tank 2, and an inner lid 26 that opens and closes the top surface opening 24 is installed on the inner lid base 25 so as to be freely opened and closed. . Around the top surface opening 24 of the inner lid base 25, the fluid balancer 34, which will be described later, protrudes toward the inside of the water tank 2, and bubbles generated between the water tank 2 and the washing / dehydrating tank 3 are washed out. 3 is provided with a foam guiding rib 27 for guiding the inside. The bubble guide rib 27 may be provided on the inner lid 26 side. Further, a water level detection means 6 for detecting the water level in the water tank 2 is provided on the bottom surface of the water tank 2.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a bottom shape of the water tank.
The bottom 2A of the water tank 2 is formed with a drain port 2B, a tapered drain guide surface 2C and a drain guide rib 2D that are inclined toward the drain port 2B. The drainage guide surface 2C and the drainage guide rib 2D have a function of guiding the wash water to the drain port 2B when the washing and dewatering tub 3 rotates in a predetermined direction (specifically, the rotation direction during the spin-drying rotation). Have. And the wash water induced | guided | derived to the drain outlet 2B is drained outside from the inside of the water tank 2 via the drain valve 2E. In addition, although the example provided with both the waste_water | drain guide surface 2C and the waste_water | drain guide rib 2D is shown here, either one may be sufficient.

(Washing and dewatering tank)
The washing and dewatering tub 3 includes a substantially cylindrical dewatering tub side plate 31 constituting the side surface thereof, a dehydration basin bottom plate 32 constituting the bottom surface thereof, and a connecting portion between the rotary shaft 7 of the rotation driving means 5 and It consists of the flange 33 which becomes. The dewatering tank side plate 31 is provided with a plurality of dewatering tank holes 31A. A fluid balancer 34 is disposed around the upper part of the dewatering tank side plate 31 to unbalance the clothes.

(Pulsator)
The pulsator 4 stirs the laundry and the poured water, and a lower blade 41 as a stirring body is provided on the lower surface of the pulsator 4. As will be described later, the pulsator 4 plays a role of pumping up water and agitating the washing water to generate bubbles. The pulsator 4 configured as described above is rotatably disposed on the dewatering tank bottom plate 32 of the washing and dewatering tank 3 and is rotationally driven by the rotation driving means 5.

(Rotation drive means)
The rotation driving means 5 includes a common motor 51 for rotationally driving the pulsator 4 and the washing / dehydrating tub 3, and a clutch for transmitting the rotation of the motor 51 only to the pulsator 4 or both the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and the pulsator 4. 52 and a bearing base / stator 53. By switching the clutch 52, a pulsator rotation in which only the pulsator 4 rotates alone and a washing / dehydrating tank rotation in which the pulsator 4 and the washing / dehydrating tank 3 rotate integrally are selectively switched. Yes. Hereinafter, the pulsator rotation or the rotation of the pulsator 4 means a single rotation of the pulsator 4, and the rotation of the washing and dehydration tub or the rotation of the washing and dehydration tub 3 refers to the washing and dehydration tub 3. It shall mean the integral rotation of the pulsator 4.

(Circulation channel)
Circulating water channels 61 extending in the vertical direction (vertical direction in the figure) are formed at several locations (for example, three locations) at intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner side of the dewatering tub side plate 31 of the washing and dewatering tub 3. . A sprinkling hole 62 is provided at the upper end of the circulation water channel 61.
Then, when the pulsator 4 rotates while being submerged in water, the washing water in the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is pumped up in the circulation channel 61 by the pump-up action of the back blade 41, and the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is discharged from the sprinkling hole 62. The dehydration tank side plate 31 is poured inside.
In addition, a detergent inlet 63 dedicated to a foam tank cleaning course, which will be described later, is provided in a circulating water path 61 provided in the water tank 2, that is, a path through which washing water passes.

(Water supply means)
A water supply port 64 is provided on the rear upper surface of the housing 1, and water taken from the water supply port 64 is supplied from a main water supply port 66 provided in the inner lid 26 via a water supply (branch) valve 65. It is poured into the washing / dehydrating tub 3, or poured into the washing / dehydrating tub 3 from a dedicated water inlet 67 provided in the inner lid base 25.

(Drying means)
A drying means is further provided on the rear upper surface of the housing 1. The drying means dries the laundry or the washing / dehydrating tub 3 with hot air, and heats the air blown by the fan 71 as a blowing means for blowing air into the washing / dehydrating tub 3. And a heater 72 as a heating means. The casing 73 that houses the fan 71 and the heater 72 forms an air passage 74 that communicates with the inner lid 26, and supplies hot air to the inside of the washing and dewatering tub 3 via the inner lid 26. It is like that.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical system of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.
This washing machine includes a control means 101 constituted by a microcomputer. The control unit 101 includes a CPU 102, a RAM 103, a ROM 104, a timer 105 that manages the time of each process, and an input / output interface (I / O) 106. The ROM 104 stores various programs for a plurality of operation courses including a normal washing course from a washing process to a drying process and a foam tank washing course which is a characteristic part of the present invention.

  The I / O 106 includes an operation panel 13 having various switches, a water supply (branch) valve 65, a drain valve 2E, a rotation drive unit 5, a fan 71, a heater 72, and a water level detection unit 6. The control means 101 is connected to control the drive of the water supply (branch) valve 65, the drain valve 2E, and the rotation drive means 5 based on the input signal from the operation panel 13 and the water level detection means 6 and the program in the ROM 104. Go and operate each part of the washing machine.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the operation panel in the present embodiment.
The operation panel 13 is provided with a tank maintenance button 13A for selecting a foam tank cleaning course, a tank cleaning course, and a tank drying course, and other various buttons.
These courses are set by pressing the tank maintenance button 13A. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the foam bath cleaning and bath drying are selected by pressing once, only the foam cleaning is selected by pressing twice, the bath cleaning and bath drying are selected by pressing three times, and four times. Press to select only tank cleaning, press five times to select only tank drying, press six times to select none, and press again to return to the beginning. Can be switched.

  Hereinafter, each operation course selected by the tank maintenance button 13A will be described. The present invention is characterized by a foam bath cleaning course. First, the foam bath cleaning course will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of the foam bath cleaning course.
The foam bath cleaning course is to generate foam using a general detergent, and to perform bath cleaning by friction and resistance by foam. The foam creation / washing step (S1), the rinsing step (S2), and the dehydration step (S3) is performed in this order. In the foam creation / washing process, a general detergent is put into the washing / dehydrating tub 3, and a smaller amount of water than the normal washing course is supplied into the washing / dehydrating tub 3, and the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is rotated, Water is generated in the washing water in the water tank 2 to generate bubbles between the washing and dehydrating tank 3 and the water tank 2 to perform tank cleaning. The amount of water supplied in the foam creation / washing process is, for example, 2 liters to 10 liters, which is much smaller than the amount of water supplied in a normal washing course, for example, 20 liters to 60 liters. In addition, as described above, in the foam bath cleaning course, a general detergent is used instead of a dedicated detergent, and the foam bath cleaning course is implemented based on a control program in consideration of foaming of the general detergent. It has become.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing operation timings of the pulsator rotation, the washing and dewatering tub rotation, the water supply (branch) valve 65, and the clutch in the foam generation / washing process. In addition, although the figure which shows an operation timing appears after this, the view of a figure is the same as that of FIG.
FIG. 7A shows ON / OFF of the pulsator rotation. Here, the pulsator 4 is always OFF. FIG. 7 (b) shows ON / OFF of rotation of the washing and dewatering tub. When H, it rotates, and when it is L, it indicates that it is stopped. FIG. 7C shows opening and closing of the water supply valve. When H, the water supply valve is open, and when L, the water supply valve is closed. FIG. 7D shows the switching of the clutch 52, and indicates that at the timing when the pulse is H, the rotation is switched from the washing and dewatering tub rotation to the pulsator rotation or vice versa. The detailed description of FIG. 7 will be made together with the description of the flowchart of FIG.

  In the rinsing step, water is supplied to a high water level, and the detergent and dirt adhering to the washing / dehydrating tank 3 and the water tank 2 are washed away. In the dehydration step, after the rinsing step, the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated at a high speed (for example, 800 to 900 rpm) to dehydrate it, thereby removing moisture. The specific control operation in the rinsing process and the dehydration process is not particularly limited to the above operation, and any control operation can be adopted.

  The tank washing course is carried out using a dedicated detergent for washing the tank. Water is supplied to the highest high water level, and the washing / dehydration tank 3 and the water tank are repeatedly stirred by rotating the pulsator 4 and kept on by stopping. 2 includes a washing step for washing the inside, a rinsing step similar to the foam bath washing course, and a dehydration step.

  In the tank drying course, the heater 72 and the fan 71 are driven to send warm air into the washing / dehydrating tank 3 to dry the water tank 2 and the washing / dehydrating tank 3.

Hereinafter, the operation of the foam bath cleaning course, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the foam bath cleaning course of the first embodiment.
When the tank maintenance button 13A is pressed once or twice by the user, the foam bath cleaning course is selected, and the control unit 101 first starts the operation of the foam creation / cleaning process of the foam bath cleaning course.

(Bubble creation and washing process)
In the foam generation / cleaning process, first, display for instructing the amount of detergent is performed on, for example, the operation panel 13 (S11). Then, the user puts the detergent directly into the detergent inlet 63 dedicated to the foam tank cleaning course, the detergent inlet for the normal washing course (see reference numeral 93 in FIG. 17 described later), or the washing and dehydrating tank 3. When the door 12 is closed (S12), the door 12 is locked by a door lock mechanism (not shown) (S13). And the water supply (branch) valve 65 is opened, water supply is switched to the main water supply port 66 side, and water supply is started from the main water supply port 66 (S14). As described above, the amount of water supplied here is, for example, 2 to 10 liters, which is smaller than a normal washing course, and when a predetermined water supply time elapses after the start of water supply (S15), the predetermined water supply Assuming that the amount of water has been supplied, the water supply (branch) valve 65 is closed and the water supply is terminated (S16).
The water supply to the washing and dewatering tub 3 may be performed not from the main water supply port 66 but from a finishing agent water supply port (not shown) to which a finishing agent is introduced.

  Here, the water supply speed at the time of the foam creation / washing process is a water supply speed that is slower than the water supply speed from the main water supply port 66 during the normal washing course. This is because when the water supply speed is high, the water supply pressure is strongly affected by the usage environment, so the amount of water supplied within the water supply time varies depending on the usage environment and the desired water supply amount may not be supplied. is there. In order to minimize this effect, the water supply speed is reduced. Thereby, it is possible to keep the water supply amount within a certain range (for example, 4 L ± 1 L / min) in any use environment. The water supply amount is controlled by the water supply time here, but it may be controlled by checking whether or not the water level detecting means 6 has supplied water to a predetermined water level. In this case, the water supply speed is not particularly limited.

  Then, after the water supply is completed, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 7, the clutch 52 is switched to the washing and dewatering tub rotation side, and the motor 51 is turned on and off to intermittently rotate the washing and dewatering tub 3. Is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds to 2 minutes) (S17), and then the motor 51 is turned off and the rotation of the motor 51 is stopped for a predetermined rest time (for example, 5 minutes) (S18). Steps S17 and S18 are repeated a predetermined number of times as one cycle of tank rotation (S19). In this example, the tank rotations 1 to 3 are repeated three times as shown in FIG.

  In the foam creation / washing step, by rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 3, a water flow is generated between the irregularities of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and the water tub 2, and bubbles are generated. Further, since the pulsator 4 also rotates together with the washing / dehydrating tub 3, bubbles are generated between the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and the water tub 2 even when the washing water is stirred by the back blade 41 of the pulsator 4. The generated foam is increased every moment by the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3, and the gap between the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and the water tub 2 is gradually increased by the centrifugal force of the washing / dehydrating tub 3. To rise. Then, after reaching the inner lid base 25 which is the uppermost part of the water tank 2, it is guided by the foam guiding rib 27 through the upper part of the fluid balancer 34 and hangs down in the washing and dewatering tank 3.

  Since the resistance force of the foam is very large, a frictional force is generated between the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and the foam, and the outer peripheral surface of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 or the inner periphery of the water tub 2 is generated by this frictional force and cleaning force. Dirt components such as slime and mold attached to the surface are peeled off from the attached surface. Thereby, the washing and dewatering tank 3 and the water tank 2 can be washed. In addition, a pause time is provided after intermittent rotation. During this pause time, bubbles that have reached the upper part of the foam hang down from the wall of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and the water tub 2 gradually due to gravity, or naturally. Defoam. The dirt component also rises due to the force at this time, and is easily removed. Therefore, a high cleaning effect can be obtained by repeating the rotation and pause of the motor 51 several times. The rest time is determined in advance as an effective time for washing the tank after considering the operation state in which the foam hangs down the walls of the washing and dewatering tank 3 and the water tank 2.

(Rinsing process / Dehydration process)
After completion of the above foam production / washing process, water is supplied to a high water level, and then drained to wash away the detergent and dirt in the washing and dewatering tank 3 and the water tank 2 (S2). Then, the washing and dewatering tub 3 is dehydrated and rotated to perform dehydration (S3). The inside of the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the water tub 2 can be kept clean by rinsing and dewatering after the foam creation / washing step.
This completes the operation of the foam bath cleaning course. When the tank maintenance button 13A is pressed once by the user at the start of the course, the drying process is subsequently executed.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, a general detergent is used, and a small amount of water is supplied to rotate the washing / dehydrating tub 3 so that bubbles are formed between the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and the water tub 2. Since the bubbles are suspended in the water tank 2 through the upper end of the water tank 2, the tank can be washed with a small amount of water and at a height higher than the normal water level.

  In addition, since the bath can be washed using a general synthetic detergent, it is possible to obtain a washing machine that is easy to use and can be washed at a low cost.

  In the first embodiment, since the rotation control of the washing and dewatering tub 3 during the foam creation / washing process is repeated a plurality of cycles of intermittent operation and pause time, the movement of the foam due to gravity is frequently performed. It can be raised and a high cleaning effect can be obtained.

  Further, since the amount of water supplied during the foam creation / washing process is small, it is preferable that the detergent has already been introduced at the start of water supply. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the detergent is introduced by the user and the water supply is started after the door is locked after the door is closed, so that the detergent is well melted and a high cleaning effect can be obtained.

  In addition, since the detergent inlet 63 dedicated to the foam bath cleaning course is provided in the path through which the washing water passes, the detergent remaining from the detergent due to the small amount of water supplied by the detergent being introduced from the detergent inlet 63. It is possible to prevent the desired cleaning effect.

  Moreover, since the inner lid 26 is provided above the water tank 2, it is possible to prevent water and bubbles from being scattered during the bubble creation / washing process.

  In addition, when selecting a course by pressing the tank maintenance button 13A, both the foam tank cleaning course 46 and the tank drying course 47 are selected as initial settings (that is, as settings selected by pressing once). Tank washing can be automatically carried out after washing the foam tank, and a washing machine capable of keeping the inside of the tank clean can be obtained.

  Further, since the foam guiding rib 27 is provided, it is possible to prevent foaming and foam residue from occurring on the inner lid 26 after the rinsing of the foam bath cleaning course and the dehydration process.

  It is also effective to show visual effects such as blinking the LED once a week in order to encourage the tank cleaning.

  In addition, the rotational drive method of the washing and dewatering tub 3 for generating foam is not limited to the method of repeating the cycle of the intermittent operation / pause period a plurality of times. For example, the following methods 1 to 3 are used. It may be used.

(Method 1)
In the above description, an example has been described in which the rotation for generating foam corresponds only to the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3. However, the rotation of the pulsator 4 may be appropriately combined. That is, in the case of rotation of the pulsator 4 (single rotation of the pulsator 4) and rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 (integral rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and the pulsator 4), Since the sizes are different, this may be used to control the size of the bubbles and adopt an optimized driving method. In the case of pulsator rotation, since the number of rotations is higher than that in the case of washing and dewatering tub rotation, a strong water flow is generated and the generated foam becomes rough. On the other hand, in the case of rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub, the foam generation region is a relatively narrow space between the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and the water tub 2 and the number of rotations is slower than the pulsator rotation. Will be fine.

(Method 2)
As shown in FIG. 2, the water tank bottom 2A is provided with a drainage guiding surface 2C and a drainage guiding rib 2D. Normally, in the spin-drying rotation, drainage is easily caused by the action of the drainage guiding surface 2C and the drainage guiding rib 2D. In the foam creation / washing process, the washing and dewatering tub 3 is rotated in the opposite direction. Thereby, foaming is further improved.
Further, the washing / dehydrating tub 3 may be rotated in both forward and reverse directions. In this case, rough bubbles are generated when rotating in a direction in which water is easily drained, and fine bubbles are generated when rotating in the opposite direction. By switching the forward / reverse rotation appropriately based on this, it becomes possible to fill the gaps in the water tank 2 with bubbles evenly, and the effect of further increasing the cleaning ability can be expected.

(Method 3)
In FIG. 7, the time during which intermittent rotation is performed (for example, 1 to 2 minutes) may be replaced with continuous rotation. However, if the rotation is continuously performed in this manner, a problem may occur that a high load is applied to the motor 51 due to bubbles and heat is generated, and the torque of the motor 51 is not generated. As described above, intermittent rotation is preferable because of high reliability.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the second embodiment, bubbles are generated in advance by rotating the pulsator 4 before rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3 in the foam creation / washing process. Since the structure and electrical configuration of the washing machine are the same as those in the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the foam bath cleaning course of the second embodiment. Since the flowchart of FIG. 9 is basically the same as that of FIG. 8 of the first embodiment, the description here will focus on the parts different from the first embodiment. 9, the same reference numerals are given to the same process portions as those in FIG. 8, and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation timing of the foam creation / cleaning process in the foam bath cleaning course of the second embodiment.
In the washing machine of the second embodiment, the control means 101 opens the water supply (branch) valve 65 and starts water supply from the main water supply port 66 into the washing and dewatering tub 3 (S14). And rotation of the pulsator 4 is started after predetermined time progress after starting water supply (S21). Then, the pulsator 4 is rotated while water is supplied, and when the water supply time has elapsed from the start of water supply, the water supply (branch) valve 65 is closed to end the water supply, and the rotation of the pulsator is stopped (S23). Thereafter, the clutch 52 is switched to the washing and dewatering tank 3 side, and the same tank rotation as in the first embodiment is performed.

  By doing in this way, the same effect as Embodiment 1 is acquired, and the following effects can be acquired. That is, in the case of the pulsator 4 rotating alone, as described above, the pulsator 4 rotates at a higher speed than in the case of the washing and dewatering tub 3, so that the generated bubbles are coarse and rich in moisture. Therefore, before the washing and dewatering tub is rotated, a coarse and watery foam is generated in advance by rotating the pulsator, and then the washing and dewatering tub is rotated to generate an overall coarse and watery foam. The bubble can be easily moved and the cleaning effect can be enhanced.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the third embodiment, a small amount of water (for example, about 400 ml) is poured from the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub 3 during the foam creation / washing process. Since the structure and electrical configuration of the washing machine are the same as those in the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the foam bath cleaning course of the third embodiment. Since the flowchart of FIG. 11 is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, the description here will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. In FIG. 11, the same steps as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
In the washing machine of the third embodiment, the control means 101 intermittently rotates the washing and dewatering tub 3 (S17), then turns off the motor 51 and stops the rotation of the motor 51 for a predetermined pause time (S18). In this state, the water supply (branch) valve 65 is switched to the dedicated water injection port 67 side, and a small amount of water (for example, about 400 ml) is injected from the dedicated water injection port 67 into the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub 3 (S31). In this example, this cycle is repeated three times. The other points are the same as in the first embodiment.

  By doing in this way, it becomes possible to promote the up-and-down movement of the foam which generate | occur | produced to the upper part between the washing and dehydration tank 3 and the water tank 2, and the cleaning effect increases further.

  The position of the dedicated water inlet 67 is the upper part of the fluid balancer 34 in FIG. 1, but is not limited to this position, and may be a position facing the washing / dehydrating tank 3 and the water tank 2. In any case, water can be accurately poured into the foam, and the cleaning effect can be enhanced.

  In addition, the water supply speed is set to a slower water supply speed than the water supply speed from the main water supply port 66 at the time of washing, so that the cleaning effect can be enhanced without using much water.

  Here, water is poured while the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is not rotating, but water may be poured while the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is rotating. In short, water should be injected during the foam creation and washing process. In addition, when water is poured during the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3, water can be poured into the entire tub accurately, and it can be expected that the washing effect is further enhanced.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In the fourth embodiment, instead of the rinsing step of rinsing by storing water up to the high water level of the first embodiment, the rinsing step of rinsing by rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3 without reserving water. Is to do. Specifically, the number of rotations of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is set in two stages so that the low-speed rotation and the high-speed rotation can be switched. First, water is supplied while intermittently rotating at a low speed, and then intermittently rotating at a high speed (foam creation / washing). By supplying water while rotating at a higher speed than in the process), the foam is surely washed away. Since the structure and electrical configuration of the washing machine are the same as those in the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the foam bath cleaning course of the fourth embodiment. Since the flowchart of FIG. 12 is basically the same as that of FIG. 8 of the first embodiment, the description here will focus on the parts different from the first embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same steps as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Moreover, FIG. 13 is a figure which shows the operation | movement timing of the rinse process and dehydration process in the foam tank washing | cleaning course of Embodiment 4. FIG. In FIG. 13, the height of the washing and dewatering tub rotation in FIG. 13 (b) indicates the rotation speed, and the height of the water supply (branch) valve in FIG. 13 (c) indicates the water supply speed. Shows the speed.
In the washing machine of the fourth embodiment, the control means 101 opens the drain valve 2E after the foam creation / washing process is completed (S41), and drains the washing water in the water tank 2. Then, the rinsing process is started, and water is supplied from the dedicated water injection port 67 while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3 intermittently for a predetermined time at a low speed (S42) (tank rotation water supply 1 in FIG. 13). As shown in FIG. 13, the water supply speed at this time is faster than the next high-speed intermittent rotation, for example, about 15 L / min. In addition, the water supply amount here is, for example, about 15 liters. In this way, by supplying water at a faster water supply speed while rotating at a low speed, bubbles attached to the washing and dewatering tub 3 and the water tub 2 can be made to flow.

  Then, the motor 51 is turned off and the rotation of the motor 51 is stopped for a predetermined pause time (for example, 2 minutes) (S43) (however, the pause time here may not be present). Thereafter, water is supplied into the washing / dehydrating tub 3 from the dedicated water inlet 67 while intermittently rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 3 at a high speed (higher speed than the foam creation / washing process) (S44) (tank rotation water supply in FIG. 13). 2). This tank rotation water supply 2 is continued until the rotation speed of the motor 51 reaches a predetermined rotation speed for high-speed rotation, reaches the predetermined rotation speed (S45), and continues for a predetermined time (S46). The motor 51 is turned off and the rotation of the motor 51 is stopped for a predetermined pause time (S47). The high-speed rotation speed here is, for example, substantially the same rotation speed (for example, about 800 rpm) as the dehydration rotation at the time of the dehydration process in the normal washing course, so that the foam attached to the washing and dewatering tub 3 is removed from the water tub 2 side. The bubbles can be washed away more reliably. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the water supply speed at this time is slower than that of the previous low-speed intermittent rotation, for example, 400 ml / min. The amount of water supply is, for example, 2 liters.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and rinsing is performed by supplying water while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3. Compared with the rinsing process in which water is accumulated in 2 to a high water level, rinsing can be performed with a small amount of water, and the water-saving effect is high.

  In addition, the number of rotations of the washing and dewatering tub 3 during the rinsing process is provided in two stages so that low-speed rotation and high-speed rotation can be switched, and water is supplied at a high water supply speed while performing low-speed rotation first. The foam adhering to the water tank 3 and the water tank 2 can be washed away. Then, by supplying water at a slow water supply speed while rotating at a high speed, bubbles adhering to the washing and dewatering tub 3 are blown to the water tub 2 side while suppressing water splattering, and the water is poured downward by the supplied water. Can be drained. Thus, effective rinsing is possible by carrying out in two steps.

  Moreover, the water supply speed at the time of high-speed rotation shall be a water supply speed slower than the water supply speed from the main water supply port 66 in the washing process of a normal washing course. In particular, it is possible to suppress the scattering of water as much as possible by slowing the water supply speed when the rotation speed is high.

  In addition, since the rotation speed at the time of high-speed rotation is set to be substantially the same as the rotation speed during the dehydration process in the normal washing course, and the highest possible rotation speed is used, it adheres to the washing and dewatering tub 3 As a result, the blown out bubbles can be maximized, and a high rinsing effect can be obtained.

  Further, if the fan 71 is also rotated during the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 during the rinsing step, it is possible to promote the defoaming of bubbles.

  Further, if the heater 72 is turned on in the rinsing process or the dehydrating process, it is possible to further promote the defoaming of bubbles.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
In the fifth embodiment, the washing machine of the first embodiment is further provided with a function of detecting a water supply abnormality or a detergent abnormality, and is otherwise similar to the first embodiment. Since the structure and electrical configuration of the washing machine are the same as those in the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  The detection of the water supply abnormality or the detergent abnormality is performed based on the number of rotations or the rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 after a certain time from the start of the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3. The water supply abnormality refers to, for example, a case where water supply is not performed while the water tap is closed. When water supply is normally performed, foam is generated by rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3, so that a load is applied to the motor 51 and the rotation speed of the motor 51 does not increase. On the other hand, when water supply is not performed due to water supply abnormality, bubbles are not generated, so the motor 51 is not loaded and the rotation speed of the motor 51 increases. A water supply abnormality is detected using such a state value of the motor 51. Further, the determination may be made by comparing the state value of the motor 51 with the motor command value.

  Moreover, detergent abnormality refers to the case where there are too few detergents and water, and the case where there are too many detergents and water. When an appropriate amount of detergent or water is added, the number of rotations or the rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 after a certain time from the start of the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is grasped in advance, and the washing after the predetermined time is performed. If the rotational speed or rotational speed of the cum dewatering tank 3 does not reach the rotational speed or rotational speed when the detergent is put in an appropriate amount (that is, a large load on the motor 51), it is determined that there are too many detergents and water. When the rotational speed or rotational speed when the detergent is put in an appropriate amount is exceeded (the load on the motor 51 is small), it is determined that there is too little detergent or water.

  FIG. 14: is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the foam tub washing | cleaning course of the washing machine which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. The flowchart in FIG. 14 is basically the same as that in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment, and therefore, here, the description will focus on the parts different from the first embodiment. In FIG. 14, the same steps as those in FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 14, in the detection method described above, if the rotation speed of the washing / dehydration tank 3 after a certain time from the start of rotation of the washing / dehydration tank 3 exceeds a predetermined rotation number, an abnormality (water supply) The flowchart in the case of determining with abnormality or detergent abnormality (small amount of detergent) is shown.

  After the end of water supply (S16), the control means 101 performs intermittent rotation for intermittently rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3 for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds to 2 minutes) (S17), and then turns off the motor 51 to turn off the motor The rotation of 51 is stopped for a predetermined pause time (for example, 5 minutes) (S18). Steps S17 and S18 are repeated a predetermined number of times as one cycle of tank rotation (S19). After repeating a predetermined number of times, rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is started, and the number of rotations after a predetermined time elapses is checked (S20, S51). If the number of rotations after a predetermined time has elapsed is equal to or less than the predetermined number of rotations, the rotation of the motor 51 is stopped for a predetermined pause period (S21). This cycle of steps S20, S51, and S21 is repeated a predetermined number of times. If the number of rotations after a predetermined time has exceeded a predetermined number of rotations in step S51 during the repetition, a notification is made that there is an abnormality (S52). The notification means may display an error or may sound a buzzer.

  In addition, although the above demonstrated the example which detects water supply abnormality or detergent abnormality based on the rotation speed or rotational speed of the washing and dehydrating tank 3 after a fixed time from the rotation start of the washing and dehydrating tank 3, the water level detecting means It is also possible to detect water supply abnormality using 6.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart in the case of detecting a water supply abnormality using the water level detection means. In FIG. 15, the same parts as those in FIG.
The control means 101 confirms the water level after a certain time from the start after the end of water supply (after the water supply time has elapsed in FIG. 15) by the water level detection means 6 (S61), and the detected water level has not reached the predetermined water level. In this case, it is notified that the water supply is abnormal (S62). The notification means may display an error or may sound a buzzer.

  Moreover, it is also possible to provide a foam detection means and detect a water supply abnormality or a detergent abnormality using the foam detection means. The bubble detection means has, for example, a pair of electrodes, and if electricity flows by passing a weak current between the pair of electrodes, it is determined that there is a bubble, and if electricity does not flow, it is determined that there is no bubble. Can be used.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart in the case of detecting a water supply abnormality or a detergent abnormality using the foam detection means. In FIG. 16, the same parts as those in FIG. Here, when water supply is normally performed, a foam detection means is installed at a position where the foam should reach, and when the foam does not reach this position, water supply abnormality or detergent abnormality (detergent amount is small) Judgment.
After the end of water supply (S16), the control means 101 performs intermittent rotation for intermittently rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3 for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds to 2 minutes) (S17), and then turns off the motor 51 to turn off the motor The rotation of 51 is stopped for a predetermined pause time (for example, 5 minutes) (S18). Steps S17 and S18 are repeated a predetermined number of times as one cycle of tank rotation (S19). After repeating the predetermined number of times, the washing and dewatering tub 3 is intermittently rotated for a predetermined time (S20), and then the presence or absence of foam is checked by the foam detection means (S71). If bubbles are generated, the rotation of the motor 51 is suspended for a predetermined pause time (S21). The steps S20, S71, and S21 are repeated a predetermined number of times. When it is determined in step S71 during the repetition that there is no bubble generation, it is determined that there is a water supply abnormality or a detergent abnormality (detergent amount is small), and abnormality notification is performed (S72). The notification means may display an error or may sound a buzzer.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the presence or absence of water supply abnormality or detergent abnormality is detected, and when there is an abnormality, the notification is made to the outside. The user can be notified of a quantity error.

  Further, when the abnormality detection check is performed a plurality of times as in S51 of FIG. 14 and S71 of FIG. 16, the abnormality detection capability can be enhanced.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to the washing machine having the pulsator 4 and the clutch 52 has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a drum-type washing machine having no pulsator 4 and the clutch 52, and has the same effect. Needless to say. Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the type of washing machine without a dehumidification air path, as shown in following FIG.17 and FIG.18, it is applicable also to a circulation type water-cooled dehumidification type washing machine.

17 and 18 show a circulating water-cooled dehumidifying type washing machine.
17 and 18, a dehumidifying means 81 is installed in the water tub 2. In the drying process, the dehumidifying means 81 includes a dehumidifying air passage 82 that guides the moist air discharged from the washing / dehydrating tank 3, a dehumidifying plate 83 and a drying filter 84 installed in the dehumidifying air passage 82, and a dehumidifying air passage. A fan 71 that sucks air into 82 (same as sending air to the washing and dehydrating tub 3), a heater 72 that heats the air sent by the fan 71, and the air heated by the heater 72 is guided to the washing and dehydrating tub 3 And a bellows 85 that is made up of. The dehumidifying air passage 82 is provided at a position separated from the inside of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 from below the pulsator 4 toward the upper portion of the washing / dehydrating tub 3. Further, the washing machine of FIG. 17 is of a type in which the water tub 2 can be tilted by the hanging rod movable portion 86.

  When the present invention is applied to a washing machine equipped with such a dehumidifying air passage 82, a small amount of water is discharged from the upper part of the washing and dewatering tank 3 during the foam creation / washing process as described in the third embodiment. In the case of water injection, water may be injected from the drying water supply valve 87 into the dehumidifying air passage 82. Thereby, it is possible to eliminate the bubbles in the dehumidifying air passage 82. Moreover, since the foam in the water tank 2 is also gradually defoamed by the water transmitted to the lower part, the effect of cleaning the tank is increased.

  It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to such a circulation type water-cooled dehumidification type washing machine and does not have to be a circulation type.

  In the first embodiment, the inner lid 26 is provided above the water tank 2 in order to suppress scattering of water and bubbles. However, like the washing machine shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. The present invention can also be applied to a washing machine that does not have a washing machine. In this case, the height of the foam is controlled by the amount of water, the amount of detergent, the number of revolutions, etc., or as shown in the partially enlarged view of FIG. It is preferable that 91 be provided so that bubbles do not overflow. Moreover, the water tank cover 91 may be provided with a foam guiding rib 92 similar to that of the first embodiment to guide the foam into the washing and dewatering tank 3. Moreover, the structure which unifies the door 12 by connecting the water tank 2 itself to the door 12 via a bellows duct (not shown) may be used. In FIG. 19, the same parts as those in FIG.

In addition, although it demonstrated as another embodiment in Embodiment 1-Embodiment mentioned above, respectively, it is good also as a washing machine which can implement all of Embodiment 1-Embodiment 5, and each implementation. It is good also as a washing machine which combined the form suitably.
FIG. 20 shows an operation timing chart of the foam bath cleaning course when the first to fourth embodiments are combined. By performing the operation according to FIG. 20, it is possible to obtain a washing machine having the effects of the respective embodiments and capable of effective tank cleaning.

It is sectional drawing of the washing machine of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the bottom shape of the water tank of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical system of the washing machine of Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of an operation panel according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the setting instruction | indication of the operation panel of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the rough flow of the foam tank washing | cleaning course of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement timing in the bubble generation and washing | cleaning process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the foam tank washing | cleaning course of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the foam tank washing | cleaning course of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement timing of the foam preparation and washing | cleaning process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the foam tank washing | cleaning course of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the foam tank washing | cleaning course of Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement timing of the rinse process and dehydration process in the foam tank washing | cleaning course of Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the foam tank washing | cleaning course of Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a flowchart in the case of detecting water supply abnormality using a water level detection means. It is a flowchart in the case of detecting water supply abnormality or detergent abnormality using a bubble detection means. It is sectional drawing of the circulation type water cooling dehumidification type washing machine (the 1). It is sectional drawing of the washing machine of a circulation type water cooling dehumidification type (the 2). It is a partial enlarged view at the time of providing the water tank cover which has a top | upper surface opening part instead of an inner cover base. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement timing of the foam tank washing | cleaning course at the time of combining Embodiment 1- Embodiment 4. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case, 2 water tank, 2A bottom part, 2B drainage port, 2C drainage guidance surface, 2D drainage guidance rib, 3 washing and dehydration tank, 4 pulsator, 5 rotation drive means, 6 water level detection means, 11 top surface opening part, 12 Door, 13 Operation panel, 13A button, 24 Top opening, 26 Inner lid, 27 Foam guide rib, 34 Fluid balancer, 41 Back blade, 51 Motor, 52 Clutch, 63 Detergent inlet, 64 Water supply port, 65 Water supply ( Branch) valve, 67 dedicated water inlet, 71 fan, 72 heater, 82 dehumidification air passage.

Claims (32)

A water tank that can store and drain washing water;
A washing and dewatering tank rotatably disposed in the water tank;
Rotation driving means for rotating the washing and dewatering tub;
Water supply means for supplying water into the washing and dewatering tank;
Control means for controlling the rotation drive means and the water supply means,
The control means causes water to be supplied from the water supply means into the washing / dehydrating tub, and the rotation driving means is driven to rotate the washing / dehydrating tub to cause a water flow in the washing water in the water tub. A washing machine characterized in that washing is performed by generating bubbles between the cum dewatering tank and the water tank.   The control means controls the rotation driving means and the water supply means to execute a plurality of operation courses, and includes a foam tank cleaning course as the operation course, and the tank cleaning is performed in the foam cleaning course. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein:   In the foam preparation / washing process constituting the foam tub cleaning course, a smaller amount of water than the normal washing course is supplied from the water supply means into the washing / dehydrating tub, and the rotation driving means is driven to drive the washing The washing / dehydrating tub is rotated, a water flow is generated in the washing water in the water tub, bubbles are generated between the washing / dehydrating tub and the water tub, and the tub washing is performed. 2. The washing machine according to 2.   A pulsator that is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub and that agitates the washing water, and rotates the pulsator that rotates only the pulsator alone, and the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub and the pulsator integrally. It is configured to selectively switch between rotation of the washing and dewatering tub, and in the foam creation / washing step, foam is generated by combining the pulsator rotation and the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub. The washing machine according to claim 3.   5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the control means performs the pulsator rotation to generate bubbles in advance before the washing and dewatering tub is rotated.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the control means intermittently rotates the washing and dewatering tub in the foam creating and washing step.   The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein a cycle for stopping rotation is repeated a plurality of times during a predetermined pause time after intermittent rotation for intermittently rotating the washing and dewatering tub.   The rotational driving means transmits a common motor for rotationally driving the washing / dehydrating tub and the pulsator, and transmits the rotational force of the motor only to the pulsator or to both the washing / dehydrating tub and the pulsator. The washing machine according to any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising a clutch, wherein the pulsator rotation and the washing and dewatering tub rotation are switched by switching the clutch.   At the bottom of the water tub, when the washing and dewatering tub rotates in one direction, a guide surface and / or a guide rib for guiding the wash water to the drain outlet are provided, and the control means includes the control means, The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in the foam creating / washing step, the washing and dewatering tub is rotated in the other direction.   10. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein in the foam creating / washing step, both the rotation in one direction and the rotation in the other direction are used for the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub.   The said control means pours a small amount of water into the upper part of the said washing and dewatering tank or between the said washing and dewatering tank and the said water tank during the said foam preparation and washing | cleaning process. The washing machine according to claim 10.   A balancer for unbalanced clothing is provided at the upper part of the washing and dewatering tank, and the control means causes a small amount of water to be poured into the upper part of the balancer during the foam creation / washing process. The washing machine according to any one of claims 3 to 10.   A dehumidifying air passage isolated from the inside of the washing and dewatering tub from below the pulsator toward the upper portion of the washing and dewatering tub is provided, and the control means includes The washing machine according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein water is poured into the road.   A door that opens and closes the opening of the washing machine housing; and a lock mechanism that locks the door in a closed state, and the control means locks the door with the door lock mechanism and then creates and cleans the foam. The washing machine according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein water supply in the process is started.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a detergent inlet is provided in a position in the water tank through which washing water passes.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising an inner lid that opens and closes an opening of the water tank.   The said control means made the water supply speed in the said foam preparation and washing | cleaning process slower than the water supply speed at the time of the washing | cleaning process in a normal washing course, The Claim 3 thru | or 16 characterized by the above-mentioned. Washing machine.   The foam tub cleaning course has a rinsing step after the foam creation / cleaning step, and the control means supplies water to the washing / dehydrating tub while rotating the washing / dehydrating tub in the rinsing step. The washing machine according to any one of claims 3 to 17, wherein the washing machine is performed.   The rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub during the rinsing step can be switched between a low speed rotation and a high speed rotation, and the rotation speed on the high speed rotation side is higher than the rotation speed during the foam creation / washing process. The washing machine according to claim 18, characterized by the above.   The number of rotations of the washing and dewatering tub during the rinsing process is provided in two stages so that the low-speed rotation and the high-speed rotation can be switched. The washing machine according to claim 18, wherein the number of rotations is the same.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein a water supply speed at the time of the rinsing process is made slower than a water supply speed at a washing process of a normal washing course.   The air supply device according to claim 18, further comprising air supply means for supplying air into the water tank, wherein the control means drives the air supply means during rotation of the washing and dewatering tank in the rinsing step. The washing machine according to any one of the above.   The heating means for heating the air blown by the blowing means is further provided, and the control means drives the heating means during the rinsing step or a dehydrating step after the rinsing step. Washing machine.   The foam tub is provided with a foam guide rib for guiding bubbles generated between the water tub and the washing / dehydrating tub and reaching the upper part thereof into the washing / dehydrating tub. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 23.   An operation means for selecting any one of the plurality of operation courses is provided, and the control means starts the foam tank cleaning course when the foam tank cleaning course is selected by the operation means. The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 24.   Operation means for selecting any one of the plurality of operation courses, blower means for blowing air into the washing and dewatering tub, and heating means for heating the air blown by the blower means The operation means has a button for selecting the foam bath cleaning course, and drives the foam bath cleaning course, the blower means and the heating means as an initial setting when the button is pressed. The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 25, wherein both a tank drying course for sending warm air into the washing and dewatering tank are selected.   The control unit detects a water supply abnormality or a detergent abnormality based on a rotation speed or a rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub after a predetermined time from the start of rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub. The washing machine according to any one of claims 26.   The control means determines that the water supply abnormality or the detergent abnormality occurs when the rotation speed or rotation speed of the washing / dehydration tank after a certain time from the start of rotation of the washing / dehydration tank exceeds a predetermined rotation speed or a predetermined rotation speed. The washing machine according to claim 27.   Water level detection means for detecting the water level in the water tank is provided, and the control means confirms the water level after a certain time from the start of water supply by the water level detection means, and determines that the detected water level has not reached the predetermined water level. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the water supply is determined to be abnormal.   Foam detection means for detecting foam in the water tub, and the control means detects a water supply abnormality or a detergent abnormality based on a detection result of the foam detection means after a certain time from the start of rotation of the washing and dewatering tub. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein:   When the control means determines that the position of the foam after a certain time from the start of rotation of the washing and dewatering tub has not reached the predetermined position based on the detection result of the foam detection means, the water supply abnormality or the detergent abnormality The washing machine according to claim 30, wherein the washing machine is determined.   An informing means for informing a water supply abnormality or a detergent abnormality is provided, and the control means, when detecting a water supply abnormality or a detergent abnormality, drives the informing means to notify a water supply abnormality or a detergent abnormality. The washing machine according to any one of claims 27 to 31.

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