JP2018121899A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of optimal washing according to the stain level of laundry. SOLUTION: A rotating drum 3, a laundry weight detecting unit 26 that detects the amount of laundry in the rotating drum 3, a stain detecting unit 13 that detects stains on the laundry, a detergent automatic loading device 15, and a control unit 18. The control unit 18 determines the stain level of the laundry based on the signal from the stain detection unit 13 in the first washing step, and when the stain level is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value, the first washing step. After the washing is completed, the washing water is drained, a signal is further sent to the automatic detergent adding device 15 to introduce a new detergent, and a predetermined amount of water is supplied, and then the second washing step is performed for a predetermined period of time so that the dirt level is the first. If it is less than the predetermined value, by adding an additional amount of detergent from the automatic detergent placement device 15 in accordance with the stain level, and continuing the first washing step for the remaining washing time determined by the stain level, Solve the above problems That. [Selection diagram] Fig. 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine that puts laundry into a washing tub and performs washing by sequentially controlling each process such as washing and rinsing.

  Conventionally, in a washing machine, as shown in Patent Document 1, a user selects whether the laundry is “severe dirt”, “standard”, or “slight dirt”, and the initial value is determined according to the result and the amount of laundry. The amount of detergent input is determined. Then, during the subsequent washing process, the soil sensor determines whether the laundry has been soiled, and if it is determined that the laundry is insufficient, based on the user's selection result of “severe soiling”, “standard” or “lightly soiling”. An additional amount of detergent was determined.

JP-A 61-172593

  However, in the conventional washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, the determination of the degree of dirt is left to the user. Therefore, individual differences greatly affect the determination and the selection of the degree of contamination based on the determination. Some of the users who choose “severe dirt” when there is a laundry that is heavily soiled with oil, mud, fruit juice, etc., in laundry that is hardly soiled. At this time, the amount of detergent supplied by the washing machine is large. If the dirt sensor determines that dirt removal is insufficient during the subsequent washing process, the detergent is additionally added, leading to waste of the detergent and further increasing dirty household wastewater. In addition, the same rinsing increases the amount of detergent remaining in the laundry clothes, and there is a problem in that adverse effects such as rough skin caused by the detergent may occur on the wearer of the clothes.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can perform optimum washing in accordance with the level of dirt on the laundry.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a washing machine according to the present invention includes a laundry tub for storing laundry, a laundry weight detection unit for detecting the amount of laundry put into the laundry tub, and dirt on the laundry. A stain detection unit for detecting, a detergent automatic loading device for automatically loading the detergent during the washing process, and a control unit for sequentially controlling each process such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, etc. In the process, the dirt level of the laundry is determined based on a signal from the dirt detector, and if the dirt level is equal to or higher than a first predetermined value, the first washing process is terminated and the washing water is drained. Further, a signal is sent to the automatic detergent charging device, a new detergent is charged, a predetermined amount of water is supplied, a second washing step is performed for a predetermined time, and when the dirt level is less than the first predetermined value, In accordance with the level of dirt The first washing process is continued for the remaining washing time determined by the dirt level, and the amount of detergent is added. Laundry is performed by determining the amount of detergent, washing time, and whether or not there is a further washing step. Accordingly, there is no need to change the washing method according to the dirt level of the laundry, and an effect of easily performing the optimum washing according to the dirt level of the laundry can be obtained.

  The washing machine of the present invention judges the level of dirt on the laundry, and adds the amount of detergent, extends the washing time, and performs further washing steps according to the dirt level. Thereby, it is not necessary to change the washing method according to the dirt level of the laundry, and the optimum washing according to the dirt level of the laundry can be easily performed.

Side surface sectional drawing of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention Block circuit diagram of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the washing process of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a laundry tub for storing laundry, a laundry weight detection unit for detecting the amount of laundry put in the laundry tub, a stain detection unit for detecting dirt on the laundry, and a detergent during the washing process. And a control unit that sequentially controls each process such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration, and the control unit is based on a signal from the dirt detection unit in the first washing process. The dirt level of the laundry is determined, and if the dirt level is equal to or higher than a first predetermined value, the first washing step is terminated, the washing water is drained, and a signal is sent to the automatic detergent charging device. After a new detergent is charged and a predetermined amount of water is supplied, the second washing step is performed for a predetermined time. When the dirt level is less than the first predetermined value, the automatic detergent charging apparatus is set in accordance with the dirt level. When you send a signal to add an additional amount of detergent Moni, is to continue the first washing step during the remaining washing time determined by the soiling level.

  In the first washing process, the dirt level of the laundry is determined, and when the dirt level is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value, the second washing process is performed. In other words, the first washing process is pre-washed and the second washing process is the main washing, so that the dirt eluted in the washing water in the first washing process is drained outside the washing machine, and the dirt remaining in the washing water is reduced. can do. Further, after the detergent is added and water is supplied, washing is performed in the second washing step. As a result, the reattachment of dirt can be suppressed, and the dirt remaining in the laundry can be removed. Therefore, it is possible to perform sufficient washing even on laundry with severe dirt, and the effect of greatly improving the finishing level of the laundry can be obtained.

  Further, with the above-described configuration, when the dirt level is less than the first predetermined value, the washing performance can be improved by adding an additional amount of detergent according to the dirt level and extending the washing time. Therefore, the effect of greatly improving the finishing level of the laundry can be obtained. Furthermore, it is not necessary to perform an additional new washing step, and the pre-washing can be continued to be the main washing. Therefore, the effect of reducing the detergent, water and time required for washing can be obtained.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, when the dirt level determined in the first washing step is less than a second predetermined value, the control unit does not add a detergent and does not extend the washing time from a standard time. When the stain level is less than the second predetermined value, the amount of detergent used for detecting the stain level is not insufficient for the stain level, and the washing time needs to be extended from the standard time. Nor. Therefore, by having the above-mentioned configuration, in addition to being able to reduce the amount of detergent used, the effect of improving the rinsing performance can be obtained. In some situations, the amount of water used for rinsing and the rinsing time can be reduced by improving the rinsing performance.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, at the start of washing, the control unit inputs a detergent amount smaller than a standard detergent amount corresponding to the laundry amount detected by the laundry weight detection unit by the detergent automatic input device. The first washing step is started. With this configuration, when the dirt level is small, the laundry can be sufficiently washed even with a small amount of detergent, so that the effect of reducing the amount of detergent can be obtained.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control unit determines the level of dirt on the laundry based on a signal from the dirt detection unit in the second washing step, and when the determined level is less than a predetermined value, Even if the time of the second washing step does not reach the predetermined time, the second washing step is terminated. In the second washing step, by checking the stain level of the washing water every predetermined time, there are many cases where it is not necessary to carry out washing until the set washing time. With the above configuration, the washing time can be improved by shortening the washing time.

  5th invention uses the turbidity sensor which detects the stain | concentration density | concentration of wash water as said stain | pollution | contamination detection part. The effect of being able to detect the degree of dirt on the laundry in real time and in a timely and accurate manner by detecting the degree of dirt on the laundry by detecting the dirt concentration of the washing water using a turbidity sensor Is obtained.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Moreover, what is called washing water in the following embodiments indicates water containing a detergent component used in the washing step.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the washing process of the washing machine in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The washing machine according to the present embodiment is a drum type washing machine that performs washing by rotating, rotating, and rotating the rotating drum in which the laundry is stored. As shown in FIG. 1, a water receiving tank 2 is disposed inside a drum type washing machine 1. A rotating drum 3 serving as a washing tub is disposed inside the water receiving tub 2 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal rotation axis. The rotating drum 3 is rotated by a motor 4 connected to the back surface.

  Each of the water receiving tank 2 and the rotating drum 3 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having an opening on the front surface. An opening / closing door 27 is provided on the front surface of the drum type washing machine 1 so as to face the front opening of the water receiving tub 2 and the rotating drum 3. The user opens the door 27 and puts the laundry in and out of the rotary drum 3.

  The rotating drum 3 is provided with a plurality of through holes (not shown) on the outer peripheral surface, and water and air circulate therethrough. Also. Several protrusion plates (not shown) are provided on the inner wall surface, and the laundry is lifted and stirred when the rotating drum 3 rotates. The rotating drum 3 functions not only as a washing tub, but also as a dehydrating tub and a drying tub depending on the process to be executed.

  A water intake 5 is connected to the lowest part on the rear side of the water receiving tank 2. The water intake 5 is connected to a drain pipe 7 that is opened and closed by a drain valve 6. A circulation path 9 is provided from between the water intake 5 and the drain valve 6. A discharge port 8 is formed at the tip of the circulation path 9 and is opened from the front lower portion of the water receiving tank 2 into the rotary drum 3. A circulation pump 10 is incorporated in the circulation path 9. By driving the circulation pump 10, the wash water in the water receiving tub 2 passes through the circulation path 9 and is discharged into the rotary drum 3 as a circulation shower. In this way, washing water can be poured onto the laundry in the rotary drum 3.

Above the water receiving tank 2, a water supply valve 11 that controls water supply into the water receiving tank 2 is provided. A water level detection unit 12 is provided in communication with the water receiving tank 2. The water level detector 12 detects the water level in the water receiving tank 2. Further, a dirt detection unit 13 is provided in the circulation path 9. The dirt detection unit 13 is configured by a turbidity sensor or the like, and detects the dirt concentration of the wash water flowing in the circulation path 9. By this detection, the dirt detector 13 detects the dirt of the laundry.

  The detergent storage unit 14 is used for charging a detergent used during the washing process and a softening agent used during the rinsing process. The detergent storage unit 14 includes an automatic detergent charging device 15 having storage units (not shown) for liquid detergent and softener. The detergent storage part 14 is provided with a receiving part 14a for receiving a liquid detergent and a softening agent introduced from the insertion port 16 of the automatic detergent introduction apparatus 15. The water that has passed through the water supply valve 11 passes through the receiving portion 14a of the detergent storage portion 14, and at this time, the liquid detergent or softening agent introduced into the receiving portion 14a is poured into the water receiving tank 2 together with the supplied water.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 17 includes a control unit 18 configured with a microcomputer. The control unit 18 controls operations of the motor 4, the drain valve 6, the circulation pump 10, the water supply valve 11 and the like via the power switching unit 19, and sequentially controls a series of processes such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration.

  The control unit 18 has a database of dirt levels of washing water. The control unit 18 compares the washing water stain level database with the signal from the stain detection unit 13, so that the stain concentration of the wash water, that is, the stain level of the laundry is determined in a stepwise manner. Determine which level you are in. In the drum type washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, four levels are set as the dirt level defined in stages.

  The input setting unit 20 is for the user to input and set a driving course or the like. The control unit 18 receives information from the input setting unit 20 and displays the information on the display unit 21 based on the information to notify the user. The storage unit 22 stores data necessary for the control unit 18 to control the washing operation. The power switch 24 turns on and off the commercial power source 23 supplied to the drum type washing machine 1.

  The drum type washing machine 1 is provided with a rotation speed detection unit 25 that detects the rotation speed of the rotary drum 3. Information of the rotational speed detection unit 25 is sent to the control unit 18, and the control unit 18 controls the rotation of the motor 4 through the power switching unit 19 to drive the rotary drum 3. In addition, the drum type washing machine 1 is provided with a laundry weight detection unit 26 that detects the weight (amount of laundry) of the laundry accommodated in the rotary drum 3.

  About the drum-type washing machine 1 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated using FIG.

  When the user puts laundry into the rotary drum 3 and presses the power switch 24, the washing operation of the drum type washing machine 1 starts (step 1). As a result, the user can input a washing course or the like to the input setting unit 20.

  The user selects a washing course, for example, an “auto care course” by the input setting unit 20 (step 2). Then, the control unit 18 notifies the user by displaying on the display unit 21 that the “auto care course” has been selected based on the information from the input setting unit 20.

Next, when the user presses the start button for washing, the control unit 18 starts executing the first washing process at the selected “auto care course”. When the first washing process is started, the laundry weight detector 26 detects the weight of the laundry (step 3). This laundry weight detection is performed by detecting the magnitude of the drive current signal of the motor 4 when the control unit 18 controls the motor 4 to rotate the rotating drum 3 together with the laundry at a predetermined rotational speed.

  The control unit 18 determines which of the plurality of ranks in which the amount of the laundry is preset corresponds to the detected weight of the laundry. Then, the control unit 18 determines the washing time, the washing time, and the detergent input amount in accordance with the laundry amount determination result (step 4). The control unit 18 notifies the user by displaying the determined washing time and washing time on the display unit 21 (step 5).

  Prior to water supply, the control unit 18 operates the automatic detergent charging device 15 so that the liquid detergent is automatically charged into the receiving part 14a of the detergent storage unit 14 (step 6). For this reason, it is not necessary for the user to put the detergent into the detergent container 14. At this time, the amount of liquid detergent introduced by the automatic detergent feeder 15 is less than the standard amount of detergent corresponding to the amount of laundry at the start of the course operation, that is, the laundry level is the same as the standard with the same amount of laundry. The value of the amount of detergent when it is smaller is also applied.

  After adding the liquid detergent, the control unit 18 immediately starts water supply to the water receiving tank 2. The control unit 18 opens the water supply valve 11, and the water that has passed through the water supply valve 11 passes through the detergent storage unit 14. As a result, the amount of liquid detergent introduced into the receiving portion 14a of the detergent container 14 from the inlet 16 of the detergent automatic charging device 15 when the dirt level is smaller than the standard is received together with the supplied water. It is poured into the tank 2 (step 7).

  Thereafter, the control unit 18 starts pre-washing with washing water in which a detergent amount smaller than the standard detergent amount corresponding to the laundry amount is dissolved (step 8). The control unit 18 drives the rotary drum 3 according to the sequence of “right rotation 11 seconds → stop 4 seconds → left rotation 11 seconds → stop 4 seconds → right rotation 11 seconds”. The control unit 18 further drives the circulation pump 10. As a result, the wash water in the water receiving tub 2 passes through the circulation path 9 and is discharged into the rotary drum 3 as a circulation shower. When the water level detection unit 12 detects that the water level in the water receiving tank 2 has reached the predetermined water level, the control unit 18 starts counting the washing time and sends a signal to the water supply valve 11 to the water receiving tank 2. Is stopped, and the circulation pump 10 is stopped.

  After that, the control unit 18 performs tumbling on the rotating drum 3 in the same manner as described above in accordance with the sequence of “right rotation 11 seconds → stop 4 seconds → left rotation 11 seconds → stop 4 seconds → right rotation 11 seconds”. carry out. The control unit 18 further starts the operation of the circulation pump 10 and sends a signal to the water supply valve 11 by the signal of the water level detection unit 12, restarts the water supply to the water receiving tank 2, performs water supply to a predetermined water level, Complete the water supply. Thereafter, the control unit 18 performs pre-washing for a predetermined time (step 9).

  When the pre-washing is completed, the control unit 18 detects the stain on the laundry and determines the stain level. The control unit 18 receives a signal relating to the stain concentration of the wash water detected by the stain detection unit 13. And the control part 18 determines the dirt level at the time based on the dirt density database of the washing water which the control part 18 has (step 10). And the control part 18 determines the presence or absence of implementation of the additional washing amount in the main washing after the 1st washing process, the extended washing time, and also the 2nd washing process based on the judged dirt level and the amount of laundry. (Step 11, Step 19 or Step 22).

As described above, the dirt levels are set in four levels from the dirt level 1 to the dirt level 4 (first predetermined value) in order of increasing dirt density. The dirt level 2 (second predetermined value) is set as the standard dirt level. The table used for this determination is defined according to the rank of the laundry quantity. In the drum type washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, for example, when the amount of laundry is 4.5 kg, the additional detergent amount and the extended washing time are determined to the following values according to the following table with respect to the dirt level. Is defined. The dirt level 2 is set as a standard dirt level.
* Dirt level 1: No detergent added, no washing time extended in the first washing process * Dirt level 2: Additional detergent added to the standard detergent amount in the first washing process, washing time extended by 4 minutes * Dirt level 3: In the first washing process, the remaining amount of detergent is added to the standard detergent amount, and the washing time is extended by 7 minutes. * Fouling level 4: The first washing step is completed, washing water drainage, additional detergent of the standard detergent amount is added. 2 washing process implementation

  Subsequent washing operation performed in accordance with the dirt level determined based on the table will be described for each dirt level.

  First, when the result of determination of the dirt level of the 4.5 kg laundry is the dirt level 4 of the table, the control unit 18 ends the first washing process. The controller 18 stops the rotation of the rotary drum 3 and opens the drain valve 6 to drain the washing water in the water receiving tank 2. The control part 18 starts execution of a 2nd washing process after completion of drainage (step 11).

  When the second washing process is started, the control unit 18 determines the washing time and the detergent input amount according to the laundry amount and the dirt level (step 12). The detergent dosage determined at this time is the standard detergent quantity for the laundry quantity and soil level. Note that the contamination level at the start of the second washing step is naturally the contamination level 4. Then, the control part 18 performs the same washing | cleaning operation | movement as step 6-step 9 in a 1st washing process (step 13-step 16). Steps 13 to 16 in the second washing process are performed as main washing.

  During the main washing in step 16, the control unit 18 detects the dirt on the laundry and determines the dirt level every predetermined time. The control unit 18 receives a signal relating to the stain concentration of the wash water detected by the stain detection unit 13. And the control part 18 determines the dirt level at the time based on the dirt density database of the washing water which the control part 18 has (step 17).

  If the stain level determined by this determination is equal to or lower than a predetermined value (for example, the stain level 1), the control unit 18 ends the main wash even if the predetermined time of the second washing step has not been reached, and the second wash. The process is terminated (step 18).

  In addition, when the contamination level by this determination exceeds the predetermined value, the control unit 18 returns to step 11 to perform drainage, perform the next washing process in the same step, and determine the contamination determined in step 17. The main washing and the level determination are repeated until the level falls below a predetermined value. In this case, the washing time and the amount of detergent supplied determined in step 12 are newly determined according to the amount of laundry and the level of dirt determined immediately before each time the level of dirt is determined.

  When the second washing process ends, the control unit 18 shifts the operation to the rinsing process.

  Next, when the result of the determination of the dirt level in step 10 is the dirt level 2 or the dirt level 3, the control unit 18 performs the washing operation as follows.

When the result of determination of the dirt level of the 4.5 kg laundry is the above-mentioned dirt level 2 of the table, the control unit 18 sends a signal to the automatic detergent loading device 15, and according to the table definition, with respect to the standard detergent amount. The remaining amount of detergent (standard detergent amount−initially charged detergent amount) is additionally charged into the receiving portion 14a of the detergent storage portion 14. For example, when the laundry amount is 4.5 kg and the standard detergent amount is 20 mL, the detergent at the start of washing is 16 mL corresponding to the dirt level 1, and this amount of detergent is introduced. However, when the dirt level is 2, 4 mL is insufficient. Therefore, the controller 18 adds 4 mL of liquid detergent, and further opens the water supply valve 11 for a predetermined time to supply water to allow the liquid detergent to reach the water receiving tank 2. Then, the control unit 18 resets the washing time to be 4 minutes longer than the standard washing time. For example, when the laundry is 4.5 kg, the standard washing time is 14 minutes, and the predetermined washing time until the stain is detected is 7 minutes. Accordingly, although the remaining washing time is 7 minutes, the remaining washing time after resetting is 11 minutes (total washing time 18 minutes) since it is increased by 4 minutes (the above is step 19).

  When the addition of the detergent and the setting of the remaining washing time are performed as described above, the control unit 18 performs the main washing in the first washing process (step 20). When the washing time after the resetting has elapsed, the control unit 18 stops the rotation of the rotary drum 3, opens the drain valve 6, and passes the washing water in the water receiving tub 2 out of the drum type washing machine 1 through the drain pipe 7. The first washing process is finished (step 21). And after the 1st washing process is completed, control part 18 shifts operation to a rinse process.

  When the result of determination of the dirt level of the 4.5 kg laundry is the above-mentioned table dirt level 3, the control unit 18 sends a signal to the detergent automatic input device 15 and makes a reference to the standard detergent amount according to the table definition. The remaining amount of detergent (standard detergent amount−initially charged detergent amount) is additionally charged into the receiving portion 14a of the detergent storage portion 14. For example, as in the case of the dirt level 2, the control unit 18 inputs 4 mL of liquid detergent, and further opens the water supply valve 11 for a predetermined time to supply the water to the water receiving tank 2 to supply water. Also implement. Then, the control unit 18 resets the washing time to be 7 minutes longer than the standard washing time. For example, in the case of 4.5 kg, the standard washing time is 14 minutes, and the predetermined washing time until the stain is detected is 7 minutes. Therefore, although the remaining washing time is 7 minutes, the remaining washing time after resetting is 14 minutes (total washing time 21 minutes) because it is longer by 7 minutes (the above is step 19).

  When the addition of the detergent and the setting of the remaining washing time are performed as described above, the control unit 18 performs the main washing in the first washing process (step 20). When the washing time after the resetting has elapsed, the control unit 18 stops the rotation of the rotary drum 3, opens the drain valve 6, and passes the washing water in the water receiving tub 2 out of the drum type washing machine 1 through the drain pipe 7. The first washing process is finished (step 21). And after the 1st washing process is completed, control part 18 shifts operation to a rinse process.

  If the result of the dirt level determination in step 10 is dirt level 1 in the table, it is determined that no detergent is added and no washing time is extended (step 22). The controller 18 does not add any detergent, and does the main washing for the initial washing time without extending the washing time (step 23). When the initial washing time has elapsed, the control unit 18 stops the rotation of the rotary drum 3, opens the drain valve 6, and discharges the washing water in the water receiving tub 2 out of the drum type washing machine 1 through the drain pipe 7. Then, the first washing process is terminated (step 21). And after the 1st washing process is completed, control part 18 shifts operation to a rinse process.

  When the result of determination of the dirt level in step 10 is any dirt level, when the washing process is completed, the control unit 18 proceeds to the execution of the rinsing process and then the execution of the final dehydration process. The rinsing step and the final dewatering step are performed as described below in the same manner for any soil level.

The case where it is set that the rinsing process is performed twice in the rinsing process will be described. When the drainage performed at the end of the washing process is completed, first intermediate dehydration of the first rinse is started.

  The control unit 18 rotates the rotating drum 3 and increases the rotation speed of the rotating drum 3 to 900 r / min which is a predetermined rotation speed through balance control, and performs the first intermediate dehydration. By this first intermediate dehydration, the wash water remaining in the laundry is discharged out of the drum type washing machine 1, and the wash water contained in the laundry is reduced. When the rotating drum 3 is rotated at 900 r / min for a predetermined time, the control unit 18 sends a signal to the motor 4 to stop the rotation of the rotating drum 3.

  After the rotary drum 3 stops, the control unit 18 opens the water supply valve 11 and starts water supply. The water that has passed through the water supply valve 11 passes through the detergent container 14 and is stored in the water receiving tank 2.

  The control unit 18 starts the rotation of the rotary drum 3 at, for example, 50 r / min from the middle of water supply. At the same time, the circulation pump 10 is driven. Thereby, the rinse water in the water receiving tank 2 passes through the circulation path 9 and is discharged into the rotating drum 3 as a circulation shower. When the control unit 18 determines that the predetermined water level has been reached by the water level detection unit 12, the control unit 18 stops the water supply to the water receiving tank 2 by closing the water supply valve 11.

  Then, the control unit 18 determines that the first rinsing is completed when a predetermined time has elapsed, and opens the drain valve 6 to drain the rinse water accumulated in the water receiving tank 2.

  When drainage is completed, the second intermediate dehydration of the second rinse is started. The control unit 18 rotates the rotary drum 3 to perform the second intermediate dehydration in the same manner as the first intermediate dehydration. By this second intermediate dehydration, the washing water remaining in the laundry is discharged out of the drum type washing machine 1, and the detergent contained in the laundry is reduced.

  After the rotary drum 3 stops, the control unit 18 opens the water supply valve 11 and starts water supply. The supplied water is stored in the water receiving tank 2 through the detergent container 14. At this time, if the softening agent has been put into the detergent container 14, the softening agent is poured into the water receiving tank 2 together with the supplied water.

  After the end of the second intermediate dehydration, the control unit 18 performs the second rinse in the same manner as the first rinse. The control unit 18 determines that the second rinsing has been completed when a predetermined time has elapsed, and opens the drain valve 6 to drain the rinse water accumulated in the water receiving tank 2.

  In the above rinsing process, the liquid detergent is not charged into the water that has passed through the water supply valve 11 from the detergent automatic charging device 15. The water that has passed through the water supply valve 11 is supplied as it is into the water receiving tub 2 and further into the rotating drum 3 in which the laundry is accommodated, and is used for rinsing.

  When the drainage performed after the end of the second rinse is completed, the final dehydration step is started. The control unit 18 rotates the rotating drum 3 and increases the rotation speed of the rotating drum 3 to 900 r / min, which is a predetermined rotation speed for final dehydration, through balance control, and performs the final dehydration process. By this final dehydration step, the washing water remaining in the laundry is discharged out of the drum type washing machine 1, and the detergent contained in the laundry is almost eliminated. When the rotating drum 3 is rotated at 900 r / min for a predetermined time, the control unit 18 sends a signal to the motor 4 to stop the rotation of the rotating drum 3. The controller 18 turns off the power switch 24 when the rotating drum 3 stops, and ends the washing operation.

As described above, in the drum type washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the dirt level of the laundry is set in four stages from 1 to 4 in the first washing step, and the dirt level 4 is the highest. It is set that the laundry is soiled, the soil level 1 is the least soiled state, and the soil level 2 is the standard soiled state.

  In the first washing step, in order to detect the dirt level of the laundry, the amount of liquid detergent to be introduced is set to be small by the automatic detergent introduction device 15 at the start of washing. Less detergent is used than standard detergent. That is, the value of the detergent amount at the soil level 1 when the soil level of the laundry is smaller than the standard soil level 2 with the same laundry amount is used.

  In this case, the dirt level of the laundry is unknown during the washing time until the dirt level is detected. Therefore, the washing process is performed with a washing amount of washing level 1 which is smaller than the standard washing amount of dirt level 2. In this state, the cleaning performance until the completion of the cleaning time for detecting the dirt level becomes smaller than usual. And even if the amount of detergent corresponding to the amount of laundry is to be input after the dirt level is detected, the cleaning performance remains low unless the washing time remains unchanged.

  On the other hand, in the drum type washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 18 determines the dirt level of the laundry in the first washing step, and when the determination result is that the dirt level is 4, By carrying out the second washing process, that is, pre-washing the first washing process and making the second washing process the main washing, the dirt eluted in the washing water in the first washing process is drained out of the washing machine and washed. Dirt remaining in water can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, by adding water supply and detergent and continuing washing in the second washing step, it is possible to suppress reattachment of dirt and remove dirt remaining in the laundry.

  As a result, the effect of improving the washing effect of the laundry and greatly improving the finished level of the laundry can be obtained. In addition, the execution of the second washing step makes it possible to ignore the influence of a small amount of detergent added for detecting the dirt level. As a result, the amount of detergent used can be reduced.

  In addition, in the case of the dirt level 2 or 3, after the dirt level is detected, an additional amount of detergent corresponding to the amount of laundry is input, and the washing time is extended in accordance with the detected dirt level (for example, the dirt level level 2). The cleaning performance can be improved by 4 minutes in the case of 7 and 7 minutes in the case of the dirt level 3). Thereby, the effect of greatly improving the finishing level of the laundry can be obtained. Furthermore, in the case of this dirt level, it is not necessary to add a new water supply and detergent after the drainage of the washing water in the first washing step and to carry out the second washing step. Therefore, the effect of reducing the detergent, water and time required for washing can be obtained.

  Further, in the drum type washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the amount of detergent first introduced in the first washing step is the amount of detergent corresponding to the dirt level 1. Therefore, in the case of the dirt level 1, since there is no shortage of the detergent amount for the laundry of the dirt level, the washing performance is not deteriorated even if the washing time is not extended. Therefore, since a sufficient cleaning effect can be obtained with the amount of detergent supplied at the start of the washing operation, the amount of detergent used can be reduced. In addition, by reducing the amount of detergent, washing is performed without using an unnecessary amount of detergent. Thereby, in addition to the effect of reducing the amount of detergent used, it is possible to substantially eliminate the detergent remaining in the laundry and to improve the rinsing performance. Further, depending on the situation, it is possible to reduce the amount of water used for rinsing and reduce the rinsing time by improving the rinsing performance.

In addition, description of this Embodiment was demonstrated as an example to the last when the amount of laundry is 4.5 kg. Standard detergent amount, additional detergent amount, predetermined washing time at the start, extended washing time,
The setting and operation according to the dirt level such as the washing time are individually set according to the amount of laundry.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the water receiving tank 2 and the rotating drum 3 shall be arrange | positioned horizontally, the water receiving tank 2 and the rotating drum 3 may incline. Moreover, the timing of the water supply in the washing process, the rinsing process, and the final dehydration process, the timing of the circulating shower, the rotational speed of the rotary drum 3 and the like are not particularly limited by the above embodiment. Also, the level of dirt, washing time, amount of detergent and the like are not particularly limited.

  In addition, the automatic loading of the softening agent has been described on the assumption that the detergent storage unit 14 and the automatic detergent charging device 15 that are shared with the liquid detergent are used. However, a detergent storage unit or an automatic charging device dedicated to the softening agent is installed. There is no particular problem even when the softening agent is automatically charged by these.

  As described above, in the washing machine according to the present invention, the control unit determines the dirt level of the laundry based on the signal from the dirt detection unit in the first washing step, and the dirt level is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value. The first washing process is completed, the washing water is drained, a signal is sent to the automatic detergent charging device, a new detergent is fed, a predetermined amount of water is supplied, and then the second washing process is performed for a predetermined time. When the dirt level determined in the first washing step is less than the first predetermined value, a signal is sent to the automatic detergent loading device in accordance with the dirt level to add an additional amount of detergent, and the dirt level is determined. The first washing process is continued for the remaining washing time. Accordingly, there is no need to change the washing method according to the dirt level of the laundry, and an effect of easily performing the optimum washing according to the dirt level of the laundry can be obtained. Therefore, the washing machine according to the present invention is particularly useful as a domestic washing machine and a washing / drying machine that often wash laundry having different soil levels each time washing is performed.

1 Drum-type washing machine 2 Water receiving tank 3 Rotating drum (washing tank)
4 Motor (drive unit)
6 Drain valve 9 Circulation path 11 Water supply valve (water supply section)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Water level detection part 13 Dirt detection part 15 Detergent automatic injection | throwing-in apparatus 17 Control apparatus 18 Control part 20 Input setting part 26 Laundry weight detection part 27 Opening / closing door

Claims (5)

A laundry tub for storing laundry, a laundry weight detection unit for detecting the amount of laundry put in the laundry tub, a stain detection unit for detecting laundry stains, and a detergent is automatically added during the washing process. Equipped with an automatic detergent loading device and a controller that sequentially controls each process such as washing, rinsing and dehydration,
The control unit determines a dirt level of the laundry based on a signal from the dirt detection unit in the first washing step,
When the dirt level is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value, the first washing step is terminated, the washing water is drained, a signal is sent to the automatic detergent charging device, a new detergent is fed, and a predetermined amount of water is supplied. After performing the second washing step for a predetermined time,
When the dirt level is less than the first predetermined value, a signal is sent to the detergent automatic input device in accordance with the dirt level to cause an additional amount of detergent to be introduced and during the remaining washing time determined by the dirt level. A washing machine characterized by continuing the first washing step. 2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the dirt level determined in the first washing step is less than a second predetermined value, the controller does not add a detergent and does not extend the washing time from a standard time. Washing machine. At the start of washing, the control unit inputs a detergent amount smaller than a standard detergent amount corresponding to the laundry amount detected by the laundry weight detection unit by the detergent automatic input device, and starts the first washing process. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by: In the second washing step, the control unit determines a dirt level of the laundry based on a signal from the dirt detection unit. If the determined dirt level is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the time of the second washing step is determined. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the second washing step is terminated without reaching a predetermined time. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a turbidity sensor that detects a stain concentration of washing water is used as the stain detection unit.

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