JP7624658B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Patent document 1 describes a washing machine equipped with an ultrasonic cleaning device that cleans laundry with ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generator. In this washing machine, before placing laundry in the washing and spin-drying tub and running the washing operation, a cleaning operation is performed using the ultrasonic cleaning device, so that dirt partially attached to the laundry can be removed.

JP 2021-23547 A

As described above, if a cleaning operation using an ultrasonic cleaning device is performed prior to a washing operation, the washing operation will be performed again after the cleaning operation is completed, which may result in a longer time required to wash the laundry, including partial cleaning using the ultrasonic cleaning device.

The present invention aims to provide a washing machine that can reduce the time required to wash laundry, including partial cleaning using an ultrasonic cleaning device.

A washing machine according to a main aspect of the present invention is arranged within a housing and has a washing tub in which laundry is stored, a water supply unit for supplying water into the washing tub, an ultrasonic generator, and a water tank located below the ultrasonic generator and in which cleaning water containing detergent is stored, and is equipped with an ultrasonic cleaning device that cleans laundry with ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator, a control unit that executes an operating course in which a washing operation is performed to wash laundry stored in the washing tub followed by a washing operation to wash laundry stored in the washing tub, and an automatic dispensing mechanism that automatically dispenses detergent into the washing tub when water is supplied into the washing tub during the washing operation, and that supplies the cleaning water to be stored in the water tank during the cleaning operation . Here, when the cleaning operation is being performed, the control unit causes the water supply unit to supply water into the washing tub for the washing step of the washing operation, and when supplying water into the washing tub when the cleaning operation is being performed, the control unit controls the automatic dispensing mechanism to supply the cleaning water to the water tank, and then controls the automatic dispensing mechanism to dispense detergent into the washing tub when water is being supplied.

According to the above configuration, water is supplied to the washing tub for the washing step of the washing operation while the cleaning operation is being performed, so the total operation time when the washing operation is performed following the cleaning operation can be shortened. This makes it possible to shorten the time required to wash laundry, including partial cleaning.

In the washing machine according to this aspect, the water supply unit may be configured to release water into the washing tub from above the washing tub.

According to the above configuration, when the washing water used in the washing operation adheres to the user's hands during the washing operation, the user can wash his/her hands using the water supplied to the washing tub during the washing operation.

In the washing machine according to this aspect, the control unit may be configured to interrupt the operation of the operation course when the cleaning operation is completed, and to resume the operation of the operation course when an operation for resuming the operation is detected.

With the above configuration, after the laundry that has been partially cleaned is placed in the washing tub, and preparations for the washing operation are completed, the operation can be resumed and the washing operation can be started.

The washing machine according to this aspect may be further configured to include a load amount detection unit for detecting the load amount of laundry contained in the washing tub. In this case, the control unit may be configured to determine the amount of water to be supplied to the washing process based on the load amount detected by the load amount detection unit before water supply to the washing tub is started, and to set the determined amount of water to be supplied to the washing process as the upper limit amount of water to be supplied to the washing tub during the cleaning operation.

The above configuration makes it possible to store the amount of water required for the washing process in the washing tub during the washing operation, making it possible to significantly reduce the time required to wash laundry, including partial washing.

The washing machine according to this aspect may be further configured to include a load amount detection unit for detecting the load amount of laundry contained in the washing tub. In this case, the control unit may be configured to set the minimum value of the amount of water to be supplied to the washing process, determined based on the load amount detected by the load amount detection unit, as the upper limit amount of water to be supplied to the washing tub during the washing operation, correct the load amount detected by the load amount detection unit after the washing operation is completed according to the amount of water to be supplied to the washing tub during the washing operation, and determine the amount of water to be supplied to the washing process based on the corrected load amount.

The above configuration allows the load amount to be detected while the laundry cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning device is securely contained in the washing tub. Furthermore, since the detected load amount is corrected according to the amount of water supplied to the washing tub during the cleaning operation, the detected load amount can be accurately corrected, and the amount of water required for the washing process can be accurately set.

The washing machine according to this aspect may be further configured to include a presence/absence detection unit for detecting whether or not laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator. In this case, the control unit may be configured to operate the ultrasonic generator during the washing operation while the presence/absence detection unit is detecting the presence of laundry.

According to the above configuration, the operation of the ultrasonic generator stops when the ultrasonic cleaning device is not cleaning laundry, preventing the user from unintentionally touching the ultrasonic generator while it is in operation.

The present invention makes it possible to reduce the time required to wash laundry, including partial cleaning, using an ultrasonic cleaning device.

The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiment is merely an example of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described below.

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a water supply unit according to the embodiment. 3A is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the top plate pulled out from the storage unit according to the embodiment, and FIGs. 3B and 3C are perspective views of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the main part of the top plate stored in the storage unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment with the water storage unit detached from the main body unit. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the main body unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device, the storage tank, the supply valve, the supply nozzle, and the wastewater receiver when the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored in the storage unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device, the storage tank, the supply valve, the supply nozzle, and the wastewater receiver when the ultrasonic cleaning device is pulled out of the storage unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a reservoir tank, a supply valve, and a supply nozzle according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10A and 10B are flowcharts showing a control process for a cleaning operation according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a flowchart showing a transducer on/off control included in the control process for a cleaning operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation control process for an operation course in which a washing operation is performed following a cleaning operation, according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a water supply process for supplying water into the washing and spin-drying tub when a cleaning operation is being performed according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation control process for an operation course in which a washing operation is performed following a cleaning operation, according to the first modified example.

Below, one embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine 1.

The fully automatic washing machine 1 has a housing 10 that forms an outer shell. The housing 10 includes a rectangular cylindrical body 11 with open top and bottom faces, a top panel 12 that covers the top face of the body 11, and a foot stand 13 that supports the body 11. A laundry inlet 14 is formed in the top panel 12. The inlet 14 is covered by a top lid 15 that can be opened and closed. A control unit 16 is disposed inside and in front of the top panel 12. The control unit 16 controls the washing operation by the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 described below.

In the housing 10, an outer tub 20 with an open top is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension rods 21 with vibration isolation devices. A washing and spin-drying tub 22 is disposed in the outer tub 20. The washing and spin-drying tub 22 has an open top and rotates around a vertically extending axis of rotation. A large number of spin-drying holes 22a are formed around the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the washing and spin-drying tub 22. A balance ring 23 is provided on the top of the washing and spin-drying tub 22. A pulsator 24 is disposed at the bottom of the washing and spin-drying tub 22. A plurality of blades 24a are provided radially on the surface of the pulsator 24. The washing and spin-drying tub 22 corresponds to the washing tub of the present invention.

A drive unit 30 that generates torque to drive the washing and spin-drying tub 22 and the pulsator 24 is disposed on the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism 32. The transmission mechanism 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and by switching operation using the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the pulsator 24 to rotate only the pulsator 24 during the washing and rinsing processes, and the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing and spin-drying tub 22 to rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing and spin-drying tub 22 together during the spin-drying process.

A drain outlet 20a is formed on the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided in the drain outlet 20a. The drain valve 40 is connected to a drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is drained outside the machine through the drain hose 41.

An overflow port 20b is formed at the top of the outer tub 20. When water reaches a predetermined overflow level or higher in the outer tub 20, the water is discharged from the overflow port 20b. An overflow receiver 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tub 20 to cover the overflow port 20b. One end of an overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiver 25. The other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to a drain hose 41. The water discharged from the overflow port 20b is received by the overflow receiver 25 and then flows through the overflow pipe 26 to the drain hose 41.

The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is located approximately in the center of the rear of the top panel 12. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 mainly performs a cleaning operation to remove dirt partially attached to the item to be cleaned prior to washing in the fully automatic washing machine 1.

A storage tank 60 is disposed behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 at the rear of the top panel 12, and a drainage receiving section 70 is disposed below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The storage tank 60 stores water containing detergent that is supplied to the water tank 210 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 as cleaning water.

The drainage receiver 70 receives water discharged from the water tank 210. The drainage receiver 70 is formed with a drain hole 71 through which the received water is discharged. One end of a drainage pipe 72 is connected to the drain hole 71. The other end of the drainage pipe 72 is connected to the upper part of the overflow pipe 26.

A water supply unit 80 for supplying tap water into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 is disposed at the rear of the top panel 12. The water supply unit 80 corresponds to the water supply section of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the water supply unit 80.

The water supply unit 80 has a water supply valve 81. The water supply valve 81 is a so-called dual valve, and has a main valve 82 and a sub-valve 83, which are electromagnetic valves. The water inlet 81a of the water supply valve 81 is connected to a water faucet via a water supply hose (not shown). The outlet of the main valve 82 is connected to a main water supply channel 84. The main water supply channel 84 is connected to a water injection box 85 located at the top of the washing and spin-drying tub 22.

The water supply unit 80 includes an automatic dispenser mechanism 90 for automatically dispensing liquid detergent into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. The automatic dispenser mechanism 90 also has the function of supplying cleaning water to the storage tank 60.

The automatic dispensing mechanism 90 includes a detergent tank 91, a supply pipe 92, a first three-way valve 93, a sub-water supply line 94, a detergent supply line 95, a second three-way valve 96, a cleaning water supply line 97, and a supply pump 98. The sub-valve 83 of the water supply valve 81 is also included in the automatic dispensing mechanism 90.

Liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 91 in its undiluted form. The supply pipe 92 directs the liquid detergent from the detergent tank 91 to one of the inlets of the first three-way valve 93.

The sub-water supply passage 94 is connected to the outlet of the sub-valve 83 and the other inlet of the first three-way valve 93.

The detergent supply passage 95 is connected to the outlet of the first three-way valve 93. The detergent supply passage 95 is connected to the water injection box 85. The water injection box 85 is located above the washing and spin-drying tub 22 and has a water injection port 85a on its bottom surface.

The first three-way valve 93 can be switched between a state in which the supply pipe 92 is connected to the detergent supply passage 95 and a state in which the sub-water supply passage 94 is connected to the detergent supply passage 95.

A second three-way valve 96 is provided in the detergent supply channel 95. An upstream supply channel 95a of the detergent supply channel 95 is connected to an inlet of the second three-way valve 96, and a downstream supply channel 95b of the detergent supply channel 95 is connected to one outlet of the second three-way valve 96. One end of a cleaning water supply channel 97 is connected to the other outlet of the second three-way valve 96. The other end of the cleaning water supply channel 97 is connected to the storage tank 60.

The second three-way valve 96 can be switched between a state in which the upstream supply passage 95a is connected to the downstream supply passage 95b and a state in which the upstream supply passage 95a is connected to the cleaning water supply passage 97.

A supply pump 98 is disposed in the upstream supply passage 95a. The supply pump 98 may be, for example, a piston pump.

Next, the configuration of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the configuration of the surroundings of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, including the storage tank 60 and the drainage receiving section 70, will be described in detail.

Figure 3(a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the top plate 12 pulled out from the storage section 17. Figures 3(b) and (c) are perspective views of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the main parts of the top plate 12 stored in the storage section 17. In Figure 3(c), the cover 19 is omitted so that the inside of the storage section 17 can be seen.

The top panel 12 has a storage section 17 in the center of the rear part, in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored. The top panel 12 has an opening in front of the storage section 17 as an entrance/exit 18. A cover 19 is provided on the entrance/exit 18.

The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 comprises an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, a water storage unit 200, and a main body unit 300. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 has an ultrasonic generator 110 that generates ultrasonic waves. The main body unit 300 holds the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100. The water storage unit 200 is attached to the main body unit 300 and is located below the ultrasonic generator 110. The water storage unit 200 is provided with a water tank 210 in which cleaning water is stored.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), when a cleaning operation is performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled forward from the storage section 17 and protrudes inside the inlet 14 of the top panel 12. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3(b) and (c), when a cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage section 17. The entrance 18 is closed by the cover 19.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 with the water storage unit 200 detached from the main body unit 300. Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the main body unit 300.

In the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is held in the main body unit 300, and the water storage unit 200 is removably attached to the main body unit 300.

The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110 and a housing 120. The ultrasonic generator 110 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 111 and a vibration horn 112 connected to the ultrasonic vibrator 111. The ultrasonic generator 110 generates ultrasonic waves from the tip of the vibration horn 112 by high-frequency vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 111. The housing 120 is long in the front-rear direction and has an arm shape with its tip 121 bent downward. The ultrasonic generator 110 is placed at the front of the housing 120. The ultrasonic generator 110 is pressed down from above by a frame-shaped fixing member 130. The tip of the vibration horn 112 is exposed from an opening 122 of the housing 120. The rear part 123 of the housing 120 is fixed to the upper part of the main body part 300.

The water storage unit 200 is formed with a handle 201 on the front. The water storage unit 200 is also formed with a water tank 210 having a shape that matches the shape of the water storage unit 200. The water tank 210 is formed with a drain port 211 on the lower part of the rear surface. The drain port 211 is closed by a valve body 220. A valve movable member 230 is connected to the valve body 220. The rear part 231 of the valve movable member 230 protrudes rearward beyond the water storage unit 200. The valve movable member 230 is biased by a spring 240 shown in FIG. 6 in the rear direction in which the valve body 220 closes.

Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the storage tank 60, the supply valve 400, the supply nozzle 500, and the drainage receiver 70 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage section 17. Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the storage tank 60, the supply valve 400, the supply nozzle 500, and the drainage receiver 70 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out of the storage section 17. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the storage tank 60, the supply valve 400, and the supply nozzle 500.

In the storage section 17, a storage tank 60, a supply valve 400, and a supply nozzle 500 are arranged behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

The supply valve 400 is an electromagnetic valve. The supply valve 400 includes a valve casing 410 having inlets on the left and right sides and an outlet on the bottom surface, a valve body 420 that opens and closes the outlet of the valve casing 410, and a drive unit 430 such as a solenoid that drives the valve body 420. The outlet of the valve casing 410 is connected to the inlet of the supply nozzle 500.

The storage tank 60 is made of a resin material and is divided into a first tank 61 and a second tank 62 with a supply valve 400 in between. The first tank 61 and the second tank 62 are connected at their upper parts by a communication part 63 extending from the first tank 61. An outlet 64 formed at the lower part of the first tank 61 is connected to the left inlet of the valve casing 410. An outlet 65 formed at the lower part of the second tank 62 is connected to the right inlet of the valve casing 410. The first tank 61 and the second tank 62 are connected to each other's outlets 64, 65 via the valve casing 410.

The first tank 61 is formed with an inlet 66 for cleaning water into the storage tank 60. The inlet 66 is connected to a cleaning water supply passage 97 of the automatic dosing mechanism 90. Cleaning water supplied from the automatic dosing mechanism 90 flows into the first tank 61 from the inlet 66, and then flows into the second tank 62 through the valve casing 410 and the communication part 63. This allows cleaning water to be stored in the storage tank 60. The storage capacity of the storage tank 60 is made larger than the storage capacity of the water tank 210.

When the supply valve 400, i.e., the valve body 420, is opened, cleaning water flows out from each of the first tank 61 and the second tank 62 of the storage tank 60 through the outlet of the valve casing 410.

The supply nozzle 500 is made of a resin material and extends forward from the supply valve 400, with its tip 500a bending downward. An outlet 501 is formed on the underside of the tip 500a.

In the storage section 17, a roughly square, dish-shaped drainage receiver 70 is disposed below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. A drain hole 71 is formed at the lower end of the rear of the right side surface of the drainage receiver 70. A drainage pipe 72 is connected to a connection pipe 73 that extends to the right from the drain hole 71.

Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fully automatic washing machine 1.

In addition to the above-mentioned components, the fully automatic washing machine 1 includes an operation unit 610, a water level sensor 620, a water level detection unit 630, a distance sensor 640, and a rotation detection unit 650. The control unit 16 also includes a control unit 701, a memory unit 702, an operation detection unit 703, a motor drive unit 704, a clutch drive unit 705, five valve drive units 706 to 710, a pump drive unit 711, and a vibrator drive unit 712.

The operation unit 610 includes various operation buttons such as a power on button 611, a power off button 612, a start button 613, and a course selection button 614. The power on button 611 and the power off button 612 are buttons for turning the power to the fully-automatic washing machine 1 on and off, respectively. The start button 613 is a button for starting a washing operation or a cleaning operation. The course selection button 614 is a button for selecting an arbitrary operation course from a plurality of operation courses prepared in the fully-automatic washing machine 1.

The water level sensor 620 is, for example, a diaphragm-type water level sensor that detects the water level in the outer tub 20, i.e., the washing and spin-drying tub 22, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected water level to the control unit 701.

The water level detection unit 630 includes a pair of electrode terminals arranged inside the storage tank 60 and detects when the water level inside the storage tank 60 reaches the full water level.

The distance sensor 640 measures the distance to the object to be detected by using the reflection of light or ultrasonic waves, and outputs a measurement signal corresponding to the measured distance to the control unit 701. The distance sensor 640 is disposed, for example, facing downward at the tip of the housing 120 of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, and is used to detect whether or not laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110. The distance sensor 640 corresponds to the presence/absence detection unit of the present invention.

When laundry, i.e., a dirty part of laundry, is not set in the water tank 210 and no laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110, the distance sensor 640 measures the distance to the bottom of the water tank 210 and outputs a measurement signal indicating the distance. On the other hand, when laundry is set in the water tank 210 and laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110, the distance sensor 640 measures the distance to the laundry and outputs a measurement signal indicating the distance. The control unit 701 sets a predetermined distance shorter than the distance to the bottom of the water tank 210 as a threshold value, and when the measured distance is shorter than the threshold value, it determines that laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110, and when the measured distance is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it determines that laundry is not present below the ultrasonic generator 110.

The rotation detection unit 650 is, for example, an encoder, which detects the amount of inertial rotation of the drive motor 31 corresponding to the amount of inertial rotation of the pulsator 24 when the pulsator 24 is rotated to detect the amount of laundry load in the washing and spin-drying tub 22, and outputs a rotation amount signal corresponding to the detected amount of inertial rotation to the control unit 701. The amount of inertial rotation of the pulsator 24 changes depending on the amount of laundry load. Therefore, the control unit 701 can detect the amount of load based on the rotation amount signal from the rotation detection unit 650. The rotation detection unit 650 corresponds to the load amount detection unit of the present invention.

The operation detection unit 703 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 701 according to the operation button operated by the user from among the various operation buttons of the operation unit 610.

The motor drive unit 704, clutch drive unit 705, five valve drive units 706-710, pump drive unit 711 and transducer drive unit 712 each drive the drive motor 31, clutch mechanism 32a, water supply valve 81, first three-way valve 93, second three-way valve 96, supply valve 400, drain valve 40, supply pump 98 and ultrasonic transducer 111 in accordance with control signals from the control unit 701.

The storage unit 702 includes an EEPROM, a RAM, etc. The storage unit 702 stores programs for executing the washing operation and the cleaning operation. The storage unit 702 also stores various parameters and various control flags used in executing these programs.

The control unit 701 includes a CPU and the like, and controls the motor drive unit 704, clutch drive unit 705, five valve drive units 706-710, pump drive unit 711, transducer drive unit 712, etc., in accordance with a program stored in the memory unit 702, based on signals from the operation detection unit 703, water level sensor 620, water level detection unit 630, distance sensor 640, rotation detection unit 650, etc. As a result, the control unit 701 controls the ultrasonic generator 110, water supply unit 80, and automatic insertion mechanism 90.

In the fully automatic washing machine 1, by selecting the course selection button 614, it is possible to execute an operation course in which only the washing operation is performed, an operation course in which only the cleaning operation is performed, or an operation course in which the cleaning operation is followed by the washing operation.

In the operation course that performs only the washing operation, the washing process, the intermediate spin-drying process, the rinsing process, and the final spin-drying process that constitute the washing operation are executed in order. As the operation course that performs only the washing operation, multiple operation courses can be prepared, such as a standard course for washing standard clothes and a delicate course for washing delicate clothes.

During the washing and rinsing processes, the pulsator 24 rotates to the right and left while water is stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22. The rotation of the pulsator 24 generates a water flow in the washing and spin-drying tub 22. During the washing process, the laundry is washed by the generated water flow and the detergent contained in the water. During the rinsing process, the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow.

During the intermediate and final spin-drying steps, the washing and spin-drying tub 22 and the pulsator 24 rotate together at high speed. The laundry is dehydrated by the action of the centrifugal force generated in the washing and spin-drying tub 22.

When water is supplied in the washing process, the automatic supply mechanism 90 automatically supplies liquid detergent to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 together with water. That is, when water is supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22, the first three-way valve 93 is first switched to a state in which the supply pipe 92 is connected to the detergent supply path 95. The second three-way valve 96 is also switched to a state in which the upstream supply path 95a is connected to the downstream supply path 95b. When the supply pump 98 is operated, the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 91 is discharged into the detergent supply path 95 by the pumping action, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 2. The supply pump 98 operates for a predetermined time, and a predetermined amount of liquid detergent is accumulated in the detergent supply path 95.

Next, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the sub-water supply passage 94 is connected to the detergent supply passage 95, and the main valve 82 and the sub-valve 83 are opened. Water from the water faucet flows through the main water supply passage 84 and is discharged from the water inlet 85a of the water supply box 85, that is, from above the washing and spin-drying tub 22 into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. At the same time, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 2, water from the water faucet flows through the sub-water supply passage 94 and the first three-way valve 93 into the detergent supply passage 95, and washes away the liquid detergent. The liquid detergent washed away by the water flows through the detergent supply passage 95 together with the water, as shown by the dashed-dotted arrow in FIG. 2, and is poured into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 from the water inlet 85a. When the water level in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 reaches a predetermined washing water level, the main valve 82 and the sub-valve 83 are closed, and water supply is terminated.

When the user uses the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 to partially clean laundry, the user pulls out the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the storage section 17 as shown in FIG. 3(a). As shown in FIG. 7, the water tank 210 is in a state in which the drain outlet 211 is closed by the valve body 220.

When the user selects an operation course that includes only cleaning operation using the course selection button 614 and operates the start button 613, the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 begins.

Figure 10(a) is a flowchart showing the control process for the cleaning operation. Figure 10(b) is a flowchart showing the transducer on/off control included in the control process for the cleaning operation.

Referring to FIG. 10(a), when the cleaning operation is started, the control unit 701 executes a cleaning water supply process to supply cleaning water to the water tank 210 by controlling the automatic supply mechanism 90 and the supply valve 400 (S101).

In the cleaning water supply process, first, cleaning water is supplied into the storage tank 60 by the automatic dispenser mechanism 90. That is, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the supply pipe 92 is connected to the detergent supply path 95. Also, the second three-way valve 96 is switched to a state in which the upstream supply path 95a is connected to the cleaning water supply path 97. Furthermore, the supply valve 400 is closed. The supply pump 98 operates for a predetermined time, and a predetermined amount of liquid detergent accumulates in the detergent supply path 95.

Next, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the sub-water supply passage 94 is connected to the detergent supply passage 95, and the sub-valve 83 is opened. Water from the water faucet flows through the sub-water supply passage 94 and the first three-way valve 93 into the detergent supply passage 95, washing away the liquid detergent. The water and liquid detergent are mixed to become wash water. As shown by the bold arrow in Figure 2, the wash water flows into the storage tank 60 through the wash water supply passage 97.

When the water level detector 630 detects that the water level in the storage tank 60 has reached the full water level, the sub-valve 83 is closed. In this way, a predetermined amount of cleaning water with a predetermined detergent concentration is stored in the storage tank 60 by the supply of cleaning water from the automatic dispenser mechanism 90.

Next, the supply valve 400 is opened. The cleaning water in the storage tank 60 is discharged from the discharge port 501 through the supply nozzle 500 into the water tank 210. The cleaning water is stored in the water tank 210, and the water level in the water tank 210 rises. As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 7, when the water level in the water tank 210 rises to the height of the discharge port 501 and the discharge port 501 is blocked by the cleaning water, the air pressure in the storage tank 60 and the external air pressure are balanced. As a result, the supply valve 400 remains open and the supply of water from the storage tank 60 stops. About one-third of the cleaning water remains in the storage tank 60 when it is full. The tip of the ultrasonic generator 110 touches the water surface.

When the cleaning water supply process is completed, the control unit 701 determines whether or not laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110 (S102).

When the washing water is stored in the water tank 210, the user inserts the dirty part of the laundry between the water tank 210 and the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 and sets it in the water tank 210. The dirty part of the item to be washed is immersed in the washing water in the water tank 210, and the washing water that has penetrated into the inside of the item to be washed seeps out to the surface. A thin layer of water is formed on the surface of the item to be washed, and the vibration horn 112 comes into contact with this layer of water.

When the object being washed absorbs water, the amount of water in the water tank 210 decreases and the water level drops, and the outlet 501 of the supply nozzle 500 is no longer blocked by cleaning water, cleaning water is replenished from the storage tank 60 into the water tank 210 until the outlet 501 is blocked by cleaning water again. This keeps the water level, i.e. the amount of water, in the water tank 210 at an appropriate level.

When laundry is placed in the water tank 210, the laundry is placed below the ultrasonic generator 110. When the control unit 701 determines that laundry is placed below the ultrasonic generator 110 (S102: YES), it energizes the ultrasonic vibrator 111, activating the ultrasonic generator 110 (S103). Ultrasonic waves are generated from the tip of the vibrating horn 112, and dirt is removed from the laundry by the action of the ultrasonic waves. At this time, the power of the detergent is added, increasing the cleaning power.

The control unit 701 starts the transducer on/off control to turn on and off the ultrasonic transducer 111 depending on whether or not laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110 (S104).

Referring to FIG. 10(b), the control unit 701 monitors whether or not there is no laundry below the ultrasonic generator 110 (S201). When the user finishes washing one laundry item, the user removes the laundry item from the water tank 210. This causes the laundry item to no longer be present below the ultrasonic generator 110. When there is no laundry below the ultrasonic generator 110 (S201: YES), the control unit 701 stops the supply of electricity to the ultrasonic vibrator 111, thereby stopping the operation of the ultrasonic generator 110 (S202).

Next, the control unit 701 monitors whether or not laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110 (S203). When a user wants to wash new laundry, the user sets the laundry in the water tank 210. This causes the laundry to be present below the ultrasonic generator 110. When laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110 (S203: YES), the control unit 701 energizes the ultrasonic vibrator 111 to activate the ultrasonic generator 110 (S204). The control unit 701 repeats the processes of S201 to S204. In this way, the ultrasonic generator 110 operates only while the laundry is set in the water tank 210 and being washed, so that the user can be prevented from unintentionally touching the ultrasonic generator 110 while it is operating.

Returning to FIG. 10(a), when a predetermined refill time, for example one minute, has elapsed since the ultrasonic generator 110 was first activated (S105: YES), the control unit 701 executes a wash water refill process to refill the storage tank 60 with wash water (S106). The operation of the wash water refill process is the same as that of the wash water supply process. Wash water is supplied to the storage tank 60 until the storage tank 60 is full. As a result, even if multiple highly absorbent laundry items are washed at once, the storage tank 60 does not become empty during the wash operation, and a situation does not occur in which the wash water in the water tank 210 runs short.

When a predetermined cleaning time, for example, 3 minutes, has elapsed since the ultrasonic generator 110 was first activated (S107: YES), the control unit 701 ends the transducer on/off control (S108) and the cleaning operation ends. At this time, if electricity is being applied to the ultrasonic transducer 111, the control unit 701 stops the application of electricity.

The user stores the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the storage section 17 as shown in Figs. 3(b) and (c). As shown in Fig. 6, the valve movable member 230 moves forward while abutting against the rear wall of the drainage receiving section 70. This causes the valve body 220 to move forward, and the drainage outlet 211 is opened. When the drainage outlet 211 is opened, the cleaning water in the water tank 210 is discharged into the drainage receiving section 70. The cleaning water discharged into the drainage receiving section 70 is discharged from the discharge hole 71, flows through the drainage pipe 72, the overflow pipe 26, and the drainage hose 41, and is discharged outside the machine. At this time, the supply valve 400 is open, and the cleaning water remaining in the storage tank 60 is also discharged outside the machine via the water tank 210, etc.

As described above, the fully automatic washing machine 1 of this embodiment has an operation course in which a washing operation is performed following a cleaning operation. Hereinafter, this operation course is referred to as a "continuous operation course." After partially washing laundry using the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the user can select the continuous operation course when washing laundry including the partially washed laundry.

Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation control process for the continuous operation course. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the water supply process for supplying water to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 while the cleaning operation is being performed. The operation control process for the continuous operation course includes the control process for the cleaning operation in Figure 10(a) and the water supply process in Figure 12.

The user first places all laundry, including the laundry to be partially washed, in the washing and spin-drying tub 22, or places all laundry except the laundry to be partially washed in the washing and spin-drying tub 22, and then selects the continuous operation course using the course selection button 614 and operates the start button 613. The control unit 701 starts the operation control process for the continuous operation course.

Referring to FIG. 11, the control unit 701 rotates the pulsator 24 by the drive motor 31, and detects the amount of inertial rotation of the pulsator 24, i.e., the drive motor 31, by the rotation detection unit 650, thereby detecting the load amount of laundry in the washing and dehydrating tub 22 (S11). Then, the control unit 701 sets the upper limit water supply amount for the water supply into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 to be performed in the next ultrasonic cleaning process based on the detected load amount (S12). That is, the control unit 701 determines the amount of water supply into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 required for the washing process of the washing operation performed after the ultrasonic cleaning process based on the detected load amount (hereinafter referred to as the "washing water supply amount"), and sets the determined washing water supply amount as the upper limit water supply amount. In this embodiment, the amount of water supply into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 is detected as the water level in the washing and dehydrating tub 22. Therefore, the control unit 701 determines the washing water level corresponding to the washing water supply amount, and sets the washing water level to the upper limit water level corresponding to the upper limit water supply amount.

Next, the control unit 701 executes the ultrasonic cleaning process (S13). In the ultrasonic cleaning process, the control unit 701 executes the control process of the cleaning operation of FIG. 10(a). The cleaning operation is started, and laundry is placed in the water tank 210 in which cleaning water is stored. The laundry is partially washed by ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator 110, and partial dirt on the laundry is removed.

Furthermore, in the ultrasonic cleaning process, the control unit 701 executes the water supply process of FIG. 12 in parallel with the control process of the cleaning operation of FIG. 10(a). As a result, water is supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 while the cleaning operation is being performed.

Referring to FIG. 12, the control unit 701 waits for the completion of the cleaning water supply process of S101 in FIG. 10(a), i.e., for the completion of the supply of cleaning water to the water tank 210 (S301). This is because it is necessary to add detergent when supplying water to the washing and spin-drying tank 22, and the automatic detergent addition mechanism 90 is used.

When the washing water supply process is completed (S301: YES), the control unit 701 controls the water supply unit 80 and the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 to start supplying water to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 (S302). When supplying water, the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 dispenses detergent into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. This water supply operation accompanied by detergent dispensing is the same as the water supply operation in the washing step of the operation course with only washing operation described above. That is, after the liquid detergent is discharged from the detergent tank 91 to the detergent supply passage 95 by the operation of the supply pump 98, the main valve 82 and the sub-valve 83 are opened, and water is supplied through the main water supply passage 84 and detergent is dispensed from the detergent supply passage 95. Even after the detergent is dispensed, the sub-valve 83 continues to be open, and in addition to the water supply through the main water supply passage 84, water is also supplied through the sub-water supply passage 94 and the detergent supply passage 95.

When washing parts of laundry with the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the washing water in the water tank 210 may adhere to the user's hands. In such a case, the user can wash their hands with the water that flows into the washing and spin-drying tank 22 from the water inlet 85a above the washing and spin-drying tank 22.

The control unit 701 monitors whether the amount of water supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 has reached the upper limit water supply amount, i.e., whether the water level in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 has reached the upper limit water level (S303). Furthermore, the control unit 701 monitors whether the washing operation has ended (S304). If the upper limit water level, i.e., the upper limit water supply amount, is reached before the washing operation ends (S303: YES), the control unit 701 closes the main valve 82 and the sub-valve 83 to stop the water supply to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 (S305) and ends the water supply process. Furthermore, if the washing operation ends before the upper limit water supply amount is reached (S303: NO → S304: YES), the control unit 701 also stops the water supply to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 (S305) and ends the water supply process.

When washing water is replenished into the storage tank 60 during the washing operation, the automatic supply mechanism 90 is used for this replenishment. Therefore, under the control of the control unit 701, only water is supplied into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 through the main water supply channel 84 while replenishment is being performed, and as soon as replenishment is completed, water supply through the sub water supply channel 94 and detergent supply channel 95 is resumed. Note that while replenishment is being performed, the supply of water through the main water supply channel 84 into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 may be temporarily stopped.

By the water supply process of FIG. 12, water containing detergent is stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 up to the maximum upper water supply amount, i.e., the upper water level, during the cleaning operation in the ultrasonic cleaning process.

Returning to FIG. 11, when the ultrasonic cleaning process ends due to the end of the cleaning operation, the control unit 701 temporarily suspends the operation of the continuous operation course and waits for a restart operation to be performed (S14). For example, at least one of the operation of the start button 613 and the operation of closing the top lid 15 is considered to be a restart operation. The closure of the top lid 15 can be detected by an opening/closing switch (not shown).

The user places the laundry that has been partially washed with the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into the washing and spin tub 22, and when preparations for the washing operation are complete, performs a resume operation.

When the restart operation is performed (S14: YES), the control unit 701 determines whether or not the upper limit water supply amount has been supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 (S15). If the upper limit water supply amount has not been supplied (S15: NO), the control unit 701 supplies additional water to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 until the upper limit water supply amount, i.e., the upper limit water level, is reached (S16).

When the upper limit water supply amount has been supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 (S15: YES), or when the upper limit water supply amount has been supplied by additional water supply in S16, the control unit 701 starts the washing operation and executes the washing process (S17). At this time, the upper limit water supply amount, which is the amount of water required for the washing process, is already stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22. Therefore, in the washing process, water is not supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22, and the washing operation by the pulsator 24 is immediately started.

When the washing process is completed, the control unit 701 executes the intermediate spin-drying process, the rinsing process, and the final spin-drying process in that order (S18, S19, S20). When the washing operation ends due to the completion of the final spin-drying process, the operation of the continuous operation course ends. Note that in the washing operation, the intermediate spin-drying process and the rinsing process may be performed multiple times, for example, twice.

<Effects of the embodiment>
According to this embodiment, the control unit 701 executes a continuous operation course in which a washing operation is performed following a cleaning operation, and during the continuous operation course, causes the water supply unit 80 to supply water into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 for the washing step of the washing operation while the cleaning operation is being performed. With this configuration, water is supplied into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 for the washing step while the cleaning operation is being performed, so that the total operation time when a washing operation is performed following a cleaning operation can be shortened. This makes it possible to shorten the time required to wash laundry, including partial washing.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the water supply unit 80 releases water into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 from above the washing and dehydrating tub 22. With this configuration, when the washing water in the water tank 210 adheres to the user's hands during the washing operation, the user can wash his or her hands using the water supplied to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 during the washing operation.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 701 interrupts the operation of the continuous operation course based on the end of the washing operation, and then resumes the operation of the continuous operation course based on the detection of a resume operation. With this configuration, the operation can be resumed and the washing operation can be started after preparations for the washing operation are completed, such as when laundry that has been partially washed is placed in the washing and spin-drying tub 22.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 701 determines the amount of wash water supply required for the washing process based on the load amount of laundry in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 detected by the rotation detection unit 650, which is the load amount detection unit, before water supply to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 begins, and sets the determined amount of wash water supply as the upper limit amount of water supply to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 during the washing operation. With this configuration, it is possible to store the amount of wash water supply in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 during the washing operation, making it possible to significantly shorten the time required to wash laundry, including partial washing.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 701 operates the ultrasonic generator 110 during the cleaning operation while the distance sensor 640, which is the presence/absence detection unit, detects the presence of laundry. With this configuration, the operation of the ultrasonic generator 110 stops when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is not cleaning laundry, so that it is possible to prevent the user from unintentionally touching the ultrasonic generator 110 during operation.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited in any way to the above embodiment, and various modifications to the embodiment of the present invention are possible.

<Modification 1>
Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation control process for a continuous operation course according to Modification Example 1. The operation control process for the continuous operation course in Fig. 13 includes the control process for the cleaning operation in Fig. 10(a) and the water supply process in Fig. 12.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 701 detects the load of laundry in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 before the ultrasonic cleaning process, and determines the amount of wash water supply for the washing process of the washing operation performed after the ultrasonic cleaning process based on the detected load, and sets the determined amount of wash water supply as the upper limit water supply amount.

In this modified example 1, the minimum value of the washing water supply amount determined based on the laundry load amount is set as the upper limit water supply amount to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 during the washing operation. Furthermore, the load amount is detected after the ultrasonic cleaning process is completed, and the washing water supply amount is set based on the detected load amount.

Referring to FIG. 13, the control unit 701 sets the upper limit water supply amount for the water supply into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 in the next ultrasonic cleaning process (S31). At this time, the minimum value of the washing water supply amount determined based on the laundry load is set as the upper limit water supply amount. In other words, the minimum value of the washing water level corresponding to the washing water supply amount is set as the upper limit water level corresponding to the upper limit water supply amount.

Next, the control unit 701 executes the ultrasonic cleaning process (S32). The control unit 701 executes the control process of the cleaning operation in FIG. 10(a) and the water supply process in FIG. 12, as in the ultrasonic cleaning process in the continuous operation course of the above embodiment. The cleaning operation performs partial washing of the laundry. Furthermore, the water supply process accumulates the minimum amount of washing water supply determined based on the load amount of the laundry to the maximum in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 during the cleaning operation.

When the ultrasonic cleaning process is completed, the control unit 701 temporarily suspends the operation of the continuous operation course, and when a resume operation is performed (S33: YES), the water level in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 corresponding to the amount of water supplied during the cleaning operation is detected by the water level sensor 620 (S34). Then, the control unit 701 rotates the pulsator 24 by the drive motor 31 to detect the load amount of laundry in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 (S35). When detecting the load amount, since water is stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22, the rotating pulsator 24 is subjected to a load of water in addition to the load of laundry. The load of water increases as the amount of water supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 during the cleaning operation increases. Therefore, the control unit 701 corrects the detected load amount so that the load amount decreases as the amount of water supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 during the cleaning operation increases (S36).

Next, the control unit 701 sets the amount of wash water to be supplied based on the corrected load amount (S37). The control unit 701 then starts supplying water to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 (S38), and when the water level in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 reaches the wash water level corresponding to the amount of wash water to be supplied (S39: YES), stops the water supply (S40).

Then, the control unit 701 starts the washing operation, similar to the continuous operation course of the above embodiment, and executes the washing process, the intermediate spin-drying process, the rinsing process, and the final spin-drying process in order (S41 to S44). When the washing operation ends due to the completion of the final spin-drying process, the operation of the continuous operation course ends.

According to the configuration of this modified example 1, as in the above embodiment, water is supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 for the washing process while the cleaning operation is being performed, so the time required to wash laundry, including partial washing, can be shortened.

Furthermore, according to the configuration of this modified example 1, the load amount can be detected while the laundry that has been partially washed by the washing operation is reliably contained in the washing and spin-drying tub 22. Furthermore, since the detected load amount is corrected according to the amount of water supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 during the washing operation, the detected load amount can be accurately corrected, and the amount of washing water supplied can be accurately set.

<Other changes>
In the above embodiment, in the water supply process of Fig. 12, the control unit 701 starts supplying water into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 after the supply of washing water to the water tank 210 in the washing operation is completed. However, the control unit 701 may start supplying water into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 at the same time as the start of the washing operation. In this case, since the automatic supply mechanism 90 is used to supply washing water to the water tank 210, only water is supplied through the main water supply path 84 until the supply of washing water is completed. Then, after the supply of washing water is completed, the automatic supply mechanism 90 supplies detergent into the washing and spin-drying tub 22, and thereafter, the water supplied through the sub water supply path 94 and the detergent supply path 95 is added to the water supplied through the main water supply path 84.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the water supply process of FIG. 12, the control unit 701 stops the water supply when the cleaning operation ends before water is supplied up to the upper limit of the water supply amount into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. However, the control unit 701 may not stop the water supply even when the cleaning operation ends until water is supplied up to the upper limit of the water supply amount into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. In this case, if the supply of the upper limit of the water supply amount has not been completed when the cleaning operation ends, the control unit 701 waits for the water supply to be completed, ends the ultrasonic cleaning process of S13 in FIG. 11, and interrupts the operation. Furthermore, no additional water is supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 in S16 in FIG. 11.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the load amount of laundry in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 was detected by using the rotation detection unit 650 to detect the amount of inertial rotation when the pulsator 24 was rotated. However, the method of detecting the load amount is not limited to the above, and any method may be used. For example, the load amount may be detected by using a current detection unit to detect the magnitude of the current flowing through the drive motor 31 when the pulsator 24 is rotated. In this case, the current detection unit becomes the load amount detection unit.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the control process of the cleaning operation in FIG. 10(a), the cleaning operation is ended based on the elapse of the cleaning time. However, the cleaning operation may be ended based on other events, such as a termination operation.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the distance sensor 640 is used as a presence/absence detection unit for detecting whether or not laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator 110. However, a detection element other than the distance sensor 640, such as a photosensor, may be used as the presence/absence detection unit. Furthermore, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may not be provided with a presence/absence detection unit such as the distance sensor 640, and the ultrasonic generator 110 may be configured to operate constantly during cleaning operation.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a storage tank 60 is provided, but a configuration may be adopted in which the storage tank 60 is not provided and cleaning water is supplied directly from the water supply unit 80 to the water tank 210.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, cleaning water, which is water mixed with detergent, is supplied to the storage tank 60 by the water supply unit 80 and stored in the water tank 210. However, water that does not have detergent mixed in it may be supplied to the storage tank 60 by the water supply unit 80 and stored in the water tank 210.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 may be configured to automatically dispense detergent and fabric softener. In this case, a fabric softener tank that contains liquid fabric softener is provided. The fabric softener tank is connected to the sub-supply passage 94 via a supply pipe and a three-way valve. During the rinsing process, the fabric softener in the fabric softener tank is supplied into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 by an operation similar to that for supplying detergent from the detergent tank 91.

Furthermore, the configuration of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be any configuration as long as it can clean laundry using ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator 110.

Furthermore, the configurations of the water supply unit 80 and the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 are not limited to those of the above embodiment. The water supply unit 80 may have any configuration as long as it can supply water to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 and the storage tank 60, and the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 may have any configuration as long as it can supply detergent to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 and the storage tank 60.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water supply unit 80 includes an automatic dosing mechanism 90. However, the water supply unit 80 may be configured not to include an automatic dosing mechanism.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided in the fully automatic washing machine 1. However, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may be provided in a washing machine other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, for example, a drum type washing machine. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may also be provided in, for example, a fully automatic washer-dryer or a drum type washer-dryer with a drying function. In the drum type washing machine and drum type washer-dryer, a drum, which is a washing tub, is disposed inside the outer tub.

In addition, various modifications of the embodiment of the present invention are possible within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims.

1. Fully automatic washing machine (washing machine)
10. Housing
22 Washing and spin-drying tub (washing tub)
50 Ultrasonic cleaning device
80 Water supply unit (water supply section)
110 Ultrasonic generator
640 Distance sensor (presence detection unit)
650 Rotation detection unit (load amount detection unit)
701 Control unit

Claims (6)

A washing tub disposed in the housing and accommodating laundry;
A water supply unit that supplies water into the washing tub;
an ultrasonic cleaning device that includes an ultrasonic generator and a water tank that is located below the ultrasonic generator and that stores cleaning water containing detergent, and that cleans laundry with ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator;
a control unit that executes an operation course in which a washing operation for washing the laundry contained in the washing tub is performed following a washing operation for washing the laundry by the ultrasonic cleaning device;
an automatic supply mechanism that automatically supplies detergent to the washing tub when water is supplied to the washing tub during the washing operation and supplies the washing water to be stored in the water tank during the cleaning operation;
The control unit is
When the washing operation is being performed, the water supply unit is caused to supply water into the washing tub for a washing step of the washing operation ,
When supplying water into the washing tub while the washing operation is being performed, the automatic supply mechanism is controlled to supply the washing water to the water tank, and then the automatic supply mechanism is controlled to supply detergent into the washing tub when supplying water.
A washing machine characterized by: The washing machine according to claim 1,
The water supply unit discharges water into the washing tub from above the washing tub.
A washing machine characterized by: The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The control unit is
interrupting the operation of the operation course based on the completion of the cleaning operation;
restarting the operation course based on the detection of an operation for restarting the operation course;
A washing machine characterized by: In the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The washing machine further includes a load amount detection unit for detecting a load amount of laundry contained in the washing tub,
The control unit is
determining an amount of water to be supplied for the washing step based on the load amount detected by the load amount detection unit before the supply of water into the washing tub is started;
The determined amount of water required for the washing step is set as an upper limit amount of water to be supplied to the washing tub in the washing operation.
A washing machine characterized by: In the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The washing machine further includes a load amount detection unit for detecting a load amount of laundry contained in the washing tub,
The control unit is
A minimum value of the amount of water to be supplied in the washing step, which is determined based on the load amount detected by the load amount detection unit, is set as an upper limit of the amount of water to be supplied to the washing tub in the washing operation;
After the washing operation is completed, the load amount detected by the load amount detection unit is corrected according to the amount of water supplied into the washing tub during the washing operation, and the amount of water required for the washing step is determined based on the corrected load amount.
A washing machine characterized by: The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The ultrasonic washing machine further includes a presence/absence detection unit for detecting whether or not laundry is present below the ultrasonic generator,
The control unit operates the ultrasonic generator while the presence/absence detection unit detects the presence of laundry during the cleaning operation.
A washing machine characterized by:

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