JP7655834B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a washing machine.

In recent years, in the technical field of washing machines, a technology has been attracting attention in which water containing a large amount of dissolved air components is supplied to a water tank using a pressurized dissolving device and a fine bubble generator, and the fine bubble water is then subjected to, for example, an external physical stimulus to cause fine bubbles such as ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles to appear from the air components in the water, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect. However, the conventional configuration leaves room for improvement in terms of providing sufficient cleaning effect.

JP 2021-083933 A

Therefore, we provide a washing machine that can fully demonstrate its cleaning effect.

The washing machine of the embodiment includes a water tank, an agitation mechanism for agitating the water stored in the water tank, a pressurized dissolving device for pressurizing the water with the pressure of water supplied from an external water source to dissolve air components in the water, a microbubble generator provided downstream of the pressurized dissolving device to generate microbubble water containing microbubbles, an energy addition device for directly or indirectly applying a physical or chemical stimulus to a mixed water in which the laundry treatment agent used in the washing operation and the microbubble water are mixed, and an application processing unit capable of executing an application process that is started before the execution of the agitation operation performed by operating the agitation mechanism and that operates the energy addition device to apply a physical or chemical stimulus to the mixed water.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional left side view illustrating an example of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional right side view illustrating an example of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional rear view illustrating an example of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic positional relationship between a water inlet and a spin tub in a washing machine according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a path of water supplied from an external water source according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a pressurized dissolving apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a pressurized dissolution tank of a pressurized dissolution apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a micro-bubble generator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the micro-bubble generator according to the first embodiment taken along line X9-X9 in FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a control device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the content displayed on the operation panel when a user selects a water supply process to be executed in the washing step according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the saturated dissolved oxygen amount and the water temperature for fine bubbles precipitated from supersaturated fine bubble water according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a comparison result of the cleaning degree when supersaturated fine bubble water according to the first embodiment and tap water are heated. A flowchart showing an example of the entire process of a washing and drying operation according to the first embodiment. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of control of a washing process according to a first embodiment. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the control content of a washing process according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of how fine bubbles are generated when supersaturated fine bubble water is supplied around heated laundry according to the third embodiment; 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the control content of a washing process according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vertical axis type washing machine according to a fourth embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the control content of a washing process according to the fourth embodiment.

Below, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that substantially the same elements in each embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the terms "first" and "second" attached to components, etc. are merely intended to distinguish between similar components, and do not indicate superiority or inferiority between the components or time factors.

First Embodiment
The washing machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a drum type washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub 13 is horizontal or inclined downward toward the rear. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the washing machine 10 includes an outer box 11, a water tub 12, a rotating tub 13, a motor 14, a drainage mechanism 15, an operation panel 16, a heater 17, a water supply device 20, a circulating air passage 30, a hot air supply device 40, a pressurized dissolving device 51, and fine bubble generators 52 and 53. In FIG. 1, the installation surface side of the washing machine 10, i.e., the vertically lower side, is the lower side of the washing machine 10, and the opposite side to the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upper side, is the upper side of the washing machine 10. The front side of the washing machine 10 as viewed from the user, i.e., the right side of the paper in FIG. 1, is the front side of the washing machine 10, and the opposite side of the user, i.e., the left side of the paper in FIG. 1, is the rear side of the washing machine 10.

The outer box 11 is formed into a roughly rectangular hollow box shape, for example, from a steel plate or the like. The outer box 11 forms the outer shell of the washing machine 10. The water tub 12 and the spin tub 13 are both formed into so-called bottomed cylinders, with one axial side, i.e., the front side, open and the other axial side, i.e., the rear side, having a bottom. The water tub 12 is provided inside the outer box 11 and is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown).

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the aquarium 12 has an exhaust port 121, an air inlet 122, and a water inlet 123. The exhaust port 121, the air inlet 122, and the water inlet 123 connect the inside and outside of the aquarium 12. The exhaust port 121 is for discharging air from within the aquarium 12. The exhaust port 121 is provided, for example, in a portion toward the front of the upper portion of the aquarium 12, and is located to the right of the center of the aquarium 12 in the left-right direction. The air inlet 122 is for supplying air into the aquarium 12. The air inlet 122 is provided, for example, in the bottom of the aquarium 12, slightly above the center of the bottom in the up-down direction.

The water inlet 123 is for supplying water containing laundry treatment agents such as detergent and fabric softener into the water tub 12. The water inlet 123 is provided, for example, in a portion toward the rear of the upper part of the water tub 12, at a position away to the left of the center of the water tub 12 in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the water inlet 123 is provided at a position where the water and laundry treatment agents flowing out from the water inlet 123 hit the outer peripheral surface of the spin tub 13. In other words, the water and laundry treatment agents flowing out from the water inlet 123 are supplied between the water tub 12 and the spin tub 13.

The rotating tub 13 is rotatably disposed within the water tub 12. The rotating tub 13 is driven to rotate by a motor 14. The rotating tub 13 has a baffle 131 and holes (not shown). The baffle 131 functions to agitate and stir up the laundry contained within the rotating tub 13. A plurality of baffles 131 (three in this case) are provided. The holes are formed over almost the entire peripheral surface of the rotating tub 13, and function as water holes through which water flows in and out during the spin-drying process, and as ventilation holes through which air flows in and out during the drying process.

The motor 14 is provided on the outside of the bottom of the water tank 12. Although the details of the motor 14 are not shown, it is composed of, for example, a brushless direct drive motor whose rotation speed can be changed. The motor 14 is connected to the rotating tub 13 and has the function of rotating the rotating tub 13 relative to the water tank 12. The shaft portion 141 of the motor 14, the central axis of the water tank 12, and the rotation axis of the rotating tub 13 are all overlapped. The motor 14, together with the rotating tub 13 and the baffle 131, functions as a stirring mechanism that stirs the water stored in the water tank 12.

The drain mechanism 15 has a function of draining the water stored in the water tub 12 to the outside of the washing machine 10. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the drain mechanism 15 has a drain valve 151 and a drain hose 152. The drain valve 151 is configured to be electromagnetically openable and closable. One end of the drain hose 152 is connected to the drain valve 151, and the other end is pulled out to the outside of the washing machine 10. When the drain valve 151 is opened, the water stored in the water tub 12 is drained to the outside of the washing machine 10 through the drain hose 152. In other words, the drain valve 151 opens and closes a drain path for draining the water stored in the water tub 12 to the outside.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the operation panel 16 is provided, for example, on the front part of the top surface of the outer casing 11. The operation panel 16 is provided with, for example, a display unit 161 and an operation unit 162, and accepts input operations by the user to set the operation course to be executed by the washing machine 10, such as a standard course, a high-power wash course, a warm water course, and a soaking course, and displays the input operation contents and the operation status, etc. The standard course is, for example, an operation course for everyday washing. The high-power wash course, the warm water course, and the soaking course are, for example, operation courses for washing heavily soiled laundry.

In this case, the high-cleaning course is an operating course in which the cleaning power is increased by, for example, performing the agitation operation for a longer time than in the standard course, or by increasing the amount of laundry treatment agent used in the wash operation. In this embodiment, the high-cleaning course is configured as an operating course in which the agitation operation is performed for a longer time than in the standard course.

The heater 17 is provided at the bottom of the water tub 12. The heater 17 is, for example, a sheath heater, and functions as a heating device. The heater 17 has a function of heating the water supplied to the water tub 12 to make it warm water. In this case, the heater 17 functions as an energy addition device that applies heat as a physical stimulus to the mixture of water and laundry treatment agent supplied to the water tub 12, for example.

The water supply device 20 has a function of supplying water supplied from an external water source such as a water supply into the water tank 12. As shown in Figs. 1 and 5, the water supply device 20 has a water supply case 21, a water supply hose 22, treatment agent tanks 231 and 232, an input pump 24, and a water supply valve mechanism 25. The water supply case 21 is provided downstream of the water supply valve mechanism 25. The water supply case 21 is configured to be able to accommodate a laundry treatment agent therein.

The water injection hose 22 can be, for example, a flexible hose. The water injection hose 22 is a part that connects the water injection case 21 to the inside of the water tank 12. One end of the water injection hose 22 is connected to the water injection case 21, and the other end is connected to the water injection port 123. Water supplied from an external water source into the water injection case 21 is supplied into the water tank 12 through the water injection hose 22.

The treatment agent tanks 231, 232 are made of, for example, resin, and are configured to store the liquid laundry treatment agent required for multiple wash runs. In this embodiment, the washing machine 10 has, for example, a detergent tank 231 and a finishing agent tank 232 as the treatment agent tanks 231, 232. The detergent tank 231 is for storing an amount of detergent to be used for multiple runs, in this case liquid detergent. The finishing agent tank 232 is for storing an amount of finishing agent to be used for multiple runs, in this case liquid finishing agent.

The dosing pump 24, together with the treatment agent tanks 231, 232, constitute an automatic dosing mechanism for automatically supplying the laundry treatment agent into the water tub 12 and the rotating tub 13 during operation. The dosing pump 24 is composed of, for example, a piston pump, and has the function of individually sucking a predetermined amount of laundry treatment agent from the treatment agent tanks 231, 232 and dosing it into the mixing section 201 provided inside or outside the water injection case 21. In this embodiment, the mixing section 201 is provided outside the water injection case 21.

The mixing section 201 is configured, for example, in the shape of a container capable of storing a certain amount of laundry treatment agent inside. Water is supplied to the mixing section 201 from an external water source. Therefore, the laundry treatment agent introduced into the mixing section 201 from the introduction pump 24 is mixed in the mixing section 201 with the water supplied to the mixing section 201 from the external water source, and is then supplied into the water tub 12 and the rotating tub 13.

The water injection case 21 can also be configured to have a treatment agent case (not shown). The treatment agent case is configured to be capable of storing the laundry treatment agent required for one washing run. In this case, when the laundry treatment agent is stored in the treatment agent case, the water supplied from an external water source that flows into the water injection case 21 and the laundry treatment agent are mixed in the water injection case 21, and then supplied into the water tub 12 and the spin tub 13.

The water supply valve mechanism 25 has the function of individually opening and closing multiple water supply paths leading from an external water source through the water supply device 20 into the water tank 12. The water supply valve mechanism 25 can be configured, for example, as a multiple-type having multiple water supply valves. In this case, the water supply valve mechanism 25 can be configured to include a first water supply valve 251 and a second water supply valve 252. Each water supply valve 251, 252 is an opening and closing valve for liquid that can be electromagnetically opened and closed.

5, the washing machine 10 can be configured with, for example, a first water supply path R1 and a second water supply path R2. The first water supply path R1 and the second water supply path R2 are paths that flow from the water supply valve mechanism 25 through different paths into the water supply case 21 and reach the water tank 12 through the water supply case 21. In this case, the first water supply valve 251 opens and closes the first water supply path R1. The first water supply path R1 is a path that runs from the water supply valve mechanism 25 through the pressurized dissolving device 51, the fine bubble generator 52, the mixing section 201, and the water supply case 21 to the water tank 12. The first water supply path R1 is a path that supplies water supplied from an external water source to the water tank 12 through the pressurized dissolving device 51. The first water supply path R1 has the function of supplying fine bubble water, which has passed through the pressurized dissolution device 51 and the fine bubble generator 52 and contains a large amount of dissolved air components and fine bubbles of the nano-order and micro-order, to the water tank 12.

On the other hand, the second water supply path R2 is a path that runs from the water supply valve mechanism 25 through the micro-bubble generator 53 and the water injection case 21 to the water tank 12. In this case, the second water supply valve 252 opens and closes the second water supply path R2. The second water supply path R2 is a path that supplies water supplied from an external water source to the water tank 12 without passing through the pressurized dissolution device 51. The second water supply path R2 has the function of supplying micro-bubble water, which contains mainly nano-order micro-bubbles generated by passing through the micro-bubble generator 53, to the water tank 12. Note that the second water supply path R2 may be configured without providing the micro-bubble generator 53.

The circulating air duct 30, which serves as an air duct, is located outside the aquarium 12, with one end connected to the exhaust port 121 and the other end connected to the air supply port 122. The circulating air duct 30 is the part that connects the exhaust port 121 and the air supply port 122. The circulating air duct 30 has the function of taking in air from inside the aquarium 12 through the exhaust port 121, generating hot air through the hot air supply device 40, and then supplying the hot air from the air supply port 122 into the aquarium 12.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the circulating air passage 30 can be configured to have, for example, an exhaust duct 31, a filter device 32, a connection duct 33, a heat exchanger 34, and an air supply duct 35. The exhaust duct 31 is configured, for example, by a flexible bellows-shaped hose. One end of the exhaust duct 31 is connected to the exhaust port 121, and the other end is connected to the filter device 32. The exhaust duct 31 is, for example, a part that exhausts air from inside the aquarium 12.

The filter device 32 is formed, for example, in a container shape, and a filter (not shown) is provided inside the filter, which collects foreign matter such as lint and dirt contained in the air flowing through the circulation air duct 30. The connection duct 33 is provided between the filter device 32 and the heat exchanger 34, and connects the filter device 32 and the heat exchanger 34. The heat exchanger 34 is located on the rear side of the washing machine 10, near the bottom inside the outer box 11. The heat exchanger 34 is provided in the middle of the circulation air duct 30. The air taken into the circulation air duct 30 from the water tub 12 and flowing through the connection duct 33 is dehumidified and heated as it passes through the heat exchanger 34, becoming dry warm air. The air supply duct 35 is provided between the heat exchanger 34 and the air supply port 122 of the water tub 12, and connects the heat exchanger 34 and the air supply port 122 of the water tub 12. The air supply duct 35 is, for example, a part that supplies air into the water tub 12.

The hot air supply device 40 constitutes, for example, a heat pump mechanism, i.e., a refrigeration cycle. The hot air supply device 40 can generate hot air of, for example, about 60°C to 70°C. As shown in FIG. 3, the hot air supply device 40 has a cooler 41, a condenser 42, a compressor 43, and a throttle valve 44. The cooler 41 and the condenser 42 are provided in the heat exchange section 34. The cooler 41 is provided upstream of the condenser 42 with respect to the flow of air circulating between the water tank 12 and the circulating air duct 30. In the hot air supply device 40, the cooler 41 cools and dehumidifies the air circulating in the circulating air duct 30, and the condenser 42 heats the air flowing in the circulating air duct 30 to turn it into hot air. The compressor 43 is provided outside the heat exchange section 34. The throttle valve 44 is for reducing the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant so that it can evaporate easily. The hot air supply device 40 may be a well-known heater-type mechanism instead of a heat pump mechanism.

The washing machine 10 also includes an air blower 45, as shown in FIG. 3. The air blower 45 is provided between the heat exchanger 34 and the air supply duct 35. The air blower 45 can be, for example, a sirocco fan. The air blower 45 is provided in the air circulation passage 30 and has the function of supplying air dehumidified and heated by the hot air supply device 40 from the air supply port 122 into the water tub 12. The air blower 45, together with the hot air supply device 40, functions as an energy addition device that directly or indirectly applies physical stimulation (in this case heat) to the water and laundry in the water tub 12 and the rotating tub 13.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pressurized dissolution device 51 is provided downstream of the first water supply valve 251. The pressurized dissolution device 51 dissolves air components in the water passing through it. In this case, the pressurized dissolution device 51 has the function of pressurizing water supplied from an external water source with the pressure of the water to dissolve the air components. As shown in FIG. 6, the pressurized dissolution device 51 has a pressurized dissolution tank 511, an inlet section 512, an outlet section 513, a water guide section 514, a partition wall 515, an air introduction pipe 516, and an intake valve 517.

The pressurized dissolving tank 511 is provided on the first water supply path R1 downstream of the first water supply valve 251 and upstream of the water supply case 21. The pressurized dissolving tank 511 is made of, for example, synthetic resin or metal, and is configured to be airtight, watertight, and pressure resistant. The inlet portion 512 is provided at the top of the pressurized dissolving tank 511 and is connected to the discharge side of the first water supply valve 251 directly or indirectly via another member. In this case, the inlet portion 512 is connected to the first water supply valve 251 via the connecting member 202, as shown in FIG. 1, etc. Then, water supplied to the first water supply valve 251 from an external water source passes through the connecting member 202 and flows into the pressurized dissolving tank 511 from the inlet portion 512.

The outlet 513 is provided at the bottom of the pressurized dissolution tank 511, and is the portion through which water that has flowed into the pressurized dissolution tank 511 flows out. The discharge end of the outlet 513 is connected to the mixing section 201. Furthermore, water is discharged from the outlet 513 using only the water pressure, i.e., hydrostatic pressure, of the water stored in the pressurized dissolution tank 511, and does not require a dedicated driving source such as a pump for drainage.

The water guide section 514 is connected to the inlet section 512. The water guide section 514 is for guiding the water that has flowed through the inlet section 512 to a predetermined position inside the pressurized dissolution tank 511. The water guide section 514 can be configured to extend in the longitudinal direction of the pressurized dissolution tank 511 at a predetermined distance from the bottom of the pressurized dissolution tank 511. The water guide section 514 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, with one end, i.e., the base end, attached to the inner wall of the pressurized dissolution tank 511 and the other end, i.e., the tip end, closed.

As shown in FIG. 6, the water flowing into the water guide 514 from the inlet 512 is forcefully discharged downward from the opening 514a. At this time, the water level and pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 511 rise due to the water discharged from the opening 514a. As shown in FIG. 6, the partition wall 515 is provided rising from the bottom of the pressurized dissolution tank 511. When the inside of the pressurized dissolution tank 511 is viewed in a plan view, the partition wall 515 divides the area inside the pressurized dissolution tank 511 into an area on the inlet 512 side and an area on the outlet 513 side. As shown in FIG. 7, the partition wall 515 can have a gap 515a formed by cutting in the vertical direction. The gap 515a can divide and micronize relatively large air bubbles on the order of millimeters that are generated when the water discharged from the opening 514a collides with the water surface.

6, the air inlet pipe 516 is provided, for example, at the top of the pressurized dissolution tank 511, and communicates the inside and outside of the pressurized dissolution tank 511. The intake valve 517 is provided in the middle of the air inlet pipe 516. The intake valve 517 has a function of opening and closing the air inlet pipe 516. The intake valve 517 can be configured, for example, as a check valve, and has a function of passing air from the outside of the pressurized dissolution tank 511 to the inside of the pressurized dissolution tank 511, but blocking air from the inside of the pressurized dissolution tank 511 to the outside of the pressurized dissolution tank 511. The intake valve 517 can be configured to close when the pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 511 becomes higher than atmospheric pressure, and open when the pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 511 becomes close to atmospheric pressure. The intake valve 517 can also be configured to be electromagnetically openable and closable, for example. In this case, when the intake valve 517 is opened, outside air is replenished into the pressurized dissolving tank 511 through the air introduction pipe 516. Note that instead of the intake valve 517, air may be introduced into the pressurized dissolving tank 511 using an air pump.

The pressurized dissolution device 51 can pressurize the pressurized dissolution tank 511 using only water pressure, for example by making the amount of water flowing into the pressurized dissolution tank 511 greater than the amount of water flowing out of the pressurized dissolution tank 511. In this case, for example, when the first water supply valve 251 is opened, the remaining water that flowed in from the inlet 512 but did not flow out from the outlet 513 is stored in the pressurized dissolution tank 511, and the water level in the pressurized dissolution tank 511 rises. At this time, the air in the pressurized dissolution tank 511 is compressed by the rising water level, which increases the pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 511 and closes the intake valve 517.

After that, when the water continues to flow in from the inlet 512 and the water level in the pressurized dissolution tank 511 rises to a predetermined level, the pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 511 and the pressure of the water flowing in from the external water source, in this case the water supply pressure, are balanced. As a result, the amount of water flowing in from the inlet 512 and the amount of water flowing out of the pressurized dissolution tank 511 from the outlet 513 become approximately equal, and the pressure inside the pressurized dissolution tank 511 becomes maximum, close to the water supply pressure in this case.

In this way, by increasing the pressure inside the pressurized dissolution tank 511 above atmospheric pressure, the air inside the pressurized dissolution tank 511 becomes more easily dissolved in the water stored in the pressurized dissolution tank 511. In other words, by passing water supplied from an external water source through the pressurized dissolution device 51, it is possible to supply water with a larger amount of dissolved air components to the water supplied downstream of the pressurized dissolution device 51 than normal water that does not pass through the pressurized dissolution device 51. The pressurized dissolution device 51 can also dissolve air components that exceed the degree of saturation in water, creating a supersaturated state.

When water supply into the pressurized dissolution tank 511 starts and the first water supply valve 251 is closed, for example after a predetermined water supply time has elapsed, the pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 511 drops to close to atmospheric pressure as the water level in the pressurized dissolution tank 511 drops, and the intake valve 517 opens and outside air is introduced into the pressurized dissolution tank 511. In this way, by repeatedly opening and closing the first water supply valve 251, the pressurized dissolution device 51 can repeatedly discharge water with air components dissolved in it.

The fine bubble generators 52, 53 function by themselves to precipitate mainly nano-order fine bubbles in the water passing through the fine bubble generators 52, 53. The fine bubble generator 52 is provided in the middle of the first water supply path R1 and downstream of the pressurized dissolution tank 511. In this case, the fine bubble generator 52 is attached to the middle of the outlet 513 of the pressurized dissolution tank 511. The fine bubble generator 53 is provided in the middle of the second water supply path R2. In addition, each of the fine bubble generators 52, 53 is provided upstream of the water injection case 21. In this embodiment, the fine bubble generators 52 and 53 can be configured with the same structure.

The micro-bubble generators 52 and 53 have an outer diameter and a total length of, for example, several mm to several tens of mm, specifically, a maximum outer diameter of about 15 mm and a total length of about 10 mm. As shown in FIG. 8, the micro-bubble generators 52 and 53 have a throttle section 521, a straight section 522, and a collision section 523. The throttle section 521 is provided on the inflow side, i.e., the upstream side, of the micro-bubble generators 52 and 53. The throttle section 521 is formed in a so-called truncated cone-shaped tapered tube shape in which the cross-sectional area of the flow path, i.e., the inner diameter, gradually decreases continuously from the upstream end to the middle part in the longitudinal direction of the micro-bubble generators 52 and 53. The straight section 522 is provided on the downstream side of the throttle section 521. The straight section 522 is formed in a cylindrical shape, i.e., a so-called straight tube shape, in which the inner diameter does not change, i.e., the cross-sectional area of the flow path, i.e., the area through which liquid can pass does not change.

The collision section 523 is provided at the downstream end of the straight section 522. The collision section 523 can generate a large amount of fine bubbles, mainly of nano-order or less, in the liquid passing through the fine bubble generators 52 and 53 by locally reducing the cross-sectional area through which water can pass in the fine bubble generators 52 and 53. As shown in FIG. 9, the collision section 523 is composed of, for example, four rod-shaped parts with pointed tips, and protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the straight section 522 toward the center of the cross section of the straight section 522. The four collision sections 523 are arranged at equal intervals from each other in the circumferential direction of the cross section of the straight section 522. In this case, the downstream surface of each collision section 523 is formed into a flat surface. In addition, the area of the gap formed by each collision section 523 is the minimum cross-sectional area through which water can pass in the fine bubble generators 52 and 53.

When water flows into the upstream side of the micro-bubble generators 52, 53, the flow path cross-sectional area is narrowed in the narrowing section 521, which is formed to reduce in a truncated cone tapered shape, and the flow velocity is increased based on the so-called Bernoulli's theorem of fluid dynamics, and cavitation occurs due to reduced pressure. Then, when the high-speed flow collides with the collision section 523, fine bubbles are generated by the shear force that acts. As a result, the micro-bubble generators 52, 53 can precipitate a large amount of air dissolved in the water passing through the micro-bubble generators 52, 53 as micro-bubbles, and supply micro-bubble water containing a larger amount of micro-bubbles than before passing through the micro-bubble generators 52, 53.

Generally, microscopic bubbles or fine bubbles are classified according to the particle size of the bubbles as follows. For example, bubbles with a particle size of several μm to about 100 μm, i.e., micro-order, are called microbubbles. In contrast, bubbles with a particle size of 50 nm to less than 1,000 nm, i.e., nano-order, are called ultrafine bubbles. Note that in this specification, nano-order fine bubbles, ultrafine bubbles, and nanobubbles are all synonymous and refer to bubbles with a particle size of nano-order.

Microbubbles have a negative electrical charge, and are easily electrostatically attracted to positively charged dirt attached to laundry and other objects to be cleaned. Dirt that is removed from the object to be cleaned by an electrical reaction with the microbubbles remains attached to the microbubble surface and rises to the water surface due to the buoyancy of the microbubbles, where it remains. Furthermore, microbubbles with negatively charged surfaces repel each other and do not bond together, so they disperse in the liquid, preventing dirt removed from the object to be cleaned from adhering to the object again in the washing water.

On the other hand, ultrafine bubbles have a small particle size, so they can penetrate into the intricate parts of water tanks and fibers, and can demonstrate a cleaning effect that removes dirt from objects that cannot be removed by other fine bubbles such as microbubbles. In addition, the impact of the bursting of ultrafine bubbles makes it easier to float dirt attached to the object to be cleaned, improving the effectiveness of the cleaning ingredients in removing the dirt. Furthermore, ultrafine bubbles have a particle size on the nano order, so they have low buoyancy, and are more hydrophobic than microbubbles, making them less soluble in water, so they have the property of staying in liquids for a long time.

As described above, the fine bubble generator 52 has the main function of precipitating ultrafine bubbles by itself, but by using the pressurized dissolution device 51 to increase the amount of air dissolved in the water passing through the fine bubble generator 52, it is possible to dramatically improve the amount of generated microbubbles as well as ultrafine bubbles. This is presumably because, as the amount of air dissolved in the water increases, the number of ultrafine bubbles generated when the water passes through the fine bubble generator 52 increases significantly, and some of the generated ultrafine bubbles combine with each other to develop into microbubbles.

In this embodiment, the pressurized dissolving device 51 and the fine bubble generator 52 are provided on the first water supply path R1. Therefore, by washing laundry, etc., using water that has passed through the pressurized dissolving device 51 and the fine bubble generator 52, i.e., the first water supply path R1, improved cleaning effects can be expected. That is, microbubbles tend to contribute to removing relatively large stains attached to the surface of laundry, for example. On the other hand, ultrafine bubbles tend to contribute to removing relatively small stains attached to the intricate parts of the fibers of laundry, for example. In this way, the interaction between microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles can significantly improve the cleaning effect.

The operation of the washing machine 10 is controlled by a control device 60 shown in FIG. 10. The control device 60 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 601 and a memory area 602 such as a ROM, a RAM, and a rewritable flash memory, and controls the operation of the entire washing machine 10. In addition, the washing machine 10 is equipped with a water level sensor 18 and a temperature sensor 19 as shown in FIG. 10. The water level sensor 18 can detect the water level in the water tub 12. The temperature sensor 19 can detect the temperature or water temperature in the water tub 12. Detection signals from the water level sensor 18 and the temperature sensor 19 are input to the control device 60.

As shown in FIG. 10, the motor 14, drain valve 151, operation panel 16, heater 17, water level sensor 18, temperature sensor 19, input pump 24, water supply valve mechanism 25, compressor 43, and blower 45 are electrically connected to a control device 60. The control device 60 controls the operation of the motor 14, drain valve 151, heater 17, water level sensor 18, temperature sensor 19, input pump 24, water supply valve mechanism 25, compressor 43, and blower 45 based on signals input from the operation panel 16, etc.

The control device 60's memory area 602 stores a control program. The control device 60 executes the control program stored in the memory area 602 in the CPU 601 according to the washing course set by the user on the operation panel 16, thereby virtually realizing the weight detection processing unit 61, the treatment agent injection processing unit 62, the water supply processing unit 63, the selection processing unit 64, the setting processing unit 65, and the application processing unit 66 by software. The control device 60 may realize these processing units 61 to 66 by hardware such as an integrated circuit, or by a combination of software and hardware.

The weight detection processing unit 61 can execute a weight detection process. The weight detection process includes a process of detecting the weight of the laundry in the spin tub 13. The weight detection processing unit 61 rotates the spin tub 13 at a low speed, and detects the weight of the laundry by measuring the q-axis current of the motor 14 with a current sensor (not shown). The weight detection processing unit 61 may also be configured to directly and physically measure the weight of the laundry in the spin tub 13 with a weighing scale or the like.

The treatment agent injection processing unit 62 can execute a treatment agent injection process. The treatment agent injection process includes an operation of injecting the laundry treatment agent into the water tank 12. The treatment agent injection processing unit 62 can inject the laundry treatment agent contained in the treatment agent tanks 231, 232 into the first water supply path R1, for example, by controlling the operation of the injection pump 24.

The water supply processing unit 63 can execute a water supply process. The water supply process includes a process of supplying water from the first water supply path R1 and the second water supply path R2 into the water tub 12 by controlling the operation of the water supply valve mechanism 25 (in this case, the first water supply valve 251 and the second water supply valve 252). In the water supply process, water can be supplied all at once up to a predetermined amount of water, which is the target amount of water to be supplied to the water tub 12 and is set based on the weight of the laundry, etc., in a process to which an agitation operation performed by operating the agitation mechanism belongs. The process to which the agitation operation belongs refers to the washing process and the rinsing process, and the agitation operation refers to the washing operation in the washing process and the rinsing operation in the rinsing process.

The water supply process can include a first water supply process and a second water supply process. The first water supply process includes a process of supplying only water that has passed through the first water supply path R1 into the water tank 12 or supplying more water that has passed through the first water supply path R1 than the second water supply path R2, relative to a predetermined amount of water that is the target amount of water to be supplied to the water tank 12 in the washing process. In this embodiment, the first water supply process is a process of supplying only water that has passed through the first water supply path R1 into the water tank 12. In this case, the water supply processing unit 63 can supply only fine bubble water that has a large amount of dissolved air components generated by passing through the pressurized dissolving device 51 and the fine bubble generator 52 provided on the first water supply path R1 into the water tank 12 by controlling the opening and closing of the first water supply valve 251.

On the other hand, the second water supply process includes a process of supplying only water that has passed through the second water supply path R2 into the water tank 12, or supplying the same amount of water that has passed through the second water supply path R2 as the first water supply path R1, for a predetermined amount of water that is the target amount of water to be supplied to the water tank 12 during the washing process. In this embodiment, the second water supply process is a process of supplying the same amount of water that has passed through the second water supply path R2 as the amount of water that has passed through the first water supply path R1. In this case, the water supply processing unit 63 can supply the fine bubble water generated by passing through the first water supply path R1 or the second water supply path R2 into the water tank 12 by controlling the opening and closing of the first water supply valve 251 and the second water supply valve 252.

The amount of water supplied per unit time from the first water supply route R1 is considered to be less than the amount of water supplied per unit time from the second water supply route R2, which supplies water supplied from an external water source into the water tank 12 without passing through the pressurized dissolution device 51. Therefore, the water supply processing unit 63 can adjust the amount of water supplied through each water supply route R1, R2 to be the same amount for a specified water volume by mutually adjusting the opening time or opening/closing amount of each water supply valve 251, 252.

The selection processing unit 64 can execute a selection process. The selection process includes a process of determining whether the first water supply process or the second water supply process to be executed by the water supply processing unit 63 is to be executed based on an input from the user. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the user can select, for example, before starting a washing operation, the contents of the water supply process during the washing step displayed on the display unit 161 of the operation panel 16 (in this case, whether the first water supply process or the second water supply process is to be executed) by inputting the contents to the operation unit 162.

The display unit 161 may be configured to display explanatory text outlining each of the first and second water supply processes. In this case, for the first water supply process, for example, an explanatory text such as "Water is supplied only with fine bubble water to enhance the cleaning effect, thoroughly removing dirt" may be displayed on the display unit 161, and for the second water supply process, for example, an explanatory text such as "Water is supplied from multiple routes to shorten the water supply time" may be displayed on the display unit 161. Note that whether the first or second water supply process is to be performed is not limited to a configuration in which the user selects it, but may be a configuration in which it is automatically set according to the washing course.

The setting processing unit 65 can execute a setting process. The setting process includes a process of setting the temperature or water temperature in the water tub 12 during the washing process based on the contents of the washing operation or input from the user. In this embodiment, the setting process includes a process of setting the water temperature in the water tub 12 during the washing process based on the contents of the washing operation or input from the user.

The setting process also includes a process for setting the execution time of the washing operation in the washing step, i.e., the laundry agitation time, based on the contents of the washing operation or input from the user. The washing operation is an operation in which the rotating tub 13 is rotated forward and backward at a predetermined rotation speed, e.g., 50 rpm, and the rotation is alternately repeated for a predetermined time, e.g., 20 seconds each. Specifically, the setting processing unit 65 can set the laundry agitation time Tb during the execution of the washing operation when the first water supply process is selected from the water supply processes performed by the water supply processing unit 63, for example, by input from the user, to a time shorter than the agitation time Ta when the second water supply process is selected. In this case, the agitation time Ta can be set to, for example, 20 minutes, and the agitation time Tb to, for example, 15 minutes.

The application processing unit 66 can execute the application process. The application process is started before the execution of the washing operation, and includes a process of operating the heater 17 to apply a physical stimulus, in this case heat, to the mixed water in which the laundry treatment agent and the fine bubble water generated by passing through the first water supply path R1 are mixed. The application process can also be executed after the water supply processing unit 63 starts supplying water to the water tub 12.

Furthermore, the application process includes a process of operating the heater 17 to increase the temperature of the water supplied into the water tank 12 through only the first water supply path R1 when the user selects to execute the first water supply process in the high cleaning course.

It is generally known that it is easier to remove sebum stains and the like from laundry using warm water than cold water. The amount of saturated dissolved oxygen varies depending on factors such as water temperature; for example, the higher the water temperature, the lower the amount of saturated dissolved oxygen. Figure 12 shows the relationship between the amount of saturated dissolved oxygen and water temperature, with the vertical axis showing the amount of saturated dissolved oxygen and the horizontal axis showing the water temperature. The graph in the figure plots the amount of saturated dissolved oxygen at each water temperature.

The pressurized dissolution device 51 has the function of dissolving air components in the water passing through it, and can create a supersaturated state of oxygen in the water, as shown by the white circle in Figure 12. When a physical stimulus is applied, such as by heating the temperature of the supersaturated fine bubble water that has passed through the pressurized dissolution device 51 and the fine bubble generator 52, fine bubbles including ultrafine bubbles or microbubbles can be precipitated from the difference D between the amount of saturated dissolved oxygen at the increased water temperature, shown by the black circle in Figure 12, and the amount of saturated dissolved oxygen at the water temperature before the temperature increase.

In this regard, as shown in FIG. 13, in a comparison of the cleanliness of supersaturated fine bubble water and tap water when heated, the cleanliness of the fine bubble water generated by passing through the pressurized dissolving device 51 and the fine bubble generator 52 at a water temperature of 35° C. is comparable to that of tap water at a water temperature of 40° C. That is, when washing laundry with heated water, it can be said that the same level of cleaning performance can be obtained at a lower water temperature than when tap water is used by using supersaturated fine bubble water generated by passing through the pressurized dissolving device 51 and the fine bubble generator 52. It is presumed that this is due to the fact that oxygen in the supersaturated fine bubble water that has passed through the pressurized dissolving device 51 and the fine bubble generator 52, which exceeds the saturation amount, is precipitated as fine bubbles by heating. The cleanliness was calculated using the following formula 1.
Cleanliness=(Rw−Rb)/(Ra−Rb) (Equation 1)
Rw: reflectance after washing Rb: reflectance before washing Ra: reflectance of original fabric

For example, when water with a temperature of 20°C is heated to 35°C, it is estimated that the washing time can be shortened by approximately 17% and the amount of power consumed can be reduced by approximately 24% compared to when water is heated to 40°C. In other words, by using washing water made by heating micro-bubble water that has been supersaturated after passing through the pressurized dissolution device 51 and the micro-bubble generator 52, it is possible to shorten the time required for washing and save energy compared to trying to obtain the same level of washing performance using tap water.

The control device 60 executes, for example, a washing and drying operation in response to a user's operation on the operation panel 16 or in accordance with a preset reservation. The washing and drying operation is an operation for washing and drying laundry, and includes both a washing process and a drying process. Below, the control content of the washing and drying operation will be explained with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Note that in the following explanation, it is assumed that all of the processing performed by each processing unit 61 to 66 is performed primarily by the control device 60. Also, it is assumed in the following explanation that the high cleaning course has been selected by the user from among multiple operating courses.

When the user performs the washing and drying operation, the user selects the washing and drying operation by performing an input operation on the operation unit 162 of the operation panel 16, for example. At this time, the user also selects whether to perform the first water supply process or the second water supply process in the washing process by performing an input operation on the operation unit 162. When the user then operates a start button (not shown), the control device 60 starts the flow of FIG. 14 (START). First, the control device 60 detects the weight of the laundry (step S11). Next, the control device 60 sequentially performs a washing process (step S12) for washing the laundry, a rinsing process (step S13) for rinsing the laundry, a dewatering process (step S14) for dewatering the laundry, and a drying process (step S15) for drying the laundry.

Next, the control contents in the washing process will be described. When the control device 60 executes the washing process (start of washing process in FIG. 15), first in step S21, it determines the amount of water to be supplied based on the weight of the laundry. Next, in step S22, the control device 60 determines whether to execute the first water supply process or the second water supply process based on the user's input. After that, in step S23, the control device 60 determines the amount of detergent to be added based on, for example, the weight of the laundry. Next, in step S24, the control device 60 adds detergent to the water tub 12 and moves the process to step S25.

In step S25, the control device 60 determines whether the first water supply process has been selected by the user from the first water supply process or the second water supply process. If the first water supply process has not been selected, that is, if the second water supply process has been selected (NO in step S25), the control device 60 transitions the process to step S26. Thereafter, in step S26, the control device 60 sets the mixing time Ta when the washing operation is performed. In the next step S27, the control device 60 executes the second water supply process to supply water until a predetermined amount of water is reached in the water tank 12, and transitions the process to step S33.

On the other hand, if the first water supply process has been selected (YES in step S25), the control device 60 shifts the process to step S28 and sets the mixing time Tb during the wash operation. After that, in step S29, the control device 60 executes the first water supply process to supply water to the water tank 12 until a predetermined amount of water is reached, and shifts the process to step S30.

Next, in step S30, the control device 60 operates the heater 17 to heat the mixture of the detergent in the water tub 12 and the supersaturated fine bubble water that has passed through the first water supply path R1 and been supplied to the water tub 12. Then, in the next step S31, the control device 60 determines whether the water temperature in the water tub 12 has reached a preset temperature, for example, 40°C. If the water temperature has reached the preset temperature (YES in step S31), the control device 60 proceeds to step S32 and stops the operation of the heater 17. Next, in step S33, the control device 60 executes the washing operation, and then the control device 60 returns the process to the flow of FIG. 14 (return in FIG. 15) and proceeds to the rinsing process of step S13 shown in FIG. 14.

According to the embodiment described above, the washing machine 10 includes the water tank 12, the rotating tank 13 as an agitation mechanism, the baffle 131, and the motor 14, the pressurized dissolving device 51, the fine bubble generator 52, the heater 17 as an energy adding device, and the application processing unit 66. The agitation mechanism agitates the water stored in the water tank 12. The pressurized dissolving device 51 pressurizes the water supplied from an external water source to dissolve air components in the water. The fine bubble generator 52 is provided downstream of the pressurized dissolving device 51 and generates fine bubble water containing fine bubbles. The heater 17 directly or indirectly applies a physical or chemical stimulus to the mixed water in which the laundry treatment agent used in the washing operation and the fine bubble water are mixed. The application processing unit 66 is started before the agitation operation performed by operating the agitation mechanism is performed, and can perform an application process in which the heater 17 is operated to apply a physical or chemical stimulus to the mixed water.

With this, for example, even before the laundry contained in the spin tub 13 is agitated by the washing operation, fine bubbles including ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles can be effectively precipitated from the air components dissolved in the mixed water, which is a mixture of fine bubble water with a large amount of dissolved air components and, for example, detergent. This allows the washing water, in which the concentration of fine bubbles has been increased, to be sufficiently distributed in the water tub 12 and spin tub 13 during the washing process. As a result, the washing effect can be fully exerted.

The washing machine 10 further includes a first water supply path R1, a second water supply path R2, a water supply processing unit 63, and a selection processing unit 64. The first water supply path R1 is a path that supplies water supplied from an external water source to the water tank 12 through the pressurized dissolving device 51. The second water supply path R2 is a path that supplies water supplied from an external water source to the water tank 12 without passing through the pressurized dissolving device 51. The water supply processing unit 63 is capable of executing the first water supply process and the second water supply process.

The first water supply process includes a process of supplying only water that has passed through the first water supply path R1 into the water tank 12 or supplying more water that has passed through the first water supply path R1 than the second water supply path R2, for a predetermined water volume that is the target volume of water supply to the water tank 12 in the process to which the stirring operation belongs. The second water supply process includes a process of supplying only water that has passed through the second water supply path R2 into the water tank 12 or supplying more water that has passed through the second water supply path R2 than the first water supply path R1, for a predetermined water volume. The selection processing unit 64 includes a process of determining, based on an input from the user, whether the first water supply process or the second water supply process is to be executed by the water supply processing unit 63.

For example, the amount of water supplied per unit time from the first water supply path R1 is considered to be less than the amount of water supplied per unit time from the second water supply path R2, which supplies water supplied from an external water source into the water tank 12 without passing through the pressurized dissolving device 51. Therefore, the first water supply process, which mainly supplies water from the first water supply path R1, may take a longer time to supply a specified amount of water in the washing process than the second water supply process. Therefore, it is made possible for the user to select whether to execute the first water supply process or the second water supply process.

As a result, when the laundry is highly soiled, the user can select the first water supply process, which is expected to provide high cleaning performance, and when the user prioritizes shortening the water supply time over cleaning performance, the user can select to execute the second water supply process. This improves the convenience of the washing machine 10.

Furthermore, the imparting process can be performed after the water supply processing unit 63 starts supplying water into the water tank 12. By performing the imparting process after the start of supplying fine bubble water that has passed through the first water supply path R1 and has a large amount of dissolved air components, a physical or chemical stimulus can be directly applied to the fine bubble water. This makes it possible to efficiently generate fine bubbles, including ultra-fine bubbles, from the air components in the fine bubble water. This makes it possible to efficiently improve the cleaning effect.

The physical stimulus that the heater 17 applies to the water in the water tub 12 is heat. This allows the heater 17 provided in the washing machine 10, for example to provide a hot water function, to be used as an energy addition device, eliminating the need to provide dedicated parts for applying a physical stimulus to the fine bubble water in the water tub 12 that has a large amount of dissolved air components, and thus reducing the increase in manufacturing costs of the washing machine 10.

The application process also includes a process of operating the heater 17 to raise the water temperature in the water tub 12 when the user selects to execute the first water supply process in the high-cleaning course, which has a higher cleaning power than the standard course among the multiple operating courses. With this, for example, when the first water supply process is selected in the high-cleaning course, the water temperature in the water tub 12 can be raised to further improve the cleaning effect of the wash water by the fine bubbles that precipitate from the air components in the fine bubble water, which has a large amount of dissolved air components. In this way, by using wash water with improved cleaning performance, the agitation time for the laundry can be shortened. As a result, the time required for the wash operation can be shortened.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the second embodiment, the control contents in the washing process are different from those in the first embodiment. That is, the configuration of this embodiment can be the same as that of the first embodiment except for the control contents in the washing process. In the case of this embodiment, the setting process includes a process of setting the water temperature lower when the user selects the first water supply process among the water supply processes in a hot water course that uses water at a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature of water used in a standard course among a plurality of operating courses, for example, 20°C, compared to when the second water supply process is selected.

Specifically, when executing a warm water course, for example, the setting processing unit 65 can set the water temperature tb in the water tub 12 when the first water supply process is selected from the water supply processes executed by the water supply processing unit 63 according to the user's settings to a temperature lower than the water temperature ta in the water tub 12 when the second water supply process is selected. In this case, the water temperature ta can be set to, for example, 40°C, and the water temperature tb can be set to, for example, 35°C. Furthermore, the water temperatures ta and tb are, for example, water temperatures that serve as a guide for executing a washing operation.

The control device 60 of this embodiment executes the control contents shown in FIG. 16 in the washing process instead of the control contents shown in FIG. 15. The control contents of the washing process shown in FIG. 16 are obtained by adding the processes of steps A11 to A19 in place of the processes of steps S25 to S33 shown in FIG. 15. In the following description, it is assumed that the hot water course is selected by the user from among the multiple operating courses.

When the control device 60 executes the washing process (start of washing process in FIG. 16), it executes the processes from step S21 to step S24, and then proceeds to step A11 to determine whether the user has selected the first water supply process out of the first water supply process or the second water supply process. If the second water supply process has been selected (NO in step A11), the control device 60 proceeds to step A12. Then, in step A12, the control device 60 sets the water temperature ta when performing the washing operation. In the next step A13, the control device 60 executes the second water supply process to supply water until a predetermined amount of water is reached in the water tub 12, and proceeds to step A16.

On the other hand, if the first water supply process has been selected (YES in step A11), the control device 60 shifts the process to step A14 and sets the water temperature tb when performing the washing operation. Then, in step A15, the control device 60 executes the first water supply process to supply water to the water tank 12 until a predetermined amount of water is reached, and shifts the process to step A16.

Next, in step A16, the control device 60 operates the heater 17 to heat the mixture of detergent in the water tub 12 and the water supplied to the water tub 12. Then, in the next step A17, the control device 60 determines whether the water temperature in the water tub 12 has reached a predetermined temperature. If the water temperature has reached the predetermined temperature (YES in step A17), the control device 60 proceeds to step A18 and stops the operation of the heater 17. Next, in step A19, the control device 60 performs the washing operation for a predetermined time, for example, 10 minutes, and then the control device 60 returns the process to the flow in FIG. 14 (return in FIG. 16) and proceeds to the rinsing process in step S13 shown in FIG. 14.

Here, when fine bubble water with a large amount of dissolved air components is heated, the concentration of fine bubbles in the wash water is increased compared to when fine bubble water with a small amount of dissolved air components is heated, and cleaning performance such as removal of sebum stains on laundry can be obtained at a lower water temperature. Therefore, for example, in the warm water course, by setting the water temperature tb when the first water supply process is selected lower than the water temperature ta when the second water supply process is selected, it is possible to reduce power consumption and shorten the time required for the wash operation.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the second embodiment, the heater 17 is used to raise the temperature of the wash water supplied into the water tub 12. In the present embodiment, the laundry stored in the rotatable tub 13 is preheated to warm the surface of the laundry, and then the wash water is supplied into the water tub 12 to raise the temperature of the wash water in the water tub 12. In this case, the application process is performed before the first water supply process is performed, and includes a process of operating the hot air supply device 40 and the air blower 45 to supply hot air into the water tub 12. The application process can be performed before the water supply processing unit 63 starts to supply water into the water tub 12. Furthermore, the treatment agent injection process can be performed before the laundry stored in the rotatable tub 13 is warmed by the application process.

Here, when the hot air supply device 40 and the air blower device 45 are operated while laundry is stored in the rotating tub 13, the temperature of the laundry stored in the rotating tub 13 rises. In this case, the temperature of the surface of the laundry, which is particularly likely to come into contact with the hot air, rises. Then, for example, when supersaturated fine bubble water is supplied into the water tub 12 by the first water supply process, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the supersaturated fine bubble water is distributed around the laundry 91 whose surface has been heated and around the dirt 92, such as sebum dirt, adhering to the surface of the laundry 91.

At this time, as shown by the black arrow in FIG. 17(b), the heat of the surface of the laundry 91, which has been preheated by the hot air, is transferred to the supersaturated fine bubble water, and the supersaturated fine bubble water, which has become warm, is present on the surface of the laundry 91. Then, fine bubbles are precipitated from the air components contained in the supersaturated fine bubble water, which has become warm, and ultrafine bubbles 93 and microbubbles 94, which have adsorbed cleaning components contained in the detergent, are generated on the surface of the laundry 91. In this way, by generating ultrafine bubbles 93 and microbubbles 94 on the surface of the laundry 91, the cleaning effect of the fine bubbles can be effectively exerted on the dirt 92 attached to the surface of the laundry 91, as shown in FIG. 17(c).

In the present embodiment, the control device 60 executes the control contents shown in FIG. 18 in the washing process instead of the control contents shown in FIG. 16. The control contents of the washing process shown in FIG. 18 are obtained by adding the processes of steps B11 to B19 in place of the processes of steps A11 to A19 shown in FIG. 16. Specifically, when the control device 60 executes the washing process (start of the washing process in FIG. 18), it executes the processes of steps S21 to S24, and then shifts the process to step B11, and operates the hot air supply device 40 and the air blower 45 to supply hot air into the water tub 12 and the spin tub 13.

Then, in the next step B12, the control device 60 judges whether a predetermined time, for example 15 minutes, has elapsed since starting the supply of hot air into the water tub 12 and the rotating tub 13. If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step B12), the control device 60 proceeds to step B13, where it stops the hot air supply device 40 and the blower device 45 to stop the supply of hot air into the water tub 12 and the rotating tub 13.

Then, the control device 60 proceeds to step B14 and determines whether the user has selected the first water supply process out of the first or second water supply process. If the second water supply process has been selected (NO in step B14), the control device 60 proceeds to step B15. Then, in step B15, the control device 60 sets the mixing time Ta when the washing operation is performed. In the next step B16, the control device 60 executes the second water supply process to supply water until the predetermined amount of water is reached in the water tank 12, and proceeds to step B19.

On the other hand, if the first water supply process has been selected (YES in step B14), the control device 60 transitions the process to step B17 and sets the mixing time Tb when the washing operation is performed. The control device 60 then executes the first water supply process in step B18 to supply water until a predetermined amount of water is reached in the water tank 12, and transitions the process to step B19. Next, the control device 60 executes the washing operation in step B19, and then the control device 60 returns the process to the flow in FIG. 14 (return in FIG. 18) and transitions the process to the rinsing step of step S13 shown in FIG. 14.

According to this third embodiment, by warming the laundry with hot air before the first water supply process is performed, when the fine bubble water with a large amount of dissolved air components is supplied by the first water supply process, a large amount of fine bubbles can be generated near the surface of the laundry. This allows the cleaning effect of the fine bubbles to be directly applied near the surface of the laundry, so dirt and the like attached to the surface of the laundry can be efficiently removed.

In addition, the treatment agent injection process performed by the treatment agent injection processing unit 62 in this embodiment can be performed before the laundry contained in the spin tub 13 is heated by the application process. This allows the laundry treatment agent to be injected into the water tub 12 and the spin tub 13 in advance before the laundry contained in the spin tub 13 is heated. This allows the laundry treatment agent to be pre-heated while attached to the laundry, so that when fine bubble water with a large amount of dissolved air components is subsequently supplied into the water tub 12, the laundry treatment agent can be easily dispersed in the fine bubble water. This makes it easier for the laundry treatment agent to be adsorbed into the fine bubble water, further enhancing the cleaning effect of the wash water.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in that it is applied to a so-called vertical axis type washing machine 70. Washing machine 70 shown in Fig. 19 can be configured to include an outer box 71, a water tub 72, a rotating tub 73, a motor 74, a circulating air passage 75, a hot air supply device 80, and an air blower 83. Outer box 71 forms the outer shell of washing machine 70. Water tub 72 is disposed within outer box 71 and is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 19, the water tub 72 has an exhaust port 721, an air inlet 722, and a water inlet 723. The exhaust port 721, the air inlet 722, and the water inlet 723 communicate with the inside and outside of the water tub 12, and are all provided at the top of the water tub 72. The water inlet 723 is connected to the water inlet case 21 via the water inlet hose 22. The water and laundry treatment agent flowing out from the water inlet 723 are supplied directly into the rotating tub 73. In other words, the water and laundry treatment agent flowing out from the water inlet 723 come into contact with the laundry contained in the rotating tub 73 without passing through other members.

The rotating tank 73 is rotatably installed in the water tank 72 and is configured as a vertical shaft type with the rotation axis facing vertically. The rotating tank 73 is rotated by the motor 74. The rotating tank 73 has an agitator 731. The agitator 731 is arranged on the inner bottom of the rotating tank 73 so as to be rotatable around the vertical axis. The agitator 731 is connected to the motor 74 and is rotated by the motor 74. The agitator 731 can also function as an energy addition device that agitates the water in the water tank 72 and the rotating tank 73. In the washing process or rinsing process, the rotating tank 73 is not rotated and only the agitator 731 is rotated. In this embodiment, the agitator 731 and the motor 74 function as an agitation mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 19, the circulation air duct 75 as an air duct can be configured to have an exhaust duct 751, a filter device 752, and an air supply duct 753. The exhaust duct 751 is connected to the exhaust port 721, and functions as a part that exhausts air from the water tank 72. The filter device 752 has a filter (not shown) installed inside, which collects foreign matter such as lint and dust contained in the air flowing through the circulation air duct 75. The air supply duct 753 is connected to the air supply port 722, and functions as a part that supplies air to the water tank 12.

The hot air supply device 80 can generate hot air of, for example, about 100°C. As shown in FIG. 19, the hot air supply device 80 has a heater 81 and a dehumidification section 82. The heater 81 has a function of heating the air that has flowed through the circulating air passage 75 to turn it into hot air. The dehumidification section 82 has a function of cooling and dehumidifying the air that has passed through the filter device 752.

The dehumidifying section 82 has an inlet 821 and an outlet 822. The inlet 821 is provided, for example, at the top of the dehumidifying section 82. The inlet 821 is connected to an external water source via a water supply valve (not shown), and supplies water to the dehumidifying section 82 in response to the opening of the water supply valve. The outlet 822 is provided, for example, at the bottom of the dehumidifying section 82, and is connected to a drain hose (not shown). The water supplied to the dehumidifying section 82 from the inlet 821 and the moisture contained in the air flowing through the circulating air passage 75 are discharged from the outlet 822 through the drain hose to the outside of the washing machine 70.

The blower 83 is for supplying the dehumidified air that has passed through the dehumidifier 82 to the heater 81. The air that has been cooled and dehumidified by the dehumidifier 82 is sent to the heater 81 by the blower 83, and is then heated by the heater 81 to become high-temperature hot air, which is then supplied into the water tub 12. The blower 83, together with the hot air supply device 80, functions as an energy addition device that directly or indirectly applies physical stimulation (in this case heat) to the water and laundry in the water tub 72 and the rotating tub 73.

In addition, in this embodiment, the treatment agent injection process can be performed after the laundry contained in the spin tub 73 has been warmed by the application process, and includes a process of injecting a laundry treatment agent into the water tub 72 and the spin tub 73. In the washing process, the control device 60 in this embodiment executes the control contents shown in FIG. 20 instead of the control contents shown in FIG. 18. The control contents of the washing process shown in FIG. 20 are obtained by adding the processes of steps C11 to C17 instead of the processes of steps S21 to S24 and steps B11 to B13 shown in FIG. 18.

When the control device 60 executes the washing process (start of washing process in FIG. 20), first in step C11, it determines the amount of water to be supplied based on the weight of the laundry. Next, in step C12, the control device 60 determines whether to execute the first water supply process or the second water supply process based on the user's input. After that, in step C13, the control device 60 determines the amount of detergent to be added based on, for example, the weight of the laundry. Next, in step C14, the control device 60 operates the hot air supply device 80 and the air blower device 83 to supply hot air into the water tub 72 and the spin tub 73.

Then, in the next step C15, the control device 60 determines whether a predetermined time, for example 15 minutes, has elapsed since starting the supply of hot air into the water tub 72 and the rotating tub 73. If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step C15), the control device 60 proceeds to step C16, where it stops the hot air supply device 80 and the air blower 83 to stop the supply of hot air into the water tub 72 and the rotating tub 73. In the next step C17, the control device 60 pours detergent into the rotating tub 73, and proceeds to step B14 to execute the subsequent steps.

In a vertical washing machine 70 in which a laundry treatment agent is supplied onto the laundry contained in the rotating tub 73, for example, if warm air is supplied into the rotating tub 73 with liquid detergent adhering to the surface of the laundry, the liquid detergent may solidify due to a decrease in moisture content or deterioration due to heat, causing problems such as making the liquid detergent less soluble in water. In contrast, according to this embodiment, in the vertical washing machine 70, the laundry is warmed before the laundry treatment agent is supplied, which can prevent, for example, the liquid detergent from solidifying. This can achieve a synergistic effect in the cleaning power of the fine bubble water with a large amount of dissolved air and the laundry treatment agent.

In the above embodiments, the water temperature heated by the heater 17, the mixing time, the time for supplying hot air by the hot air supplying device 40, 80 and the air blowing device 45, 83, etc., are described with specific values, but these specific values are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the heater 17 or the hot air supplying device 40, 80 and the air blowing device 45, 83 or the mixing blade 731 are given as examples of the energy adding device, but it is possible to provide an ultrasonic generator that irradiates ultrasonic waves to the water in the water tub 12, a circulation device that circulates the water in the water tub 12, etc. Furthermore, various changes are possible for the overall hardware configuration of the washing machine 10, 70, the type of operation course, etc. Furthermore, it is also possible to implement the above-mentioned multiple embodiments in any combination.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

10, 70... washing machine, 12, 72... water tub, 122, 722... air inlet, 13... rotating tub (agitation mechanism), 131... baffle (agitation mechanism), 14, 74... motor (agitation mechanism), 17... heater (energy addition device), 30, 75... circulating air duct (air duct), 40, 80... hot air supply device, 45, 83... blower, 51... pressurized dissolution device, 52... fine bubble generator, 62... treatment agent input processing unit, 63... water supply processing unit, 64... selection processing unit, 65... setting processing unit, 66... application processing unit, 73... rotating tub, 731... agitation blade (agitation mechanism), R1... first water supply path, R2... second water supply path

Claims (9)

Aquarium and
a stirring mechanism for stirring the water stored in the water tank;
a pressure dissolution device for dissolving air components in water by applying pressure to the water supplied from an external water source;
a microbubble generator provided downstream of the pressurized dissolution device for generating microbubble water containing microbubbles;
an energy addition device that directly or indirectly applies a stimulus, including heat, ultrasonic waves, or circulation of water in the water tub, to a mixed water obtained by mixing the laundry treatment agent used in a laundry operation and the fine bubble water;
an imparting processing unit that is started before the execution of the stirring operation performed by operating the stirring mechanism and is capable of executing an imparting process of imparting the stimulus to the mixed water by operating the energy addition device;
a first water supply passage for supplying water supplied from the external water source to the water tank through the pressurized dissolving device;
a second water supply passage for supplying water supplied from the external water source to the water tank without passing through the pressurized dissolving device;
a water supply processing unit capable of executing a first water supply process for supplying only water that has passed through the first water supply path into the water tank or supplying more water that has passed through the first water supply path than the second water supply path, relative to a predetermined water amount that is a target amount of water to be supplied to the water tank in a process to which the stirring operation belongs, and a second water supply process for supplying only water that has passed through the second water supply path into the water tank or supplying more water that has passed through the second water supply path than the water that has passed through the first water supply path;
A washing machine equipped with a selection processing unit that determines whether the first water supply process or the second water supply process is to be executed by the water supply processing unit based on an input from a user ;
The washing machine of claim 1 further comprising: The application process can be performed after the water supply processing unit starts supplying water to the water tank.
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2. The physical stimulus applied by the energy addition device to the water in the aquarium is heat.
The washing machine according to claim 3. The adding process includes a process of operating the energy adding device to increase the water temperature in the water tank when a user selects execution of the first water supply process in the water supply process in an effective cleaning course having a cleaning power higher than that of a standard course among a plurality of operating courses.
The washing machine according to claim 4. A setting processing unit is further provided that can execute a setting process for setting a water temperature in the water tub in the step including the agitation operation based on the content of the washing operation or an input from a user,
The setting process includes a process of setting the water temperature lower when the user selects the first water supply process among the water supply processes in a hot water course that uses water at a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature of water used in a standard course among a plurality of operating courses, compared to when the second water supply process is selected.
The washing machine according to claim 4. An air supply port that communicates the inside and outside of the water tank;
An air passage connected to the air supply port to supply air into the water tank,
The energy adding device includes a hot air supplying device that dehumidifies and heats the air in the air passage to supply hot air to the water tank, and a blowing device that is provided in the air passage and supplies the air dehumidified and heated by the hot air supplying device from the air inlet into the water tank,
The application process is performed before the first water supply process, and includes a process of operating the hot air supply device and the air blower to supply hot air into the water tank.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 3 to 6. A rotating tank rotatably provided within the water tank;
a treatment agent injection processing unit capable of injecting the laundry treatment agent into the water tub, the treatment agent injection processing unit being capable of injecting the laundry treatment agent into the water tub before the laundry stored in the rotation tub is heated by the application processing unit;
The laundry treatment agent is supplied between the water tub and the spin tub.
The washing machine according to claim 7. A rotating tank rotatably provided within the water tank;
and a treatment agent injection processing unit capable of injecting the laundry treatment agent into the water tub and the rotary tub, the treatment agent injection processing unit being capable of injecting the laundry treatment agent into the water tub and the rotary tub after the application processing has been performed to warm the laundry stored in the rotary tub.
The laundry treatment agent is supplied directly into the rotating tub.
The washing machine according to claim 7.

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