JP7733587B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The technology disclosed in this specification relates to washing machines.

The washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a water tub, a circulation path connected to the bottom of the water tub that draws wash water from the bottom of the water tub and returns it to the water tub, a circulation pump provided in the circulation path, and a dirt sensor provided in the circulation path. The dirt sensor detects the amount and quality of dirt in the wash water in the water tub.

JP 2014-68737 A

Types of dirt on laundry include, for example, sebum stains and mud stains, but it is difficult for the washing machine in Patent Document 1 to distinguish the type of dirt on laundry. This specification therefore provides technology that can accurately distinguish the type of dirt on laundry.

The washing machine disclosed in this specification includes a water tub, a water supply path that supplies water into the water tub, a water supply valve provided in the water supply path, a rotating tub located within the water tub, a first motor that rotates the rotating tub, a circulation path connected to the bottom of the water tub that draws wash water from the bottom of the water tub and returns it to the water tub, a circulation pump provided in the circulation path, a foam detection unit provided above the water tub that detects the amount of foam generated in the water tub, and a control unit. The control unit is capable of executing a dirt determination process that determines the type of dirt on the laundry based on the detection value of the foam detection unit, and executes the dirt determination process with the circulation pump stopped.

The washing machine disclosed in this specification includes a water tub, a water supply path that supplies water into the water tub, a water supply valve provided in the water supply path, a rotor located in the water tub, a second motor that rotates the rotor, a foam detection unit provided above the water tub that detects the amount of foam generated in the water tub, and a control unit. The control unit is capable of executing a dirt determination process that determines the type of dirt on the laundry based on the detection value of the foam detection unit, and executes the dirt determination process with the second motor stopped.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4A to 4C are diagrams showing steps in a washing operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the detection value of the foam sensor and the type of dirt on the laundry in the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the type of dirt and the washing method in the main washing step in the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a washing machine according to a modified example. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a washing machine according to a modified example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the type of dirt and the washing method in the main washing step in a modified example. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a washing machine according to a modified example. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a washing machine according to a modified example.

A washing machine 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, a water tub 7 disposed within the housing 2, a rotatable tub 9 disposed within the water tub 7, and a motor 10 (an example of a first motor) disposed within the housing 2 for rotating the rotatable tub 9. The washing machine 1 also includes a foam sensor unit 50 (an example of a foam detection unit) that detects the amount of foam generated within the water tub 7, and a control unit 6.

The housing 2 is, for example, box-shaped, and has an operation panel 5 provided on the upper front side. The operation panel 5 is, for example, a touch panel, and displays various information related to the washing machine 1 and accepts various operations related to the washing machine 1. For example, the operation panel 5 displays the operating status of the washing machine 1 and accepts operations for washing operations.

The water tub 7 is configured in a roughly cylindrical shape and is arranged inside the housing 2 at an angle relative to the horizontal. The water tub 7 has an opening 7a facing the front of the washing machine 1. A heater 60 (an example of a heating unit) that heats the water in the water tub 7 is provided at the bottom of the water tub 7. A water inlet 14 is provided at the top of the water tub 7, and a drain outlet 15 is provided at the bottom of the water tub 7.

The rotating tub 9 housed within the water tub 7 is configured in a roughly cylindrical shape and is disposed within the water tub 7 at an angle relative to the horizontal. The washing machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called inclined drum washing machine. The rotating tub 9 is disposed within the water tub 7 in a rotatable state and rotates by driving the motor 10. The rotation speed (rotational speed) of the motor 10 and the rotating tub 9 is controllable. The rotating tub 9 has an opening 9a facing the front of the washing machine 1. Laundry (e.g., clothing) is placed into the rotating tub 9 through the opening 7a of the water tub 7 and the opening 9a of the rotating tub 9. The washing machine 1 is capable of performing a wash operation to wash laundry housed in the rotating tub 9. The washing machine 1 may also have a drying function to dry the laundry.

A water supply unit 27 is connected to the water supply inlet 14 of the water tub 7. The water supply unit 27 includes a water supply hose 32 connected to the water supply inlet 14 of the water tub 7, a connection pipe 30 connected to a water supply source (e.g., a water faucet (not shown)), and a water supply case 31 to which the water supply hose 32 and connection pipe 30 are connected. The connection pipe 30 guides water supplied from the water supply source to the water supply case 31. A water supply valve 29 is provided on the connection pipe 30. When the water supply valve 29 is opened, water is supplied from the water supply source to the water supply case 31 through the connection pipe 30. The opening degree of the water supply valve 29 is controllable. The water supply case 31 is configured to store liquid laundry detergent. The detergent stored in the water supply case 31 dissolves in water supplied from the connection pipe 30 and flows into the water supply hose 32. The water supply hose 32 supplies the detergent stored in the water supply case 31 and water supplied from the water supply source into the water tub 7. Hereinafter, water with dissolved detergent may be referred to as wash water. In this embodiment, the connecting pipe 30, water injection case 31, and water supply hose 32 form a water supply path that supplies water to the water tub.

An internal drain hose 16 is connected to a drain port 15 at the bottom of the water tub 7. Wash water in the water tub 7 is drained from the drain port 15 into the internal drain hose 16. The downstream end of the internal drain hose 16 is connected to a filter unit 17. The internal drain hose 16 guides the wash water drained from the water tub 7 to the filter unit 17. The filter unit 17 collects lint contained in the wash water drained through the internal drain hose 16. A drain pipe 20 is also connected to the filter unit 17. The downstream end of the drain pipe 20 is connected to an external drain destination (e.g., an external drain hose (not shown)). A drain valve 19 is provided on the drain pipe 20, and when the drain valve 19 opens, wash water is drained through the drain pipe 20. Wash water in the water tub 7 is drained through the internal drain hose 16 and the drain pipe 20 to a drain destination (e.g., an external drain hose).

A circulation pump 21 is provided at the rear end of the filter unit 17, to which the internal drain hose 16 is connected. The upstream end of a water supply hose 22 is connected to the circulation pump 21. The circulation pump 21 is configured to suck in wash water drained through the internal drain hose 16 and discharge it into the water supply hose 22. The downstream end of the water supply hose 22 is connected to a water fountain nozzle 23 provided at the top of the water tub 7. The water supply hose 22 guides the wash water discharged from the circulation pump 21 to the water fountain nozzle 23.

The fountain nozzle 23 is fixed to the upper front side of the water tub 7. The fountain nozzle 23 is positioned near the opening 7a of the water tub 7 and is configured to spray water into the water tub 7 through the opening 7a. Wash water guided to the fountain nozzle 23 through the water supply hose 22 is sprayed from the fountain nozzle 23 into the water tub 7. When the circulation pump 21 operates, the wash water in the water tub 7 is drained through the internal drain hose 16 and returned to the water tub 7 through the water supply hose 22 and the fountain nozzle 23. In this embodiment, the internal drain hose 16, the circulation pump 21, the water supply hose 22, and the fountain nozzle 23 form a circulation path that circulates the wash water. The circulation path is configured to take the wash water in the water tub 7 from the bottom of the water tub 7 and return it to the water tub 7.

Next, the foam sensor unit 50 will be described. The foam sensor unit 50 is located at the top rear of the water tub 7. The foam sensor unit 50 includes an air trap 39 that communicates with the inside of the water tub 7, an air tube 26 connected to the air trap 39, and a foam sensor 25 connected to the air tube 26. The foam sensor 25 is located at the top of the housing 2. The foam sensor 25 is composed of a pressure switch. When bubbles generated in the water tub 7 reach the air trap 39, the pressure inside the air trap 39 changes as the bubbles expand and contract as the rotating tub 9 rotates. The foam sensor 25 is configured to detect the amount of foam generated by detecting this pressure change. Information on the value detected by the foam sensor 25 is sent to the control unit 6.

The control unit 6 includes, for example, a CPU and memory (not shown), and performs predetermined control and processing based on programs stored in the memory. The control and processing performed by the control unit 6 will be described later.

Next, the operation of the washing machine 1 will be described. The washing machine 1 is capable of performing a washing operation. As shown in FIG. 2, the washing operation involves a preparation step (S2), a pre-wash step (S4), a stain detection step (S6), a main wash step (S8), and a rinse/spin step (S10). Each step (S2-S10) is performed in the order shown in FIG. 2.

The preparation step (S2) is a step in which preparation for washing is carried out. During the preparation step, for example, the weight of the laundry in the rotating tub 9 is detected, water is supplied to the water tub 7, and detergent is added to the water tub 7.

The following pre-wash step (S4) is a step in which the laundry is pre-washed. The pre-wash step promotes a reaction between the wash water in the water tub 7 and the dirt on the laundry in the rotatable tub 9. During the pre-wash step, while wash water is stored in the water tub 7, the control unit 6 operates the motor 10 to rotate the rotatable tub 9. This pre-washes the laundry in the rotatable tub 9. The rotation speed of the rotatable tub 9 during the pre-wash step is adjusted to a lower rotation speed than the rotation speed of the rotatable tub 9 during the main wash step (S8), which will be described later. Furthermore, the water level in the water tub 7 during the pre-wash step is adjusted to a lower water level than the water level in the water tub 7 during the main wash step, which will be described later.

The following dirt determination process (S6) is a process for determining the type of dirt on the laundry. The control unit 6 executes the dirt determination process with the circulation pump 21 installed in the circulation path stopped. In other words, the control unit 6 executes the dirt determination process without circulating the wash water in the water tub 7. The water level in the water tub 7 during the dirt determination process is adjusted to a lower level than the water level in the water tub 7 during the main wash process described below.

In the dirt determination process, the control unit 6 determines the type of dirt on the laundry in the rotatable tub 9 based on the detection value of the foam sensor 25. The foam sensor 25 detects the amount of foam generated in the water tub 7 during the preparation process and pre-wash process described above. Figure 3 shows the relationship between the detection value of the foam sensor 25 and the type of dirt on the laundry in this embodiment. The control unit 6 determines the type of dirt on the laundry in the rotatable tub 9 by comparing the detection value P of the foam sensor 25 with a predetermined reference value T. The control unit 6 compares the detection value P of the foam sensor 25 with the reference value T after a predetermined reference time has elapsed since the end of the pre-wash process described above. A high detection value P of the foam sensor 25 indicates a high amount of foam generated in the water tub 7, and a low detection value P of the foam sensor 25 indicates a low amount of foam generated in the water tub 7. If the detection value P of the foam sensor 25 is less than the reference value T, the control unit 6 determines that the type of dirt on the laundry is sebum dirt. If the detection value P of the foam sensor 25 is equal to or greater than the reference value T, the control unit 6 determines that the type of dirt on the laundry is muddy.

After the contamination detection process is completed, the control unit 6 supplies water to the water tub 7 by opening the water supply valve 29 of the water supply unit 27. The control unit 6 adjusts the amount of water supplied to the water tub 7 by controlling the opening of the water supply valve 29.

The next main wash step (S8) is a step in which the laundry is washed properly. During the main wash step, while wash water is stored in the water tub 7, the control unit 6 operates the motor 10 to rotate the rotatable tub 9. This causes the laundry in the rotatable tub 9 to be washed properly.

The water level in the water tub 7 during the main wash process is adjusted to a level higher than the water level in the water tub 7 during the pre-wash process described above. The control unit 6 adjusts the water level in the water tub 7 by controlling the opening of the water supply valve 29. The control unit 6 adjusts the water level in the water tub 7 during the main wash process based on the results of the stain determination process described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the control unit 6 determines that the type of stain on the laundry is sebum stain during the stain determination process, it supplies less water to the water tub 7 and lowers the water level in the water tub 7 than when it determines that the type of stain on the laundry is muddy stain. On the other hand, when the control unit 6 determines that the type of stain on the laundry is muddy stain during the stain determination process, it supplies more water to the water tub 7 and raises the water level in the water tub 7 than when it determines that the type of stain on the laundry is muddy stain.

The rotation speed of the rotatable tub 9 during the main wash process is adjusted to a speed higher than the rotation speed of the rotatable tub 9 during the pre-wash process described above. The control unit 6 controls the rotation speed of the rotatable tub 9 during the main wash process based on the results of the stain determination process described above. The washing machine 1 of this embodiment can perform beating wash and rubbing wash by changing the rotation speed of the rotatable tub 9 (the rotation speed of the motor 10). Beating wash is a washing method in which the rotation speed of the rotatable tub 9 is higher than that of rubbing wash. Rubbing wash is a washing method in which the rotation speed of the rotatable tub 9 is lower than that of beating wash. The control unit 6 can change the washing method of the laundry by controlling the rotation speed of the rotatable tub 9. For example, if the control unit 6 determines that the type of stain on the laundry is sebum stain during the stain determination process described above, it sets the rotation speed of the rotatable tub 9 to a speed higher than that for mud stain. In this case, the control unit 6 sets the rotation speed of the rotatable tub 9 to a speed for performing beating wash (see Figure 4). Furthermore, when the control unit 6 determines in the stain determination process that the type of stain on the laundry is muddy, it sets the rotation speed of the rotatable tub 9 to a lower value than when the type of stain is sebum. In this case, the control unit 6 sets the rotation speed of the rotatable tub 9 to the rotation speed required for performing a scrubbing wash (see Figure 4).

The control unit 6 also operates the circulation pump 21 during the main wash cycle. When the circulation pump 21 operates, wash water in the water tub 7 is drawn from the bottom of the water tub 7 through the internal drain hose 16, and the wash water is then supplied back into the water tub 7 through the water supply hose 22 and the fountain nozzle 23. The control unit 6 may operate the circulation pump 21 continuously or intermittently during the main wash cycle.

The control unit 6 may also operate the heater 60 located at the bottom of the water tub 7 during the main wash process. The control unit 6 controls the operation of the heater 60 based on the results of the stain determination process. For example, if the control unit 6 determines that the type of stain on the laundry is sebum stain during the stain determination process, it operates the heater 60 (see Figure 4). The operation of the heater 60 heats the wash water in the water tub 7. Furthermore, if the control unit 6 determines that the type of stain on the laundry is muddy stain during the stain determination process, it stops the heater 60 (see Figure 4).

The following rinse/spin process (S10) is a process in which the laundry is rinsed and spin-dried. The rinse/spin process is well known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. During the rinse/spin process, the control unit 6 stops the circulation pump 21.

(effect)
The above describes the washing machine 1 of the embodiment. As is clear from the above description, in the washing machine 1 of the embodiment, the control unit 6 can execute a dirt determination process (S6) that determines the type of dirt on the laundry based on the detection value of the foam sensor 25, and executes the dirt determination process with the circulation pump 21 provided in the circulation path stopped.

When washing laundry in a washing machine 1, the degree to which the wash water in the tub 7 foams can vary depending on the type of dirt on the laundry. For example, if the laundry is mainly soiled with sebum, the wash water will foam less easily and the amount of foam generated in the tub 7 will be relatively small. In contrast, if the laundry is mainly soiled with mud, the wash water will foam more easily than if the laundry is mainly soiled with sebum, and the amount of foam generated in the tub 7 will be relatively large.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the foam sensor 25 detects the amount of foam generated in the water tub 7, and the control unit 6 determines the type of dirt on the laundry based on the detection value of the foam sensor 25. For example, if the amount of foam is small, the type of dirt on the laundry can be determined to be sebum dirt, and if the amount of foam is large, the type of dirt on the laundry can be determined to be mud dirt.

Here, in a configuration that includes a circulation pump 21, the operation of the circulation pump 21 may agitate the wash water in the water tub 7 and cause foaming. Therefore, in a configuration that determines the type of soiling on the laundry based on the detection value of the foam sensor 25, it is conceivable that the influence of the foam generated by the operation of the circulation pump 21 may make it difficult to determine the type of soiling on the laundry. For example, if the type of soiling on the laundry is mainly sebum, the amount of foam generated in the water tub would be small if the circulation pump 21 were not operating. However, the amount of foam generated in the water tub 7 may increase when the circulation pump 21 is operating. Therefore, even if the type of soiling on the laundry is mainly sebum, the operation of the circulation pump 21 may result in the type of soiling on the laundry being determined to be muddy.

However, according to the washing machine 1 of the embodiment, the control unit 6 executes the dirt determination process (S6) with the circulation pump 21 stopped, which prevents the type of dirt on the laundry from being erroneously determined, allowing the type of dirt on the laundry to be determined with high accuracy.

Furthermore, the control unit 6 can execute the main wash process (S8) after the dirt determination process (S6) is completed, and executes the dirt determination process when the water level in the water tub 7 during the dirt determination process is lower than the water level in the water tub 7 during the main wash process. With this configuration, the detergent concentration in the wash water in the water tub 7 can be increased during the dirt determination process, and the dirt determination process can be executed when the detergent concentration is high. This allows the dirt determination process to be executed in a state where the reaction between the wash water and the dirt on the laundry is promoted. Therefore, the type of dirt on the laundry can be accurately determined. Furthermore, the main wash process can be executed with the type of dirt accurately determined.

The control unit 6 can also execute a pre-wash process (S4) before starting the stain determination process (S6). This configuration allows the pre-wash process to promote the reaction between the wash water and the stains on the laundry, and then executes the stain determination process, allowing the type of stain on the laundry to be accurately determined.

The control unit 6 also adjusts the water level in the water tub 7 during the main wash process based on the results of the stain determination process. With this configuration, for example, if the type of stain on the laundry is determined to be muddy, the water level in the water tub 7 during the main wash process can be set higher than in the case of sebum stains in order to wash away the muddy stains. On the other hand, if the type of stain on the laundry is determined to be sebum, the water level in the water tub 7 during the main wash process can be set lower than in the case of muddy stains in order to save water.

The control unit 6 can also change the way laundry is washed by controlling the operation of the rotatable tub 9 during the main wash process. The control unit 6 controls the operation of the rotatable tub 9 during the main wash process based on the results of the stain determination process. With this configuration, for example, if the type of stain on the laundry is determined to be sebum stains, the motor rotation speed can be increased to perform a beating wash compared to when the laundry is muddy. This increases the cleaning power and allows sebum stains to be thoroughly removed.

The washing machine 1 of this embodiment also includes a heater 60 that heats the wash water in the water tub 7. The control unit 6 controls the operation of the heater 60 in the main wash process based on the results of the stain determination process. With this configuration, for example, if the type of stain on the laundry is determined to be sebum stains, the temperature of the wash water can be made higher than in the case of mud stains, thereby increasing the detergency and allowing the sebum stains to be sufficiently removed.

Although the above describes an example embodiment, the specific aspects are not limited to the above example. In the following description, components similar to those described above will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

(Modification)
(1) When operating the heater 60 that heats the wash water in the main wash process, the control unit 6 may control the output of the heater 60 based on the determination result in the stain determination process. For example, when the control unit 6 determines that the type of stain on the laundry is sebum stain in the stain determination process, the control unit 6 may increase the output of the heater 60 compared to when the type of stain on the laundry is muddy stain. On the other hand, when the control unit 6 determines that the type of stain on the laundry is muddy stain in the stain determination process, the control unit 6 may decrease the output of the heater 60 compared to when the type of stain on the laundry is sebum stain.

(2) The control unit 6 may operate the heater 60 during the dirt determination process. That is, the control unit 6 may execute the dirt determination process while the wash water in the water tub 7 is heated by the heater 60. This configuration allows the dirt determination process to be executed in a state in which the reaction between the wash water and the dirt on the laundry is promoted. This allows the type of dirt on the laundry to be determined with high accuracy.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the foam sensor unit 50 is configured to include a foam sensor 25 consisting of a pressure switch, but this configuration is not limited to this. In a modified example, as shown in FIG. 5, the foam sensor unit 50 may be configured to include a foam sensor 125 consisting of a capacitance switch. The foam sensor 125 includes two electrodes 90a, 90b. The two electrodes 90a, 90b face each other across the air tube 26. When foam generated in the water tub 7 reaches the air trap 39, the foam expands and contracts as the rotatable tub 9 rotates, changing the capacitance between the two electrodes 90a, 90b. The foam sensor 125 is configured to detect the amount of foam generated by detecting this change in capacitance. In a further modified example, the foam sensor 125 may include three or more electrodes.

(4) As shown in FIG. 6, a modified washing machine 1 may include a dirtiness detection sensor 40 that detects the dirtiness of the wash water in the water tub 7. The dirtiness detection sensor 40 is provided at the bottom of the water tub 7. The dirtiness detection sensor 40 is located at the lowest point of the water tub 7. The dirtiness detection sensor 40 includes a transmittance sensor that detects the transmittance of the wash water and/or an electrical conductivity sensor that detects the electrical conductivity of the wash water. Information on the detection value by the dirtiness detection sensor 40 is sent to the control unit 6.

In a modified example, the control unit 6 may adjust the water level in the water tub 7 during the main wash process (S8) based on the detection value of the soiling level detection sensor 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the laundry is muddy and the wash water is highly soiled as detected by the soiling level detection sensor 40 (i.e., when the wash water is relatively dirty and the detection value of the soiling level detection sensor 40 is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value), the control unit 6 may increase the water level in the water tub 7 during the main wash process. The control unit 6 increases the amount of water supplied to the water tub 7 by controlling the opening of the water supply valve 29 during the main wash process. On the other hand, when the laundry is muddy and the wash water is relatively clean as detected by the soiling level detection sensor 40 (i.e., when the wash water is relatively clean and the detection value of the soiling level detection sensor 40 is less than a predetermined reference value), the control unit 6 may lower the water level in the water tub 7 during the main wash process compared to when the wash water is highly soiled. The control unit 6 reduces the amount of water supplied to the water tub 7 by controlling the opening of the water supply valve 29 during the main wash process.

The control unit 6 may also control the operation of the heater 60 during the main wash process based on the detection value of the soiling level detection sensor 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the type of soiling on the laundry is sebum soiling and the level of soiling of the wash water detected by the soiling level detection sensor 40 is high (i.e., when the wash water is relatively dirty and the detection value of the soiling level detection sensor 40 is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value), the control unit 6 may operate the heater 60 during the main wash process. On the other hand, when the type of soiling on the laundry is sebum soiling and the level of soiling of the wash water detected by the soiling level detection sensor 40 is low (i.e., when the wash water is relatively clean and the detection value of the soiling level detection sensor 40 is less than a predetermined reference value), the control unit 6 may stop the heater 60 during the main wash process.

(5) As shown in FIG. 8 , the washing machine 1 of this modified example may include a communication unit 8. The communication unit 8 is connected to a network 72, such as the Internet. The control unit 6 can acquire predetermined information from the server 70 via the communication unit 8 and the network 72. For example, the control unit 6 acquires detergent information about the detergent used in the washing machine 1 from the server 70. The detergent information includes information such as the detergent brand, ingredients, and recommended usage amount. The control unit 6 may change the reference value T shown in FIG. 3 (i.e., the reference value T used to determine the type of soiling of laundry) based on the detergent information acquired from the server 70. For example, if the control unit 6 determines that the detergent is easy to lather based on the detergent information, the control unit 6 may increase the reference value T. Furthermore, if the control unit 6 determines that the detergent is difficult to lather based on the detergent information, the control unit 6 may decrease the reference value T.

The degree to which the wash water in the water tub 7 foams may vary depending on the detergent used. Therefore, by changing the reference value T based on detergent information, the type of dirt on the laundry can be appropriately determined.

(6) As shown in FIG. 8 , the washing machine 1 of this modified example may be equipped with a temperature sensor 80 (an example of a temperature detection unit) that detects the temperature of the wash water in the water tub 7. The temperature sensor 80 is provided, for example, at the bottom of the water tub 7. Information on the value detected by the temperature sensor 80 is sent to the control unit 6.

The control unit 6 may change the reference value T shown in FIG. 3 (i.e., the reference value T used to determine the type of soiling of laundry) based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 80. For example, the control unit 6 may increase the reference value T when the detection value of the temperature sensor 80 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, and may decrease the reference value T when the detection value of the temperature sensor 80 is below the predetermined threshold.

The degree of foaming of the wash water in the water tub 7 can vary depending on the temperature of the wash water. Therefore, by changing the reference value T based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 80, the type of dirt on the laundry can be appropriately determined.

(7) In the above-described embodiment, there was one reference value T and two types of stains when determining the type of stain on laundry, but this configuration is not limited to this. In a modified example, the control unit 6 may be configured to determine three or more types of stains based on two or more reference values T.

(8) While the washing machine 1 in the above-described embodiment was a drum type, it is not limited to this configuration. As shown in FIG. 9, a modified washing machine 100 may be configured as a vertical type. This washing machine 100 is equipped with a pulsator 102 (an example of a rotor) that agitates the water in the water tub 7. The washing machine 100 also is equipped with a motor 110 (an example of a second motor) that rotates the rotating tub 9 and/or the pulsator 102, and a power transmission mechanism 104 that transmits the rotation of the motor 110 to the rotating tub 9 and/or the pulsator 102.

The pulsator 102 is located at the bottom of the spin tub 9. The pulsator 102 is rotatably positioned within the spin tub 9. The rotation of the pulsator 102 agitates the laundry and water in the spin tub 9.

The motor 110 is disposed within the housing 2 and is mechanically connected to the rotating tub 9 and the pulsator 102 via the power transmission mechanism 104. Rotation of the motor 110 causes the rotating tub 9 and/or the pulsator 102 to rotate. The power transmission mechanism 104 is disposed within the housing 2 and is mechanically connected to the motor 110, the rotating tub 9, and the pulsator 102. The power transmission mechanism 104 includes, for example, gears, pulleys, and a clutch, and transmits the rotation of the motor 110 to the rotating tub 9 and/or the pulsator 102. The power transmission mechanism 104 can switch the destination of the power transmission by switching the clutch. For example, switching the clutch of the power transmission mechanism 104 switches between a state in which the power of the motor 110 is transmitted to the rotating tub 9 and a state in which the power of the motor 110 is transmitted to the pulsator 102. The power of the motor 110 may also be transmitted to both the rotating tub 9 and the pulsator 102.

In the washing machine 100 of the modified example, when the control unit 6 executes the dirt determination process (S6), it executes the dirt determination process with the motor 110 stopped. That is, the control unit 6 executes the dirt determination process with the pulsator 102 not rotating. As a result, the dirt determination process is executed without agitating the wash water in the water tub 7. With this configuration, as in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of the type of dirt on the laundry and to accurately determine the type of dirt on the laundry. When the pulsator 102 rotates, the wash water in the water tub 7 may be agitated and foamed. However, with the above-described configuration, the dirt determination process is executed with the pulsator 102 stopped from rotating, thereby preventing erroneous determination of the type of dirt on the laundry.

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technology exemplified in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful.

1: washing machine, 2: housing, 5: operation panel, 6: control unit, 7: water tub, 8: communication unit, 9: rotating tub, 10: motor, 14: water inlet, 15: drain outlet, 16: internal drain hose, 17: filter unit, 19: drain valve, 20: drain pipe, 21: circulation pump, 22: water supply hose, 23: fountain nozzle, 25: foam sensor, 26: air tube, 27: water supply unit, 29: water supply valve, 30: connection pipe, 31: water filling case, 32: water supply hose, 39: air trap, 40: temperature detection sensor, 50: foam sensor unit, 60: heater, 70: server, 72: network, 80: temperature sensor, 90a: electrode, 90b: electrode, 110: motor, 102: pulsator, 125: foam sensor

Claims (13)

Aquarium and
a water supply path for supplying water into the water tank;
a water supply valve provided in the water supply path;
a rotating tub disposed within the water tub;
a first motor that rotates the rotating tub;
a circulation path connected to the bottom of the water tub, for taking in the wash water from the bottom of the water tub and returning it back into the water tub;
a circulation pump provided in the circulation path;
a bubble detector provided on an upper portion of the water tank and configured to detect the amount of bubbles generated in the water tank;
a control unit,
The bubble detection unit includes an air trap communicating with the inside of the water tank and a sensor for detecting a pressure change in the air trap,
The control unit is capable of executing a dirt determination process that determines the type of dirt on the laundry based on the detection value of the foam detection unit, and executes the dirt determination process with the circulation pump stopped. Aquarium and
a water supply path for supplying water into the water tank;
a water supply valve provided in the water supply path;
a rotor disposed within the water tank;
a second motor that rotates the rotor;
a bubble detector provided on an upper portion of the water tank and configured to detect the amount of bubbles generated in the water tank;
a control unit,
The bubble detection unit includes an air trap communicating with the inside of the water tank and a sensor for detecting a pressure change in the air trap,
The control unit is capable of executing a dirt determination process that determines the type of dirt on the laundry based on the detection value of the foam detection unit, and executes the dirt determination process while the second motor is stopped. A washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the foam detection unit comprises multiple electrodes. 4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is capable of executing a main wash process after the dirt determination process is completed, and controls the water supply valve to execute the dirt determination process in a state where the water level in the water tub during the dirt determination process is lower than the water level in the water tub during the main wash process. A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is capable of executing a pre-wash process before starting the dirt determination process. Further, a heating unit is provided to heat the washing water in the water tub.
The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit executes the contamination determining step in a state in which the washing water in the water tub is heated by the heating unit. The washing machine further includes a dirtiness detection unit that detects the dirtiness of the wash water in the water tub,
7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is capable of executing a main wash process after the dirt determination process is completed, and controls the water supply valve based on the detection value of the dirt level detection unit to adjust the water level in the water tub during the main wash process. a dirtiness detection unit that detects the dirtiness of the wash water in the water tub;
A heating unit that heats the wash water in the water tub,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit is capable of executing a main wash process after the dirt determination process is completed, and controls the operation of the heating unit in the main wash process based on the detection value of the dirt level detection unit. A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit is capable of executing a main wash process after the dirt determination process is completed, and controls the water supply valve to adjust the water level in the water tub during the main wash process based on the results of the dirt determination process. The washing machine according to claim 1 or any one of claims 3 to 9 dependent on claim 1, wherein the control unit is capable of executing a main wash process after the dirt determination process is completed, is capable of changing the way laundry is washed by controlling the operation of the first motor in the main wash process, and controls the operation of the first motor in the main wash process based on the determination result in the dirt determination process. Further, a heating unit is provided to heat the washing water in the water tub.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit is capable of executing a main wash process after the dirt determination process is completed, and controls the operation of the heating unit in the main wash process based on a determination result in the dirt determination process. Further comprising a communication unit,
12. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires detergent information related to a detergent used in the washing machine via the communication unit, and changes a reference value for determining a type of soiling of the laundry based on the acquired detergent information. Further provided is a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the washing water in the water tub,
The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes a reference value used to determine the type of soiling of the laundry based on the value detected by the temperature detection unit.