JP7407986B2 - clothing processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to garment processing devices.

Conventionally, washing machines, which are an example of clothing processing devices that perform predetermined processing on clothes, have been provided with a manual input section into which clothing processing agents such as detergent and fabric softener are manually input by the user. ing. In recent years, in order to meet the demands of users for improved convenience, washing machines have been able to store clothing treatment agents in advance in multiple doses in a tank for automatic loading, and automatically dispense the required amount from the tank during the washing operation. A configuration has been developed that includes an automatic loading section that automatically puts water into an aquarium (for example, see Patent Document 1). That is, development of washing machines that include both a manual loading section and an automatic loading section is underway.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-11618

By the way, in washing machines, there is a concern that the clothing treatment agent will stick to the supply route that supplies the clothing treatment agent into the tank, and therefore, the development of technology for cleaning the supply route is progressing. . The inventor of the present application has provided a manual supply path for supplying the clothing treatment agent that is manually inputted by the user into the tank, and a system for supplying the clothing treatment agent that is automatically inputted by the automatic input section into the tank. Focusing on the configuration in which each automatic supply route is provided with a water supply valve, we are developing a technology that can efficiently clean the supply route using this configuration.

Accordingly, the present embodiment provides a clothing processing apparatus in which the manual supply route and the automatic supply route are each provided with a water supply valve, and the supply route can be efficiently cleaned.

The clothing processing device of the present embodiment includes an outer box, a clothing processing tank provided inside the outer box for accommodating clothing, a tank for storing a clothing processing agent for treating clothing, and connected to an external water source. a water supply valve unit for supplying the clothing treatment agent stored in the tank into the clothing treatment tank; and an automatic input unit for supplying the clothing treatment agent that is manually input by the user into the clothing treatment tank. a manual supply route, an automatic supply route for supplying the clothing treatment agent automatically injected by the automatic input unit into the clothing treatment tank, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the water supply valve unit. The water supply valve unit is capable of supplying water to the manual supply route and the automatic supply route, and the control unit controls the manual supply route and the automatic supply route by controlling the operation of the water supply valve unit. A cleaning process for cleaning the automatic supply route can be executed, and in the cleaning process, the manual supply route may be controlled to supply water only to at least one of the manual supply route and the automatic supply route; It is possible to control the supply of water to both the supply route and the automatic supply route at the same time. Alternatively, in the washing process, the clothes processing apparatus of this embodiment provides a period in which water is not supplied to both the manual supply route and the automatic supply route.

A longitudinal side view schematically showing a configuration example of a washing machine according to the present embodiment A diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a water supply unit according to the present embodiment A block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a control system of a washing machine according to the present embodiment A diagram schematically showing an example of a normal pattern according to the present embodiment A diagram schematically showing an example of the first deformation pattern according to the present embodiment A diagram schematically showing an example of the second deformation pattern according to the present embodiment A diagram schematically showing an example of the third deformation pattern according to the present embodiment Flowchart (Part 1) schematically showing a control example of the washing machine according to the present embodiment Flowchart (Part 2) schematically showing a control example of the washing machine according to the present embodiment

Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments related to a clothing processing device will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that substantially the same configurations in the plurality of embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

(First embodiment)
A washing machine 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example of a clothing processing device that can perform predetermined processing on clothing, in this case at least washing processing, rinsing processing, and dehydration processing. Further, the washing machine 1 is a so-called drum-type washing machine in which the central axis of rotation of the rotating tub extends in a horizontal direction or in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

The washing machine 1 includes a washing tank 3 for washing clothes inside a rectangular box-shaped outer box 2 forming the outer shell of the washing machine 1. The washing tank 3 is an example of a clothes processing tank, and has a configuration in which a bottomed cylindrical drum is rotatably provided inside a bottomed cylindrical water tank. A large number of small holes are provided on the peripheral wall of the drum, and a baffle for picking up clothes is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drum. The front opening of the cleaning tank 3 can be opened and closed by a door 5 provided at the front of the outer box 2. By opening the door 5, the user can take clothes in and out of the washing tank 3 through the front opening of the washing tank 3.

The washing machine 1 also includes a water supply section 4 for supplying water into the washing tank 3, and a drainage section 6 for draining water in the washing tank 3 to the outside of the machine. The water supply section 4 is configured to include a water supply valve unit 10 and the like in the middle of a water supply path extending from a water source (not shown) such as a tap water source to the cleaning tank 3, for example. Further, the drainage section 6 is configured to include a drainage valve 7 and the like in the middle of a drainage path extending from the bottom of the cleaning tank 3 to the outside of the machine. Water is stored in the cleaning tank 3 by supplying water into the cleaning tank 3 by the water supply unit 4 while the drain valve 7 is closed. Further, by opening the drain valve 7, the water in the cleaning tank 3 is discharged to the outside of the machine via the drain path.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the water supply unit 4 includes a water supply valve unit 10, an automatic injection unit 11, a water injection case 12, etc. in the middle of a water supply path extending from a water source (not shown) to the cleaning tank 3. . The inlet of the water supply valve unit 10 is connected to a water source (not shown), such as a tap. Moreover, the water supply valve unit 10 has at least two water supply valves 10a and 10b. The water supply valve 10a is an example of a manual water supply valve, and is connected to the water injection case 12 via a manual supply path 13a. The water supply valve 10b is an example of an automatic water supply valve, and is connected to the water injection case 12 via an automatic supply path 13b. Hereinafter, the water supply valve 10a will be referred to as the manual water supply valve 10a, and the water supply valve 10b will be referred to as the automatic water supply valve 10b. The outlet of the water injection case 12 is connected to the cleaning tank 3 via a water supply hose 14.

The automatic dispenser 11 includes a detergent tank 15 and a softener tank 16. The detergent tank 15 and the softener tank 16 are detachably attached to the water supply section 4 . In the detergent tank 15, it is possible to store a clothing treatment agent for multiple operations, in this case, a detergent for washing the clothes in the washing tank 3. In the softener tank 16, it is possible to store a clothing treatment agent for a plurality of operations, in this case, a softener for softening the clothes in the washing tank 3.

The detergent tank 15 is connected to the automatic supply path 13b via a detergent metering pump 17. The detergent metering pump 17 is configured to suck and deliver liquid by driving a piston with an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid. The detergent metering pump 17 sucks a predetermined amount of detergent from the detergent tank 15, in this case, the amount used for one operation, and sends the sucked detergent into the automatic supply path 13b. The detergent sent into the automatic supply path 13b is introduced into the water injection case 12 together with the water supplied from the automatic water supply valve 10b of the water supply valve unit 10. The detergent introduced into the water injection case 12 is supplied into the cleaning tank 3 via the water supply hose 14 together with the water also introduced into the water injection case 12. As a result, detergent is automatically poured into the cleaning tank 3 from the detergent tank 15. Note that the detergent metering pump 17 is not limited to one that sucks liquid, but may be one that pushes out liquid, for example.

The softener tank 16 is connected to the automatic supply path 13b via a softener metering pump 18. The softener metering pump 18 is configured to suck and deliver liquid by driving a piston with an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid. The softener metering pump 18 sucks a predetermined amount of softener from the softener tank 16, in this case, the amount used for one operation, and sends the sucked softener into the automatic supply path 13b. . The softener sent into the automatic supply path 13b is introduced into the water injection case 12 together with the water supplied from the automatic water supply valve 10b of the water supply valve unit 10. The softener introduced into the water injection case 12 is supplied into the cleaning tank 3 via the water supply hose 14 together with the water also introduced into the water injection case 12. As a result, the softener is automatically poured into the cleaning tank 3 from the softener tank 16. Note that the softener metering pump 18 is not limited to one that sucks liquid, but may be one that pushes out liquid, for example.

Further, a manual injection case 12a is accommodated in the water injection case 12 so as to be removable. The manual injection case 12a is provided with a manual detergent injection section (not shown) into which detergent is manually inputted by the user, and a manual softener injection section (not shown) into which the softener is manually inputted by the user. There is. The detergent put into the manual detergent dispenser or the softener put into the manual softener dispenser is together with the water injected into the water injection case 12 from the water supply valve unit 10 via the manual supply path 13a. The water is supplied into the cleaning tank 3 via the water supply hose 14.

In the water supply unit 4 configured as described above, the manual supply route 13a constitutes a supply route for supplying clothing processing agents such as detergent and fabric softener that are manually added by the user into the washing tank 3. ing. Further, the automatic supply route 13b constitutes a supply route for supplying the laundry treatment agent such as detergent and fabric softener that the automatic supply unit 11 automatically supplies into the washing tank 3.

Next, a configuration example of the control system of the washing machine 1 will be explained. The control device 50 illustrated in FIG. 3 is an example of a control section. The control device 50 is mainly configured with a microcomputer, for example, and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 based on a control program and various setting information. The control device 50 includes various drive system components such as a drain valve 7, a manual water supply valve 10a, an automatic water supply valve 10b, a detergent metering pump 17, a softener metering pump 18, and a drum rotating motor (not shown). The controller 50 controls these operations. Further, a water temperature sensor 19 is connected to the control device 50 as an example of a sensor. The water temperature sensor 19 is mainly composed of, for example, a thermistor, and in this case is configured to be able to detect the temperature of the water supplied to the water supply valve unit 10.

Further, an operation unit 20 is connected to the control device 50. The operation unit 20 includes, for example, a touch button formed on a display panel 40 provided on the upper front surface of the outer box 2, a mechanical operation button provided near the display panel 40, and the like. The operation unit 20 includes various types of information related to driving, such as setting buttons for setting the driving course to be executed, driving time, etc., and buttons for starting or temporarily stopping driving. Further, the operation unit 20 includes a setting button for setting whether or not the automatic injection unit 11 automatically adds laundry treatment agents such as detergent and fabric softener. In this case, the operation unit 20 is configured to enable or disable the automatic injection of detergent and the automatic injection of softener, respectively.

Furthermore, a storage unit 21 is connected to the control device 50 . The storage unit 21 is made up of a storage medium such as a memory, and stores various information related to driving, such as settings set via the operation unit 20. Further, the storage unit 21 can store past operation history, for example, the number of times the operation was executed in the past, and furthermore, the operation is executed in a state where execution of automatic injection of clothing treatment agent is set. It is possible to store the number of times the operation was performed separately, and the number of times the operation was performed in a state where execution of automatic injection of the clothes treatment agent was not set.

In the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the control device 50 is configured to be able to execute a cleaning process for cleaning a plurality of supply routes, in this case, the manual supply route 13a and the automatic supply route 13b. In this case, the control device 50 is configured to execute the cleaning process of the supply route by controlling the operations of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. This cleaning process will be explained in detail below.

In the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the control device 50 is configured to be able to execute the washing process by switching between a plurality of patterns. Each pattern will be explained in turn below.

(Normal pattern)
As illustrated in FIG. 4, a normal pattern includes a plurality of cleaning sets, in this case two cleaning sets. The first set includes a plurality of time periods, in this case seven time periods, and the second set includes a plurality of time periods, in this case seven time periods.

In the first period of the first set, the control device 50 operates the manual water supply valve 10a for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the automatic water supply valve 10b. As a result, water is supplied to the manual supply path 13a in the first period of the first set. In the second period of the first set, the control device 50 operates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a. As a result, water is supplied to the automatic supply path 13b in the second period of the first set.

Here, in the first period and the second period of the first set, the control device 50 independently operates the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. That is, the control device 50 operates the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the independent operation mode. Further, in this independent operation mode, the control device 50 sets the time for operating the manual water supply valve 10a and the time for operating the automatic water supply valve 10b to be the same time. However, the control device 50 may set the time for operating the manual water supply valve 10a and the time for operating the automatic water supply valve 10b to be different times.

In the third period, fourth period, and fifth period of the first set, the control device 50 stops the operation of both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. As a result, the supply of water to both the manual supply route 13a and the automatic supply route 13b is stopped during the third, fourth, and fifth periods of the first set. In the sixth period of the first set, the control device 50 operates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a. Thereby, water comes to be supplied to the automatic supply path 13b in the 6th period of the 1st set.

In addition, in the cleaning process, it is also possible to clean the inside of the detergent tank 15 and the inside of the softener tank 16. In this case, the user stores water or hot water in the detergent tank 15 and the softener tank 16. The user also sets, via the operation unit 20, execution of a pump cleaning process for cleaning the interior of the detergent tank 15 and the interior of the softener tank 16. Note that the liquid stored in the detergent tank 15 and the softener tank 16 during the cleaning process may be a cleaning liquid. Examples of the cleaning liquid include a liquid containing a component having a cleaning function such as citric acid, water, and hot water.

When execution of the pump cleaning process is set, the control device 50 operates the automatic input unit 11 during the first period to the sixth period of the first set. The predetermined time for operating the automatic input unit 11, in other words, the time required from the start of the first period to the end of the sixth period is, for example, about 300 seconds. Further, when operating the automatic feeding section 11, both the detergent metering pump 17 and the softener metering pump 18 may be operated, or either the detergent metering pump 17 or the softener metering pump 18 may be operated. Either one may be operated. Moreover, the detergent metering pump 17 and the softener metering pump 18 may be operated while being switched alternately, or the detergent metering pump 17 and the softener metering pump 18 may be operated simultaneously.

Note that the settings of the pumps 17 and 18 to be operated in the pump cleaning process described above, in other words, the settings of which pumps 17 and 18 are to be operated, can be set by the user via the operation unit 20, for example. It becomes. Note that the settings of the pumps 17 and 18 to be operated in the pump cleaning process may be automatically set by the control device 50 according to, for example, the operation history of the washing machine 1.

In the seventh period of the first set, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. Further, the control device 50 stops the operation of the automatic input section 11. That is, this seventh period is provided as a standby period in which cleaning is not substantially performed. The predetermined time for stopping the operations of the automatic water supply valve 10b, the manual water supply valve 10a, and the automatic input unit 11, in other words, the seventh period that is the standby period is, for example, about 20 seconds.

Next, in the first period of the second set, the control device 50 operates the manual water supply valve 10a for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the automatic water supply valve 10b. As a result, water is supplied to the manual supply path 13a in the first period of the second set. In the second period, third period, fourth period, and fifth period of the second set, the control device 50 stops the operation of both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. As a result, water supply to both the manual supply route 13a and the automatic supply route 13b is stopped during the second, third, fourth, and fifth periods of the second set. In the sixth period of the second set, the control device 50 operates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a. As a result, water is supplied to the automatic supply path 13b in the sixth period of the second set.

Note that when the execution of the pump cleaning process is set, the control device 50 operates the automatic input unit 11 from the first period to the sixth period of the second set. The predetermined time for operating the automatic input unit 11, in other words, the time required from the start of the first period to the end of the sixth period is, for example, about 300 seconds. Further, when operating the automatic feeding section 11, both the detergent metering pump 17 and the softener metering pump 18 may be operated, or either the detergent metering pump 17 or the softener metering pump 18 may be operated. Either one may be operated. Moreover, the detergent metering pump 17 and the softener metering pump 18 may be operated while being switched alternately, or the detergent metering pump 17 and the softener metering pump 18 may be operated simultaneously.

The settings for the pumps 17 and 18 operated in the pump cleaning process described above may be set manually by the user via the operation unit 20, or may be set automatically by the control device 50. It's okay.

In the seventh period of the second set, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. Further, the control device 50 stops the operation of the automatic input section 11. That is, this seventh period is provided as a standby period in which cleaning is not substantially performed. The predetermined time for stopping the operations of the automatic water supply valve 10b, the manual water supply valve 10a, and the automatic input unit 11, in other words, the seventh period that is the standby period is, for example, about 40 seconds. That is, the control device 50 sets the waiting period in the first set and the waiting time in the second set to be different times. Note that the control device 50 may set the waiting period in the first set and the waiting time in the second set to be the same time.

Further, in the normal pattern configured as described above, the control device 50 is configured to also control the operation of the drain valve 7. In this case, the control device 50 closes the drain valve 7 during the first period of the first set and opens the drain valve 7 from the start of the second period of the first set to the end of the seventh period of the second set. It is composed of

In addition to the normal pattern configured as described above, the control device 50 is configured to be able to execute a plurality of modified patterns, in this case three. Each deformation pattern will be explained below.

(First deformation pattern)
The first modified pattern is based on the above-described normal pattern, with changes made to the operating time of the manual water supply valve 10a. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the control device 50 continuously operates the manual water supply valve 10a over the first period and the second period of the first set. Therefore, the control device 50 operates the manual water supply valve 10a for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 20 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the automatic water supply valve 10b.

In the third period of the first set, the control device 50 operates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a. Here, in the first period, second period, and third period of the first set, the control device 50 independently operates the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. That is, the control device 50 operates the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the independent operation mode. Further, in this independent operation mode, the control device 50 sets the time for operating the manual water supply valve 10a and the time for operating the automatic water supply valve 10b to be different times.

In the fourth period and the fifth period of the first set, the control device 50 stops the operation of both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. In the sixth period of the first set, the control device 50 operates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a. In the seventh period of the first set, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b.

In this case, the operations of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the second set are the same as in the first set. However, the control device 50 sets the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the second set to be different from the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the first set. Good too. Further, the operations of the automatic input section 11 and the drain valve 7 in this first modified pattern are similar to those in the normal pattern described above. However, the control device 50 may set the operations of the automatic input unit 11 and the drain valve 7 in this first modified pattern to be different from the normal pattern described above.

(Second deformation pattern)
The second modified pattern is based on the above-mentioned normal pattern, with changes made to the operating time of the automatic water supply valve 10b. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the control device 50 operates the automatic water supply valve 10b continuously over the first period and the second period of the first set. Therefore, the control device 50 operates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 20 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a.

In the third period of the first set, the control device 50 operates the manual water supply valve 10a for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the automatic water supply valve 10b. Here, in the first period, second period, and third period of the first set, the control device 50 independently operates the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. That is, the control device 50 operates the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the independent operation mode. Further, in this independent operation mode, the control device 50 sets the time for operating the manual water supply valve 10a and the time for operating the automatic water supply valve 10b to be different times.

In the fourth period and the fifth period of the first set, the control device 50 stops the operation of both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. In the sixth period of the first set, the control device 50 operates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a. In the seventh period of the first set, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b.

In this case, the operations of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the second set are the same as in the first set. However, the control device 50 sets the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the second set to be different from the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the first set. Good too. Further, the operations of the automatic input section 11 and the drain valve 7 in this second modified pattern are similar to those in the normal pattern described above. However, the control device 50 may set the operations of the automatic input section 11 and the drain valve 7 in this second modified pattern to be different from the normal pattern described above.

(Third deformation pattern)
The third modified pattern is based on the above-mentioned normal pattern, with changes made to the operating times of the automatic water supply valve 10b and the manual water supply valve 10b. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the control device 50 operates both the automatic water supply valve 10b and the manual water supply valve 10b in the first period of the first set. Here, in the first period of the first set, the control device 50 simultaneously operates both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. That is, the control device 50 operates the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the simultaneous operation mode. Further, in this simultaneous operation mode, the control device 50 sets the time for operating the manual water supply valve 10a and the time for operating the automatic water supply valve 10b to be the same time.

In the second period of the first set, the control device 50 operates the manual water supply valve 10a for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the automatic water supply valve 10b.

In the third period, fourth period, and fifth period of the first set, the control device 50 stops the operation of both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. In the sixth period of the first set, the control device 50 operates the automatic water supply valve 10b for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 10 seconds. At this time, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a. In the seventh period of the first set, the control device 50 stops the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b.

In this case, the operations of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the second set are the same as in the first set. However, the control device 50 sets the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the second set to be different from the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the first set. Good too. Further, the operations of the automatic input section 11 and the drain valve 7 in this third modified pattern are similar to those in the normal pattern described above. However, the control device 50 may set the operation of the automatic input unit 11 and the drain valve 7 in this third modified pattern to be different from the normal pattern described above.

The control device 50 is configured to be able to appropriately switch and execute the plurality of patterns related to the cleaning process described above depending on the conditions. Next, an example of a control flow when the control device 50 switches the cleaning process pattern will be described.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the control device 50 checks whether the number of times the operation has been performed in the past exceeds a predetermined number of times (A1). Note that the predetermined number of times in this step A1 can be changed and set as appropriate, and in this case, for example, 30 times is set. Further, the number of times the operation has been executed in the past can be specified by storing the number of times of execution in the storage unit 21 each time the control device 50 executes the operation.

If the number of times the operation has been executed in the past has not exceeded the predetermined number of times (A1: NO), the control device 50 sets the pattern of the cleaning process to the normal pattern and executes the cleaning process (A2). On the other hand, if the number of times the operation has been executed in the past exceeds the predetermined number (A1: YES), the control device 50 checks whether the number of manual operations is greater than the number of automatic operations (A3). The number of manual operations is the number of times the operation is performed in a state where execution of automatic injection of the clothing treatment agent is not set. Further, the automatic number of times is the number of times the operation has been performed in a state where execution of automatic injection of the clothing treatment agent is set. The manual number of times and the automatic number of times can be specified by storing the respective number of times of execution in the storage unit 21 each time the control device 50 executes the operation.

If the number of manual operations is not greater than the number of automatic operations (A3: NO), the control device 50 sets the pattern of the cleaning process to the second modified pattern and executes the cleaning process (A4). On the other hand, if the manual number of times is greater than the automatic number of times (A3: YES), the control device 50 sets the pattern of the cleaning process to the first modified pattern and executes the cleaning process (A5).

Further, FIG. 9 shows an example of a control flow different from the control flow illustrated in FIG. 8. That is, if the number of times the operation has been executed in the past has not exceeded the predetermined number (B1: NO), or if the number of manual operations is not greater than the number of automatic operations (B3: NO), The cleaning process is executed by setting the cleaning process pattern to the normal pattern (B2). On the other hand, if the number of manual operations is greater than the number of automatic operations (B3: YES), the control device 50 sets the pattern of the cleaning process to the third modified pattern and executes the cleaning process (B5).

According to the washing machine 1 described above, the control device 50 cleans the manual supply path 13a and the automatic supply path 13b by controlling the operations of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b. The process can be executed. According to this configuration, by appropriately switching the operations of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b, the water supply to the manual supply route 13a and the automatic supply route 13b can be intentionally switched. Each of the supply route 13a and the automatic supply route 13b can be cleaned. That is, according to the washing machine 1, the manual supply route 13a and the automatic supply route 13b are provided with water supply valves 10a and 10b, respectively, to efficiently wash the supply routes 13a and 13b, respectively. Can be done.

Further, according to the washing machine 1, the control device 50 can operate the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b independently in the washing process, and the independent operation mode in which the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b are individually operated. 10b can be operated at the same time.

Here, according to the independent operation mode in which the plurality of water supply valves 10a and 10b are operated independently, the manual supply route 13a to which the manual water supply valve 10a is connected or the automatic supply route 13b to which the automatic water supply valve 10b is connected. water can be concentrated and supplied to each. On the other hand, according to the simultaneous operation mode in which a plurality of water supply valves 10a and 10b are operated simultaneously, water is supplied to the manual supply route 13a to which the manual water supply valve 10a is connected and the automatic supply route 13b to which the automatic water supply valve 10b is connected. Can be distributed and supplied. Therefore, according to the washing machine 1, by appropriately switching the operation modes of the water supply valves 10a and 10b in this way, the manner in which water is supplied to the manual supply path 13a and the automatic supply path 13b, in other words, the cleaning manner can be changed. It can be switched as appropriate.

To explain a specific example, in the initial stage of the cleaning process, for example, it is assumed that there is a clothing treatment agent remaining in the automatic supply path 13b, and in such a case, a large amount of water flows into the automatic supply path 13b. If it is supplied intensively into the interior of the container 13b, there is a concern that foaming, water leakage, bubble leakage, etc. may occur. Therefore, at the beginning of the cleaning process, by operating the water supply valves 10a and 10b in the simultaneous operation mode, water is dispersed into the respective supply paths 13a and 13b, and the amount of water supplied into the automatic supply path 13b is suppressed. It is a good idea to do so. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start of the cleaning process, it is assumed that the clothing treatment agent remaining in the automatic supply path 13b has been washed away to some extent or completely. It is preferable to switch the operation mode to an independent operation mode. Thereby, a large amount of water can be supplied in a concentrated manner into the automatic supply path 13b, and the inside of the automatic supply path 13b can be efficiently cleaned.

As described above, according to the washing machine 1, by appropriately switching the operation mode of the water supply valves 10a and 10b between the independent operation mode and the simultaneous operation mode, appropriate washing is performed according to the degree of dirt in the supply paths 13a and 13b. becomes possible.

Further, according to the washing machine 1, the control device 50 can also operate the automatic loading section 11 when operating the automatic water supply valve 10b to clean the automatic supply path 13b. According to this configuration, when the automatic water supply valve 10b is operated to clean the automatic supply route 13b, the automatic input unit 11 is operated with water or hot water stored in the detergent tank 15 and the softener tank 16. By operating it, the interior of the cleaning tank 15 and the interior of the softener tank 16 can also be cleaned. Note that in this operation, only one of the detergent tank 15 and the softener tank 16 may be used to store water or hot water.

Further, according to the washing machine 1, the control device 50 can change the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the washing process, depending on the operation history. It is assumed that as the operation history of the washing machine 1 increases, for example, the number of times the operation has been performed increases, the amount of dirt in the manual supply route 13a and the automatic supply route 13b increases. Therefore, by appropriately changing the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the cleaning process according to the number of times the operation is performed, it is possible to perform the cleaning process according to the degree of dirt in the supply routes 13a and 13b. can. Note that the operation history is not limited to the number of times the operation has been performed, but may refer to, for example, the elapsed time since the last cleaning process was performed.

Note that, at this time, if the number of manual operations is greater than the number of automatic operations in the past operation history, the control device 50 operates the manual water supply valve 10a independently in the independent operation mode to drain the water in the manual supply path 13a. can be intensively cleaned. On the other hand, if the number of automatic operations is greater than the number of manual operations in the past operation history, the control device 50 operates the automatic water supply valve 10b independently in the independent operation mode to intensively control the automatic water supply path 13b. Can be washed.

Moreover, according to the washing machine 1, the control device 50 can provide a period during which the operation of both the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b is stopped, that is, a standby period. According to this configuration, during this standby period, it is possible to expect that the dirt in the manual supply route 13a and the automatic supply route 13b will be dissolved in water, or that the dirt will be peeled off by the water, and the supply route 13a , 13b can be more effectively cleaned. Further, for example, by opening the drain valve 7 during this standby period, the water used for cleaning stored in the cleaning tank 3 can be quickly discharged to the outside of the machine, and the cleaning process of the supply routes 13a and 13b can be performed. It is possible to suppress the dirt removed by the cleaning tank 3 from re-adhering inside the cleaning tank 3.

(Second embodiment)
In this embodiment, the control device 50 operates the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the cleaning process according to the detection result by the water temperature sensor 19, that is, the temperature of the water supplied to the water supply valve unit 10. is configured to change. Specifically, when the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 19 is higher than a predetermined upper limit temperature, the control device 50 controls the operation time for operating the manual water supply valve 10a and the operation time for operating the automatic water supply valve 10b. at least one of them is made shorter than a predetermined standard operating time. Further, when the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 19 is lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature, the control device 50 controls at least one of the operation time for operating the manual water supply valve 10a and the operation time for operating the automatic water supply valve 10b. or one longer than the predetermined standard operating time. Note that the predetermined upper limit temperature, lower limit temperature, and standard operating time can be changed and set as appropriate.

According to the second embodiment, when the water temperature is high, it is easy to remove dirt with water, so even if the operating time of the water supply valves 10a and 10b is shortened, the supply paths 13a and 13b cannot be sufficiently cleaned. In addition, the cleaning time can be shortened. On the other hand, when the water temperature is low, it becomes difficult to remove dirt with water, so cleaning of the supply paths 13a and 13b can be promoted by increasing the operating time of the water supply valves 10a and 10b.

(Third embodiment)
In this embodiment, the water temperature sensor 19 is provided in the cleaning tank 3 and is configured to detect the temperature of the water in the cleaning tank 3. During execution of the cleaning process, water that has passed through the manual supply route 13a or the automatic supply route 13b is supplied into the cleaning tank 3. Therefore, by detecting the temperature of the water in the cleaning tank 3, the temperature of the water supplied into the manual supply path 13a or the automatic supply path 13b can be indirectly detected.

In this case, the control device 50 is configured to execute the detection process using the water temperature sensor 19 with the drain valve 7 closed. Also in this embodiment, the control device 50 is configured to change the operation of the manual water supply valve 10a and the automatic water supply valve 10b in the cleaning process according to the detection result by the water temperature sensor 19.

According to the third embodiment, in the configuration in which the temperature of the water supplied into the supply paths 13a and 13b is indirectly detected based on the temperature of the water in the cleaning tank 3, the temperature of the water in the cleaning tank 3 is detected. In this case, the drain valve 7 is kept closed. According to this configuration, the water temperature can be detected while a sufficient amount of water is stored in the cleaning tank 3. Therefore, even when the water temperature is detected indirectly, the detection accuracy can be improved, and the operation of the water supply valves 10a, 10b can be controlled with high precision according to the water temperature.

(Other embodiments)
Note that this embodiment is not limited to the plurality of embodiments described above, and various changes and expansions can be made without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the plurality of embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate. Further, the washing machine 1 may have a configuration including three or more plurality of supply routes, and each of the plurality of supply routes is provided with a water supply valve. Also in this case, by appropriately switching the operations of the plurality of water supply valves, each of the plurality of supply routes can be efficiently cleaned. Further, the sensor is not limited to the water temperature sensor 19, and may be, for example, an odor sensor, a water quality sensor, a humidity sensor, a turbidity sensor, or the like. Further, the washing machine 1 may be configured to include a plurality of types of sensors as described above.

Further, the number of sets constituting the cleaning process is not limited to two, and may be one, or may be three or more. Further, the period constituting one set is not limited to seven periods, and can be changed and set as appropriate.

Further, the washing machine 1 may be configured to include a dedicated operation course for executing the above-mentioned washing process. By configuring execution of such a dedicated operation course to be selectable by operating the operation unit 20, the cleaning process can be executed according to the user's intention. Note that the execution of such a dedicated driving course may be configured such that, for example, the control device 50 automatically executes it according to the driving history of the washing machine 1. That is, the control device 50 controls the operation based on the fact that the number of times the operation has been performed exceeds a predetermined number of times, for example, in response to the fact that the clothes are taken out from the washing tank 3 and the door 5 is closed after the completion of a normal washing course. A dedicated driving course may be configured to be automatically executed. Note that whether the door 5 is closed can be determined, for example, based on the detection result of a well-known door lock sensor.

Further, when a standby period is provided for the cleaning process, the control device 50 may be configured to execute a finishing process of supplying water with a strong water flow to the supply paths 13a and 13b before starting the standby period. . According to this configuration, it is possible to promote the removal of dirt in the supply paths 13a and 13b before entering the standby period, and it is possible to further improve the cleaning performance.

Further, the control device 50 may be configured to operate the water supply valves 10a and 10b before stopping the operation of the automatic dosing unit 11, in other words, before stopping the operation of the detergent metering pump 17 and the softener metering pump 18. good. According to this configuration, the residual liquid of the clothing treatment agent that flows out from the automatic input unit 11 after the operation of the automatic input unit 11 is stopped can be washed away into the washing tank 3 by the water supplied from the water supply valves 10a and 10b. This makes it possible to prevent the residual liquid of the clothing treatment agent from remaining in the supply paths 13a and 13b.

Further, the tank is not limited to the detergent tank 15 that stores detergent and the softener tank 16 that stores fabric softener, but includes, for example, a deodorizer tank that stores deodorant, and a sterilizer tank that stores disinfectant. Various types of tanks can be suitably employed as long as they are tanks that store various treatment agents used to perform certain treatments on clothing, such as agent tanks. Further, the plurality of tanks provided in the water supply section 4 may be tanks that store the same type of treatment agent, or may be tanks that store different types of treatment agents. Further, the washing machine 1 may have a configuration in which the water supply section 4 includes one tank, or may include a plurality of three or more tanks. Further, the detergent metering pump 17 and the softener metering pump 18 are not limited to those that suck liquid, but may be ones that push out liquid, for example.

Further, the present embodiment can also be applied to a so-called vertical axis type washing machine in which the central axis of rotation of the rotating tub extends in the vertical direction. Further, this embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine having a drying function. Further, this embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine that does not have a drying function. Further, the present embodiment can be applied to various clothing processing devices as long as the device performs some kind of processing on clothing, such as deodorizing, deodorizing, and sterilizing clothing.

Although multiple 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 implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

In the drawing, 1 is a washing machine (clothes processing device), 2 is an outer box, 3 is a washing tank (clothes processing tank), 7 is a drain valve, 10a is a manual water supply valve, 10b is an automatic water supply valve, 11 is an automatic Input unit, 13a is a manual supply route, 13b is an automatic supply route, 15 is a detergent tank (tank), 16 is a softener tank (tank), 19 is a water temperature sensor (sensor), 50 is a control device (control unit) shows.

Claims (8)

outer box and
a clothing processing tank provided inside the outer box and accommodating clothing;
a tank for storing a clothing treatment agent for treating clothing;
a water valve unit connected to an external water source;
an automatic input unit that inputs the clothing treatment agent stored in the tank into the clothing treatment tank;
a manual supply path for supplying a clothing treatment agent manually input by a user into the clothing treatment tank;
an automatic supply path for supplying the clothing treatment agent that the automatic input unit automatically inputs into the clothing treatment tank;
a control unit that controls the operation of the water supply valve unit;
Equipped with
The water supply valve unit is capable of supplying water to the manual supply route and the automatic supply route,
The control unit can execute a cleaning process of cleaning the manual supply route and the automatic supply route by controlling the operation of the water supply valve unit,
In the cleaning process,
Controlling the supply of water to at least one of the manual supply route and the automatic supply route;
Control for simultaneously supplying water to both the manual supply route and the automatic supply route;
Garment processing equipment that can perform outer box and
a clothing processing tank provided inside the outer box and accommodating clothing;
a tank for storing a clothing treatment agent for treating clothing;
a water valve unit connected to an external water source;
an automatic input unit that inputs the clothing treatment agent stored in the tank into the clothing treatment tank;
a manual supply path for supplying a clothing treatment agent manually input by a user into the clothing treatment tank;
an automatic supply path for supplying the clothing treatment agent that the automatic input unit automatically inputs into the clothing treatment tank;
a control unit that controls the operation of the water supply valve unit;
Equipped with
The water supply valve unit is capable of supplying water to the manual supply route and the automatic supply route,
The control unit can execute a cleaning process of cleaning the manual supply route and the automatic supply route by controlling the operation of the water supply valve unit,
In the cleaning process,
A clothing processing device that provides a period during which water is not supplied to both the manual supply route and the automatic supply route. Equipped with a manual detergent dispenser where the user manually dispenses detergent ,
The clothes processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the manual supply route is capable of supplying water to the manual detergent input section without passing through the automatic supply route. Equipped with a manual softener dispenser where the user manually dispenses the softener,
The clothing processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the manual supply route is capable of supplying water to the manual softener input section without passing through the automatic supply route. The period in which water is not supplied to both the manual supply route and the automatic supply route is provided after controlling the supply of water to at least one of the manual supply route and the automatic supply route. The clothing processing device according to claim 2. During a period when water is not supplied to both the manual supply route and the automatic supply route, water is supplied only to the manual supply route, and thereafter water is supplied only to the automatic supply route. The clothing processing apparatus according to claim 5 , which is provided after performing the above. The clothing processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein a period during which water is supplied only to the manual supply route is shorter than a period during which water is supplied only to the automatic supply route. Claim 1: After controlling not to supply water to both the manual supply route and the automatic supply route, control is executed to supply water to both the manual supply route and the automatic supply route at the same time. , 2, or 6. The clothing processing device according to any one of .

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