JP2023133907A - washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine with good usability, allowing a busy user to easily select an operation course.SOLUTION: Before detection of the amount of clothes to be washed in a washing tank with a weight sensor (Yes in step SS51) and before depressing a start button (Yes in step S52), the residual time required for a present washing step is displayed on a residual time display part (step S53). The residual time is determined based on "operation information" in the latest past operation course similar to the present operation course.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

As background technology in this technical field, there is Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-201983 (Patent Document 1). This bulletin states, ``The water level, wash time, number of rinses, spin-drying time, etc. set by the switch input means and the remaining time until the end of washing are displayed on the display means, and the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying steps are sequentially performed by the control means. The switch input means has a laundry required time designation switch that can designate the time required to sequentially operate each process of washing, rinsing, and spin-drying, and the control means has a laundry required time designation switch that can designate the time required to sequentially operate each process of washing, rinsing, and spin-drying, and the control device controls the washing time designation switch when the washing required time designation switch is inputted. , sets the time required to perform a series of sequential operations of washing, rinsing, and spin-drying, and displays the time until the end of washing on the remaining time display section (see summary).

Another background art is JP-A-7-39672 (Patent Document 2). This publication states, ``The washing machine of the present invention is equipped with a washing operation function that automatically executes a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydration process in sequence, and the washing time setting means for setting the washing time is used to increase the washing time. The machine is equipped with a key and a time decrease key, and by operating these keys, the washing operation is controlled by adjusting the length of the operation execution time of each process so that the washing operation ends at the set washing time. ” (see summary).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-201983 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-39672

Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe that the remaining time required for operating a washing machine, such as washing, is displayed to notify the user of the end time of the operation. However, in general, the time required for washing or the like in a washing machine varies depending on the amount of items to be washed and the operating course, which is the mode of operation. Therefore, in general, the timing at which a washing machine displays the remaining time required for operation is to detect the amount (weight) of the items to be washed placed in the washing tub after the user has set the operation course, and then It was only after the amount of fuel and operating time was determined. Therefore, it generally takes about several tens of seconds from when the user selects a driving course until the remaining driving time is displayed.

However, if the time required from selecting a driving course to displaying the remaining driving time is such a long time, the remaining driving time will not be displayed when selecting a driving course, and busy users will be unable to select which driving course. There is a problem that it is difficult to judge whether it is appropriate to choose. That is, there is a demand for improving the usability of washing machines.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that is easy to use.

In order to solve the above problems, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a washing tub, a casing that houses the washing tub, an operation panel provided in the casing, and an object to be washed in the washing tub. A weight sensor that detects the weight of an object, a remaining time display section provided on the operation panel that displays the remaining driving time, a driving course setting section that accepts the setting of the driving course for the current driving, and a driving course setting section that accepts the setting of the driving course for the current driving, and a driving course setting section for accepting the setting of the driving course for the current driving. a storage unit that stores operation information based on the course; and a storage unit that controls at least the washing operation of washing and drying based on the settings by the operation course setting unit, and controls the weight of the object to be washed in the washing tub before the start of washing. a driving control unit that detects the weight sensor using the weight sensor and performs driving based on the detected value; and a driving control unit that detects the weight sensor using the weight sensor and performs driving based on the detected value; and a remaining time display control section that displays the remaining driving time on the remaining time display section.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine that is easy to use.
Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be made clear by the following description of the embodiments.

It is a perspective view showing the external structure of the washing machine in a present example. FIG. 3 is a front view of the washing machine with the outer lid and tank storage lid open. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the washing machine as seen diagonally from above and from the front in a state where the outer lid and the tank storage lid are open. It is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of a washing machine. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the washing machine with the front panel removed. It is a schematic diagram showing the piping route of a washing machine. It is a block diagram showing a control circuit configuration of a washing machine. It is a top view of the operation panel of a washing machine. It is a process diagram explaining a series of operation steps in washing operation (washing, rinsing, spin-drying, etc.) of a washing machine. 7 is a flowchart illustrating control of remaining time display according to the present embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<External configuration of washing machine 1>
The external configuration of the washing machine 1 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. In each of the figures shown below, the directions of front and back, left and right, and up and down are indicated by arrows as necessary. In the illustrated example, the washing machine 1 is a washer/dryer having a function of drying objects to be washed. In the following explanation, an example of a washer/dryer will be explained, but the washing machine of the present invention is not limited to a washer/dryer, and also includes a washing machine without a drying function. Note that in the following description, the object to be washed may be referred to as "clothing".

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a washing machine 1 in this embodiment.
In FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 11, a top cover 12, an outer lid 13, an operation panel 14, a tank storage lid 15, and a front panel 16. The top cover 12, the outer lid 13, and the tank storage lid 15 are respectively arranged at the rear part of the top surface, the center part of the top surface, and the front part of the top surface of the housing 11, and are rotatable with respect to the housing 11 at their rear ends. It is pivoted. Furthermore, an operation panel 14 for operating the washing machine 1 is provided on the upper surface of the outer lid 13.

A first input section 31 is provided below the outer lid 13. The first input unit 31 functions as a manual input unit for a user to manually input laundry processing liquid such as detergent and softener (finishing agent) into the water tank 21 (see FIG. 3). Further, below the tank storage lid 15, a laundry processing liquid injection device 30 for automatically charging the washing processing liquid into the water tank 21 is arranged.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the washing machine 1 with the outer lid 13 and tank storage lid 15 open.
In FIG. 2, the washing treatment liquid input device 30 includes a tank 42, and the tank 42 includes a detergent tank 42a and a softener tank 42b. Further, the upper ends of the tanks 42a and 42b are opened upward, and these openings are called detergent and softener input parts 32a and 32b. Further, both may be collectively referred to as the second input section 32. Further, the input portions 32a and 32b are provided with input port lids 43a and 43b that can be opened and closed by the user. When the inlet lid 43a is closed, the detergent tank 42a is sealed, and when the inlet lid 43b is closed, the softener tank 42b is sealed. Note that the input port lids 43a and 43b may be collectively referred to as the input port lid 43.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the washing machine 1 viewed diagonally from above and from the front, with the outer lid 13 and tank storage lid 15 open.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the outer lid 13 of the washing machine 1 is opened, an opening 11a is formed inside the housing 11. Inside the opening 11a, a water tank 21 that functions as a washing and dehydrating tank into which items to be washed are placed is arranged. Further, the first input portion 31 is disposed at the upper left front portion of the housing 11 and at a position outside the water tank 21 . Further, the tank 42 is disposed at the front upper part of the housing 11 and at a position further forward than the first input section 31 .

The tank 42 accommodates a plurality of wash processing liquids. The laundry treatment liquid injection device 30 measures the laundry treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 and automatically pours an appropriate amount of the laundry treatment liquid into the water tank 21. For this reason, the washing processing liquid input device 30 includes a transfer pump 46 (see FIG. 5) that measures the washing processing liquid and transports it from the tank 42 to the water tank 21.

<Internal configuration of washing machine 1>
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the washing machine 1. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the washing machine 1 includes an outer tank 22 inside a housing 11, and further includes a water tank 21 inside the outer tank 22. The outer tank 22 and the water tank 21 are also collectively referred to as a "washing tank" below.
The outer tank 22 includes an outer tank cover 22a provided on the top surface, a lid member 22b that seals an opening provided in the outer tank cover 22a, and a bottom part that is lower than other parts. It has a dropping part 22c. The water tank 21 has a cylindrical shape with an open top and a bottom. The water tank 21 includes a body plate 21a that forms a cylindrical body portion, a rotor 21b that rotates at the bottom of the water tank 21, and a balance ring 21c that maintains the balance of the water tank 21. A plurality of through holes 21aa for water and ventilation are formed in the body plate 21a. Further, the balance ring 21c is a fluid balancer in which a fluid is sealed.

The washing machine 1 includes a drive device 23 for rotationally driving the water tank 21 and the rotary blades 21b, and a rotation detection device 24 and a motor current detection device 25 for detecting the operation of the drive device 23. The drive device 23 includes a motor 23a that rotates the water tank 21 and the rotary blade 21b, a clutch mechanism 23b that defines the rotation mode (agitation, dehydration) of the water tank 21 and the rotary blade 21b, and a rotating shaft 23c connected to the rotary blade 21b. It has . The rotating shaft 23c is arranged at the center of the water tank 21 when viewed from above.

The washing machine 1 also includes a water supply unit 20 for supplying water to the water tank 21, a drying unit 71 for heating air to obtain drying air, and a drying unit 71 for circulating the drying air at the rear upper part of the casing 11. It includes a fan 72, a ventilation duct 73, and a drying duct 81.
The ventilation duct 73 is arranged between the fan 72 and the blowing nozzle 74, and the drying unit 71 is arranged in the middle thereof. The air duct 73 is connected to a blowing nozzle 74 through a bellows pipe 73a. The blowing nozzle 74 blows drying air sent by the fan 72 and heated by the drying unit 71 into the outer tank 22 . Drying duct 81 is arranged between outer tank 22 and fan 72. The drying duct 81 is connected to the dropping portion 22c of the outer tank 22 through a bellows tube 81a, and has a dehumidifying mechanism inside.

In the above-described configuration, the washing machine 1 supplies water from the water supply unit 20 to the outer tank 22 so that the water tank 21 is immersed in water, for example, during a washing process or a rinsing process. Further, during the drying process, for example, the washing machine 1 rotates the fan 72 to send air to the ventilation duct 73, heats the air in the drying unit 71 to obtain drying air, and sends the drying air to the outer tank 22 and the water tank. Pass through the inside of 21. Thereby, the washing machine 1 dries the laundry object housed inside the water tank 21. Then, the washing machine 1 sends the air that has passed through the outer tub 22 and the water tub 21 from the drying duct 81 to the ventilation duct 73 using the fan 72, and repeats the same operation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the washing machine 1 includes a water injection hose 51a, a charging hose 54a, and a cleaning hose 61a. The water injection hose 51a is a hose that flows water from the water supply unit 20 to the outer tank 22. The input hose 54a is a hose that allows water to flow from the first input section 31 to the outer tank 22. The cleaning hose 61a is a hose that allows water to flow from the water supply unit 20 to the outer tank 22 when cleaning the water tank 21, the outer tank 22, and the like. The water injection hose 51a constitutes a part of a first water supply path 51 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later. The charging hose 54a constitutes a part of a charging path 54 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later. The cleaning hose 61a constitutes a part of a first cleaning path 61 (see FIG. 7), which will be described later.

The washing machine 1 also includes a discharge path 63 for discharging water, and a drain valve 65 for opening and closing the discharge path 63.
Further, the washing machine 1 includes a case 41 that accommodates a tank 42 at the front upper part of the housing 11. The tank 42 has a structure that can be freely removed and attached to the case 41 by moving it in the vertical direction. Note that the case 41 preferably has a structure that accommodates at least two or more tanks 42, one for detergent and one for softener, so that detergent and softener can be automatically added to water tank 21.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the washing machine 1 with the front panel removed.
As shown in FIG. 5, the case 41 has a horizontally long rectangular shape in a front view and a vertically long rectangular shape in a side view. Therefore, the case 41 has an overall shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped that is thin in the depth direction. The case 41 is arranged to extend vertically along the inner wall surface of the front panel 16 (see FIG. 1). A transport pump 46 is arranged below the case 41.

Returning to FIG. 4, a vibration damping member 45 is installed between the case 41 and the water tank 21 to suppress vibrations of the washing treatment liquid. Note that the damping member 45 may be attached to the tank 42 or both the case 41 and the tank 42. By providing the vibration damping member 45 in this manner, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 shakes and splashes.
Further, the case 41 is attached to the front upper part of the housing 11 and is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the inner wall surface of the front panel 16 and the housing 11. Therefore, even if the washing machine 1 does not have the vibration damping member 45, it is possible to suppress the shaking of the washing processing liquid stored in the tank 42. Therefore, the vibration damping member 45 can also be omitted. However, by providing the vibration damping member 45, the washing machine 1 can suppress the shaking of the washing processing liquid stored in the tank 42 more efficiently than when the vibration damping member 45 is not provided.

Further, the second input portion 32 and the tank 42 of the washing treatment liquid input device 30 are arranged forward of the center of the water tank 21 (for example, the rotating shaft 23c). Moreover, the drying unit 71 is arranged at the rear of the center of the water tank 21 so as to be spaced apart from the second input section 32 and the tank 42. The outer tub 22 is provided with a pneumatic chamber 29, and a water level sensor 28 is provided above the pneumatic chamber 29 to detect the water level of the washing water stored in the outer tub 22.
The air duct 73 is provided with a temperature sensor 26a that detects the temperature of the air blown into the water tank 21 during drying operation. Furthermore, a temperature sensor 26b is provided in the drop-in portion 22c of the outer tub 22 to detect the temperature of the washing water and the temperature of the air sucked into the drying duct 81 during the drying operation. Furthermore, a temperature sensor 26c is provided between the dropping portion 22c and the drain valve 65. The temperature sensor 26c detects the temperature of washing water, the temperature of cooling water discharged outside the machine from the discharge path 63 during drying operation, and the like. Furthermore, an acceleration sensor 27 is provided on the upper side of the outer tank 22 to detect vibration acceleration due to vibration of the outer tank 22. Note that signals detected by the water level sensor 28, temperature sensors 26a, 26b, 26c, and acceleration sensor 27 are transmitted to the control device 100.

The water quality sensor 35 detects the conductivity of tap water before washing or of the washing liquid during washing (washing, rinsing, dehydration), and is arranged at the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall 22d of the outer tub 22. The water quality sensor 35 can detect the quality of water such as tap water before washing, specifically, the hardness of the water. Further, a groove portion (not shown) is formed in the water quality sensor 35 so as to extend along the radial direction (normal direction) of the outer tank 22. The surface from the peripheral wall 22e of the outer tank 22 to the bottom wall 22d of the outer tank 22 through the groove of the water quality sensor 35 is configured to be a substantially continuous surface. For example, in the dewatering process during a washing operation, a portion of the rinse water discharged from the through hole 21aa of the water tank 21 into the outer tank 22 flows down along the peripheral wall 22e of the outer tank 22, and flows down the groove of the water quality sensor 35 and the outer tank 22. The water flows through the bottom wall 22d of the tank 22.

<Configuration of piping route of washing machine 1>
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the piping route of the washing machine 1.
As shown in FIG. 6, the washing machine 1 includes a first water supply route 51, a second water supply route 52, a conveyance route 53, and an input route 54 as piping routes used when washing objects to be washed. ing.
The first water supply path 51 connects the water supply unit 20 and the first input section 31 and supplies water from the water supply unit 20 to the first input section 31 .

The second water supply route 52 connects an intermediate portion of the first water supply route 51 and the transport route 53, and supplies water from the water supply unit 20 to the transport route 53 via the first water supply route 51.
The conveyance path 53 connects the tank 42 and the first input section 31 and conveys the washing treatment liquid discharged from the tank 42 via the conveyance pump 46.
The input path 54 connects the first input section 31 and the water tank 21 (outer tank 22), and inputs the washing treatment liquid and water from the first input section 31 into the water tank 21.

At the connection point between the second water supply route 52 and the conveyance route 53, a switching valve 64 for switching the flow is arranged. The switching valve 64 selectively switches between "the direction in which the washing treatment liquid flows from the tank 42 to the transport path 53" and "the direction in which water flows from the second water supply path 52 to the transport path 53". Further, on the transport path 53, a transport pump 46 and check valves 47a and 47b that prevent backflow of fluid are arranged. The check valves 47a and 47b are arranged on the upstream side (tank 42 side) and downstream side (first input section 31 side) of the transfer pump 46, respectively. The washing machine 1 also includes a first cleaning path 61, a second cleaning path 62, and a discharge path 63 as piping paths used when cleaning the water tank 21, the outer tank 22, the case 41, and the like. The first cleaning path 61 connects the water supply unit 20 and the first input section 31 and supplies cleaning water from the water supply unit 20 to the first input section 31 .

The second cleaning path 62 connects an intermediate portion of the first cleaning path 61 to the case 41, and supplies cleaning water from the water supply unit 20 to the case 41 via the first cleaning path 61. The discharge path 63 connects the case 41 and the drain port 66, and drains water from the case 41. The discharge path 63 includes a drain pipe 63a connecting the case 41 and the drying duct 81, a drain pipe 63b connecting the drying duct 81 and the outer tank 22, a drain valve 65 provided in the outer tank 22, and a drain port 66. and a drain pipe 63c for connecting to the drain pipe 63c. A drain valve 65 is provided in the outer tank 22. By opening the drain valve 65, the washing machine 1 discharges the washing processing liquid and water to the outside from the drain port 66 via the drain pipe 63c.

The washing machine 1 transfers the laundry processing liquid stored in the tank 42 through the transport path 53 when performing automatic loading (that is, when the washing processing liquid is input into the water tank 21 by the washing processing liquid input device 30). and transported to the first input section 31. Then, the washing machine 1 can input the transported washing treatment liquid from the first input section 31 through the input path 54 into the water tank 21 . Therefore, in the washing machine 1, since the washing processing liquid passes through the first input section 31 regardless of whether it is manually loaded or automatically loaded, the amount of water used when adding detergent is can be reduced.

As described above, the washing machine 1 transports the washing treatment liquid stored in the tank 42 from the tank 42 to the first input section 31 through the transport path 53. At this time, some of the washing treatment liquid remains in the conveyance path 53, but the washing treatment liquid remaining in the conveyance path 53 is conveyed to the first input section 31 with the water supplied from the second water supply path 52. be able to. Further, the second water supply route 52 is connected to an intermediate portion of the first water supply route 51. Therefore, even if the conveyance path 53 is blocked and unintended pressure is applied to the conveyance path 53, the washing machine 1 can transfer the pressure applied to the conveyance path 53 to the first water supply path 51. The water can be released to the outside (to the water tank 21 side) through the water tank. Therefore, even if such a phenomenon occurs, the washing machine 1 can reduce the pressure applied to the conveyance path 53. Thereby, the washing machine 1 can maintain the performance of the conveyance path 53 for a relatively long time.

Further, the washing machine 1 can wash the first input section 31 by flowing cleaning water from the water supply unit 20 to the first input section 31 along the first cleaning path 61. Further, the washing machine 1 can wash the case 41 by flowing washing water from the water supply unit 20 to the case 41 along the second washing path 62. The bottom of the case 41 is provided with a nozzle (not shown) that fits into the lower part of the tank 42, for example, and according to this embodiment, the nozzle as well as the case 41 can be cleaned.

Further, the washing machine 1 discharges the washing water supplied to the first washing path 61 into the water tank 21 along the input path 54, and drains the washing water supplied to the second washing path 62 to the drain pipe. 63a (via the drying duct 81) into the water tank 21. Therefore, the washing machine 1 can wash the water tank 21 and the outer tank 22.

<Circuit configuration of washing machine 1>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the control circuit configuration of the washing machine 1. As shown in FIG.
In FIG. 7, the control device 100 includes a microcomputer 110 and drive circuits 129a to 129i. The microcomputer 110 includes a storage section 111, an operation course setting section 112, a rotation speed calculation section 113, a clothing weight calculation section 114, an electrical conductivity measurement section 115, a detergent amount/washing time determination section 116, and a detergent state determination section. 117 , a foaming determination section 118 , a washing treatment liquid injection determination section 119 , an operation control section 151 , and a remaining time display control section 152 .

Here, the microcomputer 110 includes a general computer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The ROM and EEPROM store a control program executed by the CPU, a microprogram executed by the DSP, and various data. In FIG. 7, inside the microcomputer 110, functions realized by control programs, microprograms, etc. are shown as blocks. Note that a plurality of microcomputers used in the washing machine 1 may share a plurality of functions. However, in the present embodiment, for convenience, each function is explained and illustrated as if each function were all performed by one microcomputer 110.

The microcomputer 110 is connected to the operation panel 14. The operation panel 14 includes an LED 14a that displays various information to the user, and an operation switch 14b that is operated by the user. Thereby, the microcomputer 110 controls the operating state of the washing machine 1 based on the user's operation instructions via the operation panel 14.
The storage unit 111 is composed of the above-mentioned RAM, ROM, EEPROM, etc., and stores programs executed by the microcomputer 110, various data, and the like. In particular, the storage unit 111 stores driving patterns in various driving courses. When a driving course is specified from the operation panel 14 or the like, the microcomputer 110 reads out a driving pattern corresponding to the driving course from the storage unit 111. This operation pattern defines the contents of the washing process, rinsing process, dehydration process, and drying process.

The driving course setting unit 112 accepts selection and setting of a driving course by operating the operation panel 14 from the user.
The operation control unit 151 controls each operation of the washing machine 1, and in particular, the clothes weight calculation unit 114, which calculates the weight of the object to be washed in the washing tub before the start of washing, the rotation speed calculation unit 113, and the motor current detection unit. It is detected by the device 25 (weight sensor) and the operation is performed based on the detected value. Specifically, each part of the washing machine 1 is controlled based on the settings received by the driving course setting section 112 and based on the contents of each process described above. For example, the driving course setting unit 112 drives and controls the water supply unit 20 via the drive circuit 129a, and controls the drain valve 65 via the drive circuit 129b. The driving course setting unit 112 also controls the switching valve 64 via the drive circuit 129c, controls the motor 23a of the drive device 23 via the motor drive circuit 129e, and controls the clutch drive circuit 129f. The clutch mechanism 23b is switched through the clutch mechanism 23b, and the heater switch drive circuit 129g is controlled. As a result, the operation course setting unit 112 controls the energization of the drying unit 71 (referred to as "heater" in the figure), controls the fan 72 via the fan drive circuit 129h, and controls the drive circuit for the transfer pump. It has a function of driving and controlling the transfer pump 46 via the 129i.

The rotational speed calculation unit 113 has a function of calculating the rotational speed of the motor 23a based on the detected value from the rotation detection device 24 (see FIG. 4).
The clothing weight calculation unit 114 has a function of calculating the weight of the clothing, that is, the object to be washed, in the water tank 21 based on the rotational speed calculated by the rotational speed calculation unit 113 and the detected value of the motor current detection device 25. have That is, the rotational speed calculation section 113, the motor current detection device 25, and the clothing weight calculation section 114 function as a weight sensor. When the weight of the object to be washed increases, the load for rotating the water tank 21 increases, and it becomes necessary to increase the motor current flowing through the motor 23a. Therefore, the weight of the object to be washed can be calculated based on the motor current and rotational speed of the motor 23a.

The conductivity measurement unit 115 has a function of measuring the conductivity of tap water or washing liquid using the detected value from the water quality sensor 35.
The detergent amount/washing time determining section 116 has a function of determining the amount of detergent and the time for washing clothes based on the conductivity etc. measured by the conductivity measuring section 115, and the details will be described later.
The detergent condition determining section 117 has a function of determining the condition of the detergent based on the conductivity and the like measured by the conductivity measuring section 115, and the details will be described later.

The foaming determining section 118 has a function of determining the washing time, water amount, and motor rotation speed based on the state of the washing liquid determined by the conductivity measuring section 115 and the detergent state determining section 117, and the details will be described later. .
The washing processing liquid injection determining unit 119 has a function of controlling the injection of washing processing liquid. More specifically, the washing treatment liquid injection determining unit 119 controls the transport pump 46 using the transport pump drive circuit 129i based on the amount of detergent determined by the detergent amount/washing time determining unit 116.
The remaining time display control unit 152 performs control to display the remaining time required for operating the washing machine 1 on the operation panel 14 (see FIG. 8).

<Details of operation panel 14>
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the operation panel 14. As shown in FIG.
The operation panel 14 is provided with a course setting section 161, an operation setting section 162, a function setting section 163, an automatic input setting section 164, a remaining time display section 165, and a start button 166.
The course setting unit 161 accepts selection and setting of a main driving course from the user. The course setting section 161 includes a washing setting button 161a, a washing and drying setting button 161b, a drying setting button 161c, and a display section 161d. The washing setting button 161a, the washing and drying setting button 161b, and the drying setting button 161c are buttons that form part of the operation switch 14b (see FIG. 7) described above. The washing setting button 161a is a button for selecting and setting only the washing process (without the drying process). When the washing setting button 161a is pressed, the LED 14a (see FIG. 7) of the washing setting button 161a lights up, and an operation course of executing only the washing process is set. The washing and drying setting button 161b is a button for selecting and setting the washing process and drying process to be operated as a series of processes. When the washing and drying setting button 161b is pressed, the LED 14a of the washing and drying setting button 161b lights up, and an operation course is set in which the washing process and the drying process are operated as a series of processes. The drying setting button 161c is a button for selecting and setting an operation for only a drying process (no washing process). When the drying setting button 161c is pressed, the LED 14a of the drying setting button 161c lights up, and an operation course in which only the drying process is performed is set.

In addition, in this example, the display section 161d shows individual operation courses of standard, casual, handmade, delicate, fashionable, blanket, low temperature drying, dust mite prevention, deodorizing and sterilization, pollen, tank cleaning, and tank drying. Displayed. These driving courses can be selected and set by operating the washing setting button 161a, the washing and drying setting button 161b, and the drying setting button 161c. When these driving courses are selected and set, the LED 14a corresponding to the selected and set driving course on the display section 161d lights up. Note that for the sake of convenience, detailed descriptions of the driving of these individual driving courses will be omitted.

The operation setting section 162 includes a water amount setting button 162a, a washing setting button 162b, a rinsing setting button 162c, a dehydration setting button 162d, a drying setting button 162e, and a display section 162f.
The water amount setting button 162a is a button for setting the amount of water supplied to the washing tub. In this example, 26L, 42L, 55L, 72L, and 82L can be selected as the water amount. When the water amount is selected and set, the LED 14a with letters indicating the water amount lights up on the remaining time display section 165.

The washing setting button 162b is a button for setting the time required for the washing process. In this example, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 8 minutes, 12 minutes, and 20 minutes can be selected as the washing time. When the washing time is selected and set, the LED 14a with letters indicating the washing time lights up on the remaining time display section 165.
The rinse setting button 162c is a button for setting an operation course for the rinse process. In this example, the rinsing process can be selected once, twice, water injection, or Niagara. When the rinsing process is set, the LED 14a with letters indicating the operating course of the rinsing process lights up on the remaining time display section 165. "Once" is an operation course in which the rinsing process is performed only once. "Two times" is an operation course in which the rinsing process is performed twice. "Water injection" is an operation course in which "water injection rinsing" is performed by continuously supplying water little by little during the rinsing process. ``Niagara'' is an operation course in which a large amount of water is circulated and the water tank 21 rotates at high speed to generate strong centrifugal force, thoroughly rinsing away dirt and detergent hidden in fibers.

The dehydration setting button 162d is a button for setting the dehydration time required for the dehydration process. In this example, 1 minute, 3 minutes, 6 minutes, or 9 minutes can be selected as the dehydration time. When the dehydration time is selected and set, the LED 14a with letters indicating the dehydration time lights up on the remaining time display section 165.
The drying setting button 162e is a button for setting the drying time required for the drying process. In this example, the drying time can be selected from 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, and automatic. When the drying time is selected and set, the LED 14a with letters indicating the drying time lights up on the remaining time display section 165.

The function setting section 163 includes a hot water mist setting button 163a, a hot water dispenser button 163b, an AI button 163c, and a display section 163d.
The warm water mist etc. setting button 163a is a button for setting the driving course for warm water mist and soak +. When warm water mist or soak + is selected and set, the LED 14a with the letters of the corresponding driving course on the display section 163d lights up. ``Warm Water Mist'' is an operating course that sprays warm air and warm mist over the entire object to be washed, and uses the enzyme power of the detergent to remove sebum stains and suppress and remove yellowing. "Soak +" is an operating course that thoroughly soaks the item with a high-concentration cleaning solution dissolved in a small amount of water and gently moves the item to be washed to thoroughly wash it, thereby suppressing sebum stains and yellowing.

The hot water dispenser button 163b is a button for setting hot water dispenser operation as the driving course. Hot water extraction operation is an operation course that aims to save on water bills by using bath water in the washing process. In this example, wash, rinse 1, and rinse 2 can be set as the operation courses. When a driving course is set using the hot water dispenser button 163b, the LED 14a with the letters on the display section 163d indicating the set driving course lights up. "Washing" is an operation course that uses bath water in the washing process. "Rinse 1" is an operation course in which bath water is used from the washing step to the first rinsing step. "Rinse 2" is an operation course in which bath water is used from the washing step to the second rinsing step.

The AI button 163c is a button for selecting AI operation or automatic cleaning as the driving course. "Automatic cleaning" can be set by pressing the AI button 163c for 3 seconds. "AI operation" is an operation course in which the operation of the washing machine 1 is automatically controlled by AI (artificial intelligence). ``Automatic cleaning'' is an operation course that automatically washes away dirt from the washing tub, sterilizes the washing tub, and suppresses the growth of black mold.
The automatic injection setting section 164 includes a detergent setting button 164a, a softener setting button 164b, and a display section 164c. The detergent setting button 164a is a button for setting the amount of detergent automatically added to the washing machine 1 to be larger or smaller. Depending on the setting of the detergent setting button 164a, the LED 14a of the selected "more" or "less" character in the display section 164c lights up. If "more" is set, the amount of detergent that is automatically dispensed is set to be larger, and if "less" is set, the amount of detergent that is automatically dispensed is set to be smaller.

The softener setting button 164d is a button for setting the amount of softener (finishing agent) automatically added to the washing machine 1 to be larger or smaller. By setting the softener setting button 164b, the LED 14a of the selected "more" or "less" character on the display section 164c lights up. If "more" is set, the amount of softener to be automatically dispensed is set to be larger, and if "less" is set, the amount of softener to be automatically dispensed is set to be smaller.
Note that when the remaining amount of detergent or fabric softener is reduced to a predetermined level, the corresponding automatic injection setting section 164 lights up the detergent setting button 164a and the LED 14a with the words "Low amount remaining" on the display section 164c. Inform.

The remaining time display section 165 displays the remaining time required for operating the washing machine 1 by lighting the LED 14a (7 segment LED). This display changes every moment while the washing machine 1 is operating. Note that the remaining time display section 165 may also display the amount of detergent that is automatically added into the washing tub.
The start button 166 is a button that, when pressed after setting the driving course on the operation panel 14, instructs the washing machine 1 to start operating in the set driving course.

<Process control of washing machine 1>
FIG. 9 is a process diagram illustrating a series of operating steps in the washing operation (washing, rinsing, dehydration, etc.) of the washing machine 1. Note that information display control on the operation panel 14 will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, the explanation given with reference to FIG. 9 relates to a relatively basic operating process of the washing machine 1, and does not explain the entire operating course described with reference to FIG. 8.

First, when the main power (not shown) of the washing machine 1 is turned on by the user, the process proceeds to step S0. In step S0, the driving course setting unit 112 receives the user's selection and setting of a driving course.
Next, in step S1, the user puts the object to be washed into the water tank 21. When the user operates the operation panel 14 and presses the start button to issue an instruction to start operation, the operation control unit 151 (see FIG. 7) rotates the rotary blade 21b (see FIG. 4). Further, the clothing weight calculation unit 114 of the microcomputer 110 calculates the amount (weight) of the clothing before water is supplied.

Next, in step S2, the operation control unit 151 discharges the tap water into the outer tank 22. A hose (not shown) connected to the water supply unit 20 may contain air. Therefore, the operation control unit 151 discharges the compressed air into the outer tank 22 together with the tap water.
In step S3, the detergent amount/washing time determining unit 116 calculates the amount of detergent to be added and the time required to complete washing based on the amount of clothes.

Further, in step S3, the drive circuit 129i controls the transport pump 46 based on the amount of detergent determined by the detergent amount/washing time determining unit 116 only when the setting for adding the washing processing liquid is ON in step S0. The washing treatment liquid is then passed through the conveyance path 53 and supplied to the first input section 31 .
In step S4, first, the operation control section 151 opens the water supply unit 20 and supplies detergent and water to the first input section 31 and the outer tank 22. Here, when the water level reaches a predetermined level, the operation control section 151 closes the water supply unit 20. Furthermore, when water is supplied to the first input section 31, since the water is branched into the first water supply route 51 and the second water supply route 52, the washing treatment liquid remaining in the conveyance route 53 cannot be conveyed to the first input section 31. can.

In step S5, the operation control unit 151 measures the temperature of the supplied detergent-containing water using the temperature sensor 26b (or temperature sensor 26c). Next, the operation control unit 151 measures the electrical conductivity using the water quality sensor 35 after performing a mixing process to homogenize the detergent and water. Next, the operation control unit 151 determines the detergent dissolution time based on the temperature and conductivity of tap water. Note that the details will be described later.
In step S6, the operation control unit 151 drives the motor 23a for the detergent dissolving time determined in step S5, rotates the water tank 21 and the rotary blade 21b, and uses the generated water flow to dissolve the detergent to achieve a high concentration. of detergent solution. Note that the method for producing a highly concentrated detergent solution is not limited to the method of rotating both the water tank 21 and the rotor blade 21b, but also the method of rotating only the rotor blade 21b or rotating the circulation pump (not shown) in the opposite direction. It may be the method used.

In step S7, the conductivity measurement section 115 measures the conductivity of the generated detergent solution using the water quality sensor 35, and the detergent condition determination section 117 reviews the determined detergent type and also uses the detergent actually put in the detergent solution. Determine the concentration of Since the generated detergent solution has detergent dissolved in a constant amount of water, changes in detergent concentration can be detected as changes in conductivity. When a large amount of detergent is added (detergent concentration is high), the electrical conductivity is greater than when a small amount of detergent is added (detergent concentration is low). Therefore, even if the foaming determination unit 118 determines that the rinsing operation is to be performed once, if the amount of detergent that has been added is large, it is possible to change the rinsing operation to be performed twice. In addition, in this step S7, in order to improve the measurement accuracy of the conductivity, the water tank 21 and the rotary blade 21b, which were rotating to dissolve the detergent, are temporarily stopped, and then, in the next step S8, they are started to rotate again. . Therefore, by skipping step S7, it is possible to further shorten the overall operating time.

In step S8, the operation control unit 151 supplies water from the water supply unit 20 to a water amount (water level) smaller than the water amount in the subsequent main washing process (S13 to S19) while rotating the water tank 21 and the rotary blade 21b. Furthermore, since water is supplied to the first input section 31 at the same time, the conveyance route 53 can be cleaned at the same time with water branched into the first water supply route 51 and the second water supply route 52.
In step S9, a pre-washing process is performed. That is, the operation control unit 151 washes the clothes with a smaller amount of water than in the subsequent main washing process (S13 to S19), that is, with a highly concentrated detergent solution. Hereinafter, an operation in which a highly concentrated detergent solution is permeated into the clothes while rotating the rotary blade 21b by the drive device 23 at a water level lower than that in the main washing step will be referred to as high concentration washing. In addition, although the high-concentration cleaning process in this embodiment is operated at a constant water level without supplying water, it may be operated while supplying water. However, operations performed in a separate process (discontinuously) before reaching a predetermined water level, such as the detergent dissolving operation in step S6, are not included in the high-concentration cleaning process.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the case of liquid detergent and liquid detergent (concentrated), high-concentration cleaning is performed while rotating the motor (rotary blade 21b) at a higher rotation speed than in the case of powder detergent. This makes it possible to suppress foaming when using a powdered detergent and further enhance the cleaning power when using a liquid detergent during high-concentration cleaning where foaming is likely to occur.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operating time of the high-concentration cleaning step, which was conventionally about 30 seconds, is set longer to about 2 minutes and 30 seconds. In this way, by increasing the operating time of the high-concentration cleaning step, it becomes possible to effectively remove oil stains from food. On the other hand, it is also necessary to consider the need for "time saving" that shortens the overall washing time. Therefore, it is desirable to lengthen the operating time of the high-concentration cleaning step, while shortening the operating time of the main washing step.

In step S10, the clothing weight calculation unit 114 first calculates the weight of the clothing in a water-containing state. Then, the cloth quality (water absorbency) of the clothing is determined from the weight of the clothing without water calculated in step S1 and the weight of the clothing with water calculated in step S10. The following steps are controlled according to the determined fabric quality of the clothing.
In step S11, the operation control unit 151 acquires the water temperature before the washing process. This is because when the water temperature is high, the chemical action of the detergent improves, the cleaning power improves, and the washing time can be shortened. By measuring the water temperature before the washing process, it is possible to accurately detect the water temperature even when washing using leftover hot water from a bath, and to change the washing time. When the measured water temperature is high or the water hardness is low, it is possible to shorten the washing time by skipping step S18 and step S19, which will be described later.

In this way, the washing time can be controlled (shortened or extended) by measuring the conductivity of the washing liquid using the water quality sensor 35 and controlling the ease of foaming during the washing process by the foaming determination unit 118. becomes possible. The storage unit 111 stores in advance a table that determines the washing time (shortened or extended time) depending on the degree of dirt. Note that a plurality of threshold values may be set based on the amount of cloth calculated in step S1.
In step S12, the operation control unit 151 supplies water to the water tank 21 up to a predetermined set water level. In step S13, the operation control unit 151 performs the first main washing, and then measures the conductivity of the water. The degree of contamination at this point based on the measured conductivity is defined as d1. In step S14, the operation control unit 151 performs the first "loosening" and then measures the electrical conductivity of the water. The degree of contamination at this point based on the measured conductivity is defined as d2. Similar to steps S13 and S14, in steps S15 and S16, the operation control unit 151 performs the second main washing and "loosening". Let the degree of contamination in each be d3 and d4. In steps S17 and S18, the operation control unit 151 executes the third main washing and "loosening". The degree of contamination in each case is assumed to be d5 and d6. In step S19, the operation control unit 151 executes the fourth main washing. The degree of contamination at that time is assumed to be d7.

In step S20, the operation control unit 151 monitors the unbalanced state of the clothing and determines whether to proceed to dehydration.
In step S21, the operation control unit 151 opens the drain valve 65 to drain the wash water in the outer tank 22.
In step S22, the operation control unit 151 rotates the water tank 21 to remove water contained in the clothing.

In step S23, the operation control unit 151 closes the drain valve 65, opens the water supply unit 20, and supplies rinsing water to the water tank 21. Then, while rotating the water tank 21, rinsing water is sprayed onto the clothes in the water tank 21.
In step S24, the operation control unit 151 closes the water supply unit 20 while rotating the water tank 21 to remove rinse water from the clothes.
In step S25, the operation control unit 151 closes the drain valve 65, opens the water supply unit 20, and supplies rinsing water to the water tank 21. Then, while rotating the water tank 21, rinsing water is sprayed onto the clothes in the water tank 21.

In step S26, the operation control unit 151 closes the water supply unit 20, stops the water tank 21, and opens the drain valve 65 to drain the rinse water in the outer tank 22.
In step S27, the operation control unit 151 rotates the water tank 21 to remove water contained in the clothing.
The execution of the rotary shower rinse in steps S23 and S25 is determined by the foaming determination unit 118. If the foaming determination unit 118 determines that the number of times of rotational shower rinsing is one, it sets the number of times of rotational shower rinsing to one by transmitting a command to skip from step S23 to step S27 to the operation control unit 151. Is possible.

In step S28, if the dehydration is completed normally, there is no water in the outer tank 22, and the water quality sensor 35 is operated to measure the conductivity without water. The electrical conductivity measured here is stored in the storage unit 111 as an initial value, and can be used to determine a failure of the water quality sensor 35 or to correct aging due to dirt adhesion to the electrode portion.
In step S29, the operation control unit 151 closes the drain valve 65, opens the water supply unit 20, and supplies rinsing water to the outer tank 22 up to a water level at which water hardness is detected.

In step S30, the conductivity measurement unit 115 operates the water quality sensor 35 and the temperature sensor 26b (or temperature sensor 26c) to measure the temperature and conductivity of the rinse water and calculate the hardness of the water. The water temperature and water hardness measured here are stored in the storage unit 111 and used to determine the amount of detergent and washing time for the next time.
Further, in step S30, the operation control unit 151 supplies the washing processing liquid to the water tank 21 only when the setting for adding the washing processing liquid is ON in step S0. That is, in step S30, the operation control unit 151 measures the temperature and conductivity of the rinse water and calculates the hardness of the water, and then controls the drive based on the amount of finishing agent determined by the detergent amount/washing time determining unit 116. The transfer pump 46 is controlled by the circuit 129i. Thereby, the finishing agent is supplied to the first input section 31 via the conveyance path 53.

In step S31, the operation control unit 151 supplies water up to the set water level.
In step S32, the operation control unit 151 rotates the rotary blade 21b (or water tank 21) to stir the clothes with rinsing water stored in the outer tank 22, opens the water supply unit 20, and opens the water tank 21. Add finishing agent to step 21. Furthermore, since water is supplied to the first input section 31 at the same time, the water is branched into the first water supply route 51 and the second water supply route 52. Thereby, the washing treatment liquid remaining in the transport path 53 can be transported to the first input section 31.

In step S33, the operation control unit 151 performs the first rinsing agitation after adding the finishing agent, and then measures the conductivity of the water. Note that, as shown in FIG. 4, the water quality sensor 35 in this embodiment is provided at the lower part (bottom) of the outer tank 22, so during the rinsing process, the water quality sensor 35 is submerged in water. The conductivity of the rinse water can be measured. The degree of rinsing at this point based on the measured conductivity is defined as s1.
In steps S34 and S35, the operation control unit 151 similarly performs the second and third rinsing and agitation after adding the finishing agent. Let s2 and s3 be the degree of rinsing at each time point.

In this way, by using the water quality sensor 35 during the rinsing process to measure the conductivity of the rinsing water, it becomes possible to control (shorten or extend) the rinsing time. More specifically, the storage unit 111 stores in advance a table that determines the rinsing time (shortened or extended time) from the amount of change in the conductivity of the rinsing water. Further, the amount of change in the conductivity of the rinse water may be determined by comparing it with the conductivity of the tap water measured in step S30. Further, the amount of change in the conductivity of the rinse water can be used not only to shorten or extend the rinse time but also to increase or decrease the number of rinses. Therefore, the detergent state determination unit 117 may perform the rinsing operation once. Furthermore, even if the foaming determination unit 118 determines that the detergent is a concentrated liquid detergent and one rinse operation is required, if the rinse is determined to be insufficient, an additional rinse operation is performed. It is possible to do so. Furthermore, the timing at which the water quality sensor 35 is operated during the rinsing process is not limited to when steps S33 to S35 are executed, but is operated when executing steps S23, S25, etc. described above to control (shorten or shorten) the rinsing time. may be extended). Further, the operation control unit 151 may control (shorten or extend) the rinsing time in step S23 or S25 depending on the fabric quality of the clothing determined in step S10.

In step S36, the operation control unit 151 monitors the unbalanced state of the clothing and determines whether to proceed to final dehydration.
In step S37, the operation control unit 151 opens the drain valve 65 to drain the rinse water in the outer tank 22. Furthermore, in order to stabilize the start-up during dehydration, the process may proceed to step S38 (dehydration step) with a certain amount of rinsing water remaining.
In step S38, the operation control unit 151 rotates the water tank 21 at high speed to remove water contained in the clothing. Furthermore, by measuring the water dehydrated from clothing using the water quality sensor 35, it becomes possible to determine the amount of water contained in the laundry object. As the water tank 21 rotates during the dewatering process, water contained in the objects to be washed is separated from the objects to be washed, and is discharged from the through hole 21aa of the water tank 21 toward the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 22e of the outer tank 22. The water discharged to the peripheral wall 22e flows down the inner surface of the peripheral wall 22e under the action of gravity and flows into the groove of the water quality sensor 35. Thereby, the water quality sensor 35 can detect the conductivity of water during dehydration.

That is, in the water quality sensor 35 during dehydration, as water flows into the groove of the water quality sensor 35, the detected value (conductivity) changes depending on the amount of water passing through. For example, if the object to be washed is highly absorbent, such as a bath towel, the amount of water discharged will be large, and the detected value (conductivity) will be high. On the other hand, if the object to be washed has low water absorption, such as a dress shirt, the amount of water discharged will be small, and the detected value (electrical conductivity) will be low.
In this way, by measuring the conductivity of water dehydrated from clothing during the dehydration process using the water quality sensor 35, it becomes possible to control (shorten or extend) the dehydration time. The storage unit 111 stores in advance a table that determines the dehydration time (shortened or extended time).

Note that a plurality of threshold values may be set based on the amount of cloth calculated in step S1.
Further, the timing at which the water quality sensor 35 is operated during the dehydration process is not limited to step S38, but may be operated during other dehydration processes (steps S22, S24, S27). Further, the dehydration time may be controlled (shortened or extended) according to the detection result of the water quality sensor 35.
In step S39, the operation control unit 151 rotates the fan 72 via the drive circuit 129h to send air to the ventilation duct 73, heats the air with the drying unit (heater) 71 to obtain dry air, and is passed through the outer tank 22 and the water tank 21. Thereby, the washing machine 1 dries the objects to be washed (cloths) housed inside the water tank 21 . Then, the washing machine 1 can repeat the same operation by sending the air that has passed through the outer tub 22 and the water tub 21 from the drying duct 81 to the ventilation duct 73 using the fan 72.

In step S40, the operation control unit 151 rotates the fan 72 via the drive circuit 129h to send air to the ventilation duct 73, and causes the drying air to pass through the inside of the outer tank 22 and the water tank 21. Before step S40 is executed, the objects to be washed (cloths) inside the water tank 21 are dry and at a high temperature. By executing step S<b>40 , washing machine 1 can lower the temperature of the laundry object (cloth) housed inside water tank 21 . Then, the washing machine 1 can repeat the same operation by sending the air that has passed through the outer tub 22 and the water tub 21 from the drying duct 81 to the ventilation duct 73 using the fan 72.

In step S41, microcomputer 110 turns off the main power of washing machine 1. This completes the series of operating operations of the washing machine 1.
<Control of remaining time display>
Incidentally, Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe that the remaining time required for the operation of the washing machine, such as washing, is displayed to notify the user of the end time of the operation. However, in general, the time required for a washing machine to perform laundry or the like varies depending on the amount of items to be washed and the operating course, which is the mode of operation. Therefore, in general, the timing at which a washing machine displays the remaining time required for operation is to detect the weight of the object to be washed placed in the washing tub after the user has set the operation course, and then This was after the operating hours were determined. Specifically, after the main power is turned on and the washing machine accepts the operation course settings from the user, the start button is pressed, the weight of the object to be washed in the washing tub is measured, and then the corresponding operation starts. The remaining time required to run the washing machine on the course is displayed. Therefore, it generally takes about several tens of seconds from when the user selects the washing machine operating course until the remaining operating time of the washing machine is displayed.

However, if the time required from selecting a driving course to displaying the remaining driving time is such a long time, the remaining driving time will not be displayed when selecting a driving course, and busy users will be unable to select which driving course. There is a problem that it is difficult to judge whether it is appropriate to choose. That is, there is a demand for improving the usability of washing machines.
Therefore, an object of this embodiment is to provide a washing machine 1 (an easy-to-use washing machine 1) in which a busy user is less likely to get confused when choosing a driving course. In order to solve this problem, in this embodiment, the display of the remaining time required for operating the washing machine 1 is controlled as follows.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating control of remaining time display in this embodiment.
First, the process in FIG. 10 is started by turning on the main power source (not shown) (S0 in FIG. 9). First, the washing process of the washing machine 1 is started by receiving the selection and setting of an operating course from the user after turning on the main power, and then pressing the start button 166 (FIG. 8). That is, after pressing the start button 166, the clothes weight calculation unit 114, rotation speed calculation unit 113, and motor current detection device 25 (weight sensor) (see FIGS. 4 and 7) first detect the laundry object in the washing tub. (S1 in FIG. 9). Then, washing is started based on the detection result and the driving course setting accepted from the user. Note that since it takes time to detect the amount (weight) of the laundry object, in this embodiment, the following control is performed before the start button 166 is pressed.

The remaining time display control unit 152 determines whether or not the weight sensor has yet to detect the amount of the laundry object in the washing tub (step S51), and if the amount of the laundry object has not yet been detected (step (Yes in S51), it is determined whether or not the start button 166 has not been pressed yet (Step S52). If the start button 166 has been pressed (No in step S52), the remaining time display control unit 152 returns the process to step S51.
If the amount of the laundry object is detected (Yes in step S51) and before the start button 166 is pressed (step S52) (Yes in step S52), the remaining time display control unit 152 determines whether The remaining time, which is the required time, is calculated and displayed on the remaining time display section 165 (FIG. 8) (step S53).

The remaining time calculation here is based on the "operating information" stored in the EEPROM (non-volatile memory) that constitutes the storage section 111 of the microcomputer 110 (FIG. 7) and the "initial setting information" stored in the ROM. Execute based on. The "operating information" includes "water supply amount", "water supply time", and "drainage time". "Amount of water supplied" refers to the "amount of water supplied" to the washing tub for each operating course of the washing machine 1 during past operation (the amount of water supplied to the washing tub is determined by the amount (weight) of the items to be washed, so It may be a value detected by the weight sensor during operation of the amount of objects to be washed in the washing tub. "Water supply time" is the time required to supply water to the washing tub. The "water supply time" includes one for the washing process and one for the rinsing process. The water supply time per unit time basically does not change if the washing machines 1 are installed at the same location because water supplied from the same water purification plant is used. Moreover, the "draining time" is the time required to drain water from the washing tub to the outside of the washing machine 1. The "drain time" includes a washing process and a rinsing process. The drainage time per unit time varies depending on the conditions of the drainage hose (not shown) of the washing machine 1 and the like. Normally, the conditions of the drain hose and the like of the washing machine 1 do not change with each operation. Therefore, among the "driving information", the past "water supply time" and "drainage time" are used as the water supply time and drainage time required for the current operation. As the past "water supply time" and "drainage time", the most recent one from among those of the same driving course as the driving course selected by operating the operation panel 14 (see FIG. 8) this time is used. For example, if "blanket" (see FIG. 8) is selected as the driving course this time, the most recent "driving information" from when driving with "blanket" in the past is used. If past "driving information" corresponding to the currently selected driving course does not exist, fixed data stored in the ROM may be used as a default.

On the other hand, the "initial setting information" is the time required for each of the "washing process", "rinsing process", and "dehydration process" that constitute the "washing process". These times are determined in advance for each driving course, and are stored in advance as fixed data in the ROM that constitutes the storage unit 111 of the microcomputer 110.
In this way, the "water supply time" and "drainage time" of "operating information" and the "washing process", "rinsing process", and "dewatering process" of "initial setting information" are set for each driving course selected for this operation. By adding up the time required for each step, the remaining time required for the current drive can be determined. In step S53, the remaining time display control section 152 displays this on the remaining time display section 165.

In addition, when "AI operation" (FIG. 8) is selected as the operation course, the "water quality" of the water supplied to the washing tub by the water quality sensor 35, such as "water hardness", and the temperature sensor 26b or 26c of the water supplied to the washing tub. The "water temperature" of the water supply is detected. Then, the AI automatically changes the time required for the "washing step" and "rinsing step" according to the "water quality" and "water temperature." Therefore, when "AI driving" is selected as the driving course, "water quality" and "water temperature" during the most recent "AI driving" in the past are also stored in the storage unit 111 as "driving information". . When AI operation is selected as the current operation course, the time required for the ``washing process'' and ``rinsing process'' is determined based on the information on ``water quality'' and ``water temperature'' during the most recent ``AI operation.'' is determined by the AI and used in place of the "washing step" and "rinsing step" in the "initial setting information" described above.

In addition, in the "AI operation", the degree of "dirt" in the washing water in the "washing process" is detected (detected by the water quality sensor 35), and if there is a lot of dirt, the time required for the "washing process" is increased. Therefore, information on the "stain" of the washing water in the "washing process" may be stored and used as "operating information". That is, during the "AI operation", the AI calculates the time required for the "washing process" using the most recent past information on "stains" in the washing water. In addition, in the "AI operation", the "rinsing level" is detected in the "rinsing process" (detected by the water quality sensor 35), and if the rinsing is sufficient, the second rinse is shortened. , information on "rinsing condition" may be stored and used as "operating information". That is, during the "AI operation", the AI calculates the time required for the "rinsing process" using the most recent past information on the "rinsing condition". Furthermore, in the ``AI operation'', the ``moisture amount'' that comes out of clothing during the ``dehydration process'' is detected, and if the ``moisture content'' is low, the time required for the ``dehydration process'' is shortened. Information on "moisture content" may be stored and used as "operating information". That is, during the "AI operation", the AI calculates the time required for the "dehydration process" using the most recent past information on the "moisture content".

Next, if the amount of water supplied to the washing tub is different in the operation course selected for the current operation than in the most recent past operation course (Yes in S54), the remaining time display control unit 152 The remaining time, which is the time required to complete the process, is calculated again, and the remaining time display on the remaining time display section 165 (FIG. 8) is updated (step S55). When the amount of water supplied to the washing tub in the driving course selected during the current driving is the same as the amount of water supplied to the washing tub in the most recent past driving course (No in S54), the remaining time display control unit 152 performs processing. returns to step S51. At this time, the remaining time display in step S53 is maintained.

In other words, when the water supply amount to the washing tub is selected using the water amount setting button 162a on the operation panel 14 (FIG. 8), the water supply time and drainage for the current operation are determined using the "water supply amount" information of the "operation information". Ask for time. That is, by adding the information on the "water supply amount" to the "water supply time" and "drainage time" of the "operation information", the water supply time and drainage time of the washing tub per unit time can be determined. From this and the water supply amount selected with the water amount setting button 162a, the water supply time and drainage time required for the current operation can be determined. By adding the above-mentioned "initial setting information" to this, it is possible to determine the remaining time of the washing process according to the amount of water supplied to the selected washing tub.

On the other hand, when the weight sensor described above detects the amount (weight) of the objects to be washed in the washing tub during the current operation (after pressing the start button 166 (FIG. 8)), the remaining time display control section 152 , the remaining time required for the current driving is newly determined, and the new remaining time is displayed on the remaining time display section 165 (step S56).
Specifically, as described above in the explanation of steps S53 and S55, the washing process of the current operation is determined based on the information of "water supply time", "drainage time", and "water supply amount" which are "operation information". The water supply time and drainage time in the Susuki process are determined in the same manner as in steps S53 and S55. However, the exact amount of water supplied in the washing tub can only be determined by determining the amount of objects to be washed in the washing tub. This water supply amount influences the water supply time, drainage time, time required for the washing process, and time required for the rinsing process in the current operation. Therefore, we will calculate the water supply time, drainage time, time required for the washing process, and rinsing process for this operation by taking into account the amount of items to be washed in the washing tub (which determines the exact amount of water supplied to the washing tub). The time required is determined, and the remaining time for the current operation is determined. The same applies when the currently selected driving course is "AI driving". Therefore, the remaining time display in step S56 is relatively more accurate than those in steps S53 and S55. Note that in existing washing machines, the remaining time display after detecting the amount (weight) of the laundry object in the washing tub in step S56 is the first remaining time display in the current operation.

Thereafter, when the washing process is started by pressing the start button 166 (FIG. 8) (Yes in step S57), the remaining time display control unit 152 updates the remaining time displayed in step S56 (step S58). Specifically, since the washing process has started, the time required for the washing process decreases moment by moment. Therefore, the remaining time required for the washing process is counted down by counting the elapsed time after the start of the washing process, and the remaining time, which changes every moment, is displayed in real time. Further, as the washing process progresses, the remaining time required for the washing process varies depending on various conditions. The remaining time required for the washing process is updated taking this variation into consideration. By pressing the start button 166, the weight of the object to be washed is measured as described above, but if information on the weight of the object to be washed is required after the washing process has started, pressing the start button 166 will measure the weight of the object to be washed as described above. Information on the weight of the item to be washed is used.

Until the washing process is completed (No in step S59), the remaining time display control unit 152 returns the process to step S58. When the washing process is completed (Yes in step S59), the storage unit 111 (FIG. 7) stores the above-mentioned "operation information" regarding the current operation in a predetermined storage area of the EEPROM of the microcomputer 110 (FIG. 7). The "operation information" includes the above-mentioned "water supply amount", "water supply time", and "drainage time" (in the case of "AI operation", the above-mentioned "water quality", "water temperature", etc.). This "driving information" is stored in different storage areas for each driving course. For example, when the current driving is executed with "Standard" (Figure 8) set as the driving course, the current "driving information" is the storage information in the storage area prepared for the "Standard" driving course. will be updated and stored. As a result, when the "standard" driving course is set for the next operation of the washing machine 1, the updated and stored "driving information" is used as the most recent past "driving information".

According to the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, before the amount of the laundry object in the washing tub is detected and before the start button 166 (FIG. 8) is pressed (Yes in step S51, step S2 (Yes), the remaining time required for the current washing process is displayed on the remaining time display section 165 (FIG. 8) (step S53). Therefore, the user who operates the operation panel 14 (FIG. 8) and selects the current driving course can know the approximate time required for the washing process, so even if he or she is busy, the user can select the driving course that should be set for the current washing process. It becomes easier to set the settings without getting confused.

Note that even if this remaining time display is displayed before the amount of items to be washed in the washing tub is detected and after the start button 166 is pressed, the user can quickly check the remaining time compared to existing washing machines. can be known. However, if the remaining time is displayed before the amount of items to be washed in the washing tub is detected and before the start button 166 is pressed, the remaining time can be known more quickly, which is useful for busy users. Great benefits (easy to use).
In addition, the "driving information" such as "water quality" and "water temperature" will be used as the "driving information" of the past "AI driving" during the "AI driving" in this driving, so the driving course selected this time will be Even with "AI operation", the remaining time can be displayed quickly and relatively accurately.

Furthermore, in addition to the above-mentioned "water supply time" and "drainage time", the above-mentioned "water supply amount" is also used as "operating information", so select the water supply amount to the washing tub with the water amount setting button 162a (FIG. 8) and click Even if the amount of water supplied is different from the previous operation, the remaining time can be displayed relatively accurately.
Further, as the "driving information" used, the most recent past information regarding the same driving course as the currently selected driving course is used. Therefore, there is a high probability that the remaining time calculated based on the "driving information" will be based on "driving information" that was close in time to the current drive, so the remaining time will be relatively accurate. There is a high possibility that it will become a thing.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is also possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations of each embodiment with other configurations.
Further, each of the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be partially or entirely realized in hardware by designing, for example, an integrated circuit. Information such as programs, tables, files, etc. that implement each function can be stored in a memory, a recording device such as a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD.

Further, the control lines and information lines are shown to be necessary for explanation purposes, and not all control lines and information lines are necessarily shown in the product. In reality, almost all configurations can be considered to be interconnected.

1 Washing machine 11 Housing 14 Operation panel 25 Motor current detection device (weight sensor)
35 Water quality sensor 26b Temperature sensor 26c Temperature sensor 111 Storage section 112 Driving course setting section 113 Rotation speed calculation section (weight sensor)
114 Clothing weight calculation unit (weight sensor)
151 Operation control section 152 Remaining time display control section 165 Remaining time display section 166 Start button

Claims (7)

washing tub and
A casing that accommodates the washing tub;
an operation panel provided in the housing;
a weight sensor that detects the weight of the object to be washed in the washing tub;
a remaining time display section provided on the operation panel and displaying the remaining driving time;
a driving course setting section that accepts the setting of the driving course for the current driving;
a storage unit that stores driving information based on driving courses of past driving;
At least the washing operation of washing and drying is controlled based on the setting by the operation course setting section, and before the start of washing, the weight of the object to be washed in the washing tub is detected by the weight sensor, and the detected value is an operation control unit that performs operation based on;
a remaining time display control section that displays the remaining driving time on the remaining time display section based on driving information from past driving stored in the storage section before detection by the weight sensor; A washing machine characterized by: Further comprising a start button that accepts an instruction to start driving according to the driving course accepted by the driving course setting section,
The remaining time display control section displays the remaining time of driving on the remaining time display section based on driving information from past driving stored in the storage section before the start button is pressed. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized by: Claim 1, wherein the operating information stored in the storage unit is a water supply time required for supplying water to the washing tub and a draining time of waste water from the washing tub in a driving course of a past operation. Or a washing machine according to claim 2. a water quality sensor that detects the quality of water supplied to the washing tub;
further comprising a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the water to be supplied;
The operation control unit performs operation based on each detection value of the water quality sensor and the temperature sensor when the operation course setting unit receives the setting of a predetermined operation course,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage unit stores each of the detected values as at least part of the operation information. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the water quality sensor detects water hardness as the water quality. The storage unit further stores an amount of water supplied to the washing tub as the operation information,
The remaining time display control unit controls water supply to the washing tub based on the driving course of past driving information stored in the storage unit before pressing the start button and the current driving course accepted by the driving course setting unit. 3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein when the amounts are different, the remaining driving time is updated and displayed on the remaining time display section based on the current driving course and the past driving information. The remaining time display control unit displays the remaining time based on the latest driving course that is the same as the driving course set for the current driving among the driving information for past driving stored in the storage unit. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the remaining operating time is displayed in the section.

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