CN115812114A

CN115812114A - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN115812114A
Application number: CN202180045370.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 间宫春夫
Original assignee: Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Aqua Co Ltd
Current assignee: Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Aqua Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-06-30
Filing date: 2021-03-24
Publication date: 2023-03-17
Also published as: JP2022011737A; WO2022001223A1

Abstract

A washing machine comprising: a motor (6); a washing tub (4) for accommodating laundry (L); a rotary wing (5) disposed in the washing tub (4); a detergent storage section (38); an ultrasonic cleaning unit (13); and a microcomputer (60). The ultrasonic cleaning unit (13) has a tray (48) and an ultrasonic generator (55) disposed around the tray (48) and generating ultrasonic waves. The microcomputer (60) executes: an ultrasonic cleaning operation in which a detergent is supplied to the tray (48) and ultrasonic waves are generated by an ultrasonic wave generator (55); and a washing operation including a washing process of supplying water to the washing tub (4) and rotating at least the rotary wing (5) by the motor (6). The microcomputer (60) waits for the start command of the washing operation to be input according to the end of the ultrasonic cleaning operation, and starts the washing operation according to the input of the start command.

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background

The washing machine described in patent document 1 includes: a main body accommodating the washing tub; a cover which is arranged on the main body and can be opened by mountain folding; and a partial washing device and a gear pump which are assembled in a concave part formed at the front part of the lid in a mountain folding state. A cleaning agent container filled with cleaning solution for local cleaning is hung on the folded cover. The local cleaning device is provided with an ultrasonic vibration generating part. The ultrasonic vibration generating unit applies ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid container by the gear pump. When a user inserts and moves an object to be cleaned into a crack formed in the partial cleaning apparatus, the cleaning liquid applied with vibration is supplied to the object to be cleaned, thereby removing dirt from the object to be cleaned. Since the private parts washing device is rotatably attached to the lid via the hinge mechanism, a user who has used the private parts washing device rotates the private parts washing device to be accommodated in the recess of the lid.

In the washing machine described in patent document 1, an ultrasonic cleaning operation for cleaning an object to be cleaned using a partial cleaning device and a washing operation for putting the object to be cleaned into a washing tub to wash the object are independent operations. Therefore, it is seen that even if a user wants to continuously perform the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation, the washing operation must be started by turning on the power of the washing machine again after the ultrasonic cleaning operation. In addition, the user must prepare a cleaning liquid container for the ultrasonic cleaning operation. This makes it difficult to improve the usability.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2001-178984

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of improving usability in a configuration in which an ultrasonic cleaning operation and a washing operation can be performed.

Means for solving the problems

The invention provides a washing machine, comprising: a driving section generating a driving force; a washing tub for accommodating the laundry and rotating by receiving the driving force of the driving part; a rotary wing disposed in the washing tub and rotated by receiving a driving force of the driving part; a detergent storage unit for storing a detergent; an ultrasonic cleaning unit having a tray and an ultrasonic generator disposed around the tray and generating ultrasonic waves; a water supply part supplying water to at least the washing tub; a detergent supply unit configured to supply at least the detergent in the detergent storage unit to the tray; and a control unit for controlling the driving unit, the ultrasonic wave generating unit, the water supply unit, and the detergent supply unit, wherein the control unit performs: an ultrasonic cleaning operation in which a detergent is supplied to the tray by the detergent supply unit and ultrasonic waves are generated by the ultrasonic wave generation unit; and a washing operation including a washing process in which the water supply unit supplies water to the washing tub and the driving unit rotates at least the rotary wing, wherein the control unit waits for an input of a start command for the washing operation according to an end of the ultrasonic washing operation, and starts the washing operation according to the input of the start command.

In the present invention, the controller supplies the tray with the detergent by the detergent supply unit during the ultrasonic cleaning operation.

Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the washing machine includes: and a detergent supply path for supplying detergent from the detergent storage unit to the tray during the ultrasonic cleaning operation, wherein the control unit performs a maintenance process of causing water to flow through the detergent supply path by the water supply unit during the cleaning operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation is performed.

In the washing operation, there are a standard mode and a dedicated mode in which the operation time is shorter than that in the standard mode, the control unit rotates the rotary wing by the driving unit after water is supplied to the washing tub by the water supply unit during the washing in the standard mode, and the control unit rotates the rotary wing by the driving unit from the middle of the water supply to the washing tub by the water supply unit during the washing in the dedicated mode.

Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the washing machine includes: a cover for opening and closing the entrance of the washing tub for the laundry to enter and exit; and a detection unit that detects whether or not the door closes the entrance, wherein the control unit starts the washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation is completed with the detection unit detecting that the door closes the entrance as an input of the start command.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, the washing machine can perform an ultrasonic cleaning operation and a washing operation. In the ultrasonic cleaning operation, ultrasonic waves are generated in a state where the detergent is supplied to the tray, so that the user can perform ultrasonic cleaning on the laundry soaked in the detergent in the tray by applying the ultrasonic waves to the laundry. In addition, during the washing operation, the laundry in the washing tub is washed by the rotation of the rotary vane in the washing tub supplied with water. A control unit for executing an ultrasonic cleaning operation and a washing operation in a washing machine waits for an input of a start command for the washing operation in response to the end of the ultrasonic cleaning operation, and starts the washing operation in response to the input of the start command. That is, the control unit performs the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation in conjunction with each other. Therefore, a user who wants to continuously perform the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation can start the washing operation without, for example, turning on the power of the washing machine again after the ultrasonic cleaning operation. Further, the washing machine includes a detergent storage part storing detergent to be supplied to the tray and a detergent supply part supplying the detergent of the detergent storage part to the tray, so that a user may not prepare the detergent in the tray for an ultrasonic cleaning operation. As a result, the usability can be improved.

Further, according to the present invention, even if the detergent in the tray decreases during the ultrasonic cleaning operation, the detergent supply unit automatically supplies the detergent to the tray, so that the user does not need to supply the detergent to the tray. Therefore, the usability can be further improved.

Further, according to the present invention, during the ultrasonic cleaning operation, the detergent in the detergent reservoir flows through the detergent supply path and is supplied to the tray. The control unit performs maintenance processing in a washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation is performed, thereby causing water to flow through the detergent supply path. That is, in the washing machine, since the automatic maintenance of the detergent supply path is performed in the washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation, the user may not maintain the detergent supply path. Therefore, the usability can be further improved.

Further, according to the present invention, in the washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation, for example, when a small amount of laundry is to be washed, the laundry can be washed in a short time by selecting the washing operation in the dedicated mode. In particular, in the washing process in the exclusive mode, the rotation of the rotary wing is started from the middle of the water supply of the washing tub, so that the laundry in the washing tub can be effectively washed in a short time.

Further, according to the present invention, after the ultrasonic cleaning operation is finished, the user can start the washing operation of the washing machine by a simple operation of closing the cover, and thus the usability can be further improved.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional right side view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing a principle related to water supply and drainage of the washing machine.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of the washing machine.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of the washing machine.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing an operation panel and a display part in the washing machine.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an ultrasonic cleaning operation and a washing operation performed in the washing machine.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the washing operation.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the ultrasonic cleaning operation.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a detergent supply process in the ultrasonic cleaning operation.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an ultrasonic cleaning operation and a washing operation according to a first modification.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a maintenance process in the washing operation according to the first modification.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an ultrasonic cleaning operation and a washing operation according to a second modification.

Fig. 13 is a table showing the operating conditions of the washing operation in the standard mode.

Fig. 14 is a table showing the operation conditions of the washing operation in the exclusive mode.

Description of the reference numerals

1: a washing machine; 4: a washing tub; 5: a rotary wing; 6: a motor; 13: an ultrasonic cleaning unit; 15: a cover; 19: an entrance and an exit; 30: a first water supply valve; 35: a treating agent supply path; 36: a second water supply valve; 37: a pump; 38: a detergent storage section; 42: a detergent supply valve; 45: an ultrasonic switching valve; 48: a tray; 55: an ultrasonic wave generating section; 60: a microcomputer; 62: a lid switch; l: and (5) washing the articles.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional right side view of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The direction perpendicular to the paper surface in fig. 1 is referred to as a left-right direction X of the washing machine 1, the left-right direction in fig. 1 is referred to as a front-rear direction Y of the washing machine 1, and the up-down direction in fig. 1 is referred to as an up-down direction Z of the washing machine 1. In the left-right direction X, the back side of the paper surface in fig. 1 is referred to as a left side X1, and the front side of the paper surface in fig. 1 is referred to as a right side X2. Of the front-rear direction Y, the left side is referred to as a front side Y1, and the right side is referred to as a rear side Y2. Among the vertical directions Z, the upper side is referred to as an upper side Z1, and the lower side is referred to as a lower side Z2.

The washing machine 1 includes: a cabinet 2 constituting a housing of the washing machine 1; an outer tub 3 accommodated in the cabinet 2 for storing water; a washing tub 4 accommodated in the outer tub 3, accommodating the laundry L and storing water; and a rotary wing 5 disposed in the washing tub 4. The washing machine 1 further comprises: a motor 6 as an example of a driving part for generating a driving force for rotating the washing tub 4 and the rotary wing 5; and an electric transmission mechanism 7 for transmitting the driving force of the motor 6 to the washing tub 4 and the rotary blade 5. The washing machine 1 further comprises: a guide cover 8 disposed in the washing tub 4 for circulating water; and a filter unit 9 attached to the guide cover 8, capturing foreign matter from the water. The washing machine 1 further comprises: a water discharge path 10 for discharging water stored in the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4; a water supply unit 11 for supplying water to the washing tub 4; an input unit 12 for automatically inputting a treatment agent for washing, such as a detergent or a softener, into the washing tub 4; and an ultrasonic cleaning unit 13 for cleaning the laundry L by ultrasonic waves. The water in the present embodiment is tap water, detergent water in which a detergent is dissolved in tap water, or the like. The washing machine 1 can perform a washing operation of washing the laundry L put into the washing tub 4 and an ultrasonic cleaning operation of cleaning the laundry L by ultrasonic waves.

The case 2 is made of, for example, metal and formed in a box shape. The upper end portions of the upper surface 2A and the rear surface 2B of the case 2 are formed by, for example, a resin upper panel 2C. An entrance 14 communicating the inside and outside of the case 2 is formed in the upper surface 2A. The upper panel 2C is provided with a tubular partition wall 2D extending downward Z2 while wrapping the doorway 14. The inner space of the partition wall 2D is a part of the doorway 14, and the inner circumferential surface 2E of the partition wall 2D partitions the doorway 14. An opening 2F associated with the ultrasonic cleaning unit 13 is formed in the inner circumferential surface 2E in a region on the rear side Y2. The opening 2F is a substantially rectangular opening that penetrates a part of the partition wall 2D in the front-rear direction Y (see also fig. 3 described later).

A cover 15 for opening and closing the entrance 14 is provided on the upper surface 2A of the case 2. An operation panel 16 and a display unit 17 are provided in the upper surface 2A in the area around the doorway 14. The operation panel 16 and the display unit 17 are integrated as a liquid crystal operation panel, for example. The user of the washing machine 1 can select the operation conditions of the washing machine 1 or instruct the washing machine 1 to start or stop the operation by operating various keys 65 (see fig. 5 described later) provided on the operation panel 16. Information related to the operation of the washing machine 1 is visually displayed on the display unit 17.

The tub 3 is made of, for example, resin and formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer tub 3 has: a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 3A disposed along the vertical direction Z; a bottom wall 3B that blocks a hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A from a lower side Z2; and an annular wall 3C that projects toward the center of the circumferential wall 3A while wrapping the upper end edge of the circumferential wall 3A. An inlet/outlet 18 communicating with the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A from the upper side Z1 is formed inside the annular wall 3C. The inlet/outlet 18 faces and communicates with the inlet/outlet 14 of the case 2 from the lower side Z2. The bottom wall 3B is formed in a substantially horizontally extending disc shape, and a through hole 3D penetrating the bottom wall 3B in the vertical direction Z is formed at a center position of the bottom wall 3B.

The washing tub 4 is made of, for example, metal, and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape one turn smaller than the outer tub 3, and can accommodate the laundry L therein. The washing tub 4 has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 4A arranged along the vertical direction Z, and a bottom wall 4B provided at a lower end of the washing tub 4 and blocking a hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A from a lower side Z2.

An inlet 19 is formed at the upper end of the washing tub 4, which is covered with the upper end of the inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 4A. The inlet/outlet 19 exposes the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A to the upper side Z1, and communicates with the inlet/outlet 18 of the outer tub 3 from the lower side Z2. The user brings the laundry L into and out of the washing tub 4 from the upper side Z1 through the open doorway 14, the doorway 18, and the doorway 19. The doorway 14, the doorway 18, and the doorway 19 are collectively opened and closed by the cover 15.

The washing tub 4 is coaxially accommodated within the outer tub 3. The washing tub 4 in a state of being accommodated in the outer tub 3 is rotatable about a rotation axis J extending in the up-down direction Z through a center of the washing tub 4. The washing machine 1 is a vertical washing machine, and the rotation axis J in the present embodiment extends strictly in the vertical direction, but may extend in an oblique direction with respect to the vertical direction. As an example, the inclination direction is a direction shifted toward the front side Y1 as going toward the upper side Z1. The rotation axis J also passes through the center of the outer tub 3. The rotation direction of the washing tub 4 coincides with the circumferential direction P around the rotation axis J. Hereinafter, the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis J is referred to as a radial direction R, and among the radial direction R, a side closer to the rotation axis J is referred to as a radial inner side R1, and a side farther from the rotation axis J is referred to as a radial outer side R2.

A plurality of through holes 4C are formed in at least one of the circumferential wall 4A and the bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4, and water in the outer tub 3 can flow between the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 through the through holes 4C. Accordingly, the water is also stored in the washing tub 4, and the water level in the outer tub 3 is equal to the water level in the washing tub 4.

An annular balancer 20 along the circumferential direction P is fitted to an upper end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the washing tub 4. The balancer 20 is a member that damps the vibration of the washing tub 4 when rotating, and a liquid such as brine for helping damp the vibration is contained in a cavity 20A inside the balancer 20.

The bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4 is formed in a disc shape extending substantially parallel to the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3 at an interval on the upper side Z1. A through hole 4D penetrating the bottom wall 4B in the vertical direction Z is formed in the bottom wall 4B at a center position coinciding with the rotation axis J. The bottom wall 4B is provided with a tubular support shaft 21 extending to the lower side Z2 along the rotation axis J while surrounding the through hole 4D. The support shaft 21 is inserted through the through hole 3D of the bottom wall 3B of the tub 3, and the lower end of the support shaft 21 is located below the bottom wall 3B by Z2.

The rotary blade 5 is a so-called pulsator, is formed in a disk shape with the rotation axis J as a center, and is disposed on the bottom wall 4B in the washing tub 4. A plurality of protrusions 5A radially arranged around the rotation axis J are provided on the upper surface of the rotary wing 5 facing the inlet 19 of the washing tub 4, and protrude upward at one side Z1. A plurality of back blades 5B radially arranged around the rotation axis J are provided on the lower surface of the rotary wing 5. The lower end of the back blade 5B in which the rotary wing 5 is disposed in the inner space of the washing tub 4 is referred to as a space S. The rotary wing 5 is provided with a rotary shaft 22 extending from the center thereof to the lower side Z2 along the rotation axis J. The rotation shaft 22 is inserted through the hollow portion of the support shaft 21, and the lower end portion of the rotation shaft 22 is located below the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3 by Z2.

The motor 6 is an electric motor such as a variable frequency motor. The motor 6 is disposed on the lower side Z2 of the tub 3 in the casing 2. The motor 6 has an output shaft 23 that protrudes upward Z1 and rotates about the rotation axis J, and generates and outputs a driving force from the output shaft 23.

The transmission mechanism 7 is interposed between the lower end portions of the support shaft 21 and the rotary shaft 22 and the upper end portion of the output shaft 23 of the motor 6. The transmission mechanism 7 selectively transmits the driving force output from the output shaft 23 of the motor 6 to one or both of the support shaft 21 and the rotary shaft 22. A known clutch or the like can be used as the transmission mechanism 7. When the driving force from the motor 6 is transmitted to the support shaft 21, the washing tub 4 receives the driving force from the motor 6 and rotates about the rotation axis J. When the driving force from the motor 6 is transmitted to the rotary shaft 22, the rotary wing 5 receives the driving force from the motor 6 and rotates about the rotation axis J. Since the rotation direction of each of the washing tub 4 and the rotary wing 5 can be changed, the washing tub can be rotated not only in one direction but also in the other direction in the circumferential direction P.

There are a plurality of guide hoods 8, and the guide hoods 8 are arranged in a dispersed manner in the circumferential direction P on the inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 4A. Preferably, the guide covers 8 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction P. Each guide cover 8 is in the form of a groove extending upward Z1 from the lower end of the circumferential wall 4A of the washing tub 4, and is made of, for example, resin, and its flat cross section is formed in an arc shape convexly curved inward in the radial direction R1, for example. The guide cover 8 is fixed to the circumferential wall 4A so as to cover a part of the circumferential wall 4A from the radially inner side R1. Thus, a circulation flow path 24 extending from the lower end of the circumferential wall 4A in the washing tub 4 to the upper side Z1 is formed between the guide cover 8 and the circumferential wall 4A. That is, the guide cover 8 constitutes the circulation flow path 24. Since there are a plurality of guide covers 8, a plurality of circulation flow paths 24 are also provided.

The lower end of the circulation flow path 24 is connected as an inlet 24A of the circulation flow path 24 from the radially outer side R2 to a space S in which the back blades 5B of the rotary vane 5 are arranged in the internal space of the washing tub 4. That is, inlet 24A is disposed on the bottom wall 4B side of washing tub 4. The guide cover 8 is formed with an opening 8A penetrating the guide cover 8 in the radial direction R. The portion of the circulation flow path 24 exposed radially inward R1 from the opening 8A is an outlet 24B, and the outlet 24B is disposed at a position higher than the inlet 24A and faces the inside of the washing tub 4.

The filter unit 9 includes: a frame 25 accommodated in the opening 8A of the guide cover 8; and a filter 26 mounted to the frame 25. The filter 26 is, for example, a sheet made of a net or the like, and covers the opening 8A.

The drain passage 10 is connected to the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3 from the lower side Z2, and the water in the outer tub 3 is discharged from the drain passage 10 to the outside of the machine, that is, the outside of the cabinet 2. A drain valve 27 that opens and closes to start or stop drainage is provided in the middle of the drain passage 10.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the principle related to the water supply and drainage of the washing machine 1. The water supply unit 11 includes: a water injection part 28 disposed in the case 2; a water supply path 29 for connecting the water injection part 28 with a water tap outside the case 2; a first water supply valve 30 provided in the middle of the water supply path 29 in the tank 2; and a bath water supply path 31 connected to the water supply unit 28 in the casing 2 (see also fig. 1).

The water filling unit 28 is, for example, a box-like shape flat in the left-right direction X, and is disposed on the rear side Y2 of the partition wall 2D of the upper panel 2C and on the upper side Z1 of the inlet 18 of the tub 3 (see fig. 1). A discharge port 28A facing the inlet/outlet 18 and the inlet/outlet 19 of the washing tub 4 from the upper side Z1 is formed in the bottom of the water filling portion 28.

The first water supply valve 30 is constituted by an electromagnetic valve or the like. When the first water supply valve 30 is opened with the drain valve 27 closed, tap water from the faucet flows through the water supply path 29 and is poured into the water pouring unit 28, and then water is poured into the washing tub 4 from the discharge port 28A as indicated by a broken arrow A1 (see also fig. 1) in fig. 2 and is stored in the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4. When the first water supply valve 30 is closed, the supply of tap water is stopped.

The other end of the bath water supply path 31 opposite to the one end connected to the water supply unit 28 is exposed as a suction port 32 to the upper surface of the upper panel 2C, that is, the surface of the case 2 (see fig. 1). A hose 33 having one end immersed in bath water in a bathtub (not shown) is connected to the suction port 32. An electric pump 34 is provided in the hose 33. When the pump 34 is operated, the bath water is taken into the hose 33 and sent into the bath water supply path 31 through the suction port 32. The bath water flowing through the bath water supply path 31 is injected into the water injection unit 28, and then injected into the tub 4 through the discharge port 28A. The hose 33 and the pump 34 may be external components called a so-called bath pump. The pump 34 may be provided in the bath water supply path 31 without being provided in the hose 33, and in this case, only the hose 33 is an external component.

The throw-in unit 12 includes: a treatment agent supply path 35 that branches from the water supply path 29 in the tank 2 at an upstream side of the faucet from the first water supply valve 30 and is connected to the water injection unit 28; a second water supply valve 36 provided in the treating agent supply path 35; and a pump 37 provided in a region of the treating agent supply path 35 on the downstream side of the water supply unit 28 with respect to the second water supply valve 36 (see also fig. 1). The throw-in unit 12 includes: a detergent storage section 38 for storing a liquid detergent; a softener storage section 39 that stores a liquid softener (also referred to as a softener); a detergent outflow path 40 extending from the detergent storage section 38 to the treatment agent supply path 35; and a softener outlet path 41 extending from the softener storage section 39 to the treatment agent supply path 35. The input unit 12 includes a detergent supply valve 42 and a softener supply valve 43 provided in a middle region between the second water supply valve 36 and the pump 37 in the treatment agent supply path 35.

The second water supply valve 36 is constituted by an electromagnetic valve or the like. When the second water supply valve 36 is opened with the drain valve 27 closed, tap water from the faucet flows through the treatment agent supply path 35 and is injected into the water injection unit 28. The tap water poured into the water pouring unit 28 is poured into the washing tub 4 through the outlet 28A and is stored in the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4. When the second water supply valve 36 is closed, the supply of the tap water is stopped. The pump 37 constitutes a part of the treating agent supply path 35, and is disposed so as not to disturb the flow of water in the treating agent supply path 35 in a state where the second water supply valve 36 is opened.

The detergent reservoir 38 and the softener reservoir 39 are containers for storing the corresponding treatment agents, respectively. In the present embodiment, since the detergent storage section 38 is disposed in the deep left side of the partition wall 2D of the upper panel 2C and the softener storage section 39 is disposed in the deep right side of the partition wall 2D, the detergent storage section 38 and the softener storage section 39 are exposed when the user opens the cover 15 (see fig. 3). A refill port 38A is formed in an upper surface portion of the detergent reservoir 38, and a refill port 39A is formed in an upper surface portion of the softener reservoir 39 (see fig. 3). Therefore, the user can replenish the detergent reservoir 38 with the detergent from the replenishment port 38A or the softener reservoir 39 with the softener from the replenishment port 39A.

The detergent outflow path 40 extends from the lower end of the detergent reservoir 38 to the lower side Z2 and is connected to the treatment agent supply path 35 via a detergent supply valve 42. The softener outlet path 41 extends from the lower end portion of the softener reservoir 39 to the lower side Z2 and is connected to the treatment agent supply path 35 via the softener supply valve 43.

The detergent supply valve 42 is constituted by an electromagnetic valve or the like. The softener supply valve 43 is also constituted by an electromagnetic valve or the like. When the pump 37 is operated in a state where the detergent supply valve 42 is opened, the detergent in the detergent reservoir 38 is sucked into the treating agent supply path 35 through the detergent outflow path 40. When the second water supply valve 36 is opened and tap water from the faucet flows through the treatment agent supply path 35, the detergent flowing out of the treatment agent supply path 35 is poured into the water pouring unit 28 together with the tap water of the treatment agent supply path 35, and is poured into the washing tub 4 from the discharge port 28A. When the pump 37 is operated in a state where the conditioner supply valve 43 is opened, the wash conditioner of the conditioner reservoir 39 is sucked to the treatment agent supply path 35 through the conditioner outflow path 41. When the second water supply valve 36 is opened and tap water from the faucet flows through the treatment agent supply path 35, the softener that has flowed out of the treatment agent supply path 35 is injected into the water injection portion 28 together with the tap water of the treatment agent supply path 35, and is injected into the washing tub 4 from the discharge port 28A.

In association with the ultrasonic cleaning unit 13, a concave housing chamber 44 (see fig. 1) that is recessed toward the rear side Y2 while covering the opening 2F is provided in the partition wall 2D of the upper panel 2C of the housing 2. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 13 includes: an ultrasonic switching valve 45 provided in a region between the water injection unit 28 and the pump 37 in the treatment agent supply path 35; a tank (tank) 46; and a first water conduit 47 connecting the ultrasonic switching valve 45 and the tank 46. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 13 includes: a tray 48 accommodated in the accommodation chamber 44; a second water conduit 49 connecting the tank 46 and the tray 48; and an ultrasonic water supply valve 50 provided in the second water conduit 49. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 13 includes: an ultrasonic drainage path 51 connecting the tray 48 and the drainage path 10; an ultrasonic drain valve 52 provided in the ultrasonic drain path 51; and an ultrasonic overflow path 53 connecting the tank 46 and the tray 48. Fig. 2 illustrates an overflow path 54 for allowing water exceeding the upper limit water level in the washing tub 4 to escape to the drain path 10. The overflow path 54 connects the circumferential wall 3A (see fig. 1) of the outer tub 3 and the drainage path 10. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 13 further includes an ultrasonic generator 55 disposed around the tray 48.

The ultrasonic switching valve 45 is a so-called multi-way valve, and causes the water flowing through the treatment agent supply passage 35 to continue to flow to the treatment agent supply passage 35 or to the first water conduit 47 toward the water pouring unit 28. The water flowing through the first water conduit 47 is stored in the tank 46.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the upper panel 2C and its peripheral portion in the washing machine 1. The tray 48 has: a recess 48A, open to the upper side Z1; and a handle 48B disposed on the front side Y1 of the recess 48A.

An end of the second water conduit 49 opens on the tray 48, for example, in the accommodation chamber 44. The ultrasonic water supply valve 50 is constituted by an electromagnetic valve or the like. When the ultrasonic water supply valve 50 is opened, the water stored in the tank 46 falls down to the recess 48A of the tray 48 through the second water conduit 49. An ultrasonic drainage path 51 is connected to the bottom of the tray 48. The ultrasonic drain valve 52 is constituted by an electromagnetic valve or the like. When the ultrasonic water supply valve 50 is opened in a state where the ultrasonic drain valve 52 is closed, water from the tank 46 is accumulated to the recess 48A of the tray 48. When the ultrasonic water supply valve 50 is opened in this state, the water in the tray 48 flows out to the drainage path 10 through the ultrasonic drainage path 51 and is discharged to the outside of the machine. The water in the tank 46 exceeding the upper limit water level is discharged to the ultrasonic water overflow path 53 and supplied to the tray 48.

The ultrasonic wave generating section 55 has a nozzle shape extending in the front-rear direction Y, and a distal end portion at the distal end thereof is bent downward Z2. A vibration horn 56 is provided at the distal end of the ultrasonic wave generator 55. The ultrasonic wave generator 55 generates ultrasonic waves by energizing the vibration horn 56. A lamp 57 that is turned on during energization may be provided at the distal end portion of the ultrasonic wave generating unit 55. The ultrasonic wave generator 55, which is an example of such an ultrasonic wave generator, is positioned on the tray 48 so that at least the vibration horn 56 is disposed on the tray 48. The tray 48 and the ultrasonic wave generator 55 are integrated to constitute a drawing unit 58.

The drawer unit 58 is slidably supported in the front-rear direction Y by the housing chamber 44 provided in the top panel 2C of the housing 2. Specifically, the drawer unit 58 is slidable in the front-rear direction Y between a storage position (see fig. 1) stored in the storage chamber 44 and a drawer position (see fig. 3) drawn out from the storage chamber 44 to the front side Y1 through the opening 2F of the partition wall 2D of the upper panel 2C. The user can pull out the tray 48 by grasping the handle 48B thereof in a state where the cover 15 is opened, thereby sliding the drawer unit 58.

A shutter (not shown) for opening and closing the opening 2F in conjunction with the sliding of the extraction unit 58 may be provided on the partition wall 2D. The shutter closes the opening 2F when the drawer unit 58 is in the storage position, and opens the opening 2F when the drawer unit 58 in the storage position starts sliding. In this case, even in a state where the shutter closes the opening 2F, the handle 48B is exposed to the inside of the doorway 14 of the upper panel 2C so as to be graspable by the user. The first water conduit 47, the second water conduit 49, the ultrasonic water drainage channel 51, and the ultrasonic water overflow channel 53 each surround the extraction unit 58 so as not to hinder the sliding of the extraction unit 58.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 further comprises: a microcomputer 60 as an example of the control section; a water level sensor 61 for detecting the water level in the washing tub 4; a lid switch 62 as an example of a detection unit that detects whether or not the lid 15 closes the doorway 14, the doorway 18, and the doorway 19; and a buzzer 63. The microcomputer 60 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 60A, a memory 60B, and a timer 60C for timing. The water level sensor 61, the lid switch 62, and the buzzer 63 can each have a known structure. The operation panel 16, the display 17, the water level sensor 61, the lid switch 62, and the buzzer 63 are electrically connected to the microcomputer 60. The contents of the operation panel 16 by the user are inputted to the microcomputer 60. The microcomputer 60 controls the display contents of the display unit 17. The respective detection results of the water level sensor 61 and the cover switch 62 are input to the microcomputer 60. The microcomputer 60 controls the operation of the buzzer 63.

The motor 6, the transfer mechanism 7, the drain valve 27, the first water supply valve 30, the second water supply valve 36, the pump 37, the detergent supply valve 42, the softener supply valve 43, the ultrasonic switching valve 45, the ultrasonic water supply valve 50, the ultrasonic drain valve 52, and the ultrasonic generator 55 are electrically connected to the microcomputer 60 via, for example, a drive circuit 64, and are controlled by the microcomputer 60. The bath water pump described above can be electrically connected to the microcomputer 60 via a cable (not shown) including at least one of a signal line and an electric power supply line, and can be controlled by the microcomputer 60.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the operation panel 16 and the display unit 17. The operation panel 16 is arranged in parallel with the display unit 17, for example, from the lower side Z2. The operation panel 16 includes a plurality of keys 65 arranged in the left-right direction X. Each key 65 may be a touch key or a normal button. The buttons 65 related to the following description are: a power on key 65A for turning on the power of the washing machine 1; a power cut-off key 65B for cutting off the power of the washing machine 1; a start key 65C for starting a washing operation; a mode key 65D for selecting a mode of the washing operation; and an ultrasonic key 65E for starting an ultrasonic cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning unit 13.

The display unit 17 includes: a numerical value display section 66 for displaying numerical values such as the remaining time of the washing operation; a mode display field 67 disposed adjacent to the right side of the numerical value display field 66 and displaying a mode being selected; the detail display section 68 is disposed adjacent to the numerical value display section 66 on the left side thereof, and displays detailed conditions during the washing operation. The display contents of the display unit 17 will be described below.

Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation performed in the washing machine 1. When the user presses the power on key 65A to turn it on, the microcomputer 60 monitors whether the user presses the ultrasonic key 65E to turn it on (step S1). At this time, all the valves such as the first water supply valve 30 in the washing machine 1 are in the closed state.

When the user selects the mode of the washing operation by pressing and turning on the mode key 65D without turning on the ultrasonic key 65E (no in step S1) (yes in step S2), the microcomputer 60 monitors whether or not the user presses and turns on the start key 65C (step S3). The microcomputer 60 lights up a display area corresponding to the mode selected by the user in the mode display field 67 (see fig. 5). When the user puts the laundry L into the washing tub 4 and closes the lid 15 and turns on the start key 65C (yes in step S3), the microcomputer 60 performs the washing operation (step S4). When the washing operation is finished, the microcomputer 60 automatically cuts off the power of the washing machine 1 (step S5). The user may also cause the microcomputer 60 to cut off the power supply to the washing machine 1 by pressing a power cut-off key 65B (see fig. 5).

When the user turns on the ultrasonic key 65E (yes in step S1) and then turns on the start key 65C (yes in step S6), the microcomputer 60 executes the ultrasonic cleaning operation (step S7). The microcomputer 60 lights up a display area 66A corresponding to the ultrasonic cleaning operation in the numerical value display field 66 in response to the ultrasonic key 65E being turned on, and blinks the display area 66A during the ultrasonic cleaning operation or displays a block (segment) 66B (see fig. 5) in the numerical value display field 66 to indicate that the ultrasonic cleaning operation is in progress. When the ultrasonic cleaning operation is finished, the microcomputer 60 waits for the start of the washing operation (step S8). That is, the microcomputer 60 waits for the user to turn on the start key 65C to perform the washing operation without automatically turning off the power of the washing machine 1 (step S3). In this state, when the user puts the laundry L into the washing tub 4 and closes the lid 15 and then turns on the start key 65C (yes in step S3), the microcomputer 60 performs the washing operation (step S4). When the washing operation is finished, the microcomputer 60 automatically cuts off the power of the washing machine 1 (step S5).

In this manner, the microcomputer 60 waits for the input of a command to start the washing operation in response to the end of the ultrasonic cleaning operation (step S8), and starts the washing operation in response to the input of the start command (yes in step S3) (step S4). The input of the start command here means that the user turns on the start key 65C. In this manner, the microcomputer 60 performs the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation in conjunction with each other. Therefore, even if the user who wants to continuously perform the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation does not turn on the power of the washing machine 1 again by operating the power on key 65A (see fig. 5) after the ultrasonic cleaning operation, for example, the washing operation can be started quickly by turning on the start key 65C. Therefore, the convenience of use can be improved. The standby state of the microcomputer 60 may be regarded as the initial state of the washing operation. Note that, the washing operation mode after the ultrasonic cleaning operation is ended is defaulted to a standard mode described later, but when the mode of the next washing operation is to be changed from the default mode at the end of the ultrasonic cleaning operation, the microcomputer 60 may wait for the start key 65C to be turned on after the mode selection in step S2 (step S3).

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the washing operation in step S4. The washing operation includes a standard mode and a dedicated mode, and fig. 7 shows the washing operation in the standard mode. When the standard mode is selected by the user's operation of the mode key 65D, the microcomputer 60 lights up the display area 67A corresponding to the standard mode in the mode display field 67 (see fig. 5). The microcomputer 60 first detects the amount of the laundry L in the washing tub 4, that is, the load amount, with the start of the washing operation (step S11). As an example of the load amount detection, the microcomputer 60 detects the load amount from the fluctuation of the rotation speed of the motor 6 when the washing tub 4 is rotated stably at a low speed. The microcomputer 60 determines a water level at which water is to be supplied to the washing tub 4 and stored therein next based on the previously detected load amount. The relationship between the water level and the load amount is determined in advance by an experiment or the like and stored in the memory 60B of the microcomputer 60. Then, the microcomputer 60 sequentially performs a washing process, a first rinsing process, a second rinsing process, and a final dehydrating process in the washing operation in the standard mode.

The microcomputer 60 first performs a water supply process to the washing tub 4 in the washing process (step S12). Specifically, the microcomputer 60 opens the second water supply valve 36 and controls the ultrasonic switching valve 45, thereby causing tap water from the faucet to be injected from the treatment agent supply path 35 into the water injection unit 28 and to be poured from the discharge port 28A of the water injection unit 28 into the washing tub 4 (see fig. 2). At this time, the microcomputer 60 opens the detergent supply valve 42 and operates the pump 37, thereby supplying a single amount of detergent to the treating agent supply path 35. Thereby, the water in which the detergent is dissolved, that is, the detergent water, is poured into the washing tub 4.

When the water level of the washing tub 4 is raised to the water level determined in step S11 by such water supply, the microcomputer 60 ends the water supply process, and performs the agitation process (step S13). Specifically, the microcomputer 60 controls the transmission mechanism 7 to transmit the driving force of the motor 6 to the rotary wing 5 as necessary, and then drives the motor 6 to continuously rotate the rotary wing 5. Thus, the detergent is easily dissolved in water in the washing tub 4, and thus high-concentration detergent water is generated. The dirt is mechanically removed from the laundry L by the raised portion 5A (see fig. 1) of the rotating rotary wing 5, or the dirt of the laundry L is chemically decomposed by detergent components in the detergent water. When the predetermined stirring time has elapsed, the microcomputer 60 ends the stirring process.

After the agitation process, the microcomputer 60 then executes the disentangling process in a state where water is stored in the washing tub 4 (step S14). The microcomputer 60 intermittently drives the motor 6 in the disentangling process under a condition different from the stirring process, thereby reversing the rotary wing 5 by a small amount. In the present embodiment, as an example, the rotary blade 5 rotates in the reverse direction at a higher rotation speed than in the stirring process so that the normal rotation and the reverse rotation are alternately repeated at intervals shorter than the stirring process. Thereby, the laundry L soaked in the water in the washing tub 4 is disentangled by the rotating wing 5 being reversed. Therefore, the bias of the laundry L is eliminated. The bias of the laundry L is a bias of the laundry L in the washing tub 4, and is also referred to as unbalance. When a predetermined unlock time has elapsed, the microcomputer 60 ends the unlock process. Thereby, the washing process is ended.

The agitation process and the disentangling process in the cleaning process are collectively referred to as a cleaning process. In the cleaning process, the water in the space S on the bottom wall 4B side in the washing tub 4 is pushed out to the radially outer side R2 by the back blades 5B of the rotary blades 5 rotating at high speed and sent to the inlets 24A of the respective circulation flow paths 24 (see fig. 1). The water flowing to the upper side Z1 in each circulation flow path 24 passes through the filter 26 of the filter unit 9 and flows out from the outlet 24B of the circulation flow path 24 to the radial inner side R1 (see a broken-line arrow A2 in fig. 1). The filter 26 captures foreign matter such as lint from the water passing through the filter 26 and stores the foreign matter in the filter unit 9. The water returning from the outlet 24B into the washing tub 4 circulates in the following manner: after being poured onto the laundry L in the washing tub 4 from the upper side Z1, the water flows down to the space S and is poured onto the laundry L again through the circulation flow path 24. In the washing process, the microcomputer 60 may rotate not only the rotary blade 5 but also the washing tub 4.

Next, the microcomputer 60 starts the first rinsing process, and first, as the water discharge process of the washing tub 4, the water discharge valve 27 is opened (step S15). Thereby, the water in the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drainage channel 10. Then, the microcomputer 60 then performs the dehydration process of the laundry L in a state where the drain valve 27 is opened (step S16). Specifically, first, microcomputer 60 controls transmission mechanism 7 to transmit the driving force of motor 6 to washing tub 4, thereby rotating washing tub 4 at a high speed. The laundry L in the washing tub 4 is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated by the high-speed rotation. The water seeped out of the laundry L by the dehydration is discharged from the machine through the drainage path 10. At the final stage of the dehydration process, the microcomputer 60 controls the transmission mechanism 7 to stop the motor 6 without transmitting the driving force of the motor 6 to the washing tub 4, and thus the washing tub 4 is rotated by inertia.

The microcomputer 60 performs the spray rinsing process after the dehydration process (step S17). Specifically, microcomputer 60 then rotates tub 4 at a low speed while opening first water supply valve 30 with drain valve 27 open to allow tap water from the faucet to be poured from water supply path 29 into water pouring unit 28 and to be poured from discharge port 28A of water pouring unit 28 into tub 4. Therefore, in the shower rinsing process, the laundry L is rinsed by rotating the washing tub 4 at a low speed while simultaneously supplying and discharging water. The first rinsing process is ended along with the end of the spray rinsing process.

Subsequently, the microcomputer 60 starts the second rinsing process and first executes the same spin-drying process as in step S16 (step S18). Next, the microcomputer 60 performs a water supply process to the washing tub 4 (step S19). Specifically, the microcomputer 60 opens the second water supply valve 36 with the drain valve 27 closed, and controls the ultrasonic switching valve 45, thereby causing tap water from the faucet to be injected from the treatment agent supply path 35 into the water injection unit 28, and to be poured from the discharge port 28A of the water injection unit 28 into the washing tub 4 (see fig. 2). At this time, the microcomputer 60 opens the softener supply valve 43 and operates the pump 37, thereby supplying a single amount of the softener to the treating agent supply path 35. Thereby, the water containing the softener is poured into the washing tub 4 and stored therein.

When the water level of the washing tub 4 rises to the water level determined in step S11, the microcomputer 60 ends the water supply process, and performs the same stirring process as in step S13 (step S20). Thereby, inside the washing tub 4, the laundry L is rinsed, and the softener permeates the laundry L. In the agitation process, the water in the washing tub 4 circulates so as to be poured on the laundry L through the circulation flow path 24 as the rotary blade 5 rotates. When the predetermined stirring time has elapsed, the microcomputer 60 ends the stirring process.

After the agitation process, the microcomputer 60 then executes the same disentangling process as that of step S14 in a state where water is stored in the washing tub 4 (step S21). This eliminates the bias of the laundry L in the washing tub 4. When a predetermined unlock time has elapsed, the microcomputer 60 ends the unlock process. Thereby, the second rinsing process is ended. The agitation treatment and the disentangling treatment in the second rinsing process are collectively referred to as a water-holding rinsing treatment.

Next, the microcomputer 60 starts the final dehydration process, and first opens the drain valve 27 to perform the drainage process of the washing tub 4 (step S22). Then, the microcomputer 60 executes the dehydration processing of the laundry L in the same manner as the dehydration processing of steps S16 and S18 (step S23). However, the rotation condition of the washing tub 4 in step S23 may be different from the rotation condition of the washing tub 4 in step S16, step S18. As an example, the maximum rotation speed of washing tub 4 in step S23 is higher than the maximum rotation speed of washing tub 4 in steps S16, S18. The final dewatering process is completed with the completion of the dewatering process, and thus the washing operation itself is completed.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the ultrasonic cleaning operation in step S7. Before the ultrasonic cleaning operation is started, the extraction unit 58 is extracted to the extraction position by the user (see fig. 3). The microcomputer 60 first executes the first detergent supply process with the start of the ultrasonic cleaning operation (step S31).

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the detergent supply process. The microcomputer 60 first opens the detergent supply valve 42 and turns on the pump 37 to operate in response to the start of the detergent supply process (step S301). Then, when the predetermined Ta seconds have elapsed (yes in step S302), the microcomputer 60 turns off and stops the pump 37, and closes the detergent supply valve 42 (step S303). Thereby, a predetermined amount of the detergent in the detergent reservoir 38 is sucked into the treatment agent supply path 35 (see fig. 2).

Subsequently, the microcomputer 60 turns on the second water supply valve 36 (step S304). Thus, the detergent sucked into the treatment agent supply path 35 flows through the treatment agent supply path 35 as detergent water following the tap water. At this time, the microcomputer 60 controls the ultrasonic switching valve 45 to supply the detergent water flowing through the treatment agent supply path 35 to the tank 46 (see fig. 2). Then, when the predetermined Tb seconds has elapsed (yes at step S305), the microcomputer 60 closes the second water supply valve 36 and turns it off (step S306). Thereby, the tank 46 is filled with the detergent water by storing the detergent water to a predetermined level. Note that a sensor (not shown) for detecting the water level of tank 46 may be provided, and microcomputer 60 may determine that the water level of tank 46 is full based on the detection result of the sensor in step S305. When the tank 46 is full of water and the second water supply valve 36 is turned off, the detergent supply process is ended.

Returning to fig. 8, the microcomputer 60 sounds the buzzer 63 in response to the completion of the first detergent supply process, thereby notifying the user of the start of supply of detergent water from the tank 46 to the tray 48 (step S32). At this time, the microcomputer 60 opens the ultrasonic water supply valve 50 (see fig. 2) to supply detergent water to the tray 48. In this case, the detergent water in the tank 46 may be naturally supplied to the tray 48 from the middle of the detergent supply process by, for example, a siphon effect.

The second water supply valve 36, the pump 37, the detergent supply valve 42, and the ultrasonic switching valve 45 provided in the treatment agent supply path 35 in a region from the upstream end on the faucet side to the ultrasonic water supply valve 50 are examples of a detergent supply unit that supplies the detergent in the detergent storage unit 38 at least to the tray 48 (see fig. 2). The ultrasonic water supply valve 50 may also be regarded as an example of the detergent supply part. The treatment agent supply path 35 is an example of a detergent supply path for supplying detergent from the detergent reservoir 38 to the tray 48 during the ultrasonic cleaning operation. As described above, the detergent supply unit supplies the detergent in the treatment agent supply path 35 from the water injection unit 28 to the washing tub 4 during the washing process.

When a predetermined time of, for example, 16 seconds has elapsed from the start of the notification (yes in step S33), since almost all of the detergent water in the tank 46 has been transferred from the tray 48 to the recess 48A (see fig. 3) of the tray 48, the microcomputer 60 sounds the buzzer 63, thereby notifying the user of the start of the ultrasonic wave (step S34). The process of steps S32 to S34 is referred to as a tray water supply process.

The microcomputer 60, which has notified the start of the ultrasonic wave, energizes and turns on the vibration horn 56 of the ultrasonic wave generator 55, thereby generating the ultrasonic wave (step S35). In this state, the user immerses the collar or sleeve of a shirt, which is an example of the laundry L, in the detergent water in the recess 48A of the tray 48 and brings the collar or sleeve close to the vibration horn 56, thereby applying ultrasonic waves to the local dirt of the laundry L (see fig. 3). Then, the ultrasonic vibration generated by the energized horn 56 causes bubbles to be generated in the detergent water entering the laundry L and to be broken, and the dirt is flicked off from the gaps between the fibers of the laundry L by the broken impact. The user can perform ultrasonic cleaning of the laundry L by applying the ultrasonic waves of the ultrasonic wave generator 55 to the tough local stains on the laundry L for a predetermined time period without strongly rubbing the laundry L.

Since the detergent used for the ultrasonic cleaning operation is stored in the detergent storage section 38 provided in the washing machine 1 and is automatically fed to the tray 48 by the pump 37 or the like, the user does not have to prepare the detergent in the tray 48 for the ultrasonic cleaning operation. Therefore, the convenience of use can be improved. Further, since the detergent used for the washing operation can also be used for the ultrasonic cleaning operation, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of kinds of detergents for the washing operation and the ultrasonic cleaning operation, respectively.

In the ultrasonic cleaning operation, when a predetermined time of, for example, 1 minute has elapsed after the vibration horn 56 is turned on (yes in step S36), the detergent water in the tray 48 is in a state of being greatly reduced by being immersed in the laundry L, and therefore the microcomputer 60 executes the second detergent supply process while continuing to turn on the vibration horn 56 (step S37). The contents of the second detergent supply process are the same as those of the first detergent supply process (step S31). The second detergent supply process automatically supplies detergent water to the tray 48. Thus, the user can prevent the detergent from being supplied to the tray 48, and the usability can be further improved.

When a predetermined time period of, for example, 3 minutes has elapsed after the second detergent supply process is performed (yes in step S38), the user should have finished the ultrasonic cleaning of the laundry L, and therefore the microcomputer 60 turns off the vibration horn 56 (step S39). Then, the microcomputer 60 sounds the buzzer 63 to notify the user of the end of the ultrasonic cleaning operation (step S40). This ends the ultrasonic cleaning operation. When the user who has finished the ultrasonic cleaning before the buzzer 63 sounds presses, for example, the start key 65C (see fig. 5), the microcomputer 60 may end the ultrasonic cleaning operation in advance. Alternatively, when the user presses the start key 65C during the ultrasonic cleaning operation, the microcomputer 60 may temporarily stop the ultrasonic cleaning operation.

The user who has finished the ultrasonic cleaning returns the extracting unit 58 to the accommodating position (refer to fig. 1). Accordingly, the microcomputer 60 opens the ultrasonic drain valve 52 to discharge the detergent water remaining in the tray 48 to the outside of the machine through the drain passage 10 (see fig. 2). A drain bar (lever) 70 (see fig. 3) for opening the bottom of the tray 48 may be provided in the tray 48. When the user operates the drain lever 70 in a state where the drawing unit 58 is located at the drawing position, the bottom of the tray 48 is opened and the detergent water in the tray 48 flows out into the washing tub 4, so that the tray 48 can be manually drained.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the ultrasonic cleaning operation and the washing operation according to the first modification. In the first modification, when the user presses the power on key 65A to turn it on, the microcomputer 60 monitors whether the user has turned the ultrasonic key 65E on (step S51) in the same manner as step S1. When the user turns on the ultrasonic key 65E (yes in step S51) and also turns on the start key 65C (yes in step S52), the microcomputer 60 executes the ultrasonic cleaning operation in the same manner as in step S7 (step S53).

When the ultrasonic cleaning operation is completed, the microcomputer 60 changes the flag concerning maintenance of the treatment agent supply path 35 through which the detergent water has flowed during the ultrasonic cleaning operation, for example, from "unnecessary" to "necessary" and temporarily stores the flag in the memory 60B (step S54). Then, the microcomputer 60 may wait for the start of the washing operation as in step S8 of the flowchart of fig. 6. If the washing operation of the ultrasonic cleaning operation is not required, the microcomputer 60 may automatically cut off the power of the washing machine 1.

When the user selects the mode of the washing operation by the mode key 65D in the same manner as step S2 without turning on the ultrasonic key 65E (no in step S51) (yes in step S55) and turns on the start key 65C in the same manner as step S3 (yes in step S56), the microcomputer 60 checks the flag temporarily stored in the memory 60B (step S57). If the "required" flag is stored (yes at step S57), a special washing operation is executed (step S58). In the cleaning process of the first cleaning operation after the cleaning operation, that is, the ultrasonic cleaning operation is performed, the microcomputer 60 performs the maintenance process shown in fig. 11 between the water supply process of step S12 and the agitation process of step S13 (see fig. 7), for example.

In the maintenance process, the microcomputer 60 turns on the second water supply valve 36 (step S501). Thus, the tap water from the faucet flows through the treatment agent supply path 35, is injected into the water injection unit 28, and is supplied from the discharge port 28A of the water injection unit 28 into the washing tub 4. Since the tap water flows through the treatment agent supply path 35, the detergent supplied to the treatment agent supply path 35 during the ultrasonic cleaning operation remains to be washed away by the tap water, and the treatment agent supply path 35 is cleaned. This prevents a trouble due to adhesion of the detergent in the treatment agent supply path 35. The microcomputer 60 can control the ultrasonic switching valve 45 so that the tap water flowing through the treatment agent supply path 35 flows toward the tray 48 without flowing to the water pouring unit 28 (see fig. 2). This enables cleaning of the tank 46, the tray 48, and the like.

When a predetermined Tc seconds has elapsed after the second water supply valve 36 is turned on (yes in step S502), the microcomputer 60 turns off the second water supply valve 36 by closing it (step S503). This ends the maintenance process. Further, the microcomputer 60 deletes the flag from the memory 60B, or resets "needed" to "not needed". In this way, since the washing machine 1 performs automatic maintenance of the treatment agent supply path 35 during the washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation, the user can perform no maintenance on the treatment agent supply path 35. Therefore, the usability can be further improved. The amount of water supplied in the immediately preceding water supply process (step S12) may be set to be slightly smaller in accordance with the amount of water to be added in the maintenance process.

On the other hand, if the flag "required" is not present in the memory 60B (no in step S57), the washing operation without the maintenance process is executed (step S59). The washing operation in step S59 is the same as the washing operation described in fig. 7. When the washing operation is finished regardless of the presence or absence of the maintenance process, the microcomputer 60 automatically turns off the power supply of the washing machine 1 (step S60) in the same manner as step S5.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an ultrasonic cleaning operation and a washing operation according to a second modification. The second modification is an embodiment assuming the above-described washing operation in the exclusive mode. The dedicated mode is a mode in which a small amount of laundry L such as the laundry L partially cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning operation is set as the object to be cleaned. When the user selects the dedicated mode by the mode key 65D (yes in step S71) and turns on the start key 65C (yes in step S72), the microcomputer 60 first performs the ultrasonic cleaning operation in the same manner as in step S7 (step S73).

When the ultrasonic cleaning operation is finished, the microcomputer 60 waits for the start of the washing operation (step S74). Specifically, the microcomputer 60 waits for the input of the detection result of the lid switch 62 such as "the user who has thrown the laundry L into the washing tub 4 after the ultrasonic cleaning operation closes the lid 15" (step S75). When the user closes the lid 15 (yes in step S75), the microcomputer 60 executes the washing operation in the dedicated mode (step S76).

After the ultrasonic cleaning operation is completed, the microcomputer 60 starts the washing operation by detecting, as the input of the start command, that the lid 15 closes the doorway 14, the doorway 18, and the doorway 19 with the lid switch 62 (yes in step S75) (step S76). In this case, after the ultrasonic cleaning operation is finished, the user can start the washing operation of the washing machine 1 by a simple operation of closing the lid 15, and thus the usability can be further improved. When the exclusive mode is selected, the microcomputer 60 lights up the display area 67B corresponding to the exclusive mode in the mode display field 67 (see fig. 5). The microcomputer 60 that has performed the washing operation in the exclusive mode automatically cuts off the power of the washing machine 1 (step S77).

Fig. 13 is a table showing the operating conditions of the washing operation in the standard mode. In the standard mode (refer to fig. 7), as an example, the microcomputer 60 performs a water supply process for 3 minutes and a cleaning process for 9 minutes in the cleaning process, and performs a drainage process for 1 minute, a dehydration process for 4 minutes, and a spray rinsing process for 1 minute in the first rinsing process. The microcomputer 60 rotates the rotary wing 5 by the motor 6 without additional water supply in the washing process after the water supply to the washing tub 4 in the standard mode washing process as described above, that is, after the water supply process is finished. Then, the microcomputer 60 performs the dehydration process for 3 minutes, the water supply process for 3 minutes, and the water storage rinse process for 3 minutes in the second rinsing process, and performs the drainage process for 1 minute and the dehydration process for 6 minutes in the final dehydration process. In this case, the time required for the washing operation in the standard mode is 34 minutes.

Fig. 14 is a table showing the operation conditions of the washing operation in the exclusive mode. On the other hand, the washing operation in the dedicated mode (refer to fig. 12) includes a washing process, a primary rinsing process, and a final dehydrating process, which are different from the standard mode. As an example, the microcomputer 60 performs a water supply process for 2 minutes during the washing process in the dedicated mode. Thus, when the water level in the washing tub 4 reaches a predetermined minimum water level higher than zero, the microcomputer 60 performs a washing process for 4 minutes during the washing process, and rotates the rotary wing 5 to agitate the laundry L in the washing tub 4 while continuing to supply water until the water level in the washing tub 4 rises to the predetermined water level. That is, the microcomputer 60 supplies water from the lowest water level while agitating the laundry L in the cleaning process in the dedicated mode. In other words, the microcomputer 60 rotates the rotary wing 5 from the middle of supplying water to the washing tub 4 during the washing process in the exclusive mode. As can be seen from a comparison of fig. 13 and 14, the required time of 6 minutes in the cleaning process in the exclusive mode is shorter than the required time of 12 minutes in the cleaning process in the standard mode.

The microcomputer 60 performs a1 minute water discharge process, a2 minute dehydration process, a2 minute water supply process, and a 3 minute water accumulation rinsing process in the rinsing process of the dedicated mode. When the water level in the washing tub 4 reaches the predetermined minimum water level by the water supply process, the microcomputer 60 rotates the rotary vane 5 while continuing to supply water to agitate the laundry L in the washing tub 4 as the 3-minute rinsing process. That is, in the rinsing process, the microcomputer 60 starts water supply from the lowest water level while agitating the laundry L in the same manner as the washing process. The microcomputer 60 performs a drainage process for 1 minute and a dehydration process for 5 minutes in the final dehydration process. In this case, the time required for the washing operation in the exclusive mode is 20 minutes. The time required for the washing operation in the standard mode is 34 minutes, and thus the dedicated mode is shorter than the operation time in the standard mode.

In the washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation, for example, when a small amount of the laundry L is to be washed, the laundry L can be washed in a short time by selecting the washing operation in the dedicated mode. In particular, since the rotation of the rotary wing 5 is started from the middle of the water supply of the washing tub 4 in the washing process of the exclusive mode, the laundry L in the washing tub 4 can be effectively washed in a short time.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope described in the claims.

For example, although the first water supply valve 30 and the second water supply valve 36 (see fig. 2) are an example of the water supply unit that supplies at least water to the washing tub 4 as described above, these water supply valves may be integrated as a multi-way valve without being separated. The ultrasonic switching valve 45 that switches the destination of the water flowing through the treatment agent supply path 35 between the water supply unit 28 on the washing tub 4 side and the tank 46 on the tray 48 side can be regarded as an example of the water supply unit.

Further, the various features described above may be combined as appropriate. For example, in the flowchart of fig. 6, the microcomputer 60 in the standby state (step S8) may start the washing operation (step S4) based on the detection result of the lid switch 62 (step S75 of fig. 12) without the operation of the start key 65C by the user (step S3). The mode of the washing operation may be not the standard mode but the exclusive mode, but the user needs to select the mode in advance by operating the mode key 65D.

Claims

A washing machine, characterized by comprising:

a driving section generating a driving force;

a washing tub for accommodating the laundry and rotating by receiving the driving force of the driving part;

a rotary wing disposed in the washing tub and rotated by receiving a driving force of the driving part;

a detergent storage unit for storing a detergent;

an ultrasonic cleaning unit having a tray and an ultrasonic generating section disposed around the tray and generating ultrasonic waves;

a water supply part supplying water to at least the washing tub;

a detergent supply unit configured to supply at least the detergent in the detergent storage unit to the tray; and

a control unit for controlling the drive unit, the ultrasonic wave generation unit, the water supply unit, and the detergent supply unit,

the control section executes: an ultrasonic cleaning operation in which a detergent is supplied to the tray by the detergent supply unit and ultrasonic waves are generated by the ultrasonic wave generation unit; and a washing operation including a washing process of supplying water to the washing tub through the water supply part and rotating at least the rotary wing through the driving part,

the control unit waits for an input of a start command for the washing operation in response to the end of the ultrasonic cleaning operation, and starts the washing operation in response to the input of the start command.
The washing machine as claimed in claim 1,

the control unit supplies the tray with a detergent by the detergent supply unit during the ultrasonic cleaning operation.
A washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising:

a detergent supply path for supplying a detergent from the detergent storage portion to the tray during the ultrasonic cleaning operation,

the control unit executes a maintenance process of causing the water supply unit to flow water through the detergent supply path during the washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation is executed.
A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the washing operation is performed in a standard mode and a special mode having a shorter operation time than the standard mode,

the control part rotates the rotary wing by the driving part after supplying water to the washing tub by the water supply part during the washing process of the standard mode,

the control part rotates the rotary wing by the driving part from the middle of the water supply part supplying water to the washing tub in the special mode washing process.
A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:

a cover for opening and closing the entrance of the washing tub for the laundry to enter and exit; and

a detection unit that detects whether the cover closes the entrance,

the control unit starts the washing operation after the ultrasonic cleaning operation is completed, with the detection unit detecting that the cover closes the access opening as an input of the start command.