Washing control device and washing machine

Abstract

A washing control device controls the operation of a washing machine having a plurality of operation programs, the washing control device characterized by comprising: an input control section that controls an input section that inputs a washing treatment agent from a tank to a washing tank; a program setting section that associates input information indicating the on / off of the input section with each of the plurality of operation programs independently; and a program determining section that determines one operation program among the plurality of operation programs, the input control section controlling the input section based on the input information associated with the one operation program determined by the program determining section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a washing control device and a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] International Publication No. 2019 / 039140 discloses a washing machine with an automatic detergent and fabric softener dispensing device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The washing machine disclosed in International Publication No. 2019 / 039140 has low flexibility in setting the automatic dispensing of detergent (washing agent) for multiple operating programs, resulting in low convenience.

[0004] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention aims to provide a washing control device and a washing machine that improves the convenience associated with the automatic addition of detergents relative to multiple operating procedures.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention relates to a washing control device that controls the operation of a washing machine having multiple operating programs. The washing control device is characterized by comprising: an input control unit that controls an input unit to input detergent from a tub into a washing tub; a program setting unit that independently associates input information indicating the on / off state of the input unit with respect to each of the multiple operating programs; and a program determination unit that determines one operating program among the multiple operating programs. The input control unit controls the input unit based on the input information associated with the one operating program determined by the program determination unit.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a washing machine comprising the washing control device, the tub, the washing tank, and an input section, wherein the input section inputs the washing agent. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the washing machine according to the embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of the operating section of the washing machine according to the described embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the internal structure of the washing machine according to the described embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the washing machine according to the described embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 It is shown in Figure 4 The diagram shows the table of the storage section.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the washing operation in the washing machine according to the embodiments described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The embodiments and modifications described below are examples of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. Methods other than these embodiments and modifications can also be used, as long as they do not depart from the technical spirit of this invention. Various changes can be made according to design, etc.

[0014] [Implementation Method]

[0015] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The configuration of the washing machine 1 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, the washing machine 1 includes a washing machine body 100, a detergent dispenser 110, a detergent box 120, an operation unit 22, and a washing tub 150 (see reference). Figure 3 The washing tub 110 is located on the upper part of the washing machine body 100. The feed box 120 is located on the front of the washing machine body 100. The operation unit 22 is located on the upper front side of the washing machine body 100. The washing tub 150 is housed inside the washing machine body 100.

[0017] The washing machine body 100 has a door 130 located at the front and a water source connection port 140, which is connected to a water supply source such as a water channel located at the upper rear.

[0018] The door 130 is designed to be opened and closed relative to the main body 100 of the washing machine. The water supply port 140 is connected to the washing tub 150 via a water supply valve (not shown) and a water supply pipe.

[0019] In this embodiment, the washing machine 1 includes two detergent dispensers 110. One of the detergent dispensers 110 is referred to as the washing tub 111, and the other as the fabric softener tub 112. The washing tub 111 contains detergent as the detergent dispenser. The fabric softener tub 112 contains fabric softener as the detergent dispenser. The washing tub 111 has a volume sufficient to hold an amount of detergent for multiple washes. The fabric softener tub 112 has a volume sufficient to hold a amount of fabric softener for multiple washes. The washing tub 111 and the fabric softener tub 112 are detachably mounted to the washing machine body 100. A closable cover 113 is provided on top of the detergent dispenser 110.

[0020] The detergent dispenser 120 is provided pull-out from the washing machine body 100. The detergent dispenser 120 has a box shape with an opening (not shown) at the top, configured so that the user can supply detergent into the detergent dispenser 120 through the opening.

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the operation unit 22 includes a start / pause button 221, a program switching unit 22, a program display and selection unit 223, a detergent automatic / manual switching unit 224, an operation content switching unit 225, and an operation status display unit 226. Hereinafter, the "start / pause button 221" will also be referred to as the "start button 221".

[0022] The program switching unit 222 has a washing program switching key 221, a washing to drying program switching key 2222, and a drying program switching key 2223.

[0023] As shown in the program display and selection unit 223, the washing machine 1 has six operating programs, namely, a standard program, a shortening program, a household cleaning program, a blanket program, a wrinkle suppression program, and a pre-wash program.

[0024] The detergent automatic / manual switching unit 224 has an automatic dispensing switch key 2241, a detergent automatic dispensing switch display unit 2242, and a fabric softener automatic dispensing switch display unit 2243.

[0025] The operation switching unit 225 has a rinsing switch 2251, a washing switch 2252, a dehydration switch 2253, and a drying switch 2254.

[0026] The operation status display unit 226 displays the selected operation content, the operation status, etc.

[0027] The program display and selection unit 223 is configured to only display (light up) the operating program corresponding to the program selection key chosen by the program switching unit 222. For example, when a user touches the washing program switching key 2221, the washing program switching key 2221 will light up, and the standard program, shortened program, household cleaning program, blanket program, and pre-wash program will be displayed. At this time, the wrinkle suppression program is not displayed (off state) (the wrinkle suppression program only corresponds to the drying operation, so it will not be displayed). In addition, each time the washing program switching key 2221 is touched, the selected operating program will flash sequentially. When the operating program to be executed is flashing (the state of selecting the operating program), if the user touches the start button 221, the washing machine 1 will start operating according to the flashed operating program.

[0028] In the automatic / manual detergent dispensing switch 224, the automatic dispensing of detergent in the selected operating program is set to be on / off. Specifically, when the operating program to be executed is illuminated, if the user touches the automatic dispensing switch button 2241 once, the automatic detergent dispensing switch display 2242 will light up, and the automatic fabric softener dispensing switch display 2243 will turn off (first state). That is, automatic detergent dispensing is set to be on, and automatic fabric softener dispensing is set to be off. If the user touches the automatic dispensing switch button 2241 again (touches it twice), both the automatic detergent dispensing switch display 2242 and the automatic fabric softener dispensing switch display 2243 will light up (second state). That is, automatic dispensing of both detergent and fabric softener is set to be on. If the user touches the automatic dispensing switch button 2241 again (touches it three times), the automatic detergent dispensing switch display 224 will turn off, and the automatic fabric softener dispensing switch display 2243 will light up (third state). In other words, the automatic detergent dispensing setting is off, while the automatic fabric softener dispensing setting is on. When the user touches the automatic dispensing switch button 2241 again (four times), both the automatic detergent dispensing switch display 2242 and the automatic fabric softener dispensing switch display 2243 become inactive (fourth state). That is, the automatic dispensing of both detergent and fabric softener is off. With the desired operating program illuminated, the user touches the automatic dispensing switch button 2241 the required number of times to set the automatic detergent dispensing on / off state to the desired state, and then touches the start button 221. The washing machine 1 then begins operating according to the illuminated operating program and the pre-set automatic dispensing on / off state.

[0029] Furthermore, in the selected operating program, if the automatic addition of detergent was previously or pre-set to be turned on / off, the initial status displayed on the automatic / manual switching unit 224 is when each operating program is selected. In this case, each time a user touches the automatic addition switch button 2241, the display changes from the initial status displayed on the automatic / manual switching unit 224. For example, if the initial status displayed on the automatic / manual switching unit 224 is the second state, and the user touches the automatic addition switch button 2241 once, the display on the automatic / manual switching unit 224 will not switch to the first state, but rather to the third state.

[0030] The operation mode switching unit 225 is configured such that, when the washing machine 1 is performing a washing operation, the washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying times or cycles can be switched when the washing operation is paused. Specifically, when the operation is paused by touching the start / pause button 221, the user can switch the washing, rinsing, and drying times by touching the washing switch button 2251, the rinsing switch button 2252, and the drying switch button 2254 respectively. Additionally, the user can switch the spin-drying cycles by touching the spin-drying switch button 2253. The switched times and cycles are displayed on the operation status display unit 226.

[0031] In washing machine 1, washing, rinsing, spin-drying and drying operations are performed based on input information provided by the user from the operation unit 22 configured as described above.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration inside the washing machine 1, in which detergent (detergent) 30 is added from the washing tub 111 (detergent tub 110) and the dispensing box 120 into the washing tub 150. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the washing machine 1 has two detergent tubs 110, but... Figure 3 Of the two detergent tanks 110, only the washing tank 111 containing detergent 30 is shown. The fabric softener tank 112 has the same configuration as the washing tank 111, therefore its illustration and description are omitted. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In this example, detergent 30 is supplied to the feed box 120 as a washing agent, and detergent 30 is added from the feed box 120 to the washing tank 150, but this is not the only example. For example, the feed box 120 may also be configured to have a position for supplying detergent and a position for supplying fabric softener, and fabric softener can be added from the feed box 120 to the washing tank 150.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the washing tank 150 has a first inlet 151 and a second inlet 152. A washing tub 111 is positioned above the first inlet 151. An inlet valve 21 is provided at the lower part of the washing tub 111, positioned above the first inlet 151. This inlet valve 21 serves as the inlet section 21 described later (see reference). Figure 4 The dispensing valve (dispensing section) 21 is configured to be controlled by the dispensing control section 11. When the dispensing control section 11 opens the dispensing valve 21, the detergent 30 in the washing tank 111 is dispensed into the washing tank 150 through the first dispensing port 151.

[0034] On the other hand, an inlet box 120 is provided above the second inlet 152. Detergent 30 is supplied to the inlet box 120 by the user. This state of supplying detergent 30 to the inlet box 120 by the user, enabling the detergent 30 to be supplied from the inlet box 120 to the washing tub 150, is also referred to as "setting the detergent (washing agent) by the user". The inlet box 120 is configured such that the inlet control unit 11 controls whether detergent 30 is supplied from the inlet box 120 to the washing tub 150. When the inlet control unit 11 closes the inlet valve 21, detergent 30 is supplied from the inlet box 120 to the washing tub 150 via the second inlet 152. Specifically, the washing machine 1 is configured as follows: for example, via a water connection port 140 (see reference...) Figure 1 A portion of the water supplied from the water source to the washing machine 1 is supplied to the detergent dispenser 120, and detergent 30, along with the water, is supplied to the washing tub 150 via the second inlet 152. When the dispensing control unit 11 opens the dispensing valve 21, water is not supplied to the detergent dispenser 120. Additionally, the washing machine 1 is equipped with a detergent sensor 24, which detects whether detergent 30 has entered the detergent dispenser 120.

[0035] The washing tub 111 contains a quantity of detergent 30 sufficient for multiple washes. The dispensing control unit 11 opens the dispensing valve 21 at a predetermined time, supplying the amount of detergent 30 necessary for one wash cycle from the washing tub 111 to the washing tub 150. In other words, for example, by having the user temporarily supply the washing tub 111 with the volume of detergent 30, the washing machine 1 can repeat the washing cycle until there is no detergent 30 left in the washing tub 111. On the other hand, the dispensing box 120 supplies the amount of detergent 30 necessary for each wash cycle according to the user's needs.

[0036] In addition, Figure 3 For the sake of simplicity, the example shown is that the washing tub 150 has two inlets (first inlet 151 and second inlet 152), but the first inlet 151 and the second inlet 152 can be a single inlet. That is, it can also be configured such that detergent from the washing tub 111 and detergent from the detergent dispenser 120 are supplied to the washing tub 150 through the same inlet.

[0037] Next, further reference Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The detailed configuration of the washing machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0038] Figure 4 This specifically illustrates the components related to the control of the operating actions of the washing machine 1. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the washing machine 1 includes a washing control device 10 and an input section 21 (see reference). Figure 3 ), Operation section 22 (refer to) Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 ), water supply unit 23 that supplies water to washing tank 150, detergent sensor 24 (refer to Figure 3 ), notification unit 25 and capacity sensor 26.

[0039] The washing control device 10 includes an input control unit 11, a program setting unit 12, a program decision unit 13, a storage unit 14, a water supply control unit 15, and a notification control unit 16. The washing control device 10 is configured as a control input unit 21, a water supply unit 23, and a notification unit 25.

[0040] The dispensing control unit 11 controls the on / off state of the dispensing unit 21, which dispenses detergent (detergent) 30 from the washing tub 111 (detergent tank 110) into the washing tub 150. The on state of the dispensing unit 21 means that it dispenses detergent 30 from the washing tub 111 into the washing tub 150 (hereinafter also referred to as "automatic dispensing on", "automatic dispensing with on", etc.). The off state of the dispensing unit 21 means that it does not dispense detergent 30 from the washing tub 111 into the washing tub 150 (hereinafter also referred to as "automatic dispensing off", "automatic dispensing with off", etc.). In this embodiment, the on state of the dispensing unit 21 means that the dispensing control unit 11 is turned on. Figure 3 The shown is the input valve (input section) 21. Disconnecting the input section 21 means that the input control section 11 closes the input valve (input section) 21.

[0041] The program setting unit 12 is configured such that, in the aforementioned six operating programs, it independently displays the activation information of the input unit 21 (on / off, automatic input on / off) relative to each of the five operating programs. Specifically, the program setting unit 12 independently associates the input information with respect to the standard program, shortening program, home cleaning program, blanket program, and wrinkle suppression program. The program setting unit 12 enables... Figure 5 The table in the storage unit 14 shown stores each operating program and the input information associated with each operating program. Figure 5 It displays the operational procedures at a given moment, along with the associated input information for each procedure. Furthermore, in Figure 5 The information shown indicates whether the automatic detergent dispensing function is on or off. For simplicity, in... Figure 5 The automatic fabric softener dispensing information is omitted from the diagram. The pre-wash program is a program that uses only water to rinse without detergent or fabric softener. Therefore, dispensing information cannot be associated with the pre-wash program; that is, dispensing information cannot be set in the pre-wash program. In other words, the program setting unit 12 is configured to associate dispensing information only with a portion of the six operating programs (five operating programs).

[0042] The program decision unit 13 is operated by the user in the operation unit 22. Figure 2 The toggle keys on the program switching unit 222 sequentially switch to the desired operating program. The operating program selected by the program selection unit 13 is displayed on the program display and selection unit 223 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0043] The program setting unit 12 determines the operating program relative to the program decision unit 13, and each operation is performed through the user operation unit 22. Figure 2 The automatic detergent dispensing switch 2241 of the automatic / manual detergent switching unit 224 updates the corresponding dispensing information in the meter of the storage unit 14. For example, if the operating program determined by the program decision unit 13 is "home cleaning program", the user operates the automatic dispensing switch 2241 to select automatic detergent dispensing, and the program setting unit 12 updates the meter of the storage unit 14. That is, the program setting unit 12 removes the dispensing information corresponding to "home cleaning program" from the meter of the storage unit 14 (see reference 12). Figure 5 The setting unit 12 will not update the input information stored in the storage unit 14 if the automatic input switch key 2241 is not operated. Furthermore, if the operating program determined by the program decision unit 13 is a pre-wash program, i.e., a program in which input information cannot be set, the program setting unit 12 will not update the input information in the table stored in the storage unit 14 even if the automatic input switch key 2241 is operated.

[0044] In the automatic / manual washing process switching unit 224, based on the input information stored in the storage unit 14 at any time, the automatic detergent input switching display unit 2242 and the automatic fabric softener input switching display unit 2243 are displayed or not displayed, respectively.

[0045] The input control unit 11 obtains input information from the storage unit 14, which is associated with the operating program determined by the program decision unit 13. Based on the input information obtained from the storage unit 14, the input control unit 11 determines whether the input unit 21 is turned on or off. For example, if the operating program determined by the program decision unit 13 is a "shortening program", the input control unit 11 obtains input information associated with the "shortening program" from the storage unit 14, i.e., "on" (see reference). Figure 5 ), and decided to invest in the conduction of part 21.

[0046] Thus, based on the input information obtained from the storage unit 14, the input control unit 11 controls the input unit 21 to automatically turn on / off. Specifically, when the input information indicates that the input unit 21 is on, the input control unit 11 turns on the input unit 21. That is, the input control unit 11 opens the input valve 21, such as... Figure 3As shown, detergent 30 in washing tub 111 is added to washing tub 150 via first inlet 151. On the other hand, when the inlet information indicates that inlet 21 is disconnected, inlet control unit 11 disconnects inlet 21. That is, inlet control unit 11 closes inlet valve 21 and controls inlet box 120 to add detergent 30 from inlet box 120 to washing tub 150.

[0047] Detergent sensor 24 detects whether detergent 30 has entered the dispensing box 120 (see reference). Figure 3 As the washing machine sensor 24, for example, a weight sensor that detects the weight of the detergent dispenser 120 can be used. The water supply control unit 15 obtains the detection result from the detergent sensor 23. In addition, the water supply control unit 15 obtains the dispensing information from the storage unit 14, which is associated with the operating program determined by the program decision unit 13. If the detection result from the detergent sensor 24 indicates that the user's detergent 30 has not been dispensed into the detergent dispenser 120, and if the dispensing information indicates that the dispensing unit 21 is disconnected, the water supply control unit 15 controls the water supply unit 23 to stop the water supply to the washing tub 150.

[0048] The notification control unit 16 obtains the detection result from the detergent sensor 24. Additionally, the notification control unit 16 obtains the dispensing information from the storage unit 14, which is associated with the operating procedure determined by the program decision unit 13. If the detection result from the detergent sensor 24 indicates that the user has not completed the setting of detergent 30 into the dispensing container 120, and if the dispensing information indicates that the dispensing unit 21 is disconnected, the notification control unit 16 controls the notification unit 25 to notify the user of the detergent 30 setting instruction. At this time, as described above, the water supply to the washing tub 150 is stopped by the water supply unit 23. Therefore, the notification from the notification unit 25 occurs before the water supply unit 23 starts. Thus, water supply from the water supply unit 23 will not begin until the user has completed the setting of detergent 30 into the dispensing container 120. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing operation from starting without detergent 30 being dispensed into the washing tub 150. As a notification method, for example, the notification unit 25 can issue an audible setting instruction or a notification signal to the portable terminal as a setting instruction.

[0049] The capacity sensor 26 detects the volume of laundry to be washed in the washing tub 150 (capacity sensing). The detergent dispensing control unit 11 obtains the detection result from the capacity sensor 26. When the dispensing information obtained from the storage unit 14 indicates that the dispensing unit 21 is activated, the dispensing control unit 11, based on the detection result from the capacity sensor 26, determines the required time for activating the dispensing unit 21 and dispensing the required amount of detergent 30 into the washing tub 150. Furthermore, the detection result from the capacity sensor 26 is also obtained by the notification control unit 16. Based on this, after the capacity sensor 26 detects the volume of laundry to be washed in the washing tub 150, the notification control unit 16 sends a detergent setting instruction to the notification unit 25.

[0050] Based on the setting instruction from the notification unit 25, or if the user realizes they forgot to set the detergent before the setting instruction occurs, after setting the detergent 30 into the dispensing box 120, they touch the start button 221 (see reference). Figure 2 If the water supply control unit 13 causes the water supply unit 23 to start supplying water, then the water supply control unit 13 will cause the water supply unit 23 to start supplying water.

[0051] Next, use Figure 6 The washing operation process in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained.

[0052] First, turn on the power to the washing machine 1 (step S1).

[0053] When the user operates the operation unit 22, the operation unit 22 outputs input information corresponding to the operation content. The program decision unit 13 receives the input information from the operation unit 22 (step S2). Based on the input information, the program decision unit 13 determines one operation program from six operation programs. In addition, the program setting unit 12 updates the input information based on the input information, which corresponds to the determined operation program in the table of the storage unit 14. Furthermore, depending on the content of the input information, as described above, the program setting unit 12 does not update the input information in the table of the storage unit 14.

[0054] The operation unit 22 outputs input information corresponding to the touch (conduction) of the start button 221 (step S3), and the washing machine 1 starts the operation corresponding to the operation program determined by the program determination unit 13.

[0055] When the operation starts, the capacity sensor 26 senses the capacity of the laundry in the washing tub 150 (step S4).

[0056] The water supply control unit 15 and the input control unit 11 refer to the storage unit 14 to determine whether the input information corresponding to the operation program determined by the program decision unit 13 is "connected" (step S5).

[0057] If the input information is "on" (step S5: YES), the water supply control unit 15 controls the water supply unit 23 to start the water supply to the washing tank 150 (step S6).

[0058] Next, the input control unit 11 controls the input unit 21 to input the washing treatment agent (washing agent) 39 from the washing treatment agent tank 110 (washing tank 111) into the washing tank 150 (step S7).

[0059] On the other hand, if the input information is "disconnected" (step S5: NO), the input control unit 11 determines whether the detergent 30 is set in the input box 120 based on the detection result from the detergent sensor 24 (step S8).

[0060] If the detergent 30 is not set (step S8: NO), the water supply control unit 15 controls the water supply unit 23 to stop the water supply to the washing tank 150 (step S9). In addition, the notification control unit 16 notifies the notification unit 25 to issue a setting instruction (step S10).

[0061] On the other hand, when the detergent 30 is set (step S8: YES), the water supply control unit 15 controls the water supply unit 23 to start the water supply to the washing tank 150 (step S11).

[0062] Next, the input control unit 11 controls the input box 120 to input the detergent 30 into the washing tank 150 from the input box 120 (step S12).

[0063] After the dispensing control unit 11 dispenses detergent 30 from the detergent tank 110 into the washing tub 150 (step S7), or dispenses detergent 30 from the dispensing box 120 into the washing tub 150 (step S12), the washing machine 1 begins a washing operation corresponding to the operating program determined by the program determination unit 13 (step S13). The washing operation includes rinsing, washing, and spin-drying. Then, the washing machine 1 ends the washing operation (step S14).

[0064] As explained above, the washing machine 1 improves convenience related to the automatic dispensing of detergents and other cleaning agents for multiple operating programs. In other words, instead of setting the automatic dispensing of cleaning agents to be on / off for all multiple operating programs, the automatic dispensing of cleaning agents can be set to "on" or "off" for each of the multiple operating programs. Therefore, depending on the need, by setting the automatic dispensing to "off," a different type of detergent (or fabric softener) than the detergent (or fabric softener) contained in the cleaning agent 110 can be used. Furthermore, for each operating program where the information regarding the on / off status of the automatic dispensing of cleaning agents (dispensing information) is set once, the program setting unit 12 stores the operating program and its associated dispensing information in the storage unit 14. Therefore, if the program determination unit 13 subsequently determines the same operating program, it is not necessary to set the dispensing information again. Thus, setting the dispensing information each time can be omitted. Of course, the dispensing information can be changed if needed.

[0065] [Variation Example]

[0066] Next, variations of the washing machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The variations described below can be adapted by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments or other variations.

[0067] (Variation Example 1)

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, the washing machine 1 can also be equipped with a water sensor 27.

[0069] The transparency of the water supplied to the washing tub 150 is detected by the water sensor 27, and the presence of detergent 30 in the dispensing box 120 is also detected (see reference). Figure 3 Specifically, when a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the washing tub 150, the water supply control unit 15 stops the water supply unit 23, and the water sensor 27 detects the transparency of the water supplied to the washing tub 150. If the transparency of the water supplied to the washing tub 150 is higher than a predetermined transparency, the water sensor 27 outputs a detection result indicating that the user has not yet completed the setting of detergent 30 into the dispensing box 120. If the transparency of the water supplied to the washing tub 150 is lower than a predetermined transparency, the water sensor 27 outputs a detection result indicating that the user has completed the setting of detergent 30 into the dispensing box 120.

[0070] The notification control unit 16 receives the detection result from the water sensor 27. Additionally, the notification control unit 16 obtains dispensing information from the storage unit 14, which is associated with the operating procedure determined by the program decision unit 13. If the detection result from the water sensor 27 indicates that the user has not yet completed the setting of detergent 30 into the dispensing cartridge 120, and the dispensing information indicates that the dispensing unit 21 is disconnected, the control unit 25 is activated to notify the user of a detergent 30 setting instruction. Based on the setting instruction from the notification unit 25, or if the user realizes they forgot to set the detergent 30 before the setting instruction occurs and completes the setting of detergent 30 into the dispensing cartridge 120, the user touches the start button 221 (see reference). Figure 2 If the detergent 30 is not added to the washing tub 150, the water supply control unit 15 will cause the water supply unit 23 to start supplying water again. With this configuration, it is also possible to prevent the washing operation from starting without the detergent 30 being added to the washing tub 150. In this modified example 1, after the water supply to the washing tub 150 begins, a notification is given by the notification unit 25 before the water supply is completed.

[0071] (Variation Example 2)

[0072] In the above embodiment, the washing machine 1 itself is shown as having a washing control device 10 as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured such that the washing control device 10 is set on a server and controls the input section 21, water supply section 23 and notification section 25 of the washing machine 1 via a communication line.

Claims

1. A washing control device for controlling the operation of a washing machine having multiple operating programs, characterized in that it comprises: An input control unit controls the input of detergent into the washing tank; The program setting unit independently associates the on / off input information of the input unit with each of the plurality of operating programs, and can be updated by the user; The program decision-making unit determines one operating procedure from among the plurality of operating procedures; The display unit shows the on / off state of the input unit for the one operating program determined by the program decision unit; as well as The storage unit stores the input information associated with each of the plurality of operating programs through the program setting unit. Each time the program setting unit switches the on / off state of the input unit for an operating program determined by the program decision unit, it updates the on / off state of the input unit corresponding to the determined operating program in the storage unit, but does not update the on / off state of the input unit corresponding to operating programs other than the determined operating program. Based on the current input information, the display unit shows the on / off state of the input unit for the one operating program determined by the program decision unit. The input control unit controls the input unit based on the input information associated with the operating procedure determined by the program decision unit.

2. The washing control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing control device also includes a water supply control unit, which controls the water supply unit that supplies water to the washing tank. The input information associated with the operating procedure determined by the program decision unit indicates the disconnection of the input unit, and the water supply control unit stops the water supply from the water supply unit before the user has completed the setting of the detergent.

3. The washing control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The washing control device further includes a notification control unit, which controls a notification unit to notify the setting instructions for the washing treatment agent. If the input information indicates that the input unit is disconnected, the notification control unit causes the notification unit to notify the setting instruction.

4. The washing control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, After the capacity sensor detects the capacity of the laundry in the washing tub, the notification control unit sends a notification to the setting instruction.

5. The washing control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Before the notification control unit begins supplying water to the washing tub, it notifies the setting instruction.

6. The washing control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Before the water supply to the washing tank is completed, the notification control unit notifies the setting instruction.

7. The washing control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The notification control unit controls the notification unit based on the detection results of the detergent sensor, which detects the detergent in an input box that is different from the tank.

8. The washing control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The notification control unit controls the notification unit based on the detection results of the water sensor, which detects the transparency of the water supplied to the washing tank.

9. A washing machine, characterized in that, include: The washing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; The groove; The washing tank; as well as The washing agent is added to the input section.

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