Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine has an automatic dispensing function of liquid detergent accommodated in a detergent tank, and has a detection unit that detects a low amount when the remaining amount of the detergent tank is below a prescribed amount. A control section of the washing machine calculates the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the automatic dispensing of the detergent is performed, and at the same time, updates and manages the remaining amount of the detergent tank after the low amount is detected by subtracting the amount of the detergent to be dispensed from the remaining amount each time the dispensing of the detergent is performed. As the remaining amount notification of the detergent tank of the washing machine, if the low amount notification of the detergent is performed at the time when the detection unit detects the low amount, the remaining amount of the detergent tank managed by the control section becomes the no detergent notification in the case where the remaining amount is below the prescribed amount.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a washing machine having an automatic dispensing function for liquid detergents, fabric softeners, and other liquid agents. Background Technology

[0002] Washing machines with the function of automatically dispensing liquid detergent, fabric softener, or other liquid agents into the washing tub are known. In washing machines with automatic liquid dispensing function, the liquid agent to be automatically dispensed into the washing tub is pre-contained in a liquid agent tank (detergent tank, fabric softener tank). Furthermore, in such washing machines, the remaining liquid agent level in the tank is usually indicated. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-158600 discloses a method of installing a float switch in the liquid agent tank to indicate the remaining liquid agent level. Summary of the Invention The technical problem to be solved by the present invention

[0003] The washing machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-158600 determines the amount of liquid in the refrigerant when the float descends to a predetermined position as the liquid level in the refrigerant tank drops, and notifies the user of the remaining amount based on this determination.

[0004] However, in a float switch, a small-scale determination is made when the float descends to a predetermined position; that is, this small-scale determination can only be made during the initial stage of the float's descent to the predetermined position. Therefore, it is difficult for users to receive the remaining balance notification at the appropriate time. For example, if the remaining balance is set to a small amount when a balance notification is received, users may not immediately replenish the water upon receiving the notification, potentially causing problems for the next wash.

[0005] To eliminate this inconvenience, it is preferable to notify the remaining liquid level in multiple stages. However, increasing the number of float switches to provide multiple stage notifications, or requiring float switches to detect the float positions in multiple stages, also increases the cost of the washing machine. Alternatively, sensors other than float switches can be used to detect the remaining liquid level in the tank, but even with other sensors, the position detection in multiple stages presents the same problem.

[0006] In addition, if the liquid is left in a small amount for a long time, the viscosity of the liquid may increase due to evaporation, making it impossible to add the necessary amount of liquid in the next wash, which may cause washing problems. Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a washing machine that can perform various management and notifications related to the remaining amount of liquid with a simple configuration.

[0008] To address the aforementioned problems, the washing machine of the first aspect of the present invention is a washing machine with an automatic dispensing function for liquid stored in a liquid tank. It is characterized by comprising: a detection unit that detects a small quantity determination when the remaining liquid level in the liquid tank is below a predetermined amount; and a control unit that calculates the amount of liquid dispensed during automatic dispensing, and updates and manages the remaining liquid level in the liquid tank after the small quantity determination is detected by subtracting the amount of liquid dispensed from the remaining liquid level each time automatic dispensing is performed, as a remaining quantity notification to the user regarding the remaining liquid level in the liquid tank. The small quantity notification is performed at the moment the detection unit detects the small quantity determination, and further, based on the remaining liquid level in the liquid tank managed by the control unit, a remaining quantity notification is performed after the small quantity notification.

[0009] Based on the above configuration, not only is a remaining quantity notification (liquid quantity notification) provided when the detection unit makes a small quantity determination, but further remaining quantity notifications can also be provided through remaining quantity monitoring after the detection unit has made a small quantity determination. That is, multi-stage remaining quantity notifications can be provided by setting only one detection unit for each liquid tank without increasing the number of detection units.

[0010] Furthermore, in the aforementioned washing machine, the remaining amount notification after the liquid detergent shortage notification is configured to issue a no-detergent notification when the remaining amount in the liquid detergent tank managed by the control unit is less than a predetermined amount less than the shortage determination.

[0011] Furthermore, the aforementioned washing machine is configured to send the remaining balance notification to a designated communication terminal via the Internet.

[0012] Furthermore, in the aforementioned washing machine, the remaining water level notification is generated based on a sound emitted by the washing machine at the moment when the opening and closing part of the washing tub is opened after the washing machine has finished operating.

[0013] Based on the above configuration, users can reliably hear the remaining capacity notification emitted by the washing machine.

[0014] Furthermore, in the aforementioned washing machine, after the detection unit detects a sufficient quantity, the control unit further detects a small quantity and starts timing for a cleaning notification. If the small quantity condition is maintained and a certain period elapses from the start of the timer, a cleaning notification is issued.

[0015] Based on the above configuration, at an appropriate time when the detergent has been in a state prone to solidification for a certain period of time, a cleaning notification can be given to the user.

[0016] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the washing machine of the second aspect of the present invention is a washing machine with an automatic liquid dispensing function stored in a liquid tank, characterized in that it has: a detection unit that detects a small amount when the liquid level in the liquid tank reaches below a predetermined amount; after the detection unit detects a sufficient amount, if a small amount is further detected, a timer for cleaning notification is started; if the small amount is maintained in the state of the small amount and a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the timer, a cleaning notification is issued.

[0017] Based on the above configuration, at an appropriate time when the detergent has been in a state prone to solidification for a certain period of time, a cleaning notification can be given to the user. Beneficial effects

[0018] The washing machine of one aspect of the present invention achieves the effect of various management and notification related to the remaining liquid amount by setting only one detection unit for a liquid tank through the small amount judgment by the detection unit and the small amount judgment processing by the control unit. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 An embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a washing machine. Figure 2 It is shown in Figure 1 A perspective view of the liquid dispensing unit used in a washing machine. Figure 3A The diagram illustrates the detection unit in the detergent tank, showing the state where the detergent is full. Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of the detection unit in the detergent tank, showing the state when the detergent is determined to be in a small amount. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the method for notifying the remaining amount of detergent. Detailed Implementation

[0020] [Implementation Method 1] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, an example of the appearance of the washing machine 1 to which the present invention is applied will be briefly described, as well as the basic structure of the liquid dispensing unit 10 used in the washing machine 1. Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of washing machine 1. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the liquid dispensing unit 10. Furthermore, in this embodiment, "liquid" refers to laundry treatment agents such as liquid detergents and fabric softeners. Figure 1 The washing machine 1 shown is an example of a front-loading washing machine, but in this invention, the type of washing machine is not particularly limited. The washing machine applicable to this invention can be any washing machine with an automatic liquid dispensing function, or it can be a vertical washing machine.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, in the washing machine 1, near the upper left side when viewed from the front (the side where the door 2 (the opening and closing part of the washing tub) is located), a liquid dispensing unit 10 is disposed inside the washing machine 1. A cover 3 and a cover 4 are disposed on the upper surface of the washing machine 1. When the cover 3 is opened, the detergent dispensing section 131 and the fabric softener dispensing section 132 of the liquid dispensing unit 10 (see reference...) Figure 2 The detergent compartment 110 and fabric softener compartment 120 are exposed, allowing users to manually add detergent (including powder detergent) and fabric softener. Additionally, when the lid 4 is opened, the detergent compartment 110 and fabric softener compartment 120 (see reference) are also exposed. Figure 2 With the detergent dispenser 110 or fabric softener dispenser 120 exposed, the user can pull out or insert it relative to the washing machine 1. Thus, the user can remove the detergent dispenser 110 or fabric softener dispenser 120 to refill the liquid detergent.

[0022] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid dispensing unit 10 can install a detergent tank 110, a fabric softener tank 120, and a manual dispensing box 130 onto the box body 100. The detergent tank 110 and fabric softener tank 120 are liquid tanks for holding liquid detergent automatically dispensed into the washing tub of the washing machine 1; the detergent tank 110 holds liquid detergent, and the fabric softener tank 120 holds fabric softener, etc. The manual dispensing box 130 is a box for manually dispensing detergent or fabric softener, and has a detergent dispensing section 131 and a fabric softener dispensing section 132.

[0023] A valve mechanism 140 is installed behind the liquid dispensing unit 10. The valve mechanism 140 has a tap water supply port 141 for allowing tap water supplied to the liquid dispensing unit 10 to flow in. In addition, multiple solenoid valves are provided inside the valve mechanism 140. By properly controlling the opening and closing of these multiple solenoid valves, tap water can be supplied to the liquid dispensing unit 10 through different paths.

[0024] Furthermore, when the liquid dispensing unit 10 is installed in the washing machine 1, the water supply port 141 is exposed near the rear of the upper surface of the washing machine 1. Thus, the water supply port 141 is connected to a water tap via a hose, enabling it to receive tap water.

[0025] When detergent is automatically added to the washing tub in washing machine 1, water (not shown) is supplied from the tap water supply port 141 to the detergent exchange chamber in the detergent dispensing unit 10. With this water supply, detergent is introduced from the detergent tank (detergent tank 110 or fabric softener tank 120) into the detergent exchange chamber. The detergent introduced into the exchange chamber is then added to the washing tub along with the tap water. At this time, the amount of detergent added can be determined by the volume of the laundry, the washing program, etc. Furthermore, the specific dispensing method in the automatic dispensing of detergent is not particularly limited in this invention, and any known method can be used.

[0026] Next, a method for detecting the remaining amount of liquid detergent in a liquid tank, which is a feature of one aspect of the present invention, will be described. The remaining amount detection method described below can be applied to either detecting the remaining amount of detergent in tank 110 or the remaining amount of fabric softener in tank 120. Here, the method for detecting the remaining amount of detergent in tank 110 will be described by way of example.

[0027] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This diagram schematically illustrates the detection unit that performs small-scale judgments in the detergent tank 110. Figure 3A This indicates that the detergent is fully charged. Figure 3B This indicates the state when the detergent is determined to be in small quantities.

[0028] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the detergent tank 110 has a float switch as a detection unit, consisting of a float 150 containing a magnet and a reed switch 151. That is, a float 150 is disposed inside the detergent tank 110, which moves up and down with the change of the liquid detergent level, and a reed switch 151 is fixedly disposed outside the detergent tank 110 (e.g., at the lower part of the bottom surface of the tank).

[0029] When the detergent tank 110 is full of detergent ( Figure 3A In the current state, float 150 is in a position away from reed switch 151, and the output of reed switch 151 is OFF. On the other hand, as detergent is used during washing, when the detergent in detergent tank 110 decreases to below a specified amount, float 150 approaches reed switch 151, and the output of reed switch 151 becomes ON.

[0030] Figure 3B This indicates the state of the reed switch 151 when its output switches from OFF to ON. That is, in... Figure 3BIn the example, when the liquid level in the detergent tank 110 is H1, the output of the reed switch 151 is switched from OFF to ON. Therefore, in the washing machine 1, when the remaining detergent in the detergent tank 110 becomes a predetermined amount corresponding to the liquid level H1, it can detect that the detergent is insufficient and can notify the user of the washing machine 1 to replenish the detergent.

[0031] Furthermore, the float switch described above is merely one example of a detection unit for determining the amount of detergent in the detergent tank 110, and the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, other types of sensors, such as liquid detection sensors (disposed at a predetermined position within the tank, switching output based on whether the detection unit contacts the liquid in the tank) and optical sensors (disposed on the side of the tank, switching output based on whether the liquid level in the tank exceeds a predetermined height), can also be used as the detection unit in one aspect of the present invention. However, the detection unit used in this invention is a simple device that switches between two values ​​based on whether the detergent dosage in the detergent tank 110 is above a predetermined amount (the output switching is only a single stage).

[0032] Therefore, the washing machine 1 according to this embodiment uses a combination control method to perform multi-stage margin notification based on a small number of determinations based on the output of the detection unit. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the detergent remaining quantity notification method of this embodiment. Furthermore, the control in the following remaining quantity detection method is performed by a control unit (not shown) in the washing machine 1.

[0033] When washing is being performed in washing machine 1, a capacity sensor (ST1) is used to measure the volume of laundry put into the washing tub. At this time, in washing machine 1, the detergent reference amount (washing dosage per 30L of laundry), detergent addition program setting (more, less, etc.) and automatic detergent addition setting are preset.

[0034] When the capacitance sensing ends, the amount of detergent to be automatically dispensed (X) is calculated based on the detergent reference amount, the detergent dispensing program settings, and the amount of fabric based on the capacitance sensing. n (ST2). Furthermore, based on the calculated detergent dosage X... n Implement automatic detergent dispensing control into the washing tank (ST3).

[0035] At the moment the automatic detergent dispensing control ends, the detection unit checks for a small amount of detergent (ST4). That is, when using the float switch as the detection unit, if the output of the reed switch 151 is ON, a small amount of detergent is detected; if the output is OFF, a small amount of detergent is not detected. If there is no small amount of detergent detected ("No" in ST4), then sufficient detergent remains in the detergent tank 110. In this case, the washing machine 1 does not specifically issue any notifications related to the remaining detergent level, and ends the process after executing the set washing cycle (ST11).

[0036] On the other hand, if there is a determination of insufficient detergent ("Yes" in ST4), it is confirmed whether there was a determination of insufficient detergent during the previous wash (ST5). Therefore, in washing machine 1, whenever it is confirmed whether there is a determination of insufficient detergent by the detection unit, the determination result is stored in the memory (non-volatile memory). That is, after the detection unit makes a determination of insufficient detergent, as long as detergent is not added to the detergent tank 110, the determination result of insufficient detergent is continuously stored in the memory. However, if detergent is added to the detergent tank 110 and the remaining amount in the detergent tank 110 exceeds the predetermined amount for the determination of insufficient detergent, the determination of insufficient detergent is cancelled.

[0037] In cases where a small quantity determination was not performed in the previous determination but was performed in this determination (not in ST5), the detergent dosage in detergent tank 110 is lower than the prescribed amount for a small quantity determination due to the automatic detergent dispensing in ST3. Furthermore, the prescribed amount for a small quantity determination issued by the testing agency is a sufficiently small amount of detergent relative to the full capacity of detergent tank 110. To avoid the need for immediate detergent replenishment upon issuing a small quantity determination, the prescribed amount is preferably the amount obtained after multiple washes based on the detergent reference amount (the average amount of detergent used per wash). For example, if detergent tank 110 has a full capacity of 600 ml and the detergent reference amount is 30 ml, the prescribed amount for a small quantity determination is considered to be approximately 140 ml.

[0038] If ST5 determines "No", the washing machine 1 notifies the user that the detergent level is low (low detergent level notification) (ST6). Furthermore, the control unit of the washing machine 1 manages the remaining detergent level Y in the detergent tank 110 using a memory. n The remaining amount Y n Set the remaining amount to a predetermined value Y0 (ST7). This remaining amount Y0 can be the amount defined as a small quantity (e.g., 140 ml), or it can be the detergent dosage X calculated in ST2 minus the amount defined as a small quantity. nThe value obtained. In addition, if there is a limit suction margin in the detergent tank 110 that cannot be sucked out of the detergent tank 110, the limit suction margin can be subtracted from the specified amount that is determined to be a small quantity to obtain the margin value Y0.

[0039] In the ST6's detergent low-discharge notification, the notification method is not particularly limited. For example, if the washing machine 1 is an IoT (Internet of Things) device, it can also notify the user's smartphone (a designated communication terminal) via the Internet that the detergent is low (e.g., a reminder notification). Alternatively, it can also notify the user through the washing machine 1's sound function.

[0040] In addition, the washing machine 1 has an indicator light that shows the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 110. During the period when the detection unit makes a small amount determination, the indicator light will remain flashing (during the period when the detection unit does not make a small amount determination, the indicator light will remain lit). After ST7, the washing machine 1 finishes processing after performing the set washing operation (ST11).

[0041] If ST5 is determined to be "yes", then before the automatic addition of detergent in ST3, the detergent dosage in detergent tank 110 is lower than the prescribed amount, which has already been determined to be insufficient. In this case, the remaining amount Y in detergent tank 110 is checked. n Update (ST8). Specifically, the remaining amount Y stored in memory during the last wash is... n-1 Subtract the amount of detergent used in this wash (X) n The obtained value is updated to the new residual Y. n That is, after a small number of judgments, if the automatic detergent dispensing operation continues without replenishing detergent, the remaining amount Y stored in the memory will be used each time the automatic detergent dispensing is performed. n Subtract the amount of detergent used X n .

[0042] Residual Y in ST8 n After being updated, the remaining amount Y after the update is further determined. n Whether it has reached or fallen below the specified amount (ST9). Here, in the margin Y n If the amount is not below the specified level (not in ST9), washing machine 1 will end the process after performing the set washing cycle (ST11). In this case, the same detergent shortage notification as in ST6 can be given to prompt the user to add detergent.

[0043] On the other hand, in the margin Y nIf the amount is below the specified amount (Yes in ST9), it is determined that there is no detergent in the detergent tank 110, and the washing machine 1 notifies the user that the detergent in the detergent tank 110 has been used up (no detergent notification) (ST10). The specified amount can be set as either the standard amount of detergent or the amount of detergent used when the washing machine 1 has its maximum capacity.

[0044] In ST10, the detergent depletion notification can be sent from the washing machine 1 to a user's smartphone or similar device via the Internet if the washing machine 1 is an IoT device (e.g., a reminder notification, which is more effective than a low detergent level notification). Additionally, the indicator light showing the remaining detergent level in the detergent tank 110 can change from flashing to rapid flashing when the remaining level is detected to fall below a predetermined amount in ST9. After ST10, the washing machine 1 completes the set washing cycle (ST11) and then ends the process.

[0045] As described above, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, not only is a remaining amount notification (detergent low notification) given when the detection unit determines that the detergent is low, but further remaining amount notifications (e.g., no detergent notification) can also be given by monitoring the remaining amount after the detection unit determines that the detergent is low. That is, multi-stage remaining amount notifications can be given by setting only one detection unit for each detergent tank without increasing the number of detection units. Thus, not only can the user be notified that the detergent is low, but also that the detergent will be insufficient for the next wash, thus giving the user time to replenish the detergent and providing highly convenient remaining amount notifications for the user. In addition, since the remaining amount is managed by subtracting the actual amount of detergent used, even if the amount of laundry is different for each user, each user can easily estimate how many washes can be performed afterward based on the low amount notification, thus preventing users from feeling anxious.

[0046] [Implementation Method 2] exist Figure 4 In the process, the remaining detergent notification in ST6 or ST10 is performed when the detergent level is low or when there is no detergent left. That is, the remaining detergent notification in ST6 or ST10 is performed before the washing cycle (ST11) of washing machine 1.

[0047] However, in cases where these remaining water level notifications are given via an audio signal from the washing machine 1, the notification can also be given after the washing cycle has started, at the moment the user opens the door 2 of the washing machine 1 to remove the laundry (or at the moment the user presses the voice operation button). In this case, the user can reliably hear the remaining water level notification from the washing machine 1.

[0048] [Implementation Method 3] exist Figure 4In the process, if ST9 determines that there is no detergent, the washing machine 1 stores this determination in its memory, maintaining the no-detergent determination until detergent is added to the detergent tank 110 to release the small amount of the determination. Furthermore, the washing machine 1 can also refuse automatic detergent dispensing control if a no-detergent determination is stored. Specifically, it is possible to guide the user by sound from the washing machine 1 when a pre-set automatic detergent dispensing mode is selected, or to disable the button operation for setting automatic detergent dispensing itself.

[0049] Therefore, it can avoid the undesirable situation of setting the detergent to automatically add without detergent, or performing washing without adding detergent.

[0050] [Implementation Method 4] exist Figure 4 In the process, after the detection unit determines that the detergent is in small quantity, the remaining amount Y in the detergent tank 110 is... n Continue updating. Then, calculate the detergent dosage X in ST2. n At that time, the amount of detergent added X n The remaining amount Y at that time point n In many cases, this point can also be notified to the user through sound or other means. In this way, the user can realize that the amount of detergent remaining in the detergent tank 110 is less than the required amount of detergent, and can switch from automatic to manual dispensing, or add more detergent manually.

[0051] [Implementation Method 5] When detergent in the detergent tub 110 is left for an extended period, it may solidify due to water evaporation and solvent evaporation, potentially causing blockages in the detergent suction port of the detergent tub 110 or in the detergent supply path within the washing machine 1. Furthermore, detergent solidification is more likely to occur when the amount of detergent in the detergent tub 110 is small. In this embodiment 5, the washing machine 1 detects the remaining detergent level in the detergent tub 110 and issues cleaning notifications (tub cleaning notification and path cleaning notification) at appropriate times. Specifically, after a small amount is detected by the detection unit (e.g., a float switch) in the detergent tub 110, if no detergent is replenished within a specified period, the detergent tub 110 is detected and a cleaning notification is issued. Moreover, such cleaning notifications are issued not only for the detergent tub 110 but also for the fabric softener tub 120. Hereinafter, the control method for cleaning notifications will be illustrated using the detergent tub 110 as an example.

[0052] First, once the detection unit (e.g., a float switch) detects a sufficient amount of detergent remaining in the tank (the float switch output is OFF), it begins controlling the cleaning notification for the detergent tank 110. This is because, in the state where the detergent tank 110 is not in use, the detection unit detects a low level (the float switch output is ON), and this is to prevent the issuance of a cleaning notification in such a state.

[0053] After the detection unit detects a sufficient amount, and then detects a small amount, the control unit in washing machine 1 starts a timer for cleaning notification. Then, while maintaining the small amount determination, if a certain period (e.g., 14 days) has elapsed since the timer started, a cleaning notification is sent to urge the user to clean the tub and cleaning path. If the detergent residue becomes small, the evaporation rate per unit area increases, and the detergent is more likely to solidify. Therefore, by issuing a cleaning notification after a certain period from when the detergent dosage becomes small, cleaning notifications can be prevented from occurring at times when detergent solidification is unlikely, allowing for cleaning notifications to be sent at appropriate times.

[0054] The timer for cleaning notifications is reset when path cleaning is performed based on user operation or when detergent is added to the detergent tank 110. In this case, path cleaning has an automatic cleaning mode where the washing machine 1 performs cleaning along the detergent supply path; if this cleaning mode is selected by the user, it can be determined that path cleaning has been performed. Regarding adding detergent to the detergent tank 110, a sufficient amount is detected by the detection unit, determining that detergent has been added. When detergent is added to the detergent tank 110, the evaporation rate per unit area decreases, and the detergent is less likely to solidify, therefore the timer for cleaning notifications is reset.

[0055] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment 5, even if the detection unit continuously detects a sufficient amount of detergent, a notification to expedite the cleaning process can be issued if a predetermined period (e.g., 3 months) has elapsed since the initial sufficient amount detection. This is because if a sufficient amount of detergent is continuously detected for an extended period, there is a possibility that the detergent may be left unused for a long time, and that the detergent may solidify due to prolonged storage. Moreover, the predetermined period before issuing the cleaning notification for situations where a sufficient amount of detergent is continuously detected for an extended period can be changed based on factors such as the ambient temperature of the washing machine 1. For example, the predetermined period can be shortened (e.g., 3 months) during periods of high ambient temperature, such as summer, and extended (e.g., 4 months) during periods of low ambient temperature, such as winter.

[0056] Furthermore, the cleaning notification, even when a sufficient amount of detergent is continuously detected over a long period, can be issued not immediately after the specified period has elapsed, but rather after the specified period has elapsed, at the moment when a small amount is initially detected. This prevents the issuance of a cleaning notification when the remaining amount in the detergent tank 110 is sufficient (when the tank or other components are difficult to clean).

[0057] All aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but is defined based on the claims. Furthermore, all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Claims

1. A washing machine having an automatic dispensing function for liquid stored in a liquid tank, characterized in that it has: The detection unit determines a small quantity when the remaining liquid level in the liquid tank is below a specified amount; and The control unit calculates the amount of liquid to be dispensed during automatic liquid dispensing, and updates and manages the remaining liquid level in the liquid tank after detecting the insufficient amount by subtracting the amount dispensed from the remaining liquid level each time automatic liquid dispensing is performed. When the aforementioned small quantity is detected, the control unit sets the remaining amount in the liquid tank to a predetermined remaining amount corresponding to the specified quantity. Each time liquid is automatically added, the remaining amount in the liquid tank is managed by subtracting the amount of liquid added from the remaining amount; As a reserve notification to inform the user of the remaining amount of the liquid tank, a low-liquidity notification is issued when the detection unit detects a low amount. Then, based on the remaining amount of the liquid tank managed by the control unit, a subsequent reserve notification is issued. After the detection unit detects a sufficient quantity, and the control unit further detects a small quantity, the timer for cleaning notification begins to start. If a certain period of time elapses from the start of the timer while the condition of the few determinations is maintained, a cleaning notification is issued.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, As a follow-up notification of the small quantity of liquid, a notification of no liquid is issued when the remaining quantity in the liquid tank managed by the control unit is below a specified amount.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It can send the remaining balance notification to the designated communication terminal via the Internet.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... , After the washing machine finishes operating, at the moment the opening and closing part of the washing tub is opened, the remaining water level is notified by the sound emitted by the washing machine.

5. A washing machine having an automatic dispensing function for liquid stored in a liquid tank, characterized in that it has: The detection unit determines a small quantity when the remaining liquid level in the liquid tank falls below a specified amount. After the detection unit detects a sufficient quantity, if a small quantity is detected, the timer for cleaning notification begins. If a certain period of time elapses from the start of the timer while the condition of the few determinations is maintained, a cleaning notification is issued.

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