Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine that can appropriately respond when solidified washing liquid adheres to electrode terminals. The fully automatic washing machine (1) includes: a washing and dewatering tub (22) disposed within a cabinet (10) for washing laundry; a detergent box (400) for storing liquid detergent; a water supply unit (600) for introducing the detergent in the detergent box (400) into the washing and dewatering tub (22); a pair of electrode terminals (421, 422) disposed within the detergent box (400); a detergent amount detection unit (804) that outputs a pulse signal that varies according to the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals (421, 422); a control unit (801); and a display unit (720). The control unit (801) determines whether solidified detergent adheres to the electrode terminals (421, 422) based on the pulse signal, and causes the display unit (720) to give a notification when it is determined that solidified liquid adheres to the electrode terminals (421, 422).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that can automatically supply liquid detergent into a washing and dewatering tub.

[0003] The washing machine of Patent Document 1 includes a detergent box disposed inside a housing and containing liquid detergent. The detergent box is closed by a detergent box lid to seal the inside thereof, and has an air inlet and a liquid outlet. The air inlet is connected to an air pump. When the air pump operates, the air pressure inside the sealed detergent box increases, and the detergent inside the detergent box is extruded from the liquid outlet and supplied into the washing and dewatering tub. It is convenient for the user not to have to supply a certain amount of detergent to the washing machine every time a washing operation is performed.

[0004] When the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent box decreases, it is necessary to replenish the detergent into the detergent box. Therefore, the following structure can be considered: by detecting the liquid level inside the detergent box, a message indicating the need to replenish the detergent is notified when the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent box decreases.

[0005] In this case, a pair of electrode terminals can be disposed inside the detergent box, and based on the change in the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals, it is determined whether the liquid level inside the detergent box is lower than a specified liquid level. When the remaining liquid amount in the detergent box decreases and a state where air is present between the pair of electrode terminals instead of detergent is formed, the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals increases significantly.

[0006] In addition, when the liquid level inside the detergent box is lower than the specified liquid level, detergent may remain on the surface of the pair of electrode terminals. If left unattended for a long time without replenishing the detergent, it is possible that the remaining detergent dries and solidifies, and the solidified detergent adheres to the surface of the electrode terminals and covers the surface.

[0007] The resistance value of the detergent solidified into a gel-like or solid state increases significantly. Therefore, in the case where the solidified detergent adheres to the pair of electrode terminals, even if detergent is later supplied into the detergent box and the remaining amount of detergent increases, since the solidified detergent is present between the liquid detergent and the electrode terminals, it is likely that the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals remains high. In this way, there is a risk of misjudging that the remaining amount of detergent has decreased.

[0008] Prior Art Documents

[0009] Patent Documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-259290 Summary of the Invention

[0011] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0012] The present invention has been completed in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a washing machine that can appropriately respond when a solidified washing liquid agent is fixed to an electrode terminal.

[0013] Solutions to the Problems

[0014] The washing machine of the main solution of the present invention includes: a washing tub disposed in a cabinet for washing laundry; a liquid agent box for storing a washing liquid agent; a feeding mechanism unit for discharging the liquid agent from the liquid agent box and feeding it into the washing tub; a pair of electrode terminals disposed in the liquid agent box; a detection unit for outputting a detection signal that changes according to a resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals; a control unit for making a first determination based on the detection signal as to whether the liquid level in the liquid agent box is lower than a specified liquid level; and a notification unit. Among them, the control unit makes a second determination based on the detection signal as to whether a solidified liquid agent is fixed to the electrode terminals, and causes the notification unit to give a notification when it is determined that a solidified liquid agent is fixed to the electrode terminals.

[0015] According to the above structure, when a solidified liquid agent is fixed to the electrode terminals, a notification is given by the notification unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent leaving the state where the liquid agent is fixed unattended and to prevent misjudgment of the liquid level in the liquid agent box.

[0016] In the washing machine of this solution, a structure further including a storage unit can be adopted. In this case, the control unit can be configured as follows: storing the detection signal output from the detection unit in a state before feeding the liquid agent into the liquid agent box as a reference detection signal in the storage unit, and making the second determination based on a comparison result between the detection signal obtained for making the second determination and the reference detection signal.

[0017] According to the above structure, the reference detection signal actually obtained before feeding the liquid agent into the liquid agent box is set as a comparison reference for the detection signal obtained when determining the fixation of the solidified liquid agent. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine the presence or absence of the fixation of the liquid agent.

[0018] In the washing machine of this solution, the control unit can be configured to execute a process of discharging the liquid agent from the liquid agent box and a process of discharging hot water stored in the liquid agent box after a certain period of storage from the liquid agent box after discharging the liquid agent based on a specified operation.

[0019] According to the above structure, the liquid agent fixed to the electrode terminals can be dissolved and removed by the hot water stored in the liquid agent box.

[0020] Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, a washing machine can be provided that can appropriately respond when a solidified washing liquid agent is fixed to an electrode terminal.

[0022] The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer through the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiments are merely examples when implementing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited by any of the content described in the following embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a side sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 FIG. (a) is a perspective view of an ultrasonic cleaning device and an upper panel in a state where an ultrasonic cleaning unit and a water storage unit according to an embodiment are housed in a storage unit. Figure 2 FIGS. (b) and (c) are perspective views of main parts of an ultrasonic cleaning device and an upper panel in a state where an ultrasonic cleaning unit and a water storage unit are pulled out from the storage unit according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a water supply device according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 FIGS. (a) and (b) are respectively a top view and a bottom view of a detergent box according to an embodiment, Figure 4 FIG. (c) is Figure 4 a sectional view taken along line A - A' of FIG. (a).

[0027] Figure 5 FIGS. (a) and (b) are respectively a top view and a bottom view of a fabric softener box according to an embodiment, Figure 5 FIG. (c) is Figure 5 a sectional view taken along line B - B' of FIG. (a).

[0028] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 FIG. (a) is a flowchart showing the process for obtaining a reference pulse signal according to an embodiment. Figure 7 FIG. (b) is a flowchart showing the liquid agent replenishment notification process according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 8 FIGS. (a) and (b) are respectively diagrams schematically showing pulse signals output from a detergent amount detection unit when the liquid level in a detergent box according to an embodiment is higher than a specified level and lower than the specified level. Figure 8Figure (c) schematically shows a pulse signal output from the detergent amount detection unit when solidified detergent is fixed to a pair of electrode terminals of an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 9 It is a flowchart showing the control process of the electrode cleaning operation of the embodiment.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals

[0033] 1: Fully automatic washing machine (washing machine); 10: Cabinet; 22: Washing and dewatering tub (washing tub); 400: Detergent box (box body); 421, 422: A pair of electrode terminals; 500: Fabric softener box (box body); 521, 522: A pair of electrode terminals; 600: Water supply unit (input mechanism unit); 720: Display unit (notification unit); 801: Control unit; 802: Storage unit; 804: Detergent amount detection unit (detection unit); 805: Fabric softener amount detection unit (detection unit). Detailed implementation manners

[0034] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 It is a side sectional view of the fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0036] Refer to Figure 1 , the fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a cabinet 10 that constitutes the outer contour. The cabinet 10 includes a square cylindrical body portion 11 with open upper and lower surfaces, an upper panel 12 that covers the upper surface of the body portion 11, and a pedestal 13 that supports the body portion 11. An inlet 14 for laundry is formed on the upper panel 12. The inlet 14 is covered by an openable and closable upper lid 15. In the front part of the upper panel 12, a control unit 16 is disposed inside. The control unit 16 controls the washing operation of the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the cleaning operation of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0037] The outer tub 20 with an open upper surface is elastically suspended and supported in the cabinet 10 by four suspension rods 21 having a vibration damping device. A washing and dewatering tub 22 with an open upper surface is disposed inside the outer tub 20. The washing and dewatering tub 22 rotates about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. Many dehydration holes 22a are formed over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the washing and dewatering tub 22. A balance ring 23 is provided at the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub 22. A pulsator 24 is disposed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 22. A plurality of blades 24a are radially provided on the surface of the pulsator 24. It should be noted that the washing and dewatering tub 22 corresponds to the "washing tub" of the present invention.

[0038] A drive unit 30 for generating torque to drive the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the agitator 24 is disposed at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism section 32. The transmission mechanism section 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a. Through the switching operation achieved by the clutch mechanism 32a, during the washing process and the rinsing process, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the agitator 24 to rotate only the agitator 24, and during the dewatering process, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the agitator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 to rotate the agitator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 integrally.

[0039] A drain port 20a is formed at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided at the drain port 20a. The drain valve 40 is connected to a drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water stored in the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain hose 41.

[0040] An overflow port 20b is formed at the upper part of the outer tub 20. When the water stored in the outer tub 20 reaches a level above a specified overflow water level, the water will be discharged from the overflow port 20b. An overflow receiving portion 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tub 20 so as to cover the overflow port 20b. One end of an overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiving portion 25. The other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to the drain hose 41. The water discharged from the overflow port 20b is received by the overflow receiving portion 25 and then flows through the overflow pipe 26 to the drain hose 41.

[0041] An ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is disposed approximately at the center of the rear part of the top panel 12. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 mainly performs a cleaning operation for removing dirt locally attached to the object to be cleaned before the fully automatic washing machine 1 performs washing.

[0042] At the rear part of the top panel 12, a storage tank 60 is disposed behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, and a drain receiving portion 70 is disposed below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The storage tank 60 stores water containing detergent to be supplied to the water storage tank 210 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 as cleaning water. A supply valve 61 for opening and closing the outflow port of the cleaning water from the tank is provided in the storage tank 60.

[0043] The drain receiving portion 70 receives the water discharged from the water storage tank 210. A discharge hole 71 for discharging the received water is formed in the drain receiving portion 70. One end of a drain pipe 72 is connected to the discharge hole 71. The other end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the upper part of the overflow pipe 26. The water received by the drain receiving portion 70 is discharged to the drain hose 41 through the drain pipe 72 and the overflow pipe 26.

[0044] At the rear of the upper panel 12, a water supply device 80 is arranged in a manner surrounding the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The water supply device 80 is connected to a faucet and has a function of supplying water into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. Moreover, the water supply device 80 also functions as an automatic feeding device for automatically feeding liquid detergent and fabric softener into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. Furthermore, the water supply device 80 also has a function of supplying cleaning water to the storage tank 60. It should be noted that the detergent and the fabric softener are liquid agents for washing, and sometimes the detergent and the fabric softener will be collectively referred to as "liquid agents" hereinafter.

[0045] Figure 2 Fig. (a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the upper panel 12 in a state where the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are housed in the housing unit 17. Figure 2 Figs. (b) and (c) are perspective views of the main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the upper panel 12 in a state where the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are pulled out from the housing unit 17. Figure 2 In Fig. (c), in order to see the inside of the housing unit 17, the illustration of the cover 17b is omitted.

[0046] Refer to Figure 2 Figs. (a) to (c), in the upper panel 12, a housing unit 17 for housing the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided at the central part of the rear. The front of the housing unit 17 in the upper panel 12 is opened as an entrance / exit 17a. A cover 17b is provided at the entrance / exit 17a.

[0047] The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 includes an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, a water storage unit 200, and a main body unit 300. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 has an ultrasonic generator 110 that generates ultrasonic waves and is held by the main body unit 300. In the water storage unit 200, a water storage bucket 210 that is located below the ultrasonic generator 110 and can store cleaning water is provided. Cleaning water is supplied from a supply nozzle 62 connected to a supply valve 61 of the storage tank 60 to the water storage bucket 210. The water storage unit 200 is detachably attached to the main body unit 300.

[0048] As Figure 2 shown in Fig. (a), when performing a cleaning operation, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from the housing unit 17 forward and extended inside the inlet 14 of the upper panel 12. On the other hand, as Figure 2 shown in Figs. (b) and (c), when not performing a cleaning operation, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is housed in the housing unit 17. The entrance / exit 17a of the housing unit 17 is closed by the cover 17b.

[0049] As Figure 2As shown in Fig. (a), on the upper panel 12, a funnel-shaped detergent injection port 18 is formed at the left rear of the input port 14, and a funnel-shaped fabric softener injection port 19 is formed at the right rear of the input port 14. The opening 18a formed at the central portion of the detergent injection port 18 is connected to the input port of the detergent box 400 described later. The filter 410 is attached to the input port through the opening 18a. In addition, the opening 19a formed at the central portion of the fabric softener injection port 19 is connected to the input port of the fabric softener box 500 described later. The filter 510 is attached to the input port through the opening 19a. Liquid detergent is injected into the detergent box 400 through the detergent injection port 18, and liquid fabric softener is injected into the fabric softener box 500 through the fabric softener injection port 19.

[0050] Figure 3 Fig. is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the water supply device 80. Figure 4 Figs. (a) and (b) are respectively a top view and a bottom view of the detergent box 400, Figure 4 Fig. (c) is Figure 4 a sectional view taken along the line A - A' of Fig. (a). Figure 5 Figs. (a) and (b) are respectively a top view and a bottom view of the fabric softener box 500, Figure 5 Fig. (c) is Figure 5 a sectional view taken along the line B - B' of Fig. (a).

[0051] As Figure 3 shown, the water supply device 80 includes a detergent box 400, a fabric softener box 500, and a water supply unit 600.

[0052] Liquid detergent can be stored in the detergent box 400. Liquid fabric softener can be stored in the fabric softener box 500. The water supply unit 600 takes in detergent and fabric softener from the detergent box 400 and the fabric softener box 500 respectively and makes the taken-in detergent and fabric softener flow into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 by supplying water to the washing and dehydrating tub 22. In this way, the water supply unit 600 injects the detergent discharged from the detergent box 400 and the fabric softener discharged from the fabric softener box 500 into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. The detergent box 400 and the fabric softener box 500 correspond to the "box body" of the present invention, and the water supply unit 600 corresponds to the input mechanism portion.

[0053] As Figure 4 shown in Figs. (a) and (b), the detergent box 400 is formed of a resin material, for example, and has a box shape that is long in the front - rear direction. On the upper surface of the detergent box 400, a circular input port 401 is formed at the front side. The filter 410 is attached to the input port 401. The filter 410 captures foreign matters entering the detergent box 400 from the input port 401. On the bottom surface of the detergent box 400, a circular discharge portion 402 protruding downward is formed at the front side. A cylindrical discharge port 403 extending rearward is formed on the circumferential surface of the discharge portion 402.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4 (c) of the figure, in order to detect a decrease in the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent box, the detergent box 400 is provided with a detergent electrode unit 420. The detergent electrode unit 420 is composed of a pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422, namely a first electrode terminal 421 and a second electrode terminal 422.

[0055] The first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 are formed of a conductive material such as steel, and include rod-shaped terminal portions 421a and 422a and heads 421b and 422b provided at the upper ends of the terminal portions 421a and 422a. External threads are formed on the upper portions of the respective terminal portions 421a and 422a. In addition, a cross-shaped groove is formed in each of the heads 421b and 422b so that the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 can be rotated with a screwdriver.

[0056] On the top surface of the detergent box 400, a first fitting boss 404 and a second fitting boss 405 that protrude into the interior of the box are formed in a side-by-side manner in the left-right direction. The first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 are inserted into the interior of the detergent box 400 from above through the first fitting boss 404 and the second fitting boss 405. At this time, the upper portions of the respective terminal portions 421a and 422a having external threads are rotated while passing through the first fitting boss 404 and the second fitting boss 405 and are fixed. In this way, the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 are fixed to the top surface of the detergent box 400. The terminal portions 421a and 422a of the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 extend downward from the top surface of the detergent box 400, and their front ends are located near the bottom surface of the detergent box 400. The interval between the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 is relatively small, for example, set to about a dozen millimeters.

[0057] When the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is higher than the specified liquid level L1 and the detergent is sufficiently interposed between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422, the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 is relatively small. When the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the specified liquid level L1 and almost no or no detergent is interposed between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422, since basically air is interposed between them, the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 is relatively large.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5As shown in (a) and (b), the fabric softener box 500 is formed of, for example, a resin material and has a box shape with a long front-to-back dimension. On the upper surface of the fabric softener box 500, a circular inlet 501 is formed on the front side. A filter 510 is attached to the inlet 501. The filter 510 captures foreign matter that enters the fabric softener box 500 from the inlet 501. On the bottom surface of the fabric softener box 500, a circular discharge portion 502 that protrudes downward is formed on the front side. A cylindrical discharge port 503 that extends rearward is formed on the circumferential surface of the discharge portion 502.

[0059] As Figure 5 As shown in (c), in order to detect a decrease in the remaining amount of the fabric softener in the box body, the fabric softener box 500 is provided with a fabric softener electrode unit 520. The fabric softener electrode unit 520 is composed of a pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522, that is, a first electrode terminal 521 and a second electrode terminal 522.

[0060] The structures of the first electrode terminal 521 and the second electrode terminal 522 are the same as those of the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 of the detergent electrode unit 420, and include terminal portions 521a and 522a having external threads and heads 521b and 522b having cross-shaped grooves.

[0061] Similar to the detergent box 400, a first fitting boss 504 and a second fitting boss 505 are formed on the top surface portion of the fabric softener box 500. The first electrode terminal 521 and the second electrode terminal 522 pass through these fitting bosses 504 and 505 and are inserted into the interior of the fabric softener box 500 from above, and are fixed to these fitting bosses 504 and 505. The terminal portions 521a and 522a of the first electrode terminal 521 and the second electrode terminal 522 extend downward from the top surface portion of the fabric softener box 500, and their front ends are located near the bottom surface portion of the fabric softener box 500. The interval between the first electrode terminal 521 and the second electrode terminal 522 is relatively small, and is set to about a dozen millimeters, for example.

[0062] When the liquid level in the fabric softener box 500 is higher than the specified liquid level L2 and the fabric softener is sufficiently interposed between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522, the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 is relatively small. When the liquid level in the fabric softener box 500 is lower than the specified liquid level L2 and the fabric softener is hardly or not at all interposed between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522, since air is basically interposed between them, the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 is relatively large.

[0063] Referring to Figure 3 , the water supply unit 600 includes: a water passage member 610, a water supply valve 620, a first three-way valve 630, a second three-way valve 640, a third three-way valve 650, and a pump 660.

[0064] A water injection chamber 611 is provided in the water passage member 610. At the bottom of the water injection chamber 611, a water injection port 611a is formed at the front end portion. The water injection port 611a faces above the washing and dewatering tub 22.

[0065] A first water passage 612 and a second water passage 613 connected to the water injection chamber 611 are formed in the water passage member 610, and a water inlet 614 for water flowing into the first water passage 612 and a water inlet 615 for water flowing into the second water passage 613 are provided. Furthermore, a branch water passage 616 branched from the first water passage 612 for supplying water to the storage tank 60 is formed in the water passage member 610. The outlet 616a of the branch water passage 616 is connected to the inlet of the storage tank 60.

[0066] In the middle of the path from the inlet 614 to the water injection chamber 611 in the first water passage 612, a second three-way valve 640, a first three-way valve 630, a pump 660, and a third three-way valve 650 are arranged in order from the upstream. Therefore, the first water passage 612 is separated at the positions of these second three-way valve 640, first three-way valve 630, pump 660, and third three-way valve 650, and has upstream side connection ports 617a, 617b, 617c, 617d and downstream side connection ports 618a, 618b, 618c, 618d at their respective positions.

[0067] The water supply valve 620 is a so-called double valve, having a first valve 621 and a second valve 622 with a rated flow rate larger than that of the first valve 621. The water inlet 623 of the water supply valve 620 is connected to a faucet via a water supply hose (not shown). The water outlet 624 of the first valve 621 is connected to the inlet 614, and the water outlet 625 of the second valve 622 is connected to the inlet 615.

[0068] The first three-way valve 630 and the second three-way valve 640 have a first water inlet 631, 641, a second water inlet 632, 642, and water outlets 633, 643, and can be switched to a state in which the first water inlets 631, 641 communicate with the water outlets 633, 643 and a state in which the second water inlets 632, 642 communicate with the water outlets 633, 643. The third three-way valve 650 has a water inlet 651, a first water outlet 652, and a second water outlet 653, and can be switched to a state in which the water inlet 651 communicates with the first water outlet 652 and a state in which the water inlet 651 communicates with the second water outlet 653.

[0069] The first water inlet 631 and the water outlet 633 of the first three-way valve 630 are respectively connected to the upstream-side connection port 617b and the downstream-side connection port 618b. The water inlet 651, the first water outlet 652, and the second water outlet 653 of the third three-way valve 650 are respectively connected to the upstream-side connection port 617d, the downstream-side connection port 618d, and the connection port 616b of the branch water passage 616. The first water inlet 641 and the water outlet 643 of the second three-way valve 640 are respectively connected to the upstream-side connection port 617a and the downstream-side connection port 618a.

[0070] The pump 660 is a piston pump. The suction port 661 and the discharge port 662 of the pump 660 are respectively connected to the upstream-side connection port 617c and the downstream-side connection port 618c.

[0071] The second water inlet 632 of the first three-way valve 630 is connected to the discharge port 403 of the detergent box 400 via a rubber detergent supply pipe 430. In addition, the second water inlet 642 of the second three-way valve 640 is connected to the discharge port 503 of the softener box 500 via a rubber softener supply pipe 530.

[0072] Figure 6 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0073] In addition to the above structure, the fully automatic washing machine 1 further includes an operation unit 710 and a display unit 720. Moreover, the control unit 16 includes: a control unit 801, a storage unit 802, an operation detection unit 803, a detergent amount detection unit 804, a softener amount detection unit 805, a display drive unit 806, a motor drive unit 807, a clutch drive unit 808, six valve drive units 809 to 814, a pump drive unit 815, and a generator drive unit 816. The detergent amount detection unit 804 and the softener amount detection unit 805 correspond to the "detection unit" of the present invention.

[0074] The operation unit 710 includes various operation buttons such as a power-on button 711, a power-off button 712, a start button 713, a mode selection button 714, a cleaning button 715, a detergent input button 716, and a fabric softener input button 717. The power-on button 711 and the power-off button 712 are buttons for turning on and off the power supply of the fully automatic washing machine 1 respectively. The start button 713 is a button for starting the washing operation and the cleaning operation. The mode selection button 714 is a button for selecting an arbitrary operation mode from among a plurality of operation modes of the washing operation. The cleaning button 715 is a button for selecting the cleaning operation. The detergent input button 716 is a button for selecting whether to set the automatic input of detergent and, in the case of setting the automatic input, setting the amount of detergent to one of normal, large, or small. The fabric softener input button 717 is a button for selecting whether to set the automatic input of fabric softener and, in the case of setting the automatic input, setting the amount of fabric softener to one of normal, large, or small.

[0075] The display unit 720 includes a plurality of LEDs and a seven-segment display, and performs display of the operation mode selected by the mode selection button 714, display of the progress or remaining time of the washing operation, display of the setting results of the detergent input button 716 and the fabric softener input button 717, i.e., setting display of one of "normal", "large amount", "small amount", and "none". Furthermore, the display unit 720 performs display indicating the need to replenish detergent and fabric softener, and display indicating the need to clean a pair of electrode terminals 421, 422 in the detergent box 400 or a pair of electrode terminals 521, 522 in the fabric softener box 500. The display unit 720 corresponds to the "notification unit" of the present invention.

[0076] The operation detection unit 803 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation button operated by the user among the various operation buttons of the operation unit 710 to the control unit 801.

[0077] The detergent amount detection unit 804 is connected to a pair of electrode terminals 421, 422 of the detergent electrode unit 420. The detergent amount detection unit 804 has a circuit structure including a rectangular wave generation circuit and an inversion circuit for inverting the output voltage of the rectangular wave generation circuit. According to the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, the voltage waveform of the reference terminal of the comparator constituting the rectangular wave generation circuit is displaced in the voltage magnitude direction, whereby a pulse signal whose high voltage pulse width and period vary according to the above resistance value is output. For example, when the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is higher than the specified liquid level L1 and the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422 is in a relatively low state, the high voltage pulse width becomes relatively wider. When the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the specified liquid level L1 and the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422 is in a relatively high state, the high voltage pulse width becomes relatively narrower.

[0078] The softener dosage detection unit 805 has the same circuit structure as the detergent dosage detection unit 804, and outputs a pulse signal whose pulse width and period of the high voltage vary according to the resistance value generated between a pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522. For example, when the liquid level in the softener cartridge 500 is higher than the specified liquid level L2 and the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 is in a relatively low state, the pulse width of the high voltage becomes relatively wider. When the liquid level in the softener cartridge 500 is lower than the specified liquid level L2 and the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 is in a relatively high state, the pulse width of the high voltage becomes relatively narrower.

[0079] The resistance values of the detergent and the softener vary according to their types. Therefore, when the type of the detergent stored in the detergent cartridge 400 is changed, accordingly, when the liquid level in the detergent cartridge 400 is higher than the specified liquid level L1, the pulse width of the high voltage of the pulse signal from the detergent dosage detection unit 804 may change. Similarly, when the type of the softener stored in the softener cartridge 500 is changed, accordingly, when the liquid level in the softener cartridge 500 is higher than the specified liquid level L2, the pulse width of the high voltage of the pulse signal from the softener dosage detection unit 805 may change.

[0080] It should be noted that in the following description, the "pulse width of the high voltage" is abbreviated as the "pulse width".

[0081] The display driving unit 806, the motor driving unit 807, the clutch driving unit 808, the six valve driving units 809 to 814, the pump driving unit 815, and the oscillator driving unit 816 drive the display unit 720, the drive motor 31, the clutch mechanism 32a, the water supply valve 620, the first three-way valve 630, the second three-way valve 640, the third three-way valve 650, the supply valve 61, the drain valve 40, the pump 660, and the ultrasonic oscillator 110 respectively according to the control signals from the control unit 801.

[0082] The storage unit 802 includes an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a RAM (random access memory), etc. Programs for performing the washing operation of various operation modes and the cleaning operation achieved by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 are stored in the storage unit 802. In addition, various parameters and various control flags for the execution of these programs are stored in the storage unit 802.

[0083] The control unit 801 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and based on various signals from the operation detection unit 803, the detergent amount detection unit 804, the fabric softener amount detection unit 805, etc., controls the display drive unit 806, the motor drive unit 807, the clutch drive unit 808, the six valve drive units 809 - 814, the pump drive unit 815, the generator drive unit 816, etc. according to the program stored in the storage unit 802.

[0084] The fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform washing operations in various operation modes. During the washing operation, the cleaning process, the intermediate dehydration process, the rinsing process, and the final dehydration process are executed in sequence.

[0085] During the cleaning process and the rinsing process, with water stored in the washing and dehydration tub 22, the agitator 24 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise. Through the rotation of the agitator 24, a water flow is generated in the washing and dehydration tub 22. During the cleaning process, the laundry is cleaned by the generated water flow and the detergent contained in the water. During the rinsing process, the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow.

[0086] During the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process, the washing and dehydration tub 22 and the agitator 24 rotate at high speed integrally. Through the action of the centrifugal force generated in the washing and dehydration tub 22, the laundry is dehydrated.

[0087] When automatic detergent input is set based on the operation of the detergent input button 716, during water supply in the cleaning process, the detergent is automatically input into the washing and dehydration tub 22 through the water supply device 80. At this time, the third three - way valve 650 is switched to a state where the water inlet 651 is communicated with the first water outlet 652, and the first water path 612 becomes a state of being disconnected from the storage tank 60 and connected to the water injection chamber 611. In addition, the second three - way valve 640 is switched to a state where the first water inlet 641 is communicated with the water outlet 643, and the first water path 612 becomes a state of being connected at the position of the second three - way valve 640.

[0088] First, the first three - way valve 630 is switched to a state where the second water inlet 632 is communicated with the water outlet 633. Thereby, the detergent introduction path between the first water path 612 realized by the detergent supply pipe 430 and the detergent box 400 becomes an open state. The pump 660 operates, and the air on the upstream side of the pump 660 in the first water path 612 is sucked, and the upstream side becomes negative pressure. Thereby, as Figure 3 shown by the dash - dot line, the liquid detergent in the detergent box 400 is sucked into the first water path 612 through the detergent supply pipe 430. An amount of detergent corresponding to the operating time of the pump 660 is stored in the first water path 612.

[0089] Next, the first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 631 communicates with the water outlet 633. As a result, the detergent introduction path between the first water passage 612 realized by the detergent supply pipe 430 and the detergent box 400 becomes a closed state. Moreover, the first water passage 612 becomes a state of being connected at the position of the first three-way valve 630. As Figure 3 shown by the solid arrow in, the first valve 621 of the water supply valve 620 is opened, and water from the faucet is supplied into the first water passage 612. The water flowing through the first water passage 612 flushes away the detergent stored in the first water passage 612. The detergent washed away by the water flows together with the water to the water injection chamber 611 and is put into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 from the water injection port 611a.

[0090] Furthermore, in the water supply valve 620, while the first valve 621 is opened, the second valve 622 is opened to supply water into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. As Figure 3 shown by the dotted arrow in, water from the faucet is supplied into the second water passage 613 and flows through the second water passage 613 to reach the water injection chamber 611, and is discharged into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 from the water injection port 611a. At this time, the flow rate of the water flowing through the second water passage 613 is larger than the flow rate of the water flowing through the first water passage 612. When the water level in the washing and dehydrating tub 22 reaches the specified washing water level, the first valve 621 and the second valve 622 are closed to end the water supply.

[0091] When automatic softener injection is set based on the operation of the softener injection button 717, during water supply in the rinsing process, the softener is automatically injected into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 by the water supply device 80. At this time, like in the washing process, the first water passage 612 becomes a state of being connected to the water injection chamber 611. In addition, the first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 631 communicates with the water outlet 633, and the first water passage 612 becomes a state of being connected at the position of the first three-way valve 630.

[0092] First, the second three-way valve 640 is switched to a state in which the second water inlet 642 communicates with the water outlet 643. As a result, the softener introduction path between the first water passage 612 realized by the softener supply pipe 530 and the softener box 500 becomes an open state. The pump 660 operates, and as Figure 3 shown by the double-dotted line in, the liquid softener in the softener box 500 is sucked into the first water passage 612 via the softener supply pipe 530. The amount of softener corresponding to the operating time of the pump 660 is stored in the first water passage 612.

[0093] Next, the second three-way valve 640 is switched to a state where the first water inlet 641 communicates with the water outlet 643. As a result, the introduction path of the softener between the first water passage 612 formed by the softener supply pipe 530 and the softener box 500 becomes a closed state. Moreover, the first water passage 612 becomes a state of being connected at the position of the second three-way valve 640. As shown by the solid arrow in Figure 3 , the first valve 621 is opened, and water from the faucet is supplied into the first water passage 612. The softener stored in the first water passage 612 is washed away by the water flowing through the first water passage 612 and flows into the water injection chamber 611, and is put into the washing and dewatering tub 22 from the water injection port 611a.

[0094] Furthermore, as in the cleaning process, the second valve 622 and the first valve 621 are opened simultaneously to supply water into the washing and dewatering tub 22.

[0095] The water level, that is, the amount of water, in the washing and dewatering tub 22 during the cleaning process and the rinsing process is determined according to the load amount of the laundry detected before water supply. And the amount of the liquid agent put into the washing and dewatering tub 22, that is, the usage amount of the liquid agent, is determined according to the amount of water.

[0096] For example, the amount of the liquid agent relative to the reference water amount (for example, 30 liters) is corresponded to various types of liquid agents and is stored in the storage unit 802 in advance. The user selects and sets the type of the liquid agent accommodated in the detergent box 400 and the softener box 500 from various types of liquid agents through a prescribed setting operation. The control unit 801 reads out the amount of the liquid agent of the set type relative to the reference water amount from the storage unit 802, calculates the amount of the liquid agent corresponding to this amount of water from the read amount of the liquid agent and the amount of water determined according to the load amount, and uses the calculated amount of the liquid agent as the usage amount of the liquid agent in this washing operation. In the case where "more" or "less" is set through the detergent input button 716 and the softener input button 717, the calculated amount of the liquid agent is increased or decreased by a prescribed ratio as the usage amount of the liquid agent.

[0097] During the water supply in the cleaning process, the detergent of the determined usage amount is introduced from the detergent box 400 into the first water passage 612 of the water supply unit 600 by the operation of the pump 660. Similarly, during the water supply in the rinsing process, the softener of the determined usage amount is introduced from the softener box 500 into the first water passage 612 of the water supply unit 600 by the operation of the pump 660.

[0098] It should be noted that when automatic detergent input is not set, during water supply in the cleaning process, detergent is not introduced from the detergent box 400 into the water supply unit 600, and tap water is not supplied to the first waterway 612, and detergent is not automatically input into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. In this case, water is supplied to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 only through the second waterway 613 of the water supply unit 600. The detergent is manually input into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 by the user. Similarly, when automatic fabric softener input is not set, during water supply in the rinsing process, fabric softener is not introduced from the fabric softener box 500 into the water supply unit 600, and tap water is not supplied to the first waterway 612, and fabric softener is not automatically input into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. In this case, water is supplied to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 only through the second waterway 613 of the water supply unit 600. The fabric softener is manually input into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 by the user.

[0099] The fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform a cleaning operation realized by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0100] During the cleaning operation, after supplying cleaning water from the storage tank 60 to the water storage tub 210, the dirt-attached part of the laundry is placed between the water storage tub 210 and the ultrasonic generator 110. The dirt-attached part is soaked in the cleaning water stored in the water storage tub 210 and contacts the front end face of the ultrasonic generator 110. When the ultrasonic generator 110 operates, ultrasonic waves are generated from its front end. Through the action of the ultrasonic waves, dirt is peeled off from the object to be cleaned. At this time, by adding the force of the detergent, the cleaning power is enhanced.

[0101] During water supply in the cleaning operation, before supplying water to the water storage tub 210, cleaning water is supplied into the storage tank 60 through the water supply device 80. At this time, the supply valve 61 is closed.

[0102] First, the third three-way valve 650 is switched to a state where the water inlet 651 is communicated with the second water outlet 653. Thereby, the first waterway 612 is in a state of being separated from the water injection chamber 611 and connected to the storage tank 60 via the branch waterway 616. Similar to the cleaning process, after the first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state where detergent can flow into the first waterway 612, the pump 660 operates, and the liquid detergent in the detergent box 400 is suctioned into the first waterway 612 and stored in the first waterway 612.

[0103] Next, the first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state where the detergent introduction path is closed and the first water passage 612 is connected at the position of the first three-way valve 630. Then, the first valve 621 of the water supply valve 620 is opened, and water from the faucet is supplied into the first water passage 612. The detergent stored in the first water passage 612 is washed away by the water flowing through the first water passage 612, and the detergent and water are mixed to form cleaning water. The cleaning water flows into the storage tank 60 through the branch water passage 616. When a predetermined amount of cleaning water is stored in the storage tank 60, the first valve 621 is closed.

[0104] The supply valve 61 is opened, and the cleaning water in the storage tank 60 is supplied into the water storage tub 210 through the supply nozzle 62. Then, during the cleaning operation, whenever the cleaning water in the water storage tub 210 decreases due to the absorption of water by the laundry, a corresponding amount of cleaning water is replenished from the storage tank 60 to the water storage tub 210.

[0105] The fully automatic washing machine 1 of the present embodiment has a function of notifying that the amount of the liquid agent in the detergent box 400 and the softener box 500 has decreased and that the liquid agent needs to be replenished. The process for this function, i.e., the liquid agent replenishment notification process, is executed by the control unit 801.

[0106] In the liquid agent replenishment notification process, a pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 are used to detect the liquid level in the detergent box 400, and a pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 are used to detect the liquid level in the softener box 500. Here, when the liquid level is lower than the predetermined liquid levels L1 and L2, the liquid agent may remain on the surfaces of the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, and 522. If left unattended for a long time without replenishing the liquid agent, the remaining liquid agent will dry and solidify, and the solidified liquid agent may adhere to the surfaces of these electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, and 522.

[0107] The resistance value of the liquid agent solidified into a gel-like or solid state increases significantly. Therefore, when the solidified liquid agent adheres to the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, and 522, even if the liquid agent is replenished, the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, and 522 is likely to remain high, and there is a risk of misjudging that the amount of the liquid agent has decreased.

[0108] Therefore, in the liquid agent replenishment notification process, it is also notified that the solidified liquid agent adhered to the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 in the detergent box 400 and the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 in the softener box 500 needs to be cleaned.

[0109] Before performing the liquid agent replenishment notification process, the process for obtaining the reference pulse signal A for detecting the fixation of the liquid agent that solidifies during this process is performed at a time before the liquid agent is put into the detergent box 400 and the fabric softener box 500. For example, it is performed during the shipping inspection at the factory of the fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0110] Figure 7 Fig. (a) shows a flowchart of the process for obtaining the reference pulse signal A.

[0111] Refer to Figure 7 Fig. (a), the control unit 801 applies power between a pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 in the detergent box 400 and between a pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 in the fabric softener box 500 for a specified time, for example, 2 seconds (S101). Then, the control unit 801 obtains the pulse signal output from the detergent amount detection unit 804 as the reference pulse signal A related to the detergent, and obtains the pulse signal output from the fabric softener amount detection unit 805 as the reference pulse signal A related to the fabric softener (S102). The reference pulse signal A has a waveform corresponding to the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, 522 when there is no liquid agent between the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, 522 and no solidified liquid agent is fixed on the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, 522.

[0112] The control unit 801 stores the obtained reference pulse signal A related to the detergent and the fabric softener respectively, that is, the information defining the waveform of the pulse signal, such as the pulse width and period of the high voltage, in the storage unit 802 (S103).

[0113] Figure 7 Fig. (b) shows a flowchart of the liquid agent replenishment notification process. Figure 8 Figs. (a) and (b) respectively schematically show the case where the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is higher than the specified liquid level L1 and the pulse signal output from the detergent amount detection unit 804 when it is lower than the specified liquid level. Figure 8 Fig. (c) schematically shows the pulse signal output from the detergent amount detection unit 804 when solidified detergent is fixed on the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422.

[0114] Regarding the detergent in the detergent box 400 and the fabric softener in the fabric softener box 500, the liquid agent replenishment notification process is executed in parallel by the control unit 801. The timing for executing the liquid agent replenishment notification process can be set to at least one of, for example, the timing when the washing operation is completed, the timing when the power is turned on for the fully automatic washing machine 1, and the timing when an operation for confirming the remaining amounts of the detergent and the fabric softener is performed. It should be noted that regarding the detergent, when the liquid agent replenishment notification process is executed at the timing when the washing operation is completed, the liquid agent replenishment notification process can also be executed at the timing when the cleaning operation is completed.

[0115] Hereinafter, for the notification of the liquid agent replenishment process, the process regarding the detergent in the detergent box 400 will be described as an example.

[0116] Referring to Figure 7 In (b) of, the control unit 801 applies power (S201) between a pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 for a specified time, for example, 2 seconds, and obtains the pulse signal B output from the detergent amount detection unit 804 during the power application (S202). Then, the control unit 801 determines whether the pulse width of the obtained pulse signal B is less than the threshold value (S203).

[0117] As Figure 8 shown in (a) of, when the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is higher than the specified liquid level L1, the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 becomes lower due to the presence of the detergent, and thus the pulse width becomes wider. On the other hand, as Figure 8 shown in (b) of, when the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the specified liquid level L1, the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 becomes higher due to the presence of air, and thus the pulse width becomes narrower. In addition, as Figure 8 shown in (c) of, when solidified detergent adheres to the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422, regardless of whether the liquid level is higher or lower than the specified liquid level L1, the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 becomes higher due to the presence of the solidified detergent, and the pulse width becomes narrower. It should be noted that when solidified detergent adheres to the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422, the resistance value is lower than the resistance value when there is air, and the pulse width is wider than the pulse width when the liquid level is lower than the specified liquid level L1. In addition, the period of the pulse signal is shorter than the period when the liquid level is lower than the specified liquid level L1.

[0118] The threshold value is set between the pulse width when the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is higher than the specified liquid level L1 and the pulse width when it is lower than the specified liquid level.

[0119] When the pulse width is less than the threshold (S203: Yes), it can be regarded as a situation where the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the specified liquid level L1 or there is solidified detergent adhering to a pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422. Therefore, the control unit 801 reads the reference pulse signal A related to the detergent from the storage unit 802 and compares the reference pulse signal A with the pulse signal B obtained in S202 to determine whether the two are approximately equal, that is, to determine whether the difference between the two is within the specified range considered equal in view of detection errors, etc. (S204).

[0120] In the detergent amount detection unit 804, in terms of the circuit structure, when the resistance value changes within a range where the resistance value between a pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 is high, the pulse width of the low voltage changes more than that of the high voltage. Therefore, as Figure 8 shown in (b) and (c) of, in the case where the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the specified liquid level L1 and in the case where there is solidified detergent adhering to a pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422, the periods of the pulse signals are likely to differ greatly. Therefore, in the present embodiment, whether the pulse signal B and the reference pulse signal A are approximately equal is determined by whether the periods of the two signals are approximately equal. It should be noted that instead of the period, the pulse width of the low voltage, which also has a greater difference like the period, can be compared.

[0121] When the pulse signal B and the reference pulse signal A are approximately equal (S204: Yes), it can be regarded as a state where there is no solidified detergent adhering to a pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 and the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the specified liquid level L1. Therefore, the control unit 801 adds the most recent detergent usage amount X to the cumulative value XT of the usage amount to obtain a new cumulative value XT of the usage amount (S205). For example, when the liquid agent replenishment notification process is executed at the moment when the washing operation is completed, the most recent detergent usage amount X is the usage amount in this washing operation. When the liquid agent replenishment notification process is executed at the moment when the fully automatic washing machine 1 is powered on, the most recent detergent usage amount X is the usage amount in the previous washing operation.

[0122] Next, the control unit 801 determines whether the cumulative value XT of the usage amount is greater than the threshold (S206). Here, the threshold is set, for example, to a value such that when the amount of detergent when the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is approximately at the specified liquid level L1 minus the threshold amount, the amount of detergent for one washing operation remains in the detergent box 400.

[0123] When the cumulative value XT of the usage amount is below the threshold value (S205: No), the control unit 801 stores the cumulative value XT of the usage amount in the storage unit 802 (S208). At this time, the cumulative value XT of the usage amount is stored in the EEPROM of the storage unit 802 in such a way that it is saved even when the power supply of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is cut off.

[0124] When the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the specified liquid level L1, since the usage amount X of the detergent is added each time the detergent is used, the cumulative value XT of the usage amount continuously increases. Thus, when the cumulative value XT of the usage amount exceeds the threshold value (S206: Yes), the control unit 801 causes the display unit 720 to give a notification indicating that it is necessary to replenish the detergent in the detergent box 400 (S207). For example, in the display unit 720, the LED assigned to the notification indicating the need for replenishment lights up or blinks. The notification implemented by the display unit 720 stops, for example, after a specified time.

[0125] The control unit 801 stores the cumulative value XT of the usage amount exceeding the threshold value in the storage unit 802 (S208).

[0126] In S204, when it is determined that the pulse signal B and the reference pulse signal A are not substantially equal (S204: No), it can be considered that solidified detergent is fixed on a pair of electrode terminals 421, 422. Therefore, the control unit 801 causes the display unit 720 to give a notification indicating that it is necessary to clean a pair of electrode terminals 421, 422 in the detergent box 400 (S209). For example, in the display unit 720, the LED assigned to the notification indicating the need for cleaning lights up or blinks. The notification implemented by the display unit 720 stops when the control unit 801 receives an operation for the electrode cleaning operation described later.

[0127] In S203, when the pulse width is above the threshold value (S203: No), it can be considered that the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is above the specified liquid level L1. Therefore, the control unit 801 sets the cumulative value XT of the usage amount to zero (S210). That is, when the cumulative value XT of the usage amount is not zero, it is reset to zero, and when the cumulative value XT of the usage amount is zero, it remains zero. It should be noted that when the liquid level lower than the specified liquid level L1 becomes above the specified liquid level L1 by replenishing the detergent into the detergent box 400, the cumulative value XT of the usage amount is reset to zero.

[0128] The control unit 801 stores the cumulative value XT of the usage amount that is zero in the storage unit 802 (S208).

[0129] In this way, the liquid agent replenishment notification process ends.

[0130] For the control process related to the fabric softener in the fabric softener box 500, it is the same as the control process related to the detergent in the detergent box 400. That is, power is supplied between a pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522, and based on its conduction state, it is determined whether the liquid level in the fabric softener box 500 is lower than the specified liquid level L2, and it is also determined whether solidified fabric softener is adhered to the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522. Then, in a state where the liquid level is lower than the specified liquid level L2, when the cumulative value XT of the usage amount of the fabric softener exceeds the threshold value, it is notified through the display unit 720. For example, in the display unit 720, the LED assigned to indicate the notification of the need to replenish the fabric softener blinks or lights up. Moreover, in the case where solidified fabric softener is adhered to the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522, it is notified through the display unit 720. For example, in the display unit 720, the LED assigned to indicate the notification of the need to clean the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 blinks or lights up.

[0131] It should be noted that in the case where the liquid agent replenishment notification process is executed at the moment when the washing operation is completed, when the power supply to the fully automatic washing machine 1 is turned on, and / or when an operation for confirming the remaining amount of the detergent and the fabric softener is performed, in the liquid agent replenishment notification process at the moment when the power supply to the fully automatic washing machine 1 is turned on and / or when an operation for confirming the remaining amount of the detergent and the fabric softener is performed, the process of calculating the cumulative value XT of the usage amount in S205 is not executed.

[0132] In the fully automatic washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the case where a notification for urging the cleaning of a pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 in the detergent box 400 or a pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 in the fabric softener box 500 is given, the user can perform an electrode cleaning operation for cleaning these electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, and 522, that is, an electrode cleaning operation.

[0133] Figure 9 It is a flowchart showing the control process of the electrode cleaning operation.

[0134] When an operation for the electrode cleaning operation is performed by the user, the electrode cleaning operation starts. It should be noted that the following structure can be adopted: after the notification for urging electrode cleaning is given through the display unit 720, the control unit 801 does not accept operations other than the operation for the electrode cleaning operation.

[0135] Refer to Figure 9The control unit 801 waits for an operation for discharging detergent or an operation for discharging fabric softener (S301, S302). When an operation for discharging detergent is performed (S301: Yes), similar to when automatically dispensing detergent, the control unit 801 operates the first three-way valve 630, the pump 660, and the first valve 621. After discharging all the detergent in the detergent box 400 into the washing and dewatering tub 22, the drain valve 40 is opened to discharge the detergent to the outside of the machine (S303). When an operation for discharging fabric softener is performed (S302: Yes), similar to when automatically dispensing fabric softener, the control unit 801 operates the second three-way valve 640, the pump 660, and the first valve 621. After discharging all the fabric softener in the fabric softener box 500 into the washing and dewatering tub 22, the drain valve 40 is opened to discharge the fabric softener to the outside of the machine (S304).

[0136] Next, the control unit 801 causes the display unit 720 and a buzzer (not shown) to give a notification prompting the user to pour warm water. In response to this notification, the user pours warm water into the detergent box 400 from which the detergent has been discharged or into the fabric softener box 500 from which the fabric softener has been discharged, and then performs a start operation.

[0137] When the start operation is performed (S306: Yes), the control unit 801 waits for a predetermined standby time to elapse (S307). The standby time is set to about several tens of minutes. During this period, the detergent adhering to the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422 in the detergent box 400 or the fabric softener adhering to the pair of electrode terminals 521, 522 in the fabric softener box 500 is dissolved and removed by the poured warm water.

[0138] When the standby time has elapsed (S307: Yes), the control unit 801 discharges the warm water in the detergent box 400 or the fabric softener box 500 to the outside of the machine through the same control actions as when discharging detergent or fabric softener (S308).

[0139] Next, the control unit 801 determines whether the adhesion of the solidified detergent to the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422 or the adhesion of the solidified fabric softener to the pair of electrode terminals 521, 522 has been eliminated (S309). That is, the control unit 801 applies electricity between the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422 or between the pair of electrode terminals 521, 522, obtains the pulse signal B, and compares it with the reference pulse signal A. When the pulse signal B and the reference pulse signal A are substantially equal, it is determined that the adhesion of the detergent or fabric softener has been eliminated.

[0140] When the adhesion has been eliminated (S309: Yes), the control unit 801 causes the display unit 720 and the buzzer to give a notification indicating that the electrode cleaning has been completed with the elimination of the adhesion, and completes the electrode cleaning operation.

[0141] In the case where the fixation is not eliminated (S309: No), the control unit 801 repeatedly performs a series of processes from S305 to S308 until this series of processes reaches a specified number of times or the fixation is eliminated. In the case where the specified number of times is reached without the fixation being eliminated (S311: Yes), the control unit 801 causes the display unit 720 and the buzzer to give a notification indicating that the electrode cleaning has been completed in a state where the fixation has not been eliminated (S312), and completes the electrode cleaning operation.

[0142] <Effect of the Embodiment>

[0143] As described above, according to the present embodiment, based on the pulse signal B that varies according to the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422, it is determined whether a solidified detergent is fixed on the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422, and based on the pulse signal B that varies according to the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522, it is determined whether a solidified fabric softener is fixed on the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522. In the case where the fixation of the solidified detergent or fabric softener occurs, a notification indicating that the electrodes need to be cleaned is given by the display unit 720. Thereby, it is possible to prevent leaving the state where the fixation of the solidified detergent or fabric softener has occurred unattended, and it is possible to prevent misjudgment of the liquid level in the detergent box 400 and the liquid level in the fabric softener box 500.

[0144] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the reference pulse signal A actually obtained before the detergent is put into the detergent box 400 and the reference pulse signal A actually obtained before the fabric softener is put into the fabric softener box 500 are set as comparison references for the pulse signal B obtained when determining the fixation of the solidified detergent and fabric softener. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether there is fixation of the detergent and fabric softener.

[0145] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the electrode cleaning operation can be performed based on a specified operation. The electrode cleaning operation includes a process of discharging the detergent from the detergent box 400 or discharging the fabric softener from the fabric softener box 500, and a process of discharging the warm water stored in the detergent box 400 or the fabric softener box 500 from the box body after a certain period of storage after discharging the detergent or fabric softener. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the fixation of the solidified detergent and fabric softener.

[0146] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited by any of the above embodiments. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be variously modified in addition to the above.

[0147] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the reference pulse signal A actually detected before the detergent is put into the detergent box 400 and the reference pulse signal A actually obtained before the fabric softener is put into the fabric softener box 500 are set as the comparison reference with respect to the pulse signal B obtained when the solidified detergent and fabric softener are fixed. However, instead of actually obtaining the reference pulse signal on a product-by-product basis, a reference pulse signal prepared in advance may be uniformly used as the comparison reference with respect to the pulse signal B.

[0148] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the water supply device 80 has a structure including the detergent box 400 and the fabric softener box 500 and capable of automatically putting both the detergent and the fabric softener into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. However, the water supply device 80 may also have a structure that does not include one of the detergent box 400 and the fabric softener box 500. In the case of adopting a structure without the fabric softener box 500, Figure 9 there is no processing of S302 and S304 during the electrode cleaning operation. Similarly, in the case of adopting a structure without the detergent box 400, Figure 9 there is no processing of S301 and S303 during the electrode cleaning operation.

[0149] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the detergent amount detection unit 804 has a circuit structure that outputs a pulse signal whose pulse width and period of the high voltage vary according to the resistance value generated between a pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422. However, a circuit structure that outputs a detection signal different from the pulse signal, such as a voltage signal of different magnitudes, may also be adopted. Similarly, the fabric softener amount detection unit 805 may also adopt a circuit structure that outputs a detection signal different from the pulse signal.

[0150] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in the liquid agent replenishment notification process, the notification indicating the need for replenishment of the liquid agent and the notification indicating the need for electrode cleaning are performed through the display of the display unit 720. However, these notifications may also be performed through sounds from a speaker (not shown) provided in the fully automatic washing machine 1, sounds from a buzzer, and the like.

[0151] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as the feeding mechanism unit for automatically feeding the detergent in the detergent box 400 and the fabric softener in the fabric softener box 500 into the washing and dehydrating tub 22, the water supply unit 600 that takes in the detergent and the fabric softener into the first water passage 612 and allows the detergent and the fabric softener to flow into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 by the water flowing in the first water passage 612 is used. However, as long as the detergent and the fabric softener can be automatically fed into the washing and dehydrating tub 22, a feeding mechanism unit having a structure different from that of the water supply unit 600 may also be used.

[0152] Furthermore, the shapes of a pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, and 522 and their arrangements within the detergent box 400 and the fabric softener box 500 are not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be of any shape and arrangement.

[0153] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, during the electrode cleaning operation, hot water is manually poured into the detergent box 400 or the fabric softener box 500 by the user, but it may also be configured to automatically pour hot water from a hot water supply source such as a water heater.

[0154] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided in the fully automatic washing machine 1, and a supply nozzle 62 and a storage tank 60 are provided for supplying water to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. However, the fully automatic washing machine 1 may also adopt a structure in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the supply nozzle 62, and the storage tank 60 are not provided. In this case, the third three-way valve 650 and the branch water passage 616 are not provided in the water supply device 80.

[0155] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the fully automatic washing machine 1 is shown. However, the present invention can also be applied to washing machines other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, such as a drum washing machine having a horizontal-axis drum as the washing tub. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to a fully automatic washing and drying machine and a drum washing and drying machine having a drying function.

[0156] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately modified within the scope of the technical idea shown in the technical solution.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, Comprising: A washing tub, disposed within the cabinet for washing laundry; A cartridge for storing liquid detergent for washing; A dosing mechanism unit for discharging the liquid detergent from the cartridge and dosing it into the washing tub; A pair of electrode terminals disposed within the cartridge; A detection unit for outputting a detection signal that varies according to the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals; A control unit for making a first determination as to whether the liquid level within the cartridge is lower than a specified liquid level based on the detection signal; And A notification unit, wherein the control unit makes a second determination as to whether the solidified liquid detergent is adhered to the electrode terminals based on the detection signal, and causes the notification unit to issue a notification when it is determined that the solidified liquid detergent is adhered to the electrode terminals.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further comprises a storage unit, wherein the control unit stores the detection signal output from the detection unit in the storage unit as a reference detection signal in a state before dosing the liquid detergent into the cartridge, and makes the second determination based on the comparison result between the detection signal obtained for making the second determination and the reference detection signal.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit executes a process of discharging the liquid detergent from the cartridge and a process of discharging hot water stored within the cartridge after a lapse of a certain period of time after storing the hot water within the cartridge after discharging the liquid detergent based on a specified operation.

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