Washing machine

Abstract

Provided is a washing machine capable of continuing operation with an appropriate liquid even if a user does not change the liquid when the user mistakes the input position of the liquid. The washing machine includes: a washing tub; a plurality of liquid agent accommodating parts for accommodating a plurality of liquid agents; a plurality of supply valves for feeding each liquid from the plurality of liquid containers into the washing tank; a blister detection unit that detects the amount of blister in the washing tub; and a control unit which, on the basis of the amount of blister detected by the blister detection unit, determines the liquid agent to be introduced into the washing tank and controls the supply valves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following disclosure relates to a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] A washing machine is disclosed in Patent Document 1, which can perform washing by replacing the lid of a container even when a user misplaces liquid detergent or fabric softener in the container. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-134157 Summary of the Invention Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine that can continue to operate with a suitable liquid agent even if the user does not replace the liquid agent when the user misplaces the position where the liquid agent is poured. Technical Solution for Solving the Technical Problem

[0005] The washing machine according to the present disclosure includes: a washing tub; a plurality of liquid agent storage parts that store a plurality of liquid agents respectively; a plurality of supply valves that pour each liquid agent from the plurality of liquid agent storage parts into the washing tub; a foaming detection part that detects the amount of foam in the washing tub; and a control part that determines the liquid agent poured into the washing tub based on the amount of foam detected by the foaming detection part and controls the respective supply valves. Advantageous Effects

[0006] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can continue to operate with a suitable liquid agent even if the user does not replace the liquid agent when the user misplaces the position where the liquid agent is poured. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the washing machine 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of the washing machine 1. Figure 3A is an example of a block diagram of the washing machine 1. Figure 3B is another example of a block diagram of the washing machine 1. Figure 3C is another example of a block diagram of the washing machine 1. Figure 4A is a flowchart showing a preferred example of the processing performed by the control part 50. Figure 4B is Figure 4A a part of the flowchart shown. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the washing machine according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the content described in the following embodiments, and design changes can be appropriately made within the scope that satisfies the configuration of the present disclosure. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, the description will be centered on the main parts and the parts related to the present disclosure.

[0009] In the present invention, a "washing machine" refers to all devices that perform various treatments such as washing on the objects to be washed. Examples of the treatments on the objects to be washed include washing, drying, deodorizing, sterilizing, etc. The objects to be washed are not particularly limited. Examples of the objects to be washed include fabric products. Specific examples of the objects to be washed include clothing such as clothes, hats, and gloves; carry items such as shoes, bags, handkerchiefs, and towels; curtains; bedding such as blankets, bath towels, and duvet covers; carpets; and dolls.

[0010] A "vertical washing machine" refers to a washing machine in which the rotation axis of the tub substantially extends along the vertical direction in the installed state.

[0011] A "drum washing machine" refers to a washing machine in which the rotation axis of the tub substantially extends in the horizontal direction or obliquely upward in the front side in the installed state.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view briefly showing the appearance of the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view briefly showing the internal structure of the washing machine 1. Figure 3A is an example of a block diagram of the washing machine 1. Figure 3B and Figure 3C is another example of a block diagram of the washing machine 1. Only the main parts are shown in these drawings. In addition, in the present embodiment, a drum washing machine is taken as an example for description, but it can also be a vertical washing machine.

[0013] The washing machine 1 includes a washing tub 12, a plurality of liquid agent storage parts 20, a plurality of supply valves 30, a foaming detection part 41, and a control part 50. The washing machine 1 usually further includes: a water supply part 14 that supplies water (water supply) to the washing tub 12; a drainage part 15 that discharges the water in the washing tub 12; an operation display part 51 that displays various information and also accepts operations from the user; and a drive part 60 etc. for driving the washing tub 12 etc. As will be described later, the washing machine 1 preferably further includes a notification part 52 that notifies the user of information and an input detection part 53 that detects input from the user. In addition, as will be described later, the washing machine 1 also preferably further includes a storage part 54.

[0014] The washing tub 12 is housed inside the housing 10. The housing 10 is formed of, for example, metal or synthetic resin and is substantially rectangular in plan view. The washing machine 1 also includes a door 11, and the housing 10 has an opening 13 on the inner side of the door 11. The door 11 opens and closes the opening 13. The door 11 is supported so as to be openable and closable, for example, by a hinge (also referred to as a hinge). In a state where the door 11 is open, laundry is put into the washing tub 12 through the opening 13.

[0015] Inside the housing 10, a washing tub 12 for housing laundry and various functional parts are housed. The washing tub 12 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with one end of the cylindrical body open, and is inclined obliquely upward with respect to the horizontal direction, for example. As the bottomed cylindrical shape, for example, a bottomed cylindrical shape, a bottomed rectangular cylindrical shape, etc. can be cited. For example, in a drum washing machine, the washing tub 12 is composed of an outer tub and an inner tub disposed inside the outer tub, the inner tub is rotatably supported by the outer tub, and the outer tub is swingably supported by the housing 10. The inner tub has a plurality of holes, and a liquid agent, water, and air can flow between the space between the outer tub and the inner tub and the inner space of the inner tub through the holes.

[0016] The washing machine 1 is provided with a plurality of liquid agent storage parts 20. The number of the liquid agent storage parts 20 provided in the washing machine 1 only needs to be 2 or more, and may also be 3 or more. In one liquid agent storage part 20, one kind of liquid agent is stored. As the liquid agent, for example, a detergent, a fabric softener, a bleach, etc. can be cited. At least one of the plurality of liquid agents stored in the plurality of liquid agent storage parts 20 is a detergent.

[0017] Each liquid agent storage part 20 is formed of, for example, metal or synthetic resin, and is, for example, substantially polyhedral pyramid-shaped or substantially polyhedral column-shaped. The plurality of liquid agent storage parts 20 are arranged, for example, in a horizontal direction in the upper part of the housing 10 (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0018] The plurality of liquid agent storage parts 20 include a first storage part 21 for storing a first liquid agent and a second storage part 22 for storing a second liquid agent (refer to Figure 1 ). The first storage part 21 is a member or part for storing the first liquid agent, and the second storage part 22 is a member or part for storing the second liquid agent. Usually, the first liquid agent is stored in the first storage part 21 and the second liquid agent is stored in the second storage part 22, but in the case where the user misplaces the position, etc., for example, sometimes the second liquid agent is stored in the first storage part 21 and the first liquid agent is stored in the second storage part 22.

[0019] Each liquid agent storage part 20 has an automatic dispensing function of receiving an instruction from the control part 50 and dispensing the liquid agent stored therein into the washing tub 12. In addition, the washing machine 1 may also include one or more liquid amount detection parts for detecting an increase in the amount of the liquid agent in each liquid agent storage part 20. Further, each liquid agent storage part 20 may be detachable.

[0020] In the washing machine 1, a plurality of supply valves 30 are provided for introducing each liquid agent from a plurality of liquid agent storage units 20 into the washing tub. Each liquid agent storage unit 20 is arranged in such a way that at least one supply valve 30 is connected thereto. The plurality of supply valves 30 include a first supply valve connected to the first storage unit 21 and a second supply valve connected to the second storage unit 22.

[0021] The liquid agent in the first storage unit 21 receives an instruction from the control unit 50 and flows from the first storage unit 21 through the supply path connecting the first storage unit 21 and the first supply valve towards the first supply valve. When the first supply valve is in the open state, the liquid agent flows in the supply path connecting the first supply valve and the washing tub 12 and is introduced into the washing tub 12. The supply path connecting the first supply valve and the washing tub 12 may converge with the water supply path provided in the water supply unit 14. Similarly, the liquid agent in the second storage unit 22 receives an instruction from the control unit 50, flows from the second storage unit 22 in the supply path connecting the second storage unit 22 and the second supply valve, and towards the second supply valve. When the second supply valve is in the open state, the liquid agent flows in the supply path connecting the second supply valve and the washing tub 12 and is introduced into the washing tub 12. The supply path connecting the second supply valve and the washing tub 12 may converge with the water supply path provided in the water supply unit 14.

[0022] The foaming detection unit 41 detects the amount of foam in the washing tub 12 according to an instruction from the control unit 50 and outputs the detected amount of foam to the control unit 50. The amount of foam can be detected, for example, as an increase in the liquid level caused by the foam. As the foaming detection unit 41, it is preferably, for example, a photoelectric sensor, a light sensor, a capacitance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, etc.

[0023] The washing machine 1 preferably further includes: a notification unit 52 for notifying the user of information; and an input detection unit 53 for detecting an input from the user (see Figure 3B and Figure 3C ).

[0024] The notification unit 52 notifies the user of information through text, images, sounds, light, etc. As the notification unit 52, it is preferably, for example, an operation display unit 51, a speaker, lighting such as an LED, a buzzer, a communication module for communicating with an external device, etc. The external device may be, for example, a communication terminal device such as a smartphone, a smart speaker, a tablet, etc. that the user has, or a cloud-based device. The communication module is connected to a communication line via a router, a gateway, etc., and can communicate with an external device via this communication line, or can directly communicate with an external device without passing through a communication line, for example, through short-range wireless communication, etc.

[0025] The input detection unit 53 detects the user's input. As the input detection unit 53, it is preferable to use, for example, the operation display unit 51, a communication module for communicating with an external device, etc.

[0026] The control unit 50 controls various components, functional units, etc. based on the operation instructions for the washing machine 1. The operation instructions for the washing machine 1 refer to, for example, instructions from the user, etc. related to the setting or change of start of operation (operation ON), stop of operation (operation OFF), operation category (such as washing, drying, tub cleaning, deodorization, etc.), operation mode (such as standard mode, quick mode, drying mode, etc.), automatic input of liquid agents, etc.

[0027] The control unit 50 is composed of a CPU, an MPU, etc., and executes programs in the storage unit 54 that the washing machine 1 may have or a storage device external to the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 preferably further includes a storage unit 54 (refer to Figure 3C ). The control unit 50 may also be a microcomputer having a CPU and a storage device, etc. In addition, at least a part of the processing performed by the control unit 50 may be performed outside the washing machine 1.

[0028] Preferably, while supplying water into the washing tub 12, or before and after this step, the control unit 50 controls the first supply valve connected to the first accommodating portion 21 to pour the liquid agent in the first accommodating portion 21 into the washing tub 12. In addition, the control unit 50 independently controls the opening and closing of the plurality of supply valves 30 to prevent a plurality of liquid agents from being poured into the washing tub 12 simultaneously.

[0029] In a state where there is water at a specified water level and at least one liquid agent in a specified amount, the control unit 50 causes the foaming detection unit to detect the amount of foam. The control unit 50 discriminates the liquid agent poured into the washing tub 12 based on the amount of foam detected by the foaming detection unit 41. Generally, compared with fabric softener and bleach, the detergent produces a larger amount of foam. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the liquid agent poured into the washing tub 12 is a detergent based on the amount of foam in the washing tub 12.

[0030] The control unit 50 also preferably discriminates the liquid agent after starting the washing operation. Preferably, for example, after a specified time (such as 1 to 5 minutes) has elapsed since the start time of the washing operation, the foaming detection unit 41 is caused to detect the amount of foam. The washing operation refers to a rotating operation of the washing tub 12, etc. in the presence of water supply and at least one liquid agent (such as the first liquid agent). The time when the water supply to the washing tub 12 and the liquid agent starts and the washing tub 12, etc. starts to rotate is defined as the start time of the washing operation.

[0031] If the control unit 50 determines that the liquid agent introduced into the washing tub 12 from the first supply valve is not the first liquid agent, the control unit 50 causes the notification unit 52 to notify a message prompting the user to confirm. The notification unit 52 notifies the user of a message prompting the user to confirm an error in the placement of the liquid agent. After that, the user makes an input affirming the error in the placement of the liquid agent (referred to as the first input) or an input negating the error in the placement of the liquid agent (referred to as the second input) to the washing machine 1.

[0032] If the input detection unit 53 detects the first input from the user, the control unit 50 performs a switching process of switching the control of the first supply valve connected to the first storage unit 21 and the second supply valve connected to the second storage unit 22. Thus, preferably, if the control unit 50 determines that the liquid agent introduced into the washing tub 12 from the first supply valve is not the first liquid agent, the notification unit 52 notifies a message prompting the user to confirm, and if the input detection unit 53 detects the first input from the user, the control unit 50 performs a switching process of switching the control of the first supply valve connected to the first storage unit 21 and the second supply valve connected to the second storage unit 22.

[0033] Preferably, the notification unit 52 preferably notifies the user of a message related to the switching process simultaneously with or before and after the switching process. The message regarding the switching process means, for example, that since the functions of the first storage unit 21 and the second storage unit 22 are switched, the user does not need to replace the contents of these storage units. The message regarding the switching process can further convey the situation that after the washing machine 1 performs temporary drainage and dehydration, it automatically re-introduces the liquid agent and restarts the washing operation. In addition, preferably, the washing machine 1 further includes a storage unit 54, and the storage unit 54 stores, simultaneously with or before and after the switching process, that the first storage unit 21 stores the second liquid agent and the second storage unit 22 stores the first liquid agent.

[0034] Preferably, after the switching process, the control unit 50 discharges the water in the washing tub 12 and performs a dehydration operation. This is to rinse the liquid agent attached to the laundry in the washing tub 12. For example, when the detergent is to be introduced as the first liquid agent and the second liquid agent (such as a fabric softener) is mistakenly introduced, sometimes the washing performance may decrease due to the second liquid agent adhering to the laundry. However, if the above-mentioned drainage and dehydration operations are performed, such a decrease in the washing performance is sufficiently suppressed.

[0035] On the other hand, after the notification unit 52 notifies a message prompting the user to confirm, in the case where the input detection unit 53 detects the second input from the user, the control unit 50 preferably continues the washing operation. That is, as described above, preferably, the control unit 50 discriminates the liquid agent after starting the washing operation, but when the input detection unit 53 detects the second input from the user, the control unit 50 preferably continues the washing operation.

[0036] Preferably, the above switching process performed by the control unit 50 is carried out when the user performs the first washing operation after purchasing the washing machine 1 or when receiving an instruction from the user (for example, when performing the first washing operation after cleaning the washing machine 1 and resetting the settings, etc.).

[0037] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 3C 、 Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example of the process executed by the control unit 50 described above will be further described. Figure 3C It is also the block diagram of the washing machine 1 described below. In the example described below, the first liquid agent is a detergent, and the second liquid agent is a fabric softener.

[0038] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are flowcharts showing preferred examples of the processing of the control unit 50. Figure 4B is Figure 4A a part of the flowchart shown. For example, when it is determined as "No" in step S7 of Figure 4A , the processing of the control unit 50 proceeds to Figure 4B step S21.

[0039] After the user turns on the power to the washing machine 1 (step S1), the control unit 50 receives an operation instruction for washing from the user (step S2). Preferably, if the control unit 50 receives an operation instruction for washing, the control unit 50 notifies the user of the setting for automatic detergent input through the notification unit 52, and at the same time, notifies the user of the input of the detergent into the first storage unit 21. The control unit 50 determines that the detergent has been input into the first storage unit 21 by detecting an increase in the liquid agent in the first storage unit 21.

[0040] After that, the control unit 50 supplies water until a specified water level (step S3). The control unit 50 controls the opening and closing of the first supply valve connected to the first storage unit 21 during or before and after this water supply, and inputs a specified amount of the liquid agent in the first storage unit 21 into the washing tub 12 (step S3). The control unit 50 can adjust the amount of the liquid agent input into the washing tub 12 by adjusting the opening state and opening time of the first supply valve.

[0041] After step S3, the control unit 50 starts the washing operation (step S4). Thus, the washing process is started in the washing machine 1 (step S4). The control unit 50 counts the execution time from the start time of the washing operation (step S5). When a specified time (for example, 10 seconds to 3 minutes) has elapsed from the start time of the washing operation, the control unit 50 causes the foaming detection unit 41 to detect the amount of foam (step S6), and determines whether the amount of foam detected by the foaming detection unit 41 is equal to or greater than the reference value X1 (step S7).

[0042] In step S7, when the amount of foam is equal to or greater than the reference value X1 ("Yes"), the control unit 50 determines that the liquid agent introduced into the first storage unit 21 of the washing tub 12 in step S3 is the first liquid agent (detergent), and counts the execution time from this point (step S8). After that, the control unit 50 continues the washing operation until the preset washing operation time is completed, and determines whether the preset washing operation time is completed (step S9). When the control unit 50 determines that the washing operation time has been completed ("Yes"), the control unit 50 ends the washing operation (step S10). Thus, the washing process ends in the washing machine 1 (step S10). The control unit 50 opens the drain valve provided in the drain unit 15 to drain the water (step S11), and then performs a normal rinsing operation and a dehydration operation (step S12). Thus, in the washing machine 1, the normal rinsing process and the dehydration process start (step S12).

[0043] In step S7, when the amount of foam is less than the reference value X1 ("No"), the control unit 50 determines that the liquid agent introduced into the first storage unit 21 of the washing tub 12 in step S3 is not the first liquid agent (detergent). That is, the control unit 50 determines that the liquid agents to be introduced into the first storage unit 21 and the second storage unit 22 are incorrect. In this case, the control unit 50 uses the notification unit 52 to notify the user to confirm whether the position of the liquid agent introduction is incorrect, for example, whether a fabric softener has been added to the detergent box ( Figure 4B step S21). The user makes a confirmation based on this notification.

[0044] Then, when the user, for example, affirms that the second liquid agent (fabric softener) has been added to the first storage unit 21 by operating the operation display unit 51 (for example, pressing the first button provided on the operation display unit 51) etc. ("Yes" in step S21), the control unit 50 performs a switching process for switching the control of the first supply valve connected to the first storage unit 21 and the second supply valve connected to the second storage unit 22. That is, the control unit 50 changes the control content so that the second supply valve can open and close in response to an instruction to introduce the first liquid agent, and the first supply valve can open and close in response to an instruction to introduce the second liquid agent (step S22). Simultaneously with or before and after this step S22, the control unit 50 uses the notification unit 5 to guide the user to inform that since the functions of the liquid agent storage units 21 and 22 have been switched, it is possible to directly use them without replacing the contents of the liquid agent storage units 21 and 22, and notifies the meaning that once drained and dehydrated, the detergent will be automatically re-introduced and the washing operation will restart from the beginning (step S23).

[0045] After step S22, the control unit 50 opens the drain valve provided in the drain unit 15 to drain water (step S24), and starts the dehydration operation (step S25). Thus, the dehydration process starts in the washing machine 1 (step S25). In Figure 4B In this, step S24 is described after step S23, but step S24 may be performed simultaneously with step S23 or before step S23.

[0046] The control unit 50 counts the execution time from the start time of the dehydration operation in step S25 (step S26). The control unit 50 continues the dehydration operation from the start time of the dehydration operation until a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute to 3 minutes) has elapsed, and determines whether the predetermined time has been completed (step S27). When the control unit 50 determines that the predetermined time has ended ("Yes" case), the dehydration operation is ended (step S28). Thus, the dehydration process ends in the washing machine 1 (step S28). After that, the control unit 50 controls the opening and closing of the second supply valve connected to the second storage unit 22 while supplying water up to a predetermined water level or before and after this step, and inputs a predetermined amount of the liquid agent in the second storage unit 22 into the washing tub (step S29). The predetermined water level for the water supply target and the amount of the liquid agent input in step S29 are the same as those in step S3, respectively.

[0047] After step S29, the control unit 50 starts the washing operation (step S30). Thus, the washing process starts in the washing machine 1 (step S30). The control unit 50 counts the execution time from the start time of the washing operation (step S31). After that, the control unit 50 continues the washing operation until the preset washing operation time is completed, and determines whether the preset washing operation time is completed (step S32). When the control unit 50 determines that the washing operation time has been completed ("Yes" case), the control unit 50 ends the washing operation (step S33). Thus, the washing process ends in the washing machine 1 (step S33). After that, the control unit 50 opens the drain valve provided in the drain unit 15 to drain water ( Figure 4A step S11), and then, performs the normal rinsing operation and dehydration operation (step S12). In addition, in step S32, when the washing operation time has not been completed ("No" case), the control unit 50 continues the washing operation until the washing operation time is completed.

[0048] On the other hand, after step S21, when the user operates the operation display unit 51 (for example, presses a second button different from the first button provided in the operation display unit 51) to determine whether a liquid agent other than the first liquid agent (detergent) has been added to the first storage unit 21 (when the answer in step S21 is "no"), the control unit 50 continues the washing operation and counts the execution time from the time notified by the notification unit 52 in step S21 (step S34). After that, the control unit 50 continues the washing operation until a preset washing operation time is completed, and determines whether the preset washing operation time is completed (step S35). When the control unit 50 determines that the washing operation time is completed ("yes"), the control unit 50 ends the washing operation (step S36). Thus, the washing process ends in the washing machine 1 (step S36). After that, the control unit 50 opens the drain valve provided in the drain unit 15 to drain water ( Figure 4A step S11), and then performs a normal rinsing operation and a dehydration operation (step S12). In addition, when the washing operation time has not been completed in step S35 ("no"), the control unit 50 continues the washing operation until the washing operation time is completed.

[0049] In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the user misplaces the liquid agent, even if the user does not replace the contents of the liquid agent storage unit 20, for example, by simply performing a button operation provided in the operation display unit 51, the control of the supply valve 30 can be switched to continue the washing operation, and the washing operation can be efficiently restarted. Therefore, the washing machine 1 does not require the user to spend time and effort replacing the liquid agent, can perform the washing operation in the presence of an appropriate liquid agent, and can suppress the loss of washing time and the reduction of cleaning performance.

[0050] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. In addition, the multiple structural elements disclosed in the above embodiments can be appropriately changed. For example, a certain structural element among all the structural elements shown in a certain embodiment can be added to the structural elements of other embodiments, or several structural elements among all the structural elements shown in a certain embodiment can be deleted from the embodiment.

[0051] In addition, for the purpose of easily understanding the invention, the drawings schematically show each structural element as a main body, and the thickness, length, number, interval, etc. of each structural element shown in the drawings may sometimes be different from the actual ones from the perspective of drawing production. In addition, the structure of each structural element shown in the above embodiments is an example and is not particularly limited. Of course, various changes can be made without substantially departing from the effects of the present disclosure. Description of Reference Numerals

[0052] 1: Washing machine 10: Housing 11: Door 12: Washing tub 13: Opening 14: Water supply section 15: Drainage section 20, 21, 22: Liquid agent storage section 30: Supply valve 41: Foam detection section 50: Control section 51: Operation display section 52: Notification section 53: Input detection section 54: Storage section 60: Drive section

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, It includes: A washing tub; A plurality of liquid agent storage parts for storing a plurality of liquid agents respectively; A plurality of supply valves for injecting each liquid agent from the plurality of liquid agent storage parts into the washing tub; A foaming detection part for detecting the amount of foam in the washing tub; And A control part for discriminating the liquid agent injected into the washing tub based on the amount of foam detected by the foaming detection part and controlling each of the supply valves.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of liquid agent storage parts include: a first storage part for storing a first liquid agent; and a second storage part for storing a second liquid agent, The control part controls a first supply valve connected to the first storage part and injects the liquid agent in the first storage part into the washing tub while supplying water to the washing tub or before and after supplying water to the washing tub.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The washing machine further includes: A notification part for notifying a user of information; and An input detection part for detecting an input from the user, When the control part determines that the liquid agent injected into the washing tub from the first supply valve is not the first liquid agent, the notification part notifies the user of a message for reminding confirmation, When the input detection part detects a first input from the user, the control part performs a switching process, and the switching process is to switch the control of the first supply valve connected to the first storage part and the second supply valve connected to the second storage part.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that The notification part notifies the user of a message related to the switching process during or before and after the switching process.

5. The washing machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The washing machine further includes a storage part, The storage part stores that the first storage part stores the second liquid agent and the second storage part stores the first liquid agent during or before and after the switching process.

6. The washing machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that After the control part performs the switching process, it discharges the water in the washing tub and performs a dehydration operation.

7. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that The control part discriminates the liquid agent after starting the washing operation, When the input detection part detects a second input from the user, the control part continues the washing operation.

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