Washing machine and method

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of suppressing failure caused by mixing of liquid agents, in the case where the plurality of liquid agents is inputted in a step.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a washing tub; a first tank for storing a first liquid agent supplied to the washing tub; a second tank for storing a second liquid agent supplied to the washing tub; a liquid agent discharge flow passage for connecting the first tank and the second tank and the washing tub; a first automatic input device connected to the first tank, and for inputting the first liquid agent to the liquid agent discharge flow passage; a second automatic input device connected to the second tank, and for inputting the second liquid agent to the liquid agent discharge flow passage; a water supply device for supplying water to the liquid agent discharge flow passage; and a control part for controlling each of the first automatic input device, the second automatic input device and the water supply device. In the case where the input of the first liquid agent and the second liquid agent is set in a first step, the control part executes third control which is different from at least one of first control for inputting only the first liquid agent and second control for inputting only the second liquid agent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to washing machines. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine equipped with an automatic liquid agent dispenser.

[0003] The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a washing tub, a plurality of tanks for storing liquid agents, an automatic dispenser, and a flow path communicating with the washing tub. The automatic dispenser dispenses the liquid agents stored in the respective tanks into the flow path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-157782 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, when multiple liquid agents are added in a process, the liquid agents may be mixed upstream of the washing tub, which may cause a malfunction.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problem and to provide a washing machine that can suppress defects caused by mixing of liquids when multiple liquids are added during a process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a washing tub, a first tank containing a first liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub, a second tank containing a second liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub, a liquid agent discharge flow path connecting the first tank, the second tank, and the washing tub, a first automatic dosing device connected to the first tank and supplying the first liquid agent to the liquid agent discharge flow path, a second automatic dosing device connected to the second tank and supplying the second liquid agent to the liquid agent discharge flow path, a water supply device that supplies water to the liquid agent discharge flow path, a control unit that controls each of the first automatic dosing device, the second automatic dosing device, and the water supply device, and when supplying of the first liquid agent and the second liquid agent is set in the first step, the control unit executes a third control that is different from at least one of the first control of supplying only the first liquid agent and the second control of supplying only the second liquid agent.

[0008] A method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of dispensing a liquid agent in a washing machine including a washing tub, a first tank for accommodating a first liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub, a second tank for accommodating a second liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub, a liquid agent discharge flow path connecting the first tank and the second tank to the washing tub, and a water supply device for supplying water to the liquid agent discharge flow path, the method including, when dispensing of the first liquid agent and the second liquid agent is set in a first step of an operating course, executing a third control different from at least one of a first control for dispensing only the first liquid agent and a second control for dispensing only the second liquid agent. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a washing machine can be provided that can suppress problems caused by mixing of liquid agents when multiple liquid agents are added in a process. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an automatic insertion unit; [Diagram 3] Top view of the automatic feeding unit [Figure 4] Perspective cross-sectional view of the automatic insertion unit [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a tank, a liquid supply device, and a liquid discharge flow path. [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the operation of a washing machine [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 shows the operation of the first single liquid control [Figure 7B] Schematic diagram of the liquid supply device and the liquid discharge flow path [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 shows the operation of the second single liquid control [Figure 8B] Schematic diagram of the liquid supply device and the liquid discharge flow path [Figure 9A] Diagram showing operation of multiple fluid control [Figure 9B] Schematic diagram of the liquid supply device and the liquid discharge flow path [Figure 10A] Diagram showing the operation of anti-mixing control [Figure 10B] Schematic diagram of the liquid supply device and the liquid discharge flow path [Figure 11] Flowchart showing mixing prevention control [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the operation of the mixing prevention control in the first modification example. [Figure 12B] Schematic diagram of the liquid supply device and the liquid discharge flow path [Figure 13] Flowchart showing mixing prevention control in Modification 1 [Figure 14A] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the operation of the mixing prevention control in the second modification example. [Figure 14B] Schematic diagram of the liquid supply device and the liquid discharge flow path [Figure 15] Flowchart showing the operation of a washing machine in a third modified example DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (Embodiment 1) A washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0012] [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a washing machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, a washing tub 4, a drive unit 5, an automatic dosing unit 6, a connection flow path 8, a water supply device 10, a drain valve 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, and an operation display unit 14.

[0013] <Case> The housing 2 is a member that forms the external appearance of the washing machine 1. An opening 20 and a door 21 that covers the opening 20 and can be opened and closed freely are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

[0014] <Outer tank> The outer tub 3 is provided inside the housing 2 and is a roughly cylindrical member having the function of storing wash water. The outer tub 3 may be referred to as a water tub. The outer tub 3 has a tubular portion 34 and a bottom portion 36 that closes one end of the tubular portion 34. The central axis V0 of the outer tub 3 passes through the center of the bottom portion 36. The central axis V0 is inclined with respect to the horizontal. The outer tub 3 has an opening 31 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2. The edge of the opening 31 is connected to the opening 20 of the housing 2 by a bellows 32 in a sealed manner. The outer tub 3 is provided with openings 33 and 35 for passing water. The opening 33 is an opening connected to the connection flow path 8, and the opening 35 is a drain port for draining the water in the outer tub 3 to the outside.

[0015] In the following description, the horizontal direction along the central axis V0 is defined as the front-rear direction M (FIG. 1), and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the plane including the central axis V0 is defined as the width direction K (FIG. 2). The front-rear direction M has a front side M1 toward the opening 31 and a rear side M2 ​​toward the bottom 36, and the width direction K has an outer side K1 away from the central axis V0 and a central side K2 toward the central axis V0.

[0016] <Washing tub> The washing tub 4 is a roughly cylindrical member that is rotatably provided around a central axis V0 inside the outer tub 3 and that contains laundry 15 such as clothes. The washing tub 4 may also be called an inner tub, a storage tub, or a drum. A large number of through holes 40 are formed in the washing tub 4. The through holes 40 communicate between the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3, allowing the movement of washing water between the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3. The washing tub 4 has an opening 41 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2 and the opening 31 of the outer tub 3.

[0017] <Drive unit> The driving unit 5 is a member that drives the washing tub 4 to rotate around the central axis V0. The driving unit 5 has, for example, a motor that rotates the washing tub 4.

[0018] <Automatic insertion unit> The automatic dosing unit 6 is a device that automatically supplies a predetermined amount of liquid from a tank that stores enough liquid for multiple uses to the outer tub 3. The predetermined amount of liquid is, for example, an appropriate amount and type of liquid determined by the control unit 12 according to the contents of the operation course and the amount of laundry 15. The automatic dosing unit 6 is connected to the outer tub 3 via a connection flow path 8.

[0019] As used herein, liquids are liquids used to treat laundry 15, such as clothes and towels, and include detergents, fabric softeners, mild detergents, bleaches, disinfectants, deodorizers, fragrances, laundry starches, and other laundry auxiliaries.

[0020] The automatic dispensing unit 6 includes a case 61, tanks 62A, 62B, 62C (tanks 62B, 62C not shown), liquid agent dispensing devices 63A, 63B, 63C (liquid agent dispensing devices 63B, 63C not shown), a liquid agent discharge flow path 64, a manual dispensing section 65, and a water supply solenoid valve 66.

[0021] <Connection flow path> The connection flow path 8 is a flow path for supplying the liquid agent from the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the outer bath 3. The connection flow path 8 extends downward from the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the opening 33 of the outer bath 3.

[0022] <Water supply device> The water supply device 10 is a device that supplies water to the outer tub 3 via the automatic dosing unit 6. The water supply device 10 has, for example, a water supply valve connected to a water mains. The water supply device 10 is provided on the upper part of the housing 2.

[0023] <Drain valve> The drain valve 11 is configured to be openable and closable, and when opened, drains water stored in the outer tub 3 through an opening 35 of the outer tub 3. The drain valve 11 is provided in the lower part of the housing 2.

[0024] <Operation display section> The operation display unit 14 has an operation unit operated by the user and a display unit that displays various information such as images and text to the user. In the first embodiment, the operation display unit 14 has a liquid crystal touch panel that integrally has an operation unit and a display unit. The liquid crystal touch panel is provided on the front surface of the housing 2 at a position where the user can operate and view it.

[0025] The operation display unit 14 accepts settings related to each of the liquids contained in the tanks 62A to 62C. The information related to the liquid includes the type of liquid, the reference amount of liquid to be dispensed, and whether or not automatic dispensing is set (ON / OFF). The type of liquid may be accepted in association with the arrangement of the tank in which the liquid is contained. The reference amount of liquid to be dispensed is a numerical value of the amount of liquid to be dispensed relative to a predetermined amount of water. Regarding the presence or absence of the automatic dispensing setting, if automatic dispensing is set (automatic dispensing ON), the control unit 12 accepts a command to automatically dispense the liquid in the corresponding operating course. On the other hand, if automatic dispensing is not set (automatic dispensing OFF), the control unit 12 does not accept a command to automatically dispense the liquid in the corresponding operating course.

[0026] The user can operate the operation display unit 14 to input each setting.

[0027] The operation display unit 14 receives an operation program executed by the user. An operation program is a sequence including at least one process. The operation programs include a wash program, a steam program, and other laundry treatment programs.

[0028] <Control Unit> Control unit 12 has a controller that controls washing machine 1. Control unit 12 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or MPU that executes a program to realize a predetermined function. Control unit 12 realizes a function by calling and executing a program stored in storage unit 13. Control unit 12 is not limited to a device that realizes a predetermined function through the cooperation of hardware and software, and may be a hardware circuit designed specifically to realize a predetermined function.

[0029] The control unit 12 causes the washing machine 1 to execute an operation course. In the operation course, the control unit 12 controls the liquid agent supplying devices 63A-63C and the water supplying device 10. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the liquid agent supplying devices 63A-63C and the water supplying device 10 based on information input to the operation display unit 14 and information stored in the storage unit 13.

[0030] <Storage section> The storage unit 13 is a recording medium for recording various information, and is realized by, for example, a flash memory, a solid state device (SSD), a hard disk, another storage device, or an appropriate combination of these.

[0031] The storage unit 13 stores information regarding each operation program that the control unit 12 can execute.

[0032] In one process of the operation course, a plurality of different liquids may be introduced into the liquid discharge flow path 64. In this case, the liquids may be mixed in the liquid discharge flow path 64. The memory unit 13 stores the liquid mixing permission conditions. The mixing permission conditions are conditions under which each liquid can maintain its effect and can suppress the precipitation of solid matter even when a plurality of liquids are mixed in the state of undiluted liquid. In other words, if the mixing permission conditions are not satisfied, there is a possibility that a malfunction will occur, such as each liquid not being able to maintain its effect or causing the precipitation of solid matter. The mixing permission conditions are set based on the characteristics of the liquids. In the first embodiment, the mixing permission conditions are set based on the liquidity of the liquids and the polarity of the main surfactant contained in the liquids. Specifically, the mixing permission conditions are that the combination of liquids introduced in the same process does not include both an acidic liquid and a basic liquid, and does not include both a liquid in which the main surfactant has a positive polarity and a liquid in which the main surfactant has a negative polarity.

[0033] The storage unit 13 stores settings related to the liquid agent received by the operation display unit 14. Specifically, the storage unit 13 stores the type of liquid agent contained in each of the tanks 62A to 62C, the reference amount of liquid agent to be dispensed, and the presence or absence of an automatic dispense setting. The storage unit 13 further stores the characteristics of the liquid agent contained in each of the tanks 62A to 62C. In the first embodiment, the storage unit 13 stores information related to the characteristics of the liquid agent, including the liquid property, the polarity of the main surfactant, and the viscosity. The storage unit 13 may store the characteristics of the liquid agent itself, may store identification information corresponding to the characteristics, or may store information related to the compatibility of the liquid agent in consideration of the characteristics. Regarding the viscosity, the storage unit 13 may store the relationship between the viscosities of different types of liquid agents. The storage unit 13 may store information related to the characteristics of the liquid agent in association with the brand.

[0034] In this specification, the term "main surfactant" refers to the surfactant that is present in the largest amount in the liquid formulation.

[0035] Next, components of the automatic dosing unit 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a part of the automatic dosing unit 6. Fig. 3 is a top view of the automatic dosing unit 6. In Fig. 2, the water supply solenoid valve 66 and the supply flow path 67 are omitted.

[0036] <Case> As shown in FIG. 2, the case 61 is a member that houses the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C that constitute the automatic feeding unit 6, and the manual feeding section 65.

[0037] Here, the surface of the front side M1 of the case 61 is referred to as a front surface 56, and the surface of the rear side M2 ​​of the case 61 is referred to as a rear surface 57. To the rear surface 57 of the case 61, liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C and a liquid agent discharge flow path 64 are connected.

[0038] An opening 81 is provided at the bottom of the rear surface 57 of the case 61. The opening 81 is connected to the connection flow path 8.

[0039] 3, a supply flow passage 67 is formed in the upper part of the case 61. The supply flow passage 67 forms a plurality of independent paths along the outer periphery of the case 61. Water is supplied from the water supply solenoid valve 66 to the inside of the case 61 through each path. Therefore, the water supplied from the water supply solenoid valve 66 first flows into the case 61 and then is supplied to the outer tank 3.

[0040] <Water supply solenoid valve> The water supply electromagnetic valve 66 is a mechanism that distributes water from the water supply device 10 (FIG. 1) to a route of a supply flow path 67 (FIG. 3) selected by the control unit 12.

[0041] <Tank> 2 and 3, the case 61 accommodates three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C arranged side by side in the width direction K. In other words, the tank 62B is disposed between the tank 62A and the tank 62C, and the tank 62A and the tank 62C are separated from each other by the tank 62B.

[0042] The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are containers for storing liquid agents to be used in the operation course. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C contain different types of liquid agents.

[0043] The tanks 62A, 62B, 62C are removable from the case 61 so that the user can easily clean the inside or refill the liquid agent.

[0044] Fig. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the automatic dosing unit 6. As shown in Fig. 4, the depths L1, L2, and L3 of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase in this order. Therefore, the capacities of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase in this order.

[0045] <Manual input section> As shown in Fig. 2, the manual dispenser 65 is a container into which a user manually dispenses a single dose of laundry treatment agent. The dispensed amount of laundry treatment agent flows from the case 61 through the connecting flow path 8 (Fig. 1) into the outer tub 3 (Fig. 1). The laundry treatment agent dispensed manually may be a liquid or powdered treatment agent.

[0046] <Liquid injection device> The liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are devices that suck out a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, and discharge the liquid agent into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged in a state lined up in the width direction K along the arrangement of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C. Specifically, the liquid agent supplying device 63A is arranged on the rear side M2 ​​of the tank 62A, the liquid agent supplying device 63B is arranged on the rear side M2 ​​of the tank 62B, and the liquid agent supplying device 63C is arranged on the rear side M2 ​​of the tank 62C. As in the arrangement of the tanks, the liquid agent supplying device 63B is arranged between the liquid agent supplying device 63A and the liquid agent supplying device 63C, and the liquid agent supplying device 63A and the liquid agent supplying device 63C are separated from each other by the liquid agent supplying device 63B.

[0047] The suction ports of the liquid agent dosing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are connected to the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively, through openings formed in the rear surface 57 of the case 61. The discharge ports of the liquid agent dosing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are connected to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 from above. Considering the arrangement of the liquid agent dosing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, the discharge ports of the liquid agent dosing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are aligned toward the outside K1. The discharge port of the liquid agent dosing device 63A and the discharge port of the liquid agent dosing device 63C are separated by the presence of the liquid agent dosing device 63B. Therefore, in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, the position where the liquid agent discharged by the liquid agent dosing device 63A falls and the position where the liquid agent discharged by the liquid agent dosing device 63C falls are separated from each other.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the liquid drug supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C have a common structure.

[0049] <Liquid discharge flow path> The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is a flow path member that supplies the liquid agent and water to the outer tank 3 (FIG. 1) through the case 61. The inlet and the outlet of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 are connected to the case 61 through openings (not shown) formed in the back surface 57 of the case 61.

[0050] The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 extends with an incline downward toward the outer side K1. Therefore, in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, a fluid (e.g., water W0) flows from an upper end of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 toward a lower end thereof toward the outer side K1 along with gravity. In addition, in accordance with the inclination of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, the liquid agent input devices 63A, 63B, 63C have a stepped arrangement in which they are positioned downward in order from the upstream side toward the downstream side (the outer side K1).

[0051] Here, the flow of water through the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 will be described in more detail. Water flows from the water supply device 10 (FIG. 1) through the water supply electromagnetic valve 66 and the supply flow path 67 (FIG. 3) into the case 61. A part of the water that flows into the case 61 flows below the tanks 62A-62C and flows into the outer tank 3 through the connecting flow path 8 from the opening 81. A part of the water that flows into the case 61 flows from the case 61 into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, and merges with the liquid agent discharged from the liquid agent input devices 63A-63C in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Thereafter, the water flows again into the case 61 together with the liquid agent from the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, and flows into the outer tank 3 through the connecting flow path 8.

[0052] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the tanks 62A-62C, the liquid agent supplying devices 63A-63C, and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. As shown in Fig. 5, the liquid agent supplying devices 63A-63C are connected to the tanks 62A-62C and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, respectively. The liquid agent supplying devices 63A-63C are connected to the tanks 62A-62C in the front-rear direction M, respectively, and connected to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 in the up-down direction. Therefore, the liquid agent supplying devices 63A-63C suck the liquid agent from the tanks 62A-62C in the front-rear direction M, respectively, and discharge it downward toward the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0053] [Operation] An example of the operation of the washing machine 1 having the above configuration will be described.

[0054] 6 is a flow chart showing the operation of the washing machine 1 executing a washing course as an example of an operating course. As shown in FIG 6, the control unit 12 switches the control to be executed based on the liquid agent set for automatic dispensing.

[0055] To enable automatic dispensing of the liquid contained in the tanks 62A to 62C, the user inputs to the operation display unit 14 in advance the type of liquid, the reference amount to be dispensed, and whether or not automatic dispensing is set.

[0056] Next, the user inputs the operation course that he / she wishes to execute by operating the operation display unit 14. In the following, an example will be described in which the user inputs a washing course in which a plurality of liquid agents are dispensed in a predetermined process.

[0057] The control unit 12 receives a selection of a washing course (S11). The control unit 12 determines the received washing course as the washing course to be executed.

[0058] Before the start of an operating course, the operation display unit 14 displays an automatic charging confirmation screen that displays whether or not the liquid agent stored in the tanks 62A to 62C is set to be automatically charged. On the automatic charging confirmation screen, the user can confirm whether or not the liquid agent is set to be automatically charged, and can switch between the automatic charging setting and the automatic charging setting. By performing such an operation, the automatic charging setting can be changed to a setting different from the automatic charging setting previously input before the start of operation.

[0059] The control unit 12 accepts the liquid agent that is set to be automatically dispensed in the washing course (which may be referred to as an automatically dispensed liquid agent) according to the input automatic dispense setting (S12).

[0060] When the operation execution button (start button) is pressed, the control unit 12 executes step S13 and subsequent steps.

[0061] Next, the control unit 12 judges whether or not automatic addition of multiple liquid agents is set in the process (S13). Specifically, the control unit 12 judges whether or not a command to automatically add multiple liquid agents has been received in one process of the operation course to be executed. Note that even if a command to automatically add multiple liquid agents is received, the control unit 12 does not necessarily execute the automatic addition of multiple liquid agents.

[0062] When automatic supply of a single liquid agent (to any one of tanks 62A to 62C) is set in the process (No in S13), control unit 12 executes single liquid agent control (S14).

[0063] When automatic supply of multiple liquids (at least two of tanks 62A to 62C) is set in the process (Yes in S13), control unit 12 determines whether the multiple liquids satisfy the mixing permission condition (S15). Specifically, control unit 12 determines whether the multiple liquids satisfy the mixing permission condition by referring to the mixing permission condition stored in memory unit 13. In the first embodiment, control unit 12 determines whether the multiple liquids do not include both an acidic liquid and a basic liquid, and do not include both a liquid whose main surfactant has a positive polarity and a liquid whose main surfactant has a negative polarity.

[0064] When the multiple liquid agents satisfy the mixing permission condition (Yes in S15), the control unit 12 executes multiple liquid agent control (S16).

[0065] When the plurality of liquid agents do not satisfy the mixing permission condition (No in S15), the control unit 12 executes mixing prevention control (S17).

[0066] The following describes single fluid control, multiple fluid control, and anti-mixing control.

[0067] <Single liquid control> Fig. 7A is a diagram showing the operation of the first single liquid agent control. Fig. 7B is a schematic diagram of the liquid agent supply devices 63A to 63C and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 at the time t1 shown in Fig. 7A.

[0068] FIG. 7A shows, as an example of the single-liquid control, a first single-liquid control that is executed when automatic supply of only the liquid P1 contained in the tank 62A is set in the process.

[0069] 7A and 7B, in the first single liquid agent control, the control unit 12 executes automatic supply of the liquid agent P1. Specifically, the control unit 12 drives the liquid agent supplying device 63A connected to the tank 62A to discharge a predetermined amount of the liquid agent P1 into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Here, the automatic supply by the liquid agent supplying device 63A is referred to as the first automatic supply.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 7A, the control unit 12 then executes water supply. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the water supply device 10 (for example, opens a valve) to supply a predetermined amount of water to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. In the first embodiment, the control unit 12 starts water supply before the end of the first automatic dispensing. This operation can prevent the liquid agent P1 from drying and becoming fixed in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. After the end of the first automatic dispensing, the control unit 12 executes water supply so as to secure at least a predetermined water supply time tw. This operation can supply sufficient water after the automatic dispensing to wash away the liquid agent remaining in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0071] If the amount of water to be supplied is sufficiently large and the predetermined water supply time tw can be sufficiently secured, water supply may be started before the first automatic supply, or may be started simultaneously with the first automatic supply. In this case, water supply will also end after the first automatic supply ends.

[0072] 7B, at a predetermined time t1 before the start of water supply, the liquid agent P1 is discharged from the liquid agent supplying device 63A to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The liquid agent P1 flows along the inclination of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 toward the outlet 64A of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The outlet 64A of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is connected to the case 61.

[0073] Fig. 8A is a diagram showing the operation of the second single liquid agent control. Fig. 8B is a schematic diagram of the liquid agent supplying devices 63A to 63C and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 at the time t2 shown in Fig. 8A.

[0074] FIG. 8A illustrates, as another example of the single liquid agent control, a second single liquid agent control that is executed when automatic dispensing of only the liquid agent P2 contained in the tank 62B is set.

[0075] 8A and 8B, in the second single liquid agent control, the control unit 12 executes automatic supply of the liquid agent P2. Specifically, the control unit 12 drives the liquid agent supplying device 63B connected to the tank 62B to discharge a predetermined amount of the liquid agent P2 into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Here, the automatic supply by the liquid agent supplying device 63B is referred to as the second automatic supply.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 8A, the control unit 12 then executes water supply. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the water supply device 10 to supply a predetermined amount of water to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. In the first embodiment, the control unit 12 starts water supply before the end of the second automatic dispensing. After the end of the second automatic dispensing, the control unit 12 executes water supply so as to secure at least a predetermined water supply time tw.

[0077] If the amount of water to be supplied is sufficiently large and the predetermined water supply time tw can be sufficiently secured, water supply may be started before the second automatic supply, or may be started simultaneously with the second automatic supply. In this case, water supply will end after the second automatic supply ends.

[0078] 8B, at a predetermined time t2 before the start of water supply, the liquid agent P2 is discharged from the liquid agent supply device 63B to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The liquid agent P2 flows along the inclination of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 toward the outlet 64A of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0079] As shown in Figs. 7B and 8B, in single liquid agent control, the liquid agent is fed alone, so that the liquid agent in the undiluted state can be prevented from mixing with other liquid agents in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0080] <Multiple fluid control> Fig. 9A is a diagram showing the operation of multiple liquid agent control. Fig. 9B is a schematic diagram of liquid agent supply devices 63A to 63C and liquid agent discharge flow path 64 at time t3 shown in Fig. 9A.

[0081] 9A shows an example of multiple liquid control in which automatic supply of liquid P1 contained in tank 62A and liquid P2 contained in tank 62B is set. However, other combinations of tanks may be selected.

[0082] In the multiple liquid control, the liquid P1 contained in the tank 62A and the liquid P2 contained in the tank 62B satisfy the mixing permission condition. For example, both the liquid P1 and the liquid P2 are basic liquids. For example, the liquid P1 is a liquid detergent and the liquid P2 is a bleaching agent.

[0083] As shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, in the multiple liquid agent control, the control unit 12 executes the automatic dispensing of multiple liquid agents P1 and P2 in parallel. In other words, the control unit 12 executes the first automatic dispensing and the second automatic dispensing in parallel. "Executing in parallel" means that at least a part of the automatic dispensing of one liquid agent is executed simultaneously with the automatic dispensing of the other liquid agent. Specifically, the control unit 12 drives the liquid agent dispensing device 63A connected to the tank 62A and the liquid agent dispensing device 63B connected to the tank 62B in parallel to discharge predetermined amounts of the liquid agent P1 and the liquid agent P2 into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0084] In the first embodiment, the control unit 12 starts the first automatic plug-in and the second automatic plug-in at the same time. On the other hand, the control unit 12 may advance one of the first automatic plug-in and the second automatic plug-in relative to the other.

[0085] As shown in Fig. 9A, the control unit 12 then executes water supply. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the water supply device 10 to supply a predetermined amount of water to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The control unit 12 starts water supply before the end of the first automatic supply or the second automatic supply, whichever ends later. The control unit 12 executes water supply so as to secure at least a predetermined water supply time tw after the end of the first automatic supply or the second automatic supply, whichever ends later.

[0086] In addition, if the amount of water to be supplied is sufficiently large and the predetermined water supply time tw can be sufficiently secured, water supply may be started before the first automatic supply or the second automatic supply, or may be started simultaneously with the first automatic supply or the second automatic supply. In this case, water supply ends after the first automatic supply and the second automatic supply are completed.

[0087] 9B, at a predetermined time t3 before the start of water supply, a liquid agent P1 is discharged from liquid agent supplying device 63A and a liquid agent P2 is discharged from liquid agent supplying device 63B to liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The liquid agents P1 and P2 flow along the inclination of liquid agent discharge flow path 64 toward outlet 64A of liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0088] In the multiple liquid control, the undiluted liquid of liquid P1 and the undiluted liquid of liquid P2 may be mixed in liquid discharge flow path 64. However, since the liquids P1 and P2 satisfy the mixing permission condition, the liquids P1 and P2 are likely to maintain their effects and are unlikely to cause solid precipitation.

[0089] <Mixing prevention control> Fig. 10A is a diagram showing the operation of the mixing prevention control. Fig. 10B is a schematic diagram of the liquid drug supply devices 63A to 63C and the liquid drug discharge flow path 64 at time t4 shown in Fig. 10A. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the mixing prevention control.

[0090] 10A shows an example of the mixing prevention control in which the liquid P1 contained in the tank 62A and the liquid P2 contained in the tank 62B are automatically dispensed. However, other combinations of tanks may be selected.

[0091] In the mixing prevention control, the liquid P1 contained in the tank 62A and the liquid P2 contained in the tank 62B do not satisfy the mixing permission condition. For example, the liquid P1 is a basic liquid, and the liquid P2 is an acidic liquid. For example, the liquid P1 is a basic chlorine bleach, and the liquid P2 is an acidic detergent.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 10A, the control unit 12 executes automatic dispensing of a plurality of liquid agents P1 and P2 with a time lag.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 11, before executing the first automatic dispensing, the control unit 12 determines the prior-dispensed liquid agent to be dispensed in advance (S21). Specifically, the control unit 12 refers to the memory unit 13, acquires the viscosities of the liquid agents P1 and P2, and determines the prior-dispensed liquid agent based on the magnitude relationship of the viscosities. The control unit 12 determines the liquid agent with a low viscosity (liquid agent P1 in this example) as the prior-dispensed liquid agent. A liquid agent with a low viscosity flows easily and is less likely to remain in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Therefore, by dispensing the liquid agent with a low viscosity first, it is possible to prevent the prior-dispensed liquid agent from remaining in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 when the subsequent liquid agent is dispensed, and it is possible to prevent the liquid agent to be dispensed later from merging with the prior-dispensed liquid agent.

[0094] The control unit 12 executes automatic feeding of the preceding-added liquid agent (in this example, the first automatic feeding) (S22). Subsequently, the control unit 12 executes automatic feeding of the liquid agent to be fed later (in this example, the second automatic feeding) (S23). In the first embodiment, the second automatic feeding is executed after the first automatic feeding is completed. Specifically, the control unit 12 drives the liquid agent feeding device 63A connected to the tank 62A to feed a predetermined amount of the liquid agent P1 to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. After the predetermined amount of the liquid agent P1 is discharged to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, the control unit 12 drives the liquid agent feeding device 63B connected to the tank 62B to feed a predetermined amount of the liquid agent P2 to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The control unit 12 may provide a time interval during which the automatic feeding is stopped between the first automatic feeding and the second automatic feeding.

[0095] When comparing the second single liquid control of Fig. 8A with the anti-mixing control of Fig. 10A, even if the types of liquids set for automatic dispensing are the same, the operation timing of the second automatic dispensing is different. Specifically, the start of the second automatic dispensing in the anti-mixing control is delayed with respect to the start of the second automatic dispensing in the second single liquid control.

[0096] Comparing the multiple liquid agent control of FIG. 9A with the anti-mixing control of FIG. 10A, in the anti-mixing control, the overlap time during which the first automatic dispensing and the second automatic dispensing are performed in parallel is 0, which is shorter than the overlap time tx of the multiple liquid agent control.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 10A and Fig. 11, following the automatic dispensing, the control unit 12 executes water supply (S24). Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the water supply device 10 to supply water to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 up to a predetermined condition (for example, until a predetermined water level is reached in the washing tub 4). The control unit 12 starts water supply before the end of the second automatic dispensing. If the amount of water to be supplied is sufficiently large, the control unit 12 executes water supply so as to secure at least a predetermined water supply time tw after the end of the second automatic dispensing.

[0098] 10B, during the second automatic dispensing, at a predetermined time t4 before the start of water supply, the liquid P2 is discharged from the liquid dispensing device 63B into the liquid dispensing flow path 64. The liquid P2 flows along the inclination of the liquid dispensing flow path 64 toward the outlet 64A of the liquid dispensing flow path 64. On the other hand, the liquid P1 that was previously dispensed has already flowed into the case 61 from the outlet 64A, and therefore the amount of the liquid P1 in the liquid dispensing flow path 64 is reduced. Therefore, in the liquid dispensing flow path 64, it is possible to prevent the undiluted liquid of the liquid P2 from mixing with the undiluted liquid of the liquid P1.

[0099] Since the liquid agents are added in sequence, the anti-mixing control shown in Fig. 10A may be referred to as sequential addition control. The sequential addition control has the advantage that multiple liquid agents can be added while reducing the risk of multiple liquid agents being mixed together.

[0100] [effect] The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0101] The washing machine 1 of the first embodiment includes a washing tub 4, a first tank (tank 62A), a second tank (tank 62B), a liquid agent discharge flow path 64, a first automatic dispenser (liquid agent dispenser 63A), a second automatic dispenser (liquid agent dispenser 63B), a water supply device 10, and a control unit 12. The tank 62A contains a first liquid agent (liquid agent P1) to be supplied to the washing tub 4. The tank 62B contains a second liquid agent (liquid agent P2) to be supplied to the washing tub 4. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 connects the tank 62A and the tank 62B to the washing tub 4. The liquid agent dispenser 63A is connected to the tank 62A and dispenses the liquid agent P1 into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The liquid agent dispenser 63B is connected to the tank 62B and dispenses the liquid agent P2 into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The water supplying device 10 supplies water to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The control unit 12 controls each of the liquid agent dosing device 63A, the liquid agent dosing device 63B, and the water supplying device 10. When the dosing of the liquid agent P1 and the liquid agent P2 is set in the first step of the operation course, the control unit 12 executes a third control (mixing prevention control). The mixing prevention control is different from at least one of the first control (first single liquid agent control) in which only the liquid agent P1 is dosed, and the second control (second single liquid agent control) in which only the liquid agent P2 is dosed.

[0102] With this configuration, in the mixing prevention control, it is possible to make the operation of the liquid agent supplying device 63A or the liquid agent supplying device 63B different from that in the single liquid agent control. Therefore, it is possible to execute control that reduces the risk of the two liquid agents P1 and P2 mixing in the original liquid state (i.e., in a state not mixed with water) in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. By reducing the risk of mixing, it is possible to prevent the original liquid properties of the liquid agent P1 or P2 from being unable to be maintained due to mixing, making it impossible to exert the effect, and to prevent solid matter from precipitating and clogging the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0103] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the operation timing of automatic supply of the solution P2 in the anti-mixing control is later than that in the second single solution control.

[0104] With this configuration, the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent P2 is delayed, which makes it easier to shorten the time during which the liquid agents P1 and P2 are dispensed simultaneously.

[0105] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, in the mixing prevention control, after the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent P1 is completed, the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent P2 is executed.

[0106] With this configuration, the liquid agent P2 is automatically dispensed after the liquid agent P1 is automatically dispensed, which makes it easier to further shorten the time during which the liquid agents P1 and P2 are dispensed simultaneously.

[0107] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, when a predetermined condition (mixing permission condition) is satisfied, the control unit 12 executes a fourth control (multiple liquid agent control) different from the mixing prevention control, instead of the mixing prevention control.

[0108] With this configuration, the control unit 12 can execute appropriate control based on whether or not the mixing permission condition is satisfied.

[0109] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, in the multiple liquid control, the time (overlap time tx) during which the automatic dispensing of the liquid P1 and the automatic dispensing of the liquid P2 are performed in parallel is longer than in the anti-mixing control.

[0110] With this configuration, the control unit 12 executes the multiple liquid agent control, and thus the operation time of the operation course can be shortened compared to the anti-mixing control in which the liquid agents are added in sequence.

[0111] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the mixing permission condition includes at least one of the liquidity of the liquid agent and the polarity of the main surfactant of the liquid agent.

[0112] With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent mixing of an acidic liquid agent with a basic liquid agent, and mixing of a liquid agent in which the main surfactant has a positive polarity with a liquid agent in which the main surfactant has a negative polarity.

[0113] The method of the first embodiment also includes the control unit 12 executing a mixing prevention control when the supply of the solutions P1 and P2 is set in the first step of the operation course. The mixing prevention control is different from at least one of a first single solution control in which only the solution P1 is supplied and a second single solution control in which only the solution P2 is supplied.

[0114] With this configuration, it is possible to execute control in the liquid material discharge flow path 64 to reduce the risk of the two liquid materials P1 and P2 being mixed together in the undiluted state.

[0115] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0116] The tanks 62A to 62C may contain any type of liquid. The tanks 62A to 62C may contain a type of liquid selected by a user based on preference or use. At least two of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C may contain the same type of liquid.

[0117] In the first embodiment, the operation display unit 14 is an LCD touch panel, but the present invention is not limited to this. The operation display unit 14 may have an operation button as an operation unit and a display as a display unit. In addition, an application executed by a terminal such as a smartphone capable of communicating with the washing machine 1 may be used to operate the washing machine 1, instead of the operation display unit 14.

[0118] The washing machine 1 may form a washing system together with a server terminal capable of communicating with the washing machine 1 via the Internet. In this case, an application executed by the server terminal may be used to operate the washing machine 1. Also, a control program for an operation course executed by the washing machine 1 may be downloaded to the washing machine 1 from the server terminal via the Internet.

[0119] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 13 stores conditions based on the properties of the liquids as the liquid mixing permission conditions, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the storage unit 13 may store a permitted combination of liquids that can be dispensed in parallel as the liquid mixing permission conditions. In this case, the control unit 12 determines whether the liquids set to be automatically dispensed correspond to the permitted combination.

[0120] In the first embodiment, an example in which two liquids are automatically added in a process has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Three liquids may be automatically added in a process. When the washing machine 1 has three or more tanks, three or more liquids may be automatically added in a process. Here, an example in which three liquids (liquids W1, W2, and W3) are automatically added in a process will be described. The control unit 12 determines whether each combination of the liquids W1 and W2, the liquids W1 and W3, and the liquids W2 and W3 satisfies the mixing permission condition. For the liquids of the combination that does not satisfy the mixing permission condition, the control unit 12 executes the mixing prevention control. For the liquids other than the combination that does not satisfy the mixing permission condition, the control unit 12 may execute the multiple liquid control.

[0121] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the "first automatic supply" is the automatic supply of the liquid agent P1 contained in the tank 62A, and the "second automatic supply" is the automatic supply of the liquid agent P2 contained in the tank 62B, but the present invention is not limited to this. The "first automatic supply" and the "second automatic supply" are the automatic supply of the liquid agents contained in different tanks among the tanks 62A to 62C.

[0122] In the first embodiment, the control unit 12 starts water supply before the automatic supply ends, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit 12 may advance or delay the start of water supply compared to the first embodiment based on the amount of water supply and the contents of the operation course.

[0123] In the first embodiment, the control unit 12 determines the liquid agent to be pre-added based on the viscosity relationship in the mixing prevention control, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 12 may determine the liquid agent to be pre-added based on the arrangement of tanks in which the liquid agents are stored. Specifically, the control unit 12 may determine the liquid agent stored in a tank located downstream in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 as the liquid agent to be pre-added.

[0124] In the first embodiment, the example in which the second automatic dispensing is performed after the first automatic dispensing is completed in the mixing prevention control has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For the multiple liquid control, if the overlap time tx during which the first automatic dispensing and the second automatic dispensing are performed in parallel is reduced, the control unit 12 may start the second automatic dispensing before the first automatic dispensing is completed.

[0125] In the first embodiment, an example in which the control unit 12 executes sequential supply control as the mixing prevention control has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. As will be described in a modified example 1 below, the control unit 12 may execute a supply cancellation control for canceling the supply of one of the liquid agents as the mixing prevention control. As will be described in a modified example 2 below, the control unit 12 may execute a water supply control for executing automatic supply and water supply in parallel as the mixing prevention control.

[0126] In the first embodiment, the mixing permission condition is set based on the characteristics of the liquid, but the present invention is not limited to this. As will be described in the third modification, the control unit 12 may set the mixing permission condition based on the arrangement of the tanks.

[0127] The user may be able to select the liquid agent to be dispensed in each step of the operating course, and may be able to select one or more liquid agents as the liquid agent to be dispensed in a given step.

[0128] (Variation 1) Fig. 12A is a diagram showing the operation of the mixing prevention control in Modification 1. Fig. 12B is a schematic diagram of the solution supplying devices 63A-63C and the solution discharge flow path 64 at time t5 shown in Fig. 12A. Fig. 13 is a flowchart of the mixing prevention control in Modification 1.

[0129] Unless otherwise specified, the operation of washing machine 1 in Modification 1 is the same as the operation of washing machine 1 in Embodiment 1. The following describes the difference from Embodiment 1, that is, the mixing prevention control.

[0130] 12A shows an example of the mixing prevention control in which automatic feeding of the liquid P1 contained in the tank 62A and the liquid P2 contained in the tank 62B is set. The liquid P1 contained in the tank 62A and the liquid P2 contained in the tank 62B do not satisfy the mixing permission condition.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 12A, the control unit 12 executes automatic dispensing of only one of the liquids P2 out of the plurality of liquids P1 and P2, and does not execute automatic dispensing of the other liquid P1.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 13, before executing automatic dispensing of a liquid agent, the control unit 12 determines a liquid agent to be cancelled for cancelling dispensing (S31). Specifically, the control unit 12 determines a liquid agent to be cancelled based on an operation course. For example, the memory unit 13 stores a priority liquid agent in the operation course in correspondence with the operation course. The priority liquid agent is a liquid agent (liquid agent P2 in this example) that is required to be dispensed in order to exert the effect of the operation course. For example, in a scenting course, the priority liquid agent is a scenting agent. The control unit 12 sets a liquid agent other than the priority liquid agent as a liquid agent to be cancelled for dispensing (liquid agent P1 in this example). By such an operation, the effect of the operation course can be exerted even when automatic dispensing of a liquid agent is cancelled.

[0133] When the control unit 12 determines the liquid agent to be cancelled, if the washing machine 1 has an alarm unit such as a buzzer, the control unit 12 may issue an alarm to inform the user that the liquid agent will not be dispensed. The operation display unit 14 may display information regarding the liquid agent to be cancelled before starting an operation course, and may guide the user to reset whether or not to automatically dispense the liquid agent.

[0134] The control unit 12 cancels the first automatic dispensing of the liquid agent P1 and maintains the liquid agent dispensing device 63A in a stopped state. The control unit 12 executes only the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent P2 (S32).

[0135] Comparing the first single liquid control of Fig. 7A with the anti-mixing control of Fig. 12A, the operation of the first automatic dispensing is different: the first automatic dispensing is not performed in the anti-mixing control, but is performed in the first single liquid control.

[0136] 12B, at a predetermined time t5 before the start of water supply, the liquid P2 is discharged from the liquid agent supply device 63B to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The liquid agent P2 flows along the inclination of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 toward the outlet 64A of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Since the liquid agent P1 is not supplied, it is possible to prevent the undiluted liquid of the liquid agent P2 from mixing with the undiluted liquid of the liquid agent P1 in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0137] Since the supply of the liquid agent is cancelled, the mixing prevention control shown in Fig. 12A may be called the supply cancellation control. The supply cancellation control has the advantage of further reducing the risk of the two liquid agents being mixed. In addition, the supply cancellation control can prevent the operation time of the operation course from becoming longer.

[0138] In the first modified example, the operation display unit 14 guides the user to reset whether or not to automatically feed the liquid agent, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, before the operation course is executed, when the user sets whether or not to automatically feed one liquid agent, the operation display unit 14 may display that the automatic feeding of only the liquid agent that satisfies the mixing permission condition with the set liquid agent is settable.

[0139] (Variation 2) Fig. 14A is a diagram showing the operation of the mixing prevention control in Modification 2. Fig. 14B is a schematic diagram of the solution supplying devices 63A to 63C and the solution discharge flow path 64 at time t6 shown in Fig. 14A.

[0140] Unless otherwise specified, the operation of washing machine 1 in Modification 2 is the same as the operation of washing machine 1 in Embodiment 1. The following describes the difference from Embodiment 1, that is, the mixing prevention control.

[0141] 14A shows an example of the mixing prevention control in which automatic feeding of the liquid P1 contained in the tank 62A and the liquid P2 contained in the tank 62B is set. The liquid P1 contained in the tank 62A and the liquid P2 contained in the tank 62B do not satisfy the mixing permission condition.

[0142] As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the control unit 12 executes water supply in parallel with the automatic supply of a plurality of liquid agents P1 and P2.

[0143] 7A and 8A and the anti-mixing control of FIG. 14A, the anti-mixing control has a different operation timing of the water supply device 10 from the single liquid agent control. The start of water supply in the anti-mixing control is earlier than the start of water supply in the first single liquid agent control and the start of water supply in the second single liquid agent control. As a result, in the anti-mixing control, the time during which the first automatic supply and water supply are performed in parallel is longer than in the first single liquid agent control, and the time during which the second automatic supply and water supply are performed in parallel is longer than in the second single liquid agent control.

[0144] Comparing the multiple liquid agent control in FIG. 9A with the anti-mixing control in FIG. 14A, the anti-mixing control takes a longer time for the first automatic dispensing, the second automatic dispensing, and the water supply to be performed in parallel than the multiple liquid agent control.

[0145] 14A, in Modification 2, the control unit 12 simultaneously starts the first automatic dispensing, the second automatic dispensing, and the water supply. On the other hand, if the time during which the first automatic dispensing, the second automatic dispensing, and the water supply are performed in parallel increases with respect to the multiple liquid agent control, the control unit 12 may advance or delay the start of the water supply relative to the start of the first automatic dispensing and the second automatic dispensing.

[0146] In the second modification, the control unit 12 continues to supply water between the automatic supply of the liquid P1 and the automatic supply of the liquid P2. Therefore, the end of the water supply is after the end of the automatic supply of the liquids P1 and P2. On the other hand, if the time during which the first automatic supply, the second automatic supply, and the water supply are executed in parallel is increased for the multiple liquid control, the control unit 12 may bring the end of the water supply forward with respect to the end of the first automatic supply and the second automatic supply.

[0147] 14B, at a predetermined time t6 during the first automatic dosing, the second automatic dosing, and the water supply, while water is flowing, a liquid P1 is discharged from a liquid dosing device 63A and a liquid P2 is discharged from a liquid dosing device 63B into the liquid discharge flow path 64. The liquids P1 and P2 are discharged into the flowing water and flow toward the outlet 64A of the liquid discharge flow path 64 while being diluted. Therefore, in the liquid discharge flow path 64, mixing of the undiluted liquid of the liquid P1 and the undiluted liquid of the liquid P2 can be suppressed.

[0148] Since the single liquid control and the water supply operation are different, the mixing prevention control shown in Fig. 14A may be called water supply control. The water supply control can suppress the operation time of the operation course from becoming long while reducing the risk of mixing two liquids.

[0149] In the second modification, an example has been described in which the time for which the first automatic dispensing and water supply are performed in parallel is longer than in the first single liquid agent control, and the time for which the second automatic dispensing and water supply are performed in parallel is longer than in the second single liquid agent control, but this is not limiting. In the mixing prevention control, the time for which the first automatic dispensing and water supply are performed in parallel may be longer than in the first single liquid agent control, or the time for which the second automatic dispensing and water supply are performed in parallel may be longer than in the second single liquid agent control.

[0150] In addition, in the second modification, the multiple liquid agent control may be referred to as a fifth control.

[0151] (Variation 3) FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the washing machine 1 in the third modification.

[0152] Unless otherwise specified, the operation of washing machine 1 in Modification 3 is the same as the operation of washing machine 1 in Embodiment 1. The following describes the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 15, when automatic dispensing of a plurality of liquids is set (Yes in S13), the control unit 12 judges whether the liquids for which automatic dispensing is set satisfy the first mixing permission condition (S45). In the third modification, the first mixing permission condition is a mixing permission condition based on the arrangement relationship of the tanks for which automatic dispensing is set. Specifically, the first mixing permission condition is that the tanks for which automatic dispensing is set are separated from each other (another tank is disposed between them). In other words, if the tanks for which automatic dispensing is set include a combination of tank 62A and tank 62B that are directly adjacent to each other, or a combination of tank 62B and tank 62C, the first mixing permission condition is not satisfied. Therefore, the control unit 12 judges whether the tanks for which automatic dispensing is set include a combination of tank 62A and tank 62B that are directly adjacent to each other, or a combination of tank 62B and tank 62C.

[0154] When no directly adjacent tank is included (Yes in S45), that is, when automatic supply of the liquid to tank 62A and tank 62C is set, control unit 12 executes multiple liquid control (S16). Since liquid supply device 63B is located between liquid supply device 63A and liquid supply device 63C, liquids P1 and P2 are discharged separately in liquid discharge flow path 64. Therefore, even when the mixing prevention control is not executed, it is possible to prevent the undiluted liquid of liquid P2 and the undiluted liquid of liquid P1 from mixing in liquid discharge flow path 64.

[0155] If the tanks include directly adjacent tanks (No in S45), the control unit 12 determines whether the liquids set for automatic dispensing satisfy the second mixing permission condition (S46). The second mixing permission condition may be the same as the mixing permission condition in the first embodiment, and is set based on the liquidity of the liquids and the polarity of the main surfactant. If the second mixing permission condition is satisfied (Yes in S46), the control unit 12 executes the multiple liquid control. If the second mixing permission condition is not satisfied (No in S46), the control unit 12 executes the mixing prevention control.

[0156] By such an operation, it is possible to reduce the number of combinations of liquid agents for which the anti-mixing control is executed and to increase the number of combinations of liquid agents for which the multiple liquid agent control is executed. By executing the multiple liquid agent control, it is possible to shorten the operation time of the operation course and reduce the amount of water supply.

[0157] The washing machine in the first aspect includes a washing tub, a first tank containing a first liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub, a second tank containing a second liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub, a liquid agent discharge flow path connecting the first tank, the second tank, and the washing tub, a first automatic dosing device connected to the first tank and supplying the first liquid agent to the liquid agent discharge flow path, a second automatic dosing device connected to the second tank and supplying the second liquid agent to the liquid agent discharge flow path, a water supply device that supplies water to the liquid agent discharge flow path, a control unit that controls each of the first automatic dosing device, the second automatic dosing device, and the water supply device, and when supplying of the first liquid agent and the second liquid agent is set in the first step, the control unit executes a third control different from at least one of the first control of supplying only the first liquid agent and the second control of supplying only the second liquid agent.

[0158] In the washing machine according to the second aspect, in the washing machine according to the first aspect, the operation timing of automatic dispensing of the second liquid agent in the third control is later than that in the second control.

[0159] As the washing machine in the third aspect, in the washing machine in the second aspect, in the third control, after the automatic dispensing of the first liquid agent is completed, the automatic dispensing of the second liquid agent is executed.

[0160] As the washing machine in a fourth aspect, in the washing machine in any one of the first to third aspects, the control unit executes a fourth control different from the third control instead of the third control when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0161] As a fifth aspect of the washing machine, in the washing machine of the fourth aspect, in the fourth control, the time during which the automatic dispensing of the first liquid agent and the automatic dispensing of the second liquid agent are carried out in parallel is longer than that in the third control.

[0162] In a sixth aspect of the washing machine, in the washing machine of the fourth or fifth aspect, the specified conditions include at least one of the liquidity of the liquid agent, the polarity of the main surfactant of the liquid agent, and the arrangement of the tank.

[0163] As the washing machine in a seventh aspect, in the washing machine in any one of the first, fourth to sixth aspects, in the third control, the automatic dispensing of the first liquid agent is not executed.

[0164] As a washing machine in an eighth aspect, in the washing machine in any of the first, fourth, or sixth aspects, in the third control, the time during which the first liquid agent is automatically dispensed and the water supply by the water supply device is performed in parallel is longer than in the first control, or the time during which the second liquid agent is automatically dispensed and the water supply by the water supply device is performed in parallel is longer than in the second control.

[0165] As a washing machine in a ninth aspect, in the washing machine in the eighth aspect, the control unit executes a fifth control different from the third control instead of the third control when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0166] As a washing machine in a tenth aspect, in the washing machine in the ninth aspect, in the fifth control, the time for which the automatic dispensing of the first liquid agent, the automatic dispensing of the second liquid agent, and the water supply by the water supply device are carried out in parallel is shorter than in the third control.

[0167] A method in an eleventh aspect is a method of supplying a liquid agent to a washing tub in a washing machine including a washing tub, a first tank for accommodating a first liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub, a second tank for accommodating a second liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub, a liquid agent discharge flow path connecting the first tank and the second tank to the washing tub, and a water supply device for supplying water to the liquid agent discharge flow path, the method including, when the supply of the first liquid agent and the second liquid agent is set in a first step of an operating course, executing a third control different from at least one of a first control for supplying only the first liquid agent and a second control for supplying only the second liquid agent.

[0168] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0169] The washing machine of the present disclosure is useful as a home washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer-dryer (e.g., a home drum washing machine, a vertical washing machine) because it can suppress mixing of the liquids when multiple liquids are added in the process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 1. Washing machine 2. Chassis 3 Outer tank 4 Washing tub 5 Drive unit 6 Automatic insertion unit 8 Connection Channel 10 Water supply device 11 Drain valve 12 Control section 13 Storage section 14 Operation display section 61 cases 62A~62C Tank 63A~63C Liquid supply device 64 Liquid discharge flow path

Claims

1. A washing tub and A first tank for accommodating a first liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub; A second tank for accommodating a second liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub; A liquid discharge flow path connecting the first tank and the second tank to the washing tub; a first automatic supply device connected to the first tank and configured to supply a first liquid agent to the liquid agent discharge flow path; a second automatic supply device connected to the second tank and configured to supply a second liquid agent to the liquid agent discharge flow path; a water supply device that supplies water to the liquid agent discharge flow path; A control unit that controls each of the first automatic dosing device, the second automatic dosing device, and the water supply device; When the control unit is set to dispense the first liquid agent and the second liquid agent in the first step, the control unit executes a third control different from at least one of a first control in which only the first liquid agent is dispensed and a second control in which only the second liquid agent is dispensed.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein an operation timing of the automatic injection of the second liquid agent in the third control is slower than that in the second control.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein in the third control, automatic dispensing of the second liquid agent is executed after automatic dispensing of the first liquid agent is completed.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit executes a fourth control different from the third control, instead of the third control, when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein in the fourth control, a time during which the automatic dispensing of the first liquid agent and the automatic dispensing of the second liquid agent are performed in parallel is longer than that in the third control.

6. The washing machine according to claim 4 , wherein the predetermined condition includes at least one of the following: a property of the liquid agent, a polarity of a main surfactant of the liquid agent, and an arrangement relationship of a tank.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1 , 4 or 6 , wherein the third control does not automatically dispense the first liquid agent.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1, 4 or 6, wherein in the third control, the time for which the automatic dispensing of the first liquid agent and the water supplying device are performed in parallel is longer than in the first control, or the time for which the automatic dispensing of the second liquid agent and the water supplying device are performed in parallel is longer than in the second control.

9. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the control unit executes a fifth control different from the third control, instead of the third control, when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

10. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein in the fifth control, a time period during which the automatic supply of the first liquid agent, the automatic supply of the second liquid agent, and the water supply by the water supply device are performed in parallel is shorter than that in the third control.

11. A method for supplying a liquid agent to a washing machine including a washing tub, a first tank for accommodating a first liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub, a second tank for accommodating a second liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub, a liquid agent discharge flow path connecting the first tank and the second tank to the washing tub, and a water supply device for supplying water to the liquid agent discharge flow path, comprising: The method includes, when the supply of a first liquid agent and a second liquid agent is set in a first step of an operating course, executing a third control different from at least one of a first control for supplying only the first liquid agent and a second control for supplying only the second liquid agent.

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