Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which allows a user to grasp the occurrence of failure, in the case where failure occurs in a flow meter which is used for detecting a flow-out rate of a liquid agent from a liquid agent tank.SOLUTION: A water supply device includes a flow meter 160 which is arranged so as to detect a flow-out rate of a detergent flowing out to a water supply passage from a detergent tank and a flow rate of water flowing in a water supply passage, and a detergent of an amount supplied to the water supply passage based on the detection by the flow meter 160 is pushed away by the water flowing in the water supply passage and is inputted into an outer tub. A control part 201 acquires a water supply flow rate to the outer tub as a first water supply flow rate based on the flow rate of the water detected by the flow meter 160, and acquires the water supply flow rate to the outer tub as a second water supply flow rate based on the increase amount of the water level in the outer tub and the time required for the water level increase of the increase amount. In the case where a difference between the first water supply flow rate and the second water supply flow rate is deviated from a prescribed range, a display part 70 is made to perform notification showing that failure occurred in the flow meter 160.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Background Art There is known a washing machine in which an inner tub, in which laundry is stored, is rotatably arranged inside an outer tub, in which water is stored. The washing machine includes a liquid agent tank in which laundry liquid such as liquid detergent and liquid fabric softener is stored, and the liquid agent from the liquid agent tank can be automatically dispensed into the washing tub.

[0003] In such a washing machine capable of automatically dispensing a liquid agent, the amount of the liquid agent flowing out from the liquid agent tank can be measured (detected) using a flow meter. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a commercial washing machine that includes a washing liquid measuring and mixing device in which a liquid agent tank storing a liquid agent such as a detergent, a finishing agent, a water supply line, and a stirring tank are connected by pipes, and a flow meter is provided midway along the pipe, and the liquid agent from the liquid agent tank and water from the water supply line are measured using the flow meter, mixed and diluted in the stirring tank, and then dispensed into the washing machine tub. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-120888 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned washing machine, if the flow meter deteriorates or breaks down, the amount of liquid flowing out from the liquid tank cannot be measured properly, so that an excessive amount of liquid may be poured into the outer tub, or an insufficient amount of liquid may be poured into the outer tub. However, since the user cannot recognize the occurrence of a malfunction of the flow meter, there is a risk that the washing machine will continue to be used without the liquid being poured in normally.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a washing machine that allows a user to grasp the occurrence of a malfunction in a flow meter used to detect the amount of liquid flowing out from a liquid tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A washing machine according to a main aspect of the present invention includes an outer tub arranged in a housing and storing water, an inner tub rotatably arranged in the outer tub, a water supply device that supplies water to the outer tub, a water level detection unit that detects the water level in the outer tub, a notification unit, and a control unit. Here, the water supply device includes a water supply valve unit having one or more water supply valves and connected to a water faucet, a water supply channel through which water from the water supply valve unit flows toward the outer tub, a liquid agent tank connected to the water supply channel and storing a washing liquid agent, and a flow meter arranged in the water supply channel to detect the amount of liquid agent flowing out from the liquid agent tank to the water supply channel and the flow rate of water flowing through the water supply channel, and the amount of liquid agent supplied to the water supply channel based on the detection by the flow meter is pushed out by the water flowing through the water supply channel and poured into the outer tub. The control unit calculates the water supply flow rate into the outer tank as a first water supply flow rate based on the water flow rate detected by the flow meter, and calculates the water supply flow rate into the outer tank as a second water supply flow rate based on the amount of rise in the water level in the outer tank and the time required for the water level to rise by that amount, and causes the notification unit to issue an alert indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the flow meter if the difference between the first water supply flow rate and the second water supply flow rate is outside a specified range.

[0008] According to the washing machine of the present aspect, when a malfunction occurs in the flow meter that detects the amount of the liquid agent flowing out from the liquid agent tank, the user can know the occurrence of the malfunction.

[0009] In the washing machine according to this aspect, the water supply valve unit has a first water supply valve and a second water supply valve, and the water supply passage includes a first water passage connected to the first water supply valve, a second water passage connected to the second water supply valve, and a bypass water passage spanning between the first water passage and the second water passage and perpendicular to these water passages, and a liquid agent tank storing a liquid detergent is connected to the second water passage downstream of the bypass water passage as the liquid agent tank, and a fabric softener tank storing a liquid fabric softener is connected to the first water passage downstream of the bypass water passage as the liquid agent tank, and a first check valve that opens when water flows from upstream to downstream is arranged in the first water passage downstream of the connection position of the fabric softener tank, and a second check valve that opens when water flows from upstream to downstream is arranged in the second water passage downstream of the connection position of the detergent tank. In this case, the control unit may be configured to open the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve for a first time to allow water to flow into the first water passage and the second water passage, and after a second time has elapsed since closing the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve, open the first water supply valve to allow water to flow into the first water passage when a detergent is to be supplied to the water supply passage, and open the second water supply valve to allow water to flow into the second water passage when a fabric softener is to be supplied to the water supply passage. Furthermore, the flow meter may be arranged in the bypass water passage and configured to detect the amount of detergent flowing out from the detergent tank when the first water supply valve is opened after the second time has elapsed, and to detect the amount of fabric softener flowing out from the fabric softener tank when the second water supply valve is opened after the second time has elapsed.

[0010] According to the above configuration, when the first water supply valve is opened after the second time has elapsed and water is allowed to flow into the first water passage, negative pressure is generated in the bypass water passage and the second water passage, causing the detergent in the detergent tank to flow out and be supplied to the second water passage. Also, when the second water supply valve is opened after the second time has elapsed and water is allowed to flow into the second water passage, negative pressure is generated in the bypass water passage and the first water passage, causing the fabric softener in the fabric softener tank to flow out and be supplied to the first water passage. Then, a flow meter disposed in the bypass water passage can detect the amount of detergent flowing out from the detergent tank and the amount of fabric softener flowing out from the fabric softener tank.

[0011] When the above configuration is adopted, the control unit may be further configured to close one of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve after the first time has elapsed, detect the flow rate of water from the other water supply valve flowing through the bypass water passage using the flow meter to determine the first water supply flow rate, and then close the other water supply valve.

[0012] With this configuration, the flow rate can be detected by the flow meter and the first water supply flow rate can be calculated during the series of opening and closing control operations of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve to supply detergent or fabric softener from the detergent tank or fabric softener tank to the water supply passage. This is efficient because it is not necessary to separately perform opening and closing control operations of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve to detect the flow rate by the flow meter in order to calculate the first water supply flow rate after the detergent or fabric softener is poured into the outer tub.

[0013] In the washing machine of this aspect, the control unit may be configured to detect the amount of rise in water level in the outer tub using the water level detection unit while water is being supplied into the outer tub by the water supply device, and to calculate the second water supply flow rate based on the detected amount of rise and the time required for the water level to rise by that amount.

[0014] According to the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the flow meter before the supply of water into the outer tub is completed.

[0015] In the above configuration, the inner tub is a washing and spin-drying tub with a pulsator disposed at the bottom thereof, and may further include a load amount detection unit that detects the load amount of laundry contained in the washing and spin-drying tub. In this case, the control unit may be configured to set a specified time based on the load amount so that the larger the load amount, the longer the specified time, and to start detecting the amount of rise in the water level in the outer tub based on the lapse of the specified time from when water supply to the outer tub began.

[0016] With this configuration, regardless of the load of laundry in the washing and spinning tub, the laundry will have finished absorbing water by the time the specified time has elapsed, and the water level in the outer tub will be likely to rise. Therefore, by detecting the amount of rise in the water level in the outer tub based on the elapse of the specified time, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the flow meter.

[0017] The washing machine according to the present embodiment may further include a load amount detection unit for detecting the load amount of laundry contained in the inner tub. In this case, the control unit may be configured to measure a water supply time from when water supply to the outer tub is started until the water level detection unit detects that the water level in the outer tub has reached a set water level set according to the load amount, and to calculate the second water supply flow rate based on the amount of rise in the water level in the outer tub from when there is no water in the outer tub until it reaches the set water level and the water supply time required for the water level to rise by the amount of rise.

[0018] According to the above configuration, by measuring the water supply time required to reach the set water level, the second water supply flow rate can be calculated using the set water level. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, a washing machine can be provided that allows a user to know the occurrence of a malfunction in a flow meter used to detect the amount of liquid agent flowing out from a liquid agent tank when the malfunction occurs.

[0020] The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of the embodiments. However, the following embodiment is merely an example of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a water supply device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a water supply process executed by a control unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a liquid agent supply process included in a water supply process according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an abnormality determination process included in the water supply process according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 7(a) to (c) are diagrams illustrating the water supplying step according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 8(a) to (d) are diagrams illustrating the water supplying step according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a water supply process executed by the control unit according to the modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a water supply device according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine 1. As shown in FIG.

[0024] The fully automatic washing machine 1 has a housing 10 that forms an outer shell. The housing 10 includes a rectangular cylindrical body 11 with open top and bottom faces, a top panel 12 that covers the top face of the body 11, and a foot stand 13 that supports the body 11. A laundry inlet 14 is formed in the top panel 12. The laundry inlet 14 is covered by a top lid 15 that can be opened and closed freely. A control unit 16 is disposed inside and in front of the top panel 12. The control unit 16 controls the washing operation performed by the fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0025] An outer tub 20 having an open top is disposed within the housing 10. The outer tub 20 is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension rods 21 having vibration isolation devices. A washing and dehydrating tub 22 is disposed within the outer tub 20. The washing and dehydrating tub 22 has an open top and rotates around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. A large number of dehydration holes 22a are formed around the entire inner circumferential surface of the washing and dehydrating tub 22. In addition, a large number of discharge holes 22b are formed in the inner bottom surface of the washing and dehydrating tub 22.

[0026] A balance ring 23 is provided on the top of the washing / drying tub 22. A pulsator 24 is disposed on the bottom of the washing / drying tub 22. A plurality of blades 24a are provided radially on the surface of the pulsator 24. The washing / drying tub 22 corresponds to the "inner tub" of the present invention.

[0027] A drive unit 30 that generates torque to drive the washing / spinning tub 22 and the pulsator 24 is disposed on the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism 32. The transmission mechanism 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and by switching operation of the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the pulsator 24 to rotate only the pulsator 24 in the washing step and the rinsing step, and the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing / spinning tub 22 to rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing / spinning tub 22 integrally in the spinning step.

[0028] A drain outlet 20a is formed at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided at the drain outlet 20a. The drain valve 40 includes, for example, a valve and a torque motor that opens and closes the valve. A drain hose 41 is connected to the drain valve 40. When the drain valve 40 is opened, water stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is drained outside the machine through the drain hose 41.

[0029] The outer tub 20 is provided with a water level detection unit 50 that detects the water level in the outer tub 20. The water level detection unit 50 includes an air trap 51 formed at the bottom of the outer tub 20, and a water level sensor 53 connected to the air trap 51 via a hose 52. The water level sensor 53 is a diaphragm-type water level sensor, and detects the water level in the outer tub 20 by detecting the air pressure in the air trap 51, which changes depending on the water level in the outer tub 20.

[0030] A water supply device 100 is disposed at the rear of the top panel 12. The water supply device 100 is connected to a water faucet and has a function of supplying water to the washing and spin-drying tub 22, i.e., the outer tub 20. The water supply device 100 also functions as a liquid agent dispenser that automatically dispenses liquid detergent and fabric softener into the washing and spin-drying tub 22, i.e., the outer tub 20. The detergent and fabric softener are liquid agents used in washing.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the water supply device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0032] The water supply device 100 includes a water supply valve unit 110 , a water inlet portion 120 , a water supply passage 130 , a detergent tank 140 , a fabric softener tank 150 , and a flow meter 160 .

[0033] Water supply valve unit 110 is a so-called double valve, and has a first water supply valve 111 and a second water supply valve 112. Water inlet 113 of water supply valve unit 110 is connected to a water faucet via a water supply hose (not shown). First water supply valve 111 and second water supply valve 112 correspond to the "water supply valve" of the present invention.

[0034] Water inlet section 120 is formed in a box shape, and is located above the rear of washing and spin-drying tub 22. Water inlet 121 is formed in the bottom surface of water inlet section 120. Water inlet 121 opens downward and faces the inside of washing and spin-drying tub 22.

[0035] The water supply passage 130 is disposed between the water supply valve unit 110 and the water inlet portion 120. The water supply passage 130 includes a first water passage 131, a second water passage 132, and a junction water passage 133.

[0036] The upstream end of the first water passage 131 is connected to the first water supply valve 111, and the upstream end of the second water passage 132 is connected to the second water supply valve 112. The first water passage 131 and the second water passage 132 merge into a merging water passage 133. That is, the upstream end of the merging water passage 133 is connected to the downstream ends of the first water passage 131 and the second water passage 132. The downstream end of the merging water passage 133 is connected to the water inlet portion 120.

[0037] The first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112 have the same rated flow rate. The first water passage 131 and the second water passage 132 have substantially the same flow path cross-sectional area and substantially the same length. Furthermore, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the junction water passage 133 is more than twice the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first water passage 131 and the second water passage 132. Therefore, the flow rate of water supplied into the outer tank 20 when only the first water supply valve 111 is opened (hereinafter referred to as the "water supply flow rate into the outer tank 20") is substantially the same as the water supply flow rate into the outer tank 20 when only the second water supply valve 112 is opened, and the water supply flow rate into the outer tank 20 when both the first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112 are opened is substantially twice the water supply flow rate into the outer tank 20 when only the first water supply valve 111 is opened.

[0038] A first check valve 171 and a second check valve 172 are provided in the first water passage 131 and the second water passage 132, respectively, near the downstream end. These check valves 171, 172 are spring-loaded check valves that open when water flows from the upstream side (the water supply valve unit 110 side) to the downstream side (the water inlet portion 120 side) of the water supply passage 130. When water or air tries to flow upstream from the downstream side of these check valves 171, 172, these check valves 171, 172 do not open.

[0039] Liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 140. An outlet provided on the bottom surface of the detergent tank 140 is connected to the upstream side of the second check valve 172 in the second water passage 132 via a third check valve 173. The third check valve 173 is a spring-loaded check valve, and opens when detergent flows from the detergent tank 140 to the second water passage 132. When water flowing through the second water passage 132 tries to flow toward the detergent tank 140, the third check valve 173 does not open. This prevents water from entering the detergent tank 140. The third check valve 173 does not open due to the weight of the detergent stored in the detergent tank 140.

[0040] The fabric softener tank 150 stores liquid fabric softener. An outlet provided on the bottom surface of the fabric softener tank 150 is connected to the upstream side of the first check valve 171 in the first water passage 131 via a fourth check valve 174. The fourth check valve 174 is a spring-loaded check valve, and opens when fabric softener flows from the fabric softener tank 150 to the first water passage 131. When the water flowing through the first water passage 131 tries to flow toward the fabric softener tank 150, the fourth check valve 174 does not open. This prevents water from entering the fabric softener tank 150. The fourth check valve 174 does not open due to the weight of the fabric softener stored in the fabric softener tank 150.

[0041] The detergent tank 140 and the fabric softener tank 150 are provided with vents (not shown) on their upper surfaces, and external air can enter and exit the tanks 140 and 150 through the vents.

[0042] The detergent tank 140 and the fabric softener tank 150 correspond to the "liquid agent tank" of the present invention.

[0043] The flow meter 160 includes a flow pipe 161, an impeller 162, and a detection unit 163. The flow pipe 161 is connected to a connection port 131a of the first water passage 131 and a connection port 132a of the second water passage 132, and extends between the first water passage 131 and the second water passage 132. The flow pipe 161 is perpendicular to the first water passage 131 and the second water passage 132.

[0044] The impeller 162 faces the inside of the water pipe 161 and rotates at a rotation speed corresponding to the flow rate of water flowing through the water pipe 161. The detection unit 163 detects the rotation of the impeller 162 and outputs a flow rate signal corresponding to the rotation speed of the impeller 162, i.e., the flow rate. Specifically, the detection unit 163 outputs one pulse signal each time the impeller 162 rotates once. The pulse frequency (pulse period) is a value corresponding to the flow rate, and the higher the flow rate, the higher the pulse frequency (the shorter the pulse period).

[0045] The flow pipe 161 is a bypass waterway that spans the first waterway 131 and the second waterway 132, and is included in the water supply passage 130. Therefore, the flow meter 160 is disposed in the bypass waterway of the water supply passage 130 and detects the flow rate of water flowing through the bypass waterway.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fully automatic washing machine 1. As shown in FIG.

[0047] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the fully automatic washing machine 1 includes an operation unit 60, a display unit 70, and a current detection unit 80. The control unit 16 also includes a control unit 201, a memory unit 202, a motor drive unit 203, a clutch drive unit 204, a water supply drive unit 205, and a drain drive unit 206.

[0048] The operation unit 60 includes various operation buttons such as a power button for turning the power on and off, a start button for starting a washing operation, and a course selection button for selecting an operation course, and outputs operation signals corresponding to these operation buttons to the control unit 201.

[0049] The display unit 70 includes a plurality of LEDs and a 7-segment display, and displays the operation course, the progress and remaining time of the washing operation, various errors, etc. according to a control signal from the control unit 201. The display unit 70 corresponds to the "notification unit" of the present invention.

[0050] The flow meter 160 outputs a flow rate signal corresponding to the detected flow rate to the control unit 201 .

[0051] The water level sensor 53 outputs a water level signal corresponding to the water level in the outer tub 20 to the control unit 201. The control unit 201 can detect the water level in the outer tub 20 using the water level sensor 53, i.e., the water level detection unit 50.

[0052] The current detection unit 80 detects the value of the current flowing through the drive motor 31, and outputs a current signal corresponding to the detected current value to the control unit 201.

[0053] The motor drive unit 203 , the clutch drive unit 204 , the water supply drive unit 205 and the drain drive unit 206 drive the drive motor 31 , the clutch mechanism 32 a , the water supply valve unit 110 and the drain valve 40 respectively in accordance with control signals from the control unit 201 .

[0054] The storage unit 202 includes an EEPROM, a RAM, etc. Programs for executing the washing operation of various operation courses are stored in the storage unit 202. In addition, the storage unit 202 stores various parameters and various control flags used in executing these programs.

[0055] The control unit 201 includes a CPU, etc., and controls the display unit 70, motor drive unit 203, clutch drive unit 204, water supply drive unit 205, drainage drive unit 206, etc. in accordance with a program stored in the memory unit 202 based on signals from the operation unit 60, flow meter 160, current detection unit 80, etc.

[0056] The fully automatic washing machine 1 performs various washing operations of various operation courses. When the washing operation is performed, laundry is placed in the washing and dewatering tub 22 by the user.

[0057] In the washing operation, the load amount detection step, the washing step, the intermediate spin-drying step, the rinsing step, and the final spin-drying step are executed in this order. Depending on the operation course, the intermediate spin-drying step and the rinsing step are executed multiple times.

[0058] In the load amount detection step, the control unit 201 rotates the pulsator 24 alternately clockwise and counterclockwise by operating the drive motor 31 at a predetermined rotation speed and a predetermined on / off time for a predetermined number of on / off times. Then, while the pulsator 24 is rotating, the control unit 201 detects the load amount of laundry based on the load applied to the drive unit 30, i.e., the drive motor 31, via the pulsator 24. That is, the control unit 201 detects the value of the current flowing through the drive motor 31 by the current detection unit 80, and determines the load amount based on the current value. In the washing and spin-drying tub 22, laundry is placed on the pulsator 24. Therefore, the greater the load amount of laundry, the greater the load applied to the drive motor 31 via the pulsator 24, and the greater the current value flowing through the drive motor 31.

[0059] The pulsator 24, the drive motor 31, the current detection unit 80 and the control unit 201 constitute the "load amount detection unit" of the present invention.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 3, the storage unit 202 has a water amount table 202a and a liquid amount table 202b. In the water amount table 202a, the load amount of laundry, the amount of water used in the washing process, and the amount of water used in the rinsing process are registered in association with each other. In addition, in the water amount table 202a, a set water level is registered in association with the amount of water used. In the liquid amount table 202b, the load amount of laundry, the amount of detergent used, and the amount of fabric softener used are registered in association with each other.

[0061] The control unit 201 refers to the water amount table 202a and sets the amount of water to be used in the washing process and the washing water level, and the amount of water to be used in the rinsing process and the rinsing water level based on the detected load amount. The washing water level is the set water level for the washing process, and the rinsing water level is the set water level for the rinsing process. Furthermore, the control unit 201 refers to the liquid amount table 202b and sets the amount of detergent to be used and the amount of fabric softener to be used based on the detected load amount. In this way, the load amount detection process is completed.

[0062] In the washing process, the control unit 201 causes the water supply device 100 to pour an amount of detergent into the outer tub 20 that is set based on the load amount, and supplies water into the outer tub 20 up to a washing water level (set water level) that is set based on the load amount. This causes water containing detergent to accumulate in the outer tub 20. Next, the control unit 201 causes the drive motor 31 to rotate the pulsator 24 alternately clockwise and counterclockwise. A water flow is generated in the washing and spin-drying tub 22, and the laundry is washed by the water flow and detergent. After a predetermined washing time has elapsed, the control unit 201 opens the drain valve 40, and water is drained from the outer tub 20. In this way, the washing process ends. The drain valve 40 remains open.

[0063] In the intermediate spin-drying step, when there is no water stored in outer tub 20, control unit 201 operates drive motor 31 to rotate washing / spin-drying tub 22 together with pulsator 24 at high speed. The laundry is spin-dried by the action of centrifugal force generated in washing / spin-drying tub 22. When a predetermined spin-drying time has elapsed, control unit 201 stops drive motor 31 to stop washing / spin-drying tub 22. Furthermore, control unit 201 closes drain valve 40. In this way, the intermediate spin-drying step ends.

[0064] In the rinsing process, the control unit 201 causes the water supply device 100 to pour the amount of fabric softener set based on the load amount into the outer tub 20, and supplies water into the outer tub 20 up to the rinse water level (set water level) set based on the load amount. This causes water containing fabric softener to accumulate in the outer tub 20. Next, the control unit 201 causes the drive motor 31 to rotate the pulsator 24 alternately clockwise and counterclockwise. A water flow is generated in the washing and spin-drying tub 22, and the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow. Furthermore, the laundry is softened by the action of the fabric softener. After a predetermined rinsing time has elapsed, the control unit 201 opens the drain valve 40, and the water is drained from the outer tub 20. In this way, the rinsing process is completed. The drain valve 40 remains open.

[0065] When the rinsing cycle is performed multiple times, fabric softener is added to the outer tub 20 in the final rinsing cycle.

[0066] In the final spin-drying step, similarly to the intermediate spin-drying step, the control unit 201 operates the drive motor 31 to rotate the washing / spin-drying tub 22 together with the pulsator 24 at high speed. The laundry is dehydrated by the action of the centrifugal force generated in the washing / spin-drying tub 22. In the final spin-drying step, the rotation speed of the washing / spin-drying tub 22 is higher than in the intermediate spin-drying step, and the spin-drying time is longer. After the spin-drying time has elapsed, the washing / spin-drying tub 22 stops. Furthermore, the drain valve 40 is closed. In this manner, the final spin-drying step ends, and the washing operation is completed.

[0067] Next, the water supplying process performed in the washing process and the rinsing process will be described in detail.

[0068] In the water supply step, the control unit 201 executes a water supply process. In the water supply process, the control unit 201 controls the water supply device 100 to supply water into the outer tub 20, and also controls automatic injection of detergent from the detergent tank 140 or automatic injection of fabric softener from the fabric softener tank 150 into the outer tub 20. Furthermore, the control unit 201 performs a self-check to determine whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the flow meter 160 used to detect the amount of detergent flowing out from the detergent tank 140 and the amount of fabric softener flowing out from the fabric softener tank 150.

[0069] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the water supply process executed by the control unit 201. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the liquid agent supply process included in the water supply process. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the abnormality determination process included in the water supply process. Figs. 7(a) to (c) and Fig. 8(a) to (d) are diagrams for explaining the water supply step.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3, for the water supply process, the control unit 201 has a time counter 201a that counts time, and the storage unit 202 has a specified time table 202c.

[0071] In the specified time table 202c, specified times are registered in association with each value of the laundry load amount and each value of the water flow rate from the first water supply valve 111. The specified time is the time from the start of water supply into the outer tub 20 to the start of the abnormality determination process, that is, the time from the start of detection of the amount of rise in the water level in the outer tub 20. When the water level in the outer tub 20 rises due to water supply and the laundry contained in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 becomes immersed in water, the laundry absorbs the water, so the water level is unlikely to rise until the laundry has finished absorbing water. For this reason, it is desirable to wait until the laundry has finished absorbing water before detecting the amount of rise in the water level in the outer tub 20.

[0072] The greater the load of laundry, the longer the time required for the laundry to finish absorbing water. Furthermore, the greater the flow rate of water supplied from the water supply device 100 into the outer tub 20 by opening the first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112, the longer the time required for the laundry to finish absorbing water. The first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112 receive the same water pressure. Therefore, when the flow rate of water from the first water supply valve 111 is large, the flow rate of water from the second water supply valve 112 also increases, and as a result, the flow rate of water from the water supply device 100 when both water supply valves 111 and 112 are open also increases. Therefore, in the specified time table 202c, the specified time is set to be longer as the load is larger and shorter as the flow rate of water from the first water supply valve 111 increases.

[0073] The specified time table 202c includes a table for determining the specified time for the washing process and a table for determining the specified time for the rinsing process. In the rinsing process, the laundry is already wet, so it is less likely to absorb water than in the washing process. Therefore, when the load is the same, the specified time for the rinsing process is shorter than the specified time for the washing process.

[0074] 4, when the water supplying process is started, the control unit 201 executes a liquid supplying process in the water supplying device 100 to supply the detergent in the detergent tank 140 or the fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 150 into the water supply passage 130 (S101).

[0075] 5, the control unit 201 opens the first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112 (S201). As shown by the arrows in FIG. 7(a), the water flowing out from the first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112 flows through all the water channels of the water supply channel 130, reaches the water inlet port 120, and flows into the outer tub 20. At this time, water accumulates in the water flow pipe 161 of the flow meter 160, but there is almost no water flow.

[0076] When a first time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed since both water supply valves 111, 112 were opened (S202: YES), the control unit 201 closes the second water supply valve 112 (S203). The outflow of water from the second water supply valve 112 stops, but the flow of water in the second water passage 132 does not stop, and as shown by the solid arrow in Fig. 7(b), a state is switched over to where a portion of the water flowing in the first water passage 131 flows through the water flow pipe 161 of the flowmeter 160 and then flows through the second water passage 132.

[0077] The control unit 201 detects the flow rate of water flowing through the water pipe 161 by the flowmeter 160 (S204). Then, the control unit 201 determines, based on the detected flow rate, the flow rate of water supplied by the water supply device 100 into the outer tub 20 when water is supplied into the outer tub 20 after the liquid agent supply process, as a first water supply flow rate X (S205).

[0078] That is, the diversion ratio at which the water flowing through the first water passage 131 is diverted to the flow pipe 161 side is obtained in advance by conducting experiments or the like, and is stored in the memory unit 202. The control unit 201 obtains the flow rate of water from the first water supply valve 111 by dividing the flow rate detected by the flow meter 160 by the diversion ratio.

[0079] When supplying water into the outer tub 20, both the first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112 are opened. At this time, as described above, the flow rate of water from the second water supply valve 112 is approximately the same as the flow rate of water from the first water supply valve 111. Therefore, the control unit 201 obtains the first water supply flow rate X by doubling the flow rate of water from the first water supply valve 111. The first water supply flow rate X is the water supply flow rate obtained using the flow meter 160.

[0080] In addition, when the water supply passage 130 is configured such that the flow rate of water from the second water supply valve 112 is not the same as the flow rate of water from the first water supply valve 111, the ratio of the flow rate of water from the first water supply valve 111 to the flow rate of water from the second water supply valve 112 is obtained in advance by an experiment or the like, and the first water supply flow rate X is obtained using this flow rate ratio.

[0081] When the first water supply flow rate X is calculated, the control unit 201 closes the first water supply valve 111 (S206).

[0082] Next, the control unit 201 determines whether a second time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed since the first water supply valve 111 was closed (S207). During the second time, as shown by the bold line in Fig. 7(c), the flow of water in the water supply passage 130 stops, and the first water passage 131 at least upstream of the first check valve 171, the second water passage 132 at least upstream of the second check valve 172, and the flow pipe 161 become filled with water.

[0083] When the second time period has elapsed (S207: YES), the control unit 201 determines whether the item to be dispensed into the outer tub 20 is a detergent or a fabric softener (S208). If the item to be dispensed is a detergent (S208: detergent), the control unit 201 opens the first water supply valve 111 (S209). This causes water from the first water supply valve 111 to flow through the first water passage 131.

[0084] When water from the first water supply valve 111 flows through the first water passage 131, the water is stationary in the flow pipe 161 and the second water passage 132, so the pressure in the first water passage 131 becomes lower than the pressure in the flow pipe 161 and the second water passage 132. That is, negative pressure is generated in the flow pipe 161 and the second water passage 132 relative to the first water passage 131. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the water in the flow pipe 161 is drawn into the first water passage 131, and the water downstream of the flow pipe 161 in the second water passage 132 is drawn into the flow pipe 161. The second check valve 172 is closed, so water and air do not enter the second water passage 132 from the second check valve 172 side. Therefore, the third check valve 173 opens due to the force of the water being pulled in the second water passage 132, and the detergent flows out from the detergent tank 140 into the second water passage 132. Outside air enters the detergent tank 140 in proportion to the amount of detergent that flows out.

[0085] The control unit 201 detects the amount of detergent flowing out into the second water passage 132 using the flow meter 160 (S210). The amount of water flowing through the water pipe 161 while the impeller 162 of the flow meter 160 rotates once and the detection unit 163 outputs one pulse signal is fixed. The amount of detergent flowing out is approximately equal to the amount of water. Therefore, the flow meter 160 detects the amount of detergent flowing out and outputs a number of pulses according to the amount of detergent flowing out. The control unit 201 detects the amount of detergent flowing out by counting the number of pulse signals output from the flow meter 160.

[0086] When the control unit 201 determines based on the detected outflow amount that the amount of detergent used set in the load amount detection process has flowed into the second water passage 132 (S211: YES), it closes the first water supply valve 111 (S212). This stops the flow of water in the first water passage 131, and therefore stops the outflow of detergent from the detergent tank 140. In this way, the set amount of detergent is accumulated in the second water passage 132.

[0087] On the other hand, when the object to be dispensed is fabric softener (S208: fabric softener), the control unit 201 opens the second water supply valve 112 (S213).

[0088] 8(b), due to the negative pressure generated in the running water pipe 161 and the first water passage 131, the water in the running water pipe 161 is drawn into the second water passage 132, and the water downstream of the running water pipe 161 in the first water passage 131 is drawn into the running water pipe 161. The fourth check valve 174 opens, and the fabric softener flows out from the fabric softener tank 150 into the first water passage 131. Outside air enters the fabric softener tank 150 by the amount of fabric softener that has flowed out.

[0089] The control unit 201 detects the amount of fabric softener flowing into the first water passage 131 using the flow meter 160 (S214). Then, when the control unit 201 determines based on the detected flow rate that the amount of fabric softener to be used set in the load amount detection process has flowed into the first water passage 131 (S215: YES), it closes the second water supply valve 112 (S216). This stops the flow of water in the second water passage 132, and therefore stops the outflow of fabric softener from the softener tank 150. In this way, the set amount of fabric softener to be used accumulates in the first water passage 131.

[0090] In this manner, in the water supply device 100, when the detergent or fabric softener is supplied into the water supply passage 130, the liquid supply process is completed.

[0091] 4, when the liquid agent supply process ends (S101), the control unit 201 opens the first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112 (S102). This causes the water supply device 100 to start supplying water to the outer tub 20.

[0092] In addition, the first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112 are opened for a short period of time during the liquid agent supply process, and the amount of water flowing into the outer tank 20 by opening both water supply valves 111, 112 is small. Therefore, the opening of both water supply valves 111, 112 after the liquid agent supply process essentially starts water supply into the outer tank 20.

[0093] When detergent is supplied into the second water passage 132 by the liquid agent supply process, the detergent is swept away by the water flowing through the second water passage 132 and thrown into the outer tub 20, as shown in Fig. 8(c). Similarly, when fabric softener is supplied into the first water passage 131 by the liquid agent supply process, the fabric softener is swept away by the water flowing through the first water passage 131 and thrown into the outer tub 20, as shown in Fig. 8(d).

[0094] Next, the control unit 201 determines whether the current water supply process is a washing process or a rinsing process (S103). If the current water supply process is a water supply process in a washing process (S103: washing), the control unit 201 refers to the specified time table 202c and determines the specified time for the washing process (S104). On the other hand, if the current water supply process is a water supply process in a rinsing process (S103: rinsing), the control unit 201 refers to the specified time table 202c and determines the specified time for the rinsing process (S105). Then, the control unit 201 monitors whether the specified time has elapsed since the start of water supply into the outer tub 20 (S106).

[0095] When water is normally supplied to the outer tub 20, the laundry will have finished absorbing water by the time the specified time has elapsed, and the water level in the outer tub 20 will be in a state where it is easy for the water level to rise.

[0096] When the specified time has elapsed (S106: YES), the control unit 201 executes an abnormality determination process (S107).

[0097] 6, the control unit 201 starts measuring the time required for the water level in the outer tub 20 to rise by a specified amount (S301). Then, based on the water level detected by the water level detection unit 50, the control unit 201 determines whether the amount of rise in the water level in the outer tub 20 from the start of measuring the required time has reached the specified amount of rise (S302).

[0098] When the amount of rise in the water level reaches the specified amount of rise (S302: YES), the control unit 201 ends the measurement of the required time (S303). Then, the control unit 201 calculates the water supply flow rate of the water supply device 100 into the outer tub 20 as the second water supply flow rate Y based on the measured required time and the specified amount of rise (S304).

[0099] That is, the outer tub 20 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and its inside has a circular horizontal cross section. Therefore, the control unit 201 obtains the water volume corresponding to the specified rise amount by multiplying the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the outer tub 20 by the specified rise amount, and obtains the second water supply flow rate Y by dividing the obtained water volume by the measured required time. The second water supply flow rate Y is the water supply flow rate obtained using the water level detection unit 50.

[0100] Next, the control unit 201 determines whether the difference between the first feedwater flow rate X and the second feedwater flow rate Y is within a specified range, i.e., is equal to or greater than a negative first specified value A and equal to or less than a positive second specified value B (S305). The absolute values ​​of the first specified value A and the second specified value B may be different or equal.

[0101] When the flow meter 160 deteriorates, it may become difficult for the impeller 162 to rotate. Furthermore, when the flow meter 160 breaks down, the impeller 162 may stop rotating, or the detector 163 may output a pulse signal with an abnormally low or high frequency, i.e., an erroneous output.

[0102] If the flowmeter 160 is not experiencing any malfunction such as deterioration or failure, the difference between the first feedwater flow rate X and the second feedwater flow rate Y is within a specified range. If the difference between the first feedwater flow rate X and the second feedwater flow rate Y is within the specified range (S305: YES), the control unit 201 ends the abnormality determination process.

[0103] On the other hand, if a malfunction occurs in the flowmeter 160, the difference between the first feedwater flow rate X and the second feedwater flow rate Y falls outside the specified range. For example, if the impeller 162 becomes difficult to rotate, the flow rate detected by the flowmeter 160 becomes smaller than normal, so the first feedwater flow rate X becomes smaller than normal. As a result, the first feedwater flow rate X becomes significantly smaller than the second feedwater flow rate Y, and the difference becomes smaller than the negative first specified value A. For example, if a pulse signal with an abnormally high frequency is output from the detection unit 163, the flow rate detected by the flowmeter 160 becomes larger than normal, so the first feedwater flow rate X becomes larger than normal. As a result, the first feedwater flow rate X becomes significantly larger than the second feedwater flow rate Y, and the difference becomes larger than the positive second specified value B.

[0104] If the difference between the first feedwater flow rate X and the second feedwater flow rate Y is outside the specified range (S305: NO), the control unit 201 causes the display unit 70 to notify the user that a malfunction has occurred in the flowmeter 160 (S306). For example, the display unit 70 displays an error code indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the flowmeter 160. In this manner, the abnormality determination process ends.

[0105] Returning to FIG. 4, when the abnormality determination process is completed, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the water level in the outer tub 20 has reached the set water level (washing water level, rinsing water level) based on the water level detection by the water level detection unit 50 (S108). Then, when the water level in the outer tub 20 has reached the set water level (S108: YES), the control unit 201 closes the first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112 (S109). This ends the supply of water into the outer tub 20 by the water supply device 100. In this way, the water supply process ends, and the water supply process ends.

[0106] It should be noted that even after the display unit 70 notifies the user that a malfunction has occurred in the flow meter 160, the washing operation continues.

[0107] <Effects of the embodiment> As described above, according to this embodiment, the water supply device 100 includes a water supply valve unit 110 connected to a water faucet, a water supply passage 130 through which water from the water supply valve unit 110 flows toward the outer tub 20, a detergent tank 140 and a fabric softener tank 150 each connected to the water supply passage 130, and a flow meter 160 arranged in the water supply passage 130 so as to detect the amount of detergent and fabric softener flowing out from the detergent tank 140 and the fabric softener tank 150, respectively, into the water supply passage 130 and the flow rate of water flowing through the water supply passage 130, and the amount of detergent and fabric softener supplied to the water supply passage 130 based on detection by the flow meter 160 is washed away by the water flowing through the water supply passage 130 and poured into the outer tub 20. Then, the control unit 201 calculates the water supply flow rate into the outer bath 20 as a first water supply flow rate X based on the water flow rate detected by the flow meter 160, and calculates the water supply flow rate into the outer bath 20 as a second water supply flow rate Y based on the amount of rise in the water level in the outer bath 20 and the time required for the water level to rise by that amount, and if the difference between the first water supply flow rate X and the second water supply flow rate Y is outside a specified range, causes the display unit 70 to issue a notification indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the flow meter 160.

[0108] According to this configuration, when a malfunction occurs in the flow meter 160 that detects the amount of detergent and fabric softener flowing out from the detergent tank 140 and fabric softener tank 150, the user can know the occurrence of the malfunction. This allows the user to take measures such as requesting repairs from the manufacturer. This makes it possible to prevent the washing machine from being used continuously in a state where detergent and fabric softener are not dispensed normally.

[0109] Further, according to this embodiment, the water supply valve unit 110 has a first water supply valve 111 and a second water supply valve 112, and the water supply passage 130 includes a first water passage 131 connected to the first water supply valve 111, a second water passage 132 connected to the second water supply valve 112, and a bypass water passage (flow pipe 161) that spans between the first water passage 131 and the second water passage 132 and intersects these water passages at right angles. In addition, the detergent tank 140 is connected to the second water passage 132 downstream of the bypass water passage, and the fabric softener tank 150 is connected to the first water passage 131 downstream of the bypass water passage, a first check valve 171 is arranged in the first water passage 131 downstream of the connection position of the fabric softener tank 150, and a second check valve 172 is arranged in the second water passage 132 downstream of the connection position of the detergent tank 140. Furthermore, the control unit 201 opens the first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112 for a first time to allow water to flow into the first water passage 131 and the second water passage 132, and after a second time has elapsed since the first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112 are closed, the control unit 201 opens the first water supply valve 111 to allow water to flow into the first water passage 131 when detergent is to be supplied to the water supply passage 130, and opens the second water supply valve 112 to allow water to flow into the second water passage 132 when fabric softener is to be supplied to the water supply passage 130. A flow meter 160 is disposed in the bypass water passage, and detects the amount of detergent flowing out from the detergent tank 140 when the first water supply valve 111 is opened after the second time has elapsed, and detects the amount of fabric softener flowing out from the fabric softener tank 150 when the second water supply valve 112 is opened after the second time has elapsed.

[0110] According to this configuration, when the first water supply valve 111 is opened after the second time has elapsed to allow water to flow into the first water passage 131, negative pressure is generated in the bypass water passage (flow pipe 161) and the second water passage 132, causing the detergent in the detergent tank 140 to flow out and be supplied to the second water passage 132. Furthermore, when the second water supply valve 112 is opened after the second time has elapsed to allow water to flow into the second water passage 132, negative pressure is generated in the bypass water passage (flow pipe 161) and the first water passage 131, causing the fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 150 to flow out and be supplied to the first water passage 131. The amount of detergent flowing out from the detergent tank 140 and the amount of fabric softener flowing out from the fabric softener tank 150 can be detected by a flow meter 160 disposed in the bypass water passage.

[0111] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 201 closes the second water supply valve 112 after the first time has elapsed, and detects the flow rate of water from the first water supply valve 111 flowing through the bypass water passage (flow pipe 161) using the flow meter 160 to determine the first water supply flow rate X, and then closes the second water supply valve 112.

[0112] According to this configuration, the flow rate can be detected by the flowmeter 160 and the first water supply flow rate X can be obtained during a series of opening / closing control operations of the first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112 for supplying the detergent or fabric softener from the detergent tank 140 or the fabric softener tank 150 to the water supply passage 130. This makes it possible to obtain the first water supply flow rate X after the detergent or fabric softener is poured into the outer tub 20 without having to separately perform opening / closing control operations of the first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112 to detect the flow rate by the flowmeter 160, which is efficient.

[0113] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, while water is being supplied into the outer bath 20 by the water supply device 100, the control unit 201 detects a specified amount of rise in the water level in the outer bath 20 using the water level detection unit 50, and calculates the second water supply flow rate Y based on the specified amount of rise and the time required for the water level to rise by the specified amount.

[0114] According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the flow meter 160 before the water level in the outer tub 20 reaches the set water level and the supply of water to the outer tub 20 is completed.

[0115] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 201 sets the specified time based on the load of laundry contained in the washing and spin-drying tub 22, so that the greater the load, the longer the time, and detects the specified amount of rise in the water level in the outer tub 20 based on the elapse of the specified time since water supply to the outer tub 20 began.

[0116] According to this configuration, regardless of the load of laundry in the washing and spin-drying tub 22, the laundry will have finished absorbing water by the time the specified time has elapsed, and the water level in the outer tub 20 will likely rise. Therefore, by detecting the specified amount of rise in the water level in the outer tub 20 based on the elapse of the specified time, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the flow meter 160.

[0117] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications of the embodiment of the present invention are possible.

[0118] <Example of change> In the above embodiment, while water is being supplied into the outer tank 20 by the water supply device 100, the control unit 201 uses the water level detection unit 50 to detect a specified amount of rise in the water level in the outer tank 20, and calculates the second water supply flow rate Y based on the specified amount of rise and the time required for the water level to rise by the specified amount.

[0119] In contrast, in this modified example, the control unit 201 measures the water supply time from when water supply into the outer tub 20 begins to when the water level detection unit 50 detects that the water level in the outer tub 20 has reached a set water level set in accordance with the laundry load in the washing and spin-drying tub 22, and calculates the second water supply flow rate Y based on the amount of rise in the water level in the outer tub 20 from when there is no water in the outer tub 20 to when it reaches the set water level, and the water supply time required for the water level to rise by that amount.

[0120] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the water supply process executed by the control unit 201 according to the modified example.

[0121] The control unit 201 executes a liquid supply process to supply detergent or fabric softener to the water supply passage 130 (S401), and then opens the first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112 (S402). This causes the water supply device 100 to start supplying water to the outer tub 20. The detergent or fabric softener is swept away by the water flowing through the water supply passage 130 and is poured into the outer tub 20.

[0122] When water supply to the outer tub 20 starts, the control unit 201 starts measuring the water supply time (S403). Then, the control unit 201 determines whether the water level in the outer tub 20 has reached a predetermined water level (washing water level, rinsing water level) based on the water level detection by the water level detection unit 50 (S404).

[0123] When the water level in the outer tub 20 reaches the set water level (S404: YES), the control unit 201 closes the first water supply valve 111 and the second water supply valve 112 (S405). This ends the supply of water to the outer tub 20 by the water supply device 100. Furthermore, the control unit 201 ends the measurement of the water supply time (S406).

[0124] Next, the control unit 201 extracts the amount of water used corresponding to the set water level from the water volume table 202a, and calculates the water supply flow rate by the water supply device 100 into the outer tank 20 as the second water supply flow rate Y by subtracting the measured water supply time from the amount of water used (S407).

[0125] Next, the control unit 201 determines whether the difference between the first feedwater flow rate X and the second feedwater flow rate Y is within a specified range, i.e., is equal to or greater than a negative first specified value A and equal to or less than a positive second specified value B (S408). If the difference between the first feedwater flow rate X and the second feedwater flow rate Y is outside the specified range (S408: NO), the control unit 201 causes the display unit 70 to notify the user that a malfunction has occurred in the flowmeter 160 (S409).

[0126] According to this modification, by measuring the water supply time required to reach the set water level, the second water supply flow rate Y can be obtained using the set water level (the amount of water used corresponding to the set water level).

[0127] <Other changes> In the above embodiment, in the abnormality determination process shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 201 measures the time required for the water level in the outer tub 20 to rise by a specified rise amount, and calculates the second water supply flow rate Y based on the measured time and the specified rise amount (S301-S303). However, in the abnormality determination process shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 201 may detect the rise amount of the water level in the outer tub 20 within a specified time using the water level detection unit 50, and calculate the second water supply flow rate Y based on the detected rise amount and the specified time.

[0128] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in step S205 of the liquid supply process shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 201 determines the water supply flow rate into the outer tank 20 when both water supply valves 111, 112 are opened as the first water supply flow rate X based on the flow rate detected by the flow meter 160. However, the control unit 201 may determine the water supply flow rate into the outer tank 20 when only the first water supply valve 111 is opened as the first water supply flow rate X. In this case, in the abnormality determination process shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 201 determines the water supply flow rate into the outer tank 20 when only the first water supply valve 111 is opened as the second water supply flow rate Y by measuring the time required for the water level in the outer tank 20 to rise by a specified rise amount with the second water supply valve 112 closed.

[0129] 6, when the control unit 201 determines that the flowmeter 160 is malfunctioning because the difference between the first feedwater flow rate X and the second feedwater flow rate Y is outside a specified range, the control unit 201 immediately causes the display unit 70 to notify the user that the flowmeter 160 is malfunctioning (S305: NO→S306). However, when the control unit 201 determines that the flowmeter 160 is malfunctioning in the abnormality determination process, the control unit 201 may wait until the water level in the outer tub 20 reaches a predetermined water level, thereby completing the supply of water to the outer tub 20, and then cause the display unit 70 to notify the user that the flowmeter 160 is malfunctioning.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water supply device 100 is configured such that a flow pipe 161, which is a bypass water passage, is arranged between the first water passage 131 through which water from the first water supply valve 111 flows and the second water passage 132 through which water from the second water supply valve 112 flows, the detergent tank 140 and the fabric softener tank 150 are connected to the second water passage 132 and the first water passage 131, respectively, and detergent flows out from the detergent tank 140 into the second water passage 132 due to negative pressure generated in the bypass water passage (flow pipe 161) and the second water passage 132 when water flows through the first water passage 131, and fabric softener flows out from the fabric softener tank 150 into the first water passage 131 due to negative pressure generated in the bypass water passage and the first water passage 131 when water flows through the second water passage 132. The flow meter 160 detects the amount of detergent and fabric softener flowing out in the bypass water passage.

[0131] However, the water supplying device is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. For example, the fully automatic washing machine 1 may include a water supplying device 300 having a configuration as shown in FIG.

[0132] The water supply device 300 includes a first water passage 331 through which water from a first water supply valve 311 flows, and a second water passage 332 through which water from a second water supply valve 312 flows. The first water passage 331 and the second water passage 332 are connected to a water inlet portion 320 having a water inlet 321. A detergent tank 340 and a fabric softener tank 350 are connected to the first water passage 331 via a first pipe 342 having a first valve 341 and a second pipe 352 having a second valve 351, respectively. A flow meter 360 and a pump 370 are disposed in the first water passage 331 downstream of the connection position of the detergent tank 340 and the fabric softener tank 350. A water flow pipe 361 of the flow meter 360 constitutes a part of the first water passage 331. The first water supply valve 311 and the second water supply valve 312 constitute a water supply valve unit 310 , and the first water passage 331 and the second water passage 332 constitute a water supply passage 330 .

[0133] When the water supply device 300 is provided, a liquid supply process different from that in FIG. 5 is executed in the water supply process in FIG. 4. That is, in the water supply process in the washing process, the control unit 201 operates the pump 370 with the first valve 341 open. The suction force generated by the operation of the pump 370 causes the detergent to flow out of the detergent tank 340 into the first water passage 331, flow through the running water pipe 361, and accumulate in the first water passage 331 upstream of the pump 370. At this time, the control unit 201 detects the amount of detergent flowing out using the flow meter 360. Similarly, in the water supply process in the rinsing process, the control unit 201 operates the pump 370 with the second valve 351 open. The suction force generated by the operation of the pump 370 causes the fabric softener to flow out of the fabric softener tank 350 into the first water passage 331, flow through the running water pipe 361, and accumulate in the first water passage 331 upstream of the pump 370. At this time, the control unit 201 detects the outflow amount of the fabric softener using the flow meter 360. After the liquid supply process, when the first water supply valve 311 and the second water supply valve 312 are opened to supply water into the outer tub 20, the detergent or fabric softener stored in the first water passage 331 is washed away by the water flowing through the first water passage 331 and poured into the outer tub 20.

[0134] In the liquid agent supply process, before operating the pump 370, the control unit 201 opens the first water supply valve 311 and detects the flow rate of water flowing through the first water passage 331 with the flow meter 360. Then, based on the detected flow rate, the control unit 201 determines the water supply flow rate into the outer tank 20 when both the first water supply valve 311 and the second water supply valve 312 are opened as the first water supply flow rate X. At this time, a ratio between the water flow rate from the first water supply valve 311 and the water flow rate from the second water supply valve 312 is determined in advance by an experiment or the like, and the first water supply flow rate X is determined using this flow rate ratio. Note that the control unit 201 may detect the flow rate with the flow meter 360 and determine the first water supply flow rate X in the abnormality determination process of FIG. 6 instead of in the liquid agent supply process.

[0135] 10, the second water supply valve 312 and the second water passage 332 may be eliminated. In this case, the water supply device 300 has only one first water supply valve 311. Furthermore, the control unit 201 sets the flow rate detected by the flow meter 360 as the first water supply flow rate X.

[0136] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 201 closes the second water supply valve 112 when a first time has elapsed since both water supply valves 111, 112 were opened in the liquid agent supply process shown in Fig. 5. However, the control unit 201 may close the first water supply valve 111 after the first time has elapsed. In this case, the control unit 201 determines the flow rate of water from the second water supply valve 112 based on the flow rate detected by the flow meter 160, and determines the first water supply flow rate X by doubling the flow rate.

[0137] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the manner of notification by the display unit 70, for example, the displayed error code, may be different between a case where the difference between the first feed water flow rate X and the second feed water flow rate Y is smaller than the first specified value A, i.e., a case where a malfunction occurs in which the flow rate detected by the flowmeter 160 is smaller than normal, and a case where the difference between the first feed water flow rate X and the second feed water flow rate Y is larger than the second specified value B, i.e., a case where a malfunction occurs in which the flow rate detected by the flowmeter 160 is larger than normal. This allows the user to know whether the amount of detergent or fabric softener put into the outer tub 20 is more or less than normal.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the load amount detection step, the current value flowing through drive motor 31 while pulsator 24 is rotating is detected as the load applied to drive unit 30 when pulsator 24 rotates, and the load amount of laundry in washing and spinning tub 22 is detected based on the current value. However, as the load, the inertial rotation time and the number of inertial rotations when drive motor 31 rotates by inertia together with pulsator 24 due to the stop of power supply to drive motor 31 may be detected, and the load amount of laundry may be detected based on the inertial rotation time and the number of inertial rotations. In this case, fully automatic washing machine 1 is provided with a rotation detection unit that detects the rotation of drive motor 31 instead of current detection unit 80.

[0139] Furthermore, the water level detection unit 50 is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and may have any configuration as long as it can detect the water level in the outer tub 20. Similarly, the flow meter 160 is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and may have any configuration as long as it can detect the outflow amount of the liquid agent or fabric softener and the flow rate of water.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a fully automatic washing machine 1 has been shown. However, the present invention can also be applied to washing machines other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, for example, drum type washing machines having a horizontal shaft type drum as an inner tub inside an outer tub. The present invention can also be applied to fully automatic washer-dryers and drum type washer-dryers having a drying function.

[0141] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1. Fully automatic washing machine (washing machine) 10. Chassis 20 Outer tank 22 Washing and spinning tub (inner tub) 24 Pulsator (load detector) 31 Drive motor (load detection unit) 50 Water level detector 70 Display unit (notification unit) 80 Current detection section (load detection section) 100 Water supply equipment 110 Water supply valve unit 111 First water supply valve (water supply valve) 112 Second water supply valve (water supply valve) 130 Water supply channel 131 First waterway 132 2nd waterway 140 Detergent tank (liquid tank) 150 Fabric softener tank (liquid tank) 160 Flow meter 161 Flow pipe (bypass channel) 171 First check valve 172 Second check valve 201 Control section

Claims

1. an outer tank disposed within the housing and configured to store water; An inner tank rotatably disposed within the outer tank; A water supply device that supplies water into the outer tank; a water level detection unit for detecting a water level in the outer tank; A notification section; A control unit, The water supply device is a water supply valve unit having one or more water supply valves and connected to a water faucet; a water supply passage through which water from the water supply valve unit flows toward the outer tub; A liquid agent tank connected to the water supply passage and configured to store a washing liquid agent; a flow meter disposed in the water supply passage so as to detect an amount of the liquid agent flowing out from the liquid agent tank to the water supply passage and a flow rate of water flowing through the water supply passage, The amount of liquid agent supplied to the water supply passage based on the detection by the flow meter is washed away by the water flowing through the water supply passage and poured into the outer tank; The control unit is A flow rate of water supplied to the outer tub is calculated as a first flow rate of water supplied based on the flow rate of water detected by the flow meter; A flow rate of water supplied to the outer tub is calculated as a second flow rate of water supplied to the outer tub based on an amount of rise in the water level in the outer tub and a time required for the water level to rise by the amount of rise. When the difference between the first feedwater flow rate and the second feedwater flow rate is outside a specified range, the notification unit is caused to issue a notification indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the flowmeter. A washing machine characterized by:

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, the water supply valve unit includes a first water supply valve and a second water supply valve; The water supply passage includes a first water passage connected to the first water supply valve, a second water passage connected to the second water supply valve, and a bypass water passage extending between the first water passage and the second water passage and perpendicular to these water passages; A liquid agent tank in which a liquid detergent is stored is connected to the second water passage downstream of the bypass water passage as the liquid agent tank, and a fabric softener tank in which a liquid fabric softener is stored is connected to the first water passage downstream of the bypass water passage as the liquid agent tank, A first check valve that opens when water flows from upstream to downstream is disposed in the first water passage downstream of a connection position of the softener tank, a second check valve that opens when water flows from upstream to downstream is disposed in the second water passage downstream of a connection position of the detergent tank; The control unit is opening the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve to allow water to flow through the first water passage and the second water passage for a first time; after a second time has elapsed since the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve were closed, when a detergent is to be supplied to the water supply passage, the first water supply valve is opened to allow water to flow into the first water passage, and when a fabric softener is to be supplied to the water supply passage, the second water supply valve is opened to allow water to flow into the second water passage; The flow meter includes: Located in the bypass waterway, When the first water supply valve is opened after the second time has elapsed, the amount of detergent flowing out from the detergent tank is detected; When the second water supply valve is opened after the second time has elapsed, the amount of fabric softener flowing out of the fabric softener tank is detected. A washing machine characterized by:

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, The control unit is After the first time has elapsed, one of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve is closed; a flow rate of water flowing through the bypass water passage from the other water supply valve is detected by the flow meter to determine the first water supply flow rate, and then the other water supply valve is closed. A washing machine characterized by:

4. In the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit is While the water supply device is supplying water into the outer tub, the water level detection unit detects an amount of rise in the water level in the outer tub, The second supply water flow rate is calculated based on the detected amount of rise and the time required for the water level to rise by the detected amount of rise. A washing machine characterized by:

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, The inner tub is a washing and spin-drying tub having a pulsator disposed at the bottom thereof, The washing and drying machine further includes a load amount detection unit that detects the load amount of laundry contained in the washing and drying tub, The control unit is setting the specified time based on the load amount such that the larger the load amount, the longer the specified time; start detecting the amount of rise in the water level in the outer tub based on the lapse of the specified time from the start of water supply into the outer tub; A washing machine characterized by:

6. In the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The washing machine further includes a load amount detection unit that detects a load amount of laundry contained in the inner tub, The control unit is measuring a water supply time from when water supply into the outer tub is started to when the water level detection unit detects that the water level in the outer tub has reached a set water level that is set according to the load amount; The second water supply flow rate is calculated based on an amount of rise in the water level in the outer tub from when there is no water in the outer tub until the water level reaches the set water level, and the water supply time required for the water level to rise by the amount of rise. A washing machine characterized by:

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