Washing machine and method

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which can suppress an increase in the types of operation patterns capable of being executed by the washing machine.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a washing tub for accommodating laundry; a first tank for accommodating a first agent; a second tank for accommodating a second agent; a first automatic injection device connected to the first tank, for injecting the first agent into the washing tub; a second automatic injection device connected to the second tank, for injecting the second agent into the washing tub; an operation part for receiving an agent setting on the types of the first agent and the second agent; a storage part for storing an allowable combination of the first agent and the second agent which can be received; and a control part for controlling the operation part so that the setting is received from the allowable combination.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, if a user puts liquid agents of his / her choice into each tank, the number of operation patterns that the washing machine can execute increases.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problem and to provide a washing machine that can limit the types of operating patterns that the washing machine can execute. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a washing tub for storing laundry, a first tank for storing a first agent, a second tank for storing a second agent, a first automatic dispensing device connected to the first tank for dispensing the first agent into the washing tub, a second automatic dispensing device connected to the second tank for dispensing the second agent into the washing tub, an operation unit for accepting agent settings regarding the types of the first agent and second agent, a memory unit for storing acceptable permitted combinations of the first agent and the second agent, and a control unit for controlling the operation unit to accept settings from the permitted combinations.

[0008] A method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for controlling a washing machine including a washing tub for holding laundry, a first tank for holding a first agent, a second tank for holding a second agent, a first automatic dispensing device connected to the first tank for dispensing the first agent into the washing tub, and a second automatic dispensing device connected to the second tank for dispensing the second agent into the washing tub, the method including storing acceptable permitted combinations of the first agent and the second agent, and accepting agent settings regarding the types of the first agent and the second agent from the permitted combinations. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a washing machine can be provided that can suppress the types of operation patterns that the washing machine can execute. [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] Perspective view of the automatic insertion unit [Diagram 3] Schematic diagram of the automatic feeding unit [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 5A] A schematic diagram showing the state change of the display unit according to the operation of the operation unit. [Figure 5B] A schematic diagram showing the state change of the display unit according to the operation of the operation unit. [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the operation of setting agent and reference amount [Figure 7]A table showing an example of a combination of drug settings that constitutes an allowed combination. [Figure 8A] Schematic diagram of an operation display unit according to a modified example. [Figure 8B] Schematic diagram of an operation display unit according to a modified example. [Figure 8C] Schematic diagram of an operation display unit according to a modified example. [Figure 9A] Schematic diagram of an operation display unit according to embodiment 2. [Figure 9B] Schematic diagram of an operation display unit according to embodiment 2. [Figure 9C] Schematic diagram of an operation display unit according to embodiment 2. [Figure 9D] Schematic diagram of an operation display unit according to embodiment 2. [Figure 9E] Schematic diagram of an operation display unit according to embodiment 2. [Figure 10A] Schematic diagram of an operation and display unit according to embodiment 3. [Figure 10B] Schematic diagram of an operation and display unit according to embodiment 3. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing the operation of setting the agent and the reference amount in the third embodiment. 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] <Washing tub> The washing tub 4 is a generally 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. The washing tub 4 is formed with a large number of through holes 40. The through holes 40 communicate 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. When the user of the washing machine 1 opens the door 21, the user can put laundry 15 into the washing tub 4 through the openings 20, 31, and 41.

[0016] <Drive unit> The driving unit 5 is a member that rotates the washing tub 4 around the central axis V0. The driving unit 5 has, for example, a motor that rotates the washing tub 4.

[0017] <Automatic insertion unit> The automatic dosing unit 6 is a device that automatically supplies a predetermined amount of agent from a tank that stores enough agent for multiple uses to the outer tub 3. The predetermined amount of agent is an appropriate amount and type of agent determined by the control unit 12 according to, for example, 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 connecting flow path 8.

[0018] In this specification, the agent includes a liquid agent, a powder agent, or a tablet agent used for treating laundry 15 such as clothes and towels. The agent includes a detergent, a fabric softener, a neutral detergent, a bleaching agent, a disinfectant, a deodorizer, a fragrance agent, a laundry starch, and other laundry auxiliary agents. In the first embodiment, an example in which the agent is a liquid agent will be described.

[0019] The automatic dispensing unit 6 includes a case 61, tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C (tanks 62B and 62C are not shown), pump mechanisms 63A, 63B, and 63C (pump mechanisms 63B and 63C are not shown), and a liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0020] <Connection flow path> The connection flow path 8 is a flow path for connecting the automatic dosing unit 6 and the outer tub 3. The connection flow path 8 extends downward from the automatic dosing unit 6 to the opening 33 of the outer tub 3.

[0021] <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.

[0022] <Drain valve> The drain valve 11 is configured to be openable and closable, and when opened, allows the water stored in the outer tub 3 to be drained through an opening 35 of the outer tub 3. The drain valve 11 is provided in the lower part of the housing 2.

[0023] <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 operation buttons as the operation unit, and has a character display and an LED as the display unit. The operation display unit 14 is provided on the front surface of the housing 2 at a position where the user can operate and view it.

[0024] The operation display unit 14 accepts agent settings related to the types of agents contained in the tanks 62A to 62C. The agent settings of the tanks 62A to 62C are input to the operation display unit 14 by the user. In the first embodiment, the agent settings of an agent are types of agents, such as "detergent," "fabric softener," "bleach," and "neutral detergent." On the other hand, the agent settings of an agent may be other settings related to information for identifying an agent. For example, the agent settings of an agent may be the brand of the agent, or agent characteristics such as liquidity and polarity.

[0025] The combinations of agent settings in the tanks 62A-62C are classified into two types: permitted combinations and prohibited combinations. The permitted combinations are combinations of agent settings that are permitted in advance to be stored in the tanks 62A-62C at the same time. The permitted combinations may be combinations of agent settings that are predetermined by the manufacturer of the washing machine 1. Combinations other than the permitted combinations are prohibited combinations. In other words, the prohibited combinations are combinations of agent settings that are prohibited in advance from being stored in the tanks 62A-62C at the same time. The prohibited combinations may be combinations of agent settings that are not expected to be used by users, taking into account the contents of the operation course or the volumes of the tanks 62A-62C.

[0026] When the combination of agent settings for the tanks 62A-62C corresponds to a permitted combination, the agent setting can be accepted on the operation display unit 14. In other words, the operation display unit 14 accepts the combination of agent settings for the tanks 62A-62C from among the permitted combinations. When the combination of agent settings for the tanks 62A-62C corresponds to a prohibited combination, the agent setting cannot be accepted on the operation display unit 14.

[0027] The operation display unit 14 further receives a reference amount setting related to the amount of the liquid agent contained in the tanks 62A to 62C to be dispensed per unit amount of water. The reference amount setting for the tanks 62A to 62C is input by the user to the operation display unit 14. In the first embodiment, the reference amount setting for the liquid agent is a numerical value of the amount of the liquid agent to be dispensed per a predetermined amount of water, such as "30 mL."

[0028] <Control Unit> Control unit 12 is 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 calls up and executes a program stored in storage unit 13 to realize various controls in washing machine 1. Control unit 12 is not limited to a controller 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] Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the drive unit 5, the automatic dispensing unit 6, the water supply device 10, the drain valve 11, and the operation display unit 14. The control unit 12 controls the automatic dispensing unit 6, the water supply device 10, the drain valve 11, and the operation display unit 14 to execute a predetermined operation pattern. The operation pattern is an operation of the washing machine 1 executed by the control unit 12, and differs depending on the selected operation course, the liquid agent dispensed in the operation course, and the tanks 62A-62C in which the liquid agent is stored. That is, even in the same operation course, the operation pattern executed by the control unit 12 differs depending on the liquid agent dispensed and which of the tanks 62A-62C contains the liquid agent.

[0030] <Storage section> The storage unit 13 is a recording medium for recording various information and control programs. The storage unit 13 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 permitted combinations of drug settings. In the first embodiment, the storage unit 13 stores combinations of types of liquid drugs as permitted combinations. When the drug settings of the liquid drugs are settings other than the types of liquid drugs, the storage unit 13 may store combinations of other settings of the liquid drugs as permitted combinations.

[0032] The storage unit 13 stores the agent setting and the reference amount setting received by the operation display unit 14. Therefore, once the agent setting and the reference amount setting are performed, the user can omit setting the agent setting and the reference amount each time an operating course is executed. On the other hand, when the agent setting and the reference amount setting are changed, the storage unit 13 stores the changed setting in place of the setting before the change. In other words, the storage unit 13 temporarily stores the agent setting and the reference amount setting received by the operation display unit 14 until they are updated.

[0033] Next, a more detailed structure of the automatic feeding unit 6 will be described. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the automatic feeding unit 6. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the automatic feeding unit 6.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic dispensing unit 6 has a case 61, tanks 62A to 62C, pump mechanisms 63A to 63C, and a liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0035] Case 61 is a container with an open top so as to accommodate three tanks 62A to 62C. A liquid agent discharge flow path 64 and water supply device 10 are connected to a rear surface 57 of case 61. Pump mechanisms 63A, 63B, 63C are connected to the respective tanks 62A to 62C via rear surface 57.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 3, case 61 has flow paths through which water or liquid agent flows below tanks 62A to 62C. Although one tank 62A and one pump mechanism 63A are shown in Fig. 3, the other tanks 62B to 62C and pump mechanisms 63B to 63C have the same configuration.

[0037] Returning to Fig. 2, the tanks 62A to 62C are containers for storing liquid agents, and are housed in the case 61 lined up on the outer side K1 (the horizontal direction away from the central axis V0 in Fig. 1). The depth and volume of the three tanks 62A to 62C increase toward the outer side K1. The tanks 62A to 62C are removable from the case 61 so that they can be replenished when the remaining amount of liquid agent becomes low.

[0038] The pump mechanisms 63A, 63B, and 63C are devices that suck up a predetermined amount of liquid from the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively, and discharge the liquid into the liquid discharge flow path 64 to supply the liquid to the outer bath 3.

[0039] A liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is connected below the pump mechanisms 63A to 63C. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is a flow path member having an inlet and an outlet connected to the case 61. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 returns water flowing in from the case 61 to the case 61 by merging it with the liquid agent discharged from the pump mechanisms 63A to 63C.

[0040] Next, the flow of water and liquid agent in the automatic dispensing unit 6 will be described.

[0041] First, the supply of water will be described. Water supplied from the water supply device 10 falls from the top of the case 61 toward the bottom of the case 61. As shown in Fig. 3, the water that flows into the case 61 passes under the tanks 62A to 62C along the bottom of the case 61 and is fed into the outer tank 3 via the connection flow path 8 (Fig. 2). A part of the water that flows into the case 61 flows from the case 61 into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, flows through the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, flows into the case 61 again, and is fed into the outer tank 3 via the connection flow path 8.

[0042] Next, the flow of the liquid agent will be described. The liquid agent is sucked out laterally from the tank 62A by the pump mechanism 63A, and discharged downward toward the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. In the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, the liquid agent merges with the water that has flowed into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 from the case 61. The liquid agent flows through the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 together with the water, and flows into the case 61. Thereafter, the liquid agent is supplied to the outer tank 3 together with the water via the connection flow path 8. That is, the liquid agent is supplied to the outer tank 3 by the flow of water generated when water is supplied.

[0043] Next, a more detailed description will be given of the structure of the operation and display unit 14. FIG.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the operation display unit 14 includes an operation unit 16 and a display unit 17.

[0045] The operation unit 16 has a plurality of operation buttons 16A to 16E. The operation buttons 16A to 16C correspond to the tanks 62A to 62C, respectively, and switch the operation display unit 14 between a state in which settings of the liquid agent contained in the corresponding tank can be accepted and a state in which changing of the settings is restricted. The operation buttons 16D to 16E are buttons for changing the respective settings in a state in which settings of the liquid agent can be accepted.

[0046] By operating the operation button 16A, the control unit 12 switches the operation display unit 14 between a state in which the agent setting of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62A can be accepted, a state in which the standard amount setting of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62A can be accepted, and a state in which the change of the setting is restricted. By operating the operation button 16B, the control unit 12 switches the operation display unit 14 between a state in which the agent setting of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62B can be accepted, a state in which the standard amount setting of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62B can be accepted, and a state in which the change of the setting is restricted. By operating the operation button 16C, the control unit 12 switches the operation display unit 14 between a state in which the agent setting of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C can be accepted, a state in which the standard amount setting of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C can be accepted, and a state in which the change of the setting is restricted.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the operation buttons 16A to 16C have displays of tank numbers (TANK 1 to TANK 3) for identifying the corresponding tanks 62A to 62C, but may have other identification information.

[0048] The operation buttons 16D to 16E are operated to change the agent setting when agent setting is available. The operation buttons 16D to 16E are operated to increase or decrease the reference amount when reference amount setting is available. Specifically, the operation button 16D is a button for increasing the reference amount, and the operation button 16E is a button for decreasing the reference amount.

[0049] Display unit 17 has a plurality of agent displays 17A-17C and a reference amount display 17D. Agent displays 17A-17C correspond to tanks 62A-62C, respectively, and display agent settings of the liquid agent contained in the corresponding tanks. Reference amount display 17D displays the reference amount setting of the liquid agent contained in tanks 62A-62C.

[0050] Each of the drug displays 17A to 17C has a display that indicates drug setting options and changes the display state depending on whether or not the option is selected. Specifically, each of the drug displays 17A to 17C has a plurality of character displays that indicate the characters of the drug setting options, and a lighting unit (not shown) that independently changes the lighting state of each character display. In the first embodiment, the character displays of each of the drug displays 17A to 17C include displays of four drug setting options, namely "Liquid Drug 1", "Liquid Drug 2", "Liquid Drug 3", and "Liquid Drug 4". However, the drug displays 17A to 17C are not limited to this, and may display other numbers of options. The drug displays 17A to 17C may display different options. In the first embodiment, the lighting units are LEDs.

[0051] The drug display 17A to 17C lights up one drug setting in the character display to display the input drug setting. When the operation buttons 16D to 16E are operated, the input drug setting is changed, and the lighting state of the drug display 17A to 17C changes accordingly.

[0052] The reference amount display 17D has a display that displays the reference amount setting. The reference amount display 17D may be a 7-segment display or an LCD display. When the operation buttons 16D to 16E are operated, the input reference amount setting is changed, and the reference amount setting displayed on the reference amount display 17D is increased or decreased accordingly.

[0053] A more detailed description will be given of changes in the agent display 17A caused by operations on the operation unit 16. Figures 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing changes in the state of the display unit 17 caused by operations on the operation unit 16.

[0054] Consider a case where "Liquid 1" is set as the agent setting of tank 62A in a state where agent settings for tank 62A can be accepted. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5A, "Liquid 1" is lit in agent display 17A. When operation button 16E is pressed in a state where "Liquid 1" is lit, "Liquid 1" is turned off in agent display 17A and another character display, "Liquid 2", is lit, as shown in FIG. 5B. The fact that "Liquid 2" is lit indicates a state where "Liquid 2" has been selected as the agent setting for tank 62A. By operating operation button 16E, the agent setting can be changed from the currently selected agent setting to another agent setting.

[0055] When all the drug settings are acceptable, although this is not shown, pressing the operation button 16E while "Liquid Drug 2" is on will light up "Liquid Drug 3", and pressing the operation button 16E while "Liquid Drug 3" is on will light up "Liquid Drug 4". Pressing the operation button 16E while "Liquid Drug 4" is on will light up "Liquid Drug 1" again.

[0056] On the other hand, when the operation button 16D is pressed while "Liquid Medication 2" is lit, "Liquid Medication 1" is lit. By operating the operation button 16D, the medication setting can be changed from the currently selected medication setting to another medication setting.

[0057] The user may input the agent settings by operating operation buttons different from those described above.

[0058] [Operation] Next, the operation of setting the agent and the reference amount using the operation and display unit 14 will be described.

[0059] The user executes the agent setting and the reference amount setting when putting a new liquid agent into at least one of the tanks 62A to 62C. Specifically, the user executes the agent setting and the reference amount setting when putting a liquid agent different from the liquid agent that was in the tanks 62A to 62C until just before, or when putting a liquid agent into the tanks 62A to 62C for the first time after purchasing the washing machine 1.

[0060] The user may execute the agent setting and the reference amount setting before or after pouring the liquid agent into the tanks 62A to 62C. By executing the agent setting before pouring the liquid agent into the tanks 62A to 62C, the user can know whether the liquid agent to be poured corresponds to a prohibited combination or not. Therefore, it is easier to prevent the prohibited combination from being stored in the tanks 62A to 62C.

[0061] In the following, an example will be described in which tank 62C is filled with a liquid agent different from the liquid agent that was previously filled therein.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of setting the agent and the reference amount.

[0063] First, the user presses and holds down the operation button 16C. As shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the operation button 16C has been pressed and held down (S30).

[0064] If the operation button 16C has not been pressed and held (No in S30), the control unit 12 repeats step S30.

[0065] When the operation button 16C is pressed and held (Yes in S30), the control unit 12 switches the operation display unit 14 from a restricted state in which changes to settings are restricted to a drug setting state in which drug settings for the liquid drug contained in the tank 62C can be accepted (S31).

[0066] The restricted state means a state in which the settings regarding automatic dispensing are not changed even when the operation buttons 16D to 16E are operated. The drug setting state means a state in which the drug setting (i.e., the lighting state of the drug display 17C) is changed in response to the operation of the operation buttons 16D to 16E. By causing the control unit 12 to switch the state of the operation display unit 14 in response to a long press of the operation button 16C, it is possible to prevent the user from unintentionally changing the drug setting.

[0067] In the first embodiment, while the settings related to the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C are being input, the operation button 16C is turned off, but the operation button 16C may be turned on.

[0068] Next, the control unit 12 acquires a remedy setting that can be accepted by the tank 62C based on the permitted combinations stored in the memory unit 13 and the remedy settings of the tanks 62A and 62B (S32). Specifically, the control unit 12 refers to the memory unit 13 and acquires a remedy setting that can be accepted by the tank 62C from among "Liquid 1" to "Liquid 4."

[0069] The storage unit 13 stores combinations of agent settings constituting permitted combinations in association with the identification information of each of the tanks 62A to 62C. FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of a combination of agent settings constituting permitted combinations. As shown in FIG. 7, when the agent setting of the tank 62A is "Liquid 1" and the agent setting of the tank 62B is "Liquid 2", the agent setting that can be accepted by the tank 62C is "Liquid 3" or "Liquid 4", as shown by hatching in FIG. 7. Therefore, the control unit 12 acquires "Liquid 3" and "Liquid 4" as acceptable agent settings.

[0070] Next, the operation display unit 14 accepts the agent setting of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C (S33). The user operates the operation buttons 16D to 16E to input the agent setting of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C from among "Liquid Agent 3" and "Liquid Agent 4". Specifically, the user presses the operation buttons 16D to 16E once or multiple times until the option for the agent setting that the user wants to input is lit up in the agent display 17C.

[0071] In the drug setting state, the control unit 12 controls the display unit 17 so as to display acceptable drug setting options ("Liquid Drug 3", "Liquid Drug 4") in a different manner than unacceptable drug setting options ("Liquid Drug 1", "Liquid Drug 2"). The control unit 12 controls the display unit 17 so that "Liquid Drug 3" and "Liquid Drug 4" are turned on in order in the drug display 17C. The control unit 12 controls the display unit 17 so as to limit the lighting of "Liquid Drug 1" and "Liquid Drug 2" in the drug display 17C, and to maintain the off state.

[0072] Specifically, when the user presses the operation button 16E once while "Liquid Agent 3" is on, the control unit 12 controls the display unit 17 to light up "Liquid Agent 4". When the user presses the operation button 16E once more, the control unit 12 controls the display unit 17 to light up "Liquid Agent 3". Similarly, when the user operates the operation button 16D, the lighting of "Liquid Agent 4" and then "Liquid Agent 3" are displayed repeatedly in sequence. Even if the user operates the operation buttons 16D to 16E, the options of "Liquid Agent 1" and "Liquid Agent 2" are skipped.

[0073] Next, the user briefly presses the operation button 16C. In response to the short press of the operation button 16C, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the operation display unit 14 has accepted a change in the agent setting of the tank 62C (S34). Specifically, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the input agent setting matches the agent setting of the tank 62C stored in the memory unit 13.

[0074] If the agent setting has not been changed (No in S34), the control unit 12 switches the operation display unit 14 to the restricted state (S35), after which the control unit 12 ends the operation.

[0075] If the drug setting has been changed (Yes in S34), the control unit 12 stores the input drug setting in the storage unit 13 (S36).

[0076] Next, the control unit 12 initializes the reference amount setting of the tank 62C stored in the memory unit 13 (S37). Specifically, the control unit 12 erases the reference amount setting of the tank 62C stored in the memory unit 13. On the other hand, the control unit 12 may set the reference amount setting of the tank 62C stored in the memory unit 13 to a default value. By setting the default value to 10 mL or less, it is possible to prevent oversupply of the liquid agent regardless of the agent setting.

[0077] Next, the control unit 12 switches the operation display unit 14 from the agent setting state to a reference amount setting state in which the reference amount setting of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C can be accepted (S38). The reference amount setting state means a state in which the reference amount setting is changed in response to the operation of the operation buttons 16D to 16E.

[0078] In the reference amount setting state, the operation display unit 14 displays the initialized reference amount setting on the reference amount display 17D. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the operation display unit 14 displays "10 mL" on the reference amount display 17D. If the reference amount setting is erased, the reference amount display 17D may display a screen indicating that the reference amount has not been set, such as a blank field.

[0079] Returning to FIG. 6, operation display unit 14 then accepts the setting of the reference amount of the liquid contained in tank 62C (S39). The user operates operation buttons 16D-16E to input the reference amount setting of the liquid contained in tank 62C. Specifically, the user presses operation buttons 16D-16E once or multiple times until the reference amount that the user wants to input is displayed in reference amount display 17D. For example, pressing operation button 16D once increases the reference amount in 1 mL increments, and pressing operation button 16E once decreases the reference amount in 1 mL increments.

[0080] Next, the user briefly presses the operation button 16C. In response to the short pressing of the operation button 16C, the control unit 12 stores the input reference amount setting in the storage unit 13 (S40).

[0081] Next, the control unit 12 switches the operation display unit 14 from the reference amount setting state to the limiting state (S41), after which the control unit 12 ends the operation.

[0082] By the above operation, the agent settings of the tanks 62A to 62C can be changed so that the changed combination falls within the permitted combination.

[0083] In the above operation example, the liquid agent contained in one tank 62C is changed, but the liquid agent contained in the other tanks 62A and 62B may be changed. Also, the liquid agent contained in a plurality of tanks 62A to 62C may be changed.

[0084] When changing the liquid agent contained in the multiple tanks 62A to 62C, before changing the agent setting, the control unit 12 may erase the agent setting before the change of the tank to be changed from the storage unit 13. By such an operation, it is possible to prevent the agent setting of the new liquid agent from being restricted by the agent setting before the change.

[0085] For example, when changing the liquid agent in tank 62B and tank 62C, control unit 12 erases the agent settings of tank 62B and tank 62C before the change from memory unit 13. Here, consider a case where agent settings of tank 62B are performed first. When control unit 12 acquires acceptable agent settings (S32) in the agent settings of tank 62B, only the agent settings of tank 62A are taken into consideration because the agent settings of tank 62C have been erased. In other words, the agent settings of tank 62C before the change that have been erased are not taken into consideration. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the agent settings of tank 62B being unduly restricted with respect to acceptable agent settings.

[0086] When changing the liquid agent in tank 62B and tank 62C, control unit 12 may erase the agent settings in tank 62B and tank 62C based on a specific operation by the user (e.g., if operation display unit 14 has a reset button for erasing the agent settings, pressing the reset button).

[0087] When changing the liquid agents contained in the multiple tanks 62A to 62C, the user may set the agent in any order. The order in which the user sets the agent may be determined in advance.

[0088] [summary] The above description is summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0089] In the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment, a user puts various types of liquid agents into each of the tanks 62A-62C depending on preferences and how the washing machine 1 is used. If all combinations of agent settings were permitted in the tanks 62A-62C, the number of operation patterns of the washing machine 1 would be enormous. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the combinations of liquid agents that can be contained in the tanks 62A-62C are limited in advance to permitted combinations, thereby reducing the number of operation patterns of the washing machine 1. In agent setting, the control unit 12 causes the operation display unit 14 to skip options for agent settings that correspond to prohibited combinations, thereby reducing erroneous input of prohibited combinations by the user.

[0090] By limiting the combination of liquid agents to permitted combinations in advance, firstly, it is possible to limit combinations of liquid agents or brands that, when mixed, may cause chemical reactions such as the generation of an unpleasant odor, the generation of dangerous gas, or the precipitation of solids, or may result in a decrease in the cleaning effect. Secondly, it is possible to eliminate combinations that the manufacturer of the washing machine 1 has determined to be wasteful, such as a combination in which two of the tanks 62A to 62C contain the same type of liquid agent. Thirdly, since the options for setting the liquid agents are reduced, it becomes easier for the user to operate the operation display unit 14.

[0091] In addition, after changing the agent setting in one of the tanks 62A to 62C, the reference amount stored in the memory unit 13 is initialized. Therefore, compared to the case where the reference amount input for the agent before the change is inherited, it is possible to prevent the use of a reference amount that does not correspond to the changed agent setting in the operating course. Therefore, it becomes easy to add an appropriate amount in automatic addition. By preventing the agent from being supplied in excess of the reference amount, it is possible to prevent waste of agent and damage to laundry. By preventing the agent from being supplied in less than the reference amount, it is possible to prevent the effect of the operating course from becoming insufficient.

[0092] [effect] The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0093] The washing machine 1 of the first embodiment includes a washing tub 4, a first tank (tank 62A) that contains a first agent, a second tank (tank 62C) that contains a second agent, a first automatic dispenser (pump mechanism 63A), and a second automatic dispenser (pump mechanism 63C). The washing tub 4 contains laundry. The pump mechanism 63A is connected to the tank 62A and dispenses the first agent into the washing tub 4. The pump mechanism 63C is connected to the tank 62C and dispenses the second agent into the washing tub 4. The washing machine 1 includes an operation unit 16 that accepts agent settings regarding the types of the first agent and the second agent, a memory unit 13 that stores acceptable permitted combinations of the first agent and the second agent, and a control unit 12 that controls the operation unit 16 to accept settings from the permitted combinations.

[0094] With this configuration, it is possible to restrict the acceptance of prohibited combinations other than the permitted combinations stored in advance in the agent settings for the multiple tanks 62A-62C. By reducing the number of acceptable agent setting combinations, it is possible to simplify the control of the washing machine 1. Furthermore, by making it impossible to accept combinations that the user will probably not use, it is possible to simplify the agent setting operation and improve the convenience of the washing machine 1.

[0095] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 12 controls the operation unit 16 to limit acceptable agent settings for the second agent, based on the agent settings and permitted combinations for the first agent.

[0096] With this configuration, it is possible to limit the acceptance of prohibited combinations based on one tank 62A.

[0097] Moreover, the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment further includes a display unit 17 capable of displaying options for setting the first and second agents. The display unit 17 displays acceptable options and unacceptable options in different ways.

[0098] With this configuration, the display unit 17 can display acceptable options to the user, thereby preventing the user from mistakenly selecting an unacceptable option.

[0099] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the memory unit 13 stores agent settings for the first and second agents, and reference amount settings for the input amounts of the first and second agents per unit amount of water. When the operation unit 16 accepts a change in the agent setting for the first agent, the control unit 12 controls the operation unit 16 to be able to accept the reference amount setting for the first agent.

[0100] With this configuration, the user can set a reference amount that is suitable for the changed agent settings.

[0101] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, when the operation unit 16 accepts a change in the agent setting for the first agent, the control unit 12 controls the operation unit 16 to change from a first state (agent setting state) in which the agent setting for the first agent can be accepted to a second state (reference amount setting state) in which the standard amount setting for the first agent can be accepted.

[0102] With this configuration, the control unit 12 can prompt the user to set a reference amount suitable for the changed agent setting.

[0103] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the operation unit 16 accepts a change in the agent setting for the first agent, the control unit 12 initializes the reference amount setting for the first agent.

[0104] With this configuration, the control unit 12 can suppress the application of a reference amount that is not suitable for the changed agent settings during automatic dispensing.

[0105] In addition, the method of controlling the washing machine 1 of embodiment 1 includes storing acceptable permitted combinations of the first agent and the second agent, and accepting agent settings regarding the types of the first agent and the second agent from the permitted combinations.

[0106] With this configuration, in the agent settings for the multiple tanks 62A to 62C, it is possible to restrict acceptance of prohibited combinations other than the permitted combinations stored in advance.

[0107] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0108] In the first embodiment, the washing machine 1 has three tanks 62A to 62C, but the present invention is not limited to this. The washing machine 1 may have any number of tanks equal to or greater than two. In this case, the washing machine 1 has the same number of pump mechanisms as the tanks.

[0109] In the first embodiment, an example in which the operation display unit 14 has the operation unit 16 and the display unit 17 as separate components has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. As will be described in a second embodiment below, the operation display unit 14 may have a liquid crystal touch panel that integrally has an operation unit and a display unit.

[0110] In the first embodiment, an example in which the user inputs the reference amount setting through the operation display unit 14 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reference amount setting may be input through an application stored in the user's smartphone. In this case, the control unit 12 further has a communication unit for communicating with an external device such as a smartphone. In addition, the control unit 12 may refer to a library stored in an external device or server based on the agent setting to acquire the corresponding reference amount setting. In other words, the storage unit 13 may be provided in an external server, and the operation display unit 14 may be provided in the application.

[0111] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 12 skips unacceptable drug settings in the drug settings to make them unselectable, thereby differentiating the display of acceptable drug settings from unacceptable drug settings, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit 12 may make the display of acceptable drug settings and unacceptable drug settings different on the display unit 17 by other methods that can be recognized by the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the display unit 17 may have additional LEDs corresponding to the respective character displays, and may light or blink only the LEDs corresponding to the selectable drug settings. In addition, the control unit 12 may restrict the display of unacceptable drug settings on the display unit 17. As shown in FIG. 8B, when the display unit 17 is a display, the display unit 17 may not display the unacceptable drug setting ("liquid drug 2"). As shown in FIG. 8C, the display unit 17 may display the unacceptable drug setting ("liquid drug 2") in a grayed-out manner.

[0112] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 12 controls the operation display unit 14 to accept drug settings from permitted combinations by making it impossible to select drug settings that cannot be accepted, but the present invention is not limited to this. As will be described in a third embodiment below, the operation display unit 14 may accept input of an identifier associated with the permitted combination.

[0113] In the first embodiment, the options for the agent setting include "Liquid Agent 1" to "Liquid Agent 4", but are not limited thereto. For example, the operation display unit 14 may have "No Setting" as an option for the agent setting, which indicates a state in which no agent setting has been made in the corresponding tank. The agent displays 17A to 17C may display "No Setting". Furthermore, the operation display unit 14 may indicate the selection of "No Setting" by turning off the character display of the agent displays 17A to 17C.

[0114] In the first embodiment, the control unit 12 determines whether the drug setting has been changed, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit 12 may omit the determination and switch the operation display unit 14 to the reference amount setting state after accepting the drug setting.

[0115] The arrangement of the agent displays 17A-17C and the operation buttons 16A-16C on the operation display unit 14 may correspond to the arrangement of the tanks 62A-62C in the washing machine 1. For example, the arrangement of the agent displays 17A-17C and the operation buttons 16A-16C may correspond to the arrangement of the tanks 62A-62C as seen by a user standing in front of the housing 2.

[0116] (Embodiment 2) Figures 9A to 9E are schematic diagrams of the operation display unit 114 according to embodiment 2. Figures 9A to 9C show a drug setting screen on which the user inputs drug settings. Figures 9D to 9E show a reference amount setting screen on which the user inputs a reference amount setting.

[0117] Washing machine 1 in the second embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment in that operation display unit 114 has a liquid crystal touch panel. Note that operation display unit 114 is not limited to a liquid crystal touch panel, and may have, for example, a combination of physical buttons and a display.

[0118] Unless otherwise specified, the configuration and operation of washing machine 1 in embodiment 2 are common to the configuration and operation of washing machine 1 in embodiment 1. The following describes the differences from embodiment 1.

[0119] 9A to 9E, operation display unit 114 has a liquid crystal touch panel that can be operated by a user of washing machine 1. Operation display unit 114 may change the information being displayed in response to a user's operation.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 9A, the operation display unit 114 displays a plurality of agent displays 117A-117C on the agent setting screen. The agent displays 117A-117C display agent settings of the liquid agents contained in the respective tanks 62A-62C in association with the identification information of the tanks. Specifically, the agent display 117A displays the identification information of the tank 62A ("Tank 1") and the agent setting of the tank 62A ("Liquid Agent 1") within one frame. The agent displays 117B and 117C also have similar displays for the corresponding tanks 62B and 62C.

[0121] 9B and 9C show screen transitions when the user changes the agent settings. In the following, an example in which the user changes only the agent settings of the tank 62A will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 9B, when changing the agent setting of the tank 62A from "liquid agent 1", the user presses the agent display 117A corresponding to the tank 62A. In response to the pressing of the agent display 117A, the control unit 12 controls the operation display unit 114 to develop and display an option 127A of agent settings. The control unit 12 acquires agent settings that can be accepted by the tank 62A in advance based on the permitted combinations stored in the storage unit 13 and the agent settings of the tanks 62B and 62C. The operation display unit 114 displays the acceptable agent settings as the option 127A. In other words, the operation display unit 114 does not display an unacceptable agent setting in the option 127A. In the example shown in FIG. 9B, the operation display unit 114 displays "liquid agent 1", "liquid agent 2", and "liquid agent 4" as acceptable agent settings in the option 127A. On the other hand, "liquid agent 3" is not displayed in the option 127A, and the user cannot select "liquid agent 3".

[0123] When the drug setting options 127A are displayed, the control unit 12 may control the operation display unit 114 to display the selected option differently from the other options. For example, the control unit 12 may light up the selected option and turn off the other options.

[0124] The user selects and presses one option ("Liquid Medication 2") from among the expanded options 127A.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 9C, the control unit 12 changes the agent setting of the tank 62A to the pressed option, and causes the agent display 117A to display the changed agent setting.

[0126] The control unit 12 determines whether the agent setting of the tank 62A has been changed. When the change in agent setting has been accepted, the control unit 12 switches the display of the operation display unit 114 from the agent setting screen to the reference amount setting screen corresponding to the tank for which the change in agent setting has been accepted. In addition, the control unit 12 initializes the reference amount setting of the tank 62A stored in the memory unit 13.

[0127] As shown in Fig. 9D, the operation display unit 114 displays a reference amount display 119 on a reference amount setting screen for the tank 62A. The reference amount display 119 displays the reference amount of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62A. Because the reference amount has been initialized, the reference amount display 119 may display information to the effect that the reference amount has not been set. As shown in Fig. 9E, the user may press the reference amount display 119 to select and input a reference amount from options displayed.

[0128] The operation display unit 114 may display the agent settings of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62A on a reference amount setting screen for the tank 62A.

[0129] Although an example in which unacceptable drug settings are not displayed when the drug setting options 127A are expanded has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit 12 may display unacceptable drug settings in the options 127A by graying them out.

[0130] The operation display unit 114 may further display an input setting display. The input setting display displays whether or not the automatic input setting for the liquid agent contained in the tank 62A is set. If the automatic input setting for the liquid agent is not set, the automatic input of the liquid agent is not executed in the operation course. If the automatic input setting for the liquid agent is set, the automatic input of the liquid agent is executed in the operation course. When the operation display unit 114 accepts a change in the agent setting, the control unit 12 may switch the automatic input setting to "none" and cause the input setting display to display that the automatic input setting is not set.

[0131] (Embodiment 3) 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of operation display unit 214 according to the third embodiment.

[0132] Washing machine 1 in the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that operation display unit 214 accepts input of an identifier associated with an allowed combination.

[0133] Unless otherwise specified, the configuration and operation of washing machine 1 in embodiment 3 are common to the configuration and operation of washing machine 1 in embodiment 1. The following describes the differences from embodiment 1.

[0134] As shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, in the third embodiment, the operation display unit 214 accepts drug settings by inputting a combination identification number 19. The combination identification number 19 is an identifier associated with an allowed combination. The combination identification number 19 is pre-stored in the storage unit 13. As shown in Fig. 7, for example, the storage unit 13 stores a correspondence relationship between the combination identification numbers 19 (left row) and the allowed combinations as a table.

[0135] The operation display unit 214 accepts all of the agent settings for the tanks 62A to 62C at once, based on the permitted combination corresponding to the input combination identification number 19. This can reduce the user's effort in inputting agent settings.

[0136] 7 and 10A, when the combination identification number 19 is "5," the operation display unit 214 accepts "Liquid 2" as the agent setting for tank 62A, "Liquid 1" as the agent setting for tank 62B, and "Liquid 4" as the agent setting for tank 62C. On the other hand, when the combination identification number 19 is "6," as shown in Fig. 7 and 10B, the operation display unit 214 accepts "Liquid 3" as the agent setting for tank 62A, "Liquid 2" as the agent setting for tank 62B, and "Liquid 2" as the agent setting for tank 62C.

[0137] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the operation / display unit 214 includes an operation unit 216 and a display unit 217.

[0138] The operation unit 216 has a plurality of operation buttons 216A-216B and a setting button 216C. The operation buttons 216A-216B are buttons for changing the respective settings when the drug setting or reference amount setting is in a state in which the drug setting or reference amount setting can be accepted. The setting button 216C is a button for switching the operation display unit 214 between a drug setting state, a reference amount setting state, and a limited state.

[0139] In the agent setting state, the operation buttons 216A to 216B are operated to change the combination identification number 19. The user inputs a desired combination identification number 19 into the operation display unit 214 using the operation buttons 216A to 216B.

[0140] In the reference amount setting state, the operation buttons 216A to 216B are further operated to increase or decrease the reference amount.

[0141] The display unit 217 has a plurality of agent displays 17A to 17C and a setting display 217D.

[0142] The agent displays 17A to 17C display agent settings included in the permitted combination corresponding to the identification number input by the user. Specifically, in the agent displays 17A to 17C, character displays displaying agent settings included in the permitted combination are lit. In response to a change in the identification number, the lighting state of the agent displays 17A to 17C is changed. By inputting the identification number while checking the lighting state of the agent displays 17A to 17C, the user can more reliably input the desired agent settings.

[0143] As shown in Fig. 10A, when the combination identification number 19 is "5," "Liquid 2," "Liquid 1," and "Liquid 4" are lit up in the agent displays 17A to 17C. As shown in Fig. 10B, when the combination identification number 19 is "6," "Liquid 3," "Liquid 2," and "Liquid 2" are lit up in the agent displays 17A to 17C.

[0144] In the agent setting state, the setting display 217D displays an identification number associated with the permitted combination. In the reference amount setting state, the setting display 217D displays the reference amount.

[0145] Next, a description will be given of the operation of setting the agent and the reference amount using the operation display unit 214. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of setting the agent and the reference amount in the third embodiment.

[0146] First, the user presses and holds down the setting button 216C. As shown in Fig. 11, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the setting button 216C has been pressed and held down (S110).

[0147] If the setting button 216C is not pressed and held (No in S110), the control unit 12 repeats step S110.

[0148] When the setting button 216C is pressed and held (Yes in S110), the control unit 12 switches the operation display unit 214 from the restricted state to the agent setting state (S111). Entry of the combination identification number 19 on the operation display unit 214 becomes possible.

[0149] Next, the operation display unit 214 accepts the combination identification number 19 (S112). The user operates the operation buttons 216A to 216B to input the combination identification number 19. The user may input the combination identification number 19 while checking the instruction manual of the washing machine 1. The user may also input the combination identification number 19 while checking the agent displays 17A to 17C.

[0150] Next, the user briefly presses the setting button 216C. In response to the short pressing of the setting button 216C, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the combination identification number 19 has been changed in step S112 (S113). Specifically, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the input combination identification number 19 matches the combination identification number 19 of the washing machine 1 stored in the storage unit 13 (i.e., the combination identification number before the change).

[0151] If the combination identification number 19 has not been changed (No in S113), the control unit 12 switches the operation display unit 214 to the restricted state (S114), and then the control unit 12 ends the operation.

[0152] When the combination identification number 19 is changed (Yes in S113), the control unit 12 identifies a changed agent having agent settings different from those of the combination identification number 19 before the change, among the liquid agents included in the permitted combination associated with the input combination identification number 19 (S115). The changed agent is one, two, or three of the liquid agents contained in the tanks 62A to 62C.

[0153] Next, the control unit 12 stores the input combination identification number 19 in the storage unit 13 (S116).

[0154] Next, the control unit 12 initializes the reference amount setting of the modifying agent stored in the storage unit 13 (S117).

[0155] Next, the control unit 12 switches the operation display unit 214 from the agent setting state to a reference amount setting state in which the reference amount setting of the modified agent can be accepted (S118). By having the operation display unit 214 accept the reference amount setting of only the modified agent, the user's effort can be reduced compared to the case where the reference amount settings of all liquid agents are re-entered.

[0156] Next, the operation display unit 214 receives a reference amount setting of the conversion agent (S119). The user operates the operation buttons 216A to 216B to input the reference amount setting.

[0157] When there are multiple modification agents, the operation display unit 214 may sequentially accept the reference amount setting for each modification agent. When the reference amount setting for one modification agent is completed, the user may briefly press the setting button 216C. In response to the brief pressing of the setting button 216C, the control unit 12 may accept the reference amount setting for another modification agent.

[0158] In step S118, the setting display 217D may display information about the tank in which the modification agent is contained, along with the reference amount setting of the modification agent. Such a display can inform the user of the tank in which the reference amount setting of the liquid agent contained is being input.

[0159] Next, the user briefly presses the setting button 216C. In response to the short pressing of the setting button 216C, the control unit 12 stores the input reference amount setting in the storage unit 13 (S120). Furthermore, the control unit 12 switches the operation display unit 214 from the reference amount setting state to the limit state (S121). Thereafter, the control unit 12 ends the operation.

[0160] In the third embodiment, an example has been described in which the identifier for identifying the permitted combination is combination identification number 19, but the present invention is not limited to this. The identifier for identifying the permitted combination may be any identifier including information for identifying each permitted combination stored in storage unit 13, and may be, for example, a color, a symbol, a name, or a figure. The identifier for identifying the permitted combination may be an identifier associated with the contents of an operation course of washing machine 1.

[0161] In the third embodiment, an example in which the user inputs the combination identification number 19 through the operation display unit 214 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the combination identification number 19 may be input through an application stored in the user's smartphone. In this case, the control unit 12 further has a communication unit for communicating with an external device such as a smartphone. Furthermore, the control unit 12 may refer to a library stored in an external device or server based on the combination identification number 19 to obtain a corresponding reference amount setting. In other words, the storage unit 13 may be provided in an external server, and the operation display unit 214 may be provided in the application.

[0162] Note that the embodiment 3 may be combined with the embodiment 1. For example, the user may input the combination identification number 19 to the operation display unit 214, and then change the agent setting of one of the tanks 62A to 62C.

[0163] The washing machine in the first aspect includes a washing tub for storing laundry, a first tank for storing a first agent, a second tank for storing a second agent, a first automatic dispensing device connected to the first tank for dispensing the first agent into the washing tub, a second automatic dispensing device connected to the second tank for dispensing the second agent into the washing tub, an operation unit for accepting agent settings regarding the types of the first agent and the second agent, a memory unit for storing acceptable permitted combinations of the first agent and the second agent, and a control unit for controlling the operation unit to accept settings from the permitted combinations.

[0164] As a washing machine in a second aspect, in the washing machine in the first aspect, the control unit controls the operation unit to limit the agent settings that can be accepted as the second agent based on the agent settings and permitted combinations of the first agent.

[0165] In a third aspect, the washing machine in the second aspect further includes a display unit capable of displaying options for setting the first and second agents, and the control unit controls the display unit to display acceptable options and unacceptable options in different ways.

[0166] As the washing machine in a fourth aspect, in the washing machine in the third aspect, the control unit controls the display unit to restrict the display of unacceptable options.

[0167] As a washing machine in a fifth aspect, in the washing machine in any of the second to fourth aspects, the memory unit stores agent settings for the first and second agents and standard amount settings for the input amounts of the first and second agents per unit amount of water, and when the operation unit accepts a change to the agent setting for the first agent, the control unit controls the operation unit so as to be able to accept the standard amount setting for the first agent.

[0168] As a sixth aspect, in the washing machine of the fifth aspect, when the operation unit accepts a change to the agent setting for the first agent, the control unit controls the operation unit to change from a first state in which the agent setting for the first agent can be accepted to a second state in which a standard amount setting for the first agent can be accepted.

[0169] In a seventh aspect, in the washing machine of the fifth or sixth aspect, when the operation unit accepts a change to the agent setting for the first agent, the control unit initializes the reference amount setting for the first agent.

[0170] As a washing machine in an eighth aspect, in the washing machine in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the memory unit further stores an identifier associated with the permitted combination, and the control unit controls the operation unit to accept the identifier.

[0171] In a ninth aspect, the washing machine according to the eighth aspect further includes a display unit that displays the agent settings included in the permitted combination associated with the received identifier.

[0172] As a washing machine in a tenth aspect, in the washing machine in the ninth aspect, the display unit displays the accepted identifier.

[0173] In a washing machine in an 11th aspect, in a washing machine in any of the 8th to 10th aspects, the memory unit stores agent settings for the first and second agents and standard amount settings for the agent input amounts per unit water volume for the first and second agents, and when the operation unit accepts a change of the identifier from the first identifier to the second identifier, the control unit controls the operation unit so as to be able to accept the standard amount setting of a changed agent having an agent setting different from that of the first identifier, among the agents included in the allowed combination associated with the second identifier.

[0174] As a washing machine in a 12th aspect, in the washing machine in the 11th aspect, when the operation unit accepts a change in the identifier, the control unit controls the operation unit to change from a third state in which the identifier can be accepted to a fourth state in which a standard amount setting of the changing agent can be accepted.

[0175] In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, in the washing machine according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, when the operation unit accepts a change in the identifier, the control unit initializes a setting of a reference amount of the modifying agent.

[0176] A method in a fourteenth aspect is a method for controlling a washing machine having a washing tub for storing laundry, a first tank for storing a first agent, a second tank for storing a second agent, a first automatic dispensing device connected to the first tank for dispensing the first agent into the washing tub, and a second automatic dispensing device connected to the second tank for dispensing the second agent into the washing tub, the method including storing acceptable permitted combinations of the first agent and the second agent, and accepting agent settings regarding the types of the first agent and the second agent from the permitted combinations.

[0177] 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]

[0178] 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) because it can suppress mixing of the agents when multiple agents are added in a specified process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0179] 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 16 Control section 17 Display 19 Combination Identification Number 61 cases 62A~62C Tank 63A~63C Pump mechanism 64 Liquid discharge flow path 114 Operation display section 214 Operation display section 216 Operation section 217 Display section

Claims

1. A washing tub for storing laundry; a first tank containing a first agent; a second tank containing a second agent; A first automatic dispenser connected to the first tank and configured to dispense a first agent into the washing tub; A second automatic dispenser connected to the second tank for dispensing a second agent into the washing tub; an operation unit that accepts settings regarding the types of the first agent and the second agent; a storage unit that stores acceptable combinations of the first agent and the second agent; A control unit that controls the operation unit to accept settings from the permitted combination.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the operation unit to limit agent settings that can be accepted as the second agent based on agent settings for the first agent and the permitted combination.

3. A display unit capable of displaying options for setting the first agent and the second agent is further provided, The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit controls the display unit so as to display acceptable options and unacceptable options in different ways.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit controls the display unit to restrict display of options that cannot be accepted.

5. the storage unit stores agent settings for a first agent and a second agent and a reference amount setting for the input amount of the first agent and the second agent per unit amount of water; The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein when the operation unit accepts a change in an agent setting for a first agent, the control unit controls the operation unit so as to be able to accept a reference amount setting for the first agent.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein when the operation unit accepts a change in the agent setting for the first agent, the control unit controls the operation unit to change from a first state in which the agent setting for the first agent can be accepted to a second state in which a standard amount setting for the first agent can be accepted.

7. The washing machine according to claim 5 , wherein when the operation unit accepts a change in the agent setting for the first agent, the control unit initializes a reference amount setting for the first agent.

8. The storage unit further stores an identifier associated with the permitted combination, The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the operation unit to accept an identifier.

9. The washing machine according to claim 8, further comprising a display unit that displays the agent settings included in the permitted combination associated with the received identifier.

10. The washing machine according to claim 9 , wherein the display unit displays the received identifier.

11. the storage unit stores agent settings for a first agent and a second agent and a reference amount setting for an agent input amount per unit amount of water for the first agent and the second agent; The washing machine according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein when the operation unit accepts a change of the identifier from a first identifier to a second identifier, the control unit controls the operation unit so as to accept a standard amount setting of a changed agent having an agent setting different from that of the first identifier, among the agents included in the permitted combination associated with the second identifier.

12. The washing machine according to claim 11, wherein when the operation unit accepts a change in the identifier, the control unit controls the operation unit to change from a third state in which the identifier can be accepted to a fourth state in which a reference amount setting of the changing agent can be accepted.

13. The washing machine according to claim 11, wherein when the operation unit accepts a change in the identifier, the control unit initializes a setting of the reference amount of the modifying agent.

14. A method for controlling a washing machine comprising: a washing tub for accommodating laundry; a first tank for accommodating a first agent; a second tank for accommodating a second agent; a first automatic dispenser connected to the first tank for dispensing the first agent into the washing tub; and a second automatic dispenser connected to the second tank for dispensing the second agent into the washing tub, storing acceptable permitted combinations of the first agent and the second agent; and accepting a drug setting relating to a type of a first drug and a second drug from the permitted combination.

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