Washing machine and method

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of automatically feeding a liquid agent with improved convenience.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a water bath; a tank for storing liquid agent; an automatic feeding part that automatically feeds the liquid agent stored in the tank; and a control part that controls the operation of the automatic feeding part based on automatic feeding ON / OFF setting whether the liquid agent stored in the tank is automatically fed or not. The tank incudes a first tank capable of accommodating a first liquid agent. The control part executes a first control of presenting an automatic feeding of OFF as default as the automatic feeding ON / OFF setting of the liquid agent accommodated in the first tank, in all operation courses allowing automatic feeding of the liquid agent accommodated in the first tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

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, a flow path communicating with the washing tub, and an operation unit. The automatic dispenser dispenses the liquid agents stored in the respective tanks into the flow path. The operation unit receives operation conditions related to the operation course. [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, the washing machine described in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of the convenience of the washing machine with regard to automatic dispensing of liquid agents.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problem and to provide a washing machine that improves the convenience of the washing machine with regard to automatic dispensing of liquid agents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a water tub, a tank for containing a liquid agent, an automatic dispensing unit for automatically dispensing the liquid agent contained in the tank into the water tub, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the automatic dispensing unit based on an automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting regarding whether or not to perform automatic dispensing of the liquid agent contained in the tank, wherein the tank includes a first tank capable of containing a first liquid agent, and the control unit executes a first control that presents automatic dispensing OFF as a default as the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting for the liquid agent contained in the first tank in all operating courses in which automatic dispensing of the liquid agent contained in the first tank is possible.

[0008] A method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for controlling a washing machine including a water tub, a first tank capable of containing a first liquid agent, and an automatic dispensing unit that automatically dispenses the liquid agent contained in the first tank into the water tub, and includes executing a first control that presents automatic dispensing OFF as a default as an automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting for whether or not to automatically dispense the liquid agent contained in the first tank in all operating courses in which automatic dispensing of the liquid agent contained in the first tank is possible. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a washing machine can be provided that has improved convenience in terms of automatic dispensing of liquid agents. [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 control executed by the control unit [Diagram 5] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 7] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 8] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 9] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 10] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 11] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 12A] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 12B] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 13] Flowchart of control for continuous power ON / OFF setting [Figure 14] Flowchart of course setting reception control [Figure 15A] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 15B] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 15C] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 16] First control flow chart [Figure 17A] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 17B] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 17C] Schematic diagram of the operation display section [Figure 18A] Schematic diagram of an operation display unit according to embodiment 2. [Figure 18B] Schematic diagram of an operation display unit according to embodiment 2. [Figure 18C] Schematic diagram of an operation display unit according to embodiment 2. [Figure 19] Schematic diagram of a washing machine and an external terminal according to a third embodiment. [Figure 20] Schematic diagram of the external terminal display [Figure 21A] Schematic diagram of the external terminal display [Figure 21B] Schematic diagram of the external terminal display [Figure 21C] Schematic diagram of the external terminal display [Figure 21D] Schematic diagram of the external terminal display [Figure 21E] Schematic diagram of the external terminal display 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 liquid from a tank that stores enough liquid for multiple washes to the outer tub 3. The predetermined amount of liquid is, for example, an appropriate amount and type of liquid determined by the control unit 12 according to the contents of the washing 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 liquid agent is a liquid agent used for treating laundry 15 such as clothes and towels, and includes detergents, fabric softeners, neutral detergents for delicates, bleaches, disinfectants, deodorizers, fragrances, laundry starches, and other laundry auxiliaries, etc. The neutral detergents for delicates may be called detergents for delicates or neutral detergents.

[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] Tanks 62A and 62B contain a predetermined type of liquid agent. Specifically, tank 62A contains a detergent, and tank 62B contains a fabric softener. Tank 62C contains a type of liquid agent arbitrarily selected by the user. In the first embodiment, the user selects bleach or delicate detergent and places it in tank 62C. Note that tanks 62A and 62B may also contain a type of liquid agent arbitrarily selected by the user.

[0021] <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.

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

[0023] <Drain valve> The drain valve 11 is configured to be openable and closable, and when opened, 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.

[0024] <Operation display section> Operation display unit 14 is a device for allowing the user to operate washing machine 1 and displaying various information to the user. 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, operation display unit 14 has a liquid crystal touch panel that integrally has an operation unit and a display unit. Operation display unit 14 is provided on the front surface of housing 2 at a position that can be operated and viewed by the user.

[0025] The operation display unit 14 is capable of displaying various screens. A user can operate (press) the display on each screen. The operation display unit 14 can change the display in response to a user operation.

[0026] Through the operation display unit 14, the user can input information relating to the operation of the washing machine 1, such as the selection of an operation course, the automatic loading setting, and the like.

[0027] The automatic dispensing setting is a setting related to automatic dispensing of the liquid contained in the tanks 62A to 62C. The automatic dispensing setting includes the type of liquid, a reference amount, and a dispensing setting.

[0028] The operation display unit 14 further includes a start button 14A that starts an operating course when pressed. For example, the start button 14A is a physical button.

[0029] <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.

[0030] Through the user's operation on the operation display unit 14, the control unit 12 receives information regarding the operation of the washing machine 1, such as an automatic loading setting and a selection of an operation course. The control unit 12 stores the received information in the storage unit 13 in response to a predetermined operation by the user (for example, pressing the OK button).

[0031] <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.

[0032] The storage unit 13 stores the type of liquid, the reference amount, and the injection setting. Therefore, the user does not need to input the automatic injection setting every time an operating course is executed. On the other hand, when the automatic injection setting is changed, the storage unit 13 stores the changed automatic injection setting instead of the automatic injection setting before the change. In other words, the storage unit 13 temporarily stores the automatic injection setting until it is updated.

[0033] Here, the automatic dispensing settings, i.e., the type of liquid, the reference amount, and the dispensing settings, will be described in more detail.

[0034] As the type of liquid, the user can input the type of liquid contained in tank 62C to operation display unit 14. Since the types of liquid contained in tanks 62A and 62B are fixed, the user can omit inputting the types of liquid contained in tanks 62A and 62B. In the first embodiment, the user selects one of two types of liquid in tank 62C, "bleach" and "delicate detergent."

[0035] The types of liquid agents are classified into essential agents and auxiliary agents. An essential agent is a liquid agent that is essential to be added in a selected operation course. In other words, an essential agent is a liquid agent used to exert the effect of the operation course. Essential agents include, for example, detergents and fabric softeners. Auxiliary agents are liquid agents that are optional to be added in a selected operation course. In other words, auxiliary agents are liquid agents used to improve the effect of an essential agent or to assist an essential agent. An auxiliary agent may exert an effect different from that of an essential agent. Auxiliary agents include, for example, bleach, disinfectants, deodorizers, air fresheners, etc. The memory unit 13 may store liquid agents classified as essential agents and liquid agents classified as auxiliary agents.

[0036] As the reference amount of the liquid agent, the user can input the amount of the liquid agent contained in the tanks 62A to 62C per unit amount of water to the operation display unit 14. In the first embodiment, the reference amount is a numerical value of the amount of the liquid agent to be added per a predetermined amount of water (e.g., 30 L).

[0037] As the liquid agent supply settings, the user can input to the operation display unit 14 an automatic supply ON / OFF setting, a supply amount adjustment setting, and a constant supply ON / OFF setting for the liquid agent contained in the tanks 62A to 62C.

[0038] The automatic supply ON / OFF setting is a setting that indicates whether or not automatic supply of liquid agent by the pump mechanisms 63A to 63C is executed in a certain operation course. The control unit 12 controls the operation of the pump mechanisms 63A to 63C based on the automatic supply ON / OFF setting. Specifically, when the automatic supply ON is set, the control unit 12 executes automatic supply of liquid agent, and when the automatic supply OFF is set, the control unit 12 does not execute automatic supply of liquid agent.

[0039] The dosage adjustment setting is a setting for adjusting the dosage amount of the liquid agent relative to a reference amount. In the first embodiment, the dosage adjustment setting is selected from three dosage levels: "large," "standard," and "small." Each dosage level corresponds to a magnification factor by which the reference amount is multiplied.

[0040] The constant injection ON / OFF setting is a setting that indicates whether or not automatic injection ON is always applied in an operation course in which liquid agent can be injected.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the control unit 12 displays options of "more", "standard", "less", and "none" on the operation display unit 14 as options for setting the amount of liquid agent dispensed, and accepts any one of the options.

[0042] When "none" is accepted as the supply setting, the control unit 12 accepts automatic supply OFF in the automatic supply ON / OFF setting. When automatic supply OFF is selected, the control unit 12 restricts the acceptance of the supply amount adjustment setting and the constant supply ON / OFF setting.

[0043] When the control unit 12 receives any one of "more", "standard", or "less" as the input setting, the control unit 12 receives automatic input ON in the automatic input ON / OFF setting. When automatic input is ON, the control unit 12 receives any one of "more", "standard", or "less" in the input amount adjustment setting. When automatic input is ON, the control unit 12 can further receive a constant input ON / OFF setting.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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, and 63C are connected to tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively, via rear surface 57.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Returning to Fig. 2, the tanks 62A to 62C are containers for storing the liquid agent, and are accommodated in a state of being lined up on the outer side K1 (horizontal direction away from the central axis V0 in Fig. 1) in the case 61. The depths and volumes of the three tanks 62C, 62B, 62A increase in order toward the outer side K1. The tanks 62A to 62C are removable from the case 61 so that the remaining amount of the liquid agent can be replenished when it becomes low.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Next, the flow of water and liquid agent in the automatic dispensing unit 6 will be described.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] [control] Next, a description will be given of the control executed to accept the automatic loading setting. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the control executed by the control unit 12. As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 12 has a basic setting acceptance control and a course setting acceptance control as the controls executed to accept the automatic loading setting.

[0055] In the basic setting acceptance control, the control unit 12 accepts the automatic filling setting for the tanks 62A to 62C at a stage before the user selects an operation course. The control unit 12 stores the setting accepted in the basic setting acceptance control in the memory unit 13 as the basic setting.

[0056] On the other hand, in the course setting acceptance control, after the user selects a driving course and before the driving course is started, the control unit 12 determines whether to present basic settings or settings different from the basic settings for the driving course. That is, the control unit 12 determines the automatic input settings to be presented for the driving course.

[0057] The control unit 12 may apply the proposed automatic input settings. Here, "applying the settings" means determining the settings as the settings to be used by the control unit 12 in automatic input. Note that after applying a certain setting, it is possible to change the setting before executing automatic input.

[0058] In the first embodiment, the control unit 12 does not store the settings applied in the course setting acceptance control in the memory unit 13. That is, the control unit 12 does not inherit the contents of the course setting acceptance control during the previous operation at the next operation. Note that the control unit 12 may store the settings applied in the course setting acceptance control in the memory unit 13.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 4, in the course setting acceptance control, the control unit 12 can execute the first control, the second control, and the third control. The control unit 12 determines which control to execute based on the type of liquid agent, the constant injection ON / OFF setting, etc. A detailed determination method will be described later.

[0060] When the liquid agent is an auxiliary agent and dispensing is always OFF, the control unit 12 executes the first control. In the first control, the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting presents automatic dispensing OFF as the default setting.

[0061] When the liquid agent is an auxiliary agent and the supply is always ON, the control unit 12 executes the second control. In the second control, the automatic supply ON / OFF setting is set to ON as a default setting. Note that in the second control, the control unit 12 may set ON the automatic supply and also set the supply adjustment amount setting set in the basic setting as a default setting.

[0062] When the liquid agent is an essential agent, the control unit 12 executes the third control. In the third control, in the automatic dosing ON / OFF setting, the basic setting (automatic dosing ON or automatic dosing OFF) is presented as the default setting. Note that in the third control, the control unit 12 may present the dosing adjustment amount setting set in the basic setting together with automatic dosing ON as the default setting.

[0063] In the first, second and third controls, the user can change the automatic power-on ON / OFF setting from the default setting.

[0064] Next, the basic setting acceptance control and the course setting acceptance control will be described in detail.

[0065] [1. Basic Settings Admission Control] In the following, the basic setting acceptance control will be described with respect to the liquid stored in the tank 62C. Note that the basic setting acceptance control can be similarly executed with respect to the liquid stored in the tanks 62A and 62B. However, in the basic setting acceptance control of the tanks 62A and 62B, acceptance of the type of liquid is omitted.

[0066] The control unit 12 executes the basic setting acceptance control when the user puts liquid into the tanks 62A-62C for the first time after purchasing the washing machine 1. The control unit 12 also executes the basic setting acceptance control when the user changes the type of liquid contained in the tank 62C. The control unit 12 may execute the basic setting acceptance control in cases other than when the user changes the type of liquid contained in the tank 62C. For example, the control unit 12 may execute the basic setting acceptance control when the user changes the liquid contained in the tank 62C to a different brand of the same type.

[0067] 5 to 12B show schematic diagrams of the operation display unit 14. FIG.

[0068] 5, the operation display unit 14 displays a basic setting screen D1. The basic setting screen D1 displays tank displays 70A-70C corresponding to the tanks 62A-62C in a pressable manner. The tank displays 70A-70C display basic settings for the liquid agents in the tanks 62A-62C, respectively. In the basic setting screen D1, the tank 62A is displayed as "Tank 1," the tank 62B as "Tank 2," and the tank 62C as "Tank 3," but other identification information for identifying the tanks may also be displayed.

[0069] When the user presses tank display 70C corresponding to tank 62C, the operation display unit 14 displays a tank setting screen D2, as shown in Fig. 6. The tank setting screen D2 displays the type of liquid agent in tank 62C (type display 71), the reference amount (reference amount display 72), input settings (input setting display 73), a decision button 74, and a type change button 75 in a pressable manner.

[0070] When the user presses the type change button 75 on the tank setting screen D2, the operation display unit 14 displays a liquid agent type selection screen D3 as shown in Fig. 7. The liquid agent type selection screen D3 displays a first liquid agent display 76 and a second liquid agent display 77 corresponding to options for the type of liquid agent in a pressable manner. In the first embodiment, the first liquid agent display 76 corresponds to bleach, and the second liquid agent display 77 corresponds to delicate detergent. The display corresponding to the type of liquid agent stored (the second liquid agent display 77 in Fig. 7) may be displayed in an emphasized manner.

[0071] The user presses the display corresponding to the type of liquid agent to be selected ("Bleach" or "Delicate detergent"). The control unit 12 accepts the type of liquid agent corresponding to the pressed display. For example, in FIG. 7, when the user presses the first liquid agent display 76, the first liquid agent display 76 is highlighted as shown in FIG. 8.

[0072] When the user presses the decision button 80, the operation display unit 14 displays the tank setting screen D2 again, as shown in Fig. 9. The operation display unit 14 displays the changed liquid agent in the type display 71 of the tank setting screen D2.

[0073] When the type of liquid agent is changed, before transitioning to the tank setting screen D2, the control unit 12 may display a display on the operation display unit 14 to inform the user of the maintenance of the tank 62C. For example, the text "Please perform maintenance of the tank 62C" may be displayed. In addition, if the washing machine 1 has a speaker, the washing machine 1 may emit a sound to inform the user of the maintenance of the tank 62C.

[0074] When the user presses the reference amount display 72 on the tank setting screen D2 shown in FIG. 9, reference amount options 78 are displayed on the operation display unit 14 as shown in FIG. 10. The options 78 display the reference amount options in a selectable manner. The user can press a desired reference amount in the options 78. When a certain reference amount is pressed, the operation display unit 14 stores the option 78 and displays the pressed reference amount in the reference amount display 72 as shown in FIG. 11. The control unit 12 accepts the reference amount pressed in the option 78.

[0075] When the user presses the input setting display 73 on the tank setting screen D2 shown in FIG. 10, input setting options 79 are displayed on the operation display unit 14 as shown in FIG. 11. The options 79 display the input setting options in a selectable manner. The user can press a desired input setting from the options 79. When a certain input setting is pressed, the operation display unit 14 stores the option 79 and displays the pressed input setting on the input setting display 73 as shown in FIG. 12A.

[0076] When "None" is pressed, the control unit 12 accepts automatic feed OFF as the automatic feed ON / OFF setting, and does not accept the feed amount adjustment setting and the constant feed ON / OFF setting.

[0077] When "More", "Standard", or "Less" is pressed, the control unit 12 accepts "Automatic input ON" as the automatic input ON / OFF setting, and accepts the pressed input amount adjustment setting as the input amount adjustment setting. When the control unit 12 accepts "Automatic input ON", it further accepts the constant input ON / OFF setting.

[0078] The constant power ON / OFF setting will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flow chart of control relating to the constant power ON / OFF setting.

[0079] 13, first, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the liquid agent in the tank 62C corresponds to an auxiliary agent (S25). Specifically, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the type of liquid agent selected on the liquid agent type selection screen D3 corresponds to an auxiliary agent.

[0080] If the liquid agent does not correspond to the auxiliary agent, that is, corresponds to the essential agent (No in S25), the control unit 12 ends the control as it is. That is, the control unit 12 does not accept the constant input ON / OFF setting. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the operation display unit 14 does not display the constant input display 73A in the input setting display 73.

[0081] When the liquid agent corresponds to a supplementary agent (Yes in S25), the control unit 12 judges whether or not automatic dispensing ON has been accepted for the liquid agent in the tank 62C (S26).

[0082] If automatic feeding is OFF (No in S26), the control unit 12 ends the control. That is, the control unit 12 does not accept the constant feeding ON / OFF setting. In addition, the operation display unit 14 does not display the constant feeding display 73A in the feeding setting display 73.

[0083] Returning to FIG. 13, when automatic deposit is ON (Yes in S26), the control unit 12 causes the operation display unit 14 to display the constant deposit display 73A (S27). As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the operation display unit 14 displays the constant deposit display 73A in a pressable manner within the deposit setting display 73. In the first embodiment, the constant deposit display 73A includes a check box. The constant deposit display 73A displays the constant deposit ON / OFF setting depending on the state of the check box. Specifically, when the check box is not checked, constant deposit OFF is displayed (FIG. 12A). When the check box is checked, constant deposit ON is displayed (FIG. 12B).

[0084] Next, the control unit 12 accepts the continuous input ON / OFF setting (S28). Specifically, the control unit 12 accepts the continuous input ON / OFF setting in response to accepting the user pressing the continuous input display 73A. For example, when the user presses the continuous input display 73A with the check box checked, the control unit 12 accepts the switching from continuous input ON to continuous input OFF. When the user presses the continuous input display 73A with the check box unchecked, the control unit 12 accepts the switching from continuous input OFF to continuous input ON. Thereafter, the control unit 12 ends the control.

[0085] In the initial state immediately after purchasing the washing machine 1, the constant power ON / OFF setting is constant power OFF. To switch to constant power ON, the user must operate the constant power display 73A. The constant power ON / OFF setting will not switch to constant power ON unless the constant power display 73A is operated.

[0086] On the other hand, when the continuous supply ON / OFF setting is set to continuous supply ON, even if the continuous supply display 73A is not operated, the continuous supply ON / OFF setting may be switched to continuous supply OFF due to a change in other settings. Specifically, when a change in the type of liquid is accepted after the control unit 12 has accepted the continuous supply ON, the control unit 12 switches the continuous supply ON / OFF setting to continuous supply OFF. Also, when a change in the reference amount is accepted after the control unit 12 has accepted the continuous supply ON, the control unit 12 switches the continuous supply ON / OFF setting to continuous supply OFF. The control unit 12 stores the switched setting (continuous supply OFF) in the storage unit 13 as a basic setting. The control unit 12 may switch the continuous supply ON / OFF setting to continuous supply OFF on the condition that a change in the type of liquid or the reference amount is stored in the storage unit 13. The user can switch the continuous supply ON / OFF setting to continuous supply ON again by operating the continuous supply display 73A.

[0087] When switching the constant input ON / OFF setting to constant input OFF, the control unit 12 may further switch the automatic input ON / OFF setting to automatic input OFF ("none"), and may store the switched setting in the memory unit 13 as the basic setting.

[0088] Note that, when a change in the type or reference amount of liquid is accepted after accepting continuous supply ON, instead of or in addition to switching the continuous supply ON / OFF setting, the control unit 12 may present continuous supply OFF as a default. The control unit 12 may cause the operation display unit 14 to display continuous supply OFF.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 12B, when the user presses the decision button 74 on the tank setting screen D2, the control unit 12 stores the accepted type of liquid, reference amount, automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting, dispensing amount adjustment setting, and continuous dispensing ON / OFF setting in the memory unit 13 as basic settings.

[0090] 7 and 8, when the user presses the decision button 80 on the liquid type selection screen D3, the type of liquid accepted by the control unit 12 may be stored in the storage unit 13. In that case, the type of liquid stored in the storage unit 13 may be referenced on the tank setting screen D2, and initial information on the reference amount, automatic supply ON / OFF setting, supply amount adjustment setting, and continuous supply ON / OFF setting may be presented.

[0091] In summary, in the basic setting reception control, the control unit 12 stores the received type of liquid, reference amount, and input setting as basic settings in the storage unit 13. Note that the control unit 12 may receive the type of liquid, reference amount, and input setting in any order.

[0092] In the basic setting, when the types of liquid in tank 62A and tank 62C are the same and constant dispensing is ON for one of tanks 62A and 62C, control unit 12 may perform control to preferentially execute automatic dispensing from the tank with constant dispensing ON. For example, when tank 62A contains detergent and tank 62C contains detergent for delicates and constant dispensing is ON for tank 62A, control unit 12 executes automatic dispensing of detergent in tank 62A even in an operation course for washing delicate clothes.

[0093] [2. Course setting reception control] In the following, the course setting acceptance control will be described with respect to the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C.

[0094] First, a method for determining the control to be executed by the control unit 12 from the first control, the second control, and the third control in the course setting acceptance control will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 14 and Figs. 15A to 15C. Fig. 14 is a flowchart of the course setting acceptance control. Figs. 15A to 15C are schematic diagrams of the operation display unit 14 showing the course setting screen D4.

[0095] 14, the control unit 12 accepts the selection of an operating course (S31). Specifically, the control unit 12 accepts the selection of an operating course in response to a user's operation on the operation display unit 14. For example, the operation display unit 14 displays a plurality of operating courses, and the user selects and presses the operating course that he or she wishes to execute from the displayed operating courses.

[0096] Next, the control unit 12 determines whether or not a supply setting for the tank 62C is stored (S32). Specifically, the control unit 12 refers to the storage unit 13 and determines whether or not a supply setting is stored.

[0097] If the supply setting is not stored (No in S32), the control unit 12 does not execute automatic supply of the liquid agent in the tank 62C in the selected operating course (S33). Therefore, the control unit 12 causes the operation display unit 14 to display a message indicating that the automatic supply ON for the liquid agent in the tank 62C cannot be accepted.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 15A, for example, the operation display unit 14 displays a course setting screen D4. The course setting screen D4 has a setting display 16. The setting display 16 has icons 16A-16C and labels 18A-18C corresponding to the tanks 62A-62C, respectively. The icons 16A-16C display figures and numbers identifying the tanks 62A-62C. Depending on the display mode (colored or grayed out) of the icons 16A-16C, the automatic liquid supply ON / OFF setting of the corresponding tank is displayed. The labels 18A-18C display the type of liquid contained in the corresponding tank in text.

[0099] In step S33, the operation display unit 14 grays out the icon 16C to indicate that automatic deposit is OFF, and displays "Deposit not allowed" as the label 18C.

[0100] If the supply setting is stored (Yes in S32), the control unit 12 determines whether or not the operating course received in step S31 is a course to be supplied for the liquid in the tank 62C (S34). Specifically, the control unit 12 refers to the memory unit 13 and determines whether or not the operating course is a course to be supplied based on the received operating course and the type of liquid stored.

[0101] In this embodiment, the target course for a certain liquid is an operation course that allows automatic injection of the liquid. The target course for a certain liquid is determined in advance in terms of the effect of the operation course, the mixture of the liquid, etc. For example, for bleach, an operation course for washing blankets and an operation course for washing delicate clothes are not target courses for injection. The memory unit 13 may store a correspondence relationship between the type of liquid and the target courses for injection.

[0102] If the selected operating course is not a course for which injection is to be performed (No in S34), the control unit 12 does not execute automatic injection of the liquid agent from the tank 62C in the selected operating course (S33).

[0103] If it is the course to be added (Yes in S34), the control unit 12 determines whether or not the liquid agent in the tank 62C corresponds to a supplementary agent (S36). Specifically, the control unit 12 refers to the memory unit 13 and determines whether or not the type of liquid agent stored as a basic setting corresponds to a supplementary agent.

[0104] If the liquid agent is an essential agent (No in S36), the control unit 12 executes the third control (S37). In the third control, the control unit 12 presents a basic setting in the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting. Specifically, the control unit 12 causes the operation display unit 14 to display the basic setting (automatic dispensing ON or automatic dispensing OFF) for the liquid agent in the tank 62C.

[0105] As shown in Fig. 15B, when the basic setting is automatic dispensing OFF, the operation display unit 14 grays out the icon 16C to indicate that automatic dispensing is OFF, and displays the type of liquid as a label 18C. By making the display content of the label 18C different from that in Fig. 15A, it is possible to suggest to the user that automatic dispensing can be turned ON.

[0106] 15C, when the basic setting is automatic dispensing ON, the operation display unit 14 displays the automatic dispensing ON in color as an icon 16C, and displays the type of liquid as a label 18C. The operation display unit 14 may change the color of the icon 16C depending on the type of liquid.

[0107] If the liquid agent is a supplement (Yes in S36), the control unit 12 determines whether or not the constant injection ON is stored (S38). Specifically, the control unit 12 refers to the storage unit 13 and determines whether or not the constant injection ON is stored as the constant injection ON / OFF setting of the basic setting.

[0108] When the constant dosing is OFF or the constant dosing ON / OFF setting is not set (i.e., when the automatic dosing is OFF), the control unit 12 executes the first control (S39). In the first control, the control unit 12 presents the automatic dosing OFF in the automatic dosing ON / OFF setting. Specifically, the control unit 12 causes the operation display unit 14 to display the automatic dosing OFF for the liquid agent in the tank 62C (FIG. 15B). Note that when the first control is executed, the control unit 12 may display, by text or the like, on the operation display unit 14 that the automatic dosing OFF has been set as the automatic dosing ON / OFF setting for the liquid agent in the tank 62C.

[0109] When continuous supply is ON, the control unit 12 executes the second control (S40). In other words, in response to receiving a user's operation to set continuous supply to ON in the continuous supply display 73A, the control unit 12 executes the second control. In the second control, the control unit 12 presents automatic supply ON in the automatic supply ON / OFF setting. Specifically, the control unit 12 causes the operation display unit 14 to display automatic supply ON for the liquid agent in the tank 62C (FIG. 15C).

[0110] By switching the constant power ON / OFF setting by the user through steps S38 to S40, the control executed by the control unit 12 can be switched between the first control and the second control.

[0111] The above control may be applied to the liquid agents contained in the tanks 62A and 62B. In the first embodiment, the detergent contained in the tank 62A and the fabric softener contained in the tank 62B are essential agents, so the third control is executed.

[0112] [2-1. First control] The first control will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17A to Fig. 17C. Fig. 16 is a flowchart of the first control. Fig. 17A to Fig. 17C are schematic diagrams of the operation display unit 14 showing a setting change screen D5.

[0113] The control unit 12 presents automatic dosing OFF as the default setting of the operation course in the automatic dosing ON / OFF setting of the tank 62C (S51).

[0114] The control unit 12 presents automatic dosing OFF as the initial setting of the automatic dosing ON / OFF setting of the tank 62C, regardless of the basic setting or the setting applied to the previously executed operating course. In this embodiment, when the start button 14A for starting an operating course is pressed in a state in which automatic dosing OFF is presented, without accepting a change to the automatic dosing ON / OFF setting, the control unit 12 does not execute automatic dosing of the liquid agent in the tank 62C based on automatic dosing OFF. On the other hand, the control unit 12 can accept a change to the automatic dosing ON / OFF setting of the tank 62C from the initial setting by accepting an operation from the user.

[0115] In step S51, specifically, the control unit 12 causes the operation display unit 14 to display the default setting on the course setting screen D4. As shown in Fig. 15B, the operation display unit 14 displays "AUTO-ON" as "OFF."

[0116] Next, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the setting display 16 has been pressed (S53).

[0117] If the setting display 16 has not been pressed (No in S53), the control unit 12 executes step S58.

[0118] If the setting display 16 has been pressed (Yes in S53), the control unit 12 causes the operation display unit 14 to display the setting change screen D5 (S54).

[0119] 17A, the setting change screen D5 has setting displays 81A-81C corresponding to the tanks 62A-62C, respectively, and a decision button 82. The setting displays 81A-81C are pressable on the setting change screen D5. The user can change the automatic feed ON / OFF setting and the feed amount adjustment setting of the tanks 62A-62C by pressing the setting displays 81A-81C.

[0120] Next, the control unit 12 accepts a change to the automatic dosing ON / OFF setting of the tank 62C (S55). The control unit 12 accepts a change from the presented default automatic dosing OFF to automatic dosing ON by accepting a user operation.

[0121] Specifically, when the user presses setting display 81C as shown in Fig. 17A, control unit 12 displays input setting options 83 on operation display unit 14 as shown in Fig. 17B. When the user presses a desired input setting (e.g., "Standard"), control unit 12 accepts the pressed input setting. As shown in Fig. 17C, operation display unit 14 stores option 83 and displays the pressed input setting on setting display 81C.

[0122] Next, the control unit 12 determines whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed by the user (S56). Specifically, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the decision button 82 has been pressed by the user.

[0123] When the decision button 82 is pressed (Yes in S56), the control unit 12 applies the accepted investment setting (S57). As shown in Fig. 15C, the control unit 12 displays the applied investment setting (specifically, only the automatic investment ON / OFF setting) on ​​the course setting screen D4.

[0124] If the decision button 82 has not been pressed, the control unit 12 executes step S58.

[0125] Next, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the start button 14A has been pressed (S58).

[0126] When the start button 14A is pressed (Yes in S58), the control unit 12 starts an operating course based on the applied automatic ON / OFF setting and other basic settings.

[0127] If the start button 14A has not been pressed (No in S58), the control unit 12 returns to step S53.

[0128] Note that the control unit 12 may store the input setting applied in step S57 in the storage unit 13 when the start button 14A is pressed in step S58.

[0129] [2-2. Second control] The second control will be described with respect to the differences from the first control. Unless otherwise specified, the steps in the second control are common to the steps in the first control.

[0130] In step S51, the control unit 12 presents automatic start ON as the default setting of the operating course in the automatic start ON / OFF setting, on condition that the constant start ON in step S38 is satisfied.

[0131] The condition for turning on the constant power-on function is that the automatic power-on function has previously been set to ON in the automatic power-on ON / OFF setting. Therefore, when the control unit 12 receives and stores the constant power-on function after receiving the automatic power-on function, it presents the automatic power-on function as the default setting.

[0132] Furthermore, the control unit 12 presents the basic setting as a default in the input amount adjustment setting. In the first embodiment, the input amount adjustment setting is not displayed on the course setting screen D4. On the other hand, the input amount adjustment setting is displayed on the setting change screen D5. As shown in FIG. 17C, for example, if "standard" is stored as the basic setting, in step S54, the setting display 81C displays "standard" on the initial display of the setting change screen D5.

[0133] In addition, the control unit 12 may present a specific input amount adjustment setting such as "standard" as a default in the input amount adjustment setting.

[0134] [2-3.Third Control] The third control will be described with respect to the differences from the first control. Unless otherwise specified, the steps in the third control are common to the steps in the first control.

[0135] In the third control, the control unit 12 presents the basic setting as the default for the operating course in the automatic supply ON / OFF setting. A difference from the second control is that in the third control, whether the basic setting is automatic supply ON or automatic supply OFF, the control unit 12 presents the basic setting as the default. That is, in the third control, even if the conditions of automatic supply ON and constant supply ON are not met, the control unit 12 presents the basic setting as the default.

[0136] As in the second control, when automatic supply is ON, the control unit 12 presents the basic setting as a default in the supply amount adjustment setting.

[0137] [summary] The above description is summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0138] In the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the user can put various kinds of liquids into the tank 62C. There is a possibility that the liquid stored in the tank 62C is a liquid that can be dispensed only in a limited course, such as a liquid that may cause damage to clothes. On the other hand, in order to execute automatic dispensing of the liquid, it is required to input an automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting as a basic setting. If the basic setting is always applied, the liquid stored in the tank 62C may cause damage to clothes.

[0139] Therefore, by providing a first control in which automatic dispensing OFF is presented as a default, rather than a basic setting, automatic dispensing of liquid medicine can be restricted when the user does not actively wish to dispense liquid medicine. Also, when the user actively wishes to dispense liquid medicine, the user can switch automatic dispensing ON by operating the course setting screen D4.

[0140] On the other hand, if the user wishes to always add the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C, the user can switch to the constant addition ON. By providing a second control that is executed when the constant addition ON is set, the user can eliminate the trouble of operating the automatic addition ON / OFF setting for each operation course.

[0141] By switching the constant supply ON / OFF setting, the user can select the liquid supply mode according to his / her preference and needs, thereby improving the convenience of the washing machine 1.

[0142] [Effect 1] The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0143] The washing machine 1 of the first embodiment includes a water tub (outer tub 3), tanks 62A-62C that contain a liquid agent, an automatic feeding unit (pump mechanisms 63A-63C) that automatically feeds the liquid agent contained in the tanks 62A-62C into the outer tub 3, and a control unit 12. The control unit 12 controls the operation of the pump mechanisms 63A-63C based on an automatic feeding ON / OFF setting regarding whether or not to execute automatic feeding of the liquid agent contained in the tanks 62A-62C. The tanks 62A-62C include a first tank (tank 62C) that can contain a first liquid agent. The control unit 12 executes a first control that presents OFF of automatic feeding as a default as an automatic feeding ON / OFF setting of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C in all operation courses in which automatic feeding of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C is possible.

[0144] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the liquid agent from being dispensed when the user does not actively want to dispense the liquid agent or when the user is not aware of it, thereby improving the convenience of the washing machine 1.

[0145] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the first control is executed, the control unit 12 can change the automatic start-up ON / OFF setting from OFF to ON by accepting a user's operation.

[0146] With this configuration, the automatic input ON / OFF setting can be applied according to the user's intention.

[0147] In the washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, the control unit 12 executes the first control when the liquid contained in the tank 62C can be automatically dispensed in the operating course to be executed currently, regardless of the ON / OFF setting of the automatic dispensing of the liquid contained in the tank 62C applied to the operating course executed previously.

[0148] With this configuration, even if automatic dispensing ON is applied in the previously executed operating course, dispensing of the liquid agent can be suppressed.

[0149] In the washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, the control unit 12 can execute a second control, instead of the first control, which presents automatic dispensing ON as a default in the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting for the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C.

[0150] With this configuration, the automatic input ON / OFF setting can be applied according to the user's intention.

[0151] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 12 executes the second control instead of the first control in response to receiving a user's operation to switch from the first control to the second control.

[0152] With this configuration, a user who wishes to constantly dispense a liquid agent and execute an operating course can save the trouble of switching the automatic dispense ON / OFF setting to automatic dispense ON.

[0153] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 12 can accept the setting of a reference amount of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C. When the control unit 12 accepts a change in the reference amount, the control unit 12 executes the first control.

[0154] With this configuration, if a different brand of liquid of the same type is placed in tank 62C, there is a possibility that the user will not actively want the new brand of liquid to be added, so by executing the first control, the addition of that liquid can be prevented.

[0155] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the tank 62C can selectively contain a first liquid agent and a second liquid agent different from the first liquid agent. The control unit 12 receives a setting of the type of liquid agent contained in the tank 62C.

[0156] With this configuration, when the control to be performed is determined based on the type of liquid, it is possible to perform control suitable for the type of liquid.

[0157] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, when a change in the type of liquid agent is received, the control unit 12 executes a first control.

[0158] With this configuration, when the type of liquid is changed, it is possible to prevent the liquid from being dispensed, since there is a possibility that the user will not actively wish for the new type of liquid to be dispensed.

[0159] The washing machine 1 of the first embodiment further includes a memory unit 13 that stores an automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting in response to receiving a user's operation. The control unit 12 executes a first control when a first liquid agent is set as the type of liquid agent contained in the tank 62C. The control unit 12 executes a third control that presents the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting stored in the memory unit 13 as a default instead of the first control when a second liquid agent is set as the type of liquid agent contained in the tank 62C.

[0160] With this configuration, once the settings are stored in the storage unit 13, the user can omit inputting the automatic input ON / OFF setting for each operation course thereafter, which further improves the convenience of the washing machine 1.

[0161] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the second liquid agent is a detergent or a fabric softener.

[0162] With this configuration, the automatic injection ON / OFF setting stored in the memory unit 13 can be used as the default for essential agents.

[0163] The washing machine 1 of the first embodiment further includes a memory unit 13 that stores an automatic dosing ON / OFF setting in response to receiving a user's operation. The tanks 62A-62C include a second tank (tank 62A) that contains a third liquid agent. The control unit 12 executes a fourth control that presents the automatic dosing ON / OFF setting stored in the memory unit 13 as a default automatic dosing ON / OFF setting for the liquid agent contained in the tank 62A.

[0164] With this configuration, when the washing machine 1 has a plurality of tanks 62A, 62C, the control executed for each of the tanks 62A, 62C can be made different.

[0165] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the third liquid agent is a detergent or a fabric softener.

[0166] With this configuration, the automatic injection ON / OFF setting stored in the memory unit 13 can be used as the default for essential agents.

[0167] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the first liquid agent is an auxiliary agent.

[0168] With this configuration, automatic dispensing of the auxiliary agent can be restricted by executing the first control. If the auxiliary agent is a liquid agent that cannot be used on many clothes, such as bleach, damage to the clothes can be suppressed by executing the first control.

[0169] The method of the first embodiment is a method for controlling the outer tub 3, the tank 62C capable of containing a first liquid agent, and the pump mechanism 63C of the washing machine 1. The method includes executing a first control for presenting OFF of automatic dispensing as a default as an ON / OFF setting for automatic dispensing of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C in all operation courses in which automatic dispensing of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C is possible.

[0170] [Effect 2] The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0171] The washing machine 1 of the first embodiment includes a water tub (outer tub 3), tanks 62A-62C that contain a liquid agent, an automatic feeding unit (pump mechanisms 63A-63C) that automatically feeds the liquid agent contained in the tanks 62A-62C into the outer tub 3, and a control unit 12. The control unit 12 controls the operation of the pump mechanisms 63A-63C based on an automatic feeding ON / OFF setting regarding whether or not to execute automatic feeding of the liquid agent contained in the tanks 62A-62C. The tanks 62A-62C include a first tank (tank 62C) that can contain a first liquid agent. The control unit 12 can execute a second control that presents ON of automatic feeding as a default as an automatic feeding ON / OFF setting of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C in all operation courses in which automatic feeding of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C is possible. The control unit 12 receives a constant-on setting from the user regarding whether or not to execute the second control, and when the constant-on setting is set to ON, executes the second control.

[0172] With this configuration, a user who wants to constantly add liquid to execute an operating course can avoid the trouble of switching the automatic dosing ON / OFF setting to automatic dosing ON. Furthermore, with this configuration, the second control is executed only when the user performs a predetermined operation (constant dosing ON) with the intention of constantly dosing liquid. Therefore, automatic dosing of liquid in the operating course is executed in accordance with the user's intention. Dosing of liquid when the user does not wish to do so can be prevented.

[0173] In the washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, in an operating course in which automatic dispensing of liquid agent contained in the tank 62C is possible, the control unit 12 can execute a first control in which automatic dispensing OFF is set as the default in the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting instead of the second control.

[0174] With this configuration, by executing the first control, it is possible to prevent the liquid from being dispensed when the user does not actively want the liquid to be dispensed or when the user is not aware of it. By limiting the automatic dispensing of the liquid, damage to the clothes can be suppressed when the liquid in the tank 62C is a liquid that cannot be used for many clothes, such as bleach.

[0175] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the constant power-on setting is set to OFF, the control unit 12 executes the first control instead of the second control.

[0176] With this configuration, when continuous dispensing is set to OFF, there is a possibility that the user does not intend to constantly dispense liquid, so it is possible to prevent liquid from being dispensed without the user's knowledge.

[0177] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the first liquid agent is an auxiliary agent.

[0178] With this configuration, by executing the second control when the constant supply is ON, the auxiliary agent can be constantly supplied and the operating course can be executed with a simple operation, which makes it possible to improve the effect of the operating course.

[0179] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the tank 62C can selectively contain a first liquid agent and a second liquid agent different from the first liquid agent. The control unit 12 receives a setting of the type of liquid agent contained in the tank 62C.

[0180] With this configuration, when the control to be performed is determined based on the type of liquid, it is possible to perform control suitable for the type of liquid.

[0181] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the first liquid agent is contained in the tank 62C, the control unit 12 accepts the constant supply setting from the user. When the second liquid agent is contained in the tank 62C, the control unit 12 does not accept the constant supply setting from the user.

[0182] With this configuration, when the liquid agent stored in the tank 62C is a liquid agent that requires the constant supply setting to be accepted, the constant supply setting is accepted, thereby saving the user trouble.

[0183] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, when a change in the type of liquid agent is accepted, the control unit 12 presents the constant supply setting of OFF as a default.

[0184] With this configuration, when the type of liquid is changed, it is possible to prevent the liquid from being constantly dispensed, since there is a possibility that the user will not actively wish to have the new type of liquid constantly dispensed.

[0185] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the second liquid agent is a detergent or a fabric softener.

[0186] With this configuration, by not accepting a constant supply setting for the essential agent, it is possible to execute control different from that for other types of liquid agents.

[0187] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 12 accepts the setting of the reference amount of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C. When the control unit 12 accepts the change of the reference amount, the control unit 12 presents the constant supply setting with the constant supply OFF as the default.

[0188] With this configuration, when the reference amount is changed, there is a possibility that a different brand of the same type of liquid has been put into tank 62C, and the user may not actively wish to have the new brand of liquid constantly dispensed. Therefore, by presenting constant dispense as OFF as the default, it is possible to prevent the liquid in question from being constantly dispensed.

[0189] The method of the first embodiment is a method for controlling the outer tub 3, the tank 62C capable of containing a first liquid agent, and the pump mechanism 63C of the washing machine 1. The method includes receiving a constant supply setting from a user regarding whether or not to execute the second control. The method includes executing the second control when the constant supply setting is set to ON. In the second control, ON of the automatic supply is presented as a default as the ON / OFF setting for automatic supply of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C in all operation courses in which automatic supply of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C is possible.

[0190] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0191] 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. In this case, the washing machine 1 may have the same number of pump mechanisms as the tanks, or may have one pump mechanism in total.

[0192] In the first embodiment, the control unit 12 has the first control, the second control, and the third control, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 12 may be capable of executing only the first control. Also, the control unit 12 may be capable of executing only the second control.

[0193] In the first embodiment, the input amount adjustment setting in the basic setting is presented as a default in the second control and the third control, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the input amount adjustment setting in the basic setting does not have to be presented as a default in the second control and the third control.

[0194] In the first embodiment, an example in which the automatic dosing setting includes the type of liquid, the reference amount, and the dosing setting has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The automatic dosing setting may include other settings related to automatic dosing. For example, the automatic dosing setting may include the brand of the liquid. In addition, when a change in the brand of the liquid is accepted after accepting the continuous dosing ON, the control unit 12 switches the continuous dosing ON / OFF setting to continuous dosing OFF and executes the first control. By such an operation, when the user does not actively wish to dosing a new brand of liquid, the liquid can be prevented from being dosed. In addition, the control unit 12 may present the continuous dosing OFF as a default. By presenting the continuous dosing OFF as a default, when the user does not actively wish to dosing a new brand of liquid, the liquid can be prevented from being dosed continuously.

[0195] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the input setting includes the input amount adjustment setting, but the present invention is not limited to this. The input setting may have only an automatic input ON / OFF setting and a constant input ON / OFF setting. In this case, on the tank setting screen D2, the option 79 displays two options, "Yes" and "No", as options for the input setting.

[0196] In the first embodiment, the control unit 12 may receive the type of liquid, the reference amount, and the input setting in any order, but this is not limited thereto. The control unit 12 may limit the order in which the settings are received. For example, the control unit 12 may be able to receive the reference amount on the condition that the input setting has been received.

[0197] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 12 switches the constant supply ON / OFF setting to constant supply OFF when a change in the type or reference amount of liquid is accepted after constant supply ON is accepted, but this is not limiting. Even if the type or reference amount of liquid is not changed but re-input of the type or reference amount of liquid is accepted, the control unit 12 may switch the constant supply ON / OFF setting to constant supply OFF.

[0198] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the basic setting, the course setting, the type of liquid, the reference amount setting, the automatic feed ON / OFF setting, the feed amount adjustment setting, and the continuous feed ON / OFF setting are received from the user via the operation display unit 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Some or all of the basic setting, the course setting, the type of liquid, the reference amount setting, the automatic feed ON / OFF setting, the feed amount adjustment setting, and the continuous feed ON / OFF setting may be received from the user in an application stored in an external terminal that is capable of communicating with the washing machine 1.

[0199] (Embodiment 2) 18A to 18C are schematic diagrams of operation display unit 314 according to the second embodiment.

[0200] Washing machine 1 in the second embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment in the configuration of operation display unit 314.

[0201] 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.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 18A, the operation display unit 314 has an operation unit 316 and a display unit 317 separately. The operation unit 316 has a plurality of physical buttons. The operation unit 316 includes, for example, a wash / dry switch button 318, a wash button 319, and a rinse button 320. The display unit 317 has a character display 317A and a display 317B such as an LCD. The display unit 317 has a default display, for example, capable of displaying only default characters. The display unit 317 displays an automatic dispensing setting for the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C. The control unit 12 can display information to the user, for example, by changing the lighting state of the display unit 317.

[0203] In the second embodiment, the operations and displays that can be performed by operation and display unit 314 are limited, and space is also limited, making it difficult to provide an operation unit and display unit dedicated to the constant power ON / OFF setting.

[0204] Therefore, in order to input the constant power ON / OFF setting in the basic setting acceptance control (S27, S28), the user presses the wash / dry switch button 318 to select "dry". Specifically, the user presses the wash / dry switch button 318 once or multiple times until "dry" is highlighted and displayed on the display 317B. As shown in FIG. 18A, in the second embodiment, when "dry" is selected, an arrow is displayed next to "dry" on the display 317B.

[0205] Next, the user presses and holds the wash button 319. For example, the user presses the wash button 319 for three seconds. In response to the user's operation, the control unit 12 displays the constant input ON / OFF setting on the display 317B. As shown in FIG. 18B, the display 317B displays "d00", which corresponds to the constant input OFF. Note that other characters may be displayed on the display 317B.

[0206] A user can switch the constant supply OFF to the constant supply ON by pressing the rinse button 320. As shown in Fig. 18C, pressing the rinse button 320 causes the display 317B to display "d01" corresponding to the constant supply ON, and the control unit 12 accepts the constant supply ON.

[0207] 18C, the user can switch from constant input ON to constant input OFF by pressing rinse button 320 again. Pressing rinse button 320 causes display 317B to display "d00" corresponding to constant input ON again, and control unit 12 accepts constant input OFF again.

[0208] Thereafter, when the control unit 12 receives an instruction from the user to start the operating course, the control unit 12 stores the received constant power ON / OFF setting in the storage unit 13.

[0209] In this way, by utilizing buttons used for other operations, the control unit 12 can accept the constant power ON / OFF setting even in the case where the control unit 12 has an operation display unit 314 that can only perform limited operations and displays.

[0210] Furthermore, the constant-on ON / OFF setting can be input and changed only after a long press on the operation unit 316 is received, which can prevent the user from changing the constant-on ON / OFF setting unintentionally.

[0211] The constant power ON / OFF setting may be input by using another operation button.

[0212] In the case of continuous supply ON, when the user selects an operating course and the selected operating course is the course to be supplied, the type of liquid is displayed on the display 317B. In the case of continuous supply OFF, even if the selected operating course is the course to be supplied, the type of liquid is not displayed on the display 317B. By such a display, the continuous supply ON / OFF setting can be displayed to the user. In addition, in the character display 317A, when continuous supply ON, the part corresponding to the tank 62C may be lit, and when continuous supply OFF, the part corresponding to the tank 62C may be turned off.

[0213] The display unit 317 may directly display the constant power ON / OFF setting to the user. For example, the display unit 317 may have a dedicated display related to the constant power ON / OFF setting.

[0214] (Embodiment 3) 19 is a schematic diagram of washing machine 501, external server 504, and external terminal 503 according to embodiment 3. Washing machine 501, external server 504, and external terminal 503 configure laundry system 500.

[0215] Washing machine 501 in the third embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment in that washing machine 501 can communicate with external server 504.

[0216] Unless otherwise specified, the configuration and operation of washing machine 501 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.

[0217] 19, washing machine 501 has communication unit 502 capable of communicating with external server 504. Communication unit 502 includes a circuit for transmitting and receiving information to and from external server 504 in compliance with a predetermined communication standard (e.g., LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark)). Control unit 12 accepts the information received by communication unit 502 from external server 504.

[0218] External server 504 is a server having information related to the operation of washing machine 501. External server 504 can communicate with at least one washing machine 501 and at least one external terminal 503. For example, external server 504 reflects information received by washing machine 501 in an application in external terminal 503.

[0219] External terminal 503 is a device for transmitting and receiving information related to the operation of washing machine 501 to external server 504. External terminal 503 is, for example, a smartphone capable of communicating with external server 504. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a display of external terminal 503 when an application is executed. As shown in FIG. 20, external terminal 503 stores an application for executing operations of washing machine 1. External terminal 503 includes terminal operation unit 505. A user executes the application in external terminal 503 by operating terminal operation unit 505.

[0220] The control unit 12 can accept user operations on the external terminal 503 regarding some of the automatic input settings via the external server 504. That is, the user can input or change some of the automatic input settings through an application on the external terminal 503. Input of the automatic input settings through an application will be described with reference to Fig. 20 and Figs. 21A to 21E. Figs. 21A to 21E are schematic diagrams of the display of the external terminal 503 when the application is executed.

[0221] 20, the external terminal 503 displays a course setting screen D6. The course setting screen D6 has a brand setting button 511 and a setting display 512 that indicates the type of liquid agent contained in the tanks 62A to 62C. The setting display 512 may include an indication similar to the setting display 16 of the first embodiment.

[0222] The control unit 12 restricts the reception of user operations on the external terminal 503 regarding the type of liquid via the external server 504. That is, the user cannot input or change the type of liquid via an application on the external terminal 503.

[0223] In addition, "restricting the acceptance of user operations on the external terminal 503" includes the case where the application does not have a screen for accepting the corresponding settings from the user. In this embodiment, the application on the external terminal 503 does not have a screen for accepting the setting of the type of liquid from the user. Therefore, the setting of the type of liquid can be accepted from the user only through the operation display unit 14 provided in the washing machine 1. In addition, even if the application on the external terminal 503 has a screen for accepting the setting of the type of liquid from the user, the control unit 12 may not accept the content set in the application on the external terminal 503.

[0224] When the constant supply ON / OFF setting of the liquid agent in the tank 62C is constant supply ON, the setting display 512 may display "constant supply ON." On the other hand, when the constant supply is OFF, the setting display 512 may display the display corresponding to the tank 62C in a grayed out state.

[0225] Control unit 12 also restricts switching of the constant power-on ON / OFF setting by the user's operation on external terminal 503 via external server 504. That is, the user cannot change the constant power-on ON / OFF setting through an application on external terminal 503. In this embodiment, the application on external terminal 503 does not have a screen for accepting the constant power-on ON / OFF setting from the user. Therefore, the constant power-on ON / OFF setting can be accepted from the user only through operation display unit 14 provided in washing machine 1.

[0226] If a user of external terminal 503, who is away from washing machine 501, switches the constant dispense ON / OFF setting without checking the clothes that have been dispensed, the clothes may be damaged by automatic dispense of liquid agent. Therefore, by restricting switching of the constant dispense ON / OFF setting on external terminal 503, damage to the clothes can be suppressed.

[0227] As shown in FIG. 20, when the user presses setting display 512, as shown in FIG. 21A, course setting screen D6 displays supply setting display 513 indicating supply settings for the liquid agent.

[0228] When the type of liquid is stored in the basic settings, the control unit 12 can accept user operations on the external terminal 503 for the automatic dosing ON / OFF setting and the dosing amount adjustment setting via the external server 504. That is, the user can input or change the automatic dosing ON / OFF setting and the dosing amount adjustment setting through an application in the external terminal 503. Specifically, in the dosing setting display 513, the display corresponding to the tank in which the type of liquid is stored can be pressed.

[0229] As shown in Fig. 21A, when the user presses the display corresponding to tank 62C in supply setting display 513, as shown in Fig. 21B, course setting screen D6 displays selection display 514 showing options for adjustment settings of the supply amount of the liquid agent contained in tank 62C. The user selects a desired supply amount adjustment setting in selection display 514. When the user presses OK button 514A, the selected supply amount adjustment setting is transmitted to communication unit 502 of washing machine 501.

[0230] With this configuration, even a user who is away from washing machine 501 can operate washing machine 501, improving the convenience of washing machine 501.

[0231] However, in the case of always OFF, control unit 12 restricts the acceptance of user operations on external terminal 503 via external server 504 regarding the automatic feed ON / OFF setting and the feed amount adjustment setting. That is, the user cannot input or change the automatic feed ON / OFF setting and the feed amount adjustment setting through an application on external terminal 503. Specifically, pressing of the display corresponding to tank 62C is restricted on feed setting display 513. With this configuration, the intention of a user who is near washing machine 501 and can check the fed clothes can be applied preferentially to the user of external terminal 503.

[0232] Furthermore, if the type of liquid is stored in the basic settings, the user can input the brand of the liquid through an application in the external terminal 503.

[0233] When the user presses the brand setting button 511 on the course setting screen D6, the external terminal 503 displays a brand setting screen D7, as shown in Fig. 21C. The brand setting screen D7 has brand displays 515A-515C indicating the brands of the liquid agents contained in the tanks 62A-62C, and a send button 516.

[0234] When the user presses brand display 515C as shown in FIG. 21C, brand setting screen D7 displays selection display 517 showing options for the brand of the liquid agent contained in tank 62C as shown in FIG. 21D. The user selects an appropriate brand in selection display 517. When the user presses OK button 517A and transmit button 516 (FIG. 21C), the selected brand is transmitted to communication unit 502 of washing machine 501.

[0235] If the brand of the liquid agent contained in tank 62C is not included in selection display 517, the user selects "Other" in selection display 517. In this case, as shown in FIG. 21E, external terminal 503 displays selection display 518 showing options for the reference amount of the liquid agent contained in tank 62C. The user selects an appropriate reference amount in selection display 518. When the user presses OK button 518A and transmit button 516 (FIG. 21C), the selected reference amount is transmitted to communication unit 502 of washing machine 501.

[0236] [effect] The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0237] Washing machine 501 of the third embodiment further includes a main body operation unit (operation display unit 14) that accepts operations from a user. When control unit 12 executes the first control, it is possible to change the automatic loading ON / OFF setting from OFF to ON by operation via operation display unit 14. When control unit 12 executes the first control, it does not accept a change from OFF to ON by operation via external terminal 503 as the automatic loading ON / OFF setting.

[0238] With this configuration, when the user who performs the main body operation to execute the first control is different from the user who operates the external terminal, it is possible to prevent the automatic input from being changed to ON from the external terminal.

[0239] A washing system 500 of the third embodiment includes a washing machine 501 and an external terminal 503 provided to be able to communicate with the washing machine 501. The washing machine 501 includes a water tub (outer tub 3), tanks 62A-62C that contain a liquid agent, an automatic supply unit (pump mechanisms 63A-63C) that automatically supplies the liquid agent contained in the tanks 62A-62C to the outer tub 3, a control unit 12, and a main body operation unit (operation display unit 14). The control unit 12 controls the operation of the pump mechanisms 63A-63C based on an automatic supply ON / OFF setting regarding whether or not to execute automatic supply of the liquid agent contained in the tanks 62A-62C. The operation display unit 14 accepts an operation from a user. The external terminal 503 includes a terminal operation unit 505 that accepts an operation from a user. The tanks 62A-62C include a first tank (tank 62C) that can contain a first liquid agent. The control unit 12 can execute a second control that presents ON for automatic feeding as a default for the ON / OFF setting for automatic feeding of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C in an operation course in which automatic feeding of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62C is possible. The control unit 12 can accept a constant feeding setting regarding whether or not to execute the second control from the user through an operation on the operation display unit 14. The control unit 12 executes the second control when the constant feeding setting is set to ON.

[0240] With this configuration, a user who wants to constantly add liquid to execute an operating course can avoid the trouble of switching the automatic dosing ON / OFF setting to automatic dosing ON. Furthermore, with this configuration, the second control is executed only when the user performs a predetermined operation (constant dosing ON) with the intention of constantly dosing liquid. Therefore, automatic dosing of liquid in the operating course is executed in accordance with the user's intention. Dosing of liquid when the user does not wish to do so can be prevented.

[0241] In the laundry system 500 of the third embodiment, the control unit 12 accepts the user's operation related to the constant input setting only through the operation on the operation display unit 14.

[0242] With this configuration, damage to clothes can be suppressed by restricting switching of the constant input ON / OFF setting by a user of external terminal 503 who is away from washing machine 501 and has not checked the clothes.

[0243] In the laundry system 500 of the third embodiment, the tank 62C can selectively contain a first liquid agent and a second liquid agent different from the first liquid agent. The control unit 12 accepts a user's operation related to setting the type of liquid agent only through an operation on the operation display unit 14.

[0244] With this configuration, it is possible to restrict the user of the external terminal 503, which is located away from the washing machine 501, from changing the type of liquid. In other words, only a user who is able to operate the operation display unit 14 near the washing machine 501 can change the type of liquid. Therefore, it is easy to achieve consistency between the set type of liquid and the type of liquid contained in the tank 62C. In addition, when changing the type of liquid, it is desirable for the user to perform maintenance on the tank 62C in order to prevent the liquid before the change and the liquid after the change from mixing in the tank 62C or the like. Therefore, by moving the tank 62C near the washing machine 501 in order to change the setting of the type of liquid, the user can perform maintenance more reliably.

[0245] The washing machine in a first aspect includes a water tub, a tank for storing a liquid agent, an automatic dispensing unit for automatically dispensing the liquid agent contained in the tank into the water tub, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the automatic dispensing unit based on an automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting regarding whether or not to perform automatic dispensing of the liquid agent contained in the tank, wherein the tank includes a first tank capable of storing a first liquid agent, and the control unit executes a first control that presents automatic dispensing OFF as a default as the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting for the liquid agent contained in the first tank in all operating courses in which automatic dispensing of the liquid agent contained in the first tank is possible.

[0246] As a washing machine in the second aspect, in the washing machine in the first aspect, when the control unit executes the first control, the control unit can change the automatic loading ON / OFF setting from OFF to ON by accepting a user operation.

[0247] As a washing machine in a third aspect, the washing machine in the second aspect further includes a main body operation unit that accepts operations from a user, and when the control unit executes the first control, the control unit can change the auto-loading ON / OFF setting from OFF to ON by operation via the main body operation unit, and does not accept a change from OFF to ON by operation via an external terminal.

[0248] In a washing machine in a fourth aspect, in a washing machine in any of the first to third aspects, the control unit executes a first control when the liquid agent contained in the first tank can be automatically dispensed in the operating course to be executed currently, regardless of the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting for the liquid agent contained in the first tank applied to the operating course executed previously.

[0249] As a washing machine in a fifth aspect, in a washing machine in any of the first to fourth aspects, the control unit can execute a second control, instead of the first control, which presents automatic dispensing ON as a default in the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting for the liquid agent contained in the first tank.

[0250] As a washing machine in a sixth aspect, in the washing machine in the fifth aspect, the control unit executes the second control instead of the first control in response to receiving a user's operation to switch from the first control to the second control.

[0251] In a washing machine in a seventh aspect, in any of the washing machines in the first to sixth aspects, the control unit is capable of accepting the setting of a reference amount of liquid agent contained in the first tank, and when a change in the setting of the reference amount is accepted, the control unit executes the first control.

[0252] In the washing machine of the eighth aspect, in any of the washing machines of the first to seventh aspects, the control unit is capable of accepting a setting of the brand of the liquid agent contained in the first tank, and when a change in the brand setting is accepted, the control unit executes the first control.

[0253] As a washing machine in a ninth aspect, in the washing machine in any of the first to eighth aspects, the first tank can selectively contain a first liquid agent and a second liquid agent of a different type from the first liquid agent, and the control unit accepts a setting of the type of liquid agent contained in the first tank.

[0254] As a washing machine in a tenth aspect, in the washing machine in the ninth aspect, when a change in the type of liquid agent is accepted, the control unit executes the first control.

[0255] In an eleventh aspect, the washing machine in the ninth or tenth aspect further includes a memory unit that stores an automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting in response to receiving a user's operation, and the control unit executes a first control when a first liquid agent is set as the type of liquid agent contained in the first tank, and executes a third control that presents the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting stored in the memory unit as a default instead of the first control when a second liquid agent is set as the type of liquid agent contained in the first tank.

[0256] In a twelfth aspect of the washing machine, in the washing machine in the eleventh aspect, the second liquid is a detergent or a fabric softener.

[0257] A washing machine in a 13th aspect is a washing machine in any of the first to 12th aspects, further comprising a memory unit that stores an automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting in response to a user's operation, the tank includes a second tank that contains a third liquid agent, and the control unit executes a fourth control that presents the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting stored in the memory unit as a default as the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting for the liquid agent contained in the second tank.

[0258] In a fourteenth aspect of the washing machine, in the thirteenth aspect of the washing machine, the third liquid is a detergent or a fabric softener.

[0259] In a fifteenth aspect, in the washing machine of any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the first liquid agent is an auxiliary agent.

[0260] A method in a sixteenth aspect is a method for controlling a washing machine having a water tub, a first tank capable of containing a first liquid agent, and an automatic dispensing unit that automatically dispenses the liquid agent contained in the first tank into the water tub, and includes executing a first control that presents automatic dispensing OFF as a default as an automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting for whether or not to perform automatic dispensing of the liquid agent contained in the first tank in all operating courses in which automatic dispensing of the liquid agent contained in the first tank is possible.

[0261] 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]

[0262] 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 is possible to execute settings related to automatic dispensing when changing the type of liquid to be automatically dispensed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0263] 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 14A Start button 16 Setting display 61 cases 62A~62C Tank 63A~63C Pump mechanism 64 Liquid discharge flow path 71 types display 72 Reference amount display 73 Feed setting display 73A Always on display 74 Decision button 75 Type change button 76 First Liquid Indication 77 Second Liquid Indication 78 Choices 79 Choices 80 Confirm button 81A~81C setting display 82 Confirm button D1 Basic settings screen D2 Tank setting screen D3 Liquid type selection screen D4 Course setting screen D5 Setting change screen

Claims

1. Aquarium and A tank for storing a liquid agent; an automatic dispenser that automatically dispenses the liquid agent contained in the tank into the water tank; A control unit that controls the operation of the automatic supply unit based on an automatic supply ON / OFF setting regarding whether or not to automatically supply the liquid agent contained in the tank, The tank includes a first tank capable of containing a first liquid agent, The control unit executes a first control that presents OFF of the automatic dispensing as a default setting for the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting of the liquid contained in the first tank in all operating courses in which automatic dispensing of the liquid contained in the first tank is possible.

2. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when executing the first control, is capable of changing the automatic start ON / OFF setting from OFF to ON by accepting a user operation.

3. Further comprising a main body operation unit for receiving an operation from a user, When the control unit executes the first control, The automatic feed ON / OFF setting can be changed from OFF to ON by operating the main body operation unit, In the operation by the external terminal, the automatic feed ON / OFF setting is not changed from the automatic feed OFF to the automatic feed ON. The washing machine according to claim 2.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the first control when the liquid agent contained in the first tank can be automatically dispensed in the currently executed operating course, regardless of the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting of the liquid agent contained in the first tank applied to the previously executed operating course.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is capable of executing a second control, instead of the first control, in which the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting of the liquid agent contained in the first tank is set to ON as a default.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the control unit executes the second control instead of the first control in response to receiving a user's operation to switch from the first control to the second control.

7. The control unit is A reference amount of the liquid agent contained in the first tank can be set, The washing machine according to claim 1 , further comprising: a washing machine configured to execute the first control when a change in the setting of the reference amount is received.

8. The control unit is A setting of a brand of the liquid agent contained in the first tank is acceptable, The washing machine according to claim 1 , further comprising: a washing machine control section configured to: execute the first control when a change in the brand setting is received;

9. The first tank is capable of selectively storing a first liquid agent and a second liquid agent of a different type from the first liquid agent, The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit receives a setting of a type of liquid agent contained in the first tank.

10. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the control unit executes the first control when a change in the type of the liquid is received.

11. A storage unit is further provided for storing the automatic power-on ON / OFF setting in response to receiving an operation from a user, The control unit is When the first liquid is set as the type of the liquid contained in the first tank, the first control is executed; The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein when a second liquid agent is set as the type of liquid agent contained in the first tank, a third control is executed in place of the first control, which presents the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting stored in the memory unit as a default.

12. The washing machine according to claim 11, wherein the second liquid is a detergent or a fabric softener.

13. A storage unit that stores the automatic power-on ON / OFF setting in response to a user operation, The tank includes a second tank containing a third liquid agent, The control unit executes a fourth control to present the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting stored in the storage unit as a default as the automatic dispensing ON / OFF setting of the liquid agent contained in the second tank. The washing machine according to claim 1.

14. The washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the third liquid agent is a detergent or a fabric softener.

15. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first liquid agent is an auxiliary agent.

16. A method for controlling a washing machine including a water tub, a first tank capable of containing a first liquid agent, and an automatic dispenser that automatically dispenses the liquid agent contained in the first tank into the water tub, comprising: executing a first control for presenting OFF of the automatic addition as a default setting of an automatic addition ON / OFF setting regarding whether or not to perform the automatic addition of the liquid agent contained in the first tank in all operation courses in which the automatic addition of the liquid agent contained in the first tank is possible; A method comprising:

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