Washing machine

Abstract

To provide washing machine which has improved usability.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a washing tub; an automatic input device which has a treatment agent tank capable of storing a washing treatment agent of an amount used for a plurality of times of washing operations, and which automatically inputs the washing treatment agent into the washing tub; and a control device for executing a washing operation based on the automatic input information regarding the automatic input of the washing treatment agent. The control device sets the operation content when executing the next washing operation based on the automatic input information before change, in the case where the automatic input information is changed and the washing operation is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a washing machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a washing machine provided with an automatic dosing device that stores a plurality of doses of a laundry treatment agent such as a detergent or a fabric softener in a treatment agent tank in advance and automatically discharges a predetermined amount from the treatment agent tank into a water tub during a washing operation. In addition, a washing machine is provided with a manual dosing container for a user to manually dose a laundry treatment agent. Then, by operating a switch for the user to select whether to perform automatic dosing of the laundry treatment agent, an alternative use of automatic dosing and manual dosing can be made.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional configuration, when the operation is performed with the setting of not performing automatic dosing, the operation is performed based on the setting of not performing automatic dosing even at the next operation. Therefore, if the user does not manually dose the laundry treatment agent, the operation is executed without using the laundry treatment agent. Therefore, there has been a problem in terms of improving usability with respect to the alternative use of automatic dosing and manual dosing.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving the usability of a washing machine equipped with an automatic dosing function.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The washing machine according to this embodiment has a washing tub and a detergent tank capable of storing an amount of washing detergent for multiple washing operations, and an automatic dosing device for automatically dispensing the washing detergent into the washing tub, and a control device for performing a washing operation based on automatic dosing information regarding the automatic dosing of the washing detergent. When the automatic dosing information is changed and the washing operation is performed, the control device sets the operation content when performing the next washing operation based on the automatic dosing information before the change.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, washing machines according to a plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, substantially the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0009] (First Embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. The washing machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a horizontal-axis or diagonal-axis drum-type washing machine. The washing machine 10 may be a vertical-axis type washing machine. Further, the washing machine 10 may be provided with, for example, a heater type or heat pump type drying function, or may not be provided with a drying function. The washing machine 10 includes an outer box 11, a door 12, a washing tub 13, an operation display device 14, a water supply mechanism 20, and an automatic input device 30. In FIG. 1, the gravitational direction, that is, the vertical direction, is defined as the vertical direction of the washing machine 10. Also, the door 12 side with respect to the outer box 11 is defined as the front side, that is, the user side, of the washing machine 10, the side opposite to the front side is defined as the rear side of the washing machine 10, and the horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction of the washing machine 10.

[0010] The outer box 11 is formed in a hollow box shape by a combination of, for example, a metal such as a stainless steel plate or a resin material. The outer box 11 constitutes the outer shell of the washing machine 10. The outer box 11 has a front opening 111 on the front side that communicates the inside and the outside of the outer box 11. The door 12 is provided on the front side of the outer box 11 and opens and closes the front opening 111. The user can take in and out clothes from the washing tub 13 through the front opening 111 with the door 12 open.

[0011] Although not shown in detail, the washing tub 13 has a water tank capable of storing water inside and a rotating tub rotatably provided inside the water tank. The rotating tub can accommodate clothes. The rotating tub is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown). The rotation axis of the rotating tub coincides with the central axis of the water tank. The washing tub 13 is connected to a drainage path (not shown). The drainage path is for draining the water in the washing tub 13 to the outside of the machine.

[0012] The operation display device 14 is provided, for example, at the front side portion of the top surface of the outer box 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation display device 14 can be configured to include an input unit 141, a display unit 142, and a sound output unit 143. The input unit 141 is configured by, for example, a touch panel or a mechanical switch, etc., and receives input operations such as those for the user to perform operations and settings related to each course of operation. The display unit 142 has a function of presenting information to the user. In this case, the display unit 142 displays various information such as the operation content input to the input unit 141 and the operation status. The display unit 142 can be configured by, for example, a touch panel display arranged to overlap with the input unit 141. The sound output unit 143 is configured by, for example, a buzzer or a speaker, etc., and has a function of presenting various information to the user by sound. The display unit 142 and the sound output unit 143 function as a notification unit for notifying the user of various information.

[0013] The user can perform settings related to operation by means of an input operation on the operation display device 14. The operation means that a plurality of different steps are executed in sequence. As types of operations, well-known operations such as a washing operation, a drying operation, and a washing and drying operation are included. The washing operation is an operation that only performs washing. For example, a washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydration step are performed in sequence. The time, number of times, etc. of each step executed in the washing operation are configured to be changeable according to the user's requirements and the like. Further, for example, when performing the washing operation, the user can appropriately select whether to automatically input a washing treatment agent such as a detergent or a fabric softener by the automatic input device 30 or to manually input a single dose of the washing treatment agent using the manual input unit 221 by performing an input operation on the operation display device 14.

[0014] In the washing operation, any one of a plurality of operation courses is executed. The plurality of operation courses include, but are not limited to, well-known courses such as a standard course, a speed course, a soak course, a blanket course, a delicate course, and a memory course. Among the plurality of operation courses, the memory course is a dedicated course that stores and executes the operation contents of the washing step, the rinsing step, and the dehydration step arbitrarily set by the user. The user performs an input operation on the input unit 141 before starting the operation to select the operation course to be executed in the washing operation.

[0015] The water supply mechanism 20 is for injecting water supplied from an external water source such as a water supply into the washing tub 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the water supply mechanism 20 has a water supply valve 21 and a water injection case 22. The water supply valve 21 is configured to be electromagnetically openable and closable. The water supply valve 21 is connected to an external water source such as a faucet of a water supply (not shown). Then, the water supply valve 21 opens and closes a water supply path 23 leading from the external water source through the water injection case 22 into the washing tub 13. The water injection case 22 is formed, for example, of a synthetic resin and has a box shape with a space inside. The water injection case 22 is provided in the middle of the water supply path 23. The water injection case 22 has a manual input part 221. The manual input part 221 is provided so as to be pull-out type and insertable and removable from inside the water injection case 22. The manual input part 221 receives the input of the washing treatment agent required for one washing operation, for example. In this case, the manual input part 221 is used when the user manually inputs the washing treatment agent. When the water supply valve 21 is opened with the washing treatment agent being put into the manual input part 221, the washing treatment agent put into the manual input part 221 is mixed with the water supplied from the external water source and supplied into the washing tub 13.

[0016] The automatic dosing device 30 has a function of storing the washing treatment agent required for a plurality of washing operations and automatically dosing a predetermined amount of the washing treatment agent into the washing tub 13 as the washing operation progresses. The automatic dosing device 30 has a plurality of, for example, two treatment agent tanks 31, 32, a lid member 33, a dosing pump 34, and a remaining amount detection unit 35. The treatment agent tanks 31, 32 are formed, for example, of a synthetic resin and are configured in a container shape, and can store the amount of liquid washing treatment agent used for a plurality of washing operations. The treatment agent tanks 31, 32 are configured to be detachable inside the outer box 11. In this case, the outer box 11 has a container accommodation part 112. As shown in FIG. 1, the container accommodation part 112 is provided on the top surface of the outer box 11 and is formed in a rectangular container shape with an open top. The container accommodation part 112 is formed in a size capable of accommodating the plurality of treatment agent tanks 31, 32.

[0017] In this embodiment, one of the chemical agent tanks 31 stores liquid detergent among the laundry treatment agents, and the other chemical agent tank 32 stores fabric softener among the laundry treatment agents. The capacities, shapes, etc. of the respective chemical agent tanks 31 and 32 may be the same or different. The number of the plurality of chemical agent tanks is not limited to two, and may be three or more, and a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of one chemical agent tanks 31 for storing liquid detergent and the other chemical agent tanks 32 for storing fabric softener are provided respectively.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the lid member 33 is formed, for example, in a plate shape and is rotatably attached by a support shaft (not shown) provided at the opening on the upper surface of the container housing portion 112. The lid member 33 is for opening and closing the opening on the upper surface of the container housing portion 112. The user can take in and out the chemical agent tanks 31 and 32 from the container housing portion 112 through the opening on the upper surface of the container housing portion 112 with the lid member 33 open. As shown in FIG. 2, the input pump 34 is provided on the downstream side of each of the chemical agent tanks 31 and 32. The input pump 34 is configured by, for example, a piston pump, and has a function of sucking the laundry treatment agent stored in each of the chemical agent tanks 31 and 32 and supplying it into the water supply path 23, specifically, into the water injection case 22. The laundry treatment agent introduced into the water injection case 22 from the chemical agent tanks 31 and 32 by the input pump 34 is mixed with the water supplied from an external water source and supplied into the washing tub 13.

[0019] The remaining amount detection unit 35 is for detecting the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the chemical agent tanks 31 and 32. The remaining amount detection unit 35 can be configured with a well-known configuration including, for example, a magnetic sensor, a permanent magnet, or the like. In this case, the remaining amount detection unit 35 can detect that the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent in the chemical agent tanks 31 and 32 has dropped based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor. The remaining amount detection unit 35 functions as a detection unit for detecting the state of the chemical agent tanks 31 and 32.

[0020] The washing machine 10 is provided with a control device 40. The control device 40 is mainly composed of, for example, a microcomputer having a storage area such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a rewritable flash memory (not shown). The storage area stores a program for controlling the washing machine 10 to execute an operation. Each process of the control device 40 is realized by the CPU executing the program. The input unit 141, the display unit 142, the sound output unit 143, the water supply valve 21, the input pump 34, and the remaining amount detection unit 35 are electrically connected to the control device 40 and operate based on commands from the control device 40. The control device 40 has a storage unit 41. The storage unit 41 has a function of storing predetermined information. The storage unit 41 can be configured by, for example, a predetermined area set in the storage area of the control device 40.

[0021] The control device 40 executes a washing operation based on setting information including automatic input information regarding automatic input of a washing agent. The setting information includes information based on the content input by the user to the input unit 141, and includes information regarding a driving course and the like in addition to the automatic input information. The automatic input information includes information regarding on or off of automatic input. When the automatic input is set to on, the control device 40 operates the input pump 34 during operation to inject a washing agent by the automatic input device 30. On the other hand, when the automatic input is set to off, the control device 40 does not operate the input pump 34 during operation.

[0022] The automatic input information includes information regarding the reference amount of the laundry treatment agent to be input into the washing tub according to the type of the laundry treatment agent. The reference amount indicates, for example, a reference value of the input amount of the laundry treatment agent with respect to the water supply amount. Specifically, the reference amount can be expressed by the input amount of the laundry treatment agent with respect to the water supply amount, such as "10 mL / 30 L of water". Further, the automatic input information includes information regarding the degree of the input amount of the laundry treatment agent input from the automatic input device 30 into the washing tub 13. The degree of the input amount means which of the amounts less than the preset reference amount, the amount equal to the reference amount, and the amount more than the reference amount it is. In this case, the degree of the input amount can be configured in three levels, for example, "less" which is an amount less than the reference amount, "standard" which is an amount equal to the reference amount, and "more" which is an amount more than the reference amount.

[0023] When, for example, an operation key related to automatic input setting (not shown) is operated by the user while the home screen is displayed on the display unit 142 of the operation display device 14, the control device 40 causes the automatic input setting screen 51 shown in FIG. 4 to be displayed. The home screen is an initial screen that accepts an input operation for selecting any one of a plurality of types of operations executable by the washing machine 10. In the following description, the screen may sometimes mean the display unit 142.

[0024] On the automatic input setting screen 51, for example, a switching key 511, an input amount selection key 512, a close key 513, and a determination key 514 are arranged. A plurality of switching keys 511 (two in this case) are provided corresponding to the treatment agent tanks 31 and 32. For example, a treatment agent information display unit 515 is displayed above the switching key 511. The treatment agent information display unit 515 displays information regarding the treatment agent tanks 31 and 32 corresponding to the switching key 511. The treatment agent information display unit 515 is constituted by characters such as "detergent automatic input" or "fabric softener automatic input".

[0025] The switching key 511 is an operation key for switching between setting automatic input to on or off. The switching key 511 is composed of, for example, a toggle button. The switching key 511 is not limited to a toggle button and may be composed of a radio button or the like. On the automatic input setting screen 51, when the automatic input is set to off, for example, below the switching key 511, an explanatory text "The setting is OFF. Please turn it on when using automatic input." is displayed. Thereby, it becomes easy for the user to check the current setting state of the automatic input.

[0026] The input amount selection key 512 is an operation key for selecting the degree of the input amount of the laundry treatment agent. The input amount selection key 512 is composed of a plurality of operation keys displayed, for example, by characters "less", "standard", "more". The "less" key 512a is an operation key for setting the input amount of the laundry treatment agent to an amount less than the reference amount of the laundry treatment agent. The "standard" key 512b is an operation key for setting the input amount of the laundry treatment agent to the same as the reference amount of the laundry treatment agent. The "more" key 512c is an operation key for setting the input amount of the laundry treatment agent to an amount more than the reference amount of the laundry treatment agent. The user can set the desired input amount of the laundry treatment agent by an input operation on the input amount selection key 512. The control device 40 can display the background colors of the currently selected input amount selection keys 512a, 512b, 512c in a background color different from that of the unselected input amount selection keys 512a, 512b, 512c. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the current setting state.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, on the automatic input setting screen 51, a reference amount display area 516 is provided, for example, above the input amount selection key 512. The reference amount display area 516 displays the reference amount of the currently set detergent input amount. Note that the reference amount can be configured to be changeable. In this case, when the control device 40 receives an operation on a reference amount setting key (not shown) provided on the automatic input setting screen 51, it displays a reference amount setting screen. The reference amount setting screen is a screen for setting the input amount of the laundry treatment agent for a predetermined water supply amount, for example, a water supply amount of 30 L. The user can appropriately set the reference amount for each type of laundry treatment agent corresponding to each treatment agent tank 31, 32 on the reference amount setting screen. Also, on the automatic input setting screen 51, the input amount selection key 512 and the reference amount display area 516 are displayed when the automatic input is set to on. Thereby, the information necessary when the user sets the setting contents of the operation can be displayed without excess or deficiency.

[0028] The close key 513 is an operation key for closing the automatic input setting screen 51 and returning the screen to, for example, the home screen. The determination key 514 is an operation key for determining the contents set on the automatic input setting screen 51. When the determination key 514 is operated, the control device 40 causes the screen to transition from the automatic input setting screen 51 to, for example, the home screen. Then, when a start key (not shown) displayed on the home screen is operated, the control device 40 executes an operation based on the setting contents determined on the automatic input setting screen 51.

[0029] Note that when the automatic input device 30 is configured to include a plurality of treatment agent tanks 31, 32 according to the type of the laundry treatment agent, for example, when it includes two treatment agent tanks 31 for storing detergent and two treatment agent tanks 32 for storing softener, on the automatic input setting screen 51, a switching key 511, an input amount selection key 512, and a reference amount display area 516 are respectively displayed corresponding to the plurality of treatment agent tanks 31, 32. In this case, in the example of FIG. 5, the treatment agent information display unit 515 is composed of characters such as "detergent tank (1)" and "detergent tank (2)", and it is possible to know the treatment agent tanks 31, 32 corresponding to the switching key 511, the input amount selection key 512, and the reference amount display area 516.

[0030] Here, for example, in the standard course, when the washing operation is performed with the automatic dosing turned off, if the washing operation is still performed with the automatic dosing turned off during the next operation, if the user forgets to add the washing treatment agent to the manual dosing section 221, the washing operation will be executed without using the washing treatment agent. Therefore, when the automatic dosing information is changed and the washing operation is performed, the control device 40 sets the operation content when executing the next washing operation based on the automatic dosing information before the change. In this case, when the automatic dosing is changed from the on setting to the off setting and the washing operation is performed, the control device 40 changes the automatic dosing to the on setting when executing the next washing operation. In other words, when the automatic dosing is changed from the on setting to the off setting and the washing operation is executed, the control device 40 returns the automatic dosing from the off setting to the on setting when executing the next washing operation. Thereby, even if the user executes the next washing operation without setting the automatic dosing, it is possible to avoid the situation where the washing operation is executed with the automatic dosing setting remaining off during the next washing operation. In addition, if the user wants to continue with the automatic dosing turned off during the next washing operation, the user can switch the automatic dosing from the on setting to the off setting on the automatic dosing setting screen 51 and execute the operation.

[0031] Further, when the automatic dosing information is changed and the washing operation is performed, the control device 40 notifies either one or both of the display unit 142 and the sound output unit 143 that the automatic dosing information has been changed before the next washing operation is executed. In the present embodiment, when the automatic dosing is changed from the on setting to the off setting and the washing operation is performed, the control device 40 uses the sound output unit 143 to notify, by means of a buzzer sound, that the automatic dosing information has been changed when the power is turned on next time, that is, before the user sets the operation content.

[0032] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of the control content executed by the control device 40 will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the automatic dosing setting is on in the initial setting. First, when the power of the washing machine 10 is turned on (start), the control device 40 determines in step S11 whether the automatic dosing setting state, that is, whether the automatic dosing is on or off. If the automatic dosing is off (YES in step S11), the control device 40 transfers the process to step S12 and uses the sound output unit 143 to notify, with a buzzer sound, that the automatic dosing information has been changed.

[0033] Next, the control device 40 automatically changes the automatic dosing from off to on in step S13. Thereafter, the control device 40 determines in step S14 whether the start key has been input by the user, that is, whether the washing operation has started. On the other hand, if the automatic dosing is on (YES in step S11), the control device 40 transfers the process to step S14.

[0034] When the washing operation is started by the user (YES in step S14), the control device 40 operates the dosing pump 34 during the execution of the washing operation to automatically dose the washing treatment agent into the washing tub 13 in step S15. Next, the control device 40 determines in step S16 whether the washing operation has ended. When the washing operation has ended (YES in step S16), the power of the washing machine 10 is turned off and a series of controls are terminated (end).

[0035] Note that the control device 40 may determine whether the automatic input is set to on or off after the user selects an operation course. In this case, the control device 40 can execute the control content shown in FIG. 7 instead of the control content shown in FIG. 6. In the example of FIG. 7, step A11 is added to the control content shown in FIG. 6. That is, when the power of the washing machine 10 is turned on (start in FIG. 7), the control device 40 determines in step A11 whether an operation course has been selected by the user. If an operation course has been selected (YES in step A11), the control device 40 transfers the process to step S11 and determines the set state of the automatic input, that is, whether the automatic input is set to on or off. Then, the control device 40 executes the processes after step S12.

[0036] According to the embodiment described above, the washing machine 10 includes a washing tub 13, an automatic input device 30, and a control device 40. The automatic input device 30 has chemical agent tanks 31 and 32 capable of storing an amount of washing chemical agent used for a plurality of washing operations, and automatically inputs the washing chemical agent into the washing tub 13. The control device 40 executes a washing operation based on automatic input information regarding automatic input of the washing chemical agent. When the automatic input information is changed and a washing operation is performed, the control device 40 sets the operation content for the next washing operation based on the automatic input information before the change. According to this, it is possible to avoid the situation where the washing operation is executed based on the set content unintended by the user in the next washing operation after the user changes the set content regarding the automatic input. Therefore, the usability of the washing machine can be improved.

[0037] The washing machine 10 further includes a display unit 142 and a sound output unit 143. When the automatic input information is changed and a washing operation is performed, the control device 40 notifies the display unit 142 and the sound output unit 143 that the automatic input information has been changed before the next washing operation is executed. According to this, when the user changes the set content and performs a washing operation and also desires to change the set content in the next washing operation, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to change the set content.

[0038] Specifically, when, for example, the automatic dosing setting is changed from the on setting to the off setting in the previous washing operation and the washing operation is executed, before the next washing operation is executed, the user can be informed that the washing operation was executed with the automatic dosing in the off setting in the previous washing operation. Thereby, for example, when the user wishes to perform the washing operation with the automatic dosing set to off also in this washing operation, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to perform the selection operation of setting the automatic dosing to off.

[0039] The automatic dosing information includes information regarding whether the automatic dosing is on or off. When the automatic dosing is changed from the on setting to the off setting and the washing operation is performed, the control device 40 changes the automatic dosing to the on setting when executing the next washing operation. According to this, when the washing operation is executed with the automatic dosing set to off, even if the user executes the next washing operation without setting the automatic dosing, it is possible to avoid the washing operation being executed with the automatic dosing still set to off during the next washing operation. Therefore, the usability of the washing machine can be improved.

[0040] (Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The control content executed by the control device 40 in this second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment. Note that the configuration other than the control content executed by the control device 40 in the second embodiment is common to the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the control device 40 executes the control content shown in FIG. 8 instead of the control content shown in FIG. 6. Specifically, in the first embodiment, when the automatic dosing is changed from the on setting to the off setting and the washing operation is executed, the control device 40 automatically changes the automatic dosing from the off setting to the on setting when executing the next operation. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, when the automatic dosing is changed from the on setting to the off setting and the washing operation is executed, the control device 40 sets the operation content based on a selection operation of whether to return the automatic dosing from the off setting to the on setting or to maintain the off setting when executing the next operation. That is, when the automatic dosing is changed from the on setting to the off setting and the washing operation is executed, the control device 40 does not automatically change the automatic dosing from the off setting to the on setting when executing the next operation.

[0041] In this case, when the power supply of the washing machine 10 is turned on (start in FIG. 8), in step S21, the control device 40 determines whether the automatic input setting state, that is, whether the automatic input is set to on or off. If the automatic input is set to on (NO in step S21), the control device 40 determines in step S22 whether the washing operation has started. If the washing operation has started (YES in step S22), the control device 40 operates the input pump 34 during the execution of the washing operation in step S28 to automatically input the washing treatment agent into the washing tub 13. Next, the control device 40 determines in step S29 whether the washing operation has ended. If the operation has ended (YES in step S29), the power supply of the washing machine 10 is turned off and a series of controls are terminated (end).

[0042] On the other hand, if the automatic input is set to off (YES in step S21), the control device 40 transfers the process to step S23 and uses the sound emitting unit 143 to notify by buzzer sound that the automatic input information has been changed. Next, the control device 40 displays the automatic input selection screen 52 in step S24 and determines whether the automatic input has been set. As shown in FIG. 9, the automatic input selection screen 52 is provided with an automatic input off key 522 and an automatic input on key 523 together with the notification information 521 regarding the automatic input. The notification information 521 includes information indicating that the automatic input is set to off and information prompting the selection operation of the automatic input setting. The automatic input off key 522 is an operation key for maintaining the automatic input in the off setting. The automatic input on key 523 is an operation key for switching the automatic input from the off setting to the on setting. When the control device 40 receives the input operation of the automatic input off key 522 or the automatic input on key 523, it determines that the automatic input has been set.

[0043] When the automatic input setting is made (YES in step S24), the control device 40 proceeds to step S25 and determines whether the washing operation has started. When the washing operation has started (YES in step S25), the control device 40 determines in step S26 whether the selected automatic input is set to on or off. When the automatic input is set to off (NO in step S26), the control device 40 proceeds to step S27 and, during the execution of the washing operation, controls the input of the washing treatment agent into the washing tub 13 via the manual input unit 221 without operating the input pump 34, that is, performs control by manual input. Thereafter, the control device 40 proceeds with the processing after step S29. On the other hand, when the automatic input is set to on (YES in step S26), the control device 40 proceeds to step S28 and proceeds with the subsequent processing.

[0044] Even with such a second embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved. In addition, in the next washing operation after the user changes the setting content regarding the automatic input, the user's intention can be confirmed, and forgetting to set the automatic input can be prevented.

[0045] (Third Embodiment) Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. The control content executed by the control device 40 in this third embodiment is different from that in each of the above embodiments. In this third embodiment, based on the detection result of the remaining amount detection unit 35, the control device 40 performs a notification prompting confirmation regarding the setting content of the automatic input information by the display unit 142 or the sound output unit 143. In this case, instead of the control content shown in FIG. 8, the control device 40 executes the control content shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The control content shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is obtained by adding steps S31 to S39 to the control content shown in FIG. 8.

[0046] When the power supply of the washing machine 10 is turned on (start in FIG. 10), in step S31, based on the detection result of the remaining amount detection unit 35, the control device 40 determines whether there is remaining washing treatment agent in the treatment agent tanks 31 and 32 that is necessary for, for example, one washing operation. If there is remaining washing treatment agent (YES in step S31), the control device 40 proceeds with the processing after step S21. On the other hand, if there is no remaining washing treatment agent (NO in step S31), the control device 40 shifts the processing to step S32 and determines whether the automatic dosing is set to on or off.

[0047] When the automatic dosing is set to off (NO in step S32), the control device 40 determines in step S33 whether the washing operation has started. If the washing operation has started (YES in step S33), the control device 40 performs control by manual dosing during the execution of the washing operation in step S34. Next, the control device 40 shifts the processing to step S39 and determines whether the washing operation has ended. If the operation has ended (YES in step S39), the power supply of the washing machine 10 is turned off and a series of controls are ended (end in FIG. 11).

[0048] On the other hand, when the automatic dosing is set to on (YES in step S32), the control device 40 notifies the user to replenish the washing treatment agent in step S35, for example, using the display unit 142. Next, the control device 40 shifts the processing to step S36 and determines whether the washing treatment agent has been replenished in the treatment agent tanks 31 and 32 based on the detection result of the remaining amount detection unit 35. If the washing treatment agent has been replenished (YES in step S36), the control device 40 determines in step S37 whether the washing operation has started. If the washing operation has started (YES in step S37), the control device 40 operates the dosing pump 34 to automatically dose the washing treatment agent into the washing tub 13 during the execution of the washing operation in step S38. Thereafter, the control device 40 proceeds with the processing after step S39.

[0049] Also, in the present embodiment, the control device 40 causes the confirmation screen 53 to be displayed in step S23 of FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 12, the confirmation screen 53 has a close key 532 and a screen transition key 533 arranged together with notification information 531 regarding the residue of the washing agent in the processing agent tanks 31 and 32. The notification information 531 includes information indicating that the washing agent remains in the processing agent tanks 31 and 32 and information prompting a selection operation of the automatic input setting. The close key 532 is an operation key for closing the confirmation screen 53, for example, returning the screen to the home screen, and is also an operation key for maintaining the off setting of the automatic input. The screen transition key 533 is an operation key for transitioning the screen from the confirmation screen 53 to the automatic input setting screen 51. When the control device 40 receives an input operation of the close key 532 or the decision key 514 on the automatic input setting screen 51, it determines that the automatic input setting has been performed.

[0050] Also, according to such a third embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiments are obtained. In addition, based on the detection result of the remaining amount detection unit 35, by performing a notification prompting the user to confirm the setting content of the automatic input information, it is possible to prevent forgetting to change the setting of the automatic input information. Therefore, the usability of the washing machine can be improved.

[0051] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15. In this fourth embodiment, the configuration of the control device 40 is different from that of the above-described embodiments. In this fourth embodiment, the control device 40 stores automatic input information for each operation course. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the storage unit 41 of the control device 40 stores the reference amount and the degree of the input amount of the detergent or fabric softener in the automatic input for each operation course. Then, the control device 40 can execute a washing operation based on the automatic input information corresponding to each operation course stored in the storage unit 41. The reference amount and the degree of the input amount of the detergent or fabric softener in the automatic input for each operation course stored in the storage unit 41 can be arbitrarily set by the user.

[0052] For example, in the soak course, the user can set a larger amount of the reference amount or the amount of detergent input compared to the standard course in order to easily remove dirt attached to the clothes. In this way, by setting the operation content based on the reference amount and the degree of the input amount of the detergent or the fabric softener in the automatic input of each operation course stored in the storage unit 41, it is possible to meet the user's preferences without the need to change the set content in each washing operation. In addition, the storage unit 41 can store information regarding on or off of the automatic input for each type of the washing treatment agent for each operation course. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, in the speed course, by setting the automatic input of the fabric softener to the off setting and storing it in the storage unit 41, it is possible to set not to automatically input the fabric softener as the standard setting of the speed course. As a result, since it is not necessary to set the automatic input when selecting the operation course, the usability is improved. Note that the information regarding on or off of the automatic input for each type of the washing treatment agent for each operation course stored in the storage unit 41 can be arbitrarily changed by the user.

[0053] In addition, when the automatic input device 30 includes two treatment agent tanks 31 for storing the detergent and two treatment agent tanks 32 for storing the fabric softener, as shown in FIG. 14, the storage unit 41 can be configured to store the reference amount and the degree of the input amount of the detergent or the fabric softener in the automatic input for each operation course corresponding to the plurality of treatment agent tanks 31 and 32. "Detergent tank (1)" and "detergent tank (2)" in FIG. 14 indicate the two treatment agent tanks 31, and "fabric softener tank (1)" and "fabric softener tank (2)" indicate the two treatment agent tanks 32. In the example of FIG. 14, the storage unit 41 stores the reference amount and the degree of the input amount of the detergent or the fabric softener corresponding to the plurality of treatment agent tanks 31 and 32 used when the automatic input is set to on in each operation course, respectively.

[0054] The control device 40 can execute a washing operation based on automatic water supply information different from the automatic water supply information stored in the storage unit 41 in each operation course. That is, when the user executes a washing operation, the user can set automatic water supply information different from the automatic water supply information stored in the storage unit 41. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, regarding the standard course, when the automatic water supply in the automatic water supply information stored in the storage unit 41 is stored with the automatic water supply set to on, the control device 40 can execute the washing operation with the automatic water supply set to off. When setting automatic water supply information different from the automatic water supply information stored in the storage unit 41, the user can set the desired operation content on the automatic water supply setting screen 51 or the like.

[0055] In this embodiment, the control device 40 executes the control content shown in FIG. 15 instead of the control content shown in FIG. 6. In this case, when the power of the washing machine 10 is turned on (start in FIG. 15), the control device 40 determines in step S41 whether an operation course has been selected by the user. If an operation course has been selected (YES in step S41), the control device 40 transfers the process to step S42 and determines whether the automatic water supply information at the previous operation is different from the automatic water supply information stored in the storage unit 41.

[0056] If it is the same as the automatic water supply information stored in the storage unit 41 (NO in step S42), the control device 40 transfers the process to step S45 and determines whether the washing operation has started. If the washing operation has started (YES in step S45), the control device 40 determines in step S46 whether the washing operation has ended. If the washing operation has ended (YES in step S46), the power of the washing machine 10 is turned off and a series of controls are terminated (end).

[0057] On the other hand, when it is different from the automatic input information stored in the memory unit 41 (YES in step S42), the control device 40, in step S43, notifies, for example, using the sound output unit 143, by a buzzer sound that the automatic input information has been changed. After that, the control device 40, in step S44, changes the setting of the operation content from the operation content based on the automatic input information at the previous operation to the operation content based on the automatic input information stored in the memory unit 41. Then, the control device 40 proceeds with the processing after step S45.

[0058] Note that the control device 40 may be configured to execute the control content shown in FIG. 16 instead of the control content shown in FIG. 8. An example of the control content shown in FIG. 16 is obtained by adding steps SB11 to B12 in place of steps S21 to S22 of the control content shown in FIG. 8. When the power of the washing machine 10 is turned on (start in FIG. 15), the control device 40 determines, in step B11, whether or not an operation course has been selected by the user. When an operation course has been selected (YES in step B11), the control device 40 transfers the process to step B12 and determines whether or not the automatic input information at the previous operation is different from the automatic input information stored in the memory unit 41.

[0059] When it is the same as the automatic input information stored in the memory unit 41 (NO in step B12), the control device 40 transfers the process to step S25 and proceeds with the subsequent processing. On the other hand, when it is different from the automatic input information stored in the memory unit 41 (YES in step B12), the control device 40, in step S23, notifies, for example, using the sound output unit 143, by a buzzer sound that the automatic input information has been changed. After that, the control device 40 proceeds with the processing after step S24.

[0060] According to such a fourth embodiment, the control device 40 stores automatic input information corresponding to each operation course. By storing the automatic input information corresponding to a plurality of operation courses, when selecting an operation course during the washing operation, it is not necessary to individually change the setting of the automatic input information. Thereby, the usability of the washing machine can be further improved. Further, the plurality of operation courses include a memory course that stores and executes the operation contents of the washing process, rinsing process, and dehydration process arbitrarily set by the user. According to this, in the memory course capable of storing the setting of the operation content, the automatic input information can be stored. Thereby, the usability of the memory course can be improved. As a result, the usability of the washing machine can be further improved.

[0061] Note that the above embodiments can be combined with each other. Also, it is possible to extract and combine only the characteristic parts of two or more embodiments. As described above, a plurality of embodiments of the present invention have been described. These embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0062] 10... Washing machine, 13... Washing tub, 30... Automatic input device, 31, 32... Detergent tank, 40 Control device

Claims

1. A washing tub, having a treatment agent tank capable of storing an amount of a washing treatment agent for a plurality of washing operations, and an automatic dosing device for automatically dosing the washing treatment agent into the washing tub, and a control device for performing a washing operation based on automatic dosing information regarding the automatic dosing of the washing treatment agent, wherein when the automatic dosing information is changed and the washing operation is performed, the control device sets the operation content for the next washing operation based on the automatic dosing information before the change. A washing machine.

2. further comprising a notification unit for notifying a user of various information, wherein when the automatic dosing information is changed and the washing operation is performed, the control device causes the notification unit to notify that the automatic dosing information has been changed before the next washing operation is executed. The washing machine according to claim 1.

3. The automatic dosing information includes information regarding on or off of the automatic dosing, and when the automatic dosing is changed from an on setting to an off setting and the washing operation is performed, the control device changes the automatic dosing to an on setting when performing the next washing operation. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. further comprising a notification unit for notifying a user of various information, and a detection unit for detecting the state of the treatment agent tank, wherein the control device performs a notification for prompting the notification unit to confirm the setting content of the automatic dosing information based on the detection result of the detection unit. The washing machine according to claim 1.

5. in the washing operation, any one of a plurality of operation courses is executed, and the control device stores the automatic dosing information corresponding to each of the operation courses. The washing machine according to claim 1.

6. The plurality of operation courses include dedicated courses for storing and executing the operation contents of a washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydration step arbitrarily set by the user. The washing machine according to claim 5.

7. The automatic dosing information includes information regarding on or off of the automatic dosing. The washing machine according to claim 6.

8. The automatic dosing information includes information regarding the degree of the dosing amount of the washing treatment agent to be dosed into the washing tub. The washing machine according to claim 7.

9. The automatic dosing information includes information regarding the reference amount of the washing treatment agent to be dosed into the washing tub according to the type of the washing treatment agent. The washing machine according to claim 8.

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