Clothing treatment device

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment device capable of easily confirming a plurality of pieces of information regarding a clothing treatment agent, and capable of achieving improvement in usability.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device includes: a clothing treatment tub for storing clothing; an automatic input part for inputting a clothing treatment agent for treating clothing into the clothing treatment tub; a display part for displaying various types of screens; and a control part for controlling the screen display on the display part. The automatic input part can input a plurality of types of clothing treatment agents into the clothing treatment tub, and the control part has a setting screen where setting regarding a plurality of types of clothing treatment agents can be performed, as a screen that can be displayed on the display part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a clothing treatment apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in a washing machine which is an example of a clothing treatment apparatus for performing a predetermined treatment on clothing, in order to meet the demand for improving the convenience of the user, a plurality of doses of clothing treatment agents such as detergents and softeners are preliminarily stored in a tank for automatic feeding, and a configuration including an automatic feeding unit for automatically feeding a required amount from the tank into a water tub during a washing operation has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the conventional configuration, a plurality of pieces of information regarding a clothing treatment agent, for example, information regarding a standard input amount of the clothing treatment agent and information regarding adjustment of the input amount such as more, less, standard, etc. are displayed on different screens respectively. Therefore, the user cannot confirm the information he / she wants to know about the clothing treatment agent unless he / she appropriately switches the screens displayed on the display unit. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a plurality of types of clothing treatment agents can be input, a plurality of pieces of information regarding each clothing treatment agent are displayed on different screens respectively. Therefore, the operation for switching to the screen including the information the user wants to know becomes even more complicated, and the usability becomes even worse.

[0005] Therefore, there is provided a clothing treatment apparatus capable of easily confirming a plurality of pieces of information regarding a clothing treatment agent and improving the usability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The clothing treatment apparatus of this embodiment includes a clothing treatment tank for accommodating clothing, an automatic dosing unit for dosing a clothing treatment agent for treating the clothing into the clothing treatment tank, a display unit for displaying various screens, and a control unit for controlling the display of screens on the display unit. The automatic dosing unit can dose a plurality of types of the clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tank, and the control unit has a setting screen on which settings regarding a plurality of types of the clothing treatment agent can be made as a screen that can be displayed on the display unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

[0008] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments related to a clothing treatment apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. In the plurality of embodiments, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0009] (First Embodiment) The washing machine 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example of a clothing treatment apparatus capable of performing a predetermined treatment on clothing, in this case, at least a washing treatment, a rinsing treatment, and a dehydration treatment. The washing machine 1 is a so-called drum-type washing machine in which the rotation central axis of the rotating tub extends in the horizontal direction or in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0010] The washing machine 1 includes a washing tub 3 for washing clothing inside a rectangular box-shaped housing 2 that constitutes its outer shell. The washing tub 3 is an example of a clothing treatment tub, and is configured to rotatably include a drum having a bottom and a cylindrical shape inside a water tank having a bottom and a cylindrical shape. A large number of small holes are provided on the peripheral wall of the drum, and a baffle for lifting the clothing is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drum. The front opening of the washing tub 3 can be opened and closed by a door 5 provided on the front surface of the housing 2. The user can put the clothing in and out of the washing tub 3 through the front opening of the washing tub 3 by opening the door 5.

[0011] In addition, the washing machine 1 includes a water supply unit 4 for supplying water into the washing tub 3 and a drainage unit (not shown) for draining the water in the washing tub 3 to the outside of the machine. The water supply unit 4 is configured to include a water supply valve 10 or the like in the middle of a water supply path extending from a water source (not shown), such as a water supply line, to the washing tub 3. The drainage unit is configured to include a drainage valve or the like in the middle of a drainage path extending from the bottom of the washing tub 3 to the outside of the machine.

[0012] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the water supply unit 4 is configured to include a water supply valve 10, an automatic dosing unit 11, a water injection case 12, etc. in the middle of a water supply path extending from a water source (not shown) to the washing tub 3. The inlet of the water supply valve 10 is connected to a water source (not shown), such as a water supply line. The water supply valve 10 has at least two outlets. The first outlet is connected to the water injection case 12 via an automatic dosing path 13a, and the second outlet is connected to the water injection case 12 via a manual dosing path 13b. The outlet of the water injection case 12 is connected to the washing tub 3 via a water supply hose 14.

[0013] The automatic dosing unit 11 includes a detergent tank 15 and a fabric softener tank 16. The detergent tank 15 and the fabric softener tank 16 are detachably provided with respect to the water supply unit 4. The detergent tank 15 can store a clothing treatment agent for a plurality of operations, in this case, a detergent for washing the clothes in the washing tub 3. The fabric softener tank 16 can store a clothing treatment agent for a plurality of operations, in this case, a fabric softener for performing a softening treatment on the clothes in the washing tub 3.

[0014] The detergent tank 15 is connected to the automatic input path 13a via the detergent metering pump 17. The detergent metering pump 17 is configured to suck and deliver liquid by driving a piston with an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid, for example. The detergent metering pump 17 sucks a predetermined amount of detergent from the detergent tank 15, in this case, the amount of detergent used for one operation, and delivers the sucked detergent into the automatic input path 13a. Then, the detergent delivered into the automatic input path 13a is introduced into the water injection case 12 together with the water supplied from the water supply valve 10. And the detergent introduced into the water injection case 12 is supplied into the washing tub 3 via the water supply hose 14 together with the water also introduced into the water injection case 12. Thereby, the detergent is automatically input from the detergent tank 15 into the washing tub 3. Note that the detergent metering pump 17 is not limited to a device that sucks liquid, and may be, for example, a device that extrudes liquid.

[0015] The fabric softener tank 16 is connected to the automatic input path 13a via the fabric softener metering pump 18. The fabric softener metering pump 18 is configured to suck and deliver liquid by driving a piston with an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid, for example. The fabric softener metering pump 18 sucks a predetermined amount of fabric softener from the fabric softener tank 16, in this case, the amount of fabric softener used for one operation, and delivers the sucked fabric softener into the automatic input path 13a. Then, the fabric softener delivered into the automatic input path 13a is introduced into the water injection case 12 together with the water supplied from the water supply valve 10. And the fabric softener introduced into the water injection case 12 is supplied into the washing tub 3 via the water supply hose 14 together with the water also introduced into the water injection case 12. Thereby, the fabric softener is automatically input from the fabric softener tank 16 into the washing tub 3. Note that the fabric softener metering pump 18 is not limited to a device that sucks liquid, and may be, for example, a device that extrudes liquid.

[0016] In addition, a manual loading case (not shown) is accommodated in the water injection case 12 so that it can be taken in and out. In the manual loading case, there are provided a manual detergent input section where detergent is manually input by the user, and a manual fabric softener input section where fabric softener is manually input by the user. The detergent input into the manual detergent input section or the fabric softener input into the manual fabric softener input section is supplied into the washing tub 3 via the water supply hose 14 together with the water injected into the water injection case 12 from the water supply valve 10 through the manual input path 13b.

[0017] As configured above, the washing machine 1 further includes a display 40 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The display 40 is an example of a display section, and in this case, it is provided at the upper part of the front surface of the housing 2 of the washing machine 1, more specifically, at the upper part of the door 5. The display 40 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various screens including various information regarding the operation of the washing machine 1. Further, the display 40 displays various screens including operation keys, so-called touch keys, for receiving various operations regarding the operation of the washing machine 1. The user can perform various operations regarding the operation of the washing machine 1 by touching the various operation keys included in the screen displayed by the display 40.

[0018] Note that, as the touch panel constituting the display 40, for example, a capacitance type touch panel that senses a change in capacitance generated when the user's finger touches can be applied. Further, the touch panel constituting the display 40 is not limited to the capacitance type touch panel, and for example, various types of touch panels such as a resistive film type touch panel can be applied. Further, the display 40 is not limited to being constituted by a liquid crystal display, and for example, various display devices such as an organic EL display can be applied.

[0019] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the display of various screens on the display 40 is controlled by the control device 50. The control device 50 is an example of a control unit. The control device 50 is mainly composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 based on a control program and various setting information. Note that various drive system components such as not only the display 40 but also, for example, the water supply valve 10, the detergent metering pump 17, the fabric softener metering pump 18, a drain valve (not shown), and a drum rotation motor (not shown) described above are connected to the control device 50.

[0020] Further, the control device 50 virtually realizes the reference input amount setting unit 51 and the input amount adjustment unit 52 by software by executing a control program. Note that the reference input amount setting unit 51 and the input amount adjustment unit 52 may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. The reference input amount setting unit 51 can execute a reference input amount setting process for setting the reference input amount of detergent or fabric softener into the washing tub 3 according to the user's operation on the reference amount setting screen 200 described later. The input amount adjustment unit 52 can execute an input amount adjustment process for adjusting the input amount of detergent or fabric softener into the washing tub 3 according to the user's operation on the automatic input setting screen 100 described later.

[0021] The washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to include a plurality of pieces of information regarding the clothing treatment agent on one special screen displayed on the display 40. Further, the washing machine 1 is configured to include a plurality of pieces of information regarding a plurality of types of clothing treatment agents, in this case, two types of clothing treatment agents, namely, detergent and fabric softener, on one special screen displayed on the display 40. Next, an example of such a special screen will be described.

[0022] The automatic input setting screen 100 illustrated in FIG. 4 is an example of a special screen. This automatic input setting screen 100 is a screen that is displayed on the display 40 when the automatic input setting key 32 provided on the top screen TG illustrated in FIG. 5 is operated. Here, before entering into a detailed description of the automatic input setting screen 100, an overview of the top screen TG will be described.

[0023] The top screen TG is the screen displayed on the display 40 when the washing machine 1 is powered on. A header section 21 is provided on the top screen TG. Various statuses, such as the name of the currently selected operation, the time, the presence or absence of door lock implementation, and the radio wave state regarding wireless communication performed with external devices, are constantly and fixedly displayed in the header section 21.

[0024] Also, at the central part in the vertical direction of the top screen TG, a washing operation icon 22 which is an operation key for selecting a washing operation, a washing and drying operation icon 23 which is an operation key for selecting a washing and drying operation, and a drying operation icon 24 which is an operation key for selecting a drying operation are arranged. The control device 50 is configured to display the selected icon, in this case, the washing operation icon 22, larger than the unselected icons, in this case, the washing and drying operation icon 23 and the drying operation icon 24. Further, for the selected icon, in this case, the washing operation icon 22, the control device 50 is configured to switch to a display mode including the name of the currently selected course for the washing operation, in this case, the name "standard course", and an icon indicating the clothing corresponding to that course, in this case, an icon schematically representing a T-shirt.

[0025] Also, a footer section 25 is provided on the top screen TG. In the footer section 25, a setting key 26, a lighting on / off key 27, a warm water setting key 28, a reservation setting key 29, a course selection key 30, and a start key 31 are arranged in a row horizontally. Also, an automatic input setting key 32 is provided in the footer section 25. In this case, the automatic input setting key 32 is provided between the lighting on / off key 27 and the warm water setting key 28.

[0026] The setting key 26 is an operation key for performing various settings related to the washing machine 1. The lighting on / off key 27 is an operation key for controlling a lighting device (not shown) that illuminates the inside of the washing tub 3. The lighting device is composed of, for example, an LED arranged near the front opening of the washing tub 3. The warm water setting key 28 is an operation key for setting the temperature of the water used for washing and rinsing clothes in the washing tub 3. The heating of the water can be performed by, for example, a heater provided in the washing tub 3. The reservation setting key 29 is an operation key for setting reservations for operation, such as setting the time to start the operation and setting the time to end the operation. The course selection key 30 is an operation key for changing the screen displayed on the display 40 to a course selection screen (not shown). The start key 31 is an operation key for starting the operation.

[0027] And the automatic detergent dispensing setting key 32 serves as an operation key for displaying the automatic detergent dispensing setting screen 100 illustrated in FIG. 4 on the display 40. When the user operates the automatic detergent dispensing setting key 32, the control device 50 displays the automatic detergent dispensing setting screen 100 on the display 40.

[0028] Next, a configuration example of this automatic detergent dispensing setting screen 100 will be described. The automatic detergent dispensing setting screen 100 includes a detergent-related information display section 110 and a fabric softener-related information display section 120 within one screen 100. The detergent-related information display section 110 constitutes a display area including a plurality of pieces of information regarding the current detergent, and the fabric softener-related information display section 120 constitutes a display area including a plurality of pieces of information regarding the current fabric softener.

[0029] In this case, the detergent-related information display unit 110 includes a reference input amount display unit 111 and a plurality of input amount adjustment buttons 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d. The reference input amount display unit 111 constitutes a display area for displaying the reference input amount of the detergent currently set. In this case, "20 ml / 30 L" is displayed as the reference input amount of the current detergent. The plurality of input amount adjustment buttons 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d are buttons for adjusting the amount of detergent automatically input into the cleaning tank 3 by the automatic input unit 11.

[0030] Specifically, the input amount adjustment button 112a is a button for adjusting the amount of detergent automatically input into the cleaning tank 3 by the automatic input unit 11 to "none", that is, "0 ml". The input amount adjustment button 112b is a button for adjusting the amount of detergent automatically input into the cleaning tank 3 by the automatic input unit 11 to be "less" than the reference input amount of the detergent set at that time, that is, a predetermined amount less. Note that the predetermined amount at this time can be appropriately changed and set. The input amount adjustment button 112c is a button for adjusting the amount of detergent automatically input into the cleaning tank 3 by the automatic input unit 11 to the reference input amount of the detergent set at that time. The input amount adjustment button 112d is a button for adjusting the amount of detergent automatically input into the cleaning tank 3 by the automatic input unit 11 to be "more" than the reference input amount of the detergent set at that time, that is, a predetermined amount more. Note that the predetermined amount at this time can be appropriately changed and set.

[0031] In addition, the detergent-related information display unit 110 includes an input amount notification unit 113. The input amount notification unit 113 is a display unit for notifying the user of the automatic input amount of the detergent adjusted based on the operations of the plurality of input amount adjustment buttons 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d. In this case, in response to the input amount adjustment button 112c being operated by the user, for example, character information such as "The standard amount will be input." indicating that the detergent of the reference input amount set at that time will be automatically input into the cleaning tank 3 is displayed on the input amount notification unit 113.

[0032] The softener-related information display unit 120 includes a reference input amount display unit 121 and a plurality of input amount adjustment buttons 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d. The reference input amount display unit 121 constitutes a display area for displaying the currently set reference input amount of the softener. In this case, "20 ml / 30 L" is displayed as the currently set reference input amount of the softener. The plurality of input amount adjustment buttons 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d are buttons for adjusting the amount of softener automatically input into the washing tub 3 by the automatic input unit 11.

[0033] Specifically, the input amount adjustment button 122a is a button for adjusting the amount of softener automatically input into the washing tub 3 by the automatic input unit 11 to "none", that is, "0 ml". The input amount adjustment button 122b is a button for adjusting the amount of softener automatically input into the washing tub 3 by the automatic input unit 11 to be "less" than the reference input amount of the softener set at that time, that is, a predetermined amount less. Note that the predetermined amount at this time can be changed and set as appropriate. The input amount adjustment button 122c is a button for adjusting the amount of softener automatically input into the washing tub 3 by the automatic input unit 11 to the reference input amount of the softener set at that time. The input amount adjustment button 122d is a button for adjusting the amount of softener automatically input into the washing tub 3 by the automatic input unit 11 to be "more" than the reference input amount of the softener set at that time, that is, a predetermined amount more. Note that the predetermined amount at this time can be changed and set as appropriate.

[0034] Also, the softener-related information display unit 120 includes an input amount notification unit 213. The input amount notification unit 213 is a display unit for notifying the user of the automatically input amount of the softener adjusted based on the operation of the plurality of input amount adjustment buttons 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d. In this case, in response to the user operating the input amount adjustment button 122c, character information such as "The standard amount will be input." indicating that the softener of the reference input amount set at that time will be automatically input into the washing tub 3 is displayed on the input amount notification unit 213.

[0035] In addition, the automatic input setting screen 100 is provided with a "Close" button 130 and a "Determine" button 140. The "Close" button 130 is an operation button for closing the automatic input setting screen 100 and returning to the top screen TG. The "Determine" button 140 is an operation button for determining the input content regarding various setting items on the automatic input setting screen 100, for example, the input amount of the clothing treatment agent.

[0036] In addition, the automatic input setting screen 100 is provided with a reference amount setting button 150. When the user operates the reference amount setting button 150, the control device 50 displays the reference amount setting screen 200 illustrated in FIG. 6 on the display 40. This reference amount setting screen 200 is also an example of a special screen including a plurality of pieces of information regarding the clothing treatment agent. Next, the reference amount setting screen 200 will be described.

[0037] The reference amount setting screen 200 includes a detergent reference input amount setting unit 210 and a softener reference input amount setting unit 220. The detergent reference input amount setting unit 210 includes an up button 211 and a down button 212. The user can increase the reference input amount of the detergent for a predetermined amount of water, in this case, 30 L, by operating the up button 211. Also, the user can decrease the reference input amount of the detergent for a predetermined amount of water, in this case, 30 L, by operating the down button 212.

[0038] The softener reference input amount setting unit 220 includes an up button 221 and a down button 222. The user can increase the reference input amount of the softener for a predetermined amount of water, in this case, 30 L, by operating the up button 221. Also, the user can decrease the reference input amount of the softener for a predetermined amount of water, in this case, 30 L, by operating the down button 222.

[0039] In addition, the reference amount setting screen 200 is provided with a "Close" button 230 and a "Determine" button 240. The "Close" button 230 is an operation button for closing the reference amount setting screen 200 and returning to the automatic input setting screen 100. The "Determine" button 240 is an operation button for determining the input content regarding various setting items on the reference amount setting screen 200, for example, the reference input amount of the clothing treatment agent. Then, the reference input amount of the detergent and the reference input amount of the fabric softener determined based on the operation of the "Determine" button 240 are respectively displayed on the reference input amount display section 111 and the reference input amount display section 121 of the automatic input setting screen 100.

[0040] In addition, the reference amount setting screen 200 is provided with a setting explanation display section 250. The setting explanation display section 250 is a display section for presenting information regarding the setting method of the reference input amount of the clothing treatment agent to the user. In this case, as an example of the setting method of the reference input amount, character information such as "Please set the 'usage amount for 30 L of water' described on the containers of the detergent and the fabric softener." is displayed.

[0041] According to the washing machine 1 described above, the control device 50 includes a plurality of pieces of information regarding the detergent, in this case, information regarding the reference input amount of the detergent and the adjustment of the input amount, on one automatic input setting screen 100 displayed on the display 40. In addition, the control device 50 includes a plurality of pieces of information regarding the fabric softener, in this case, information regarding the reference input amount of the fabric softener and the adjustment of the input amount, on one automatic input setting screen 100 displayed on the display 40.

[0042] According to this configuration, the user can easily confirm a plurality of pieces of information regarding the detergent and the fabric softener simultaneously on one automatic input setting screen 100, thereby improving the usability.

[0043] In addition, the control device 50 includes information regarding the current status of the detergent and fabric softener, in this case, the reference input amount set at that time and the adjustment details of the input amount at that time, on one automatic input setting screen 100. Therefore, the user can check the information regarding the current detergent and fabric softener on one automatic input setting screen 100, and can take actions such as adjusting the input amount based on more accurate information.

[0044] In addition, the control device 50 includes information regarding a plurality of types of laundry treatment agents, in this case, the detergent and fabric softener, on one automatic input setting screen 100. Further, the control device 50 includes information regarding a plurality of types of laundry treatment agents, in this case, the detergent and fabric softener, on one reference amount setting screen 200. Therefore, the user can simultaneously check the information regarding a plurality of types of laundry treatment agents on one screen, and can further improve the usability.

[0045] (Second Embodiment) The automatic input setting screen 300 illustrated in FIG. 7 is a screen that combines the above-described automatic input setting screen 100 and reference amount setting screen 200. That is, the automatic input setting screen 300 includes a detergent-related information display section 310 and a fabric softener-related information display section 320 within one screen 100.

[0046] The detergent-related information display section 310 includes a reference input amount display section 311 and a plurality of input amount adjustment buttons 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d. Further, an up button 311a and a down button 311b are provided above the reference input amount display section 311. The user can increase the reference input amount of the detergent for a predetermined amount of water, in this case, 30 L of water, by operating the up button 311a. Also, the user can decrease the reference input amount of the detergent for a predetermined amount of water, in this case, 30 L of water, by operating the down button 311b.

[0047] In addition, the detergent-related information display section 310 includes a detergent-related information explanation display section 313. Character information for explaining various types of information regarding the detergent, such as examples of setting the standard input amount of the detergent and examples of adjusting the input amount, is displayed on this detergent-related information explanation display section 313.

[0048] The fabric softener-related information display section 320 includes a standard input amount display section 321 and a plurality of input amount adjustment buttons 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d. In addition, an up button 321a and a down button 321b are provided above the standard input amount display section 321. By operating the up button 321a, the user can increase the standard input amount of the fabric softener for a predetermined amount of water, in this case, 30 L. Also, by operating the down button 321b, the user can decrease the standard input amount of the fabric softener for a predetermined amount of water, in this case, 30 L.

[0049] In addition, the fabric softener-related information display section 320 includes a fabric softener-related information explanation display section 323. Character information for explaining various types of information regarding the fabric softener, such as examples of setting the standard input amount of the fabric softener and examples of adjusting the input amount, is displayed on this fabric softener-related information explanation display section 323.

[0050] In addition, an "Exit" button 330 and a "OK" button 340 are provided on the automatic input setting screen 300. The "Exit" button 330 is an operation button for closing the automatic input setting screen 300 and returning to the top screen TG. The "OK" button 340 is an operation button for determining the input content regarding various setting items on the automatic input setting screen 300, such as the input amount of the laundry treatment agent.

[0051] Also according to this embodiment, the control device 50 includes, in one automatic input setting screen 300 displayed on the display 40, a plurality of pieces of information regarding the detergent, in this case, information regarding the standard input amount of the detergent and information regarding the adjustment of the input amount. Further, the control device 50 includes, in one automatic input setting screen 300 displayed on the display 40, a plurality of pieces of information regarding the fabric softener, in this case, information regarding the standard input amount of the fabric softener and information regarding the adjustment of the input amount.

[0052] Therefore, with this configuration as well, the user can easily check a plurality of pieces of information regarding the detergent and fabric softener simultaneously on one automatic input setting screen 300, thereby improving the usability.

[0053] In addition, the user can set the reference input amount of the detergent and fabric softener on one automatic input setting screen 300. Therefore, there is no need to transition to another screen for setting the reference input amount of the detergent and fabric softener. Thus, a more user-friendly washing machine 1 can be provided.

[0054] (Third Embodiment) As illustrated in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, when the reference input amount of the clothing treatment agent is not set by the reference input amount setting unit 51, in other words, when the reference input amount of the clothing treatment agent is not set via the reference input amount setting screen 200, the control device 50 makes the adjustment process of the input amount by the input amount adjustment unit 52, in other words, the adjustment process of the input amount of the clothing treatment agent via the automatic input setting screen 100, not executable.

[0055] That is, when the reference input amount of, for example, the detergent is not set, the control device 50 switches the input amount adjustment buttons 112b, 112c, 112d to a non-operable state and makes only the input amount adjustment button 112a operable. As a result, the user cannot adjust the automatic input amount of the detergent. Further, the control device 50 displays, on the input amount notification unit 113, character information such as "Not automatically input." indicating that the automatic input of the detergent is not performed.

[0056] In addition, when the reference input amount of, for example, the fabric softener is not set, the control device 50 switches the input amount adjustment buttons 122b, 122c, 122d to a non-operable state and makes only the input amount adjustment button 122a operable. As a result, the user cannot adjust the automatic input amount of the fabric softener. Further, the control device 50 displays, on the input amount notification unit 213, character information such as "Not automatically input." indicating that the automatic input of the fabric softener is not performed.

[0057] Further, on the automatic input setting screen 100, a detergent caution prompting section 170 and a fabric softener caution prompting section 180 are provided. When the control device 50 switches the input amount adjustment buttons 112b, 112c, 112d to the inoperable state, for example, character information such as "Please set the reference input amount of the detergent." is displayed on the detergent caution prompting section 170. Also, when the control device 50 switches the input amount adjustment buttons 122b, 122c, 122d to the inoperable state, character information such as "Please set the reference input amount of the fabric softener." may be displayed on the fabric softener caution prompting section 180.

[0058] Note that when the reference amount setting button 150 is operated by the user and the reference input amount of the detergent is set via the reference amount setting screen 200, when the control device 50 returns to the automatic input setting screen 100 again, the input amount adjustment buttons 112b, 112c, 112d are switched to the operable state. Thereby, the user can adjust the input amount of the detergent.

[0059] Also, when the reference amount setting button 150 is operated by the user and the reference input amount of the fabric softener is set via the reference amount setting screen 200, when the control device 50 returns to the automatic input setting screen 100 again, the input amount adjustment buttons 122b, 122c, 122d are switched to the operable state. Thereby, the user can adjust the input amount of the fabric softener.

[0060] According to this embodiment, when the reference input amount of the laundry treatment agent is not set, by making the adjustment of the input amount impossible, the user can be prompted to set the reference input amount. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the laundry treatment agent being put into the washing tub 3 in a state where the reference input amount is not set, and it is possible to suppress the amount of the laundry treatment agent put into the washing tub 3 from becoming an inappropriate amount, for example, being too much or too little.

[0061] In addition, when the control device 50 switches the input amount adjustment buttons 112b, 112c, 112d to the inoperable state, or when the control device 50 switches the input amount adjustment buttons 122b, 122c, 122d to the inoperable state, the display mode of the reference amount setting button 150 may be made different from the normal display mode, for example, by causing it to emit light, increasing its size, changing its shape, or the like.

[0062] (Fourth Embodiment) As illustrated in FIG. 9, the control device 50 further virtually realizes the input amount storage unit 53 by software by executing a control program. Note that the input amount storage unit 53 may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0063] The input amount storage unit 53 is capable of executing a storage process of storing, in the storage unit 54, the input amount of the clothing treatment agent adjusted by the input amount adjustment unit 52, in other words, the input amount of the clothing treatment agent adjusted via the automatic input setting screen 100. The storage unit 54 is constituted by a storage medium such as a nonvolatile memory, for example.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 10, in this case, a storage button 160 is provided on the automatic input setting screen 100. The control device 50 is configured to be able to select a storage process execution mode in which the input amount storage unit 53 executes the input amount storage process according to the operation status of the storage button 160, and a storage process non-execution mode in which the storage process is not executed. That is, when the storage button 160 is operated by the user, the control device 50 executes the storage process by the input amount storage unit 53. Further, the control device 50 is configured not to execute the storage process by the input amount storage unit 53 when the storage button 160 is operated by the user once again.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the input amount of the adjusted clothing treatment agent can be memorized. Therefore, the memorized input amount of the clothing treatment agent can be reflected in, for example, the operations after the next time. Thus, the user does not need to adjust the input amount of the clothing treatment agent each time of operation, and accordingly, a more user-friendly washing machine 1 can be provided.

[0066] Also, according to this embodiment, it is possible to select, based on the operation status of the memory button 160 by the user, between a mode for memorizing the input amount of the adjusted clothing treatment agent and a mode for not memorizing. Therefore, when the user desires to memorize the input amount after adjustment, the memorization process can be performed, and it is possible to avoid the memorization process being performed against the user's will.

[0067] Note that the switching between the memory process execution mode and the memory process non-execution mode may be performed, for example, in response to any one of the input amount adjustment buttons 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d and the input amount adjustment buttons 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d being operated in a predetermined manner. Here, as the operation in the predetermined manner, for example, an operation of pressing a button continuously for a predetermined time, a so-called long-press operation, or an operation of pressing a button a predetermined number of times continuously within a predetermined time, a so-called continuous operation, etc. can be applied.

[0068] (Fifth Embodiment) As illustrated in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 further includes a foam sensor 60. The foam sensor 60 is an example of a foam detection unit, and detects foam generated in the washing tub 3. The foam sensor 60 may be, for example, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure fluctuation in the washing tub 3 accompanying the generation of foam, a water temperature sensor that detects whether the temperature of the water in the washing tub 3 is in a temperature range where foam is likely to be generated, an outside air temperature sensor that detects whether the temperature around the washing machine 1 is in a temperature range where foam is likely to be generated, a turbidity sensor that detects the turbidity of the water in the washing tub 3, a rotation sensor that detects the fluctuation of the rotation speed of the drum accompanying the generation of foam, an odor sensor that detects the amount of the clothing treatment agent put into the washing tub 3 based on its odor, a conductivity sensor that detects the conductivity of the water in the washing tub 3, or any other sensor that detects various physical properties that change with the generation of foam.

[0069] When the control device 50 detects foam generation by the foam sensor 60 during operation, it stores the number of detections in the memory unit 54. The control device 50 then determines whether or not the standard dosage amount of clothing treatment agent set at that time is too high, based on the number of foam detections stored in the memory unit 54. That is, when the number of foam detections stored in the memory unit 54 is greater than a predetermined standard number, the control device 50 determines that the standard dosage amount of clothing treatment agent set is too high.

[0070] 12, when the control device 50 determines that the set reference amount of detergent to be dispensed is too much, it displays text information such as "The reference amount of detergent to be dispensed is too much" on the detergent warning unit 170. This text information is an example of information that prompts the user to change the reference amount of detergent to be dispensed into the washing tank 3, and by indicating that the reference amount is too much, it indirectly prompts the user to change the reference amount of detergent to be dispensed. Note that the control device 50 may output text information such as "Please change the reference amount of detergent to be dispensed", that is, information that directly prompts the user to change the reference amount of detergent to be dispensed.

[0071] In addition, when the control device 50 determines that the set reference input amount of the fabric softener is too large, for example, the fabric softener caution prompting unit 180 displays character information such as "The reference input amount of the fabric softener is too large." This character information is an example of information that prompts the user to change the reference input amount of the fabric softener to be put into the washing tub 3. By indicating that the reference input amount is too large, it indirectly prompts the user to change the reference input amount of the fabric softener. Note that the control device 50 may output character information such as "Please change the reference input amount of the fabric softener.", that is, information that directly prompts the user to change the reference input amount of the fabric softener.

[0072] According to this embodiment, based on the generation history of bubbles in past operations, the user can be prompted to adjust the reference input amount of the laundry treatment agent to a more appropriate amount. Therefore, it is possible to assist in operating with a more appropriate input amount of the laundry treatment agent, and a more user-friendly washing machine 1 can be provided.

[0073] Note that the control device 50 can determine that the reference input amount of the detergent among the plurality of types of laundry treatment agents is too large based on, for example, the fact that the number of times of detecting bubbles in the washing process of washing the clothes in the washing tub 3 exceeds a predetermined reference number of times. In addition, the control device 50 can determine that the reference input amount of the fabric softener among the plurality of types of laundry treatment agents is too large based on, for example, the fact that the number of times of detecting bubbles in the rinsing process of rinsing the clothes in the washing tub 3 exceeds a predetermined reference number of times.

[0074] (Sixth Embodiment) As illustrated in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, when the input amount of at least any one of the plurality of types of laundry treatment agents is changed, the control device 50 displays information prompting the change of the input amount of the other laundry treatment agents on the automatic input setting screen 100. In this case, since the input amount of the fabric softener has been changed, the control device 50 displays, on the input amount notification unit 113, character information prompting the change of the input amount of the detergent, for example, "Since the input amount of the fabric softener has been changed, please also change the input amount of the detergent."

[0075] According to this embodiment, when the input amount of at least any one of a plurality of types of clothing treatment agents is changed, the input amount of other clothing treatment agents is prompted to be changed according to the change. Therefore, the balance of the input amounts of the plurality of types of clothing treatment agents can be maintained in an appropriate balance with each other. That is, it is possible to avoid a situation where the operation is performed with the input amount of any one of the plurality of types of clothing treatment agents being too large or too small, and a more user-friendly washing machine 1 can be provided.

[0076] (Embodiment 7) As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, in this embodiment, when the combination of the input amounts of the clothing treatment agents is a specific combination, the control device 50 displays information prompting to change the input amount of other clothing treatment agents or to change the operation content on the automatic input setting screen 100. Specifically, when "more" is selected as the input amount of the detergent and "less" is selected as the input amount of the fabric softener, the control device 50 displays information prompting to improve the balance of the input amounts of the detergent and the fabric softener, for example, character information such as "The input amount of the detergent is more than that of the fabric softener." on the input amount notification unit 113 as illustrated in FIG. 14. In addition, the control device 50 displays character information such as "The input amount of the fabric softener is less than that of the detergent." on the input amount notification unit 213 as illustrated in FIG. 15. Further, the control device 50 may display information prompting to increase the number of rinses, for example, character information such as "Please increase the number of rinses to thoroughly wash away the detergent." on the input amount notification unit 113 as illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0077] In the operation where "more" is selected as the detergent input amount and "less" is selected as the fabric softener input amount, there is a concern that detergent may remain on the clothes even at the start of the final rinse. When detergent remains on the clothes, the force exerted by the fabric softener on the clothes is weakened, and there is a possibility that the effect expected by the user cannot be achieved. Also, when the input amount of the fabric softener is small, the possibility of not being able to fully exhibit the effect of the fabric softener becomes high. Therefore, when "more" is selected as the detergent input amount and "less" is selected as the fabric softener input amount, for example, as described above, by displaying information that promotes improvement of the balance of the input amounts of the detergent and the fabric softener, information that promotes change of the operation content, and information that promotes increasing the number of rinses to sufficiently rinse the detergent remaining on the clothes, it is possible to adjust the input amounts of the detergent and the fabric softener, the number of rinses, etc. according to this information, so that the fabric softener can fully exhibit its effect on the clothes.

[0078] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the combination of the input amounts of the clothing treatment agent is a specific combination, by promoting a change in the input amount of the clothing treatment agent or a change in the operation content, the clothing treatment agent can be made to fully exhibit its effect on the clothes. Note that the specific combination is not limited to the combination where the detergent is "more" and the fabric softener is "less" described above, and various combinations can be applied as long as they are combinations that may have an adverse effect on the finish of the clothes after the operation.

[0079] (Other Embodiments) Note that this embodiment is not limited to the above-described multiple embodiments, and various changes and expansions can be made without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the above-described multiple embodiments can be appropriately combined and implemented. Also, the washing machine 1 may be provided with an audio output device such as a speaker, and output the information by voice together with the information displayed on various screens.

[0080] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 17, when the control device 50 executes an operation in which automatic detergent feeding is not preferable, such as an "elegant clothing course" for washing easily damaged clothing, it is preferable not to use the normal detergent stored in the detergent tank 15, and information such as to convey to the user to manually pour a dedicated detergent into the manual detergent pouring section of the manual pouring case may be displayed on the automatic pouring setting screen 100.

[0081] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the control device 50 may display the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent tank 15 and the remaining amount of the softener in the softener tank 16 on the automatic pouring setting screen 100. The remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent tank 15 can be specified, for example, by providing a float having a magnet inside the detergent tank 15, providing a reed switch outside the detergent tank 15 to detect the magnetism from the float, and detecting the height position of the float by the reed switch. The remaining amount of the softener in the softener tank 16 can be specified, for example, by providing a float having a magnet inside the softener tank 16, providing a reed switch outside the softener tank 16 to detect the magnetism from the float, and detecting the height position of the float by the reed switch. Note that the remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent is also an example of information regarding the clothing treatment agent and an example of information indicating the current situation of the clothing treatment agent.

[0082] Further, the tanks are not limited to the detergent tank 15 for storing detergent and the softener tank 16. For example, various types of tanks can be appropriately adopted as long as they are tanks for storing various treatment agents for performing some treatment on clothing, such as a deodorant tank for storing a deodorant and a disinfectant tank for storing a disinfectant. Also, the plurality of tanks provided in the water supply section 4 may be tanks for storing the same type of treatment agent or tanks for storing different types of treatment agents. Further, the washing machine 1 may be configured to include one tank in the water supply section 4. Also, the detergent metering pump 17 and the softener metering pump 18 are not limited to those that suck liquid, and may be, for example, those that extrude liquid.

[0083] Moreover, the present embodiment can also be applied to a so-called vertical-axis washing machine in which the rotation center axis of the rotary tub extends in the vertical direction. Further, the present embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine having a drying function. Further, the present embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine without a drying function. Further, the present embodiment can be applied to various clothing treatment devices as long as they are devices that perform some kind of treatment on clothing, such as deodorizing, deodorizing, and sterilizing clothing.

[0084] As described above, a plurality of embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, 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 also included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0085] In the drawings, 1 is a washing machine (clothing treatment device), 3 is a washing tub (clothing treatment tub), 11 is an automatic feeding unit, 40 is a display (display unit), 50 is a control device (control unit), 51 is a reference feeding amount setting unit, 52 is a feeding amount adjustment unit, 53 is a feeding amount storage unit, and 60 is a foam sensor (foam detection unit).

Claims

1. A clothing treatment tank for accommodating clothing, an automatic input unit for inputting a clothing treatment agent for treating clothing into the clothing treatment tank, a display unit for displaying various screens, a control unit for controlling the display of screens on the display unit, and comprising the automatic input unit being capable of inputting a plurality of types of the clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tank, the control unit having a setting screen on which settings regarding a plurality of types of the clothing treatment agent can be made as a screen that can be displayed on the display unit, a clothing treatment apparatus.

2. The control unit is capable of specifying the remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent, and when the specified remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent has decreased, it can display on the setting screen that the remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent has decreased, the clothing treatment apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. The setting screen has a plurality of display areas for displaying information regarding the clothing treatment agent for each of the plurality of types of the clothing treatment agent, and a plurality of pieces of information regarding one of the clothing treatment agents are respectively displayed in the plurality of display areas, the clothing treatment apparatus according to Claim 1.

4. The setting screen has a button in the display area for setting whether to automatically input the clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tank by the automatic input unit, the clothing treatment apparatus according to Claim 3.

5. The control unit is capable of specifying the remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent, and when the specified remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent has decreased, it can display on the display area that displays information regarding the clothing treatment agent whose remaining amount has decreased that the remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent has decreased, the clothing treatment apparatus according to Claim 3.

6. The control unit is for displaying a plurality of pieces of information regarding the clothing treatment agent, and as one of these plurality of pieces of information, it can display at the end of the display area that the remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent has decreased, the clothing treatment apparatus according to Claim 5.

7. The setting screen has a button in the display area for setting whether to automatically input the clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tank by the automatic input unit, and the control unit displays the reference input amount of the clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tank at a position adjacent to the button in the display area, the clothing treatment apparatus according to Claim 3.

8. The same type of information regarding the clothing treatment agent is respectively displayed in the plurality of display areas, The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the same type of information displayed in each of the display areas is arranged along the direction in which the plurality of display areas are arranged.

Images