Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of properly notifying a user of addition of a chemical agent according to the use state of the washing machine.SOLUTION: There is provided a washing machine 1 including chemical agent tanks 110, 120. The washing machine 1 comprises a residual amount detection unit 13, an environment detection unit 14, and a notification unit 15. The residual amount detection unit 13 detects a residual amount in the chemical agent tanks 110, 120. The environment detection unit 14 acquires information about the outside environment surrounding the washing machine 1 in use. The notification unit 15 outputs notification which urges a user to add a chemical agent into the chemical agent tanks 110, 120, using the result of a detection of a small amount and the information about the outside environment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to washing machines. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, washing machines have been known that have a chemical tank and detect the remaining amount of chemical. Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that detects a small amount of chemical when the remaining amount of chemical falls below a predetermined amount. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-48607 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional washing machines have not been able to appropriately notify users when chemicals need to be added in accordance with the usage status of the washing machine.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a washing machine that can appropriately notify the user to add medicine in accordance with the usage status of the washing machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The washing machine disclosed herein is a washing machine having a chemical tank and includes a remaining amount detection unit, an environment detection unit, and a notification unit. The remaining amount detection unit detects the remaining amount in the chemical tank. The environment detection unit acquires information about the external environment in which the washing machine is used. The notification unit uses the result of the low amount detection and the information about the external environment to output a notification encouraging the user to add chemicals to the chemical tank. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the user can be notified to add medicine at an appropriate time based on the usage status of the washing machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of a chemical supply unit in the washing machine shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a washing machine and a terminal device. [Figure 4A] 10 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a remaining amount detection unit in a detergent tank, showing a state in which there is sufficient detergent. FIG. [Figure 4B] 10 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a remaining amount detection unit in a detergent tank, illustrating a state when a small amount of detergent is detected. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a notification process based on a usage environment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a notification process based on a washing course. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a notification process based on the amount of medicine consumed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] (1) Hardware configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine 1 according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a door 2 and a chemical dispenser unit 10. The door 2 is located on the front of the washing machine 1. The chemical dispenser unit 10 is built into the top surface of the washing machine 1. In the illustrated example, the washing machine 1 is a drum type in which the door 2 opens toward the front. However, the washing machine 1 does not have to be a drum type.

[0011] Fig. 2 is an external view of the chemical dispensing unit 10. For ease of explanation, the lids 3 and 4 are not shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the chemical dispensing unit 10 includes a case body 100 and a valve mechanism 140. The case body 100 includes a detergent tank 110, a fabric softener tank 120, and a manual dispensing case 130.

[0012] The detergent tank 110 is a tank for storing detergent that is automatically dispensed into the washing tub of the washing machine 1. The detergent tank 110 stores, for example, liquid detergent. The fabric softener tank 120 is a tank for storing fabric softener that is automatically dispensed into the washing tub of the washing machine 1. The fabric softener tank 120 stores, for example, liquid fabric softener. In the following description, the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 may be collectively referred to as chemical tanks. In other words, chemicals include various chemical products that are dispensed into the washing machine 1, such as detergent and fabric softener.

[0013] 1, the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 are closed by a lid 4. Therefore, a user can open the lid 4 to expose the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 and refill the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 with chemicals.

[0014] The manual dispenser case 130 is a case for the user to manually dispense chemicals (detergent and fabric softener). The manual dispenser case 130 has a detergent dispenser 131 and a fabric softener dispenser 132. The detergent dispenser 131 is an inlet through which the user measures and manually dispenses detergent each time they do laundry. The fabric softener dispenser 132 is an inlet through which the user measures and manually dispenses fabric softener each time they do laundry.

[0015] 1, the manual dispenser case 130 is closed by the lid 3. Therefore, the user can open the lid 3 to expose the detergent dispenser 131 and the fabric softener dispenser 132, and manually dispense detergent (including powder detergent) or fabric softener (including solid agent) into each of them.

[0016] 2, the valve mechanism 140 is attached to the case body 100. The valve mechanism 140 has a water supply port 141. The water supply port 141 is a water supply port through which tap water to be supplied to the medicine injection unit 10 flows in.

[0017] A plurality of electromagnetic valves are provided inside the valve mechanism 140. By appropriately controlling the opening and closing of these electromagnetic valves, tap water can be supplied to the medicine supplying unit 10 through different routes.

[0018] Water supply port 141 is exposed from the rear of the top surface of washing machine 1. Therefore, by connecting water supply port 141 to a water faucet with a hose, washing machine 1 can receive a supply of tap water.

[0019] When automatic chemical dispensing into the washing tub of washing machine 1 is performed, water is supplied from water supply port 141 to a chemical exchange chamber (not shown) in chemical dispensing unit 10, and chemicals are drawn into the chemical exchange chamber from a chemical tank (detergent tank 110 or fabric softener tank 120) along with this water supply. The chemicals drawn into the chemical exchange chamber are then dispensed into the washing tub together with tap water. The amount of chemical dispensed is set in advance depending on the volume of laundry, the washing course, etc. The specific method for automatic chemical dispensing is not particularly limited in the present invention, and any known method can be applied.

[0020] (2) Functional configuration Next, the functional configuration of the washing machine 1 and the terminal device 20 used simultaneously with the washing machine 1 will be described.

[0021] (2-1) Functional configuration of washing machine 1 First, we will explain the functional configuration of washing machine 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of washing machine 1 and terminal device 20. As shown in Fig. 3, washing machine 1 includes control unit 11, memory unit 12, remaining amount detection unit 13, environment detection unit 14, notification unit 15, and communication unit 16.

[0022] The control unit 11 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, a register, a peripheral circuit, and the like.

[0023] The control unit 11 determines the amount of chemicals used for each washing operation and tallies the amount of chemicals used. In this respect, the control unit 11 corresponds to the tallying unit of the present invention. The control unit 11 tallies the amount of chemicals used per unit period. The process of tallying the amount of chemicals used will be described in detail later.

[0024] The storage unit 12 includes a storage device and stores data and computer programs. Specifically, the storage unit 12 includes a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory and a secondary storage device such as a semiconductor memory, a solid-state drive, and / or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 may also include removable media. The storage unit 12 is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0025] The storage unit 12 stores, for example, the following information: Pre-set operating conditions Driving history -Type and amount of chemicals used depending on the operating conditions -History information of low volume detection results Environmental information acquired by the environment detection unit 14 (described later) - Notification content rules used for various notification processes described below

[0026] The remaining amount detection unit 13 detects the remaining amount in the chemical tank. In the following explanation, the configuration of the remaining amount detection unit 13 will be explained using the remaining amount detection in the detergent tank 110 as an example. Note that a similar remaining amount detection unit 13 is also provided in the fabric softener tank 120.

[0027] Fig. 4A is a schematic diagram of the remaining amount detection unit 13 in the detergent tank 110, showing a state where there is a sufficient amount of detergent. Fig. 4B is a schematic diagram of the remaining amount detection unit 13 in the detergent tank 110, showing a state where a small amount of detergent is detected.

[0028] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the remaining amount detection unit 13 is composed of a float 150 having a magnet, and a reed switch 151. The float 150 moves up and down in accordance with fluctuations in the liquid detergent level inside the detergent tank 110. The reed switch 151 is disposed outside the detergent tank 110. The reed switch 151 is fixed to the lower part of the bottom surface of the tank.

[0029] 4A, when there is a sufficient amount of detergent in the detergent tank 110, the float 150 is in a position away from the reed switch 151. As a result, the output of the reed switch 151 is turned OFF.

[0030] On the other hand, as detergent is used during washing, when the amount of detergent in detergent tank 110 decreases and falls below a predetermined amount, float 150 approaches reed switch 151, and the output of reed switch 151 turns ON, as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0031] 4B shows the state when the output of reed switch 151 switches from OFF to ON. That is, when the liquid level in detergent tank 110 is H1, the output of reed switch 151 switches from OFF to ON. This allows washing machine 1 to detect a low level of detergent when the remaining amount of detergent in detergent tank 110 reaches a predetermined amount corresponding to liquid level H1. Based on the result of the low level detection, washing machine 1 notifies user terminal device 20 to encourage the user to add detergent.

[0032] The float 150 and the reed switch 151 are provided in each of the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120. Therefore, the remaining amount detection unit 13 performs low amount detection for each of the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120.

[0033] 3, the environment detection unit 14 acquires information about the external environment in which the washing machine 1 is used. Examples of the information about the external environment include the following. Climate information for the environment in which the washing machine 1 is used Geographical information of the environment in which Washing Machine 1 is used Seasonal information of the environment in which Washing Machine 1 is used Therefore, the washing machine 1 can evaluate the usage status of the washing machine 1 from various aspects based on various types of information and provide appropriate notification regarding the timing for adding chemicals.

[0034] Environment detection unit 14 acquires external information related to the climate in the environment in which washing machine 1 is used by acquiring climate information in the area in which washing machine 1 is used via network NW. Environment detection unit 14 acquires geographic information of the environment in which washing machine 1 is used by acquiring information on the use area registered at the start of use, for example. Environment detection unit 14 acquires seasonal information in the environment in which washing machine 1 is used by acquiring time information via network NW.

[0035] The notification unit 15 outputs a notification to the user's terminal device 20 urging the user to add medicine to the medicine tank, using the result of the low amount detection by the remaining amount detection unit 13 and the information on the external environment acquired by the environment detection unit 14. Specifically, the notification unit 15 changes the notification mode (notification timing, notification method, notification content) based on the information on the external environment.

[0036] Here, the contents of the notification information include the following information: - Reminders to purchase chemicals and add them to the chemical tank Information about the type of chemicals to purchase (detergent or fabric softener, etc.) Information about the amount of medication to purchase (e.g., the volume of the medication bottle) The notification unit 15 may notify the user of a specific product name of the medicine.

[0037] As a change in the timing of notification, for example, when the temperature in the environment in which washing machine 1 is used is high, notification unit 15 can notify the user to add chemicals (detergent or fabric softener) more frequently than usual because there is a concern that the chemicals will volatilize. Also, as a change in the method of notification, notification unit 15 can notify the user by displaying information on terminal device 20 that there is a concern that the chemicals will volatilize.

[0038] Notification unit 15 further determines the content of the notification information according to the usage status of washing machine 1. Specifically, notification unit 15 determines the content of the notification information based on the operation mode of washing machine 1 specified by the user.

[0039] For example, when the washing machine 1 is designated to operate in a washing course that uses fabric softener, the notification unit 15 can notify the terminal device 20 that a request is made to purchase additional fabric softener.

[0040] The notification unit 15 further determines the content of the notification information based on the amount of chemical used per unit period tallied by the control unit 11. Specifically, if the amount of chemical used per unit period (e.g., one month) is 240 mL, and the amount of chemical used per load is 30 mL, this means that laundry is done approximately twice a week. Such users include single people. The notification unit 15 notifies users who do laundry relatively infrequently to purchase a smaller-capacity chemical bottle. This is because purchasing a larger-capacity chemical bottle raises concerns about chemical deterioration due to long-term storage.

[0041] On the other hand, if the amount of chemical used per month is 1 L, this means that laundry is done at least once a day. Such users include users with large families or users who use washing machine 1 for work. Notification unit 15 notifies users who do laundry frequently to encourage them to purchase a large-capacity chemical bottle. This is because purchasing a small-capacity chemical bottle increases the frequency of purchases, making purchasing more time-consuming, and preventing them from obtaining a volume discount through bulk purchases. Notification unit 15 may also determine the volume of the chemical bottle to purchase based on the amount that can be consumed over a period of about two to three months. This is because chemicals are less likely to deteriorate during storage if stored for about two to three months.

[0042] The communication unit 16 is, for example, a wireless communication module that performs wireless communication or a wired communication module that performs wired communication. The communication unit 16 is, for example, a wireless communication module that performs short-distance wireless communication. The short-distance wireless communication is, for example, wireless communication with a communication distance of several meters to several tens of meters. The short-distance wireless communication is, for example, communication conforming to a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or WiFi.

[0043] The communication unit 16 is connected to a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a public telephone network, and a short-range wireless network. The communication unit 16 is a communication device, for example, a network interface controller. Various communication devices (for example, a router, a bridge, an access point, a hub, and a repeater) are connected to the network NW.

[0044] When washing machine 1 is connected to a server (not shown) via network NW, the server may be responsible for some or all of the functions of control unit 11 (counting unit), memory unit 12, and environment detection unit 14. In addition, the server may be responsible for determining the content of the notification information in notification unit 15.

[0045] (2-2) Functional Configuration of Terminal Device 20 Next, the functional configuration of the terminal device 20 will be described. The terminal device 20 is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The personal computer is, for example, a laptop or desktop personal computer. In the illustrated example, a smartphone will be used as the terminal device 20.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 20 includes a processor 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input device 24, and an output device 25.

[0047] The processor 21 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, a register, a peripheral circuit, and the like.

[0048] The storage unit 22 includes a storage and a memory. The storage is a storage device for saving data, and is realized by, for example, a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The memory is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by the programs, and is realized by, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0049] The memory stores application software (hereinafter referred to as a laundry application) that manages the operation of the washing machine 1. The terminal device 20 executes the laundry application to realize the following functions related to the washing machine 1. ·Accept input of washing machine 1's operating conditions (washing mode) Washing machine 1 operation status display Display of alarm information from washing machine 1 Linking with the websites of manufacturers and sellers of chemicals used in washing machines 1, as well as physical stores and e-commerce sites where chemicals can be purchased

[0050] The notification information transmitted from washing machine 1 and displayed on terminal device 20 includes the following information. Information that there is a small amount of chemicals in washing machine 1 -Type and amount of medication to be added This allows the user to check the type and amount of medicine to be added, ensuring user convenience.

[0051] The communication unit 23 includes, for example, a wireless communication module that performs communication in accordance with a mobile phone communication standard. The mobile phone communication standard is, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 4G (Fourth Generation Mobile Communication System). The communication unit 23 includes, for example, a network interface controller (NIC) that performs communication in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, the TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) protocol suite (i.e., the Internet Protocol Suite). The communication unit 23 includes a wireless communication module that performs short-range wireless communication.

[0052] The input device 24 is an input device for receiving input operations from a user, and includes, for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, and the like.

[0053] The output device 25 is an output device for presenting information to the user, and includes, for example, a display, a speaker, and the like.

[0054] (3) Processing of washing machine 1 Next, the processing of the washing machine 1 will be described.

[0055] (3-1) Notification processing based on usage environment Fig. 5 is a flow diagram showing the notification process based on the usage environment. As shown in Fig. 5, in the notification process based on the usage environment, first, washing machine 1 detects whether detergent tank 110 and fabric softener tank 120 are low in water (step S101). Specifically, remaining amount detection unit 13 of washing machine 1 detects whether detergent tank 110 and fabric softener tank 120 are low in water.

[0056] The remaining amount detection unit 13 uses a float 150 and a reed switch 151 to detect that the liquid amount in each of the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 is small.

[0057] After step S101, the washing machine 1 determines the external environment (step S102). Specifically, the environment detection unit 14 of the washing machine 1 acquires information about the external environment. In this embodiment, the environment detection unit 14 acquires climate information. The environment detection unit 14 compares the acquired climate information with a preset threshold value.

[0058] In step S102, if the temperature included in the acquired climate information is equal to or higher than the threshold value (Yes in step S103), the notification unit 15 changes the notification frequency (step S104). Specifically, the notification unit 15 sets the notification frequency for the user's terminal device 20 to be high.

[0059] After step S104, the washing machine 1 notifies the user that chemicals should be added (step S105). Specifically, the notification unit 15 of the washing machine 1 outputs notification information to the user's terminal device 20. The notification information is output to the terminal device 20 at a set frequency.

[0060] On the other hand, if the temperature is not equal to or higher than the standard in step S102 (No in step S103), the notification unit 15 skips step S104 and notifies the user that medicine should be added (step S105). That is, the notification unit 15 outputs notification information to the user's terminal device 20 at the notification frequency before the change. This completes the notification process based on the usage environment.

[0061] In this way, in the washing machine 1 of the present invention, the notification unit 15 uses the result of the small amount detection and information on the external environment to output notification information urging the addition of chemicals to the user's terminal device 20. Therefore, the user can be appropriately notified to add chemicals according to the usage status of the washing machine 1.

[0062] (3-2) Notification processing based on washing course 6 is a flow diagram showing the notification process based on the washing course. As shown in Fig. 6, in the notification process based on the washing course usage environment, the washing machine 1 first performs low-level detection of the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 (step S201).

[0063] The remaining amount detection unit 13 detects that the liquid amount in each of the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 is small using the float 150 and the reed switch 151. In this embodiment, the detection of the small amount of chemical is performed before the washing machine 1 is operated. Note that the detection of the small amount of chemical may also be performed after the washing machine 1 has been operated previously.

[0064] After step S201, the washing machine 1 determines the washing course (step S202). The control unit 11 of the washing machine 1 determines the operating conditions input by the user to confirm the washing course of the washing machine 1. The operating conditions may be input to an operation panel (not shown) of the washing machine 1, or may be input from a laundry app on the terminal device 20. The operating conditions to be determined may be the washing course of the operation performed immediately before the determination, or may be the washing course of the operation performed thereafter.

[0065] In step S202, if the washing course is a predetermined course (Yes in step S203), the notification unit 15 determines notification information based on that (step S204). Specifically, if a course that uses fabric softener is specified in advance as the predetermined course, if a small amount of detergent is detected in the small amount detection, even if the amount of fabric softener is not small, it is predicted that the amount of fabric softener is also decreasing, and information urging the user to add fabric softener is added to the notification information.

[0066] After step S204, the notification unit 15 notifies the user to add an agent (step S205). Specifically, the notification unit 15 of the washing machine 1 outputs notification information to the user's terminal device 20. The notification information includes a message urging the user to add fabric softener.

[0067] On the other hand, if the washing course is not the predetermined course in step S202 (No in step S203), the control unit 11 skips step S204 and notifies the user to add chemicals (step S205). In other words, if the amount of fabric softener is not detected as small in the small amount detection (step S201), the notification information does not include information regarding the addition of fabric softener. This completes the notification process based on the washing course.

[0068] In this way, the washing machine 1 determines the content of the notification information based on the usage information of the washing machine 1, particularly the operating conditions of the washing machine 1. Therefore, the content to be notified is determined based on the actual usage situation, not just the result of small amount detection. This allows for more flexible notification in line with the user's usage situation.

[0069] (3-3) Notification processing based on drug consumption 7 is a flow diagram showing the notification process based on the amount of chemicals consumed. As shown in FIG. 7, in the notification process based on the amount of chemicals consumed, washing machine 1 first detects whether the detergent tank 110 and fabric softener tank 120 are low in liquid (step S301). Remaining amount detection unit 13 uses float 150 and reed switch 151 to detect that the liquid amount in each of detergent tank 110 and fabric softener tank 120 is low. Note that the detection of a low amount of chemicals may be performed after the previous operation of washing machine 1.

[0070] After step S301, the control unit 11 calculates the amount of medicine consumed per unit period (step S302). Specifically, the control unit 11 calculates the amount of medicine consumed per unit period (e.g., per month) based on the history of medicine usage immediately before the medicine tank becomes low.

[0071] After step S302, the notification unit 15 determines the notification content (step S303). The notification unit 15 compares the amount of medicine consumed per unit period with a pre-stored reference value to determine the amount of medicine to be additionally purchased, which is included in the notification information.

[0072] After step S303, the notification unit 15 notifies the user that medicine should be added (step S304). Specifically, the notification unit 15 outputs the determined notification information to the user's terminal device 20. The content of the notification information includes information about the volume and type of medicine to be added. This completes the notification process based on the washing course.

[0073] In this way, in the washing machine 1 of the present invention, the content of the notification information is determined based on the amount of chemicals used per unit period tallied by the counting unit. This allows for appropriate notification in line with the user's usage of the washing machine 1.

[0074] (4) Variations A modification of this embodiment will be described below. In the above embodiment, the process using climate information as environmental information is described, but this is not limited thereto. The notification unit 15 can determine the notification content by combining any of the climate information, geographic information, and seasonal information acquired by the environment detection unit 14. In this case, the notification mode (notification timing, notification method, notification content) corresponding to each parameter is set in advance and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0075] Furthermore, the notification unit 15 may combine the above-mentioned notifications based on the usage environment, the washing course, and the amount of chemicals used to determine the content of the notification to the user's terminal device 20. In this case, the notification mode (notification timing, notification method, notification content) corresponding to each parameter is set in advance and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the remaining amount detection unit 13 is a float switch having the float 150 and the reed switch 151, but this is not limitative. The remaining amount detection unit 13 may be other sensors having, for example, the following configurations. Liquid detection sensor: Placed at a designated location inside the chemical tank, the sensor outputs a signal depending on whether it is in contact with the chemical inside the tank. Optical sensor: Placed on the side of the tank, the output changes depending on whether the liquid level in the tank exceeds a certain level.

[0077] That is, the remaining amount detection unit 13 is not limited to a sensor that determines whether the remaining amount is small (ON / OFF), but may be a sensor that seamlessly detects how much remaining amount there is.

[0078] If the remaining amount detection unit 13 is a sensor that seamlessly determines the remaining amount of chemicals, the washing machine 1 may change the threshold for determining whether a small amount is detected using any of information about the external environment of the washing machine 1, operating conditions, and the amount of chemicals used.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the detergent and fabric softener are both liquid, but this is not limited thereto. That is, the detergent and fabric softener may be powder or solid. Furthermore, the chemicals put into the washing machine 1 are not limited to the detergent and fabric softener, and may be other chemical products.

[0080] In the above embodiment, notification information for the user is output from notification unit 15 of washing machine 1 to terminal device 20, but notification unit 15 of washing machine 1 itself may notify the user. In this case, by providing the functions and configuration related to the information output in terminal device 20 described above in washing machine 1 or a server, it is possible to output notification information to the user even without terminal device 20.

[0081] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, some of the components shown in one embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some of the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0082] Furthermore, the drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of the respective components to facilitate understanding of the invention. Furthermore, the configurations of the components shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications, omissions, and combinations are possible within the scope that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] The present disclosure is applicable to the field of washing machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1: Washing machine 10: Drug injection unit 11: Control unit (counting unit) 12: Storage part 13: Remaining amount detection unit 14: Environmental detection unit 15: Information Department 16: Communications Department 20: Terminal device 21: Processor 22: Storage part 23: Communications Department 24: Input device 25: Output device 100: Case body 110: Detergent tank (chemical tank) 120: Fabric softener tank (chemical tank) 130: Manual input case 140: Valve mechanism 141: Water supply outlet 150: Float 151: Reed switch

Claims

1. A washing machine having a chemical tank, a remaining amount detection unit that performs small amount detection to determine whether the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine tank is small; an environment detection unit that acquires information about an external environment in which the washing machine is used; a notification unit that outputs notification information that prompts the user to add medicine to the medicine tank using the result of the small amount detection and information about the external environment; A washing machine equipped with

2. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the information on the external environment includes at least one of climatic information, geographical information, and seasonal information of an environment in which the washing machine is used.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification unit changes a frequency at which the notification information is output based on information relating to the external environment.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification unit further determines content of the notification information depending on a usage status of the washing machine.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4 , wherein the notification unit determines content of the notification information based on an operation condition of the washing machine specified by a user.

6. Further provided is a counting unit that counts the amount of drug used, The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification unit further determines content of the notification information based on the amount of chemical used per unit period tallied by the counting unit.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the notification information includes information regarding the amount and type of chemicals to be purchased.

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