Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of improving washing performance by enhancing the synergistic effect of a detergent and a washing auxiliary agent.SOLUTION: The washing machine includes a water tub, a rotary tub, an automatic detergent feeding device, and at least one or both of an automatic auxiliary agent feeding device having an auxiliary agent tank capable of storing an amount of a washing auxiliary agent to be used in a plurality of washing operations and capable of automatically feeding a predetermined amount of the washing auxiliary agent in the auxiliary agent tank into the water tub during the washing operation and an auxiliary agent manual feeding device having an auxiliary agent case into which an amount of the washing auxiliary agent to be used in one washing operation is fed by a user and capable of feeding the washing auxiliary agent fed into the auxiliary agent case into the water tub during the washing operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a method for efficiently removing yellowing or blackening of laundry by washing laundry using a laundry aid such as bleach. In this case, the laundry aid is supplied to the water tub together with the detergent by water supplied from a water supply line connected to an external water source. Therefore, the timing of adding the laundry aid to the water tub depends on the timing of adding the detergent to the water tub. However, depending on the degree of soiling of the laundry, adding the detergent and the laundry aid to the water tub simultaneously may not provide sufficient cleaning effect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2014-212809 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, a washing machine capable of improving washing performance by enhancing the synergistic effect of detergent and washing aids is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A washing machine according to an embodiment includes a water tub, a rotating tub rotatably arranged within the water tub, an automatic detergent dispenser having a detergent tank capable of storing an amount of detergent used for multiple wash runs and capable of automatically dispensing a predetermined amount of the detergent in the detergent tank into the water tub during a wash run, an automatic agent dispenser having an agent tank capable of storing an amount of laundry auxiliary agent used for multiple wash runs and capable of automatically dispensing a predetermined amount of the laundry auxiliary agent in the agent tank into the water tub during a wash run, or a manual agent dispenser having an agent case into which a user dispenses an amount of laundry auxiliary agent used for one wash run and capable of dispensing the laundry auxiliary agent dispensed in the agent case into the water tub during a wash run, and a control device capable of executing, at different times, a detergent dispense process for dispensing the detergent into the water tub using the automatic detergent dispenser and an agent dispense process for dispensing the laundry auxiliary agent into the water tub using the automatic agent dispenser or the manual agent dispenser. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration inside a water injection case of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of a part of a display unit and an operation unit of an operation panel in a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of a control device for a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a dispensing pattern for a combination of a type of detergent and a type of laundry auxiliary agent for a washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing the entire process of washing operation for the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing control details in a washing process for a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart showing control details in a pre-wash process for a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart showing the control contents in the main washing process of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the control contents in the washing process in another example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the control contents in the washing process in another example of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine according to a second embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine according to another example of the first embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine according to another example of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration inside the water injection case in another example of the first and second embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Substantially identical elements in each embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in each of the following embodiments, the terms "first" and "second" attached to components are used merely to distinguish between similar components, and do not indicate superiority or inferiority between the components or a time element.

[0008] In this specification, the term "related agents" refers to products used in laundry operations, i.e., products related to laundry, and includes laundry treatment agents and laundry auxiliaries. The term "laundry treatment agents" refers to detergents for cleaning purposes, such as powder detergents and liquid detergents, and finishing agents for finishing laundry, such as fabric softeners and fragrances. The term "laundry auxiliaries" refers to products intended to support or enhance the performance of detergents and finishing agents, such as bleaches, disinfectants, so-called builder auxiliaries, additives, fluorescent agents, enzymes, anti-redeposition agents, baking soda, etc.

[0009] (First embodiment) A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. The washing machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a drum-type washing machine of either a horizontal-axis type in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub 13 is horizontal or an inclined-axis type inclined downward toward the rear. Note that the washing machine 10 may also be a vertical-axis type in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub 13 is vertical. The washing machine 10 includes an outer case 11, a water tub 12, a rotating tub 13, a motor 14, a drainage path 15, a drain valve 16, a filter device 17, a circulation path 18, and a circulation pump 19. Note that in FIG. 1, the side of the installation surface of the washing machine 10, i.e., the vertically lower side, is referred to as the lower side of the washing machine 10, and the opposite side of the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upper side, is referred to as the upper side of the washing machine 10. In this case, the water tub 12 and the rotating tub 13 function as a washing tub for storing laundry.

[0010] In washing machine 10 shown in Fig. 1, water tub 12 is disposed within outer casing 11 and is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). Rotating tub 13 is rotatably disposed within water tub 12 and is rotationally driven by motor 14.

[0011] Drain path 15 is a path for discharging water stored in water tub 12 to the outside of washing machine 10. Drain path 15 is configured, for example, by a flexible drain hose, one end of which is connected to drain valve 16 and the other end of which is drawn out to the outside of washing machine 10. Drain valve 16 is an on-off valve for liquid that can be electromagnetically opened and closed. Drain valve 16 is provided between drain outlet 121 provided at the bottom of water tub 12 and drain path 15. Drain valve 16 opens and closes drain path 15 based on a control signal from control device 60.

[0012] The filter device 17 is provided between the drain outlet 121 and the drain valve 16. The filter device 17 has a mesh filter 171 inside, which collects lint and debris contained in the water passing through the filter device 17.

[0013] Circulation path 18 is a path for pumping up water stored in aquarium 12 and supplying the pumped water back into aquarium 12 from the top of aquarium 12. Circulation path 18 is provided outside aquarium 12. One end of circulation path 18 is connected to drain outlet 121 of aquarium 12 via filter device 17, and the other end is connected to nozzle portion 181 provided at the top of aquarium 12. Nozzle portion 181 is not shown in detail, but is configured so that water ejected from nozzle portion 181 is released in a shower-like manner toward the center of aquarium 12.

[0014] Circulation pump 19 is provided on circulation path 18. When circulation pump 19 is driven with drainage path 15 closed by drainage valve 16, circulation pump 19 pumps water from water tank 12 through drainage outlet 121 and pours the water back into water tank 12 from nozzle portion 181. In this way, circulation pump 19 circulates the water stored in water tank 12 through circulation path 18.

[0015] The washing machine 10 also includes an automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 20 and a manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30. Both the automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 20 and the manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30 are located on the top of the outer casing 11. The automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 20 stores the auxiliary agents, i.e., laundry treatment agents or laundry auxiliary agents, required for multiple wash cycles and automatically dispenses the required amount of laundry treatment agents or laundry auxiliary agents into the water tub 12 as the wash cycle progresses. The manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30 stores the laundry auxiliary agents required for one wash cycle, which the user manually dispenses before the start of the wash cycle, and dispenses the stored laundry auxiliary agents into the water tub 12 as the wash cycle progresses. The user can select whether to use the manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30 as needed. In this embodiment, a wash cycle refers to a series of processes including a washing process, a spin cycle, and a rinsing process.

[0016] The automatic detergent dispenser 20 has an automatic detergent dispenser 21, an automatic finishing agent dispenser 22, an automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 23, and a mixing case 24. The automatic detergent dispenser 21 stores the detergent required for multiple wash runs and automatically dispenses the required amount of detergent into the water tub 12 as the wash runs progress. The automatic detergent dispenser 21 has a detergent tank 211 and a detergent pump 212. The detergent tank 211 is made of, for example, resin and is configured in the shape of a container capable of storing detergent. The detergent pump 212 is configured as, for example, a piston pump and has the function of sucking up the detergent stored in the detergent tank 211 and supplying it to the mixing case 24.

[0017] The automatic finishing agent dispenser 22 stores the amount of finishing agent required for multiple wash cycles and automatically dispenses the required amount of finishing agent into the water tub 12 as the wash cycle progresses. The automatic finishing agent dispenser 22 has a finishing agent tank 221 and a finishing agent pump 222. The finishing agent tank 221 is made of, for example, resin and is configured as a container capable of storing the finishing agent. The finishing agent pump 222 is configured as, for example, a piston pump and has the function of sucking the finishing agent stored in the finishing agent tank 221 and supplying it to the mixing case 24.

[0018] Furthermore, automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 23 has the function of storing the laundry auxiliary agent required for multiple wash runs and automatically dispensing the required amount of laundry auxiliary agent into water tub 12 as the wash runs progress. Automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 23 has an auxiliary agent tank 231 and an auxiliary agent pump 232. The auxiliary agent tank 231 is made of, for example, resin and is configured in the shape of a container capable of storing laundry auxiliary agent. The auxiliary agent pump 232 is configured as, for example, a piston pump and has the function of sucking up the laundry auxiliary agent stored in auxiliary agent tank 231 and supplying it to mixing case 24.

[0019] The capacities of tanks 211, 221, and 231 may be the same or different. That is, for example, when tanks 211, 221, and 231 are set to be replenished at the same time, the amount of laundry auxiliary agent used in one wash run is relatively small compared to the detergent and finishing agent, so the capacity of auxiliary agent tank 231 may be set smaller than the capacity of detergent tank 211 and finishing agent tank 221. This makes it possible to minimize the installation space required for automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 20 inside washing machine 10, even when automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 23 is provided.

[0020] Furthermore, the pump system of each of the pumps 212, 222, 232 is not limited to a piston pump configuration, and may be configured using other pump systems, such as a solenoid pump, a gear pump, etc. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the automatic feeding devices 21, 22, 23 are arranged in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, but this is not limiting, and they may be arranged in overlapping positions when viewed from the front, that is, in the front-to-back direction.

[0021] The mixing case 24 is configured, for example, as a container capable of storing a certain amount of laundry treatment agent or laundry auxiliary agent therein. The discharge side of each pump 212, 222, 232 is connected to the mixing case 24, and the laundry treatment agent and laundry auxiliary agent sucked from each tank 211, 221, 231 by each pump 212, 222, 232 are poured into the mixing case 24.

[0022] The manual supplemental agent dosing device 30 has a water injection case 31 and a supplemental agent case 32. The water injection case 31 constitutes the outer shell of the manual supplemental agent dosing device 30 and is made of, for example, resin and formed in a box shape with an internal space. The water injection case 31 communicates with the inside of the water tank 12 via a water injection port 301.

[0023] The auxiliary agent case 32 is provided so as to be removable in a drawer-type manner from the water supply case 31. The user pulls the auxiliary agent case 32 out of the water supply case 31, puts laundry auxiliary agents into the auxiliary agent case 32, and then pushes the auxiliary agent case 32 back into the water supply case 31. Water supplied from an external water source flows into the water supply case 31 and is mixed with the laundry auxiliary agents stored in the auxiliary agent case 32.

[0024] Furthermore, when it is assumed that the laundry aid put into the auxiliary agent case 32 is a liquid, the auxiliary agent case 32 has a siphon mechanism 321. The mixed water, which is a mixture of water supplied into the auxiliary agent case 32 and the laundry aid, flows out of the auxiliary agent case 32 via the siphon mechanism 321. That is, when the water level in the auxiliary agent case 32 rises due to water supply and the mixed water fills up to the top of the siphon mechanism 321, the mixed water starts to flow from the water passage 322, and thereafter the outflow of the mixed water toward the bottom of the auxiliary agent case 32 is maintained due to the siphon principle. Note that when it is assumed that the laundry aid put into the auxiliary agent case 32 is a powder, the auxiliary agent case 32 does not have to have the siphon mechanism 321.

[0025] Water inlet 301 is provided at the bottom of water inlet case 31, connects water inlet case 31 to the outside, and opens toward water tub 12. Water inlet 301 has the function of injecting water that has flowed into auxiliary agent case 32 inside water inlet case 31 and mixed with the laundry auxiliary agent into water tub 12.

[0026] Washing machine 10 also includes connection port 41, first water supply path 42, second water supply path 43, main water supply valve 44, and switching valve 45. Connection port 41 is connected to an external water supply source such as a water faucet via hose 100. The downstream side of connection port 41 branches into multiple paths (in this case, two paths) and is connected to water tub 12.

[0027] Both the first water supply path 42 and the second water supply path 43 are water supply paths that connect an external water source and the water tub 12 and can supply water from the external water source to the water tub 12. The first water supply path 42 and the second water supply path 43 share a common path from the connection port 41, which is their starting point, to the selector valve 45, branch off at the selector valve 45, follow different paths, and merge again at the water supply case 31 to connect to the water supply port 301 and the water tub 12, which is their terminal point. In other words, the first water supply path 42 and the first water supply path are configured independently at least in the section from the selector valve 45 to the water supply case 31, i.e., the auxiliary agent manual dispenser 30. In this case, the first water supply path 42 is configured as a path that does not pass through the auxiliary agent case 32. Therefore, the laundry auxiliary agent dispensed in the auxiliary agent case 32 will not be washed away by the water flowing through the first water supply path 42. The first water supply path 42 and the second water supply path 43 are indirectly connected to the water tank 12 via the water supply case 31. Note that the first water supply path 42 may be connected directly to the water tank 12 without going through the water supply case 31.

[0028] The first water supply path 42 is a path that passes through the mixing case 24 and the water injection case 31 and leads to the water tub 12. In this case, the first water supply path 42 is connected to the automatic related agent dispenser 20 midway along the path. That is, the laundry treatment agent or laundry auxiliary agent dispensed into the mixing case 24 by the automatic related agent dispenser 20 is mixed with the water flowing through the first water supply path 42 in the mixing case 24, and then, as shown by arrow A in FIG. 2 , passes through the water injection case 31 and is supplied into the water tub 12 from the water injection port 301. In this way, the water flowing through the first water supply path 42 and the laundry treatment agent or laundry auxiliary agent are directly mixed in the first water supply path 42, and the mixed water can be supplied into the water tub 12.

[0029] On the other hand, second water supply path 43 is a path that passes through auxiliary agent case 32 of water inlet case 31 and reaches water tub 12. That is, when a laundry auxiliary agent is stored in auxiliary agent case 32, the laundry auxiliary agent is mixed with water flowing through second water supply path 43 in auxiliary agent case 32, and is supplied into water tub 12 from water inlet 301, as shown by arrow B in FIG.

[0030] The main water supply valve 44 is an electromagnetically operable on-off valve for liquid. As shown in Fig. 1, the main water supply valve 44 is provided between the connection port 41 and the switching valve 45, and has the function of opening and closing the first water supply path 42 and the second water supply path 43.

[0031] The switching valve 45 is provided upstream of the first water supply path 42 and the second water supply path 43, in this case at the branch point between the first water supply path 42 and the second water supply path 43, and controls the supply of water to the first water supply path 42 and the second water supply path 43. The switching valve 45 is, for example, a three-way valve, with its inlet side connected to the main water supply valve 44 and its outlet side branching into the first water supply path 42 and the second water supply path 43. The switching valve 45 is driven under control of the control device 60 and can selectively switch between the first water supply path 42 and the second water supply path 43. In other words, when the first water supply path 42 is opened by the switching valve 45, water does not flow out from the second water supply path 43, and conversely, when the second water supply path 43 is opened by the switching valve 45, water does not flow out from the first water supply path 42.

[0032] Washing machine 10 also includes water level sensor 51, flow meter 52, current sensor 53, operation panel 70, and control device 60. Water level sensor 51 can detect the water level in water tub 12. Flow meter 52 is provided, for example, between main water supply valve 44 and switching valve 45, and measures the flow rate of water flowing through water supply paths 42 and 43. Current sensor 53 can detect the current flowing through motor 14.

[0033] The operation panel 70 is provided, for example, at the upper end of the front side of the outer casing 11. The operation panel 70 accepts input operations from the user and displays the input operation contents, operation status, etc. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation panel 70 has, for example, a display unit 71 and an operation unit 72. The display unit 71 has a function of presenting various information such as setting contents and operation information to the user. The operation unit 72 has a function of accepting input operations related to the operation of the washing machine 10 by the user. The user can change various settings such as operation contents by operating the operation unit 72. The operation panel 70 can also be configured to include a touch panel display that serves as both the display unit 71 and the operation unit 72.

[0034] Washing machine 10 is configured to allow the user to select from three types of detergents, for example, a weak alkaline detergent, a neutral detergent, and a weak acid detergent. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3 , operation panel 70 displays, for example, a detergent type display unit 711 and multiple (in this case, three) detergent selection operation units 721, 722, and 723 arranged next to detergent type display unit 711. Detergent type display unit 711 is one specific example of display unit 71, and, for example, displays content that prompts the user to select a detergent type. Furthermore, detergent selection operation units 721, 722, and 723 are specific examples of operation unit 72. In this case, for example, detergent selection operation unit 721 is used to select a weak alkaline detergent as the detergent to be used. Detergent selection operation unit 722 is used to select a neutral detergent as the detergent to be used. And detergent selection operation unit 723 is used to select a weak acid detergent as the detergent to be used. The user can select one detergent to be used in the washing operation by operating one of these detergent selection operation sections 721, 722, and 723.

[0035] Washing machine 10 is configured to selectively use five types of laundry auxiliary agents, for example, alkaline agent, alkaline bleach, alkaline disinfectant, acid bleach, and weak acid disinfectant. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3 , operation panel 70 displays, for example, auxiliary agent type display section 712 and multiple (in this case, five) auxiliary agent selection operation sections 724, 725, 726, 727, and 728 arranged next to auxiliary agent type display section 712. Auxiliary agent type display section 712 is a specific example of display section 71, which, for example, displays a message prompting the user to select a laundry auxiliary. Auxiliary agent selection operation sections 724, 725, 726, 727, and 728 are specific examples of operation section 72. In this case, auxiliary agent selection operation section 724 is used to select an alkaline agent, such as baking soda, as the laundry auxiliary to be used. Auxiliary agent selection operation section 725 is used to select an alkaline bleach as the laundry auxiliary to be used. The auxiliary agent selection operation unit 726 is for selecting an alkaline disinfectant as the laundry auxiliary agent to be used. The auxiliary agent selection operation unit 727 is for selecting an acid bleach as the laundry auxiliary agent to be used. The auxiliary agent selection operation unit 728 is for selecting a weak acid disinfectant as the laundry auxiliary agent to be used.

[0036] 4, control device 60 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having, for example, CPU 601 and storage area 602 such as ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory, and controls the overall operation of washing machine 10. Motor 14, drain valve 16, circulation pump 19, main water supply valve 44, selector valve 45, water level sensor 51, flow meter 52, current sensor 53, and operation panel 70 are electrically connected to control device 60. Motor 14, drain valve 16, circulation pump 19, main water supply valve 44, selector valve 45, water level sensor 51, flow meter 52, current sensor 53, and operation panel 70 are controlled by control device 60.

[0037] The manual additive dispenser 30 may be a dedicated dispenser for dispensing laundry additives, or may be configured to double as a manual additive dispenser for manually dispensing detergent and finishing agent. The manual additive dispenser is a conventionally provided device in washing machines, and includes a detergent case into which detergent is dispensed and a finishing agent case into which finishing agent is dispensed.

[0038] For example, when a user performs an input operation on operation panel 70 to set the automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 20 to dispense laundry treatment agents and the manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30 to dispense auxiliary agents, control device 60 can cause the detergent case or finishing agent case conventionally provided in the manual auxiliary agent dispenser to function as auxiliary agent case 32. As a result, when the automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 20 and the manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30 are used together, there is no need to provide a separate auxiliary agent case 32 for storing laundry auxiliary agents in the manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30, and the structure of manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30 can be simplified. As a result, the cost of washing machine 10 can be reduced while saving space inside washing machine 10.

[0039] The memory area 602 stores an operation control program for executing each step of the washing operation, such as the wash step, rinse step, and spin-dry step. The control device 60 virtually realizes a weight detection processing unit 61, a treatment agent dispensing processing unit 62, an auxiliary agent dispensing processing unit 63, a pre-wash processing unit 64, a main-wash processing unit 65, and a setting processing unit 66 by software, by executing the operation control program in the CPU 601. That is, the processing units 61-66 of the control device 60 are realized by the CPU 601 executing the computer programs stored in the memory area 602 and performing the processes corresponding to the computer programs, i.e., by software. The processing units 61-66 may be realized by hardware, for example, as an integrated circuit integrated with the control device 60, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0040] The weight detection processing unit 61 can execute a weight detection process. The weight detection process includes a process for detecting the weight of the laundry in the spin tub 13. The weight detection processing unit 61 is executed in the early stage of the washing operation, specifically before the washing step, and detects the weight of the laundry in a dry state, i.e., a state in which the laundry does not contain water from the water supply. For example, the weight detection processing unit 61 rotates the spin tub 13 at a low speed, and detects the weight of the laundry by measuring the q-axis current of the motor 14 with the current sensor 53. Note that the weight detection processing unit 61 may be configured to directly and physically measure the weight of the laundry in the spin tub 13 using a weighing scale or the like.

[0041] The treating agent dispensing unit 62 can execute a treating agent dispensing process. The treating agent dispensing process includes a detergent dispensing process in which the automatic detergent dispensing device 21 dispenses detergent into the water tank 12, and a finishing agent dispensing process in which the automatic finishing agent dispensing device 22 dispenses finishing agent into the water tank 12. In this case, the detergent dispensing process is performed by driving the detergent pump 212 to dispense a predetermined amount of detergent stored in the detergent tank 211 into the mixing case 24, opening the main water supply valve 44, and controlling the switching valve 45 to supply water from the first water supply path 42. In this way, in the detergent dispensing process, mixed water obtained by mixing the water flowing through the first water supply path 42 with the detergent in the mixing case 24 is supplied into the water tank 12.

[0042] The finishing agent addition process is performed by driving the finishing agent pump 222 to add a predetermined amount of the finishing agent stored in the finishing agent tank 221 into the mixing case 24, opening the main water supply valve 44, and controlling the switching valve 45 to supply water from the first water supply path 42. In this way, in the finishing agent addition process, mixed water obtained by mixing the water flowing through the first water supply path 42 and the finishing agent in the mixing case 24 is supplied into the water tank 12.

[0043] The auxiliary agent dosing unit 63 can execute an auxiliary agent dosing process. The auxiliary agent dosing process includes a process of dosing a laundry auxiliary agent into the water tub 12 by the automatic auxiliary agent dosing device 23 or the manual auxiliary agent dosing device 30. When the automatic auxiliary agent dosing device 23 is used, the auxiliary agent dosing process is performed by driving the auxiliary agent pump 232 to dosing a predetermined amount of the laundry auxiliary agent stored in the auxiliary agent tank 231 into the mixing case 24, opening the main water supply valve 44, and controlling the selector valve 45 to supply water from the first water supply path 42.

[0044] In contrast, when the auxiliary agent manual dosing device 30 is used, the auxiliary agent dosing process is performed by opening the main water supply valve 44 and controlling the switching valve 45 to supply water from the second water supply path 43 while the laundry auxiliary agent is stored in the auxiliary agent case 32. In this way, in the auxiliary agent dosing process, mixed water obtained by mixing the water flowing in the first water supply path 42 and the laundry auxiliary agent in the mixing case 24, or the water flowing in the second water supply path 43 and the laundry auxiliary agent in the auxiliary agent case 32, is supplied into the water tub 12.

[0045] In this embodiment, when executing the auxiliary agent addition process, the user can select whether to add the laundry auxiliary agent using the automatic auxiliary agent addition device 23 or the manual auxiliary agent addition device 30 by operating the operation panel 70. If the user selects to add the laundry auxiliary agent using the manual auxiliary agent addition device 30, the user adds a predetermined amount of laundry auxiliary agent to the auxiliary agent case 32 in advance before starting the washing operation.

[0046] The pre-wash processing unit 64 can perform a pre-wash process. The pre-wash process includes opening the main water supply valve 44 to supply water into the water tub 12 from the first water supply path 42 or the second water supply path 43, followed by either a detergent dispense process or an auxiliary agent dispense process and a washing operation. The pre-wash process also includes opening the drain valve 16 after the washing operation to drain the dirty wash water from the drain path 15, followed by spin-drying the laundry.

[0047] Here, in the case of a drum-type washing machine, the washing operation is an operation in which the rotating tub 13 is rotated in a normal and reverse direction alternately for a predetermined time, such as 20 seconds, at a predetermined rotation speed, such as 50 rpm. On the other hand, in the case of a vertical-shaft washing machine, the washing operation is an operation in which the agitating blade (not shown) is rotated in a normal and reverse direction alternately for a predetermined time, such as 20 seconds, at a predetermined rotation speed, such as 50 rpm.

[0048] The main wash processing unit 65 can perform the main wash process. In the main wash process, after the pre-wash process is performed, the main water supply valve 44 is opened to supply water from the first water supply path 42 or the second water supply path 43 into the water tub 12 and perform the other detergent or auxiliary agent addition process that was not performed in the pre-wash process into the water tub 12, and then the washing operation is performed. In this case, the rotation control of the rotatable tub 13 is the same for the washing operation in the pre-wash process and the washing operation in the main wash process, but the execution time of the washing operation is set to be longer in the main wash process than in the pre-wash process.

[0049] The rotation control of the spin tub 13 may be different between the washing operation performed in the pre-washing process and the washing operation performed in the main washing process. For example, the washing operation performed in the pre-washing process involves rotating the spin tub 13 forward and backward at a rotation speed that prevents the laundry from sticking to the spin tub 13, whereas the washing operation performed in the main washing process may involve rotating the spin tub 13 at a speed that causes the laundry to hit the spin tub 13 from near the top.

[0050] The setting processor 66 can execute setting processes. The setting processes include setting the timing of detergent dispensing processes and auxiliary agent dispensing processes based on the content input to the operation panel 70. In this embodiment, the detergent and laundry auxiliary agents are used in the wash cycle, and the finishing agent is used in the rinse cycle. Therefore, the finishing agent and the detergent or laundry auxiliary agents are generally not mixed in the water tub 12, and therefore their mutual influence is small. In contrast, because the detergent and laundry auxiliary agents are used in the same wash cycle or in nearby cycles, such as the pre-wash cycle and the main wash cycle, high concentrations of the detergent and laundry auxiliary agents may be mixed in the water tub 12 and come into contact with each other. For this reason, the detergent and laundry auxiliary agents have a significant mutual influence. When used appropriately, they can have a synergistic effect that improves washing performance, but when used incorrectly, they may have adverse effects.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, the user can select the type of detergent and the type of laundry auxiliary agent to be used in the washing operation by inputting information into the operation unit 72. The setting process further includes a process of setting the timing for executing the laundry dispense process and the auxiliary agent dispense process according to the combination of the detergent type and the laundry auxiliary agent type selected by the operation unit 72. In this embodiment, a dispense pattern is set in which the combination of the detergent type and the laundry auxiliary agent type is associated with the timing for executing the laundry dispense process and the auxiliary agent dispense process. Note that the dispense timing for the detergent and the laundry auxiliary agent may be set arbitrarily by the user.

[0052] Two dispensing patterns are set: one in which the detergent dispensing process is performed first and then the auxiliary agent dispensing process, and the other in which the auxiliary agent dispensing process is performed first and then the detergent dispensing process. In this case, for example, one of the detergent dispensing processes or auxiliary agent dispensing process that is performed first is performed during the pre-wash process, and the other detergent dispensing process or auxiliary agent dispensing process that is performed later is performed during the main wash process. Note that the one detergent dispensing process or auxiliary agent dispensing process that is performed first and the other detergent dispensing process or auxiliary agent dispensing process that is performed later are not limited to being performed at different processing times, but may also be performed at overlapping times, i.e., at the same processing time. In the following description, the dispensing pattern in which the detergent dispensing process is performed first and then the auxiliary agent dispensing process is sometimes referred to as the first dispensing pattern, and the dispensing pattern in which the auxiliary agent dispensing process is performed first and then the detergent dispensing process is sometimes referred to as the second dispensing pattern.

[0053] Next, an example of a method for determining a dispensing pattern will be described with reference to FIG. 5 . First, in the setting process, the appropriateness of the combination of the detergent type and laundry auxiliary type selected by the user is determined. For example, using a weak acid detergent in combination with an alkaline disinfectant containing sodium hypochlorite as the main ingredient generates toxic gases, so this combination is determined to be inappropriate. If the selected combination of detergent type and laundry auxiliary type is inappropriate, as indicated by "-" in FIG. 5 , no corresponding dispensing pattern exists. In this case, the control device 60 displays a warning to the user on the display unit 71 of the operation panel 70, such as "This combination cannot be selected." The warning to the user is not limited to a display on the display unit 71, but may also be an audible alert such as a buzzer.

[0054] On the other hand, if the combination of the selected detergent type and laundry auxiliary type is appropriate, a dispensing pattern is determined according to that combination. In this way, appropriate execution times for the detergent dispensing process and the auxiliary agent dispensing process are automatically selected according to the type of detergent and laundry auxiliary used. This efficiently enhances the synergistic effect between the detergent and laundry auxiliary. Furthermore, the user can efficiently execute the detergent dispensing process and the auxiliary agent dispensing process by simply selecting the type of detergent and laundry auxiliary used on the operation unit 72. In other words, since the user does not need to set the execution times for the detergent dispensing process and the auxiliary agent dispensing process according to the detergent and laundry auxiliary used, this reduces user hassle, and as a result, the convenience of the washing machine 10 is improved. The dispensing patterns shown in FIG. 5 are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0055] The control device 60 executes a washing operation in response to a user's operation on the operation panel 70 or in accordance with preset reservation details. As shown in Fig. 6, when the washing operation is started, the control device 60 determines an input pattern using the setting processing unit 66 in accordance with the user's operation on the operation panel 70 (step S11), then detects the weight of the laundry using the weight detection processing unit 61 (step S12), and then performs a washing process (step S13), a rinsing process (step S14), and a spin-drying process (step S15) in that order, and then ends the washing operation (END). In this case, the input pattern is determined to be either the first input pattern or the second input pattern.

[0056] The control details in the washing process will be described below with reference to Figures 7 to 9. In the following description, it is assumed that the processes performed in the treatment agent dispenser 62, the auxiliary agent dispenser 63, the pre-washing processor 64, the main wash processor 65, and the setting processor 66 are all performed primarily by the control device 60.

[0057] 6, the control device 60 first determines the amount of water to be supplied based on the weight of the laundry detected by the weight detection processing unit 61 in step A11 of Fig. 7. Thereafter, the control device 60 determines the amount of detergent to be supplied based on the weight of the laundry detected by the weight detection processing unit 61 in step A12.

[0058] Then, in the next step A13, the control device 60 determines whether the laundry auxiliary agent will be dispensed using the automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 23 or the manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30, based on the user's operation on the operation panel 70. If the laundry auxiliary agent will be dispensed using the manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30 (NO in step A13), the control device 60 proceeds to step A15. Therefore, if the laundry auxiliary agent will be dispensed using the manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30, the amount of laundry auxiliary agent to be dispensed is not determined, and the pre-wash process is carried out directly (step A15).

[0059] On the other hand, if a laundry auxiliary agent is to be dispensed by the automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 23 (YES in step A13), the control device 60 proceeds to step A14 and determines the amount of laundry auxiliary agent to be dispensed from the automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 23 based on the amount of water supplied. Next, the control device 60 executes a pre-wash process by processing the pre-wash processing unit 64 in step A15. Thereafter, the control device 60 proceeds to step A16 and executes a main wash process by processing the main wash processing unit 65. Then, the control device 60 returns the process to the flow of FIG. 6 (RETURN in FIG. 7) and executes the rinsing step of step S14 shown in FIG. 6.

[0060] 8, in the pre-wash process of step A15, in step B11, the control device 60 supplies water to the water tub 12 until a predetermined amount of water is reached. Thereafter, in step B12, the control device 60 executes either a detergent dispense process by the processing agent dispenser 62 or an auxiliary agent dispense process by the auxiliary agent dispenser 63 based on the dispense pattern determined by the setting processor 66, and then proceeds to step B13. In this case, if the determined dispense pattern is the first dispense pattern, the detergent dispense process is executed, and if it is the second dispense pattern, the auxiliary agent dispense process is executed.

[0061] Next, in step B13, controller 60 performs the washing operation for a predetermined time, e.g., three minutes, and then drains the soiled wash water from water tub 12 (step B14). After that, controller 60 performs spin-drying for a predetermined time, e.g., one minute, in step B15, and then returns the process to the flow in Fig. 7 (return in Fig. 8), and performs the main washing process in step A16 shown in Fig. 7.

[0062] 9, when the main wash process is executed, the control device 60 first supplies water to the water tub 12 until a predetermined amount of water is reached in step C11. Thereafter, the control device 60 executes the other of the detergent dispense process or the auxiliary agent dispense process based on the dispense pattern determined by the setting processing unit 66 in step C12, and then proceeds to step C13. In this case, if the determined dispense pattern is the first dispense pattern, the auxiliary agent dispense process is executed, and if it is the second dispense pattern, the detergent dispense process is executed.

[0063] Next, the control device 60 performs the washing operation for a predetermined time, for example, 10 minutes, in step C13. Then, the control device 60 ends the main washing process of Fig. 9 and returns the process to the flow of Fig. 7 (return of Fig. 9), and ends the washing step of Fig. 7 and returns the process to the flow of Fig. 6 (return of Fig. 7), and proceeds to the rinsing step of step S14.

[0064] In this embodiment, the timing of the detergent dispensing process and the auxiliary agent dispensing process is based on the dispensing pattern determined by the processing of the setting processing unit 66, but this is not limiting, and the user may input the timing of the detergent dispensing process and the auxiliary agent dispensing process to the operation panel 70 before starting the washing operation. In this way, the user can freely set the timing of dispensing the detergent and the laundry auxiliary agents into the water tub 12. This allows the detergent and the laundry auxiliary agents to be dispensed more effectively into the water tub 12 depending on the degree of soiling of the laundry, etc., thereby enhancing the synergistic effect of the detergent and the laundry auxiliary agents and improving the washing performance.

[0065] Furthermore, in the washing process, the drainage and spin-drying may not be performed in the pre-wash process, as shown in Fig. 10. In this case, for example, in the example of Fig. 10, the control device 60 is configured to perform the pre-wash process and the main wash process as a series of processes in the washing process. The control content of the washing process shown in Fig. 10 is the process of steps A11 to A14 shown in Fig. 7, plus the process of steps D11 to D15.

[0066] Specifically, when the control device 60 executes the washing cycle, it executes the processes from step A11 to step A14, and then proceeds to step D11. Then, in step D11, the control device 60 supplies water to the water tub 12 until a predetermined amount of water is reached. Thereafter, in step D12, the control device 60 executes either a detergent dispense process or an auxiliary agent dispense process based on the dispense pattern determined by the setting processing unit 66, and then proceeds to step D13. In this case, if the determined dispense pattern is the first dispense pattern, the detergent dispense process is executed, and if it is the second dispense pattern, the auxiliary agent dispense process is executed.

[0067] Next, in step D13, the control device 60 performs the washing operation for a predetermined time, e.g., 3 minutes, and then proceeds to step D14. Thereafter, in step D14, the control device 60 performs the other of the detergent dispensing process or the auxiliary agent dispensing process based on the dispensing pattern, and proceeds to step D15. In this case, if the determined dispensing pattern is the first dispensing pattern, the auxiliary agent dispensing process is performed, and if it is the second dispensing pattern, the detergent dispensing process is performed. After that, the control device 60 performs the washing operation for a predetermined time, e.g., 10 minutes, in step D15, and then returns the process to the flow of FIG. 6 ("Return" in FIG. 10) and proceeds to the rinsing step of step S14.

[0068] In this case, steps D11, D12, and D13 in FIG. 10 correspond to the pre-wash process, and steps D14 and D15 correspond to the main wash process. That is, the configuration in FIG. 10 is equivalent to the configuration in FIG. 7 in which the pre-wash process in step A15 is omitted and detergent and laundry aids are added in the main wash process in step A16. In the example in FIG. 10, the washing operation in step D13, which corresponds to the pre-wash process, and the washing operation in step D15, which corresponds to the main wash process, may differ in terms of the duration of the operation, the mechanical force applied to the laundry, etc. In this case, for example, the washing operation in step D13, which corresponds to the pre-wash process, only needs to sufficiently agitate the detergent or laundry aids and water added to the water tub 12. Therefore, the washing operation in step D13 may have a slower rotation speed of the spin tub 13 or a shorter operation time than the washing operation in step D15.

[0069] According to this, for example, when the laundry is not very dirty, draining and spin-drying are not performed during the washing process, thereby preventing the time required for the washing process from being extended. Furthermore, in the case of the first dispensing pattern, after the detergent dispensing process is performed, the auxiliary agent dispensing process is performed without draining the wash water in the water tub 12. As a result, when the detergent components react with dirt attached to the laundry and the detergency of the detergent decreases, the detergency can be reinforced by dispensing additional laundry auxiliary agent into the water tub 12.

[0070] In the second dispense pattern, after the auxiliary agent dispense process is performed, the detergent dispense process is performed without draining the wash water in the water tub 12. This allows for improved cleaning effects by dissolving oil stains and the like on the laundry in advance with the laundry auxiliary agent, and then performing a full-scale wash using detergent water.

[0071] Furthermore, the washing process may be configured to perform only one washing operation. For example, in the example of Figure 11, step D13 in the control flow of Figure 10 is replaced with decision step E11, which asks, "Has a predetermined time elapsed?" In other words, after performing one of the detergent dispensing process or auxiliary agent dispensing process based on the dispensing pattern, the laundry may be soaked in the wash water in tub 12 for a predetermined time, e.g., 15 minutes, and then the other detergent dispensing process or auxiliary agent dispensing process may be performed, after which the washing operation may be performed only once. This allows for, for example, to avoid applying excessive mechanical force to delicate clothes that are prone to damage or deformation due to the rotation of spin tub 13 during the washing operation, while improving the cleaning effect by removing solid stains with the detergent and by providing a bleaching effect with the washing auxiliary agent through soaking.

[0072] The user may input the need for draining and spin-drying during the pre-wash process into the operation panel 70 depending on the degree of soiling of the laundry. The determination of the need for draining and spin-drying during the pre-wash process is not limited to this, and may instead be made based on the degree of soiling of the wash water, for example, by providing a turbidity sensor (not shown) in the water tub 12 or the circulation path 18, which measures the light transmittance of the wash water, the conductivity of the wash water, etc.

[0073] According to the embodiment described above, the washing machine 10 includes the water tub 12, the spin tub 13, the automatic detergent dispenser 21, and the control device 60. The washing machine 10 also includes at least one or both of the automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 23 and the manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30. In this embodiment, the washing machine 10 includes both the automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 23 and the manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30.

[0074] The automatic detergent dispenser 21 has a detergent tank 211. The detergent tank 211 can store an amount of detergent that will be used for multiple wash runs. The automatic detergent dispenser 21 can automatically dispense a predetermined amount of the detergent in the detergent tank 211 into the water tub 12 during a wash run. The automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 23 has an auxiliary agent tank 231. The auxiliary agent tank 231 can store an amount of laundry auxiliary agent that will be used for multiple wash runs. The automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 23 can automatically dispense a predetermined amount of the laundry auxiliary agent in the auxiliary agent tank 231 into the water tub 12 during a wash run.

[0075] The manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30 has an auxiliary agent case 32. The user dispenses laundry auxiliary agents into the auxiliary agent case 32 in an amount to be used in one washing run. The manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30 can dispense the laundry auxiliary agents dispensed in the auxiliary agent case 32 into the water tub 12 during the washing run. The control device 60 can execute a detergent dispense process and an auxiliary agent dispense process. The detergent dispense process includes a process of dispensing detergent into the water tub 12 by the automatic detergent dispenser 21. The auxiliary agent dispense process includes a process of dispensing laundry auxiliary agents into the water tub 12 by the automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 23 or the manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30. The control device 60 can execute the detergent dispense process and the auxiliary agent dispense process at different times.

[0076] According to this, automatic additive dispenser 23 can automatically dispense laundry additives into tub 12, eliminating the need for the user to manually dispense laundry additives into washing machine 10 each time washing is performed, thereby improving washing performance without increasing the user's workload. As a result, the convenience of washing machine 10 can be improved. Furthermore, control device 60 can execute the detergent dispensing process and the additive dispensing process at different times during the washing process, allowing the detergent and the cleaning additives to be dispensed into tub 12 at independent times. This allows the laundry additive to be dispensed into tub 12 at a time when the effect of the laundry additive to be used can be maximized, thereby enhancing the synergistic effect between the detergent and the laundry additive, and as a result, improving washing performance.

[0077] Washing machine 10 further includes first water supply path 42 and second water supply path 43. First water supply path 42 connects an external water source to water tub 12, and can supply water from the external water source to water tub 12, with automatic detergent dispenser 21 connected along the path. Second water supply path 43 connects an external water source to water tub 12, and can supply water from the external water source to water tub 12, with auxiliary agent manual dispenser 30 provided along the path. First water supply path 42 is configured as a path that does not pass through auxiliary agent case 32.

[0078] According to this, when water is supplied to water tub 12 using first water supply path 42, the water passing through first water supply path 42 does not pass through auxiliary agent case 32, and therefore the laundry auxiliary agent dispensed in auxiliary agent case 32 does not flow out toward water tub 12 due to the water passing through first water supply path 42. Therefore, regardless of water supply through first water supply path 42, laundry auxiliary agent can be dispensed into water tub 12 at any time from auxiliary agent manual dispenser 30. This allows the laundry auxiliary agent to be dispensed into water tub 12 at a time when it is most effective, thereby efficiently improving cleaning performance.

[0079] The washing machine 10 further includes a switching valve 45. The switching valve 45 is provided upstream of the first water supply path 42 and the second water supply path 43, and is driven under control of the control device 60 to selectively switch between the first water supply path 42 and the second water supply path 43. That is, when the first water supply path 42 is opened by the switching valve 45, water does not flow out from the second water supply path 43, and on the other hand, when the second water supply path 43 is opened by the switching valve 45, water does not flow out from the first water supply path 42.

[0080] According to this, the control device 60 can switch between the first water supply path 42 and the second water supply path 43 by controlling the switching valve 45, so that the detergent and the laundry aids can be independently dispensed into the water tub 12. By switching between the water supply paths 42 and 43 and effectively adjusting the timing at which the detergent and the laundry aids are dispensed into the water tub 12, the washing performance can be improved.

[0081] In addition, the control device 60 can execute an auxiliary agent injection process after executing the detergent injection process. This allows for effective reinforcement of the cleaning power by adding additional laundry auxiliary agents when the detergent components react with dirt adhering to the laundry and the cleaning power of the detergent is reduced. Furthermore, by adding the laundry auxiliary agents when a certain level of water is maintained in the water tub 12 due to the water supply in the detergent injection process, the laundry auxiliary agents are dispersed as much as possible in the water in the water tub 12, preventing the laundry auxiliary agents from being applied locally to the laundry and suppressing excessive bleaching of some of the laundry.

[0082] Furthermore, the control device 60 can execute a detergent injection process after executing the auxiliary agent injection process. This allows the washing auxiliary agent to be injected before the detergent is injected, and oil stains on the laundry can be dissolved in advance by the washing auxiliary agent before full-scale washing using detergent water is performed, thereby improving the washing effect.

[0083] The washing machine 10 further includes an operation panel 70. The operation panel 70 has an operation unit 72 that allows a user to select a type of detergent and a type of laundry auxiliary agent. The control device 60 can also execute a setting process. The setting process includes a process for setting the timing of executing a detergent dispensing process and an auxiliary agent dispensing process according to the combination of the type of detergent and the type of laundry auxiliary agent selected by the operation unit 72.

[0084] This allows the user to efficiently execute the detergent dispensing process and the auxiliary agent dispensing process by simply selecting the type of detergent and the type of laundry auxiliary agent to be used on the operation unit 72. In other words, the user does not need to individually set the execution timings of the detergent dispensing process and the auxiliary agent dispensing process according to the type of detergent and the type of laundry auxiliary agent to be used, which reduces the user's inconvenience and, as a result, improves the convenience of the washing machine 10.

[0085] The control device 60 can also perform a pre-wash process and a main wash process. The pre-wash process involves supplying water to the water tub 12, followed by either a detergent dispense process or an auxiliary agent dispense process, and then performing a washing operation. The main wash process involves supplying water to the water tub 12 after the pre-wash process, dispensing either a detergent or an auxiliary agent into the water tub 12, and then performing a washing operation.

[0086] According to this, for example, if the detergent addition process is performed during the pre-wash process and the auxiliary agent addition process is performed during the main wash process, the bleaching effect of the laundry can be further improved by removing relatively easy-to-remove stains attached to the laundry with detergent water in the pre-wash process and then adding the laundry auxiliary agent in the main wash process.On the other hand, if the auxiliary agent addition process is performed during the pre-wash process and the detergent addition process is performed during the main wash process, the cleaning effect can be improved by dissolving oil stains and the like on the laundry in advance with the laundry auxiliary agent in the pre-wash process and then performing a full wash with detergent water in the main wash process.

[0087] Washing machine 10 also includes drain path 15 and drain valve 16. Drain path 15 is for draining water from water tub 12, and drain valve 16 has a function of opening and closing drain path 15. The pre-wash process further includes a process of supplying water to water tub 12, then performing either a detergent addition process or an auxiliary agent addition process and a washing operation, and then opening drain valve 16 to drain the dirty wash water through drain path 15. Since the wash water used in the pre-wash process is drained before the main wash process, it is possible to prevent dirt removed from laundry in the pre-wash process from re-adhering to laundry during the main wash process, thereby improving washing efficiency.

[0088] The pre-wash process also includes supplying water to the water tub 12, then performing either the detergent dispensing process or the auxiliary agent dispensing process and the washing operation, opening the drain valve 16 to drain the soiled wash water through the drain path 15, and then spin-drying the laundry. This further improves the cleaning efficiency during the main wash process by draining the wash water used in the pre-wash process and removing as much of the detergent or laundry auxiliary agent that has permeated the laundry as possible through spin-drying.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the washing machine 10 may be configured to include only one of the auxiliary agent automatic dispenser 23 and the auxiliary agent manual dispenser 30. In addition, in the above embodiment, the laundry auxiliary agent used in each wash can be stored in the auxiliary agent tank 231 and supplied to the water tub 12 using the automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 23, and the laundry auxiliary agent used occasionally can be placed in the auxiliary agent case 32 and supplied to the water tub 12 using the manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30.

[0090] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. In this second embodiment, the configuration of the water supply path differs from that of the first embodiment. That is, the configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the water supply path. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the first water supply path 42 and the second water supply path 43 are water supply paths that branch off from a switching valve 45 provided downstream of the connection port 41 as a starting point.

[0091] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12 , each water supply path 42, 43 is branched downstream of connection port 41, and water supply valves 46, 47 corresponding to each water supply path 42, 43 are provided on each water supply path 42, 43. That is, washing machine 10 is equipped with first water supply valve 46 and second water supply valve 47. First water supply valve 46 is provided upstream of the connection between automatic detergent dispenser 21 and first water supply path 42, and has a function of opening and closing first water supply path 42 under the control of control device 60. Second water supply valve 47 is provided upstream of manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30, and is a water supply valve different from first water supply valve 46, and has a function of opening and closing second water supply path 43 under the control of control device 60. Control device 60 can independently control the water supply from each water supply path 42, 43 by controlling each water supply valve 46, 47.

[0092] That is, by controlling the opening and closing of each water supply valve 46, 47, the control device 60 can independently dispense the detergent stored in the automatic detergent dispenser 21 and the laundry auxiliary agent stored in the manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30 into the water tub 12. This allows for adjusting the timing at which the detergent and laundry auxiliary agent are dispensed into the water tub 12, thereby efficiently improving washing performance. Furthermore, by opening both water supply valves 46, 47 and supplying water using both the first water supply path 42 and the second water supply path 43 after the detergent and laundry auxiliary agent have been dispensed into the water tub 12, the water supply time can be shortened, and ultimately the time required for the entire washing operation can be shortened.

[0093] In this embodiment, the first water supply path 42 and the second water supply path 43 are configured to branch off from the connection port 41, but this is not limited to this, and the configuration may also be such that multiple connection ports, in this case two connection ports, are provided upstream of each water supply path 42, 43 corresponding to each water supply path 42, 43.

[0094] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be modified or expanded as follows. In addition, some or all of the following modified examples and expanded examples can be combined as desired.

[0095] 13 to 15, the washing machine 10 of this embodiment does not include the automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 23, and the manual auxiliary agent dispenser 30 does not include a dedicated auxiliary agent case 32 for storing laundry auxiliary agents, i.e., it is configured to also serve as a manual treatment agent dispenser for manually dispensing detergent and finishing agent. In other words, in the example of FIGS. 13 and 14, the washing machine 10 includes an automatic treatment agent dispenser 20a instead of the automatic related agent dispenser 20 in each of the above embodiments. The automatic treatment agent dispenser 20a includes the automatic detergent dispenser 21 and the automatic finishing agent dispenser 22, but does not include the automatic auxiliary agent dispenser 23.

[0096] Here, the example of Figure 13 and the example of Figure 14 differ in the configuration of the second water supply path 43. Specifically, in the example of Figure 13, the upstream end of the second water supply path 43 is connected to the switching valve 45, whereas in the example of Figure 14, the upstream end of the second water supply path 43 is connected to the second water supply valve 47. In other words, the example of Figure 13 corresponds to a modified example of the first embodiment, and the example of Figure 14 corresponds to a modified example of the second embodiment. The only difference between the example of Figure 13 and the example of Figure 14 is the configuration of the upstream connection of the second water supply path 43.

[0097] In the examples of Figures 13 and 14, washing machine 10 is provided with a related agent manual dosing device 80 instead of auxiliary agent manual dosing device 30. Related agent manual dosing device 80 is for manually dosing detergent, finishing agent, and laundry auxiliary agent into water tub 12. Related agent manual dosing device 80 is configured to serve both as a manual treatment agent dosing device for manually dosing laundry treatment agent into water tub 12, and as a manual auxiliary agent dosing device for manually dosing laundry auxiliary agent into water tub 12. The manual treatment agent dosing device is a configuration that has traditionally been provided in general drum-type washing machines and vertical-type fully automatic washing machines.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 15 , the manual dispenser 80 for related agents includes a water dispenser case 81, a detergent dispenser case 82, and a finishing agent dispenser case 83. The water dispenser case 81 has a configuration similar to the water dispenser case 31 of the above-described embodiments and constitutes the outer shell of the manual dispenser 80. The detergent dispenser case 82 serves as both a detergent dispenser for detergent and an auxiliary dispenser for laundry auxiliary agents. The detergent dispenser case 82 is formed, for example, in the shape of a container with an open top and is provided so that it can be pulled out and put in from the water dispenser case 81. The user pulls the detergent dispenser case 82 out of the water dispenser case 81, puts the detergent or laundry auxiliary agent into the detergent dispenser case 82, and then pushes the detergent dispenser case 82 back into the water dispenser case 81. The detergent dispenser case 82 includes a water inlet 821. The water inlet 821 penetrates the bottom of the detergent dispenser case 82 and opens downward. The bottom of the detergent case 82 is inclined downward toward the water passage port 821 .

[0099] The finishing agent case 83 is configured to serve both as a finishing agent case into which finishing agent is dispensed and as an auxiliary agent case into which laundry auxiliary agents are dispensed. The finishing agent case 83 is provided so as to be removable from the water supply case 81 in a drawer-like manner. The user pulls the finishing agent case 83 out of the water supply case 81, dispenses the finishing agent or laundry auxiliary agents into the finishing agent case 83, and then pushes the finishing agent case 83 back into the water supply case 81. The finishing agent case 83 has a siphon mechanism 831. The mixed water, which is a mixture of water supplied into the finishing agent case 83 and the laundry auxiliary agents, flows out of the finishing agent case 83 via the siphon mechanism 831. In other words, when the water level of the mixed water in the finishing agent case 83 rises due to water supply and the mixed water fills up to the top of the siphon mechanism part 831, the mixed water begins to flow from the water passage 832, and then the outflow of the mixed water toward the bottom of the finishing agent case 83 is maintained by the siphon principle.

[0100] Here, because the bottom of combined detergent case 82 slopes downward toward water inlet 821, if the laundry aid is liquid it will flow out as soon as it is added, but if the laundry aid is powder it can be collected at the bottom. Therefore, combined detergent case 82 is suitable for adding powder laundry aid, particularly when adding powder laundry aid in pattern X, in which the aid addition process is performed after the detergent addition process.

[0101] Additionally, since finishing agent / case 83 has siphon mechanism 831, liquid laundry aid can be retained in finishing agent / case 83 until water is supplied to finishing agent / case 83. On the other hand, if powder laundry aid is placed in finishing agent / case 83, the undissolved laundry aid may clog siphon mechanism 831. For this reason, finishing agent / case 83 is suitable for adding liquid laundry aid, particularly when adding liquid laundry aid in pattern X, which performs the aid addition process after the detergent addition process.

[0102] 13 and 14, second water supply path 43 is a path that passes through combined detergent case 82 of water injection case 81 and reaches water tub 12. That is, when a laundry auxiliary agent is stored in combined detergent case 82, the laundry auxiliary agent in combined detergent case 82 is mixed with the water flowing through second water supply path 43 inside combined detergent case 82, flows down through water passage port 821 as shown by arrow B in FIG.

[0103] 13 and 14, the washing machine 10 further includes a third water supply path 48 and a third water supply valve 49. The third water supply path 48 is a path through which water supplied from an external water supply source to the connection port 41 passes through the third water supply valve 49, and then passes through the finishing agent case 83 of the water supply case 81 and reaches the water tub 12. That is, when a laundry aid is stored in the finishing agent case 83, the laundry aid in the finishing agent case 83 is mixed with water flowing through the third water supply path 48 within the finishing agent case 83, and is supplied into the water tub 12 from the water supply port 801, as shown by arrow C in FIG. 15. The third water supply valve 49 is an electromagnetically operable liquid on-off valve. The third water supply valve 49 is provided upstream of the manual additive dispenser 30 and has a function of opening and closing the third water supply path 48 under the control of the control device 60.

[0104] According to this configuration, the washing machine 10 further includes either or both of a detergent case 82 and a finishing agent case 83. In this embodiment, the washing machine 10 includes both the detergent case 82 and the finishing agent case 83. The user pours the amount of detergent used in one wash cycle into the detergent case 82. The user pours the amount of finishing agent used in one wash cycle into the finishing agent case 83. This allows the washing machine 10 to achieve the same effects as the above embodiment, even without a dedicated auxiliary agent case 32. Furthermore, by combining the treatment agent manual dispenser and the auxiliary agent manual dispenser into a single related agent manual dispenser 80, it is no longer necessary to provide separate treatment agent manual dispensers and auxiliary agent manual dispensers. As a result, the configuration of the washing machine 10 can be simplified, thereby reducing the cost of the washing machine 10 while saving space inside the washing machine 10.

[0105] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments can be applied by extracting and combining elements from each other. For example, the automatic agent dispenser 20 in the first embodiment may be replaced with the automatic agent dispenser 20a shown in the examples of Figures 13 and 14.

[0106] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 10... washing machine, 12... water tub, 13... spin tub, 15... drainage path, 16... drain valve, 21... automatic detergent dispenser, 211... detergent tank, 23... automatic auxiliary agent dispenser, 231... auxiliary agent tank, 30... manual auxiliary agent dispenser, 32... auxiliary agent case, 42... first water supply path, 43... second water supply path, 45... switching valve, 46... first water supply valve, 47... second water supply valve, 60... control device, 70... operation panel, 72, 721, 722, 723, 724, 725, 726, 727, 728... operation unit, 82... detergent dual-purpose case (detergent case, auxiliary agent case), 83... finishing agent dual-purpose case (finishing agent case, auxiliary agent case)

Claims

[Claim 1] Aquarium and a rotating tank rotatably provided within the water tank; an automatic detergent dispenser having a detergent tank capable of storing an amount of detergent used for multiple washing operations, and capable of automatically dispensing a predetermined amount of the detergent in the detergent tank into the water tub during a washing operation; At least one or both of an automatic agent dispenser having an agent tank capable of storing an amount of laundry auxiliary agent used in multiple washing runs and capable of automatically dispensing a predetermined amount of the laundry auxiliary agent in the agent tank into the water tub during a washing run, and a manual agent dispenser having an agent case into which a user dispenses an amount of laundry auxiliary agent used in one washing run and capable of dispensing the laundry auxiliary agent dispensed in the agent case into the water tub during a washing run; a control device capable of executing a detergent injection process of injecting the detergent into the water tub by the automatic detergent injection device and an auxiliary agent injection process of injecting the laundry auxiliary agent into the water tub by the automatic auxiliary agent injection device or the manual auxiliary agent injection device at different times; Washing machine equipped.

Images