Washing machine, washing machine control method, and control program

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a washing machine that can improve the performance of the washing operation in the first course. [Solution] The washing machine disclosed herein comprises a tank that contains a liquid agent, an automatic dispensing unit that automatically dispenses the liquid agent from the tank into the washing tub, and a control unit that controls the operation of the automatic dispensing unit.The tank comprises a first tank that contains an auxiliary liquid agent that improves specific performance of the washing operation, and the control unit is capable of accepting an automatic dispensing setting that is a setting for automatically dispensing the liquid agent, and when a first course that uses the auxiliary liquid agent is selected from multiple washing courses, the control unit controls the washing machine so that the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent can be performed with control content different from the accepted automatic dispensing setting.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine, a control method for a washing machine, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that in a washing machine capable of automatically dispensing detergent and fabric softener, a setting of "none" for not automatically dispensing detergent and fabric softener can be made by pressing a dispensing method selection button for each of the detergent and fabric softener. Note that when "none" is selected by the dispensing method selection button, the detergent and fabric softener are not automatically dispensed in the operation course. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-42265 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a washing machine, a method for controlling the washing machine, and a control program that can improve the performance of a washing operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The washing machine of the present disclosure comprises a tank for storing a liquid agent, an automatic dispensing unit for automatically dispensing the liquid agent in the tank into a washing tub, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the automatic dispensing unit, wherein the tank is a first tank for storing an auxiliary liquid agent that improves the performance of the washing operation, and the control unit is capable of receiving an automatic dispensing setting for automatically dispensing the liquid agent, and when a first course that uses the auxiliary liquid agent is selected from a plurality of washing courses, the control unit controls the washing machine so that the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent can be performed with control content different from the received automatic dispensing setting.

[0006] In addition, the control method for a washing machine disclosed herein is a control method for a washing machine that includes a tank that contains a liquid agent, an automatic dispensing unit that automatically dispenses the liquid agent in the tank into a washing tub, and a control unit that controls the operation of the automatic dispensing unit, and the tank is a first tank that contains an auxiliary liquid agent that improves the performance of the washing operation, and the control unit executes the following steps: receiving an automatic dispensing setting that is a setting for automatically dispensing the liquid agent; and, when a first course that uses the auxiliary liquid agent is selected from a plurality of washing courses, automatically dispensing the liquid agent with control content that differs from the received automatic dispensing setting.

[0007] In addition, the control program in the present disclosure is a control program for a washing machine that includes a tank that contains a liquid agent, an automatic dispensing unit that automatically dispenses the liquid agent in the tank into a washing tub, and a control unit that controls the operation of the automatic dispensing unit, and that includes a first tank as the tank that contains an auxiliary liquid agent that improves the performance of the washing operation, and that causes a processor of the control unit to execute the following steps: accepting an automatic dispensing setting that is a setting for automatically dispensing the liquid agent; and, when a first course that uses the auxiliary liquid agent is selected from a plurality of washing courses, automatically dispensing the liquid agent with control content that differs from the accepted automatic dispensing setting. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The washing machine, washing machine control method, and control program disclosed herein can improve the performance of washing operations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the configuration of a control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a screen diagram showing an example of a first menu screen in this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a screen diagram showing an example of a second menu screen in this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a screen diagram showing a first example of an automatic feed setting display screen in this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a screen diagram showing a second example of the automatic insertion setting display screen in this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a screen diagram showing a third example of an automatic insertion setting display screen in this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a screen diagram showing an example of a liquid agent type change screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a screen diagram showing a first example of an automatic insertion setting screen in this embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a screen diagram showing a second example of an automatic insertion setting screen in this embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram showing the operation when the auxiliary cleaning course is selected in this embodiment. [Figure 13] 1 is a screen diagram showing an example of a message display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time when the inventors came up with the idea of ​​the present disclosure, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, automatic dispensing of each solvent was possible by setting automatic dispensing for each of a plurality of tanks. Meanwhile, in recent years, auxiliary liquid agents have been developed to improve the cleaning performance of detergents, for example. The inventors have discovered a problem in that when a washing course using such an auxiliary liquid agent is selected, the performance of the washing course cannot be fully demonstrated unless the auxiliary liquid agent is added. In order to solve this problem, the subject matter of the present disclosure has been constituted. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a washing machine, a method for controlling the washing machine, and a control program that can improve performance in washing operations, such as cleaning performance.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] [1. Washing machine configuration] First, the configuration of a washing machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of a washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0013] The washing machine 1 includes a housing 10, a washing tub 11, a drive motor 12, and a liquid supply unit 13.

[0014] Housing 10 houses each component of washing machine 1. Opening 14 is formed in the front of housing 10, i.e., on the left side of housing 10 in FIG. 1 . Door 15 for opening and closing opening 14 is provided on the front of housing 10. Water inlet 16 is formed in the top of housing 10. Water inlet 16 is a connection port for connecting a hose that supplies water to washing tub 11 via liquid agent supply unit 13. Drain valve 17 is provided in the bottom of housing 10. Drain valve 17 is a valve for draining wash water stored in washing tub 11 through opening 24.

[0015] The washing tub 11 is composed of an outer tub 18 and an inner tub 19. The outer tub 18 is a substantially cylindrical member provided inside the housing 10 and functions to store wash water. The outer tub 18 may also be called a water tub. The outer tub 18 comprises a tubular portion 20 and a bottom portion 21 that closes one end of the tubular portion 20. The central axis CA of the outer tub 18 passes through the center of the bottom portion 21 and is an axis that is inclined with respect to the installation surface. An opening 22 is formed in the outer tub 18 at a position opposite the opening 14 of the housing 10. The central axis CA of the outer tub 18 is inclined with respect to the bottom portion 21 so that the opening 14 is located diagonally upward. Outer tub 18 is formed with opening 23 for passing water and opening 24. Opening 23 is an opening connected to flow path 25 that connects liquid agent supply unit 13 and washing tub 11. Opening 24 is a drain port that drains the washing water in washing tub 11 to the outside.

[0016] The inner tub 19 is provided inside the outer tub 18 and is rotatable about a central axis CA as a rotation axis. The inner tub 19 is a substantially cylindrical member capable of accommodating the laundry LA. The inner tub 19 is sometimes called a drum. A number of through holes 26 are formed on the circumferential surface of the inner tub 19. The through holes 26 connect the inner tub 19 and the outer tub 18, allowing the wash water to flow between the inner tub 19 and the outer tub 18. An opening 27 is formed in the inner tub 19 at a position opposite the opening 14 of the housing 10 and the opening 22 of the outer tub 18.

[0017] The drive motor 12 is a motor that rotates and drives the inner tub 19. The drive motor 12 is driven under the control of a control device 100, which will be described later.

[0018] Liquid agent supply unit 13 is a unit that supplies a predetermined amount of liquid agent from tank 130 that stores the liquid agent to washing tub 11. Liquid agent supply unit 13 is provided above outer tub 18 inside housing 10. An upper portion of liquid agent supply unit 13 faces openable and closable cover 28 provided on housing 10.

[0019] Next, the configuration of the liquid medicine supply unit 13 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the liquid medicine supply unit 13 in this embodiment. The liquid supply unit 13 includes three tanks 130, a case 131, three liquid supply devices 132, a liquid supply flow path 133, a water supply valve 134 shown in FIG.

[0020] The case 131 is a member that houses the first tank 130A, the second tank 130B, the third tank 130C, and the input portion 135. Each of the first tank 130A, the second tank 130B, and the third tank 130C is removable from the case 131.

[0021] The first tank 130A, the second tank 130B, and the third tank 130C contain, for example, different types of liquid agents. In this embodiment, for example, the first tank 130A contains a detergent DT, the second tank 130B contains a fabric softener, and the third tank 130C contains an auxiliary liquid agent SD. The third tank 130C corresponds to an example of the "first tank." The first tank 130A corresponds to an example of a "second tank."

[0022] The auxiliary liquid agent SD, for example, improves the cleaning performance of the detergent DT. The auxiliary liquid agent SD, for example, has the function of removing dirt adhering to the laundry LA. The auxiliary liquid agent SD, for example, has the function of breaking down dirt adhering to the laundry LA and separating it from the laundry LA. The auxiliary liquid SD corresponds to an example of an "auxiliary liquid". The cleaning performance of the detergent DT corresponds to an example of "performance of the washing operation."

[0023] The liquid agent supply device 132 is a device that sucks a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the tank 130 and supplies it to the liquid agent supply flow path 133. The first liquid agent supply device 132A is connected to the first tank 130A, sucks a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the first tank 130A, and discharges it to the liquid agent supply flow path 133. The second liquid agent supply device 132B is connected to the second tank 130B, sucks a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the second tank 130B, and discharges it to the liquid agent supply flow path 133. The third liquid agent supply device 132C is connected to the third tank 130C, and sucks a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the third tank 130C, and discharges it to the liquid agent supply flow path 133. The first liquid material supplying device 132A and the third liquid material supplying device 132C correspond to an example of an "automatic supplying unit."

[0024] The liquid agent supply flow path 133 is a member that constitutes a flow path that supplies water supplied from the water supply port 16 and the liquid agent supplied by the liquid agent supply device 132 to the outer tank 18 via the case 131. The liquid agent supply flow path 133 is connected to a first liquid agent supply device 132A, a second liquid agent supply device 132B, and a third liquid agent supply device 132C.

[0025] The water supply valve 134 is a valve that controls the inflow of water from the water supply port 16. The water that flows in from the water supply port 16 flows into the outer tub 18 via the case 131.

[0026] The dispenser 135 is a mechanism for allowing the user to dispense the liquid agent for one wash. The liquid agent dispensed in the dispenser 135 flows from the case 131 through the flow path 25 into the outer tub 18.

[0027] [2. Control device configuration] Next, the configuration of the control device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 100 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the washing machine 1 includes a control device 100. The control device 100 includes a processor 110 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a memory 120, and an interface circuit to which sensors are connected. The control device 100 corresponds to an example of a "control unit."

[0028] The memory 120 is a memory that stores programs and data. The memory 120 stores a control program 121, first tank information 122, second tank information 123, third tank information 124, first setting information 125, second setting information 126, third setting information 127, and supply condition information 128. The memory 120 has a non-volatile storage area. The memory 120 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the processor 110. The memory 120 is constituted by, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM).

[0029] The first tank information 122 is information in which details related to the first tank 130A are recorded. The first tank information 122 has tank number information and liquid agent type information regarding the first tank 130A. The tank number information is information indicating a tank number for identifying the tank 130 within the washing machine 1. The liquid agent type information is information indicating the type of liquid agent. The liquid agent type information of the first tank information 122 indicates, for example, detergent DT.

[0030] The second tank information 123 is information in which details related to the second tank 130B are recorded. The second tank information 123 includes tank number information and liquid agent type information regarding the second tank 130B. The liquid agent type information of the second tank information 123 indicates, for example, fabric softener.

[0031] The third tank information 124 is information in which details related to the third tank 130C are recorded. The third tank information 124 has tank number information and liquid type information regarding the third tank 130C. The liquid type information of the third tank information 124 indicates, for example, the auxiliary liquid SD.

[0032] The first setting information 125 includes information set regarding the supply of the liquid stored in the first tank 130A, i.e., the detergent DT. The first setting information 125 includes first supply information indicating ON / OFF setting of automatic supply of detergent DT. The first setting information 125 includes first supply reference amount information indicating the reference amount of detergent DT to be supplied. The first supply information, first supply reference amount information, and first adjustment information are set by the automatic supply setting unit 112, which will be described later.

[0033] "Automatic dispensing" means that during the washing operation, the washing execution unit 114 described later controls the liquid agent supply device 132 based on the first setting information 125, the second setting information 126, and the third setting information 127 to dispense the liquid agent into the washing tub 11. "Automatic addition" of detergent DT means that when the washing execution unit 114 described later starts the washing process, the first liquid agent supply device 132A is controlled to add detergent DT to the washing tub 11 based on the first setting information 125. The first setting information 125 corresponds to an example of "automatic input information." The first input information corresponds to an example of "input information." The first adjustment information corresponds to an example of "input adjustment information."

[0034] The second setting information 126 includes information set regarding the supply of the liquid stored in the second tank 130B, i.e., the fabric softener. The second setting information 126 includes second supply information indicating the ON / OFF setting for automatic supply of fabric softener. The second setting information 126 includes second supply reference amount information indicating the reference amount of fabric softener to be supplied. The second setting information 126 includes second adjustment information indicating adjustment information for the second supply reference amount of fabric softener. The second setting information 126 corresponds to an example of "automatic input information." The second input information corresponds to an example of "input information." The second adjustment information corresponds to an example of "input adjustment information."

[0035] The third setting information 127 stores information set regarding the supply of the liquid stored in the third tank 130C, i.e., the auxiliary liquid SD. The third setting information 127 includes third supply information indicating ON / OFF setting of automatic supply of the auxiliary liquid SD. The third setting information 127 includes third supply reference amount information indicating the reference amount of the supply amount of the auxiliary liquid SD. The third setting information 127 includes third adjustment information indicating adjustment information for the third supply reference amount of the auxiliary liquid SD.

[0036] In addition, the third setting information 127 includes a "constant supply setting" which is a setting for always supplying the liquid agent stored in the third tank 130C to the washing tub 11. When the "constant supply setting" is set, it means that the liquid agent is always supplied to the washing tub 11 regardless of other setting information, for example. "Automatic addition" of auxiliary liquid SD means that when the washing execution unit 114 described later starts the washing process, the third liquid supply device 132C is controlled to supply detergent DT to the washing tub 11 based on the third setting information 127. The third setting information 127 corresponds to an example of "automatic input information." The third input information corresponds to an example of "input information." The third adjustment information corresponds to an example of "input adjustment information." It should be noted that the first setting information 125, the second setting information 126, and the third setting information 127 include the set values ​​of the amount of liquid agent contained in each tank 130 to be added per unit amount of water, but the set values ​​of the amount of liquid agent to be added per unit amount of water may be different values ​​for each washing course.

[0037] The supply condition information 128 defines the operation of supplying the liquid stored in the first tank 130A, i.e., the detergent DT, and the liquid stored in the third tank 130C, i.e., the auxiliary liquid SD, when the "cleaning auxiliary course" is selected as the washing course. The supply condition information 128 also defines the operation of supplying the detergent DT and the auxiliary liquid SD, with reference to the first setting information 125 and the third setting information 127. The supply condition information 128 will be further described with reference to the supply condition 700 shown in FIG.

[0038] The control device 100 is connected to an operation panel 102, a water supply valve 134, a drive motor 12, a drain valve 17, a first liquid agent supply device 132A, a second liquid agent supply device 132B, and a third liquid agent supply device 132C as devices included in the washing machine 1. Note that other devices such as sensors may also be connected to the control device 100.

[0039] The operation panel 102 is a panel having a touch panel 103, operation buttons, etc. The operation panel 102 is disposed above the door 15 in the housing 10, for example. The touch panel 103 includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a touch sensor. The display displays various screens in accordance with instructions from the control device 100. The touch sensor is disposed on the surface of the display. The touch sensor receives a touch operation from a user. The touch sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the received touch operation to the control device 100.

[0040] The processor 110 reads and executes a control program 121 stored in the memory 120, thereby functioning as a course setting unit 111, an automatic dosing setting unit 112, a liquid supply unit 113, and a washing execution unit 114.

[0041] The course setting unit 111 displays a first menu screen 300 shown in Fig. 4 and a second menu screen 310 shown in Fig. 5 on the touch panel 103, accepts a touch operation by the user, and sets a washing course to be executed by the washing execution unit 114. The washing courses include an "auxiliary washing course." The "auxiliary cleaning course" corresponds to an example of the "first course." The first menu screen 300 will be further described with reference to FIG. The second menu screen 310 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0042] 10 and 11 on the touch panel 103, and receives touch operations from the user to receive settings of the detergent DT and auxiliary liquid agent SD dispensing information, dispensing reference amount information, and adjustment information. The automatic dispensing setting unit 112 stores the settings of the detergent DT and auxiliary liquid agent SD dispensing information, dispensing reference amount information, and adjustment information received from the user in the memory 120. Furthermore, the automatic dispensing setting unit 112 displays an automatic dispensing setting screen 600 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 on the touch panel 103, accepts a touch operation by the user, and sets the "constant supply setting" for the supplementary liquid agent SD.

[0043] When liquid agent is to be supplied in washing performed by the washing execution unit 114, the liquid agent supply unit 113 controls the liquid agent supply device 132 to supply the liquid agent to the washing tub 11 while the washing execution unit 114 is performing a washing operation. When supplying detergent DT, which is a liquid contained in the first tank 130A, the liquid supply unit 113 controls the first liquid supply device 132A to supply the detergent DT to the washing tub 11, for example, when the washing execution unit 114 starts the washing process. When supplying fabric softener, which is a liquid agent contained in the second tank 130B, the liquid agent supply unit 113 controls the second liquid agent supply device 132B to supply the fabric softener to the washing tub 11, for example, while the washing execution unit 114 is performing the rinsing process. When supplying auxiliary liquid SD, which is a liquid stored in the third tank 130C, the liquid supply unit 113 controls the third liquid supply device 132C to supply the auxiliary liquid SD to the washing tub 11, for example, when the washing execution unit 114 starts the washing process.

[0044] The timing of supplying the detergent DT by the first liquid agent supplying device 132A is not limited to the start of the washing process, as long as it is supplied during the washing process. For example, the detergent DT may be supplied in the middle of the washing process after the auxiliary liquid agent SD has been supplied. Furthermore, since the auxiliary liquid SD may be supplied during the washing process, the timing at which the auxiliary liquid SD is supplied by the third liquid supply device 132C is not limited to the start of the washing process. For example, the auxiliary liquid SD may be supplied in the middle of the washing process after the detergent DT has been supplied.

[0045] When the course setting unit 111 sets the "cleaning auxiliary course" as the washing course, the liquid supply unit 113 supplies the detergent DT and auxiliary liquid SD to the washing tub 11 in accordance with the supply conditions 700. Supply conditions 700 are further described with reference to FIG.

[0046] The washing execution unit 114 controls mechanisms related to washing, such as the water supply valve 134, the drive motor 12, and the drain valve 17, to execute washing. Laundry includes a "washing process." When the washing step starts, the liquid supply unit 113 controls the liquid supply device 132 to supply the liquid to the washing tub 11.

[0047] [3.Display screen] Next, display screens displayed on the touch panel 103 by the control device 100 will be described with reference to each of FIGS.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a screen diagram showing an example of the first menu screen 300 in this embodiment. The first menu screen 300 is displayed on the touch panel 103 by the course setting unit 111. The first menu screen 300 includes a wash only button 301 , a wash and dry button 302 , and a dry only button 303 .

[0049] The wash only button 301 is touched by the user when the user wants to perform only washing in the washing machine 1. In other words, the wash only button 301 is touched by the user when the user wants to perform washing in the washing machine 1 and does not want to perform drying in the washing machine 1.

[0050] The wash / dry button 302 is touched by the user when the user wants the washing machine 1 to perform washing and drying.

[0051] Drying only button 303 is touched by the user when the user wants to cause washing machine 1 to perform only drying. In other words, drying only button 303 is touched by the user when the user wants washing machine 1 to perform drying and does not want washing machine 1 to perform washing.

[0052] When the user touches the wash only button 301 or the wash and dry button 302 on the first menu screen 300, the program setting unit 111 displays the second menu screen 310 shown in FIG. 5 is a screen diagram showing an example of the second menu screen 310 in this embodiment. The second menu screen 310 includes a first course selection button 311 to a sixth course selection button 316.

[0053] The first course selection button 311 is touched by the user when the user selects the first course as the washing course. The second course selection button 312 is touched by the user when the user selects the second course as the washing course. The third course selection button 313 is touched by the user when the user selects the third course as the washing course.

[0054] The fourth course selection button 314 is touched by the user when the user selects the fourth course as the washing course. The fifth course selection button 315 is touched by the user when the user selects the fifth course as the washing course. The sixth course selection button 316 is touched by the user when the user selects the sixth course as the washing course. The fifth course is, for example, the "cleaning auxiliary course." The cleaning auxiliary course is a course that uses the auxiliary liquid agent SD. In other words, the cleaning auxiliary course is a course that improves the detergency of the detergent DT by using the auxiliary liquid agent SD. In the following description, a case where the user selects the fifth course, that is, the "auxiliary cleaning course" will be described.

[0055] 6 to 8 are screen diagrams showing an example of the automatic insertion setting display screen 400 in this embodiment. The automatic insertion setting display screen 400 is displayed on the touch panel 103 by the control device 100 in response to a user operation when the user checks, for example, the first setting information 125, the second setting information 126, or the third setting information 127.

[0056] The automatic feed setting display screen 400 shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 includes a first display section 410, a second display section 420, and a third display section 430. The first display section 410 includes a first type display section 411 that indicates the type of liquid agent contained in the first tank 130A. The first type display section 411 displays "detergent," indicating that the type of liquid agent contained in the first tank 130A is detergent DT. The second display section 420 includes a second type display section 421 that indicates the type of liquid agent contained in the second tank 130B. The second type display section 421 displays "Fabric softener," indicating that the type of liquid agent contained in the second tank 130B is "Fabric softener." The third display section 430 includes a third type display section 431 that indicates the type of liquid agent contained in the third tank 130C. The third type display section 431 displays "cleaning reinforcement agent," indicating that the type of liquid agent contained in the second tank 130B is "cleaning reinforcement agent." The "cleaning strengthener" corresponds to an example of the auxiliary liquid SD.

[0057] The first display unit 410 includes a first reference amount information display section 412 that displays the first reference amount information included in the first setting information 125. The first reference amount information display section 412 displays the reference amount information of detergent DT that has been set by the automatic dispensing setting section 112. The first reference amount information display section 412 displays "10 ml per 30 L of water." This indicates that the set value of the first reference amount information of detergent DT is "10 ml" for a unit water volume of "30 L." The first reference amount is a value that differs depending on the brand indicating the type of detergent DT, and is set depending on the brand indicating the type of detergent DT contained in the first tank 130A.

[0058] First display unit 410 includes a first division display section 413 that displays the division determined by the first input information and first adjustment information included in first setting information 125. First division display section 413 displays "standard," indicating that the first input information is "ON" and the first adjustment information is "standard."

[0059] The second display unit 420 includes a second reference amount information display section 422 that displays the second reference amount information included in the second setting information 126. The second reference amount information display section 422 displays the second reference amount information of fabric softener set by the automatic supply setting section 112. The second supply amount display section 422 displays "10 ml per 30 L of water." This indicates that the set value of the second reference amount information of fabric softener is "10 ml" for a unit water volume of "30 L." The second reference amount of fabric softener is a value that differs depending on the brand indicating the type of fabric softener, and is set depending on the brand indicating the type of fabric softener stored in the second tank 130B.

[0060] The second display unit 420 includes a second division display unit 423 that displays the division determined by the second input information and second adjustment information included in the second setting information 126. The second division display unit 423 displays "standard," indicating that the second input information is "ON" and the adjustment information is "standard."

[0061] 6 is a screen diagram showing a first example of the automatic loading setting display screen 400. The automatic loading setting display screen 400 includes a first display section 410, a second display section 420, and a third display section 430.

[0062] The third display unit 430 includes a third reference amount information display section 432 that displays the third reference amount information included in the third setting information 127. The third reference amount information display section 432 displays the third reference amount information of the supplementary liquid agent SD set by the automatic dispensing setting section 112. The third reference amount information display section 432 displays "25 ml per 30 L of water." This indicates that the set value of the third reference amount information of the supplementary liquid agent SD is "25 ml" for a unit water volume of "30 L." The third reference amount of dispensing varies depending on the brand of the supplementary liquid agent SD, and is set depending on the brand of the type of supplementary liquid agent SD contained in the third tank 130C.

[0063] The third display unit 430 includes a third division display unit 433 that displays the division determined by the third input information and the third adjustment information included in the third setting information 127. The third division display unit 433 displays "standard," indicating that the third input information is "ON" and the third adjustment information is "standard."

[0064] Third display unit 430 includes a constant supply information display unit 434 that indicates that constant supply information is set to always supply "cleaning strengthening agent", i.e., auxiliary liquid agent SD, to washing tub 11. Constant supply setting display unit 434 displays, for example, "Always supply." Note that constant supply information display unit 434 does not need to be displayed when the constant supply information is "OFF."

[0065] 6, when the user selects the "cleaning auxiliary course" with the first setting information 125 and the third setting information 127 set, the liquid supply unit 113 operates as follows. That is, the liquid supply unit 113 controls the first liquid supply device 132A to supply the amount of detergent DT corresponding to "10 ml per 30 L of water" to the washing tub 11. The liquid supply unit 113 also controls the third liquid supply device 132C to supply the amount of "cleaning strengthening agent," i.e., the auxiliary liquid SD, corresponding to "25 ml per 30 L of water" to the washing tub 11.

[0066] 7 is a screen diagram showing a second example of the automatic loading setting display screen 400. The automatic loading setting display screen 400 includes a first display section 410, a second display section 420, and a third display section 430. In the following description, the second example of the automatic loading setting display screen 400 shown in FIG. 7 will be described in terms of differences from the first example of the automatic loading setting display screen 400 shown in FIG.

[0067] The third display unit 430 includes a third division display unit 433 that displays the division determined by the third input information and the third adjustment information included in the third setting information 127. The third division display unit 433 displays "low," indicating that the third input information is "ON" and the third adjustment information is "low." When "less" is set as the third adjustment information, in most operation courses, the liquid supply unit 113 controls the third liquid supply device 132C to supply a smaller amount of "cleaning enhancer", i.e., auxiliary liquid SD, to the washing tub 11 than "25 ml per 30 L of water", for example, "20 ml per 30 L of water".

[0068] When "more" or "less" is set as the adjustment information, the amount dispensed is the amount obtained by multiplying the "standard" adjustment information by a factor (for example, 1.5 times for "more" and 0.6 times for "less"). In other words, when "more" or "less" is set as the adjustment information, more or less liquid is automatically dispensed than when "standard" is set as the adjustment information. The multiplier may be set to a different value depending on the operating program.

[0069] 7, when the user selects the "cleaning auxiliary course" with the first setting information 125 and the third setting information 127 set, the liquid supply unit 113 operates differently from normal as follows. That is, the liquid supply unit 113 controls the first liquid supply device 132A to supply the amount of detergent DT corresponding to "10 ml per 30 L of water" to the washing tub 11. The liquid supply unit 113 also controls the third liquid supply device 132C to dispense the "cleaning strengthening agent," i.e., the auxiliary liquid SD, corresponding to "25 ml per 30 L of water" into the washing tub 11.

[0070] In this way, even when the third adjustment information is "less," the liquid supply unit 113 controls the first liquid supply device 132A to supply the same amount of "cleaning strengthening agent," i.e., auxiliary liquid SD, to the washing tub 11 as when the third adjustment information is "standard." In other words, when the "cleaning auxiliary course" is selected, the liquid supply unit 113 controls so that automatic dispensing of auxiliary liquid SD can be performed under control content different from the setting of the received third setting information 127. In FIG. 7, the third adjustment information of the third setting information 127 is "less," and the control content different from the setting of the third setting information 127 corresponds to the control content when the third adjustment information is "standard."

[0071] 8 is a screen diagram showing a third example of the automatic loading setting display screen 400. The automatic loading setting display screen 400 includes a first display section 410, a second display section 420, and a third display section 430. In the following description, the third example of the automatic loading setting display screen 400 shown in FIG. 8 will be described in terms of differences from the first example of the automatic loading setting display screen 400 shown in FIG.

[0072] Third display section 430 includes third section display section 433, which indicates that the reference amount information for "cleaning strengthening agent," i.e., the third reference amount information, has not been set. Third section display section 433 displays, for example, "None."

[0073] As shown in Fig. 8, if the reference amount of "cleaning strengthening agent," i.e., auxiliary liquid agent SD, is not set, the user cannot select the "cleaning auxiliary course" as the washing course. In this case, if the user selects the "cleaning auxiliary course" as the washing course, as shown in Fig. 13, the user is informed that the course can be operated only if the reference amount of cleaning strengthening agent is set, that is, the "cleaning auxiliary course" cannot be operated if the reference amount of supply is not set.

[0074] Next, the liquid medicine type change screen 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a screen diagram showing an example of the liquid medicine type change screen 500 in this embodiment. The liquid agent type change screen 500 is displayed on the touch panel 103 by the control device 100 in response to an operation by the user, for example, when the user changes the type of liquid agent contained in the third tank 130C.

[0075] The liquid type change screen 500 displays a delicates detergent selection section 501, a bleach selection section 502, a cleaning strength selection section 503, and an OK button 504. The delicates detergent selection section 501 is selected when the delicates detergent is stored in the third tank 130C. The bleach selection section 502 is selected when bleach is to be stored in the third tank 130C. The cleaning agent selection section 503 is selected when the "cleaning agent" is stored in the third tank 130C. In Figure 9, the fact that the cleaning strengthener selection section 503 has been selected is indicated by making the display form of the cleaning strengthener selection section 503 different from the display form of the delicate laundry detergent selection section 501 and the display form of the bleach selection section 502.

[0076] The decision button 504 is touched by the user when the selected liquid formulation is to be decided. As described with reference to FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the liquid agent stored in the third tank 130C can be selected from any one of a detergent for delicates, a bleaching agent, and a "cleaning strengthening agent."

[0077] Next, the automatic dispensing setting screen 600 will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. The automatic dispensing setting screen 600 shown in Figures 10 and 11 is a screen for setting automatic dispensing information for the "cleaning strengthening agent" to be stored in the third tank 130C.

[0078] The automatic supply setting screen 600 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 includes a supply information / adjustment information setting section 601, a supply reference amount information setting section 602, a decision button 603, and a liquid agent change button 604. The input information / adjustment information setting section 601 is touched by the user when selecting input information and adjustment information. In the input information / adjustment information setting section 601, for example, one of four categories, "more," "normal," "less," and "none," can be selected.

[0079] When "more" is selected in the supply information / adjustment information setting unit 601, the third supply information is set to "ON" and the third adjustment information is set to "more." In this case, when the washing course is operated, a larger amount of "cleaning strengthening agent" is supplied than the third standard supply amount, which is the supply amount of "cleaning strengthening agent" per unit amount of water set in the standard supply amount setting unit 602. For example, when "more" is selected in the supply information / adjustment information setting unit 601, the setting is made so that 1.5 times the standard supply amount set in the third standard supply amount information is supplied.

[0080] When "Standard" is selected in the supply information / adjustment information setting unit 601, the third supply information is set to "ON" and the third adjustment information is set to "Standard." In this case, the washing machine is set to supply the cleaning strengthening agent in the third standard supply amount, which is the amount of liquid agent to be supplied per unit amount of water set in the standard supply amount setting unit 602, when the washing course is run.

[0081] When "less" is selected in the supply information / adjustment information setting unit 601, the third supply information is set to "ON" and the third adjustment information is set to "less." In this case, when the washing course is operated, the "cleaning strength agent" is set to be dispensed in an amount less than the third standard supply amount, which is the amount of "cleaning strength agent" to be dispensed per unit amount of water set in the standard supply amount setting unit 602.

[0082] When "None" is selected in the supply information / adjustment information setting section 601, the third supply information is set to "OFF." In this case, automatic supply of "cleaning strengthening agent" is not executed when the washing course is operated.

[0083] As described above, when "more," "standard," or "less" is selected in the supply information / adjustment information setting unit 601, "ON" is set as the third supply information. In this case, as will be described with reference to FIG. 11, the automatic supply setting unit 112 supplies "cleaning strengthening agent" to the washing tub 11. In addition, the automatic supply setting unit 112 displays a check box 606 for accepting "constant supply setting." On the other hand, when "None" is selected in the supply information / adjustment information setting unit 601, "OFF" is set as the third supply information. In this case, as will be described with reference to Fig. 10, the automatic supply setting unit 112 displays a message 605 indicating that the "cleaning strengthening agent" is not supplied to the washing tub 11.

[0084] The decision button 603 is touched by the user when one of the four categories displayed in the input information / adjustment information setting section 601 is selected and the third input standard quantity information set in the input standard quantity information setting section 602 is to be decided. The liquid medicine change button 604 is touched by the user when the liquid medicine type change screen 500 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed.

[0085] FIG. 10 is a screen diagram showing a first example of the automatic loading setting screen 600 in this embodiment. 10, "None" is set in the feed information / adjustment information setting section 601, and "Not set" is displayed in the feed standard amount setting section 602. "Not set" indicates that the third feed standard amount information has not been set.

[0086] In this case, the automatic dispensing setting unit 112 controls the third liquid agent supplying device 132C to display a message 605 on the touch panel 103, indicating that the “cleaning strengthening agent” will not be supplied to the washing tub 11. For example, the message 605 displays the text “No automatic dispensing.”

[0087] FIG. 11 is a screen diagram showing a second example of the automatic loading setting screen 600 in this embodiment. The automatic dispensing setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 11 shows a state in which "standard" is set in the dispensing information / adjustment information setting section 601 and "25 ml" is set as reference amount information in the reference dispensing amount setting section 602.

[0088] When either "standard," "more," or "less" is set in the supply information / adjustment information setting unit 601, "ON" is set as the supply information, and the automatic supply setting unit 112 supplies "cleaning strengthening agent" to the washing tub 11. Furthermore, when any of "standard," "more," and "less" is set in the input information / adjustment information setting unit 601, the automatic input setting unit 112 displays a check box 606 that accepts "constant supply setting." When the user performs a touch operation on the check box 606, the automatic input setting unit 112 displays a check mark in the check box 606 and sets the constant supply information to "ON."

[0089] In this embodiment, when "none" is selected as the third adjustment information, the third input information is set to "OFF", but the third adjustment information and the third input information may be set separately. In this case, the third adjustment information and the third input information can be set separately, which improves user convenience.

[0090] In this embodiment, the dispense information / adjustment information setting unit 601 has been described as allowing selection of one of four categories, for example, "more," "normal," "less," and "none." However, when the "wash auxiliary course" is selected, the dispense information / adjustment information setting unit 601 may not allow adjustment of the dispense amount in the adjustment information. Since the dispense amount stored in association with the wash auxiliary course can be used to automatically dispense the liquid agent in the wash auxiliary course, it is possible to provide a wash course that improves the performance of the wash operation.

[0091] [4. Operation of the control unit] Next, the operation of the control device 100 when the "cleaning auxiliary course" is selected will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a chart showing the operation when the cleaning auxiliary course is selected in this embodiment. FIG. 12 shows a table showing the supply conditions 700.

[0092] In the left column of FIG. 12, the detergent DT and the auxiliary liquid agent SD are separated. 12 shows, from left to right, reference supply amount information 701, constant supply setting 702, supply information / adjustment information setting 703, and operation 710. Operation 710 indicates the operation of the liquid agent supply unit 113 of the control device 100. The investment reference amount information 701 corresponds to the "first investment reference amount information" and the "third investment reference amount information." The input information and adjustment information setting 703 corresponds to "first input information," "first adjustment information," "third input information," and "third adjustment information."

[0093] The reference amount of supply information 701 indicates whether the reference amount of supply information is set. For example, the reference amount of supply information for the supplementary liquid agent SD is set by the user displaying the automatic supply setting screen 600 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 on the touch panel 103 and operating the automatic supply setting screen 600.

[0094] The constant supply setting 702 indicates whether or not the "constant supply setting" is set. For example, the "constant supply setting" of the supplementary liquid agent SD is set by the user displaying the automatic supply setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 11 on the touch panel 103 and operating the check box 606 on the automatic supply setting screen 600.

[0095] The input information / adjustment information setting 703 shows input information and adjustment information when a reference input amount has been set. For example, input information and adjustment information for the supplementary liquid SD are displayed in the input information / adjustment information setting section 601 when the user displays the automatic input setting screen 600 shown in FIGS. 10-11 on the touch panel 103 and selects one of the four categories displayed in the input information / adjustment information setting section 601: "standard," "more," or "less." Note that when the reference input amount has not been set, that is, when the setting is "not set," input information and adjustment information cannot be set.

[0096] When the input standard amount information 701 for detergent DT is "not set," the liquid supply unit 113 controls the first liquid supply device 132A not to input detergent DT into the washing tub 11, as shown by "-" in operation 710 of the control device 100. That is, when the "Washing auxiliary course" is selected and the detergent DT input reference amount information 701 is "Not set", detergent DT is not input into the washing tub 11. In addition, the liquid supply unit 113 displays a message indicating that the "Washing auxiliary course" cannot be executed. An example of a message indicating that the "auxiliary cleaning course" cannot be performed is shown in FIG.

[0097] For detergent DT, when the reference amount information 701 is "set" and the input information / adjustment information setting 703 is either "more," "standard," or "less," the liquid supply unit 113 controls the first liquid supply device 132A to input the amount of detergent DT corresponding to the set adjustment information into the washing tub 11, as indicated by "more," "standard," or "less" in operation 710 of the control device 100. That is, when the "washing auxiliary course" is selected, the amount of detergent DT corresponding to the set first reference amount information and first adjustment information is supplied to the washing tub 11.

[0098] For detergent DT, when the standard amount of detergent dispensed information 701 is "set" and the dispense information / adjustment information setting 703 is "none", as shown in operation 710 of the control device 100 as "standard", the liquid supply unit 113 controls the first liquid supply device 132A to dispense an amount of detergent DT corresponding to the "standard" of the first adjustment information into the washing tub 11. That is, when the "Washing auxiliary course" is selected, even if the first supply information is set to "None," the amount of detergent DT corresponding to the "Standard" of the first adjustment information is supplied to the washing tub 11. This prevents the "Washing auxiliary course" that improves washing ability from being executed without supplying detergent DT.

[0099] When the input standard amount information 701 for the auxiliary liquid agent SD is "not set," the liquid agent supply unit 113 controls the third liquid agent supply device 132C not to input the auxiliary liquid agent SD into the washing tub 11, as shown by "-" in operation 710 of the control device 100. That is, when the "cleaning auxiliary course" is selected, if the supplementary liquid SD supply reference amount information 701 is "not set", the supplementary liquid SD is not supplied to the washing tub 11. In addition, the liquid supply unit 113 displays a message indicating that the "cleaning auxiliary course" cannot be executed. An example of a message indicating that the "auxiliary cleaning course" cannot be performed is shown in FIG.

[0100] For auxiliary liquid SD, when the standard amount of dispensed information 701 is "set", the constant supply setting 702 is "not set", and the dispense information / adjustment information setting 703 is any of "large amount", "standard", and "small amount", the liquid supply unit 113 controls the third liquid supply device 132C to dispense the amount of auxiliary liquid SD corresponding to "standard" into the washing tub 11, as shown in operation 710 of the control device 100 as "standard". That is, when the "cleaning auxiliary course" is selected, even if "more" or "less" is received as the third adjustment information, the liquid supply unit 113 causes the third liquid supply device 132C to dispense the amount of auxiliary liquid SD corresponding to "standard" of the third adjustment information into the washing tub 11. This allows the just right amount of auxiliary liquid SD to be dispensed in the "cleaning auxiliary course" that improves the washing ability.

[0101] For auxiliary liquid SD, when the standard amount of supply information 701 is "set", the constant supply setting 702 is "set", and the supply information / adjustment information setting 703 is "none", the liquid supply unit 113 controls the third liquid supply device 132C to supply the amount of auxiliary liquid SD corresponding to "standard" into the washing tub 11, as shown in operation 710 of the control device 100 as "standard". That is, when the "cleaning auxiliary course" is selected, even if "none" is received as the third adjustment information, the liquid supply unit 113 causes the third liquid supply device 132C to dispense the amount of auxiliary liquid SD corresponding to "standard" of the third adjustment information into the washing tub 11. In this way, when the "Washing auxiliary course" is selected, even if the third supply information is set to "None," the amount of auxiliary liquid SD corresponding to "Standard" of the third adjustment information is supplied to the washing tub 11. This makes it possible to prevent the "Washing auxiliary course" that improves washing ability from being executed without supplying auxiliary liquid SD.

[0102] For auxiliary liquid SD, when the standard amount of dispensed information 701 and the constant dispense setting 702 are "set" and the dispense information / adjustment information setting 703 is "more," "standard," or "less," the liquid supply unit 113 controls the third liquid supply device 132C to dispense the amount of auxiliary liquid SD corresponding to "standard" into the washing tub 11, as shown in operation 710 of the control device 100 as "standard." In other words, when the "cleaning auxiliary course" is selected, even if "more" or "less" is received as the third adjustment information, the liquid supply unit 113 causes the third liquid supply device 132C to dispense the amount of auxiliary liquid SD corresponding to the "standard" of the third adjustment information into the washing tub 11.

[0103] [5. Message display screen] Next, the message display screen 800 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a screen diagram showing an example of the message display screen 800 in this embodiment. The message display screen 800 is displayed on the touch panel 103 by the liquid agent supply unit 113, as described with reference to Fig. 12.

[0104] The message display screen 800 displays a message display section 801 and a close button 802. The message display section 801 displays a message indicating that the "auxiliary washing course" cannot be executed because at least one of the reference amount information for detergent DT and the reference amount information for auxiliary liquid SD is "not set."

[0105] The message display section 801 displays, for example, the following message: "This course can only be operated if the standard amount information for the detergent strengthening agent to be dispensed has been set. Please set it from "Menu."" Note that a mark consisting of three horizontally extending lines is written before the word "Menu." This mark is displayed, for example, at the top left corner of the first menu screen 300. This mark is approximately the same as the "congruence symbol" used in mathematics, for example. Furthermore, the "amount adjustment setting" corresponds to the setting indicated by the third adjustment information.

[0106] The close button 802 is a button that is touched by the user when closing the message display screen 800.

[0107] [6. Processing of control device] Next, the processing of the control device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the control device 100 in this embodiment. First, in step S101, the course setting unit 111 displays the second menu screen 310 shown in FIG. 5 on the touch panel 103, accepts an operation from the user, and sets the "auxiliary washing course" as the washing course.

[0108] Then, in step S103, the washing execution unit 114 determines whether or not an instruction to start a washing operation has been received from the user. If the washing execution unit 114 determines that it has not received a command to start the washing operation (step S103; NO), the process goes to a standby state. If the washing execution unit 114 determines that it has received a command to start the washing operation (step S103; YES), the process proceeds to step S105.

[0109] Then, in step S105, the liquid supply unit 113 determines whether the input information of the set supplementary liquid SD is “ON.” The liquid supply unit 113 determines whether the input information of the supplementary liquid SD is “ON” based on, for example, the third input information. If the liquid supply unit 113 determines that the supplemental liquid SD supply information is not "ON," that is, is "OFF" (step S105; NO), the process proceeds to step S107. Then, in step S107, the liquid supply unit 113 controls the third liquid supply device 132C to supply the amount of auxiliary liquid SD corresponding to the "standard" of the adjustment information into the washing tub 11. The supply amount corresponding to the "standard" of the adjustment information of the auxiliary liquid SD is equal to the supply reference amount information of the auxiliary liquid SD, for example, 25 ml per 30 L of water.

[0110] When the liquid agent supply unit 113 determines that the supplemental liquid agent SD supply information is "ON" (step S105; YES), the process proceeds to step S109. Then, in step S109, the liquid supply unit 113 determines whether the adjustment information of the supplementary liquid SD that has been set is "standard" or not. If the liquid supply unit 113 determines that the adjustment information of the supplemental liquid SD is not "standard" (step S109; NO), the process proceeds to step S111. Then, in step S111, the liquid supply unit 113 controls the third liquid supply device 132C to supply the auxiliary liquid SD into the washing tub 11 in an amount corresponding to the "standard" of the adjustment information. If the liquid supply unit 113 determines that the adjustment information of the supplemental liquid SD is "standard" (step S109; YES), the process proceeds to step S113. Then, in step S113, the liquid supply unit 113 controls the third liquid supply device 132C to supply the auxiliary liquid SD into the washing tub 11 in an amount corresponding to the "standard" of the adjustment information.

[0111] Next, in step S115, the liquid supply unit 113 determines whether the detergent DT input information is "ON". The liquid supply unit 113 determines whether the detergent DT input information is "ON" based on, for example, the first input information. If the liquid supply unit 113 determines that the detergent DT input information is not "ON," that is, is "OFF" (step S115; NO), the process proceeds to step S117. Then, in step S117, the liquid supply unit 113 controls the first liquid supply device 132A to dispense a "standard" amount of detergent DT into the washing tub 11. The "standard" amount of detergent DT is equal to the detergent DT dispensing reference amount information, for example, 10 ml per 30 L of water. Then, the process ends.

[0112] If the liquid supply unit 113 determines that the detergent DT input information is "ON" (step S115; YES), the process proceeds to step S119. Then, in step S119, the liquid supply unit 113 determines whether the adjustment information of the detergent DT is “standard.” The “adjustment information” of the detergent DT indicates the setting corresponding to the first adjustment information. If the liquid supply unit 113 determines that the adjustment information for the detergent DT is not "standard" (step S119; NO), the process proceeds to step S121. Then, in step S121, the liquid supply unit 113 controls the first liquid supply device 132A to dispense the amount of detergent DT corresponding to the detergent DT adjustment information into the washing tub 11. Then, the process ends. If the liquid supply unit 113 determines that the amount adjustment setting of the detergent DT is "standard" (step S119; YES), the process proceeds to step S123. Then, in step S123, the liquid supply unit 113 controls the first liquid supply device 132A to dispense the amount of detergent DT corresponding to "standard" into the washing tub 11. Then, the process ends.

[0113] Each of step S107, step S111, step S113, step S117, step S121, and step S123 corresponds to an example of "a step of executing automatic input." The "step of accepting the setting of the automatic input information" is executed by the automatic input setting unit 112 before the execution of the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 is started.

[0114] [7. Effects, etc.] As described above, the washing machine 1 comprises a tank 130 that contains a liquid agent, a liquid agent supply device 132 that automatically dispenses the liquid agent in the tank 130 into the washing tub 11, and a control device 100 that controls the operation of the liquid agent supply device 132. The tank 130 comprises a third tank 130C that contains an auxiliary liquid agent SD that improves specific performance of the washing operation, and the control device 100 is capable of accepting an automatic dispensing setting that is a setting for automatically dispensing the liquid agent, and when a cleaning auxiliary course that uses auxiliary liquid agent SD is selected from a plurality of washing courses, the control device 100 controls the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent to be performed with control content different from the accepted automatic dispensing setting.

[0115] This allows automatic dispensing of the liquid agent according to the recommended control content stored in association with the wash auxiliary course, even if the automatic dispensing setting received from the user differs from the control content stored in association with the wash auxiliary course, thereby improving the performance of the wash operation in the wash auxiliary course.

[0116] In the washing machine 1 described above, the control device 100 can accept an automatic dispensing setting that switches the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent ON / OFF, and when the cleaning auxiliary course is selected as the washing course, the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent is performed even when the dispensing setting is set to OFF.

[0117] This allows the liquid agent to be automatically dispensed using the recommended control content stored in association with the auxiliary washing course, thereby providing an auxiliary washing course that improves the performance of the washing operation.

[0118] In the washing machine 1 described above, when the cleaning auxiliary course is selected as the washing course, the control device 100 automatically dispenses the auxiliary liquid agent SD even when the dispense setting for the auxiliary liquid agent SD is set to OFF.

[0119] This allows the auxiliary liquid to be reliably dispensed in the auxiliary washing course, thereby providing an auxiliary washing course that improves the performance of the washing operation.

[0120] In the washing machine 1 described above, the tank 130 further includes a first tank 130A that contains detergent DT, and auxiliary liquid SD is a liquid that enhances cleaning ability. When the cleaning auxiliary course is selected as the washing course, the control device 100 automatically dispenses detergent DT even when the detergent DT dispensing setting is set to OFF.

[0121] This allows detergent to be reliably dispensed in addition to the auxiliary liquid agent that enhances the washing ability in the auxiliary washing course, thereby providing a washing course that improves the performance of the washing operation.

[0122] In the washing machine 1 described above, the control device automatically dispenses the auxiliary liquid agent SD and the detergent DT in the washing step of the auxiliary washing course.

[0123] This allows detergent DT to be reliably added in addition to auxiliary liquid SD, which enhances cleaning performance, during the washing process of the auxiliary washing course, thereby providing a washing course that improves the performance of the washing operation.

[0124] In the washing machine 1 described above, the control device 100 can accept a constant supply setting that ensures that the automatic addition of auxiliary liquid agent SD can be performed in a washing course in which the auxiliary liquid agent SD can be automatically added, and when the cleaning auxiliary course is selected as the washing course, the control device 100 executes the automatic addition of auxiliary liquid agent SD even when the constant supply setting of auxiliary liquid agent SD is set to OFF.

[0125] This allows the auxiliary liquid SD to be reliably dispensed in the auxiliary washing course even when the user has set the constant supply setting to OFF, thereby providing a washing course that improves the performance of the washing operation.

[0126] In the washing machine 1 described above, the control device 100 can accept, as the automatic dispensing setting, a standard dispensing amount setting that sets a standard amount of liquid agent to be dispensed per unit amount of water, and a dispensing adjustment setting that adjusts the amount of liquid agent to be dispensed relative to the standard dispensing amount, and when the cleaning auxiliary course is selected as the washing course, the dispensing adjustment amount setting may not be accepted.

[0127] This allows automatic dispensing of liquid in the auxiliary washing course using the dispensing amount stored in association with the auxiliary washing course, thereby providing a washing course that improves the performance of the washing operation.

[0128] In the washing machine 1 described above, the control device 100 can accept a standard amount of liquid to be dispensed per unit amount of water as the automatic dispensing setting, and when the cleaning auxiliary course is selected as the washing course, the control device 100 automatically dispenses the liquid even if the standard amount of liquid to be dispensed is not set.

[0129] According to this, even if the standard amount of liquid to be dispensed is not set, if auxiliary liquid SD is contained in the third tank 130C, the appropriate liquid can be automatically dispensed in the auxiliary washing course, thereby providing a washing course that is convenient for the user and improves the performance of the washing operation.

[0130] The control method for washing machine 1 includes a tank 130 that contains a liquid agent, a liquid agent supply device 132 that automatically dispenses the liquid agent in tank 130 into washing tub 11, and a control device 100 that controls the operation of liquid agent supply device 132, and the tank 130 includes a third tank 130C that contains auxiliary liquid agent SD that improves specific performance of the washing operation, and includes causing control device 100 to execute the following steps: accepting an automatic dispensing setting that is a setting for automatically dispensing the liquid agent; and, when an auxiliary cleaning course that uses the auxiliary liquid agent is selected from a plurality of washing courses, automatically dispensing the liquid agent with control content different from the accepted automatic dispensing setting.

[0131] This provides the same effects as those of the washing machine 1 described above.

[0132] The control program 121 for the washing machine 1 includes a tank 130 that contains a liquid agent, a liquid agent supply device 132 that automatically dispenses the liquid agent from the tank 130 into the washing tub 11, and a control device 100 that controls the operation of the liquid agent supply device 132, and the tank 130 includes a third tank 130C that contains an auxiliary liquid agent SD that improves specific performance of the washing operation. The control program 121 causes the processor 110 of the control device 100 to execute the steps of accepting an automatic dispensing setting that is a setting for automatically dispensing the liquid agent, and, when an auxiliary washing course that uses auxiliary liquid agent SD is selected from among a plurality of washing courses, automatically dispensing the liquid agent with control content different from the accepted automatic dispensing setting.

[0133] This provides the same effects as those of the washing machine 1 described above.

[0134] (Other embodiments) As described above, the present embodiment has been described as an example disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the present embodiment to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0135] In the above-described embodiment, a drum-type washing machine is exemplified as the washing machine 1, but the washing machine 1 may also be a vertical washing machine.

[0136] In the above-described embodiment, the "auxiliary liquid" is an auxiliary liquid SD that improves the cleaning performance of detergent DT, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The "auxiliary liquid" only needs to improve the performance of the washing operation. The "auxiliary liquid" may, for example, improve the cleaning performance of detergent DT against specific stains. The "specific stains" may, for example, be mud stains, blood stains, stains on shirt collars and sleeves, or yellowing.

[0137] In the above-described embodiment, the washing machine 1 is configured to include three tanks 130, but the number of tanks 130 included in the washing machine 1 may be two, or four or more.

[0138] In the above-described embodiment, the first tank 130A contains the detergent DT and the third tank 130C contains the auxiliary liquid agent SD, but the detergent DT and the auxiliary liquid agent SD may be contained in different tanks among the multiple tanks.

[0139] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the control device 100 accepts user operations on various screens displayed on the touch panel 103 has been described, but the control device 100 may also accept user operations on various screens displayed on, for example, a smartphone.

[0140] The processor 110 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0141] The configuration of washing machine 1 shown in Fig. 3 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to configure the configuration so that one processor executes a program to realize the functions of each unit. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software.

[0142] The processing steps of the control device 100 shown in FIG. 14 are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding of the operation, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The processing may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0143] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0144] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0145] (Technology 1) A washing machine comprising a tank for storing a liquid agent, an automatic dispensing unit for automatically dispensing the liquid agent in the tank into a washing tub, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the automatic dispensing unit, wherein the tank is a first tank for storing an auxiliary liquid agent that improves the performance of the washing operation, and the control unit is capable of receiving an automatic dispensing setting for the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent, and when a first course that uses the auxiliary liquid agent is selected from a plurality of washing courses, the control unit controls the washing machine so that the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent can be performed with control content different from the received automatic dispensing setting. With this, even if the automatic dispensing setting received from the user differs from the control content stored in association with the first course when the first course is run, the liquid can be automatically dispensed according to the recommended control content stored in association with the first course, thereby improving the performance of the washing operation in the first course.

[0146] (Technology 2) The control unit is capable of accepting, as the automatic dispensing setting, a dispensing setting that switches the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent ON / OFF, and when the first course is selected as the washing course, the washing machine described in Technology 1 automatically dispenses the liquid agent even when the dispensing setting is set to OFF. This allows the liquid agent to be automatically dispensed using the recommended control content stored in association with the first course, thereby providing a washing course that improves the performance of the washing operation.

[0147] (Technology 3) The washing machine according to Technology 2, wherein when the first course is selected as the washing course, the control unit automatically dispenses the auxiliary liquid even when the dispense setting for the auxiliary liquid is set to OFF. This allows the auxiliary liquid to be reliably dispensed in the first course, thereby providing a washing course that improves the performance of the washing operation.

[0148] (Technology 4) A washing machine according to either Technology 2 or Technology 3, further comprising a second tank for storing detergent as the tank, the auxiliary liquid being a liquid that enhances cleaning ability, and the control unit automatically dispenses the detergent when the first course is selected as the washing course, even when the detergent dispensing setting is set to OFF. This allows detergent to be reliably dispensed in addition to the auxiliary liquid that enhances the washing ability in the first course, thereby providing a washing course that improves the performance of the washing operation.

[0149] (Technology 5) The washing machine according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 4, wherein the control unit automatically dispenses the auxiliary liquid and the detergent during the washing process of the first course. This allows the detergent to be reliably dispensed in addition to the auxiliary liquid agent that enhances the washing ability during the washing process in the first course, thereby providing a washing course that improves the performance of the washing operation.

[0150] (Technology 6) A washing machine according to any one of technologies 1 to 5, wherein the control unit is capable of accepting a constant supply setting that ensures automatic dispensing of the auxiliary liquid agent in a washing course in which the auxiliary liquid agent can be automatically dispensed, and when the first course is selected as the washing course, the control unit executes automatic dispensing of the auxiliary liquid agent even when the constant supply setting of the auxiliary liquid agent is set to OFF. This allows auxiliary liquid to be reliably dispensed in the first course even when the user has set the constant supply setting to OFF, thereby providing a washing course that improves the performance of the washing operation.

[0151] (Technology 7) The control unit is capable of accepting, as the automatic dispensing setting, a standard dispensing amount setting that sets a standard amount of liquid agent to be dispensed per unit amount of water, and a dispensing adjustment setting that adjusts the amount of liquid agent to be dispensed relative to the standard dispensing amount, and when the first course is selected as the washing course, the washing machine described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 6 is unable to accept the setting of the dispensing adjustment amount. This allows automatic dispensing of the liquid agent in the first course using the dispensing amount stored in association with the first course, thereby providing a washing course that improves the performance of the washing operation.

[0152] (Technology 8) The control unit is capable of accepting a standard amount of liquid to be dispensed per unit amount of water as the automatic dispensing setting, and when the first course is selected as the washing course, the washing machine performs automatic dispensing of the liquid even if the standard amount of liquid to be dispensed is not set. This means that even if the standard amount of liquid to be dispensed is not set, if auxiliary liquid is contained in the first tank, the appropriate liquid can be automatically dispensed in the first course, thereby providing a washing course that is convenient for the user and improves the performance of the washing operation.

[0153] (Technology 9) A method for controlling a washing machine comprising a tank for storing a liquid agent, an automatic dispensing unit for automatically dispensing the liquid agent in the tank into a washing tub, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the automatic dispensing unit, wherein the tank is a first tank for storing an auxiliary liquid agent that improves the performance of the washing operation, the method comprising the steps of: receiving an automatic dispensing setting for the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent in the control unit; and, when a first course using the auxiliary liquid agent is selected from a plurality of washing courses, automatically dispensing the liquid agent with control content different from the received automatic dispensing setting. This provides the same effect as that of the washing machine of Technology 1.

[0154] (Technology 10) A control program for a washing machine comprising a tank for storing a liquid agent, an automatic dispensing unit for automatically dispensing the liquid agent in the tank into a washing tub, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the automatic dispensing unit, wherein the tank is a first tank for storing an auxiliary liquid agent that improves the performance of the washing operation, the control program causing a processor of the control unit to execute the steps of: accepting an automatic dispensing setting that is a setting for the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent; and, when a first course that uses the auxiliary liquid agent is selected from a plurality of washing courses, automatically dispensing the liquid agent with control content different from the accepted automatic dispensing setting. This provides the same effect as that of the washing machine of Technology 1. [Industrial Applicability]

[0155] As described above, the washing machine, the washing machine control method, and the control program according to the present invention can be used to improve the performance of washing operations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1 washing machine 11 Washing machine 13 Liquid supply unit 100 control device (control unit) 102 Operation Panel 103 Touch Panel 110 processors 111 Course Selection Section 112 Automatic input setting section 113 Liquid supply unit 114 Laundry Department 120 memory 121 Control Program 122 First Tank Information 123 Second Tank Information 124 Third Tank Information 125 First setting information (automatic input information) 126 Second setting information (automatic input information) 127 Third setting information (automatic input information) 128 Supply condition information 130 Tank 130A 1st Tank (2nd Tank) 130B Second Tank 130C 3rd Tank (1st Tank) 132 Liquid supply device (automatic supply unit) 132A First liquid supply device 132B Second liquid supply device 132C 3rd liquid supply device DT Detergent SD supplementary liquid SQ1 1st input amount setting SQ3 3rd input amount setting

Claims

1. a tank for storing a liquid agent; An automatic dispenser that automatically dispenses the liquid agent in the tank into the washing tub; a control unit that controls the operation of the automatic insertion unit; Equipped with The tank includes a first tank containing an auxiliary liquid agent that improves the performance of the washing operation, The control unit The setting of automatic dispensing information, which is information regarding the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent, is acceptable; When a first course using the auxiliary liquid agent is selected from a plurality of washing courses, control is performed to enable automatic dispensing of the liquid agent under control content different from the setting of the received automatic dispensing information. washing machine.

2. The control unit As the setting of the automatic dispensing information, a setting of dispensing information regarding ON / OFF of automatic dispensing of the liquid agent can be accepted, When the first course is selected as the washing course, the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent is executed even when the dispensing information is set to OFF. The washing machine according to claim 1.

3. When the first course is selected as the washing course, the control unit executes automatic supply of the auxiliary liquid even when the supply information of the auxiliary liquid is set to OFF. The washing machine according to claim 2.

4. The tank further includes a second tank for storing a detergent, The auxiliary liquid is a liquid that enhances cleaning ability, When the first course is selected as the washing course, the control unit executes automatic detergent dispensing even when the detergent dispensing information is set to OFF. The washing machine according to claim 1.

5. The control unit automatically dispenses the auxiliary liquid and the detergent in the washing step of the first course. The washing machine according to claim 4.

6. The control unit In a washing course in which the auxiliary liquid agent can be automatically dispensed, a setting regarding ON / OFF of continuous supply information that always enables automatic dispensing of the auxiliary liquid agent can be accepted, When the first course is selected as the washing course, the control unit executes automatic supply of the auxiliary liquid even when the continuous supply information of the auxiliary liquid is set to OFF. The washing machine according to claim 1.

7. The control unit The automatic dispensing information can be configured to accept setting of dispensing reference amount information, which is information on a dispensing reference amount of liquid per unit amount of water, and setting of dispensing adjustment information for adjusting the dispensing amount of liquid relative to the dispensing reference amount, When the first course is selected as the washing course, the setting of the input adjustment information is not accepted. The washing machine according to claim 2.

8. The control unit As the automatic dispensing information, a setting of dispensing reference amount information, which is information on a dispensing reference amount of a liquid agent per unit amount of water, can be accepted; When the first course is selected as the washing course, the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent is executed even if the dispensing reference amount information of the liquid agent is not set. The washing machine according to claim 1.

9. A method for controlling a washing machine comprising: a tank for storing a liquid agent; an automatic dispenser for automatically dispensing the liquid agent in the tank into a washing tub; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the automatic dispenser, the tank being a first tank for storing an auxiliary liquid agent that improves the performance of a washing operation; The control unit receiving settings of automatic dispensing information, which is information regarding automatic dispensing of the liquid; When a first course using the auxiliary liquid agent is selected from among a plurality of washing courses, the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent is performed under control content different from the setting of the received automatic dispensing information. A method for controlling a washing machine.

10. A control program for a washing machine comprising: a tank for storing a liquid agent; an automatic dispenser for automatically dispensing the liquid agent in the tank into a washing tub; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the automatic dispenser, the tank being a first tank for storing an auxiliary liquid agent that improves the performance of a washing operation, a processor of the control unit; receiving settings of automatic dispensing information, which is information regarding automatic dispensing of the liquid; When a first course using the auxiliary liquid agent is selected from among a plurality of washing courses, the automatic dispensing of the liquid agent is performed under control content different from the setting of the received automatic dispensing information. A control program that executes the above.

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