Washing machine, washing method and washing system

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of suppressing damage to laundry.SOLUTION: A washing machine according to the present disclosure includes a storage tub configured to store washings, a first tank configured to store a detergent, a first automatic detergent supply device configured to supply the detergent to the storage tub in a first supply amount when a first automatic detergent supply setting is ON, a detergency enhancer configured to enhance detergency, and a controller configured to acquire a first automatic detergent supply setting and an enhancement setting of the detergency enhancer, wherein the controller is configured to restrict a settable range of a setting related to the first automatic detergent supply device in accordance with the acquired enhancement setting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine having a washing tub for accommodating laundry, a fine bubble generator for generating fine bubble water, and a detergency enhancing means for enhancing detergency.

[0003] The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 has a hot water heater for heating wash water as a means for enhancing detergency. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-64485 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when using a cleaning power enhancing means, if a cleaning power enhancing agent is further added using an automatic dosing device, the washing machine may provide excessive cleaning power, which may damage the laundry.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problem and to provide a washing machine that can prevent damage to laundry. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a storage tub for storing laundry, a first tank capable of storing a cleaning enhancer, a first automatic dispensing device that supplies a first amount of cleaning enhancer to the storage tub when a first automatic dispensing setting is ON, a cleaning power enhancement means for enhancing cleaning power, and a control unit that acquires the first automatic dispensing setting and the enhanced setting of the cleaning power enhancement means, and the control unit limits the range of settings that can be set for the first automatic dispensing device according to the acquired enhanced setting.

[0008] A laundry method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes acquiring a first automatic dispensing setting for a first automatic dispensing device that supplies a first amount of cleaning enhancer contained in a first tank to a storage tub, and an enhanced setting for a cleaning power enhancement means that enhances cleaning power, and limiting the settable range of settings for the first automatic dispensing device according to the acquired enhanced setting.

[0009] A laundry system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a washing machine having a storage tub for storing laundry, a first tank capable of storing a cleaning enhancer, a first automatic dispensing device that supplies a first amount of cleaning enhancer to the storage tub when a first automatic dispensing setting is ON, and a cleaning power enhancement means for enhancing cleaning power; and a processing device capable of communicating with the washing machine via a network and acquiring the first automatic dispensing setting and an enhanced setting for the cleaning power enhancement means, wherein the processing device limits the range of settings that can be set for the first automatic dispensing device according to the acquired enhanced setting. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, a washing machine that can prevent damage to laundry can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Schematic front view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Schematic cross-section of a washing machine [Figure 3] Perspective view of the automatic insertion unit [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of the automatic feeding unit [Figure 5]Flowchart of washing machine operation [Figure 6A] Schematic diagram of the operation unit and display unit [Figure 6B] Schematic diagram of the operation unit and display unit [Figure 6C] Schematic diagram of the operation unit and display unit [Figure 6D] Schematic diagram of the operation unit and display unit [Figure 7A] Schematic diagram of an operation unit and a display unit according to Modification 1. [Figure 7B] Schematic diagram of an operation unit and a display unit according to Modification 1. [Figure 7C] Schematic diagram of an operation unit and a display unit according to Modification 1. [Figure 7D] Schematic diagram of an operation unit and a display unit according to Modification 1. [Figure 8A] Schematic diagram of an operation unit and a display unit according to Modification 1. [Figure 8B] Schematic diagram of an operation unit and a display unit according to Modification 1. [Figure 8C] Schematic diagram of an operation unit and a display unit according to Modification 1. [Figure 8D] Schematic diagram of an operation unit and a display unit according to Modification 1. [Figure 9] Table showing the relationship between automatic injection setting and injection amount according to Modification 2 [Figure 10] Block diagram of a laundry system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time when the inventors of the present invention came up with the idea for the present disclosure, there were pictorial washing symbols attached to clothing (Japanese Industrial Standards JIS L0001 (Symbols and methods for displaying symbols related to the handling of textile products)) that users could refer to when doing laundry at home.

[0013] By looking at each washing picture display, the user can check each condition, such as whether it is okay to wash the item in water that is 40 degrees or higher, or whether it is okay to wash the item with bleach.

[0014] The inventors discovered that general users tend to wash their clothes by combining multiple conditions that enhance detergency among the conditions permitted by the washing symbols, in order to improve washing performance. Furthermore, because the melting point of sebum is about 37 degrees, general users tend to consciously choose to wash with high-temperature wash water of 40 degrees or higher in order to melt the sebum adhering to the clothes.

[0015] Combining multiple conditions to enhance cleaning power can result in excessive cleaning power, which can damage the laundry. On the other hand, if the washing machine is designed to change its control so as not to over-enhance cleaning power, the user may not be aware that the combination of conditions that excessively enhances cleaning power is undesirable.

[0016] Furthermore, for example, the use of a treatment agent containing an enzyme that is effective under specific temperature conditions in combination with high-temperature washing water can inactivate the enzyme, so there is a risk that the efficacy of the treatment agent may be impaired by combining conditions that enhance cleaning power.

[0017] Based on the above findings, the inventors discovered the problem that when a user consciously tries to combine multiple conditions to enhance cleaning power, it is necessary to prevent damage to laundry or loss of the efficacy of the treatment agent without causing dissatisfaction to the user.

[0018] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a washing machine that prevents damage to laundry or loss of the efficacy of treatment agents by limiting the settable range of settings for the first automatic dispensing device according to the acquired reinforcement settings.

[0019] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] (Embodiment 1) A washing machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a washing machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine 1.

[0022] The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment is a drum type washing machine having a washing function. The washing machine 1 is capable of executing a plurality of different washing courses to perform the washing function. The washing machine 1 may further have a drying function.

[0023] 1, washing machine 1 includes housing 2, outer tub 3, drum 4, drive unit 5 (FIG. 2), hot water heater 9, water supply valve 10, drain valve 11, water level sensor 12, circulation flow path 13, circulation pump 14, and laundry amount detection unit 15 (FIG. 2). Washing machine 1 further includes control unit 16, memory unit 16a, operation unit 17, display unit 18, and start button 29.

[0024] Washing machine 1 further includes an automatic dispensing unit 6, a manual dispensing case 7, and a connecting flow path 8, and supplies a treatment agent to outer tub 3. The treatment agent is used when treating laundry such as clothes, towels, and sheets in washing machine 1. The treatment agent may be liquid, powder, or solid.

[0025] The housing 2 is a member that forms the exterior of the washing machine 1. As shown in Fig. 2, an opening 20 and a door 21 that covers the opening 20 and can be opened and closed are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

[0026] The outer tub 3 is a generally cylindrical member provided inside the housing 2 and functions to store wash water. The outer tub 3 may also be called a water tub or a tub. The outer tub 3 is provided in an opening 31 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2, and the edge of the opening 31 is connected to the opening 20 by a bellows 32. The axis passing through the center of the bottom of the outer tub 3 is defined as a central axis V0. The outer tub 3 is disposed at an angle such that the central axis V0 is at an angle with respect to the horizontal.

[0027] The drum 4 is a generally cylindrical member that is rotatable around a central axis V0 inside the outer tub 3 and can accommodate laundry. The drum 4 may also be referred to as a washing tub, an inner tub, or a storage tub. The drum 4 has a number of through-holes 40 that connect the drum 4 to the outer tub 3. The drum 4 has an opening 41 at a position facing the opening 20 in the housing 2 and the opening 31 in the outer tub 3. When the user opens the door 21, they can place laundry into the drum 4 through the openings 20, 31, and 41.

[0028] The driving unit 5 is a member that drives the drum 4 to rotate around the central axis V0. The driving unit 5 has, for example, a motor that rotates the drum 4.

[0029] The automatic dispensing unit 6 is a device that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of treatment agent from a tank that stores multiple doses of treatment agent into the outer tub 3. The predetermined amount of treatment agent in the automatic dispensing unit 6 is an appropriate amount and type of treatment agent determined by the control unit 16 in accordance with, for example, the weight of the laundry, the amount of water supplied, or user input.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the treatment agent supplied from the tank of the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the outer tub 3 is liquid and includes a detergent, a fabric softener, and a cleaning strengthener. The detergent is a treatment agent that removes ordinary stains through penetration, wetting, emulsification, solubilization, dispersion, and other actions. The fabric softener is a treatment agent that improves the feel of laundry. Unlike the detergent and fabric softener, the cleaning strengthener is a treatment agent that further enhances the basic performance of the detergent, such as cleaning. The cleaning strengthener is one treatment agent selected from a group that includes at least a surfactant, an alkaline agent, and an enzyme. The cleaning strengthener may also be referred to as an auxiliary agent. To distinguish it from the auxiliary agent, in the first embodiment, the detergent and fabric softener may also be referred to as essential agents. The fabric softener may also be classified as an auxiliary agent, and the auxiliary agent may be a treatment agent different from the detergent.

[0031] The manual dispensing case 7 is a container into which the user manually dispenses one dose of liquid agent each time the washing machine 1 is operated. The manually dispensed liquid agent is supplied to the outer tub 3 in the dispensed amount.

[0032] The cleaning strength agent may not be intended to be put into the manual dispenser case 7 because, in its undiluted form, it may have adverse effects on laundry and the user's skin.

[0033] The connection flow path 8 connects the automatic dosing unit 6 to the outer tank 3. Therefore, water and treatment agent flow from the automatic dosing unit 6 into the outer tank 3 through the connection flow path 8. Because the automatic dosing unit 6 is disposed above the outer tank 3, the connection flow path 8 extends downward.

[0034] The hot water heater 9 is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 3 and has a heater that heats the wash water in the outer tub 3. Heating the wash water can improve the detergency of the operation course. Therefore, the hot water heater 9 may be referred to as a detergency enhancing means.

[0035] The water supply valve 10 has an openable / closable valve connected to a water faucet via an external hose. When the water supply valve 10 is opened, water is supplied to the outer tub 3. Specifically, when the water supply valve 10 is opened, water flows into the outer tub 3 via the automatic dosing unit 6 and the connecting flow path 8. Instead of or in addition to the water supply valve 10, another water supply device may be provided to supply water to the outer tub 3 and the drum 4.

[0036] The drain valve 11 is a valve that can be opened and closed, and when closed, it stores water in the outer tub 3, and when open, it drains the water stored in the outer tub 3. The drain valve 11 is provided below the outer tub 3. However, instead of the drain valve 11, another drain device for draining water from the drum 4 may be provided.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the water level sensor 12 has a sensor that detects the water level in the outer tub 3. Specifically, the water level sensor 12 is connected to the bottom of the outer tub 3 via an air hose 12a. When the water level in the outer tub 3 changes, water flows into the air hose 12a, and the pressure in the water level sensor 12 changes via the air hose 12a. The water level sensor 12 can detect the water level in the outer tub 3 by detecting the pressure.

[0038] The water level sensor 12 may detect the water level by detecting the amount of movement of a float or by using a capacitance method.

[0039] The circulation flow path 13 is provided inside the housing 2 and is connected to the outer tub 3. Specifically, both the suction port 13a and the discharge port 13b of the circulation flow path 13 are connected to the outer tub 3, and circulate the water inside the outer tub 3. The suction port 13a is connected to the lower part of the outer tub 3, and the discharge port 13b is connected to the upper part of the outer tub 3.

[0040] Circulation pump 14 is provided in circulation flow path 13 and has a pump that generates a water flow in circulation flow path 13. Circulation pump 14 generates a water flow in circulation flow path 13 from suction port 13a toward discharge port 13b.

[0041] 2, laundry amount detection unit 15 has a sensor that detects the amount of laundry accommodated in drum 4. Laundry amount detection unit 15 has, for example, a sensor that measures the weight of the laundry. Specifically, laundry amount detection unit 15 has a sensor that measures the voltage applied to the motor of drive unit 5 and a control circuit that converts the measured voltage into torque applied to drive unit 5 when drive unit 5 rotates and calculates the weight of the laundry based on the torque. Alternatively, laundry amount detection unit 15 may be included in control unit 16.

[0042] Control unit 16 is a controller that controls washing machine 1. Control unit 16 controls components of washing machine 1, such as drive unit 5, automatic dosing unit 6, water supply valve 10, drain valve 11, and display unit 18. Control unit 16 controls the components of washing machine 1, for example, in response to user operations received by operation unit 17. Control unit 16 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, MPU, FPGA, DSP, or ASIC that executes programs to realize predetermined functions. Control unit 16 can realize various controls of washing machine 1 by calling and executing control programs stored in storage unit 16a. Control unit 16 is not limited to a device that realizes predetermined functions through cooperation between hardware and software, and may be a hardware circuit designed specifically to realize predetermined functions.

[0043] The storage unit 16a is a recording medium that records various information and control programs, and may be a memory that functions as a work area for the control unit 16. The storage unit 16a is realized by, for example, a flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Device), a hard disk, a RAM, other storage devices, or an appropriate combination of these.

[0044] The memory unit 16a can store information about the processing agent contained in the tank of the automatic dispensing unit 6. Specifically, the memory unit 16a can store the type of processing agent and the automatic dispensing setting for each processing agent contained in the tank.

[0045] The type of treatment agent is information for identifying the type of treatment agent, and may be the name of the type of treatment agent or the brand name.

[0046] The automatic dispensing setting is information indicating whether or not a treatment agent is automatically dispensed when a washing course to be dispensed is executed (i.e., whether or not pump mechanisms 63A to 63C, described later, are driven). In the first embodiment, the automatic dispensing setting is one of: not set, standard, low, high, or OFF. If the type of treatment agent is not stored, the automatic dispensing setting is "not set," and automatic dispensing of the treatment agent is not performed. If the type of treatment agent is stored, the automatic dispensing setting is "standard," "low," "high," or "OFF." If the automatic dispensing setting is "standard," "low," or "high," automatic dispensing of the treatment agent is performed in the washing course to be dispensed. The "standard," "low," and "high" settings may be collectively referred to as the "ON" setting. If the automatic dispensing setting is OFF, automatic dispensing of the treatment agent is not performed in the washing course to be dispensed. Note that the "OFF" setting may be collectively referred to as the "OFF" setting, adding the "not set" setting.

[0047] When the automatic dispensing setting is "less," the amount of treatment agent dispensed is less than when it is "standard," and when the automatic dispensing setting is "more," the amount of treatment agent dispensed is more than when it is "standard." Note that an automatic dispensing amount setting that dispenses a larger amount than "more" or a smaller amount than "less" may be provided.

[0048] The memory unit 16a also stores information about wash courses that can be executed by the washing machine 1. The information about the wash courses includes the names of the wash courses and the operating conditions of the wash courses. Specifically, the operating conditions of the wash courses include the operating conditions of the drive unit 5 for each of the washing process, rinsing process, and spin-drying process, the operating conditions of the automatic dosing unit 6, the opening and closing conditions of the water supply valve 10, and the opening and closing conditions of the drain valve 11.

[0049] The memory unit 16a also stores an enhancement setting for the detergency enhancement means. The enhancement setting indicates the degree to which the detergency of the operating course is enhanced by the detergency enhancement means. In the first embodiment, the enhancement setting for the hot water heater 9 is a range or value of the heating temperature. In the first embodiment, the enhancement setting for the hot water heater 9 is, for example, one of "approximately 15°C," "approximately 30°C," "approximately 40°C," and "approximately 60°C." In this specification, "approximately" may mean a temperature range of ±5°C.

[0050] In the following description, a "low cleaning power setting" refers to a setting of "approximately 15°C" or "approximately 30°C," and a "high cleaning power setting" refers to a setting of "approximately 40°C" or "approximately 60°C."

[0051] The operation unit 17 is configured to receive information input by the user. In the first embodiment, the operation unit 17 has a plurality of buttons that can be pressed.

[0052] Control unit 16 can set information received by operation unit 17. Here, "setting" means that control unit 16 stores information in storage unit 16a. In the first embodiment, control unit 16 immediately sets the information received by operation unit 17, but may also set the information in response to a specific operation.

[0053] Display unit 18 is configured to display to the user information relating to washing machine 1. In the first embodiment, display unit 18 has an LCD display and a character display.

[0054] Regarding the type of treatment agent, the display unit 18 displays the names of a plurality of types of treatment agent, and the operation unit 17 accepts the user's selection.

[0055] Regarding the automatic dispensing setting, the display unit 18 displays "Standard," "Low," "High," and "OFF," and the operation unit 17 accepts the user's selection. Note that before setting the type of processing agent or after changing the type of processing agent, the control unit 16 sets the automatic dispensing setting to "Not set."

[0056] Regarding the washing courses, display unit 18 displays the names of the washing courses, and operation unit 17 accepts the one selected by the user.

[0057] For the strengthening setting, the display unit 18 displays "approximately 15°C", "approximately 30°C", "approximately 40°C" and "approximately 60°C", and the operation unit 17 accepts the user's selection.

[0058] As described above, the user can select the automatic detergent dispense setting and the enhanced setting of the hot water heater 9. In this case, depending on the combination of settings, the washing machine 1 may provide excessive cleaning power. Specifically, when the enhanced setting of the hot water heater 9 is set to "high cleaning power setting" and the automatic detergent dispense setting is ON, the washing machine 1 provides excessive cleaning power. As a result, there is a risk of damage to laundry when the washing machine 1 is operated. Furthermore, there is a risk of excessive consumption of detergent and electricity.

[0059] Therefore, in the present disclosure, when the enhanced setting of the hot water heater 9 is the "high detergency setting," the control unit 16 restricts the automatic supply setting. Specifically, the control unit 16 switches the automatic supply setting from the currently set setting to OFF. This control makes it possible to avoid providing excessive detergency, suppress excessive consumption of treatment agent and electricity, and prevent damage to laundry.

[0060] Start button 29 is a button separate from operation unit 17, and when pressed, causes washing machine 1 to start an operation course.

[0061] Next, a more detailed description will be given of the structure of the automatic feeding unit 6. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the automatic feeding unit 6. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the automatic feeding unit 6.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 3, the automatic dispensing unit 6 has a case 61, tanks 62A to 62C, pump mechanisms 63A to 63C, and a treatment agent discharge flow path 64.

[0063] Case 61 is a container with an open top so as to house three tanks 62 A to 62 C. Pump mechanisms 63 A, 63 B, 63 C, a treatment agent discharge flow path 64, and a water supply valve 10 are connected to rear surface 57 of case 61.

[0064] The tanks 62A to 62C are each a container for storing a liquid treatment agent. The tanks 62A to 62C are housed in a state of being lined up on the outer side K1 (the horizontal direction away from the central axis V0 in FIG. 1) of the case 61. The depth and volume of the three tanks 62A to 62C increase on the outer side K1.

[0065] Tank 62C stores liquid detergent, tank 62B stores fabric softener, and tank 62A stores cleaning strengthener.

[0066] In the first embodiment, the types of treatment agents stored in tanks 62B and 62C are fixed to fabric softener and detergent, respectively. Therefore, for tanks 62B and 62C, the user does not need to input the types of treatment agents into operation unit 17. On the other hand, for tank 62A, the user inputs the type of cleaning strengthening agent into operation unit 17.

[0067] Tanks 62A to 62C are detachable from case 61 so that the processing agent can be replenished when the remaining amount becomes low.

[0068] Pump mechanisms 63A, 63B, and 63C are devices that suck out a predetermined amount of processing agent from tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively, and discharge the processing agent into processing agent discharge flow path 64. As shown in Fig. 4, pump mechanisms 63A, 63B, and 63C are connected to tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively, in the X direction via rear surface 57 of case 61. While Fig. 4 shows one tank 62A and one pump mechanism 63A, the other tanks 62B to 62C and pump mechanisms 63B to 63C have similar configurations.

[0069] The pump mechanisms 63A, 63B, and 63C of the present embodiment each include a piston pump. However, the pump mechanisms 63A, 63B, and 63C are not limited to those including a piston pump, and may include, for example, an on-off valve mechanism that discharges liquid by gravity, a gear pump, or the like.

[0070] A treatment agent discharge flow path 64 is connected below the pump mechanisms 63A to 63C. The treatment agent discharge flow path 64 is a flow path member connected to the case 61, and returns water flowing in from the case 61 to the treatment agent discharged from the pump mechanisms 63A to 63C after merging with the water, which is returned to the case 61. The case 61 is provided with a flow path below the tanks 62A to 62C, which is connected to the treatment agent discharge flow path 64 and through which the water and the treatment agent flow.

[0071] Next, the flow of water and processing agent in the automatic feeding unit 6 will be described.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 3, water supplied from the water supply valve 10 flows into the case 61 from the top of the case 61 and falls toward the bottom of the case 61. The water passes along the bottom of the case 61, below the tanks 62A to 62C, and is supplied to the outer tank 3 (Fig. 2) via the connecting flow path 8.

[0073] A portion of the water supplied from water supply valve 10 flows from case 61 into treatment agent discharge flow path 64. In the case of automatic dispensing, the treatment agent discharged from pump mechanisms 63A to 63C into treatment agent discharge flow path 64 merges with the water in treatment agent discharge flow path 64. The treatment agent and water flow along the slope of treatment agent discharge flow path 64, enter case 61, and are then supplied to outer tank 3 via connecting flow path 8.

[0074] In the case of manual addition, water supplied from the water supply valve 10 flows into the manual addition case 7 and falls toward the bottom of the case 61 together with the treatment agent. Then, the water is supplied to the outer tank 3 via the connecting flow path 8.

[0075] That is, the treatment agent is supplied to the outer tank 3 by the flow of water that occurs when water is supplied.

[0076] [Operation] An example of the operation of the washing machine 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the washing machine 1. In the following description, as described above, tank 62C contains liquid detergent, tank 62B contains fabric softener, and tank 62A contains cleaning strengthener.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 5, when a user presses the power button of the washing machine 1 to turn the power on, the operation starts (START).

[0078] First, the control unit 16 determines the operating program to be executed (S10). Specifically, the control unit 16 determines, as the operating program to be executed, the operating program input by the user and accepted by the operation unit 17. The control unit 16 may acquire the operating conditions of the determined operating program by referring to the memory unit 16a.

[0079] Next, the control unit 16 acquires the type of treatment agent contained in the tank 62A, the automatic dispensing setting, and the strengthening setting of the hot water heater 9 (S11). Specifically, the control unit 16 references the memory unit 16a and acquires the name of the type of treatment agent contained in the tank 62A, the automatic dispensing setting, and the strengthening setting.

[0080] The settings acquired by the control unit 16 may be settings stored in the memory unit 16a the previous time the washing machine 1 was operated, or may be settings entered or changed by the user after the power was turned on.

[0081] Next, the control unit 16 determines whether the type of the acquired treatment agent is a cleaning strengthening agent (S12).

[0082] If the treatment agent is a strengthened cleaning agent (Yes in S12), the control unit 16 determines whether the automatic dispensing setting for the treatment agent contained in the tank 62A is ON (S13). Specifically, the control unit 16 refers to the memory unit 16a and determines whether the automatic dispensing setting is "standard," "less," or "more."

[0083] If the processing agent is not a strong cleaning agent (No in S12), the control unit 16 executes the first control (S15). In the first control, the control unit 16 maintains the current setting for automatically dispensing the strong cleaning agent.

[0084] If the automatic start setting is ON (Yes in S13), the control unit 16 determines whether the acquired enhanced setting of the hot water heater 9 is the "high detergency setting" (S14). Specifically, the control unit 16 refers to the memory unit 16a and determines whether the enhanced setting of the hot water heater 9 is "approximately 40°C" or "approximately 60°C."

[0085] If the automatic dispensing setting is not ON (i.e., "OFF" or "not set") (No in S13), the control unit 16 executes the first control (S15). In the first control, the control unit 16 maintains the automatic dispensing setting of the cleaning strengthening agent that has been set.

[0086] If the enhanced setting of the hot water heater 9 is the "high detergency setting" (i.e., "approximately 40°C" or "approximately 60°C") (Yes in S14), the control unit 16 executes the second control (S16). In the second control, the control unit 16 switches the automatic supply setting of the detergent strengthening agent from ON to OFF.

[0087] If the enhanced setting of the hot water heater 9 is not the "high detergency setting" (i.e., "approximately 15°C" or "approximately 30°C") (No in S14), the control unit 16 executes the first control (S15). In the first control, the control unit 16 maintains the currently set automatic supply setting of the detergency enhancing agent.

[0088] As in steps S11 to S16 described above, the control unit 16 limits the settable range of the automatic detergent supply setting (i.e., the setting related to the pump mechanism 63A) according to the strengthening setting of the hot water heater 9. In the case of the "high detergency setting," the control unit 16 disables ON as the automatic supply setting and switches the automatic detergent supply setting from ON to OFF.

[0089] From the viewpoint of disabling the automatic dispensing setting from being set to ON, if the automatic dispensing setting is not originally ON (No in S13), the selection to switch the automatic dispensing setting to ON may be disabled when the "high detergency setting" is selected as the enhanced setting for the hot water heater 9. In this way, even if the automatic dispensing setting is not originally ON, the control unit 16 disables the automatic dispensing setting from being set to ON by maintaining the automatic dispensing setting for the detergent enhancer as not ON.

[0090] Next, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the start button 29 for starting the operating course has been pressed (S17).

[0091] If the start button 29 is pressed (Yes in S17), the control unit 16 starts the operating course in accordance with the acquired operating conditions and the settings made in steps S11 to S16 (S18).

[0092] If the start button 29 has not been pressed (No in S17), the control unit 16 returns to step S11 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The control unit 16 may return to step S11 when it detects that the user has changed any one of the setting of the type of treatment agent, the automatic dispensing setting, or the enhanced setting via the operation unit 17. If the enhanced setting has been changed, the control unit 16 may restore and set the automatic dispensing setting acquired in step S11 again before returning to step S11.

[0093] The order of steps S12 to S14 shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and for example, step S13 and step S14 may be interchanged.

[0094] Here, the first control and the second control will be described in more detail. Figures 6A to 6D are schematic diagrams of operation unit 17 and display unit 18. Specifically, Figures 6A and 6B show operation unit 17 and display unit 18 in the first control, and Figures 6C and 6D show operation unit 17 and display unit 18 in the second control.

[0095] 6A, the operation unit 17 includes an automatic insertion setting button 71 and an enhanced setting button 72. The automatic insertion setting button 71 is a button for changing the automatic insertion setting, and the enhanced setting button 72 is a button for changing the enhanced setting. The user can change the automatic insertion setting or the enhanced setting by pressing the automatic insertion setting button 71 or the enhanced setting button 72.

[0096] The display unit 18 has a display 81, an automatic dosing setting display 82, and an enhanced setting display 83. The display 81 displays the type of processing agent contained in the tank 62A. The display 81 displays the type of processing agent when the processing agent in the tank 62A is to be dosed during the operating course, and does not display the type of processing agent when the processing agent is not to be dosed. The display 81 may also display other information related to the operating course being executed, such as the name of the process being executed and the remaining operating time. The automatic dosing setting display 82 displays the currently set automatic dosing setting, and the enhanced setting display 83 displays the currently set enhanced setting. The automatic dosing setting display 82 and the enhanced setting display 83 each have a character display with the characters of each setting written on it. The character display has, for example, an LED corresponding to the character of each setting, and the corresponding setting is selected when the LED is lit. In the drawings, the lit characters are illustrated by being surrounded by a bold frame.

[0097] As described above, the first control is executed when the enhanced setting is the "low detergency setting." As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the enhanced setting is "approximately 15°C" or "approximately 30°C," the control unit 16 maintains the automatic dispensing setting of the detergent strengthener. In the automatic dispensing setting display 82, the automatic dispensing setting set in step S13 ("standard" in the example of FIGS. 6A and 6B) is illuminated. In the display 81, the word "detergency strengthener" set in step S12 is illuminated.

[0098] As described above, the second control is executed when the enhanced setting is the "high cleaning power setting." As shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D, when the enhanced setting is "approximately 40°C" or "approximately 60°C," the control unit 16 switches the automatic detergent dispensing setting from ON to OFF. In the automatic dispensing setting display 82, the automatic dispensing setting set in step S13 ("standard" in the examples of FIGS. 6C and 6D) is turned off. In the display 81, the text "enhanced detergent" set in step S12 is also turned off.

[0099] When the strong setting is changed to the "low detergency setting," the control unit 16 may restore the automatic dispensing setting acquired in step S11 and turn on the automatic dispensing setting display 82.

[0100] [effect] The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0101] As described above, washing machine 1 of the first embodiment includes drum 4 (storage tub) that stores laundry, tank 62A (first tank) that can store a cleaning strength agent, pump mechanism 63A (first automatic dosing device) that supplies a first dosage of cleaning strength agent to drum 4 when the automatic dosing setting (first automatic dosing setting) is ON, hot water heater 9 (cleaning strength enhancement means) that enhances cleaning power, and control unit 16 that acquires the automatic dosing setting and the enhanced setting for hot water heater 9. Control unit 16 limits the settable range for pump mechanism 63A according to the acquired enhanced setting.

[0102] This configuration controls the automatic supply of cleaning strength agent according to the acquired enhanced setting, preventing the machine from running an operation program that provides excessive cleaning power. This reduces the consumption of cleaning agents and electricity, and prevents damage to laundry. Furthermore, the enhanced setting, the hot water heater 9, takes priority over the automatic supply of cleaning strength agent, providing greater convenience for the user.

[0103] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 16 disables ON as the automatic loading setting according to the acquired strengthening setting.

[0104] This configuration allows the automatic dosing of cleaning strengthener to be limited depending on the acquired strengthening setting.

[0105] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the acquired strengthening setting is the "low detergency setting" (first setting), the control unit 16 keeps the automatic loading setting ON. When the acquired strengthening setting is the "high detergency setting" (second setting) that is stronger than the "low detergency setting," the control unit 16 disables ON as the automatic loading setting and switches the automatic loading setting to OFF.

[0106] With this configuration, when the cleaning power by the hot water heater 9 is increased, the execution of automatic dispensing of the cleaning strengthening agent can be restricted.

[0107] Washing machine 1 of the first embodiment further includes display unit 18 that displays automatic loading setting display 82 (first display) related to the automatic loading setting. Control unit 16 turns on automatic loading setting display 82 when the automatic loading setting is kept ON according to the acquired reinforced setting, and turns off automatic loading setting display 82 when the automatic loading setting is switched OFF.

[0108] This configuration allows the user to be notified that automatic dispensing of the cleaning strengthening agent is restricted.

[0109] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the detergency enhancing means is the hot water heater 9 (heating means), and the enhanced setting is a setting related to the heating temperature.

[0110] With this configuration, when the heating temperature is set high to increase the cleaning power, the automatic addition of cleaning strength agent can be restricted.

[0111] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the cleaning strengthening agent is one treatment agent selected from the group including an alkaline agent, a surfactant, and an enzyme.

[0112] This configuration can prevent excessive automatic addition of cleaning strengthening agent, which enhances the cleaning effect.

[0113] The washing method of the first embodiment includes acquiring an automatic supply setting for a pump mechanism 63A that supplies a first supply amount of cleaning agent contained in a tank 62A to a drum 4 and an enhanced setting for a hot water heater 9 that enhances cleaning power, and limiting the settable range for the pump mechanism 63A according to the acquired enhanced setting.

[0114] This configuration controls the automatic supply of cleaning strengthening agent according to the acquired strengthening setting, thereby preventing the execution of an operating course under conditions that provide excessive cleaning power, thereby reducing consumption of processing agent and electricity.

[0115] The present disclosure is not limited to the first embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0116] In the first embodiment, the central axis V0 of the outer tub 3 is inclined at an angle relative to the horizontal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the washing machine 1 may be a vertical washing machine, and the central axis V0 of the outer tub 3 may extend in the vertical direction.

[0117] In the first embodiment, the automatic dosing unit 6 has been described as having pump mechanisms 63A to 63C, but this is not limiting. The automatic dosing unit 6 may have an aspirator-type automatic supply device instead of the pump mechanisms 63A to 63C. The automatic dosing unit 6 may also have one pump mechanism. In this case, the automatic dosing unit 6 has multiple flow paths connecting the pump mechanism to each of the tanks 62A to 62C.

[0118] In the first embodiment, the example in which control unit 16 references memory unit 16a to acquire information about a preset treatment agent has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Washing machine 1 may further include a detection unit that detects the type of treatment agent contained in tanks 62A-62C. The detection unit may be, for example, a pH sensor that measures the pH of the treatment agent contained in each of tanks 62A-62C. In this case, control unit 16 acquires the liquid property of the treatment agent from the detection unit in real time or at a predetermined timing.

[0119] In the first embodiment, the example in which the hot water heater 9 is used as the detergency enhancing means has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The washing machine 1 may have, as the detergency enhancing means, a bath water supply means, a steam generating means, a drying means, a silver ion generating means, an electrolysis means, a microbubble generating means, an electrostatic atomizer that generates charged particles, or a circulation pump 14 (which may also be referred to as a circulation shower means). When the detergency enhancing means is a bath water supply means, the enhancement setting may be the operating time or the amount of water supplied. When the detergency enhancing means is a steam generating means, the enhancement setting may be the operating time, the amount of steam generated, or the heating temperature for generating steam. When the detergency enhancing means is a drying means, the enhancement setting may be the operating time, the rotation speed of a blower fan that blows dry air, or the heating temperature of the heating means of the drying means. When the detergency enhancing means is a silver ion generating means, the enhancement setting may be the operating time or the amount of silver ions generated. When the detergency enhancing means is an electrolysis means, the enhancement setting may be the operating time. When the cleaning power enhancing means is a means for generating microbubbles, the enhancement setting may be the operating time or the amount of microbubbles generated. When the cleaning power enhancing means is an electrostatic atomizer that generates charged particles, the enhancement setting may be the operating time or the amount of charged particles generated. When the cleaning power enhancing means is the circulation pump 14, the enhancement setting may be the operating time or the amount of shower discharge, specifically, the amount of water discharged from the discharge port 13b.

[0120] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 16 limits the settable range of the automatic supply setting in accordance with the strengthening setting of the hot water heater 9, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit 16 may also limit the settable range of settings related to the pump mechanism 63A other than the automatic supply setting in accordance with the strengthening setting of the hot water heater 9. For example, as in Modification 1 described below, the control unit 16 may limit the settable range of the range of the supply amount of the cleaning strengthening agent that the user can select ("more," "standard," "less") in accordance with the strengthening setting of the hot water heater 9. Furthermore, as in Modification 2 described below, the control unit 16 may limit the settable range of the supply amount by changing the supply amount corresponding to each automatic supply setting in accordance with the strengthening setting of the hot water heater 9.

[0121] <Variation 1> 7A to 7D and 8A to 8D are schematic diagrams of operation unit 17 and display unit 18 in Modification 1. FIG.

[0122] In the first modification, the control unit 16 limits the settable range of the amount of cleaning strengthening agent to be dispensed depending on the strengthening setting of the hot water heater 9, and narrows the settable range of the amount of cleaning strengthening agent to be dispensed when the strengthening setting of the hot water heater 9 is the "high detergency setting." Specifically, when the strengthening setting of the hot water heater 9 is the "high detergency setting," the control unit 16 makes it impossible to select "more" as the automatic dispense setting for cleaning strengthening agent.

[0123] As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, the enhanced setting for the hot water heater 9 is "approximately 15°C," i.e., a "low detergency setting." The user can change the automatic dispense setting by pressing the automatic dispense setting button 71 on the operation unit 17. Initially, the automatic dispense setting display 82 and the "cleaning strengthening agent" text are turned off, indicating the "OFF" setting (FIG. 7A). Each time the automatic dispense setting button 71 is pressed, the automatic dispense setting display 82 sequentially lights up with "standard" (FIG. 7B), "more" (FIG. 7C), and "less" (FIG. 7D). The "cleaning strengthening agent" text is also turned on in the display 81. When the automatic dispense setting button 71 is pressed once after the "less" setting, the automatic dispense setting display 82 and the "cleaning strengthening agent" text are turned off again, indicating the "OFF" setting (FIG. 7A).

[0124] As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8D, the enhanced setting for the hot water heater 9 is "approximately 60°C," i.e., a "high cleaning power setting." The user can change the automatic dispense setting by pressing the automatic dispense setting button 71 on the operation unit 17. Initially, the automatic dispense setting display 82 and the text "cleaning strengthening agent" are turned off, indicating the "OFF" setting (FIG. 8A). When the automatic dispense setting button 71 is pressed once, "standard" (FIG. 8B) is lit in the automatic dispense setting display 82. The text "cleaning strengthening agent" is also lit in the display 81. When the automatic dispense setting button 71 is pressed once, "more" is not lit in the automatic dispense setting display 82 (FIG. 8C), and "less" is lit (FIG. 8D). When "less" is lit, the text "cleaning strengthening agent" is also lit in the display 81. This operation limits the selection of "more" as the automatic dispense setting.

[0125] <Variation 2> FIG. 9 is a table showing the relationship between the automatic feeding setting and the feeding amount in the second modification.

[0126] The relationship between the automatic feeding setting and the feeding amount is stored in the storage unit 16a.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 9, in Modification 2, the control unit 16 changes the dosage of the cleaning strengthening agent according to the strengthening setting, and reduces the dosage of the cleaning strengthening agent when the strengthening setting of the hot water heater 9 is the "high detergency setting." Specifically, when the strengthening setting of the hot water heater 9 is the "low detergency setting," the control unit 16 references the memory unit 16a to acquire first dosage amounts D1 to D3 corresponding to the automatic dosage setting. On the other hand, when the strengthening setting of the hot water heater 9 is the "high detergency setting," the control unit 16 references the memory unit 16a to acquire second dosage amounts D11 to D13 corresponding to the automatic dosage setting. The second dosage amounts D11 to D13 are smaller than the first dosage amounts D1 to D3 corresponding to the same automatic dosage setting. Note that any of the second dosage amounts D11 to D13 may be zero.

[0128] (Embodiment 2) A laundry system 201 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0129] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a laundry system 201 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] 10, laundry system 201 includes washing machine 202, terminal device 222, and processing device 212. In the second embodiment, washing machine 202 may be the same as washing machine 1 in the first embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0131] Washing machine 202 has first communication unit 204. First communication unit 204 is capable of communicating with terminal device 222 via a network. First communication unit 204 includes a circuit that performs communication in accordance with a predetermined communication standard (e.g., LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark)).

[0132] Terminal device 222 is a device capable of communicating with washing machine 202 and processing device 212. Terminal device 222 functions as operation unit 17 in the first embodiment. Terminal device 222 is, for example, a smartphone.

[0133] The processing device 212 includes a processing unit 213 and a second communication unit 214. The processing device 212 is a computer. The processing device 212 is, for example, a server or a cloud.

[0134] Processing unit 213, in place of memory unit 16a in embodiment 1, stores information about the treatment agent contained in tanks 62A to 62C of automatic dispensing unit 6, operating conditions of washing courses that can be executed by washing machine 202, and enhanced settings for hot water heater 9.

[0135] The second communication unit 214 is capable of communicating with the terminal device 222 via a network. The second communication unit 214 includes a circuit that performs communication in accordance with a predetermined communication standard (for example, LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark)).

[0136] The processing device 212 refers to the processing unit 213 to acquire the type of processing agent contained in the tank 62A, the automatic dispensing setting, and the strengthening setting. The processing device 212 corresponds to the control unit 16 of the first embodiment, and when the automatic dispensing of the strengthening cleaning agent is ON, restricts the automatic dispensing setting depending on whether the strengthening setting is the "high detergency setting." In the second embodiment, the processing device 212 may display the contents of the determined operating course on the terminal device 222 via the second communication unit 214.

[0137] Terminal device 222 acquires the operating conditions of the determined operating course from processing unit 213 and transmits them to first communication unit 204. Washing machine 202 executes the washing course based on the operating conditions received by first communication unit 204.

[0138] It should be noted that the terminal device 222 may be omitted, and the washing machine 202 and the processing device 212 may communicate directly with each other.

[0139] The washing machine in the first aspect includes a storage tub for storing laundry, a first tank capable of storing a cleaning agent, a first automatic dispensing device that supplies a first amount of cleaning agent to the storage tub when the first automatic dispensing setting is ON, a cleaning power enhancement means that enhances cleaning power, and a control unit that acquires the first automatic dispensing setting and the enhanced setting of the cleaning power enhancement means, and the control unit limits the settable range of settings for the first automatic dispensing device according to the acquired enhanced setting.

[0140] In the washing machine according to the second aspect, in the washing machine according to the first aspect, the control unit disables setting ON as the first automatic loading setting according to the acquired strengthened setting.

[0141] As a washing machine in a third aspect, in the washing machine in the second aspect, if the acquired strengthening setting is the first setting, the control unit keeps the first automatic loading setting ON, and if the acquired strengthening setting is the second setting that is stronger than the first setting, the control unit makes the first automatic loading setting ON unsettable and switches the first automatic loading setting to OFF.

[0142] In a fourth aspect, the washing machine in the third aspect further includes a display unit that displays a first display related to the first automatic loading setting, and the control unit turns on the first display when the first automatic loading setting is maintained ON according to the acquired enhanced setting, and turns off the first display when the first automatic loading setting is switched OFF.

[0143] As a washing machine in a fifth aspect, in the washing machine in the first aspect, the control unit changes the first input amount in accordance with the acquired strengthening setting.

[0144] As a washing machine in a sixth aspect, in the washing machine in the fifth aspect, the control unit reduces the first input amount when the acquired strengthening setting is a second setting that is stronger than the first setting, compared to when the acquired strengthening setting is the first setting.

[0145] As a washing machine according to a seventh aspect, in the washing machine according to the first aspect, the control unit limits the settable range of the first input amount according to the acquired strengthening setting.

[0146] As a washing machine in an eighth aspect, in the washing machine in the seventh aspect, the control unit narrows the settable range of the first input amount when the acquired strengthening setting is a second setting that is stronger than the first setting, compared to when the acquired strengthening setting is the first setting.

[0147] In a ninth aspect of the washing machine, in the washing machine of any of the first to eighth aspects, the cleaning power enhancing means is one means selected from the group including bath water supply means, tub cleaning means, steam generation means, drying means, silver ion generation means, electrolysis means, microbubble generation means, heating means for heating water in the storage tub, and circulating shower means for circulating water in the storage tub and discharging it into the storage tub.

[0148] In a tenth aspect, the washing machine is the washing machine of the ninth aspect, wherein the detergency enhancing means is a heating means, and the enhanced setting is a setting related to the heating temperature.

[0149] As a washing machine in an eleventh aspect, in the washing machine in the ninth aspect, the detergency strengthening means is a circulating shower means, and the strengthening setting is a setting related to the shower discharge amount.

[0150] In a twelfth aspect, in the washing machine of any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the cleaning strengthening agent is a treatment agent selected from the group including an alkaline agent, a surfactant, and an enzyme.

[0151] A washing method in a thirteenth aspect includes acquiring a first automatic dispensing setting of a first automatic dispensing device that supplies a first amount of cleaning enhancer contained in a first tank to a storage tub and an enhanced setting of a cleaning power enhancement means that enhances cleaning power, and limiting the settable range of settings for the first automatic dispensing device according to the acquired enhanced setting.

[0152] A washing system in a fourteenth aspect includes a washing machine having a storage tub for storing laundry, a first tank capable of storing a cleaning agent, a first automatic dispensing device that supplies a first amount of cleaning agent to the storage tub when the first automatic dispensing setting is ON, and a cleaning power enhancement means for enhancing cleaning power, and a processing device that can communicate with the washing machine via a network and acquires the first automatic dispensing setting and the enhanced setting of the cleaning power enhancement means, and the processing device limits the settable range of settings for the first automatic dispensing device according to the acquired enhanced setting.

[0153] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0154] The washing machine of the present disclosure is capable of running a wash course suitable for a cleaning strengthening agent and is therefore useful as a domestic washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer-dryer (e.g., a domestic drum washing machine or a top-loading washing machine). [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1 washing machine 2. Case 3 Outer tank 4 Drums 5 Drive unit 6 Automatic feeding unit 7 Manual Input Case 8 Connecting Channels 9 Hot water heater 10. Water supply valve 11 Drain valve 16 Control Unit 17 Control section 18 Display 62A~62C Tank

Claims

1. a storage tub for storing laundry; a first tank capable of containing a cleaning enhancer; a first automatic dispensing device that supplies the cleaning strengthening agent to the container in a first dosage amount when a first automatic dispensing setting is ON; a cleaning power enhancing means for enhancing cleaning power; a control unit that acquires the first automatic dispensing setting and an enhanced setting of the detergency enhancing means, The control unit limits a settable range of settings for the first automatic feeding device according to the acquired reinforcement setting.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit disables setting of ON as the first automatic supply setting in accordance with the acquired enhanced setting.

3. When the acquired strengthening setting is the first setting, the control unit maintains the first automatic supply setting to ON, The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein when the acquired strengthening setting is a second setting that is stronger than the first setting, the control unit disables setting the first automatic loading setting to ON and switches the first automatic loading setting to OFF.

4. a display unit that displays a first display related to the first automatic feeding setting, 4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the control unit turns on the first indicator when the first automatic loading setting is maintained ON, and turns off the first indicator when the first automatic loading setting is switched OFF, in accordance with the acquired enhanced setting.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes the first input amount in accordance with the acquired strengthening setting.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the control unit reduces the first input amount when the acquired strengthening setting is a second setting that is stronger than the first setting, compared to when the acquired strengthening setting is a first setting.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit limits a settable range of the first input amount according to the acquired strengthening setting.

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein the control unit narrows the settable range of the first input amount when the acquired strengthening setting is a second setting that is stronger than the first setting, compared to when the acquired strengthening setting is a first setting.

9. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the detergency enhancing means is one means selected from the group consisting of bath water supply means, steam generating means, drying means, silver ion generating means, electrolysis means, microbubble generating means, heating means for heating the water in the storage tub, electrostatic atomization means for generating charged particles, and circulating shower means for circulating the water in the storage tub and discharging it into the storage tub.

10. The cleaning power enhancing means is the heating means, The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the enhanced setting is a setting related to a heating temperature.

11. The cleaning power enhancing means is the circulating shower means, The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the enhanced setting is a setting related to a shower discharge amount.

12. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the cleaning strengthening agent is one treatment agent selected from the group consisting of an alkaline agent, a surfactant, and an enzyme.

13. Acquiring a first automatic dispensing setting of a first automatic dispensing device that supplies a first amount of the cleaning strengthening agent contained in the first tank to the storage tank and an enhancement setting of a cleaning strength enhancement means that enhances cleaning strength; and limiting a settable range of settings for the first automatic dosing device according to the acquired reinforcement setting.

14. a washing machine having a storage tub for storing laundry, a first tank capable of storing a cleaning strengthening agent, a first automatic dispensing device for supplying the cleaning strengthening agent to the storage tub in a first dosage amount when a first automatic dispensing setting is ON, and a cleaning power enhancing means for enhancing cleaning power; a processing device capable of communicating with the washing machine via a network and acquiring the first automatic loading setting and the enhanced setting of the detergency enhancing means; The processing device limits the settable range of settings for the first automatic dosing device according to the acquired reinforcement setting.

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