washing machine

The washing machine accurately determines liquid detergent presence through motor current analysis and optionally conductivity detection, addressing the conductivity challenge of liquid detergents and ensuring efficient water supply process duration.

JP2026120937APending Publication Date: 2026-07-23QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MASCH CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MASCH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-01-10
Publication Date
2026-07-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional washing machines struggle to accurately determine the presence of liquid detergents due to their low conductivity, making it difficult to differentiate between detergent-containing and detergent-free water.

Method used

A washing machine that includes a control unit to rotate the washing and dewatering tub during the water supply process, using a current detection unit to measure the drive current of the motor, allowing for detergent presence/absence determination based on changes in drive current, and optionally utilizing a conductivity detection unit to confirm detergent presence.

Benefits of technology

Enables reliable detection of liquid detergent addition, reduces the duration of the water supply process by avoiding lengthy conductivity-based determinations, and includes a notification system for user intervention when no detergent is detected.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a washing machine that can reliably determine whether or not detergent has been added, even when liquid detergents with low conductivity are used. [Solution] The fully automatic washing machine 1 comprises a washing and dewatering tub rotatably disposed within an outer tub, a pulsator rotatably disposed within the washing and dewatering tub, a drive motor 31 for rotating the washing and dewatering tub and the pulsator, a water supply device for supplying water into the outer tub, a current detection unit 107 for detecting the drive current supplied to the drive motor 31, and a control unit 101. In the water supply process of the washing process, the control unit 101 rotates the washing and dewatering tub with the drive motor 31 within the outer tub where water is stored, and performs a detergent presence / absence determination process to determine whether or not detergent has been put into the outer tub based on the magnitude of the drive current detected by the current detection unit 107 when the washing and dewatering tub is rotating.
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