washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of improving convenience of a user regarding automatic input of a washing treatment agent.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a storage tub capable of storing laundry; an automatic input device which includes a plurality of tanks capable of storing a washing treatment agent including a first detergent, and a second detergent which has a characteristic of hardly damaging the laundry with respect to the first detergent and having tendency of weak detergency, and which can execute an automatic input operation of automatically inputting the washing treatment agent stored in one of the plurality of tanks into the storage tub; a control device capable of controlling the operation of the automatic input device, and capable of executing a washing operation having a plurality of courses for washing the laundry stored in the storage tub; and an operation part for receiving various operations from a user. The control device performs selection of an object tank which is the object of the automatic input operation out of the plurality of tanks based on a predetermined operation with respect to the operation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Washing in a washing machine is generally done according to the care instructions attached to the clothes to be washed. Clothes can be classified into so-called "dry clothes" made of delicate materials that are easily damaged by washing, and ordinary clothes that are not dry clothes. For dry clothes, the care instructions recommend hand washing, weak water flow, etc.

[0003] Therefore, according to general washing methods based on care pictorial labels, for delicates, a so-called "delicates" suitable for washing delicates is used, and delicates are washed using a dedicated cycle suitable for washing delicates, such as the "delicates cycle." Generally, detergents used daily, that is, normal detergents used for washing ordinary clothes, are generally "weakly alkaline," whereas detergents for delicates are "neutral." Therefore, while detergents for delicates tend to be less damaging to clothes than normal detergents, they also tend to have weaker cleaning power.

[0004] Some users have different ideas from the general washing methods described above. That is, there are users who want to prioritize cleaning power without worrying about damage to the fabric even when washing delicate clothes, and conversely, there are users who are concerned about damage to the fabric even when washing normal clothes. Such users may use normal detergent even when washing delicate clothes in the delicate clothes cycle, or use detergent for delicate clothes even when washing in the standard cycle, which is a standard cycle.

[0005] On the other hand, in recent years, in order to improve user convenience, washing machines have been developed that are equipped with an automatic dispensing function that stores laundry treatment agents such as detergent and fabric softener in a tank for automatic dispensing in advance for multiple washes and automatically dispenses the required amount from the tank during a wash run. In such washing machines equipped with an automatic dispensing function, the detergent to be dispensed is specified according to the selected course, so it has been difficult to realize the usage desired by users who have different ideas from the above-mentioned general washing methods. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-42265 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In view of this, a washing machine capable of improving user convenience regarding automatic dispensing of laundry treatment agents is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The washing machine according to the embodiment includes a storage tank capable of storing laundry, a plurality of tanks capable of storing laundry treatment agents including a first detergent and a second detergent which is less likely to damage the laundry than the first detergent and has a weaker cleaning power, an automatic dosing device capable of performing an automatic dosing operation for automatically dosing the laundry treatment agent stored in any of the plurality of tanks into the storage tank, a control device capable of controlling the operation of the automatic dosing device and performing a washing operation having a plurality of courses for washing the laundry stored in the storage tank, and an operation unit for receiving various operations from a user. The control device is configured to select a target tank to be the target of the automatic dosing operation from among the plurality of tanks based on a predetermined operation on the operation unit. The control device is configured to extend the time of the washing operation for washing the laundry included in the washing operation when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state in which the first detergent is used to a state in which the second detergent is used. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of default settings and changeable settings of target tanks for each course according to the first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed in the automatic dispense operation for each course according to the first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of default settings of the type of laundry treatment agent, the amount of detergent, the washing time, and the rotation speed in the agitation operation for each course according to the first embodiment, and settings after changing the detergent; [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of default operation contents of a standard course washing operation according to the first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of operation contents after changing the detergent in the standard course washing operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of default operation contents of a washing operation in a delicates course according to the first embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of operation contents after changing the detergent in the washing operation of the delicate course according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a course selection screen corresponding to a washing operation according to the first embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a course detail screen corresponding to a standard course of a washing operation according to the first embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a course detail screen corresponding to a standard course of a washing operation according to the first embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a detergent setting screen according to the first embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen during driving according to the first embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a paused screen according to the first embodiment; [Figure 16]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an automatic insertion setting screen according to the first embodiment; [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a default detergent setting screen according to the first embodiment; [Figure 18] FIG. 2 shows an example of a course selection screen corresponding to a washing operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen according to the first embodiment; [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a washing machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of settings of the amount of detergent, the number of rotations during washing, and the washing time for each type of laundry according to the second embodiment; [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a washing machine according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of specific settings for a dressing up course and a thorough dressing up course according to the third embodiment; [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the pH value and color of each type of laundry treatment agent according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] A flowchart showing a first specific example of the control contents executed by the erroneous insertion detection unit and the insertion operation control unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an error screen according to the fourth embodiment; [Figure 28] A flowchart showing a second specific example of the control contents executed by the erroneous insertion detection unit and the insertion operation control unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an operation panel according to a modified example, in which a normal detergent is set as the detergent to be automatically dispensed in the standard course of the washing and drying operation. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an operation panel according to a modified example, in which a detergent for delicate fabrics is set as the detergent to be automatically dispensed in the standard course of the washing and drying operation. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an operation panel according to a modified example, illustrating a state in which an erroneous input is notified to a user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a number of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate substantially the same components in the respective embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted. (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 10 of this embodiment is a drum type washing machine of a horizontal axis type in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub 13 faces horizontally or an oblique axis type inclined downward toward the rear. The washing machine 10 may be a vertical axis type washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub 13 faces vertically. The washing machine 10 of this embodiment includes an outer box 11, a water tub 12, a rotating tub 13, a motor 14, a drainage path 15, a drainage valve 16, a circulation path 17, a circulation pump 18, and a heater 19. In FIG. 1, the installation surface side of the washing machine 10, that is, the vertically lower side, is the lower side of the washing machine 10, and the opposite side to the installation surface, that is, the vertically upper side, is the upper side of the washing machine 10. In addition, the front side of the washing machine 10 as seen from the user is the front side of the washing machine 10, and the opposite side to the user, that is, the back side of the washing machine 10, is the rear side of the washing machine 10.

[0012] The outer box 11 is formed into a substantially rectangular box shape using, for example, a steel plate. The water tub 12 is disposed inside the outer box 11 and is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). The spin tub 13 is disposed rotatably inside the water tub 12. The water tub 12 and the spin tub 13 are both formed into a so-called bottomed cylinder shape, with one side in the axial direction of the cylinder, i.e., the front side, being open, and the other side, i.e., the rear side, being bottomed. The water tub 12 and the spin tub 13 are accommodated inside thereof so that laundry can be put in and taken out, and function as a storage tank capable of storing laundry. Since the laundry is mainly clothing, in this specification, laundry may be referred to as clothing.

[0013] Rotary tub 13 also has baffles 131 and a number of holes 132. A plurality of baffles 131, for example three, are provided on the inner peripheral wall of rotary tub 13, and have the function of stirring and stirring up the laundry contained in rotary tub 13. Holes 132 are formed over the entire inner peripheral wall of rotary tub 13, and function as water holes through which water flows in and out during, for example, a spin-drying process. Water tub 12 and rotary tub 13 function as washing tubs when a washing operation for washing laundry and a rinsing operation for rinsing laundry are performed, and also function as spin-drying tubs when a spin-drying operation for spin-drying laundry is performed.

[0014] Motor 14 is provided on the outside of the bottom of water tub 12. Motor 14 is connected to rotating tub 13 and has the function of directly driving rotating tub 13 to rotate. Although details of motor 14 are not shown, motor 14 is configured, for example, as a brushless direct drive motor whose rotation speed can be changed. Note that motor 14 is not limited to a direct drive motor, and may be configured to include a clutch mechanism, a brake device, etc.

[0015] Drain path 15 is a path for discharging water stored in water tub 12 to the outside of washing machine 10. Drain path 15 is composed of, for example, a flexible drain hose, one end of which is connected to drain valve 16 and the other end of which is drawn out to the outside of washing machine 10. Drain valve 16 is an on-off valve for liquid that can be electromagnetically opened and closed. Drain valve 16 is provided between drain outlet 121 provided at the bottom of water tub 12 and drain path 15. Drain valve 16 opens and closes drain path 15 based on a control signal from control device 50.

[0016] Circulation path 17 is provided outside water tank 12. Circulation path 17 is a path for pumping up water stored in water tank 12 and supplying the pumped up water from the upper part of water tank 12 back into water tank 12. One end of circulation path 17 is connected to drain outlet 121 via circulation pump 18, and the other end is connected to nozzle portion 171 provided on the upper part of water tank 12. Nozzle portion 171 is configured such that water discharged from nozzle portion 171 is discharged in a shower-like manner toward the center of water tank 12, although details are not shown.

[0017] Circulation pump 18 is provided on circulation path 17. When circulation pump 18 is driven with drainage path 15 closed by drain valve 16, circulation pump 18 pumps up water in water tub 12 through drain port 121 and pours the water back into water tub 12 from nozzle portion 171. In this way, circulation pump 18 circulates the water stored in water tub 12 through circulation path 17. Heater 19 is provided at the bottom of water tub 12. Heater 19 has a function of heating the water supplied to water tub 12 to make it warm water. In this way, washing machine 10 can execute a washing stroke or a rinsing stroke using warm water.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the washing machine 10 includes a hot air supply path 61, a heater 62, and an air blower 63. The hot air supply path 61 is provided outside the water tub 12 and has a function of supplying hot air for drying into the water tub 12. In the present embodiment, the hot air supply path 61 is configured as a circulating air passage that circulates between the inside and outside of the water tub 12. In this case, the hot air supply path 61 sucks in air from the water tub 12 and the rotating tub 13, and supplies the sucked air from the top of the water tub 12 back into the water tub 12. One end of the hot air supply path 61 is connected near the lower end of the back side of the water tub 12, and the other end is connected near the upper front end of the front side of the water tub 12.

[0019] Heating device 62 and blower 63 are provided in the middle of hot air supply path 61. Heating device 62 has a function of heating the air in hot air supply path 61 to generate hot air to be supplied from hot air supply path 61 into water tub 12. The hot air generated by heating device 62 is supplied into water tub 12 by the action of blower 63. In this case, the heating method of heating device 62 may be, for example, a heat pump type or a heater type. Note that washing machine 10 may not have each of the components for supplying hot air for drying into water tub 12 described above, that is, it may not have a drying function.

[0020] The washing machine 10 also has a connection port 21, a water supply path 22, a water supply valve 23, and an automatic dispenser 30. The connection port 21 is connected to an external water supply source such as a water faucet via a hose 100. The water supply path 22 is a path for supplying water supplied from the external water supply source into the water tub 12 and the spin tub 13. One end of the water supply path 22 is connected to the water supply valve 23, and the other end is connected to the water tub 12. The water supply valve 23 is an opening / closing valve for liquid that can be electromagnetically opened and closed. The water supply valve 23 is provided between the connection port 21 and the water supply path 22. The water supply valve 23 opens and closes the water supply path 22 based on a control signal from the control device 50.

[0021] The automatic dosing device 30 is a device that has a function of storing laundry treatment agents such as detergent required for multiple wash runs, and automatically dosing the required amount of laundry treatment agent into the water tub 12 as the wash runs progress. Specifically, the automatic dosing device 30 has multiple tanks 31 that can store laundry treatment agents. Although not shown in the figure, in this case, the automatic dosing device 30 has three tanks 31. The automatic dosing device 30 can perform an automatic dosing operation that automatically dosing the laundry treatment agent stored in any of the multiple tanks 31 into the water tub 12.

[0022] In this specification, the concept of laundry treatment agent includes detergents such as powder detergents and liquid detergents, and finishing agents such as fabric softeners and fragrances. In this case, liquid detergents include normal detergents and detergents for delicates. The normal detergent corresponds to the first detergent, and the detergent for delicates corresponds to the second detergent, which is less likely to damage laundry than the first detergent and tends to have weaker cleaning power.

[0023] The automatic dosing device 30 is provided, for example, on the upper part of the outer box 11, and is connected to the water supply path 22. Water supplied from an external water source is directly mixed with the laundry treatment agent supplied from the automatic dosing device 30 in the water supply path 22 and is supplied into the water tub 12. In this case, the automatic dosing device 30 is configured to be able to automatically supply the laundry treatment agent stored in advance in the automatic dosing device 30 into the water tub 12 using a dosing pump, for example a piston pump (not shown).

[0024] The washing machine 10 is provided with a manual input device (not shown) in addition to the automatic input device 30, and is configured so that the user can manually input the laundry treatment agent required for one washing operation into the manual input device before starting the washing operation, that is, manually input. It is also possible for the washing machine 10 to be configured without the manual input device. The tank 31 of the automatic input device 30 can store liquid finishing agents such as liquid detergents and fabric softeners among various laundry treatment agents. That is, in this case, the automatic input device 30 is compatible with liquid detergents and liquid finishing agents. Also, in this case, the manual input device is compatible with both liquid detergents and powder detergents, and liquid finishing agents.

[0025] In the automatic dispenser 30, the type of laundry treatment agent stored in each of the three tanks 31 is predetermined. Specifically, the first tank 31 is a normal detergent tank designated to store normal detergent, the second tank 31 is a delicates tank designated to store delicates detergent, and the third tank 31 is a fabric softener tank designated to store fabric softener. In the following description, the first tank 31 may be referred to as a normal detergent tank, the second tank 31 as a delicates tank, and the third tank 31 as a fabric softener tank.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine 10 includes an operation panel 41, a current sensor 42 capable of detecting the current flowing through the motor 14, a water level sensor 43 capable of detecting the water level in the water tub 12, and a control device 50. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 41 is provided on the front side of the upper surface of the outer case 11. The operation panel 41 includes a rectangular display unit 411, for example, a liquid crystal display. In this case, the direction along the front-rear direction of the washing machine 10 is the up-down direction of the display unit, and the direction along the left-right direction of the washing machine 10 is the left-right direction of the display unit. As shown in FIG. 2, the display unit 411 has a screen ratio of, for example, "16:9" or a screen size that is wider than "16:9".

[0027] Various screens including various information related to the operation of the washing machine 10 are displayed on the display unit 411. The display surface of the display unit 411 also functions as a touch panel that allows a user to perform touch operations. Various screens including operation keys for receiving various operations related to the operation of the washing machine 10 are displayed on the display unit 411. The user can perform various operations related to the operation of the washing machine 10 by touching the operation keys.

[0028] In this way, the operation panel 41 displays various screens including operation keys for receiving various operations related to driving, and also functions as an operation unit for receiving various operations from the user. In this embodiment, a capacitive touch panel that uses a sensor to detect a change in capacitance that occurs when touched with a finger is used as the touch panel of the display unit 411. Note that various types of touch panels, such as a resistive film type, can be used for the touch panel of the display unit 411. In addition, the display unit 411 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and various display devices, such as an organic EL display, can be used.

[0029] The control device 50 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having storage areas such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory (not shown), and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 10. The control device 50 is electrically connected to the motor 14, the drain valve 16, the circulation pump 18, the heater 19, the water supply valve 23, the automatic insertion device 30, the operation panel 41, the current sensor 42, the water level sensor 43, the heating device 62, and the blower 63. The motor 14, the drain valve 16, the circulation pump 18, the heater 19, the water supply valve 23, the automatic insertion device 30, the operation panel 41, the current sensor 42, the water level sensor 43, the heating device 62, and the blower 63 are controlled by the control device 50.

[0030] In this case, the control device 50 executes a display control program to control the display on the display unit 411 of the operation panel 41. In addition, the control device 50 executes various controls such as various settings related to the automatic input operation, selection of the type of operation, selection of a course, setting the contents of the course, and starting or pausing the operation, in response to operations performed on the operation keys displayed on the display unit 411.

[0031] The control device 50 includes functional blocks such as an operation control unit 51 and a closing operation control unit 52. These functional blocks are realized by the CPU of the control device 50 executing a computer program stored in a ROM or the like to execute processing corresponding to the computer program, that is, by software. Note that at least a portion of each functional block may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit.

[0032] The control device 50 includes a storage unit 53 that stores various settings. The storage unit 53 may be configured with a storage area such as a flash memory included in the microcomputer that constitutes the control device 50, or may be configured with various memories provided outside the microcomputer. That is, in this case, the control device 50 is capable of storing settings of the tank 31 to be automatically charged.

[0033] Operation control unit 51 can execute a washing operation for washing the laundry contained in water tub 12 and spin tub 13, that is, a washing operation including a washing step, a rinsing step, a spin-drying step, and the like. In this case, the washing operation includes a plurality of courses, such as a standard course, an automatic double wash course, a speed course, a memory course, a delicate clothes course, a blanket course, a pre-wash+ (plus) course, and a sleep course. The standard course is a course with standard operation content suitable for use in everyday washing, and corresponds to the first course. The delicate clothes course is a course suitable for use in washing delicate clothes, that is, a course with operation content that is less likely to damage laundry than the standard course, and corresponds to the second course. In this way, the plurality of courses includes the first course and the second course.

[0034] The loading operation control unit 52 controls the operation of the automatic loading device 30 as follows. In the following description, various controls performed by the loading operation control unit 52 in cooperation with the operation control unit 51 may be described as being performed solely by the loading operation control unit 52 for convenience. That is, the loading operation control unit 52 selects a target tank for the automatic loading operation from among the multiple tanks 31 based on a predetermined operation on the operation panel 41. The loading operation control unit 52 determines whether or not to execute the automatic loading operation for each of the multiple courses and selects the target tank based on a predetermined operation on the operation panel 41.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 3, the target tank is initially set for each course, that is, a default target tank is set. In this case, the user can select, that is, change, the target tank for each course by performing a predetermined operation on the operation panel 41. For example, for the standard course, the tank for normal detergent is selected by default, but this can be changed to the tank for delicates. Also, for example, for the delicates course, the tank for normal detergent is selected by default, but this can be changed to the tank for normal detergent.

[0036] In this way, the user can select whether to automatically dispense a normal detergent or a detergent for delicates for each course. The user can also select whether to automatically dispense or not to automatically dispense, that is, to select manual detergent dispense, for each course. Therefore, during the washing operation in the course for which manual detergent dispense is selected, the user can manually dispense powder detergent, which tends to have a stronger detergency than liquid detergent.

[0037] Information regarding various settings related to the operation of the automatic dosing device 30 is stored in the storage unit 53. In other words, the storage unit 53 functions as a storage unit that stores information regarding the settings of the target tank. When the target tank is changed, information regarding the selection of the target tank after the change is stored in the storage unit 53. As a result, when the selection of the target tank for each course is changed, the changed setting is maintained, eliminating the need for the user to select the target tank every time.

[0038] When a target tank is selected to use detergent for delicates for both the standard course and the delicates course, i.e., when a tank for delicates is selected for both the standard course and the delicates course, the dispensing operation control unit 52 is configured to reduce the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed in the automatic dispensing operation when a wash run is performed on the standard course compared to the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed in the automatic dispensing operation when a wash run is performed on the delicates course.

[0039] When the target tank is selected to use normal detergent for both the standard course and the delicate course, i.e., when a normal detergent tank is selected for both the standard course and the delicate course, the dispensing operation control unit 52 is configured to reduce the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed in the automatic dispensing operation when a wash run is performed on the delicate course compared to the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed in the automatic dispensing operation when a wash run is performed on the standard course.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed in the automatic dispense operation is determined according to the weight of the laundry, that is, the load, and for each course. In the following description, the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed in the automatic dispense operation may be abbreviated to detergent amount. That is, the amount of detergent when using normal detergent in the standard course is 1.1 cups when the load is up to 12 kg, 1.0 cups when the load is up to 9 kg, 0.8 cups when the load is up to 4 kg, and 0.6 cups when the load is up to 2 kg. On the other hand, the amount of detergent when using normal detergent in the delicate course is 0.4 cups. Note that the delicate course is for loads up to 3 kg. Thus, in this embodiment, the dispense operation control unit 52 is configured to reduce the amount of detergent when using normal detergent in the delicate course compared to the amount of detergent per load when using normal detergent in the standard course.

[0041] Furthermore, the amount of detergent when using detergent for delicates in the standard course is 0.9 cups when the load is up to 12 kg, 0.8 cups when the load is up to 9 kg, 0.6 cups when the load is up to 4 kg, and 0.4 cups when the load is up to 2 kg. On the other hand, the amount of detergent when using detergent for delicates in the delicates course is 1.0 cup. Thus, in this embodiment, the dispenser control unit 52 reduces the amount of detergent per load when using detergent for delicates in the standard course compared to the amount of detergent when using detergent for delicates in the delicates course.

[0042] The loading operation control unit 52 is configured to lengthen the wash time, which is the time required for the washing operation of the laundry, when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state in which a normal detergent is used to a state in which a detergent for delicates is used. Also, the loading operation control unit 52 is configured to shorten the wash time when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state in which a detergent for delicates is used to a state in which a normal detergent is used. Furthermore, when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state in which a detergent for delicates is used to a state in which a detergent for delicates is used, the loading operation control unit 52 is configured to weaken the rotation operation of the spin tub 13 in the washing operation, that is, to suppress the rotation speed of the spin tub 13 in the agitation operation for agitating the laundry contained in the spin tub 13.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 5, default values ​​are set in advance for each course for the type of laundry treatment agent used, the amount of detergent, the wash time, the rotation speed of the spin tub 13 during the agitation operation, etc. That is, for the standard course, "use normal detergent", "amount of detergent = 1.1 cups", "wash time = 14 minutes", and "rotation speed during agitation operation = 45 rpm" are set as default values. Here, when the selection of the target tank for the standard course is changed from a state in which normal detergent is used to a state in which detergent for delicates is used, that is, when the type of laundry treatment agent used is changed, each setting for the standard course is changed from the default value as follows.

[0044] That is, for the standard course, the settings after the detergent change are "detergent for delicates is used", "amount of detergent = 0.9 cups", "washing time = 20 minutes" and "agitation speed = 20 rpm". In this way, when the laundry treatment agent used for the standard course is changed from ordinary detergent to detergent for delicates, the dispenser control unit 52 reduces the amount of detergent from the default value, increases the washing time from the default value, and reduces the agitation speed from the default value.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 5, the default values ​​for the delicates cycle are "use delicates detergent", "amount of detergent = 1.0 cup", "wash time = 6 minutes" and "agitation speed = 20 rpm". Here, when the target tank selection for the delicates cycle is changed from using delicates detergent to using normal detergent, that is, when the type of laundry treatment agent used is changed, each setting for the delicates cycle is changed from the default value as follows.

[0046] That is, for the delicate cycle, the settings after the detergent change are "use normal detergent", "amount of detergent = 0.8 cups", "wash time = 4 minutes" and "agitation speed = 20 rpm". In this way, when the laundry treatment agent used for the delicate cycle is changed from the detergent for delicates to the normal detergent, the dispenser control unit 52 reduces the amount of detergent from the default value and reduces the wash time from the default value.

[0047] The loading operation control unit 52 is adapted to suppress the flow of water in the water tub 12 during the wash operation when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state in which a normal detergent is used to a state in which a detergent for delicates is used. The flow of water in the water tub 12 changes according to the rotation speed of the circulation pump 18. Therefore, the loading operation control unit 52 suppresses the flow of water in the water tub 12 by lowering the rotation speed of the circulation pump 18. In addition, the loading operation control unit 52 is adapted to additionally perform a soaking operation for soaking laundry during the wash operation when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state in which a normal detergent is used to a state in which a detergent for delicates is used.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 6, the standard course washing operation is set to use a normal detergent by default, and includes an automatic loading step for performing an automatic loading operation, a washing step, and a spin-drying step for performing a spin-drying operation for spinning the laundry contained in the spin tub 13. The washing step includes a water supplying operation for supplying a predetermined amount of water to the water tub 12 and the spin tub 13, and an agitating operation for agitating and washing the laundry contained in the spin tub 13. In this case, the time required for each operation is 1 minute for the automatic loading operation, 2 minutes for the water supplying operation, and 14 minutes for the agitating operation.

[0049] In addition, in the standard course washing operation, the operation of the dosing pump is controlled so that a normal detergent is dispensed in the automatic dosing operation, and the operation of the water supply valve 23 is controlled so that a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the water tub 12 and the spin tub 13 in the water supply operation, by default. Furthermore, in the standard course washing operation, the rotation speed of the spin tub 13 in the agitation operation is set to "45 rpm", and the rotation speed of the circulation pump 18 in the agitation operation is set to "3500 rpm". Note that in FIG. 6 and other figures, the rotation speed of the spin tub 13 is referred to as the drum rotation speed, and the rotation speed of the circulation pump 18 is referred to as the pump rotation speed.

[0050] Here, when the target tank selection for the standard course is changed from using a normal detergent to using a detergent for delicates, i.e., when the type of laundry treatment agent used is changed, the contents of each step for the standard course are changed from the default values ​​as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the wash operation of the standard course changed to use a detergent for delicates includes an automatic loading step, a washing step, and a spin-drying step. The changed washing step includes a water supplying operation, a soaking operation, and an agitating operation. In this case, the time required for each operation is 1 minute for the automatic loading operation, 2 minutes for the water supplying operation, 3 minutes for the soaking operation, and 17 minutes for the agitating operation.

[0051] In addition, in the washing operation of the standard course after the change, the operation of the dosing pump is controlled so that detergent for delicates is dispensed in the automatic dosing operation, and the operation of the water supply valve 23 is controlled so that a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the water tub 12 and the spin tub 13 in the water supply operation. Furthermore, in the washing operation of the standard course after the change, the rotation speed of the spin tub 13 in the agitation operation is "20 rpm", and the rotation speed of the circulation pump 18 in the soaking operation and agitation operation is "2600 rpm".

[0052] In this way, when the laundry treatment agent used for the standard course is changed from ordinary detergent to detergent for delicates, the loading operation control unit 52 adds a soaking operation and increases the wash time from the default value, reduces the rotation speed of the spin tub 13 during the agitation operation from the default value, and reduces the rotation speed of the circulation pump 18 during the soaking operation and agitation operation from the default value.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 8, the washing operation of the delicate clothes course is set to use detergent for delicate clothes by default, and includes an automatic dispensing step, a washing step, and a spin-drying step. The washing step includes a water supplying operation and an agitating operation. In this case, the time required for each operation is 1 minute for the automatic dispensing operation, 2 minutes for the water supplying operation, and 6 minutes for the agitating operation. In addition, the washing operation of the delicate clothes course is set to control the operation of the supply pump so that detergent for delicate clothes is dispensed in the automatic dispensing operation, and control the operation of the water supply valve 23 so that a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the water tub 12 and the spin tub 13 in the water supplying operation.

[0054] Furthermore, in the washing operation of the delicate course, the rotation speed of the spin tub 13 during the agitation operation is set to "20 rpm" by default, and the rotation speed of the circulation pump 18 during the agitation operation is set to "2600 rpm." Here, when the target tank selection for the delicate course is changed from a state in which a detergent for delicate clothes is used to a state in which a normal detergent is used, that is, when the type of laundry treatment agent used is changed, the contents of each step for the delicate course are changed from the default values ​​as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the washing operation of the delicate course changed to use a normal detergent includes an automatic loading step, a washing step, and a spin-drying step.

[0055] In this case, the time required for each operation is 1 minute for the automatic dosing operation, 2 minutes for the water supply operation, and 4 minutes for the agitation operation. In the washing operation of the delicate course after the change, the operation of the dosing pump is controlled so that normal detergent is added in the automatic dosing operation, and the operation of the water supply valve 23 is controlled so that a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the water tub 12 and the spin tub 13 in the water supply operation. In the washing operation of the delicate course after the change, the rotation speeds of the spin tub 13 and the circulation pump 18 in the agitation operation remain at the default values.

[0056] In this way, when the laundry treatment agent used for the delicate cycle is changed from the detergent for delicates to the normal detergent, the loading operation control unit 52 is configured to reduce the wash time from the default value. In this case, the loading operation control unit 52 is configured not to change the rotation speed of the spin tub 13 and the rotation speed of the circulation pump 18 during the agitation operation from the default values.

[0057] Next, specific operation contents for performing various settings related to the operation of the automatic inserting device 30 will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 19 showing examples of specific display contents displayed on the display unit 411 of the operation panel 41. The display unit 411 displays a top screen (not shown), a course selection screen as shown in Fig. 10, a course detail screen as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, an operating screen as shown in Fig. 13, a temporary stop screen as shown in Fig. 14, and the like. In the following description, the display unit 411 will also be referred to as a screen.

[0058] The top screen is a display screen before the first input operation is performed after the power is turned on to the washing machine 10, and functions as a screen for selecting the type of operation. The course selection screen is a screen to which the user transitions when a specific operation is performed on the top screen, and functions as a screen for selecting a course corresponding to the operation selected at that time. FIG. 10 shows an example of a course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to a washing operation, but other course selection screens have similar contents.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 10, the course selection screen is provided with a detergent information display section 71 for displaying the settings regarding the detergent to be automatically dispensed in the course selected at that time. An icon labeled "detergent" is arranged in the detergent information display section 71, and below the icon, text information is displayed indicating whether the detergent to be automatically dispensed is a normal detergent, a detergent for delicates, or whether it is not to be automatically dispensed. The course selection screen in Fig. 10 displays the text information "normal detergent", indicating that normal detergent will be automatically dispensed.

[0060] The course details screen is a screen to which the user transitions when the setting change key 72 is operated on the course selection screen, and functions as a screen for setting the content of the course selected at that time. An example of the course details screen corresponding to the standard course of washing operation is shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, but the other course details screens have similar content.

[0061] As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the course details screen is provided with a detergent setting key 73 that functions as an operation key for changing the setting of the detergent to be automatically dispensed in the course selected at that time. The detergent setting key 73 displays the setting status of the detergent to be automatically dispensed. For example, when "normal detergent" is set as the detergent to be automatically dispensed, as shown in Fig. 11, the detergent setting key 73 displays text information "normal detergent" indicating the setting status of the detergent to be automatically dispensed at that time. Also, for example, when "delicates detergent" is set as the detergent to be automatically dispensed, as shown in Fig. 12, the detergent setting key 73 displays text information "delicates detergent" indicating the setting status of the detergent to be automatically dispensed at that time.

[0062] When the detergent setting key 73 is operated, a detergent setting screen is displayed for setting the detergent to be automatically dispensed in the course selected at that time. As shown in Fig. 13, the detergent setting screen has an operation key 74 displaying the text information "normal detergent", an operation key 75 displaying the text information "delicates detergent", a close key 76, and an enter key 77.

[0063] On the detergent setting screen, when operation key 74 is operated, normal detergent is selected as the detergent to be automatically dispensed, and when operation key 75 is operated, detergent for delicate clothes is selected as the detergent to be automatically dispensed. Close key 76 is an operation key for closing the detergent setting screen and returning to the course details screen. Confirm key 77 is an operation key for confirming the detergent selected at that time as the detergent to be automatically dispensed. Therefore, when operation key 74 is operated and then confirmation key 77 is operated, normal detergent is set as the detergent to be automatically dispensed, and when operation key 75 is operated and then confirmation key 77 is operated, detergent for delicate clothes is set as the detergent to be automatically dispensed.

[0064] A start key 78 is displayed on the various pre-operation screens, that is, the top screen, the course selection screen, and the course detail screen. When the start key 78 is operated on these various pre-operation screens, operation is started in the operation type and course selected at that time. When operation is started, an operation screen as shown in Fig. 14 is displayed. Fig. 14 shows an example of the first screen displayed after operation is started, that is, the operation screen indicating that the weight detection operation is being performed.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 14, a pause key 79, which is an operation key for temporarily stopping driving, is displayed on the driving screen. When the pause key 79 is operated on the driving screen, driving is temporarily stopped and a paused screen as shown in Fig. 15 is displayed. As shown in Fig. 15, a setting change key 80 is displayed on the paused screen. When the setting change key 80 is operated on the paused screen, a course details screen as shown in Figs. 11 and 12 is displayed.

[0066] Therefore, while operation is temporarily stopped, the user can change or review the contents of the course, including the settings of the detergent to be automatically dispensed, by operating the setting change key 80. However, on the course details screen transitioned to from the pause screen, the settings of the detergent to be automatically dispensed can only be changed during the period until the automatic dispensing operation is executed, specifically, during the period from the start of operation to the completion of the weight detection operation.

[0067] The bottom of the top screen, the course setting screen, the course detail screen, the running screen, and the paused screen all have a common footer section 81. As shown in Fig. 10, etc., a setting key 82, an automatic feed key 83, a hot water setting key 84, a reservation setting key 85, etc. are arranged in the footer section 81. The setting key 82 is an operation key for making various settings related to the washing machine 1. When the setting key 82 is operated, the screen transitions to a screen for making various settings (not shown).

[0068] The hot water setting key 84 is an operation key for setting the temperature of water used in operation. When the hot water setting key 84 is operated, a hot water setting screen is displayed for setting the temperature to which the water is heated in the washing step of the washing operation or the washing and drying operation. Although not shown in the figure, the hot water setting screen allows the user to select a desired setting from a number of hot water settings, such as "none", "15°C", "30°C", "40°C", "50°C", and "60°C sterilization".

[0069] The reservation setting key 85 is an operation key for making settings related to operation reservations. When the reservation setting key 85 is operated, a reservation setting screen is displayed. Although not shown in the figure, on the reservation setting screen, a desired setting can be selected from a number of reservation settings, such as "none," "good morning reservation," "welcome home reservation," and "reservation from outside." Also, on the reservation setting screen, the end time of operation can be set to a desired time.

[0070] The automatic dispensing key 83 is an operation key for making various settings related to the automatic dispensing of laundry treatment agents. When the automatic dispensing key 83 is operated, an automatic dispensing setting screen as shown in Fig. 16 is displayed. As shown in Fig. 16, the automatic dispensing setting screen displays a first information display section 86 that displays information related to the normal detergent stored in the normal detergent tank, a second information display section 87 that displays information related to the detergent for delicates stored in the delicates tank, a third information display section 88 that displays information related to the fabric softener stored in the fabric softener tank, and the like.

[0071] The first information display section 86 is provided with a reference amount display section 89, a plurality of dispensing amount adjustment keys 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, a dispensing amount notification section 91, etc. The reference amount display section 89 displays the reference amount that is the currently set reference amount of ordinary detergent to be dispensed, and in this case, "25ml / 30L of water" is displayed as the current reference amount of ordinary detergent. The dispensing amount adjustment keys 90a-90d are operation keys for adjusting the amount of ordinary detergent to be dispensed in the automatic dispensing operation.

[0072] Specifically, the dispense amount adjustment key 90a is an operation key for adjusting the amount of regular detergent dispensed in the automatic dispense operation to "none," i.e., 0 ml. The dispense amount adjustment key 90b is an operation key for adjusting the amount of regular detergent dispensed in the automatic dispense operation to "less," i.e., a predetermined amount less than the reference amount of regular detergent set at that time. Note that the predetermined amount can be changed and set as appropriate.

[0073] The dosage adjustment key 90c is an operation key for adjusting the amount of ordinary detergent dispensed in the automatic dispense operation to the standard amount of ordinary detergent set at that time. The dosage adjustment key 90d is an operation key for adjusting the amount of ordinary detergent dispensed in the automatic dispense operation to "more," that is, a predetermined amount more than the standard amount of ordinary detergent set at that time. Note that the predetermined amount at this time can be changed and set as appropriate. Therefore, the user can select a desired setting for the amount of ordinary detergent dispensed in the automatic dispense operation from "none," "less," "standard," and "more" by operating the dosage adjustment keys 90a to 90d.

[0074] The dosage amount notification section 91 displays information for notifying the user of the amount of regular detergent to be dispensed in the automatic dispensing operation, which has been adjusted in response to the operation of the multiple dosage amount adjustment keys 90a to 90d. For example, when the amount of regular detergent to be dispensed in the automatic dispensing operation is set to "standard," text information such as "Standard amount will be dispensed" is displayed, and when the amount of regular detergent to be dispensed in the automatic dispensing operation is set to "none," text information such as "No automatic dispense" is displayed, as shown in Fig. 16.

[0075] The second information display section 87 is provided with a reference amount display section 92, a plurality of input amount adjustment keys 93a, 93b, 93c, 93d, an input amount notification section 94, and the like. The reference amount display section 92 displays the reference amount, which is the currently set reference input amount of detergent for delicates, and in this case, "25ml / 30L of water" is displayed as the current reference amount of detergent for delicates. The input amount adjustment keys 93a-93d are operation keys for adjusting the input amount of detergent for delicates in the automatic input operation.

[0076] Specifically, the dosage adjustment key 93a is an operation key for adjusting the dosage amount of detergent for delicates in the automatic dispensing operation to "none", i.e., "0 ml". The dosage adjustment key 93b is an operation key for adjusting the dosage amount of detergent for delicates in the automatic dispensing operation to "less", i.e., a predetermined amount less than the standard amount of detergent for delicates set at that time. Note that the predetermined amount can be changed and set as appropriate.

[0077] The dosage adjustment key 93c is an operation key for adjusting the dosage of detergent for delicates in the automatic dispensing operation to the standard amount of detergent for delicates set at that time. The dosage adjustment key 93d is an operation key for adjusting the dosage of detergent for delicates in the automatic dispensing operation to "more", that is, a predetermined amount more than the standard amount of detergent for delicates set at that time. Note that the predetermined amount can be changed and set as appropriate. Therefore, the user can select a desired setting for the dosage amount of detergent for delicates in the automatic dispensing operation from "none", "small", "standard", and "large" by operating the dosage adjustment keys 93a to 93d.

[0078] The dosage amount notification section 94 displays information for notifying the user of the dosage amount of detergent for delicates in the automatic dispensing operation adjusted in response to the operation of the plurality of dosage amount adjustment keys 93a-93d. For example, when the dosage amount of detergent for delicates in the automatic dispensing operation is set to "standard", text information such as "Standard amount will be dispensed" is displayed, and when the dosage amount of detergent for delicates in the automatic dispensing operation is set to "none", text information such as "No automatic dispensing" is displayed as shown in Fig. 16.

[0079] The third information display section 88 is provided with a reference amount display section 95, a plurality of input amount adjustment keys 96a, 96b, 96c, 96d, an input amount notification section 97, and the like. The reference amount display section 95 displays the reference amount that is the currently set reference input amount of fabric softener, and in this case, "25ml / 30L of water" is displayed as the current reference amount of fabric softener. The input amount adjustment keys 96a to 96d are operation keys for adjusting the input amount of fabric softener in the automatic input operation.

[0080] Specifically, the dispense amount adjustment key 96a is an operation key for adjusting the amount of fabric softener dispensed in the automatic dispense operation to "none," i.e., "0 ml." The dispense amount adjustment key 96b is an operation key for adjusting the amount of fabric softener dispensed in the automatic dispense operation to "less," i.e., a predetermined amount less than the reference amount of fabric softener set at that time. Note that the predetermined amount can be changed and set as appropriate.

[0081] The input amount adjustment key 96c is an operation key for adjusting the amount of softener to be input in the automatic input operation to the standard amount of softener set at that time. The input amount adjustment key 96d is an operation key for adjusting the amount of softener to be input in the automatic input operation to be "more" than the standard amount of softener set at that time, that is, a predetermined amount more. Note that the predetermined amount at this time can be changed and set as appropriate. Therefore, the user can select a desired setting for the amount of softener to be input in the automatic input operation from among "none", "less", "standard", and "more" by operating the input amount adjustment keys 96a to 96d.

[0082] The dispense amount notification section 97 displays information for notifying the user of the amount of fabric softener dispensed in the automatic dispense operation adjusted in response to the operation of the dispense amount adjustment keys 96a to 96d. For example, when the amount of fabric softener dispensed in the automatic dispense operation is set to "standard", text information such as "Standard amount dispensed" is displayed, and when the amount of fabric softener dispensed in the automatic dispense operation is set to "none", text information such as "No automatic dispense" is displayed as shown in FIG.

[0083] The automatic dispensing setting screen also has a reference amount setting key 98. The reference amount setting key 98 is an operation key for displaying the reference amount setting screen. Although not shown in the figure, the reference amount setting screen is a screen for setting the reference dispensing amounts of normal detergent, detergent for delicates, and fabric softener, specifically, the reference dispensing amounts of normal detergent, detergent for delicates, and fabric softener for 30 L of water.

[0084] Also, the automatic dispensing setting screen is provided with a close key 76 and a decision key 77, similar to the detergent setting screen. In this case, when the close key 76 is operated, the automatic dispensing setting screen is closed and the screen returns to the previously displayed screen. Also, in this case, when the decision key 77 is operated, various setting items in the automatic dispensing setting screen, for example, input contents related to the amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed, are decided. Then, when the decision key 77 is operated, a default detergent setting screen, which is a screen for setting a default detergent to be automatically dispensed, is displayed. As shown in FIG. 17, the default detergent setting screen is provided with an operation key 101 on which character information "normal detergent" is displayed, an operation key 102 on which character information "delicate detergent" is displayed, and the close key 76 and decision key 77 similar to those in the automatic dispensing setting screen.

[0085] On the default detergent setting screen, when operation key 101 is operated, a normal detergent is selected as the default detergent to be automatically dispensed, and when operation key 102 is operated, a detergent for delicates is selected as the default detergent to be automatically dispensed. In this case, when close key 76 is operated, the default detergent setting screen is closed and the screen returns to the automatic dispense setting screen. Also, in this case, when enter key 77 is operated, the detergent selected at that time is determined as the default detergent to be automatically dispensed.

[0086] Therefore, by operating operation key 101 and then operating enter key 77, normal detergent is set as the default detergent to be automatically dispensed. In this case, normal detergent is the default detergent to be automatically dispensed for all courses. Also, by operating operation key 102 and then operating enter key 77, detergent for delicate clothes is set as the default detergent to be automatically dispensed. In this case, detergent for delicate clothes is the default detergent to be automatically dispensed for all courses.

[0087] 18 shows an example of the course setting screen in which the detergent to be automatically dispensed by default is set to normal detergent and the delicate course is selected. In this case, the detergent information display section 71 displays text information "normal detergent" indicating that normal detergent will be automatically dispensed. When performing a wash run in the delicate course, detergent for delicate clothes is generally used, but in this case, normal detergent is used to perform a wash run in the delicate course.

[0088] Therefore, when the start key 78 is operated in this state, a confirmation screen is displayed to confirm to the user that the washing operation will be performed in the delicate clothes course using the normal detergent. As shown in FIG. 19, the confirmation screen displays text information "Do you want to wash with normal detergent?", a "Yes" key 103, and a "No" key 104. When the "Yes" key 103 is operated, the washing operation in the delicate clothes course using the normal detergent is started. When the "No" key 104 is operated, the washing operation in the delicate clothes course using the delicate clothes detergent is started. Note that when the "No" key 104 is operated, it is also possible to return to the course selection screen without starting the washing operation.

[0089] According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. Washing machine 10 is provided with a plurality of tanks 31 capable of storing laundry treatment agents including a normal detergent and a detergent for delicates, and is provided with an automatic dosing device 30 capable of performing an automatic dosing operation for automatically dosing the laundry treatment agent stored in any of the plurality of tanks 31 into spin tub 13. Control device 50 of washing machine 10 controls the operation of automatic dosing device 30, and is provided with a dosing operation control section 52 that selects a target tank to be the target of the automatic dosing operation from among the plurality of tanks 31 based on a predetermined operation on operation panel 41.

[0090] According to this configuration, the user can select the laundry treatment agent to be automatically dispensed from among the multiple types of laundry treatment agents stored in the multiple tanks 31 at his / her own discretion, regardless of the selected course. Therefore, the user can use a normal detergent even when washing in the delicate course, or a detergent for delicates even when washing in the standard course, which is a standard course, that is, use the washing machine 10 based on a different concept from the general washing method. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain an excellent effect of improving the user's convenience regarding the automatic dispensing of laundry treatment agents.

[0091] The input operation control unit 52 is adapted to determine whether or not to perform the automatic input operation for each of the multiple courses based on a predetermined operation on the operation panel 41, and to select the target tank. In this way, it is possible to set the normal detergent or the detergent for delicates to be used depending on the course. In addition, in this way, it is possible to select not to perform the automatic input operation, that is, to select manual input depending on the course. For example, it is possible to select manual input for a course suitable for washing heavily soiled clothes, and to perform the washing operation using a powder detergent that tends to have a higher detergency than a liquid detergent such as a normal detergent. In this way, according to the above configuration, the user can easily use the normal detergent, the detergent for delicates, and the powder detergent depending on the selected course, and the usability of the washing machine 10 can be further improved.

[0092] The control device 50 includes a storage unit 53 that stores information regarding the selection of the target tank. With this configuration, when the selection of the target tank is changed, the setting after the change is maintained. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of the user having to select the target tank every time the washing machine 10 is used to perform a washing operation, and the usability of the washing machine 10 can be further improved.

[0093] When the target tank is selected to use the detergent for delicates for both the standard course and the delicates course, the dosing operation control unit 52 sets the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed in the automatic dosing operation when the washing operation is performed in the standard course to be less than the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed in the automatic dosing operation when the washing operation is performed in the delicates course. In other words, when the detergent for delicates is used in the standard course, the dosing operation control unit 52 sets the amount of detergent dispensed to be less. Since the detergent for delicates tends to foam more easily than the normal detergent, by reducing the amount of detergent dispensed, foam generation can be suppressed even when the detergent for delicates is used in the standard course.

[0094] When the target tank is selected to use normal detergent for both the standard course and the delicate course, the dispenser control unit 52 dispenses a smaller amount of detergent in the automatic dispenser when the delicate course is used than the automatic dispenser when the standard course is used. In other words, when normal detergent is used in the delicate course, the dispenser control unit 52 dispenses a smaller amount of detergent. Since normal detergent has a stronger cleaning power than detergent for delicates, dispensing a smaller amount of detergent can save on the amount of detergent used and reduce the impact of detergent on clothes.

[0095] The input operation control unit 52 is configured to lengthen the time of the washing operation included in the washing operation when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state in which a normal detergent is used to a state in which a detergent for delicates is used. The detergent for delicates has a lower cleaning power than the normal detergent. Therefore, as described above, by lengthening the washing time when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state in which a normal detergent is used to a state in which a detergent for delicates is used, the cleaning power can be maintained at a good level.

[0096] The input operation control unit 52 is configured to weaken the rotation of the spin tub 13 during the wash operation when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state in which a normal detergent is used to a state in which a detergent for delicates is used. For example, it can be assumed that a user who selects a detergent for delicates for the standard course is concerned about damage to the fabric of the clothes. Therefore, when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state in which a normal detergent is used to a state in which a detergent for delicates is used, the rotation of the spin tub 13 during the wash operation is weakened to wash the clothes gently, thereby reducing damage to the fabric of the clothes. In addition, by doing so, it is possible to obtain the effect of suppressing foaming that suppresses the generation of foam caused by using a detergent for delicates.

[0097] When the selection of the target tank is changed from a state in which a normal detergent is used to a state in which a detergent for delicates is used, the input operation control unit 52 is configured to suppress the flow of water in the water tub 12 and the spin tub 13 during the washing operation. In this way, a foaming suppression effect is obtained that suppresses the generation of foam caused by using a detergent for delicates.

[0098] The input operation control unit 52 is configured to perform a soaking operation in the washing operation when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state in which a normal detergent is used to a state in which a detergent for delicates is used. As described above, it can be assumed that a user who selects a detergent for delicates, for example, for the standard course is concerned about damage to the fabric of the clothes. Therefore, as described above, if the soaking operation is performed when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state in which a normal detergent is used to a state in which a detergent for delicates is used, the agitation operation is performed after the clothes are sufficiently wetted, and damage to the fabric of the clothes can be reduced while maintaining good cleaning power.

[0099] When the selection of the target tank is changed from a state in which detergent for delicates is used to a state in which normal detergent is used, the input operation control unit 52 is configured to shorten the time of the washing operation for washing the laundry included in the washing operation. In this way, it is possible to shorten the time during which the clothes come into contact with the normal detergent during the washing operation, reducing the effect of the detergent on the clothes and reducing damage to the fabric of the clothes.

[0100] Second embodiment The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the control device 50. That is, as shown in Fig. 20, the control device 50 of this embodiment is different in that a functional block called a type discrimination unit 54 is added, and that a closing operation control unit 55 is provided instead of the closing operation control unit 52.

[0101] The type discrimination unit 54 discriminates the type of laundry contained in the spin tub 13. The type discrimination unit 54 can receive an input operation of the type of clothes to be washed by the user and discriminate the type of laundry based on the input operation. The input operation by the user can be a predetermined operation using an application course that operates in cooperation with the user's smartphone, a predetermined operation using the operation panel 41, or the like. The type discrimination unit 54 can also discriminate the type of laundry contained in the spin tub 13 as follows.

[0102] That is, when it is assumed that clothes with IC tags such as RFID are to be washed, a reader for reading the RFID is provided in washing machine 10, and type discrimination unit 54 can discriminate the type of laundry based on the result of reading by the reader. RFID is an abbreviation for Radio Frequency Identification. Also, an image sensor capable of capturing an image of the inside of spin tub 13 is provided in washing machine 10, and type discrimination unit 54 can discriminate the type of laundry based on the image captured by the image sensor. For example, if a laundry net is present in the captured image, type discrimination unit 54 can discriminate that at least fashionable clothes are included in the laundry. According to these methods, type discrimination unit 54 can also discriminate that normal clothes and fashionable clothes are mixed in the laundry contained in spin tub 13.

[0103] The loading operation control section 55 can execute the same control as the loading operation control section 52, and can further execute the following control. That is, the loading operation control section 55 can change the amount of laundry treatment agent to be loaded in the automatic loading operation based on the type of laundry identified by the type identification section 54. The loading operation control section 55 can intensify the rotation of the spin tub 13 in the washing operation based on the type of laundry identified by the type identification section 54.

[0104] The loading operation control unit 55 is capable of weakening the rotation operation of the spin tub 13 during the washing operation based on the type of laundry identified by the type identification unit 54. The loading operation control unit 55 is capable of changing the time of the washing operation for washing the laundry included in the washing operation based on the type of laundry identified by the type identification unit 54. Specifically, the control by the loading operation control unit 55 is performed from the following viewpoints.

[0105] That is, laundry that can be washed in the delicate clothes cycle includes uniforms, hats, down jackets, sweaters, lingerie, etc. The delicate clothes cycle is a cycle that is primarily aimed at washing the laundry without damaging the fabric, and therefore has inferior cleaning power compared to the standard cycle. However, among the laundry that can be washed in the delicate clothes cycle, uniforms, hats, etc. are prone to sebum stains because they often come into contact with the skin. Therefore, when washing uniforms, hats, etc. in the delicate clothes cycle, it is desirable to improve the cleaning power compared to when washing other laundry in the delicate clothes cycle.

[0106] On the other hand, among the laundry that can be washed in the delicate clothes course, lingerie and the like have lace and are more susceptible to damage by washing. Therefore, when washing lingerie and the like in the delicate clothes course, it is desirable to operate the washing machine in such a way that the damage to the fabric can be reduced more than when washing other laundry in the delicate clothes course. Therefore, when washing in the delicate clothes course, the loading operation control unit 55 is configured to set the amount of detergent, the number of rotations during washing, which is the number of rotations of the spin tub 13 in the washing operation, and the washing time according to the type of laundry identified by the type identification unit 54.

[0107] Specific examples of these settings may be as shown in FIG. 21. In FIG. 21, a hat is referred to as a cap. That is, when the clothes identified by the type identification unit 54 are lingerie, the input operation control unit 55 sets the detergent amount to 1.0 cup, the washing rotation speed to 15 rpm, and the washing time to 6 minutes. When the clothes identified by the type identification unit 54 are sweaters or down jackets, the input operation control unit 55 sets the detergent amount to 1.0 cup, the washing rotation speed to 20 rpm, and the washing time to 6 minutes. When the clothes identified by the type identification unit 54 are school uniforms or caps, the input operation control unit 55 sets the detergent amount to 1.2 cups, the washing rotation speed to 30 rpm, and the washing time to 9 minutes.

[0108] In this way, the loading operation control unit 55 is configured to increase the amount of detergent, increase the number of rotations during washing, and increase the washing time as the type of laundry identified by the type identification unit 54 is more susceptible to sebum stains. Also, the loading operation control unit 55 is configured to decrease the amount of detergent, decrease the number of rotations during washing, and decrease the washing time as the type of laundry identified by the type identification unit 54 is more susceptible to damage by washing.

[0109] The loading operation control unit 55 can change the selection of the target tank based on the type of laundry determined by the type determination unit 54. For example, when the type determination unit 54 determines that the laundry contained in the spin tub 13 includes delicate clothes, the loading operation control unit 55 selects the tank for delicate clothes as the target tank, that is, loads detergent for delicate clothes. When the target tank is selected by the user, it is considered that the selection by the user and the selection by the loading operation control unit 55 described above will be different. In such a case, the selection by the user may be prioritized over the selection by the loading operation control unit 55 described above. In this way, the user will not feel uncomfortable because the washing operation is performed as intended.

[0110] According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. The loading operation control unit 55 is adapted to change the loading amount of the laundry treatment agent in the automatic loading operation based on the type of laundry identified by the type identification unit 54. The loading operation control unit 55 is also adapted to increase or decrease the rotation operation of the spin tub 13 in the washing operation based on the type of laundry identified by the type identification unit 54. In this way, the washing power can be increased when washing clothes that are easily soiled, and damage to the fabric can be reduced when washing clothes that are easily damaged by washing, so that washing that satisfies the user can be provided.

[0111] Addition operation control unit 55 is adapted to change the selection of the target tank based on the type of laundry identified by type identification unit 54. In this way, even if the user does not select the target tank by himself / herself, that is, even if the user does not specify the detergent to be added by himself / herself, washing machine 10 automatically adds the type of detergent that is considered to be optimal for the clothes to be washed, thereby achieving an effect of improving the convenience of automatically adding laundry treatment agents.

[0112] Third embodiment The third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the control device 50. That is, as shown in Fig. 21, the control device 50 of this embodiment is different in that it includes a closing operation control unit 56 instead of the closing operation control unit 52.

[0113] In this case, the multiple courses of the washing operation include multiple delicate courses. Specifically, the multiple courses of the washing operation include a thorough delicate course with a slightly different operation content in addition to the delicate course described in each of the above embodiments. The loading operation control unit 56 can execute the same control as the loading operation control unit 52, and can also execute the following control. That is, the loading operation control unit 56 is configured to load different amounts of laundry treatment agents in the automatic loading operation for each of the delicate course and the thorough delicate course.

[0114] The loading operation control unit 56 varies the strength of the rotation of the spin tub 13 during the washing operation, that is, varies the number of rotations during washing, for each of the delicate and thorough delicate courses. The loading operation control unit 56 varies the time of the washing operation for washing the laundry included in the washing operation, for each of the delicate and thorough delicate courses.

[0115] Specific examples of the settings for each of these courses can be as shown in Fig. 23. That is, the delicate course is set to "amount of detergent = 1.0 cup," "rotation speed during washing = 20 rpm," and "washing time = 6 minutes." The thorough delicate course is set to "amount of detergent = 1.2 cups," "rotation speed during washing = 30 rpm," and "washing time = 9 minutes."

[0116] As described above, according to this embodiment, two delicate courses are provided, that is, the normal delicate course and the thorough delicate course. These courses have different amounts of detergent, rotation speeds during washing, and washing times, and therefore different cleaning powers. Specifically, compared to the delicate course, the thorough delicate course has a larger amount of detergent, a higher rotation speed during washing, and a longer washing time, making it a course with higher cleaning power.

[0117] Even for clothes for which the delicate cycle is recommended, there may be cases where the clothes are very dirty depending on how the user uses the machine. In such cases, the normal delicate cycle may not have sufficient cleaning power. According to this embodiment, when washing such very dirty delicate clothes, the thorough delicate cycle, which has a stronger cleaning power than the normal delicate cycle, is applied to obtain washing results that satisfy the user. In this way, according to this embodiment, the usability of the washing machine 10 can be further improved.

[0118] Instead of or in addition to the thorough delicate course, a third delicate course may be provided that reduces the impact of washing on the clothes by reducing at least one of the amount of detergent, the washing rotation speed, and the washing time compared to the normal delicate course. In this way, when washing clothes that are more easily damaged by washing than ordinary delicate clothes, the third delicate course can be applied to obtain washing results that satisfy the user, further improving the usability of the washing machine 10.

[0119] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the control device 50. That is, as shown in Fig. 24, the control device 50 of this embodiment is different in that a functional block called an erroneous insertion detection unit 57 is added, and that a insertion operation control unit 58 is provided instead of the insertion operation control unit 52.

[0120] The erroneous loading detection unit 57 detects an erroneous loading of a laundry treatment agent stored in each of the tanks 31 that is a type different from a predetermined type. The erroneous loading detection unit 57 can detect an erroneous loading by using at least one of the following methods. That is, when a washing operation is performed in a state where a detergent for delicates is stored in the normal detergent tank and the normal detergent tank is set as the target tank, a large amount of foam is generated in the water tub 12.

[0121] Therefore, by providing washing machine 10 with a foam sensor that detects foam in tub 12, erroneous insertion detection unit 57 can detect erroneous insertion of detergent for delicates stored in the normal detergent tank based on the detection result of the foam sensor. According to this method, erroneous insertion detection unit 57 can detect erroneous insertion during or after the execution of a washing operation, that is, during or after the operation.

[0122] Also, the pH value and color of laundry treatment agents may differ depending on the type. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, normal detergents have a pH value that indicates weak alkalinity and are transparent in color, while detergents for delicates have a pH value that indicates neutrality and are transparent in color. Also, as shown in FIG. 25, fabric softeners are cloudy in color. Note that fabric softeners have various pH values, and since it is difficult to uniformly define them, the pH value of fabric softeners is omitted here.

[0123] In consideration of this, at least one of the pH value of the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank 31 and the transmittance of the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank 31 is measured, and the erroneous insertion detection unit 57 can detect erroneous insertion based on such measurement results. The pH value can be measured, for example, by providing an electrode in the tank 31, and the transmittance can be measured by using an optical sensor. With such a method, the erroneous insertion detection unit 57 can detect erroneous insertion before the washing operation is performed, that is, in advance.

[0124] The input operation control unit 58 can execute the same control as the input operation control unit 52, and can further execute the following control. That is, when the input operation control unit 58 detects an erroneous input by the erroneous input detection unit 57, the input operation control unit 58 executes a notification operation to notify the user of the detection. In this way, if the erroneous input detection unit 57 employs a method for detecting an erroneous input during or after the operation, the user can be notified of the occurrence of an erroneous input during or after the operation of the washing operation. Also, in this way, if the erroneous input detection unit 57 employs a method for detecting an erroneous input in advance, the user can be notified of the occurrence of an erroneous input before the operation of the washing operation.

[0125] Moreover, when the erroneous insertion detection unit 57 detects an erroneous insertion, the insertion operation control unit 58 executes a discharge operation to discharge the laundry treatment agent inserted into the spin tub 13. Furthermore, when the erroneous insertion detection unit 57 detects an erroneous insertion into the target tank, the insertion operation control unit 58 controls the operation of the automatic insertion device 30 to insert the laundry treatment agent stored in another tank 31 different from the target tank into the spin tub 13.

[0126] Next, there will be described two specific examples of the control executed by erroneous insertion detection unit 57 and insertion operation control unit 58. Here, it is assumed that erroneous insertion detection unit 57 detects an erroneous insertion of detergent for delicates stored in the tank for ordinary detergent based on the detection result of the foam sensor.

[0127] [1] First concrete example In the first specific example, the input operation control unit 58 executes only the notification operation. In this case, after the washing operation is started, the process shown in FIG. 26 is repeatedly executed. In the process shown in FIG. 26, first, in step S100, it is determined whether or not a large amount of foam has been generated. If it is determined that a large amount of foam has not been generated, the result in step S100 becomes "NO" and the process proceeds to step S200.

[0128] In step S200, a decision is made as to whether to continue operation. After step S200 is executed, this process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that a large amount of foam is generated, the result is "YES" in step S100, and the process proceeds to step S300. In step S300, a notification operation is executed to notify the user that an incorrect injection has been detected. After step S300 is executed, this process ends.

[0129] An example of the notification action is to display an error screen as shown in Fig. 27 on the display unit 411 of the operation panel 41. As shown in Fig. 27, the error screen displays text information such as "Have you put the wrong type of detergent in the detergent tank?" and a symbol "C26" indicating an error corresponding to the incorrect detergent being put in. The user can know that the incorrect detergent has been put in by checking the text information and symbol.

[0130] [2] Second Specific Example In the second specific example, the supplying operation control unit 58 not only performs the notification operation, but also performs the discharge operation and the operation of supplying the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank 31 other than the target tank. In this case, after the washing operation is started, the process shown in FIG. 28 is repeatedly executed. The process shown in FIG. 28 differs from the process of the first specific example shown in FIG. 26 in that steps S400 to S800 are added. In this case, after executing step S300, the process proceeds to step S400.

[0131] In step S400, a discharge operation is performed to discharge the laundry treatment agent dispensed into the spin tub 13. After step S400, a water supply operation is performed in step S500, and a rinsing operation is performed in step S600. After step S600, the process proceeds to step S700, where a discharge operation is performed again. After step S700, the process proceeds to step S800. In step S800, the operation of the automatic dispenser 30 is controlled so that a laundry treatment agent stored in another tank 31 different from the target tank is dispensed into the spin tub 13. That is, in step S800, a laundry treatment agent different from the preset laundry treatment agent is automatically dispensed. After step S800, the process ends.

[0132] According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. The control device 50 includes an erroneous loading detection unit 57 that detects an erroneous loading of a laundry treatment agent stored in each of the tanks 31 that is different from a predetermined type. When the erroneous loading detection unit 57 detects an erroneous loading, the loading operation control unit 58 executes a notification operation to notify the user of the erroneous loading. In this way, even if the user mistakenly loads a laundry treatment agent of a type different from the designated laundry treatment agent into the tank 31, the user can notice the error and take appropriate measures, such as replacing the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank 31 with the designated correct type. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the usability of the washing machine 10 is further improved.

[0133] Furthermore, when erroneous insertion is detected by erroneous insertion detection unit 57, insertion operation control unit 58 executes a discharge operation to discharge the laundry treatment agent inserted into spin tub 13. In this way, it is possible to prevent the laundry operation from being continued using a type of laundry treatment agent different from the type desired by the user.

[0134] The automatic dispenser 30 is configured to include two tanks 31 into which detergent is dispensed. Therefore, when erroneous dispensing into the target tank is detected, there is a high possibility that the laundry treatment agents stored in the two tanks 31 have been swapped with each other. Therefore, when erroneous dispensing into the target tank is detected by the erroneous dispensing detection unit 57, the dispenser operation control unit 58 controls the operation of the automatic dispenser 30 so as to dispense the laundry treatment agent stored in another tank 31 different from the target tank into the rotating tub 13. In this way, even if the user erroneously dispenses a type of laundry treatment agent different from the one designated for the tank 31, the laundry operation can be performed with the desired type of laundry treatment agent.

[0135] Fifth embodiment The fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the control device 50. That is, as shown in Fig. 29, the control device 50 of this embodiment is different in that a functional block called a shortage detection unit 59 is added, and that a closing operation control unit 521 is provided instead of the closing operation control unit 52.

[0136] The shortage detection unit 59 detects a shortage of the laundry treatment agent in each of the tanks 31, where the amount of the laundry treatment agent stored is less than a predetermined lower limit amount or the laundry treatment agent is not properly installed in a predetermined installation location. The state where the amount of the laundry treatment agent stored is less than the lower limit amount includes a state where there is no laundry treatment agent at all. The loading operation control unit 521 can execute the same control as the loading operation control unit 52, and can further execute the following control. That is, when the shortage detection unit 59 detects a shortage of the laundry treatment agent in the target tank, the loading operation control unit 521 controls the operation of the automatic loading device 30 to load the laundry treatment agent stored in another tank 31 different from the target tank into the spin tub 13.

[0137] However, the supplying operation control unit 521 only supplies detergent from another tank 31 when permission is obtained from the user. Permission from the user can be obtained by, for example, registering and setting that permission has been obtained in advance through a predetermined operation, or by obtaining permission through a predetermined operation when a shortage of the processing agent is detected.

[0138] According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. The control device 50 includes a shortage detection unit 59 for detecting a shortage of treatment agent in each of the tanks 31, that is, a state in which the stored laundry treatment agent is less than a predetermined lower limit amount or a state in which the laundry treatment agent is not properly installed in a predetermined installation location. When the shortage detection unit 59 detects a shortage of treatment agent in a target tank, the supplying operation control unit 521 controls the operation of the automatic supplying device 30 to supply laundry treatment agent stored in another tank 31 different from the target tank into the spin tub 13.

[0139] In this way, even if the amount of laundry treatment agent automatically dispensed is less than the amount originally required due to the user not replenishing the appropriate laundry treatment agent or improper installation of the tank 31, the laundry treatment agent stored in another tank 31 can be automatically dispensed, thereby preventing a situation in which a laundry run is performed with a small amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed or without any laundry treatment agent, and continuing the current laundry run. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the usability of the washing machine 10 is further improved.

[0140] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, and can be modified, combined, or expanded in any manner without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The numerical values ​​and the like shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. The present invention is not limited to the washing machine 10 which is a drum type washer / dryer, but can be applied to washing machines in general, such as vertical axis washing machines.

[0141] The operation unit for receiving operations from the user is not limited to operation panel 41 having display unit 411 made of a liquid crystal display, and may be, for example, operation panel 201 having a configuration as shown in Figures 29 to 31. Operation panel 201 is configured to include a plurality of operation buttons that can be operated by the user, and a plurality of display units that display various information using LEDs or the like as light sources.

[0142] 29 shows the operation panel 201 in a state where "normal detergent" is set as the detergent to be automatically dispensed in the standard course of the wash / dry operation. In this case, the display unit 203 above the operation button 202 on which the words "normal detergent" are displayed lights up, so that it is possible to know that the detergent to be automatically dispensed is set to "normal detergent." Note that the display unit 203 indicates the amount of detergent to be automatically dispensed, and displays words such as "less," "normal," and "more."

[0143] 30 shows the operation panel 201 in a state where "delicates detergent" is set as the detergent to be automatically dispensed in the standard course of the wash and dry operation. In this case, the display unit 205 above the operation button 204 on which the words "delicates detergent" are displayed lights up, so that the user can see that the detergent to be automatically dispensed is set to "delicates detergent." Note that, like the display unit 203, the display unit 205 indicates the amount of detergent to be automatically dispensed.

[0144] When operation button 204 is operated in the state shown in Fig. 29, the detergent to be automatically dispensed is changed from "normal detergent" to "delicates detergent", resulting in the state shown in Fig. 30. Also, when operation button 202 is operated in the state shown in Fig. 30, the detergent to be automatically dispensed is changed from "normal detergent" to "delicates detergent", resulting in the state shown in Fig. 30.

[0145] Furthermore, when the operation panel 201 is used as the operation unit, the occurrence of an erroneous input can be notified to the user by displaying the screen as shown in Fig. 31, similar to the error screen shown in Fig. 27. In this case, a symbol indicating an error corresponding to the erroneous input, "C26", is displayed on the 7-segment display unit 206 provided near the center of the operation panel 201. The user can know that an erroneous input has occurred by checking such a symbol.

[0146] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] In the drawings, 10 indicates a washing machine, 12 indicates a water tub (storage tub), 13 indicates a rotating tub (storage tub), 30 indicates an automatic dispensing device, 31 indicates a tank, 41 indicates an operation panel (operation unit), 50 indicates a control device, 51 indicates an operation control unit, 52, 55, 56, 58, and 521 indicate dispensing operation control units, 53 indicates a memory unit, 54 indicates a type discrimination unit, 57 indicates an erroneous dispensing detection unit, 59 indicates a shortage detection unit, and 201 indicates the operation panel.

Claims

1. A storage tub capable of storing laundry; an automatic dosing device that includes a plurality of tanks capable of storing laundry treatment agents including a first detergent and a second detergent that is less likely to damage the laundry than the first detergent and has a tendency to have a weaker cleaning power, and that can perform an automatic dosing operation to automatically dosing the laundry treatment agent stored in any of the plurality of tanks into the storage tub; a control device that controls the operation of the automatic loading device and executes a washing operation having a plurality of courses for washing the laundry stored in the storage tub; an operation unit for receiving various operations from a user; Equipped with The control device is configured to select a target tank to be subjected to the automatic charging operation from among the plurality of tanks based on a predetermined operation on the operation unit, The control device is configured to extend the time of the washing operation for washing the laundry included in the washing operation when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state using the first detergent to a state using the second detergent.

2. A storage tub capable of storing laundry; an automatic dosing device that includes a plurality of tanks capable of storing laundry treatment agents including a first detergent and a second detergent that is less likely to damage the laundry than the first detergent and has a tendency to have a weaker cleaning power, and that can perform an automatic dosing operation to automatically dosing the laundry treatment agent stored in any of the plurality of tanks into the storage tub; a control device that controls the operation of the automatic loading device and executes a washing operation having a plurality of courses for washing the laundry stored in the storage tub; an operation unit for receiving various operations from a user; Equipped with The control device is configured to select a target tank to be subjected to the automatic charging operation from among the plurality of tanks based on a predetermined operation on the operation unit, The control device is configured to weaken the rotational action of the storage tub during the washing operation when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state using the first detergent to a state using the second detergent.

3. A storage tub capable of storing laundry; an automatic dosing device that includes a plurality of tanks capable of storing laundry treatment agents including a first detergent and a second detergent that is less likely to damage the laundry than the first detergent and has a tendency to have a weaker cleaning power, and that can perform an automatic dosing operation to automatically dosing the laundry treatment agent stored in any of the plurality of tanks into the storage tub; a control device that controls the operation of the automatic loading device and executes a washing operation having a plurality of courses for washing the laundry stored in the storage tub; an operation unit for receiving various operations from a user; Equipped with The control device is configured to select a target tank to be subjected to the automatic charging operation from among the plurality of tanks based on a predetermined operation on the operation unit, The control device is configured to suppress the flow of water in the storage tub during the washing operation when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state using the first detergent to a state using the second detergent.

4. A storage tub capable of storing laundry; an automatic dosing device that includes a plurality of tanks capable of storing laundry treatment agents including a first detergent and a second detergent that is less likely to damage the laundry than the first detergent and has a tendency to have a weaker cleaning power, and that can perform an automatic dosing operation to automatically dosing the laundry treatment agent stored in any of the plurality of tanks into the storage tub; a control device that controls the operation of the automatic loading device and executes a washing operation having a plurality of courses for washing the laundry stored in the storage tub; an operation unit for receiving various operations from a user; Equipped with The control device is configured to select a target tank to be subjected to the automatic charging operation from among the plurality of tanks based on a predetermined operation on the operation unit, The control device is configured to perform a soaking operation to soak the laundry during the washing operation when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state using the first detergent to a state using the second detergent.

5. A storage tub capable of storing laundry; an automatic dosing device that includes a plurality of tanks capable of storing laundry treatment agents including a first detergent and a second detergent that is less likely to damage the laundry than the first detergent and has a tendency to have a weaker cleaning power, and that can perform an automatic dosing operation to automatically dosing the laundry treatment agent stored in any of the plurality of tanks into the storage tub; a control device that controls the operation of the automatic loading device and executes a washing operation having a plurality of courses for washing the laundry stored in the storage tub; an operation unit for receiving various operations from a user; Equipped with The control device is configured to select a target tank to be subjected to the automatic charging operation from among the plurality of tanks based on a predetermined operation on the operation unit, The control device is configured to shorten the time of the washing operation for washing the laundry included in the washing operation when the selection of the target tank is changed from a state using the second detergent to a state using the first detergent.

6. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control device is configured to determine whether or not to execute the automatic filling operation for each of the plurality of courses and to select the target tank based on a predetermined operation on the operation unit.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control device includes a storage unit that stores information related to the selection of the target tank.

8. The plurality of courses include a first course having standard operation contents and a second course having operation contents that are less likely to damage the laundry than the first course, The control device includes: When the target tank is selected so that the second detergent is used for both the first course and the second course, 8. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the laundry treatment agent dispensed in the automatic dispense operation when the washing operation is performed in the first course is set to be smaller than the amount of the laundry treatment agent dispensed in the automatic dispense operation when the washing operation is performed in the second course.

9. The plurality of courses include a first course having standard operation contents and a second course having operation contents that are less likely to damage the laundry than the first course, The control device includes: When the target tank is selected so that the first detergent is used for both the first course and the second course, 8. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the laundry treatment agent dispensed in the automatic dispense operation when the washing operation is performed in the second course is set to be less than the amount of the laundry treatment agent dispensed in the automatic dispense operation when the washing operation is performed in the first course.

10. The control device includes: a type discrimination unit for discriminating the type of the laundry contained in the storage tub, The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein an amount of the laundry treatment agent dispensed in the automatic dispensing operation is changed based on the type of the laundry determined by the type determination unit.

11. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the control device changes the selection of the target tank based on the type of the laundry determined by the type determination unit.

12. 12. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the control device is configured to intensify a rotational operation of the storage tub during the washing operation based on the type of the laundry determined by the type determination unit.

13. 12. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the control device is configured to reduce the rotation speed of the storage tub during the washing operation based on the type of the laundry determined by the type determination unit.

14. The washing machine according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the control device is configured to change a time period for a washing operation of washing the laundry included in the washing operation based on the type of the laundry determined by the type determination unit.

15. The control device includes: a mis-addition detection unit for detecting a mis-addition of the laundry treatment agent stored in each of the plurality of tanks to a different type from a predetermined type; The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a notification operation that notifies a user of the erroneous insertion when the erroneous insertion is detected by the erroneous insertion detection unit.

16. The washing machine according to claim 15, wherein the control device is configured to execute a discharging operation for discharging the laundry treatment agent dispensed into the storage tub when the erroneous dispensing detection unit detects the erroneous dispensing.

17. The washing machine according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the control device is configured to control the operation of the automatic dosing device so as to douse the laundry treatment agent stored in another tank different from the target tank into the storage tub when the erroneous dosing detection unit detects the erroneous dosing of the target tank.

18. The control device includes: a shortage detection unit for detecting a shortage of the laundry treatment agent, which is a state in which the laundry treatment agent stored in each of the plurality of tanks is less than a predetermined lower limit amount or a state in which the laundry treatment agent is not properly attached to a predetermined attachment location; 18. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein when the shortage detection unit detects a shortage of the treatment agent in the target tank, the operation of the automatic dispensing device is controlled so as to dispense the laundry treatment agent stored in another tank different from the target tank into the storage tub.

Images