washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine in which a plurality of types of treatment agent can be automatically inputted, and which improves convenience of a user.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: an outer case; a water tub provided inside the outer case; a plurality of tanks capable of storing a treatment agent of an amount used for a plurality of times of washing operation respectively; an input pump which pulls out a predetermined amount of the treatment agent from at least one of the plurality of tanks during the washing operation and inputs the same into the washing tub; a storage part provided at the outer case, formed in a container-like shape, and for detachably storing the plurality of tanks; a plurality of connection paths for connecting each of the plurality of tanks and the input pump; and a switching valve provided inside the storage part, and for opening / closing the plurality of connection paths.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, in order to meet the demands of users for improved convenience, washing machines have been developed that are equipped with an automatic dispenser that stores multiple doses of detergent, fabric softener, and other treatment agents in a tank in advance and automatically dispenses the required amount from the tank into the water tub during a wash run. In washing machines equipped with an automatic dispenser, multiple tanks may be provided so that multiple types of detergent, for example, both detergent and fabric softener, can be automatically dispensed.

[0003] In this case, a switching valve is provided in the path connecting each tank and the pump, and the tank from which the treatment agent is added is controlled by switching the switching valve. In a conventional configuration, the switching valve is provided integrally with the pump. However, when the switching valve is provided integrally with the pump, replacement and maintenance of the switching valve becomes difficult. Also, when there is no need to automatically add multiple types of treatment agents, the switching valve itself is not necessary. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2017-509464 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In view of this, a washing machine capable of automatically dispensing a plurality of types of treatment agents, thereby improving user convenience, is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The washing machine of the embodiment includes an outer box, a water tub provided inside the outer box, a plurality of tanks each capable of storing an amount of treatment agent to be used for a plurality of wash runs, a dosing pump that extracts a predetermined amount of the treatment agent from at least one of the plurality of tanks during a wash run and doses it into the water tub, a storage section provided in the outer box and formed into a container shape to removably store the plurality of tanks, a plurality of connection paths connecting each of the plurality of tanks to the dosing pump, and a switching valve provided inside the storage section to open and close the plurality of connection paths. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the periphery of a storage unit with a cover member removed in a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing the periphery of the storage unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, taken along line II in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment in a state where a fourth tank is installed instead of a first tank and a second tank; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the periphery of a storage unit with a fourth tank installed instead of the first and second tanks in a washing machine according to a first embodiment with a cover member removed; [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a setting screen displayed on a display unit when a switching valve is detected in the washing machine according to the first embodiment (part 1); [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a setting screen displayed on a display unit when a switching valve is detected in the washing machine according to the first embodiment (part 2); [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a setting screen displayed on a display unit when a switching valve is detected in the washing machine according to the first embodiment (part 3); [Figure 11] A flowchart showing the automatic power-on setting process by the control device for the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a setting screen displayed on the display unit when the switching valve is not detected in a washing machine according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a setting screen displayed on a display unit when a switching valve is detected in a washing machine according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing the periphery of a storage unit with a cover member removed in a washing machine according to a second embodiment; [Figure 15] A block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a washing machine according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing the periphery of a storage unit with a cover member removed in a washing machine according to a third embodiment; [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing the periphery of the storage unit of the washing machine according to the third embodiment, taken along line II-II of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing the periphery of the storage unit with the cover member removed in the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, the same components are given the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted. In each embodiment, the terms "first" and "second" attached to components are merely for distinguishing similar components, and do not indicate superiority or inferiority between the components or time factors. Each embodiment can be applied to both the horizontal-axis or diagonal-axis drum washing machine shown in FIG. 1 and the vertical-axis washing machine not shown.

[0009] (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, washing machine 10 includes outer box 11, water tub 12, rotating tub 13, control device 14, rotating tub motor 15, drainage mechanism 16, water supply mechanism 17, operation panel 18, and automatic loading device 20. In Fig. 1, the installation surface side of washing machine 10, i.e., the vertically lower side, is the lower side of washing machine 10, and the opposite side to the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upper side, is the upper side of washing machine 10. Washing machine 10 is a drum type washing machine of a horizontal axis type in which the rotation axis of rotating tub 13 is horizontal, or an oblique axis type inclined downward toward the rear.

[0010] Washing machine 10 may or may not have a drying function, for example, a heat pump type or a heater type. Water tub 12 is disposed in outer box 11 and elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). Rotating tub 13 is disposed rotatably within water tub 12. In this case, water tub 12 and rotating tub 13 function as a washing tub for storing laundry.

[0011] 3, control device 14 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having, for example, CPU 141 and storage area 142 such as ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory, and controls washing machine 10 as a whole. Control device 14 controls the operations of, for example, rotating tub motor 15, drain mechanism 16, water supply mechanism 17, and operation panel 18.

[0012] Rotary tub motor 15 is provided outside water tub 12 and connected to rotating tub 13. Rotary tub motor 15 is also electrically connected to control device 14, and is driven based on a control signal from control device 14 to rotate rotating tub 13.

[0013] Drain mechanism 16 shown in FIG. 2 has a function of draining water stored in water tub 12 to the outside of washing machine 10. Drain mechanism 16 has drain path 161 and drain valve 162. Drain path 161 is, for example, a flexible drain hose, one end of which is connected to drain valve 162 and the other end of which is drawn out to the outside of washing machine 10. Drain valve 162 is, for example, an on-off valve for liquid that can be electromagnetically opened and closed. Drain valve 162 is provided between drain port 121 provided at the bottom of water tub 12 and drain path 161. Drain valve 162 is electrically connected to control device 14 as shown in FIG. 3, and opens and closes drain path 161 based on a control signal from control device 14.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the water supply mechanism 17 is provided, for example, at the upper left rear part of the water tank 12 inside the outer casing 11. The water supply mechanism 17 receives water from an external water supply source, such as a water tap, and supplies the water to the water tank 12. As shown in Fig. 2, the water supply mechanism 17 has a water intake 171, a water supply path 172, a supply unit 173, and a water supply valve 174. The water intake 171 is provided so as to be exposed at the left rear part on the top surface of the outer casing 11. The water intake 171 is connected to an external water source, such as a water faucet, via a hose, for example.

[0015] Water supply path 172 is a path that connects water intake 171 to water tank 12 and rotating tank 13. Supply unit 173 is provided in the middle of water supply path 172, and is a section to which the treatment agent is supplied by automatic dosing device 20. Water supply valve 174 is an on-off valve for liquid that can be electromagnetically opened and closed. Water supply valve 174 is provided between water intake 171 and water supply path 172. Water supply valve 174 is electrically connected to control device 14 as shown in FIG. 3, and opens and closes water supply path 172 based on a control signal from control device 14.

[0016] The operation panel 18 is provided on the front part of the top surface of the outer box 11 as shown in Fig. 1. The operation panel 18 is also electrically connected to the control device 14 as shown in Fig. 3. Although not shown in detail, the operation panel 18 is provided with a power switch, a start key, and various operation keys for the user to set a washing operation course, etc. When executing a washing operation, the user can use the operation panel 18 to select whether to automatically add the treatment agent using the automatic dosing device 20, or to manually add one dose of the treatment agent using a manual dosing case not shown.

[0017] The automatic dispenser 20 has a function of storing different types of treatment agents, such as detergent and fabric softener, in advance for multiple wash runs in the washing machine 10, and automatically supplying a predetermined amount of the predetermined type of treatment agent into the water tub 12 over multiple wash runs. Here, multiple runs refers to the amount of treatment agent used for multiple wash runs. In this embodiment, the treatment agent includes, but is not limited to, detergent, detergent for delicates, fabric softener, bleach, fragrance, etc. The automatic dispenser 20 has a storage section 21, a storage section cover 22, a dispenser pump 23, multiple connection pipes 24, multiple tanks 30, and one or more changeover valves 40.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, etc., the storage unit 21 is provided inside the outer box 11 and stores a plurality of tanks 30 therein. The storage unit 21 has an opening 211 that opens toward the outside of the outer box 11, and is configured so that the user can access the tanks 30. The storage unit cover 22 opens and closes the opening 211 of the storage unit 21. The input pump 23 sucks out a predetermined amount of a predetermined type of treatment agent from at least one of the plurality of tanks 30 and inputs the sucked out treatment agent into the supply unit 173. The input pump 23 is electrically connected to the control device 14 and automatically inputs the treatment agent based on a control signal from the control device 14. After the treatment agent is input into the supply unit 173, the water supply valve 174 is opened and water flows through the water supply path 172, so that the treatment agent input into the supply unit 173 is dissolved or mixed in the water and is supplied to the water tank 12 together with the water.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the connecting pipe 24 is formed in a tubular shape through which the treatment agent passes, and connects the input pump 23 to each of the multiple tanks 30. The connecting pipe 24 forms a connection path through which the input pump 23 sucks the treatment agent from the tanks 30. Each of the multiple tanks 30 can store a liquid treatment agent therein. The switching valve 40 is provided in the middle of the connecting pipe 24 that connects at least two of the multiple tanks 30 to the input pump 23, and selectively switches the connection path through which the input pump 23 sucks the treatment agent from the at least two tanks 30. The switching valve 40 is an electromagnetic valve, electrically connected to the control device 14, and driven under the control of the control device 14. Driving the switching valve 40 enables the input pump 23 to selectively suck the treatment agent from one of the at least two tanks 30.

[0020] Next, each component of the automatic inserting device 20 will be described in detail. The storage section 21 is configured as a container with at least one surface open toward the outside of the outer box 11 and is provided inside the outer box 11. In the case of this embodiment, the storage section 21 is provided on the upper left side of the outer box 11 and configured as a box with an open top. The storage section 21 is configured to include an upper opening 211, a front wall section 212, a right wall section 213, a left wall section 214, a rear wall section 215, and a bottom section 216. The front wall section 212, the right wall section 213, the left wall section 214, and the rear wall section 215 form the side walls of the storage section 21.

[0021] The storage section 21 is configured to be able to store multiple tanks 30 lined up side by side or front to back. In this embodiment, the storage section 21 is configured to be able to store multiple tanks 30 lined up side by side. Also, each tank 30 is detachably stored in the storage section 21. The storage section cover 22 is attached to the outer box 11, and the opening on the top surface of the storage section 21 can be opened and closed. With the storage section cover 22 open, the user can inject a treatment agent into each tank 30, or pull each tank 30 out above the washing machine 10 to remove it from the washing machine 10.

[0022] The tank 30 is made of, for example, resin, and is configured as a hollow rectangular container that is long in the front-rear or left-right direction, and can store liquid processing agent inside. In this case, the tank 30 has a capacity sufficient to store the processing agent to be used for multiple operations. In this case, the capacity of the tank 30 is not particularly limited, but in consideration of user convenience, it is preferable to set it to at least about several hundred mL to 2 L.

[0023] The tank 30 has an inlet 31, a lid 32, and a suction port 33. The inlet 31 is an opening provided at the top of the tank 30. The lid 32 opens and closes the inlet 31. The user can open the lid 32 with or without removing the tank 30 from the storage section 21 and inject the treatment agent into the tank 30 through the inlet 31. The suction port 33 is provided at the bottom of the periphery of the tank 30. In this embodiment, the suction port 33 is provided at the bottom of the back surface of the tank 30, and the connecting pipe 24 is inserted into the suction port 33. Although not shown in detail, a check valve is provided at the inner end of the suction port 33, which prevents the liquid from flowing back into the tank 30 when the input pump 23 is not driven and prevents the treatment agent from leaking from the tank 30 when the connecting pipe 24 is removed.

[0024] The input pump 23 is provided inside the outer box 11 and outside the storage unit 21. The input pump 23 is provided, for example, on the outside of the storage unit 21 with respect to the side wall portions 212, 213, 214, and 215 of the storage unit 21, that is, on the side away from the center of the storage unit 21. In this embodiment, the input pump 23 is provided outside the back wall portion 215.

[0025] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 to Fig. 7, the automatic dosing device 20 has a plurality of tanks 30, in this case four tanks 30, that is, a first tank 301, a second tank 302, a third tank 303, and a fourth tank 304. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first tank 301, the second tank 302, the third tank 303, and the fourth tank 304, they will be collectively referred to as tanks 30.

[0026] At least two of the multiple tanks 30, in this case the first tank 301 and the second tank 302, are connected to the supply pump 23 by a first connecting pipe 241. A changeover valve 40 is provided midway through the first connecting pipe 241. The first tank 301 and the second tank 302 are selectively connected to the supply pump 23 through the first connecting pipe 241 by switching the changeover valve 40. The changeover valve 40 is a multi-port valve having at least two inlets and one outlet. The changeover valve 40 is provided in a space between the first tank 301 or the second tank 302 and the side wall portion on the supply pump 23 side, that is, the back wall portion 215 in this case.

[0027] The first connection pipe 241 includes an upstream portion 241a and a downstream portion 241b. The upstream portion 241a is a portion upstream of the switching valve 40 among a plurality of connection paths connecting the first tank 301 or the second tank 302 and the supply pump 23. The upstream portion 241a connects each of the tanks 301 and 302 to the switching valve 40. The downstream portion 241b is a portion downstream of the switching valve 40 among a plurality of connection paths connecting the first tank 301 or the second tank 302 and the supply pump 23. The downstream portion 241b connects the switching valve 40 and the supply pump 23. In this embodiment, the plurality of connection paths connecting the first tank 301 or the second tank 302 and the supply pump 23 branch off at the upstream side of the switching valve 40, i.e., the upstream portion 241a, and merge at the downstream side of the switching valve 40, i.e., the downstream portion 241b.

[0028] In this embodiment, the switching valve 40 is a multi-port valve that switches the path connecting the first tank 301 or the second tank 302 and the input pump 23, but is not limited to this. That is, a two-way solenoid valve having two ports, an inlet side and an outlet side, may be used as the switching valve 40, and the switching valve 40 may be disposed in each of the paths connecting the first tank 301 or the second tank 302 and the input pump 23, thereby switching the paths connecting the tanks 301, 302 and the input pump 23.

[0029] At least one tank 30 among the multiple tanks 30, in this case the third tank 303, is connected to the input pump 23 by the second connecting pipe 242. The second connecting pipe 242 does not have a switching valve 40 provided thereon. In other words, when the third tank 303 is accommodated in the accommodation section 21, it is constantly connected to the input pump 23 by the second connecting pipe 242.

[0030] The input pump 23 has at least two ports 231, 232, and is controlled by the control device 14 to selectively suck out the treatment agent from either the port 231 or 232. A first connecting pipe 241 is connected to the port 231, and a second connecting pipe 242 is connected to the port 232. For example, the input pump 23 has a motor (not shown in detail) built therein, and can selectively suck out the treatment agent from either the port 231 or 232 by controlling the rotation direction of the motor. In the following description, the first connecting pipe 241 and the second connecting pipe 242 may be collectively referred to as the connecting pipe 24 when there is no need to distinguish between them.

[0031] The switching valve 40 is configured to be detachable from the storage section 21. That is, before or after a washing operation or during maintenance, a user or an operator can remove the switching valve 40 from or attach it to the storage section 21 as necessary. That is, the switching valve 40 can be detached from the storage section 21 without the need for significant disassembly work such as removing a part of the outer box 11.

[0032] The switching valve 40 may be configured to be detachable from the first tank 301 and the second tank 302, or may be configured integrally with the first tank 301 and the second tank 302 so that it cannot be removed from the first tank 301 and the second tank 302 under normal use conditions by a user. In this embodiment, the switching valve 40 is configured to be detachable from the first tank 301 and the second tank 302. Therefore, for example, when cleaning, maintenance, or replacement of the switching valve 40 is required, a user or an operator can remove only the switching valve 40. In addition, the switching valve 40 may be configured integrally with the upstream portion 241a of the first connecting pipe 241, or may be configured separately and detachable. In this embodiment, the switching valve 40 is configured integrally with the upstream portion 241a of the first connecting pipe 241.

[0033] The switching valve 40 may be attached by a method of fastening with a screw member or the like, but it is preferable that the switching valve 40 be detachable by a one-touch method that does not require a screw member or tools.

[0034] The fourth tank 304 can be accommodated in the accommodation unit 21 in place of at least two tanks 30, in this case the first tank 301 and the second tank 302. That is, in this embodiment, the accommodation unit 21 can accommodate the first tank 301, the second tank 302, and the third tank 303, or the fourth tank 304 and the third tank 303. The fourth tank 304 is connected to the supply pump 23 by the downstream portion 241b of the first connecting pipe 241.

[0035] The tanks 30 may be configured to store the same type of treatment agent, or may store different types of treatment agents. The capacity of each tank 30 may be the same or different. However, a user does not necessarily use the same amount of multiple treatment agents in each wash run. Therefore, when storing different types of treatment agents in each tank 30, the amount of treatment agent that the user wants to store in each tank 301-304 may also differ depending on the frequency of use. For example, in a general wash run, detergent is consumed more than fabric softener. Also, detergent is used almost every time, but fabric softener, bleach, detergent for delicates, etc. are often used less frequently than detergent because they are used as needed. Therefore, for example, it is preferable that the tank 30 storing detergent among these tanks 30 has a larger capacity than the tank 30 storing fabric softener, bleach, detergent for delicates, etc.

[0036] The third tank 303 is set to have a larger capacity than the first tank 301 and the second tank 302. In other words, the third tank 303 having a larger capacity is constantly connected to the supply pump 23. The first tank 301 and the second tank 302 having a smaller capacity can be selectively connected to the supply pump 23 by the switching valve 40. The capacity of the fourth tank 304 is approximately the combined capacity of the first tank 301 and the second tank 302.

[0037] The third tank 303 can store a treatment agent that is used frequently and used in a relatively large amount per wash run, such as a detergent. The first tank 301 and the second tank 302, which have a smaller capacity than the third tank 303, can store a treatment agent that is used less frequently and used in a relatively small amount per wash run, such as a fabric softener, bleach, or detergent for delicates. The first tank 301 and the second tank 302 can have the same capacity or different capacities. In this embodiment, the first tank 301 and the second tank 302 are set to have the same capacity.

[0038] Although not limited thereto, the capacity of the third tank 303 can be set within a range of, for example, 1.5 to 4 times the capacity of the first tank 301 or the second tank 302. In this embodiment, the capacity of the third tank 303 is set to 3 times the capacity of the first tank 301 or the second tank 302. The capacity of the fourth tank 304 can be set within a range of, for example, about 4 / 3 to about 2 times the capacity of the third tank 303. In this embodiment, the capacity of the fourth tank 304 is set to about 2 / 3 times the capacity of the third tank 303.

[0039] In the case of a drum-type washing machine with a horizontal axis or a diagonal horizontal axis, the clearance between the outer box 11 and the water tub 12 becomes larger toward the outside in the left-right direction. Therefore, in order to ensure the capacity of the tank 30, it is preferable to provide the storage section 21 as far outward as possible in the left-right direction, in this case closer to the left end. In addition, in order to ensure the capacity of the tank 30, it is also possible to provide a step in the bottom 216 of the storage section 21. In other words, by setting the position of the bottom 216 lower toward the outside in the left-right direction, in this case the left side, where the clearance between the outer box 11 and the water tub 12 becomes larger, the internal space of the storage section 21 can be made as large as possible. In this embodiment, the third tank 303 with a large capacity is stored on the outside in the left-right direction of the storage section 21, in this case the left side, where the bottom 216 is lower, and the first tank 301 and the second tank 302 with a small capacity are stored on the center side of the washing machine 10 in the left-right direction, in this case the right side, where the bottom 216 is higher.

[0040] As shown in Figs. 3 to 5 etc., the automatic dosing device 20 is further configured to include a power supply unit 41. The power supply unit 41 has a function of supplying power to the switching valve 40. The power supply unit 41 is provided inside the outer box 11 and outside the storage unit 21. In other words, the power supply unit 41 is provided at a position where it is not exposed to the user even when the storage unit cover 22 is opened. This makes it possible to prevent the user from accidentally touching the power supply unit 41 with wet hands and to prevent liquids such as water and processing agents from entering the power supply unit 41.

[0041] The power supply unit 41 is provided on the outside of the side wall portions 212, 213, 214, and 215 of the storage unit 21 with respect to the storage unit 21, that is, on the side away from the center of the storage unit 21. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 41 is provided on the outside of the right wall portion 213, which is closer to the center of the washing machine 10 in the left-right direction, among the left and right side wall portions 213 and 214 of the storage unit 21. As described above, in order to ensure the capacity of the tank 30, it is preferable to provide the storage unit 21 as far outward as possible in the left-right direction, in this case closer to the left end. In this case, if the power supply unit 41 is disposed on the outside of the storage unit 21 in the left-right direction, the storage unit 21 must be moved toward the center of the washing machine 10 by at least the width of the power supply unit 41. In other words, the space of the storage unit 21 becomes narrower, and the capacity of the tank 30 becomes smaller. In contrast, by accommodating the first tank 301 and the second tank 302 closer to the center of the washing machine 10 in the left-right direction of the storage unit 21, in this case on the right side, it becomes unnecessary to arrange the power supply unit 41 on the outside of the storage unit 21 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the internal space of the storage section 21, and therefore the capacity of the tank 30, can be secured as much as possible.

[0042] The switching valve 40 and the power supply unit 41 are connected by wiring (not shown). The wiring extending from the power supply unit 41 is drawn out from a hole (not shown) provided in the side walls 212, 213, 214, and 215 (in this case, the right wall 213) and connected to the switching valve 40. Note that in other embodiments, the switching valve 40 and the power supply unit 41 may be of a type that operates without contact by electromagnetic induction or the like.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the height position of the power supply unit 41 from the floor surface is set higher than the height position of the connection pipe 24 from the floor surface. That is, the lower end of the power supply unit 41 is located higher than the upper end of the connection pipe 24. Therefore, even if liquid such as water or a treatment agent enters the inside of the outer box 11 from the hole through which the wiring passes, it is possible to prevent the liquid from entering the power supply unit 41. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 41 is located at a position where at least a part of it overlaps with the switching valve 40 in a side view and is located higher than the upper end of the connection pipe 241, but this is not limited to this. The power supply unit 41 may be located at any position as long as it is higher than the connection pipe 241 and lower than the opening 211. In other embodiments, the power supply unit 41 may be located higher than the switching valve 40, that is, at a position where it does not overlap with the switching valve 40 in a side view, for example, facing the upper part of the storage unit 21.

[0044] The washing machine 10 further includes an installation detection unit 42. The installation detection unit 42 detects whether the switching valve 40 is installed in the storage unit 21. The installation detection unit 42 detects whether the switching valve 40 is installed in the storage unit 21 by contact or non-contact. The contact type may be, for example, a switch that physically detects by pushing a protruding portion protruding from the switching valve 40 into the side wall portion 212, 213, 214, 215, or the bottom portion 216 of the storage unit 21. In addition, the non-contact type may be, for example, a configuration that detects whether or not electricity is supplied to the switching valve 40, or a configuration that detects a change in magnetic flux density by inserting a permanent magnet or a metal piece inside the switching valve 40 and providing a reed switch on the side wall portion 212, 213, 214, 215, or the bottom portion 216 of the storage unit 21, but is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the installation detection unit 42 is provided next to the power supply unit 41 and detects whether or not electricity is supplied to the switching valve 40. The control device 14 executes a determination process to determine whether or not the switching valve 40 is installed, according to the detection result of the installation detection unit 42, before or at the start of a washing operation.

[0045] If it is determined that the switching valve 40 is installed as a result of the determination process, the control device 14 allows the user to set in which step among the tanks 301, 302, and 303 the treatment agent is to be added. The washing operation includes at least one of the washing step, the rinsing step, and the spin-drying step, and the user can set in which step the treatment agent is to be automatically added.

[0046] In this embodiment, the control device 14 displays a setting screen 50a shown in Fig. 8 on the display unit 181 of the operation panel 18. The display unit 181 functions as an operation unit through which the user inputs settings for automatic dispensing. The setting screen 50a displays, for example, a plurality of tank selection keys 51, a plurality of treatment agent selection keys 52, and a setting key 53. The plurality of tank selection keys 51 correspond to a first tank 301, a second tank 302, and a third tank 303, respectively. The plurality of treatment agent selection keys 52 display various treatment agents, such as a detergent, a fabric softener, a detergent for delicates, a bleach, etc.

[0047] When the setting screen 50a is displayed on the display unit 181, the user operates the tank selection keys 51 to select the tank 30 that he or she wishes to use in the wash operation. When the user operates any one of the tank selection keys 51, that tank selection key 51 becomes active. For example, a setting screen 50b in which the user selects the first tank 301 is shown in FIG. 9. Next, the user operates any one of the multiple treatment agent selection keys 52 to select a type of treatment agent. When the user selects a type of treatment agent, the selected treatment agent is displayed in an area 54 corresponding to the active tank selection key 51. The area 54 is located near each tank selection key 51 and below each tank selection key 51 on the screen. For example, a setting screen 50c in which the user selects a detergent is shown in FIG. 10.

[0048] The user repeats these operations as many times as the number of tanks 30 to be used in the current wash operation. That is, the user repeats the above operations until the selected treatment agent is displayed in the positions corresponding to the tank selection keys 51 corresponding to all the tanks 30 to be used. When the selection of the type of treatment agent for all the tanks 30 to be used is completed, the user operates the setting key 53 to complete the selection of the tank 30 and the corresponding treatment agent. Note that the type of treatment agent may be displayed in advance in the areas 54 corresponding to each of the multiple tank selection keys 51 before the user sets it. For example, the type of treatment agent set by default may be displayed in advance, or the type of treatment agent previously set may be stored in the memory area 142 and displayed.

[0049] The control device 14 indirectly sets the process of automatically dispensing the treatment agent from each tank 30, i.e., the timing of automatic dispensing, according to the type of treatment agent set for each tank 30, and controls the operation of the automatic dispensing device 20. For example, if the set treatment agent is a detergent, a detergent for delicates, or a bleaching agent, the control device 14 sets it to be automatically introduced in the wash step. Also, if the set treatment agent is a fabric softener or a fragrance, the control device 14 sets it to be automatically dispensed in the rinsing step.

[0050] If it is determined as a result of the determination process that the switching valve 40 is not installed, that is, if the third tank 303 and the fourth tank 304 are contained in the containing section 21, the control device 14 automatically sets the tank 30 storing the treatment agent to be automatically added in each process. For example, the control device 14 can be configured to automatically add the treatment agent from the third tank 303 in the washing process. The control device 14 can also be configured to automatically add the treatment agent from the fourth tank 304 in the rinsing process.

[0051] 11 shows an example of a flowchart relating to the setting process for automatic feeding by the control device 14 before the start of a washing operation. When the setting process for automatic feeding starts (START), the control device 14 determines whether or not automatic feeding is specified in step S11. That is, the control device 14 determines whether the treatment agent needs to be fed by the automatic feeding device 20, or whether the treatment agent will be fed manually by the user without using the automatic feeding device 20. If automatic feeding is not specified (NO in step S11), the control device 14 ends the setting process for automatic feeding (END).

[0052] If automatic introduction is specified (Yes in step S11), the control device 14 advances the process to step S12. In step S12, the control device 14 judges whether the switching valve 40 is detected by the installation detection unit 42. That is, the control device 14 executes a judgment process to judge whether the switching valve 40 is installed. If the switching valve 40 is not detected as a result of the judgment process (No in step S12), the control device 14 advances the process to step S13. In step S13, the control device 14 sets the automatic introduction setting to a default setting. The default setting is a setting stored in the memory area 142 at the time of shipment from the factory, and is, for example, a setting in which the treatment agent is automatically introduced from the third tank 303 via the second connecting pipe 242 in the washing process, and the treatment agent is automatically introduced from the fourth tank 304 via the first connecting pipe 241 in the rinsing process. After executing step S13, the control device 14 ends the setting process for automatic introduction (END).

[0053] If the switching valve 40 is detected as a result of the determination process (Yes in step S12), the control device 14 advances the process to step S14. In step S14, the control device 14 enables the user to set from which tank 30 the processing agent should be automatically added in which process. For example, the control device 14 displays a setting screen 50a on the display unit 181. This allows the user to operate various keys to execute the setting for automatic addition.

[0054] In step S15, the control device 14 determines whether the automatic input setting has been completed. For example, the control device 14 determines that the automatic input setting has been completed by the user operating the setting key 53. If it is determined that the setting has not been completed (No in step S15), the control device 14 repeats the process of step S15. If it is determined that the setting has been completed (Yes in step S15), the control device 14 ends the automatic input setting process (END). In this manner, the control device 14 executes the automatic input setting process.

[0055] Next, the control of automatic feeding by the control device 14 will be described. In this case, it is assumed that the setting process for automatic feeding is completed. When automatically feeding the processing agent stored in the first tank 301 or the second tank 302 in the washing process, the control device 14 switches the switching valve 40 according to the setting before or at the start of the washing process. Switching the switching valve 40 includes both opening the port on the set side from a state in which the port is open on a side different from the setting, and maintaining the state in which the port on the set side is open.

[0056] The control device 14 then drives the input pump 23 to suck the treatment agent from the set tank 301, 302, 303, or 304 through the port 231 on the first connecting pipe 241 side or the port 232 on the second connecting pipe 242 side according to the setting, and supplies it to the supply unit 173. Thereafter, the control device 14 opens the water supply valve 174 to supply water from an external water supply source to the supply unit 173. The treatment agent supplied to the supply unit 173 is dissolved or mixed with the water supplied from the external water supply source, and both are poured into the water tub 12. In this way, the laundry treatment agent is automatically added in the washing process. Thereafter, the control device 14 closes the water supply valve 174 when a predetermined amount of water is poured into the water tub 12, and drives the rotary tub motor 15 to perform the washing operation.

[0057] When automatic addition is performed in the rinsing step, the control by the controller 14 is generally similar to that in the washing step. When automatic addition of the treatment agent stored in the first tank 301 or the second tank 302 in the rinsing step is performed, the controller 14 switches the switching valve 40 according to the setting before or at the start of the rinsing step. After the laundry treatment agent is automatically added in the rinsing step, the controller 14 closes the water supply valve 174 when a predetermined amount of water is poured into the water tub 12, and drives the rotatable tub motor 15 to perform the rinsing operation. When water pouring and rinsing is performed, the controller 14 drives the rotatable tub motor 15 with the water supply valve 174 open to perform the rinsing operation.

[0058] The dehydration step can be performed according to the conventional technique. The washing operation is performed as described above. Note that the washing operation may be followed by a sterilization operation or a drying operation.

[0059] Here, it is conceivable to provide the switching valve 40 integrally with, for example, the input pump 23 at a position that cannot be directly accessed from outside the storage unit 21, i.e., from outside the outer box 11. However, the switching valve 40 may deteriorate over time due to repeated use. Therefore, if the switching valve 40 is provided integrally with the input pump 23, maintenance or replacement of the switching valve 40 becomes a major task when the switching valve 40 malfunctions.

[0060] In contrast, the washing machine 10 of the present embodiment includes an outer box 11, a water tub 12, a plurality of tanks 301, 302, 303, 304, a dosing pump 23, a storage section 21, a plurality of connection pipes 241, 242, and a switching valve 40. The water tub 12 is provided inside the outer box 11. The plurality of tanks 301, 302, 303, 304 can each store an amount of treatment agent used for a plurality of washing operations. The dosing pump 23 extracts a predetermined amount of treatment agent from at least one of the plurality of tanks 301, 302, 303, 304 during a washing operation and doses the treatment agent into the water tub 12. The storage section 21 is provided in the outer box 11 and formed in a container shape to detachably store the plurality of tanks 301, 302, 303, 304. A connection path formed by the multiple connection pipes 241, 242 connects each of the multiple tanks 301, 302, 303, 304 to the input pump 23. A switching valve 40 is provided inside the storage unit 21, and opens and closes the multiple connection paths formed by the multiple connection pipes 241.

[0061] According to this, washing machine 10 can automatically dispense multiple types of treatment agents into water tub 12. In addition, an operator can easily access the space inside storage unit 21 from outside outer box 11. Therefore, an operator can easily perform maintenance and replacement of switching valve 40 provided inside storage unit 21. Thus, washing machine 10 is provided that can automatically dispense multiple types of treatment agents, and improves user convenience by reducing maintenance costs and labor.

[0062] Here, a washing machine with two tanks is known, but the treatment agent used in the washing operation is not limited to two types as described above, and some users may use three or more types of treatment agent for each washing operation depending on the type of clothes, the degree of dirt, etc. In this case, if three or more tanks are provided for automatic dispensing, the capacity of each tank will be small, and the user will have to increase the number of times to inject treatment agent into the tank. This may reduce the benefits of automatic dispensing.

[0063] In contrast, the washing machine 10 includes a plurality of tanks 30, in this case a first tank 301 and a second tank 302, and at least one tank 30, in this case a third tank 303, which is larger in capacity than the first tank 301 and the second tank 302. The first tank 301 and the second tank 302 are connected to a first connecting pipe 241 which forms a connecting path passing through the switching valve 40. The third tank 303 is connected to a second connecting pipe 242 which is a connecting path not passing through the switching valve 40.

[0064] According to this, a processing agent that is used frequently or in a large amount per use can be stored in the large-capacity third tank 303, and a plurality of types of processing agents that are used moderately frequently or in a small amount per use can be stored in the medium-capacity first tank 301 and second tank 302, which can be switched by the switching valve 40. This makes it possible to automatically charge three or more types of processing agents appropriately into the tank 30 according to the frequency and amount of use of the processing agent, improving user convenience.

[0065] The switching valve 40 can be attached to and detached from the storage unit 21 by a user's operation. That is, the switching valve 40 can be removed and reattached by a simple operation according to the needs of the user or worker.

[0066] According to this, when the user does not need to automatically dispense a plurality of, for example, three or more types of treatment agents, it is possible to remove the switching valve 40, the first tank 301, and the second tank 302, and use the larger-capacity fourth tank 304 by storing it in the storage section 21. Thus, a washing machine 10 that improves the user's convenience is provided.

[0067] Here, there is a risk of the treatment agent in the tank 30 leaking into the storage unit 21. In addition, liquid such as water may be used when cleaning the inside of the storage unit 21. In this case, if the power supply unit 41 of the switching valve 40 is exposed to the outside, there is a risk of electric leakage, electric shock, and the like.

[0068] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the washing machine 10 further includes a power supply unit 41 of the switching valve 40. The power supply unit 41 is provided inside the outer box 11 and outside the storage unit 21.

[0069] This can prevent the power supply unit 41 from coming into contact with liquid, thereby reducing the risk of electric leakage or electric shock.

[0070] Furthermore, the height position of the power supply unit 41 is set to be higher than the height positions of the first connecting pipe 241 and the second connecting pipe 242 which form the connection path.

[0071] According to this, even if liquid leaks from the tank 30, the first connecting pipe 241, or the second connecting pipe 242, the possibility of water entering the power supply unit 41 can be reduced.

[0072] Washing machine 10 includes an installation detection unit 42 that detects whether or not switching valve 40 is installed, and controller 14 that controls the operation of supply pump 23 and switching valve 40. Controller 14 controls supply pump 23 and switching valve 40 according to the detection result of installation detection unit 42.

[0073] According to this, the washing machine 10 automatically detects the presence or absence of the switching valve 40 and controls the operation, so that the user does not need to set the presence or absence of the switching valve 40 by himself / herself. Therefore, the user's convenience is improved.

[0074] The washing machine 10 includes a display unit 181 as an operation unit that can set the timing of supplying the treatment agent stored in the multiple tanks 301, 302, 303, and 304 by a user's operation. When the detection result of the installation detection unit 42 is "with switching valve", the control device 14 displays setting screens 50a to 50c on the display unit 181 that can set the timing of supplying the treatment agent.

[0075] According to this, when the switching valve 40 is provided, that is, when three or more tanks 30 are contained in the storage section 21, the user can set which tank 30 is to be used to add the processing agent stored therein to which process. The control device 14 operates the switching valve 40 and the input pump 23 in accordance with the settings. This improves user convenience.

[0076] In addition, even if it is determined that the switching valve 40 is not installed, the control device 14 may display a confirmation screen 50d, an example of which is shown in FIG. 12, on the display unit 181 so that the user can confirm the process to be automatically added and the processing agent to be automatically added. In this case, the third tank 303 and the fourth tank 304 are displayed on each tank selection key 55. In addition, the type of processing agent set as the default setting is displayed in the area 56 corresponding to each tank selection key 55. If the user wants to change the setting, he or she can operate the multiple tank selection keys 55 and the multiple processing agent selection keys 52. In this way, the configuration may be such that the user can set the timing of automatic addition from the third tank 303 and the fourth tank 304 by setting the type of processing agent stored in the third tank 303 and the fourth tank 304.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the process for automatically dispensing the processing agent from each tank 30, i.e., the timing of automatic dispensing, is not directly set, but is indirectly set by setting the type of processing agent, but is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, the control device 14 may be configured to display a dispensing process selection key 57 instead of the processing agent selection key 52 on the screen 50e, allowing the user to directly set the process for automatic dispensing from each tank 30.

[0078] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. In the second embodiment, the washing machine 10 includes a tank unit 60. The tank unit 60 includes a first tank 301, a second tank 302, and a switching valve 40 as an integrated configuration. That is, a user or an operator can attach and detach the first tank 301, the second tank 302, and the switching valve 40 to and from the storage unit 21 by a single action of attaching and detaching the tank unit 60 to and from the storage unit 21.

[0079] In this embodiment, the tank unit 60 has a housing 61. The housing 61 is formed, for example, in a box shape with an open top, and houses therein a first tank 301, a second tank 302, a switching valve 40, and an internal connecting pipe 243. The internal connecting pipe 243 connects each of the first tank 301 and the second tank 302 to the switching valve 40, and is connected to a downstream portion 241b of the first connecting pipe 241 via the switching valve 40, and forms a connection path between the first tank 301 or the second tank 302 and the input pump 23 together with the downstream portion 241b of the first connecting pipe 241.

[0080] The first tank 301, the second tank 302, the switching valve 40, and the internal connection pipe 243 may be configured to be removable or non-removable from the housing 61. In this embodiment, the first tank 301, the second tank 302, the switching valve 40, and the internal connection pipe 243 are configured to be non-removable from the housing 61. In particular, the first tank 301 and the second tank 302 are integrally molded with the housing 61 using resin or the like.

[0081] Here, when the switching valve 40 is not necessary, that is, when the user does not use three or more types of processing agents, the user removes the switching valve 40, the first tank 301, and the second tank 302 from the storage unit 21. In this case, it is troublesome for the user to separately remove each of them and separately attach them when they are used again.

[0082] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the switching valve 40 is configured to be detachably attached to the storage section 21 as an integral structure with a plurality of tanks 301 and 302 connected to a connection path formed by the internal connecting pipe 243 that passes through the switching valve 40 and the downstream portion 241b of the first connecting pipe 241.

[0083] According to this, the switching valve 40, the first tank 301, and the second tank 302 can be simultaneously removed from and reattached to the storage section 21. This improves user convenience.

[0084] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first tank 301, the second tank 302, the switching valve 40, and the internal connection pipe 243 are all provided inside the housing 61. As a result, even if liquid leakage occurs between the switching valve 40 and the first tank 301 or the second tank 302, or in the switching valve 40, it will be inside the housing 61. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence of the liquid leakage on the surrounding configuration.

[0085] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 15 to 17. In this embodiment, the automatic dosing device 20 further has a remaining amount detection unit 70. The remaining amount detection unit 70 has a function of detecting the remaining amount of processing agent stored in at least the first tank 301 and the second tank 302 among the multiple tanks 301, 302, 303, 304. In this embodiment, the remaining amount detection unit 70 has a function of detecting the remaining amount of processing agent stored in the third tank 303 in addition to the first tank 301 and the second tank 302. The remaining amount detection unit 70 is configured to be detachable from the storage unit 21.

[0086] The remaining amount detection unit 70 is provided inside the storage unit 21, outside the multiple tanks 301, 302, 303, and 304. In this case, the remaining amount detection unit 70 is provided in the space between the first tank 301 or the second tank 302 and the rear wall portion 215, that is, in the vicinity of the switching valve 40. Note that in this embodiment, the remaining amount detection unit 70 is provided below the switching valve 40, but this is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the remaining amount detection unit 70 may be provided at a height position approximately the same as the switching valve 40 or above the switching valve 40.

[0087] The remaining amount detection unit 70 is electrically connected to the control device 14, operates under the control of the control device 14, and transmits the detection result to the control device 14. The detection method of the remaining amount detection unit 70 may be a non-contact type or a contact type, with the non-contact type being preferred. An example of a non-contact type is a capacitance type liquid level sensor that detects a change in the liquid level from a change in capacitance.

[0088] Here, if the switching valve 40 is provided inside the storage unit 21, a so-called dead space that cannot be used to store the processing agent is likely to occur inside the storage unit 21.

[0089] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, washing machine 10 includes a remaining amount detection unit 70 that detects the amount of treatment agent stored in multiple tanks 301, 302, 303, 303. The remaining amount detection unit 70 is disposed between multiple tanks 301, 302 and the side wall portion of storage unit 21 on the supply pump 23 side, that is, back wall portion 215 in this case.

[0090] Therefore, by providing the remaining amount detection unit 70 in this space, the space inside the storage unit 21 can be effectively utilized, which in turn contributes to the miniaturization of the washing machine 10.

[0091] In this embodiment, the multiple tanks 301, 302 and the switching valve 40 are not integrally configured, but even when the multiple tanks 301, 302 and the switching valve 40 are integrally configured as in the second embodiment, the remaining amount detection unit 70 can be provided. In that case, the remaining amount detection unit 70 can also be integrally configured with the multiple tanks 301, 302. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a housing 61 is provided to house the multiple tanks 301, 302 and the switching valve 40 therein, and the remaining amount detection unit 70 is provided inside the housing 61, as in the second embodiment.

[0092] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. In this embodiment, the washing machine 10 includes a first storage section 81 and a second storage section 82 instead of the storage section 21 in each of the above embodiments. The first storage section 81 detachably stores therein a first tank 301, a second tank 302, and a switching valve 40 or a fourth tank 304. The second storage section 82 detachably stores therein a third tank 303. A first connection pipe 241 extends into the first storage section 81, and a second connection pipe 242 extends into the second storage section 82.

[0093] The first storage section 81 and the second storage section 82 are configured in the shape of a container with at least one surface open toward the outside of the outer box 11 and are provided inside the outer box 11. In the case of this embodiment, the first storage section 81 and the second storage section 82 are provided side by side in this order from the right side toward the upper left of the outer box 11 and are configured in the shape of a box with an open top.

[0094] The first storage section 81 and the second storage section 82 may be provided adjacent to each other in the left-right or up-down direction, or may be provided apart from each other at a predetermined distance. In this embodiment, the first storage section 81 and the second storage section 82 are provided adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. The first storage section 81 and the second storage section 82 are provided independently of each other. Here, being provided independently means that a partition wall 83 is provided that at least partially separates the internal spaces of each storage section 81 and 82. The partition wall 83 may extend from the bottom of each storage section 81 and 82 to the upper openings 811 and 821, or may be provided from the bottom to a predetermined height position, for example, at least to a height position through which the first connection pipe 241 passes. In this embodiment, the partition wall 83 extends from the bottom of each storage section 81 and 82 to the upper openings 811 and 821, and the inside of the first storage section 81 and the inside of the second storage section 82 are not communicated with each other.

[0095] The storage section 81 includes an upper opening 811, a front wall section 812, a right wall section 813, a rear wall section 814, and a bottom section (not shown in detail). The front wall section 812, the right wall section 813, the rear wall section 814, and the partition wall 83 form side walls of the storage section 81.

[0096] The power supply unit 41 is provided on the outside of the front wall 812, right wall 813, and back wall 814 of the storage unit 81 with respect to the storage unit 21, that is, on the side away from the center of the storage unit 81. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 41 is provided on the outside of the right wall 813, which is closer to the center of the storage unit 81 in the left-right direction of the washing machine 10. The height position of the power supply unit 41 from the floor surface is set higher than the height position of the first connecting pipe 241 from the floor surface. In this embodiment, since the partition wall 83 is provided, the height position of the power supply unit 41 can be set regardless of the height position of the second connecting pipe 242.

[0097] According to the present embodiment, the washing machine 10 includes a first storage section 81 and a second storage section 82. The first storage section 81 is provided therein with a switching valve 40. The second storage section 82 is provided independently of the first storage section 81, and does not include the switching valve 40 therein.

[0098] According to this, since the space for accommodating the first tank 301 and the second tank 302 and the space for accommodating the third tank 303 do not need to be in the same space, the degree of freedom in designing the washing machine 10 is increased. Furthermore, since the second accommodating section 82 does not have the switching valve 40 therein, it can be designed without considering the positional relationship between the power supply section 41 and the second connecting pipe 242.

[0099] The above embodiments can be combined with each other. Also, only the characteristic parts of two or more embodiments can be extracted and combined. The above embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The present embodiment and its modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10... washing machine, 11... water tub, 14... control device, 181... display unit (setting unit), 20... automatic dosing device, 21... storage unit, 212... front wall portion (side wall portion), 212... front wall portion (side wall portion), 213... right wall portion (side wall portion), 214... left wall portion (side wall portion), 215... rear wall portion (side wall portion), 23... dosing pump, 24... connecting pipe (connection path), 241... first connecting pipe (connection path), 242... second connecting pipe (connection path), 243... internal connecting pipe (connection path), 3 0...tank, 301...first tank (tank), 302...second tank (tank), 303...third tank (tank), 304...fourth tank (tank), 33...second water supply path, 34...first water supply valve, 35...second water supply valve, 36...automatic input section, 37...manual input section, 38, 39...case, 40...switching valve, 41...power supply section, 42...installation detection section, 50a, 50b, 50c...setting screen, 70...remaining amount detection section, 81...first storage section, 82...second storage section

Claims

1. Outer box and A water tank provided inside the outer box; A plurality of tanks each capable of storing an amount of treatment agent used for a plurality of washing operations; a dosing pump that extracts a predetermined amount of the treatment agent from at least one of the plurality of tanks during a washing operation and doses the treatment agent into the water tub; a container-shaped storage section provided in the outer box and configured to detachably store the plurality of tanks; A plurality of connection paths connecting each of the plurality of tanks to the supply pump; a switching valve provided inside the housing portion and configured to open and close the plurality of connection paths, The switching valve is detachable from the storage portion by a user operation, An installation detection unit that detects whether the switching valve is installed or not; A control device for controlling the operation of the supply pump and the switching valve, The control device controls the supply pump and the switching valve according to a detection result of the installation detection unit. washing machine.

2. An outer box, A water tank provided inside the outer box; A plurality of tanks each capable of storing an amount of treatment agent used for a plurality of washing operations; a dosing pump that extracts a predetermined amount of the treatment agent from at least one of the plurality of tanks during a washing operation and doses the treatment agent into the water tub; a container-shaped storage section provided in the outer box and configured to detachably store the plurality of tanks; A plurality of connection paths connecting each of the plurality of tanks to the supply pump; a switching valve provided inside the housing portion and configured to open and close the plurality of connection paths, The switching valve is detachable from the storage portion by a user operation, the storage unit is capable of storing another tank connected to the supply pump without passing through the switching valve, instead of at least two of the plurality of tanks connectable to the switching valve; washing machine.

3. A plurality of tanks connected to the plurality of connection paths via the switching valve; At least one tank having a larger capacity than the plurality of tanks connected to the plurality of connection paths via the switching valve and connected to a connection path that does not pass through the switching valve. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The switching valve is configured to be detachably attached to the storage portion as an integral configuration with the plurality of tanks connected to the plurality of connection paths via the switching valve. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Further comprising a power supply unit for the switching valve, The power supply unit is provided inside the outer box and outside the housing unit. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The height position of the power supply unit is set higher than the height positions of the plurality of connection paths. The washing machine according to claim 5.

7. a first storage section in which the switching valve is provided; a second storage section provided independently of the first storage section and not provided with the switching valve therein, The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An installation detection unit that detects whether the switching valve is installed or not; A control device for controlling the operation of the supply pump and the switching valve, The control device controls the supply pump and the switching valve according to a detection result of the installation detection unit. The washing machine according to claim 2.

9. an operation unit that allows a user to set the timing of adding the processing agent stored in the plurality of tanks; When the detection result of the installation detection unit indicates that a switching valve is present, the control device displays a screen on the operation unit on which the supply timing of the treatment agent can be set. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 8.

10. a remaining amount detection unit that detects the amount of the processing agent stored in the plurality of tanks, The remaining amount detection unit is disposed between the plurality of tanks and a side wall portion of the storage unit on the side of the supply pump.

10. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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