Washing machine and treatment agent amount change method

Abstract

To provide a washing machine and a method for changing the amount of a treatment agent which can prevent deterioration in washing performance.SOLUTION: A washing machine 100 includes a rotating drum 24, a measurement unit 70, a water supply unit 30, a treatment agent feeding device 40, an operation unit 62, a water supply determination unit 11, and a treatment agent amount changing unit 12. The rotating drum 24 contains laundry. The measurement unit 70 measures the amount of laundry contained in the rotating drum 24. The water supply unit 30 supplies water to the rotating drum 24. The treatment agent feeding device 40 feeds a laundry treatment agent to the rotating drum 24. The operation unit 62 receives an instruction from a user. The water supply determination unit 11 determines, according to the result of the measurement performed by the measurement unit 70, a first water amount which is the amount of water to be fed to the rotating drum 24 and a first treatment agent amount which is the amount of the laundry treatment agent to be fed to the rotating drum 24. The treatment agent amount changing unit 12 changes, when an instruction to change the first water amount to a second water amount is received by the operation unit 62 after the water supply determination unit 11 has determined the first water amount and the first treatment agent amount, the first treatment agent amount to a second treatment agent amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine and a method for changing the amount of a treatment agent. [Background technology]

[0002] The drum-type washing machine described in Patent Document 1 has a control means, a laundry amount detection means, and a water level change input setting switch. The laundry amount detection means detects the amount of laundry in the rotating drum. The control means changes the set water level based on the setting of the water level change input setting switch. If the water level change input setting switch is operated during the washing cycle, the rotation of the rotating drum is stopped, and the set water level is changed based on the operation of the water level change input setting switch. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-81573 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the drum-type washing machine described in Patent Document 1, even if the set water level increases during the washing cycle, the amount of detergent (amount of laundry treatment agent) remains constant. Therefore, the concentration of detergent relative to the amount of water may become diluted, which may result in a deterioration in washing performance.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine and a method for changing the amount of a treatment agent that can suppress a decrease in cleaning performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a washing tub, a measurement unit, a water supply unit, a treatment agent supply unit, a reception unit, a water supply determination unit, and a treatment agent amount change unit. The washing tub contains laundry. The measurement unit measures the amount of laundry contained in the washing tub. The water supply unit supplies water to the washing tub. The treatment agent supply unit supplies laundry treatment agent to the washing tub. The reception unit receives instructions from a user. The water supply determination unit determines a first water amount indicating the amount of water to be supplied to the washing tub and a first treatment agent amount indicating the amount of laundry treatment agent to be supplied to the washing tub based on the measurement result of the measurement unit. The treatment agent amount change unit changes the first treatment agent amount to a second treatment agent amount when the reception unit receives an instruction to change the first water amount to a second water amount after the water supply determination unit has determined the first water amount and the first treatment agent amount.

[0007] A method for changing the amount of treatment agent according to one aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: acquiring the amount of laundry; determining the amount of water and the amount of laundry treatment agent based on the amount of laundry; accepting a change in the amount of water after determining the amount of water and the amount of laundry treatment agent; and changing the amount of laundry treatment agent after accepting the change in the amount of water. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in cleaning performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a washing time changed by a washing time changing unit according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing another example of the washing time changed by the washing time changing unit according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6A]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a notification unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a display unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a part of a washing process executed by the washing machine according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing another part of the washing process executed by the washing machine according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of a drum-type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a drum-type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] A washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the washing machine 100 according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine 100. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the washing machine 100.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the washing machine 100 of this embodiment is a vertical washing machine. The washing machine 100 includes a housing 101, a lid 102, and an operation display unit 103. The housing 101 is a casing that houses various devices and units therein. The washing machine 100 may also have a laundry drying function.

[0013] 2, housing 101 has an opening 104 at the top. Lid 102 closes opening 104. Lid 102 is supported by a hinge so as to be able to open and close.

[0014] Operation display unit 103 is provided on the upper part of housing 101. Operation display unit 103 includes display device 60. Display device 60 receives instructions for washing machine 100.

[0015] The following describes the internal structure of washing machine 100. As shown in Fig. 2, washing machine 100 includes a water tub 1, a balancer 2, a drive unit 20, a water supply unit 30, and a drain unit 50 inside.

[0016] The drive unit 20 includes a drive motor 21 , a clutch-brake mechanism 22 (see FIG. 3), a drive shaft 23 , a rotating tub 24 (drum), and a stirring member 25 .

[0017] Water tub 1 and rotatable tub 24 are cylindrical containers with a bottom. In upright washing machine 100, water tub 1 and rotatable tub 24 are open at the top. Water tub 1 and rotatable tub 24 have opening 52 at approximately the center of the bottom. Opening 52 penetrates the bottom of water tub 1 and rotatable tub 24. Opening 52 functions as a drain port for draining water from rotatable tub 24. Hereinafter, opening 52 may be referred to as "drain port 52."

[0018] Rotary tub 24 is disposed inside water tub 1. With lid 102 open, laundry is placed into rotary tub 24 through opening 104. Rotary tub 24 is rotated by drive motor 21. Rotary tub 24 is an example of a "washing tub" that stores laundry and detergent solution.

[0019] The balancer 2 is a weight. The balancer 2 is attached around the opening of the rotating tub 24. The balancer 2 suppresses eccentric rotation of the rotating tub 24 (so-called "miso grinding motion").

[0020] Rotating tub 24 of washing machine 100 of this embodiment is a so-called "holeless tub" in that no holes communicating with water tub 1 are provided in the side wall (circumferential surface). Therefore, rotating tub 24 can store water by itself. However, rotating tub 24 may have holes provided in the side wall.

[0021] Agitating member 25 is, for example, a pulsator. Agitating member 25 agitates the laundry contained in rotatable tub 24. Agitating member 25 is disposed at the bottom of rotatable tub 24. Agitating member 25 rotates or oscillates independently of rotatable tub 24 by being driven by drive motor 21 via drive shaft 23. Drive shaft 23 is inserted through drain outlet 52 of rotatable tub 24.

[0022] The drive motor 21 and the clutch-brake mechanism 22 drive the rotating tub 24 and the agitating member 25. Specifically, the clutch-brake mechanism 22 transmits the driving force of the drive motor 21 to the rotating tub 24 and the agitating member 25. As a result, the drive motor 21 rotates the rotating tub 24 and the agitating member 25. The drive motor 21 is controlled by the control device 10 to rotate the rotating tub 24 and the agitating member 25 at a specified speed. The drive motor 21 is, for example, a DC (direct current) motor unit. The drive motor 21 can switch its rotation direction between forward and reverse.

[0023] Drive shaft 23 has a double shaft structure consisting of an agitation shaft and a dewatering shaft. The agitation shaft is connected to agitating member 25 and rotates agitating member 25. The dewatering shaft is connected to rotating tub 24 and rotates rotating tub 24.

[0024] The water supply unit 30 inputs (supplies) water into the rotating tub 24. The water supply unit 30 is an example of a "water input unit." The water supply unit 30 includes a first water supply valve 31, a second water supply valve 32, and a third water supply valve 33. The water supply unit 30 further includes a first water supply passage W1, a second water supply passage W2, and a third water supply passage W3 connected to the first water supply valve 31, the second water supply valve 32, and the third water supply valve 33, respectively (see Figure 3). Note that, for the sake of simplicity, only the third water supply passage W3 is shown in Figure 2.

[0025] The upstream sides of the first water supply passage W1, the second water supply passage W2, and the third water supply passage W3 are connected to a water source such as a water faucet. Water supplied from the water source branches off toward the first water supply passage W1, the second water supply passage W2, and the third water supply passage W3 upstream of the first water supply valve 31, the second water supply valve 32, and the third water supply valve 33.

[0026] The third water supply passage W3 sprays water directly onto the laundry in a shower-like manner without passing through the detergent dispenser 42 and the fabric softener dispenser 43. Note that the first water supply valve 31 and the second water supply valve 32 may be arranged as a single switching valve rather than as separate on-off valves.

[0027] The washing machine 100 further includes a treatment agent dispenser 40 (see FIG. 3). The treatment agent dispenser 40 dispenses a laundry treatment agent into the rotating tub 24. The treatment agent dispenser 40 is an example of a "treatment agent dispenser." Here, the laundry treatment agent refers to a chemical used in laundry treatment, such as a detergent or fabric softener.

[0028] In this embodiment, the treatment agent dispenser 40 includes a feed pump 41, a detergent dispenser 42, and a fabric softener dispenser 43. The detergent dispenser 42 includes a detergent supply valve 421 and a detergent tank 422. The fabric softener dispenser 43 includes a fabric softener supply valve 431 and a fabric softener tank 432. The detergent tank 422 stores laundry detergent. The fabric softener tank 432 stores fabric softener.

[0029] The detergent dispenser 42 is disposed, for example, in the flow path (flow path) of the first water supply passage W1. The feed pump 41 supplies the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 422 to the first water supply passage W1 via the detergent supply valve 421. The detergent supply valve 421 is an electromagnetic on-off valve whose opening and closing is controlled by the control device 10.

[0030] While detergent supply valve 421 is open, detergent pumped from detergent tank 422 by feed pump 41 is introduced into first water supply passage W1. When first water supply valve 31 of water supply unit 30 is opened and water flows into first water supply passage W1, the detergent introduced into first water supply passage W1 is carried by the water flow and introduced into rotation tub 24. This is sometimes referred to as "automatic introduction of laundry treatment agent."

[0031] The same applies to the dispensing of fabric softener. Fabric softener dispenser 43 is disposed, for example, in the flow path (flow path) of second water supply passage W2. If fabric softener for clothes is stored in advance in fabric softener tank 432, fabric softener supplied from fabric softener tank 432 is dispensed into spin tub 24 via second water supply passage W2 while fabric softener supply valve 431 is open. This may be referred to as "automatic dispensing of laundry treatment agent."

[0032] In this embodiment, the water supply unit 30 includes a detergent case 34 and a fabric softener case 35 (see FIG. 3). The detergent case 34 is located at the end of the flow path (flow passage) of the first water supply passage W1. The detergent case 34 contains a detergent. The fabric softener case 35 is located at the end of the flow path (flow passage) of the second water supply passage W2. The fabric softener case 35 contains a fabric softener.

[0033] For example, each time the user manually operates washing machine 100 to wash, detergent is placed in detergent case 34 by the user. If detergent is placed in detergent case 34 in advance, when water flows through first water supply passage W1, the detergent placed in detergent case 34 is placed into rotatable tub 24 by the flow of water. This may be referred to as "manually placing detergent." When manually placing detergent, detergent stored in detergent tank 422 of detergent placement section 42 may be used. The detergent placed in detergent case 34 may be liquid or powder.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, a user places fabric softener in fabric softener case 35 each time the user manually operates washing machine 100 to wash. If the user places fabric softener in fabric softener case 35 in advance, when water flows through second water supply passage W2, the fabric softener placed in fabric softener case 35 is poured into rotating tub 24 by the flow of water.

[0035] Drainage section 50 includes drainage port 52 (opening), as well as drainage valve 51, drainage channel 53, drainage channel 54, and external drainage channel 55. Drainage channel 53 allows water to flow down from drainage port 52 of rotating tub 24 to drainage valve 51. Drainage channel 54 drains the water accumulated in water tub 1 during the dehydration process. External drainage channel 55 guides the wastewater discharged from rotating tub 24 and water tub 1 to the outside of the machine.

[0036] The drain valve 51 is an electromagnetic on-off valve. The opening and closing of the drain valve 51 is also controlled by the control device 10. Therefore, the amount of water (water level) in the rotating tub 24 is controlled by the control device 10.

[0037] During dehydration treatment by rotation of the rotating tub 24, water that overflows from the upper end of the rotating tub 24 into the water tub 1 is constantly drained outside the machine via the drainage channel 54 and the external drainage channel 55.

[0038] Washing machine 100 of the present embodiment further includes a circulation pump (not shown). The circulation pump circulates the cleaning liquid that has flowed out from drain outlet 52 to just before (upstream of) drain valve 51 by returning it to spin tub 24 without discharging it outside the machine. The circulation pump may be omitted.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the washing machine 100 further includes a control device 10, a measurement unit 70, a water level sensor 80, a detection unit 90, and a storage unit 110.

[0040] Measurement unit 70 measures the amount of laundry accommodated in rotatable tub 24. For example, measurement unit 70 rotates rotatable tub 24 with laundry accommodated therein, and measures the amount of laundry based on the results of detecting the current and drive rotation speed of drive motor 21. Measurement unit 70 then outputs the measurement results to control device 10. Control device 10 calculates the weight of the laundry based on the measurement results of measurement unit 70. Note that measurement unit 70 may calculate the weight of the laundry based on the measurement results of measurement unit 70.

[0041] Water level sensor 80 detects the height of the water surface (liquid level) in the washing tub. Water level sensor 80 includes, for example, a non-contact water level meter. Water level sensor 80 outputs the detection result to control device 10. Control device 10 calculates the water surface height in spin tub 24 (the water level in the washing tub) based on the detection result of water level sensor 80. Note that water level sensor 80 may calculate the water surface height in spin tub 24 based on the detection result of water level sensor 80.

[0042] The detection unit 90 detects the amount of laundry treatment agent. Specifically, the detection unit 90 detects the amount of detergent stored in the detergent tank 422. The detection unit 90 also detects the amount of fabric softener stored in the fabric softener tank 432. The detection unit 90 is, for example, an optical sensor including a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. In this case, at least a part of the detergent tank 422 and at least a part of the fabric softener tank 432 are made of a transparent material. The detection unit 90 outputs the detection result to the control device 10. Then, the control device 10 calculates the amount of laundry treatment agent based on the detection result of the detection unit 90. Note that the detection unit 90 may calculate the amount of laundry treatment agent based on the detection result of the detection unit 90.

[0043] The storage unit 110 includes a main storage device such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 110 may also include an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 110 stores various computer programs and various data.

[0044] The control device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the operation of each part of the washing machine 100. For example, the control device 10 controls the drive unit 20, the water supply unit 30, the treatment agent dispenser 40, the drainage unit 50, the display device 60, the measurement unit 70, the water level sensor 80, the detection unit 90, and the memory unit 110.

[0045] The control device 10 also includes a water supply determination unit 11, a treatment agent amount change unit 12, a wash time setting unit 13, a wash time change unit 14, a drive control unit 15, and a timer 16. In this embodiment, the treatment agent amount change unit 12 includes a detergent amount change unit 121 and a fabric softener amount change unit 122.

[0046] The control device 10 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control device 10 controls each element of the washing machine 100 by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 110.

[0047] The water supply determination unit 11 determines (calculates) the amount of laundry based on the measurement results output by the measurement unit 70. Furthermore, the water supply determination unit 11 determines a first water amount WS1 indicating the amount of water to be dispensed into the rotatable tub 24 and a first treatment agent amount P1 indicating the amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed into the rotatable tub 24 based on the measurement results (calculation results of the amount of laundry) of the measurement unit 70. Specifically, the water supply determination unit 11 determines a first detergent amount D1 indicating the amount of detergent to be dispensed into the rotatable tub 24 and a first fabric softener amount S1 indicating the amount of fabric softener to be dispensed into the rotatable tub 24. Here, the first water amount WS1 indicates the amount of water dispensed into the rotatable tub 24 in the washing process and the amount of water dispensed into the rotatable tub 24 in the rinsing process of the laundry process performed by the washing machine 100. The first water amount WS1 in the washing process and the first water amount WS1 in the rinsing process may be the same or different.

[0048] After the water supply determination unit 11 determines the first water volume WS1 and the first treatment agent volume P1, when the operation unit 62 receives an instruction to change the first water volume WS1 to the second water volume WS2, the treatment agent volume change unit 12 changes the first treatment agent volume P1 to the second treatment agent volume P2. The instruction to change the water volume is given, for example, by a user operating the operation unit 62. For example, the user may operate the operation unit 62 to give an instruction to change the water volume when the laundry appears to be immersed in water during a wash or when additional laundry is added. When the second treatment agent volume P2 is greater than the first treatment agent volume P1 and the treatment agent dispenser 40 has already dispensed the first treatment agent volume P1 into the rotatable tub 24, for example, the treatment agent dispenser 40 automatically dispenses laundry treatment agent according to the difference between the first treatment agent volume P1 and the second treatment agent volume P2. Furthermore, when the second water volume WS2 is less than the first water volume WS1, for example, the control device 10 controls the drain unit 50 to drain the amount of water corresponding to the difference between the first water volume WS1 and the second water volume WS2. This prevents the concentration of the laundry treatment agent from becoming too high or too low relative to the amount of water added to the spin tub 24. As a result, the appropriate concentration of the laundry treatment agent can be maintained, and appropriate washing performance can be obtained.

[0049] Specifically, when the operation unit 62 receives an instruction to change the first water volume WS1 to the second water volume WS2 after the water supply determination unit 11 has determined the first water volume WS1 and the first treating agent volume P1, the detergent amount change unit 121 changes the first detergent amount D1 to the second detergent amount D2. Furthermore, when the operation unit 62 receives an instruction to change the first water volume WS1 to the second water volume WS2 after the water supply determination unit 11 has determined the first water volume WS1 and the first treating agent volume P1, the detergent amount change unit 122 changes the first fabric softener amount S1 to the second fabric softener amount S2. If the second detergent amount D2 is greater than the first detergent amount D1 and the detergent dispenser 42 has already dispensed the first detergent amount D1 into the rotatable tub 24, the detergent dispenser 42 automatically dispenses detergent according to the difference between the first detergent amount D1 and the second detergent amount D2. In addition, when the second softener amount S2 is greater than the first softener amount S1 and the softener dispenser 43 has already dispensed the first softener amount S1 of softener into the rotating tub 24, the softener dispenser 43 automatically dispenses detergent according to the difference between the first softener amount S1 and the second softener amount S2.

[0050] More specifically, for example, after the water supply determination unit 11 determines the first water amount WS1 and the first treating agent amount P1, when the user issues an instruction via the operation unit 62 to increase the amount of water to be dispensed into the rotatable tub 24 (an instruction to increase the first water amount WS1 to the second water amount WS2), the detergent amount change unit 121 increases the first detergent amount D1 to the second detergent amount D2. Similarly, the fabric softener amount change unit 122 increases the first fabric softener amount S1 to the second fabric softener amount S2. Then, when the detergent dispenser 42 has dispensed the first detergent amount D1 into the rotatable tub 24, the detergent dispenser 42 automatically dispenses detergent according to the difference between the first detergent amount D1 and the second detergent amount D2. Furthermore, when the fabric softener dispenser 43 has dispensed the first softener amount S1 into the rotatable tub 24, the fabric softener dispenser 43 automatically dispenses detergent according to the difference between the first softener amount S1 and the second softener amount S2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the detergent and the concentration of the fabric softener from becoming diluted relative to the amount of water put into the rotating tub 24. As a result, it is possible to more accurately prevent a decrease in washing performance.

[0051] Here, the second water volume WS2 refers to the amount of water supplied to the spin tub 24 in the washing process and the amount of water supplied to the spin tub 24 in the rinsing process of the laundry process performed by the washing machine 100. The second water volume WS2 in the washing process and the second water volume WS2 in the rinsing process may be the same or different. In the present embodiment, when the operation unit 62 receives an instruction to change the first water volume WS1 in the washing process to the second water volume WS2, it is preferable that the water supply determination unit 11 change the first water volume WS1 in the rinsing process to the second water volume WS2.

[0052] The drive control unit 15 controls the drive unit 20. The timer 16 detects that a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, the timer 16 detects that a washing time (preset time, additional time, etc.) has elapsed. The preset time and additional time will be described later. The washing time setting unit 13 and the washing time changing unit 14 will be described later.

[0053] The display device 60 has a display unit 61 and an operation unit 62. The operation unit 62 of the display device 60 includes a group of operation keys. The operation unit 62 receives instructions from a user. The operation unit 62 is an example of a "reception unit." The display unit 61 displays various information. The display unit 61 is, for example, a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an ELD (Electro Luminescence Display). The display unit 61 may include a touch panel and function as the operation unit 62.

[0054] Next, the washing time adjustment process executed by the washing time changing unit 14 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the washing time changed by the washing time changing unit 14.

[0055] The washing time setting unit 13 sets the washing time for washing the laundry based on the determination by the water supply determination unit 11. Specifically, the washing time setting unit 13 sets the washing time for washing the laundry based on each or a combination of the first water volume WS1, the amount of laundry, and the first treatment agent amount P1 (i.e., the first detergent amount D1 and the first fabric softener amount S1) determined by the water supply determination unit 11. Hereinafter, in this specification, the time previously set by the water supply determination unit 11 may be referred to as a preset time (preset time 1 to preset time 3). Hereinafter, the washing time refers to, for example, the time for the washing process performed by the washing machine 100 and the time for the rinsing process performed by the washing machine 100. In other words, the washing time setting unit 13 sets the time for each of the washing process and the rinsing process. Note that the washing time may or may not include the time for water supply by the water supply unit 30.

[0056] After the treatment agent amount change unit 12 changes the amount of laundry treatment agent, the washing time change unit 14 changes the washing time set by the washing time setting unit 13. Specifically, after the treatment agent amount change unit 12 changes the first treatment agent amount P1 to the second treatment agent amount P2, the washing time change unit 14 sets an additional time for washing laundry after the preset time set by the washing time setting unit 13. Hereinafter, the additional time may be referred to as additional time 1, additional time 2, or additional time 3.

[0057] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, washing time setting unit 13 sets preset time 1. Then, washing time changing unit 14 sets additional time 1 after preset time 1. Generally, the amount of water poured into spin tub 24 increases as the amount of laundry increases, and appropriate washing performance can be achieved by lengthening the washing time as the amounts of laundry and water increase. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing time from becoming shorter relative to the amount of water and laundry treatment agent poured into spin tub 24. As a result, the effectiveness of washing performance is improved.

[0058] The washing time change unit 14 may change the washing time set by the washing time setting unit 13 based on either the washing time set by the washing time setting unit 13 or the change made by the treatment agent amount change unit 12, or a combination thereof. For example, the washing time change unit 14 may set the additional time shorter the smaller the increase in the amount of laundry treatment agent by the treatment agent amount change unit 12 (= second treatment agent amount P2 - first treatment agent amount P1), and may set the additional time longer the larger the increase in the amount of laundry treatment agent by the treatment agent amount change unit 12. The washing time change unit 14 may also set the additional time shorter the longer the preset time set by the washing time setting unit 13, and may set the additional time longer the shorter the preset time.

[0059] Furthermore, the wash time change unit 14 changes the wash time so that the wash time is longer than the wash time set by the wash time setting unit 13 for the same amount of water. Specifically, if the amount of water used when the wash time setting unit 13 previously sets preset time 2 based on the determination by the water supply determination unit 11 is the same as the second water amount WS2 instructed to be changed after the water supply determination unit 11 determined the first water amount WS1, the wash time change unit 14 makes the wash time longer than preset time 2. That is, the wash time change unit 14 changes the wash time so that the sum of preset time 1 and additional time 1 set by the wash time change unit 14 is longer than preset time 2. This prevents the wash time after additional laundry treatment agent and water are added to the spin tub 24 from becoming shorter relative to the amounts of laundry treatment agent and water. Here, if the wash time is shorter relative to the amounts of laundry treatment agent and water, cleaning performance may be reduced. As a result, cleaning performance is further improved.

[0060] Furthermore, the washing time changing unit 14 changes the washing time so that the washing time is shorter than the sum of the washing time performed before the washing time changing unit 14 changes the washing time and the washing time set by the washing time setting unit 13. Specifically, the washing time changing unit 14 sets the additional time so that the sum of the preset time 1 and the additional time 1 is shorter than the washing time when washing is performed for the preset time 2 set by the water supply determination unit 11 based on the second water volume WS2 from the time when additional water and laundry treatment agent are added to the rotatable tub 24. In other words, the washing time changing unit 14 changes the washing time so that the sum of the preset time 1 and the additional time 1 is shorter than the sum of the washing time performed before the instructed washing time change and the preset time 2. This prevents the washing time from being unnecessarily long relative to the amount of water and laundry treatment agent added to the rotatable tub 24. As a result, deterioration of the laundry caused by a longer washing time can be prevented.

[0061] Next, the washing time adjustment process executed by the washing time changing unit 14 will be further described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the washing time changed by the washing time changing unit 14.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the longer the washing time performed before changing the washing time, the longer the washing time change unit 14 increases the washing time. For example, if the washing time setting unit 13 sets preset time 3 based on the first water volume WS1, and the washing time is changed to time T1 after the start of the washing time, the washing time change unit 14 sets additional time 2. As a result, preset time 3 ends at time T2, and the washing ends at time T3. On the other hand, if the washing time setting unit 13 sets preset time 3, and the washing time is changed to time T4, which is later than time T1 after the start of the washing time, the washing time change unit 14 sets additional time 3. As a result, preset time 3 ends at time T2, and the washing ends at time T5, which is later than time T3. Therefore, the washing time after changing the washing time, i.e., after adding water and laundry treatment agent to the spin tub 24, can be prevented from becoming shorter relative to the amounts of laundry treatment agent and water. As a result, the effectiveness of cleaning performance is further improved.

[0063] In this embodiment, the timing at which the washing time changing unit 14 changes the washing time, the timing at which the water supply determination unit 11 adds additional water to the rotatable tub 24, and the timing at which the treatment agent dosing device 40 adds additional laundry treatment agent to the rotatable tub 24 are substantially the same. However, the timing at which the washing time changing unit 14 changes the washing time, the timing at which the water supply determination unit 11 adds additional water to the rotatable tub 24, and the timing at which the treatment agent dosing device 40 adds additional laundry treatment agent to the rotatable tub 24 may be different.

[0064] Next, notification by notification unit 120 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 6A. Fig. 6A is a diagram showing notification unit 120. Washing machine 100 further includes notification unit 120. Notification unit 120 is arranged, for example, in operation display unit 103 provided on top of housing 101 of washing machine 100. Note that notification unit 120 may be included in display device 60, or display unit 61 of display device 60 may function as notification unit 120. Furthermore, notification unit 120 may be arranged in a position of washing machine 100 different from operation display unit 103.

[0065] The notification unit 120 issues a notification when, for example, the amount of laundry treatment agent detected by the detection unit 90 is less than the amount of laundry treatment agent added by the treatment agent amount change unit 12. Specifically, when the amount of laundry treatment agent detected by the detection unit 90 is less than the amount of laundry treatment agent added by the treatment agent amount change unit 12, the control device 10 controls the notification unit 120 to notify the user of a shortage of laundry treatment agent. The notification unit 120 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp. If the notification unit 120 is an LED lamp, it emits light (turns on) when the amount of laundry treatment agent detected by the detection unit 90 is less than the amount of laundry treatment agent added by the treatment agent amount change unit 12. The notification unit 120 may be an LED lamp 120a that notifies the user of a shortage of detergent, or an LED lamp 120b that notifies the user of a shortage of fabric softener.

[0066] Next, the washing time displayed by the display unit 61 will be described with reference to Figs. 3, 4, and 6B. Fig. 6B is a diagram showing the display unit 61. The display unit 61 displays the washing time changed by the washing time change unit 14. Specifically, when the preset time ends with 15 minutes remaining and the additional time set by the washing time change unit 14 is 5 minutes, the display unit 61 displays, for example, "20 minutes remaining." This makes it easy for the user to know when the washing will end. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0067] If the additional time set by washing time change unit 14 is 5 minutes, display unit 61 may display the additional time set by washing time change unit 14 as the washing time changed by washing time change unit 14, such as "+5 minutes" or "The additional time is 5 minutes." Therefore, the user can learn how much additional time is set depending on the amount of water additionally added to spin tub 24 and the timing at which the additional water is added to spin tub 24. As a result, usability of washing machine 100 for the user is improved every time the user uses washing machine 100.

[0068] Next, the washing process performed by the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing part of the washing process performed by the washing machine 100. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing another part of the washing process performed by the washing machine 100. The washing process performed by the washing machine 100 includes steps S1 to S30. The washing process also includes a method for changing the amount of treatment agent.

[0069] In step S1, the measurement unit 70 measures the amount of laundry contained in the spin tub 24. Then, the measurement unit 70 outputs the measurement result to the control device 10. That is, step S1 corresponds to the step of acquiring the amount of laundry in the treatment agent amount changing method.

[0070] In step S2, the water supply determination unit 11 determines a first water volume WS1 indicating the amount of water to be dispensed into the spin tub 24 based on the measurement result of the measurement unit 70. In step S3, the water supply determination unit 11 determines a first treatment agent amount P1 indicating the amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed into the spin tub 24 based on the measurement result of the measurement unit 70. That is, steps S2 and S3 correspond to the steps of determining the amount of water and the amount of laundry treatment agent based on the amount of laundry in the treatment agent amount changing method.

[0071] In step S4, the washing time setting unit 13 sets the washing time for washing the laundry based on the determination by the water supply determination unit 11.

[0072] In step S5, the water supply unit 30 supplies (feeds) water to the rotation tub 24 at a first water volume WS1.

[0073] In step S6, detergent dispenser 42 dispenses detergent into rotatable tub 24. That is, detergent is automatically dispensed into rotatable tub 24. Note that if undiluted detergent comes into direct contact with laundry, the laundry may be damaged. Therefore, it is preferable that detergent dispenser 42 dispenses detergent after water supply unit 30 dispenses (supplies) water in step S5. Note that in the present embodiment, for example, step S6 is executed while step S5 is being executed, but step S6 may also be executed after step S5 is executed.

[0074] After the pouring of water into rotatable tub 24 (step S5) and the pouring of detergent into rotatable tub 24 (step S6) are completed, drive control unit 15 controls drive unit 20 to execute the washing process in step S7. That is, drive control unit 15 drives drive motor 21 to rotate rotatable tub 24 and agitator 25.

[0075] In step S8, the control device 10 determines whether the operation unit 62 has received an instruction to change the first water volume WS1 to the second water volume WS2 after the water supply determination unit 11 has determined the first water volume WS1 and the first treatment agent volume P1. That is, the control device 10 determines whether the operation unit 62 has received an instruction to change the first water volume WS1 to the second water volume WS2 after step S4. If a negative determination (No) is made in step S8, the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if a positive determination (Yes) is made in step S8, the process proceeds to step S9 in FIG. 8. That is, a positive determination (Yes) in step S8 corresponds to the step of determining the amount of water and the amount of laundry treatment agent and then accepting a change in the amount of water in the treatment agent amount changing method.

[0076] 8, in step S9, the treatment agent amount change unit 12 changes the first treatment agent amount P1 to the second treatment agent amount P2. That is, the detergent amount change unit 121 changes the first detergent amount D1 to the second detergent amount D2, and the fabric softener amount change unit 122 changes the first fabric softener amount S1 to the second fabric softener amount S2. That is, step S9 corresponds to the step of changing the amount of laundry treatment agent after receiving a request to change the amount of water, among the treatment agent amount change methods.

[0077] In step S10, the washing time changing unit 14 changes the washing time set by the washing time setting unit 13 in step S4. That is, the washing time changing unit 14 sets an additional time after the preset time set by the washing time setting unit 13.

[0078] In step S11, the display unit 61 displays the washing time changed by the washing time change unit 14 in step S10.

[0079] In step S12, the detection unit 90 detects the amount of detergent stored in the detergent tank 422. Then, the detection unit 90 outputs the detection result to the control device 10.

[0080] In step S13, the control device 10 determines whether the amount of detergent stored in the detergent tank 422 is less than the amount of laundry treatment agent (= second detergent amount D2 - first detergent amount D1) added by the treatment agent amount change unit 12. If a negative determination (No) is made in step S13, the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if a positive determination (Yes) is made in step S13, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0081] In step S14, control device 10 controls notification unit 120 based on the detection result of detection unit 90. As a result, notification unit 120 notifies that the amount of detergent stored in detergent tank 422 is insufficient. Then, the process returns to step S12.

[0082] In step S15, the water supply unit 30 adds (supplies) additional water (=the second water volume WS2-the first water volume WS1) to the rotation tub .

[0083] In step S16, the detergent dispenser dispenses additional detergent (=second detergent amount D2-first detergent amount D1) into the rotatable tub 24.

[0084] After the addition of water and detergent to rotatable tub 24 is completed, drive control unit 15 controls drive unit 20 to execute the washing process in step S17. That is, drive control unit 15 drives drive motor 21 to rotate rotatable tub 24 and agitator 25. Then, the process proceeds to step S18 in FIG. 7.

[0085] In step S18, control device 10 controls drain unit 50 to drain the wash water from spin tub 24. Then, drive control unit 15 controls drive unit 20 to execute the spin cycle. That is, drive control unit 15 drives drive motor 21 to rotate spin tub 24. As a result, the amount of water held by the laundry is reduced.

[0086] In step S19, control device 10 controls water supply unit 30 to add (supply) water to rotatable tub 24, and drive control unit 15 controls drive unit 20 to execute the rinsing process. That is, drive control unit 15 drives drive motor 21 to rotate rotatable tub 24 and agitator 25. As a result, detergent adhering to the laundry is washed away. Here, shower rinsing is preferably performed in step 19. In shower rinsing, water is supplied to the laundry in a shower-like manner while rotating rotatable tub 24, thereby rinsing the laundry.

[0087] In step S20, controller 10 controls drain unit 50 to drain the wash water from spin tub 24. Specifically, controller 10 sends a signal to drain valve 51 to open the on-off valve, thereby draining the water from spin tub 24. Then, drive control unit 15 controls drive unit 20 to execute the spin cycle. That is, drive control unit 15 drives drive motor 21 to rotate spin tub 24. As a result, the amount of water held by the laundry is reduced.

[0088] In step S21, the control device 10 determines whether the operation unit 62 has received an instruction to change the first water volume WS1 to the second water volume WS2 after the water supply determination unit 11 has determined the first water volume WS1 and the first treatment agent volume P1. That is, the control device 10 determines whether the operation unit 62 has received an instruction to change the first water volume WS1 to the second water volume WS2 after step S4. If a negative determination (No) is made in step S21, the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if a positive determination (Yes) is made in step S21, the process proceeds to step S24 in FIG. 8. Note that even if a negative determination (No) is made in step S8, if the operation unit 62 receives an instruction to change the first water volume WS1 to the second water volume WS2 after step S18, a positive determination (Yes) is made in step S21.

[0089] In step S22, the water supply unit 30 supplies (feeds) water to the rotation tub 24 at a first water volume WS1.

[0090] In step S23, the fabric softener dispenser 43 dispenses the first fabric softener amount S1 into the rotating tub 24.

[0091] 8, in step S24, the detection unit 90 detects the amount of fabric softener stored in the fabric softener tank 432. Then, the detection unit 90 outputs the detection result to the control device 10.

[0092] In step S25, the control device 10 determines whether the amount of fabric softener stored in the fabric softener tank 432 is less than the amount of fabric softener changed by the treatment agent amount change unit 12 (second fabric softener amount S2). If a negative determination (No) is made in step S25, the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, if a positive determination (Yes) is made in step S25, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0093] In step S26, the control device 10 controls the notification unit 120 based on the detection result of the detection unit 90. As a result, the notification unit 120 notifies that the amount of fabric softener stored in the fabric softener tank 432 is insufficient. Then, the process returns to step S24.

[0094] In step S27, the water supply unit 30 supplies (feeds) the second water volume WS2 of water to the rotation tub .

[0095] In step S28, the fabric softener dispenser 43 dispenses the second fabric softener amount S2 into the rotating tub 24. Then, the process proceeds to step S29 in FIG.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 7, in step S29, control device 10 controls water supply unit 30 to supply water, and drive control unit 15 controls drive unit 20 to execute the rinsing process. That is, drive control unit 15 drives drive motor 21 to rotate rotatable tub 24 and agitator 25. As a result, detergent adhering to the laundry is washed away. Here, in step 29, a pool rinse is preferably performed. In the pool rinse, supplied water is stored in rotatable tub 24, and then rotatable tub 24 rotates to rinse the laundry.

[0097] In step S30, controller 10 controls drain unit 50 to drain the wash water from spin tub 24. Specifically, controller 10 controls drain valve 51 to open it, thereby draining the water from spin tub 24. Then, drive control unit 15 controls drive unit 20 to execute the spin cycle. That is, drive control unit 15 drives drive motor 21 to rotate spin tub 24. As a result, the amount of water held by the laundry is reduced.

[0098] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, some components may be omitted from all components shown in the embodiments. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual components due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention.

[0099] (1) In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, a vertical washing machine 100 (vertical washing tub) is used as an example. However, the type and form of the washing machine of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiment, and the present invention can be implemented in washing machines of various configurations.

[0100] 9 and 10, a description will be given of a case where the washing machine of the embodiment is a drum type (horizontal drum type) washing machine 200. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts as those of the vertical washing machine 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the drum type washing machine 200, and Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the drum type washing machine 200. The block diagram of the drum type washing machine 200 is omitted because it is the same as that of Fig. 3 except that the reference numeral "100" indicating the washing machine is replaced with "200".

[0102] Drum-type washing machine 200 differs from vertical washing machine 100 in appearance in that it includes housing 201, lid 202, operation display unit 203, and open / close button 205 for lid 202. It also includes opening 204 similar to opening 104.

[0103] 10 differs from upright washing machine 100 in that drain section 50 includes drain valve 51, drain outlet 52 (opening), drain channel 53, and external drain channel 55. Also, instead of agitating member 25, ribs for lifting laundry are arranged on the side wall (circumferential surface) of rotating tub (drum) 33.

[0104] The drum-type washing machine 200 having the above configuration can also perform the washing process (treatment agent amount change process) described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Therefore, the drum-type washing machine 200 can suppress a decrease in washing performance, similar to the vertical washing machine 100.

[0105] (2) Furthermore, as described with reference to FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, after the water supply determination unit 11 determines the first water volume WS1 and the first treatment agent volume P1, if the operation unit 62 receives an instruction to change the first water volume WS1 to the second water volume WS2, the water supply determination unit 11 changes the first water volume WS1 in the washing process to the second water volume WS2 and changes the first water volume WS1 in the rinsing process to the second water volume WS2. However, the water supply determination unit 11 may change the first water volume WS1 in the washing process to the second water volume WS2 and maintain the first water volume WS1 in the rinsing process. Alternatively, the water supply determination unit 11 may maintain the first water volume WS1 in the washing process and change the first water volume WS1 in the rinsing process to the second water volume WS2.

[0106] (3) The order of steps S1 to S30 in FIGS. 7 and 8 can be changed as appropriate. [Industrial Applicability]

[0107] The present invention is applicable to the field of washing machines and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 100 washing machines 11 Water Supply Decision Department 12 Processing agent amount change unit 13 Washing time setting section 14 Washing time change section 24 Rotating drum (washing drum) 30 Water supply section (water input section) 40 Treatment agent injection device (treatment agent injection section) 61 Display section 62 Operation unit (reception unit) 70 Measuring part 90 Detector 120 Information Department 200 washing machines

Claims

1. a washing tub for storing laundry; a measuring unit for measuring the amount of laundry contained in the washing tub; a water input unit for inputting water into the washing tub; A treatment agent dispenser that dispenses a laundry treatment agent into the washing tub; a reception unit that receives instructions from a user; a water supply determination unit that determines a first water amount indicating an amount of water to be poured into the washing tub and a first treatment agent amount indicating an amount of laundry treatment agent to be poured into the washing tub based on the measurement result of the measurement unit; a treatment agent amount change unit that changes the first treatment agent amount to a second treatment agent amount when the receiving unit receives an instruction to change the first water amount to a second water amount after the water supply determination unit has determined the first water amount and the first treatment agent amount, When the water supply determination unit receives an instruction to change the first water amount to the second water amount, the water supply determination unit changes the first water amount to the second water amount and the first treatment agent amount to the second treatment agent amount during a washing process, and maintains the first water amount unchanged during a rinsing process.

2. A washing time setting unit that sets a washing time for washing the laundry based on the determination of the water supply determination unit; a washing time changing unit that changes the washing time set by the washing time setting unit after the treatment agent amount changing unit changes the amount of the laundry treatment agent; The washing machine of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein the washing time changing unit changes the washing time so that the washing time is longer than the washing time set by the washing time setting unit when the same amount of water is used.

4. 4. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the washing time changing unit changes the washing time so as to make the washing time shorter than the sum of the washing time performed before the washing time changing unit changes the washing time and the washing time set by the washing time setting unit based on the second amount of treatment agent changed by the treatment agent amount changing unit.

5. The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein the washing time changing unit is configured to increase the washing time as the washing time executed before the washing time changing unit changes the washing time is longer.

6. The washing machine according to claim 2 , further comprising a display unit that displays the washing time changed by the washing time change unit.

7. a detection unit for detecting the amount of laundry treatment agent; a notification unit that notifies when the amount of laundry treatment agent detected by the detection unit is less than the amount of laundry treatment agent added by the treatment agent amount change unit; The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:

8. obtaining the amount of laundry; determining an amount of water and an amount of laundry treatment agent based on the amount of laundry; after determining the amount of water and the amount of laundry treatment agent, accepting a change in the amount of water; changing the amount of laundry treatment agent after receiving the change in the amount of water; and setting a washing time for washing the laundry based on the determined amounts of water and laundry treatment agent, When an instruction to change the amount of water is received, the method for changing the amount of treatment agent changes the amount of water and the amount of laundry treatment agent in the washing step, and maintains the amount of water unchanged in the rinsing step.

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