Clothes treatment equipment

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment device capable of easily confirming a plurality of pieces of information regarding a clothing treatment agent, and capable of achieving improvement in usability.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device includes: a clothing treatment tub for storing clothing; an automatic input part for inputting a clothing treatment agent for treating clothing into the clothing treatment tub; a display part for displaying various types of screens; and a control part for controlling the display of the screen in the display part. The control part allows one screen to be displayed in the display part to contain a plurality of pieces of information regarding the clothing treatment agent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothing treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in order to meet the demands of users for improved convenience, washing machines, which are an example of clothing treatment devices that perform predetermined treatments on clothing, have been developed with configurations that include an automatic dispensing unit that stores multiple doses of clothing treatment agents such as detergent and fabric softener in an automatic dispensing tank in advance, and automatically dispenses the required amount from the tank into the water tub during the washing operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-11618 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional configurations, multiple pieces of information related to a laundry treatment agent, such as information related to the standard dosage amount of the laundry treatment agent and information related to adjusting the dosage amount (such as a larger amount, a smaller amount, or a standard amount), are displayed on different screens. Therefore, a user cannot check the desired information related to the laundry treatment agent unless they switch between screens displayed on the display unit as needed. Furthermore, in configurations where multiple types of laundry treatment agents can be dispensed, the multiple pieces of information related to each laundry treatment agent are displayed on different screens. Therefore, the operation of switching to a screen containing the desired information becomes more cumbersome, further reducing usability.

[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a clothes treating device that allows a user to easily check multiple pieces of information related to a clothes treating agent, thereby improving usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The clothing treatment device of this embodiment includes a clothing treatment tank for storing clothing, an automatic dispenser for dispensing a clothing treatment agent for treating clothing into the clothing treatment tank, a display unit for displaying various screens, and a control unit for controlling the display of the screen on the display unit. The control unit controls one of the screens displayed on the display unit. Settings screen The display includes a plurality of pieces of information that can be set by the user for each type of laundry treatment agent, and at least one piece of information can be changed on the screen that displays the plurality of pieces of information without transitioning to another screen. The setting screen displays a reference input amount of the clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tub, an adjustment button for adjusting the input amount of the clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tub, and a button for transitioning to a screen where the reference input amount of the clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tub can be set. . [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional side view schematically illustrating a configuration example of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a water supply unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control system of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an automatic insertion setting screen according to the first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a top screen according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a reference amount setting screen according to the first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an automatic insertion setting screen according to the second embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an automatic insertion setting screen according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control system of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an automatic insertion setting screen according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control system of a washing machine according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an automatic insertion setting screen according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an automatic insertion setting screen according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of an automatic insertion setting screen according to the seventh embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 22 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of an automatic insertion setting screen according to the seventh embodiment; [Figure 16] FIG. 20 is a diagram (part 3) schematically illustrating an example of an automatic insertion setting screen according to the seventh embodiment; [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of an automatic insertion setting screen according to a modified embodiment; [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of an automatic insertion setting screen according to a modified embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the laundry processing device will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate substantially the same components in several embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0009] (First embodiment) The washing machine 1 shown in Figure 1 is an example of a clothing treatment device that can perform predetermined treatments on clothing, in this case at least washing, rinsing, and spin-drying. The washing machine 1 is a so-called drum-type washing machine, in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends horizontally or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0010] The washing machine 1 is provided with a washing tub 3 for washing clothes inside a rectangular box-shaped housing 2 that forms the outer shell of the washing machine 1. The washing tub 3 is an example of a clothing treatment tub, and is configured with a cylindrical water tub with a bottom and a rotatable cylindrical drum with a bottom. The peripheral wall of the drum is provided with a number of small holes, and the inner surface of the drum is provided with a baffle for stirring up the clothes. The front opening of the washing tub 3 can be opened and closed by a door 5 provided on the front of the housing 2. By opening the door 5, the user can put clothes into or take out of the washing tub 3 through the front opening of the washing tub 3.

[0011] The washing machine 1 also includes a water supply unit 4 for supplying water into the washing tub 3, and a drainage unit (not shown) for draining the water in the washing tub 3 to the outside of the machine. The water supply unit 4 is configured to include a water supply valve 10 and the like in the middle of a water supply path extending from a water source (not shown), such as a water main, to the washing tub 3. The drainage unit is configured to include a drainage valve and the like in the middle of a drainage path extending from the bottom of the washing tub 3 to the outside of the machine.

[0012] As illustrated in Fig. 2, the water supply unit 4 is configured to include a water supply valve 10, an automatic insertion unit 11, a water injection case 12, and the like, along a water supply path extending from a water source (not shown) to the cleaning tank 3. The inlet of the water supply valve 10 is connected to a water source (not shown), such as a tap. The water supply valve 10 also has at least two outlets, the first of which is connected to the water injection case 12 via an automatic insertion path 13a, and the second of which is connected to the water injection case 12 via a manual insertion path 13b. The outlet of the water injection case 12 is connected to the cleaning tank 3 via a water supply hose 14.

[0013] The automatic dispenser 11 is equipped with a detergent tank 15 and a fabric softener tank 16. The detergent tank 15 and the fabric softener tank 16 are detachably attached to the water supply unit 4. The detergent tank 15 can store enough laundry treatment agent for multiple runs, in this case, detergent for washing the clothes in the washing tub 3. The fabric softener tank 16 can store enough laundry treatment agent for multiple runs, in this case, fabric softener for softening the clothes in the washing tub 3.

[0014] Detergent tank 15 is connected to automatic dispensing path 13a via detergent metering pump 17. Detergent metering pump 17 is configured to suck and discharge liquid by driving a piston with an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid. Detergent metering pump 17 sucks a predetermined amount of detergent from detergent tank 15, in this case the amount used for one operation, and discharges the sucked detergent into automatic dispensing path 13a. The detergent discharged into automatic dispensing path 13a is then introduced into water supply case 12 together with water supplied from water supply valve 10. The detergent introduced into water supply case 12 is then supplied into washing tub 3 via water supply hose 14 together with the water also introduced into water supply case 12. In this way, detergent is automatically dispensed from detergent tank 15 into washing tub 3. Note that detergent metering pump 17 is not limited to one that sucks liquid and may, for example, be one that pushes out liquid.

[0015] The fabric softener tank 16 is connected to the automatic dispensing path 13a via a fabric softener metering pump 18. The fabric softener metering pump 18 is configured to draw in and discharge liquid by driving a piston with an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid. The fabric softener metering pump 18 draws in a predetermined amount of fabric softener—in this case, the amount used for one operation—from the fabric softener tank 16 and discharges the drawn-in fabric softener into the automatic dispensing path 13a. The fabric softener discharged into the automatic dispensing path 13a is then introduced into the water supply case 12 together with water supplied from the water supply valve 10. The fabric softener introduced into the water supply case 12 is then supplied into the washing tub 3 via the water supply hose 14 together with the water also introduced into the water supply case 12. In this way, the fabric softener is automatically dispensed from the fabric softener tank 16 into the washing tub 3. The fabric softener metering pump 18 is not limited to a pump that draws in liquid, but may instead be a pump that pushes out liquid, for example.

[0016] A manual dispenser case (not shown) is removably housed within water dispenser case 12. The manual dispenser case is provided with a manual detergent dispenser into which the user manually dispenses detergent, and a manual fabric softener dispenser into which the user manually dispenses fabric softener. The detergent dispensed in the manual detergent dispenser or the fabric softener dispenser is supplied into washing tub 3 via water supply hose 14 together with water dispensed into water dispenser case 12 from water supply valve 10 via manual dispense path 13b.

[0017] Washing machine 1 configured as described above further includes a display 40, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Display 40 is an example of a display unit, and in this case, is provided at the top of the front of housing 2 of washing machine 1, more specifically, at the top of door 5. Display 40 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various screens containing various information related to the operation of washing machine 1. Display 40 also displays various screens including operation keys, so-called touch keys, for accepting various operations related to the operation of washing machine 1. A user can perform various operations related to the operation of washing machine 1 by touching the various operation keys included in the screen displayed by display 40.

[0018] The touch panel constituting the display device 40 may be, for example, a capacitive touch panel that uses a sensor to detect changes in capacitance that occur when the user's finger touches it. The touch panel constituting the display device 40 is not limited to a capacitive touch panel, and various other touch panels, such as a resistive film touch panel, may be used. The display device 40 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and various other display devices, such as an organic EL display, may be used.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 3, the display of various screens on display 40 is controlled by control device 50. Control device 50 is an example of a control unit. Control device 50 is mainly configured with, for example, a microcomputer, and controls the overall operation of washing machine 1 based on a control program and various setting information. Note that not only display 40 but also various drive system components such as water supply valve 10, detergent metering pump 17, fabric softener metering pump 18, a drain valve (not shown), and a drum rotation motor (not shown) are connected to control device 50.

[0020] Furthermore, the control device 50 executes a control program to virtually realize the reference input amount setting unit 51 and the input amount adjustment unit 52 by software. The reference input amount setting unit 51 and the input amount adjustment unit 52 may be realized by hardware or a combination of software and hardware. The reference input amount setting unit 51 can execute a reference input amount setting process to set a reference input amount of detergent or fabric softener to be input into the washing tub 3 in response to a user's operation on a reference amount setting screen 200 (described later). The input amount adjustment unit 52 can execute a input amount adjustment process to adjust the input amount of detergent or fabric softener to be input into the washing tub 3 in response to a user's operation on an automatic input setting screen 100 (described later).

[0021] The washing machine 1 according to this embodiment is configured to include multiple pieces of information about laundry treatment agents in one special screen displayed on the display 40. The washing machine 1 is also configured to include multiple pieces of information about multiple types of laundry treatment agents, in this case, two types of laundry treatment agents, a detergent and a fabric softener, in one special screen displayed on the display 40. Next, an example of such a special screen will be described.

[0022] The automatic feed setting screen 100 shown in Fig. 4 is an example of a special screen. This automatic feed setting screen 100 is a screen that is displayed on the display 40 when the automatic feed setting key 32 provided on the top screen TG shown in Fig. 5 is operated. Before going into a detailed description of the automatic feed setting screen 100, an overview of the top screen TG will be provided.

[0023] The top screen TG is a screen that is displayed on the display 40 when the power to the washing machine 1 is turned on. The top screen TG has a header section 21. The header section 21 always displays various statuses, such as the name of the currently selected operation, the time, whether the door is locked or not, and the radio wave status regarding wireless communication with external devices.

[0024] Also, in the vertical center of the top screen TG, there are arranged a wash operation icon 22 which is an operation key for selecting a wash operation, a wash / dry operation icon 23 which is an operation key for selecting a wash / dry operation, and a dry operation icon 24 which is an operation key for selecting a dry operation. The control device 50 displays the selected icon, in this case, the wash operation icon 22, larger than the unselected icons, in this case, the wash / dry operation icon 23 and the dry operation icon 24. The control device 50 also switches the display mode of the selected icon, in this case, the wash operation icon 22, to one that includes the name of the course currently selected for that wash operation, in this case, the name of the standard course, and an icon indicating the clothing corresponding to that course, in this case, an icon that schematically represents a T-shirt.

[0025] The top screen TG also has a footer section 25. In the footer section 25, a setting key 26, a lighting on / off key 27, a hot water setting key 28, a reservation setting key 29, a course selection key 30, and a start key 31 are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction. In addition, the footer section 25 has an automatic water supply setting key 32. In this case, the automatic water supply setting key 32 is provided between the lighting on / off key 27 and the hot water setting key 28.

[0026] The setting key 26 is an operation key for making various settings related to the washing machine 1. The light on / off key 27 is an operation key for controlling a lighting device (not shown) that illuminates the inside of the washing tub 3. The lighting device is composed of, for example, an LED arranged near the front opening of the washing tub 3. The hot water setting key 28 is an operation key for setting the temperature of the water used to wash and rinse the clothes in the washing tub 3. The water can be heated, for example, by a heater provided in the washing tub 3. The reservation setting key 29 is an operation key for making settings related to operation reservations, such as setting the time to start operation and the time to end operation. The course selection key 30 is an operation key for transitioning the screen displayed on the display 40 to a course selection screen (not shown). The start key 31 is an operation key for starting operation.

[0027] The automatic feeding setting key 32 is an operation key for displaying an automatic feeding setting screen 100, as shown in Fig. 4, on the display 40. When the user operates the automatic feeding setting key 32, the control device 50 displays the automatic feeding setting screen 100 on the display 40.

[0028] Next, we will explain an example of the configuration of this automatic dispensing setting screen 100. The automatic dispensing setting screen 100 includes a detergent-related information display section 110 and a fabric softener-related information display section 120 within a single screen 100. The detergent-related information display section 110 constitutes a display area including multiple pieces of information related to the current detergent, and the fabric softener-related information display section 120 constitutes a display area including multiple pieces of information related to the current fabric softener.

[0029] In this case, the detergent-related information display unit 110 includes a reference dispense amount display unit 111 and a plurality of dispense amount adjustment buttons 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d. The reference dispense amount display unit 111 forms a display area that displays the currently set reference dispense amount of detergent, and in this case, "20 ml / 30 L" is displayed as the current reference dispense amount of detergent. The plurality of dispense amount adjustment buttons 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d are buttons for adjusting the amount of detergent automatically dispensed into the washing tub 3 by the automatic dispenser 11.

[0030] Specifically, the dispense amount adjustment button 112a is a button for adjusting the amount of detergent to be automatically dispensed into the washing tub 3 by the automatic dispenser 11 to "none," i.e., "0 ml." The dispense amount adjustment button 112b is a button for adjusting the amount of detergent to be automatically dispensed into the washing tub 3 by the automatic dispenser 11 to "less," i.e., a predetermined amount less than the standard dispense amount of detergent set at that time. Note that the predetermined amount at this time can be changed and set as appropriate. The dispense amount adjustment button 112c is a button for adjusting the amount of detergent to be automatically dispensed into the washing tub 3 by the automatic dispenser 11 to the standard dispense amount of detergent set at that time. The dispense amount adjustment button 112d is a button for adjusting the amount of detergent to be automatically dispensed into the washing tub 3 by the automatic dispenser 11 to "more," i.e., a predetermined amount more than the standard dispense amount of detergent set at that time. Note that the predetermined amount at this time can be changed and set as appropriate.

[0031] The detergent-related information display unit 110 also includes a dosage amount notification unit 113. The dosage amount notification unit 113 is a display unit for notifying the user of the automatically dispensed amount of detergent adjusted based on the operation of the dosage amount adjustment buttons 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d. In this case, when the user operates the dosage amount adjustment button 112c, the dosage amount notification unit 113 displays text information such as "Standard amount will be dispensed," indicating that the standard dosage amount set at that time will be automatically dispensed into the washing tub 3.

[0032] The fabric softener-related information display unit 120 includes a reference input amount display unit 121 and a plurality of input amount adjustment buttons 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d. The reference input amount display unit 121 forms a display area that displays the currently set reference input amount of fabric softener, and in this case, "20ml / 30L" is displayed as the current reference input amount of fabric softener. The plurality of input amount adjustment buttons 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d are buttons for adjusting the amount of fabric softener automatically input into the washing tub 3 by the automatic input unit 11.

[0033] Specifically, the dispense amount adjustment button 122a is a button for adjusting the amount of fabric softener to be automatically dispensed into the washing tub 3 by the automatic dispenser 11 to "none," i.e., "0 ml." The dispense amount adjustment button 122b is a button for adjusting the amount of fabric softener to be automatically dispensed into the washing tub 3 by the automatic dispenser 11 to "less," i.e., a predetermined amount less than the standard dispense amount of fabric softener set at that time. Note that the predetermined amount at this time can be changed and set as appropriate. The dispense amount adjustment button 122c is a button for adjusting the amount of fabric softener to be automatically dispensed into the washing tub 3 by the automatic dispenser 11 to the standard dispense amount of fabric softener set at that time. The dispense amount adjustment button 122d is a button for adjusting the amount of fabric softener to be automatically dispensed into the washing tub 3 by the automatic dispenser 11 to "more," i.e., a predetermined amount more than the standard dispense amount of fabric softener set at that time. Note that the predetermined amount at this time can be changed and set as appropriate.

[0034] The fabric softener-related information display unit 120 also includes a dispense amount notification unit 213. The dispense amount notification unit 213 is a display unit for notifying the user of the automatically dispensed amount of fabric softener adjusted based on the operation of the dispense amount adjustment buttons 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d. In this case, in response to the user's operation of the dispense amount adjustment button 122c, the dispense amount notification unit 213 displays text information such as "Standard amount will be dispensed," indicating that the standard dispense amount of fabric softener set at that time will be automatically dispensed into the washing tub 3.

[0035] The automatic dispensing setting screen 100 also has a "Close" button 130 and a "Confirm" button 140. The "Close" button 130 is an operation button for closing the automatic dispensing setting screen 100 and returning to the top screen TG. The "Confirm" button 140 is an operation button for confirming the input contents of various setting items on the automatic dispensing setting screen 100, for example, the amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed.

[0036] The automatic dispensing setting screen 100 also has a reference amount setting button 150. When the user operates the reference amount setting button 150, the control device 50 displays a reference amount setting screen 200, as shown in FIG. 6, on the display 40. This reference amount setting screen 200 is also an example of a special screen that includes multiple pieces of information related to laundry treatment agents. Next, this reference amount setting screen 200 will be described.

[0037] The reference amount setting screen 200 includes a detergent reference amount setting section 210 and a fabric softener reference amount setting section 220. The detergent reference amount setting section 210 includes an up button 211 and a down button 212. By operating the up button 211, the user can increase the reference amount of detergent to be dispensed by a predetermined amount, in this case, 30 L of water. By operating the down button 212, the user can decrease the reference amount of detergent to be dispensed by a predetermined amount, in this case, 30 L of water.

[0038] The fabric softener reference dosage setting unit 220 includes an up button 221 and a down button 222. By operating the up button 221, the user can increase the reference dosage of fabric softener by a predetermined amount, in this case, 30 L of water. By operating the down button 222, the user can decrease the reference dosage of fabric softener by a predetermined amount, in this case, 30 L of water.

[0039] The reference amount setting screen 200 is also provided with a "Close" button 230 and a "Confirm" button 240. The "Close" button 230 is an operation button for closing the reference amount setting screen 200 and returning to the automatic dispensing setting screen 100. The "Confirm" button 240 is an operation button for confirming the input contents regarding various setting items on the reference amount setting screen 200, for example, the reference dosage amount of laundry treatment agent. The reference dosage amounts of detergent and fabric softener determined based on the operation of the "Confirm" button 240 are displayed in the reference dosage amount display section 111 and the reference dosage amount display section 121 of the automatic dispensing setting screen 100, respectively.

[0040] The reference amount setting screen 200 also has a setting explanation display section 250. The setting explanation display section 250 is a display section for presenting the user with information on how to set the reference amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed, and in this case, text information such as "Please set the amount to be used per 30 L of water as written on the detergent and fabric softener containers" is displayed as an example of how to set the reference amount to be dispensed.

[0041] According to the washing machine 1 described above, the control device 50 includes a plurality of pieces of information related to detergent, in this case, information related to the standard detergent dosage amount and adjustment of the dosage amount, in one automatic dispensing setting screen 100 displayed on the display 40. The control device 50 also includes a plurality of pieces of information related to fabric softener, in this case, information related to the standard fabric softener dosage amount and adjustment of the dosage amount, in one automatic dispensing setting screen 100 displayed on the display 40.

[0042] According to this configuration, the user can easily check multiple pieces of information related to detergents and fabric softeners at the same time on one automatic dispensing setting screen 100, thereby improving usability.

[0043] Furthermore, the control device 50 includes information on the current status of detergent and fabric softener, in this case, the standard dosage amounts set at that time, and information on adjustments to the dosage amounts at that time, on a single automatic dispensing setting screen 100. Therefore, the user can check the current information on detergent and fabric softener on a single automatic dispensing setting screen 100, and can adjust dosage amounts and take other measures based on more accurate information.

[0044] The control device 50 also includes information about multiple types of laundry treatment agents, in this case, detergent and fabric softener, on a single automatic dispensing setting screen 100. The control device 50 also includes information about multiple types of laundry treatment agents, in this case, detergent and fabric softener, on a single reference amount setting screen 200. This allows the user to simultaneously check information about multiple types of laundry treatment agents on a single screen, further improving usability.

[0045] (Second embodiment) 7 is a screen that combines the above-described automatic dispensing setting screen 100 and reference amount setting screen 200. That is, the automatic dispensing setting screen 300 includes a detergent-related information display section 310 and a fabric softener-related information display section 320 within the single screen 100.

[0046] The detergent-related information display unit 310 includes a reference input amount display unit 311 and multiple input amount adjustment buttons 312a, 312b, 312c, and 312d. An up button 311a and a down button 311b are provided above the reference input amount display unit 311. By operating the up button 311a, the user can increase the reference input amount of detergent per predetermined amount, in this case, 30 L of water. By operating the down button 311b, the user can decrease the reference input amount of detergent per predetermined amount, in this case, 30 L of water.

[0047] The detergent-related information display section 310 also includes a detergent-related information explanation display section 313. The detergent-related information explanation display section 313 displays various types of information related to the detergent, such as text information for explaining examples of setting a standard amount of detergent to be dispensed and examples of adjusting the amount to be dispensed.

[0048] The fabric softener-related information display unit 320 includes a reference input amount display unit 321 and multiple input amount adjustment buttons 322a, 322b, 322c, and 322d. An up button 321a and a down button 321b are provided above the reference input amount display unit 321. By operating the up button 321a, the user can increase the reference input amount of fabric softener per predetermined amount, in this case, 30 L of water. By operating the down button 321b, the user can decrease the reference input amount of fabric softener per predetermined amount, in this case, 30 L of water.

[0049] The fabric softener-related information display unit 320 also includes a fabric softener-related information explanation display unit 323. The fabric softener-related information explanation display unit 323 displays various types of information related to fabric softener, such as text information for explaining examples of setting a standard amount of fabric softener to be dispensed and examples of adjusting the amount to be dispensed.

[0050] The automatic dispensing setting screen 300 also has a "Close" button 330 and a "Confirm" button 340. The "Close" button 330 is an operation button for closing the automatic dispensing setting screen 300 and returning to the top screen TG. The "Confirm" button 340 is an operation button for confirming the input contents of various setting items on the automatic dispensing setting screen 300, for example, the amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed.

[0051] In this embodiment, the control device 50 also includes a plurality of pieces of information related to detergent, in this case, information related to the standard detergent dosage amount and dosage adjustment, on a single automatic dispensing setting screen 300 displayed on the display 40. The control device 50 also includes a plurality of pieces of information related to fabric softener, in this case, information related to the standard fabric softener dosage amount and dosage adjustment, on a single automatic dispensing setting screen 300 displayed on the display 40.

[0052] Therefore, even with this configuration, the user can easily check multiple pieces of information related to detergent and fabric softener at the same time on one automatic dispensing setting screen 300, thereby improving usability.

[0053] Furthermore, the user can set the standard amounts of detergent and fabric softener to be dispensed on the single automatic dispense setting screen 300. This eliminates the need to transition to a separate screen for setting the standard amounts of detergent and fabric softener to be dispensed, thereby providing a washing machine 1 that is even easier to use.

[0054] (Third embodiment) As illustrated in Figure 8, in this embodiment, if the standard dosage amount of clothing treatment agent is not set by the standard dosage amount setting unit 51, in other words, if the standard dosage amount of clothing treatment agent is not set via the standard dosage amount setting screen 200, the control device 50 will not be able to perform the dosage amount adjustment process by the dosage amount adjustment unit 52, in other words, the adjustment process of the dosage amount of clothing treatment agent via the automatic dosage setting screen 100.

[0055] That is, for example, if a reference detergent dosage amount has not been set, the control device 50 switches the dosage amount adjustment buttons 112b, 112c, and 112d to an inoperable state, and makes only the dosage amount adjustment button 112a operable. This prevents the user from adjusting the automatic detergent dosage amount. The control device 50 also displays text information, such as "Automatic dosage not available," on the dosage amount notification unit 113 to indicate that automatic detergent dosage will not be performed.

[0056] Furthermore, if, for example, a reference softener dosage amount has not been set, the control device 50 switches the dosage amount adjustment buttons 122b, 122c, and 122d to an inoperable state, and makes only the dosage amount adjustment button 122a operable. This prevents the user from adjusting the automatic dosage amount of softener. The control device 50 also displays text information, such as "Automatic dosage not available," on the dosage amount notification unit 213, indicating that automatic dosage of softener will not be performed.

[0057] Furthermore, the automatic dispensing setting screen 100 is provided with a detergent warning unit 170 and a fabric softener warning unit 180. When the control device 50 switches the dispensing amount adjustment buttons 112b, 112c, and 112d to an inoperable state, the control device 50 displays text information such as "Please set a reference amount of detergent to be dispensed" on the detergent warning unit 170. When the control device 50 switches the dispensing amount adjustment buttons 122b, 122c, and 122d to an inoperable state, the control device 50 may display text information such as "Please set a reference amount of fabric softener to be dispensed" on the fabric softener warning unit 180.

[0058] When the user operates the reference amount setting button 150 to set the reference amount of detergent to be dispensed via the reference amount setting screen 200, the control device 50 switches the dispense amount adjustment buttons 112b, 112c, and 112d to an operable state when the screen returns to the automatic dispense setting screen 100. This allows the user to adjust the amount of detergent to be dispensed.

[0059] Furthermore, when the user operates the reference amount setting button 150 to set the reference amount of fabric softener to be dispensed via the reference amount setting screen 200, the control device 50 switches the dispense amount adjustment buttons 122b, 122c, and 122d to an operable state when the screen returns to the automatic dispense setting screen 100. This allows the user to adjust the amount of fabric softener to be dispensed.

[0060] According to this embodiment, if the standard dosage amount of the laundry treatment agent has not been set, the dosage amount cannot be adjusted, thereby prompting the user to set the standard dosage amount. This prevents laundry treatment agent from being dispensed into the washing tub 3 without the standard dosage amount being set, and prevents the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed into the washing tub 3 from being inappropriate, for example, too much or too little.

[0061] In addition, when the control device 50 switches the input amount adjustment buttons 112b, 112c, and 112d to an inoperable state, or when the control device 50 switches the input amount adjustment buttons 122b, 122c, and 122d to an inoperable state, the display mode of the reference amount setting button 150 may be changed from the normal display mode, for example, by making it luminous, making it larger, or changing its shape.

[0062] (Fourth embodiment) 9, the control device 50 executes the control program to virtually realize the input amount storage unit 53 by software. Note that the input amount storage unit 53 may be realized by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0063] The input amount memory unit 53 can execute a storage process to store the input amount of the clothing treatment agent adjusted by the input amount adjustment unit 52, in other words, the input amount of the clothing treatment agent adjusted via the automatic input setting screen 100, in the memory unit 54. The memory unit 54 is configured by a storage medium such as a non-volatile memory, for example.

[0064] 10, in this case, the automatic feeding setting screen 100 is provided with a memory button 160. The control device 50 is configured to be able to select between a memory processing execution mode in which the input amount memory unit 53 executes the memory processing of the input amount, and a memory processing non-execution mode in which the memory processing is not executed, depending on the operation status of the memory button 160. That is, when the user operates the memory button 160, the control device 50 executes the memory processing by the input amount memory unit 53. Furthermore, when the user operates the memory button 160 again, the control device 50 is configured not to execute the memory processing by the input amount memory unit 53.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the adjusted amount of laundry treatment agent can be stored. Therefore, the stored amount can be reflected in subsequent operations, for example. Therefore, the user does not need to adjust the amount of laundry treatment agent each time the washing machine is operated, and therefore, a more user-friendly washing machine 1 can be provided.

[0066] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to select a mode in which the adjusted amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed is stored or not stored based on the user's operation of the storage button 160. Therefore, if the user wishes to store the adjusted amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed, the storage process can be performed, and it is possible to avoid the storage process being performed against the user's will.

[0067] Switching between the storage process execution mode and the storage process non-execution mode may be performed, for example, in response to operation of any of the input amount adjustment buttons 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d and the input amount adjustment buttons 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d in a predetermined manner. Here, the predetermined manner of operation may be, for example, an operation of pressing and holding a button for a predetermined period of time, a so-called long press operation, or an operation of pressing a button a predetermined number of times in succession within a predetermined period of time, a so-called continuous operation, or the like.

[0068] (Fifth embodiment) As illustrated in FIG. 11 , in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 further includes a foam sensor 60. The foam sensor 60 is an example of a foam detection unit and detects foam generated in the washing tub 3. The foam sensor 60 can be any of a variety of sensors that detect various physical properties that change with the generation of foam, such as a pressure sensor that detects fluctuations in the pressure in the washing tub 3 due to the generation of foam, a water temperature sensor that detects whether the temperature of the water in the washing tub 3 is within a temperature range where foam is likely to be generated, an outside air temperature sensor that detects whether the temperature around the washing machine 1 is within a temperature range where foam is likely to be generated, a turbidity sensor that detects the turbidity of the water in the washing tub 3, a rotation sensor that detects fluctuations in the rotation speed of the drum due to the generation of foam, an odor sensor that detects the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed in the washing tub 3 based on its odor, and a conductivity sensor that detects the conductivity of the water in the washing tub 3.

[0069] When the control device 50 detects foam generation by the foam sensor 60 during operation, it stores the number of such detections in the memory unit 54. The control device 50 then determines whether the standard dosage of laundry treatment agent set at that time is too high, based on the number of foam detections stored in the memory unit 54. That is, if the number of foam detections stored in the memory unit 54 is greater than the predetermined standard number, the control device 50 determines that the standard dosage of laundry treatment agent set is too high.

[0070] 12, when the control device 50 determines that the set reference dosage amount of detergent is too much, it displays text information, such as "The reference dosage amount of detergent is too much," on the detergent warning unit 170. This text information is an example of information that prompts the user to change the reference dosage amount of detergent to be dispensed into the washing tub 3, and by indicating that the reference dosage amount is too much, it indirectly prompts the user to change the reference dosage amount of detergent. Note that the control device 50 may also output text information, such as "Please change the reference dosage amount of detergent," i.e., information that directly prompts the user to change the reference dosage amount of detergent.

[0071] Furthermore, when the control device 50 determines that the set standard softener dosage amount is too high, it displays text information, such as "The standard softener dosage amount is too high," on the fabric softener warning unit 180. This text information is an example of information that prompts the user to change the standard softener dosage amount to be dispensed into the washing tub 3, and by indicating that the standard dosage amount is too high, it indirectly prompts the user to change the standard softener dosage amount. Note that the control device 50 may also output text information, such as "Please change the standard softener dosage amount," i.e., information that directly prompts the user to change the standard softener dosage amount.

[0072] According to this embodiment, the user can be prompted to adjust the standard dosage of the laundry treatment agent to a more appropriate amount based on the foam generation history from past operations, thereby providing a more user-friendly washing machine 1 by assisting the user in operating the washing machine with a more appropriate dosage of the laundry treatment agent.

[0073] The control device 50 can determine that the standard dosage of detergent, among the multiple types of clothing treatment agents, is too much, for example, based on the fact that the number of times foam is detected during the wash step of washing the clothes in the washing tub 3 becomes greater than a predetermined reference number. The control device 50 can also determine that the standard dosage of fabric softener, among the multiple types of clothing treatment agents, is too much, for example, based on the fact that the number of times foam is detected during the rinse step of rinsing the clothes in the washing tub 3 becomes greater than a predetermined reference number.

[0074] (Sixth embodiment) 13, in this embodiment, when the dosage amount of at least one of the multiple types of laundry treatment agents is changed, the control device 50 displays information urging the user to change the dosage amounts of the other laundry treatment agents on the automatic dosage setting screen 100. In this case, since the dosage amount of fabric softener has been changed, the control device 50 displays information urging the user to change the dosage amount of detergent on the dosage amount notification unit 113, such as text information saying, "The dosage amount of fabric softener has been changed, so please also change the dosage amount of detergent."

[0075] According to this embodiment, when the dosage of at least one of the multiple types of laundry treatment agents is changed, the dosage of the other laundry treatment agents is prompted accordingly, so that the dosage balance of the multiple types of laundry treatment agents can be maintained appropriately. In other words, it is possible to prevent the washing machine 1 from being operated with too much or too little of the multiple types of laundry treatment agents, and it is possible to provide a more user-friendly washing machine 1.

[0076] Seventh embodiment As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 , in this embodiment, when a specific combination of laundry treatment agent dosage amounts is selected, the control device 50 displays information on the automatic dispensing setting screen 100 that prompts the user to change the dosage of other laundry treatment agents or to change the operation mode. Specifically, when a “large” detergent dosage amount is selected and a “small” fabric softener dosage amount is selected, the control device 50 displays information prompting the user to improve the balance between the detergent and fabric softener dosage amounts, such as text information such as “The amount of detergent dispensed is too much compared to the amount of fabric softener dispensed,” on the dosage amount notification unit 113, as illustrated in FIG. 14 . Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 15 , the control device 50 displays text information such as “The amount of fabric softener dispensed is too little compared to the amount of detergent dispensed,” on the dosage amount notification unit 213. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 16 , the control device 50 may display information prompting the user to increase the number of rinses, such as text information such as “Please increase the number of rinses to thoroughly rinse out the detergent,” on the dosage amount notification unit 113.

[0077] When the detergent dosage amount is selected as "large" and the fabric softener dosage amount is selected as "small," there is a concern that detergent may remain on the clothes even at the start of the final rinse. If detergent remains on the clothes, the fabric softener's ability to act on the clothes may be weakened, potentially preventing the user from achieving the desired effect. Furthermore, when the fabric softener dosage amount is small, the fabric softener is likely to be insufficiently effective. Therefore, when the detergent dosage amount is selected as "large" and the fabric softener dosage amount is selected as "small," for example, as described above, the display may display information encouraging the user to improve the balance between the detergent and fabric softener dosage amounts, information encouraging the user to change the operation, or information encouraging the user to increase the number of rinses to thoroughly rinse away any remaining detergent from the clothes. This allows the user to adjust the amounts of detergent and fabric softener dosage, the number of rinses, etc., based on this information, thereby ensuring that the fabric softener is fully effective on the clothes.

[0078] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a specific combination of amounts of laundry treatment agent is used, the laundry treatment agent can be made to be sufficiently effective on the laundry by prompting the user to change the amount of laundry treatment agent used or the operation mode. Note that the specific combination is not limited to the above-mentioned combination of "more" detergent and "less" fabric softener, and various combinations can be applied as long as there is a concern that the combination may have a negative impact on the finish of the laundry after operation.

[0079] (Other embodiments) The present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and extensions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined. The washing machine 1 may also be provided with an audio output device such as a speaker, and may output the information by audio together with the information displayed on the various screens.

[0080] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 17, when performing an operation in which automatic detergent dispensing is not desirable, such as the "delicate clothes course" for washing clothes that are easily damaged, the control device 50 may display information on the automatic dispensing setting screen 100 informing the user that it is not desirable to use the regular detergent contained in the detergent tank 15, and that a dedicated detergent should be dispensed into the manual detergent dispenser in the manual dispenser case.

[0081] 18, the control device 50 may display the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 15 and the remaining amount of fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 16 on the automatic dispensing setting screen 100. The remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 15 can be determined, for example, by providing a float with a magnet inside the detergent tank 15, providing a reed switch on the outside of the detergent tank 15 that detects the magnetism from the float, and detecting the height position of the float using the reed switch. The remaining amount of fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 16 can be determined, for example, by providing a float with a magnet inside the fabric softener tank 16, providing a reed switch on the outside of the fabric softener tank 16 that detects the magnetism from the float, and detecting the height position of the float using the reed switch. The remaining amount of laundry treatment agent is an example of information related to the laundry treatment agent and also an example of information indicating the current status of the laundry treatment agent.

[0082] Furthermore, the tanks are not limited to detergent tank 15 and fabric softener tank 16, which store detergent, and various types of tanks that store various treatment agents for performing some kind of treatment on clothes, such as a deodorizer tank that stores a deodorizer or a disinfectant tank that stores a disinfectant, can be used as appropriate. Furthermore, the multiple tanks provided in water supply unit 4 may store the same type of treatment agent, or may store different types of treatment agents. Furthermore, washing machine 1 may be configured to include a single tank in water supply unit 4. Furthermore, detergent metering pump 17 and fabric softener metering pump 18 are not limited to pumps that suck liquid, and may, for example, pump liquid.

[0083] This embodiment can also be applied to a so-called vertical axis type washing machine in which the rotation center axis of the rotating tub extends vertically. This embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine with a drying function. This embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine without a drying function. This embodiment can also be applied to various clothing processing devices that perform some kind of processing on clothing, such as deodorizing, deodorizing, or sterilizing the clothing.

[0084] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] In the drawing, 1 indicates a washing machine (clothing processing device), 3 indicates a washing tub (clothing processing tub), 11 indicates an automatic dispensing unit, 40 indicates a display (display unit), 50 indicates a control device (control unit), 51 indicates a standard dispensing amount setting unit, 52 indicates a dispensing amount adjustment unit, 53 indicates a dispensing amount memory unit, and 60 indicates a foam sensor (foam detection unit).

Claims

1. a clothes treatment tub for storing clothes; an automatic dispenser for dispensing a clothing treatment agent for treating clothing into the clothing treatment tub; a display unit that displays various screens; a control unit that controls the display of a screen on the display unit; Equipped with The control unit includes multiple pieces of information that can be set by the user for each type of clothing treatment agent on one setting screen displayed on the display unit, and on the screen displaying the multiple pieces of information, at least one of the multiple pieces of information can be changed without transitioning to another screen.The clothing treatment device displays on the setting screen the standard amount of clothing treatment agent to be added to the clothing treatment tub, an adjustment button for adjusting the amount of clothing treatment agent to be added to the clothing treatment tub, and a button for transitioning to a screen where the standard amount of clothing treatment agent to be added to the clothing treatment tub can be set.

2. The control unit a reference input amount setting unit that can execute a setting process to set a reference input amount of the laundry treatment agent into the laundry treatment tub; an input amount adjusting unit capable of performing an adjustment process to adjust the input amount of the clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tub; Equipped with The laundry processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the adjustment process by the input amount adjustment unit is disabled when the reference input amount is not set by the reference input amount setting unit.

3. The control unit The laundry treatment agent may further include an input amount memory unit capable of executing a memory process for storing the input amount of the laundry treatment agent adjusted by the input amount adjustment unit, The clothing processing device according to claim 2, wherein a storage process execution mode in which the storage process by the input amount storage unit is executed and a storage process non-execution mode in which the storage process is not executed are selectable.

4. A foam detection unit is provided to detect foam generated in the laundry treatment tub, A clothing treatment device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit displays information on the setting screen prompting the user to change the standard amount of clothing treatment agent to be added to the clothing treatment tub when foam is detected by the foam detection unit.

5. The automatic dispenser is capable of dispensing a plurality of types of the laundry treatment agent into the laundry treatment tub, The clothing treating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit includes information about a plurality of types of clothing treating agents on the setting screen.

6. The automatic dispenser is capable of dispensing a plurality of types of the laundry treatment agent into the laundry treatment tub, A clothing processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit displays information on the setting screen prompting the user to change the amount of other clothing processing agents added when the amount of at least one of the multiple types of clothing processing agents added is changed.

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