JP2020156793A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which can detect the residual amount of a washing treatment liquid without using an expensive sensor.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a housing; a water tub provided in the housing; a first input part for inputting a washing treatment liquid for one batch into the water tub; a tank for storing the washing treatment liquid for a plurality of batches; a second input part for storing the washing treatment liquid in the tank; a conveyance part for feeding the washing treatment liquid stored in the tank to the water tub; a motor for driving the conveyance part; and a drive part for driving the motor. The drive part detects the residual amount of the washing treatment liquid in the tank on the basis of the current value flowing in the motor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing clothes and the like.

Conventionally, a washing machine equipped with a washing processing loading device that measures the amount of clothes contained in the washing tub and automatically charges an appropriate amount from the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank into the water tub (washing and dehydrating tub) is known. (Patent Document 1). Among them, as a means for detecting the presence or absence of the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like is provided near the liquid discharge port of the tank to detect the flow of the washing treatment liquid. Further, as a means for detecting the remaining amount in the tank, a light detection method using a light emitting element such as an LED and a light receiving element for detecting light emission (Patent Document 2) and a temperature detection method using a thermistor or the like (Patent Document 3). ).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-300891 JP-A-2017-127339 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-300891

In each of the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, it is necessary to provide a sensor for detecting the washing treatment liquid in or around the tank for accommodating the washing treatment liquid, and these sensors are expensive and have a large number of parts. There was a problem that the number of assembly man-hours at the time of manufacturing also increased due to the increase in the number of parts.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of detecting the remaining amount of a washing treatment liquid without using an expensive sensor.

In order to solve the above problems, the washing machine of the present invention includes a housing, a water tub provided in the housing, a first charging unit for charging one washing treatment liquid into the water tub, and washing for a plurality of times. A tank for accommodating the treatment liquid, a second charging unit for accommodating the washing treatment liquid in the tank, a transport unit for sending the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank into the water tank, a motor for driving the transport unit, and a motor. The drive unit is configured to detect the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid in the tank based on the current value flowing through the motor.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine capable of detecting the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid without using an expensive sensor.

It is a perspective view which shows the external structure of the washing machine which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the washing machine of this invention from the diagonally upper front. It is a figure which shows the vertical section internal structure of the washing machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the piping path of the washing machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the drive circuit of the transfer pump of the washing machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows the control flowchart which automatically puts the washing process liquid of the washing machine of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as “the present embodiment”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that each figure is merely schematically shown to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. Further, in each figure, common components and similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, the external configuration of the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 or FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the washing machine 1 as viewed from diagonally above and forward.

Here, the washing machine 1 will be described as a washing / drying machine having a function of drying an object to be washed (cloth). However, the washing machine 1 may not have a drying function. Further, here, the washing machine 1 will be described as a vertical washing machine in which a vertical water tank is arranged inside the housing. However, the washing machine 1 may be a drum type washing machine.

Further, the first charging unit 31 (filling port) described later will be described as being a manual charging unit in which the user manually charges the washing treatment liquid into the water tank 21 which is a washing / dehydrating tank described later. Further, the second charging unit 32 (feeding port) described later will be described as being an automatic charging unit for charging the washing treatment liquid into the washing treatment liquid charging unit 30 described later. However, the second charging unit 32, which will be described later, does not necessarily have to be the automatic charging unit that charges the washing treatment liquid charging unit 30.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 is provided with a top cover 12, an outer lid 13 that can be freely opened and closed, and a tank storage lid 15 on the upper surface of the housing 11. Further, in the present embodiment, the washing machine 1 is provided with a removable front panel 16 on the front surface of the housing 11. The upper surface cover 12 is arranged on the rear upper surface of the housing 11. The outer lid 13 is arranged on the central upper surface of the housing 11. The tank storage lid 15 is arranged on the front upper surface of the housing 11. An operation panel 14 for operating the washing machine 1 is provided on the upper surface of the outer lid 13.

FIG. 2 shows a state in which the outer lid 13 and the tank storage lid 15 are opened, respectively. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the washing machine 1 as viewed from diagonally above and forward.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the outer lid 13 is opened, the washing machine 1 is provided with an opening 11a inside the housing 11. Inside the opening 11a, a water tank 21 that functions as a washing / dehydrating tank into which a washing object (cloth) is put is arranged. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a first charging section 31 for charging a single washing treatment liquid into the water tank 21 is arranged around the water tank 21 provided in the housing 11. The first charging unit 31 functions as a manual charging unit for the user to manually charge the powder or liquid washing treatment liquid into the water tank 21. In the illustrated example, the first charging unit 31 is arranged at the upper left front portion of the housing 11 and at a location outside the water tank 21.

Further, in the washing machine 1, when the tank storage lid 15 is opened, the tank 42 of the washing processing liquid charging unit 30 is arranged inside the housing 11. The tank 42 has a size capable of accommodating a plurality of washing treatment liquids. The washing treatment liquid charging unit 30 is a device that measures the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 and automatically charges an appropriate amount of the washing treatment liquid into the water tank 21. The washing treatment liquid charging unit 30 includes a tank 42 for accommodating a plurality of times of the washing treatment liquid, and a transport pump 46 (see FIG. 3) which is a transport unit for transporting the washing treatment liquid. The transport pump 46 (see FIG. 3), which is a transport unit, functions as a transport means for transporting the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 from the inside of the tank 42 to the outside by a required amount.

The tank 42 is arranged at the upper front part of the housing 11 and at a place in front of the first charging part 31, which is a manual charging part for manually charging one washing treatment liquid. In the illustrated example, two tanks 42a and 42b, one for detergent and one for softener (finishing agent), are arranged. As a result, the washing machine 1 can automatically charge the detergent and the softener (finishing agent) into the water tank 21. The tank 42 is provided with a second charging section 32 for accommodating the washing treatment liquid in the tank 42. The second charging unit 32 functions as an automatic charging unit for automatically charging the washing treatment liquid into the water tank 21 by the washing treatment liquid charging unit 30. The second charging unit 32 is sealed with a charging port lid 43a. For example, the tank 42a is provided with a second charging portion 32a for charging detergent, and is sealed with a charging port lid 43a. Further, the tank 42b is provided with a second charging portion 32b for charging detergent, and is sealed with a charging port lid 43a.

The second charging unit 32 is a charging unit for charging the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 of the washing treatment liquid charging unit 30. As described above, the tank 42 is arranged at the upper front part of the housing 11 and at a position in front of the first charging portion 31. Therefore, the second charging section 32, which is the automatic loading section, is also arranged at the upper front portion of the housing 11 and at a position ahead of the first loading section 31 which is the manual loading section, like the tank 42. ..

<Internal configuration of washing machine>
Hereinafter, the internal configuration of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the internal configuration of the washing machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the washing machine 1 is provided with an outer tub 22 inside the housing 11, and further includes a water tub 21 (washing and dehydrating tub) inside the outer tub 22.

The outer tub 22 has an outer tub cover 22a provided on the upper surface portion, a lid member 22b for sealing the opening provided in the outer tub cover 22a, and a drop portion provided so as to drop more than other parts. It has 22c and.

The water tank 21 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open upper surface. The water tank 21 has a copper plate 21a forming a cylindrical body portion, a rotary blade 21b rotating at the bottom of the water tank 21, and a balance ring 21c for maintaining the balance of the water tank 21. A plurality of through holes 21aa are formed in the copper plate 21a for water passage and ventilation. The balance ring 21c is a fluid balancer in which a fluid is sealed.

The washing machine 1 includes a drive device 23 for rotationally driving the water tank 21 and the rotor blades 21b, a rotation detection unit 24 for detecting the operation of the drive device 23, and a motor current detection unit 25 which is a current detection unit. I have. The drive device 23 includes a motor 23a that rotates the water tank 21 and the rotary blade 21b, a clutch mechanism 23b that defines the rotation direction and rotation speed of the water tank 21 and the rotary blade 21b, and a rotary shaft 23c connected to the rotary blade 21b. have. The rotating shaft 23c is arranged at the center of the water tank 21 in the top view. The motor current detection unit 25 detects the current flowing through the motor 23a of the drive device 23.

Further, the washing machine 1 has a water supply unit 20 which is a water supply means for supplying water to the water tank 21 and a drying unit 71 (heater) for heating air to obtain a drying air in the upper rear part of the housing 11. A fan 72 for circulating dry air, a blower duct 73, and a dry duct 81 are provided.

The blower duct 73 is arranged between the fan 72 and the blowout nozzle 74, and the drying unit 71 (heater) is arranged in the middle portion thereof. The blower duct 73 is connected to the blowout nozzle 74 by a bellows tube 73a. The blowing nozzle 74 blows out the drying air sent by the fan 72 and heated by the drying unit 71 into the outer tank 22. The drying duct 81 is arranged between the outer tank 22 and the fan 72. The drying duct 81 is connected to the drop portion 22c of the outer tank 22 by a bellows pipe 81a.

In such a configuration, the washing machine 1 supplies water from the water supply unit 20 which is a water supply unit to the outer tub 22 so that the water tub 21 (washing and dehydration tub) is immersed in water during the washing process and the rinsing process, for example. Supply. Further, for example, in the drying process, the washing machine 1 rotates the fan 72 to send air to the air blowing duct 73, heats the air in the drying unit 71 to obtain the drying air, and sends the drying air to the outer tank 22 and the water tank. It passes through the inside of 21. As a result, the washing machine 1 dries the washing object (cloth) housed inside the water tank 21. Then, the washing machine 1 sends the air that has passed through the insides of the outer tub 22 and the water tub 21 from the drying duct 81 to the air duct 73 by the fan 72, and repeats the same operation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the washing machine 1 includes a water injection hose 51a, a charging hose 54a, and a cleaning hose 61a. The water injection hose 51a is a hose for flowing water from the water supply unit 20 to the outer tank 22. The charging hose 54a is a hose that allows water to flow from the first charging section 31 (manual loading section) to the outer tank 22. The cleaning hose 61a is a hose that allows water to flow from the water supply unit 20 to the outer tank 22 when cleaning the water tank 21 or the outer tank 22. The water injection hose 51a constitutes a part of the first water supply path 51 (see FIG. 4) described later. The charging hose 54a constitutes a part of the charging path 54 (see FIG. 4) described later. The cleaning hose 61a constitutes a part of the first cleaning path 61 (see FIG. 4) described later.

Further, the washing machine 1 includes a drainage path 63 for discharging water and a drainage valve 65 for opening and closing the discharge path 63.

Further, the washing machine 1 is provided with a case 41 for accommodating the tank 42 in the upper front portion of the housing 11. The tank 42 has a structure that can be freely removed and attached to the case 41 by moving it in the vertical direction. The case 41 preferably has a structure that accommodates at least two or more tanks 42 for the detergent and the softener so that the detergent and the softener can be automatically charged into the water tank 21. ..

Further, in the washing machine 1, a control board 17 having a drive unit (drive circuit) is arranged below the front surface of the outer tub 22, and the control board 17 communicates with the operation panel 14, rotates a motor 23a, and has a clutch mechanism. It is possible to drive each electric component such as the switching output of 23b, the water supply unit 20, the transfer pump 46, the drain valve 65, the drying unit 71, and the fan 72. In addition, it also has a function of detecting signals from the rotation detection unit 24 and the motor current detection unit 25 and notifying the user of the abnormality on the operation panel 14 if there is an abnormality. Further, a control microcomputer 18 (FIG. 5) is provided on the control board 17, and operation control is performed by detecting drive commands of each electric component and signals from each device.

<Piping route configuration>
Hereinafter, the configuration of the piping path of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a piping route of the washing machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the washing machine 1 has a first water supply path 51, a second water supply path 52, a transport path 53, and an input path 54 as piping paths used when washing an object to be washed (cloth). And have.

The first water supply path 51 connects the water supply unit 20 and the first input unit 31, and supplies water from the water supply unit 20 to the first input unit 31.

The second water supply path 52 connects the intermediate portion of the first water supply path 51 and the transfer path 53, and supplies water from the water supply unit 20 to the transfer path 53 via the first water supply path 51.

The transport path 53 connects the tank 42 and the first charging section 31, and the washing treatment liquid discharged from the tank 42 via the transport pump 46 is transported. That is, the transport pump 46, which is a transport unit, sends the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 into the water tank via the transport path.

The charging path 54 connects the first charging section 31 and the water tank 21 (outer tank 22), and the washing treatment liquid and water are charged from the first charging section 31 into the water tank 21.

A switching valve 64 is arranged at a connection point between the second water supply path 52 and the transport path 53. The switching valve 64 is a switching means for switching the flow of the fluid. The switching valve 64 (switching means) selectively switches between the direction in which the washing treatment liquid flows from the tank 42 to the transport path 53 and the direction in which water flows from the second water supply path 52 to the transport path 53.

Further, on the path of the transfer path 53, a transfer pump 46 and check valves 47a and 47b for preventing backflow of fluid are arranged. The check valves 47a and 47b are arranged on the upstream side (tank 42 side) and the downstream side (first input section 31 side) of the transfer pump 46, respectively.

Further, the washing machine 1 includes a first washing path 61, a second washing path 62, and a discharge path 63 as piping paths used when washing the water tank 21, the outer tub 22, the case 41, and the like.

The first cleaning path 61 connects the water supply unit 20 and the first input unit 31, and supplies water for cleaning from the water supply unit 20 to the first input unit 31.

The second cleaning path 62 connects the intermediate portion of the first cleaning path 61 with the case 41, and supplies water for cleaning from the water supply unit 20 to the case 41 via the first cleaning path 61.

The discharge path 63 connects the case 41 and the drain port 66, and drains water from the case 41.

The discharge path 63 includes a drain pipe 63a connecting the case 41 and the air duct 73, a drain pipe 63b connecting the air duct 73 and the outer tank 22, and a drain valve 65 and a drain port 66 provided in the outer tank 22. It is composed of a drainage pipe 63c and a drainage pipe 63c for connecting the above.

The outer tank 22 is provided with a drain valve 65. By opening the drain valve 65, the washing machine 1 discharges the washing treatment liquid and water from the drain port 66 to the outside via the drain pipe 63c.

Such a washing machine 1 conveys the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 in the transport path when the washing treatment liquid is automatically charged (that is, when the washing treatment liquid is charged into the water tank 21 by the washing treatment liquid charging unit 30). It is conveyed from the tank 42 to the first charging section 31 through 53. Then, the washing machine 1 can charge the conveyed washing treatment liquid from the first charging section 31 into the water tank 21 through the charging path 54. Therefore, in the washing machine 1, the washing treatment liquid passes through the first charging unit 31 regardless of whether it is manually charged or automatically charged. Therefore, by passing water through the first charging unit 31, the amount of water used when the detergent is charged can be reduced. Can be reduced.

Further, in the washing machine 1, the second water supply path 52 is connected to an intermediate portion of the first water supply path 51. Therefore, even if the transport path 53 is blocked and an unintended pressure is applied to the transport path 53, the washing machine 1 applies the pressure applied to the transport path 53 to the first water supply path 51. It can be released to the outside (water tank 21 side) through. Therefore, the washing machine 1 can reduce the pressure applied to the transport path 53 even if such a phenomenon occurs. As a result, the washing machine 1 can maintain the performance of the transport path 53 for a relatively long time.

Further, the washing machine 1 can wash the first charging unit 31 by flowing washing water from the water supply unit 20 to the first charging unit 31 along the first washing path 61.

Further, the washing machine 1 can wash the case 41 by flowing washing water from the water supply unit 20 to the case 41 along the second washing path 62.

Further, in order to flow the washing treatment liquid through the transport path 53, when a drive current is passed through the transport pump 46 in a state where the switching valve 64 is switched in the direction in which the washing treatment liquid flows in the transport path 53, the washing process liquid is accommodated in the tank 42. Suck out the washing liquid. On the other hand, when it is desired to flow water through the transport path 53, a drive current is similarly passed through the transport pump 46 in a state where the switching valve 64 is switched in the direction of flowing water from the second water supply path 52 to the transport path 53, and the water supply unit 20 Suck water from. In either case, when the drive current to the transfer pump 46 is stopped, the transfer is also stopped.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the drive circuit of the transfer pump 46, which is the transfer unit of the washing machine 1, will be shown with reference to FIG. This drive circuit is provided in the control board 17, and the control board 17 is arranged below the front surface of the outer tub 22 of the washing machine 1.

The drive circuit is connected to the transfer pump motor 84 in the transfer pump 46 from the + side of the DC power supply 82 via the drive element 83. The transfer pump motor 84, which is a transfer unit, drives the transfer pump 46, and the transfer pump motor 84 is driven by the drive circuit. A part of the drive element 83 is connected to the control microcomputer 18, and by outputting an ON / OFF signal to the drive element 83, it is possible to control energization / non-energization of the pump motor 84.

Further, the transfer pump motor 84 is connected to the negative side of the DC power supply 82 via the current detection resistor 85, and the voltage generated in the current detection resistor 85 when the motor current flows is input to the control microcomputer 18. That is, the control microcomputer 18 detects the current value flowing through the current detection resistor 85. The motor current increases while sucking in a liquid such as a washing treatment liquid or water, but if there is no liquid, the transfer pump motor 84 runs idle and the current decreases. As a result, the voltage changes according to the motor current flowing through the current detection resistor 85, so that the control microcomputer 18 can detect that the washing treatment liquid has run out when the input voltage becomes a predetermined value or less. That is, the drive circuit can detect the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid in the tank 42 based on the current value flowing through the transfer pump motor 84 (the current value flowing through the current detection resistor 85). Although the drive element 83 is shown as a transistor, other elements such as FETs, photocouplers, switches, and relays may be used. Further, as for the current detection resistor 85, a current detection means such as a current transformer may be used in addition to the resistor.

Hereinafter, the operation of automatically charging the washing treatment liquid of the control microcomputer 18 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows a control flowchart of the operation of the control microcomputer automatically charging the washing treatment liquid.

In FIG. 6, when the automatic charging operation is started, the control microcomputer 18 drives (turns on) the switching valve 64, which is a switching unit, in step S100 to switch in the direction in which the washing treatment liquid flows in the transport path 53. After switching, the transfer pump 46 is driven (turned on) in step S101 to transfer the washing treatment liquid to the water tank 21. At this time, since a current flows through the drive circuit of FIG. 5 while the pump is being driven, the control microcomputer 18 detects the voltage generated in the current detection resistor 85 in step S102 and stores it in the storage unit (first pump motor current value). Detection and memory). Here, if there is a washing treatment liquid in the tank 42, the electric load on the transport pump 46 becomes large. Therefore, the current flowing through the transfer pump 46 becomes large. On the other hand, when there is no washing liquid, the transport pump 46 is in an idle state, and there is almost no load electrically, and the flowing current becomes small. That is, when the detected current value is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid in the tank 42 is small, and when it becomes larger than the threshold value, the remaining amount is large. Is judged.

After that, in step S103, it is determined whether or not the transfer pump 46 has operated for a predetermined time or longer, and if it has been operating for a predetermined time or longer (YES), the pump operation is stopped (OFF) in step S104. If it is within the predetermined time, the process returns to step 101 and the transfer pump 46 continues to be driven.

Next, when the transfer pump 46 stops driving in step S104, the switching valve 64 is stopped (OFF) in step S105. As a result, the water flowing from the water supply unit 20 is switched in the direction of flowing into the transport path 53. Further, by turning on the transfer pump 46 and driving it again in step S106, it is possible to supply water while dissolving the washing treatment liquid remaining from the transfer path 53 to the water tank 21 with water. At this time, since the current flows in step S107 in the same manner as in step S102 while the pump is being driven, the control microcomputer 18 detects and stores the voltage generated in the current detection resistor 85 (second detection of the pump motor current value). Memory). After the detection, the control microcomputer 18 compares the voltage value (current value) detected in step S102 with the voltage value (current value) detected in step S107 in step S108.

Here, as described above, in step S102, it was detected that the current flowing with respect to the presence or absence of the washing treatment liquid changed, but in step S107, since there is always a constant amount of water supplied from the water supply unit, an electrical load is applied. Is always constant. In step S108, it is determined whether or not the difference between the two voltage values is within a predetermined value. If it is within the predetermined value (YES), it is determined that the washing treatment liquid remains, and the transfer pump is continuously driven.

After that, in step S109, it is determined whether or not the transfer pump 46 has operated for a predetermined time or longer, and if it has been operating for a predetermined time or longer (YES), the operation of the transfer pump 46 is stopped (OFF) in step S110 and automatically. The pumping operation is finished. If the transfer pump 46 is not operating more than a predetermined value in step S109 (NO), the process returns to step S106 and the transfer pump continues to operate.

However, if a voltage difference occurs above a predetermined value in step S108 (NO), it is determined that the washing treatment liquid has run out or has run out, and the pump operation of the transfer pump 46 is stopped in step S111 (). OFF). After that, in order to notify the user in step S112, it is displayed on the operation panel 14 that the washing treatment liquid in the tank 42 has run out or has run out. This is to notify that the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid is low when the current value flowing through the transfer pump motor 84 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. In this embodiment, the operation unit is used. A certain operation panel is displayed to notify the user that the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid is low. The notification to the user may be voice.

As described above, in the present invention, the drive circuit detects the remaining amount of the washing processing liquid in the tank 42 based on the current value flowing through the transfer pump motor 84, and specifically, the switching valve 64. After switching to the case where the washing processing liquid in the tank 41 flows to the transfer path 53, the first current value, which is the current value flowing through the transfer pump motor 84, and the water supplied by the switching valve 64 to the transfer path 53. After switching to the case of flowing, the second current value, which is the current value flowing through the transfer pump motor 84, is compared, and the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid is detected based on the comparison result, which is expensive. It is possible to provide a washing machine that can detect the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid without using a sensor.

The detection values of steps S102 and S107 are compared because the transfer pump motor 84 in the transfer pump 46 has individual variations, and the characteristics of the transfer pump motor 84 change depending on the temperature around the transfer pump 46. The current of the transfer pump motor 84 changes due to various factors, and further, the drive element 83 for passing the current through the transfer pump motor 84 and the current detection resistor 85 for detecting the motor current also vary. However, as in the control in the present embodiment described above, the washing treatment liquid is conveyed by the transfer pump 46 and the water is transferred from the water supply unit 20 with almost no time difference, and the washing treatment liquid is transferred from the difference in the current values at that time. By determining the presence or absence, not only the variation of each of the transport pumps 46 but also the variation of the usage environment can be almost ignored, and the variation can be absorbed, and the presence or absence of the washing treatment liquid in the tank 42 can be detected accurately.

Further, in the present embodiment, the current of the transfer pump 46 is detected and stored in two times, and the presence or absence of the washing treatment liquid is determined by the difference, but the detected value is extremely lower than the predetermined value in the first time. Alternatively, if it is high, it may be determined as abnormal and an error output may be notified on the operation panel 14.

Further, if the variation of each component such as the transfer pump 46, the drive element 83, and the current detection resistor 85 is small and the transfer pump motor 84 itself is not easily affected by the usage environment, the detection / storage of the transfer pump 46 is 1. It may be only once.

As described above, according to the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a washing machine and a washer / dryer provided with means for detecting the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid without using an expensive sensor.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and is not necessarily limited to those having all the described configurations. Further, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of the embodiment with another configuration, and it is also possible to add another configuration to the configuration of the embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add / delete / replace other configurations for a part of each configuration.

1 Washing machine 11 Housing 12 Top cover 13 Outer lid 14 Operation panel 15 Tank storage lid 16 Front panel 17 Control board 18 Control microcomputer 20 Water supply unit 21 Water tank 22 Outer tank 23 Drive device 23a Motor 24 Rotation detection unit 25 Motor current detection unit 30 Washing processing liquid charging unit 31 1st charging unit 32 2nd charging unit 41 Case 42 Tank 46 Conveying pump 49 Discharge port 51 1st water supply route 52 2nd water supply route 53 Transport route 54 Input route 63 Discharge route 64 Switching valve 65 Drainage Valve 66 Drain port 71 Drying unit 82 DC power supply 83 Drive element 84 Conveyor pump motor 85 Current detection resistance

Claims (5)

With the housing
The water tank provided in the housing and
The first charging section for charging one washing treatment liquid into the water tank, and
A tank for storing the washing liquid for multiple times and
A second charging unit for accommodating the washing liquid in the tank,
A transport unit that sends the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank into the water tank, and
The motor that drives the transport unit and
It has a drive unit for driving the motor and
The driving unit is a washing machine characterized in that it detects the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid in the tank based on the current value flowing through the motor. The washing machine according to claim 1.
A washing machine that notifies that the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid is low when the current value flowing through the motor becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value. The washing machine according to claim 2.
It has an operation unit for the user to set the operating conditions,
The operation unit is a washing machine in which it is displayed that the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid is low. The washing machine according to claim 1.
When the current value flowing through the motor is larger than the predetermined value, the drive unit has a large remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid in the tank, and when it is smaller than the predetermined value, the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid in the tank is large. A washing machine that is judged to be few. The washing machine according to claim 1.
It has a switching unit for switching between the case where the washing treatment liquid in the tank is flown to the transport path and the case where the supplied water is flown to the transport path.
The drive unit switches the washing processing liquid in the tank to the transport path by the switching section, and then transfers the first current value flowing through the motor and the water supplied by the switching section to the transport path. A washing machine that compares the second current value flowing through the motor after switching to the case of flowing, and detects the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid based on the comparison result.

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