JP2022079594A - Washing machine and control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine and a control device which allow multiple laundry treatment agents to be selectively used in a simple manner.

SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a feeding unit which feeds laundry treatment agents stored in multiple tanks into a water tank; and a control device which controls the feeding unit. The control device includes: a first obtaining unit which obtains first treatment agent information indicating a laundry treatment agent stored in at least one of the tanks; a second obtaining unit which obtains second treatment agent information indicating laundry treatment agents to be used in an operation program; and a feeding part which operates to carry out the feeding of laundry treatment agents from selected tanks into the water tank according to the first treatment agent information and the second treatment agent information.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine and a control device.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine having a liquid agent automatic charging device for automatically charging a liquid agent such as a detergent solution or a softener solution. In the washing machine described above, the liquid agent in the detergent tank and the softener tank is automatically charged into the drum by driving the pump provided in the liquid agent automatic charging device.

International Publication No. 2019/039140

However, in a washing machine as described above, a tank for containing a detergent or a softener is predetermined.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide, as an example, a washing machine and a control device capable of easily using a plurality of types of washing treatment agents properly.

The washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a charging unit for charging each of the washing treatment agents contained in a plurality of tanks into the water tank, and a control device for controlling the charging unit. The first acquisition unit for acquiring the first treatment agent information indicating the washing treatment agent contained in at least one tank and the second treatment agent information indicating the washing treatment agent used in the driving course are acquired. A second acquisition unit and a charging unit for charging the washing treatment agent from the selected tank to the water tank based on the first treatment agent information and the second treatment agent information are provided.

The control device according to one aspect of the present invention is a control device for controlling a charging unit for charging each of the washing treatment agents contained in a plurality of tanks into a water tank, and the washing treatment housed in at least one of the tanks. A first acquisition unit for acquiring information on a first treatment agent indicating an agent, a second acquisition unit for acquiring information on a second treatment agent indicating a washing treatment agent used in an operation course, and a first treatment. It is provided with a charging unit for charging the water tank from the selected tank based on the agent information and the second processing agent information.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a vertical sectional view which shows the internal structure of the washing machine shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the input unit. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the tank is attached to the attachment part. It is a vertical cross-sectional view which shows the state which the tank is attached to the attachment part. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware composition of a washing machine. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of a control device. This is an example of the processing flow related to the input control of the input unit by the control device. It is a figure which shows the 1st processing agent information. It is a figure which shows the 2nd processing agent information. This is an example of a processing flow related to notification control by a control device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, the same or equivalent elements may be designated by the same reference numerals to omit duplicate explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention may be omitted from the illustration. Furthermore, the forms of the components shown in such embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these forms.

The washing machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the washing machine 100. FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view showing the internal configuration of the washing machine 100 shown in FIG.

The washing machine 100 includes, for example, a housing 101, a water tank 102 housed inside the housing 101, a drum 103 housed in the water tank 102 into which laundry such as clothes is charged, and an opening 102a of the water tank 102. A door 104 that opens and closes the door 104.

The housing 101 surrounds the water tank 102. The housing 101 has an upper surface portion 101a provided above the water tank 102, a bottom surface portion 101b provided below the water tank 102, a front surface portion 101c provided in front of the water tank 102, and a rear portion behind the water tank 102. It has a back surface portion 101d provided on the back surface side and side surface portions 101e and 101f provided on both sides via the water tank 102. The upper surface portion 101a covers the upper part of the water tank 102 as an example. The bottom surface portion 101b covers the lower part of the water tank 102 as an example. Further, the front surface portion 101c, the side surface portion 101e, the back surface portion 101d, and the side surface portion 101f are each erected with respect to the bottom surface portion 101b and cover the lateral periphery of the water tank 102.

The water tank 102 stores washing water when the washing machine 100 performs the washing operation. The washing water is a liquid in which the washing treatment liquid is dissolved in water. As an example, the water tank 102 is a bottomed cylinder having an opening 102a formed on the entire surface of one end. The water tank 102 is elastically supported by the support legs 102b while maintaining an inclined posture in which the side of the opening 102a faces upward and the axis is tilted with respect to the horizontal plane (a surface parallel to the installation surface of the washing machine 100). There is.

Inside the water tub 102, a drum 103, which is a washing tub, is rotatably provided. The drum 103 is a bottomed cylinder having an opening 103a formed on the entire surface of one end. The drum 103 is formed to have a diameter slightly smaller than that of the water tank 102, and is housed inside the drum 103. The opening 103a of the drum 103 is connected to the end of the output shaft 103c of the drum motor 103b provided in the center of the bottom of the water tank 102 so as to be located substantially concentrically with the opening 102a of the water tank 102. The drum 103 is configured to rotate about the output shaft 103c inside the water tank 102. For example, a large number of small holes 103d are formed so as to penetrate the entire peripheral wall of the drum 103. On the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the drum 103, for example, a plurality of baffles 103e extending in the axial direction are projected at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

A water supply pipe 110 is connected to the water tank 102. The water supply pipe 110 is located outside the housing 101, for example, and has a water source connection port 110a that can be connected to the water supply source. A water supply valve 111 is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 110. The water supply valve 111 is, for example, a multi-connected solenoid valve having a plurality of water supply outlets. The water supplied from the water supply source is supplied to the water tank 102 via the water supply pipe 110 together with the washing treatment liquid supplied from the tank 150 described later, for example, by switching the water supply outlet by the water supply valve 111.

A drain hose 121 is connected to the water tank 102 via a drain pipe 120. The end of the drain hose 121 extends to the outside of the housing 101. A drain valve 122 is provided between the drain pipe 120 and the drain hose 121. By opening and closing the drain valve 122, the washing water is stored inside the water tank 102, and the washing water stored inside the water tank 102 is discharged to the outside.

The door 104 is provided in the housing 101 so as to be openable and closable. The door 104 is supported so as to be openable and closable via a hinge (not shown) provided on the front surface portion 101c of the housing 101. The door 104 has a window 104a made of glass or a transparent resin, and a convex portion 104b protruding inward from the inner surface of the window 104a. When the door 104 is closed, the convex portion 104b is in close contact with the opening 102a of the water tank 102 to prevent the washing water from leaking to the outside of the water tank 102 through the opening 102a.

The housing 101 includes an operation unit 130 that receives an operation instruction from the user to the washing machine 100. The operation unit 130 is provided adjacent to the front side of the upper surface portion 101a of the housing 101. The operation unit 130 has, for example, an operation panel for various operations and a display panel for displaying various images. In the washing machine 100, for example, in response to the operation of the operation unit 130, the control device 200 (see FIG. 6) described later controls the operation of each unit to execute a series of processes such as washing operation.

In the above configuration, the washing operation in the washing machine 100 is performed, for example, by supplying washing water to the inside of the water tank 102 (drum 103) into which the washing machine is charged and driving the drum motor 103b to tumbl the drum 103. Will be done. The laundry in the drum 103 is immersed in the washing water that has entered the drum 103 through the small hole 103d, is repeatedly lifted and dropped by the baffle 103e, and is washed by being hit against the inner wall of the drum 103 when falling. Although the washing operation of the washing machine 100 has been described, the washing machine 100 may be provided with a heater, a blower fan, and the like, and may have a function as a dryer for drying the laundry in the water tank.

The charging unit 140 used in the automatic washing operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the charging unit 140. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the tank 150 is mounted on the mounting portion 160. FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view showing a state in which the tank 150 is mounted on the mounting portion 160. The charging unit 140 is for charging the washing treatment agent contained in the tank 150 into the water tank 102. The automatic washing operation refers to an operation mode in which the washing treatment agent contained in the tank 150 is automatically charged into the water tank 102 to perform the washing operation.

As shown in FIG. 3, the charging unit 140 includes a mounting portion 160 to which a plurality of tanks 150 can be mounted, a first supply path 170 connected to each of the plurality of mounting portions 160 and supplying a washing treatment agent. A first valve 171 provided in the first supply channel 170, a pump 172 provided in the first supply channel 170, a water supply channel 180 to which water is supplied from a water supply source, and a water supply channel 180 are provided. The water supply valve 111 is provided.

The tank 150 is, for example, a container for storing the laundry treatment agent. The washing treatment agent is a chemical used for washing, and is, for example, a detergent, a softener, a bleaching agent, and the like. The tank 150 has a capacity to store an amount of a washing treatment agent that can be washed a plurality of times. In this embodiment, the washing machine 100 has three tanks 150. Each tank 150 has the same shape. As an example, the tank 150 is detachably provided on the mounting portion 160 constituting the charging unit 140. Each tank 150 has the same configuration, but for convenience of explanation, the tank 150 mounted on the first mounting portion 161 described later is referred to as a first tank 151, and the second mounting portion described later is referred to. The tank 150 mounted on 162 is referred to as a second tank 152, and the tank 150 mounted on the third mounting portion 163 described later is referred to as a third tank 153.

The charging unit 140 has a plurality of mounting portions 160 to which a plurality of tanks 150 can be individually mounted. As an example, the mounting portion 160 is formed so as to be recessed from the surface of the housing 101 to the inside of the housing 101. The mounting portion 160 is provided on, for example, the upper surface portion 101a of the housing 101. That is, the mounting portion 160 is provided so as to be recessed from the surface of the upper surface portion 101a of the housing 101 to the inside of the housing 101. The mounting portion 160 is provided according to the number of tanks 150 so that each tank 150 can be mounted. In this embodiment, the charging unit 140 has three mounting portions 160. Each mounting portion 160 has the same configuration, but for convenience of explanation, the mounting portion 160 located on the side where the first tank 151 is mounted (left side in FIG. 4) is referred to as the first mounting portion. The mounting portion 160, which is referred to as 161 and is located on the side where the second tank 152 is mounted (center side in FIG. 4), is referred to as the second mounting portion 162, and the side on which the third tank 153 is mounted. The mounting portion 160 located (on the right side in FIG. 4) is referred to as a third mounting portion 163.

The charging unit 140 has three mounting portions 160, but is not limited to this, and may have at least two mounting portions 160. Further, the mounting portion 160 is provided on the upper surface portion 101a of the housing 101, but is not limited to this, and may be provided on the front surface portion 101c, the side surface portion 101e, the back surface portion 101d, the side surface portion 101f, and the like. Similarly, the washing machine 100 has three tanks 150, but is not limited to this, and may have at least two tanks 150.

A state in which the first tank 151 is mounted on the first mounting portion 161 will be described with reference to FIG. Since the second mounting portion 162 and the third mounting portion 163 have the same configuration as the first mounting portion 161, the description thereof will be omitted.

The first mounting portion 161 includes a bottom surface 161a, a front side surface 161b erected on the front side of the bottom surface 161a, and a rear side surface 161c erected on the rear side of the bottom surface 161a. It has both side surfaces (not shown) erected on both sides of the bottom surface 161a. The bottom surface 161a is a surface on which the first tank 151 is placed. The bottom surface 161a has a shape corresponding to the bottom surface of the first tank 151 so that the first tank 151 can be stably supported when the first tank 151 is placed. Further, as an example, the bottom surface 161a has a shape that gradually inclines downward from the front side surface 161b to the rear side surface 161c.

The bottom surface 161a of the first mounting portion 161 has an opening 161d that communicates with the first supply path 170 described later. The opening 161d has a shape in which the supply nozzle 151a formed in the first tank 151 is fitted. By mounting the first tank 151 on the bottom surface 161a of the first mounting portion 161 the supply nozzle 151a is fitted into the opening 161d, and the inside of the first tank 151 and the inside of the first tank 151 through the opening 161d. The supply path 170 of 1 is communicated with.

As shown in FIG. 3, the upstream end of the first supply path 170 is connected to each of the plurality of mounting portions 160. Specifically, the upstream end of the first supply path 170 is formed so as to branch toward each mounting portion 160. A first valve 171 for switching the flow path is provided in a branch portion of the first supply path 170 that branches toward each mounting portion 160. The first valve 171 is, for example, a solenoid valve. A pump 172 is provided on the downstream side of the first supply path 170 from the branch portion branched toward each mounting portion 160. The downstream end of the first supply path 170 is connected to the water tank 102. The water supply channel 180 is configured to join the first supply channel 170. A water supply valve 111 is provided on the upstream side of the confluence portion of the water supply channel 180 with the first supply channel 170.

In the above configuration, the washing machine 100 sucks the washing treatment agent contained in the tank 150 by driving the pump 172. The sucked washing treatment agent passes through the first supply channel 170, joins the water flowing through the water supply channel 180, and is supplied to the water tank 102. The pump 172 is preferably configured to suck a predetermined amount of the washing agent from the tank 150. Thereby, the amount of the washing treatment agent can be adjusted by the driving time of the pump 172.

Further, the washing machine 100 can switch the tank 150 communicating with the water tank 102 by switching the first valve 171. Therefore, the type of the washing treatment agent supplied to the water tank 102 can be switched. In the present embodiment, the first valve 171 is provided as a valve for switching the tank 150 communicating with the water tank 102, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first supply path 170 is directed toward each mounting portion 160. The tank 150 communicating with the water tank 102 may be switched by providing valves for opening and closing each of the branched branch flow paths and switching the open / closed state of these valves.

The washing treatment agent supplied to the water tank 102 is mixed with water by being connected to the water supply channel 180 in the middle of the first supply path 170 from the pump 172 to the water tank 102. As a result, the washing treatment agent becomes diluted washing water and is supplied to the water tank 102. The washing machine 100 is configured to supply water on the downstream side of the pump 172, but is not limited to this, and for example, water is supplied to the upstream side of the pump 172 and the upstream side of the first valve 171. It may be configured to supply. In this case, the pump 172 and the first valve 171 can be washed away with water.

A manual washing operation using the manual loading unit 190 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The manual washing operation refers to an operation mode in which the user inputs the washing treatment agent necessary for the washing operation to the manual charging unit 190 each time the washing operation is executed. The manual loading unit 190 is provided inside the housing 101 so as to be removable from the housing 101. The manual charging section 190 is provided separately from the tank 150 and is a container for accommodating the washing treatment agent to be supplied to the water tank 102.

As an example, the manual charging section 190 is provided in the second supply path 191 from the water supply valve 111 to the water tank 102. When the washing machine 100 performs a manual washing operation, the water supply valve 111 is switched so that a second supply path 191 from the water source connection port 110a to the water tank 102 via the water supply valve 111 and the manual charging section 190 is formed. There is. The water supplied from the water supply source to the manual charging unit 190 via the water source connection port 110a and the water supply valve 111 is mixed with the washing treatment agent contained in the manual charging unit 190 to become washing water. , Is supplied to the water tank 102.

The control device 200 for controlling the input unit 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the washing machine 100. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the control device 200 of the washing machine 100. The washing machine 100 includes a control device 200, a storage unit 210, a communication unit 220, a water supply valve 111, an operation unit 130, a first valve 171, a pump 172, and a weight sensor 230. The control device 200 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control device 200 controls the washing machine 100 by reading and executing the program and data recorded in the storage unit 210.

The storage unit 210 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like, and records a program executed by the control device 200, various parameters used by the control device 200, and the like.

The communication unit 220 is an interface for connecting to and communicating with a network. As an example, the communication unit 220 controls communication with an external device 300 provided away from the washing machine 100. Examples of the external device 300 include a mobile terminal and a server device.

The weight sensor 230 is for detecting whether or not the tank 150 of the washing machine 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 160. The weight sensor 230 is attached to the lower part of each mounting portion 160, for example, and by detecting the weight of each tank 150, it is possible to detect whether or not each tank 150 is mounted on each mounting portion 160. can. The weight sensor 230 is used as an example of a detection unit for detecting the attachment / detachment of the tank 150, but the weight sensor 230 is not limited to this, as long as it can detect whether or not the tank 150 is attached to the attachment unit 160, for example. , A distance measuring sensor may be used.

The control device 200 executes various processes according to the program and data recorded in the storage unit 210. In the present embodiment, each functional block illustrated in FIG. 7 is realized by executing the program by the control device 200. The control device 200 functions as, for example, a first acquisition unit 201, a second acquisition unit 202, a determination unit 203, an input unit 204, and a notification control unit 205.

An example of the processing flow related to the closing control of the closing unit 140 by the control device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the first acquisition unit 201 acquires the first treatment agent information D1 indicating the washing treatment agent contained in at least one tank 150 (S101). Examples of the laundry treatment agent include detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches, fashionable clothes detergents, and scented fabric softeners. In the present embodiment, the first treatment agent information D1 indicating the washing treatment agent contained in each tank 150 is acquired in association with the housed tank 150 (or the mounting portion 160). Every time the first processing agent information D1 is acquired by the first acquisition unit 201, it is recorded in the storage unit 210.

The first processing agent information D1 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of first processing agent information D1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 201. For example, in pattern 1, the first tank 151 contains a "detergent", the second tank 152 contains a "softener", and the third tank 153 contains a "scented softener". We have obtained information that "is contained." Similarly, in pattern 2, the first tank 151 contains a "detergent", the second tank 152 contains a "fashionable detergent", and the third tank 153 contains a "softener". We have obtained information that "" is contained. Similarly, in pattern 3, the first tank 151 contains a "detergent", the second tank 152 contains a "bleach", and the third tank 153 contains a "softener". Has obtained information that is being contained. Similarly, in pattern 4, the first tank 151 contains the "detergent", the second tank 152 contains the "softener", and the third tank 153 contains the washing agent. We have obtained information that it is not contained. Similarly, in pattern 5, the first tank 151 contains a "bleaching agent", the second tank 152 contains a "softener", and the third tank 153 is "scented". We have obtained information that "softener" is contained.

As an example, the washing machine 100 includes an input unit for inputting the first processing agent information D1. The input unit is, for example, an operation unit 130. When the user operates the operation unit 130, information indicating the washing treatment agent contained in each tank 150 (first treatment agent information D1) is input to the control device 200, and the first acquisition unit 201 is the first. The processing agent information of is acquired. The first treatment agent information D1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 201 is information indicating the washing treatment agent contained in at least one tank 150. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 130 is used as the input unit, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the first processing agent information D1 may be input by voice recognition.

The first acquisition unit 201 acquires the first processing agent information D1 by operating the operation unit 130 provided in the washing machine 100, but the first acquisition unit 201 is not limited to this, and for example, an external device. It may be acquired from 300 via the communication unit 220. The external device 300 may be, for example, a mobile terminal or a server device.

Next, the second acquisition unit 202 acquires the second treatment agent information D2 indicating the washing treatment agent used in the driving course (S102). As an example, the storage unit 210 of the control device 200 records the operation contents of a plurality of operation courses. Specifically, the storage unit 210 is used for each operation course, whether or not there are various steps (for example, washing step, rinsing step, dehydration step, etc.), time of various steps, type of washing treatment agent used, and so on. The amount of the washing treatment agent, the timing of adding the washing treatment agent, the amount of water charged into the water tank 102, and the like are recorded in advance. As an example, the second acquisition unit 202 acquires the second treatment agent information D2 by reading information indicating the washing treatment agent associated with various driving courses from the data recorded in the storage unit 210. ing.

The second treatment agent information D2 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the second processing agent information D2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 202. The second acquisition unit 202 has acquired information that, for example, when the driving course is the "standard course", the "detergent" and the "softener" are used. Similarly, when the driving course is "fashionable clothes course", we have obtained information that "fashionable clothes detergent" and "softener" are used. Similarly, when the driving course is "Ganko dirt course", we have obtained information that "detergent", "bleach", and "softener" are used. Similarly, when the driving course is a "user-set course", information is obtained that "fashionable detergent" and "scented fabric softener" are used.

The second acquisition unit 202 acquires the second processing agent information D2 by reading the data recorded in advance in the storage unit 210, but the second acquisition unit 202 is not limited to this, and for example, the user himself / herself is the second. The treatment agent information D2 may be set. In this case, the user may set the operation content of the operation course including the second processing agent information D2. The "user setting course" shown in FIG. 10 is an example of a driving course in which the user himself / herself sets the driving content. When the user sets the operation content, the operation content may be set via the operation unit 130, or the operation content set by the user on the external device 300 (for example, a mobile terminal) may be set via the communication unit 220. It may be transmitted to the control device 200 (second acquisition unit 202) of the washing machine 100.

Next, the determination unit 203 is based on the first processing agent information D1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 201 and the second processing agent information D2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 202. The tank 150 used in the driving course is determined (S103).

For example, when the first treatment agent information D1 is the pattern 1 shown in FIG. 9 and the operation course is the "standard course", the first tank 151 containing the "detergent" and The second tank 152 containing the "softener" is determined to be the tank used in the "standard course". Similarly, for example, when the first treatment agent information D1 is the pattern 2 shown in FIG. 9 and the driving course is the "fashionable clothes course", the "fashionable clothes detergent" is stored. The tank 152 of 2 and the third tank 153 containing the "softener" are determined as tanks used in the "fashionable dressing course". Similarly, for example, when the first treatment agent information D1 is the pattern 3 shown in FIG. 9, and the driving course is the "Ganko dirt course", the first processing agent containing the "detergent" is contained. The tank 151, the second tank 152 containing the "bleach", and the third tank 153 containing the "softener" are determined to be the tanks used in the "Ganko dirt course". To.

Then, the input unit 204 determines whether or not an arbitrary driving course is executed via the operation unit 130 or the communication unit 220 (S104). When the charging unit 204 determines that an arbitrary operation course is being executed (S104: YES), the washing treatment agent contained in the tank 150 determined (selected) by the determination unit 203 is supplied to the water tank 102. As a result, a control signal for controlling the water supply valve 111, the first valve 171 and the pump 172 is sent (S105), and the processing flow ends. When the input unit 204 determines that an arbitrary operation course has not been executed (S104: NO), the processing flow ends.

In S101, the first treatment agent information D1 is acquired, and in S102, the second treatment agent information D2 is acquired, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, in S101, the second treatment agent information D2 is acquired. , And in S102, the first treatment agent information D1 may be acquired.

It should be noted that the determination as to whether or not an arbitrary driving course is being executed is performed in S104, but the determination is not limited to this, and it may be performed in a stage prior to S105, for example, the charging unit 140 shown in FIG. It may be performed at the time when the processing flow related to the input control of the above is started.

In S103, when the tank 150 to be used is determined based on the first treatment agent information D1 and the second treatment agent information D2, the washing treatment agent used in the operation course is stored in the tank 150. If not, that is, if there is no tank 150 to be used, the automatic washing operation may be switched to the manual washing operation, and the user is informed that the washing agent used for the driving course is not contained in the tank 150. It may be notified.

In the above configuration, the washing machine 100 includes a charging unit 140 for charging each of the washing treatment agents contained in the plurality of tanks 150 into the water tank 102, and a control device 200 for controlling the charging unit 140. The 200 includes a first acquisition unit 201 for acquiring the first treatment agent information D1, a second acquisition unit 202 for acquiring the second treatment agent information D2, a first treatment agent information D1, and a second. The washing treatment agent is charged from the tank 150 used in the operation course to the water tank 102 by providing the treatment agent information D2 and the charging unit 204 for charging the washing treatment agent from the selected tank 150 to the water tank 102. It can be thrown into 102. Therefore, it is not necessary to determine in advance the type of each tank 150 and the type of laundry treatment agent contained in each tank 150, so that a mistake may occur such as putting "detergent" in the softener tank, for example. This makes it easy to use multiple laundry treatment agents properly.

Further, by having an input unit for inputting the first processing agent information D1, the user himself / herself can set the first processing agent information D1 in association with each tank 150.

Further, a communication unit 220 that communicates with the external device 300 is further provided, and the first acquisition unit 201 acquires the first processing agent information D1 from the external device 300 via the communication unit 220, so that the user himself / herself can acquire the information D1. The first processing agent information D1 can be set even if the user is away from the washing machine 100.

Further, it is preferable that the washing machine 100 includes at least three mounting portions 160 to which a plurality of tanks 150 can be individually mounted. In other words, the washing machine 100 preferably includes at least three tanks 150. By providing at least three mounting portions 160, it is possible to accommodate more types of laundry treatment agents, so that it becomes easy to properly use a plurality of types of laundry treatment agents.

Further, it is preferable that the washing machine 100 has a plurality of mounting portions to which a plurality of tanks 150 having the same shape can be individually mounted. In other words, the washing machine 100 preferably has a plurality of tanks 150 having the same shape. By having a plurality of mounting portions capable of individually mounting a plurality of tanks 150 having the same shape, it becomes easy to replace the plurality of tanks 150 with each other. Further, since each of the plurality of tanks 150 has the same shape, it is possible to suppress the manufacturing cost by standardizing the parts.

The washing machine 100 may be configured so that the number of tanks 150 is larger than the number of mounting portions 160. For example, there may be a configuration in which five tanks 150 are provided for three mounting portions 160. Five types of laundry treatment agents, "detergent," "softener," "bleach," "fashionable laundry detergent," and "fragrance softener," are individually stored in the tank 150 and are not mounted on the mounting unit 160. The tank 150 (for example, the tank 150 containing the "fashionable detergent" and the "fragrance softener") is stored in, for example, a shelf near the washing machine 100. When using the "fashionable detergent", the tank 150 containing the "fashionable detergent" is taken out from the shelf and replaced with one tank 150 mounted on the mounting portion 160 to perform the desired operation. The course can be carried out easily.

Further, in the first treatment agent information D1 shown in FIG. 9, the washing treatment agents contained in each tank 150 are of different types, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the same type of laundry treatment agent is used in a plurality of tanks 150. It may contain a washing agent. For example, one washing treatment agent that is frequently used or used in a large amount for each operation may be stored in a plurality of tanks 150.

An example of the processing flow related to the notification control by the control device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

As an example, when the notification control unit 205 detects a state in which one or more tanks 150 are removed (S201), the notification control unit 205 controls the notification unit so as to notify the first processing agent information D1 (S202). .. The notification control unit 205 detects a state in which one or more tanks 150 are removed by the weight sensor 230. As the notification unit, for example, a display panel (hereinafter, also referred to as a display unit) constituting the operation unit 130 is used. The notification control unit 205 controls the display unit so as to display the first processing agent information D1. The notification control unit 205 controls, for example, to display the first processing agent information D1 on the display unit of the washing machine 100, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the external device 300 (for example, the external device 300) is used. It may be controlled so that it is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal). Further, the operation unit 130 (display unit) is used as the notification unit, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a sound output unit (not shown) or the like may be used.

In the washing machine 100, the display unit is provided in the housing 101, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the display unit may be separately provided in each tank 150. In this case, it may be configured to display information on the washing agent corresponding to (accommodating) each tank 150.

When the notification control unit 205 detects the state in which the tank 150 is removed, the notification control unit 205 determines whether or not there is a change in the first processing agent information D1 (S203). The notification control unit 205 determines whether or not the first processing agent information D1 has been changed by displaying a screen for allowing the user to select whether or not the first processing agent information D1 has been changed. There is. When the notification control unit 205 determines that there is a change in the first processing agent information D1 (S203: YES), the notification control unit 205 updates the first processing agent information D1 (S204). When the notification control unit 205 determines that there is a change in the first treatment agent information D1, the notification control unit 205 displays a screen for allowing the user to select information indicating a new washing treatment agent contained in the removed tank 150. , The first treatment agent information D1 is updated. By updating the first treatment agent information D1, even if the washing treatment agent contained in the tank 150 is changed, the changed washing treatment agent is transferred to the water tank 102 by using the charging unit 140. Can be thrown in. When the notification control unit 205 determines that there is no change in the first processing agent information D1 (S203: NO), the notification control unit 205 returns to S201.

Further, the notification control unit 205 controls a notification unit (for example, a display unit, a sound output unit, etc.) so as to notify the user of information for calling attention when the tank 150 is detected. You may. By controlling the notification unit to notify the user of information that calls attention to the user, for example, when the tanks 150 are removed, it is possible to suppress an error in attaching each tank 150.

The notification control unit 205 notifies the first processing agent information D1 when the state in which the tank 150 is removed is detected, but the present invention is not limited to this, regardless of whether or not the tank 150 has been removed. Instead, the first processing agent information D1 may be notified.

In the above configuration, the washing machine 100 is provided with a notification unit (display unit) for notifying the first treatment agent information D1, so that the type of the washing treatment agent contained in each tank 150 can be confirmed. ..

Further, the washing machine 100 is provided with a plurality of tanks 150 detachably attached, and includes a detection unit (weight sensor 230) for detecting the attachment / detachment of each tank 150, and at least one notification unit (display unit) is provided by the detection unit. By notifying when the state in which the tank 150 is removed is detected, the user himself / herself can confirm the type of the washing treatment agent contained in the tank 150 removed from the mounting portion 160. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the washing treatment agent from being put into the tank 150 from being mistakenly put in.

Further, the washing machine 100 is provided with a plurality of tanks 150 detachably attached, and includes a detection unit (weight sensor 230) for detecting the attachment / detachment of each tank 150. When the removed state is detected, the user is notified of the information for calling attention, so that it is possible to suppress the mistaken attachment of the plurality of tanks 150. When the washing machine 100 is provided with a plurality of tanks 150 detachably attached and has a detection unit for detecting the attachment / detachment of each tank 150, the notification unit detects a state in which the tank 150 is attached by the detection unit. That is, when the detection unit detects the state in which the tank 150 is removed and the detection unit detects the state in which the tank 150 is attached, the information that calls attention to the user may be notified. .. When the tank 150 is attached after the tank 150 is removed, the notification unit notifies the information or the like that calls attention, so that it is possible to suppress an error in attaching the tank 150 or the like.

As an example, the control device 200 of the washing machine 100 functions as a first acquisition unit 201, a second acquisition unit 202, a determination unit 203, a charging unit 204, and a notification control unit 205. The external device 300 (for example, a server device) may have the above-mentioned function, and the external device 300 (for example, a mobile terminal) may have the above-mentioned function. May be good.

In the first acquisition unit 201, when the user operates the operation unit 130, information indicating the washing treatment agent contained in each tank 150 (first treatment agent information D1) is input to the control device 200. , The first treatment agent information D1 is acquired, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, by detecting the type of the washing treatment agent contained in the tank 150, the first treatment agent information D1 is acquired. May be good. Examples of the detection of the type of the washing treatment agent contained in the tank 150 include a sensor and a camera for measuring the transmittance of the washing treatment agent. Further, as a method of managing the washing treatment agent stored in each tank 150, for example, an IC tag such as RFID may be attached to each tank 150, or a seal or engraving may be applied to each tank 150.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, it can be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above embodiment, a configuration that exhibits the same action and effect, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose.

100 washing machine, 102 water tank, 111 water supply valve, 130 operation part, 150 tank, 160 mounting part, 171 first valve, 172 pump, 200 control device, 201 first acquisition part, 202 second acquisition part, 203 Judgment unit, 204 pumping unit, 205 notification control unit, 220 communication unit, 230 weight sensor, 300 external device, D1 first processing agent information, D2 second processing agent information

Claims (8)

A charging unit that charges each of the washing agents contained in multiple tanks into the water tank,
A control device for controlling the input unit is provided.
The control device is
A first acquisition unit for acquiring first treatment agent information indicating a washing treatment agent contained in at least one of the tanks, and a first acquisition unit.
A second acquisition unit that acquires information on the second treatment agent indicating the washing treatment agent used in the driving course, and a second acquisition unit.
A washing machine including a charging unit for charging a washing treatment agent from the selected tank to the water tank based on the first treatment agent information and the second treatment agent information. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for inputting the first processing agent information. It also has a communication unit that communicates with external devices.
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the first processing agent information from the external device via the communication unit. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a notification unit for notifying the first processing agent information. The plurality of tanks are detachably provided and are provided.
It is equipped with a detection unit that detects the attachment / detachment of each tank.
The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit notifies after detecting a state in which at least one of the tanks has been removed by the detection unit. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising at least three mounting portions capable of mounting the plurality of tanks individually. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a plurality of mounting portions capable of individually mounting the plurality of tanks having the same shape. It is a control device that controls a charging unit that charges each of the washing treatment agents contained in a plurality of tanks into the water tank.
A first acquisition unit for acquiring first treatment agent information indicating a washing treatment agent contained in at least one of the tanks, and a first acquisition unit.
A second acquisition unit that acquires information on the second treatment agent indicating the washing treatment agent used in the driving course, and a second acquisition unit.
A control device including a charging unit for charging the water tank from the selected tank based on the first processing agent information and the second processing agent information.

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