JP7413213B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to washing machines .

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that has an automatic liquid dispenser that automatically dispenses liquid such as detergent liquid or fabric softener liquid. The above-mentioned washing machine automatically puts the liquid in the detergent tank and the softener tank into the drum by driving a pump included in the automatic liquid dosing device.

International Publication No. 2019/039140

However, in the above-mentioned washing machine, a tank for storing detergent and fabric softener is predetermined.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide, as an example, a washing machine and a control device that can easily selectively use multiple types of laundry treatment agents.

A washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes an input unit that inputs each of the laundry treatment agents contained in a plurality of tanks into a water tank, and a control device that controls the input unit, and the control device includes: a first acquisition unit that acquires first processing agent information indicating a laundry processing agent contained in at least one tank; and second processing agent information indicating a laundry processing agent used in the driving course. The washing machine includes a second acquisition unit and a charging unit that inputs the laundry treatment agent from the selected tank to the water tank based on the first treatment agent information and the second treatment agent information.

A control device according to one aspect of the present invention is a control device that controls an input unit that inputs each of the laundry treatment agents contained in a plurality of tanks into a water tank, and the control device controls a washing treatment agent contained in at least one tank. a first acquisition unit that acquires first treatment agent information indicating the laundry treatment agent; a second acquisition unit that acquires second treatment agent information indicating the laundry treatment agent used in the driving course; and a first processing agent. The processing agent includes a charging unit that inputs the selected tank into the aquarium based on the treatment agent information and the second treatment agent information.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram showing an input unit. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the tank is attached to the attachment part. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tank is attached to the attachment part. It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a washing machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control device. It is an example of the process flow concerning the input control of the input unit by a control device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing first processing agent information. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing second processing agent information. It is an example of the process flow regarding notification control by a control device.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention may be omitted from illustration. Further, the configurations of the components shown in the embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these configurations.

A washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a washing machine 100. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration of washing machine 100 shown in FIG. 1. As 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 and into which laundry such as clothes is thrown, and an opening 102a of the water tank 102. and a door 104 that opens and closes.

The housing 101 surrounds the water tank 102. The housing 101 has an upper surface part 101a provided above the water tank 102, a bottom surface part 101b provided below the water tank 102, a front surface part 101c provided in front of the water tank 102, and a rear part from the water tank 102. It has a back part 101d provided on the back side, and side parts 101e and 101f provided on both sides with the water tank 102 in between. The upper surface part 101a covers the upper part of the water tank 102, for example. The bottom part 101b covers the lower part of the water tank 102, for 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 a washing operation. Washing water is a liquid in which washing treatment liquid is dissolved in water. The water tank 102 is, for example, a bottomed cylindrical body with an opening 102a formed in the entire surface of one end. The water tank 102 is elastically supported by support legs 102b while maintaining an inclined posture with the opening 102a facing upward and the axis tilted with respect to a horizontal plane (a plane parallel to the installation surface of the washing machine 100). There is.

Inside the water tank 102, a drum 103, which is a washing tank, is rotatably provided. The drum 103 is a bottomed cylindrical body with an opening 103a formed on the entire surface of one end. The drum 103 is formed to have a slightly smaller diameter than the water tank 102, and is housed inside the drum 103. The opening 103a of the drum 103 is connected to an end of an output shaft 103c of a drum motor 103b provided at the center of the bottom of the tank 102 so as to be located approximately concentrically with the opening 102a of the tank 102. The drum 103 is configured to rotate around an output shaft 103c inside the water tank 102. For example, a large number of small holes 103d are formed in the peripheral wall of the drum 103 so as to penetrate the entire surface thereof. For example, a plurality of baffles 103e protrude from the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the drum 103 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction and extend in the axial 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 a 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 multiple electromagnetic valve having a plurality of water supply outlets. The water supplied from the water supply source is supplied to the water tank 102 through the water supply pipe 110 together with, for example, a washing treatment liquid supplied from a tank 150, which will be described later, 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. An 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, washing water is stored inside the water tank 102, and washing water stored inside the water tank 102 is discharged to the outside.

The door 104 is provided in the housing 101 so that it can be opened and closed. The door 104 is supported via a hinge (not shown) provided on the front surface 101c of the housing 101 so as to be openable and closable. The door 104 has a window 104a made of glass or 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, thereby preventing 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 operation instructions for the washing machine 100 from a user. 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 includes, for example, an operation panel for various operations and a display panel for displaying various images. In the washing machine 100, a control device 200 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, controls the operations of each section in response to, for example, an operation on the operation section 130, thereby executing a series of processes such as a washing operation.

In the above configuration, the washing operation in the washing machine 100 is performed by, for example, supplying washing water into the water tank 102 (drum 103) into which the laundry is placed, and driving the drum motor 103b to tumble the drum 103. It will be done. The laundry in the drum 103 is immersed in the washing water that enters the drum 103 through the small hole 103d, is repeatedly lifted up and dropped by the baffle 103e, and is washed by hitting 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 equipped with a heater, a blower fan, etc., and may have a function as a dryer that dries the laundry in the water tank.

The loading unit 140 used during automatic washing operation will be described using FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the input unit 140. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the tank 150 is attached to the attachment part 160. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the tank 150 is attached to the attachment part 160. The input unit 140 is for inputting the laundry 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 put into the water tank 102 to perform the washing operation.

As shown in FIG. 3, the input unit 140 includes a mounting section 160 to which a plurality of tanks 150 can be mounted, a first supply path 170 connected to each of the plurality of mounting sections 160, and supplying a laundry 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 pump 172 provided in the first supply channel 170 . and a water supply valve 111.

The tank 150 is, for example, a container that stores a laundry treatment agent. Laundry treatment agents are chemicals used in laundry, such as detergents, fabric softeners, and bleaching agents. Tank 150 has a capacity to store laundry treatment agent in an amount sufficient for washing multiple times. In this embodiment, washing machine 100 has three tanks 150. Each tank 150 has the same shape. As an example, the tank 150 is detachably provided in a mounting section 160 that constitutes the input unit 140. Each tank 150 has the same configuration, but for convenience of explanation, the tank 150 attached to a first attachment part 161 (described later) will be referred to as a first tank 151, and the tank 150 attached to a second attachment part (described later) will be referred to as a first tank 151. The tank 150 attached to the tank 162 is referred to as a second tank 152, and the tank 150 attached to a third attachment portion 163 (described later) is referred to as a third tank 153.

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

Although the input unit 140 has three mounting parts 160, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if it has at least two mounting parts 160. Further, although the mounting portion 160 is provided on the top surface portion 101a of the housing 101, the mounting portion 160 is not limited thereto, and may be provided on the front portion 101c, the side surface portion 101e, the back surface portion 101d, the side surface portion 101f, etc. Similarly, although the washing machine 100 has three tanks 150, the present invention is not limited to this, and the washing machine 100 may have at least two tanks 150.

A state in which the first tank 151 is attached to the first attachment portion 161 will be described using FIG. 5. The second mounting section 162 and the third mounting section 163 have the same configuration as the first mounting section 161, so 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 lateral side surfaces (not shown) erected on each of the lateral 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. In addition, the bottom surface 161a has, for example, a shape that gradually slopes 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 a first supply path 170, which will be described later. The opening 161d has a shape into which the supply nozzle 151a formed in the first tank 151 fits. By placing 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 supply nozzle 151a is connected to the inside of the first tank 151 through the opening 161d. The supply path 170 of No. 1 is in communication.

As shown in FIG. 3, the upstream end of the first supply path 170 is connected to each of the plurality of mounting sections 160. Specifically, the upstream end of the first supply path 170 is formed to branch toward each mounting portion 160 . A first valve 171 that switches the flow path is provided at 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 in the first supply path 170 on the downstream side of the branched portion toward each mounting portion 160 . A downstream end of the first supply path 170 is connected to the water tank 102 . The water supply channel 180 is configured to merge with the first supply channel 170. A water supply valve 111 is provided on the upstream side of the water supply channel 180 at its confluence with the first supply channel 170 .

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

Additionally, washing machine 100 can switch tank 150 communicating with water tank 102 by switching first valve 171 . Therefore, the type of laundry treatment agent supplied to the water tank 102 can be changed. In the present embodiment, the first valve 171 is provided as a valve for switching the tank 150 that communicates with the water tank 102, but the present invention is not limited to this. The tank 150 communicating with the aquarium 102 may be switched by providing valves that open and close each of the branched flow paths and switching the open/close states of these valves.

The laundry treatment agent supplied to the water tank 102 is mixed with water by being connected to a water supply channel 180 in the middle of the first supply path 170 from the pump 172 to the water tank 102 . Thereby, the washing water becomes the washing water diluted with the washing treatment agent and is supplied to the water tank 102. Although the washing machine 100 is configured so that water is supplied downstream of the pump 172, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, water may be supplied upstream of the pump 172 or upstream of the first valve 171. It may be configured to supply the information. In this case, the pump 172 and first valve 171 can be flushed with water.

A manual washing operation using the manual loading section 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 into the manual input section 190 every time the washing operation is executed. The manual input unit 190 is provided inside the casing 101 and is detachably attached to the casing 101. The manual input unit 190 is a container that is provided separately from the tank 150 and stores the laundry treatment agent to be supplied to the water tank 102.

The manual input unit 190 is provided, for example, in a second supply path 191 that extends from the water supply valve 111 to the water tank 102. When the washing machine 100 performs manual washing operation, the water supply valve 111 is switched so that a second supply path 191 is formed from the water source connection port 110a to the water tank 102 via the water supply valve 111 and the manual input section 190. There is. Water supplied from the water supply source to the manual input section 190 via the water source connection port 110a and the water supply valve 111 is mixed with the laundry treatment agent stored in the manual input section 190 and becomes washing water. , is supplied to the water tank 102.

The control device 200 that controls the input unit 140 will be explained using FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of washing machine 100. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of control device 200 of washing machine 100. Washing machine 100 includes a control device 200, a storage section 210, a communication section 220, a water supply valve 111, an operation section 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). Control device 200 controls washing machine 100 by reading and executing programs and data recorded in storage unit 210.

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

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

Weight sensor 230 is for detecting whether tank 150 of washing machine 100 is attached to attachment portion 160 or not. For example, the weight sensor 230 is attached to the lower part of each mounting part 160, and by detecting the weight of each tank 150, it is possible to detect whether each tank 150 is mounted to each mounting part 160. can. Note that the weight sensor 230 is used as an example of a detection unit that detects attachment/detachment of the tank 150, but is not limited to this, and may be used 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 programs and data recorded in the storage unit 210. In this embodiment, each functional block illustrated in FIG. 7 is realized by the control device 200 executing a program. The control device 200 functions as, for example, a first acquisition section 201, a second acquisition section 202, a determination section 203, an input section 204, and a notification control section 205.

An example of a processing flow related to input control of the input unit 140 by the control device 200 will be described using FIG. 8 .

First, the first acquisition unit 201 acquires first treatment agent information D1 indicating a laundry treatment agent contained in at least one tank 150 (S101). Examples of laundry treatment agents include detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches, fashionable laundry detergents, and scented fabric softeners. In this embodiment, first processing agent information D1 indicating the laundry processing agent accommodated in each tank 150 is acquired in association with the accommodated tank 150 (or mounting section 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 explained using FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of pieces of first processing agent information D1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 201. For example, in pattern 1, the first tank 151 stores "detergent," the second tank 152 stores "softener," and the third tank 153 stores "scented softener." We have received information that `` is being held there. Similarly, in pattern 2, the first tank 151 stores "detergent," the second tank 152 stores "stylish clothing detergent," and the third tank 153 stores "softening agent." We have received information that `` is being held there. Similarly, in pattern 3, the first tank 151 contains "detergent", the second tank 152 contains "bleach", and the third tank 153 contains "softener". We have received information that it is being held there. Similarly, in pattern 4, the first tank 151 contains "detergent", the second tank 152 contains "softener", and the third tank 153 contains laundry treatment agent. Information has been obtained that it is not contained. Similarly, in pattern 5, the first tank 151 contains "bleach", the second tank 152 contains "softener", and the third tank 153 contains "fragrant". Information has been obtained that "softener" is contained.

The washing machine 100 includes, for example, an input section into which the first treatment agent information D1 is input. The input unit is, for example, the operation unit 130. When the user operates the operation unit 130, information indicating the laundry treatment agent stored in each tank 150 (first treatment agent information D1) is input to the control device 200, and the first acquisition unit 201 inputs the first treatment agent information D1. Processing agent information has been obtained. The first treatment agent information D1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 201 is information indicating the laundry treatment agent contained in at least one tank 150. In this embodiment, the operation unit 130 is used as the input unit, but the input unit is not limited thereto, and the first processing agent information D1 may be input by voice recognition, for example.

Although the first acquisition unit 201 acquires the first processing agent information D1 by operating the operation unit 130 provided in the washing machine 100, the first acquisition unit 201 is not limited to this, and for example, by using an external device. 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 second treatment agent information D2 indicating the laundry treatment agent used in the driving course (S102). As an example, the driving details of a plurality of driving courses are recorded in the storage unit 210 of the control device 200. Specifically, the storage unit 210 stores, for each operation course, the presence or absence of various processes (for example, washing process, rinsing process, dehydration process, etc.), the time of each process, the type of laundry treatment agent used, and the type of laundry treatment agent used. The amount of laundry treatment agent to be used, the timing of adding the laundry treatment agent, the amount of water to be added to the water tank 102, etc. are recorded in advance. As an example, the second acquisition unit 202 acquires the second treatment agent information D2 by reading information indicating laundry treatment agents associated with various driving courses from the data recorded in the storage unit 210. ing.

The second processing agent information D2 will be specifically explained using FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second processing agent information D2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 202. For example, the second acquisition unit 202 acquires information that when the driving course is the "standard course", "detergent" and "softener" are used. Similarly, when the driving course is the "stylish clothing course", information is obtained that "stylish clothing detergent" and "softening agent" are used. Similarly, when the driving course is the "stubborn dirt course," information is obtained that "detergent," "bleach," and "softener" are used. Similarly, when the driving course is the "user-set course," information is acquired that "stylish clothing detergent" and "scented fabric softener" are used.

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

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

For example, if the first processing agent information D1 is pattern 1 illustrated in FIG. 9 and the operation course is the "standard course", the first tank 151 containing "detergent", The second tank 152 containing the "softener" is determined to be the tank used in the "standard course." Similarly, for example, if the first processing agent information D1 is pattern 2 illustrated in FIG. The second tank 152 and the third tank 153 containing "softener" are determined to be the tanks to be used in the "fashionable clothing course." Similarly, for example, if the first processing agent information D1 is pattern 3 shown in FIG. The tank 151, the second tank 152 containing "bleach", and the third tank 153 containing "softener" are determined as tanks to be used in the "stubborn dirt course". Ru.

Then, the input unit 204 determines whether an arbitrary driving course is to be executed via the operation unit 130 or the communication unit 220 (S104). When the input unit 204 determines that an arbitrary operation course is being executed (S104: YES), the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank 150 determined (selected) in the determination unit 203 is supplied to the water tank 102. A control signal for controlling the water supply valve 111, first valve 171, pump 172, etc. is sent (S105), and the processing flow ends. If the input unit 204 determines that any driving course is not being executed (S104: NO), the processing flow ends.

Although the first processing agent information D1 is acquired in S101 and the second processing agent information D2 is acquired in S102, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in S101, the second processing agent information D2 is acquired. may be acquired, and the first processing agent information D1 may be acquired in S102.

Note that although the determination as to whether or not an arbitrary driving course is being executed is made in S104, the determination is not limited to this, and may be performed at a stage before S105. It may be performed at the time when the processing flow related to input control is started.

Note that when the tank 150 to be used is determined based on the first processing agent information D1 and the second processing agent information D2 in S103, it is determined that the laundry processing agent used in the driving course is stored in the tank 150. In other words, if there is no tank 150 to be used, the automatic washing operation may be switched to manual washing operation, or the user may be informed that the washing treatment agent used for the operation course is not stored in the tank 150. You may notify.

In the above configuration, the washing machine 100 includes an input unit 140 that inputs each of the laundry treatment agents contained in the plurality of tanks 150 into the water tank 102, and a control device 200 that controls the input unit 140. 200 includes a first acquisition unit 201 that acquires first processing agent information D1, a second acquisition unit 202 that acquires second processing agent information D2, first processing agent information D1, and second processing agent information D1. processing agent information D2, and a charging unit 204 that inputs the laundry processing agent from the selected tank 150 into the water tank 102 based on the processing agent information D2. 102. Therefore, since it is not necessary to decide in advance each tank 150 and the type of laundry treatment agent to be stored in each tank 150, mistakes may occur, such as putting "detergent" into the fabric softener tank. This makes it easy to use multiple laundry treatment agents properly.

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

The first acquisition unit 201 further includes a communication unit 220 that communicates with the external device 300, 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 Even if the user is located far from the washing machine 100, the first processing agent information D1 can be set.

Moreover, it is preferable that the washing machine 100 includes at least three mounting parts 160 to which a plurality of tanks 150 can be individually mounted. In other words, 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, making it easier to use multiple types of laundry treatment agents.

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

Note that washing machine 100 may be configured such that the number of tanks 150 is greater than the number of mounting portions 160. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which there are three mounting parts 160 and five tanks 150. Five types of laundry treatment agents, ``detergent'', ``softener'', ``bleach'', ``fashionable laundry detergent'', and ``scented fabric softener'', are individually stored in the tank 150, and are not attached to the attachment part 160. The tank 150 (for example, the tank 150 containing "stylish clothes detergent" and "scented fabric softener") is stored, for example, on a shelf near the washing machine 100. When using "Fashionable Clothes Detergent", the desired operation can be achieved by taking out the tank 150 containing "Fashionable Clothes Detergent" from the shelf and replacing it with the other tank 150 attached to the mounting section 160. The course can be carried out easily.

In addition, in the first processing agent information D1 shown in FIG. A laundry treatment agent may also be included. For example, a plurality of tanks 150 may contain one laundry treatment agent that is used frequently or in a large amount used in each operation.

An example of a processing flow related to notification control by the control device 200 will be described using FIG. 11.

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

Note that in the washing machine 100, the display section is provided in the housing 101, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, a display section may be separately provided in each tank 150. In this case, the configuration may be such that information about the laundry treatment agent corresponding to (accommodating) each tank 150 is displayed.

When the notification control unit 205 detects that the tank 150 is removed, it determines whether there is a change in the first processing agent information D1 (S203). The notification control unit 205 determines whether or not there is a change in the first processing agent information D1 by displaying a screen that allows the user to select whether or not there is a change in the first processing agent information D1. There is. When determining 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 processing agent information D1, the notification control unit 205 displays a screen that allows the user to select information indicating a new laundry processing agent stored in the removed tank 150. , the first processing agent information D1 is being updated. By updating the first processing agent information D1, even if the laundry processing agent stored in the tank 150 is changed, the changed laundry processing agent can be added to the water tank 102 using the input unit 140. can be invested. When the notification control unit 205 determines that there is no change in the first processing agent information D1 (S203: NO), the process returns to S201.

Further, the notification control unit 205 controls the notification unit (for example, a display unit, a sound output unit, etc.) to notify the user of information to alert the user when it is detected that the tank 150 is removed. You can. By controlling the notification unit to notify the user of information that calls attention to the user, it is possible to prevent incorrect attachment of each tank 150, for example, when the tank 150 is removed.

Note that although the notification control unit 205 notifies the first processing agent information D1 when detecting that the tank 150 is removed, the notification control unit 205 is not limited to this and may notify the first processing agent information D1 regardless of whether the tank 150 is removed or not. First, the first processing agent information D1 may be notified.

In the above configuration, the washing machine 100 is equipped with a notification section (display section) that notifies the first processing agent information D1, so that it is possible to confirm the type of laundry processing agent stored in each tank 150. .

Furthermore, the washing machine 100 is provided with a plurality of removable tanks 150, and includes a detection unit (weight sensor 230) that detects attachment and detachment of each tank 150, and a notification unit (display unit) that detects at least one By notifying when the state in which the tank 150 has been removed is detected, the user can confirm the type of laundry treatment agent contained in the tank 150 that has been removed from the mounting portion 160. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the washing treatment agent from being put into the tank 150 by mistake.

Further, the washing machine 100 is provided with a plurality of removable tanks 150, and includes a detection unit (weight sensor 230) that detects attachment/detachment of each tank 150, and a notification unit (display unit) that indicates that the tank 150 is detected by the detection unit. By notifying the user of information to alert the user when a detached state is detected, it is possible to suppress incorrect attachment of a plurality of tanks 150. Note that the washing machine 100 is provided with a plurality of removable tanks 150, and includes a detection unit that detects attachment and detachment of each tank 150, and when the detection unit detects that the tank 150 is attached, the notification unit In other words, after the detection unit detects that the tank 150 is removed and the detection unit detects that the tank 150 is attached, information may be provided to alert the user. . When the tank 150 is attached after the tank 150 is removed, the notification section notifies the user of information to call for attention, etc., thereby making it possible to suppress incorrect attachment of the tank 150.

Note that, as an example, the control device 200 of the washing machine 100 functions as a first acquisition section 201, a second acquisition section 202, a determination section 203, a loading section 204, and a notification control section 205. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the external device 300 (e.g., a server device) may have the above-mentioned functions, or the external device 300 (e.g., a mobile terminal) may have the above-described functions. Good too.

Note that the first acquisition unit 201 inputs information indicating the laundry treatment agent contained in each tank 150 (first treatment agent information D1) to the control device 200 when the user operates the operation unit 130. Although the first processing agent information D1 is acquired, the first processing agent information D1 may be acquired by, for example, detecting the type of laundry treatment agent stored in the tank 150. Good too. The type of laundry treatment agent contained in the tank 150 can be detected using, for example, a sensor or a camera that measures the transmittance of the laundry treatment agent. Further, as a method for managing the laundry treatment agent contained in each tank 150, for example, an IC tag such as an RFID may be attached to each tank 150, or a seal or a stamp may be applied to each tank 150.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, 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 has the same effect, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose.

100 washing machine, 102 water tank, 111 water supply valve, 130 operation unit, 150 tank, 160 mounting unit, 171 first valve, 172 pump, 200 control device, 201 first acquisition unit, 202 second acquisition unit, 203 Judgment unit, 204 Input 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 (4)

an input unit that inputs each of the laundry treatment agents contained in the plurality of tanks into the water tank;
a control device that controls the input unit;
at least three mounting parts to which the plurality of tanks can be individually mounted;
an input section through which a user can input the type of laundry treatment agent contained in the tank attached to the attachment section ;
The control device includes:
a first acquisition unit that acquires first treatment agent information indicating the type of the laundry treatment agent inputted by the input unit in association with the corresponding attachment unit or the tank attached to the attachment unit ;
a second acquisition unit that acquires second treatment agent information indicating the type of laundry treatment agent used in the driving course;
A washing machine comprising: a charging unit that inputs a laundry treatment agent from the selected tank into the water tank based on first treatment agent information and second treatment agent information. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a notification section that reports the first processing agent information. The plurality of tanks are removably provided,
comprising a detection unit that detects attachment and detachment of each tank,
The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein the notifying unit notifies the user after the detecting unit detects that at least one of the tanks has been removed. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the plurality of tanks have the same shape.

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