JP7481966B2 - Clothes Processing Equipment - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothing processing device.

Washing machines are known as an example of a clothing treatment device that performs a specific treatment on clothing. In recent years, in order to meet the needs of users for improved convenience, this type of washing machine has been equipped with an automatic dispensing function that stores multiple doses of clothing treatment agents such as detergent and fabric softener in a tank for automatic dispensing, and automatically dispenses the required amount from the tank into the water tub during the wash cycle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-11618 A

However, in a clothing treatment device equipped with an automatic feeding function for clothing treatment agent, there may be cases where a user wishes to feed additional clothing treatment agent after automatic feeding of clothing treatment agent is completed at the start of operation. However, while a function has been realized in the past that allows a user to add a set value for the amount of clothing treatment agent to be automatically fed at the start of operation, it has not been considered possible to feed additional clothing treatment agent after automatic feeding of clothing treatment agent is completed at the start of operation.

Therefore, we provide a clothing treatment device that allows additional clothing treatment agent to be added after automatic dispensing of the clothing treatment agent is completed.

The clothing treatment device of this embodiment comprises a clothing treatment tub for storing clothing, an automatic dispensing unit for dispensing clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tub, a control unit for controlling the driving of the automatic dispensing unit, and an additional dispensing instruction unit operated by a user for instructing the automatic dispensing unit to dispense additional clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tub, wherein the control unit drives the automatic dispensing unit to dispense clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tub, and then displays information useful for setting the additional dispensing of clothing treatment agent, and when the additional dispensing instruction unit is operated by a user, it further drives the automatic dispensing unit to dispense additional clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tub.

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view illustrating a configuration example of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a water supply unit according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a progress screen according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an additional input setting screen according to the first embodiment; FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation for adding a laundry treatment agent according to a second embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of setting the number of times the rinsing step is to be performed in response to the addition of a laundry treatment agent according to the third embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of setting the operation time of the rinsing step associated with the additional addition of a clothing treatment agent according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of setting an additional amount of water associated with additional addition of a clothing treatment agent according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of a washing machine according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an end screen according to the seventh embodiment; FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an end screen according to the eighth embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an additional input setting screen according to a modified example of the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a progress screen according to a modified example of the present embodiment.

Below, several embodiments of the clothing processing device will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that components that are essentially the same in several embodiments will be given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

First Embodiment
1 is an example of a laundry treatment device capable of performing a predetermined process on laundry, in this case at least a washing process for washing the laundry, a rinsing process for rinsing the laundry, and a dehydration process for dehydrating the laundry. The laundry machine 1 is a so-called drum type laundry machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends horizontally or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal.

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

The washing machine 1 also includes a water supply section 4 for supplying water into the washing tub 3, and a drainage section (not shown) for draining the water in the washing tub 3 to the outside of the machine. The water supply section 4 includes a water supply valve 10 and the like in the middle of a water supply path that extends from a water source (not shown), such as a water main, to the washing tub 3. The drainage section also includes a drainage valve and the like in the middle of a drainage path that extends from the bottom of the washing tub 3 to the outside of the machine.

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

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

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

The softener tank 16 is connected to the automatic supply path 13a via a softener metering pump 18. The softener metering pump 18 is configured to draw in and send out liquid by driving a piston with an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid. The softener metering pump 18 draws in a predetermined amount of softener from the softener tank 16, in this case the amount used for one operation, and sends out the drawn-in softener into the automatic supply path 13a. The softener sent out into the automatic supply path 13a is then introduced into the water supply case 12 together with water supplied from the water supply valve 10. The softener introduced into the water supply case 12 is then supplied into the washing tank 3 via the water supply hose 14 together with the water also introduced into the water supply case 12. As a result, the softener is automatically introduced from the softener tank 16 into the washing tank 3. The softener metering pump 18 is not limited to one that draws in liquid, and may be one that pushes out liquid, for example.

In addition, a manual input case (not shown) is housed retractably within the water injection case 12. The manual input case is provided with a manual detergent input section into which the user manually inputs detergent, and a manual fabric softener input section into which the user manually inputs fabric softener. The detergent input into the manual detergent input section, or the fabric softener input into the manual fabric softener input section, is supplied into the washing tub 3 via the water supply hose 14 together with water injected into the water injection case 12 from the water supply valve 10 via the manual input path 13b.

The washing machine 1 configured as described above further includes a control device 40, as shown in FIG. 1. The control device 40 is an example of a control unit, and in this case, is provided at the top of the front of the housing 2 of the washing machine 1, more specifically, at the top of the door 5. The control device 40 is mainly configured, for example, as a microcomputer, and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 based on a control program and various setting information.

The control device 40 also includes a display 41, which is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, and can display various screens on the display 41 that include various information related to the operation of the washing machine 1. The control device 40 also includes various screens on the display 41 that include operation keys, so-called touch keys, for accepting various operations related to the operation of the washing machine 1. The user can perform various operations related to the operation of the washing machine 1 by touching the various operation keys included in the screen displayed on the display 41 by the control device 40.

The touch panel constituting the display 41 may be, for example, a capacitive touch panel that uses a sensor to detect changes in capacitance that occur when the user's finger touches it. The touch panel constituting the display 41 is not limited to a capacitive touch panel, and various types of touch panels, such as a resistive film touch panel, may be used. The display 41 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and various types of display devices, such as an organic electroluminescence display, may be used.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 40 is connected to not only the display 41 but also various drive system components such as the water supply valve 10, detergent metering pump 17, fabric softener metering pump 18, a drain valve (not shown), and a drum rotation motor (not shown). The control device 40 can control the operation of the automatic dispenser 11 by controlling the operation of the water supply valve 10, detergent metering pump 17, and fabric softener metering pump 18 in particular. In addition, various sensors such as a temperature sensor 42 and a turbidity sensor 43 are connected to the control device 40. The temperature sensor 42 and the turbidity sensor 43 are examples of an operation-related state detection unit that detects various states related to operation.

The temperature sensor 42 is mainly composed of, for example, a thermistor, and in this case, is configured as a well-known water temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the water in the washing tub 3. The temperature sensor 42 may be a sensor other than a water temperature sensor, for example, an outside air temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the outside air around the washing machine 1. The turbidity sensor 43 is configured as a well-known turbidity sensor that detects the turbidity of the water in the washing tub 3 according to, for example, electrical conductivity, etc.

The washing machine 1 according to this embodiment is configured so that after the automatic dispensing unit 11 has completed automatic dispensing of the clothing treatment agent, the automatic dispensing unit 11 can further dispense additional clothing treatment agent. The washing machine 1 is also configured so that the automatic dispensing unit 11 can dispense additional clothing treatment agent according to the user's wishes. This point will be described in detail below.

The progress screen 100 illustrated in FIG. 4 is a screen that is displayed on the display 41 after the automatic dispensing unit 11 has completed automatic dispensing of the laundry treatment agent at the start of operation and operation has begun. In this case, the progress screen 100 displays various information related to operation. The information related to operation displayed on the progress screen 100 includes, for example, the name of the operation course being performed, the operation step being performed, i.e., the progress of the operation course, the current time, the remaining time of operation, and the like.

The progress screen 100 also has a detection information display section 101. This detection information display section 101 displays information detected by various sensors. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the detection information display section 101 displays the temperature of the water in the cleaning tank 3 detected by the temperature sensor 42. The detection information display section 101 also displays information based on the turbidity of the water in the cleaning tank 3 detected by the turbidity sensor 43. In this case, the detection information display section 101 does not display the detected turbidity value itself, but rather displays analysis result information based on the detected turbidity, i.e., information such as "Sebum soil: high."

In addition, the detection information display unit 101 displays information regarding the amount of clothes stored in the washing tub 3. In this case, the detection information display unit 101 displays information such as "Clothes: Large", which indicates that the amount of clothes stored in the washing tub 3 is greater than a predetermined amount. The amount of clothes stored in the washing tub 3 can be detected by well-known weight sensing, which increases the rotation speed of the drum in the washing tub 3 to a predetermined speed and determines the amount of clothes stored in the washing tub 3 based on the state when the rotation speed decays. It can also be detected by providing a well-known weighing scale that mechanically detects the weight of the washing tub 3.

The progress screen 100 also has a pause button 102 and an add button 103. The pause button 102 is provided as a touch button that is operated by the user. By operating the pause button 102, the user can instruct the control device 40 to pause the operation course that is being executed. The add button 103 is also provided as a touch button that is operated by the user.

After the control device 40 drives the automatic dispenser 11 to dispense the laundry treatment agent into the washing tub 3, when the user operates the add button 103, the control device 40 displays the add-on setting screen 200 shown in FIG. 5 on the display 41. The add-on setting screen 200 has a plurality of additional dispense amount setting buttons, in this case four buttons 201a, 201b, 201c, 201d, for setting the additional amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed. The additional dispense amount setting buttons 201a, 201b, 201c, 201d are provided as touch buttons operated by the user. The additional dispense amount setting buttons 201a, 201b, 201c, 201d each set a different additional dispense amount, and in this case, the detergent cap can be used to set the additional dispense amount to four levels: "0.1 cup", "0.3 cup", "0.7 cup", and "1.0 cup".

The additional injection setting screen 200 also has a setting content display section 202. This setting content display section 202 displays information indicating the additional injection amount set in response to the user's operation of the additional injection amount setting buttons 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d. In this case, the user has operated the additional injection amount setting button 201b, and the setting content display section 202 displays text information indicating that "0.3 cups" has been set as the additional injection amount.

The additional input setting screen 200 also has a reference information display section 203. This reference information display section 203 displays information that is useful when setting the additional input amount of clothing treatment agent. In this case, the reference information display section 203 displays text information indicating that the recommended additional input amount of clothing treatment agent per shirt is "0.1 detergent cap."

The additional input setting screen 200 also has a confirmation button 204. This confirmation button 204 is an example of an additional input instruction section, and is provided as a touch button operated by the user. By operating this confirmation button 204, the user can instruct the control device 40 to execute additional input of clothing treatment agent into the washing tub 3 by the automatic input section 11. In other words, when the user operates this confirmation button 204, the control device 40 confirms the setting of the additional input amount selected in response to the operation of the additional input amount setting buttons 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d, and drives the automatic input section 11 to additionally input clothing treatment agent into the washing tub 3. As a result, the set additional input amount of clothing treatment agent is additionally input into the washing tub 3.

The additional input setting screen 200 also has a close button 205. This close button 205 is provided as a touch button that is operated by the user. When the user operates this close button 205, the control device 40 closes the additional input setting screen 200 and displays the progress screen 100 again on the display 41.

According to the washing machine 1 exemplified above, even after the control device 40 has driven the automatic dispenser 11 to dispense clothing treatment agent into the washing tub 3, if the user operates the add button 103, the control device 40 can further drive the automatic dispenser 11 to dispense additional clothing treatment agent into the washing tub 3. In other words, according to the washing machine 1, after automatic dispensing of clothing treatment agent is completed, additional clothing treatment agent can be dispensed, providing a washing machine that is easy to use.

In addition, with the washing machine 1, the user can select the amount of laundry treatment agent to be added by operating the additional input amount setting buttons 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d on the additional input setting screen 200. This allows the user to add additional laundry treatment agent in an amount according to their wishes, further improving usability.

Second Embodiment
The above-mentioned washing machine 1 is configured to automatically dispense multiple types of laundry treatment agents, in this case two types of detergent and fabric softener, by the automatic dispenser 11. Therefore, the control device 40 may be configured to additionally dispense a laundry treatment agent suitable for the operation process being performed when the decision button 204 is operated, depending on the operation process being performed. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the decision button 204 is operated during the execution of a washing process for washing the clothes, the control device 40 drives the detergent metering pump 17 of the automatic dispenser 11 to additionally dispense detergent into the washing tub 3. Also, when the decision button 204 is operated during the execution of a rinsing process for rinsing the clothes, the control device 40 drives the fabric softener metering pump 18 of the automatic dispenser 11 to additionally dispense fabric softener into the washing tub 3. In this case, the control device 40 executes multiple rinsing processes, specifically, an intermediate rinsing process and a final rinsing process, in one operation. Then, the control device 40 is configured to additionally dispense fabric softener into the washing tub 3 when the decision button 204 is operated during the execution of the final rinsing process.

According to the second embodiment, when the decision button 204 is operated, that is, when the user inputs the intention to add additional laundry treatment agent, depending on the operation step being performed, a laundry treatment agent suitable for that operation step can be added, and additional laundry treatment agent can be added in accordance with the user's intention. In addition, the addition of additional fabric softener during the wash step can be avoided, and a decrease in washing performance can be suppressed. In addition, the addition of additional detergent during the rinse step can be avoided, and a decrease in rinsing performance can be suppressed.

Third Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 7, the control device 40 is configured to increase the number of times the rinsing process is performed when additional laundry treatment agent is added. That is, when the operation time of the washing process is "0 min-5 min" and the amount of detergent added is "0.1 cup" or "0.3 cup", the control device 40 does not increase the number of times the rinsing process is performed, but keeps it at the initial setting number of times "1 time". However, when the operation time of the washing process is "0 min-5 min" and the amount of detergent added is "0.7 cup", the control device 40 increases the number of times the rinsing process is performed to "2 times". Also, when the operation time of the washing process is "0 min-5 min" and the amount of detergent added is "1.0 cup", the control device 40 increases the number of times the rinsing process is performed to "3 times".

In addition, when the operating time of the washing step is "5 minutes to 10 minutes" and the amount of detergent added is "0.1 cup" or "0.3 cup", the control device 40 does not increase the number of times the rinsing step is performed, but keeps it at the initial setting number of times of "2 times". However, when the operating time of the washing step is "5 minutes to 10 minutes" and the amount of detergent added is "0.7 cup" or "1.0 cup", the control device 40 increases the number of times the rinsing step is performed to "3 times".

In addition, if the operation time of the washing step is "10 minutes or more" and the amount of detergent added is "0.1 cup", the control device 40 does not increase the number of times the rinsing step is performed, but keeps it at the initial setting number of times of "2 times". However, if the operation time of the washing step is "10 minutes or more" and the amount of detergent added is either "0.3 cups", "0.7 cups", or "1.0 cup", the control device 40 increases the number of times the rinsing step is performed to "3 times".

According to the third embodiment, when additional laundry treatment agent is added, in this case when additional detergent is added, the number of times the rinsing process is performed is increased. With this configuration, even if a larger amount of detergent than usual is added in the washing process, by increasing the number of times the rinsing process is performed, it is possible to prevent detergent from remaining on the laundry.

The control device 40 may be configured to increase the operation time of the wash step when additional laundry treatment agent is added. In this case, the control device 40 may be configured to change the operation time of the wash step according to the amount of additional laundry treatment agent added. That is, for example, when the operation time of the wash step is "0 minutes - 5 minutes" and the additional amount of detergent added is "0.1 cups", the control device 40 does not increase the operation time of the wash step and keeps it at the initial setting number of times. However, when the operation time of the wash step is "0 minutes - 5 minutes" and the additional amount of detergent added is "0.3 cups", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the wash step by a predetermined time. Also, when the operation time of the wash step is "0 minutes - 5 minutes" and the additional amount of detergent added is "0.7 cups", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the wash step by a predetermined time. In addition, when the operation time of the washing process is "0 minutes - 5 minutes" and the additional amount of detergent added is "1.0 cup," the control device 40 increases the operation time of the washing process by a predetermined time.

In addition, when the operation time of the washing step is "5 minutes - 10 minutes" and the additional amount of detergent added is "0.1 cup", the control device 40 does not increase the operation time of the washing step and keeps it at the initial setting number of times. However, when the operation time of the washing step is "5 minutes - 10 minutes" and the additional amount of detergent added is "0.3 cup", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the washing step by a predetermined time. In addition, when the operation time of the washing step is "5 minutes - 10 minutes" and the additional amount of detergent added is "0.7 cup", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the washing step by a predetermined time. In addition, when the operation time of the washing step is "5 minutes - 10 minutes" and the additional amount of detergent added is "1.0 cup", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the washing step by a predetermined time.

In addition, when the operation time of the washing step is "10 minutes or more" and the amount of detergent added is "0.1 cup", the control device 40 does not increase the operation time of the washing step and keeps the number of times at the initial setting. However, when the operation time of the washing step is "10 minutes or more" and the amount of detergent added is "0.3 cup", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the washing step by a predetermined time. In addition, when the operation time of the washing step is "10 minutes or more" and the amount of detergent added is "0.7 cup", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the washing step by a predetermined time. In addition, when the operation time of the washing step is "10 minutes or more" and the amount of detergent added is "1.0 cup", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the washing step by a predetermined time.

According to this operation example, even if a larger amount of detergent than usual is added to the wash cycle, the operation time of the wash cycle can be increased to prevent detergent from remaining on the clothes. Note that the "predetermined time" in this operation example can be changed as appropriate.

Fourth Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 8, the control device 40 is configured to change the operation time when the laundry treatment agent is added. The control device 40 is also configured to change the operation time according to the amount of the laundry treatment agent added. That is, when the operation time of the washing step is "0 min-5 min" and the amount of detergent added is "0.1 cup", the control device 40 does not increase the operation time of the rinsing step and keeps it at the initial setting number of times of "1 minute". However, when the operation time of the washing step is "0 min-5 min" and the amount of detergent added is "0.3 cup", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the rinsing step to "2 minutes". Also, when the operation time of the washing step is "0 min-5 min" and the amount of detergent added is "0.7 cup", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the rinsing step to "3 minutes". In addition, when the operation time of the washing step is "0 minutes - 5 minutes" and the additional amount of detergent added is "1.0 cup", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the rinsing step to "4 minutes".

In addition, when the operation time of the washing step is "5 minutes - 10 minutes" and the additional amount of detergent added is "0.1 cup", the control device 40 does not increase the operation time of the rinsing step, but keeps it at the initial setting number of times of "5 minutes". However, when the operation time of the washing step is "5 minutes - 10 minutes" and the additional amount of detergent added is "0.3 cup", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the rinsing step to "6 minutes". In addition, when the operation time of the washing step is "5 minutes - 10 minutes" and the additional amount of detergent added is "0.7 cup", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the rinsing step to "7 minutes". In addition, when the operation time of the washing step is "5 minutes - 10 minutes" and the additional amount of detergent added is "1.0 cup", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the rinsing step to "8 minutes".

In addition, when the operation time of the washing step is "10 minutes or more" and the amount of detergent added is "0.1 cup", the control device 40 does not increase the operation time of the rinsing step, but keeps it at the initial setting number of times of "9 minutes". However, when the operation time of the washing step is "10 minutes or more" and the amount of detergent added is "0.3 cup", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the rinsing step to "10 minutes". In addition, when the operation time of the washing step is "10 minutes or more" and the amount of detergent added is "0.7 cup", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the rinsing step to "11 minutes". In addition, when the operation time of the washing step is "10 minutes or more" and the amount of detergent added is "1.0 cup", the control device 40 increases the operation time of the rinsing step to "12 minutes".

According to the fourth embodiment, when additional laundry treatment agent is added, in this case when additional detergent is added, the operation time, in this case the operation time of the rinsing process, is changed. With this configuration, even if a larger amount of detergent than usual is added in the washing process, by increasing the operation time of the rinsing process, it is possible to prevent detergent from remaining on the clothes.

According to the fourth embodiment, the operation time, in this case the operation time of the rinse step after the wash step, is changed according to the additional amount of laundry treatment agent, in this case detergent. According to this configuration, the rinse step can be performed with an operation time according to the additional amount of detergent added in the wash step, and the detergent can be sufficiently removed from the laundry in the minimum operation time required according to the amount of detergent added. Note that a similar embodiment may also be used for the fabric softener. That is, the operation time, for example the operation time of the final rinse step, may be changed according to the additional amount of fabric softener added. According to this configuration, the rinse step can be performed with an operation time according to the additional amount of fabric softener added, and the fabric softener can be sufficiently removed from the laundry in the minimum operation time required according to the amount of fabric softener added.

Fifth Embodiment
As shown in Fig. 9, the control device 40 is configured to add water to the washing tub 3 when additional laundry treatment agent is added. That is, when the initial automatic amount of fabric softener added in the rinsing process is "0.3 cups", the control device 40 does not add water to the washing tub 3 when the additional amount of fabric softener added is "0.1 cup" or "0.3 cups". However, when the initial automatic amount of fabric softener added in the rinsing process is "0.3 cups", the control device 40 adds "3 liters" of water to the washing tub 3 when the additional amount of fabric softener added is "0.7 cups". Also, when the initial automatic amount of fabric softener added in the rinsing process is "0.3 cups", the control device 40 adds "4 liters" of water to the washing tub 3 when the additional amount of fabric softener added is "1.0 cup".

In addition, when the initial automatic amount of fabric softener dispensed in the rinsing process is "0.5 cups" or "0.6 cups", and the additional amount of fabric softener dispensed is "0.1 cups", the control device 40 does not add water to the washing tub 3. However, when the initial automatic amount of fabric softener dispensed in the rinsing process is "0.5 cups" or "0.6 cups", and the additional amount of fabric softener dispensed is "0.3 cups", the control device 40 adds "3 liters" of water to the washing tub 3. In addition, when the initial automatic amount of fabric softener dispensed in the rinsing process is "0.5 cups" or "0.6 cups", and the additional amount of fabric softener dispensed is "0.7 cups", the control device 40 adds "4 liters" of water to the washing tub 3. In addition, when the initial automatic amount of fabric softener dispensed in the rinsing process is "0.5 cups" or "0.6 cups", and the additional amount of fabric softener dispensed is "1.0 cup", the control device 40 adds "5 liters" of water to the washing tub 3.

In addition, when the initial automatic amount of fabric softener dispensed during the rinsing process is "0.7 cups," the control device 40 adds "3 liters" of water to the washing tub 3 if the additional amount of fabric softener dispensed is "0.1 cups" or "0.3 cups." In addition, when the initial automatic amount of fabric softener dispensed during the rinsing process is "0.7 cups," the control device 40 adds "5 liters" of water to the washing tub 3 if the additional amount of fabric softener dispensed is "0.7 cups" or "1.0 cup."

According to the fifth embodiment, when a clothing treatment agent, in this case fabric softener, is added, water is added to the washing tub 3. With this configuration, even if a larger amount of fabric softener than usual is added, the concentration of the fabric softener can be diluted, so that the blackening of clothes caused by the fabric softener, or the so-called "darkening", can be suppressed.

Sixth Embodiment
10, a door opening/closing sensor 44 is further connected to the control device 40. The door opening/closing sensor 44 is an example of a door opening/closing detection unit, and detects the opening/closing of the door 5. The door opening/closing sensor 44 may be any of various sensors that can detect the opening/closing state of the door 5 relative to the front opening 3a of the cleaning tank 3, such as a sensor that detects the operating state of a locking mechanism (not shown) that locks the door 5.

Then, when the door opening/closing sensor 44 detects that the door 5 has been opened, and then detects that the door 5 has been closed, the control device 40 executes a process to prompt the user to operate the decision button 204. This process can be, for example, a process to display text information on the progress screen 100 that prompts the user to add additional laundry treatment agent, a process to change the display mode of the add button 103 on the progress screen 100, or a process to automatically transition the screen displayed on the display 41 from the progress screen 100 to the add-on setting screen 200. Possible display modes of the add button 103 include, for example, blinking or lighting the add button 103, making the add button 103 larger or smaller, changing the color of the add button 103, etc.

When the door 5 of the washing machine 1 is opened and then closed, it is assumed that clothes have been added to the washing tub 3. According to the sixth embodiment, in such a case, the user can be prompted to instruct the washing machine to add more clothes treatment agent, thereby preventing the washing machine from continuing to operate with a shortage of clothes treatment agent.

Seventh Embodiment
11 is a screen that the control device 40 displays on the display 41 when the operation is ended. The end screen 300 is provided with a storage instruction section 301 that instructs the user to store the operation details. The storage instruction section 301 is provided as an input section in the form of a check box that is operated by the user.

When the memory instruction unit 301 is operated on the end screen 300, the control device 40 stores the current operation details in a memory unit (not shown). Therefore, if additional clothing treatment agent is added in the current operation, the control device 40 can also store details related to the additional addition as part of the current operation details. Possible details related to the additional addition include, for example, information such as the step in which the clothing treatment agent was added in the current operation, the type of clothing treatment agent added, and the amount of clothing treatment agent added. The memory unit is composed of a well-known storage medium such as a memory.

According to the seventh embodiment, the executed operation details, including information regarding the addition of laundry treatment agent, can be stored, so that the stored information can be used for operation from the next operation onward. In other words, it is not necessary to set up the additional addition each time the washing machine is operated, and a user-friendly washing machine 1 can be provided.

In addition, according to the seventh embodiment, whether or not to store the executed operation contents can be determined based on whether or not the user operates the memory instruction unit 301. Therefore, the operation contents reflecting the user's intention, and in turn the additional addition mode of the laundry treatment agent, can be stored and used for the next and subsequent operations.

When the control device 40 stores the additional dosing mode of the clothing treatment agent, it is preferable to configure the additional dosing amount setting buttons 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d corresponding to the stored additional dosing amount to be pre-selected when the additional dosing setting screen 200 is displayed on the display 41 in the next or subsequent operation. This allows the user to reflect the additional dosing amount set in the previous operation in the current operation by simply operating the decision button 204 without operating the additional dosing amount setting buttons 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d.

Eighth embodiment
12 is a screen that the control device 40 displays on the display 41 when the operation is ended. The end screen 400 is provided with a warning section 401. In this case, the warning section 401 displays text information indicating that the amount of laundry treatment agent added in the current operation is too large.

If too much clothing treatment agent is added, there is a concern that bubbles may be generated in the washing tank 3, or that clothing treatment agent may remain on the clothing after operation is completed. According to the eighth embodiment, the user can reduce the amount of clothing treatment agent to be added in the next or subsequent operation in accordance with the information displayed in the warning unit 401. Therefore, the next or subsequent operation can be performed with a more optimal amount of clothing treatment agent.

Other Embodiments
The present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and extensions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined.

Also, as shown in FIG. 13, the control device 40 may display the additional amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed in units other than the detergent cap unit, such as in milliliters. The control device 40 may also display the currently set automatic dispense amount as a reference amount.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, the detection information display unit 101 may display information regarding the "fabric quality" of the clothes stored in the cleaning tank 3. That is, for example, if a lot of cotton-based or towel-based clothes are placed in the cleaning tank 3, the detection information display unit 101 may display information such as "cotton-based: more" or "towel-based: more", and if a lot of synthetic fiber-based clothes are placed in the cleaning tank 3, the detection information display unit 101 may display information such as "synthetic fiber-based: more".

The fabric quality of the clothes stored in the washing tank 3 can be estimated based on information such as the weight of the clothes detected by well-known weight sensing, and the difference between the actual amount of water supplied to the washing tank 3 and the actual water level in the washing tank 3. The amount of water supplied to the washing tank 3 can be detected by, for example, a well-known water flow sensor (not shown) installed in the water supply path. The water level in the washing tank 3 can be detected by, for example, a well-known water level sensor configured with an air trap.

The control device 40 may also be configured to set an upper limit on the number of times additional clothing treatment agent is dispensed. This can prevent the generation of a large amount of foam in the washing tub 3. Also, the amount of water added to the washing tub 3 when additional clothing treatment agent is dispensed can be reduced. The upper limit on the number of times additional clothing treatment agent is dispensed may be, for example, about 20 times. However, depending on the capacity of the washing tub 3, the number of times may be set to more than 20 times, or less than 20 times. The upper limit on the number of times may also be configured to vary depending on, for example, the type of operation course being executed, the weight of the clothing stored in the washing tub 3, the temperature of the water supplied to the washing tub 3, the temperature around the washing machine 1, the type of clothing treatment agent, etc.

The control device 40 may also be configured to set an upper limit on the amount of additional clothing treatment agent added. In this case, the control device 40 may set an upper limit on the amount of additional clothing treatment agent added in one additional addition operation, or may set an upper limit on the total amount of additional clothing treatment agent added in one operation. The upper limit on the amount of additional addition may be configured to vary depending on, for example, the type of operation course being executed, the weight of the clothing stored in the washing tub 3, the temperature of the water supplied to the washing tub 3, the temperature around the washing machine 1, the type of clothing treatment agent, etc. The control device 40 may set an upper limit on both the number of times additional clothing treatment agent is added and the amount of additional clothing treatment agent added, or may set an upper limit on at least one of the number of times additional clothing treatment agent is added and the amount of additional clothing treatment agent added.

When additional clothing treatment agent is added, the control device 40 may drive the water supply valve 10 to allow water to flow through the water supply path. With this configuration, the added clothing treatment agent can be directed into the washing tub 3, and the amount of clothing treatment agent actually added into the washing tub 3 can be accurate. It is also possible to prevent a portion of the added clothing treatment agent from remaining in the water supply path, and hardening of the clothing treatment agent in the water supply path can be prevented.

The tank is not limited to the detergent tank 15 or fabric softener tank 16 that stores detergent, and may be any type of tank that stores various treatment agents for performing some treatment on clothes, such as a deodorant tank that stores a deodorant, a disinfectant tank that stores a disinfectant, or a bleach tank that stores a bleach. The multiple tanks provided in the water supply unit 4 may store the same type of treatment agent, or may store different types of treatment agents. The washing machine 1 may be configured to have one tank in the water supply unit 4. The detergent metering pump 17 and the fabric softener metering pump 18 are not limited to pumps that suck liquid, and may, for example, push out liquid.

This embodiment can also be applied to so-called vertical axis type washing machines, in which the central axis of rotation of the spin tub extends vertically. This embodiment can also be applied to washing machines with a drying function. This embodiment can also be applied to washing machines without a drying function. This embodiment can also be applied to various clothing processing devices, as long as they perform some kind of processing on clothing, such as deodorizing, removing odors, disinfecting, and bleaching clothing.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

In the drawing, 1 indicates a washing machine (clothing treatment device), 3 indicates a cleaning tub (clothing treatment tub), 3a indicates an opening of the clothing treatment tub, 5 indicates a door, 11 indicates an automatic loading section, 40 indicates a control device (control section), 44 indicates a door opening/clothing sensor (door opening/clothing detection section), and 204 indicates a decision button (additional loading instruction section).

Claims (11)

A clothes treatment tank for storing clothes;
an automatic dispenser for dispensing a clothing treatment agent for treating clothing into the clothing treatment tub;
A control unit that controls the driving of the automatic insertion unit;
an additional injection instruction unit that is operated by a user and instructs the automatic injection unit to inject additional clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tub;
Equipped with
The control unit drives the automatic dispensing unit to dispense clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tub, and then displays information useful for setting the dispense of additional clothing treatment agent, and when the user operates the additional dispense instruction unit, further drives the automatic dispensing unit to dispense additional clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment tub. The automatic dispenser is capable of dispensing detergent and fabric softener as laundry treatment agents,
The control unit is
When the additional detergent supply instruction unit is operated during the execution of a washing process for washing clothes, the automatic detergent supply unit is driven to supply additional detergent to the clothes treatment tub,
2. The clothes treatment device according to claim 1, wherein when the additional supply instruction unit is operated during a rinsing step of rinsing clothes, the automatic supply unit is driven to supply additional fabric softener to the clothes treatment tub. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit changes the number of times the rinsing process is performed when additional clothing treatment agent is added. The clothing treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit changes the operation time when additional clothing treatment agent is added. The clothing treatment device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit changes the operation time depending on the amount of additional clothing treatment agent added. The clothing treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit adds water to the clothing treatment tank when additional clothing treatment agent is added. The clothing treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit sets an upper limit on at least one of the number of times additional clothing treatment agent is dispensed and the amount of additional clothing treatment agent dispensed. The clothing processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit displays information detected by the sensor. An opening for inserting and removing clothes into the clothes treatment tub;
a door for opening and closing the opening;
a door opening/closing detection unit that detects opening/closing of the door;
Equipped with
The clothing processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit, when the door opening/closing detection unit detects that the door has been opened and then closed, executes a process to prompt a user to operate the additional insertion instruction unit. The clothing treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit is capable of storing the details of additional clothing treatment agent added when the additional clothing treatment agent is added. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit, when determining that the amount of additional clothing treatment agent added is large, displays a message to that effect.

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